Fractured Wings

The air was thick with the scent of ash and decay. The streets were eerily quiet, the usual hum of life replaced by the occasional crack of broken structures and the distant caw of crows circling above. Buildings stood like skeletal remains, their walls cracked and blackened, windows shattered into jagged teeth. The ground was littered with debris. It was a graveyard of progress. 

I walked slowly, my hands in my pockets, my eyes scanning the desolation. The destruction here was different from what I'd seen in Deika. There, the damage was calculated, a controlled burn meant to pave the way for something new. Here, it was just a big mess. 

Miku walked behind me, her stingray-like wings folded neatly against her back. Her expression was unreadable, her sharp eyes taking in the devastation with a detached curiosity. She didn't speak much, but her presence was a constant reminder of why we were here. 

Destro had sent us to assess the city, to gauge the people's discontent and see if this could be fertile ground for the Meta Liberation Army's ideology. It was a smart move. Desperation bred loyalty, and loyalty was what Destro needed if he was going to reshape society. 

But as I walked, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The destruction here didn't match what the people blamed it on. They blamed Proxy, which couldn't be possible, well it could, but he did most things in game, so why were the people here putting blame to him? 

I stopped in front of a collapsed building, its facade reduced to rubble. A faded sign hung crookedly from what remained of the entrance, the words "Community Center" barely legible. I crouched down, picking up a piece of broken glass and turning it over in my hand. The edges were sharp, glinting in the pale sunlight. I tossed it aside, the sound of it clattering against the ground echoing through the empty street. 

"They blame Proxy for this?" I said, my voice was low, I didn't expect an answer. 

Miku glanced at me, her expression unchanging. "Does it matter?" she asked. "People will blame him for whatever they can for now. Its easier than finding a truth, that's for the people of the future." 

"The truth?" I stood, brushing the dust from my hands. "And what's that?" 

"That the world is broken," she said simply. "And no one knows how to fix it." 

I didn't respond, my gaze drifting back to the ruins... She lied. 

Miku lied to me just now. She was a good liar but she had no reason to feel bad for lying to me I guess. Her sharp eyes would dart around the rubble when she was trying to give me her answer. That made my mind wander. Not just that, but the answer wasn't hard to find... It was Destro. 

Destro had probably calculated an attack on towns and cities that not many heroes frequent, and then when Koku Hanabata took leadership and started stationing more heroes around as well as more relief efforts, then more people would stick out for him if necessary. 

A sound broke the silence—a soft shuffling, like footsteps on gravel. I turned, my eyes narrowing as I scanned the area. A figure emerged from the shadows, a young girl no older than fifteen. Her school uniform was clean, her hair was neat and cut short. She had a neat and pristine look, but her eyes... they looked haunted. 

"Hey," I called out, trying to keep my voice calm. "You okay?" 

She flinched, her eyes widening as she took us in. For a moment, she looked like she might run, but then she hesitated, her gaze flickering between me and Miku. "Who... who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling. 

"Just passing through," I said, taking a step closer. "What happened here?" 

The girl hesitated, her arms wrapping around herself as if to ward off the cold. "You don't know?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. 

"We're not from around here," Miku said, her tone softer than usual. "Tell us." 

The girl looked down, her shoulders slumping. "Its... its been like this for weeks. First, there was that villain, Proxy. First he did something. I don't even know what. But after that, things just kept getting worse. The heroes came, but they couldn't stop it. And then... then there was another attack." 

"What attack?" I asked, my interest piqued. 

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and anger. "A villain was fighting with a hero. They fought, but they just made it worse. The orphanage..." 

"An orphanage?" Miku asked, her brow furrowing. 

The girl nodded, her voice breaking. "Its gone now. The kids... they made it out, but they have nowhere to go. The city's been trying to rebuild, but there's not enough money. They're focusing on the important parts first, they said. But what about us?" 

I didn't respond. Why was she dressed for school? Her school was gone now, maybe it was just some weird sentimental value. 

