Following Noikari and Momo's impressive dance display, the four prepared to return inside. Just before they could, however, Sero came to them running, out of breath.
"You guys! Something horrible is happening." He wheezed, trying to catch his breath between every word. "Come inside!" He rushed back inside.
The four students glanced at each other, the looks of concern evident on their faces, before quickly walking inside.
They reached the commons, where all of Class 1A, as well as Class 1B, were located. Their eyes were locked onto a television that hung on the wall. What worried Noikari wasn't the fact that all of them were there.
What worried him was the appearance of All-Might and Mirko, alongside his homeroom teacher, Aizawa, and Endeavor. What sort of thing could be happening that needed not one, but THREE pro-heroes?
"All Might? What's going on?!" Asked Izuku, clearly anxious.
"The former hero glanced at his pupil. "I do not know, young Midoriya. But whatever it is, I'm sure it isn't good."
"HEY! Someone's appearing on the tv!"
Everyone's eyes darted to the screen, where an older gentleman was seen, a strange garment covering his face, hiding it from view and making only his eyes visible. And what horrible eyes they were. They pierced the soul of those who saw them like a bird of prey, unmoving and unflinching. As his appearance became visible, there were mostly looks of confusion and worry. Who was this? But there were four people who recognized this man.
Mirko's mouth hung open in horror as Endeavor's face became rigid, the flames surrounding his eyes growing ever brighter in fury. Aizawa clenched his fists to contain his anger. Apart from the pro-heroes, Noikari was the only other person who recognized that visage. No, no it couldn't be. . He was supposed to be gone! Memories of anguish and sorrow flooded Noikari's mind as the child saw 𝘩𝘪𝘮; the devil that had brought him into this world.
Dr. Hetodah.
"Ladies and gentlemen, heroes of U.A., I'm terribly sorry to interrupt your evening, but I believe that you have something, or rather someone, that belongs to me."
Noikari immediately knew that the doctor was referring to him.
"But don't worry, should you fail to comply, I'm sure my newest creation would be more than happy to reunite us."
Dr. Hetodah stepped to the side while motioning behind him, revealing another containment tube. It was similar in appearance to the one Noikari emerged from, only far larger. Instead of simply opening, the tube was forcefully shattered from within by a single dark-skinned, colossal hand. The creation tore itself out as it stood. At roughly 12 feet tall, it towered over even All-Might. Its bones were like iron, and its muscles were like redwoods. Each step the being took shook the ground beneath him, the very room struggling to contain him. Even when wearing a mask, Dr. Hetodah's grin was all too visible to the heroes. His newest creation, unlike Noikari, was truly made for one purpose, unshackled by emotions and morals. It received orders and followed them. For the things biblical proportions, it was only fitting that the villain gave his creation a name which fit like a glove and would leave those who heard it trembling. Dr. Hetodah turned back to the camera, an unseen grimace of hatred emanating as he addressed Noikari.
"You were supposed to be my greatest creation, who would bring the end of the age of heroes. But now that you've joined them, you are nothing to me but a failure. Perhaps I should be angry at myself for even believing that you would carry out my wishes, you pathetic worm." The doctor sighed before continuing.
"But alas, I was wrong. But now, I have made something greater, and unlike you, I know he will succeed." He turned back to the mammoth of a man that stood behind him, making sure everyone heard his name.
"You will all fall before the Colossaeus."
The broadcast then ended, leaving those of Class 1A and 1B, along with the pro heroes, in utter disbelief. Even Bakugo had fallen silent, his heart sinking.
Momo stared in silence, feeling saddened after all that had just occurred. She looked up towards the ceiling, tears forming in the corners of her eyes, before looking back down at Noikari once more. Before anyone could ask if everything was alright, Noikari stood up, a new look in his eyes, one that no one had ever seen.
The child walked to a nearby window and opened it, seeing the illuminated city around him. So beautiful, and yet he knew it wouldn't last. Without turning around, Noikari addressed everyone in the room.
"We need to prepare."
"For what?"
Noiakri paused, trying to choose his words carefully. After a moment, he spoke.
