Chapter 74 - Perfection in the Making

The Fall had arrived quickly; On one particular day, Yuki; alongside Hana, Jura, Izuku, Kirishima, Ochaco, and Tsui, arrived to Nighteye's funeral to say their respects. Yuki knelt at the altar alone, placing a similar bundle of blue roses by his portrait, closing her eyes. "Thank you for worrying about me; I promise I'll do my best, I will." "Goodbye..."

Everything was back to normal say for the others still handling Work-Study catch-up lessons. Again, perks for having a supercomputer in their head meant Yuki had no issues but still made an appearance to review her work.

Once their mathematics was over, Yuki turned to Izuku who seemed to be really into it this time around. "Someone's eager to improve?" She hummed as Ocha and Iida joined in.

"Yeah, you were really fired up this time, Deku." Ocha agreed.

"Yes; I applauded the effort you're putting forward into your studies," He did his weird signaling with his hands. "However, before we can feed our brains we must feed our bodies."

"Yeah, I'm starvi-" His teeth caught on... cheese? When Yuki and Izuku turned to the culprit. Aoyama was standing right there.

...

...

"...Zuzu... do you... want to explain this...?" Yuki paled like Iida and Ochaco, recoiling once the event caught up with Izuku. "What. The. Fuck?"

"Aoyama was force-feeding me cheese, little did I know, even stranger things were in my future," He monologued before throwing himself back in fright. "WHERE DID YOU EVEN COME FROM - Hrg, thank you..." He winced once he swallowed the last bite.

"Um... well, that's nice?" Yuki really didn't have a response to this, tapping her desk. "Soooo... you two are good friends it seems." In actuality; she was cursing herself for never really thinking of that, Aoyama just gave her an idea for future reference.

In the background, observing humorously, the new resident Guardian uncrossed her arms, taking her leave with Solaire appearing next to her. "You should go join them for lunch, you haven't talked with the class outside of studies."

"Hey, I do... to an extent," He was right though, she didn't feel it was right to intrude on their personal space so suddenly. It had only been two weeks since she was allowed to stay at UA, even taking a special course to obtain a license in case the law of this world got in the way. Something she wishes wasn't the case but a new world meant new rules.

Rayla greeted anyone who waved to her, an odd reminder of her time at the Tower. Once she traversed the halls for a fair bit of time, she stopped before two massive metal doors. She knocked, then stepped inside to find her partner in crime tinkering away with another student, surrounded by devices and equipment suited for augmentations, and equipment manufacturing.

Tekres took it upon himself to work closely with the Support Unit to further his Splicer training. He was a younger Eliksni and hadn't been made an official Splicer since his House was destroyed so he did what he could to learn. The girl with pink hair shared his enthusiasm fondly.

"If we input a voice command to the hardlight generator it may improve combat efficiency," Tekres clicked, Hatsume nodding with her goggles on.

"Aaaah, and if we replace the batteries with smaller devices we can equip a hero with a supply they can reload when needed, thereby increasing the longevity of the gauntlets!" Her finger prodded up, nodding next to the Wolf.

"That could be possible, yes..."

"You look like a child during the Dawning," Rayla smirked, sitting atop a bench while Hatsume took over for Tekres to address Rayla. "Any luck on reverse engineering Dren's work?"

He shook his head, adjusting his mask. "His basis was an augmented variation of Siva, without the Archon we cannot replicate it effectively," He grimaced. "The battle destroyed the data banks, any clue into the replication process is held only with Kovik."

"That is troubling, perhaps we can ask Yuki for her assistance?" Solaire spun around to float between them, spotting his Guardian's neutral, thousand-yard stare. "She's drifting again..."

Blood marred the walls with its dull, crimson hue. Scores are taken out of the environment. A hand remained frozen up at the sky, blood dripping from their torn glove. Another rested their head on the third's lap, helmet shattered in the corner, obscuring their lifeless expression.

