Chapter 135: War For Our Imperfect World
Outside of UA, the country remained in turmoil. Splicers roamed alongside villains, without their Barons, those converted from human into Fallen were now left to roam and cause mayhem, supplying their Kell who remained elusive. The afternoon sun reflected off a few skyscrapers as a patrol of Splicers roamed in search of any stragglers, signs of activity were nearby, their sensors picking up movement ahead, but strangely, the road was clear?
"-Burst!" From above, smashing through a window, Yuki levelled her arms down, blasting a small hail of plasma to disorintate them into confusion.
Blinded, the two Vandal snipers were picked off from the dust, hung from lampposts only to be beheaded by an arc of blue ice. Below, the ground froze up from Velk's flyby, as a result, Yuki landed, slashing through the remaining three with her Quickfangs, sheathing them soon after. "Nice execution," Sero huffed, hearing the sounds of explosions and the occasional burst of ice far away. "Guess the rest are wrapping up?"
~The NARA Node's been neutralized, mission accomplished~ Kyoka relayed.
~Nice work everyone!~ Kirishima praised.
~Tch, all of them were pushovers!~ Katsuki grunted.
Yuki smiled beneath her mask, looking up to the sky as she tapped her ear. "That's a wrap, regroup with Mt. Lady, any stragglers take them out, if you see civilians, escort them, let your position be known to either Earphone Jack, Rayla, or Tentacole."
Receiving a number of replies, Yuki dusted off her hands, using SIVA to devour the remains of NARA for herself and to study further. "Guess it's time to return home," Velk sighed in relief, Hana stepping out from her body.
"Yes, let us return," Then the girl's stomach growled, and her lips formed a downward 'V' as her cheeks pinkened slightly. "Mm, and grab something to eat."
Sero and Velk chuckled at the call for food, following Yuki back home.
Back at the dorms, Kaminari collapsed to the floor in defeat, groaning. "I can't move a muscle~"
"The areas flooded with Splicers are just too big," Kirishima complained but when it came to hero work, he was by far the most attentive to helping anyone he saw. But he was correct, with the Splicers still at large all over Japan, it made it paramount to stamp out any rebuilding of ranks until the defeat of Kovik, and in turn, the Prime Core that kept the Splicers going. "I can't believe we're losing so many heroes at once."
"Get to bed early," Iida informed his class while his helmet collapsed in on itself. "Discipline is everything for the young; every action we take is linked to our strength - so don't forget to brush your teeth!"
"Tsk, if it means getting stronger..." Katsuki grumbled off to the side.
"Don't see why brushing our teeth relates to our 'discipline' but whatever helps you sleep at night, Rep," Kyoka stretched, popping her arms with a sigh. "Any spells for getting rid of joint pain?"
"Well yes, but it's really not meant for that purpose," Akio raised a brow at the musician as she huffed, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I can give massages if that helps?"
"Did I ever tell you how awesome you are?"
"About as many times as I compliment you," Akio pecked her forehead, helping to guide her to the sofa to rest up.
"I just wanted a little bit of free time just to chat, but I guess these next few days weren't really meant for relaxing," Yuki contemplated. "Tekres is almost never asleep, same for Melissa, Mr. Lock, and the Doc..."
"More free time would be great..." Izuku trailed off, staring back at Ochaco who was chatting with Ashido. "Right now, we barely have enough to talk to one another, and I still haven't thanked her properly..."
*BAM!*
"Uwah!" Kaminari was sent flying had Velk's tail not caught him in time. "T-t-thank y-y-you!" Now his stomach felt like it was freezing over.
At the door, All Might swung his fist up, bulking up for a split second. "ON TIME AS USUAL, I AM HERE - Ack!" Then he shrunk again, coughing up blood into his jacket's sleeve.
"You seriously need to stop doing that, you're just making it worse," Yuki deadpanned.
"You seem excited..." Kyoka added as All Might calmed down.
"You couldn't be more wrong!" He was just pepped up on caffeine again.
