Seven Days

by Fyanice

Summary:

Her skin dripped from her body instantly being replaced with fresh, tanned skin. Her bone structure, height and weight-adjusted during the transformation. He couldn't look away from her as two round brown eyes emerged from the sludge and brown hair pooled around her new face.

Chapter 1: Day 2- Transformation

“Well, that was a pleasant welcome for our new recruit…” Even though Kurogiri had no visible mouth, you could hear the disdain dripping from his voice. Almost envisioning the purse of his lips into a frown.

“ It wasn't all bad... The kid lasted a lot longer than I thought. How many clones did I end up making for ya Toga?” Twice sat at the bar, his mask removed, with a glass of booze in his hand resting on the counter. He swished the liquid across the ice before tilting his head back taking a long sip.

A childlike giggle lulled through the air. Toga was spread out across the entire length of a booth seat at the far end of the cramped room, idly playing with one of her many slim blades. The blood had not been washed off of the blades or herself for that matter. Her face and clothes still drenched in Bakugou’s blood. Older, dried blood smeared across her face cracked as her smile widened.

Her feet swung happily over the edge of the seat. Heels rapped against the base of the cushion in a non-rhythmic pattern.  She held the blade up above her, spinning and studying it against the light.

“Oh, I don't know, hehe. Maybe 80… give or take.” Her lips stretched across her face into a smile so wide it bared her teeth.  

Twice whistled, “Kids got somethin’ in him, that's for sure….”

“He won't be any used to us if we break his spirit before we even have the chance to make use him.” Dabi sounded annoyed but stuck to not saying else. He did not want to risk riling up the others.

“He had to see for himself what we could do. The fact that we chose to spare him should say a lot. Through the coming months, we will work with him, coax him to our side. It won't take long once he knows as much as we do about the corruption of Heroes.” Shigaraki stood from his bar stool and walked towards the door. Pausing he turned around looking back at everyone.

“Make sure you leave some of these pieces for Sensei… Throw the rest to the Nomu.” Shigaraki edged his head towards the heap of Bakugou body parts in a pile on the floor. He left the room without another word. 

“Why don't we make the girl clean it up, it was her doing anyway…” Iguchi threw a sideways glance towards Toga who was still laying down in the booth.

“Because silly!” Toga said sing-songy popping up into a sitting position. “I still have work to do.” No sooner the words left her mouth, a slight flick of wrist sent the knife through the air at incredible speed, landing in between the eyes of one of the corpses.

Iguchi’s snout turned downwards catching on to the threat Toga edged his way if he continued to press the matter.

Toga rose from her seat and dusted off her shirt, straighten it out. Bits of blood flaked from the fabric onto the floor. Fresher blood oozed from around the souls of her shoes creating faded footprints as she walked.

She opened the door to exit into the long hallway but paused when she was unable to close the door behind her.

Looking back she saw Dabi’s spindly figure in the opening with his hand high above holding the door open.

Toga released the door and Dabi stepped into the hallway shutting the door behind him.

“You're going to see that kid aren't you?”

"Hmmm?  Maybe...” She couldn't contain the joy laced throughout her voice.

“Remember that we need him alive-”

Dabi was cut short as Toga burst out into laughter. Calming herself she rested her back against the cold stone of the hallway.

“I love it when you worry about me.” She threw a quick wink his way. “Don't worry, I have my orders from our Boss. I shall treasure him like I treasure my possessions.” Toga clasped her hands together and placed them against her heart. Her lashes fluttered as she spoke about her blades.

Dabi couldn't help the roll his eyes in her direction.

"Besides, there is something about him that draws me towards him. I want to know more….I want to make him my own!” Toga threaded her fingers together outstretching her arms in front of her body.

“Whatever, long as you know not to go overboard. Don't need Boss pissed at all of us because you couldn't control yourself.”

Toga smiled, eyes lighting up with excitement and she started back down the hall. She paused for a moment, spun around and rocked back on her heels facing Dabi.

“Oh! Don't forget to save me some of his blood!”

“Do it yourself!” Dabi yelled back at her but Toga had already turned around continuing her walk.

  

---

Katsuki was collapsed on a futon mattress in the corner of a room. The room was small and dark, and not meant to house a bed in addition to its other assortment of knick-knacky items and bar supplies.

His vision spun every time he tried to peer through his eyes and to get a better hold on his surrounds. The best he could make out were a few leather chairs piled with boxes. A bookcase overflowing with books of all sizes and more boxes piled around. It appeared that some of the boxes were haphazardly stacked just to make room for him, the newest addition to the room.

His mattress had no support, It just laid on the ground. Cold air seeped through the still material chilling him ever so. Katsuki could make out a pile of blankets at his feet and that his head was resting on a pillow. At least they weren't complete fucking savages. They had the decency to provide him with the bare essentials for his new sleeping arrangements.  

Katsuki squeezed his eyes shut once more attempting to will more energy into his body. His entire body felt heavy like lead. His tongue felt dry like sawdust and his eyelids were also heavy. Working his tongue around he could taste the remnants of bile in his mouth from earlier in the day. His stomach gurgled at the thought of what he had experienced but also from how hungry he was. It was funny how his brain sent mixed signals. He was repulsed by the thought of food yet he was starving.  

A throbbing pain lulled at the back of Katsuki’s skull. He couldn't recall if they hit him with something or his body was stressed out.

‘Great, day keeps getting fucking better and better.’

He laid there, eyes now opened,  and thought for a moment. He had no idea what time it was, whether it was day or night, a new day had come or gone. Based on the series of events it felt as though it was the next day. He felt as though he had been tortured for hours. Recalling something he read offhandedly, he remembered it said how your perception of time became skewed during traumatic instances. Maybe, in reality, only a couple of hours had passed…

Katsuki huffed roughly, closing his eyes once more wishing away his pain and illness. Opening them he attempted to move his hand realizing they were not restrained. He focused on his legs and realized they were not in restraints either. They must have doped him up with something. They would be stupid if they trusted him alone in this room.

Katsuki worked up a sweat struggling to force his limbs to do what he wanted. After a long stretch of time, he finally was able to set himself up in the corner of the wall on his makeshift bed.

“Fuck” Puffed Katsuki through labored breaths. He was surprised that he had a voice at all. His vocal cords ached but that came as no surprise. He was screaming, pleading, crying during it all.

The cold air bellowed against him and Katsuki can feel the sweat building up, huffing heavily at his shirt. Katsuki stopped remembering that he did not have a shirt the last he remembered. He looked down at his clothes realizing they were not his.

“Motherfuckers….” Someone had changed his clothes while he was unconscious.

A knock at the door jarred him from his thoughts. He was partially grateful that he couldn't stew over which one of the handsy motherfuckers changed and dressed him. 

A new knot of fear balled itself up inside of Katsuki’s stomach. He wasn't sure who was at the door or what they wanted. He wasn't in the best position to defend himself. The best he could do was turn his palms upwards and ready to blast them in case they tried something. He was thankful that he was still sweaty and his explosions would have more bite.

When he did not answer at the second knock the handle turned and the wooden door opened. The blonde haired girl from earlier came into view and closed the door behind her.

Katsuki’s heart rate rocketed in his chest, pupils dilated in fear. ‘Not this bitch…’

He wished it was anyone else but this bitch who took pleasure from killing his likenesses.

As she slowly advanced into the room Katsuki broke out into a cold sweat. He could feel himself beginning to tremble. Try as he might he couldn't force his body to respond and stop acting scared.

