My Hero Academia: Nightmare Mode

The next day, the air around UA was suffocating. Aizawa's usual calm was replaced with an aura of unrelenting intensity as he called every available pro hero and student of Class 1-A into action. The failure of the previous night had left a bitter taste in everyone's mouth, and no one—not Aizawa, not the students, and certainly not Kikidori—was ready for what was about to unfold.

The pro heroes gathered in a large briefing room, with All Might standing at the head of the group. His towering presence brought a glimmer of hope despite the grim situation. Beside him, Midnight, Hawks, Endeavor, and other high-ranking heroes discussed strategies.

Aizawa silenced the room with a sharp clap of his hands. "Listen up. This time, we're not holding back. Kikidori's quirk has escalated the situation, and we can't afford any mistakes. He's already caused enough damage, and if we don't act now, more people will be hurt."

The students stood off to the side, watching as their teachers strategized. Mina's gaze flickered with worry, her usual bubbly demeanor replaced by quiet unease. "Do you think we can really bring him back?" she whispered to Kirishima.

"We have to," Kirishima replied firmly. "Kikidori's one of us, and we don't leave anyone behind."

Aizawa's plan was simple but risky. They would split into multiple teams, each assigned to corner Kikidori from different angles. The pro heroes would focus on neutralizing Kikidori's quirk, while the students acted as support, clearing the area and minimizing collateral damage.

It was a solid plan. But no plan survives contact with Kikidori.

When they arrived at the abandoned industrial complex where Kikidori had been spotted, the atmosphere shifted. The air was thick with tension, the shadows stretching unnaturally long under the dim afternoon light.

Kikidori emerged from the darkness, his mismatched eyes glowing with an unsettling light. The shadows around him writhed like living creatures, stretching and curling in a display of power.

"You brought everyone this time," Kikidori said, his voice cold and detached. "It won't make a difference."

Aizawa stepped forward, his scarf ready, his eyes locked on Kikidori's. "We're not here to fight you. We're here to bring you home."

Kikidori tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Home? I don't have a home anymore. You made sure of that."

Before anyone could respond, Kikidori activated his quirk. The shadows surged forward, enveloping the area in an impenetrable darkness. Voices filled the air—terrifying whispers and screams, pulling at the minds of everyone present.

One by one, members of Class 1-A faltered. Mina clutched her head, tears streaming down her face as she relived a nightmare she hadn't thought of in years. Todoroki staggered back, haunted by the image of his mother in the hospital. Even Bakugo, the ever-determined firecracker, dropped to one knee, shaking his head as he tried to dispel the voices.

"Don't give in!" Aizawa shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. He activated his quirk, trying to suppress Kikidori's ability, but Kikidori was faster. A shadow tendril lashed out, knocking Aizawa's goggles off and breaking his focus.

For a moment, it seemed hopeless. Kikidori stood tall, his quirk overwhelming everyone around him. But then—

"Eat this!" Mineta's high-pitched voice rang out as a sticky grape flew through the air.

The small, purple orb landed directly in Kikidori's path. He stepped forward—and his foot slipped. For the first time in the entire battle, Kikidori's balance faltered. His eyes widened in surprise as he stumbled forward, his quirk flickering for just a second.

It was all Aizawa needed. His scarf shot out, wrapping tightly around Kikidori's body. The shadows vanished, and the voices stopped.

The battlefield fell silent. Kikidori looked up, his mismatched eyes filled with shock and anger. "You... used a grape?"

Mineta puffed out his chest, a smug grin on his face. "That's right! Don't underestimate my genius!"

Before Kikidori could respond, Hiroki stepped forward from the shadows. The new recruit to the League of Villains looked conflicted, his expression torn between guilt and determination.

"This isn't who you are, Kikidori," Hiroki said quietly. "You don't belong with us."

Kikidori glared at him, but something in Hiroki's tone made him pause. Before he could say anything, Hiroki placed a hand on Kikidori's forehead, activating his quirk.

The change was instantaneous. Kikidori's body went rigid, his eyes glowing brightly for a moment before dimming. When he looked up, the cold detachment was gone, replaced by confusion and exhaustion.

"What... happened?" Kikidori asked weakly.

Aizawa stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "You've been through enough. We're taking you back to UA."

Hiroki lowered his hand, a sad smile on his face. "I'm sorry for what I did. I never wanted this to happen."

Before anyone could respond, Hiroki raised his hands in surrender. "I'll go with you. I'm done with the League."

The pro heroes quickly restrained him, though they handled him gently. Aizawa gave Hiroki a long look before nodding. "We'll make sure you get help."

As the group began to head back to UA, Mineta walked beside Kikidori, grinning from ear to ear. "So... I saved you. I think that makes me the MVP of the day."

Kikidori sighed, shaking his head. "You're insufferable."

"Yeah, but you're alive because of me!" Mineta replied, clearly enjoying himself.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Kikidori managed a small, genuine smile.

The end of Chapter 25.