[Okay, so we're back with another chapter, and like usual as of late, the slow process of this book continues. But the encouragement from you guys in the last chapter did help me, and as mentioned at the end of the previous chapter, a massive fight will be going down in this one. Which should hopefully pick things up and make it an epic chapter you won't wanna miss! Because it's Stain Vs the Reader! Anti-Villian Vs Anti-Hero! Who will win?! Well...There's only one way to find out, huh? So let's get right into it...]
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[Your POV]
...It happened so fast.
"ARGH!"
Before I could even register it, the pain had already seeped throughout my body.
"URGH!"
"RAH!"
He moved so fast. I could barely see him move. All I saw... Was the color Red.
"GLUGH!"
"ARGH!"
"GRAH!"
Ever since my quirk first manifested when I was young, I learned to use the fears of those who came against me to overcome them. But throughout the many years I've had this quirk, I've never once questioned this outcome. What would I do, if the person I fought...Had no fears?
"BAH!"
"GRUGH!"
"ARGH!"
"AH!"
But the lack of fear of my opponent wasn't the main thing that marked my mind currently, as I found myself cornered at the edge of an alleyway. The tainted taste of blood filling my mouth as dirt, sweat, and even more blood covered my skin. All I could think about, as I stood before the sharp blade that this man carried, as he looked down at me with a sinister gaze, was the amount of fear I felt in this exact moment.
The fear of dying...
The fear of never seeing Mom, Bakugo, Uraraka, or any of the others again...
The fear of not being able to keep my promise to Izuku...
The fear was all I could think about. The heavy beating of my heart was accompanied by nothing other than the thoughts of dread that dared to draw me in. All the while, I found myself unable to move. Left at the mercy of this killer. It was as I noticed my lack of movement that I was reminded of that night, so long ago, when my little brother sacrificed his life for our Mother. But in that moment, he went out in a truly heroic way. He was remembered as a hero. But for me, left on my knees, frozen in place to stare up at this monster who stood before me, I couldn't help but wonder what I would be remembered for. And whether or not this was the way God planned my downfall...
[3rd Person POV]
--A Few Minutes Earlier--
The days seemed to pass by fairly quickly for (Y/n) as of late. Ever since he arrived at Shinkensan to begin his internship with Mirko, his hours had been filled up quite a lot. Whether that be the training with Gran Torino (Y/n) was forced to attend during the day, where he'd be subjected to only using his One For All quirk; to his nights, where he'd be subjected to potential flirting and a rabbit hero with the unfathomable urge to fight. It all brought about a plethora of thoughts onto (Y//n) and his life. However, out of it all, it mostly made him hungry. But seeing as he was away from home, he was unable to receive the normal handling of his food that was made by his sweet Mother.
Such meant (Y/n) was forced to travel to the closest corner store every night for the last two weeks to fill his stomach. Now, normally he'd do so around Nine o'clock at night. Unfortunately for him, Mirko had quite the 'itch' tonight, which meant she demanded that their 'training time' be extended an extra two hours. It was because of that, that (Y/n) found himself walking back to the Shinkansen 24/7 Gym with a plastic bag of food at Eleven o'clock at night. The sound of metals clinking with plastics could be heard coming from the bag, where a few sandwiches, drink cans, and other snacks awaited his stomach as soon as he returned to the building he was staying at whilst in this part of Tokyo.
Now, the walk from the corner store to the Shinkansen 24/7 Gym, which he currently stayed at, wasn't too far. Probably about a twenty-five-minute walk there and back. This totalled to fifty whole minutes of walking, luckily for (Y/n), he had his phone to help him pass the time. Whether that be watching videos online, texting Bakugo, or listening to music. This one device seemed to do quite the trick for helping (Y/n) when he wanted to get the day going a little faster. And it was doing exactly that, as the young boy silently listened to music through his earphones as he scrolled through social media. Though, he was momentarily distracted from such by the sudden growl from his stomach.
A clear sign that the need for food was fastly approaching, making (Y/n) walk even faster. However, unbeknownst to (Y/n), as he continued along the dark footpath in the middle of the night, from a rooftop above, he was being watched. And it was from this very rooftop a few buildings back, that the person watching him was revealed to be none other than the Hero Killer: Stain. He was the man who had injured (Y/n)'s classmate, Iida's brother, so badly that it forced him into a nearby hospital. You see, Stain believed in his own form of justice. That the true meaning of a hero was sacred, and to his knowledge, only one person truly represented the meaning of 'hero'.
But that was until he learned about (Y/n) Midoriya. A young boy from U.A., who, through his fight at USJ, held no fear as he stood before Tomura Shigaraki and declared that he'd hesitate not one bit to kill the villain and put his days of evil to an end...Once and for all. As soon as he heard this, the name (Y/n) immediately intrigued him. And after finding more details about this young boy, Stain knew he had to confront him, to truly see whether this young hero had what it took to truly be one the same level as the only person who could truly use the name 'hero'. And now, the time to find that out had arrived. The slithering tongue of the Hero Killer creeping out from his grinning mouth as he watched the unsuspecting boy from above.
Stain: "...(Y/n) Midoriya...You claim yourself a true hero. That is willing to do whatever needs to be done to protect people. But claiming to be a hero is something everyone can do. It's now up to you to prove your worth. To prove your earning of the name Hero. And it's up to me, to figure out whether I must stain my hand with your blood, to rebuke yet another person who uses that title for their own glory."
It was clear by Stain's sentence that he was a man with a cause. Who did not like to waste his time for needless violence, like some. And such was proven a few seconds later, when with the drawing of the two swords sheathed on his back, the Hero Killer launched into and allowed the weight of his mission to carry him towards his next target.
--With You--
But for (Y/n), he expected none of this. His mind was filled with various thoughts that happened to find way into his head as he allowed the music playing through his earphones to take him away to another place. Of course, in a figurative manner. But if he wasn't careful, he would have literally been taken to another place. One high above the clouds that no one on Earth could see. His one way ticket to Heaven seemed destined to come as Hero Killer: Stain's body grew faster as his destination towards the unsuspecting hero neared with each passing second. All the while, (Y/n) knew nothing of what was about to happen.
Yet, in a strange way...He also did. For it was as the song playing through his earphones reached a particularly slow part that the young boy's focus was given enough of a break that he began noticing a strange tingling feeling throughout his body. It was like the feeling you get when you're being watched. Even though never really believed that type of stuff unless someone had a Quirk to help assist anyone in that means. But that was the best way to describe it. Even before he could properly register the feeling, he just knew automatically that's what it was like. A precursor. A warning. A danger sense...
