Ad Astra-22:
Love with Might Vol. I FIN-the Lost Love:
(Music Cue-Overwhelming Force from My Hero Academia: Two Heroes.)
Fearful fangs...fearful claws...there was no question. This monster...THIS monster cat...was truly Professor Arkc Caterwaul in front of All Might's eyes. However...there was something different about him. He never possessed the set of tails that he is shown with now, nor were his eyes ever bloodshot when activating his Quirk in order to intimidate Might with. It is then that David reveals the truth towards Toshinori...the truth about Caterwaul's medical condition.
After hearing what David had to say towards Toshi...he becomes heartbroken. To learn...that another dearly beloved one of his was on the verge of death. All Might had hoped...that with the power of One-For-All, he could perform miracles. Even the untold miracle...of bringing back the dead. Yet that was a lost cause...and, even if it was possible...the realm of the dead was a domain that no living human being should ever dare to make contact with. Not ever...seeing the state that Caterwaul is putting himself through, drinking the accursed vials that were created with the sole intention of hastening death itself...All Might was ready.
He was ready...to knock some sense into the professor! seeing his monster cat form holding Nanjo within it's claws, All Might rushes to save whom he considers to be a new rival. Unfortunately, a swing of one the monster cat's two tails sends All Might flying back sideways into a nearby building. David did not expect All Might's answer before he lept head long into danger...he still believes that he can save the professor from the fate that he has endowed himself with. It is then that other Heroes rush to aid All Might, having led the charge...
The 1st priority to be sorted above all others was the evacuation of the peoples within the vicinity. After that, the Heroes would have to try and use all means avaliable towards them in order to quell the monster cat's rampage. Entering the fold are Heroes that All Might just recently met not long ago: Electoplant and Cow Lady. The latter uses her bison like Quirk in order to draw out a match of strength against the monster cat Caterwaul. Electoplant tries to build up energy and shoot electrical bolts right at the monster...however.
Using what little intellect of the good professor that resided within it, the monster cat side of his mind uses his knowledge in order to dodge the electric bolts and escape Cow Lady's locking manoeuvre. New Heroes then arrive on the scene from above, hoping to catch the monster cat off-guard. A total of three Heroes try to use Quirks that had restraining methods behind them. One used a Quirk based on both plants and nature, another used a Quirk based on water and lastly the third used a Quirk based on the earth. Unfortunately, not any single one of the three were able to pindown the monster cat...
Two of them are sent flinging into nearby buildings the same as All Might whom recovers from his injuries amongst the building debris. He looks up with blood falling down his forehead...to see the monster cat Caterwaul having pinned down the Quirk user of earth. All Might begs the monster cat not to do what he thinks it will...eat the Quirk user alive. David from above, flying in his car screams out towards the former professor as well. Wanting to retain his sanity before he went past the point of no return. Their cries falling on deaf ears...it becomes too late. The monster cat digs it's claws into the earth Quirk user, killing him...
All Might and David watch in complete and utter horror...as blood trickled down the claws that were used just now...to murder a Hero. Not only that...but the monster cat licks the blood off it's claws, enjoying the subtle taste of the dead Quirk user. It hungered for more blood...it had desired more carnage. And the only way to find both...was to destroy both everyone and everything within sight. Starting to lose hope on bringing back the professor to his senses...All Might clutches a fist and prepares for the final, worst scenario.
In order to defeat great evil...sometimes a sacrifice is required of the Pro Heroes. To make the ultimate decision...on whether to take life or not. As All Might wondered if he could go ahead and make this decision on his part or not, being one whom values life above all else...meanwhile. Hisuie was seen praying for Might's safety back at the streets where she was dropped off at, near her college. The fighting was taking place in the central plaza of the city, not too far away from where Hisuie was. Fearing if she should go there or not...Hisuie was greatly scared and hesitant about making a decision of her own...
(Music Cue-Un'altra Persona from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind.)
Just then...the silhouette...the one that called itself the Ouroburos appears before Hisuie. It demanded for her to seize destiny and take the reins of action. Though she was afraid, she mustered up courage by thinking of Might's example and demanded to know just whom was the mysterious figure speaking with Hisuie and itself demanding such things? it mattered not. Those were the words of the figure, revealing that it had naught to say about it's identity. Only that it was in pursuit of it's one and only goal: Ad Astra. Soon...the Ouroburos would become the "Archenemy" of all Quirk users that would use their Quirks for Heroism. In another few decades, the promised time of Ad Astra will commence. But...the "holy one" that shall lead the Archenemy towards the stars has not been born yet. Once a worthy person possessing an equally worthy Quirk appears...then the plan of the Ouroburos shally finally commence.
Hisuie was unable to understand a single thing the Ouroburos was saying...until it suddenly reached out it's hand towards Hisuie and had placed a very unusual marking upon her forehead. Once more, the Ouroburos tells Hisuie to leave...and find her destiny. A close up is shown of the Ouroburos before it vanishes out of existance. It is shown to possess razor sharp, hawk like eyes with a double iris ring...they were the kind of eyes that appeared to look deep into one's very soul. After leaving...the marking on Hisuie's forehead starts glow a bright silver colour. Hisuie's own eyes...are shown to resemble those of a dead fish, being manipulated to walk towards somewhere...the central plaza it seems.
