"Rebirth of the Fallen Hero: Deku's in the Devil's Playground"

Chapter 44: The Night Before Battle

The enemy camp loomed in the distance, its torches flickering like restless spirits against the evening sky. Silence settled over Izuku's forces as they made their final preparations. Each warrior knew that tomorrow's battle could be their last, yet there was no hesitation in their movements. Weapons were sharpened, armor secured, and strategies reviewed.

Izuku stood at the edge of their encampment, staring out into the vast horizon where destiny awaited them. His hands were clenched into fists, a steady rhythm of anxiety and resolve running through his veins. He knew that everything he had worked for, everything he had built with these people, would be tested at dawn.

A soft rustle of footsteps approached, and without looking, he knew it was Aria. Her presence was unmistakable—the scent of wildflowers in her hair, the quiet confidence in her stride. She stood beside him, her silver hair catching the dim moonlight.

"You're thinking too much again," she said softly, her voice carrying a warmth that cut through the cold night air.

Izuku exhaled, allowing a small smile to form. "Can't help it. The choices I make now could decide everything tomorrow."

Aria studied him for a moment before stepping closer, her fingers brushing against his. "You always carry everything on your shoulders, but you don't have to."

He turned to face her fully, surprised by the intensity in her gaze. The usual teasing glint in her eyes was absent—replaced by something deeper, something raw. "Aria...?"

She hesitated for only a second before continuing, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what will happen tomorrow, but I do know one thing—I don't want to regret anything."

The weight of her words settled between them. Izuku felt his heart quicken as he took a shaky breath. "You won't. I promise."

Aria shook her head. "That's not what I mean." She reached up, hesitating before placing her hand against his cheek. "I mean us. I mean—how I feel about you."

Izuku's breath caught in his throat. He had always known there was something between them—something beyond friendship, beyond loyalty. It was in the way she always stood by him, the way she challenged him, the way her presence alone made the weight of his burdens just a little lighter.

"You don't have to say anything," Aria whispered, her thumb tracing his jawline. "I just needed you to know."

Izuku swallowed hard, his mind racing, but his body moved before his thoughts could catch up. He reached up, gently covering her hand with his own. "Aria... I do know. And I feel the same."

Her eyes widened slightly before a soft, almost relieved smile curved her lips. "Then why do you always act like you have to bear everything alone?"

He exhaled, shaking his head. "Because I'm afraid of losing you."

Aria's expression softened. "You won't lose me. No matter what happens tomorrow, I'm staying by your side."

The air between them grew heavier, charged with emotions neither of them had ever fully voiced until now. Finally, as if drawn by an invisible force, Izuku leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. His pulse pounded, but for the first time in what felt like forever, he wasn't afraid.

Aria closed her eyes, savoring the moment. "Stay with me for a little while longer?"

He nodded. "Always."

They stood together in silence, the sounds of the camp fading into the background. For just a little while, the war, the battle, the uncertainty of tomorrow—all of it disappeared. There was only them.

As the night deepened, the camp quieted, warriors finding what little rest they could before dawn. Izuku and Aria sat by a small fire, speaking in hushed tones about everything and nothing.

"You're a terrible cook," Aria teased, nudging him with her shoulder after he had burned the edge of their travel bread over the fire.

Izuku laughed, shaking his head. "Hey, I was distracted."

She smirked. "Oh? By what?"

He glanced at her, his expression turning playful. "You."

For the first time in a long while, Aria found herself flustered. She quickly turned her gaze to the fire, but the warmth in her cheeks had nothing to do with its flames. "Idiot," she muttered under her breath.

As the fire crackled, Izuku reached over and laced his fingers through hers. Aria didn't pull away.

"We'll get through tomorrow," he said with quiet determination. "Together."

She squeezed his hand gently. "Together."

A little further from the fire, Izuku's core team sat together, discussing last-minute tactics. Taro, their strategist, furrowed his brow as he studied the map. "We know their defenses, but there's still the possibility of an ambush. If they have reinforcements, we'll be in serious trouble."

Kaya, their sharp-eyed scout, nodded. "I've been watching their movements all night. There's some unusual activity in the eastern sector. I don't like it."

Izuku ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. "Then we adjust. We'll station an extra unit near the east—if they try anything, we'll be ready."

Rei, their weapons expert, crossed his arms. "And what if they attack before dawn?"

Izuku's green eyes darkened with determination. "Then we fight. No hesitation."

Silence settled over the group for a moment before Taro let out a breath. "You really believe we can win this, don't you?"

Izuku nodded. "I do. Because we have each other. We're not just fighting for survival—we're fighting for our future."

Kaya smirked. "Well, if our fearless leader believes in us, we better not disappoint."

A quiet chuckle passed through the group, lightening the tension just a little. But they all knew the truth—tomorrow, everything would be decided.

Dawn would bring war. But tonight, beneath the stars, they had each other.

To Be Continued...

~~~END OF PART 44~~~

***HEY MATES, HOW ARE YOU ALL ? WELL I AM STILL SICK AND WANTS TO TELL YOU THAT I MAY WRITE SMALL CHAPTERS FOR FEW MONTHS AND WANTS YOUR FORGIVENESS FOR THIS . PLEASE DO COMMENT AND TELL ME HOW DO YOU LIKE THIS.... SEE YOU ALL AGAIN MATES!!!!***