But whatever it was, it was buzzing throughout his body to the point he couldn't just ignore it. And after everything that has happened in his life, where everyone always seemed out to hurt him, (Y/n) had learned over the years to trust his instincts. So it was when this tingling feeling inside grew to its highest consistency, (Y/n) wasted not a single moment to activate Nightmare Quirk to launch off the ground and into the air, seconds before a pair of sharp blades plunged into the very part of the footpath he was standing on moments ago. But (Y/n) wouldn't know this until seconds later, when he landed on the middle of the road about ten meters ahead.
Thankfully, he found himself in a desolate part of the city, so not many cars had driven past this way in the time he had been walking here. So the background thought of being hit by a car was not necessary. Allowing (Y/n)'s full focus to be placed on the shocking image that currently stood before him. For there, on the part of the sidewalk he previously was, he witnessed with a front-row seat as a man wielding twin blades, rose from his crouched position in the ground to return to a standing position. As he did, he proceeded to effortlessly retrieve the aforementioned weapons from within the solid cement that made up the sidewalk. A spectacle that only confirmed (Y/n)'s concerns as he took in the sight of his attacker.
Right off the bat, (Y/n) knew a few things. A simple glance was all that was need to tell that this person, was unlike the normal citizen you'd see during the day. He was an intimidating, muscular man who stood in place with a distinct hunch and had a flat, somewhat triangular face without a nose. It suggested a traumatic past, just like (Y/n)'s, or, as (Y/n) feared, a deranged tendency that meant even this person's own body wasn't safe from. Something that also stood out was the extraordinarily long tongue tainted with numerous small papillae that hung out of his mouth. He had long black hair, which he wore messily; it would have draped over his face if not for the headband and mask he wore. He had small red eyes with tiny irises.
For clothes, this figure sported a dark combat suit, plated with metal armour across his body to holster his weapons which (Y/n) now saw clearly. The torso was sleeveless, besides the yellow bandages wrapped around his arms from just below his shoulders to his wrists. He also wore long black wristbands and a watch on his left arm, a noticeable detail which (Y/n) found odd. Whilst his knees were protected with metal pads; and black boots with steel armour and spikes completing the costume. What made it all up, however, to truly set himself from other people who'd typically go by the name 'hero', this figure donned a blood-red scarf, matching headband, and the tattered cloth around his face as a mask. But out of it all, it was the red scarf that stood out.
But out of all this, it wasn't the clothes, or the damage to his body that caused (Y/n) to worry. It was the look this haunting figure offered him when they finally connected eyes, that made (Y/n) realize this person before him was unlike any other villain he'd come across before. Little did he know just how much that thought would be proven true over his coming years as a hero. But (Y/n)'s potential future was now at risk. He realized such as soon as he came to understand this moment was not a laughing matter. Instead, he needed his full focus on what was at hand. Unfortunately for him, there was a struggle within his mind to do exactly that as he properly took in the image of his attacker.
The first thing (Y/n) thought upon seeing the full appearance of his attacker through the light of the moon. The first title that came to (Y/n)'s mind as the shimmer blades he carried remained undamaged from striking the very ground. The first haunting detail that (Y/n) couldn't help but bear within his head, was that this person before him...Wasn't a person at all. He was a Monster. (Y/n) knew as much as soon as he saw the look in this attacker's eyes. The deep red, as dark as blood.
The bandages wrapped around his arms from wrist to muscles. And the dirty, discarded, and lack of any elegance to his appearance showed he cared little about what people thought of him. But out of everything, it was the wicked smile, one only a monster could offer, accompanied by the slithering tongue from between his lips, that made (Y/n) ready himself for a fight with a monster. And so far, in his battles with monsters from the past, it's been a One-to-One draw. Now, it seemed the tie was about to be broken.
"...(Y/n) Midoriya... You're the talk of the town lately..."
The immediate indication of this person knowing his name confirmed any remaining slither of doubt that this was all a big misunderstanding. It only furthered (Y/n)'s defensive stance, one which he took as soon as he felt danger was around him.
"...The spectacle of the Sports Festival...The boy who saved USJ from that dreaded villain attack a few months ago... Even threatened to kill them if they returned... Now I can somewhat understand why 'he' is interested in you. Well, despite the killing part..."
(Y/n): "Okay... I'm going to look past the whole mystery aspect of everything you just said and I'll cut right to the chase. How do you know me... And how do you know I was the one who stopped the villains at USJ? That wasn't put on the news, or in the paper."
It seemed quite obvious from (Y/n)'s sentence, that he was expecting an answer right away. But instead of receiving anything like that, all he got was a slight tilt of the head from his attacker. His tongue returned to his mouth as he seemed to hover his gaze over the young boy's appearance.
"Huh? Maybe you really do have hope... Most heroes, especially kids like you, would have flaunted the credit of taking down that many villains."
(Y/n): "Just going to not answer my questions? Alright then. If you're not going to give me answers. I don't see any more reason to talk."
That sentence seemed to excite Stain. His wicked grin quickly returning alongside his extended tongue as he clenched the handles of his blades tenderly.
"Yes, you're right. The actions of the past can be a bad way to judge something as serious as this. It's best to judge on the now. But before we fight, allow me to introduce myself. You may know me from the news as a Hero Killer. I am Stain, and my mission is to crucify those who tarnish the name of 'hero' by their greed. Your character seems to suggest you are worthy of the name. But now it is time to see if your actions are just as worthy."
Following his sentence, (Y/n) was only given a moment to take in everything he had just heard. From the name Stain, which he felt was somewhat familiar. To the moniker of 'Hero Killer'. And this apparent 'mission', Stain had. It only set off more alarm bells within (Y/n)'s head. Alarms he was forced to suddenly shun to the side when the light of the moon was blocked. But not by mythical means. But by natural. Lifting his head, (Y/n) was greeted by the deranged smile of Stain, who launched towards him with his blades drawn.
Only a quick second was left to spare to react. The first thing he did was toss the plastic bag with his dinner inside, to the side. The rattling of its containments only heard for a moment before (Y/n)'s attention was directed to the swords coming his way. In only a split second was he able to activate Fear Second, in doing so, he garnered enough speed to narrowly avoid the cuts through the air. Honestly, with how time slowed down, it felt like it was straight out of a movie. (Y/n)'s body seemingly able to the laws of physics to narrowly pull his head back seconds before the sharp edge of Stain's blade cut through the cut.
But (Y/n) didn't stop his movements there. Without a second thought, (Y/n) quickly kicked himself off the ground, performing a backfill. It was in the process of that, that the bottom of (Y/n)'s shoes collided with the bottom of Stain's jaw. Unfortunately, due to (Y/n) being in normal citizen attire, the metal panelling that surrounded his costume's shoes was not present to strengthen the blow. So it only caused Stain to stumble backwards only a little. By the time (Y/n) ended the backflip and landed on his feet a few seconds later, Stain had fully recovered and was grinning once more.
Stain: [Wickedly grins] "Hehe~ I hope that's only a taste of what you have to offer. Your files from U.A. said you were quite the relentless type in your attacks."
