Lost in the Fog

Final Embers of Hope

Izuku stood in Nezu's office, having moved all of the furniture out of the way. Looking out at the battle, he watched as the forces of mankind were slowly pushed back to UA, ever so slowly. It was good that he told them to defend the most fortified structure in Japan, because he'd need the time. If this works... Humanity will be saved. Closing his eyes, Izuku concentrated on what he needed, having the 8 glyphs hover before him. They swirled and circled around the Auris, glowing their unique colors... and so he began to forge the future he wished to see. Free from the Entity, free for good.

Inko was forced to follow this woman, more or less dragged behind her. Forced to watch the one who proclaimed she would kill her in front of her own son, all to prove a point. Everyone under her command was so respectful, less of a queen, but of a goddess. Soon, she was at a vantage point, and her underlings brought her another man. She was surprised to recognize him as Rikiya Yotsubashi, head of Deternat. He was being dragged over by... Bakugo Katsuki?! What was going on here?

He reported smugly. "This is the leader of the resistance in this city. They knew we were coming ahead of time, which doesn't surprise me since his underling was teaching at UA not too long ago."

She smiled, and thanked the blond, "Thank you Katsuki. You can go."

He nodded, before noticing Inko there. His gaze changed from harsh and violent to nervous, and then to acceptance. He didn't have anything to do with her current situation, and she could forgive him for that. But she just didn't understand why he went along with this... this monster. Either way, her attention still remained with the woman and the CEO. "So, you are the famous Re-Destro. Inheritor of the MLA. What to do with you, hm?"

She seemed to peer beyond his friendly exterior. Inko was confused, MLA? That anti quirkless movement, but...

Seeming to read her thoughts, the woman said, "Oh, you didn't know? His mind is so easy to read... it's his funding that made the equality bills fail in your country. It's his pushing that made it so much harder for the quirkless, like your son Izuku. Does that make you angry? Do you want him to suffer for what he made your son go through?"

Her smile was unnerving. It wanted her to become... enraged? For Izuku? Something didn't add up. But her opinion of the man dropped by a lot.

He looked at Inko, as if thinking she could save him. They were both prisoners, but he was calm and said, "Look, your son has nothing to do with what I wish to achieve. I just want freedom. For all Meta ability users."

She shook her head, not wanting to listen to any weasel words the CEO was likely to say. "It doesn't matter. Izuku is the only one who can fight against this... evil woman. It's why they took me. I'm a prisoner just like you. And people should just treat everyone on their character. And yours... yours is vile."

"Ah, so... his life holds no value?" The woman asked, circling her, "because of his beliefs?"

"It's not that simple!" Inko said. She didn't think anyone deserved to die. It wasn't in her nature... but he hurt Izuku. He had to pay.

Sensing her inner conflict, the eldrich woman grinned, "Which is it? Is he worth sparing? Or..." She leaned down, whispering into her ear, "...does the pain he caused outweigh his value as CEO of Derternat?"