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The New Number One

Author's note: Hello everyone! Yes, I know it's been a year since my last update. I'm very sorry about that. I still intend to finish these stories. I just wanted to let you know everything that's been going on. Over the past year I've had to move twice, I've graduated from my masters degree program, I've been overburdened at work due to layoffs, I was disowned by my older sister, my kids started new schools, a toxic individual from my past weaseled their way back into my life and tried to wreck things, and a family member was very close to committing suicide and was hospitalized twice. It has been a very trying year, but I'm optimistic about the future.

Additionally, I felt I had written myself into a corner with this next arc. I wanted to diverge a bit from the original story because I have great plans for how it will turn out, but I was struggling from severe writer's block on how to get there. I hope you enjoy these next chapters coming out, because we are now getting close to the end of the story.

Without further ado, here is the next chapter.

Fujiya Hospital

"I brought you some extra clothes and blankets. It's supposed to be kinda chilly next week."

Fuyumi Todoroki smiled brightly as she sat down the duffle bag full of clothes, turning to face the middle aged, white-haired woman sitting in the chair at the opposite end of the room. The woman smiled just as warmly back at her. Rei Todoroki, her mother, had been in this hospital for a long time, for a good portion of her childhood growing up. Once she was old enough, she started visiting her mother regularly, often accompanied by her younger brother, Natsuo, who was sitting on the bed across from his mother.

"Yeah, well, the cold never bothered us, anyway," said Natsuo, chuckling. Fuyumi rolled her eyes and approached the pair, opting to lean against the wall instead of sitting.

"It actually sounds nice," said Rei softly. "I like the cold. And I'm happy to see you both in good health."

"Since he started college he stopped coming around as much," said Fuyumi, pointing to her brother. "I think he's got a girlfriend."

"Oh come on, I see you guys plenty," Said Natsuo quickly before changing the subject. "You're looking good too, mom. How have things been?"

"Very well, actually," she said, pulling several letters out of the desk beside her. "Shoto has been sending me letters, telling me all about his training and the remedial classes he's been taking to get his hero's license. He says it's tough, but he's working hard to catch up with his friends, especially this friend he calls 'Midoriya.'"

"Midoriya…" said Fuyumi. "Isn't that the kid who he fought in the sports festival?"

"And the one who beat the hero killer," said Natsuo. "And was kidnapped by the League of Villains."

"Oh my," said Rei. "That poor boy has been through so much. But it's no wonder Shoto looks up to him so much."

"Huh. I never thought Shoto would ever make friends, much less look up to someone other than All Might," said Fuyumi thoughtfully. "Of course, he had it tougher than us growing up…."

A heavy pall seemed to cover the room at Fuyumi's words, silence stretching between them before Natsuo spoke. "They officially made him number one, now."

"Natsu," warned Fuyumi.

"It's not fair," Natsuo continued darkly. "The world doesn't know what he did to you or to us, how terrible he treated his family. He doesn't even bother to mention us in his interviews."

"Natsuo, stop!" Said Fuyumi. "Why would you even bring him up?"

"Come on, sis, you know it's true," said Natsuo defensively.

"Don't fight, you two," Rei said in a calming voice. "It's okay to talk about this."

"I barely remember him even being around," Natsuo said. "He's barely more than a stranger. I don't care what happens to him, but he doesn't deserve the top spot, not after what he did to you and Shoto."

Fuyumi wanted to argue, but she knew she couldn't. Ever since Shoto's powers manifested, he rarely spent any time with the rest of them. At first, the rest of the kids resented Shoto for this, but after a while they came to realize that Shoto would have rather spent time playing with them instead of the intense training his father put him through. They felt sorry for him, and often tried to stand up for him, but would be met with retribution by their father instead. The one who took the brunt of this was their mother. She hated how much he tormented her youngest son in his obsessive quest for overthrowing All Might. And now, instead of achieving this feat on his own, or by proxy by his son, with All Might's retirement, the role was pathetically forced upon him by default.

"The worst thing is that, even after all of that, he still couldn't beat All Might," said Natsuo. "Everything that he did to us, to Shoto, and especially to you, mom, and it was all for nothing. We suffered for nothing! And he doesn't even have the decency to acknowledge it. He just pretends as if nothing happened!"

