I LIIIIIIVE! Sort of. Hey y'all, I'm so sorry for the extreme delay in this chapter and my writing in general, been getting my ass kicked by University assignments and whatnot, but as I've touted before, I WILL reach the end of part 1 before I go into a hiatus. Anyway, it's appropriate that we've hit chapter 40, seeing as we've recently reached 200 Favs right on the dot! Thank you all so much for sticking by my inconsistent ass, and I hope to continued putting out good work for you all! Apologies if I miss any reviews, I'll still be sure to cover them in the next chapter and even discuss it with you via PM.
Galaxy Knight: So, have you ever been in so much pain that you've vomited before? Surprisingly it's a thing! (and I may or may not have experienced it...) In combination with all the damage that Kendo took, plus that breif use of the Advance, and voila, bloody upchuck! You aren't far off in saying that Ashura is related to Kendo's quirk. I won't say much beyond that, since this chapter covers it, but still good guesses regardless! Though I WILL say that you haven't seen a 'One Million Percent' Kendo... yet.
SpanishBulldog63 and LuxYin: ... hehehe... maaaayyybe? Unashamedly, yes XD. The line felt more than appropriate for the situation, plus I just LOVE the dude's work, so why not pay homage to it!
SkeenTheDream: Unfortunately no, no literal 'gods' or anything like that, as fun as that'd be XD. As for the merging of the two personalities... well, who's to say they were ever separate in the first place? Thank you again so much dude for having stuck with me and this story for so long, I'll be sure to keep up the writing!
Benji the Monocat: In regards to all reviews, first of welcome and I'm glad your enjoying it! Most importantly, I know that the Eight Precepts Mask that he wore in the actual series is extremely iconic to him, you will NEVER see him wear it in this story, unfortunately. Just a thought to keep in mind.
Ludo (guest): Indeed I have! Honestly, it shocked me that Rappa appeared in the first place, and I feel a bit more justified in pairing them in my story seeing the way the act around each other in the Vigilantes manga XD.
Malsyn: Regarding both reviews, I'm so happy that you're loving the story dude! Firstly, nah, the Jade Emperor doesn't have any relation to Inko, unfortunately... though it does give me an idea for a potential other story, so thanks for that :D. Second, damn that's actually pretty close to the mark! Indeed, there is a relation to AFO, and there IS a reason why he needs people to push their quirks to their max. Not saying much else beyond that, but thank you for reading and I hope you stick around for more!
G silently: Hey dude, I understand the hesitation in regards to Ashura, but hear me out on this one. Ashura, by your standards, may be a typical evil spit personality, I won't deny that. However, I do hope you stick around to see how I end up handling it!
Zetazero246: There will NEVER be enough GOH references! More I say! XD So glad you're loving it dude!
With all that said, thank you once again for sticking around to see chapter 40! Let's freaking go!
Rumble, Young Man Rumble
Chapter 40
Selfish selflessness
His head still hurt, but it wasn't as bad, at least for the time being. No matter that, the infirmary was still an incredibly sombre place, Rumi sitting right next to him and gripping his hand, Aizawa standing behind them, his face stoic but his eyes telling a different story.
"Usagi, I'm alright," He chuckled, circling his thumb over the bac of her hand and smiling brightly. "Don't worry about me too much, okay?" She nodded, a nervous, half-hearted smile on her face. It was understandable, really. The MRI scan would determine what was happening with him, and the wait was killing her.
When the small figure of Recovery Girl walked in, their heads snapped up, Rumi's grip even tighter at the grim look on her face. Even Kendo was starting to worry, his foot lightly tapping the floor.
"…Kendo, I'm not sure how to deliver this lightly…" She started. The boy breathed in and out, calming himself.
"…hit me with it."
"…You have permanent brain-damage."
Everyone's face went cold, none more than Kendo's. Things started to slowly fit into place, but he needed to be sure.
