Chapter 7, we're already this far, I'm happy that some people actually like what my deluded mind comes up with, lol.
I hope you'll all be happy with this one, its gonna get intense.
Also, I went to the store today to get some fruit, and guess what?
They had NO GRAPES! (Sorry, I'm running out of ideas)
Without further adeau, lets get into it!
Chapter 7: Grudge Match
Malek was sat in 1A's section of the stands, while being bombarded with questions, some of concern, some of curiosity, and Bakugo was just plain angry.
"Is your arm ok?" came from Uraraka, "How the heck did you do that?" from Kaminari and many fearful stares from others, all except Deku, who looked...suspicious.
In a quick movement, Deku walked to Malek and offered a hand "Can I talk to you, privately?" Malek looked up at him curiously and nodded, taking the hand.
Before the two could leave the area, Malek turned and glared at the others "if I find out any of you are listening in, and I will, I will personally test how many of you can regenerate, got it?"
The others nodded a little, as the two walked out the stand and down the hall for a little while, eventually stopping.
"Now that's dealt with" he went to a wall and tapped it. "What are you doing?" Deku questioned, until Malek let out a short, high pitch whistle back the way they came. "Ok, what did you want to talk about?" he turned back. Deku was blunt "Awhile back, a villain appeared called All For One. He had the power to steal quirks from people and give them to others. Are you..." he was cut off by Maleks chuckles. "You're worried that I'm in kahoots with one of the greatest villains of all time? HAHAHAHAHAHA! I'm surprised, Midorya, but at the same time, I'm not" he smiled. "Rest assured, I am about as evil as you are, Deku. I'll explain how I can do what I can do in time." he finished and nodded to Deku, walking away, the green haired boy eventually following.
When they returned, the first thing that struck Deku was Jirou, who was massaging her ears. Malek walked over to her "Sorry about that, the damage should be temporary."
She and several others shot stink eyes at him as he and Deku sat down, looking to the arena below...
Mic's voice echoed through the stadium "For Our Second Match Of The Semi-Final, We Have 1-H's Representative For UA, MEI HATSUME!" the crowd cheered.
From the first pit, Mei launched out with her rocket propelled shoes, gliding round the arena and showing off the many gadgets on her person, before landing in the stage.
"And From Shiketsu High, I Introduce To You, A Crowd Favourite, The Bareknuckle Hero, JAAAAAAWBREAKEEEEEEEER!" many people cheered and shouted as the name was called.
From the other end, a well defined male figure walked out, flexing and cheering to the crowd. Hatsume chucked "a perfect test subject for my babies" she smiled as her gadgets primed.
"Ready...Aaaaaaaaand FIGHT!" Mic shouted as the match started, Hatsume immediately taking the offensive, launching into the sky and stopping him from getting a good shot. This only seemed to enrage Jawbreaker further as his muscles tensed up and he clapped towards her, the sound echoing and blasting at her. Even the crowd had to cover their ears.
Hatsume was knocked out the sky and onto the ground, quickly recovering and hovering just off the ground. Jawbreaker went on the offensive, charging at her and swinging his arms at her. Hatsume dodged, again and again, just barely being missed thanks to her jets. Jawbreaker only got more enraged as he continued to swing, his muscles tensing more and more with each second.
Eventually, the brute became so annoyed that he simply slammed the ground, breaking the ground beneath them, one rock pushing her into the air, stunning her in the process. As she floated in the air, Jawbreaker launched into the air towards her, arm pulled back, as if ready to punch...
(Stands)
As the giant launched forward, a few people gasped and looked away, before something launched out of the stands and into the incoming impact.
As the giant swung his fist, a small cloud of dust blasted out from the impact, as two objects shot back, one to the floor, and the other straight into the wall, breaking the concrete.
"WOOOOOOAAAAAAHH! Now THAT Looked Kinda Overkill!" Mic shouted, as the dust cleared, some people staring down, as screams started to ring out.
Laying on the ground was Hatsume, a few broken devices with no serious harm. On the wall, however, was the grim side. Smashed into the wall, blood spread around him, was Malek! 1-A seemed stunned, as were the other students, and the rest of the crowd. However, Malek's arms began to move, pushing against the wall till he fell out, staggering to his feet. In a swift move, he flicked his body back, making echoing cracks as his back started healing up, leaving him hunched forward. Jawbreaker walked towards him, fuming.