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "Well, as much as I don't like my private information being out there, at least that explains how he knew about the events of USJ and my name." [Out Loud] "And you want me to be relentless...Why? You got a death wish or something?"
Oh, how little did (Y/n) know...
Stain: [Chuckles sinisterly] "You could say that. But right now, there's only one person who I will allow to kill me. Only 'he' is worthy of that. I hope you will be added to it..."
(Y/n): [Thought] "Who the hell is this 'he' he's talking about?"
Stain: "Though, going off what else I learned about you from your files, you tend to like cornering your prey... Like me. So let me help you with that..."
(Y/n): "Huh?"
Immediately being stunned by Stain's words, (Y/n) was left even more confused when instead of Stain continuing with his attacks. He simply kept his grin on show as he began backing towards a dark alleyway behind him on the footpath. Now, normally such a sight would be seen as someone trying to get the edge on (Y/n) in a fight. But Stain seemed to clearly know this, going off of what he had said. It really made this moment stand out within (Y/n)'s mind. He had never met a villain like this before. One who was so unorthodox and unsuspecting. It was due to this outlandish nature for a villain that made (Y/n) consider a retreat.
He was clearly missing something here, and he'd only managed to deal with two of Stain's attacks so far. So it'd be the smart option to take his leave now and properly think things over. And he was going to...Before he witnessed Stain disappear into the wall of shadows that surrounded the entrance of the alleyway. As soon as (Y/n)'s eyes took in such a sight, his mind flashed him back to his childhood, where he stood, frozen in fear, as he witnessed his brother step toward the monster who wanted to hurt his Mother. At that moment in time, (Y/n) wanted to run away.
But Izuku, he stepped forward. It was because of that very moment, that (Y/n) promised never to run away from monsters who wanted to hurt people ever again. And it was with that realization, that (Y/n) could not run away now. Despite it being the smarter option, (Y/n)'s stubbornness towards ignoring his promise to Izuku was the defying factor of getting to stay. Instead of running away from the wall of shadows, Stain walked into, (Y/n) approached it instead. If Stain wanted to see what he really had in store, (Y/n) would show him. But for whatever reason Stain wanted this, (Y/n) didn't care. Because he didn't fight villains because he wanted to.
He did it because he needed to. He needed to redeem his past mistakes. And Hero Killer: Stain would soon come to understand just the mistake he made when he stepped across (Y/n)'s path. Cause if anyone should be afraid during the night. It's the innocence who stumbles across the monsters. Though it may have been that way in the past. In the present day, it was the monsters who should be afraid. Because when they come across (Y/n)'s path. They're not dealing with a man who has something to lose...They're dealing with a nightmare who has nothing left to taken.
******
Only the faintest of light could be seen being able to creep into the narrowed walls of the alleyway Stain now found himself in. All he could see was the darkened outlines of the stone walls to each of his sides, and the short distance in front of him. Yet, despite his clear disadvantage, he still found the strength to offer a wicked grin. Clearly, he was excited for the potential (Y/n) had. Finally! He felt as if there was another worthy of being a 'True Hero', just like 'him'. The prospect of there being another was something Stain's twisted mind had hoped for relentlessly after coming across all the fake mask wearers who dared to call themselves a 'Hero'.
Sure, they may save people. But it's their reason being wanting to help people that drove Stain beyond his limits until he could no longer stand back anymore. The streets needed to be cleansed. But not of villains, of the people who called themselves heroes. How could the public sleep at night knowing that the people who call themselves heroes, only do such because it benefits them? It made Stain sick! But now, after so many fake heroes slain by his sword, Stain had finally met someone he felt embodied the name of a hero. Who'd go to no ends, whatsoever, to protect people? He'd kill the villains. He wouldn't waste time.
He'd end the disease at the root of it all. And by the seems of it all, he did so not for glory. It was this prospect of potential that excited Stain. That caused goosebumps to rise along his skin as he walked through the dark abyss. The realm of the Nightmare. But he couldn't get too excited yet... (Y/n) Midoriya had potential. But if he truly wanted to be a hero, he couldn't just go around with the heart of one. He needed the skills to back it up. Stain needed to KNOW that he was strong enough to finally put an end to his murderous rampage. He needed to know that if 'he' wouldn't do it... That there'd be someone else who would.
"I don't know what your game is, villain. Or why you want me at my best? But you made a mistake walking into the dark. This abyss... This world of nightmares... It's my domain."
Stain: [Cackles] "Oh, I know! I told you. I want you at your best! I want to see if you're truly worthy to be called a hero! ...Or if I just got my hopes up for nothing."
Just like before, the words of Stain left (Y/n)'s mind confused. the origin behind such thoughts left him questioning. But he wouldn't give enough time to let them consume him. He had to be focused right now. He had to be on alert. Stain seemed to know a lot about him. And when an enemy knows more about you then others in the past, then it's fair to say the best you were back then, won't be nearly as much as you need to be right now. And (Y/n) took that to heart. That's why, as he continued to stalk Stain through the shadows of the alleyway, going unseen by the Hero Killer. (Y/n) waited until Stain's back was turned to him before he came launching from behind with his fist infused with a glowing green aura.
(Y/n): "ARGH!"
The cry of energy exerting his body roar from his lips as he went to strike the back shoulder blade of Stain. However, (Y/n)'s fist never made contact with it. It seemed certain to, though. (Y/n) was sure of it! There was only a second left before (Y/n)'s energised fist would connect with Stain's body. Then, out of nowhere, he disappeared in the blink of an eye. It happened so fast that (Y/n) wasn't able to stop his fist from cutting through the air and smashing into the stone wall on the opposite side of the alleyway. The sound of shards of stone dropping to the ground was the only sound that entered the air. But (Y/n) didn't wait a moment to take them in. Instead, he quickly spun around, deactivated his nightmare quirk from his fist, and slowly crept back into the shadows. Stain had gotten the jump on him. But he wouldn't let it happen aga--
Slice!
...And then the sound of metal slicing through the air echoed. Seconds after, a sharp hiss was forced from (Y/n)'s mouth as a pain surged from his waist. On instinct, his hand reached down to grab at the spot, only for himself fingers to dig into a cut that had been made into the side of his shirt where the pain was coming from. It was only when (Y/n) pulled his hands away, that he noticed a wet texture had now coated his first three fingers. It didn't take much more to realize it was blood.
But it wasn't the fact that he was bleeding that caused his eyes to suddenly widen upon realizing this. It was the fact that he was cut...And he didn't even realize Stain was behind him...or to his right...His left? He...He didn't know where the attack came from. It's like it just...appeared there! Or something! The unknown of it all was quickly picked up by (Y/n), and sent the alarms going off within his head. They were only silenced a few seconds later by the voice of Stain. Who, just like (Y/n) did before, spoke from the shadows.