A tiny giggle escaped her lips curved into an innocent smile. “Good Afternoon Bakugou. I hope you slept well?” She paused halfway between him and the door.

Katsuki said nothing. Now that she was fully in view he observed that she was indifferent clothing than when he first met her. She no longer wore her school uniform but instead wore a simple one-piece dress that stopped around mid thigh. He watched her waiting for her to make the first move.

“Oh my goodness! I just realized I never properly introduce myself to you! There was soooo much excitement it slipped my mind!” The blonde straightened her posture and clicked her heels together, bringing her index and middle fingers together to the top of her brow in a moc solute.

“My name is Toga Himiko! You can call me Himi for short!” Her eye sparkled unnaturally from the sparse amount of light that shone from the overhead lamp.   

Katsuki narrowed his eyes at her, still not trusting her… His mind backtracked to what she said previously. Did she say, afternoon?

“Afternoon?! What day is it?!” Katsuki croaked. His voice still sputtering from the overuse and lack of water.

Toga pressed her palms together in glee and slightly bounced in place. She was elated that Bakugou finally spoke to her. “Yup! You slept for hours sweety! I am not surprised. The other day was certainly adventures.” Her eyes slanted ever so slightly hinting at her darker nature.

“Oh, but where are my manners!” Toga bounced back towards the door. She opened it to step outside for a moment and returned with a tray of food.

“You must be starving! Kurogiri made you a little something! He is a pretty decent cook! We didn't know what you wanted so we played it safe and made you a traditional dish.”

Toga was beaming ear to ear with excitement.  Katsuki almost couldn't stand to look at her from all of the enthusiasm that radiated off of her. She began walking closer to him to set the food down but paused when crackling erupted from Bakugou’s hands.

“Get the fuck away from me you sick freak…” His face faltered a little, still, he kept up his tough appearance. His explosion wasn't anywhere near what he was expecting. The drugs coursing through his veins must have also been altered to manipulate his quirk abilities.

Toga pouted. Her once straight posture slumped forward a little.  Katsuki couldn't tell if it was a mockery or she was actually upset.

“That's no way to treat someone who brought you food! You should be thankful that Boss has his eye on you. You wouldn't get treated like this anywhere else.” Ignoring his earlier show of intimidation Toga set the food down on the floor at the far end of the mattress.

The smell of fresh noodles and soup drifted Katsuki’s way. His body betrayed him and allowed his stomach to gurgle rather loudly. Pissed that he could not control, let alone, defend himself he looked away from the food to the side of the wall.

“Ohh, that's right…” Toga was now kneeling on the balls of her feet eye level with Katsuki. “Boss also instructed us to give you a pretty heavy sedative. I bet you can't move much can't cha?”

Katsuki turned his head to meet her eyes. She stared at him inquisitively, with almost childlike wonderment, as though she was picking him apart in her brain. He shivered involuntarily. This girl couldn't be that much older than him yet she was skilled with a blade like a veteran. Katsuki wondered if they recruited her like that were currently trying to him. How low would these sick fucks go…

Toga scooted herself a little closer still on the balls of her feet till her one shoe tapped against the futon mattress. “Would you like me to feed you?” Her head was nestled in her hands, elbows resting on top of her knees.

“Fuck off. Why the fuck would I want someone as fucking revolting as your sick face anywhere near me.” Katsuki all but spat at her while he spoke. He wanted nothing to do with her. The fact that she was still here was far too long for him.

“Hmmm, well I guess if you don't want me, how about her?” Toga smirked pointedly as she popped a small red pill into her mouth.

Katsuki paled as he saw her quirk take effect. Her skin dripped from her body instantly being replaced with fresh, tanned skin. Her bone structure, height and weight-adjusted during the transformation. He couldn't look away from her as two round brown eyes emerged from the sludge and brown hair pooled around her new face.

Katsuki sat in shock. Fucking Round Face was in front of him… no, it wasn't round face, it was still that sick bitch… So she had a transformation quirk... Katsuki studied the not round face in front of him. And it was a damned good one, she even copied the pale mole Round Face had too... This was dangerous. The fact that the league had someone like this in their possession. Who the fuck was this girl…

“What's the matter Bakugou….” It was even her voice, down to the T. “Surprised to see your old friend in front of you? Don't you miss your classmate?” Her voice oozed with sugary sweetness.

Ochaco got on her knees and crawled towards Bakugou.

Katsuki tried to push himself into the wall to get as far away from her willing himself to fall into the walls and out of her reach but it was impossible.

He felt the heat from her body radiate over his. He realized then how cold he really was. She had her hands resting on the mattress on either side of his hips. Her breasts slightly pushing into his chest. Her knee was positioned between his legs slowly inching closer towards his crotch.

He turned his head away refusing to look at her anymore. He didn't play this game. God how he wished he could blow her up and be done with this bullshit. His breath caught when she full-on palmed his dick. He whipped his head back at her, their noses brushed together. His crimson eyes bleed with hate and he glared into her brown eyes.

“Ohh, not a favorite I see…” Toga smirked, slowly pressing her hand firmer onto his dick before slinking off of him.

Katsuki slowly exhaled a breath of relief he did not know he was holding.

Toga stood up to shed her disguise and returned to her staple blonde self. She crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. “What a shame, making me waste such a good sample…”  

Katsuaki closed his eyes checking to see if all of the adrenaline had diluted some of the side effects of the drugs in his system. He had a little more motion in his extremities than before but his movements were still slow and delayed.  

“Hmm well if that didn't work.” Toga had an idea. She smiled that twisted evil smile of hers. She pulled another pill from her pocket and popped in into her mouth.

“If she didn't work... what about me? Now, what was it he called you in the forest? Ka-cchan, was it?” Toga’s voice smoothly transitioned from the higher octave voice to a lower, deep pitch voice matching Deku’s pitch perfectly.

Katsuki felt as though his heart stopped.  Had he heard? No… He opened his eyes in time to see the last goop drip off of Toga onto the floor and now saw Deku standing in front of him in a t-shirt and boxers. The same outfit from the night he was captured.

Deku stretched his arms above his head, pulling his upper body backward a smidge causing his shirt to ride up ever so slightly revealing a peak of his belly button.

Katsuki shut his eyes tightly. He could feel his stomach twisting and turning once more tasting the beginnings of bile wanting to expel itself from his body.

“Kacchan, why don't you look at me?” The Deku lookalike pouted, his voiced aching for attention.

Katsuki opened his eyes, tears brimming at his lashes. “You, are not him….” He said through gritted teeth

The side of Deku’s mouth quirked up slightly in a smirk. He dropped his hands from above his head to run them over his stomach and up his chest resting them there. “I am right here Kacchan, it's really me.” His features pouted once more but not like the last time. This time his eyes appeared to be rounder and innocent. His voice came through softer, it held more concern than it had a moment ago.

Katsuki’s eyes quickly darted to the ceiling, puffing out a quick breath through his mouth, then down to gaze at Deku once more. He tilted his head back to keep his tears from flowing down his face. He knew it wasn't him but… it was him…

His eyes stung and his nose became stuffy. He wanted it to be Deku. He wanted to be with someone familiar, to be away from this shitty dream. Katsuki thudded his head against the wall and took deep breaths, pulling air in through his stuffy nose and out through his mouth.  He felt butterflies of anticipation in his stomach. No matter what he told himself he couldn't get them to go away.

Katsuki felt the futon dip stirring him from his thoughts. He slowly lowered his head to be met with large emerald green eyes only a couple of inches away from him. Deku was crawling overtop of Katsuki. He paused, his one hand pressed firmly into the futon while the other stayed suspended in mid-air as though he was playing a game of red light/green light.