"For him to arrive. I have no doubt that tonight he'll attack. I know how my creator works. He wants me dead, and he wants it to be soon. I also know that civilian lives don't matter to him. If he wants me, he's gonna get me. I don't want to drag anyone else into this. It's my fault that people are going to get hurt, so it's my responsibility alone to take him down."
As the child's speech finished, an air of silence once more hung over the room. With no one saying any words of objection, Noikari prepared to leave. .
Only for a hand to grasp his shoulder. Everyone looked on in surprise as the first person to stop him wasn't Deku, Momo, or even Aizawa.
It was Bakugo.
"Kid," the Explosion hero started, "You're not gonna have all the fun alone. I'll show that bastard and burn him to a crisp!"
Noikari blinked a couple of times, slightly surprised by Bakugou's offer.
"You'd really help me fight?" Noikari asked..
"Hell yeah! Don't underestimate me kid, I can kick that thing's ass anytime, anywhere!"
Todoroki placed his hand on Noikari's other shoulder.
"You don't have to do this alone kid, we'll help you. All of us."
As Noikari glanced around, he noticed several of his friends going to grab their hero uniforms, fully prepared to fight. Endeavor walked up to the child, a righteous flame burning through his body, both figuratively and literally.
"We'll have several heroes handle evacuations. I understand you wish to fight him with your own strength, but should the moment arise, I will fight that monster."
Noikari bowed in gratitude before a powerful tremor shook the area, knocking everyone out of their stupor. Rushing to the window, Noikari's eyes widened in horror as he saw a cloud of smoke rise from within the city.
"It's already beginning. We need to go!"
"We'll form teams on the way there, let's move!" commanded Midoriya.
Everyone nodded in agreement and quickly dispersed to do as told. As the students dispersed, leaving the Pro Heroes behind, Aizawa silently lamented.
Noikari quickly moved through the metropolis, jumping from roof to roof, as he tried to pinpoint which direction Dr. Hetodah and the Colossaeus had headed. Dashing alongside him was Izuku. Truth be told, Noikari felt a bit awkward, as his interactions with Midoriya had been sparse, but from what he had seen and heard, the boy was a capable leader and could rally everyone together.
"Kacchan, Todoroki, and Momo, head to the west wing with Noikari and I! We'll start there!"
He called out, making sure that everyone was listening.
"Iida and Uraraka, please head north. Ojiro and Shinsou, head to the east. Tsuyu, Mineta, Tokoyami, head south. Jirou and Hagakure, head straight ahead, and make sure to stay alert!" Everyone agreed with a simultaneous "Right!" before splitting off into numerous parts of the city, leaving only Deku's group.
After finishing his list, he turned to Noikari again, smiling.
"Okay. Let's go."
Noikari nodded as Izuku activated One For All, quickly speeding away. Noikari followed close behind, all the while Bakugo shouted at the two. "HEY ASSHOLES, WAIT FOR US!"
Noikari and Midoriya continued running until they got into the west side of the city, eventually ending up on an abandoned street. There they slowed, panting as sweat poured down their foreheads.
"You're sure we're here, right?" asked Noikari.
As the child said this, he saw Momo, Bakugo and Todoroki appear behind them, slightly out of breath. Bakugo had been forced to use Explosion to propel himself as well as Momo and Todoroki over.
"Ya know, I figured if you wanted us to also check the west side of the city, you would've fucking waited for us!" Bakugo exclaimed angrily.
"Indeed," commented a mysterious voice. "Not very hero-like of you, Midoriya."
The five heroes turned around and saw exactly who they were looking for. Dr. Hetodah emerged from a cloud of dust, hands behind his back. Behind him, the Colossaeus lumbered through the veil, his gaze spearing into everyone's hearts like a knife.
Even Bakugo couldn't help but feel a tinge of fear.
"Oh shit." he mumbled.
Noikari's expression did not change, and he didn't say anything.
The doctor's grin disappeared, instead being replaced by a much more sincere expression.
"Although I am disappointed in you, Noikari, I am not entirely without mercy." He ran a hand through his hair. "I will give you one last chance. Return to me, my Prometheus, and we shall destroy the heroes together."
