Mind Boggled

Chapter 57

Muscular ignored the warning and began to advance. Bakugo crouched down, ready to pounce, and Izuku took his own stance as lightning began to crackle around him. Kota scooted back slightly, eyes wide and terrified. Harper forced herself to relax. She let her shoulders fall slack, cracked her neck, and took a slow breath. What she was about to do was fucking stupid. So, so fucking stupid. But the fear coming from Kota was almost tangible, and that made her mad. She didn't want anyone else to get hurt. A distraction was what Bakugo and Midoriya both needed right now. If they wanted to get in a good hit, anyway.

"He really does remind me of Johnny-boy." Muscular snorted internally, sounding almost fond as he grinned at Bakugo. "I'm glad I don't have to kill him, then. Though this fight should be fun at least." 

That's it. That's what Harper needed. She'd have to count on Bakugo and Midoriya not to let her die if this went sideways-- which it probably would. But if she did this right, it could save their bacon. Or at the very least buy them some time. And time was the thing, wasn't it? She needed to get over to Kota one way or another. Walking past Muscular was the only safe way to do that. So that's what she'd do. 

"God fucking damn!" Harper exclaimed grievously just before Muscular could throw himself at her classmates, stretching her arms as she started to walk forward as though she'd just shown up. Izuku and Katsuki's gazes snapped to her, their eyes wide and horrified. They were probably wondering what the fuck she was doing. Even Harper didn't know. She was careful not to flinch as Muscular whirled around, his brows raised. Instead, she gave him an indifferent look. "Dude, how are you not boiling in that cloak right now? I'm roasting out here."

"Who the hell are-- Where did you come from, brat?" Muscular snapped, looking over her with irritation. He seemed startled that he hadn't noticed her sooner. Clearly, he didn't like being snuck up on. Whatever. It sucks to fucking suck. He'd done the same thing to Kota just a few minutes ago, so he had literally no room to be mad. Harper just had to stay chill and pretend he was just another guy. Just some asshole on the street. Like Dabi, or something. Only uglier and with worse fashion sense. Which was saying something considering Dabi thought a black trench coat and pants with a ripped hems was a good look. "Wait a second. She's the girl Shigaraki wants! Why the fuck does she look like that? Is she crazy, just waltzing in here like that? And what's she even wearing?" 

"Wow, offensive. I think my outfit is great." Harper scoffed at him. Bakugo and Izuku were still staring at her like she was an idiot. Honestly, Harper felt like one. And probably was one. She'd always told herself she'd never drop to such levels of idiocy, yet here she was. Sad. "And why's Shigaraki want me? Did I do something to him? Is it because I stole his warp gate, because that isn't on me. He came to me first and then just decided I'd adopted him."  

Harper gave a beaming smile that must've looked out of place on her face based on the way Bakugo's expression twisted. Muscular paused, staring at her for a moment. Izuku's thoughts permeated through her quirk whilst she was being studied, panicked and coming out extremely fast. "What is she doing?! Where did she even come from?! She must be crazy! She should've ran away when she had the chance. But Kota is her cousin... no! She's going to get hurt, and Kacchan and I aren't going to be fast enough if he just lashes out. And what's she even talking about? When did Muscular say anything about Shigaraki? And why is she smiling? Is it... is she playing a mind game with him to try and throw him off?" 

"This bitch is fucking crazy. What the fuck is she doing? Fucking idiot is going to get us all killed. What the hell?" Was all Bakugo was thinking at the moment. Harper could respect that.

"...How'd you do that?" Muscular's brows furrowed. He obviously was in no rush. As malicious and blood-thirsty as he was, he was curious too. That was a good thing. Harper kept her breathing steady and her expression poised as laid back. She channeled Kaminari's dopey personality. She could hear the frantic Wii music distantly, even from here. It was oddly comforting believe it or not. "I swear she just read my fucking mind. But she has a reflex quirk, right? Then how'd she do that? Or did I say that outloud?"