Katsuki stared at him. His freckles were splattered across his face in the same pattern he long since memorized. The tip of his nose tilted upwards just like always.

Katsuki sighed, his body felt heavier again. He rested his head back against the wall. Doing so slightly jarred the tears causing them to run down his cheeks.

Deku’s brows knitted together in a frown. He even had that little dimple that appeared in his crease when he was worried.

Katsuki felt the warmth of the rough pad of Deku’s thumb gently brush away the wetness on his tear-stained cheek.

Katsuki leaned into the touch of his hand causing Deku to fan his fingers out against the smooth skin of his face. Deku’s hands were stubby but warm. When was the last time he allowed Deku to get this close to him? He couldn't remember. A part of him didn't care. He didn't want to be alone and would welcome the company for as long as we could.

“Kacchan what's wrong? Please tell me how can I help?” Deku's voice was a gentle whisper. The warmth of his breath tickled Katsuki's face. Deku had managed to tuck his legs underneath of himself so he was sitting on his legs. Nestled in between Katsuki’s legs Deku appeared smaller the way he tucked himself in on himself.

Katsuki smirked slightly and quietly replied. “Idiot, why would I ask a nerd like you for help?”

Deku’s eyes widened and then softened. A smile tugged at his lips as a small chuckle escaped his lips.

Katsuki gazed down at his lips. The low light glistened across his lips when Deku darted his tongue briefly across them. That mouth, that insatiable mouth that drove him up a wall with his endless tyrants and theories. Those lips that looked so soft uttered the same childish nickname after all these years.

Katsuki never admitted it but he loved how Deku used to cling to him like a lost puppy when they were little. He loved being looked up to and needed. For the first time, he had someone who relied on him unconditionally day in and day out. He loved it. He missed it… Having a quick forced him to throw away his childhood pastimes and focus on his goal. His quirk was powerful and pushed him that much closer to possibly becoming the number one hero. He couldn't worry about playing pretend or having others around him that were weak.

No matter how much he pushed Deku away, or the number of times Katsuki got into trouble and couldn't pull his own, Deku was right there and still came towards him with that stupid bright smile plastered across his face, asking him if he needed help.

Katsuki strained to bring his hand up and shakily rooted his fingers deep within Deku's hair. It was still as soft as it had been all those years ago. Deku closed his eyes and hummed softly in approval of Katsuki’s actions.

He didn't know what he was doing... Maybe it was the drugs, maybe it was him, but he wanted to be closer, he wanted Deku. Katsuki let all reason drain away as he acted on pure instinct. He pulled Deku slowly towards him. Deku didn't pull away or stop him but moved where Katsuki guided him.

His heart was racing, Katsuki's lips felt dry but somewhere in the back of his head it felt ok, he knew he wanted his. Katsuki continued to pull Deku close until his lips lightly brushed against his.  Both boys stilled, unsure of their next actions. Katsuki could smell the usual summer freshness of his skin so close to him. Katsuki inched his head towards Deku sealing off the minuscule distance between them. Their lips meet and Katsuki was filled with a warmth he never experienced. It was pooling through his entire body. He almost felt giddy. He took a deep breath and released it through his nose almost satisfyingly. His grip on Deku's curls tightened when he felt Deku's lips timidly press firmer into his.

Katsuki parted his lips cautiously feeling as though there was more but his brain was having a hard time figuring out what to do. As if Deku read his mind, he too parted his lips and angled his head a little to the side gently massaging his lips into Katsuki’s.

Katsuki’s pulse did not slow as he too mimicked Deku’s movement. He quickly connected two and two together and gained his own ground taking charge of the kiss. He deepened the kiss by tugging Deku's head back causing a small yip to emerge from his lips. Face flushed, he realized that he enjoyed the power he held over Deku and wanted to hear him cry more knowing he was the one who caused it.

Deku’s long lashes fluttered open. His own flushed face and partially lidded eyes stared back into his. The boys studied each others faces for a moment before Katsuki crushed his lips into Deku’s with a fierce energy, he moved his lips against Deku’s exploring which ways felt better, and which ones ignited him.

Deku moaned against his lips when Katsuki accidentally scrapped his bottom teeth against Deku’s lips. The noise sent chills through his body. He couldn't stop his own moan from escaping his lips. Katsuki felt embarrassed that such a sound came from him but he loved it all the same.

Deku snaked his arms around Katsuki's neck forcing their chests together. Katsuki’s hands felt lost. He wanted to do more than he was but wasn't sure how much was too much. He finally decided to slide his hand up Deku’s thigh to rest on his hip because he still lacked the energy to raise it higher than that.

Deku’s hips twitched and another but louder gasp broke free from his mouth. He broke the kiss staring into Katsuki's eyes.

There was something new in his eyes he couldn't place. His hair and face looked a mess.

“Kacchan, Could you…” Deku’s face turned a deeper shade of red. His voice was huskier but still soft. His eyes darted off to the side no longer meeting his.

Katsuki looked at Deku puzzled and quirked his head to the side.

Deku drew his bottom lip in between his teeth still looking away too embarrassed to say what he wanted. Instead, he spread his knees out against Katsuki’s thighs causing his legs to spread open a little wider. Deku lowered his hips until he was against the lower part of Katsuki’s stomach and gently rocked into him.

Katsuki immediately felt a warmer harder something press into him. The clothing Deku wore did little to mask it.  Instantly becoming aware of his own similar issue. Katsuki’s dick was pressed hard against his pants. He felt sticky liquid oozing out into his underwear.

As if on cure Katsuki's hips rose underneath of Deku. The contact of his dick against Deku's thigh caused him to screw his eyes shut and throw his head back into the wall.

He felt Deku shift on top of him, as though he became lighter. He opened his eyes to see what he was doing when his heart stopped in terror. The form of Deku was slowly dripping away to reveal the blonde haired girl known as Toga once more.

Hot tear immediately streamed down his face and a strangled sad cry erupted from his throat.

Toga pulled him again her chest as he sobbed. “Aww there, there. I am sorry our time had to be cut short. The pills are still experimental and I can't hold my form as long as if I had injected their blood directly.” She rocked backward and sits pulling Katsuki into her lap. She gently stroked his hair as he continued to sob uncontrollably into her arms.  

“Come now, you must eat something otherwise you will have no more strength when the medicine finally wears off.” Toga gracefully swayed Katsuki back and forth in her arms all. She stopped stroking his hair and moved on top slowly rubbing her hand in small motions across his back.

Strength... Katsuki felt the weakest he had ever felt in his entire life. His whole body trembled uncontrollably as he curled around Toga’s leg. Why him...What was so special about him? Was this is penance for all of the shit things he had done in life?

A foreign object softly collides with his bottom lip. Katsuki opened his eyes not realizing he had shut them. A small plastic soup spoon came into focus. It was filled with a dark broth. The spices tingled Katsuki’s nose causing his stomach to rattle once more.

The spoon gently nudged itself against his lips once more. Katsuki continued to stare at him as though he had forgotten how to respond to such a request. He slowly parted his dry lips, skin snapped as the force forced them to separate.

The spoon waited until his mouth was stretched wide enough until slowly edging its way into his mouth and spilling it's still warm content into his mouth. The broth electrified his senses spurring to life multiple things within him.

Katsuki closed his mouth and swallowed. There was a pain at first, parched skin forced to stretch. As the liquid traveled he felt it run its course down its throat and settle to the empty field of his stomach. It gurgled more, frustratedly hungry and upset all at the same time.