All Might engages in a battle of brawn against the monster cat, hoping to tire it out. Unfortunately, it appeared to have enough stamina for the both of them that the fight could go on forever. A very badly wounded Nanjo is seen being treated by medics nearby, somehow, his hair colour has turned from black to white. Only the left sided edge of his hair remains black...though he is more focused on watching the unfolding fight. This was where All Might had to make his moment shine...THIS was where...he had to declare...
(Music Cue-Weight of my pride from Hajime no Ippo.)
..."I Am Here!"...
All Might and monster cat Caterwaul trade blows after blows with one another, neither one letting up. Both Electoplant and Cow Lady had feared getting involved, unable to do anything at this point. Nanjo however makes his way towards their location and requests their assistance for something...he intends to create his Gravity Core Bomb or Imploder and unleash it against the beast. To succeed at this both trial and tribulation, Cow Lady must carry Nanjo upon her back and take him to the rooftops above. Electoplant must provide aid towards All Might when he most needs it, fearing that he might let up during the battle somehow...
Although hesitant to agree with a rookie, what other choice did the two pros think to have? none. It was becoming do or die...dying becoming the most likely scenario at this point. All Might used the arensal of USA states named fist attacks that were currently at his disposal. The most frequent one being California Smash. The monster cat Caterwaul seemed impervious to all frontal attacks made against it. In fact, it feared no successful attack could truly damage it. Namely...it's spirit or instinct to cause mass mayhem everywhere.
Such an opponent...with an unusual drive behind it. This wasn't just the work of a mindless beast, nor was it the repressed side of Caterwaul's mind now fully unleashed against all of humanity. It was something...far more sinister. But what? just what was going on? is the question All Might ponders in those seconds fighting. Suddenly, he catches a glimpse of what appears to be a mark on the monster cat's forehead underneath all of it's massive fur. It is the very same marking that Hisuie has been brainwashed with, as she nears the location of the central plaza...
This mark was unlike anything that All Might had ever seen before, nor was it something ever described in previous Hero reports concerning other cases. This was a completely new kind of evil...and especially...it gave off certain vibes. Certain vibes...more so shivers...that All Might had only ever experienced once in his entire lifespan. They were the very same kind of shivers...that All Might experienced...when he had witnessed the death of his mentor at the hands of the accursed All-For-One. Without a doubt...the monster cat Caterwaul was being manipulated by that megalomanic of a madman! or at the least, someone having ties with AFO.
Horrified at the prospect that AFO's evil has followed him all the way here to America and now intends to dominate the states, just like AFO had already done with Japan...a bright glint then appears within All Might's shining blue eyes. Absolutely refusing to allow All-For-One's influence to corrupt the land of his best friend David Shield...All Might intends to use a situational version of one of his state named moves. He apologises to the memory of the professor...but proclaims that he must do this. Knowing that Professor Caterwaul would have given his consent, if he was conscious to know of the potential involvement concerning AFO...
Nanjo proclaims that he is ready to act, asking Cow Lady to leave the vicinity. She agrees with slight hesitance upon her brow, jumping away from the area. Electoplant was on standby down at the ground level...and Nanjo himself was prepared to create his Imploder. Much bigger and much vast then the one he tried but failed to use against All Might earlier in the day. Since Nanjo was sitting atop the rooftops, there was more of a chance that the city would not get damaged in the process due to Nanjo's magnetism being attracted towards the sky, full of magnetic quality energy. Even more so because it is now the time of night, where electrical lights cover all over the city and send off static waves within the air currents.
David watching from his hovercar sees Nanjo and goes to confront him about what he might be doing. Nanjo recognises David as the one whom "saved" All Might...asking him to clear the area whilst Nanjo gets himself ready for something big. David refuses...intending to watch his best friend until the very end. Shocked by David's resolve...Nanjo begrudgingly allows him to stay but warns him that Nanjo doesn't plan on paying any other person's hospital bills except his own. David acknowledges Nanjo's warning...and stands by his side, waiting until the time was right that Nanjo would make his move.
(Music Cue-Serikuru Arashi from One Piece.)
The brainwashed Hisuie was drawing ever closer and closer towards the plaza amidst the screaming public running away in their cowardice. All Might was ready to unleash his special move...but then suddenly feels his legs giving out on him. They must have been more damaged then he realised when he was flung into the building earlier. Seizing this chance, the monster cat attacks. However, Cow Lady then reappears and engages in another round with the monster Caterwaul. Electoplant also shows up, using his electricity to try and recharge All Might's energy. Allowing him to stand up on his legs properly again, Electoplant says this is both him and Cow Lady "making things even" with All Might...whom they call the future Symbol of Peace.
Genuinely surprised by the trust they have now placed within him...All Might smiles. Reminding himself to always laugh in front of the face of danger. Caterwaul, not amused by said smile pushes Cow Lady and makes a straight charge at All Might. Electoplant warns All Might to watch out, the upcoming attack could not be dodged no matter what he did. Just as All Might crosses his arms...fate...rears it's ugly face. Everyone watches the following moment...and see a tragedy happen right in front of their very eyes. All Might especially...as he witnesses...Hisuie. Standing in-between a claw strike meant for All Might...that proves to be...fatal.