"WHY THE HELL DID YOU INTERRUPT ME, YOU JACKASS!?" he shrieked. Malek looked up, his eyes a burning crimson "No one lacking a defensive or reinforcing quirk would survive that."
The stands were silent as the tense moment unfolded, like the stadium had gone dead. He seemed to have stunned the brute until "No matter, I won. So I fight you next" he pointed at Malek. "You are correct, but we aren't fighting yet" Malek stated as he walked to the exit "keep working on that punch, maybe I'll feel it next time" he chuckled weakly, annoying him as they both left.
(Stadium: Changing Room)
Malek stepped into his changing room and closed the door, sitting down and groaning loudly. He slowly reached behind himself and pushed into his back, hissing and arching over. Christina had watched the horrid scene unfold from the stands, ran to his changing room and then to him, panic, concern and anger flowing through her words.
"What the hell, Malek! Why would you do that?!" she yelled "What if you had died instead of her?! Why would you just jump into a fight like that?!" He groaned again and straightened up "What if I hadn't? I know I could survive that, but I knew she couldn't. I took time to consider my actions" he replied calmly. She bit her lip and sniffled a bit "but what if you didn't survive? Did you even consider how that would affect me?!" she retorted, pain in her every word. He sighed and stood up, walking to her "that was what I considered first" he placed his hand on her cheek "I couldn't let someone else die for no reason. You understand what I mean?" She looked from his hand back into his compassionate eyes "but it wouldn't have been your fault, you can't help things you can't control" she tried to argue, emotions welling up.
He sighed again "but I could. That's the issue. Knowing you can do something, but choosing not to. The fear. The pain. I won't feel that again" he returned, voice breaking.
She placed her hand on his face, rubbing his cheek as she peered into his eyes "that day. You've carried that this whole time" she stated, empathy rolling in her words. "I can't shake that feeling. I could have jumped out. Fought, surrendered, something. I keep thinking I could have saved them" he looked down, the hand on her cheek leaving and becoming a fist.
She shushed him a bit as she raised his head to look back at her, smiling softly as she placed a quick kiss on his lips. His face flushed a bright crimson as he stuttered "w-w-wha..." For the cool, collected one, he was entirely lost for words. She blushed but ended up giggling "wasn't the reaction I was expecting, but oh well".
He smiled and replaced his arm, kissing back. Christina wrapped her arms around his neck, keeping him close, wishing they could just stay there.
He smiled into her lips, wanting the same, until he groaned slightly, letting go "ack!" She frowned back at him, reluctantly moving away from his warmth "what's wrong?" He rested his hand on his back, face strained "it's taking a little while to heal, but I'll be fine." "Can I see...you know, the damage?" she tilted her head. He hissed a little and looked over "my skin has healed, but it's not so good internally." "Oh, I don't know how I can help you, I-I can't." "At the moment...you can't...just do me a favour" he straightened up and cracked his knuckles. She smiled and looked a bit flushed "you know I'd do anything for you."
He smiled "cheer me on during the match. That'll give me all I need." She hugged him and giggled "you got it, captain." He chuckled "now get back to the stands, I bet your class is worried." "Yeah, yeah" she kissed his lips again and made a squealing sound as she ran back from where she came from. Malek chuckled a little, continuing to get ready for the match.
(Stadium: Arena)
As evening approached, the fans excitement only grew as the stadium was lit up with brazier torches for dramatic lighting. After some time, Mic stepped up to the microphone.
"Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen, To The Final Match of This Amazing Tournament! Have You Had Fun!?" he cried, the crowd returning with cheering and waving hands. "Thank You! Now, For Our Final Faceoff, Put Your Hands Together For The Champion of Shiketsu, the Beater and Brawler of All His Opponents, JAAAAAAWWWBREEEAAAKEEEEERRR!"
The crowd screamed and roared as the bruiser walked into the arena, cheering as he raised his arms. The arena was electric as the tension continued to build up.
