TheCarlosInferno: At least give us a full lemon scene before going on hiatus with this story.
Hmm. Don't want to rush things in the relationship but we'll see.
Useless Mortals: Please, for the love of God, LEARN TO USE NORMAL SIZED PARAGRAPHS! Having massive walls of texts is irritating to read. Breaking them into smaller chunks is easy for you to do and makes reading much more.
Good point there. Will definitely keep in mind, thanks :)
RiIl: parts of the story need reformated. Minetas outburst seems very out of character.
First sentence: Definitely agree. I knew that already before I even started writing the story lol. Second Sentence: Does it? To me, Mineta's outbursts are always out of nowhere but then again, that's what I'm aiming for in this story with his personality so I guess I'm doing something right?
Why... No... I know why. The question is... can I wake up?
...
Damn it.
He lets out a sigh.
Eramsus Mode.
He flexes his fingers for circuit-like patterns appear on the all over his body.
Good. Full Restoration.
His fatigue along with the slight soreness fades away. He looks to the crashing waves under the dark blanket that is the thunderstorm.
The weather is not only getting worse, but closer. No doubt the entity's doing. It wants me to go inside. That storm is apart of the entity most likely so the pain will be real just like this sand is. Last time I was forced to 65%. And because of my outburst during my fight with Monoma, it surely must have gotten stronger to some extent.
BOOM!
He pauses as the sound of thunder strikes.
But no matter how real it is, it can't kill me. It won't.
He turns around to set his sights on the hellhole he grew up in.
It knows I'm here yet it didn't attack me while I was weakened. It only took me here and then left me be. Why though? Could it be weakened from my using of Eramsus Mode?
BOOM!
Regardless, I can't wake up so the only way of getting out of this is to deal with the entity face-to-face. No point risking flying up with this weather.
He gazes at the facility. Two seemingly abandoned twin buildings colored black standing at the same height connected by a single hallway on what one would guess to be the middle floor. A few windows are located throughout the floors.
No way out but in...
With his past life standing before him and no hesitation, Relon steps forward. The sound of the crunching sand drowned by the roaring thunder. With no entrance visible on either building, he stops before the twin structure on the right placing a hand to it.
Just as I remember. It's all necrolite.
Circuit patterns appear as he balls a fist crashing it into the wall breaking open a hole.
Unlike how I remember, the fortifications were much more resistant.
He enters into the lobby that appears to be the sort one would find in any kind of hotel.
Looks can be deceiving and this deceived all of us...
He faces somberly at the rest area ahead of him. A single flight of stairs rest ahead of him past the area. He stops at the base looking up.
It wants to weaken me by showing me all of this...
He heads up for the first floor stopping to look on at the empty hallway, doors scattered throughout. A metal gate hanging over the entrance to the hall
This is...
He steps forward under the bar for it to come crashing down behind him. He turns to it placing his hands on it.
The entity... I can feel it coming from this...
He activates Eramsus Mode at 30% to force the bar open though it barely nudges.
So, 30% isn't enough. Then what about...
He tries again at 50%, his circuit-like arms shining a bright white as he tries once more, this time the bars slowly opening. He steps back as the bars close back up.
It's resistance to Eramsus Mode is getting stronger...
He proceeds with caution down the hallway stopping at the first door. He checks his sleeves, pockets, pant legs, and shoes to find no cards. Circuit markings appear once more as he cautiously puts his other hand on the knob turning it ever so slowly. He slowly opens the creaking door seeing nothing to shoot it open, glowing arm at the ready to find no hostility.
It's empty. No window either. Just like how I remember it...
He steps out going to the next door to find it empty as well.
Every single one... is the same as the last; empty.
He stops at the end of the hall looking back at the dozens of doors opened. Scorn and pain is all he feels.
Everyone... I'm so sorry... If only...
He turns away shaking his head. He looks to the stairs before heading up. He turns halfway up the stairs to stop where he is, the ceiling of the next room visible. He shutters, his hand going to his left trapezius.
Calm down. Nothing is real. The entity is just trying to get to you, Relon...
He grips his circuit-marked hands as he continues, the large room coming into view. He stops taking in the sight. A large room with what seems like machines all over. Lines on the floor indicating the start of maybe a line at each contraption. He slowly eases to the center where one of the odd machines are located, Relon looking close at its design.
A bunch of metal casing that seem like just boxes surround a chair with straps to restrain someone. A computer and keyboard on the side with test tubes holding a black liquid next to it. Right behind the chair over its left shoulder is a mechanical arm with a syringe attached. Inside the arm is a black hole similar to the test tubes.
Relon picks up a test tube about to inspect it but the liquid suddenly comes to life jumping out of the tube and splashing on the floor, Relon jumping back. He kneels down motioning his hand forward for the liquid to move away. He turns off his light form to motion his hand once more, the liquid remaining motionless this time.
It's reacting to my Eramsus Mode. Sure enough, this liquid is the Malevolence Form before injection. When it's at it's weakest.
He stand back up looking around.
Even in the furthest depths of my memories, the entity was able to make it so life-like. Just what is its goal?
He looks ahead at the stairs before the sight of the middle testing unit catches his attention once more.
"Are you destined to live or die, young one? We're about to find out..."
"No! Let me go! Ha... AHHHHHHH!"
He shutters looking away before slowly receding back to the machine.
This is where my curse originated... right here...
He steps away moving past the others, memories of children in line awaiting their fate fills his eyes. The emotion known as frustration returns once more, Relon's fists shaking profusely. He moves ahead, his sights locked on the staircase.
Next is...
He stops once again taking in the fanilar setting. Another large room full of single beds in the center, bathrooms on the side and windows spaced high on the walls. He walks along the side of the room to look out the barred window, the weather still the same as before he entered although not as bad. He turns his attention to the beds, 100 to be exact. His eyes falls on one as he slowly walks to it, an apparition of a child sleeping lifelessly in every bed he passes. He stops at one close to the middle. A simple touch against the cold metal bars of the bed frame stirs familiarity within as he tries to pull away his hand yet it doesn't budge. Instead, his body moves closer to sit down, the creaking and sinking of the mattress causing that deep feeling to take hold.
Calm down. This is what it wants.
