The time had come. Genos knew this was the moment… he'd have to go all out. The moment he'd finally get to use his full power. Truthfully, he had been hoping to use his full power on the cyborg that destroyed his village. But that would have to wait. He had to save the entire world first.
Or at least, stall its death.
The cyborg could see her up ahead. The girl that had confused his senses when they first met, his fellow disciple, almost his friend.
My sensors knew she was different from the start, he scowled. I was such a fool. I should have destroyed her a long time ago.
She made no reaction as she approached. Her eyes were lifeless. But they always had been, of course. The difference was, this time nothing was holding her back. The two stared each other down.
I will not hold back either, Genos though, clenching his fists. You will regret underestimating me.
"INCINERATE!" he boomed. A wave of fiery-hot energy went flying towards Ayano. She simply stood there, completely still, the fire not even affecting her.
Impossible… Genos narrowed his eyes. He glanced down at his chest. I see. I really do not have a choice.
"POWER CORE!" he roared. The energy from his power core flowed through his body. He bared his teeth, his yellow eyes glowing brighter. The electricity danced across his arms. He easily had the strength to take on a dragon threat. But could he take on Ayano?
"INCINERATE FOREVER!" he exclaimed, releasing all of his power at once, eyes glowing white.
Please, buy them enough time…
The yellow energy flowed into the sky, sprinkling around lightning. The red and yellow clashed in the sky. The ground cracked from the pressure, and buildings crumbled to ashes and dust. If Ayano had been her normal self, it would've been over.
But she wasn't her normal self anymore. Just as before, she took no damage. She looked exactly the same. Her eyes continued to pierce Genos' soul.
I have fought with everything I have, and that still is not enough? Genos looked down, falling to his knees. Master Saitama, Dr. Kuseno... forgive me. I have failed you both. She is too strong for me.
His eyes flickered to black, and his breaths slowed. And then of course, Ayano was right next to him. Genos closed his eyes.
"BACK OFF, BASTARD!"
Metal Bat and Atomic Samurai appeared, both wielding their weapons. Genos coughed, gazing up at his fellow S Class heroes.
"This is going to get messy," Zombieman also walked over, axe slung over his shoulder.
"Guys, come on, I told you to slow down," Child Emperor appeared, using his legged backpack to support him in the air. He had his small arms crossed. "We still don't have any kind of plan to-"
"I'm gonna mess ya up real bad," Metal Bat growled at Ayano, ignoring the young hero. "Not just for me, but for Osoro and my lil' sis too."
"You're one hell of a brat, Yan-chan," Atomic Samurai tch-ed. "One brat that I can't put up with any longer."
"No…" Genos croaked. "She is… too strong… she will kill you… please, just let me…"
Child Emperor kneeled beside him, helping him up. The cyborg coughed, his eyes flickering from black to yellow. Child Emperor put Genos' arm over his shoulder.
Zombieman shook his head. "She might kill them, but I'm immortal, Genos. She won't get me. And you're a cyborg, right? You can be repaired."
Genos hadn't expected to see Zombieman so optimistic. Usually, the immortal hero was fairly bleak and monotone. Nihilistic, he daresay.
"Zombieman, be realistic," Child Emperor made a face. "She's a threat level God. We really don't know what we're up against." He grimaced. "We could die here."
"Hey, don't forget my treat, Child Emperor," Zombieman gave the younger hero a rare smile. "We're getting milkshakes after this."
Child Emperor raised his brows, trying to hide his sudden tears.
"DIE!" Both Metal Bat and Atomic Samurai charged towards Ayano. She made no reaction.
But Child Emperor could sense her power. He trembled, almost falling off his legs.
"Wait, stop!" he pleaded.
But of course, the deaths of the heroes were instantaneous. Brutal and quick, with blood spilling around. A blank slate with dead eyes.
No, she killed them instantly… Child Emperor trembled, hugging onto his tablet. I can't even measure how strong she is… I need to figure out something, fast…
"My turn," Zombieman decided, making his way towards the Yandere.
"No, Zombieman!" Child Emperor pleaded.
"I'll be fine," Zombieman insisted, still cheerful, turning to the threat level God. "Come on. Let's see you try and kill me. Stay back, Child Emperor, Genos."
He held out his axe. Ayano sliced his body in half with one move. Dead silence.