"I think from the look on your face, you're starting to understand," She sighed, looking at her notes. "When you first used the Advance during the Entrance Exam, the thing that worried me the most was your brain-haemorrhaging. Even if I was able to heal it, I should've monitored you much more closely. You may have developed a sort of resistance to the damage, but that first activation was all that was needed to damage the suppression of the medulla, your primal brain responsible for survival and instincts. The door may have been damaged during your first use of the Advance and untouched as you gained better control over it, but that blow to the back of your head was enough to crack it open."
"… so Ashura…"
"Is a result of your brain-damage," She confirmed. "He's… it's odd. It is still you, separate but part of the whole that is your mind. He's the outward semblance of your repressed animalistic instincts, but despite that, it isn't like you two are… vying for control."
Kendo nodded, gently holding a hand to his head. He could literally feel that Ashura was there, trying to come forth, but it was both of their efforts that held him back. "Yeah. He's there to protect me whenever its needed, but… it's like my body is the car, but both of us are being randomly forced into the driver's seat."
"Indeed. Which is why you should no longer be allowed to fight." The silence in the room was deafening.
"… Sorry, come again?"
"Kendo, any blow to the head could easily make it harder and harder for you to suppress yourself. Anything too hard and you'll never regain your sanity, not to mention what higher gears of the Advance could do to you! You'll be stuck as a raging monster who'll never distinguish between friend and foe. It isn't your fault, not at all, but… if it comes to that, you'll have to be locked away or put down."
Kendo's head dropped, his body starting to tremble. In his mind, everything was starting to crumble. Either way he was screwed. Continue to fight and become a monster or quit and become useless once again. All his hard work, every shed drop of sweat, blood and tears gone to waste.
"…That's bullshit." His eyes flicked to Rumi, her own filled with tears, but also a desperate flame that refused to be quenched. "Kendo's a better fighter than anyone in the class! He's not the same person who'd just charge in headfirst to take shots, and you saw that today. Tell me one time before that cheap-shot where he was hit, not just in his head, but anywhere at all." That gave both Recovery Girl and Aizawa pause, though the former spoke up first.
"…while that may be the case," Aizawa sighed, "I still agree with Recovery Girl. Kendo was still ultimately injured-"
"Because of YOU!" Rumi spat, snarling at the man catching him off guard. "YOU'RE responsible for our safety and you KNEW that something was up with the Android Kendo had to fight against! And WHAT did you do? You fucking STOOD BY AND LET IT CONTINUE! He could've DIED because of you!"
That seemed to strike something in Aizawa, the all-too memorable image of his old friend with a crushed skull, all because he couldn't help him in time. He dropped his head, silent for a moment as Rumi breathed heavily, fists shaking before Kendo took her hand in his own again, calming her down somewhat.
"…Let me be clear," Aizawa spoke up, both Rumi and Kendo looking up in hope. "I'll allow you to continue the Hero-course. HOWEVER. I see ANY sign of your mental-state deteriorating, then I'll send you to the General Studies Course without a second thought. This applies to the entirety of your time here at U.A. Are we clear?"
Without a second thought, Kendo smiled and nodded. "I'll just have to make sure that I never get hit again, huh?"
"That's quite the task, isn't it?" Aizawa asked.
"Sure, but whatever. I'll struggle and claw my way to the top, no matter what I have to do. Besides, it'll help me become even better."
Both teens were discharged from the infirmary, Recovery Girl looking at Aizawa with a mixture of surprise and sternness.
"… you know that doing that isn't the wisest idea," She chided softly, having a slight understanding of what was going on. Aizawa lowered his head, silent for a moment.
"I know. It is illogical for me to have done that, but… the boy has all the necessary tools and the required mindset to become a good hero: strength, technique, and resolve. Even with a severe handicap like this, I'm certain that so long as he has someone to support him, he will pull through."
"Yes, but there's more to your decision than just logic, isn't there?"