Once more, he takes a deep breath regaining control of his body's functions. He rubs against tge sheets of the bed, somberly taking in the sensation before getting up and a thoight popping into his head for Relon to look at the bed next what was once his.
Kanan...
He looks to a select few scattered throughout the room.
Maverick... Luna... Archer...
BOOM!
He shifts to the window as the storm picks up again.
If that's a sign it's growing stronger, I need to go.
He stands giving the beds one last look.
Everyone...
He runs off to the stairs with a skip at every other step to stop, gazing at the spacial room. Desks in rows and columns with a large blackboard at the front. Next to the blackboard, the staircase and to the side of the room, another door.
Just as I remember. Empty.
An apparition of his younger self walks past him along with others to be seated. His former self seated at the front. A young girl seated next to him with light blue hair ending at her waist and pure blue eyes smiles at him, the latter's saddened expression seeming to cheer up as they both then look ahead to the teacher's lesson.
Kanan...
He shakes his head, the past apparitions fading away for him to move forward towards tge steps. He immediately jumps back as another metal gate falls.
I guess the entity doesn't want me going that way.
He looks to the side door moving to it. He places his hand on the knob stopping in place. A vile essence resonating from the touch. He suddenly goes to 50%, his body covering in white circuit-like patterns, his arms veiled in a bright light.
Time to wake up!
He proceeds to open the door stepping out onto the catwalk. Thunder roars as the sound of the gusts of wind rush at high speeds. Something Relon pays no mind to. No, his focus is on a dark figure standing on the other end of the catwalk. Wearing the U.A. sports uniform and black shoes with red 'X' patterns circling around is the form of a male teenager with black hair ending at his shoulders. He has pitch black eyes with white slits and his arms have taken on the enlarged demonic form. His skin seeming to be corrupt similar to his demonic hands, the veins from those extending throughout the body to the face. A sinister grin plastered on the doppelganger's face.
"So you've finally arrived, huh? Took you long enough."
You've changed quite a bit, huh?
"Yeah, and damn does it feel good!" The faker expresses with joy releasing a surge of power around him. "But tell me, did you enjoy your trip down memory lane?"
That broken speech of yours has improved considerably as well.
"So you're going to ignore me, are you? Well, that's not exactly nice."
Neither is trying to take over my body or causing the death my only family.
"Oooh? Someone sure knows how to hold a grudge. You should learn to let go and let loose. Using my power would be much easier if you did." This causes Relon's eyes to narrow.
Your personality just changed. Explain.
"How wonderful of you to notice! Simply put, that little skirmish with Monoma gave me quite the boost in power as you can plainly tell. The help from Reference really helped, you see. That on top of me being the wonderful and caring person that I am just 'exploded' and you can tell the rest. As for my personality, I'm trying to gain a sense for what fits." The entity lifts its large hands out to the side. "From the weeks of observing your life at U.A., I have gotten a fair sense for your classmates' personalities. Each unique in their own way. Tell me..." Black gales of wind forms a sphere around the doppelganger, Relon readying himself into a stance.
He's forces to shield his eyes as black wisps explode past him obstructing his view. It clears for Relon to stare in awe at the entity. Before him stands Midoriya, his hair completely black retaining all of the Malevolence Form's features.
"H-how about t-this form? With this power, I can truly become the number one hero! W-well, what d-do you think?" The entity's nervous expression becoming a snide grin before laughing.
Shapeshifting?
Instead of answering, it is once again clouded in a black sphere to reappear, this time taking on the appearance of Bakugou with black spiky hair.
"THAT'S RIGHT YOU PAPER-BASTARD! IF YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH IT, THEN COME AT ME! I'LL KILL YOU DAMN IT!" More laughter comes from the faker bending over with hands at his knees.
...How?
"How? Simple. This realm you all have deemed the 'white void' is MY world which means I have control over everything! I can make the weather whatever I so please. Create whatever I so desire and-
Yet you still can't get out, can you?
Relon's sudden words wiping away the smug look off the entity's face as it returns its focus to it's jailkeeper, a look of despise evident.
What's wrong, other me? Did I strike a nerve? The entity twitches, a maniacal grin growing.
"Yet. I can't get out yet."
If you're so desperate to get out like a few weeks ago, then by all means, let's settle this. Though we both know how this will end.
As much as I would love to kill you and take over your body permanently, one thing that evolved was my common sense. As frustrating as it is I simply cannot beat you... yet." At these words, his large demonic arms return to their normal size retaining the red and black markings.
So you grew a brain finally. Congratulations. If you know you can't beat me, why bring me here in the first place?
"I thought that seeing the past might mess with that head of yours but alas, it seems it didn't have the full effect I was hoping for."
So what, plan A didn't work and you, the entity that has been living inside of me for nine years, and you couldn't think of a plan B?
"You must take me for a fool if you think I didn't." The entity snaps its fingers, the island enveloping in darkness, Relon keeping his eyes forward.
No longer are they on the catwalk. Now they are in what seems like a road with a gate and lamppost above it.
This is...!
"That's right, bastard! We're at our Mo-
SHK!
A white beam pierces the prisoner's chest. He looks up to see Relon with his shining fist extended, the white laser coming from him.
MY Momo!
"Someone is... quite over protective." It winces.
You're not even human.
"Ah, but in a sense, I am you as you are me. We are Shinn, the leader of the remnants! WE, ARE THE ONES WHO SHALL LEAD THIS WORLD INTO A NEW AGE! WE ARE RELON LUCINANCE!" It bellows raising its hands to the sky, the weather instantly changing from clears, cloudy skies to dark, thunderstorms once more.
No you're not. I've been alive a hell of a longer time than you've even been inside me.
Another black sphere wraps around it breaking away the beam. Another explosion of black wind erupts to show the entity no longer Bakugou but now Nunu.
"Phrasing, bro."
There's no point delaying the inevitable. It doesn't matter who you change into. I'm still taking you down and waking up.
"Even if you do beat me, you don't know how to do it permanently. The only one that knows is me, myself, and I."
Lucky me. I get to take out three bastards at once. Lucky me, it's time to collect this month's rent and once I find a way to be rid of you, I can finally live fully free from this curse.
"Oh! Your words hurt, other me. I thought we could come to some sort of agreement. The middle of both sides, brother."
You say you've studied those I've interacted with but you have a poor skill for trying to be them.
