Shoto Todoroki X Reader

Chapter 16: Into the Fire

The forest surrounding the villain hideout was thick, wild, and eerily silent. It would have been easy to lose yourself in the darkness, but the adrenaline surging through your veins kept you moving. Beside you, Bakugou scowled as you both sprinted through the underbrush, his breath coming in short, angry bursts. He had barely said a word since you escaped the villain's stronghold, but you could feel the tension radiating off him like heat from his explosions.

You stumbled slightly as the earth shifted beneath your feet, your powers still responding to the land, even in your panicked state. The forest was trying to protect you, but the weight of the chase was heavy in the air. The League of Villains wasn't far behind.

"They'll keep coming," Bakugou growled, glaring over his shoulder as if daring the villains to show themselves. His face was twisted with frustration, and you knew that retreating wasn't something he was used to. "I say we stand our ground and blow those bastards to bits."

"We don't know how many more of them there are," you replied, your voice low but urgent. "We need a plan. Charging in without thinking is exactly what they're hoping for."

Bakugou clicked his tongue in annoyance, but deep down, he knew you were right. Despite his natural inclination to fight, even he understood that this was a different kind of battle. These villains weren't just after chaos; they wanted something, and whatever it was, you were part of it now.

You slowed to a stop, catching your breath as you leaned against a tree. The forest had grown darker as you moved deeper into its depths, the canopy above blotting out the moonlight. Every shadow felt like it was crawling with danger, every rustle of leaves a reminder that you weren't safe yet.

"We need to find the others," you said, scanning the darkness. "If the League targeted us, there's no telling what they might do next."

Bakugou cracked his knuckles, the faint flicker of an explosion sparking at his palms. "Let 'em come. I'll handle whatever's thrown at us."

You opened your mouth to respond, but before you could, a distant scream echoed through the forest—sharp and full of terror. Your stomach dropped, and you shared a quick, alarmed look with Bakugou. That scream had come from the camp.

"They're attacking the others," you whispered, dread washing over you.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Bakugou barked, already moving in the direction of the sound. "Let's go!"

You hesitated only for a moment before following him. The forest blurred around you as you ran, the ground trembling beneath your feet with every step. The League of Villains was making their move, and now, your classmates were in danger.

The camp came into view just as the sound of battle reached your ears—explosions, screams, and the unmistakable crackle of fire. Smoke hung in the air, thick and acrid, stinging your lungs as you pushed forward. The clearing was a chaotic mess of flames and destruction, and you could see your classmates scattered across the field, fighting for their lives.

Midoriya was locked in battle with a masked villain, his fists glowing with One For All's power as he threw punch after punch, his face twisted in determination. Todoroki was nearby, using both ice and fire to keep multiple villains at bay, his expression cold and focused. The teachers were fighting too, their quirks lighting up the dark night, but even with all their power, the villains were relentless.