Beside him, both Principle Nezu, who was riding on the other arrival's shoulder, and Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi. Since last Yuki saw of him, he now had a light goatee and had developed eye bags, likely from a lack of sleep and rest. He has also wore armoured police gear. "I assume the news is in regards to the project concerning the support studio's portal?" Yaoyorozu asked as Tsukauchi put one finger up.
"There are a few things we need to inform you about, only a small number of people are privy to his information," All Might addressed them firmly as the doors shut behind him. "Young Azuru, as well as Young Akio, Ms. Velk and Young Yukino were debriefed on this subject but asked to wait until we finalized our work, now, it is time to tell you about our finalized plans for the second war."
Shortly after Yuki had visited Tekres and Yoshiharu on their plans for a portal straight to Kovik's location, she was brought to a private room to speak with All Might, Tsukauchi, Nezu, Aizawa, and Valstrax. Others were listening in via a secure line as a holographic projection of Kovik, Drevis, and Shigaraki were presented.
"Ms. Azuru, I can imagine you have some questions before we discuss how to approach this delicate situation?" Nezu asked with a calm smile, sipping his tea.
"The portal's a trap, hands down," Yuki admitted outright with Siva appearing on her shoulder again. "You're not sending heroes to the location to keep Kovik docile, and while Akio's told me Scourge is a neutral party, how he got the coordinates without being tracked means Kovik let him,"
"We assumed as much ourselves, but considering what little intel we have on his security measures, not to mention his army of Fallen, it may be our best chance to bypass all of it, the question remains, how we spring and escape his trap," Tsukauchi leaned his hands onto the table, watching the girl critically. "SIVA is our best chance against NARA."
"Then I need to find that Incubator," She replied curtly, crossing her arms. "Whatever turned those people into his slaves, it has the same power to turn SIVA into NARA, so if I got my hands on it I could create a protective augment against NARA's Detainment and possibly Decay linked to it, giving us a massive advantage over Shigaraki,"
"But this is still all theory, correct?" Nezu perked up, watching his student nod. "I see, this is indeed a troubling situation, one without a direct answer," He set his cup down, looking up. "No matter, if the chance is slim, it is worth a shot!"
"|Tekres suggests we wait | Let Kovik make the first move | Then strike immediately|," Siva raised his hand, "|It is sound | The same brute-force approach | Led the Guardians to victory|,"
"We shouldn't send you in first then," Tsukauchi put his hand forward. "If we lose SIVA then using this Incubator against them will become null and void."
"No, it has to be me and Izuku," Yuki closed her eyes, swallowing hard as she rapped her knuckle twice to her mask. "I don't like it, obviously, but Kovik knows I'll jump at the chance to fight him, it's what I'm not 'willing to sacrifice my friends for' or something like that, but if it were anyone else, I doubt they'd survive, but if we spring the trap, me and Izuku can fuse, the combined power of OFA and SIVA would be enough to free us," Imply this trap was a form of physical object.
"Another thing... it's about the Cores Izuku took from the Barons, they..." Yuki pursed her lips, mulling over her own words.
"Anything is useful, please, explain," All Might ushered her to speak her mind, so she sighed, placing a hand to her chest.
"When I scanned them, I felt something... not Eliksni, or technology, it was... empty... Dark," She stuttered a bit, biting her cheek. "I can't describe what that feeling was, but something sinister is lurking in NARA, and it is much older than SIVA, than both our worlds,"
"|I have a feeling | The Incubator is... no | Forget I spoke|," Siva wouldn't fill their heads with baseless fears. He was old, and had seen what true Darkness felt like, he would not consider it until he knew for certain.
"I really don't like this..." Valstrax found her voice, clutching her biceps. "You're strong, Yuki, I'm not saying this isn't a good plan, but..."