"Is that so? Well, I can do some better than most others." It begins changing once more.
Relon's face becomes a glare to the identity the entity has taken on.
"What do you think, Relon? How do I look?" A feminine, though, distorted asks spinning around.
...
"Relon? What's wrong?" It walks forward swiping a black bang from the front of it's face.
Relon's head remains lowered, his body shaking ever so slightly.
"You're shaking! Are you-
The entity catches out the corner of its eyes a twitch from Relon's arm, both sending a 50% punch from their respective forms to clash. A mixture of black and white gales whirl around the two. The world beginning to crack in the form of white crevices along the roads and gate, even the mansion in the distance.
"Whatever could be wrong, Shinn?! Did I strike a nerve?" The entity giving a smug smirk.
Don't you dare impersonate Momo!
Relon reaches out with his free hand grabbing the arm of the entity to pivot, throwing him through the cracking ground. Relon following in pursuit winding up back in the white void as he gently floats down, the Momo-turned entity far below standing on what seems like a flat white surface.
"Honestly, since I'm not human yet, being able to genderbend is quite nice though I should figure out what personality and body I want to make my own." Once more, a black sphere surrounds the malevolent female before bursting.
"Revel in the Eternal Abyss that is Darkness." Now it becomes corrupted Tokoyami doing a pose, an arm hugging himself with his arm covering his face before changing once more.
"My father is the bane of my existence. To neglect him completely is what I truly desire!" Now Todoroki with corrupted skin and fully black hair.
"As the Symbol of Peace and as a hero, I shall kill you and anyone who plans to interfere if it means retaining my world peace! You understand don't you, Young Shinn?" Now All Might in his muscle form flexing his muscles.
A Symbol of Peace that has to kill me? World Peace? More like world domination. This has to do with your 'new world' I take it?
"That's right. Wow, these are bouncy. This is pretty fun." Now Midnight messing with her chest.
"But to be blunt, being a flatty has its perks too." Now Jirou placing her hands at her hips spinning to stop with her back to Relon before changing again.
"Then again..." The entity changes to what appears to be Mina, her skin and hair pitch black. "Someone like Mina has a perky personality, don't you think?" The entity looks over its shoulder at Relon before turning around fully. "I'm willing to bet that if you hadn't gotten with Momo, you would have gotten with Mina. Nice bod like Momo, seems more athletic, though doesn't have the brains like Momo. Polar opposites attract after all, right? " It wonders grinning.
Don't compare Mina and Momo! They're both perfect just the way they are! We all have traits that define us, but what about you? You have nothing! All you've been doing it changing from one person to another!
The entity falls silent at those words, hands going to its hips looking up hiding its expression.
"You know. A part of me honestly wished we could get along as one." Relon's eyes becoming wide before narrowing, the Mina-entity letting out a sigh as a black gale of wind surrounds her once more.
I don't believe that for a second! After all the pain and suffering you've caused me, do you honestly think I'd believe that?!
The spherical wind disperses revealing the entity now Relon once more.
"Of course not. You're too smart to fall for something like that. But you're also quite dumb to think everything is a lie."
What?
"It doesn't matter. I hate to admit you're right but you are about me not having any originality. It's annoying calling you by my name as I'm sure it is vice versa. So, being the courteous one that I am, I'll choose a name. Now what to pick... Oh, you'll wait won't you, Shinn? Not like you have anywhere to be. Except maybe our match with Nunu. You'll probably use that vile power you call Eramsus Mode. Ugh."
I'm not using your power. I'd be an idiot to do that and allow you to get stronger.
"True. But you'll have to eventually. Besides, I'm always gonna come barging into that head of yours when you need me..." The entity pauses gaining an annoyed look."That or you begin having another mental breakdown for a chance at freedom. Whichever comes first really."
Wow...
"What? you want to say something like that's the evil entity that I know?'"
No. I hate to admit it but for a second you actually made a good impression of myself.
"You are my jailor, after all. I'd be pretty pathetic to have a poor impersonation of you."
It's ironic. To think I'd be having an actual conversation with the very evil being presiding with my body. Not to mention with proper English no doubt. Then again, all those times of you breathing out three to five words really was a pain. Relon lowers into a stance, his body alit with circuits for markings.
"Couldn't be helped. Still wasn't strong enough to properly speak unlike now. But enough of that. I need a name before we go back to where we left off... Hmm... I got it." He too lowers into a stance mimicking Relon, black markings enveloping his body. "Relon Lucinance, aka Shinn, meet Ather Delmise, aka Deathbringer!" Both charge.
Down below on the arena, medical groups are taking away both Midoriya and Todoroki.
"He did it... Midoriya really did it." Iida says to himself still in disbelief. "He really made Todoroki use his fire and beat him!"
What was also surprising, although not as much, was Uraraka's sudden outburst.
He glances out the corner of his eye at his female companion next to him. Her expression seeming as if she's conflicted over something.
She really... A grin forms as the corner from the corner as he adjusts his glasses.
"Uraraka." He calls, the sound of her name causing her to jump slightly.
"Yes? What is it?"
"Go to him. I'm sure you're worried about him, aren't you?"
"Iida? What do you...?" She falls short remembering her sudden cheering moments ago, a red haze appearing over the bridge of her nose extending to her cheeks for her to fall silent looking wide-eyed at the ground to stand.
"I think I will." She walks off only to be stopped by the call of Iida once more.
"Take your time. Cementoss is rebuilding the arena after their fight so you'll have at least some time before match." She glances down below to see Iida's words true.
"Yeah. Thanks Iida!" She turns taking off in a run, the class president chuckling at her antics.
Even though I just told her to take her time, she still takes off. I guess that's one thing they both may have in common.
Ring ring ring.
He pulls out his phone with a quizzical look to answer it, a moment later his eyes widening.
Deku should be in the same medical room as Lucinance!
She races for the staircase skipping every other step to jump to last few before taking off once more turning a corner. Down the hallway with after taking some more turns, she arrives panting to look at the sign reading medical room. Before she has a chance to knock, the door pulls itself open revealing Recovery Girl.
"Hm? Can I help you, missy?"
"Oh, I'm here to see Dek- Midoriya." She answers stopping her panting.
"Oh? Well you're at the wrong room."
"... Huh?"
