Eria

Todoroki released a stream of raging fire at the villain that was about to end Iida's life.

"Todoroki!" Midoriya, lying still on the ground, gasped. "You're... using your left side!"

"What are you doing here? Get out of here!" Paralysed, Iida screamed till the top of his lungs.

Todoroki's eyes fixated on the villain. The villain had a cloth covering his eyes and had multiple daggers in his arsenal. Just by looking at him, one could tell he was dangerous.

Immediately, the floor was covered in a sheath of ice. Todoroki raised ice beneath the paralysed Midoriya and the pro hero, which caused them rolling to his feet, away from the villain's clutches.

Todoroki stood proudly before the paralysed trio; his left arm covered in flames. "I won't let you kill them," he said, unfaltered.

"Todoroki! Don't let him consume your blood!" Midoriya shouted. "He probably constrains people's movement by consuming their blood!"

So that explains the daggers he held.

Todoroki prepared his battle stance, only to be met by a dagger that grazed his left cheek. It managed to distract him, to which the villain charged forward with a dagger. Ice blocked the villain's path, but he was not an easy foe to be hindered by mere ice.

When Stain threw that dagger at Todoroki, he also threw a katana in the air as a backup plan. It spun in the air, moments before it fell with its sharp tip aimed at Todoroki. Todoroki's attention was drawn away for a split second and Stain pulled the boy closer, his tongue going to lick the tiny drop of blood on the boy's cheek.

That moment, I launched myself from the top of the building, aiming at Stain with my sharp talons. As if he had sharp senses, Stain quickly withdrew himself, moments before I created a dent on his previous spot.

"I told you to wait for my signal," Todoroki hissed.

I ignored him. I could not afford to get distracted now.

"Another one," Stain clicked his tongue, annoyed.

"Takasaki... not you too..." Iida cried. "What are you doing here?"

"I will deal with you later, Iida," I said. "Plans?"

Todoroki shook his head. "Not really. Your white hair coming out?"

"Hope not."

Stain remained on the defensive, wary of my presence. He was not budging as he examined me closely.

Should I go? Should I not?

I glanced at Todoroki. "I'll cover you," he said. Immediately, ice lurched at Stain, who easily cut them into cubes with his katana. Stain agilely dodged every attack, jumping around like a pest. I read his movements and finally charged at him, knowing full well that I might miss.

And as predicted, Stain dodged my attack and swung his katana at me. I managed to parry it with my bare hands, the sharp sword barely grazing my scaly forearms. I crushed his sword into pieces while Todoroki launched a full brunt fire attack at us. The fire engulfed me and I was unharmed by the heat. However, Stain had dodged agilely, a part of his clothing left singed.

Within the flames, I located Stain with my Sixth Sense, and charged myself at him again. To my surprise, a surge pain rose from my left arm. Warm blood trickled down my arm as I realised a dagger was deeply lodged into my flesh.

Fuck! How did he—he aimed at my arm that was not covered with scales?

Holding back the pain, I withdrew from the battle, only to stop mid-air and falling to the ground face down. I couldn't move any parts of my body.

Stain had licked that one drop of blood that fell to the ground. His face was twisted into a wicked grin.

"Takasaki!" Todoroki shouted as he poured flames upon me to hinder the villain from getting close.

It was a horrifying feeling to be paralysed. None of my body parts could move upon my command. I could only watch as Stain gave up on me and focused on Todoroki. The ice attacks were relentlessly launched at Stain yet it barely grazed the agile man.

I told Todoroki that I would be his tank, protecting him from harm yet I was hopelessly paralysed.

Move! Move you dumb piece of quirk!

While fixated on Stain, Todoroki still tried to keep tabs on me. His eyes glanced at me once a while, making sure that I was out of harm's way. But that split second of distraction proved lethal. Out of nowhere, two daggers were stabbed into his left forearm. Blood spilled like a river. My heart ached watching him getting hurt.

I felt weak and useless. The only thing I could do was to conjure that damn white-haired demon from within me. Yet at crucial times like this, it decided to take a deep slumber instead.

"You're... good too," said Stain as he fell from the air, his sword aiming at the fallen pro hero beside Iida.

Shit!

Green lightning flashed before my eyes, hurling Stain away from Todoroki and the rest. Midoriya somehow regained his movement and crashed Stain into the nearby wall. But Stain easily outwitted Midoriya and batted him away like a fly.

So the villain's quirk has a time limit?

"He was the last to get hit by the quirk," said the fallen pro hero, answering my question.

Then what was it?

Blood...