Tears dribbled down the survivor's face, mixing with the blood of the dead. Eyes wide, staring down at one in their lap. At the end of the war-torn citadel of darkness. A lone monster in thick, jagged chitin armour held to a sword swarmed by sickly flames, the blood of its victims turning the embers scarlet. Six, orange eyes lingered on the last one standing.

"Huh?" She blinked, smiling while her finger brushed against the armband she wore. "No-no, I'm just thinkin' we leave her out of this; last thing I want is for her to have Siva prodded out of her again." The memory of that innocent girl's screams boiled Rayla's blood. "Let's just focus on how we can track down Kovik, that much should be helpful."

"Without the Commander, we're sailing blind." Solaire shook his shell.

"And I am no Splicer," Tekres growled, earning a pat on the back from his associate. "Hatsume?"

"Who cares if you're a Splicer!" She showed off the gauntlets on her hands. Mere skeletons covered in internal wiring, but they were glowing blue. "I think these babies are already perfect! I would've been stumped for weeks without you, hahaha!"

Rayla snorted, giving the silent Fallen a wave. "Have fun then, lemme know if you make something cool!"

"Efficiency is better than aesthetics." He countered.

"No, you; hah!"


The following day; Rayla grabbed Izuku in passing, keeping the green disaster from tripping before class. "Woah there, Izu - erm, Midoriya, sorry, still getting used to the whole surname thing." Although Yuki, Viral, and Akio were the exceptions.

He hastily bowed his head. "T-thank you, Rayla - I was running late."

"No worries - say, one of the Vanguard would say, 'so long as we're here for the important stuff who cares?'," She giggled. "You know, now I see why my Commander's so stressed all the time."

He tried his best to smile but it was obvious he was tired from a lack of sleep, judging by the bags under his eyes. "You good? Look kinda worn out?" She didn't miss Izuku flinching, turning like a rusty machine.

"A-Ah, yeah, just h-hard time s-sleeping yesterday, hehe..." He blinked, leaning back embarrassingly once the girl's amber glare met his emerald. "R-Rayla?" "Please don't let Yuki see this!"

"Light Enhance," She spoke, pressing her palm to his chest to send a tingling sensation through his whole body. Something awoke in his bones akin to One For All, his eyes briefly crossed with blue bolts of lightning before that fatigue disappeared. "Better?" She leaned back.

"Wow... I feel amazing, thanks! Is that your Quirk? How does it work? Does it- wah, sorry!" He shuffled back anxiously once catching onto his muttering again. "That's a habit of mine when it comes to-"

"Quirks; because you're a dork for heroics, yeah, your little girlfriend filled me in," He blushed darker, amusing Rayla who held out her hand to discharge a few stray bolts. "Ask me later, I don't mind - oh, and it's called Light, not a Quirk, even Solaire is pumping with the stuff."

"If it's not an issue, I will." He graciously accepted, the pair suddenly yelled to hurry by Iida. Ochaco cheered for them to make haste with Yuki pumping her fists, mask displaying a countdown. "We're going to be late!"

"Nope, just fashionably so." She mused, sprinting for the countdown.


At Training Ground Gamma, the class would continue their efforts toward perfecting or developing Ultimate Moves. Rayla just took it all in, running a hand through her mangy hair. "An 'Ultimate'? Like a Super?" I guess her basic Light manipulations were her bread and butter, then that meant she had two 'Ultimates' in her arsenal.

Since everyone was suited up, Solaire gave Rayla back her armour he still had stored though what he had inside the small storage of his was limited, to say the least. Her barding was dark grey underneath, formed of matterweave. The armour plating was white. Forming Gauntlets, knee-high boots, a breastplate and rounded shoulder pads.

Under her armpits were orange stripes intersecting, one across each thigh and the backs of her shins; two stained her gauntlets. her helmet was rectangular, two cracks in the visor near her forehead, spurting tiny gold flames. Her Helm of Inmost Light was by far her most valued possession aside from her guns but she didn't have those on her person.

What made her stand out were the red, torn sash fluttering against her left hip. The armband from before hugging the right bicep; then last the black cape with a black tiger pattern and white fur hem for the collar.

