Stuck Between Realities-Remastered

Part 58~Battle Begins

Mt Lady pulled a face as she held one of the nomus. "Are these gross dudes really alive? I thought we'd be in for a fight, but this was super easy. Maybe we should've left to the police and gone with All Might."

"Difficulty and importance are two very different things, rookie," Best Jeanist scolded. "Riot squad, get the transports ready. There could be more of them. Be on your guard."

"Yes, sir!"

"C'mon, Ragdoll. Wake up for me," Tiger begged as Gang Orca ran over.

"Is that your teammate? She's breathing. That's good."

"Yes, but look at her. What have they done to you, my friend?"

The heroes went quiet as they rushed about.

Then they heard footsteps. "I'm sorry, Tiger. But Ragdoll's Quirk was so useful. I just had to take it. How could I not?"

"Are you with the League?" Gang Orca turned to stare into the darkness as Tiger glanced at the police.

"Somebody get us a light."

"Since my body was mostly destroyed, I haven't been able to stock up on Quirks," the figure continued.

"Stop there. Don't move," Gang Orca ordered.

Best Jeanist turned around as he moved the fabric around the villain, pinning his limbs together.

"Hey! You can't attack like that," Mt Lady shouted. "What if he's just a bystander?!"

"Think about the situation. A moment of hesitation could decide the fight. We can't let these villains try anything."

Best Jeanist tightened the fabric when he suddenly recoiled. A bright light emitted from the figure before the warehouse exploded.

AFO flew into the rubble as he clapped. The heroes were down, unconscious or paralysed in pain. The only one who could even look at him was Best Jeanist. "I see why you're the number four hero, Best Jeanist. That blast should have annihilated the lot of you. But you were able to manipulate everyone's clothing and pull them out of the way just in time. Quick thinking. Consider me impressed."

Best Jeanist pushed himself up with his clothes before shooting at AFO. He couldn't even reach AFO before he blasted past the attack and shot into Best Jeanist's stomach.

"Now I see. Your strength comes from practice and practical experience, not raw power. I don't need your Quirk. It wouldn't pair well with Tomura's disposition."

AFO turned as grey liquid formed in the air, and one by one, each member of the League of Villains appeared.

"Master," Shigaraki greeted.

"So, you've failed once more, Tomura. But you must not be discouraged. You'll try again. That's why I brought your associates back with you. Start over as many times as it takes. I am here to provide you with help. All of this is for you." AFO held out a hand for Shigaraki as Charlie tutted.

"He's lying. I almost feel bad for that hand-man. He doesn't understand he's being used." The UA students turned stiffly, staring at Charlie. "What?"

"How- How can you speak right now," Kirishima stuttered as Charlie shrugged.

Izuku chuckled a little. "We're used to AFO. He's not so scary after the 8th time."

"What do you mean he's lying?" Yaoyorozu hissed quietly as Charlie pulled a face.

"He's told me that before. He never means it. Everything he does is to further himself. There's no saying how he really feels or why he's really looking after Shigaraki."

"We can figure that out later." Izuku paused before he frowned, looking back over his shoulder. "He hasn't noticed us."

"Ah, there you are," AFO noted when All Might dropped out of the sky. AFO caught All Might's punch as the air shook the buildings.

"I'll have you return my student, All For One!"

"Have you come to kill me a second time, All Might?"

The ground shook as the students struggled to stay standing.

"We could get him," Charlie said, trying to move past when Kakashi grabbed her.

"No! The barrier is still in effect. If you walk into those grounds, AFO will know you're here. He'll abandon the fight to get you."

"But we need to get to him," Izuku snapped as Kakashi held up his head.

"I'm not saying we're abandoning him, but this fight is picking up. This area hasn't been evacuated. There are civilians that need our help." Kakashi turned to Emiko. "You're better at search and rescue. Lead the kids about and get as many people out as quickly as you can. Charlie, go with her. Use your Quirk to make sure AFO doesn't see you. I'll get the nomu."

Izuku frowned. "No. It can't be you. AFO knows us; if any of us run in, he'll either believe Charlie is here or use us to get her." Izuku closed his eyes with an annoyed sound. "I know who it needs to be." Izuku looked at Kirishima as he gaped.

"Me?!"

"It needs to be someone AFO won't be suspicious of. He won't be suspicious of you, not after how you acted in the sports festival." Kirishima blinked before he blushed. "Besides, I'm pretty sure you're the only person other than Charlie who can take a direct hit and live."

Kirishima paled at that. "Right. But how exactly are you expecting me to get that Nomu, and what about Bakugo?"

Izuku shared a look with Charlie before he shook his head. "That nomu is Katsuki." The group gasped as Izuku rubbed his eyes. "I'll explain later how we know this, but we need to move fast."

"He's a new form," Charlie started. "His old bain has been locked away, but they've yet to wire the new one."

"He's basically a brain-dead giant," Emiko summed up. "You can just drag him, and he'll follow."

"Everyone move out. Don't do anything stupid. Emiko and I will get people out of the buildings. You stick to the streets. I don't want to have to dig any of you out of the buildings."

The group nodded as they rushed off. Izuku paused, turning to Kirishima. "You'll be okay. Stay low and get Katsuki out."

Kirishima nodded numbly before he turned back to the nomu. He was surrounded by villains, and AFO and All Might were fighting in the background, the shock waves making it hard to even stand. "Right. I got this." Kirishima did not sound convinced as he walked over.