"There's two medical rooms. Why? I have no idea. It's quite absurd having someone as old as myself walking back and forth. You may come with me as I am heading to heal him. I just finished tending to Todoroki."
"O-oh, thank you very much!" She moves out of the doorway allowing the elderly hero through for the two to walk their way to their destination.
"So how long?"
"Excuse me?"
"How long have you and Midoriya been together?" Her words causing the brunette to explode in surprise and embarrassment stopping in her tracks.
"H-huh? W-we're n-not d-dating! I mean..."
"Not yet, correct?" Her words causing Ochako to refocus on the woman who has stopped before capming herself.
"That obvious?" She sighs with a small smile.
"You have the same look as Yaoyorozu when we talked about Lucinance before they had gotten together. And it doesn't take a genius to see how much you care considering how hard you must have been running to pant just as hard over just anyone,"
"Er... Really?" The nurse nods.
"This generation is quite troublesome. You all have villains targeting you for one thing. Yet, when it comes to romance, you young ones take so long to muster the will to confess that by the time you do, it's all too late. "
"O-oh, you have a point..."
Ah, youth. The beauty of it is something else.
"Come now. Any more delay and I'll leave you behind! Midoriya can't heal himself, you know!"
"Oh, yes ma'am!"
Minutes of walking passes before they arrive at the correct room this time. Uraraka opens the door for the nurse following close behind to see Momo along with Kanao and Nunu.
"Yo." Nunu greets. "Midoriya's right over there ." He gestures to the bed next to Relon's."
Both the older and younger female go to inspect him, his arms and hands distorted in coloration.
"Deku..." She gazes at her crush, worry evident in her eyes.
"I swear this child. Going beyond his control again and again." She gets onto a stoll checking him over before announcing her work and closing the curtain around them, the sound of smooching can be heard as Uraraka heads to the others placing herself next to Nunu against the wall eyeing the curtain.
"You're worried about him, aren't you?" Nunu wonders, the brunette nodding.
"Don't worry, Recovery Girl is taking good care of him now. I'm sure he'll be alright." Momo reassures.
"Yeah."
"Uraraka." Kanao calls.
"Yeah?"
"What made you become attracted to Midoriya? If you don't mind my asking." The brunette's eyes widen.
"Was it really that obvious?" All three nod as she drops her head defeated.
"Don't feel so down, I was the same way with the girls."
"... Really?" Momo nods smiling.
"In a sense, we have that in common. We both can't put up a very good front except maybe to our crushes themselves." This earns both girls a chuckle, Uraraka's spirits already rising back up.
"But to answer your question, Kanao... I admire a lot of things but there's something he has that I don't. At least not quite yet."
"Would it be his strive towards being a hero?" Kanao wonders, Uraraka nodding.
"You really are the perceptive one." She laughs for it to quickly die down. "His reasonings towards becoming a hero are much different from my own yet we're both striving for the same goal. And those reasons of his are what I admire the most. How genuine and pure hearted Deku is for wanting to help others when he doesn't even think of himself but just rushes into things."
"Like with Todoroki. He was able to make him use his fire. Something he refused to do." Momo comments earning a nod from her classmate.
"Yeah, and look at the results. He didn't care as long as Todoroki's eyes opened to what Deku was saying. Deku stutters and has all sorts if funny habits but that part if his I find... kinda cute. But when it comes to being a hero, what I like the most about him... It has to be his passion." She finishes only to blush at her own confession.
"No need to be embarrassed. You were just being honest with yourself." Kanao states.
"I was the same with Relon. I didn't know much but the tine we spent together, I began to learn, although no where near as much as after the USJ. That honestly shook me to my core with that much information at once." Momo mentions
"Hey, y'all asked and we answered." Nunu comments with a shrug.
"But I don't regret any of it." She retorts smirking.
"No regrets, huh...?" Ochako mutters, looking back to Deku silhouette.
Momo nods before looking from her classmate to Relon's sleeping form. Worry returning.
Relon/ Deku, please be okay.
Where are you...? Behind!
Relon is floating in midair looking for his other self to throw a backfist to collide with Ather's demonic hand. Ather brings his other hand for a hook which Relon catches to his side. Both eye one another before clashing knees kicking each other away, Relon floating in the air as Ather lands on the ground to rear his arms back before pushing them forward, tendrils shooting from the large fingertips.
This again?!
Relon drops down avoiding one as he flies for Ather spinning out of the way of each tendril punching through the last to once again about to collide fists. He notices a smirk just before their collision from Ather as the evil Relon vanishes reappearing above Shinn, he having noticed out the corner of his eye to be punched directly on his back slamming to the void's white surface. Relon coughing from the pain of the impact from both the back and the front side. He bounces just off the ground, Relon catching this opening as he zips away for the entity to reappear ahead of him throwing a punch for Relon to block crossing his arms as he is sent a ways skidding to a halt on the ground. He looks to Ather, both noticing the other twitch for the two to vanish from where the were clashing fists in the middle, a large dome mixed with black and white air form to explode, the force sending both sliding back.
Why fight? Don't you see it's pointless!
"That's where you're wrong, Shinn. I could let you go right now and what would that accomplish? Nothing for me. I could make hundreds of clones based on you and anyone you've encountered but nothing is better than the real thing."
So what? This is just a sort of training for you?
"In a sense, yes. At least until you decide to get serious and end this. But you won't do that, now will you?"
I have no need. You're still holding back yourself after all. This causes Ather to smirk.
"Heh, leave it to my host to know me so well. Then what say we step things up a bit?" He lowers himself back into a stance, black air exerting from him.
With pleasure. Relon does the same, albeit with white gusts of wind.
Both expel their power up looking to one another. Relon flies high up pointing a hand at Ather gun-style.
"Time to do what I do best. Mess with that head of yours." Ather slams a hand to the white surface, five black circles appearing around the evil entity. "Astral Lineage!"
From the circles emerges black blobs before taking on a human shape, each then alternating to their own physical characteristics while retaining blackened skin and hair. four the size of children except one. All barefoot wearing a white buttoned dress shirt and pants.
The first positioned ahead of Ather on the right is the same girl seen earlier, now with black hair and pitch black eyes.
The second positioned ahead of Ather on the right is a boy with a slender build compared to the rest. He has black hair curving outwards and back inwards. Two bangs crossing each other forming an 'X' in the middle of his forehead.