For a moment, Noikari seemed to consider his options. If he went with the doctor, would his friends be safe? Finally, he answered bluntly.
"No."
The doctor's eye twitched in subtle fury. "What. . . did you say, boy?"
"I said NO! I don't care what you created me for. I've been given the choice to choose my own path, and that means I will become a hero. Even if I have to fight you, I'd rather die than abandon my friends!"
Dr. Hetodah glared daggers at Noikari, his entire body shaking with anger.
"How dare you refuse me?! You are my creation. Your destiny is mine! You WILL follow my order!"
Noikari scoffed as a response.
A look of anger decorated Dr. Hetodah's visage. "Fine, if you wish to die along with your friends," he tilted his head to the Colossaeus, the doctor gave a simple order.
"Kill them all."
The giant man nodded, not uttering a word before marching forward. He started to charge with surprising speed.
"He's coming right for us!" shouted Momo.
Bakugo asserted, "He won't get far!"
Noikari, however, remained unperturbed, not allowing his emotions to sway his actions. His face remained impassive as he watched the creature come closer.
With a swift motion, Todoroki activated his quirk, summoning the Heaven-Piercing Ice Wall. the giant's path was blocked by the glacier-like structure, but he thought nothing of it. Rearing a titanic fist back, the Colossaeus easily began smashing his way forward, the construct shattering like glass under the giant's might.
"Damnit, take this!" Bakugo exclaimed. Putting his hands forward, the Explosion hero channeled his quirk and began firing a rapid series of blasts, hoping to slow or at least hinder the Colossaeus.
The burly creation simply put a single colossal arm in front of him, using it to block the blasts. The high temperatures only slightly singed his skin, but it did nothing to halt his charge.
"Crap, here he comes!" Midoriya cried out.
As the titanic man reached mere inches from the group, he threw a colossal fist forward. Shoving Noikari out of the way, Deku activated One-For-All, red, vein-like lines appearing across his arms as he intercepted the Colossaeus' punch. A small shockwave tore the ground below the two asunder as the prodigy of All-Might grimaced, his arms throbbing in pain as he struggled against the behemoth's punch. Even using One-For-All at 40%, he still found it hard to defend. Meanwhile, the Colossaeus held the same, emotionless face, looking as if he wasn't even challenged.
Seeing Deku in trouble, Noikari jumped into the fight, Conversion Furnace fueling him as he jumped to the giant's unguarded flank, preparing to strike him. He found out that the Colossaeus wasn't as off-guard as he believed, however, as a hand bigger than the boy's whole body slapped him to the ground, cracking the concrete below as the child impacted the ground.
Gasping for air, Noikari struggled to get back onto his feet, ignoring his pounding headache.
"Why are you doing this?!" he demanded.
The Colossaeus didn't answer, simply staying silent.
"Noikari!" Bakugo's voice rang out, "Don't try to reason with it. There's no point." The Explosion hero launched back into the fray, only to be just as easily disposed of as Noikari. Momo rushed in next, generating a staff for combat. Hoping to put her Bojutsu skills to good use, Momo thrust her staff forward, trying to find any weakness in the Colossaeus' defenses.
It was all for naught as after a moment, the giant grabbed Momo's staff, and in a single moment shattered it. As Momo looked up in horror, she saw the Colossaeus' cold gaze burning straight into her brain. There was nothing she could do.
Then, the titan's hand twitched, ever so slightly. Silently, the Colossaeus deemed this game over.
Faster than she could react, Momo couldn't defend herself as one of the giant's fists smashed directly into her solar plexus. Ribs snapped in two as the hero practically vomited blood. The sheer force of the blow was enough to send Momo crashing directly into a wall, even more bones breaking upon impact.
Deku and the others watched in horror as their friend was assaulted. Only one initially acted on it.
The moment played back in Noikari's head; the very moment of impact being etched into his mind forever. No, he thought. Not her. She had been one of the first people who considered him a friend. Was she. . . dead?
The child's eyes flashed open as he screamed in a mixture of agony and rage. The glow surrounding his hands spread rapidly across his whole body, the area becoming illuminated in a mixture of purples and oranges. All around the city, everyone else heard Noikari's cries of sorrow.