"I know," Yuki smiled slightly, "There's still the League, and dozens of other factors to consider, but this role with the Incubator..." She closed her fists on the desk, levelling her eyes with her mother's. "I have to do this, I have to end this... My Mama and Papa are gone because of Kovik, I lost my childhood to him, nearly my sister, Hansuke... I won't let him take anymore, I'm done letting people fight for me," She held up her hand, blue specks of SIVA hissing to life. "I stole this power from him, and I'll use it to destroy everything he's created, I just need to reach that Incubator,"
"Then let's revise our plan," Aizawa sat forward. "Leave nothing out, every detail out of place, point it out and we'll fill them in, we lost before because we allowed ourselves to believe we had taken the villains by surprise, this time, we'll fall into their web and burn it from the center,"
Yuki smiled, tapping her foot twice as two shadows emerged from her body's shade. "Then we'll need the best magic casters to do it."
"Aw, you're making me blush," Akio beamed.
"We may have a solution for the League, and how to separate them." Velk announced, seeing All Might's and Tsukauchi's brows shoot up. Aizawa raised one slowly, Valstrax and Nezu just smiled at the explanation.
The next day, while getting a few morning stretches in on his balcony with Yuki leaning against the wall, yawning. Izuku spotted a shadow of a person hanging on the edge of the building's shade. Looking up, he could barely make out the strands of hair flicking above. "Hey, Yuki? Let's head to the roof for a moment,"
She blinked, but followed him as they went back inside. A few moments later, they arrived on the roof to find Ochaco staring out over UA and toward the distance, she looked completely transfixed on whatever she couldn't see that she didn't notice them approaching. "Uraraka!"
She jumped, turning to her friends. "Oh, Yuki, Deku, morning."
"Morning," They chimed. Izuku then spoke. "Do you mind if we join you?"
"Oh, sure, plenty of space up here to think," She smiled, gesturing to the edge of the roof as the trio just stood there, taking in the first few rays of sunlight. It was the day, after the final briefing yesterday, almost no one could sleep. Either from nerves or just plain overthinking. It made their hearts race a little, the idea that soon, very soon, their whole world would be placed back on the brink between heroes and villains.
A warm wind brushed past them as they took in UA and the surrounding wall. It reminded Yuki alot of the Cosmodrome wall, when she visited the old Russian site, it was breath-taking despite its ruin at the hands of SIVA and time. But now she had a good second best in front of her. It was peaceful for a time, but Izuku turned to Ochaco.
"Uraraka, thank you for back then," His words quickly made Yuki turn also. "I never got the chance to properly thank you, I really am grateful for what you did."
"Me too, thanks so much! You rocked back then!" Yuki raised a thumb, winking. Their compliments took a moment to register with what they were talking about, soon, she ruffled her own hair, flustered.
"Aww, shucks, I didn't do that much... you two are so alike when it comes to fretting over small things," But she was happy to hear so, they hadn't had the chance to talk about it until now.
"What were you doing up here this early?" Izuku asked, cocking his head to see her lower hers almost with shame, or was it lost?
"Hm...? I was just... thinking about the cities beyond here..." She didn't lift her head, hands behind her back. "Y'know, I'm quite the oddball,"
"Huh, no you're not. You're strong, you're compassionate-"
"Not to mention skilled, and Katsuki would definitely say more than that," Yuki flicked her finger toward the brunette blushing further, waving her hands and shaking her head.
"No, not like that... I never really noticed those things," Then again, she was told to be very humble, almost to a fault, even Katsuki couldn't break that sometimes. "But thanks you guys... back then, when I was shouting from the rooftop, you see... Himiko Toga's face flashed in my mind for a second," They listened as she sighed, thinking back on the Day of Red Glare. "During the rescue efforts in the remains of Jaku, I faced off with her. I replied to her with something I truly believed to be right, but it twisted her face into the most sorrowful expression I've ever seen." Izuku and Yuki shared a look of complete worry.
"The cities across Japan have been reduced to ruins, and we're left with this, so many lives have been stolen by the villains," She shook her head, closing her eyes a moment. "What the League has done is irredeemable, I get that, but still..." Ochaco opened her eyes. "I didn't understand what she believed was truly right, thinking about it now, I don't know anything about Toga at all..."
