Rise up

~43~

All Might gains a fraction of strength back as his right arm bulks up again. His voice comes out almost a whisper, "Fear not. I'm not done yet," All Might shifts his feet preparing to lunge for another attack, "You were right. A hero has so much to protect in this world. Which is why I will defeat you!"

The tears in my eyes are still present watching the hero. Even though the situation feels hopeless he remains standing strong. The words of Keigo flashback into my head. There are far stronger villains out there than you realize. I never doubted his words but never expected to be witnessing such a monstrous one before my eyes.

Before All Might can make a move All For One sends him flying back with a nasty air attack. As my fearful eyes watch the Hero collide with another building the small flicker of hope dwindles away. Intimidating footsteps march over to me kneeling on the ground and deja vu rings through my head.

I check the ground below me to see a puddle of my own blood has formed. The thumping of my heart increases threatening to jump out of my chest. The nightmare is now played on repeat only it's a reality now.

"Takami, you don't realize how important you are," All For One voices stomping over, "Your mother's family had a rare quirk that would show up once every few generations. I believed that it had ended centuries ago until Shigiraki informed me of the flaming bird at UA. You are far more special than you realize and it is that quirk of yours, which I'm sure you hadn't even known."

His feet appear in my line of vision that is angled at the dirt below. I hesitantly lift my eyes up to stare at his empty face. "It is an agonizing process to provoke your true power," All For One pauses listening to something I can't hear, "If I had more time to explain I would, but I have been wanting that power for some time now."

All For One extends his hand to me preparing to strike. Flashes of regret zoom past my eyes as I know this is unsurvivable for me. I tilt my head back, gazing up at the night sky. In my view, the helicopter is recording and televising the gruesome scene. Hoping the camera can see me I flash a small smile.

Leaving behind more people I care for than I thought I would ever meet. My classmates who I came to view as a dysfunctional family. Keigo, the only real family left. And the boy who made me fall in love despite loathing the idea of love.

I lock my eyes on the vial monster readying to take my last breaths. Refusing to look away or show this man any more fear I harden my glare.

"A fighter until the end. How heroic." All For One states in a condescending tone.

"You were the disgusting monster in my nightmares," I scoff quietly shaking my head.

"Ah, so I made an appearance in your dreams, how delightful," All For One repeats my words but makes them sound more cheery than they are. His voice lowers, "This will be your last day Takami. I hope it was a good one."

A sinister laugh leaves my lips, "I hope you suffer for the remainder of your sad life. And once your time comes I wish for it to be gruesome and agonizing."

"Childish," All For One scoffs.

He sends the tendril towards me that was patiently waiting at his side for its orders. The black tendril zooms through the air aiming for my heart. I grit my teeth struggling against the force of his quirk that holds me down. My hands managed to block the path of the speeding tendril.

The faceless man tilts his head in response, surprised by my actions. The sharp tendril slowly claws its way through my palms. I sallow the excruciating shouts that threaten to tear through my throat. Wrapping my fingers around the tendril I pull at it to bring the devil closer.