"Natsuo…." said Rei sadly.

"I mean, it's been ten years since he locked you up in here," Natsuo continued. "And he doesn't even try to apologize. He just wants to leave the past behind and forget about us."

"I don't think that's true," said Rei.

"Why do you insist on defending him, mom, you of all people?" Asked Natsuo.

"Do you see those flowers?" She said, gesturing to the vase of beautiful blue Autumn Bellflowers. "He knows that they're my favorite. I only mentioned it to him once, back when we first met. Yet he never forgot, and always brings them to me every time he comes here."

"He's been here?" Said Fuyumi, surprised.

"Yes, a lot of times, apparently," said Rei. "The doctors won't let him see me. I'm . . . still afraid, and they don't think him being here would be a wise idea. I don't know what he's feeling, or how his mind works. Nor do I try to understand the enormous pressures that are on him as one of the top heroes in Japan. But all I do know is that he's thinking about us. But he's…too proud to admit it."

As the two siblings sat there with their mother, taking in what was said to them, they began to hear a lot of commotion outside the room. Everyone was gathered around the television in the common room, talking busily and excitedly as the doctors attempted to calm the crowd down.

"What's going on?" Asked Fuyumi to one of the doctors.

"Something seems to have happened, the news is reporting on it now," the doctor replied. The family looked at the TV in shock as the anchor showed a live footage that made the trio recoil in shock.

"What the…?" Said Natsuo, aghast.

"What's happening?" Asked Fuyumi.

"I'll tell you what's happening," said one of the patients, watching the report from the couch. "It's the end of the world."

Never before had the world seen such destruction.

The horde of Parademons descended upon the city like a swarm of monstrous wasps. Buildings were destroyed in the tremendous skirmish between the heroes, police and military, and these horrible creatures. Lives were lost in droves of carnage and ruination, but those were the lucky ones. Those who survived were quickly snatched by the creatures and spirited away to the ominous mothership hovering in the atmosphere. Hero, villain, criminal, civilian, it didn't matter. All were to be taken or killed, for what reason was still unknown. Truly this marked the end of humanity as they knew it.

But they weren't going down without a fight.

Endeavor, the newly minted Number One Hero in Japan, had barely left the Official Ranking Ceremony, sitting in a Cafe with the new Number 2 hero, Hawks, before the invasion had begun. The two heroes immediately set to work, trying in vain to stem the never-ending tide of monsters the likes of which Endeavor had never seen before in all his years of being a hero.

"Endeavor!" A voice came from above him. Hawks began to descend from the sky and land next to him. "I've taken out dozens of those creatures, but they just keep coming. I'm starting to run out of feathers. Tell me you're having better luck."

"If you can't fight anymore, focus on saving citizens," said Endeavor, blasting three more parademons. "And keep your wits about you. We're not –"

Endeavor was interrupted as something heavy collided with him, sending him flying several feet away from where he was standing. It was lucky his instincts were so precise, as he had just barely had enough time to put his guard up before whatever it was had hit him.

"Endeavor!" Shouted Hawks, flying after him.

The Flame-hero quickly found his second wind, using his flames to correct himself in mid-air before using his feet to shoot out two large fire blasts, allowing him to levitate, stopping his fall. Hawks had stopped abruptly, staying in the air beside him.

"I didn't know you could fly," said Hawks.

"Not for very long," said Endeavor, landing on the ground below him with grace. "Did you see the thing that hit me?"

His answer came before Hawks could speak, jumping out of the way just in time as a large, silver broadaxe flew towards them, slicing past him just inches from his nose. The ax buried itself in the side of a building, crackling and vibrating with yellow electricity.

"So these are the mightiest heroes this pathetic planet has to offer?"

Endeavor and Hawks turned to the source of the voice. As the cloud of dust and smoke settled, a large and imposing figure stepped out of the shadows before them. It was a man, or at least appeared in the visage of a man, standing seven feet tall, wearing heavy silver armor that looked to be of a metal Endeavor did not recognize, with a large, red horned skull belt girded about his waist. He wore a large helm atop his head, with two blade-like spires protruding on the sides, giving him a devil-like appearance. His eyes burned red with a fury and hatred that the two heroes had never seen before, one that shook them to their cores.