"Aaaaand Representing UA, The Mystery Man with Multiple Powers. It's DEEEEEEEEMOOOOOOOON!" the crowd erupted, while many gazed into the other pit, curious to see his condition.
Silence befell the arena as the people waited...and waited...and waited. Whispers began to spread as people questioned if he would be able to even try and fight the last round, much less win. It seemed Malek had given in, and the crowd started to groan and frown, until a familiar cracking echoed, followed by an object hurtling onto the arena, kicking up a pile of dust and dirt. People stared, and slowly, cheers rose up again as the figure of Malek became visible, flicking his head back and letting out a triumphant and echoing bellow, earning yet more applause.
"Now THATS What I Call An Entry!" Mic echoed from the stands, mixing in with the cheers. Jawbreaker smirked "You had enough time to heal, punk? I don't want you to lose too fast." Malek simply rolled his neck and clenched his fists before relaxing "I hope you've been working on that right hook, or this might be pretty boring" he returned, smirking back.
As the tension built up, and the fans focused on the two, Mic broke the silence "And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for. Let the final match...BEGIIIIN!" the crowd exploded.
The brute launched at Malek, swinging his arm, which he ducked under, but Jawbreaker threw his other hand to Malek's gut, which he had to block, almost being launched out of bounds. The crowd gasped and stared as the fight continued, Malek clearly on the backfoot, having to block blow after blow, unable to make a counterattack and wincing when he had to lean or bend. The giants rage only grew further as his muscles visibly tensed, hitting harder and harder every time he struck Malek, pushing him further and further "Why Won't You Give Up!"
Eventually, the brute swung his fist into Malek's gut, pushing him further back and causing him to double over, coughing. And yet, he got back up "is...that...all...you...have?" he choked.
Jawbreaker's fist clenched tightly as his entire body tensed up again, eyes becoming bloodshot and body trembling as he suddenly launched before Malek and swinging a right hook at his face.
The shot pushed Malek to his knees, gasping and sweating as the titan loomed over "Surrender!" he proclaimed. Malek simply stood back up, silent, before stating "I offer you the same."
The crowd echoed with gasps and concern as the new boy continued to be battered, the students of UA seeming the most appalled. Momo held her mouth, Kaminari gasped and Deku took notes.
"What is his plan?" he stated openly, earning puzzled looks from the others. "Please, explain, Midorya" Iida implored. "In the last fight, he regenerated a whole arm, so why isn't he just healing?"
Fuelled by his rage, the giant stepped back to the other side of the arena "you brought this upon yourself" before slamming his foot to the floor, sending shockwaves that sent Malek off his feet.
The brute jumped in the air, launching at Malek again and pulling his arm back, every muscle tensing as he suddenly swung downwards, sending Malek slamming into the ground, forming a crater. Screams and gasps echoed as the impact connected, many gazing over to check the state of him.
Even Mic leaned over his table, staring "Woooaaaaaahhh! That Looked Waaaay To Powerful!"
The students seemed stunned, be they from UA or otherwise, but it struck the UA students in particular. 1A could only stare, and 1B was just as shocked, some leaning on the railing to look.
Christina shot up from her chair as she saw him go down, tears almost running from her eyes as she whisper yelled his name, hoping it wasn't the end "Malek! Get Up! Please!"
However, as the dust cleared, there he stood, injuries starting to heal over, slowly raising his head and revealing a pair of menacing amber eyes, glowing in the low light of the evening.
"Thanks for the extra juice, big guy, but I'm gonna be paying you back in full for that" he stated, earning cheers and applause throughout the arena, especially from the students. The giant could only stare "how are you not dead yet?" which was met with a light chuckle. "Didn't I explain? My entire quirk revolves around my ability to absorb kinetic energy" he began "sadly, after I did my best to reverse the damage you did to my spine, I ran my stores dry, so my only choice was to grin and bear it while you poured your physical power into me, literally."
Jawbreaker snarled "No matter! I'll just beat you all over again!" earning another chuckle. "My friend, you won't be leaving that spot for the rest of the fight" before looking to the stands "Now, glorious people of Japan, let me show you another gift this quirk gives me!" before raising his arm to the sky, pointing upwards as his eyes began to glow more intensely, smirking.
