Chapter 50
Fist of Conviction

"So, how long are we going to stick around here for?" Adamas squatted down next to Toga and Twice as they watched from far away the battles unfolding. He removed his jacket and wrapped it around Toga, due to her being naked after using her Quirk and pretending to be Deku.

"Not like we asked for your damn company! Feel free to stick around!" Came the voice of Twice. Adamas had to admit, it had taken quite some time to get used to telling what to consider to be Twice's true words. The double meaning was a hard concept for him, so he just learned to roll with it.

"I thought you said Shigaraki needed you for something?" Toga asked, tilting her head.

"Well, they have a clone of me." Adamas shrugged, looking in deep thought without his mask."I just...I don't know...I've been feeling weird ever since I came here, mom. I think I'm starting to understand how you feel. That strange feeling in your chest when you see someone special. Now that I've confirmed my theory. But I don't understand. It's just like that Yakuza kid says...I'm just an abomination. So...am I really entitled to feeling emotions? It feels out of place, doesn't it?"

Twice looked over to Toga quickly."What the hell is he talking about?"

Toga chopped Twice on the head lightly, then turning her attention to the black-haired young man.

"I mean...you guys know what I am. I'm just a creation. A homunculus. I'm not a real person who was born into this world naturally. I didn't go through the cycle of growing up as you guys did. I was created the way I am. I was just a gift to the League of Villains by..." He bit his lower lip."But when I am insulted, I feel the need to fire back. When I went down there and helped Uraraka Ochako and the other heroines, I feel...funny, I guess. I tried using those corny lines I read online but...I don't think it was a good idea since I don't know how to apply that knowledge."

Toga sighed, caressing his cheek."I don't know why you even listen to those jerks. You are my son and no son of mine is going to be referred to as a thing. I think what you're experiencing right now is a crush. You are at that age, after all. Just like me. But you play with your head and don't know if what you feel is right or not, since you're different. You proved that you are capable of having free-will since you decided to jump in and beat up Overhaul's little brother. But I think it's up to you what you can feel or be. That's the point of the League of Villains, right?"

"She's right. We are free to do as we like. We don't care what you are or anything like that. We care for who you are. We're all crazies ganged up together in order to make a change for ourselves. At the end of the time, you are one of us." Twice nodded, taking Adamas by surprise.

"I see...Then maybe...we should stick around for a bit longer." Adamas turned his attention back to the Shie Hassaikai Compound."I want to see these bastards go down. And I want to confirm for sure...what my feelings really are."

Shie Hassaikai Compound, Underground Tunnels, Morning

Hisashi cried out in pain as Megumi backhanded him towards a wall.

"Running away from me was never an option." She drawled, wiping the blood off her hand."Disgusting. Do you dare spill your blood on me? If that's the case, I will force your body to be completely dry of it. I will paint these walls with your blood."

"Sheez, thanks for the consideration..." Hisashi panted, holding his aching jaw."Still...I'm not going to make this easier for you."

"Easier than they already are?" Megumi scoffed behind her mask."Don't be ridiculous."

'I have to put up my Neon Web. It's the only way I'll have a fighting chance.' Hisashi carefully looked around the room where he had been thrown around by Megumi, watching as the thin strings of neon were slowly connecting to each other.'Good. I just need more time to put up a decent barrier.'

The Sin of Pride moved at lightning speed, already in front of Hisashi when he wasn't expecting it. The third-year put his arms up, but he only managed to get himself smacked in the face by himself. The Chinese girl grabbed him by his ankles and threw him to the opposite side.

Hisashi used his hand to stabilize himself and backflip back.'Just a bit more time!' He readied his fingers, the orange neon becoming visible as he powered up.

Megumi kicked the ground hard, causing the loose rocks to jump up as she punched them towards him. Hisashi was forced to take the rocks head-on, causing injuries on his body. To his dismay, Megumi crashed her kick against his stomach, taking him to a wall and causing him to cough up blood.

"You should feel lucky I am taking good care of you. Normally, I wouldn't hesitate to break a few bones here and there. Though maybe breaking three of your ribs wasn't enough. However, you can also argue that I'm being a sadist by not ending your suffering. But...you did barge into our base of operations. And now, this whole thing has gone to hell."

Hisashi screamed in agony as Megumi dug her knee deeper into his gut.

"I was thinking of rotating more and input more power, but I guess level is fine. If you are a relevant asset to your little friends, then they won't be a problem."