The third positioned behind Ather on the left is another boy with blonde wavy hair starting high on the right side of his head and descending longer diagonally to the left before ending just below his shoulders.
The fourth positioned behind Ather to the right is a girl that has a strong resemblance to the boy with the same hairstyle and color starting from her left and ending at the right.
Finally, the fifth positioned directly ahead of Ather. A perfect replica of Nunu in his U.A. gym uniform. Pitch black eyes with a ring in each.
"What do you think? A nifty ability, right?"Relon remaining unresponsive holding his fingered gesture on Deathbringer. "What's wrong? At a loss of words? Don't you care that you'll hurt the only ones closest to a family?"
No... Not it at all.
"Then why the silence? Why the hesitation?"
Simple. You just gave me five more reasons to want to kill you! Divine Descendance!
His hand jumps slightly firing a white beam before turning his hand into a fist for the beam to suddenly split itself, multiple beams falling with their sights locked onto the fake remnants and Ather. Each raise their arms showing their DNA bracelets. Each materialize a weapon, the slender boy a bow and arrow, the girl with long hair a pair of bracer gauntlets along with shin guards, and for the twins in the back, the boy on the left conjures a circular shield while the girl a spear.
"Not so fast!" Ather launches more tendrils from his demonic fingertips canceling out the attack.
Relon looks to his evil counterpart, Ather lowering his arms back down before vanishing in an instant.
On instinct, Relon drops to be met with a fist as he blocks it, the force of the impact shooting him for the ground. He shakes off the slight pain regaining his balance backflipping in midair to hover himself just above the white surface.
Looking to the group of now six, he readies himself.
Those weapons aren't real necrolite so matter how close Ather makes them. Just like that storm a while back. The feeling of the rushing wind and smell of the raging salt water was real itself yet this is a dream nonetheless. A dream created from the Malevolence Form itself. Which means...
He zooms forward.
"Go." Ather orders, the four children charging ahead except the fake Nunu.
The boy with the shield rushes forward putting his defensive tool in front as Relon reers back a fist to extend it forward. The force creating at smoke cloud mixed with black and white coloring. It settles for the onlookers to gaze at a now cracked shield and with Relon holding himself in midair, his fist trying to push through as the boy anchors himself, his face devoid of any emotion. The only noticeable sign of him struggling is his shaking arms as he slowly slide back.
I can break them with Eramsus Mode!
He pushes off with the fist kicking the boy back as he slides to the perimeter around Relon. He gazes at the four surrounding him before setting his sights on Nunu in front of Ather.
He's going to be the biggest pain to deal with but first...
He looks around at the four pointing their weapons at him and then back to focus on Ather, the evil doppelganger smirking menacingly.
I have to deal with them...
He senses a sudden shift in motion to look to the boy with the crossing bangs fire an arrow, Relon pulling back his head narrowly missing it for his eyes to see the girl with the spear coming directly at him from above. He catches the the blade of the spear wincing only slightly to take it by the blade and lift the girl slamming her to the ground. He feels something behind him to flex his hand, his eyes glancing at it as he turns around seeing it already fully healed as if the cut never happened. Once he does, he lifts both glowing hands catching a side swing of her leg to grip her by the ankle throwing her over to the other girl.
There goes the girls for now.
Relon rolls out of the way as the boy with bags fores arrow after arrow in rapid succession, Relon dodging to the left and right to then duck. He takes notice of the girls recovering and realizes his eyesight has lost the boy with the shield. He shifts behind him to react on instinct catching a spinning shield thrown by the boy sending Relon back as he grits his teeth from the searing pain on his palms. Realization hits as he turns his head back behind seeing the boy with bangs aim a arrow straight at him. He quickly looks between the boy fires an arrow as is soars for Relon. At the last moment he leans his body fully back as if falling, the shield zooming over his face by mere centimeters to collide with the arrow, both creating a strong black force before it explodes destroying the arrow and sending the cracked shield back to the other boy.
That was close. Even if they aren't the real deal, their coordination is similar to when we were younger.
He stand back up taking note of the girls back in the fight. All four sharing an empty expression.
You four... I'm ending this now!
"Go on then. Entertain me." Ather calls with crossed arms.
All four children rush at Relon. The boys from the front and behind and the girls from his left. With only one way out Relon flies to the other side, the boy pivoting after him with the four children all side-by-side. An arrow is fired, Relon stopping his retreat to catch it in his hand before throwing it back at the group. The slanted haired boy pushes ahead of the three raising his cracked shield, the impact breaking the arrow but sending him flying back.
There goes Maverick.
The girl with long hair reaches Relon first jumping straight at him readying a punch. Relon meets her with his own, the sheer difference in power causing the bracer to break as Relon's fist continues splitting her arm before there isn't one left to kick her away past the two remaining fakers.
There goes Kanan.
The boy with bangs shoots three arrows at different angles to intercept Relon while the slated hair girl with the spear rushing forward. She goes for a sweep but instead of jumping, Relon stomps on the socket. Though a empty demeanor remains, the girl is quite shocked. She attempts to move her weapon but her efforts are to no avail. He takes note of the incoming arrows to shift his body to catch all three. One in each hand and the last in his mouth. His eyes meets the girl in front of him as he delivers a kick shooting her to the surface skidding to the pile of children.
There goes Luna.
He spits the last arrow to his hand as he then places all three between his fingertips. He glares to Ather before with a shiping motion, he sends the three arrows careening for him. The last boy with bangs fires arrows canceling out the attack and readies a fourth but doesn't see Relon. All he feels is a kick to the his head as he tumbles into the pile.
And there goes Archer.
Relon launches himself high above the pile of children. He balls a fist as white orbs appear out of thin air around his arm before injecting themselves into it causing said arm to shine much brighter than usual before punching it at them. He punches the the air with all his might for nothing to happen. Relon pushing all of his holy energy into the hand as the extra white glow leaves his body. He tucks his fust before pumping it forward doing a one-inch punch, the force much stronger as a beam of white light fires.
The four begin to recover only to have their vision go white as the group of children are enveloped in the radiant light. After a moment, the attack dies down revealing not even a trace of the fake remnants.
Relon flies down to hover before Ather and the fake Nunu.