"… I will not make the same mistake that I did all those years ago and leave someone with such potential to kick the bucket, especially not like this. Mark my words, I will pull him out if the situation calls for it."
"I know Aizawa," She said gently. "Just… keep an eye on him."
"I promise I won't let him pass like Oboro did."
…
"Holy crap man, are you alright?"
"Yeah, you took some real punishment after that cheap shot."
"Mm, that looked pretty… serious."
Kendo's heart was warmed by the fact that his friends cared about him, but he knew that they'd be worried about Ashura's… no, his display.
'You're starting to understand now,' It spoke, far clearer than ever before, 'We were never separate in the first place. I am you, and you are me. Still… they care for you. That is good. It will keep us in check.'
"…I… I think I'll be alright guys," Kendo sighed, rubbing his head again. "I just need some time to recover and I'll be good to go. Besides, what's with the worry? We all friggin' passed!" That seemed to dispel the heavy air in the room for the time being, relief and happiness filling the space left by fear and tension.
"Ain't no better time for the break, huh?" Kendo laughed, leaning back on his chair. "God, can't wait to get back home and just reeelax!" Even as the class broke into light hearted chatter, Kendo couldn't help but notice that Rumi was being completely silent, her eyes glazed over and her mind elsewhere. Worried, he gently reached over and places his hand on hers. She instantly latched on, squeezing as if to make damn sure that he was still there, not a ghost or part of her imagination. She was like that the rest of the day, and while Kendo certainly didn't mind holding hands with her constantly, it was still painful for him to see her like that.
Their walk on the way home was equally silent, Rumi always sticking close by him even as he entered his room. He sighed as he took off his dress-shirt, grunting in pain as his back, neck and head stung with pain.
"I'll help," Rumi said quietly, helping him out of it and into a t-shirt, her eyes glued to the bruises across his body before they managed to get a casual shirt onto him.
"Aaaahh, can finally breathe without the damn uniform," Kendo laughed as they both plopped down onto his bed, his arm instinctively pulling Rumi close. Her head was on his shoulder, leaning in and holding him tight. "… Usagi, you've been quiet all day," He said softly, kissing her ear, "Talk to me."
"… you really could've died back there," She said shakily.
"I mean, yeah… but it's an occupational hazard," He chuckled, "Besides, it was only a slip-up. I won't ever get caught off guard like that again."
"But how can you guarantee that?" Rumi asked, looking at him with fear in her watery eyes, "It's not like I don't believe in you, but… Kendo, you get hit like that one more time, I might lose the only person I've ever cared about this much!" She was openly crying now, and even Kendo was moved to tears by the sheer emotion in her voice. She practically tackled him into a hug, a damp feeling in his shoulder.
"Kendo, I-I really fuckin' love you." She croaked, the words slamming into Kendo at full force. "God, I love you. You make me so goddamn selfish for you, and I don't ever want to lose you. Both of you, all of you."
Though he was crying, his heart soared. He knew that he truly cared for this girl deeply, and that Rumi felt that same way, similar in mind and heart. But for her to openly admit that she loved him, regardless of what lay inside his mind, regardless of his ugly and uncontrolled side? He hugged her back tightly, smiling like an idiot even as he cried.
'Heh, look's like we've got another promise to keep, huh?'
'Damn right we do.'
He kissed her on the forehead, making her look at him. "Rumi Usagiyama, I love you with everythin' I've got. I promise that I'll never lose ever again, for my sake and for yours."