"UNBREAKABLE!" Rayla jumped a little, turning to the source of the word. A boy she met, Kirishima, had hardened his body to the point he was made of stone, even his eyes looked cracked.

"Woah..." Solaire was right on the money.

Kirishima bowed his head. "Bakugo, Sato, Midoriya, Yuki, please use me as your own personal punching bag!" He demanded.

"Dude; that sounds super weird!" Sato cringed.

Izuku raised his hand with Yuki's. "Sorry, I'm doing some private training today to help Yuki grow accustomed to her new power limits."

"Sorry, Kirishima." She waved.

"That's okay!" Kirishima acknowledged.

Just then, Katsuki shoved past the two, glaring ahead. "So, made any new progress yet?" This stunned Izuku for a moment.

"Well, I can draw out over fifty percent without any issue, and... well, there's something else," He rubbed his nape, not noticing Katsuki's twitching brow. "It's... best to save it until later, sorry."

"Huh!? So you only now got half your strength!?" Izuku didn't shrink under Katsuki's glare though Yuki rolled his eyes. "Tch, and I thought you were going to be number one, chosen one?"

"They have some history it seems," Rayla wouldn't push on it if the conversation was for closed doors, though an idea spawned. "There's a plan."

In passing, Rayla patted the couple on their backs, giving a nod. "Do your best." They didn't get a word out before she made a b-line for the rocksteady redhead.

"Hey, Kirishima let me-"

"Let's fight!" She shoved Katsuki aside with glee. Or until he bashed his head against her helmet. "Hello, there."

"Butt out, extra! I'm going to thrash him so - huh!?" Everyone, even the teacher present were shocked to find that Katsuki, the competitive explosive was unexpectedly sitting on his ass. Rayla just casually walked away. "What... the hell?"

"She just threw him like it was nothing?" "I didn't even see it happen, did you, Viral?" "Not a clue..."

"Just to remind ya guys, I may have a younger body now-" She turned to tap a finger to where her mouth would be. "-But I've been fighting for over five years against various races across the system, some of which I hope never find this world; So I'm basically a veteran, hehe," She titled her head, a star flying from her scalp.

Kirishima clenched his fists, grinning at the competition. "So, you want to go first? By all means, I'll withstand whatever you throw at me!" He didn't miss her giggle, blinking. "What's funny?"

"Nothing; you just remind me a lot of what I am; a Titan," She waved a hand down at her sash. "We're meant to be a wall that can withstand even an unstoppable force; We're the indomitable back of humanity, never faltering for even a second; that's the basis of what makes you a Titan really."

"Huh, well thanks!" He flashed his toothy grin, one she felt infected by. "I'm the Sturdy Hero, Red Riot!"

"And I'm Rayla, the Sunbreaker," The air was getting warmer. "I'll take you on, Red Riot - Light Enhance!"

From deep inside; a flame like no other emerged, caking her armour in a fierce orange radiance. This gathered the attention of everyone. Yuki whistled, nudging Shoto. "Her flames, they're like yours!"

"No," He shook his head, watching her closely. "Something about this heat feels much less harmful; I can't quite place it."

Kirishima was taken back for a moment, retaining his wonderous smile. "Her flames aren't burning me... so why is it so intense?" "Come On!" He roared, hearing the flames crackle loudly.

"Hyrah!" Her fist collided with both his forearms, dragging a flaming arc toward the left, flinching. "Man, that stings..." She let her hand twitch, balling it up tightly with a sphere of embers around the knuckle. "Now we're talking!"

Kirishima readied himself. "I can't let her power scare me; I'll be the kind of man to never waver against the enemy! I'll prove it!" Bracing for her left hook, the same, scalding force ripped across his armoured hide, striking blow for blow.

Rayla was relentless, an unstoppable force against the immovable object. Flames whisked in the air, cracks and shards from Kirishima replaced with more hardened skin. Neither backed down, pushing further to stand their ground.

"Do your best, Kirishima!" Ashido cheered.