Then she offered them a real smile, "That's why I'm gazing out at the city, so I won't ever forget the damage they've caused, so I won't think of such stupid things again," But that right there is what didn't sit right with the young couple, not entirely.
"I get you," Izuku spoke up after Ochaco's speech, surprising her with the last thing she'd expect to hear.
"I too... saw the little boy, crying wistfully inside Tomura Shigaraki, even though our conflict is unavoidable... I don't want to ignore that side of him," Izuku admitted. Despite all the pain they've caused, he wanted to understand, to reach that little boy's hand if he could.
"It was their fault Toga became what she is," Yuki replied, looking at the horizon. "Her quirk was supressed, and she snapped, no one ever offered their hand to her, to help her understand and she became the monster they see her as. But... she offered me something sweet when me and Katsuki were captured," That left their mouths ajar as Yuki spun around with her hands together. "Yep, she saved that small slither of me that fought back that day, and I want to know if she can be saved too, just like I think you're feeling too, Ocha."
"You think I..." But Ochaco had no counterpoint, was that... what she truly wanted? To understand and... save Toga?
"I feel the same about Kovik, I have all of Siva's memories of him," She tapped her temple with two fingers. "I can't help but feel pity and remorse for the monster that ruined my old life, which is why I have to defeat him, so he can finally rest in peace... his brothers and sisters are probably waiting for him," The bluette smiled gently. "So you see? We're all weird..."
"Yeah..." Ochaco sighed but smiled nonetheless, looking over UA's grounds again. "Guess we're a bunch of oddballs."
Inside Kyoka's room, she was strumming on her guitar for Akio who was writing down a sound spell for Kyoka titled 'Last Resort', claiming it will have backlash on her body. "Do you ever feel them? Y'know, the other Nightmares?" She asked, not opening her eyes as Akio sat upright, smiling sadly at his open palm as he ignited an amethyst flame, one that drew Kyoka to crack an eye open.
"Yeah, they're still here, a part of my soul," He stated as the astral forms of Ravage, Harbinger, Magnar, and Viral sat behind him, they were there but Akio felt them watching him. "I can't devour souls without a Nightmare but I can banish them now, but their souls are still here, waiting for me and Velk to finish what Harrow started, his ghost... it won't go away until Infernal's beaten."
"Him and Dabi... can't imagine you and Todoroki have it easy then," She wanted to help but this wasn't her fight, no, she had her own war to face. She sat the guitar down, shuffling over on her carpet to lean against Akio's side, feeling the heat from the flame. "Viral's probably gonna nag at you for teaching me this spell, huh?"
"Ooooh definitely, but I'm the magic man now," Akio grinned, if only slightly. "It was a concept he never fully discovered, all I'm doing it trying to fill the blanks, but... I have a feeling..." He paused, sketching out another gap in the rings, to his surprise, Kyoka tapped a spot she deemed necessary to fill, to which he did. "...see, knew you'd be the one to finish it."
"Think it'll work?" She asked, turning to meet his gentle face.
"In your hands? Drevis won't know what hit her," His constant compliments didn't remove the fear in her heart, he knew that, she felt his too. Holding her hands, he brought them up between them head cocked slightly. "Hey, when this is over, I'll take you on a date, no villains, no Nightmares, no crazy misadventures, just a normal, slice-of-life date, and it'll be the best date ever!" His determination made her giggle, breaking that aloof exterior.
"I know," She pulled her hands away to cup his face, bringing him in for a kiss he happily accepted, holding her hands gingerly. They pulled back, resting their forehead together. "Love you,"
"To the ends of the earth," He recited for her, making her grown with a reddened face, but she was smiling, that was a win in his book.
Within Shoto's room, Kirishima, Katsuki, and Iida were present as they brought up the topic of Dabi. "Sorry, for making you all worry about me, I'm fine," Shoto eased.
"I completely understand, I have a brother too you know?" Iida tried to reason but it did make Shoto crack a smile.