"I could think of three possibilities. One, the quirk weakens with the number of people. Two, the amount of blood consumed affects the time limit. Three..." explained Midoriya.

"Blood type..." I murmured.

The wicked sneer on Stain's face didn't fade. "Correct. It's blood type."

Even knowing the truth behind Stain's blood type barely changes the tide of the situation. Even though outnumbered, Stain was still powerful.

If he decides to turn around, I'll be dead.

Todoroki keep glancing at me. His eyebrows creased as he was thinking of ways to get to me.

"Ah. I forgot about you."

That voice sent chills down my spine. It sounded like the Grim Reaper telling me my time was up. I could feel Stain's bloodthirsty eyes staring at me. I could sense his sword barely inches from my neck, lusting from blood.

"You seem like a good hero. It'd be a pity to kill you."

"Stay away from her!" Todoroki shouted, yet hesitant to attack. He was afraid it would prompt Stain to kill me.

Midoriya's fists clenched together. He could activate his quirk and nab me with his fastest speed. But the sword above the skin of my neck would be faster.

The only person who could save me was myself. If I could go on a rampage with my white-haired demon, I might be saved. Everyone might be saved.

If.

Everything depended on this 'if'.

"Damn it!" I shouted angrily. I hated the fact that my life and my friends' lives hung on a mere probability of conjuring my hidden demon. "You son of a bitch!" I referred to my quirk. "I'm the one controlling you! I'm your host!"

Apparently, Stain was slightly dazed as his sword wavered a little. "What are you talking about? Your last words?"

Wake up!

Wake up!

WAKE UP!

It was moments before my impending death, yet the dormant demon within me refused to be awake.

I don't want to die.

I want to live.

Wake up, demon. Wake up!

As if my pleas were answered, that familiar surge of power grew in my paralysed torso. I would gladly welcome it with my arms widespread if I was not paralysed right now.

My large wings expanded and broke through the fabric of my hero costume. Its grand appearance took Stain by surprise and he immediately jumped away.

"What the--" muttered an unpleasant Stain.

Abruptly, I felt my body being carried by someone and we dashed across the alley, to where Todoroki and the rest were. Midoriya gently placed me on the ground, right next to Iida. Green lightning snaked all over his worn-out torso.

"Takasaki," Todoroki's gentle voice called. "You......"

"Todoroki! Here he comes!" shouted Midoriya.

Todoroki reluctantly pried his eyes from me and focused the battle at hand.

I felt weak and useless. Even with my hidden demon awakened, I still could do nothing against the paralysis that numbed my body.

Midoriya fought valiantly, jumping around with such profound agility. Todoroki acted as his backup, releasing fire or ice as he pleased. Yet Stain remained undefeated with his lethal arsenal and experience at hand.

One quick slice on Midoriya was all it take for the boy to fall into paralysis once more. The dark red blood dripped from Stain's sharp blade and the edge of his lips. Stain's target was now Todoroki.

I glanced at Iida, who was having an internal struggle. His anxiety was exposed raw on his face. I didn't know about the hardships he was enduring all this long. Was it because of his brother? He never told me or anyone about it.

"Look closely at what you're going to become!" Todoroki shouted abruptly as flames exploded on his left arm.

I was puzzled at first, but upon looking at Iida, I realised Todoroki was talking to Iida. The latter gritted his teeth. Tears were brimming in his eyes.

Somehow, it felt like Todoroki was talking to me too. What I want to become... I told Todoroki I'd be his tank and yet......

Some fucking paralysis won't stop me.

My wings were already flapping in the air, as if they were telling me I was ready to battle. I struggled hard against the paralysis, trying to move even a finger.

Just one. Just one.

And then, miraculously, one finger moved.

"Todoroki!" Midoriya shouted in desperation. It was the harbinger of doom. Stain's sword was now inches away from Todoroki's torso. Neither flames nor ice could protect him. The all powerful 'mage' was no match against a highly experienced close-combater.

Todoroki needed his tank. Me.

Before me, Iida was slowly standing up despite the pain that coursed in his veins. The engines in his legs burned in a brilliant blue as he charged towards Stain, breaking the villain's sword and sending him hurling away.

But that was not the end of the rookies' comeback.

I appeared before Stain and hurled a punch in his wicked face. Stain coughed blood, along with his tooth. Then, as fast as I appeared, I returned to my friends, right before my quirk's time limit and my white hair returned to its original colour. My legs threatened to buckle but I resisted.

"Stay back," Todoroki ordered, knowing my predicament.

"No," I rejected.

