Chun's POV
It was getting difficult to breath in this room. He didn't know how long it had been since he entere the room but it seemed like hours. The members of the Murim Alliance seemed endless.
Back to back with him was Shiho. She was holding her arm awkwardly at her side. No doubt broken or close to it. This battle had been difficult on both of them.
He questioned glaring at the men surrounding them once again, "Are you okay, Shiho?"
She replied, "Of course. I'm with the invincible Goomoonryong."
Bodies of the fallen lay all around them but more only kept coming. Even with only the use of one arm Chun pushed through. He killed any who dared get too close to him and Shiho.
He knew however that he would soon reach his limit. Not even he had the sheer amount of ki needed to keep this fight going.
One man said, "They're wasted. This is the end of Goomoonryong. At my signal everybody attacks."
Shiho pants, "Those guys are like a pack of hyenas. Chun should I tell you something fun," he glanced over at her," this jacket is made of flammable materials. It gives off miasma that would will this room with poisoness glass in seconds. How about we make them our comrades in the trip to the underworld?"
That made the other's begin to question attacking them again, "Is it possible?"
"I'm not sure. She has been using poison on her weapons so far. So I guess its possible."
A new voice asked, "Poison? Do you really think that will stop us, Goomoonryong? Long time no see. Are you filled with despair now?"
Chun turned to see three men that were about his age. One was short and skinny with messy black hair. He was one who spoke. For some reason the man was familiar but he couldn't place it.
Shiho inquired, "Who are they?"
"I have no idea. They look familiar but I can't quite place it."
The messy haired one laughed, "You don't remember us?! That's rich because we remember you. A nobody who took our titles. I am Dang Wo-Ha I battled you for the seat of the Dragon Step at the last, Shinmujengpe. Over there is Cha-Gi Joon. Who you fought for the seat of the Dragon Ki. Finally there is Min Yun-Gi who you fought for the Dragon's Stealth. We have waited for this day to get revenge for our loss to you."
Huh. He still couldn't remember fighting them. Maybe it was like with Mun Gi. He didn't remember the man very well either. Besides the fact that his brat of a disciple was the only reason he didnt kill the man. If he did his disciple would never forgive him. Izuku was too pure for their world.
Chun said shaking his head from the thoughts, "Humph. It's going to be tough to keep going at this rate."
Shiho's reply startled him, "I'm already resigned to it. The one thing I regret was that I never got to kiss you."
He could feel his face heating up at those words. Of all the times to say such things. Now was not the time for it.
Then again, they were most likely going to die here. It wouldn't be realistic to think they were going to get out of this alive. He knew that the moment he arrived. It was why he tried to stop her from coming with him. He didn't want her to die alongside him. Maybe this was the perfect time for such things.
Tch. Never one for indesicion he spun on his heel so that they were facing each other.
"Chun?" Came her soft surprised question.
Green met sky blue as they stared at each other. It was now or never. They weren't getting out of this building alive. So why not?
Chun gently placed his hand under her chin and lifted it as he leaned down. The surprise was clear in her eyes. He spent the entire time denying his feelings for her. No more.
They were both startled when the elevators dinged open. Out stepped a familiar green haired boy with an idiotic look on his face. How in the hell had he gotten in?
Chun growled pulling away, "You! How and why are you here?"
The brat, Izuku replied a little sheepish, "I came because I was worried. Maybe I'm being a bother?"
This brat was worried about being a bother now? He had been a pain in the ass for all this time. Now he was worried about it?! The nerve of this little shit!
Chun snarled like a rabid dog, "I... Idiot! Why would you be a bother..."
"Is this really the time for such leisurely talk? Get them," came someone from the crowd of Murim.
Shiho ditched her jacket as the two of them ran for the elevator. They definitely didn't want to be in there in a few seconds. He grabbed the brat's collar and hauled him along inside.
Once they were safely inside Chun yelled, "You good for nothing little idiot! Why did you come here? Who told you to come to a place like this, huh?!"
Izuku flinched back as if expecting to get hit. Chun paused in his rant. He knew that the boy didn't have the best life. That the school he was studied at didnt take kindly to the quirkless. He never pressed for the details. Maybe he should have.
The boy however said, "Sungsengnim, I just..."
"Shut it! I will not over look if you keep following me! You are," in that moment he began to wobble. It was only thanks to the wall nearby that he didn't face plant. That would have been a real embarrassment.
Shiho said with a wide grin, "Be that as it may... You can't be more honest can you? That you are happy to have your disciple here. Or that you're proud to death of him. Why can't you say that instead?"
If he did that, then the boy would take after him. He would do stupid things and lose that ray of light. That was one thing that Chun could not have. Izuku must never lose his light.
So he denied not seeing the hurt in his disciple's eyes, "What? Nonsense."
Then he choked. His body was rejecting having so little ki in it. He needed to replenish his reserves.
Shiho lectured, "If you have left over strength to tell. Then use it to replenish your ki reserves."
"Tch. Fine let's take a breather for a bit."
He focused on his ki center and pulling more from the air. In through his breath pulled into his center. The excess out with his exhale.
Vaguely he could hear them talking still, "Thanks Izuku. If it weren't for you we would be dead."
The boy answered as Chun took in another breath, "It was nothing."