"I can't compare myself to you at all," He replied, clenching his fist at the lack of memories he had of Toya, everything was a blurry mess, all cantered around the patchwork villain that wished only for his demise, bonded to an equally terrifying Nightmare. "I don't even know what my older brother Toya likes or dislikes."
"I'll bet you a million yen that self-boiling freak loves udon," Katsuki muttered from the bed, staring at the ceiling.
His crass humour brought out a short laugh from Shoto, "Ha... if that's the case, then... I wouldn't mind going for dinner sometime with him," It was a messed up situation, but he wasn't alone when it came time to face his past, his darker path.
The front entrance to UA's Barrier was crowded today at roughly nine in the morning. To the civilians' expectation from a surprise announcement from the Principle, the students of Classes 2A had gathered, some of them bowing their heads at those gathered to see them off. Though a few weren't present with their peers. "EVERYONE, THANK YOU SO MUCH!" Several of them exclaimed.
Running to the front of the crowd was Kota. "Big Bro Deku, Big Sis Aksis, are you really leaving UA again!?"
"Yeah/Gotta get back to work, Kota!" The pair chimed.
Izuku smiled, "I've already been given more than enough time to get back on my feet,"
"Thank you everyone again for giving us this time, we'll hold onto our word to you," Yuki waved to the people.
Snipe, who was present, addressed those of the crowd. "Your safety is our number one priority, all we ask for is one thing; when the automatic evacuation system kicks in, don't panic and remain hopeful."
Before departing, the families of the students came to say their farewells for now.
"Izuku, please be careful, okay?" Inko was already sobbing as she hugged her son. "And be sure to look after Yuki too."
"I will, Mom, I won't leave her side," He promised as she smiled, cupping his cheek. She was scared but she didn't look at him like he was a piece of glass or would crumble away. She looked up and saw Izuku.
"I'm so, so proud of you," Those words made him tear up a bit, hugging her again.
Akame ruffled her two little girls' heads, Nana's friends standing nearby. "Wish us luck, sweetie!" Akame grinned as Nana grew misty-eyed but pouted angrily.
"Kick that asshole's butt for Mama and Papa!" She sniffed as Yuki nuzzled the top of her head.
"I will, and no cursing," She berated, looking over at Kairi. "Keep her out of trouble, 'kay?"
Kairi nodded, smiling strongly. "Always will."
"Sounds easy enough," Tomoya nodded, grinning away.
"Good luck, Aksis!" Both Rikka and her little sister cheered beside him.
"Damn, my daughter's all grown up and saving the world...!" Kyotoku rubbed his eyes, sobbing manly tears before his eyes burrowed into Akio, jabbing the boy's chest. "You dare let anything happen to her and I'll have your head, boy!" He thundered, making his voice deeper.
"End of the world, and this is the last thing I wanted to hear..." Kyoka cleaned the wax from her ears, glowering at her old man.
"B-but we're not even on the same team! Plus between a Fallen assassin and a literal embodiment of a raging sun, I think I got the short end here..." Akio protested until a jack yanked Kyotoku by the throat, Mika adjusting her glasses while giving Akio a soft smile.
"And you be safe yourself, Akio," She walked forward, wrapping her arms around them both. "You both do your best to come home safely, okay?"
"Sure, Mom..." Kyoka smiled, hugging her back as Akio smiled sheepishly as Mika let them go, rolling her eyes at her husband.
"Now, anything you actually want to say to your daughter and her boyfriend?" She tapped her bicep slightly as he seized up before signing, scratching his head before bringing his hand around to pull Kyoka into a tight hug.
"You damn well kick some ass out there, got it?" What that meant was, 'be safe'. Kyoka smiled anyway, pressing her head to her father's chest.
"Sure, Old Man," With his left, he took Akio's hand, shaking it firmly as the brunette shook back, neither said a word but understood each other well.