"Where are the kids now?" Miku asked, her voice gentle. 

The girl shrugged, her eyes filling with tears. "I don't now. I think they were sent to other cities." 

I felt a bit of guilt, or maybe anger. I didn't really know. But it didn't matter. What mattered was the opportunity this presented. Destro planned on making the Meta Liberation Army's influence would grow, first with a rapid burst of intensity and then slowly like this in these parts of cities, that less heroes flocked to. 

That was something for me to stop. First I thought on just taking out Destro, but that would take much more thought, plus I haven't seen how powerful he is with his quirk. Koku, he was a weakling with a weak quirk that does nothing for him personally. 

He has his guards on him at all times but... I could still kill him. I will kill him. 

Then Destro's plans will be disrupted, and the heroes can regroup, even if only for a short amount of time. It would be a risky move. But me being in this situation was risky anyway. 

"Kobe." 

Miku's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to see her staring at me, her expression unreadable. "You've been quiet," she said. "What are you thinking about?" 

"Just thinking about how shitty things are." I responded. 

Miku walked slowly in a circle around me, "Well, we should head back home now. Destro would want to know what we've found." 

I nodded, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. "Yeah," I said quietly. "Lets go." 

Yeah, we're going. There was only a few weeks left now, and then the attack will happen. 

... I wonder when the next time I'll see Gran Torino.

***

The hospital stretched before Aizawa like a sterile, fluorescent-lit tunnel, its walls lined with framed paintings of plain and boring landscapes that did little to mask the underlying tension in the air. The faint hum of machinery and the occasional beep of a monitor echoed through the corridor, a constant reminder of the fragility of life within these walls. 

Aizawa's footsteps were quick and purposeful, his capture weapon swaying slightly with each stride as he navigated the maze of hallways. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one more urgent than the last. 

Bakugou's back. 

The words had been relayed to him in a hurried phone call from Tsukauchi. The mission was a success. Aizawa had barely processed the information before he was out the door, his usual stoic demeanour cracking under the weight of the news. The thought of loosing a student, a student of his dying, it was a constant, gnawing presence in the back of his mind. 

Now, as he approached the private wing of the hospital, his pace quickened. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled his nostrils, mingling with the faint scent of bleach. Nurses and doctors moved briskly past him, their faces masks of professional detachment. Aizawa ignored them, his focus entirely on the room at the end of the hall. 

He pushed open the door without knocking, his sharp eyes immediately scanning the room. Bakugou lay in the bed, his face pale and gaunt, his spiky blonde hair matted and dull. Tubes and wires snaked from his arms to the machines beside him, their rhythmic beeping a stark contrast to the stillness of his body. Aizawa's chest tightened at the sight, but he forced himself to remain composed. 

The room was already occupied. Detective Tsukauchi stood near the window, his arms crossed and his expression grim. A doctor in a white coat was jotting down something on a sheet of paper attached to a clipboard, her brow furrowed in concentration. And then there were Bakugou's parents—Mitsuki and Masaru—standing at the foot of the bed. 

Mitsuki's arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her husband stood beside her, his hands clasped in front of him, his face etched with worry. 

Aizawa stepped further into the room, his presence immediately drawing their attention. Tsukauchi nodded in acknowledgement, while the doctor glanced up briefly before returning to her notes. Mistuki's sharp eyes locked onto Aizawa, and for a moment, he felt an odd unease—a subtle strangeness in her gaze that he couldn't quite place. 

"Aizawa," Tsuauchi said, breaking the silence. "Glad you could make it." 

"I came as soon as I heard." Aizawa replied, his voice low but steady. He moved closer to the bed, his eyes never leaving Bakugou. "How is he?" 

The doctor stepped forward, her expression professional but not unkind. "He's stable," she said, her tone measured. "But he's been through a lot. Severe malnutrition, dehydration and blood loss. With some really big injuries too." 

Aizawa's jaw tightened, but he nodded, urging her to continue. 