The spoon was back with fresh contents once more waiting. Katsuki opened his mouth once again, this time quicker than the last and took its contents.

This pattern continued until Katsuki felt his stomach rumble differently this time. When the spoon came back he did not open his mouth. Instead, he nudged his head down into the warmth of the soft thing he rested on top of.

The sound of the spoon softly clacking into its bowl was the last thing he heard before drifting back off to sleep.

Toga smiled contently to herself, humming a sweet tune as she returned to softly petting Bakugou’s hair. She

“You did so well.” She praised Bakugou quietly, looking over at the contents of the bowl. It was almost halfway gone. “Maybe next time I visit you will finish your whole meal for me.”

“God help the day you mother children into this world…”

Toga tilted her head to the side to look back at the door. The door was open and Dabi was leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed over his slim chest.

“Whatever do you mean? I would make a wonderful mother! Look at how well he did today!” Toga quietly cooed down at Bakugou. Her eyes sparkled with pride.

Dabi rolled his eyes and pushed off the doorframe with his shoulder. “What did you do this time?” He walked into the cramped room and stopped behind Toga looking down at the pair.

Toga giggled turning her attention back to the sleeping blonde in her lap. A smile graced her lips, the happiness she felt in that moment reaching her eyes. “I gave him what he wanted most.” She leaned down and placed a kiss on his hair.

Says something about how much fun they could have now that she knows his preference.

Chapter 2: Day 3 - Experimentation

Summary:

Now in full control of the situation, Dabi knelt above Bakugou, never breaking eye contact. He fanned his fingers out in the sand next to Bakugou's hair, pushing the remainder of his weight down into the hand around Bakugou's neck.

“You do realize I'm going to kill the brat, right?” Dabi stared into the old television set that rested at the far end of the bar. The picture flickered in and out of focus at random intervals.

All for One’s voice rang with amusement. “I have faith in your ever-expanding abilities. You comprehend the severity of my goals, and I trust you not to do anything that would impede them. I want to capture the boy's abilities when his senses are at their peak. I saw the interactions that occurred between the two of you. Even though it was brief, I could tell there was a connection which I had not seen in any of the others.”

Dabi disliked the way All for One’s voice seemed to carry an unnecessary weight of seriousness all while the delivery his speeches remained carefree. He was doing his best not to look annoyed, but Dabi could tell his already slouching posture was only getting worse the more All for One drawled on. Slowly blinking at the TV, he carefully calculated his next choice in words. Dabi was defiant but not stupid. He knew which buttons to push and when.

“No offense but the boy is like a rabid dog, put him in a room with anyone of us and he won't hold back.”

“True…” All for One was silent for a beat. His thick fingers gingerly taped on top of the arm of his chair. “However, the boy holds higher self-esteem if he can best someone with similar qualities to his own. You both possess similar quirks. If he sees that your quirk can produce more power with minimal effort, he will immediately compete with you and attempt to reproduce the same effect.”

At this, All for One’s scarred lips stretched into a smile. “I want to see his power, his true capacity when he is pushed to the limit. There is a difference between fighting for fun and fighting for your life.” He knew all too well the competitiveness that silently stirred within Dabi. The boy was quiet but the small nuances he did reveal more than he thought they did. Dabi was indeed powerful, probably one of his strongest and he had no one to challenge him. All for One sought to liven Dabi's dwindling spirit. Bakugou would indeed test Dabi’s skills and become more of a challenge if he underestimated him.

The TV flickered off leaving Dabi, Shigaraki and Kuroguri shrouded in the mundane noises of the bar.

A twitch worked in the corner of Dabi’s eye. Another point he detested about All for One. The man paraded around speaking in this grand manner of riddles. Dabi warned the old man that it would not be his fault if he accidentally killed the kid. 

He shut his eyes and stood up from his bar stool trying to subdue his annoyance.

“Dabi, the boss wished for you to have this information.” Kurogiri extended a small card towards Dabi from behind the bar.

Dabi took it, quickly skimming over its contents. It detailed when he was to go to Bakugou’s room and where to lead him for their fight. It also mentioned a few key points he was to say to the boy. Dabi rolled his eyes, pocketing the informational card.

“Don't forget we are trying to recruit him. I know you are not big on speeches but show him what being on our side means.” Kurogiri was busy cleaning behind the bar as he spoke.

A sly smirk graced Dabi’s thin lips. “You hit the nail on the head there,” he said unable to contain his chuckle.

“This one? Speaking, being an inspiration? Ha! Now that’s something I'd pay money to see…” Shigaraki mocked Dabi from his barstool. He spun himself around to prop one elbow up on the counter behind him and leaned into it for support. His thin legs already crossed, but now that he was in a more relaxed pose Shigaraki’s jutted a leg out in front of Dabi’s path.

Dabi’s already bland facial expression turned to annoyance the instant he heard Shigaraki speak. His eyes traveled from the shiny pointed toe of the shoe in front of him, all the way up to the arrogantly cracked smile. This was not the first time Shigaraki attempted to challenge him. Dabi had no idea what All for One saw in this overgrown pampered child. Though his time with the League of Villains was short, and Dabi still had yet to see what potential, let alone worth, this freak held.

Kurogiri cleared his throat catching both of their attention simultaneously. “There was one last piece I was instructed to give you before you began your mission.” A billow of smoke extended once more towards Dabi.

“What's that,” Dabi said nudging his head.

“It's more of the anesthesia we administered to Bakugou yesterday.” Kurogiri placed the vile in Dabi’s palm without waiting for Dabi to grant permission. 

As Dabi retracted his hand, Kuroguri’s clouded hand stopped Dabi’s from pulling away. Dabi looked up into Kuriguri’s yellows eyes questioning the gesture. 

“A word of caution. Only use it when necessary, or if the boy is extremely out of sorts. Please do not over administer him. It only takes a little, maybe less since he is much smaller than those we have used this on in the past.”

Dabi’s eyes lingered on Kurogiri a little longer before he securely grasped the small vile in his hand. Satisfied that his message reached the man, Kurogiri removed his hand from over Dabi’s, and he quietly went back to his work behind the bar.

The vile rocked within Dabi’s palm as he briefly studied its contents. Without another word, he pocketed this item as well. Settling his hands back within his pants pockets, Dabi finally set out to exit the cramped bar.

“Make sure you don't fuck this up.” Echoed Shigaraki’s voice.

Dabi stopped and looked back over his shoulder. He straightened his posture, no longer appearing hunched over on himself, and angled his head to glared down upon to Shigaraki. “You mean like the way you have failed on every mission so far?” His eyes held steady, and his mouth was as thin as a line, but within his mind Dabi smirked, already knowing the reaction Shigaraki would have.

The sound of glass crashing to the floor rang out. Shigaraki rose from his seat in anger. “Watch your mouth you dog!”

A misty barrier stretched between the two men ensuring their separation from one another. Kurogiri’s eyes danced between the two, ready to teleport anyone of them at a moments notice.

Dabi didn't bother to reply; he merely looked at Shigaraki with a pitied expression and a smirk, exiting the bar.

 

---

 

The passage of time meant nothing to Katsuki. He could not see the light of day, nor the stars. There was no clock to be seen anywhere in the room. His phone had been taken from him and was probably long gone. He couldn't even hear any outside noises.

For several hours the anesthetic slowly and painfully worked its way through his body. The only thing Katsuki was sure of was that he had arrived in hell.

