once forgotten, twice removed

chapter 1

The battle raged around them.

All Might was no stranger to death and even less of a stranger to villains, but watching as the fire curled and spread around Kamino was a devastating blow. The screams of those that were trapped in the rubble echoed around the once bright and cheerful city. Now, homes were reduced to ash and the buildings collapsing as heroes worked desperately against the clock. Bakugo had been rescued and his students ushered to safety, but at a price.

Gran Torino stood by his side, watching the carnage with sad eyes. This battle had caused too much harm for too many people. Their resources were running out. They didn't have much time left. If it continued to way that it currently was then—

The wound that had decimated his body five years ago ached. He thought he was going to die then, too, but that was before he had passed on his quirk.

That was before he lost the majority of his power.

In the center of all the chaos All Might could only make out two figures. Against the ash and the smoke and the fire, they stood bright. They chattered, as if the city wasn't burning, as if people weren't dying. That without a face and that with a terrifying smile.

All Might had a history with All for One. Midorishi Izuku, however, was a new player.

He had first appeared at USJ to attack Aizawa's students. He'd left his mark when he tore the building down with enormous destructive power. His ability to carry out a plan was horrifyingly fantastic. There had been injuries, but no one died that day.

It was a very near thing.

They didn't know much about him. They knew he had a destructive quirk—or quirks, if his close relationship to All for One was anything to go by. He had green hair, he liked to carry around as many weapons as he could fit on his person. They knew that he was charismatic and well liked within villain groups. They knew he was smart, they knew he was fast and they knew he was young. No older than All Might's first year students in UA.

Much too young to have that sort of smile. To have those sorts of eyes.

All Might may have saved Shimura Tenko, but even he knew it was too late to save Midorishi Izuku. All for One corrupted everything he touched. That boy was no exception.

All for One stepped forward. Midorishi stuck out his hand and said, "Let me, Sensei."

All for One gestured for Midorishi to walk forward. He does so with no hesitation, teeth bared in what resembled a grin. His loose fitting clothing covered in flecks of dirt and blood. His eyes glowed green in the evening light. He might have been two heads shorter than All for One, but his presence was still the same. These were people who thrived on the death and destruction of the innocent.

"It would be easier for all of us if you just die, All Might," Midorishi said. His tone was light and joking but his words were anything but.

"If I die," All Might said and paused. His body might be weak, but he was not done yet. Not while there are still people behind him and innocents to be saved. "If I die, then this city does as well."

"Yeah, that's kind of the point," Midorishi said. There's a playful frown—almost a pout on his lips.

"THEN I WILL NOT LET THAT HAPPEN!" All Might roared and he lunged forward. They clash with such force that it sent a shockwave through Kamino. People screamed and cried and begged as they and their homes were blown away by the sheer force of their power.

All Might could only think of pain.

It attacked his body with devastating force. Creeping up his arm and spreading throughout his limbs. Everything hurt. He couldn't breathe. For a moment, just a moment, All Might thought that this truly might be his last battle. He closed his eyes as he listened to Midorishi laugh and tried to think of better times.