Child Emperor's breath caught in his throat. Then, of course, Zombieman's body began reforming. Bone and flesh grew up from the wound, turning into a torso. Ayano cut him in half again, faster this time. His body continued to reform.
She's going to keep cutting him down until he stops reforming, Child Emperor scowled, stepping back. But it can't go on forever.
Ayano's body twitched. She sliced Zombieman down again. Then, using her bare fists, she hacked away at his body while he continued to reform. She broke his body into more and more pieces, coated in blood. Child Emperor couldn't bring himself to watch much more.
"Not even… he… can win…" Genos uttered.
No, he has to win, Child Emperor thought. Come on, Zombieman…
Despite that, at the back of his mind, a back-up plan was forming. A back-up plan he'd never thought he'd have to use.
Ayano continued slicing down Zombieman, getting faster and faster. Soon, the hero's body was nothing but a pile of mush.
Child Emperor felt a sickness brewing in his stomach. He realised his breaths were getting heavy. He looked away. For a second, regretted becoming a hero, if only for what he'd just witnessed.
This can't wait anymore, he narrowed his eyes. He moved Genos to an alleyway, leaning him against a wall.
"What… are you doing…?" Genos asked, gazing up at the young hero. Child Emperor moved away, back to the fight scene, brow furrowed in determination. Ayano stood above the pile of mush that had been Zombieman.
Child Emperor felt sickness brewing in his stomach… and something else as well. A fiery rage.
"BRAVE GIANT!" he yelled, holding out his arms. Out from the ground, robotic parts came flying out. They were bigger and better than last time, attaching themselves to the young hero. Soon, a powerful mecha stood in his place. The mecha towered above Ayano, who looked up at it with her thousand yard stare.
"I know you've seen Brave Giant before, but it's different this time," Child Emperor addressed her. "This time, it's hack-proof. This time, it's the thing that's going to kill the real monster here: you."
Brave Giant aimed its blasters at Ayano. It fired missiles at her. Although they exploded on impact, they did nothing to stop her walking. She continued to march towards him.
Child Emperor narrowed his eyes, pressing a different button. "Go get her, little braves!"
An army of Little Braves zoomed towards Ayano. While they could only distract her for a few brief moments, Child Emperor used the opportunity to prepare another attack.
"Gigavolt smash!" he roared.
Brave Giant began glowing. Once Ayano stood in front of the large mecha, the wave of power flew out, sending out waves of electricity.
"GIANT FIST STRIKE!" Child Emperor cried. His voice was tinged with a fiery passion; the more he got into it, the more he wanted to see Ayano taken down. He needed to bring justice to Zombieman's death. To everyone's death.
Brave Giant held up its glowing fist. The fist slammed into Ayano, sending out a shockwave that would've killed any normal person. The impact punch would've killed even a Dragon-level threat. But it simply had no impact on the Yandere. She stood there, completely unharmed.
Child Emperor stammered. Ugh, what will it take to kill her?!
"ENERGY CANNONS!" he cried out. The energy cannons sent out Dragon-killing beams; beams, which of course, had no effect on Ayano. She jumped onto Brave Giant's roof. Using her bare hands, she began ripping it open.
Not again, Child Emperor slammed his hands onto every button he could see. I am not dying here! I-
Then Brave Giant began to beep, its screens flashing red. The familiar beeping, the sound of him being hacked… again.
Now of all times?! He whimpered.
"Hey," Info-chan's voice came from the screen. Her classic insignia of a person with red hair and glasses appeared on the screen.
"You?!" Child Emperor demanded.
"Don't get the wrong idea," Info-chan replied. "This time, I'm here to…" She muttered a curse under her breath. "... help you."
"'Help me'?" Child Emperor asked, bursting out laughing.
"Hold on," Info-chan grumbled. Brave Giant began to beep again. Suddenly, Child Emperor fell through the floor. He landed on the road, knocking his breath out. He was sitting beneath Brave Giant, surrounded by its legs. Ayano was still on top of it.
"Get out of here," Info-chan's voice came from inside the mecha.
A distraction, Child Emperor realised. He stood up, narrowing his eyes. He scooted away, covering his head. He couldn't believe he was losing Brave Giant again, but… oh well. He could always rebuild the thing, and make it even better.
He covered his ears, flinching as an explosion sent shockwaves all throughout the city. He made his way over to Genos, who was barely holding onto life. His backpack re-opened his legs.
Child Emperor grabbed Genos' frail body, carrying the much bigger hero over his shoulder. Thanks to the support from his back-pack, he was able to stand back up.