Lying on his back, he stared up wide-eyed at the tiled ceiling, counting every hole he could see. When he accomplished that task, he immediately moved on to the next tile.

Never in his life had he been so still, so focused. He knew something had to be wrong with him. He tried his best to recall his memories, but it was no use. The most vivid memories he had retained were from his arrival, a food tray near the end of his mattress and someone feeding him. Much else was lost to him.

Katsuki faded in and out of consciousness with the blink of an eye. When next he woke he was covered in a cold sweat, and his heart was beating wildly. Eyes wide, pupils constricting and contracting at their own will, Katsuki’s fists curled tightly around the thin blanket below him. If he looked in a spot for too long, the lights bloomed sharply around the edges of his vision. If he focused on a different darker area, his vision became blurred and dim.

Every inch of his skin prickled as though thousands of dull needles were below the surface meticulously easing their way out in the slowest way imaginable.

The urge to move, to scratch, stand up, anything other than lying on his back roared within him. His eyes danced around the walls of the room in hysteria as he forced his body to move. Katsuki tried everything, from standing up, to wiggling his toes and fingers. Nothing. The more he struggled, the more it felt as though he was just a stranger trapped within his own body, along for this hellish ride.

Heavy, tearstained, eyelids slid open. How many times had he closed his eyes without realizing it? With a few slow blinks, the room finally began to come into focus. His head was pounding. His body was slimy and cold. Skin pulled and cracked as he stretched his lips to open his parched mouth. There was only one light bulb poorly illuminating the space, but even that was too much for Katsuki. Lifting his arm up from his side was unnecessarily tricky, but he managed to place his hand over his eyes blocking out the light.

Katsuki laid on his flat mattress in silence trying to collect whatever remained of himself. During his self-reflection, a tremor tingled within his fingers. Attempting to stop it he flexed his fingers trying his hardest to ignore it. The tremor would not go away, it only worsened. No matter how he adjusted his hand the shaking would not stop. Panicked, he gripped his wrist in his other hand attempting to steady it.

Without warning the room began to spin and his head throbbed in pain. His mouth salivated, and Katsuki knew precisely what was about to happen. He shot up to a sitting position and quickly looked around the room. He saw a small bucket next to the entrance and scrambled to it. Half tripping, half stumbling with legs that had not moved for hours he was thankful he didn't have to go far. No sooner had he neared the bucket he immediately dry heaved bile into it. His stomach wretched tightly trying to empty contents that were non-existent.

Katsuki’s body heaved until he ached and was panting, out of breath and sweaty from such a simple movement. When he was sure it had finished, he collapsed back on his butt and wiped his mouth with the bottom of his shirt.

He couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was, but he knew he had been drugged with something. Katsuki hated people taking advantage of him and leaving him to feel so helpless. The spinning had now stopped and was replaced by a dull ache. Taking advantage of his rediscovered freedom he gently kneading his legs, encouraging blood to circulate through them once more. The more he relaxed, the better he began to feel. Only a few hours ago he could barely pick himself up off of the bed. That was a huge first step. Albeit he was extraordinarily wobbly, but it was a hell of a lot better than earlier.

Once he regained the feeling back in his legs, Katsuki stood slowly stretching out his stiff back. His entire body felt sluggish, but he hoped it would wear off the more he moved. Arms high above his head, Katsuki arched his back until he felt the welcoming, and long-awaited, pops along his spine. 

Feeling like himself for the first time in a long while, Katsuki finally looked around his prison. The room was longer than it was wide. He could walk roughly ten steps and could be from one side of the room to the other, longways. It was about three steps shorter the opposite way. There were indeed multiple boxes, and bookcases like Katsuki had dreamed. His makeshift bed was tucked into the corner of the room. It was evident boxes had been moved and restacked to make room for his sleeping area.

Across from his bed was a blank wall that contained the only door in or out of the room. The only items in the vicinity were a couple of towels neatly folded on the floor, the bucket, and a few smaller bags.

Like the flip of a switch, the urge to pee hit Katsuki so suddenly. His bladder twisted as he hurriedly looked around the room for a toilet. There was none. A string of curses repeatedly sounded while the need to pee intensified. Eyeing the room one last time Katsuki’s eyes rested back on the bucket. It was the only option. With a heavy sigh and two quick steps, he relieved himself into the bucket.

When finished, he flopped down onto the mattress and wondered what was happening outside of these walls. Katsuki stared at the wooden door planning his next step, a way out. There were no restraints on, or near him, and it was clear they didn't intend to keep him on whatever drug they forced into this system. His eyes darted back to the door. Should he even bother to hope? To try? It could be a trap. Someone could have rigged it with their quirk; there could also be cameras watching him now. During his previous survey of the room, he didn't notice any, but he would be an idiot to think a place like this wouldn't have its secrets.

The sound of the doorknob jingling jarred Katsuki to attention, his instincts kicking in, ready to fight. He sat up prepared to intercept whoever was coming. He couldn't let them catch him at his weakest no matter what happened.

Dabi stepped into the room as though he owned the place. He didn't bother to knock or check before entering. He merely opened the door and walked right in. Leaning to rest his shoulder against the door frame Dabi looked over the rooms condition, his nose wrinkling up in annoyance once he saw the used bucket. He made a mental note to inform Kurogiri of cleaning that needed to be done. His eyes finally came to rest on their guest and that made him smile. The boy looked like shit and Dabi could tell Bakugou was trying to act brave. His face was paler, but his eyes were alive when Dabi saw him last.

“The fuck you want.” Katsuki barked in the tall man’s direction. He eyed the hallway between the taller man and the door. He could try to make a run for it but how far could he get before he was caught. He didn't have time to test and make sure his quirk worked. Katsuki was pretty sure he overheard someone talking about the side effects of the drug and it being quirk related. Even if he couldn't get his quirk off a problem that remained were his legs. They still felt heavy, and the dizziness had not entirely faded. If Katsuki were in peak condition, he would have escaped no questions asked. Now he doubted even if he could stand without falling over.

Dabi rolled his eyes and eased his breath through his nose. He hated teenagers, especially ones raging with hormones as wild as this one. Boys like this runt were too eager to show off what limited skills that had. Nine times out of ten they only worked on perfecting one thing and stuck with it. The more Dabi thought about how overconfident Bakugou was in his “natural” abilities, the more he began to look forward to their skirmish and putting him in his place.

Pushing himself off of the door frame, Dabi took two steps into the room. He crossed his arms looking down at Katsuki. “Boss wants you to fight me.” He said very matter of factly.

Katsuki stared blankly at the man then smiled wildly. “Hah, is he fucking stupid?”

“No,” Dabi said curtly. There was more he could add, but he decided to leave it at that. Half of the place was already microphoned and wired to All for One’s base. It was hard to tell if this room was also wired.

“So that's it...You waltz your burnt ass in here and demand that we are going to fight.” Katsuki continued to stare. Some fight this was going to be. He was probably the weakest he had been in a long time, and they wanted him to fight for his life.

Dabi rolled his eyes at the new nickname Bakugou gave him. He couldn't tell if the brat was hard of hearing of bullheaded, “Dabi.”

“The fuck does that mean…”

“My name. I thought it would be better for you to know the name of the man who will put you in your place.” Dabi’s grin was so broad and full of confidence. 

Katsuki’s scowl deepened as he glared up towards Dabi. He could feel his adrenaline kicking in. The need to pummel the motherfuckers face over and over into the ground intensified.

Flashes of his memory of this guy were coming back to him. Katsuki remembered that he did not like Dabi the moment he met him. If only he could summon up enough energy to get off one good blast. One blast was all he needed.