"The Great Darkseid sent me to this wretched place in promise of glorious battle, but I see now my talents are but wasted here," said the man. "Nevertheless, Steppenwolf will obey his Lord, and will lay waste to your putrid home, starting with their so-called 'Number-one Hero.'"

"You talk big," said Endeavor, running definitely towards the creature. "But you should not make promises you cannot keep!" Fire burned from his boots as he used it to propel him at a faster speed than he could normally run, his hands burning bright from his Hellflame. Roaring in fury, Endeavor threw a fire punch towards the man called 'Steppenwolf', but was shocked to see his fist caught effortlessly in his opponent's hand.

"Your pathetic flames mean nothing to me," said Steppenwolf smugly. "My will was forged from the very fire pits of Apokolips itself!" He lifted his armored boot and kicked Endeavor hard in the torso, sending him careening into the glass of the building behind him. Steppenwolf then lifted his gauntleted hand, and the Broadaxe recalled itself to its master. Seconds later, he threw the ax again, but with enough force to send it entirely through the building and out the other side. The electric energy from the weapon erupted like an energy sword, slicing through half of the building as if it was made of clay.

Hawks looked in horror as he saw the people within the building scream and run as it began to crumble around them. Thinking quickly, he focused his remaining feathers to fly off and quickly seek out those in the most danger, using them to carry the civilians to safety. His quirk allowed him to control each one of his feathers individually, and it required a lot of concentration, but he wasn't the number 2 hero for nothing. It pained him that he didn't have enough feathers to save all of them, but he had to focus on those who were in the most danger, hopefully buying enough time for backup to arrive.

Seconds later, Endeavor burst from the wreckage, looking slightly injured, but otherwise intact. Steppenwolf immediately lunged towards his quarry, grabbing Endeavor by the throat, using the momentum to carry him towards the ground, slamming him into the cement below. Endeavor felt the wind get knocked out of him, his vision doubling as he fought against his attacker's hold on him.

"The creatures here are truly weak, just as Desaad said," Steppenwolf said as he sneered down at him. "If they put up as little resistance as their best warrior, then conquering this planet will be of little consequence."

"Don't underestimate us just yet!" Shouted Endeavor, lifting his hands towards his foe, activating his Flashfire fist. He could feel his temperature rise significantly as he did so before unleashing a powerful Jet Burn attack, surprising even Steppenwolf as he did. The alien warrior released him as he was blasted backwards, crashing into the buildings behind him. Endeavor used the temporary respite to gasp for breath and recenter himself. Seconds later, Steppenwolf burst from the building, landing several yards away from him, wiping a small trace of blood from his mouth before laughing.

"That is more like it, human," He said. "Show me your true warrior spirit, and I shall grant you a swift and painless death."

"Be careful what you wish for," snarled Endeavor, dropping into a fighting stance.

"As you can see, the streets are ravaged by these horrible monstrosities descending from the sky!" Shouted a blond, female television news reporter as they hurriedly drove through the chaotic streets around them. "This is an event unlike anything we have ever seen! Since the appearance of the Martians and the Green Lantern Corps, interstellar life has always been the subject of mass debate and study, but never before had we anticipated an invasion of this magnitude! We always assumed with the Justice League and the Hero community we would be safe from such events, but it appears we were wrong. And now the question is: where are the heroes? Where is the Justice League?!"

"Wait, look!" Shouted the camera man, panning downward. The reporter followed the camera man's view, gasping in surprise. She could see the new Number One hero, Endeavor, engaged in combat against what she assumed was either a villain, or much more likely, one of the invading forces. This opponent looked different from the mindless beasts that they were watching descend from the skies.

"This just in, we see the new Number One Hero of Japan, Endeavor, currently locked in combat against an unknown alien assailant!" She shouted. "This is an intense battle, buildings and streets crumbling around them, while other heroes around them rescuing civilians, attempting crowd control, or fighting off the attacking monsters. As military and police forces continue to scramble, and both hero and civilian lives have been lost, we need the heroes now more than ever! I only hope that our new top hero is up to the task."