Even with her own eyes full of tears, they shone brightly, cheeks turning a bit red. Emotions roiled and crashed within her before she surged forward, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and kissing him hard. He responded instantly, holding her even tighter. That same heat in his stomach began to rise, Rumi feeling the same as their hands started to wander, their kiss getting deeper. His hands drifted down to grip her behind, Rumi groaning as her hips instinctively bucked forward against his. A bolt of pleasure rocked them both, their lips separating for a mere moment before his teeth latched onto her neck, biting and sucking as he bucked back. She groaned louder, her fingers gripping his hair as he sat up. Once again, Kendo felt like he was losing himself in Rumi and vice versa, things slowly escalating as Rumi quickly worked Kendo's shirt right back off, baring his powerful chest and abdomen to the evening light. She guided his own hands to the hem of her shirt, ready to lift it off of her-
"God, COULD YOU TWO KEEP IT DOWN!? TRYING TO WORK HERE!"
Both of their faces turned red, the mood shattered as they realized that they might have been loud enough for Kendo's grouchy neighbour to hear them… do the do. They burst into muffled laughter, collapsing onto the bed.
"That's twice now," She growled playfully, snuggling up to his chest. "Seriously think that the author's got something against us banging or something."
"The who?"
"Huh?"
They both looked at each other for they let out some stifled laughter, Kendo slipping his arm around her waist before they descended into comfortable silence.
"So… you love me, huh?" Rumi murmured.
"Yes. I'm not gonna be stupid and drag out my feelings by hesitating," He said strongly, looking right into her eyes, "Especially now with… this," He gestured to his head.
Rumi proceeded to kiss him again, this one softer but equally as deep as the last ones and full of love. "I love you too. And thank you for bein' honest with me. Also no take-backs," She said with a playful glare, "You wanna love me, you'd better do it with everything you've got."
He laughed, unrestrained this time before he kissed her back. "Will do, Usagi."
"And you'd better keep that promise to not get hurt… at least too badly."
"I know, I know," He sighed, "It's basically impossible for a combat-based hero to never get hurt in some way or the other, especially since my Quirk isn't necessarily a strength or durability-enhancing one."
"Huh… it's actually really funny to think that your quirk doesn't do that for you," Rumi wondered aloud before she looked at Kendo, worry in her eyes again. "Does… does the other you… can you hear him?"
'No.'
"Oh shut up you cheeky bastard," He growled before he looked to Rumi, her eyebrow raised. He stuttered to try and explain himself, only for Rumi to stop him with a small grin.
"I'll take that as a yes," She chuckled, before curiosity crossed her features again. "Could you… bring him out?"
'Bad idea. Besides, we only surface when it feels like our body is in danger, or when our emotions run wild in combat... only in combat.'
Kendo turned a bit red at the insinuation, almost feeling his other self smirking, yet he couldn't deny the thrill of pleasure at the thought before parroting the words to her. She nodded in understanding before laying down right on his chest, both hands on his cheeks as she directed a fiery look at him – no, through him.
"You hurt him, and I will find a way to make you suffer, understand?"
'God, that's so hot.'
"Agreed, that's hot."
She instantly turned red, her ears shooting up in surprise. "…he finds me hot?"
"We find you hot," Kendo corrected with a grin, trying not to laugh as Rumi squirmed in embarrassment. "What, we get an inch away from banging and you're totally fine, but me and my primal personality compliment you and we've got you blushin' a pretty pink?"
"Shut up, I just wasn't expecting it!" She whined, hiding her face in her hands. Kendo laughed and teased her for a bit longer, his body now truly relaxed, the tension of the day having left him for the time being.
"…Kendo, since its our break and stuff, I was wondering something."
"Shoot."
"I'm going over to Hiroshima to stay home for a while, and I was wondering… do you want to come with me?"
Instantly, the memory of Rumi's father calling her over the phone flashed through Kendo's head, his teeth gritting together. "Hey, I'm all for it," He said with a smirk, "But uh… what's your dad gonna think about us?"
She was silent for a while before her fingers intertwined with his. He loved the way her hands felt, small in his own yet slightly rough on the palms and knuckles, the hand of a fighter, a warrior. Her grip was gentle yet steady, and he could feel her resolve burning through her.