"I wouldn't...be so sure about that..." Hisashi forced a smile."As I said, unlike you, I have complete faith in my friends..."

"And look where that has gotten you." Megumi sneered."At my mercy. On the other hand, I, an Empress, stand with no one. I win by my own rules. And I can back up my claims as well, hero. I have never lost a fight in my life. Certainly, that won't be ruined today."

"Maybe I won't defeat you...I'm the weakest in my group..." He choked out, grabbing her thigh and attempting to remove it from him."Compared to my siblings, I'm a joke. That's why I know...if you're having this much trouble to kill me...you won't lay a finger on them."

"Then perhaps I should finish you off. Your head will be caved in and you will die instantly." Megumi pulled her fist back as it glowed in amber flames."Worry not, valiant warrior. I will remember your bravery. If only you had sided with our cause...you would have made an excellent royal guard."

"Thanks...but...I don't think my friends would appreciate that offer."

Megumi's eyes shot open, instinctively pulling out her fans and opening them to block an incoming blade. However, her arms were in an awkward position and were forced back by the impact.

Their intruder was clad in demonic-like armor, holding a sword as his wings flapped in the air.

"You made it...Nero..."

"Barely." Nero's transformation faded as he landed on the ground on his knees."I nearly got myself killed just now. Somehow, I wasn't. I don't know what happened, but when I came to, I was all alone and my opponent was nowhere to be seen."

"I'm just happy you're okay." Hisashi breathed in relief.

"Like I said, barely. My body took too much damage from my fight with Envy. My healing factor can't keep up. And to make things matters worse, this chick blocked my attack at point-blank. I can tell she'll be more of a pain in the ass than Taichi."

Megumi huffed as she stood up again, rubbing her biceps."A bit more force and it would have snapped something. To think I failed to react properly. But that attack seemed out of desperation." She looked back at her foes."So, you really beat Tai."

"Actually, he beat me." He corrected her, rubbing his back with a shit-eating grin."You guys aren't as much of a pushover as I had thought."

"A little too late to realize that." She scowled, thanking the heavens that her mask obscure her expressions.'Still, he didn't defeat Tai? Then where could he possibly be? No matter. I will settle this and look for him later.'

"Please tell me you got a plan." Nero turned to his brother-in-law.

"Yeah. Thanks to you, I had enough time to prepare it! X-Cross Spider Web!"

"Whatever you're planning, against perfection, it won't work!" Megumi kicked the ground, lunging over to them, only to be stopped by a neon string touching her chest. She grabbed the string and used it to stop her momentum, causing her to fall back before a volley of neon balls crashed where he was original.

"Stay behind me, Nero. This will be our only choice to get a clean hit on her. She's extremely fast, so hopefully, this will box her in long enough for you to deliver the finishing attack."

"I'm afraid your plan has a little flaw." Nero smiled nervously, a cold seat dropping down his forehead.

Megumi rotating in circles, kicking the incoming neon balls shot at her as she made contact with the web. She used the strings and her gymnastics skills to climb her way up.

"You're kidding me!" Hisashi cried out in awe."She's moving way too fast that even if she's attacked from everywhere, it's still not enough to corner her!"

"And she's making her way up her fast. I was expecting a gap between her and Taichi but this is insane. And she's not even using her full power. Even if I wasn't fatigued, I would have a hard time against her."

"I don't know what to do. Damn it"! Hisashi hissed."I can't be this weak! At this rate, I won't be able to even protect the others!"

"No, you're not weak, Hisashi." Nero rose his blade, wings protruding from his back."I will use this opportunity you've given me and take her down before she gets out of the web. We'll figure out the rest as we go!" With that, Nero had taken off, flying over to the giant neon net.'I'll take some hits as well since this is an omnidirectional technique. But as long as I can stop her in her tracks, she will suffer great damage as well!"

"You ready, partner?!" Nero asked his blade as he grabbed it with both hands, raising them.

Guerra, as if it were alive, responded by wrapping thorns around his arms and engulfing itself in black flames. Once he entered the net, he felt the first few impacts on his back. He winced, ignoring the pain as he continued to maneuver around the strings.

Megumi rose her head in shock, not expecting Nero to enter as well. Nonetheless, she wasn't going to allow herself to fall into the trick. She blocked Guerra with her fans as they immediately were cut to pieces. Wasting no time, she planed her foot firmly on Nero's face and used it as a foothold to jump higher. Once she was outside, she grabbed one of the main strings keeping the web together, and pulled hard.