All Might screams out Hisuie's name. David, unable to watch anymore goes to help All Might using his car. Nanjo is the next most horrified after All Might...but cannot move unless the former wants to disrupt charging his move. Powerless to do naught a thing...all the Heroes could only do...is stand and watch. All Might holds Hisuie within both his arms and looks at the damage that has been done to her. The claw strike was enough to tear her inner organs out and exposed them for the world to see. Angered...GREATLY angered...wrathful. All Might asks Cow Lady whom has arrived to provide aid to take care of Hisuie, the Pro Hero being a fully trained first aid specialist. As for All Might...he...has lost his smile. He could no longer see the monster cat as Caterwaul...instead. He could only see a Villain...one Villain.
...ALL...FOR...ONE...
Imaginging the monster cat Caterwaul in the visage of AFO himself. All Might uses the imagination as rage to fuel himself. No longer holding back...he was ready...to kill. The final decision that Heroes should only make...if faced with absolutely no other options in order to convince the Villains to stand down. Nanjo at that moment was ready, ready to cast the largest Gravity Core Bomb for the whole world to see. He thinks to himself that he will most likely end up in a coma for an entire year...but none of that mattered now. Not when he has just seen a close friend having been sliced and her internals made bare.
(Music Cue-Last Battle from One Piece Film: Gold.)
All Might charges...intending to settle things for good. Not too far away, the Ouroburos watches...remaining stoic at the sight of the fight entering it's last phase. Nanjo throws his Imploder all across the plaza, spending his remaining stamina as a result. He hopes the monster cat chokes on his move...before then entering a supposedly year long coma. The giant Imploder catches All Might's eye, seeing and knowing it to be the work of Nanjo nearby. Concrete pavement was being lifted right up into the air...with the monster cat standing on the largest chunk of them all. All Might decided to use this pieces of floating earth as stepping stones in order to reach the monster cat...
The monster cat however uses it's keen intuition and sends skywards rubble right across at All Might by swinging both of it's twin tails. They destroy the remaining footholds whilst All Might tries to bash away the projectiles flung at him. Starting to fall downwards...David calls out All Might's name once more, flying to swoop in and save the day. David grabs All Might's hand and the latter uses it as leverage to hop atop David's car...and then jump high into the sky from it. The backlash causes the car to go plummeting down at the ground, where a falling David is saved by Electoplant.
With no room left to make mistakes...this was it. This was the moment...where All Might had to declare his official starting point within the USA. As the aspiring, future...Symbol of Peace. All Might was ready to throw his revised state named move against the monster cat Caterwaul. Only for the beast to try and use an extending tongue to hold All Might's body into place. Both floating and dangling in mid-air...All Might mentions that for the very 1st time within his life...the scientist Arkc Caterwaul had made one mistake. Just one, crucial mistake...and that is...he aimed for All Might's giant body. When really...he should have aimed...for...his massive FIST!
All Might unleashes a strengthened version of California Smash in that singular moment...supported by an uproar of Heroes watching this moment closeby. This was...
..."California Smash: MAXIMUS!"...
Using the full body weight behind this fist based assault, All Might grimly pummelled the monster's cat face in with a single knockout punch. The immense power behind the fist was enough to kill somebody...the monster cat was no exception. It's life had ended in the very moment...that All Might's fist had left it's face. It was sent flying sky high...right in front of the moon. Both the monster cat and All Might started to free fall downwards...but not before All Might could hear a spiritual "thank you" from Professor Caterwaul. Finally able to pass on in peace, now that the monster cat had been truly vanquished. All Might wondered if he imagined that moment...but it did not matter. Soon enough, the falling started to speed up and the monster cat's lifeless body fell atop a nearby roof whilst All Might landed straight towards the ground floor.
Surrounded by Heroes, gathering by their saviour's impact crater. All Might looks at them...as they cheer on his name and praise him to be the number 1 Pro Hero in all of the United States. He starts to lose consciousness and ignores the glory that he was receiving, for instead, his eyes...drifted elsewhere. He looked at the top of the crater, just as the Heroes were debating whether or not to lift All Might up into the air, given his serious injuries. At the edge...he sees Cow Lady making a decision with more certified medics that had arrived on the scene to treat the injuries of all that were involved in this major incident. All Might knew...even if he couldn't hear the exact words. Cow Lady...had called it. Hisuie...did not survive her injury. All Might at that point fully loses consciousness, causing those around him to start panicking and call to get the medics down here right now...
...It is here that the present All Might finally decides to end his story, having informed young Izuku Midoriya all that he had needed to learn from his mentor. Namely...about the oldest tragedy since time immemorial for a Hero, especially a Pro Hero to live with: Star-crossed. The story...of Star-crossed Lovers. Where the Hero sacrifices everything...even his one true love...in order to achieve what NEEDS to be done.
...No matter the cost...
To be Continued.