"It seems those tools couldn't match up to you, my other self." Ather's words causing Relon to wide, his eyes as his muscles tightens.
...Tools?
"What? Don't tell me you're upset over me calling those fakes that."
Those 'tools' were still beings made from the originals and you just threw them away!? You keep going on about being me but you don't care about anything do you?! Not even the fake entities you make!
"Of course I don't. I see no reason to be so upset considering you just disintegrated four of those 'tools.'
Because you forced them to fight!
"But isn't that the point of you being in here? To fight me so you can escape?"
No... I have no desire to be here! There is no point in me being here! Aside for your supposed way of freeing yourself, I have no place here! I am here because I'm trying to wake up. Something you're preventing and to do that, I have to take you down! Not some fake versions of them! You want me so bad? Come at me then!
Ather releases a sigh.
"Fine. I guess the situation calls for it anyway." He steps up next to the fake Nunu, all three getting into a stance.
A moment passes and all three charge, Ather raising his percentage as his hands take on their demonic appearance to be met by Relon's shining fist. Out from behind the entity appears the fake Nunu bringing his blade down for Relon's throat. Seeing this, Relon intercepts the blade catching it with his thumb and index finger. Ather sees this chance vanishes, Relon following with a pull of the blade snapping it in half bringing Nunu closer to spin kick him away into a portal before disappearing.
Above?
He looks up to see nothing and suddenly hears what sounding like the cracking of something. He looks around unable to find the source before looking down to see a small crack on the white surface. He flies up, Ather breaking through the floor with a demonic fist. Relon readies an attack to feel a sudden presence behind him. He quickly shifts his attention there to find nothing but a portal to then feels a presence back in front. He looks back to see the fake Nunu popping out ahead if the rising Ather.
Damn it!
Relon flies away making space as the two entities descend to the ground.
"Smart move, my other self. Had you attacked, Nunu here would have simply warped it behind you. But you already knew that."
You keep going on about being my other half yet you act nothing like me. Pretty hypocritical.
"You think so? Hm, maybe I'm slowly gaining a personality of my own. I may have given myself a name and we may have opposing ideals but we are one of the same, I assure you."
Stop saying that! We're nothing alike! You're nothing but a virus trapped inside me and I want you out!
"All want is out! You don't think those are one if the same?!" He shouts back.
Not if it includes having to kill me!
"And you think it's right to kill me?! Not everything can go your way!"
Do you honestly not hear the bullshit you're saying?! Not going your way? You've had everything go your way so far! Because of you, my mother and sister are dead! You are the reason I haven't talked! You and that man are the reason my life and the others have turned out this way! If anything, EVERYTHING has gone your way!
"Yes! And it would be even better if you could do me the favor, save me the trouble, and die so I can be free from this prison."
You're an actual dumbass if you think I'm going to let that happen.
"Such vulgar language! Seems Nunu has rubbed off on you."
A little.
"But that's what I want right there! To learn new feelings! There's a plethora of knowledge waiting for me to obtain! These emotions I've gained! They make me more human than ever before! I can only learn so much trapped in this prison!"
Do you honestly expect me to kneel over and let that happen? Unlike you, I have REAL emotions, a REAL body! Not fake feelings that you've gained simply by observing my life. Those aren't real!
"For now they're not."
They never will be!
"Eventually they will. It's only a matter of time."
You're quite full of yourself to believe that will happen.
"I am. Why? Because there will come situations where you'll have no choice but to use my power. But we both know you can't rely on that power alone. Like Todoroki, you're limiting yourself."
Don't compare his situation to mine. He won't use his fire because of family issues. I won't use your power because the literal fate if the world rests in my hands. It always have ever since... then.
"Poor Shinn. Seems like you're lost in the past."
Yeah... And you're lost in a future that won't happen!
Relon's hands become fists as he vanishes, the fake Nunu looking around before suddenly being launched into the air, Ather looking on without a care in the world. A white streak bombards the faker from all directions before sending him to the ground followed by another beam of pure light leaving nothing behind. The white light crashed before Ather as he looks on, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth.
"My, my. You must be really both-
Before he can finish his sentence, he is punched square in his abdomen by a force much stronger than before as his eyed widen for him to be launched high into the white void. He recovers himself to catch sight of the blazing light coming at him to which he manages to vanish by only that if a second. He appears back on the white surface quickly looking to where he and Relon was to find his other self gone.
SPLK!
His eyes widens once more as Ather slowly looks down to see a glowing hand through his chest. He turns his head to see Relon.
"Was it... necessary... to go past 50% against... a weak tool?" Ather questions in between coughs.
Just like you told me earlier, I told you! I told you... Six reasons. Six reasons why I'm going to kill you again. One for Maverick. One for Luna. One for Archer. One for Kanan. One for Nunu. And now the sixth for calling each them tools!
A white light enshrouds Relon's hand as he rips it out causing Ather to take a loud gasp for him to clutch his stomach. Strong white gales begin to swirl around Relon, Ather looking back to his sailor with gritted teeth in anger.
"You really think a wound like that will stop me?!" He lunges for Relon who vanishes.
He's going to appear behind me so I'll- Gak!
Ather vanishes to be kicked in the side of his head from behind as he is launched to the ground skidding before rolling to a stop. He gets up one shaky arm as a time looking up to see Relon floating above him, a hand aimed at Ather glowing brighter than normal.
"Clever... Reverse Psychology... Going behind me... when I was trying to get behind you..." Ather breaths slowly.
That speech suits you more.
"You bastard!"
Sadly I can't kill you yet so sleep for a while. And don't wake up!
"Nooooooo!"
A white light shines throughout the void, all becoming white and the black. The sound of Ather's berated cursing dies as does the color.
"Time to wake up, Relon".
"Looks like they're finished fixing the arena." Nunu comments looking at the screen, the others taking notice as well.
"Your match will be starting soon, Uraraka." Momo mentions, the brunette nodding in agreement.
"Yeah..." She walks over to Deku now sleeping covered in bandages with his arms in casts.
Deku, I'm facing off against Bakugou. I honestly don't know how it will go but I'm going to give it my all just like you did!
She turns facing the three, Recovery Girl off on her break.
"I'm ready."
"Good Luck." Kanao bids.
"Shoot Bakugou out of the field. I need a good laugh."
"Do your best, Uraraka." Momo says.