He gazed back over his shoulder for a brief moment, before allowing his legs to launch himself and his co-hero into the air. He avoided looking at the red sky, instead landing on a partially impacted office building. He jumped from building to building, forcing himself to take deep breaths. He saw Zombieman's face in his mind, smiling at him. Tears began spilling down his cheeks.
"You promised…" he sniffled, taking another gulp of air.
Then she appeared once again, right in front of him. Child Emperor shrieked, stumbling back. He nearly fell off the edge of the building he stood on. He tightly clung onto Genos' useless body, sweat pooling down his face.
Ayano grew closer and closer. Yet, for some reason, Child Emperor couldn't bring himself to run away. What was the point? She'd catch up anyway.
"Not so fast."
Child Emperor stumbled back. Flashy Flash and Speed O' Sound Sonic had appeared before him.
"I demand a rematch," Flashy Flash stepped towards Ayano, sword in hand.
"And I demand revenge." Sonic hissed, pulling out his shurikens.
"You two…" Child Emperor's face creased up.
The two ninjas looked at each other, then at Ayano.
"DOUBLE NINJA SLASH!" they called out. They came from either side, weapons aimed at Ayano.
To their surprise, she grabbed both of the ninjas, holding them up by their necks. And before they could move, she ripped both of their heads off, clean and simple.
Child Emperor flailed backwards. Holding Genos' body, he made one last attempt at an exit, but he couldn't escape the red, glowing eyes centered on his form. His whole body convulsed.
Then a man appeared in front of him.
The man was fairly tall, with a muscular figure, and he seemed to be middle aged. He had spiky black hair, and a long cape. A fiery pattern was around his zipped up jumpsuit. He gazed at Ayano with an almost matching thousand yard stare.
Child Emperor stammered. "B-Blast…?!"
The man did not respond, turning his attention to Ayano. The two stared each down.
"So," Blast finally said, voice deep and aged. "You're Threat Level God."
Ayano took a step towards him.
"You killed my disciple and my son," Blast continued. "And now, you're going after the rest of humanity."
"Mr. Blast, sir, be careful!" Child Emperor cried.
"If you can't defend yourself, Child Emperor, then there's no point of you being here," Blast said, not turning his gaze away from Ayano. "Leave at once."
Child Emperor's throat choked up. One of Genos' eyes slowly opened. He gripped Child Emperor's shoulder.
"So that is Blast…" he breathed.
Child Emperor shook his head. "Save your strength, Genos. L-Let's go."
He clambered off the side of the building, leaving Blast alone with Ayano. The rank 1 Class S hero stared the girl down.
"Honestly, what's the point of fighting you?" he asked. "I've seen what you're capable of. There's not much I can do." He held up his fist. "But you underestimate humans, Yan-chan. There's always a bigger fish. Even if you kill me… someone will kill you. It'll all be worthless in the end."
She raced towards him, swinging her arm.
"But that doesn't mean I can't try to have revenge," Blast breathed out. "It's the least I can do for my disciple and my son."
His eyes turned red. He released a bright red laser, clashing with Ayano's skin. She simply stood there, eyes dead as always.
"Hmm," Blast floated into the air. "You killed Tatsumaki as well, didn't you?"
Ayano jumped up beside him. He prepared his fists. The two clashed in mid air.
"Traveller might still be out there," Blast's eyes glimmered. "Will you kill her as well? If you can find her."
He breathed out, leaning back from another attack. "You're making me think of the old times, kiddo…"
"Master!"
Blast gazed down at the young girl racing over to him, carrying five bags stuffed full of books. A fiery passion burned in her silver eyes, energy in her every step. The sight of the large and intimidating forest didn't seem to bother her in the slightest.
Dammit, she looks so much like her… Blast sighed.
"You really came," Blast grunted.
"Let's get started right away, Master!" Megami held out her small fists.
"I'm not your master yet, kiddo," Blast shook his head. He sat on a tree stump. "Before I teach you how to fight, you have to teach yourself how to survive."
"Survive?" Megami asked.
"You've been living a pretty pampered life," Blast crossed his arms. "I think it's time you tried living out in the wild for a bit." He pointed at her. "I want you to live out here, in this forest, with no connection to the outside world for three months. You've gotta figure it all out by yourself."