"Chun and I are both bottomed out in our reserves. So after a little bit of replenishment. We'll move. You should take the time to do the same."
He didn't hear the reply after that. Instead he continued to focus on regaining some of his reserves. It would take more time than they had to get them all back. Even a small amount could mean the difference between life and death here.
Chun heard about thirty minutes later, "Sungsengnim, the doors going downstairs won't open."
Chun opened his eyes and snapped, "Down? What are you saying? I'm going up."
He could see the realization in the kid's eyes. Despite what most people including himself at times, the boy wasn't stupid.
Shiho inquired her pale features showing some shock, "Are you really going to fight the alliance to the end? Now that we have Shioon let's stop."
This was why he didn't want her to come along. It wasn't just about getting the kid. Though if he was there it would have been an added bonus. No this was about getting revenge for what they did to his own master.
Chun sighed, "I thought I told you. The reason why I came here."
She tried to cut in, "Someone like you..."
He didn't let her finish, "They've already taken a critical hit. If I continue circulating the replenished ki and recover myself. It will be easy to take them on again," he stopped with a long suffering sigh, "Shiho, you take Izuku. Find a way down from here."
"I thought I told you before as well. I'm going with you to the end," came her reply. It came with a gentle smile. One that he did not deserve.
They both exchanged a glance before giving a chuckle. It was so wrong to do at this time. Yet so right.
Then all hell broke loose as the fire alarms were tripped. Flame retardant powder rained down upon them. There was little hope of being able to replenish more ki there. They needed fresh air.
Izuku's POV
They could barely see in front of their faces as they ran. Every door they passed was checked. Not a single one opened for them. It wasn't until they reached the rooftop door that they finally understood.
They were herded like cattle towards the roof. Instead of using their ki to break through they followed like mindless animals.
Finally the burst out into the night air the smoke burning their lungs. Gratefully he grabbed lungfuls of fresh air it relieving the burning slightly.
In the next moment they were illuminated by spotlights. It blinded all three of them for just a fraction of a second. Behind the spotlights figures stood. Dozens of them that Izuku realized must be members of Murim. If not for the place they were in he would have thought that they were regular people.
Chun whispered barely audible to even those closest to him, "Chief..."
A man with silver hair and a short beard greeted with a condescending smirk, "Goomoonryong, welcome. You're a little late I see."
He felt the hackles on the back of neck rise. No one could speak to his mentor like that. Unbeknownst to him blue spark began to come off of him.
Shiho said the wind blowing her hair into her face obsurcing her expression, "They were probably luring us here from the start. In our current state it will be difficult to take them on our own. Chun Woo? Izuku?"
Master and student's expressions were perfect mirrors of each other. These people hurt his teacher and tried to hurt him. Izukuv would not allow them to continue to do so. If it meant throwing away his fear and doubt so be it.
Chun snarled, "I was wondering where all the rats had gone. Here they are hiding away so cozily. Old fuckers you don't have many days left. Why don't you attack me all together. That way I can send you off together."
The boy took a step forward so that he was just off his teacher's shoulder. The man stiffened with surprise and glanced at Izuku.
He asked a voice barely above a whisper, "Are you sure about this? If you fight alongside me this world will never release you from its claws."
Izuku replied his green eyes hard, "That time has passed, Sungsengnim. They won't let me go even if I don't fight here. They know I'm your disciple that I fought in your name. I will never regret that decision. You gave me hope when I had none. When I was little more than a cowardly kid."
Determination filled him. This was something he had to do.
Someone shouted from the crowd, "How arrogant!"
The one that he assumed was the chief said, "Goomoonryong you seem to be under the impression that you are fairly strong. Then why don't you try me? I remember a time when you were the same age as the boy at your side. Do you wish him to share your fate?"
Izuku answered even as his teacher's mouth opened to reply, "My fate is my own! In this world there is no such thing as destiny! Every choice is ours and ours alone. My choice is to standby my master."
A sworn promise. One that had not been made in centuries. To defy one's fate was not something that was done.
Unbeknownst to those present the promise was something stronger than a mere promise or oath. Thousands of years prior Guardians swore not to interfere in Murim culture to keep the peace. Heavenly Ways Masters of the Murim swore with those of the Murim council swore more recently that they would not interfere in the world of heroes.
What had begun to crack years prior finally shattered. Seals that still remained on the young vessel broke fully. Unleashing the full power of the Guardian of the Forest.
Sparks turned into full course lightning. A vibrant blue band encircled the boy's wrist. The members of the Alliance took steps back their eyes widening in surprise. Even Chun was forced to step away from Izuku his arm raised to shield his face.
:What is happening to me? What is this power?: came his fearful thoughts.
The chief denied his dark brown eyes widening with surprise, "That's not possible! The Guardians were destroyed by the wizards centuries ago."
Something inside him stirred as he said, "You can kill the vessels and destroy the bloodlines that we originated in. However we will always return when the world needs us. As do your own five. Five to settle the worlds affairs. Five to defend those who need defending. Protectors of the Forests, Mountains, Oceans, Skies, and Deserts. Heaven's chosen elements Fire, Lightning, Earth, Water, and Air."
Where in the world had that come from? Those weren't words he knew but at the same time they were ingrained into his heart.