Iida was still gasping for air as he became strained from the wounds he bore. Yet his voice sounded determined and strong. "I'm sorry that I said this is none of your business. From now on, I won't let another of drop of blood shed."

"Humans... don't change so easily. You're still selfish fake," Stain huffed. His hand bled like it was nothing. "You're the cancer of this society that twisted the real meaning of 'heroes'. You need to be corrected."

"Iida, you don't have to listen to him," said Todoroki.

"No," said Iida. His face darkened. "He's right. I'm not qualified to be a hero." The blood from the wound on his arm flowed and stained his clean costume. "But... I'm not going down right now. Or I'll sully Ingenium's name."

Stain scoffed. "Worthless."

Todoroki quickly stepped forward and released a volley of fire at Stain. The flames had obscured our vision. My Sixth Sense told me he was not within the flames. I forcibly activated my quirk and grabbed the two of them behind me. Even activating my normal demon quirk was exhausting. But I couldn't show any weakness here.

Stain avoided Todoroki's ice easily and closed in on us. His eyes burned with a crazy level of fervent determination. Even while facing multiple enemies, his stubbornness reared its ugly head as it drove him into a bloodthirsty maniac that could only be stopped after he had killed his targets.

I flexed my talons, looking for an opportunity to strike. While Todoroki released his flames, his right hand gripped my arm tight, as a sign warning me not to go. I resisted flinging his hand away; my eyes glued to Stain jumping around like kangaroo.

When Stain got too close, I stepped in front of Todoroki and brandished my talons. I could sense knives thrown at me and I flicked them away. I blinked and Stain appeared in front of me, his dagger swinging near my neck. Todoroki's warm flames covered me yet again, soothing me and telling me he has my back. I backed away to a safer distance.

"Todoroki, could you adjust temperatures?" Iida asked, drawing Todoroki's attention.

That instant, Stain threw daggers at Todoroki. I parried them but missed one as it grazed past my cheek.

Shit!

However, Iida's outstretched arm blocked the dagger. It stabbed into his flesh and he groaned in pain.

Another dagger stabbed into Iida's arm and pinned him to the ground.

More daggers came flying, as if Stain has an unlimited arsenal of knives. I pushed Todoroki out of harm's way and parried the daggers from Iida. One stabbed into my upper arm, right next to my wound. My flesh burned after it came into contact with air. I pulled the damn dagger off with my teeth gritted.

"I'll keep him busy!" I shouted, even though I don't believe my quirk could last any longer.

Todoroki hurriedly did what Iida requested. Stain lurched towards us from the air with his sword. I crossed my arms in front of me, ready to parry his attack.

Out of nowhere, Midoriya appeared like a green lightning and punched Stain in the face. Simultaneously, Iida's legs recovered and he launched himself into the air and gave the villain the strongest kick he could do.

If Stain could survive from a frontal attack on his face and his gut, then he'd be a zombie. Though, I did not want to risk any chances. When Midoriya and Iida withdrew from their positions, I gathered the last ounce of my strength and bashed Stain's vulnerable jaw. On cue, the last of my energy dissipated as I slided down the ice tower Todoroki created while he burned the villain into crisps.

"Get up! He's not--"

We looked up with trepidation. A lifeless figure lied on top of the ice tower.

It was Stain. It was our victory.

The remnants of my quirk vanished just as fast as joy overtook me. I sat on the ground, panting tiredly and released a long sigh. I glanced at my comrades. Their looks were disheveled, their bodies bloodied, but that did not stop the smiles of relief spreading on their faces.

Todoroki crashed his butt next to me as fatigue finally engulfed him. "Are you okay?"

I glanced at my wound. The adrenaline that pumped within me had numbed my painness. "I think so. I probably can't walk again."

"I'd carry you but..." Todoroki lifted his left hand. His wounds were still bleeding.

"We need to get you..." I looked at Midoriya and Iida. "All of you to the hospital."

Midoriya fell to the ground with his energy depleted. "I think I overused my legs."

"We should at least tie Stain up," said Iida as he limped his way to the large rubbish bins in the alley.

Releasing an exhausted sigh, Todoroki melted the ice and the unconscious villain laid still on the damp ground.

"Sorry guys, I can't move," I said. A cold breeze blew past and I shivered. It felt like my back was exposed.

Todoroki unzipped the upper part of his costume and placed it over my shoulder. "I think your wings tore your costume away."

Embarrassment burned my cheeks. "T-thanks." I held onto his dark blue jacket for dear life. Son-of-a-bitch quirk almost got me killed and now ruined my wardrobe. I sniffed and though his shirt smelled unfamiliar, it was reassuring. It felt like the scent of the pillow that followed me since I was born.