"A little slow, aren't we? Now, I could defeat you right here and now. It'd be rather easy, actually. But I'm going to leave that attack up to you not knowing who I am. I could tell as much as soon as you saw me. Normally, any mask wearer who'd see my face would immediately run. But you didn't seem to know me..."
(Y/n): "I don't need to know you to know you need to be stopped!"
"Oh? Spoken like a true hero... Hehe~ Let's see about that..."
No further sentence followed from either (Y/n), or Stain. But (Y/n) knew nonetheless from his previous attack, that if Stain wanted to, he could have killed him then. But it was for some unknown reason towards wanting a true hero, that he spared him. (Y/n) wouldn't let himself be insulted like that again. But it came from that out-of-nowhere attack, that (Y/n) came to understand that Stain knew the element of the shadows just like he did.
Which left (Y/n) unable to do his normal approach of stalking his opponent from them. Now, he was left to move through them as fast as possible. And that's what he did. Using his Nightmare quirk, he quickened his speed and launched through the shadows like Mirko would from building to building. As he did, he thought over just how he could combat Stain. He knew that Stain wasn't like the others, so he needed to be on guard all the time otherwise he'd--
Slice!
Slash!
(Y/n): "Argh!"
Out of nowhere, two more attacks came from seemingly out of thin air. This time around, they were deeper. Causing a loud groan of pain to fall from (Y/n)'s lips. One slashed across (Y/n)'s back, whilst the other cut across his stomach. Thankfully, they weren't deep enough to effect his organs or anything. But they were enough to leave cuts through his clothes large enough to reveal the trails of blood-forming from the slashes below. If that wasn't enough, the pain caused by them was enough to affect his next jump from the side of the alleyway wall, to the one opposite it. However, it didn't matter in the end.
For as (Y/n)'s tender body was halfway from reaching the other side of the alleyway, out of nowhere, a heavy weight struck him from above. A weighted boot slamming into his back and sent him crashing into the ground below. And though the impact was unseen through the darkness, the damage could be felt through the rumblings that echoed along the ground. The impact for (Y/n) was no different, who, upon opening his eyes to be greeted by darkness, left his dazed mind thinking he had died then and there. But it was thanks to the faint dark blue sky above, one distant from any stars, but left just able to see due to the moon, that he was able to realize he was still alive. For how long though, well, that was to be seen...
(Y/n): [Trying to stand up] "...Argh...Ugh..."
"I've got to say...I'm getting more and more disappointed with each second now. I had such high hopes for you. I didn't even judge you on your sloppy dodges from my attacks earlier out in the street. So I thought bringing you into your natural embrace, the darkness, that you'd truly show me what you've got. But it seems, perhaps, everything that villain told me about you was wrong."
(Y/n): "V-Villain...? Argh! Wha...What villain?"
He grumbled out from his mouth as he managed to rise to his hands and knees. Well, a hand and knees. His other was positioned to the cut on his stomach, which seemed to be worse than he originally thought. Thankfully, he seemed to be given a moment to rest as Stain replied from the shadows.
"Some childish villain who wanted me to join his group to wreak violence without conviction. He just had a tantrum. He's the one who said if you saw him again you'd kill him. It's what led me to this moment now... And how foolish I must have been to get excited from what he said."
But anything else Stain said, (Y/n) didn't hear. He was more so focused on one part of Stain's sentence in particular.
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "A villain I said I'd kill, I don't...Wait!" [Realizes] "Y-You mean the guy with the decaying Quirk? The one who attacked U.A.?!"
"Yes. He seems quite confident in his urge to get revenge on you...and 'him'. But I found no urgency to kill him or any of his friends now. I was too intrigued by you...SO GET ON YOUR FEET AND SHOW ME THAT YOU'RE A TRUE HERO!"
This was the first time that (Y/n) had heard Stain yell, and with it, it properly registered how serious he was in whatever drove him to be like this. The quest for a true hero? It sounded beyond anything (Y/n) could imagine. But what he did know was that if he didn't raise the bar, he'd be screwed. So that's exactly what he did. He raised the bar. He entered another gear...
(Y/n): "Fear...Second!"
The worst exploded from his mouth as he slammed his fist into the ground. Upon impact, an explosion of green fog erupted from his fist, quickly travelling up the rest of his body, and lighting the dark alleyway enough to showcase the location of Stain standing no more than ten meters in the distance. But Stain didn't bother to move. He just kept his wicked grin on full display as he watched (Y/n)'s eyes glow bright green, all before he disappeared in the blink of an eye. The excitement within Stain slowly started to build once more. It was that very feeling that continued to rampage through Stain as he began looking around in every direction.
Despite the attacks that had already taken place, with (Y/n)'s newfound speed, nothing but silence filled the air. It was like none of the conflict had even happened. But Stain was reminded that it had only seconds later, when in a single blink-and-you-'ll-miss-it moment, out of nowhere, (Y/n)'s body appeared in reality once more, this time directly in front of Stain. The fog hovering off his body, mixed with the aggression on his face, was on the front view for the villain. Who witnessed as the young mask wearer drew his right fist back and launched it forward. The speed at which the attack came was so powerful that a strong gust of wind was brought with it.
It caused enough of a distraction that the next thing Stain knew, a surge of violent pain coursed through his entire body. Upon looking down, he was thundered to life after seeing the clenched fist of (Y/n) digging into his chest. Not stopping, or relenting, in any way whatsoever. The green fog just continued to rise from it. Stain didn't even know when (Y/n)'s attack first made contact with him. But it didn't matter when the attack came, the main thing for (Y/n), was that it hit Stain. And such was confirmed when Stain's body finally took in all the pressure it could. When he had no more strength to hold back the attack, his body was forced violently through the air behind him.
His body going so fast that it felt like mere seconds before the next moment of contact. But the next thing he hit wasn't a brick wall from the alleyway, or anything within the confined walls, like a dumpster. Instead, he was hit by (Y/n), again. Who, somehow managed to be so quick that he appeared right behind Stain even before his body could properly take in the full amount of the young boy's previous attack. But Stain was soon forced to focus on the next strike, when his body, through all the pressure it currently dealt from (Y/n)'s previous attack, was forced to go flying back in the direction it had already come from.
Such was forced by the powerful left swing kick (Y/n) applied through the air upon appearing behind the villain. It was obvious by the strain on (Y/n)'s face that these attacks, despite only being few, were putting a lot of pressure on his body. But if he could just get a few more in, he knew he could get the upper hand on Stain. Unfortunately, this wasn't even Stain at his best. A terrifying thought that (Y/n) would soon come to understand, when immediately after kicking him with his second attack, he faded and reappeared into reality, right in front of the flying villain. It was clear he was getting ready for an uppercut, or some move with his fist.