Across the way, Sero was frozen on the spot as he was dragged over by Hana to meet with a man with dark grey hair and matching eyes to Hana, but the intensity behind them made the ravenette want to curl up and disappear. This was probably worse than a villain, it was her uncle. "So, here's the mystery punk who's been gettin' rather close with my niece, that about right?" His voice was like venom.
"He's harmless," Hana interjected, not at all amused.
"Hey, I ain't gonna hurt him... probably," He glanced off to the side.
"H-Hanta Sero, nice to meet you, sir," Sero was rigid as the man gave him a stern look, clearly trying to prod for weaknesses. Then, that hateful aura vanished, and the man lazily tucked his hands into his pockets.
"Hmph, kid's got a spine, no wonder you're so obsessed with him," Grey grinned devilishly as Hana started showering him in snow. "Hahaha, t-that's cold! W-w-worth it!" He continued to laugh as the temperature of Hana's face increased.
"Shut up and die you old hermit," She huffed. Sero just smiled sheepishly, rubbing his nape as Velk rolled her eyes.
"Now you've met her father figure, how do you feel?" Velk mused as the snow started to pile up.
"W-well... a little easier than I expected..." He didn't know what to say as Hana finished burying her uncle in snow, huffing as she grabbed Sero's wrist to drag him away.
"Hey, come on now, only messin'," A hand grabbed the top of her head, the other on Velk's, surprising the Nightmare at the tender hold. Shaking off the snow, Grey smirked at the three. "You two got this far as a pair, now ya got a third pair of hands to back ya up, so if one makes a mistake, the other follows, get me?"
Hana frowned, but nodded. "Of course, we're partners," Hana hugged her Nightmare sister and boyfriend closer. "I won't let them get killed, they're my family like you."
"Hana..." Sero trailed off with an intense pounding in his chest, Hana had expressed more emotion ever since she returned, but this was the first time he's heard her say something like this, it felt... honestly nice. Grey laughed, shaking his head.
"Good answer, kid," He knuckled her cheek lightly, getting a tiny smile from her embarrassed face. She'd protect them with her life, that's what mattered, and he could see it with Velk and Sero, these three were knitted together better than most.
The rest of the students gave their goodbyes, Shoto with his siblings and mother, Ochaco and her parents. Izuku and Yuki with Eri and Kota, kneeling down to them. Even Rayla laughed alongside Kirishima's and Ashido's parents with Solaire at their shoulders. Katsuki was roughly given a pep-talk from his mom, all they did was yell in their own kind way.
In two days, the final battle would be upon them. It seemed so far away, but the reality was sinking in at the departure. There was no longer time to waste, whatever happened in the next forty-eight hours would be the most vital timeframe of their lives. With a final wave to UA, the students quickly filed out of the UA Barrier, toward an uncertain battle in the near future. The sunlight struck their faces, reflecting off their armour, a wind carrying through their loose fabrics, all in a unified step forward.
Approximately thirty kilometres away from UA...
A large building was constructed on a hillside that overlooked the battered city below, now Splicer free thanks to UA's and the Pros' efforts, while the odd villain roamed, none dared to come closer to the city shadowed by UA in the distance. The building was an exact replica of their dorms. Snipe ushered them toward the building.
"Thanks to Cementoss, Ectoplasm, and Power Loader we're able to create fortified structures incredibly quickly. These are in no way as robust as UA but they can take a good beating," Snipe offered. "Drop your stuff off in your rooms and get ready."
"It's just like the Heights Alliance dorms back on campus!" Hagakure beamed, waving her own box of stuff beside Kyoka.
"How nice of them!" She was just surprised they never noticed it during their patrols. Then she blinked, a few hundred yards to the west of the building, another structure was kept under watch by Rayla and Tekres. "What's that?" Snipe followed her jack in the direction of the pair.
"That's the Gateway you were briefed on, encase any leaks happen, best we moved it away with us," He explained, seeing a few nod in understanding.
"It is true what they say, that a single spark can ignite hope,"
"I don't want this to be my final resting place... but it'll do," Sero deadpanned.