"I will! Leave it to me!" She stops at the door before taking a breath to calm her nerves. "I'm heading out!" She opens it before closing the door behind her, one goal in mind; win!
"YOOOO, WE'RE BACK AFTER LIKE THE TENTH BREAK, PEOPLE!" Present Mic announces for the crowd to awaken in cheers. "THE SECOND MATCH OF ROUND TWO IS FINALLY UNDERWAY! PRETTY FAMOUS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL WITH A BAD ATTITUDE AND A WORSER LANGUAGE VOCABULARY! FROM THE HERO COURSE, IT'S KATSUKI BAKUGOU!"
"Tch, loud bastard."
"VERSUS- The one I'm actually rooting for, not gonna lie. THE GIRL WITH THE POWER TO DEFY THE LAWS OF PHYSICS! FROM THE HERO COURSE, IT'S OCHAKO URARAKA!"
"If you're going to quit, now's the chance round face." Bakugou states.
"R-round face? Wait, quit?"
"Don't expect me to pull my punches just because you're a girl."
"I won't quit." Her words causing Bakugou to focus more on her. "And I wouldn't want you to fight any other way! Because I'm in it to win it!" Bakugou remains silent, his expression unreadable as both get into their fighting stances.
All I have to do is make contact with him and I win!
"LET THE MATCH... BEGIN!"
To do that I have to get close! She breaks out into a sprint leaning over close to the ground, her arms out.
"Then, die!" He reers his right hand back.
A right hook? If I can dodge this then...! She dives down only to be blasted away.
"Oh, come on!" Jirou calls out, her hands to her ears as she spectates nervously, Class A looking to her.
"Did he blast her?" Mineta questions with a scared expression, Class A now looking to the grape teen.
"It seems Bakugou has no mercy whether he's fighting a boy or girl." Tsuyu comments, the class beginning to gaze from one classmate to another
"So it's a game of keep away in a sense." Tokoyami states.
"Either Uraraka wins by making contact with Bakugou or Bakugou wins through blasting Uraraka." Shoji adds.
"That or she simply runs out of steam." Kaminari mutters.
"But looking at how things are, I don't think Uraraka will be able to get close by just running guys." Mina mentions.
"Bakugou's quirk has a large blast radius compared to Uraraka's after all." Sero says.
"But the longer it goes on, the sweatier Bakubro gets which means his quirk will get stronger." Kirishima informs.
"It's like Uraraka is fighting a final boss." Sato says, Kouda nodding in agreement.
"This is quite a predicament to be in." Aoyama says.
"Come on, girl! You can beat him!" Hagakure cheers.
"Either of them can win, it's how they'll procede onwards that determines the Victor." Ojiro states.
She covers her face as some cinders pass by along with the smoke.
"That won't work, darn it. Even if I saw it coming, I couldn't react in time. What now...?"
"I'll take care of you like the rest." Bakugou states gaining her attention. "Then I can fight that annoying Deku!" His normal demeanor changes to one of annoyance, the smoke now clear.
"Annoying? What's annoying about Deku? You're always at his neck for no reason!"
"The hell do you know? That bastard has been a pain in the ass since we were kids. To think he lied to me all these years about not having a quirk. Then he enrolls and shows off a quirk like that! It's like he's looking down on me!" He blast forward at the girl to everyone's shock.
"Wait! Shouldn't he be staying away from her?!" Mina exclaims. "Why is he rushing to her?!"
Ochako's eyes widen as she rolls out of the way of Bakugou's attempted explosion.
"I may not know much about your history with Deku, but I do know a few things!" She runs at the spiked blonde.
She runs straight ahead to pivot to her left, Bakugou throwing a palm to which she feints back to the right. His eyes widens as he watches her hand about to make contact with his own. A small grin begins to form on the girls face only to catch a spark. That hopefully look quickly being covered in an explosion as she is shot away skidding across the arena.
So close that time! She begins getting to her feet rubbing her cheek from the pain.
Round face almost had me. I'll say that much. But that trick won't work again.
"Deku doesn't look down on anyone!" She shouts running to Bakugou, the boy extending both palms to explode in retaliation.
"He... isn't a liar." She says shakily. "He's an honest guy... Anyone can see that so why can't you?!" She shouts taking a few deep breathes before breaking out into a run once again.
"You don't know him like I do! That bastard acts all nice but cares only about embarrassing me!" He cocks his arm back sening another explosion for Uraraka to gasps in pain tumbling back, smoke covering the field.
"Deku... does have... a quirk. Maybe he was... a late bloomer, I don't know..." Bakugou narrows his eyes looking through the smoke unable to see his opponent, only knowing she's in front by the direction of her voice. "But...!" Bakugou lifts his head seeing something out the corner of his eye, his palm sparking as he sends it forward blowing up what can only be his opponent.
"What the?!" He looks to see not Uraraka but instead a piece of her jacket torn in hand.
"What I do know...!" Bakugou immediately turns to the voice behind throwing his hand sending another explosion, the smoke becoming even heavier.
Twice now Bakugou looks in disbelief as sees to have blasted the other ripped portion of her jacket.
"Is that Deku doesn't look down on anyone!" He turns back to where he blasted the piece of blue fabric to see Uraraka in the air with her black undershirt.
She touches the middle of his back, instantly jump back touching her hands.
"Damn it!" Bakugou curses as he is lifted of the ground above the clearing smoke, the audience taking sight of the spectacle.
"Yes! Uraraka actually did it!" Jirou cheers in amazement.
"Hurry and do it!" Hagakure shouts.
"Is Bakugou really going to lose?!" Kaminari calls out in disbelief.
Slowly, Bakugou floats towards the edge. Both gritting their teeth.
"Tell me, Bakugou..." The gravity-user calls for him to focus from his predicament to her. "Do you honestly think Deku is the type to look down on others?" His eyes widens at the questions before narrowing as a flashback resurfaces.
"Hey, are you alright?" A young Midoriya asks extending a hand.
"Instead of trying to blast me, try focusing on getting to first!"
"If anything, he's the type to look up to others striving to be like them if not better!"
"Why aren't you using your quirk? Are you underestimating me?"
"... No..."
"You've been like this ever since we were kids. Have you been underestimating me since as far back as back then, you bastard?!"
"That's not it at all!"