Now, most times, when a villain would see such a thing, their faces would immediately be stained with fear. But, ironically, Stain himself showed no fear. Instead, he just grinned wickedly as he locked eyes with (Y/n). This sight was enough to confuse the young boy, whose body still was surrounded by green fog. But this confusion was suddenly shifted to shock when as he continued to grin, Stain's body suddenly disappeared out of reality. just like (Y/n)'s had done to him earlier. This only proved that Stain was much faster than he had already shown. Even to the point where 'Fear Second' couldn't even keep up with him.
Stain: [Voice Only] "You're fast, kid! Haha! But you're not fast enough!"
Of course, (Y/n) didn't want to believe this right away. But he was soon forced to, when, just like earlier, without even noticing it, Stain suddenly dashed from behind him with a tremendous speed unlike any other. His body couldn't even be called a blur with how fast he was going. The only reason (Y/n) knew Stain had travelled past him was due to the sudden pain coming from his upper left arm. A quick twist of his head was all it took to see the cut mark left behind from Stain's katana. But it didn't end there. Just as (Y/n)'s mind was finished registering the first cut, within the span of ten seconds, Stain was somehow so fast that he was able to apply another seven cuts to (Y/n)'s body, each time zooming past the unsuspecting hero like it was nothing.
"ARGH!"
"URGH!"
"RAH!"
...It happened so fast. Before he could even register the pain, the screams had already escaped his mouth. Each coming milliseconds after a fresh cut had been made on his body. (Y/n) tried desperately to prepare himself for the next attack, but Stain moved so fast. (Y/n) could barely see him. All he saw... Was the color Red. But by the time he registered that part alone, more cuts had appeared.
"GLUGH!"
"ARGH!"
"GRAH!"
Ever since his first Quirk had manifested when he was young, (Y/n) learned to use the fears of those who came against him to overcome them. But right now, he was struggling to figure out how exactly he could use that to help defeat Stain. The masked attacker was too quick. Fair quicker than (Y/n) could properly catch up with. Even with Fear Second!
"BAH!"
"GRUGH!"
"ARGH!"
"AH!"
Even the cuts grew to a number where a stream of blood began pouring down both of (Y/n)'s arms, and one of his legs. Add in the cuts made to his chest and back from earlier, and he resembled a fountain of crimson, deep red, blood. The pain eventually caused (Y/n) to lose enough energy that he couldn't keep Fear Second going any more. But he didn't drop to his knees...He'd remain standing. This fact seemed to be enough to make Stain relent in his onslaught of attacks for now. To the point his body finally stopped moving, making it seem like he returned to reality. Though the blood of his blades showcased he had never left.
Stain: "Still finding the strength to stand, even after that, huh?" [Cackles and grins] "Well, I guess I can't fault you on your spirit. You definitely seem to carry the heart of a hero. But as for your skills... There's still much to seek out."
(Y/n): "...I'm not...going anywhere..."
Stain: "That so? What else can you do then?"
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "What else can I do...?"
That one sentence left (Y/n) blank in his mind for a moment. What could he do? He had already pushed to his limit with Fear Second, and even then, it seemed like Stain was all on another level. It left (Y/n) to wonder what else he could do...then he remember...there was something left he could do. Something he swore to never use on innocent people after versing Todoroki in the Sports Festival. But this Hero Killer, he definitely wasn't no innocent. That meant (Y/n) didn't need to hold back as he went to push himself one more time. Finally...He'd find out exactly just what Stain feared most. And he'd use it to beat him. Once and for all.
(Y/n): [Weakly Lifts Head] "You really want me to go all out?"
Stain: [Tilts head] "Huh?"
(Y/n): "...Before...You were going on about me going all out. I thought I had already done that, but I've come to realize now I haven't...I still have one trick left up my sleeve."
The mere mention of that was enough to get Stain's blood pumping. Of course, he didn't say that with words, instead, he did so by actions. The action of getting into a battle stance with his katanas ready. His tongue dancing through the air as (Y/n) took this moment to take in as much air as he could.
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "...This is it. I can't let this opportunity go. If I lose...I'll die...and I won't be able to keep my promise to Izuku. I need this to work. I...I need it to..."
As much was already known. And as much was all that was needed to push (Y/n) through the pain that surged throughout his body as he lifted his right hand high into the air, his thumb sticking out. The action instantly caught Stain's attention, but it was quickly directed back to (Y/n) seconds later.
(Y/n): "You want my best...Here's my best, Stain! Fear Thi--"
Stain: "I've seen enough."
(Y/n): "Huh?"
[Your POV]
That was the only sound I could make after hearing Stain's sudden sentence. Before I could say anything more, the colour red crossed my vision. It was a quick motion, yet I was able to take it in immediately. It didn't appear like a person. Instead, it resembled something else. It was a streak of the colour red that seemed to grow as it cut through the air. Little did I know, it wasn't the only thing cutting through the air. For as my focus was drenched on this red streak, just a few meters below it, the shimmer of the moon reflecting from a sharp blade was quick to redirect it. But my the time my eyes took in the oncoming weapon, it was already too late. The sound of metal cutting against something echoed through the air.
Schink!
It was a weird sound, one that separated it from the other attacks I had already been dealt. I don't know what was worse in the moment. The fact I wasn't even able to use my Fear Third technique, or that I opened myself up for one final attack. This one was unlike the others. The earlier slices and cuts were only skin deep, besides a few. But this one showcased that Stain truly wanted to put me down for good. That I got almost immediately when I felt the sharp edges of Stain's blade cut into my lower ribcage, aligning itself with the cut that had came right across my stomach earlier.
But instead of following in a similar motion that would have left it grazing just above the cut that already rested above my belly button, this attack went diagonal. It started at the lowest part of my stomach before my ribcage and ventured right between my two nipples. For a moment I thought it was going to cut through my neck, then I'd really be dead. But Stain seemed to relent the strike from doing anything like that. Instead, the feeling of his blade freeing itself from my body as the tip of the weapon sliced my upper pec was all I felt. All of this went down in what felt like time stopped. But as soon as that weapon came free, it picked up, with Stain now standing five meters behind me as if he had been there the entire time.
But I was only just able to turn my head to see his wicked gaze set upon my own before all the strength in my legs, lured on by the insurgence of pain that further massacred my body due to the latest attack, gave out. Causing my body to heavily fall to the ground. I was in so much pain that I didn't even feel it when my forehead crashed into the solid cement flooring beneath me. You'd think that'd be it for me now, huh? I'd simply lay there, taking in the pain and remorse of failing, and have no chance of getting back up. Who could blame me, right? After that beating, a lot of others could have died. So even being alive was a miracle. But if there was something I came to realize through my life, when it came to the tough stuff, us Midoriya's were stubborn.