I quickly stopped sniffing so that I wouldn't get addicted.

After tying Stain up and confiscating his plethora of daggers, we proceeded out of the alley. Midoriya was carried by the pro hero who finally regained movement and grateful to us for saving his life. Todoroki and Iida dragged Stain alone while I limped with a sturdy stick that Iida found.

We were greeted by a few heroes who just arrived. One old hero planted his feet directly at Midoriya's face and berated the boy. He floated in the air with ease. I assumed he was Midoriya's supervisor.

"I thought I told you to stay in the shinkansen!" chided the tiny old man.

"He's Gran Torino, my supervisor," Midoriya introduced. "But why you're here, sir?"

The old man was still fuming. "Someone told me to come here. Even though I don't really understand what's going on, I'm just glad you're okay."

I glanced over at Iida, whose lips were pursed into a thin line. The look of remorse and guilt was over his face. He bowed down before Todoroki, Midoriya and me. His voice croaked, breaking my heart. "It's my fault you all got hurt. I sincerely apologise. I let anger blind me."

"I need to apologise too. I failed to notice what you've been going through," Midoriya replied.

Iida's body shivered as he sobbed. I gently patted his head. "There, there. It's all over now," I coaxed him.

Iida silently cried for awhile while we said nothing. The battle was over now.

Suddenly, my Sixth Sense tingled. It was a dangerous sign. I glanced around, scanning the area for any enemies. Something soared in the sky, apparently larger than a bird and flew straight towards us.

"Villain! Duck!" I shouted, grabbing Todoroki and Iida and pushed them to the ground, avoiding the villain's grasp.

Midoriya, who couldn't dodge fast enough, was grabbed by the winged villain and they soared in the sky, high above our reaches.

"Midoriya!"

I looked on helplessly as the villain flew higher with the immobile and drained Midoriya. I tried to summon my quirk but instead I fell to the ground, exhausted.

Something moved within my periphery vision. Somehow, Stain recovered himself while we were distracted and licked off the villain's blood that splattered on a female pro-hero's cheek. The winged villain was instantly paralysed and it started to lose its altitude. Before anyone could react, Stain had cut himself lose from the ropes that bound him and charged towards the villain, stabbing him in his exposed brain. They crashed onto the ground, with the villain dead.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! THIS GUY ALMOST DIED BUT HE STILL MANAGED TO KILL A VILLAIN?!

The horror sent chills down my spine.

"Everything... it's for this society to be corrected into the right path," said Stain firmly. Even though he struggled to stand, he still stood.

Instinctively, I tried to stand before my injured friends, only to be blocked by Todoroki's outstretched arm, as if he was going to protect me.

While the adults were whispering to formulate a plan, Todoroki hissed. "Back up. You're not in a condition to fight."

I didn't retort. He was right.

"Why did you all huddle in one spot? A villain came here, didn't he?" a voice cut through the tension. Endeavour came after dealing with another bunch of villains on the other side. As soon as he spotted Stain, the flames ignited in his clenched fists.

"Wait, Todoroki!" called Gran Torino.

Stain slowly turned around and faced his opponents as his mask came loose. His eyes... his entire presence emanated a very strong and stubborn belief that kept him alive for many years. I didn't know why but I could feel my blood went cold. Everything around me was silent as everyone watched on with a wide-eyed horror on their faces.

"The fakes... must be cleared."

I couldn't move any parts of my body. I couldn't run away or run towards Midoriya to save him. Like a magnet, I glued my eyes onto the sociopathic villain.

"Someone need to be stained by blood."

There were so many of us, yet all of us trembled before one villain.

"Come, you fakes. The only one who can kill me...is the real hero, All Might!"

Everything around me was enshrouded in a darkness of bloodlust. Stain's firm beliefs reached into my core, paralysing myself. The only thing I thought of was, crap, he's going to kill us all, no matter how many we were.

The sound of a dagger falling to the ground brought me back to reality. Stain was just standing there, frozen like a statue.

"He... fainted?"

Todoroki and Iida fell to the ground. I could barely stand even with the stick that supported me.

I was petrified at the thought that we fought against such vicious villain and managed to came out in one piece. If we made just one mistake, one of us could be dead. I trembled involuntarily.

"It's okay, we won," said Todoroki as he tried to reassure me, or probably just himself. His voice croaked and I could see he was trembling with a wide-eyed horror on his face.

Stain remained unconscious as he stood like a statue, but even watching him horrified me. This was the true power of a villain, and I realised us rookies were nothing compared to him.

That was the end of Stain and us rookies' misadventures.