"Please don't say things like that!" Sato grimaced.
"I told you," A hand tugged at his costume's sleeve, seeing Hana looking elsewhere. "I won't let you be killed... don't say stupid things." Even with her eyes hidden from view, he knew she was a little irked by that dark joke.
"Heh, right, sorry, positivity, right?" He thanked her, the two settling into pace with one another.
"Breathe fire and strength into the hearts and souls of the lost and despaired,"
Yuki stood back, taking in the building, then the portal not far away. She ran her finger against her ring, seeing it refract the sun. Then she turned to the sun itself, watching it rise very slowly in the bright blue sky. "This is it, isn't Siva."
Yes | Soon our journey will end | Win or lose, I am happy it was you I chose
She smiled fondly at that, shaking her head. "I am too, but... once it's over, we still have to become heroes, together."
Right | I'm with you | To the very end
"Let's get ready then," She turned away, running after her friends while she had the time.
"The ability to derive strength from the weak is undoubtedly mankind's greatest attribute... I have seen, the Guardians and Heroes of two worlds have proven that strength comes not from their Light or their Quirks, but rather, their spirit, a unified notion of bravery... which is why I will focus all of my power... to snuff it out."
Hidden from sight in the Aomori prefecture's mountain range, Kovik observed the mountains quietly as the world rumbled to life around him. Like the deep bellow of an ancient beast rising from the depths.
"We have shown them the futility of their wasted efforts, displayed their failures for the world to see. Their heroes have fallen, the rot they hide brought into view. Everything they've built will be torn down yet again,"
The mountains cracked and split into wide fissures across their surfaces, sending down a massive wave of debris and snow with them to the valley below. He wasn't alone. Dabi, Infernal, and Spinner to the left watched the scene unfold. Toga, Drevis, and Red Dragon to the right.
"Do not mistake my intensions, I have too seen this faith in sparks comes and go in my life. When unified, the mightiest of enemies can fall. But with doubt, despair, mistrust etched to their minds, it can divide them from within. Crush any semblance of hope they have,"
The quakes were becoming more frequent, crevasses spurting molten slag and rubble into the air, a manmade volcanic eruption beneath the noses of Japan.
"Not immediately, some will hold to their fleeting hope out of desperation, a fool's dream of a better tomorrow. Let them climb that ladder, only for the fall to be so much greater,"
Great spires of black steel jutted from the cracks, widened the wounds on the mountain as the burning roar of flames rippled through the crust, bringing forth large sections of land and metal into the sky as the observation wing was torn from its fixture in the mountain, revealed for all to see as Kovik's broadcast continued in the background.
"Let them come with their Guardians, Nightmares, Heroes, and Vigilantes, And when all that remains is one, insignificant spark, stamp it out, erase it for all to see. The apex of Despair,"
The large fragments of land conjoined, twisting NARA and welding themselves into a larger mass. Two large angular prongs jutted forward with a massive flat deck between them, the complex then raised into the bulk of the craft, no visible entries from the deck but along the sides, pillars like ribs lined the flanks, burning red from power from vents. The underbelly bulged at the tail of the flying craft into four circular engines burning red light as they pulled away from the mountain, tearing large fuel pipes from their sockets, leaving many to flail in the air behind the machine.
The mid-section of the ship was noticeable thinner, acting as many bridges toward several sections of the ship unreachable from the upper decks. The highest point was a flat plateau with a large dome on top, concealing whatever was inside. Several antenna jutting from the top. Stretched over the sides were gargantuan banners in blood-red, a white symbol of the Devil Splicers on full display for all to see as the dreadnaught rose higher and higher.
"This is the beginning of the end, Yuki Azuru, Izuku Midoriya. And We cannot wait to watch you burn."