So I didn't just lay there, I pushed through the pain. I used all my strength even when I had none, to pick my body off the ground. Even as the dirt and small roads from the ground pressed into the fresh cut that now drenched my body in floor, I pushed on. I couldn't give up. But Stain...Stain seemed to grow tired with my stubbornness. So he decided to put an end to it. Not by killing me, surprisingly. But instead, he didn't hesitate a single moment as he lifted his blade into the air and brought it down onto my back. The tip of his sword, and the rest that followed, plunged straight through my upper left shoulder blade, narrowly missing my heart, but doing a ton of damage nonetheless.
(Y/n): "AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!
But the pain and vile scream that came from such a merciless strike was not his plan. He didn't do it to finish me off. Instead, he did it to keep me in place. And that's what I came to understand when his sword had finally finished plunging through my shoulder completely, coming out on the other side only to plunge itself into the cement ground beneath me. Now there was no chance of moving, and if I tried, I could have cut my heart and died for certain. But in the end, Stain got what he wanted.
I was stubborn, but at the end of the day, I was still human, and all the blood that had now left my body was too much for me to handle. All life in me seemed to fade as my motionless body dropped and lay on the ground with no sort of defence. A few seconds later, I fell into the dark void of death. But just like the other times in my life I thought I'd die, I managed to come through. I didn't know how long I was out, but it must not have been for long. All I knew was of the colour red which now seemed to be more prominent than the black that hovered in the sky above.
Everywhere I looked from my spot on the ground, the crimson colour was all I could see. But it was found nowhere more than my body, one which was still held into the ground due to the blade of Stain that had been plunged through my shoulder. Just the remembrance of the wound was enough to take all the energy out of my system. I could only lie there, soak in the fear of the moment that had only just set in in me. All the while, in front of me, Stain just looked onward with a disappointed expression on his face.
Stain: "...And here I thought I was done being fooled by people. You're nothing like 'him'..."
(Y/n): "I-I'm not do--" [Coughs up blood] "I-Ugh-I'm not done...with you...yet..."
In a desperate final plea, I reached out with my hand for Stain's legs. But just as I reached it, my fingers wrapping around the surface, all strength my fingers gave to squeeze it to hold it in place, faded away.
Stain: "Stay down. I don't like violence without conviction. You may not be skilled in strength like 'him'. But you have the spirit of one...So I won't kill you. Just make sure you remember this moment and hope we never cross paths again."
That outcome seemed to shock me to my core. I was expecting death, but all hI got was a surge of pain as Stain forcefully removed his blade from my body. Of course, this wasn't death, but it still hurt. Nevertheless, Stain seemed to keep to his word of not further harming me. As upon retrieving his blade, he seemed ready to leave. The masked attacker returning of one his blades into the holster on his back, whilst keeping the other just removed from my body in hand as he went to disappear into the dark abyss of the deeper parts of the alleyway. However, my stubbornness proved stronger than any pain in the end. Through gritted teeth, I dug my hands into the blood-stained concrete floor beneath me and forcefully pushed myself to my knees.
(Y/n): "WAIT! I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU!"
Stain: "But I'm done with you..."
The thunder in my voice was abruptly silenced just like that. The anger and rage that seeped onto my face was swallowed by the wind as I looked up at the merciless expression of Stain, as he growled his anger towards me.
Stain: "I've left you with your life. But don't take that as anything more than me seeing potential in you. You weren't worthy to kill me today, but perhaps you will in the future. Until then...You're nothing. After all...I didn't even use my Quirk on you. So how could you even believe that you still had a chance?"
Despite that last bit of information seemingly being common knowledge, when I heard such, my eyes widened in shock. I hadn't even thought about Stain's Quirk, and the fact I was defeated when Stain hadn't even used it made my mind seep further into the suffering and sorrow that had already swallowed my spirit. But just to prove his point, and to make sure I wouldn't waste any more of his time, Stain decided to give me a taste of what massacre could have happened if he decided to use his Quirk. And that's exactly what Stain did. For as his eyes remained locked onto mine, the masked villain slowly proceeded to bring his only free blade up towards his mouth.
The trails of blood that drenched it were enough foresight for me to witness clear as day as Stain extended his long tongue out into the air to run it along a part of the blade that had my blood on it. Instantly after, as if not a single second had passed, a spark of vibrant energy surged through my body. It was like I was getting attacked from the inside of my body, and the experience was not good. But instead of hurting me for much longer, it just left me without any energy. Like, literally. All sources of energy that ran through my body to help it function had all been blocked, seemingly. So much so that abruptly, without warning, my arms that had previously been holding me up on my hands and knees, gave out. My face planted itself into the solid ground.
My arms, chest, and knees followed seconds later. The worst of it all, I couldn't even move my head to watch as Stain disappeared into the night. All I could do was just lay there, in a pool of my own blood, and contemplate the sorrow and pain I felt inside. But it wasn't the physical kind. But the mental kind. I had lost. I had failed. I...I was afraid. I could die right now. The amount of blood exiting my body definitely wasn't healthy. I knew Stain's quirk was at play, but the distinct lack of feeling in my legs and other parts of my body terrified me. Right now, I didn't know if I'd see my friends again! My Mom! All Might!
There was no certainty. It was like everything up to this point had been a game to me. But now...Now it felt so real, and scary. Because even after everything I had been through in life, I was unable to stop myself from being scared shitless. I was so scared to the point I couldn't help but cry. An emotion I hadn't done a lot since my childhood. I always felt as if I didn't deserve to cry. But now, my entire spirit, everything, had given up. All the while, I was left knowing I failed Izuku, and the people of this city. Stain was still free. And he was going to hurt more people. I knew that. Yet, what could he do right now except cry...and take in the defeat that he had just been given? All I could do was cry, over and over, as I repeated one word.
"...Dammit..."
"...Dammit..."
"...Dammit..."
"...Dammit."
The final thing that came from my mouth before everything went black. For the second time in ten minutes, I thought I died. But it seemed God had other plans for me...
[3rd Person POV]
A few days later, the shine bright. It seemed to be like none of the events that took place that night had actually happened. But in reality, it was just a mirror reflection of what people wanted to see the world as. They wanted it to be a bright paradise filled with happiness and joy, and that image was pressed further into the minds of everyone by the heroes that save the day. But for (Y/n), right now, he knew the truth about this world. It had been this way since he had witnessed his brother's death.
The world was not a happy place, and heroes weren't here to make it that way. They were here to make it seem that way. But (Y/n) had wanted to make that image of a perfect world into a reality, and in doing so, he'd have to stop every last villain once and for all. But right now, he found himself lying in a hospital bed. There, his heavily bandaged body lay in a hospital bed. Immediately, his mind ran at a thousand seconds with a million thoughts. But they came to rest when he saw his sleeping mother resting in a chair by his bedside.