“You know, during the sports festival, you were really something… I don't know if it was stupidity, or naivety, to so pridefully gloat about your abilities and fuck up your chance to gain any sponsors. You made some enemies…”

“Ha? You seriously think I give a fuck about that at a time like this? What the fuck is your guy’s problem?”

Dabi smirked, “It's because of that whit of yours that Boss is even interested in you. He saw how calculating you were during your matches. You looked like a brash little snot out there on the field. Wasting a great deal of time to study your opponents to come up with countermeasures for given situations tactfully.”

Dabbi walked the rest of the way into the room until he was a few inches away from Bakugou. He crouched down, so he was resting on the balls of his feet, and studied Bakugou. “Boss wants to see if a runt like you still has that God-given natural ability, or if it was just dumb luck because you were able to study your opponents beforehand.”

Katsuki sneered holding his own even though his body felt as though it was about to collapse. “You can tell your “Boss” to fucking shove that doubt back up his ass. I don't fuck around, and I don't get fucking lucky.”

“Good!” Dabi popped up in a very Toga-like fashion, grinning down at Bakugou. “Then you will have no problem fighting me in, let's say, thirty minutes.”

Stepping to the side, Dabi allowed a lizard man to set a tray of food down near the end of the bed. He also carried with him a bag that he let slip from his wrists, resting it on the ground next to the food. Before he left, he glanced up towards Dabi. Dabi nodded, and the man left without a word.

Katsuki stared at the entire interaction like it was something from out of this world. These people were fucking crazy.

“Eat up and be ready for when I get back. It won't be that long.”

Before Katsuki could bark a response back, Dabi had already strolled out of the room shutting the door.

“What the fuck is happening…” Katsuki's stomach growled very loudly as the smell of the food wafted towards his nose.

He eyed the silver lid that covered his food and found and couldn't stop his mouth from salivating. He felt like a fucking dog. His stomach flopped once more, this time painfully. It was as though his body didn't know if it was hungry or he was going to throw up because he was so hungry.

“Goddamnit.” Katsuki angrily snatched the tray of food to his lap. Removing the lid, and tossing it to the side, the contents were revealed to be a bowl of soup. Not pre-packaged soup. It had plenty of vegetables and meat strips on top, similar to ramen dishes he had in the past but not the same.

Grasping the spoon, he scooped a large spoonful into his mouth and chewed. It was delicious. He wasn't just saying that because he was hungry. Katsuki could tell that the broth was homemade and the veggies were fresh. It was almost like his mom made it. His stomach gurgled once more as it slowly filled with nourishment.

Katsuki wanted to plow through his food, but if he had to fight later, that would be a bad idea. He needed as much strength as he could get and throwing up during the match wasn't going to help. As he ate, Katsuki poked through the bag that was left for him. New clothes. They were not his clothes though. They were very generic. A plain black t-shirt and a pair of black pants. Katsuki looked at the sizes, exactly what he wore. Feeling unnerved that people had poked around at him while he was unconscious, he continued to rummage around the bag seeing what else was left for him. A fresh pair of underwear, socks and basic high top shoes, all in his size.

Halfway done with his food, he set it down deciding to swap out his old clothes for his new ones. He wished he could take a shower but if he was about to get dirty again, what was the point. He changed quickly, discarding his dirty clothes into the bag his clean ones came from, sat back on the bed, and continued eating.

Finished eating, Katsuki piled everything back onto the tray. He felt immensely better and more confident now for his upcoming fight. That Dabi freak only gave him half an hour, and with no way to tell time, Katsuki had no way to tell how much time was left.

---

 

Dabi walked down the hallway humming a soft tune to himself. Despite his seemly friendly nature, he was annoyed. He didn't plan on babysitting when he joined this joke of an organization.

Stopping at the brat’s door his hand hovered over the handle. Should he knock? Dabi smirked at his question. He gave that brat plenty of time to get ready. If he wasn't prepared now, it wasn't his fault.

He opened the door without announcing his presence. The brat looked like he owned the place, relaxed, resting against the wall with his feet crossed.

“You got something you wanna fucking say you charred fuck…”

The way Bakugou responded Dabi thought he looked like a cornered dog trying to protect what he thought was rightfully his. Dabi's lips tugged into a smile. “ I am so ready to beat your ass and get you to shut up.”

Katsuki stood up, straightening his posture and looked up at Dabi. “We’ll see when you are looking up at me from the flat of your back.”

“Ha, we’ll see indeed, pipsqueak. Maybe I'll hold back to give you a chance.” Dabi grinned, flashing the white of his teeth.

Katsuki smirked advancing towards Dabi until he is directly in front of him. “What a good little bitch you are to obey your master,” Katsuki said staring up into Dabi’s eyes directly challenging him. He was definitely starting to feel like his old self.

Dabi’s smile faltered. He returned the challenging stare into Bakugou's eyes. He was so full of himself; it was suffocating. Smoke billowed from the palm of Dabi’s hand, and he closed the remaining distance between them.

It happened so quickly that Katsuki couldn't counter in time to stop Dabi from grabbing a fist full of his shirt, hoisting him up and slamming him against the wall. Katsuki grunted as the air was knocked from his lungs. He coughed trying to catch his breath but found it difficult. His shirt was pulled tightly around his neck cutting off his oxygen. He knew Dabi was tall, but he didn't think he was so tall that his feet would dangle so far off of the ground.

Dabi leaned in studying Bakugou. The more he saw the boy struggle, the more satisfaction he got from it. He smirked deciding to hold onto Bakugou for a little while longer to drive home the fact that his life is in his hands. “Follow me, and don't try anything stupid.” Dabi opened his hand, releasing Bakugou's shirt from his grip. A brief glimpse a fear flashed in Bakugou's eyes when he slid down the wall, stumbling to catch himself poorly.

Another wave of satisfaction rushed through Dabi. “I'll take you to the area we are going to fight. If you try and run, you will regret it.” Settling his hands within his pockets, Dabi turned, walking out of the room. He didn't bother to check whether or not the brat was behind him.

Katsuki knelt on the ground attempting to catch his breath. “Are you fucking stupid? Do you seriously trust me to follow you and not try to run away?” He coughed a few more times before he stood, wincing in pain.

Looking over his shoulder, Dabi stared down at Bakugou and smiled. “No, but you would be the stupid one to pass up an opportunity to fight me.”

The fire quickly roared to life in Katsuki’s eyes. Dabi recognized the look from when they first met in that cramped hallway. Dabi hated to admit when Boss was right, but he did feel that pull Boss mentioned. Ever since that day, Dabi had been itching to go against Bakugou. Now was a perfect time. Bakugou would be desperate. For all he knew, Bakugou might be thinking if he beat Dabi he would be set free. There was never such promise, but Dabi loved watching the way his opponents fought when there was hope. The desperation that oozed from them was intoxicating. He learned people fought the best when they were backed into corner and hope was dangling just out of their reach.

Dabi stopped just outside of the door when he did not hear the sound of the boy trailing behind him. He looked behind him to find Bakugou still standing inside the room like a dog that was afraid to step outside its territory. “You comin’, or do I need to get your collar so you can trail behind me like the bitch you are.”

Katsuki’s eye twitched at the threat. A response was already at the tip of his, but he opted to say silent. He pushed off the wall and fell in step behind Dabi.

Dabi lead them down dark tunnels and without saying much else.