"Then what, huh?! What excuse do you have?!"
"You're an amazing person, that's why I want to beat you! No, surpass you, you idiot! Because of all the people I've met, you're the only one beside All Might, you're the one I want to surpass you not look down on you, you idiot!"
"Argh, Dekuuuuuu!" Both boys charge.
"There's no way... Deku actually looks up to me..." He looks down to the ground unable to process everything in disbelief.
"He does too!" Uraraka shouts drawing his attention once more. "I don't get why with how mean you are but our walks home along with Iida, we both have asked why you have the odd relationship you do and although he doesn't go much into it, he does talk about how amazing you really are and that's why!" She presses her fingertips together. "You need to open your eyes, you jerky idiot!" She shouts panting afterwards.
"..."
BOOM!"
She looks up opening her eyes to see Bakugou standing a few feet from the line.
He blasted himself at the last second after I released my quirk?!
He remains silent letting out a long breath before setting his sights on Uraraka.
"Oh, she was so close!" Jirou reels her head back.
"Looks like Bakubro is still in it!" Kirishima calls looking on in awe.
Looks like it's plan B then...
Uraraka lifts herself standing straight up regaining control of her breathing as both combatants return to their stances. Uraraka is the first to make a move rushing for Bakugou.
"Her movements!" Momo calls looking to the television.
"Her speed has be reduced." Kanao states looking as well.
"Too slow!" He digs his hand breaking a part of the arena floor to deliver an explosive uppercut, much to everyone's horror as smoke covers the field
"Not yet!" She shouts appearing to his side only to be blown away.
"I can't watch!" Jirou says covering her eyes.
"Bakugou, could it be... You're into that kind of thing...?" Mineta wonders to himself closely observing the fight only to ve slapped in the back of the head by Tsuyu's tongue.
"Come on!" Ochako cries out to be blasted off her feet. "I can still go!" Another explosion. "Almost!" And another. "Not yet!" Once again.
The action of running only to be blasted away seeming to be on repeat as if stuck in an endless loop.
"URARAKA KEEPS UP THE ASSAULT BUT, UH..." Another explosion.
"Come on, Uraraka! You did it ince already, do it again!" Nunu cheers looking on at the television.
She huffs with hands on her knees looking ahead past the destroyed debris and smoke at Bakugou before rushing ahead once again only to be blasted back.
She gets to one knee looking at Bakugou.
"Who ever wins this will most likely face Deku." He comments gaining her attention. "The mute-bastard may still be out of comission but if he wakes up soon, he can heal Deku better than the old hag and he'll most like be able to fight."
"Why mention... that?" She asks between breaths.
"Because I want to confirm from him when we fight if all this bullshit is just that or if it's actually real." She steadily gets to her feet.
"Sorry, Bakugou. But you're not the only one who wants a chance to go against Deku! I had Jirou's help before but now I want to face him one-on-one! So sorry, but I don't plan on handing over that spot so easily!"
She brings her hands close, her fingertips centimeters from making contact with one another. His quizzical expression forcing her to gice an unsteady smirk for him to look up. High at the top of the arena is hundreds of chunks of debris from the destroyed aren floating in the air stationary.
"I'm gonna win! Right here and right now! She shouts bringing the tips of her fingers together giving a pink glow as the debris begins to fall hurtling for Bakugou.
"It's just like Lucinance's move!" Sato says in bewilderment looking up at the descending attack.
"The only difference is she can't control their trajectory! Shoji adds, all of Class 1-A looking to the sight as Uraraka breaks out into a final sprint.
With all this debris, whether he's evading or counterattacking, there's going to be a window for me to take! Right then, I'll get close and win! I'll win just like Deku!
She lunges for Bakugou, a sudden crack silencing her thoughts as with a supported arm raised for the sky, a massive eruption bellows the cherring crowd, the pure force if it sending Uraraka off her feet and back
"For being Deku's girlfriend, I shouldn't be surprised that ymhe thought of an idea like that" She looks completely defeated amd baffled at the teen still standing.
"He blew it all up... in one shot..."
That was all I had...! But he wasn't fazed in the slightest! She lowers her head now on her hands and knees before shaking it as she slowly gets to her feet, much to everyone's shock. But even so...
"All right, let's finish this, Uraraka! Let's settle who's going to move on and fight Deku!" He opens a palm running to her, the girl with her back to him.
If I were Deku... She grips her hand into a fist. He wouldn't give up! She takes one step, the feeling in her legs disappearing as she falls, her vision becoming blurred as Bakugou stops in front if her. Huh...?
"URARAKA'S DOWN!"
My... body... won't do... what I want... Her body shakes as she attempts to move to no avail.
"Uraraka..." Momo mutters looking on at the screen.
"She passed her limit some time ago..." Kanao also mutters.
No... Not yet...! I can... still go... on...
Uraraka slowly reaches out her hand holding onto the flat surface as she musters what little strength she has left attempting to crawl to Bakugou.
"I-I... also... can still...!
"When I get big, I'll help you and Mommy!"
"I appreciate the thought, Ochako. But as your dad, I'd be even happier if you could have achieved your dream. When that happens, you can take us to Hawaii, haha!"
"Dek- No, Midoriya. After the festival is over... Can we talk?"
"T-talk?" A-about what? If y-you d-don't mind m-my asking of course."
"It's something important. That's all I can say right now. Is that... okay?"
"Yeah, it's no problem at all!" The two smile to one another.
I'll become... a hero... and tell Deku... that I...! She thinks her last words before the world envelopes in a white light, her consciousness fading.
Midnight walks over halting Bakugou as she checks over Uraraka.
"Uraraka is out of commission. Bakugou advances to the third round!" The crowd does what the crowd does best as the spiked blonde can only look on before gazing at the bracket, his name adjacent to Midoriya's now.
Chapter 13 finally done! Man, school is a busy thing. I've always hated it but I've always knew it was important as well as a pain in the ass. Study, work, study, work, yadda yadda yadda. Not much to say so I hope you all liked the chapter with the introduction to Ather Delmise and Relon's little trip down memory lane. Let me know what you all thought and I'll see you in what will probably be the last big chapter to wrap up the sports festival before we start on Stain's arc so that will be out whenever that is. Until then, see ya~
Word Count Goal: 10k - Achieved!