Going off the look and smell in the room, she hadn't been home since he first arrived at the place. About thirty minutes later Inko woke up to the sight of her only son being awake, looking at her with a soft smile. Without hesitation, she pulled him into a hug. However, she had to relent quickly when a sharp groan of pain escaped (Y/n)'s mouth. It was only after a few minutes of hearing his Mother cry and giving her thanks for seeing her son alive, was (Y/n) able to finally speak his thoughts.
(Y/n): "...How long was I out for?"
Inko: [Trying to smile] "A few days. You're in Shinkensan hospital. The doctors here have been taking good care of you..." [Chuckles nervously] "...I made sure they did."
(Y/n) couldn't help but softly smile to himself upon hearing that. But it only made his mind question how terrified she was upon first seeing him busted up and bleeding to death. Going off the amount of endless bandages on his body, there was probably a lot more blood lost than he first thought.
(Y/n): "How did I get here? The...The last thing I remember was lying on the ground. I-I thought I was..." [Sighs] "Nevermind..."
Inko: "It was a miracle. Apparently, a couple on a date found your body. (Y/n), you were bleeding so much. When I saw your body, I...I thought..."
Tears quickly began to build up in Inko's eyes. She didn't have to say anything for (Y/n) to understand what she was getting at. In the end, he couldn't hug her to soothe her pain, so he simply reached out and gently took her hand into his own.
(Y/n): "I'm sorry, Mom..."
Inko: [Concerned] "(Y/n), what happened? Who did this to you? I haven't been able to know anything! I asked that Mirko lady you had been interning under and--"
(Y/n): "Wait. Mirko knows I was here?" [Thoughts] "Great. I wonder what remarks I'm gonna get when I see her next. Probably gonna be called 'Rookie' again."
Inko: "She happened to go searching for you when you didn't return from getting dinner. So when she couldn't find you, she began going around the city looking for you. It's only thanks to the fact that you were interning under her that the hospital called to inform her of what happened."
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "Mirko...Did all that...for me?"
Inko: "She was here when we got here, but she was just standing outside of the room. I think I startled her when I said hello. She seemed really nervous to talk to me. She was blushing and everything."
(Y/n): [Thoughts] "Blushing? Mirko?"
Inko: "She seemed so nervous to speak with me, eventually too much to the point she decided to leave. I asked if she wanted to come in and see you, but she said she'd 'Come for you' another time."
(Y/n): "Oh..."
Inko: [Smiles softly] "Poor thing...She must feel so guilty about all this. I don't blame her for any of this." [Looks at you] "But (Y/n)...I do blame whoever did this to you. Who...Who did do this to you?"
The look on Inko's face at this moment was a perfect mix of sadness and anger. It left (Y/n) wondering what to say. He didn't want to worry his Mom, so he skimmed the truth slightly.
(Y/n): "Some villain... He, uh, he got the jump on me...I wasn't strong enough to beat him."
Inko: "(Y/n), don't...don't you think that maybe being a hero is...is too much for you to handle?"
(Y/n): "What? No! I...I can't just give up."
Inko: "But aren't you scared? Because I am!"
(Y/n): "I..." [Sighs] "...Of course, I'm scared, Mom. I thought I was going to die... But Izuku was scared that night as well."
Inko: "(Y/n), I..." [Tries not to cry] "...I don't think this is the right time to talk about your brother."
(Y/n): "I'm sorry, Mom, but I have to. That night, I saw better than anyone else, just how scared Izuku was. But he didn't let it hold him back from being a hero. So I can't let it hold me back."
Inko: "But you can be a hero in another way. You can help people some other way. You don't have to put on a mask to be a hero, (Y/n)..."
(Y/n): "...But it's the heroes with the masks that bring people hope."
The response from her son was enough to silence Inko. As for (Y/n), he was unsure about what to say at first. But then he realized he shouldn't over-think things. He should just say what felt natural. So...He did.
(Y/n): "That night when Izuku died, I... I hoped that a hero would come to save the day. As he faced off with that monster, I hoped...I prayed...that someone who come crashing through the roof to get better him and the evil of this world. But no one came...and I watched my little brother die."
Inko: "(Y/n)..."
(Y/n): "That was the day I realized that there were heroes in this world who wouldn't always be there for those who couldn't protect themselves. But me...I could change that. I could be the person who saves the day when all hope seems lost. When others fall, I'd keep getting up. When you come face to face with a monster...I'd be the one to come between it and those who were scared. I...I don't want to just do this, Mom...I need to do this. I need to make things right. I need... I need people to know that the world isn't as dark as it seems. And to do that... I need the mask..."
Though some may disagree with some of what (Y/n) had said at that moment, it was what (Y/n) believed, and Inko knew that there was nothing she could do to change it. She didn't want her son to be a hero. She knew as much ever since she lost Izuku. She had already lost one son, she didn't want to lose another. But she knew she couldn't be angry at her son who was being so selfless right now. He had almost died, and he was still thinking about other people. It was that matter alone that Inko was able to smile.
Inko: "...You and Izuku always seemed to believe in the impossible."
(Y/n): "Huh?"
Inko: [Smiles to herself] "Whether it be Izuku getting a Quirk; or you with wanting to help make the world better. You've always believed, no matter what. And honestly...I'm jealous of you both in that matter. I can see why so many people came to visit you now..."
(Y/n): "...Huh?"
Once more the sound escaped (Y/n)'s lips as he looked at his Mother, but she could only smile and laugh. From this moment onward, Inko proceeded to tell (Y/n) about all the people that had come to visit him whilst he was unconscious. Everyone, from the likes of most Class 1-A students to Aizawa, the U.A. Principal, heck, even All Might showed up! Inko couldn't believe the last one. But the moment that brought her to tears was when she mentioned the first people who showed up to see him.
Inko: "...But out of everyone who came to see you, the one I recall myself thinking about the most is when Bakugo and a girl with brown hair came to visit you."
(Y/n): "...Brown hair...Uraraka? S-She...She came to see me?"
Inko: "Of course, she did. She's your girlfriend, right?" [Smiles softly] "Though, I must admit, whilst it was under bad circumstances, it was really nice to meet her, (Y/n). She's a very sweet girl who cares about you so much. Both her and Bakugo do. I could tell that with ease." [Chuckles]
"There was so many tears..."
(Y/n): "Uraraka cried?"
Inko: "No, Bakugo." [Smiles to herself] "The poor boy could barely handle seeing his best friend hurt. Uraraka and I had to comfort him for the entire time he was here just so he wouldn't get teary-eyed while looking at you. Though I didn't mind, it only confirmed to me that you've truly found a great place to be, (Y/n)..." [Looks at you] "...That's why I won't stop you from being a hero... Especially one with a mask."
The smile in which Inko and (Y/n) shared at that moment was one neither one would forget for the rest of their lives. It was from this moment on that (Y/n) and Inko moved on from the sorrow, and focused on the fun parts of life. Though, Inko did bring up that she forgot to mention the fact that another person had come to visit (Y/n) whilst he was unconscious.