Hisashi was forced down to his own neon web, receiving an elbow to his back, shooting him to the center of it. The sound of explosions filled Megumi's ears while she landed safely on the ground. She watched with a disinterested expression as two bodies came out of the colored-cloud in the air. Both Hisashi and Nero landed close to each other, clearly wounded.

"That was an interesting light show." Megumi commented as she began approaching Hisashi."Not bad. Your plan would have worked against anyone else. But against me, it's futile. My Quirks can increase my strength as speed the more I rotate. At this point, it's clear you won't be enough to defeat me."

"Hey!" Nero shouted over to her."Why don't you come and say that to my face?!"

"Nero, what are you-"

'Shit.' Nero thought as he was already regretting his choice. Guerra was out of reach, across the room and his body was still in pain from both fights."Yeah, that's right. Come on then, "Empress", shut me up first. You're not so special as you think you are. You are no royalty. You're just a dumb girl with an overinflated eg-"

Nero didn't get to finish that sentence as Megumi kicked him hard on the side. The devil-Quirk user hissed in pain, unable to scream as he felt his lungs exhaled all the air he had.

"So, I'm a dumb girl who thinks too much of herself? And what does that make you?" She began delivering a series of kicks on his torso, hearing the ribs and bones shattering upon impact. She began to stump on his face repeatedly."From where I'm standing, you're an insignificant piece of garbage who doesn't know his place! Well, does this finally give you an idea! I'm perfect! No one can even begin to compare to me! Not you! And certainly not your little gang of misfit-"

"GOT YOU!"

Megumi's eyes widened in shock. She turned around but wasn't fast enough to react. Hisashi was right behind her charging a neon attack in his right arm.'Can't be! He took advantage while I was massacring this lowlife to get the jump on me! I can't dodge-!"

Hisashi fired his attack right in Megumi's face, sending her flying across the room as she rolled on the ground, pieces of her mask coming off before breaking entirely.

"Nero!" Hisashi knelt down to check upon him. He cringed upon seeing his condition. His face had been smashed in and was missing a few teeth. He was breathing, but it was slow."She must have shattered almost his entire ribcage with those kicks. And from the way you've been looking, it's going to take a while for your body to regenerate. Thank you...Nero. For giving me the distraction I needed to land a blow. Even if it certainly didn't stop her. But I guess this is better than nothing at all, huh?"

Nero responded by giving a low grumble, turning his head around as he lost consciousness.

Meanwhile, Megumi rubbed her face, noticing her mask was completely gone. This irritated her to no end and the fact that she was forced against the wall enraged her further."I wasn't expecting him to give me a surprise attack like that. It seems I was wrong about him. He does have some backbone after all. But..." She stood up, eyeing Hisashi like a prey."I will break you."

Shie Hassaikai Compound, Underground Tunnels, Morning

"Wait, what?" Darby was bewildered at the sudden statement."What did you just say?"

"You heard me. My real name is Satoshi Kachidoki." The Baron, now self-proclaimed Satoshi, confessed with an eery smile."It's not that hard to process, is it? After all, I do have the Neon Quirk, don't I?"

"But that's because...you're a Nomu, aren't you?!" Darby demanded, desperate to find an answer. Takashi looked as if he had seen a ghost. He wasn't moving and he certainly didn't look like he was going to say anything soon. It was like his brain had overloaded and was in the process of rebooting.

"A Nomu, really?" Satoshi chuckled, shaking his head."Do I look like one of those beasts? Come on. I used the Nutrient and awoke to my second Quirk. A long time ago. It was during the times the drug was in its initial stages. It was a gamble that I took. All for the sake of my missi-"

Satoshi was forced to block the incoming attack by Takashi, who had leaped at him at incredible speeds."You're lying! You're trying to get to my damn head!"

"Unfortunately, that's not the case, Takashi." Satoshi easily grabbed Takashi's arms and twisted it behind his back."In reality, we are siblings. And as such, I was also a victim of our father. No...perhaps it's more correct that we are all victims of our family."

"What are you blathering about?! Us?! Siblings?!" Takashi fired a full-power neon blast from his other arm behind him, but Satoshi merely moved his head and avoided it.

"Leave him alone!" Darby shouted as he combined three spheres in each of his arms and created two scythes. Satoshi let go of Takashi, jumping out of the way to gain some distance.