"Tough it out, Rayla!" Yuki encouraged.

Others voiced their opinions; although, the two parted. Kirishima held on as long as he could, panting. Rayla shook her arms, grabbing her helmet to twist and remove it, a white shimmer appearing to store the helm for her. Shaking out her hair, the Guardian looked into his eyes confidently.

"I have a lot to catch up on," She began, looking down at her quaking hands. "I have combat experience but this world is new to me, and I'm against enemies unlike anything I've seen, in a way, I'm learning from scratch, so thank you for putting up with my rudeness."

Kirishima lowered his arms briefly. "Hey, it's not your fault," He felt her eyes return to his. "Yuki's Quirk is from another world too, and the person in her head used to be a villain but changed, even Akio and Viral aren't from our world and they're great friends; why would we treat you differently?"

"Because; I'm not a person you want around, I'm useless..." Her thoughts weren't interrupted by Solaire this time, so she sighed, offering him a warm smile. "...thanks, Eijiro." That took him back a little; then her expression warped fiercely. "I... won't hold back now," Even her words left a hot gasp.

"You all train to make what you call 'Ultimates' right?" The flames of her body simmered, something was building inside of her, drawing in small slithers of plasma. "A Guardian has those too, we call them 'Supers',"

"This heat..." Shoto shielded his eyes.

"Such raw power; SIVA, is this...?" Yuki murmured, pupils, expanded before what was manifesting within the young girl.

The Light | A Guardian's strength | To wield the Great Machine's power

"Woah...!" Kirishima was left in awe.

"As a Titan, my first element was Solar... I am... A Sunbreaker!"

*CLANG!*

One white flash of heat; Her body released a massive aura of intense flames, turning her eyes neon orange, tugging her hair back in the process. Clutched in her right hand sat a hammer. The head was flat with three ridges, the back shaped to resembled a hawk, dripping with molten Light.

"Here I come!" Her foot pressed to the earth, melting it, then she rocketed forward, bringing the hammer across his crossed arms, blazing a trail of flames behind his back. Kirishima grunted, seeing his hide crumble from a single blow.

"Her attacks... are worse than Rappa's!" His heart wrestled with fear, that too hardened down to his soul. "No! I will... WITHSTAND IT!"

Bending her arm by her left hip she swiped back, the metal clanking to the wall stronger than any shield, hardening over the burns. Rayla leapt high, expelling Light to rise higher into the air, grasping her Hammer of Sol with both hands. Releasing her Lift, she plummeted toward his sturdy glare, a great halo of flames surrounding them on contact, the hammer... shattered, leaving a smouldering spot on the ground.

He grinned; unfortunately, Rayla shared that sentiment. "You broke my hammer-" Another swirled together by her fingertips, reinforced flames taking shape. But something else struck Kirishima with a harsh reality. Her flames had gotten stronger. "-my Sunspot's active now, hehe."

"Rayla"

"Quirk: Sunbreaker"

The versatile state of her Light means she can learn to use Solar, Arc, and Void. Primarily using Solar, she can conjure a hammer made of flames. Coat her body in said flames to increase her strength. Another awesome ability allows for any hammers that explode on impact to leave a Sunspot, these spots further increase her already intense flames. Talk about heating up!

Screaming through the air, her hammer rose with a tidal wave of energy behind it, shattering the hardened skin across his chest and arms instantly. Kirishima ground his teeth, stumbling back once, this shocked not just Rayla, but his entire class. "He... took a hit and survived? Even that would've knocked a Guardian out!" Why was her heart starting to race? This feeling... it was exciting!

His back remained bent, looking toward the ceiling. Kirishima knew he'd pass out soon, but still.

"Show me what you got! Don't hold anything back!" Rappa's fist punctured the air like bullets. Fat Gum wasn't ready to unleash the power he had built up.

But then; Red Riot stepped into view, guarding the hero with his body. "Red!" He gaped.

"I won't regret anything! Now, or ever again!" He took the first several hits, chunks of his skin shattered, only for newer skin to grow in replacement. His heels rooted through the earth, withholding the agonizing punches with his life. "I'll do it, I'll become a hero, I'll protect people!"

