"you have to make it back. you just have to."
( @smcsh / @chrismash )
WORDS PIERCED HIS SUBTLE FLEXOR, reminiscing of a tight knot. His respiratory lugs halted the normalcy of breathing, offering the essence of betrayal — a sudden casualty about to transpire. But alas, a jolt of nerves and sheer resoluteness brought him back to pragmatism. His pattern of respiring resumed to a heavy one; with deep inhalations and exhalations taking place. Exhaustion was consuming his fatigue subsistance, notwithstanding the sculpture of stalwartness remaining towering. He knew — Oh, he knew, that his limit was bound to be reached and resume to the lanky caricature of actuality that he is. ( That is, if he were to remain alive ) In which in that case, that would be an argumentative thing to take into consideration, especially with the circumstance taking place at this moment. That would be both a blessing and a curse for miscellaneous reasons that their analyzation had little importance right now. Other things held uttermost significance.
Ineluctably, he couldn’t help it but tilt his head, as identical nuances of sapphore, constantly being hollowed, would glace at the sight of the youth incarnated; No. —- There was something else. Something beyond imagination and comprehension. It was something that raised the element of unpredictability on a high scale; it was another figure; one that brought a gargantuan amount of familiarity. A recognizable one that appeared to be aetherial, nay. Big and bright blue complexions accompanied with a rose shade dusted upon cheeks, blond and silky strands that were always disarrayed, and of course — a smile. A smile that was very distinctive. A smile that illustrated strength, confidence, determination — as well as concealing pain and vulnerability. A frame depicting a youthful individual that holds aspirations greater than life itself. A young boy that was given nothing yet wishes to offer everything. To be acknowledged as someone important in this world; a symbolic figure. A symbol of peace.
That boy’s name was Toshinori Yagi.
Perhaps this was a monadical way of life showcasing some final moments of his past; a vow to never forget where he came from and what he had underwent through. Or maybe this was an illusion performed by a mastermind to complicate things; a perfect distraction. But in the end, it didn’t truly matter. Perhaps this was for the better; his life is flashing right in front of his eyes. He knew, that he didn't have much time left in his body and soul. Thus, he had to act fast and end this evilness once and for all.
And yet, his enormously built legs refused to move forward. He was standing like an unimpeded obstacle. He was still staring at the sight of his own self during childhood — slowly evaporating like smoke of a cigarette. Or more likely; altering its shape entirely. Taking a different formation in which again — he was very well acquainted with. There was no longer his own quirkless self, but rather, another young individuality. One that he deemed as the one to inherit what he was once given. One that will be recognized as someone meritorious and necessary for this world. One that responds to the name of Izuku Midoriya; an absolute reminiscence of his past self, manifested upon his eyesight. A timid yet brave frame with disheveled evergreen locks, deep green irises, numerable frecknles ornamenting cheeks — but there was no formation of lips in an upward curve; there was no smile plastered upon the youth’s face. Lieu, it was the opposite; divulging a mixture of disheartenment, anguish, sadness and overtly, fear. The fear of losing a meaningful presence like the gallantry personified. The fear of losing the beacon of hope. The fear of losing someone significant. Toshinori knew — and had the same fear; to lose the most important people in his life. Therefore, he shall become a shield to provide protection and would gladly sacrifice his life, if deemed necessary. For the betterment of humanity, he will gladly lay his life down and become a step for the upcoming generation to overcome. And that boy; that particular boy was no exception to this rule.
But before the omnipotence proceeds any further, he had to do one last thing. Henceforth, his feet finally began moving, having the shorter facade at his destination. Moments thereafter he would cease his pattern of walking. Distinguishable canvas unveiled nothing but a customary expression; an undaunted attitude, offering traces of assurance. A vaunted trait of his that he has attained throughout the years. But was that really the case for this situation? Could his so - called everlasting smile of his provide some security and aleviation? A question that seemed rhetorical, almost — with the obvious answer demonstrated upon his view. He knew that words of solace would be meaningless. The current sight was the actualization of a nightmare, for a boy like him. Young Midoriya had to stay strong, and All Might, alongside the one behind such persona known as Toshinori Yagi, had to complete such task. For he is here, in the final moments as the Symbol of Peace. And so, he extended two vigorous arms, consequently encircling the significantly shorter facade, eventually bringing him closer — bringing him into an embrace. With one calloused palm he would pat the boy’s back in a biddable and repetitive manner, providing some relief and comfort; how absurd, considering the situation that is bound to take place. But it was unavoidable, nonetheless. And of course, the silence was about to be eviscerated by his own deep voice.
