My Sky Knight Academia - Volume II (Storm Hawks AU)

Chapter Four - Hope

As days passed, the Cyclonians continue to besieged Terra Musutafu. Terra Musutafu was one of the few Terras in Atmos that has yet to fall under the might of the Cyclonian Empire. But as the Sky Knights defended Terra Musutafu, Shigaraki under the guidance of All For One coordinated the Cyclonian assault of the Terra with the intention of luring All Might into the open. At the same time, All For One had set his plan in motion. As all this happened, the Sky Knights continued to fight against the Cyclonian invasion. At one of the Sky Knight bases in the dead of night, the Emerald Sentinels along with the Ground Zeroes and the Noble Nightingales rested in preparation for the battle to come. Midoriya found himself unable to sleep as he became restless. Not since the mission to rescue Kirishima and Kaminari from the Shadow Collective. As Midoriya got up, he walked outside the base to collect his thoughts. He saw All Might standing outside.

Midoriya: All Might?

All Might: COULDN'T SLEEP EITHER, MIDORIYA?

Midoriya: Y...yes.

As Midoriya said that, both All Might and Midoriya looked to the horizon. They could see several buildings on fire as Cyclonian warships continuously fired on the Terra. Midoriya's thoughts soon fell on his mother. 

Midoriya: Do you think my Mom is....

All Might: She was evacuated to the nearest shelter, young Midoriya. She is fine.

As All Might said this, Midoriya was surprised at All Might's tone. This calm and collected tone was unusual compared to the loud and boisterous booming voice he usually spoke in. 

Midoriya: Do you...do you think we can win this fight? 

All Might: It's hard to say, young Midoriya. In all my years of fighting the Cyclonians, I've never seen them fight this way before. They've never launched an attack of this scale before. Whatever Master Cyclonis has acquired, it has given her a considerable advantage over us in this fight. 

Midoriya: Are you scared?

All Might: I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. To be honest, I'm just as scared as anybody else. In fact, I'm terrified. As the Symbol Of Peace, it's my job to inspire hope to the people of not just Terra Musutafu, but to all of Atmos. All eyes are on Terra Musutafu. Master Cyclonis understands that taking Terra Musutafu could aid her in this war. She understands how significant this Terra is simply because it is the home Terra to the Symbol Of Peace. 

As All Might opened up to his protégé, Midoriya was taken aback by this. He had never seen All Might like this. He was so used to seeing All Might as the Sky Knight with no fear who always fought with a smile on his face. 

All Might: I know this must be odd to hear from the Symbol Of Peace, young Midoriya. But don't mistake my words for anything. I might fear what comes next, but I will face it nonetheless. If you feel yourself hitting up against your limit remember for what cause you clench your fists...remember why you started down this path, and let that memory carry you beyond your limit. 

As All Might said that, Midoriya couldn't help but tear up as his hero and mentor placed his hand on his shoulder. 

All Might: You are not just an aspiring Sky Knight following in my footsteps. You are on your own path toward greatness. As your teacher, I must walk beside you. This fight is not just your fight or even mine. This fight belongs to the people of Atmos who chose to take a stand against evil. You Sky Knights like you are the future of Atmos. When the time comes for me to step down, you shall become Atmos's new Symbol Of Peace. 

Midoriya was shocked to hear this. In his brief time as a Sky Knight, he never truly thought that he could live up to what All Might was. To hear that All Might would entrust that responsibility onto Midoriya nearly overwhelmed him. 

All Might: When there's nothing to be gained, rising to the challenge at those times... is surely the mark...of a true hero! A true Sky Knight! 

Midoriya: I....I won't let you down, All Might! I'll give it everything I have! 

All Might: That's the spirit, young Midoriya! Now we should both rest. We will need all our strength if we are to drive the Cyclonians from our Terra. 

With that, All Might and Midoriya went back inside the base to rest for the coming battle. Meanwhile on the bridge of the Reaper, Shigaraki watched impatiently as the Cyclonians continue to bombard Terra Musutafu. 

Shigaraki: This is getting boring. I want this Terra turned to glass. 

All For One: Not yet, Tomura Shigaraki. If we destroy Terra Musutafu now, then you will not be able to exact your revenge on All Might. 

Shigaraki: I've waited long enough. All Might will die.

All For One: To kill him now would not be a suitable punishment for all that All Might has done to you. You want All Might to suffer. To make him suffer, you must take all that is precious to him. Break him and you will show all of Atmos just how meaningless this Symbol Of Peace is. Be patient, Tomura Shigaraki. You will have your revenge in due time. 

With that, Shigaraki followed All For One's orders for the time being. As for All For One, he waited until he saw the opportunity to strike, knowing All Might would eventually come out into the open. And when he did, All For One would strike with the intention of ending the Symbol Of Peace once and for all.