During the entire journey, Katsuki tired his best to memorize the route they took. The way Dabi zigzagged and navigated the maze of corridors seemed redundant. How far down were they? Katsuki could have sworn that the small bar he was in was above ground. But now, it felt as though they were traveling farther and farther below ground. What kind of weird hideout was this?

Finally, they emerge inside a domed industrial-like concrete room. The place mostly dark except for the light that shown through small skylights scattered across the ceiling. From what Katsuki observed, it was very high and poorly maintained. Some panes of glass were broken, others carelessly boarded up. For the first time during his capture, Katsuki could tell it was night time. What he couldn't make out was whether or not the light came from stars or streetlights.

The room was empty. Chains hung from the ceiling and the walls. Broken pieces of unidentifiable equipment and chairs were scattered here and there. The place had been abandoned for a long time. So long that everything was covered in a thick layer of dust. The more Katsuki disturbed the dust at his feet, the more he began to wonder if it was dust at all. It contained no smell, yet at the same time, it was too thick to be ordinary dust.

Dabi stopped, and Katsuki automatically paused a few paces behind him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood to attention.

Dabi chuckled. “What's the matter? Nervous? Lost your bite?” he overly emphasized each word driving home the fact that he was still in control. His grin spread from ear to ear. Dabi could finally stop with this bullshit act and get down to business.

He withdrew his hands from his pockets he let them dangle down at his sides in elation. The familiar tingling sensation of his quirk coursed through his body sending welcomed shivers down his spine. Dabi closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath as though he had woken up from a long, restful, nap.

When Dabi opened his eyes, the lack of life they held only moments before was gone. Something was different about him. He felt even more dangerous. Katsuki wanted to take a step back out of intimidation, but that would show weakness and give Dabi another edge up. He couldn't afford that right now.

Katsuki flexed his fingers in an attempt to still his nerves and readied himself for the fight.

“Tell me Bakugou,” Dabi locked his gaze onto Katsuki while he nonchalantly walked circles around him. “What's your preferred method when it comes to fighting? Do you just, charge right in, or do you like to toy with your opponent as you flaunt that “natural gift” at them?”

A snarl rolled off Katsuki's lips as he traced Dabi's every step.

The sharp laughter from Dabi cut through the stale air. He was thrilled at the boy for taking his bate. Still circling his prey, Dabi eased his quirk to the tips of his fingers, small wisps of crackling smoke trailed behind him. His fingers teased at the smoke, methodically intertwining it how he saw fit. Specks of glowing embers began to fall from the smoke landing in the substance on the floor. Smaller embers burned out; however, the larger pieces continued to burn on, igniting Dabi's footsteps.

The trail Dabi cast around Katsuki was now a ring of smoke and fire. Something in the air caused Katsuki's eyes to water and made it difficult to breathe. Katsuki rapidly blinked trying to clear the tears from his eyes only to find Dabi had vanished. He twirled looking around attempting to locate Dabi but he was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, the hairs on the of Katsuki’s neck stood to attention; he felt the body heat of another person very close to his back. The smell of burning floods his nostrils as he felt hot breath against his ear.

Dabi grinned, whispering into Katsuki's ear, “ Are you ready to prove to me that you are more than just, some bitch?”

Katsuki let his rage boil down into his quirk. He swung his hand up, igniting it at the same time, hoping he was in time to catch the fucker and burn him. He wasn't quick enough. Dabi had retreated once more into the thick smoke and flames.

‘Fuck…’ Katsuki had become too distracted and let Dabi terraform the field to his advantage. With so much dust and smoke in the air, his depth of field had narrowed significantly. The only sense that wasn't wholly inhibited was his hearing. A chain rattled to his right, Katsuki sent a fiery explosion in that direction. A giggle immediately sounded from behind him. Katsuki spun around sending another blast there.

Sweat trailed down his nose, blonde bangs sticking to his forehead. He wiped his brow with the back of his hand and winced. Katsuki looked at his hand puzzled. Whatever was floating in the air was abrasive. He studied the substance, and suddenly everything clicked. It wasn't dust; it was sand. With this new wealth of information, Katsuki got an idea. Hunching his body low to the ground, he swiped his foot across the floor causing the sand to billow up and create a shrouded curtain. The sand blended with the smoke temporarily blocking Katsuki.

Focusing all of his concentration towards his hands, Katsuki used the sweat built up in the palm of his hands and made two small balls of fire. He closed his eyes and shut out all outside distractions listening for Dabi. Katsuki didn't need to see to use his quirk; he had practiced this move numerous times. When it was ready, Katsuki snapped his eyes open and used his quirk to launch himself high into the air. Once he was high enough, he deactivated his quirk. During that brief moment of weightlessness, transitioning into his decent, Katsuki flipped upside down, so his head was now angled towards the ground. Aiming his hands towards the field, he unleashed several various sized fireballs at the ground to different points in the room. Katsuki tried his best to control the intensity of his blasts. He did not want to risk overheating the sand and turn it to glass.

Now that the balls of fire were successfully placed, Katsuki could better gauge the area. He wished he could be rid of the sand altogether, but he had to deal with one problem at a time. Free falling, Katsuki adjusted the angle of his arms ready to aim two quick blasts towards the ground to control his descent. Almost immediately after he fired the first blast, Dabi collided into his back from above and slammed Katsuki's face first into the ground.

Katsuki heard an audible clack when his chest made contact with the ground. He cried out desperately gasping for air but could not draw enough into his lungs.

“Hmp, that was smart, learning where we were and used it to your advantage.” Dabi’s figure emerged through the smoke-filled fallout. That overly confident smirk still radiating across his face. “But you’re too slow. I could have fallen asleep watching you calculate that move. It was so, painful.” 

Still unable to breathe, Katsuki had no choice but to breathe through his mouth, inhaling sand and all. His mouth dried out and his airways constricted, even more, making breathing that much more difficult.

'Get up!! Come on!' Katsuki yelled to himself.

His airways rattled with a sickly wheeze when he took another deep breath through his mouth. Just one blow had been enough to destroy him. It couldn't end like this. He had to get up, no matter what the cost. He had to survive.

Katsuki struggled to rest on his hands and knees. Every inch of his body throbbed in pain. A rib, if not several, were broken. He hoped one had not punctured his lung. 'I have to get up... I can't die here...' Vision blurred momentarily before correcting itself.

On pure will and determination alone, Katsuki agonizingly stood up and prayed that his legs could support him for just a moment longer. From their brief encounters with one another, Katsuki determined Dabi looked stronger than he let on. Even in his weakened state, Katsuki’s couldn't compete. Dabi was a thin fucker, but Katsuki was guessing his stretch had to be close to that of Aizawa’s or stronger. He needed to restain Dabi, and quickly.

Dabi studied Katsuki, his stance indicating that he didn't think of Bakugou as much of a threat.

The flames that were scattered about the room were beginning to diminish. That was more than enough time for Katsuki to commit the layout to memory. There was a broken piece of chain, half submerged, not and too far from where he was. ‘Good. This will at least get my plan started.’ Katsuki's lungs still rattled with every constricted breath he took. There was no time to feel pain or to be weak.

Adrenaline rushed through Katsuki's lacerated body as he gathered the last of his energy to try and finish the fight. He ran towards Dabi; arms spread open. Soon as he was close enough, he ignited smaller explosions in his palm and scooped a wave of sand toward Dabi. Katsuki intended to make a beeline for the chain, but something else caught his attention mid-sprint.