Inko: "Oh! I almost forgot, there was one another person who came to visit you. A teacher from U.A..."
(Y/n): "A teacher? Who?"
Inko: "Hmm...Well, I didn't catch her name. But she was quite funny. She was acting like a school girl waiting outside in the hallway. She was walking back and forth like a lovestruck teen. I honestly don't understand why. Let me think, she had bla--"
(Y/n): "--That's Midnight."
Inko: "Oh...Is that her name?" [Smiles] "Well, she was very nice. Very respectful young lady."
(Y/n): "Oh, I'm sure she was to you..."
Inko: "What do you mean?"
(Y/n): "...Nothing...Nothing..."
Inko: "Well, she was very kind and thoughtful. She even offered to look after you whilst I went home to sleep..."
(Y/n): "Good thing you didn't let that happen."
Inko: "--But when I said no, she instead went home and made me food. She even brought me a flask of coffee so I could remain awake."
(Y/n): "Wait. What? She...She did that?"
Inko: [Chuckles] "She even yelled at some of the doctors to bring me a portable bed to sleep in, and to let me use the shower whenever I needed to. I tried calming her down, but she rather set on making a good first impression with me."
Instantly the image of an angry Midnight behind held back by his Mother whilst the female teacher yelled off at scared doctors in the distance came to (Y/n)'s mind, and honestly, he couldn't help but smile at the thought. Midnight really went through a lot of effort to help make sure his Mother was okay. He'd be sure to thank her for it when he sees her next at U.A.. But that would have to wait for another day, he was going back to U.A. just yet. He still had a Hero Killer to hunt down.
But now (Y/n) knew he wasn't strong enough to beat Stain. He needed to get stronger. He needed to stop being selfish and listen to those who wanted to help him. That's why, as midday rolled around a few days later, (Y/n) found himself standing at the entrance of Gran Torino's home. As he stood there, with his hand hovering from the closed door, he remembered to the first time he stood here. And after everything that had now happened, he wished that he had treated the old man better. Well, now he was looking for a second chance.
Knock!
Knock!
Knock!
The sound echoed three times. As the final one rang out, (Y/n) wondered if Gran Torino would even answer the door. What would he do if he didn't? He needed the retired heroes help if he wanted to defeat Stain. He couldn't just leave without seeing Gran Torino, if he didn't, he wouldn't know what he could do. Sure, he could go see Mirko. But a part of (Y/n) told him she wasn't the right hero for this situation. So, he stuck to his gut, and found himself standing at the entrance of Gran Torino's home. By this point, a few seconds had passed by with no answer at the door. (Y/n) was preparing himself to knock once more, when the door abruptly opened. Instantly his eyes lowered as the face of Gran Torino appeared in view.
Gran Torino: "I already told you kids, I don't want anymore cooki--" [Sees you] "Oh, it's you. I heard you got hurt. What are you doing here? The hospitals that way."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Gran Torino went to shut his door. However, he was stopped by the single hand belonging to (Y/n).
(Y/n): "Wait! Sir! Please... I'm here to say sorry--"
Gran Torino: "And?"
(Y/n): "And..." [Sighs] "...To say I need your help. Yes, I got hurt. But it's who I got hurt by that--"
Gran Torino: "--It was that Hero Killer...Stain, isn't it?"
(Y/n): "Wha--What?! How'd you know about him--"
Gran Torino: "I'm old! I watch TV all day and play bingo! So, of course, I saw it on the news! Point is, why are you here? Wanna get hurt again..."
The tone in his voice immediately reminded me of an annoyed girlfriend. Except Gran Torino was old...and not a girl. Nevertheless, (Y/n) pushed on.
(Y/n): "I want to stop him. I want to make sure he'll hurt no one else."
Gran Torino: "What? You?! You can't even hold this door properly!"
A simple look at his hand holding the aforementioned door was all it took to see (Y/n)'s left hand was twitching slightly.
Gran Torino: "You don't need another fight, Kid. You need to heal."
Again, Gran Torino went to close the door on (Y/n). Again, he stopped it.
(Y/n): "Fuck healing! Look...I know I was crap to you. I didn't follow your instructions properly, and I know you know that. But really, I need your help. I wasn't fast enough with my Quirk, and I was so focused on trying to beat him with it that I didn't even think about One For All." [Sighs] "You were right... I have been disrespecting it."
Gran Torino: "Well, at least you know that much!"
(Y/n): "...I'm stubborn. I know that. I...I always thought little of One For All because I never asked for it in the first place. But All Might gave it to me because he believed in me...and...and I know my brother would want me to use it properly. For him."
Gran Torino: "Brother?"
(Y/n): "...So...Please..." [Suddenly bows] "PLEASE TEACH ME EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT ONE FOR ALL! PLEASE!"
The sight of it all was enough to shock Gran Torino. The image of (Y/n) bowing his head as far to the ground whilst still being able to keep his hands to his side was something he never thought he'd see. Yet, here it was. As for (Y/n), he would keep his head bowed for as long as he needed to, if only Gran Torino would teach him again. (Y/n) knew his past mistakes and wanted to rectify them. There were strong people out in the world, and he'd need every bit of power he could get to help him defeat those people, and keep his promise to Izuku. But as time passed by, with no response from Gran Torino, (Y/n) feared that perhaps it was too late. And as soon as he thought that, he felt all hope in his gut sink to the bottom. That was until...
Gran Torino: "Pick up your damn head. And get inside! I can't teach you shit with you just standing there..."
(Y/n): "H-Huh?"
Upon lifting his head, (Y/n) was greeted by the sight of Gran Torino no longer standing at the door, though it was still left open. It was due to this that he was able to see the retired hero walking away towards his kitchen, though, clearly inviting him inside. It was as soon as (Y/n) registered all this that he immediately smiled, picked up his head, and raced into the home of Gran Torino. But unlike the first time he did so. This time around, he'd listen to every single word and command given to him. Because if he didn't...Then he'd never be able to beat Stain.
[And! There! We! Have! It! I don't know about you guys...But writing this chapter made me feel as if this book has kicked it back into action. There was a lot of emotion in this chapter, and a lot of things at stake. PLUS THE READER ACTUALLY LOST! I know it's not often seen in books like this, especially to quite a defeat. But I felt it was natural, and needed, to showcase what can happen. And now...Ohhhh boy...What happened in this chapter is gonna really make for a BADASS REMATCH with Stain! I can't wait for you all to see it! It's also with this chapter that we near the end of this ARC. There'll probably only three or four chapters left, with the fourth being an epilogue of the arc in a way. So I hope you're excited, and if you are, feel free to show such by pressing that vote button and leaving your thoughts in the comments. Because we're here to stay people! ANTI-HERO JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!!!]