"Weak!" Shouted Steppenwolf. He was holding Endeavor by the throat in a vice-like grip. The flame-hero activated his Flashfire fist, throwing a heavy cross to the face of his enemy. But Steppenwolf was undeterred, simply catching the fist with his other hand.

"Weak and slow," Steppenwolf sneered. With a mighty spin, he threw the struggling Endeavor crashing into the ruined building in front of him, causing an eruption of fire, glass and ash. "IS THIS ALL THAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER, MORTALS?! YOU ARE NOT ENOUGH!"

Endeavor felt the steam burning off his skin as he began to sweat, Steppenwolf's words echoing in his ears. His Flashfire fist increased his firepower exponentially for a short amount of time, but it also increased his body temperature. The higher it got, it started to affect his body. The same way a fever destroys viruses and bacteria, it also damages the body if it does not break. This "Steppenwolf" was strong. Much stronger and faster than he was. What's more, there seemed to be no limit to his stamina and dexterity. While Endeavor began to tire and suffer from his injuries, Steppenwolf appeared to be perturbed by the battle. He knew that holding back could be fatal, but overheating was also a problem.

Despite the chaos around him, Endeavor's mind began to drift as he remembered a time, long ago, a time he thought forgotten. Ever since he had first begun to hone his quirk, overheating was always a problem. It was one of the most infuriating reasons that he was never able to surpass All Might. While his quirk had limits, that smiling buffoon's did not. It was a seemingly endless supply of raw power. But if he could overcome the overheating problem, then perhaps he could surpass his adversary. Overcoming All Might was his whole purpose. It was what drove him to seek out Rei, so he could sire an heir that would not share his weakness.

Weakness.

That was the reason. The true reason behind his actions. He wanted to erase the weakness within him. Pushing his weakness upon those whom he called his family. Those he loved. But now, as the world was crumbling around them under the alien siege, he could see how pointless that quest was. How meaningless his obsession was. How meaningless his life has been.

But that would end today.

"What is that idiot doing?!" Shouted Natsuo, looking at the television. "He needs to retreat and wait for backup! Does he really think he can beat that thing?!"

"Natsuo!" Fuyumi scolded.

"C'mon, sis!" Natsuo retorted. "Every action he's ever taken, our neglect, Shoto's abuse, driving mom to the breaking point, it has all been about him not being able to beat All Might. If he can't beat All Might, what chance does he have at beating this guy?"

Fuyumi wanted to argue, but she couldn't. She was frightened to her core. Most of the villain attacks that were seen on television or in the news were small-time, such as petty burglary or idiots with monster quirks causing a ruckus. It wasn't until the Kamino Ward incident had the world seen a true villain attack. But this was on a completely different level. This was a full on invasion of an alien species. Fuyumi was frightened. Frightened for herself, her family, the people who were out there suffering and dying, and for her father. If he couldn't find a way to win, then what hope was there? The Justice League was absent, All Might retired, and the heroes were overwhelmed. Was this really the end?

"Natsuo," said Fuyumi. "I know you don't want to hear this, and maybe you can't accept the truth right now, but look at our father. He never gives up. He's the most stubborn man in the world. He won't give up. Not now, not ever."

The panic began to grow worse as the invasion continued. Heroes were dropping like flies, people being captured or killed in droves. It was a horrible sight to see. It was as if humanity had left the people as they desperately ran, pushing and shoving, hurting each other, in an effort to get to safety, desperate to save their lives.

"The Justice League is gone," said the reporter, fear welling in her eyes. "Endeavor has fallen. There is no hope. The Symbol of Peace is gone."

She screamed as a Parademon burst from the wreckage beside her, lunging at her with its horrible claws. She braced herself for death, but another explosion beside her caught her attention. The monster was down, with what looked to be several arrows protruding from the chinks in its armor. She felt her knees grow weak and was about to fall to the ground when something caught her.

"Easy there," came a comforting voice. "I've got you."

She looked up to see she was being supported by a tall man with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing a green jumpsuit with a bow and quiver strapped to his back. It took her a moment, but she soon recognized him. "You're…" she said weakly. "You're the Green Arrow."

"That's right," said the Arrow. "And you need to get on your feet." He helped her up as he said it.

