~𝔏𝔬𝔳𝔢 ℌ𝔞𝔰 𝔑𝔬 𝔅𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰~ (Tokoyami Fumikage X Reader)

Chapter 33

The next morning, the agency was a hive of activity. News of Raptor's betrayal had spread quickly, and the tension in the air was palpable. Niko moved through the halls with Tokoyami at her side, her expression guarded but calm.

They made their way to the training grounds, where some of their U.A. classmates were already gathered. Mina Ashido, Kirishima Eijiro, and Yaoyorozu Momo were sparring, their quirks flashing in the sun. When they saw Niko and Tokoyami approaching, they paused, curiosity and concern etched on their faces.

"Niko! Tokyami! Where've you been?" Mina called out, her pink skin flushed from exertion.

Kirishima grinned, though there was a hint of worry behind his sharp teeth. "Yeah, we haven't seen you guys since yesterday. Everything okay?"

Niko forced a smile. "Yeah, just got caught up with agency stuff. Nothing to worry about."

Momo stepped forward, her eyes soft with understanding. "You look exhausted, Niko. If you need anything, just let us know."

Niko nodded gratefully. "Thanks, yaomomo. I'll be fine."

Tokoyami's expression remained neutral, but he subtly shifted closer to Niko, a silent show of support. "We appreciate it, but it's nothing we can't handle."

Mina's antennae twitched, and she exchanged a quick glance with Kirishima. "Well, if you guys need a distraction, we're about to do some quirk training. Wanna join?"

Niko hesitated, the weight of everything pressing down on her. But the normalcy of training with friends, even just for a little while, was tempting. "Actually, that sounds nice."

They spent the next hour in friendly sparring matches, the laughter and playful competition a balm to Niko's frayed nerves. Kirishima's hardening quirk clashed against Tokoyami's Dark Shadow, Mina's acid danced around Momo's creations, and for a brief time, the world outside didn't seem so dangerous.

When they finally took a break, Niko found herself sitting on the grass, catching her breath. Mina flopped down beside her, her pink curls bouncing. "Whatever's going on, you know we've got your back, right?"

Niko's chest tightened, a mix of gratitude and guilt. "Yeah, I know. Thank you."

Kirishima sat on her other side, his usually boisterous demeanor softer. "You're one of us. Heroes don't go through stuff alone."

Niko managed a real smile this time. "You guys are the best."

Momo handed out water bottles, her calm presence grounding. "We don't need to know everything, but if you ever want to talk, we're here."

The moment of camaraderie warmed Niko, and for a little while, she let herself lean into it. She let the normalcy of being a student, surrounded by friends, wash over her.

Eventually, they all had to part ways. As Niko and Tokoyami returned to the agency, her heart felt a little lighter. But the reality of their situation settled back over her like a cloak. Raptor was still out there, and until he was found, she couldn't truly relax.

When they entered Hawks' office, his expression told her he'd been working nonstop. His wings were slightly ruffled, his usually carefree demeanor replaced with a razor-sharp focus.

"Anything?" Niko asked, her voice quiet but steady.

Hawks shook his head. "Not yet. But we've got leads. Raptor won't stay hidden for long."

Tokoyami moved to stand beside her, his red eyes as focused as Hawks'. "What's the plan?"

Hawks unfolded a map, red pins marking potential hideouts. "We're coordinating with other heroes. He's smart, but he's not invincible. We'll find him."

Niko squared her shoulders, a renewed sense of resolve blooming within her. "Then let's get started."

As the three of them leaned over the map, Dabi remained in the shadows outside, his blue eyes ever-watchful. Though he remained a ghost, his presence lingered, a promise and a warning all at once.

And as the sun began to set, the hunt continued—this time, with heroes and a villain united by a common goal.