"We've treated the most pressing injuries," the doctor continued, flipping through her notes. "There are lacerations on his chest and arms. He also has a... marking on his stomach. It's been treated, but it's clear it will last for some time." 

Mitsuki's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. "Those bastards," she muttered, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "What kind of monsters would do that to a kid?" 

Masaru placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch was gentle. "Mitsuki." he said softly, his voice a calming counterpoint to her fury. He then turned to the doctor. "When will he wake up?" 

"It's hard to say," the doctor admitted. "His body needs time to recover. We've started him on a nutrient drip to address the malnutrition, but it could be days before he regains consciousness. Once he's stable, we'll bring in Recovery Girl to accelerate the healing process." 

Tsukauchi stepped forward, his expression grim. "We're doing what we can to ensure his safety. The League won't get near him again." 

Mitsuki's eyes narrowed, her gaze flickering between Tsukauchi and Aizawa. "You'd better make sure of that." Her tone was sharp and led all eyes to her, she took all attention with stern reproach. "'Cause we all know that no matter what that boy's been through he won't quit trying to become a hero. So, if anything like this does happen again, I'm holding you all responsible." 

Aizawa met her gaze, his expression unreadable There was something in her eyes—something he couldn't quite place. It wasn't just anger or fear. It was... something else. Something darker. He filed it away for later, his focus returned back to his student. 

"He's strong." Aizawa said finally, his voice quiet, more so than he has been before. "Stronger than most. He'll pull through this." 

Masaru nodded, his expression softening. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with quiet gratitude. "For everything you've done for him." 

Aizawa didn't respond, his gaze lingering on Bakugou's still form. The boy looked so... small. It was a stark contrast to the fiery, defiant student he knew. Aizawa's hands clenched at his sides, a surge of anger and guilt washing over him. He should have done more. He should have been there to protect his student. 

Not just for Bakugou. For all of his students. Honestly, if he could, Aizawa would happily have traded positions with Bakugou now, or actually whenever it all started. All the scars on him, the trauma that was inflicted on him, he wishes he could just take it away. 

His students were being subjected through what most modern day heroes haven't even been through. 

It wasn't fair. 

It was gruelling and cruel and... just tiring. 

He wants it all to stop, even if only for a minute. He wants some time where they can all be normal and happy students, chasing their dreams that are only looking bigger and harder to reach as the days go by instead of smaller. 

***

The room was a stark contrast to the chaos of the outside world. Its walls were lined with dark wood panelling, the faint scent of polished mahogany mingling with the sharp tang of freshly brewed coffee. A long, rectangular table dominated the space, its surface gleaming under the soft glow of overheard lights. 

The air was heavy, not just with the heat of Endeavour's simmering flames but with the weight of unspoken truths and impending revelations. 

All Might sat at the table, his massive frame dwarfing his chair beneath him. His signature smile was absent, replaced by a grim expression that spoke of exhaustion and resolve. Beside him, Endeavour leaned back in his seat, his arms crossed and his flames flickering faintly along his shoulders. His impatience was palpable, his sharp eyes darting between the other occupants of the room. 

Gran Torino stood near the end of the table, his small frame belying the immense presence he commanded. His arms were crossed, his expression unreadable as he watched the door. Across from him sat Rika Amamiya, the head of the organization, her posture poised and her gaze sharp. Her presence was commanding, her every movement deliberate and calculated. 

Beside her was Hideaki Kurogami, a man who both heroes recognized as the man whose name had been in the news headlines a lot in the past, speaking poorly on current day heroes. His broad shoulders and imposing stature were at odds with the unease that flickered in his dark eyes. 

The door clicked shut behind them, sealing the room in a tense silence. Endeavour was the first to speak, his voice sharp and impatient. "What's this about? I don't have time for a surprise meeting, even if its with the head of the Hero Commission." 