As Ochaco and Ida helped civilians evacuate, the two heroes were shaken as the scream hit their ears.
"What the hell was that? shouted Ida.
Ochaco briefly was too stunned to respond. "I. . I don't know. Whatever that was, they may need our help." With a determined gaze, Uravity looked at Ida and said, "Let's go."
The hero nodded and grabbed Uraraka in his hands before activating his quirk 'Engine" to get them to their destination faster.
Tokoyomi, Tsuyu, and Mineta were busy cleaning up rubble and saving any trapped civilians when Noikari's cries washed over them, filling the three students with unease.
"Whatever that was" Tsuyu began, "that can't be good, ribbit."
Tokoyomi merely nodded although his mind was currently doing laps, trying to find out how a sound like that could exist.
Mineta, in a surprising act of maturity, looked at his two friends, telling them "I'll stay here, you guys go help them!" Shocked, but grateful, Tsuyu and Tokoyomi thanked him before quickly leaving, the former using her Frog physiology to quickly leap from building to building while the latter used his Dark Shadow to create a tornado of black energy for mobility.
-;-
Noikari clutched his head as emotions flooded his mind; anger, regret, sadness, they all fought for dominance over his mind.
His legs gave out beneath him, falling to his knees. His tears streamed uncontrollably down his face; his shoulders shook as he sobbed into his hands. His vision was blurred, yet he refused to stop crying, refusing to let his tears be seen or felt. He didn't think he could handle anyone seeing him like this.
But remorse faded away, and righteous fury took hold.
A loud tearing sound echoed through the metropolis as the back of Noikari's shirt was ripped apart by something erupting from beneath his flesh. A bony, armor-like protrusion tore itself from the child's back, resembling a crude mix of machinery and muscle. From the protrusion, four pulsating masses wrenched themselves free, drawing shrieks of pain from Noikari. After a moment of writhing in the air, the objects quickly began working to absorb the molecules in the air, fueling their growth. Slowly, they began to morph and change, straightening themselves and each one ending with a pointed, near-metallic tip. Noikari now sported four long, segmented tentacles, the appendages allowing the child to stand on shaky legs.
Suddenly, two of the Tentaclancers split themselves in two, creating something new. Four smaller tentacles with connecting membranes revealed themselves, combining to form two large, translucent wings. With a single flap, Noikari launched into the sky, gazing down at his opponent. Tears flowed down his face, but he ignored them as he prepared to fight. But first, there was another matter to attend to.
"Todoroki!" Noikari's voice echoed through the entire city, allowing his message to be heard loud and clear. "Take Momo and go. Make sure. . she's okay."
Although briefly hesitating, the son of Endeavor conceded when he saw the look in the child's eyes. knowing better than to get in his way, Todoroki went to grab Momo's beaten and bloodied body, gently picking her up in his hands before quickly running.
Deku and Bakugo both watched in awe and slight fear, glancing at each other. Hopefully the kid was still in control.
For the first time ever, the Colossaeus displayed some emotion, his eyes widening in shock. This was. . not what he had expected. But a cold gaze quickly returned. This would not be a problem.
As Noikari's purple glow shone through the streets of Tokyo, illuminating the night sky, there was only one thing that ran through his mind: revenge.
For Vishnu had taken his multi-armed form, and now the Colossaeus would feel his power.
Slowly, Noikari descended to the ground, dust being kicked up upon his landing. His newly formed wings curled inward as his newly formed tendrils waved in the air behind him. But this wouldn't hold him back. He would kill this thing, no matter what.
The Colossaeus stood across from him, fists clenched. This would be his greatest challenge; he could even lose. But it did not matter to the giant.
For as his master's creation, he could not fail.
The child and the monster stood across from each other, silence gripping the area as if the air itself was afraid to make noise in the presence of these two warriors.
Then, with a mighty bellow of rage, Noikari's wings unfurled as they propelled the child's body forward. As he flew towards the Colossaeus, a single hate-filled declaration escaped his lips.
"KILL! NOW!"