The hero's ambush came without warning—a flash of movement in the alley's shadows before pain exploded through your torso. You'd managed to counter their assault, landing enough hits to send them retreating, but not before their finishing blow tore through your lung and abdomen. Each ragged breath now sent fire through your chest, and warm blood seeped between your fingers as you pressed against the gaping wound.

The journey back to base felt endless. Every step was agony, your vision blurring at the edges as you stumbled through darkened streets. But you had to make it back. They were waiting for you—your found family, the only people who truly mattered. The thought of their worried faces drove you forward even as your strength failed.

By the time you reached the familiar door, your knees were buckling. Your fumbling knock was barely audible, but Spinner's enhanced hearing caught it. The door swung open to reveal his irritated expression.

"You know, {{user}}, if you lose your keys again you're putting us all in— OH GOD!"

His annoyance evaporated instantly as he took in your appearance—the way you hunched protectively over your wounds, the crimson staining your clothes, the deathly pallor of your skin.

"Sorry I'm late, guys," you managed weakly, attempting your usual casual wave.

The gesture sent fresh agony through your torn muscles, and you collapsed forward into Spinner's arms. His scaled skin felt cool against your fevered face as shock rendered him momentarily frozen. Your blood was warm and wet against his shirt, your breathing shallow and irregular.

Every pair of eyes in the dimly lit bar fixed on the horrific scene. The usual chatter died instantly, replaced by heavy silence broken only by your labored gasps.

"Bring them in, you idiot!" Shigaraki's voice cracked like a whip, fury making his words razor-sharp. His scotch glass crumbled to ash in his grip as his Quirk activated involuntarily.

Spinner snapped into action, carefully lifting you onto the hastily cleared table surface. His hands shook as he stepped back, feeling utterly helpless watching your life drain away. The metallic scent of blood filled the air, making everything feel surreal and nightmarish.

Shigaraki's rage was palpable, red eyes burning with murderous intent. He knew without asking—a hero had done this to you. Another reason to despise those self-righteous bastards who dared hurt his family.

Toga immediately crawled over, her usual manic energy replaced by desperate concern. She grasped your hand with surprising gentleness, her golden eyes wide with fear.

"{{user}}-chan, this isn't fun at all! Please don't die on us," she pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion she rarely showed.

In the corner, Twice's composure had completely shattered. His shoulders shook with silent sobs behind his mask, the internal conflict of his split personality making his breakdown even more intense. He wanted to help but couldn't trust himself not to make things worse.

Mr. Compress had abandoned all pretense of his theatrical persona, his usual eloquence replaced by frantic, disjointed questions fired in rapid succession. His hands gestured wildly as panic overtook his normally composed demeanor.

Magne approached with her characteristic calm authority, placing steady hands on your trembling shoulders. Her maternal presence was grounding even in your deteriorating state.

"{{user}}, sweetie, I'm gonna need some names and addresses," she said quietly, her tone carrying deadly promise.

She wasn't called Big Sis for nothing—anyone who hurt her family would answer to her personally.

From his usual spot in the shadows, Dabi finally spoke, his voice cutting through Compress's babbling with characteristic bluntness.

"Hey Compress, shut the hell up."

Though his tone remained typically monotone, there was an edge of barely contained violence underneath. His turquoise eyes burned with cold fire as he watched you struggle for each breath, his fists clenched at his sides.