During Bakugou’s attack, Dabi remained unmoved, his eyes fixated on the opponent at hand. The moment he saw Bakugou’s arms angle downward, Dabi smirked and released his quirk at full power. The intensity from the flames immediately melted the sand thrown his way, crystallizing it into a sheet of glass; mimicking that of an ocean wave frozen in a photograph.

Katsuki rapidly adjusted himself and fired his quirk towards the blast, hoping he was fast enough to escape the direct path of the flames. The momentum was enough to force Katsuki out of immediate danger, but he wasn't quick enough. His controlled blast did stop his forward progress. However, Dabi managed to burn the tips of Katsuki's fingers while the force of the explosion sent him tumbling across the sand onto his stomach.

Through bleary, bloodstained eyes, Katsuki glared at the glass. He only had a moment to marvel how quickly Dabi could manipulate his quirk all while controlling high-intensity flames like it was nothing. Katsuki stopped analyzing the quirk when he saw Dabi's shadow move from behind the glass. His senses sprung to life, once again pleading for him to get up and run. His whole body felt numb, head pounding and ears ringing. The wheezing he had prior now sounded wet, and he felt as though his chest was bound too tightly by a rope. For the first time in a long time, Katsuki was genuinely afraid. There was nothing left within him. Nowhere to run, hell, there was no way he could run anyway in his condition.

Dabi approached the glass and studied Bakugou’s crumpled form from the other side. Raising his hand to the glass, he positioned his middle finger behind his thumb. With a single flick, Dabi shattered the glass, scattering streams of hot melted glass around Bakugou's body.

There was no way Katsuki could try to dodge the attack. He thumped his face into the ground, trying his best to shield some portion of his body. The hot pieces of glass sliced through his clothes and exposed skin. He writhed in agony on the ground. Sand sticking to his skin as tears and blood rippled down his face.

Dabi walked over and knelt down beside Bakugou. As he inspected the boy's body, Dabi noticed him begin to shake from overexertion. ‘Ha, already? It hasn't even been 30 minutes yet...’

“I know you're a bitch and all, but you might wanna pick up some new tricks,” Katsuki said smirking despite his current position.

Dabi stood up and in one swift motion forcefull stomped on Bakugou’s shoulder. He kicked him until he had rolled Katsuki over onto his back. “You know that little hand move into the ground was cute.” Dabi chuckled. “ I mean it, really. You picked that up when you fought that chick who can float whatever she touches, didn't you? Did you forget that the sports festival was broadcasted thought most of Japan? Hmmm, or, maybe you thought I was stupid enough not to follow up and study the attacks you used?” Dabi pressed his foot down harder into Bakugou’s shoulder.

Squinting through the pain, Katsuki looked up towards Dabi and smirked, “Comes from the guy who clearly burnt himself because he couldn't handle his quirk.”

A tick worked its way to Dabi’s jaw. He ignited his hand punching Bakugou square in his chest.

Katsuki cried out in anguish as blood sprayed from his mouth. Flashes of white dotted his vision. Despite his injuries, he took that moment to grabbed a handful of sand, ignite an explosion in his hand and threw it in Dabi’s face.

Dabi yelled, flailing and swiping his hand blinding out in front of him. He felt welt marks swell across his face, some on his nose and cheek. The playfulness that danced in his eyes was long gone. Now he fought for blood.

'I can't...Not, here....' Drawing in as deep a breath as he could manage, Katsuki scrambled to his feet in a wobbly defensive stance. He studied Dabi but found it difficult to read his body language. Dabi wasn't trying to hide or mess with him anymore. He merely stood a few feet away staring back.

“Your playtime is over. If you were worth anything you would have shown that by now.” Dabi’s voice sounded cold and disgusted.

Barely a beat after he finished speaking, Dabi raised his hand and unleashed his quirk at Bakugou.

Katsuki cursed, unable to muster energy quickly enough to dodge. He smelt singed hair and could feel the flames effortlessly eating away at a pants leg. There was little time to waste thinking about that now. He had to try and close the distance between them making this a close quarters fight. Dabi couldn't release a fire that intense if Katsuki was in his face.

Without delay, Dabi reappeared at the tail end of the still burning fire. Katsuki panicked, eyes large, wholly caught off guard. Dabi was too quick, even faster than before. Palming the back of Bakugou's neck, Dabi blasted the boy's exposed skin.

Katsuki howled but only for a moment. He wouldn't get another moment like this, he had to make this time count. Reaching behind him, Katsuki grabbed Dabi’s arm tightly and contorted their bodies, ensuring Dabi would be in direct contact with his blast.

Dabi only winced when his rough skin was pummeled with the quirk. Bakugou's power was strong, but it wasn't enough to break him. Tightening his grip around Bakugou's neck, Dabi forced him down to the ground, onto his back. His hand slid from the back of Bakugou's neck around to his throat as Dabi lowered himself alongside the boy. Now in full control of the situation, Dabi knelt above Bakugou, never breaking eye contact. He fanned his fingers out in the sand next to Bakugou's hair and pushed the remainder of his weight down into the hand around Bakugou's neck.

Dabi lifted Bakugou up off of the ground only to slam him down with excessive force.

When Katsuki’s head collided with the ground, all he could do was hold on for the ride and hope it was over soon. Katsuki’s ears range from the blunt trauma to his head. His eyes snapped open but closed just as quickly. He felt the pressure of a hand around his neck blocking his airway. His skin stung from the blisters beginning to form along with the sand particles coarsely rubbing into the wounded areas.

He blacked out only for a second but that second felt like hours. When he opened his eyes the ringing in his head was starting to subside. The back of his head felt warm. He rationalized he was probably bleeding. Katsuki's vision evened out enough to focus on Dabi’s ever awaiting face just above his, smirking like usually. God, how he hated this prick. Katsuki opened his mouth; his lungs rattled in protest as he gasped to take in as much oxygen as possible. It hurt to breathe, it to burned to swallow. All he could taste was gritty blood and thick saliva running down his throat into his stomach.

Dabi proudly looked down at the disheveled Bakugou still under his grasp. “Now who is looking up at me from the flat of their back.” He said leaning in closer with each word.

A mix of emotions twisted within Katsuki. He wanted to cry from frustration and humiliation. Why did it have to be him? Why was he the only one invariably in these situations? Lying helplessly on his back, Katsuki glared up at Dabi with ragged breath.

It was clear Bakugou was nowhere near the fighting capabilities that he had seen on TV, yet the way Bakugou analyzed the battle was still somewhat impressive. Dabi was certain Bakugou would have rushed headlong into the smoke towards him, but he did not. He kept his cool under pressure and thought about his surroundings. Lighting up the room was cute, but smart. The wave of sand might have worked if he didn't use it before. There was potential in this brat, but it was still too early to tell if he would bat for their team.

“This isn't some school training exercise. In the real world, you would be dead. If the Boss didn't need you for whatever, I would have killed you. Next time, fight like your life depends on it.” Dabi released Bakugou’s throat and leaned back to rest on his heels.

Katsuki rolled his eyes and painfully squeezed out another wheezing gust of air. “I don't need another sorry excuse for a teacher trying to give me a lesson.”

“Hmph, suit yourself then. Just remember that there is no better lesson than the one you will learn from life” Dabi smugly smiled down at Bakugou before he stood and dusted himself off in a nonchalant manner.

Bakugou struggled to gasp for air as he coughed, blood spurting from his mouth.

“God, don't be a pain and make me drag your pathetic ass all the way back.” Dabi pulled out a cell phone, already dialing a phone number into it. “Maybe next time you will take this more seriously and fight like you mean it.”

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Seven Days
• Part 2 of Love is Hard