With a Strum of My Heart Strings

Ready or Not, Let's Begin

Jirou, he thought to himself. She was here, too, staying out of sight of the others. That was probably pretty smart.

Denki forced his eyes away again, not daring to look back in case Monoma caught him looking over there. He wasn't about to give away Jirou's position.

Denki internally counted down, waiting for the right moment, before his hands flew up to his face, pulling away the gag as he sprang up. His sudden movement caught Neito's attention, just what he'd wanted. With his back now turned to him, Shinsou jumped at the opportunity, successfully landing a punch that was aimed at the back of his head but instead hit Monomas cheek as he spun back around, realizing what they'd done. He held his hand up to the already bruising tissue, spitting out blood from his mouth. Though it didn't manage to get him to talk, that was okay.

Not wanting to waste any more time, lighting shot from Kaminari's fingers after yelling for Shinsou to duck. He did, and the bolts just barely missed him as they hit Monoma. He was sent reeling back, grunting from the pain. Denki went to throw a punch when he noticed his mistake. Monoma smirked as he grabbed Kaminari's fist mid-air before pushing him away with a powerful lightning strike.

Kaminari cursed, though the electricity didn't have as much of an effect of him since he was more used to it. He was still able to stand.

"Denki!" Shinsou had cried out. Noticing his opening, Monoma took it, landing a kick on him that sent Hitoshi stumbling back.

"I knew you'd break your concentration eventually. Did you think I was that stupid?" Neito asked, breathing hard, though that evil-looking smile was plastered back on his face.

Shinsou wasn't paying attention, mind probably somewhat hazy from that strong kick because he started to say, "Actually--" before cutting himself off, fear in his eyes. Though it was too late.

Monoma's wicked grin grew even wider, practically shining with triumph as Shinsou's face went slack, pupils white. He looked lifeless. "Grab Denki," he ordered. Kaminari's gaze flickered between Monoma and Hitoshi, who was steadily walking towards him.

He squeaked as he had to dodge an attack, ducking under Shinsou's fist. He scrambled under him, darting to the other side of the room. Neito just watched in amusement, like this was some sick, twisted game to him. It probably was.

"You know," he drawled as Denki just narrowly avoided another punch, "This would have been so much easier if you had just listened to me in the first place, Hitoshi." Kaminari couldn't even begin to think about what that even meant as he had to roll out of the way again, skirting around Shinsou. "I tried to warn you."

Kaminari knew he had to break Monoma's control somehow, or this would never work. Shinsou would stop at nothing to follow the command. It was no use battling him, it wasn't a fight he could win.

So instead, Denki went for the source.

Spinning around, he charged at Monoma, Shinsou still on his tail. Neito just barely managed to dodge him, twisting round to avoid him. Kaminari made sure to watch out for Hitoshi, who was growing too close to him for comfort. When he neared, Kaminari was able to spin and propel himself off of him, attacking Monoma again. But the man just smirked, avoiding him with ease this time, having expected Kaminari's punch. Denki fell to the floor with a loud thud as he missed, toppling himself off his balance.

Crap.

At that instant, Shinsou was finally able to grab him, pinning his arms behind his back as he hoisted him into the air. Denki tried to break free but to no avail. Shinsou was already physically stronger than him, and he had no luck in trying to escape, now. Denki's breath hitched, the adrenalin of the moment dissipating and letting the fear overtake him again.