Frozen Wings

Chapter 44

Storms' POV

I blinked, waking up. I had fallen asleep outside where I usually trained the students or played dodgeball with them. An owl hooted from the trees. The sky was clear, revealing billions of twinkling stars against the dark navy blue. I suddenly realized Dabi had fallen asleep sitting upright leaning against my flank. He was quiet earlier during the night, being a silent support for me. I could sense Keigo's presence fading. It scared me. Dabi seemed to understand my pain somehow, and knew just what to do to comfort me. All he had to do was stay by my side without a word. It was the best thing anyone could do for me right now. I didn't want to think about Keigo dying. He really was my world, as cheesy as it sounded. I loved him so much. I just wanted to see his smile, his gorgeous amber eyes. That was all I wanted. The sweet thing deserved better. I bit back a roar, furious at the world.

"Why couldn't you take me instead? He's done nothing wrong. I've committed more sins and crimes than everyone here at UA, yet you choose to take Keigo from me?" I spoke in snow leopard to the stars, whom I believed to be my animal ancestors. I was connected to animals through my Quirk, which in turn made me part of their beliefs. All living beings spoke to their ancestors who took on the form of a star in the sky after they passed on.

"Heh. Guess it makes sense though. Everything I've ever cared about was taken from me. Maybe that's why he has to move on from this world. Because I'm not destined to have anything to keep as mine. I don't deserve it anyways." I chuckled, setting my head on my paws. It still hurt though.

If I break up with Keigo and lock him out of my life, then maybe he'll be spared. That's got to be the only way to save him.

I decided. "Storms?" Dabi's raspy voice caught my attention.

"Was I talking too loud?" I asked. He shook his head.

"No, I'm a light sleeper. I wake up a lot during the night." He said, pausing for a moment.

"You're thinking about breaking up with him, aren't you?" Dabi asked.

"How did-"

"Because I did the same thing. I thought I could save someone I cared about if I disappeared from their life. But I couldn't. It only made things worse for them. And I regret ever leaving. It's the one thing I wish I could take back. I know you're thinking about doing the same because I used to wear that look on my face." He shuffled over towards my head.

"Everything I ever had was taken from me. I'm thinking that if I let him go he'll be okay. Do you not agree?" I asked. Dabi shook his head.

"I don't. I think you need to do the opposite, actually. You need to fight with him, give it everything you've got. This isn't a battle against a Nomu, exactly, but it's a battle nonetheless. And the last thing Hawks would want is to make it through this only to find you've gone without a goodbye. It would only make him worse. He loves you, Storms, more than you know. Leaving him would crush his spirits and take away any strength he has left." He said. I thought about his words.

"You're right. It... it just reminds me of myself, and I hate that. I was weak and alone once, and I can't go through that again. I was supposed to protect him, but look what happened." I muttered.

"Storms, you're not alone. You've got all the pros around the world by your side, and your colleagues, and the students. We're all here for you. And you can't blame yourself for whatever happened. He didn't get anywhere near that monster. You kept him away from that thing and he still got that disease from it, which shows that you did protect him. I know this isn't what you want to hear but some things are just out of your control. We can't rule the world." Dabi reminded me.

"He can't die..." I whispered.

"And he won't. You just keep yourself well and you'll figure out a way to fix this. Storms, forgive me if I'm wrong, but I think I know you enough to say that you always find a way." I lifted my head, looking at Dabi. He had a genuine, sincere smile on his face.

"Thank you. You're right. I can't have a pity party for myself and just give up. I've got to fight to keep what I want. And this time, I'm strong enough." A little bit of confidence filled me.

"Right. Now, go back to sleep. It's early." He covered his mouth with his sleeve as he yawned, flopping back onto my side. I lowered my head, feeling better.

You'll be okay, my love.

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"Excellent job today everyone! You've done very well implementing your new techniques. I'm not sure if y'all have seen it but you've started to unlock new pieces of your Quirks. You'll be able to use them in ways you didn't know you could when you first came to UA sooner than you think! Keep up the good work and enjoy your weekend!" I grinned. The students cheered and whooped excitedly. They had just finished one of my more complicated training procedures and I was very happy with the results.

"You're dismissed, just remember to drink plenty of water and shower so y'all don't murder the plants living in your dorm!" I winked. They laughed and grumbled, either amused or unhappy with being told what to do.

I covered my hands in ice, rubbing my arms and neck to cool myself off. They dispersed, heading around to the front of the building. I followed them, stopping at the door to the UA building.

"Storms, sir?" Todoroki softly asked. I turned to see him come up beside me.

"What's up kiddo?" I smiled.

"I, uh... I was wondering if you'd like to come with me to visit my mom tomorrow..." He shyly asked. I froze, startled by the question.

"Y-You want me to meet your mother?" I asked. Todoroki nodded.

"She said she's heard enough stories about you and would like to meet you in person if you're interested. Yaoyorozu is coming as well." He said. The aching in my heart that had been so persistent the past week finally went away, replaced with a loving feeling.

"Todoroki, I would love to!" I said. He smiled a little, gesturing to ask if he could have a hug. I hugged the kid.

You might not be my biological kid but I love you like my own.