❛ Though as much as I want to confirm your words, I cannot make false promises either. My own weakness doesn’t allow me to keep such promise. And I am truly sorry for this. I am truly sorry that you had to see this. ❜
His voice halted instantaneously. He has understood the toughness; Pragmatically speaking, there was no easy or convenient route to choose from. He would permit a heavy sigh to eschew subtle lips that had just parted, as he was about to offer continuance of his incoming monologue of a response. De facto, such was the cruelty of reality. Furthermore, he had to be quick — he could sense habitual steam emitting from his enormous existence, indicating his limit to be reached soon.
❛ —- Unfortunately, I have to go. But before I do that, I need to get a few things out of my chest, since my time has come. My time has come and it’s time for someone else to take my spot. And that someone — that person, is you, young Midoriya. You — the timid and kind boy, with a great aspiration in life. You, a boy who dreams of becoming the greatest Hero ever. You, the boy that I deemed worthy of becoming my successor. You, the one that is going to surpass me, eventually. You, Midoriya Izuku. Thanks to you, I now know that I will march forward without any regrets. Thanks to you, I know what my role is. ❜
Another pause, in an attempt for his cerebrum to collect the appropriate words in order to form concise sentences. But laconism was far from being presented here.
❛ Words cannot describe how thankful I am to you. How thankful I am for having you in my life. From the day I encountered you, up to his day. Thanks to you, I was able to gain a new pespective of life. I was able to remember who I used to be and what my role is. You are a great reminiscence of what I used to be, and your actions helped me in reminding who I was and what I wanted to be. Thanks to you, I realized my need to live. You became the reason for me to survive and to live.
I won’t lie — I was expecting for this moment to come. I wish there was a way to prevent all of this, but I know — we both know, that this was about to happen. I cannot deny this any longer. But this is fine.
From the minute I witnessed your courageous act of heroism back then — I knew that choosing you as the one to pass the torch to, was the right choice. I knew in my heart that you were the one to inherit One for All, and become the one that will be celebrated as the greatest Hero, and someone that would extinguish malevolence once and for all. You will become someone important. You already are. To me, my boy.
You see — you’re not just a student of mine that I value wholeheartedly. You are more than that. You are more than just my successor. You are more than just the upcoming holder of this quirk. You are more than a great Hero. You are like a son to me. Like a child of my own. Quite bizarre, right? Even so, I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart. You made me experience things that I considered unimaginable and unachievable. And yet — you made them a reality. You made me experience in a way what fatherhood looks like. Heh — I know this is not the right moment to talk about such things, but better late than never, right? You know,
I’m so proud of you.
You are not perfect, and you don’t have to be perfect. You are such an amazing young man that I feel honored in becoming part in your life. Your existence was truly the greatest gift that I have ever received, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. So thank you, my boy. Thank you for becoming part of my life. Thank you for helping me regain my will to live. And If I have one regret, it would be not being able to see you becoming the greatest Hero ever. But this is for the better. ❜
It took him a moment to realize the salty liquid substance that had morphed in the corner of his eyes, is now strolling through the pores of his face. Another deep exhalation took place, as he mustered enough willpower to separate himself from the youngster, completely. He inclined his head at an opposite direction, as his bulky structure would follow suit — displaying the promptitude of facing the enemy. Illustrating heroism, within a figure bathed in diverse and bright pigments – with navy blue standing at the most prominent one, accompanied with bright red, vivid yellow, and pure white.An apparel depicting an era. Golden Age. An era that is soon going to end. But before he shall charge forward, his voice was about to escape for one last time.
❛ So, change that frown, already. Those who have a smile on their faces are the strongest. And you are strong. Remember those words — not just from a Hero known as All Might, but rather, from an old man named Toshinori Yagi. A bright future awaits you. And it’s up to you to keep it shining. I believe in you. And I’ll be watching you from somewhere else, hopefully. So, It is fine. And you know why?
It’s because you are here. ❜
‘ The torch has been passed on to you. And now it’s my time to lay off my costume and boots, and watch the Hero named Deku, celebrated as the greatest one. The beginning of a new tale. ‘