Rika raised a hand, her voice calm. "This isn't a meeting for the sake of bureaucracy, Endeavour. There are things you need to know—things that will affect how we proceed. And I don't want either of you acting abruptly." 

All Might's brow furrowed, his curiosity piqued. He leaned forward slightly, his hands clasped on the table. "What do you mean?" 

Rika's gaze shifted to Hideaki, her expression unreadable. "Hideaki will explain." 

The bear-like mutant shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his massive hands gripping the edge of the table. He took a deep breath, his voice low and gravelly as he began to speak. "Years ago, I was involved in a project... the Eden Project. It was meant to create the next generation of heroes—individuals that could potentially even surpass All Might. But it... it was wrong. Horribly wrong." 

The room seemed to grow hotter, the air flickering with tension. Endeavour's flames flared slightly, his eyes narrowed. 

Hideaki's gaze dropped to the table, his voice was heavy with regret. He explained what the project was, he explained how they found the children involved with the project and the forms of "education" and training they went through. The two strongest heroes of the nation listened as Hideaki spilled out to them how people like Daigo Kiyoshi was a part of the project, and even Soryu. 

Kobe Arakawa. The same boy running around as a villain, a cunning and intelligence that he may have never even had, not in the way he does now. To hear that he was a product of something so twisted, so depraved... it was almost too much to bear. 

"You... you did something like that?" All Might's voice was low, barely above a whisper, but it carried a weight that made the room feel even smaller. "You took children, molded them into weapons, and then discarded them knowing nothing of where they ended up before it was too late." 

All Might's voice was harsh and oppressive. 

"You could have came out to us sooner about this, we could have done something if you had acted earlier." 

Hideaki flinched, his shoulders slumping under the weight of All Might's words. "I.. I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought I was creating a better future. But I was wrong. And I will spend the rest of my life trying to make amends." 

All Might stood abruptly, his chair scraping harshly against the floor. His towering frame loomed over the table, his blue eyes blazing with fury that made even Endeavour tense. "Amends? You think that would be enough? You think apologizing will undo the damage you've done." 

Gran Torino stepped forward, his voice sharp. "All Might, sit down!" 

For a moment, it seemed like All Might would ignore him. His fist trembled at his sides, his chest heaving with barely contained rage. But then, slowly, he sank back into his seat, his expression dark but controlled. 

Rika's gaze was steady, her voice calm but firm. "We're not here to assign blame. What's done is done. What matters now is how we move forward. Hideaki has agreed to cooperate fully with our investigation. And rest assured, everyone involved in the Eden Project will be dealt with. Hawks is already on it." 

Endeavour's flames flickered, again. "So if we're not here to arrest this man then what?!" 

Both heroes felt like they were at their limits now. 

Gran Torino stepped forward, his expression grim, his small frame radiating a quiet intensity. "That's why we're here. The League is planning a joint attack with the remnant's of Destro. And we've got intel." 

All Might's eyes narrowed, his voice low but steady. "Inter? From who?" 

Gran Torino hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting between All Might and Endeavour. "From Soryu. Kobe Arakawa. He's been feeding us information." 

The room grew warmer, the revelation settled over them like a fog. "You're telling me you're relying on a villain that has only been wronged by people on our side for intel?" 

Gran Torino's voice was firm, cutting through Endeavour's anger. "He's not just a villain. He's a kid who's been put through hell, and he's risking his life to help us. The information he's given us is solid. The League's planning an attack on Hero's Eve. And its worse than we thought." 

All Might's hands clenched into fists, his chest tightening at the mention of Soryu. He was a boy who he had first heard off from his student, a boy that was "missing", but then it was found out he was working with Overhaul, a yakuza boss. 

Only to find out that he was working on his own goal to free a little girl from the mans grasp. Then he was thrown in a game world created by Proxy, he played a grand role in getting everyone out of that. 

Now. Now he is working as an agent getting useful data from a major villain group to help the one's with hero in their title. 

To All Might, he felt that the boy has been doing a better job than he was this past year. 