"I don't give a damn what my father thinks about you, about us," She said strongly, "I'm strong, but with you… I just can't find anything coming at us to be scary anymore." Kendo couldn't help himself, darting forward and deeply kissing her one more time.
"I love you Rumi," He chuckled softly.
"Love you too, you big idiot," Rumi snickered back. "And… do you mind if I stay the night?"
"Aye, fine by me!" They both laughed, drifting to a comfortable sleep not too long after. The rollercoaster of the day played havoc on their emotions, and though they both instinctively knew a kiss and a hug wouldn't simply solve the dilemma at hand, yet in this moment, basking in the warmth of each other, they felt that everything just might turn out fine.
…
"Everything is going to fine," Nobunaga sighed contently, utterly pleased with the results of today's work. "I do not need the DNA of the others anymore. Kendo alone will be enough to acquire the power I need."
Sitting down, he began putting down general ideas, concepts, negatives, positives, and solutions to his current plan, logging them into a voice recorder.
"Now let me see…" He hummed, tapping his chin as he began the recording, "…It's no longer appropriate to simply call Kendo's quirk Rapid Shoulder-Movement. My theory was been proven that it is more akin to extreme muscular control, allowing him to produce bursts of incredible kinetic energy from his attacks to even his movement-speed. Though subject Rumi Usagiyama has higher speeds, it is still no small feat however for him to reach velocities as extreme as he does.
"This of course leads to the topic of the 'technique' he discovered initially during his entrance exam and further refined in the later stages of the U.A Tournament, the 'Advance' as he calls it. In the face of an array of incredibly powerful opponents, such a skill was used to greatly elevate his combat level. By greatly speeding up the contraction and expansion of the heart's muscles, he allows his blood circulation to massively increase, drastically heating his body up and allowing that heat to turn into motion.
"Despite the inherent positives of the Advance, it still brings to light the supposedly extreme negatives of Kendo Rappa's quirk. Though he has indeed improved his muscular structure, the highly kinetic function of his quirk should have rendered a regular human crippled for life. Constant repetitive expansion and contraction of muscles to the degree that his quirk allows should have torn his muscular fibres apart so many times that he should have lost the use of his arms by now from the shoulder-down. The 'Advance', subsequently, should have caused his heart to burst from its initial activation."
He leaned back, grinning giddily.
"So… why is it that he is able not only to continuously use his quirk, but also continue to improve his physicality without the aforementioned repercussions? Here is my theory, and why I believe him to be the best suitable catalyst for my final step to power. Throughout his relatively short time at U.A, he has suffered extreme punishment, fought many powerful opponents, including my own son, and has risen above every single challenge placed in front of him, when by all rights, regardless of his determination, his body should have given out a very long time ago.
"The answer to his continued improvement, and the key to my success, lies within another theory: a secondary effect of his quirk, or another quirk altogether within his body! My theory is that Kendo Rappa has the ability to continuously improve his body, growing stronger from increasingly stressful situations. It is more than simple adaptability: he can automatically Evolve to better overcome the obstacles in front of him. This must be why his body is still in one piece after using his quirk so many times in rapid succession, and is further proven by my test today. By unleashing his inhibited instincts, he appears to evolve at an even more rapid rate, growing faster, stronger, better in the middle of combat. With the function of my quirk combined with his once I consume him…"
Nobunaga's skin turned a blackish-purple, drool dripping from his mouth before he reigned himself in.
"Goodness… almost gave into my 'Avarice' once again," He chuckled, wiping the drool from his mouth as he turned back to his normal form. "Well… all of this is still theoretical. I am however, still confident in my theorems and my absolute success. End Recording."
(To be Continued...)
So that was fuckin ominous, eh? Well, I know that the chapter wasn't action-packed and more centred around character dynamics, but I felt that this was an important chapter, because shit at the forefront and behind the scenes are heating up! That said, I hope you all enjoyed chapter 40, and I hope you stick around for more. Peace out and love you guys and gals!