"So…the Justice League didn't abandon us?" Said the reporter.

"Never," said Arrow. "Look around you. These heroes are fighting for your lives. Fighting for our planet. And the Justice League is as well. Just because All Might isn't around doesn't mean that it's hopeless. You don't need a symbol to flock to. You need yourselves."

He turned to face the camera this time. "The time has come for you to stop watching from the sidelines and to become heroes yourselves. If you have a quirk, then use it! Don't give these monsters an inch! Don't make their jobs easy. Give them a fight for their lives. Give them hell! Do whatever you can, but don't give up! Be your own symbols and fight!" With that, he drew his bow and began fighting more of the monsters.

"There you have it," said the shaken reporter, turning back to the camera. "It's time for us to fight back. Whether you are a hero, a civilian, or whatever, if you have a quirk, now is the time to use it. Let's help these heroes who protect our lives every day and fight by their sides!"

Endeavor struggled to return to his feet, feeling the strain from the battle, his injuries screaming in protest. He could hear the heavy armored boots stomping as his enemy drew closer to him. He could only see out one eye, blood flowing down from a large wound on the left side of his face.

"You still try to fight me, though you barely cling to life," said Steppenwolf, laughing. "You are nothing if not persistent. I suppose that is to be commended. You are a lot like me in that way." He pondered for a moment. "You amuse me, mortal. I will spare you if you beg for your life. Perhaps I can keep you as my pet."

"We are…nothing alike," Endeavor spat defiantly. "And I would die a thousand deaths standing before I beg for life on my knees to a creature like you."

"Very well, Human," said Steppenwolf, raising his ax. "At least you die with the knowledge that you had the honor of being felled by the great Steppenwolf for the Glory of Darkseid."

The warrior was taken by surprise as something large and heavy collided with the side of his head, sending him flying several hundred meters before he crashed into a pile of rubble. Endeavor looked up in shock at what had just appeared before him: a large, black robot of sorts, standing at least ten feet tall, bathed in the light of the fire around him. Endeavor readied himself, unsure of the intentions of this new friend or foe.

"Who are you?" Said Endeavor.

The robot paused before speaking. "There's no need to worry, my friend," came a familiar voice from the speakers. The head of the robot to reveal it was being piloted by a human that Endeavor immediately recognized, flabbergasted at his sudden and unexpected appearance.

"I am here," said All Might.

All Might could feel his chest tightening as he ran towards his car. He had just made sure that the students were taken back to UA, and the teachers were alerted. He was ordered to take up safety in one of the panic rooms located around campus, but he would have none of it. He knew there wasn't much he could do in his current state, but he had to do something. Then he remembered Bruce's words about his car, Hercules.

When All Might had first gotten it, he had it customized to include several support items to help him in case of an emergency. Bruce said he modified it. Maybe there was something that could help in this situation.

Once he reached the car, he fumbled around in his jacket until he found the keys. There was the big red button on the fob that Bruce had mentioned. With some trepidation, he pushed it and braced himself. The car immediately sprang to life. He stared in shock as it began to twist and contort right before his eyes, until finally coming to rest in a form that left him dumbfounded.

"You have to be kidding me," he said. "'Nothing major,' Bruce?"

"All Might?" Said Endeavor, dumbfounded. "What are you doing here?! What is that thing you're in?!"

"It's a long story, but I don't think we have time right now," he said, closing the armored head. "Looks like the guy is back on his feet."

Endeavor turned to see that Steppenwolf had indeed emerged from the rubble and was running quickly to their location. He grunted in pain as he readied himself. "When this is over, you have some explaining to do." Endeavor said.

"Noted," said All Might. "But for now let's just take this guy down."

Author's note 2: And that's the chapter! I wanted to take things down a different path with this story arch. As you can see, I didn't include the Liberation Army arch. Honestly, the reason for this is because I didn't really care for the arch. It was okay, but I didn't much like Re-destro as a character. But I did like the ideal where he does want to liberate all quirks from Government intervention, so I will still be incorporating that, just in a different way. Anyway, I appreciate you guys waiting so long for my updates, and I hope you like where this story is going.

I will be working on my other stories as well, I just needs some time to catch up.