Chapter 26: Fractured Light

The laughter that had briefly lightened the room's heavy atmosphere faded, leaving behind a suffocating silence. Izuku's revelation hung in the air like a storm cloud, dark and oppressive. The Order of Aether wasn't just an enemy—it was a predator, relentless and cunning. And they? They were the prey. But they wouldn't be hunted. Not without a fight.

They were a family—bound not just by blood or name, but by something far stronger: unshakable loyalty and raw, untamed power. The Aizawa-Yamada family didn't break. They bent, they adapted, they survived. And if the Order thought they could claim them, they had made a fatal miscalculation.

Shouta leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped tightly. His dark eyes were sharp, calculating, the gears in his mind turning with precision. "Alright," he said, his voice low but steady. "We know what we're up against. Now we need a plan."

Izuku nodded, his fingers flipping through the pages of his notebook with practiced ease. His mind was a whirlwind of ideas, strategies, and contingencies. "We can't afford to sit back and wait. If we let them control the board, we lose. We need to make the first move."

Katsuki smirked, his usual bravado cutting through the tension like a knife. "About damn time. Let's show these bastards what happens when they mess with us."

Minoru's familiars fluttered around him, their eerie, glowing eyes casting faint light in the dim room. "We need to be smart about this," he said, his voice calm but firm. "They have resources, numbers—we have to outthink them."

Hizashi, usually the one to lighten the mood, sat unusually still, his playful demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. "And we need to keep the kids safe," he added, his voice tight. "Especially Eri. They're not getting their hands on her."

Eri stirred slightly on the loveseat, her small form curled up between Shouta and Hizashi. At the mention of her name, Shouta's hand moved almost instinctively, brushing a strand of silver hair from her face. His expression softened for just a moment before the stoic mask returned. "We'll keep her safe," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "No matter what."

---

They talked for hours, dissecting every possibility, every potential move the Order could make. Izuku's notebook became their war room, filled with diagrams, enemy movements, and contingency plans. The weight of their task was heavy, but no one faltered.

"We'll split into three teams," Izuku explained, flipping to a fresh page. "Team One gathers intel. Team Two fortifies and defends. Team Three strikes first."

Katsuki cracked his knuckles, his grin sharp and dangerous. "I'm on Team Three. I want to be there when we tear these assholes apart."

Shoto nodded, his arms crossed over his chest. "I'll join. Cryo-Telekinesis gives us range and control in combat."

Minoru's familiars fluttered wildly, reflecting his quiet determination. "I'll take Team One. My familiars can gather information without being noticed."

Hizashi rested a hand on Minoru's shoulder, his usual playful grin absent. "I'm with you. My quirk can disrupt their comms."

Shouta stood, his capture weapon shifting around his shoulders like a living thing. "I'll take Team Two. Our home will be a fortress before they can even think of stepping inside."

Izuku's gaze swept across the room, pride swelling in his chest. They weren't running. They weren't hiding. They were fighting. And together, they were unstoppable.

---

The house buzzed with quiet urgency as everyone prepared. Weapons were checked, gear was packed, and plans were rehearsed. In the living room, Eri clung to Shouta's side, her crimson eyes wide with a mix of fear and trust. Shouta knelt, his voice soft but firm. "We'll keep you safe, Eri. I promise."

Eri swallowed, her small hands gripping his sleeve tightly. "I trust you, Papa."

In the kitchen, Katsuki and Denki were gathering supplies, their usual banter masking the tension. "You sure you can keep up, Sparky?" Katsuki smirked, though his usual edge was softened by the gravity of the situation.

Denki snorted, sending a playful jolt of electricity between his fingers. "You're the one who should be worried. Try not to slow me down."

Katsuki rolled his eyes but didn't argue, a rare moment of camaraderie passing between them.

Meanwhile, Izuku sat at his desk, his notebook open in front of him. The pages were filled with calculations, predictions, and strategies. No matter how many scenarios he ran, the risks were the same. The Order wasn't going to play fair.

A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. Minoru stood there, his familiars hovering protectively. "You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Izuku let out a breath, running a hand through his curls. "I just… I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me."

Minoru stepped inside, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "This isn't just about you. It's about us. We fight together."

Izuku managed a small smile, the tension in his chest easing slightly. "Thanks, MinMin."

---

Despite the looming threat, the Aizawa-Yamada family chose to have one last night of normalcy before stepping onto the battlefield. It wasn't avoidance—it was a reminder of what they were fighting for.

Hizashi had taken charge of dinner, filling the house with the comforting scent of home-cooked food. Katsuki had grumbled about how much better he could've done it, but after a few well-aimed apples thrown by Eri and Denki, he shut up and set the table instead.

Laughter echoed through the house as Eri forced Shouta to sit still while she braided his hair. "It's for good luck, Popa," she said seriously. "So you come back safe."

Shouta, ever the soft father figure, sighed but let her work. "If this keeps me safe, I expect everyone to be braided before we leave."

Denki grinned and grabbed a brush. "Kacchan, you're first."

"I swear if you touch my hair—" Katsuki's threat was cut off as the room erupted into playful chaos, the tension of the upcoming battle momentarily forgotten.

