Linked Paths

Arc IV - Further [Chapter 3: In Practice]

I smirk smugly as a familiar, dominating presence approaches from behind with a confident, unwavering stride I could never not discern. "Headquarters informed, old man?"

All Might joins me to my right at the edge of the skyscraper's roof, arms akimbo. My gaze is still directed forward, sweeping over the city.

All Might: "This old man here still has it in him."

I scoff and now let my gaze wander towards him. "Hah?! You sure about that? You almost tripped back there."

He laughs. That deep, booming laugh that's still able to shake stadiums, "All part of the show, young man!"

His shadow stretches beside mine, long and proud in the morning light.
I catch myself staring at the legend - the man, savior and inspiration in one. The symbol I've been chasing my entire damn life. Sunlight spills gold across his cape as the breeze majestically lifts it. His smile as bright and unshakable as ever. Time seems to hold its breath for him.

His eyes settle on mine. I withstand his strong gaze.

All Might: "Good work, kid."

His voice is firm and soft at the same time, like gentle thunder. Well, the 'kid' is deserved, I guess.

All Might: "Without you, this city would have fallen."

My ego constantly craves praise and recognition, and I receive that often, bathe in it, but when it comes from him, it means the most. I don't let my emotions show on the outside and hide them under a layer of typical smugness. "Tch. You seem surprised."

All Might: *chuckles, deep and genuine*,. "Surprised? No. Damn proud? Yes.", *short pause*, "Today, you proved once again that you belong among the top 5."

The words hit more like my Howitzer Impact. With my chest tingling, I have to look away, pretending to check the city below once again. For a heartbeat, I forget to breathe and how to counter with a snarky comment. Shit!

All Might: *looks into the distance again*, "I'm sure you have even greater things ahead of you. And you will glow brighter than everyone else."

Multiple AP shots straight to my heart. Urgh. This time, at least a spontaneous cocky counter rolls off my tongue. "If this was an attempt to throw around a strange metaphor about my quirk...let's just say I've heard better."

All Might: *chuckles slightly*

After a short but meaningful pause I add, "And of course I will." My voice is light and more of a whisper to myself, but he heard either way.

All Might: *ruffles my hair*, "What do you think, should we head down now and help the cleanup team a little?"

Pretending to be annoyed by his playful gesture, I "fix" my hair - not that it wasn't already completely messed up from the fight anyway.

I sigh exhaustedly. Under these conditions, a pro simply can't call it a day. No matter how beat they are. Nevertheless, I still take the liberty of a brief moment just for myself. "Ten minutes, okay?"

All Might: "And he calls me old.", *mumbles to himself*

I feign shock, "I heard that, old man!"

All Might: *laughs*, "And?"

Then, without batting an eyelid, he jumps from the skyscraper, taking the direct route. I can only shake my head. My cockiness seems to be rubbing off on him.

For a moment, I watch how he dives towards the ground, a blur of gold and red, the echo of his laughter ebbing.

My focus shifts to the sky, which still bears a hint of the dawn colors. Breathing calmly, I close my eyes to enjoy the peace. It's heavenly to allow myself to surrender to the heaviness in my eyelids. Even if only for a short time.