Kovik sat back within the observation wing as the message was cut off, he clasped his claws together, his allies vacating the room, leaving the Splicer Priest to stare in awe as he raised on arm, channelling a dark red swarm amongst his cybernetics. With one clasp of his cold metal fingers, the nanites dispelled, and the sky flashed a dark shade of crimson. Raining from above, several streaks of light shot past the ship, igniting the world ahead of them in a brilliant red glow before turning to a sea of orange and gold flames, black smoke shrouding them partially.
"Let's see what you're made of, Kell of Perfection."
To Be Continued in the Final Arc...
What have I got to say? I can't believe it, the final arc is approaching. It's been a long ride but all good journeys have an end, this is ours. There's plenty more to come, this was just to wrap up all the plot points for what's coming, and it seems Kovik has made an early move himself. I hope you enjoyed, I appreciate the support as always; Seeya in the Final Arc, Heroes!
Final Arc Intermission - Heroes Rising (Yes, I took the movie's name, moving on)
Their sufferings may no longer have words, but I remember them well
The air was howling around a pair of blue eyes and a white strip for the right, dimming as his eyelids darkened on the strawberry-blonde's face, his lifeless hand slipping from Ceres's to the ground.
Without looking back at this anger that will never cease to be
Facing the torn banner of the House of Devils, the hand of Kovik lingered on the acrid air of the silo.
I will keep running forward in chase of those ahead of us
Several people stared off toward the sunlight, Dren, Harbinger, Magnar, Ravage, Twice, Nighteye, and various others, heroes included. One at the front, Viral, turned away with a grin, waving his hand back as he stepped toward the light.
One after another; Their voices disappear into the raging flames
Yuki's hand rose toward the images of Izuku, Katsuki, Nana, Akame, All Might, and Kyoka. She crushed it all under her hand, a blaze spewing from between her fingers to consume her sight.
With the burden of these interwoven fates on our backs
The flames were cast across a torn, charred battleground where Hana drew her relic sword down against Infernal's blazing arms, the mad Nightmare's head splitting half Infernal and half Dabi as Shoto pressed his flames and ice alongside Hana. Both battling against the blaze while staring back into those wide, manic eyes, a cursed smile splitting Infernal/Dabi's lips as the pair stomped once, pushing forward.
And in our determination, regrets, prayers, and anger
Yuki rushed through the chaos, passing crumbling Fallen, blood painting the walls with flames and shadows of corpses. Her eyes were dead-set on the chamber ahead, an oppressing darkness seeping from the room and the Incubator beyond, a calamity raging on the decks above.
We will soak our hands
Valstrax flew high into the ashen air, falling headfirst with crimson dragon rainfall surrounding her form, the wind gathering in her wings. Her eyes remained closed as the massive halberd swung to meet her, raw bioenergy exploding from Red Dragon's body.
Yearning for one thing
Kyoka's eyes caught the unsuspecting Drevis, her pupils dilated at the sight of a white glyph surrounding the battered and bleeding purplette's body as she screamed in rage.
The lives of those we've lost are lost forever
Shigaraki sat atop a shattered throne, fist against his cheek with a mountain of bodies under his feet, a tremendous body of black metal, Kovik, hanging over his head, its ribs practically enclosing his bloodied smile, rivers of blood staining his face as a glob split through his lips.
But toyed with by fate we may be
The world was a hazy, pale tone, the images of One For All's vestiges held out their hands toward Izuku who opened his eyes, his irises turning a multitude of colours as he too reached his hand across the mindscape toward the crying child of Tenko. Yuki was beside him, Aksis, Dren, Silvis, and many other Devils pushing her, her hand reaching for Kovik's dying body laid out to crumble in the dirt.
We will never take our eyes off tomorrow
Standing in the open air, the sky turned black from smoke and the ominous glare of red matching the flames dancing around them. Yuki lifted her head sharply with Izuku beside her, SIVA and OFA roaring to life between their bloodied bodies. Her reddish-blue eyes and his emerald green combined between the three through blood and tears, hateful and brimming with determination as their bolts turned into violet against the massive entity towering over them.
/My Hero Academia Perfected - Final Arc, Heroes Rising\
"Rise Up and Go Beyond."