"If I crack then I'll harden again! Stay strong! Protect others! Even if it means your life!"

Lurching forward, his right eye was black; a single, jagged scarlet pupil piercing the flames. The hammer was already curving toward his arms; Instead, Kirishima lowered his, bringing his left forward with a defiant cry. "Rrrrrraaaaaah!"

*BAM!*

Flames encompassed the fist and hammer, expanding with the shockwave that threw the pair away. Kirishima slammed into the mountain while Rayla slid back on her knees, flames extinguished in an instant once her hammer was blown to splinters.

"Man, ack, that smarts!" Rayla's arm was snapped in two, hanging by her side caked in blood. Never, not once had she seen raw strength combat, not just the Light but a Hammer of Sol infused with a Sunspot. Something like that has never happened. Albeit; she held back from actually using her full strength considering it could kill almost anything but that was still unexpected.

"Kirishima!" "Hey, are you alright!?" Izuku and Sato helped the redhead out of the mountain, his arms badly wounded and a few light burns. Despite the pain, he smiled.

"Thanks, you guys," Looking over at Rayla, something suddenly sparked his legs to move, seeing her arm badly broken. "Crap, I'm sorry! Are you alright!?" His panic settled once she sat down, allowing Solaire to appear.

"Her arm's literally bent the other way," Kyoka covered her mouth, at least with Akio, Viral's black mist covers the damage.

"Yeeeah that looks really bad," Ashido didn't hold back, Rayla chuckled sheepishly through the pain though.

"It's all good, honestly, after dying dozens of times this is par for the course," She rolled her eyes, aloof about the whole ordeal once the Ghost's light pulsed over her arm, realigning her elbow while the blood ceased flowing. Once repaired she wiggled her fingers into an 'OK' sign. "See? Good as new."

"Amazing!" Izuku breathed.

"Are you sure you are alright, Miss?" The teacher, Cementos approached. She gave a quick salute.

"Better than ever, though I'm a little worn out from expending my Light," Then she shuffled forward. "Someone else on the other hand..."

Kirishima, once relieved Rayla was okay, nearly fell onto his face had she not caught him against her shoulder. He blinked but was unable to move from the compromising position; his face turning a little redder. "S-sorry."

"It's all good," She moved to wrap his arm over her shoulder, helping the redhead stand. "I'll take him to get patched up, my mistake."

"Very well," Cementos understood, allowing them to pass. Then she turned and waved.

"I'll be sure to answer all your burning questions later, chao!" With that, and Solaire bobbing beside her, the pair left the class to proceed as normal.

Out of range of the class, Kirishima looked the other way with Rayla continuing to help him walk. He'd refuse but knew one wrong step and he would pass out. "I'm sorry," He pouted, adverting his eyes.

"What for? I said I'm fine."

"I still broke your arm, even if you can heal it, I don't like hurting my friends..." He didn't realize she had once more distanced her mind momentarily, frowning for a second.

"You're a good person, Kirishima," Turning his head; Rayla stared toward the school past the trees. "You'd make an amazing Guardian."

"Very noble too." Solaire complimented, making him smile lightly from their praise.

"I think I'll stick with being just me; again, I appreciate it." He chuckled with her, then held out a fist for her. "Let's have another fight again, I'll handle your full strength next time."

"He's something else..." Snorting; she reciprocated the action. "Hehe; I look forward to it, Red Riot."


"It's been a while since we've sat down to chat like this, and with Young Bakugo too," All Might placed down Yuki's cup of tea. The four present for a private meeting about One For All after classes.

Katsuki looked less than amused, hand on his cheek. "You guys always have super-secret meetings here?"

"Congrats, you're part of it now, Dumb-Dumb," Yuki teased, sipping her cup. "Besides, since you know it's only fair you should hear what we've learned back at the Raid." Yuki's expression turned stern.

All Might leaned forward. "By all means, what happened during your battle with Chisaki?"