"I loathed our father like you did as well for the longest time. But as I became to uncover the truth more and more, I came to realize that just like us, he was a victim to our family. This cursed family is destined to kill each other for the sake of power. Our father followed orders from his father just like you, Ayushi, and Hisashi did. And that's been going on for decades now. For that reason, I took it upon myself to bring an end to the Kachidoki family and free them from ever suffering as much as we have."

"You're full of shit! My dad...never mentioned have another son nor did Ayushi!" Takashi gritted his teeth."I refuse to believe that all of my fucking mystery and pain was caused by a member of my family!"

"Actually, that is not entirely true. I told you I used The Nutrient to awaken to my second Quirk, Neon. What can you infer from that."

Darby's lightbulb lit up in his head after putting two and two together."Your original Quirk wasn't neon! It was Null Intertia, right?"

"That's right. And I'm sure I don't need to tell you what happens to those who aren't suited to the family's standards. Just like everyone who wasn't deemed "worthy", I was thrown away like mere trash. Or perhaps, it's more appropriate to say that I was just forgotten. Until that fateful day when my world was destroyed. Our father met my mother during one of his patrols back in the day. Clearly, they had to keep their relationship a secret, because my mother had a Quirk, which is the one I originally inherited.
When I was born, they did their best to keep me a secret, but our Grandfather was no fool. He gave Father a chance. To abandon my mother and me, leaving us homeless, or wait four years for me to manifest a Quirk. Father had great expectations of me and every day...I lived to the fullest with them. I had a loving and caring family."

Darby and Takashi were both stunned at this revelation. They weren't sure what to say, so they silently decided to let him finish his story.

"But given the fact that I spent a bit of my childhood in happiness, naturally, misfortunate was right around the corner. I developed my Null Inertia. And you can guess what happens next. Father was forced by Grandfather to abandon us, leaving us on the streets and threatening to never tell anyone we were related to him. That is why I don't necessarily blame Father for what he did. After all, he was following the rules established by the Kachidoki Dynasty. Like us, he was a victim. That is why my goal is to eradicate this family from existence. So that no more of our predecessors have to suffer as we did. Which is the reason why I sought you out. I saw the young me reflected in your eyes, Takashi. Back in the Sports Festival."

Takashi's gaze hardened upon recalling his mental state after his match with Bakugo."Yeah. I was in my darkest moments. I felt like everyone in the world was out to get me and that I was entitled to greatness. I wanted to be the strongest because I thought the world owed something to me. Which is why I went with you. You offered me power and a solution. In exchange, I pretty much sold my soul to the devil. You."

"No need for petty insults." Satoshi chuckled at his words."But I did give you what you wanted, didn't I? I just wasn't expecting for...obstacles get in the way." He shot Darby a look, which seemed to disturb him slightly."At the end of the day, you decided to back out. But contrary to what you believe, you believed from the bottom of your heart that you wanted to change how things work. That thought impulses you into coming to me and to kill our Father. TO put an end to the things that you were forced to be part of. You will never escape that reality, Takashi. I carved a remainder of your sins into your eyes."

Takashi subconsciously touched his eyes, closing them."Right. I have to carry all the hate in my eyes, where I got branded by evil desire. But it's only fair for me to return the gesture, is it not?" With a loud sound, Takashi created a neon scythe in his right arm."This scythe will carve a remainder of YOUR sins in your tainted blood!"

Satoshi gave a sardonic grin, putting both of his arms in front of him."You believe you can beat me? I'm afraid you won't get the chance. You see, you have some understanding of how my Quirk works, but you are still not getting the bigger picture. I'll show you. Havoc Turret!"

Satoshi's ball of neon condescended to the point where it fits around his hands before splitting it into two. He then fired his attacks, going at great speeds at his adversaries.

Darby jumped in the air, using a Neon Sphere as footing. Much to his dismay, the attack had changed trajectory and was heading straight to him.

"It can't be!" Takashi snarled as he ran in the air, shooting a volley of neon blasts at the attack chasing him, which only served to increase its size."He can't be controlling them like that!" He glared at his supposed brother in a frenzy, noticing him moving his arm around as if he were part of an orchestra."Don't tell me...he can change the inertia on objects?! Of course, that makes sense. After all, that rod that pierced through Nee-san came from behind her when no one was near her. That must mean he can change the inertia on whatever he touches and control it at will!"