"How much worse?" he asked. 

Gran Torino's gaze was steady, his words measured but carrying the weight of a storm. "The League isn't working alone. They've allied themselves with remnants of Destro's army. Their numbers are greater than we anticipated, and their resources are vast. This isn't just an attack—its a full-scale war." 

Endeavour slammed his fist on the table, the sound echoing through the room like a thunderclap. "Then why aren't we out there bashing skulls? Why are we wasting time in meetings when we could be stopping them?" 

Gran Torino's voice was sharp, cutting through Endeavour's fury like a blade. "Because the heads of this operation—Shigaraki, Destro and All For One—they're not going to show themselves until they're ready. We can't just charge in." 

The mention of All For One sent a ripple of tension through the room. All Might's expression darkened, his hands trembling slightly as he fought to keep his composure. Endeavour's flames flared, his sharp voice was in disbelief. "All For One? Who the hell is that?" 

Gran Torino's gaze shifted to All Might, his expression unreadable but heavy with meaning. "All For One is the only villain that All Might couldn't beat. He's the most dangerous man alive, and he's the one pulling the strings of the League." 

Endeavour's eyes widened, his flames flickering faintly as the weight of the revelation settled over him. "You're telling me there's a villain out there who could take on All Might and not be known to the public?" 

All Might's voice was low, like he was embarrassed, but he held a simmering anger within him. "He's not just any villain," All Might lifted his shirt, surprising everyone in the room but the elderly man. "this is what he left me with. And ever since then I have been weakened." This was not something he told just anyone. Especially not a man like Hideaki Kurogami, but he needed everything to be as serious as possible from this point on. 

Endeavour's expression darkened as he processed the information. "Then we as part of the top ten need to focus everything we have on taking him down. If he's the head we cut it off." 

All Might shook his head, his voice held a quiet desperation. "No. We can't afford to put all our resources into one target. We need to spread out, cover all corners. This attack needs to have the least amount of casualties possible. There's been too much death and destruction this year. I won't let the end of the year turn into a memorial day." 

His words hung in the air, the weight of their meaning settling over the room like a heavy blanket. Endeavour's flames dimmed slightly, his expression thoughtful but still tense. Gran Torino nodded, his voice steady. "All Might's right. We need to be strategic. And that means bringing in the hero students as well." 

All Might's jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists. He hated the idea of putting his students in danger, but he understood the necessity. They were the future, and they needed to be part of this fight. Still, there wasn't even a confirmed count of who of the hero students would be returning back to the path of heroism, and that alone made his chest ache. 

Rika's gaze shifted to All Might and Gran Torino, her expression serious and unyielding. "There's one more thing. We need you two to go with Hideaki to speak with Kobe Arakawa's mother and sister. They've been left out of this loop long enough. They should know that the correctional facility they sent their son to was nothing of the sort." 

Hideaki's eyes widened, his expression one of surprise and guilt. But he nodded, his voice low and heavy with regret. "I'll do it." 

That feeling of anger simmering within the number one felt like it was about to hit a boiling point, he was trying to forget about that. His brow furrowed as he thought on his next task though. 

"His sister... Yuki Arakawa, Genesis. She's a third year at UA. She's talented. I haven't had much interaction with her though." He was slightly dreading the fact that this would be the first meaningful engagement he had with one of the top third years if not for Mirio. 

Rika's gaze was steady, her voice firm and still kind. "They deserve to know. And Hideaki is the one to tell them." 

The room fell silent, the weight of the task settling over them like a storm cloud. All Might's expression was one quiet resolve, his hands clenched into fists. He would do what needed to be done. For the future. 

The meeting ended. A bitter mix of guilt and determination bubbling up inside him. They as heroes have failed so many. But he doesn't want to fail again. His legacy has been tainted enough. 

A wave of death feels like it was washing over him... but he would have to tell it to stop. His time as the Symbol of Peace is not over yet. And if death is indeed coming... he should go out with a bang.