The slapping of waves against the yacht was muted, a metronomic mutter setting the atmosphere for the lightning gold horizon flawlessly stitching the sea and the air. Above the sleepy waves stood a small group of about twenty. They varied in appearance, quirks, and even age, but they were one family nonetheless. One family brought together to mourn one of their own. One class banding together to pay their last respects.
None of them were crying. After all, his death was for the greater good. But sadness was still harboured on each and every one of their faces, regardless of whether they were close to him when he was still alive.
Ironically, Felix Pagonis’ body was found just outside U.A. High, drained completely of his life essence. Izuku was the first to find his body after seeing it fall from the sky, and the heroes quickly took over afterwards.
Fortunately, Aizawa and All Might had enough pull to convince the Hero Public Safety Commission to allow a sea burial for their deceased student. They agreed, mainly after Aizawa convinced them that it was to prevent people from getting any ideas about using Felix’s body for their own gain. Of course, the real reason was so that Class 1A could send their friend off for the last time.
Izuku whispered a silent prayer of condolences as his friend’s body disappeared beneath the water surface forever. The class slowly dispersed themselves after thanking Aizawa once again for this favour.
“All Might, Sir.” He walked up to them as the yacht motor whirred to life once again. “I’m sorry to have doubted the pro heroes’ chosen course of action. Being a hero means making the hardest and most painful choices.”
“No, Young Midoriya. It is we who should apologise,” All Might replied solemnly. “Heroes have so much room for improvement. We have been too preoccupied with enacting justice to consider whether we are truly doing the right thing.”
“Heroes breed villains, that is the simple truth.” Nighteye adjusted his glasses as his eyes shimmered briefly. “As long as people aren’t free to live the way they want, this war will never end.”
“Indeed.” Aizawa nodded. “It’s time we heroes acknowledge the problems of hero society highlighted so clearly by Pagonis and the villains. The journey will be long and arduous, but I believe the day will come when justice no longer needs to be enforced in our society.”
“One burden for all,” All Might said, smiling warmly at his protégé.
“All efforts for one cause.” Izuku nodded firmly.
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The young hero gazed at the horizon once more in reflection. The League Of Villains was still at large, but a renewed sense of optimism stirred from within him. To save every suffering person, even if they are villains; to fight this long and relentless battle against the root of evil with a smile on his face…
That’s what it means to be the greatest hero.
~ ~ ~
Metal creaked as a long shadow stepped into view. The man’s steps, placed carefully one after another, echoed around the empty house. He took off his spectacles, grinning maniacally at the three men lounging on some empty crates.
“Mission success?” Shigaraki walked towards Sir Nighteye, who was still admiring a huge vial of red.
“Of course,” Nighteye replied giddily as his spectacles began to dissolve into his face. He put the vial to his mouth and took a small sip.
The League Of Villains watched on eagerly as Nighteye’s face began to morph. Brown hair sprouted in place of his black ones, and a light purple cape rolled from the nape of his neck, nearly sweeping the musty floor.
“Well done, Toga!” Compress clapped his hands eagerly. “Or should I call you Felix Pagonis?”
“Those heroes never saw it coming,” Toga said, grinning back at them with Felix’s face. “I drained almost every drop of Senpai’s blood into this container. It’s almost as if he’s back at our side now.”
Spinner handed a small glass of wine to his allies.
“Let’s raise a glass to our fallen comrades. May their sacrifices never be in vain.” Compress was the first to raise his wine. “To Sentinel, Dabi, Twice, and Magne.”
Spinner raised his glass next. “And to the four of us.”
“To the hope that tomorrow, there will be more of us.” Toga raised her glass.
“And to the demise of the hero society.” Shigaraki clanged his cup against the other three glasses of wine.
The League Of Villains downed their drinks, before taking a minute of silence to collect themselves.
“Back to business,” Shigaraki said, glancing at Toga. “You’re wearing his face, but we’re still missing the most important part.”
Toga chuckled softly.
“I love him, Tomura.” She looked at all of them. “I love all of you. We’re not missing anything at all.”
“Good.” Shigaraki sat back down on the crates. “Once we head back to our headquarters, let’s take some time to reflect. The heroes may have their guard down now, but we need to recuperate our strength as well. The destruction of this society is inevitable.”
“Just say the word, leader. We’ll follow you.” Toga smirked as pink flickered in her eyes. She flicked her hand casually.
And the doors slammed shut.
THE END