"This is ridiculous!" Darby shouted, sending his ten spheres to meet the attack chasing him. To his horror, the neon broke through the spheres, something that hadn't been done ever since he fought the Nomu at USJ. With no other choice left, Darby crossed his arms in front of him and prepared himself for the impact. The attack shot him all the way to the roof before going off, an explosion covering their heads.

"Darby!" Takashi decided he had enough and took his ground, landing on the floor. He swung his scythe, cutting the attack in two. But this did not stop its chase and continued to pursue him, this time doubled.

Takashi continued with his swings. They were fast, despite the size of the weapon being taller than him. But he had made a mistake and was kicking himself mentally for it. After cutting through the attack multiple times, he now found himself surrounded in a circle by a vast number of neon balls coming at him from every direction.

Takashi observed from the sideline, an amused look on his face."Not a bad show, little brother. But I see much more room to grow. You've just awakened to this new power of yours, after all. The same goes for..."

Satoshi turned around, grabbing Darby's fist after he came flying down at him."A surprise attack? Smart."

Darby hissed, shock that he had blocked his attack so easily.'He didn't use his Quirk on me, since he's using it on his neon balls. That means it has a limit!'

"But you know, Darby Nishikawi. I'm disappointed by your performance." Satoshi frowned as if he was genuinely upset."Your eyes aren't the same as back then. Back when we first met and you fought me so ferociously, despite your injuries and how tired you were. You said you would do anything you can to take me down. And yet here you are, face to face with me again and you have doubt behind your punches. I thought you were fighting for the truth, but you aren't even putting a decent fight like back then. Why is that?"

"Shut up!" Darby barked, throwing another punch only for his fist to be caught as well."You killed Hoshi and Yasukage! You killed Ashe-san!" Darby planted his feet firm on the ground, pushing Satoshi slightly.

Satoshi was amused by his reaction, his eyebrows rose up."Ah, you're getting there. You almost have the same look as before. Though it still amazes me how you're just like Ayushi. You were probably sleeping easy, not thinking of what had transpired before. You probably kept believing that you were going to fight me because you wanted to do some good, like a good little hero. But in reality, you were dreadfully waiting for this day."

"What are you talking about?"

"Darby Nishikawi, I believe that fire you had in you has extinguished because of the death of your friends and master." Satoshi grinned upon seeing Darby's shocked expression."You are afraid of more people dying and not being able to save them, isn't that right?"

"And what's wrong with that?!" Darby sneered, trying to away from his grasp to no avail.

"No. I suppose I was wrong." Satoshi tightened his grip on Darby's hands, making him yelp."You are more concerned about yourself. It's not that you don't want anyone to die. YOU don't want to die, right? You're more concerned about your own wellbeing but fooled yourself into thinking you're doing this for the greater good."

"What?! You're wrong!" Darby protested, biting his lower lip.

"No. I'm not wrong. You had no reason to come here other than revenge, but now that I see through you, you came here expecting for the best and hoping to gain some prestige. You expected to walk out of here with your chin high in pride and having beaten the terrible villains. You don't care about the rest of your friends. You only care about getting out of here as a hero."

"You're wrong!" Darby hissed, closing his eyes and hoping to avoid hearing anymore.

"Don't listen to him, Darby!" Takashi hollered as he continued slicing through the now countless neon balls surrounding him."Don't let him get to your head! That's what he wants! To get to us and attack us mentally!"

Satoshi scoffed, pulling Darby as he fell on the floor, kicking the red-haired's stomach and launching him across, crashing against Takashi as the neon balls rained down upon them.

"You're too smart for your own good, Takashi." Satoshi dusted his clothes off."Well, I guess it's better to say that you've learned from your experiences. After all, you did succumb to my words before."

As he had expected, he got no response from the duo. Once the smoke cleared, they were on the floor, their costumes tattered in some parts.

"You all right?" Takashi groaned, coughing the smoke he had inhaled.

Darby slowly sat up, his body stiff and aching from the impact."This is hopeless...He's just toying with us. We're nothing compared to him."

"Be honest. Still think we can win?" Takashi asked, although already knowing the answer to that question.

"I hate to say it, but no way in hell we're beating him." Darby gulped down, his finger shaking."He has us beat in everything. I guess it's to be expected...he did beat Ayushi-san and your dad."

Takashi silently nodded, taking a look at his friend."Hey, you okay?"

Darby remained silent, looking at the ground, which made Takashi forged on."Listen, stop trying to find any sense in this. We aren't responsible for the deaths of the people who died. It's him. He's trying to get into your head to make you drop your guard. He wants to destroy you mentally before dealing the finishing blow."