Izuku clasped his cup tighter, recalling the moments before Overhaul skewered him and Yuki. "We fought back to buy Togata time to escape with Eri, but we underestimated him and Dren's cooperation, we would've died if she hadn't..." His pause drew Katsuki's eyes. "...a woman called out to me, just like when Viral trained with me and I can sometimes sense danger before it happens; similar to a sixth sense; this woman said for me to use her Quirk,"

All Might's eyes expanded, almost dropping his tea before settling himself. "...another of the past User's of One For All spoke to you, more importantly, helped you?"

Yuki looked up. "It was your master, wasn't it?" She bit her lip, given it was a sensitive topic.

The old hero nodded. "My master was the one who passed One For All on to me, her Quirk, Float was handy for traversing with air pressure, she had mastered One For All perfectly." All Might looked down at his hands. "Or she was until All For One..."

"I'm sorry for bringing her up," Izuku apologized but his teacher smiled, waving his concerns away.

"It's not your fault; if I'm honest, knowing some lingering spirit of her exists within One For All still is a reassuring feeling!" His smile eased. "I remember her saying she once saw visages of the past users in a dream; It was brief but nothing came of it, I had the same thing in my younger years."

"And you're only mentioning this now...?" Katsuki tisked, crossing his arms. "So, what? Deku here's gonna have multiple Quirks like that All For One bastard?"

"That's a possibility..." Yuki rubbed her wrist. "By simply offering some of your power a person could use OFA temporarily, with a lapse in memory afterwards; and you can already use that other guy's Danger Sense; what's to say there's not more?"

Izuku was honestly surprised, and a little frightened by that. He had untapped potential beyond just All Might's power. The ability to temporarily offer strength, sense danger, and now possibly the power to float? It worried him about controlling his power if he got careless. Then a hand rubbed his palm in circles, easing his thoughts. "Yuki?"

"Relax," Yuki smiled. "I understand feeling overwhelmed by power more than anyone; besides, you got us to help you through it, even if this is uncharted waters, right, All Might?"

"I'm sorry, Young Midoriya," All Might bowed his head shamefully. This wasn't the first time he held no certainty for his student. "I wish I had more information but anything from this point on is a big unknown. The only thing I can say is my master eventually had a dream of the other users, one in which they said, 'Now is not the time'."

"That's a red flag." Yuki grimaced.

"Crimson." Katsuki huffed.

"No, it's alright, it was a longshot considering this has never happened to any other user before," Izuku interjected, closing his fist. "Whatever happens I know it won't be easy; but I will learn to control whatever happens next, be a new power or a dream like yours, I won't let One For All control me."

Yuki really admired how far her cinnamon roll had come along. He couldn't even control his power fluctuations when he first used it. And now; after months of battles and developments, the idea of new unknowns didn't scare him away from pushing forward in pursuit of that truth. His strength wasn't some borrowed Quirk, his spirit is who he was.

Clearing her throat, Yuki sat up with a deadpan. "So... we kinda fused bodies as well... sooooo... surprise~" She did some jazz hands.

"WHAT!?" All Might's mouth shot forth another spray of blood.

"COVER YOUR DAMN MOUTH!" "I THOUGHT YOU WERE HEALTHIER ALL MIGHT!?"

To Be Continued...


Taking a small twist to show Rayla's adaption to a new life, Tekres already handling it well. Anyone who's read my Beyond Infinity series might recall the expansion I made on Light with Enhance. Just a little extra for their abilities.

Then there's the final scene, OFA is starting to develop sooner than expected. I hope you enjoyed it, I appreciate the support as always; seeya in the next chapter, Heroes!

Next Chapter: A Promise to be Perfect

Izuku: It's the season of School Festivals!

Yuki: It's happening~! I'm excited!

Izuku: We've caused a lot of trouble for the rest of UA...

Yuki: Then let's show them a good time with a fire performance!

Izuku: Up next, A Promise to be Perfect

Yuki: Go Beyond-

Izuku: -Plus Ultra!