Suddenly, the braziers all changed direction, the flames moving into the middle of the arena as they began to extend, trailing until they met in the middle, swirling in a ring above Jawbreaker. Malek slowly lowered his arm, now pointing at Jawbreaker as he snapped his fingers. Within seconds, the ring descended on Jawbreaker, extending until it was a searing firestorm.
The crowd watched in awe of Malek's power, as did the teachers and the majority of 1A, with Deku taking down even more notes as he underlined a single line "Quirk: Unknown". After about 20 seconds, Malek waved his hand and the flames dissipated, the braziers returning to normal and revealing the giant, slumped forward and gasping, drool almost leaking out.
Malek simply stepped forward towards him, looking him in the eye and smiling "you fought well, but your anger clouds your vision, rest now" before letting out a low boom and pushing him over.
Mic was first to speak "A-And the Winner, and Champion of this Tournament! DEEEEMOOOOOOOONNN!" Silence filled the stands, before applause began, followed by cheers of excitement. Malek slowly leaned forward, breathing deeply before throwing head back and letting out an echoing, triumphant roar, clenching his fists and eyes ablaze with light.
Shortly after the match, the medals were to be handed out, with Hatsume in third, Jawbreaker in second, and Malek on top. Midnight walked out to give medals, earning stares all around.
As she approached Malek, she whispered "I told you you would make friends" with a small wink before stepping back, signalling to Present Mic, who stepped up to his microphone.
"Thank You Everyone For Coming To Watch This AmAAAAaaaaazing Tournament! Have You Had FUUUUuuun?! he called out, being met with cheers and applause from the stands. "Thank You! Now, If You Would All Congratulate Our Top Three! Hatsume!" cheers came from the support sector "Jawbreaker!" a loud set of cheers erupted from the Shiketsu students. "AAAAAAnd Our Champion, True To His Name! The Indominable Hero! DEEEEEEEEEEMOOOOOOOON! The entirety of the stands erupted in cheers, the three bowing to them all. "Now, If You All Wouldn't Mind Leaving In A Polite and Orderly Fashion, The Students Competing Will Be Answering Ques..." he paused as a loud rumble echoed around the stadium. Mic put his finger to his ear, seemingly using an earpiece, before nodding and returning to his microphone "Would All Students and Spectators Please Remain Seated, And Remain Calm"
At that, some started to mutter and worry while the students took a guess at what was happening "Villains?" Tetsutetsu asked over the barrier. "Probably, dude" Kirishima replied.
However, as Midnight went to coral the three on the podiums back into the stands, she realised something and pressed her own ear "Student Missing. Student Missing. Malek is not in the Arena."
(Location: Unknown)
The five figures sat at their usual table, faces covered by the darkness, gazing at the screen, which displayed the side of the stadium, a massive cloud of smoke coming from the side.
"And now it begins" the Russian stated, mouth visible and smirking, crossing her fingers. "My Lady, please. Allow us to enter the fight" the Portuguese voice interrupted, hand clenching the table. "Yes. We will guarantee it a success" the African voice added, the massive fist hitting the table. "Be patient, my friends. Soon, you will have what you desire. We all will" the Russian assured them. The two grumbled as the British voice piped up, chuckling "You knew that he would respond, didn't you, my lady?" The mouth of the Russian smirked "of course. Now we can see his true strength" "What do mean by that, My Lady?" the Portuguese questioned. "Is it not obvious, sister? How he will react when fighting for his life. We will see what he has learned" the Russian replied. "Visual confirmed, my Lady" the Spanish voice added, pressing some buttons on a remote and making the image zoom into the wall of the stadium. "What will you do?" the Russian grinned.
As the image became more clear, it showed Malek, standing at the top of the wall, gazing down with amber eyes and a stern glare. Now, the true battle will begin.
Thank you to all my readers, this has been chapter seven of my story. I apologize for the massive delay, but life likes to throw curveballs nowadays.
I hope you're all enjoying this, and our story will return in Chapter 8: Enemy Ingrained (might change the name)
What is Malek gonna do? Will the LOV succeed? Will we ever learn what the Degasi's planned?
You'll just have to wait for the next one. Cya later, and don't forget to share with anyone you think might like this. Bye!