"But...Takashi...I..." Darby glanced at his trembling hands."I couldn't save him. I couldn't save Hoshi and he was right in front of me...I'm supposed to save people, Takashi. And I couldn't save a single person. And maybe he's right...maybe I'm not scared of more people dying...I'm scared of me dying..."

"So?" Takashi bluntly asked."That's normal. It's normal to be scared and to be concerned for your safety. That's the way I see things. Just because we're heroes, doesn't mean we're suddenly free of being afraid of death. It doesn't mean you're selfish. It means you are human. And as humans, we are afraid of death. Even in the face of a crisis. So stop feeling sorry for what's happened and focus on what you can change. Hoshi and Yasukage sacrificed themselves for us. And we are running against the clock if we want to save my sister. She gave us the key to the secret that is The Baron's Quirk. We're almost there. We just need a final push. For them."

Darby stared at the youngest Kachidoki in sadness."But I...I don't think I can...what if we just die and everything was for nothing?"

"It's too late to worry about that. I'm scared shitless too, but we aren't dying here, damn it!" Takashi yelled, frustrated at his negativity."We have to keep fighting or we di-"

A green beam of neon passed right in front of his face and went out in the blink of an eye. Takashi's eyes widened seconds later as his brain finally registered what had happened. He glanced up at Darby, noticing he had a startled face as well as a Black Sphere in his arm, indicating he hadn't had time to make a barrier of himself.

"Oh? You both didn't react to that? But that was a mere fragment of the terrors I have in store for you." Satoshi grinned in triumph, smoke coming off his index fingers. Shame. But you don't have even a bit of hope in escaping alive."

"Shit..." Takashi passed a hand through his hair, the dreadful situation starting to get to him."You're kidding me, right? I didn't even see how fast it was. And I have a feeling receiving it head-on would be fatal. Fuck..."

Darby was biting his bottom lip hard, almost breaking the skin.'I was distracted, but I...'

"Do you feel despair yet? Hopeless? Powerless? That is exactly how I felt when my life was ruined by the chains of doom surrounding our family. I will impart this final gift to you before giving you a night of eternal sleep."

"You certainly seem more talkative and looser now." Takashi swallowed the lump in his throat."It's like your personality changed."

"Well, I'd like to think of Satoshi and The Baron as two separate beings. When you broke my mask, I had no right to continue acting like The Baron. But I am happy, you know? Because it's been forever since I've felt so great in being the husk of what I used to be. I haven't been "Satoshi" ever since I was a kid. So for that, thank you. This is refreshing."

"Tch." Takashi clicked his tongue, his neon flaring up and his hair getting spikier."Yeah well, we're not going to be your sacrificial lamps for your entertainment! Let's go, Darby!"

"R-right." Darby stood up, creating two Black Batons in his hands.

Satoshi rose his fingers, aiming at them again."All right. I want to see how bright you can shine before your lights go out forever. Struggle before me as you die! Eternal Dead Shot!"

Darby and Takashi both jumped out of the way of the attacks, both of them gracing them respectively. The Black Sphere user ran on one opposite side while Takashi ran on the other.

'I see. So, one of them can sense my attacks while the other...Ah! So, you are resorting to that, eh, Takashi?'

Takashi was barely dodging the attacks as he held his right eye with his hand and fired neon blasts with the other. His eye was now purple and his irisis were now hourglass-shaped."No Future!"

'I can at least see them coming and act accordingly. But even if I put up a whole barrier of Black Spheres surrounding me...' Darby flinched as three neon shots pierced through his Black Umbrellas, almost hitting his body.'His attacks are strong enough to break through them.'

Once they reach opposites sides of where he stood, they both jumped in the air, preparing their respective attacks.

"Onyx Imperial Cannon: 30%!" Darby shouted as his lined-up spheres shot a white beam of energy with black lightning.

"HEAT DOME ATTACK!" Takashi screamed, firing a massive blast of neon.

The Baron scoffed, his hands on the side."I would use Null Inertia, but I have a more interesting idea that you might like. Ryugan!" Neon blasts came out of his palms, taking the shape of dragons as they wrapped themselves about their respective attacks. The dragons engulfed their blasts, devouring them before heading back to their users. The teens screamed in agony as they felt the intense wave of pain upon the dragons surrounding their bodies, dropping to the ground.