"Sir! I cannot do such a thing!" Megami exclaimed. "My father would not allow it! I have Saikou Corp CEO training-"
"You wanna become a hero or not?" Blast asked.
Megami clenched her fists. There was a tense silence.
"Very well," Megami decided. "I'll do as you ask, Master!"
"Father!"
A young boy with blue hair and blue eyes came out from behind a tree, blue eyes narrowed. He somewhat resembled Blast.
"Blue, go home," Blast grunted.
"Father, who's this girl?" Blue asked.
"Who is this, Master?" Megami asked.
"Leave, Blue," Blast addressed his son.
"She looks like Mother," Blue's eyes were narrowed.
"Well, she is your cousin, I suppose," Blast grunted.
"Cousin?" Megami jumped in. "You mean to say, this boy is the son of… Traveller?"
The cousins stared each other down.
"Father, are you training her?" Blue asked, gazing up at his father. "Why are you training her and not me? I'm your son!"
"Leave, Blue," Blast ordered.
Blue's lip trembled, before he stormed away.
Megami raised a hand. "Master-"
"Your training begins now," Blast told Megami, before taking off into the sky. Megami watched from the ground in awe. Her brows furrowed in determination.
I won't let you down, Master, she thought. I promise.
"Master!"
Blast stared at Megami Saikou, as they stood on a balcony. The girl stared back at him, fierce determination in her eyes. Especially now that she was almost an adult, she looked even more like her aunt.
"Why did you call me here?" Megami asked, holding up her head.
"I think I've taught you everything you need to know," Blast answered. "You've become a powerful hero. Before long, you're gonna overtake me, kiddo."
Megami looked like she was about to retort, but simply nodded instead. "Thank you, Master."
"Of course," Blast nodded. He looked at the sunset, its warm tones washing over the Earth. There was a long silence.
"I'm going away for a while," he finally said.
"What do you mean?" Megami asked.
"I'm not going to be taking any calls from the Hero Association unless it's Threat Level God," Blast told her. "I'm leaving everything to you."
"I see," Megami put a hand on her chest. "But… why, Master?"
"You can't handle it?" Blast asked.
"No, it's not that," Megami shook her head. "I can definitely handle it. I would just like to know why you're going away."
"That's a reason I'm gonna keep to myself," Blast replied.
"Can you at least tell me where you're going?" Megami asked.
"Afraid not, kiddo," Blast shook his head. "This is probably the last time we'll see each other for a while."
Megami paused, looking down ever so slightly. "I see."
Blast clapped her shoulder. "I'm counting on you, Megami. Don't let me down."
"I won't, Master," Megami put a hand on her chest. "I promise."
Blast had a small smile on his face. "I know you won't. You never have."
"Even if everyone's gone, we'll still find a way to live on," Blast told Ayano. "You see if we don't."
His palm lit up with power. He held his palm near his head.
"But I won't be apart of it," he sighed. "I'm too old for this, anyway. And if I'm gonna die by anyone…"
He aimed the power at his temple.
Child Emperor continued to run away with Genos, not daring to look back. Would even Blast be too weak to defeat the Yandere girl? He was the number one S Class hero, after all. If anyone could defeat her, it would be him… right?
Genos spluttered. "I will not… survive…"
"Genos, no," Child Emperor pleaded. "Just hold on a little longer. We'll get to my lab, and-"
"No, I am... damaged beyond… repair…" Genos coughed, his voice getting weaker and weaker. "You must… find Master Saitama… he can save us…"
"Saitama?" Child Emperor asked, looking over his shoulder.
"Master… Saitama…" Genos coughed. "Dr… Kuseno… I failed you…"
"No, Genos, please, no no…" Child Emperor stopped, placing Genos on the ground. "Look, I can repair you right now, it'll be-"
"She's… there…" Genos whispered.
Child Emperor turned around. Ayano Aishi was standing right behind them.
"NO!" Child Emperor furiously chewed through a lollipop. "GET AWAY FROM US!" Tears streamed down his cheeks. "I CAN'T HANDLE ANYMORE DEATHS!"
Ayano didn't react at all. She simply slashed her knife, taking out them both with a single move. The blood pooled out, staining the footpath.
"You."
Ayano turned around. Standing there was a shaking boy. Not just any boy, though: Taro Yamada. His dark hair was messy, bags were under his eyes, and his skin was pale and clammy. A huge, unnaturally large smile was torn across his face.
"You ruined my life," he told her. "Now I'm gonna ruin yours."
