For I Am Here

My Grandfather was many things.

He was a teacher, a mentor, a megalomaniac, and an… idealist. For decades he deluded himself into thinking he was the Messiah. A dark savior that wanted to build the world in his image. He lied, he stole, he massacred countless people for the sake of a better world, listing all of them off as merely "collateral". He had the power to take and give "quirks" to or from anyone he wished.

In a world where almost everyone was unique, he was the most special. Ever since the emergence of these strange powers two centuries ago, Grandfather had ruled Japan in the shadows. Taking satisfaction whenever his blind followers killed in his name. Relishing every moment as the appointed King, revered by even other wicked men from other nations. He was untouchable, he was a God.

Emphasis on the word "was".

They always say that time heals all wounds, and maybe they are right. However, in Grandfather's case, time only opened wounds he never noticed before. Blunders he had never foreseen, and errors in judgment he didn't realize. A mistake that came to take back everything he took for granted. Where All for One, the once invincible God, made a stone so heavy that he could not lift.

It was only five years ago since that fateful day, where the Symbol of Peace had crippled the Symbol of Fear, nearly ending him. It was only by a dumb stroke of luck and a silver tongue did Grandfather escaped. Alive but permanently blind and severely weakened. His golden quirk was unable to reach its potential inside a disabled host.

[VICTORY FOR ALL MIGHT! HE'S STANDING IN VICTORY!]

The reporter stated the obvious, making everyone in Tokyo scream in unadulterated joy. Cheering the number one hero's name as befitting for his latest accomplishment. All Might's fist raised high, transforming in his muscle form for what I think for the last time. His eyes never leaving Grandfather as the villain's unconscious body was hauled in a security truck.

"It seems you're time's up, Grandfather. Looks like the second time isn't the charm. Unfortunately, I don't think there would be another chance for you."

The crowd lowered their voices until everything went silent again. Everyone gazed at All Might, his arm pointed towards the camera, in turn, everyone watching.

[You're next. Next, it's your turn.]

The idol whispered, but the people had heard his words, making them more fired-up. Praising the hero even more with shouts of adoration.

Yes, many people got the message, yet I wager that only a few would understand it for what it was. From what I know about Grandfather's nemesis, he's telling his successor that he gave it all. He had nothing left to give.

Grandfather was weakened after their first showdown, but he was still powerful. Powerful enough to retire the Symbol of Peace and extinguish his career. What he saw was the last chapter in their blood feud. The true end of my grandfather's explicit reign of the underworld. All Might, no… Toshinori Yagi can live the rest of his days in content. Knowing he had avenged his predecessors, knowing he had won the war between All For One and… One For All.

To think, Grandfather could have fixed his mistakes if he wasn't so bloody arrogant.

My Grandfather was many things. He was also a fool. An arrogant charlatan that got his comeuppance, meeting a fitting end. Slain by the hand he had created… Abel had killed Cain.

And It only took Abel eight lives to avenge himself. Eight individual lives to cultivate One For All from a meager stockpiling quirk into something amazing.

What a wonderful tale that I would keep in my heart for the rest of my life. An epic that deserves its legend to be told for future generations.

I smiled, my heart beating rapidly. It was finally my turn to play the game, my time to take part in the world's stage.

I slipped through the boisterous crowd, intending to leave them in their celebration. I couldn't blame them, not a minute ago they saw their hero down and out, the villain barely doing the deed.

I sigh, both hands on my pocket as I entered a remote alley, free from any wandering eyes. "Huh… it's my turn now, isn't it?" I smiled.

"You are like me, Izuku. We are the same, we are the only ones capable of leading society for a better future! You may think you're quirkless, but I assure you are not. You have a gift! My grandson, you have the potential of becoming so much more!"

Shaking my head, contemplating memories won't be doing anyone favors. I immediately took out my smartphone and dialed a number, it rang for a couple of times before someone answered.

"Izuku my baby! Are you all alright! I thought you were with your Grandfather and-"

"I'm safe mom, I am far away from the battle as possible."

"Oh, that's good to hear." She was relieved, "But… did you saw-"

"I saw it all perfectly, mom. Grandfather gave his best… but I guess it just wasn't enough."

The young teenager coughed, "Hey mom, I won't be going home early tonight."

"Waaah! But it's dangerous there, you don't have Kurogiri beside you and… oh Izuku, my baby!" she hollered.

Cringing from the loudness for a few moments, I continued. "Don't worry too much mom. You of all people should know I can take care of myself…"

"I… trust you… Just please, stay safe!"

"I will mom, I won't be leaving you anytime soon. Besides…"

"Remember Izuku, never let anyone get in your way from victory. You have the means to take anything you want!"

A large, round, misty black, portal manifested near him.

"I have to tie some loose ends."

Prologue End

Author's Note:

Hello everyone in the My Hero Academia Fandom! I kinda wrote a little plot bunny I came up after watching that awesome fight scene. Endeavor was a badass there… and a terrible father still. I caught up with the manga and boy was it chaotic! Anyhow, I hope you like this… and forgive me for any ungrammatical errors. Fear not, upcoming chapters will be longer!

Bye for now and have a Nice Day!

P.S. If any of you play FGO. Add me please, IGN: Cardinal Law. Code: 846,323,996