"You liked that?" Satoshi waved his hand around."My neon control is surprisingly good, isn't it, Takashi? You're the only one who can judge regarding that, so it's up to you."

Takashi spat on the floor, struggling to get up."Damn it...!"

Darby was using his Black SPheres to sit up, but his body was already battered enough.'If I keep taking these kinds of attacks, I won't be able to maintain my concentration and I'll lose Chaos Mode...But we can't do anything.'

"Mmm. I think it's time I finish this." Satoshi shrugged, aiming at their heads."Don't think of moving. This will be painless, I assure you. Once I'm done with you, I'll take your stone, Takashi. Then it'll all be over. You can rest. This is the first step of saving the world."

Just then, a loud noise came from the left of The Baron. Hisashi was flung across the room and into a wall in a matter of seconds.

"That was...!" Takashi looked over to where a set of footsteps was heard. Megumi walked out of the hole in the wall, eyeing them carefully."You!"

"Glad of you to join us, Pride." Satoshi laughed at his subordinate's shock expression."Something wrong?"

"No...it's just...I wasn't expecting to see your face. I've only ever seen it a couple of times. The Kachidoki got a surprise attack on me and destroyed my mask."

"Actually, my mask was broken as well." Satoshi admitted, sounding completely casual."So, did you get the stone?"

"I was about to, but he blasted himself in the stomach and sent himself crashing through the wall." Megumi explained."I will go retrieve right now."

"Before that, what's the status on everyone else?"

"There is not anybody else. Seems like they took down Taichi. So, only the two of us are remaining standing."

Satoshi pursed his lips before covering his mouth."Though the same could be said about them. Only these two are still fighting out of their group. So, here's what we'll do. Go retrieve the stone and bring it back. Once you do that, we'll overwhelm them and kill them."

"Simple enough. You got it, Captain." Megumi made a series of leaps before entering the other side of the wall after Hisashi.

Takashi grabbed his head, his eyes filled with rage upon thinking what she could do to his older brother.'I should have been there! I knew this stupid plan was a bad idea! We shouldn't have split up! I have to go save Hisashi, but we have to take care of this guy!'

Out of nowhere, Darby jumped over to the Baron, tanking a neon blast, and wrapped his arms and legs around his body.

"What are you doing?" Satoshi demanded, confused at his actions.

"Hurry and go!" Darby shouted at the top of his lungs."Go help Hisashi-san! I'll hold him down!"

Takashi opened his mouth to speak, but Darby cried out in pain was Satoshi slammed him against the floor."HURRY!"

With no other option left, the brown-haired teen reluctantly agreed to the plan."You better not be dead when I get back, okay?! I'll come back as soon as I can!"

Takashi jumped in the air and kicked his legs over to where Megumi had gone through.

"So..." Satoshi muttered, touching Darby's arm."Do you really expect to be able to hold me back on your own? When you couldn't even put a scratch on me as a team?"

"I...I'm scared...but you know what...I'm not just stand in place while my friends die!" Darby tightened his grip around him."I've faced tougher opponents than you!"

"Have you? And have friends of yours died during those fights?" He smiled upon feeling Darby tense up."You may have fought other villains before. You even fought Mary without fear, right? But now, you're doubting yourself. Because you've seen how this whole thing is going downhill for you lot. Two of your friends died. Ayushi and Nero are close to death's door if they aren't dead already. And my little brothers are going to be killed by my second in command. I imagine you must be feeling desperate because you're watching everyone around you die and you can't stop it. You know full well your turn is next."

"I'm not...scared!" Darby exclaimed although he didn't feel confident saying that."We're not alone! The other heroes are going to come after they're done dealing with Overhaul!"

"Assuming they even reach him. But let's just say they do happen to catch up to him. All it takes from him is one touch for someone's world to crumble. He is untouchable. He will be our guide to a new world and I will be his helper."

"By getting rid of Quirks?!" Darby was grabbed by the face, taking a neon blast to the face that forced him to let go and fall to the floor.

"You're still believing my way of doing things isn't the correct way? Maybe you don't see the harsh reality because you don't understand how those affected by their Quirks feel. You haven't gone through that. But perhaps that will change soon if I'm not wrong."

"Huh?" Darby quirked a brow, not sure what he had meant."Whatever you think is going to happen, isn't. I'm not letting you get away with this!"

"Good. You're showing some confidence. At least that's a start." Satoshi placed his hands on his hips.'Show me what Mary saw in you. Let's see if you're just like him."