Izuku watched from the kitchen doorway, warmth filling his chest. He needed this—they needed this. It wasn't just about strategizing and preparing. It was about remembering why they were fighting.

They were a family.

And they would protect each other at all costs.

---

Later that night, while the others finished cleaning up, Izuku slipped out into the cool night air. The stars were barely visible, hidden behind the city lights, but the moon cast enough light to illuminate the quiet streets. He knew where to find him.

Touya stood on a rooftop, the orange glow of his cigarette barely noticeable in the darkness. He didn't turn around when Izuku approached.

"I knew you'd come," Touya muttered, his voice calm but laced with something deeper—frustration, worry, maybe even fear. "You always do when you think too much."

Izuku sighed, running a hand through his curls. "We leave in the morning."

Touya exhaled slowly, the embers of his cigarette flaring before dimming. "And I'm coming with you."

"No, you're not."

That got his attention. Touya turned, his blue eyes sharp with challenge. "The hell I'm not."

Izuku folded his arms, standing firm. "It's too dangerous."

Touya scoffed, taking a step closer. "Oh, it's too dangerous? For me? Are you serious right now, Pup?" His voice was rough with emotion, but his hands curled into fists as if trying to contain it. "You're walking into war, and you expect me to sit back and watch?"

Izuku's jaw clenched. "I don't want you to get hurt."

"You think I want to see you get hurt?" Touya snapped, his control breaking. "You think I don't feel it—every damn time you push yourself to protect everyone else?" His voice dropped, raw and quiet. "I'm your alpha, Izuku. Your mate. That means I fight beside you."

Izuku turned away, staring at the skyline, his heart pounding. He wanted to say yes—to let Touya stand beside him, to share the weight of what was coming. But he couldn't.

"I can't let you do this," Izuku whispered.

Touya growled low in his throat. "You don't let me do anything. I make my own choices, Izuku."

Izuku swallowed hard. "If anything happened to you, I—" His voice broke, and he hated it. "I can't risk it. Not you."

Touya grabbed his wrist, forcing him to look at him. "And what about me, huh? You think I could survive losing you?" His breath was warm against Izuku's skin, his fingers tight around his wrist, but there was no anger—just desperation. "You're my mate. I can't sit back and wait for news of whether or not you made it back alive."

Izuku's eyes burned, but he shook his head. "I need you here. I need to know Eri and the others are safe."

Touya exhaled sharply, his grip loosening. "That's a damn excuse, and you know it."

Izuku didn't deny it.

Touya let go, stepping back. "You're stubborn as hell."

Izuku let out a shaky breath. "So are you."

Silence stretched between them before Touya sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fine. I'll stay. But you come back to me, Izuku." His voice was quieter now, carrying the weight of an unspoken plea.

Izuku nodded, his throat tight. "I will."

It wasn't enough.

Touya's eyes darkened with a mix of frustration and desire. "You're impossible, you know that?" He took a step forward, closing the distance between them. "Swear to me you'll come back."

Izuku's breath caught in his throat, his heart racing. "I swear."

Touya's hands fisted in Izuku's shirt, pulling him closer. "Don't you dare break that promise."

And then his lips crashed against Izuku's, hard and desperate. Izuku melted into the kiss, his arms wrapping around Touya's neck. The world fell away until all that remained was the heat of Touya's body against his, the taste of ash and smoke on his tongue.

Touya's hands slid down Izuku's back, fingers digging into his skin. They stumbled back until Izuku hit the wall, Touya's body pressing against his. They were all frantic kisses and grasping hands, the need to be closer overwhelming.

Touya's lips moved to Izuku's jaw, his neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Izuku's fingers tangled in Touya's hair, a moan escaping his lips. They were losing themselves in each other, in the feel of skin against skin, in the reassurance that they were alive, they were here, they were together.

But reality came crashing back with the sound of Izuku's phone ringing. They froze, breathing heavily. Touya rested his forehead against Izuku's, his eyes closing briefly.

Izuku fumbled for his phone with shaking hands. "It's Shoto. I have to take this."

Touya nodded, stepping back. He looked as shaken as Izuku felt.

Izuku answered the call, his voice breathless. "Shoto? What's wrong?"

"Where are you?" Shoto's voice was tight with worry. "Eri's asking for you."

Izuku's gaze flickered to Touya, who was watching him with a guarded expression. "I'll be right there."

He ended the call, silence falling between them. There was so much left unsaid, so much they couldn't put into words.

Touya cleared his throat. "You should go."

Izuku hesitated before nodding. He turned to leave, but Touya's voice stopped him.

"Izuku."

He looked back, his heart in his throat.

"Remember your promise." Touya's voice was rough with emotion, his eyes shining in the moonlight.

Izuku nodded, his own eyes burning. "I will. I promise."

And with that, he walked away, each step heavier than the last. He didn't look back, couldn't, because if he did, he might not have the strength to keep going.

Touya watched him go, his heart aching with every step. He wanted to call him back, wanted to beg him to stay, but he knew he couldn't. This was Izuku's fight, his destiny, and all Touya could do was stand back and watch.

But damn if it didn't hurt.