Shie Hassaikai Compound, Underground Tunnels, Morning

Hisashi groaned in pain as Megumi held him by the back of his neck, punching his back repeatedly. His cubes filled with neon light were shattered around his belt, and his clothes were covered in the blood that he spat from his mouth after every impact.

"I applaud your persistence." Megumi coldly said as she removed her fist from his back."By now, I was expecting you for either beg for your life or for the sweet mercy of death. I don't have much to work on, so breaking your spine comes as close as any decent torture."

Hisashi opened his mouth, blood spurting out."I...I d-d-don't care...what happens to me...I-I told you...before that I...that I trust...my friends..."

Megumi sneered in disgust, setting him down to the ground slowly. His legs were weak and felt as though they were going to give up on him at any point. His right side was in pain, probably some of his ribs and his right scapula. She had missed hitting his spine intentionally, presumably to give as much pain as she could before delivering the final blow.

"How pathetic. Even when only two of your friends remain, you still persist in believing in them. That blind trust...where has that gotten you? Here. About to die."

"Yeah...it's true that other than me..." He coughed up some blood, covering his mouth."I-it's true that there are...two more of my friends still standing...but..." He looked over his shoulder, giving her a bloody smirk."...the same could be said about you...what does that make you?"

Megumi snapped, spinning around and back kicking him on his bad side and sending him rolling on the floor. Megumi walked up to him, spinning a couple of times as she walked gracefully, her body surrounded by orange flames.

"I suppose further attempts at torture won't go anywhere. Well, I'll execute you and..." She grabbed Hisashi by the collar, pulling him up slightly as she prepared to strike his neck with her fingers."However, I will remember your tenacity and your will to not falter in the face of death. You have my sincerest respect, Hisashi Kachidoki."

Hisashi closed his eyes, waiting for the inevitable.'Sorry...Nejire...Mirio...Tamaki...Seems like in the end, I wasn't worthy enough to stand on the same ground as you guys...much less be important to my family..."

"STOP IT!"

Megumi sharply looked behind her, sights locked on Takashi was he was flying at her, pulling his fist back. Once they were mere inches away from each other, they both threw their respective punches. Megumi ducked, Takashi's arm going past her as she punched him in the solar plexus, knocking the wind out of him.

"What?!"

Megumi gasp as she saw Takashi skidding on the ground along with Hisashi.'He wasn't trying to attack me...He was trying to grab his brother and took the risk of getting dangerously close to me!'

Takashi knelt in from of his brother, his Juggernaut Stage dissipating."Hisashi! Hisashi!"

Hisashi just smiled at his brother, grabbing his hand."I knew you would come...I knew it..."

"You're going to be okay, brother!" Takashi clenched his hand."Just...just don't move, okay?!"

"Hey, I'm not going to die...yet..." Hisashi chuckled before breaking into a coughing fit."A lot of things are broken but...compared to what everyone's been through today...this is nothing. Where is Ayushi...please, I need to know..."

"Buried under rocks." Takashi grinding his teeth."She is okay. At least, I hope so. She's tough. Tougher than both of us combined. But The Baron is not letting us rescue her and she has a hole in her stomach after her..." He stopped, covering his mouth."Listen...There is another thing I have to tell you. But it'll have to wait. Darby is fighting The Baron right now as we speak. So I'll finish this fight as quickly as I can. You sit back and rest."

"Are you serious...? She was beating me around like a ragdoll just now...I know you are far stronger than I am, but-"

"No, Hisashi. That's not the case. It doesn't matter which of us is stronger. What matters is our bond as a family. At this point, to hell with who is more talented than who. In my eyes, you are my older brother and nothing will change that. Besides, I have to do this. I have to make up for all the pain I've caused and also not being able to help you sooner. I'm a lousy-ass hero, but I want to try and make things right. And this is my first step for redemption. That and..." He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly."I've never won a single fight. Well, not properly, at least. I wouldn't mind this one being my first."

Takashi took firm steps forward, facing his enemy who was also marching towards him. Hisashi sighed, closing his eyes."You really chose the worst opponent to do that against. After all, she...has never lost a fight in her life."

It's come to a 3 against two. I'm going to continue giving more info on The Baron's past as well as Megumi's since they are the last ones on the list. Next chapter, we are going to start the showdown between Megumi and Takashi. Can he beat her alone? Or will this turn out like their first encounter?