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The room was still tense with anticipation. All eyes were on Rena, looking for what they should do next. Versa had also manifested in her Astral form next to her but was still unsure what to do. Rena sat back down, lost in thought. She was trying to decide what their next move should be. Sy was usually the one to make those decisions, but she wasn’t here, so it was all on Rena’s shoulders now.
She felt a hand rest on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Hawks smiling at her. It was a real smile, not his fake hero smile. He was quietly telling her, “You’ve got this.” She returned the smile and let out a deep breath.
“Can you bring him back in? I want to ask him some questions,” Rena said to Hawks, who happily obliged and sent some of his feathers to bring Ryker back in. Muffled complaints could be heard as he was rolled back into the room.
The energy in the room darkened as no one was particularly happy to have this man back in their presence. Hawks wheeled him to the front of the room and stood behind him. Ryker looked around and just scoffed, annoyed at his predicament.
“Well, what are you going to do to me now? Your doctor still has one of my vital organs, so I’m completely at your mercy,” he snarled.
“Wait, what?” Rena asked, slightly shocked, looking up towards Law, who was happily smirking. He held up his hand, displaying a transparent cube with a heart inside. He gave it a little squeeze, making Ryker flinch and groan in pain.
“Oh, right,” Rena said, a little unnerved but shook it off. Now was not the time to question the doctor’s antics. He was a pirate, after all, but at least he was on her side.
Hawks suddenly spoke up, and Rena turned to see he had taken one of his large feathers and had it up against Ryker’s neck. “He might have your heart, but I’ll have your head if you try anything,” he growled, looking down with his piercing gold eyes.
“Ooo, careful there, Hero. There are trainees in the room. You wouldn’t want them to see their number 2 Hero fall from grace. Oh, but wait, you already have, haven’t you, Keigo Takami?” Ryker mocked, lacing Hawks’ name with venom.
Hawks’ eyes widened as he came to a realization. “You. You told Dabi my name, didn’t you?”
“Ahh, so you are a sharp bird. Yes, I told Dabi your name and your background. Funny, the commission’s poster boy is just a kid from the slums whose father was a murderer and mother was a deadbeat nobody.” He smirked.
“Shut up,” Hawks murmured, grip tightening on his feather.
“Oh, and it gets better. Did you tell Rena what you had to do to get the League to trust you? I bet that angry kid over there would LOVE to hear it.” Ryker chuckled.
“Don’t…” Hawks whispered.
“You killed the number 3 hero, Best Jeanist, and delivered his body to Dabi. In a duffle bag.” Ryker continued, as Hawks’ pupils narrowed and the feather blade started to pierce skin. Ryker let out a crackling laugh. “Go on, do it.” He narrowed his eyes. “Do it, Hero. Kill me just like you killed one of your own.”
Bakugo was beginning to spark, his face red with rage, voice filled with venom. “What’s he talking about, Hawks? WHERE IS BEST JEANIST?”
Hawks just glared down at Ryker, who glared back with a disgusting smile stretching across his face. Suddenly, Hawks felt a hand on his, moving it away from Ryker’s neck. He looked up and saw Rena looking back at him with soft eyes.
“Hawks. It’s okay. He’s just trying to get a rise out of you,” she said reassuringly.
Hawks blinked a few times. “Right. Sorry. I lost myself there.” He took a few steps back, and Ryker just scoffed and turned his head, whispering, “Pathetic.”
Rena glanced down and glared at Ryker. “Hawks is anything but pathetic.”
“Yeah? Well, he killed a fellow Hero of his just to please the League of Villains. Just whose side are you on anyway, Keigo?” Ryker sneered again, looking at the hero.
Hawks had been looking down at the ground in frustration and disappointment in himself. How did he let himself get carried away like that? At hearing his name, he looked up, clearing his face. “No. Actually, I didn’t. The commission gave him a sedative that slowed his heartbeat down so it seemed like he was dead.”
“THEN WHERE IS HE, YOU BASTARD BIRD?” Bakugo screamed from the other side of the room, Midoriya and Todoroki holding him back, trying to calm him down.
Hawks looked over at the kids, letting out a sigh. “I convinced the League to put him in one of the chambers they use to hold the nomu. He’s still alive. We’re just waiting for the right time to rescue him.”
“SCREW THAT, I’LL GO RESCUE HIM MYSELF. I’LL MURDER ANYONE WHO GETS IN MY WAY.” Bakugo continued to scream, his hands popping explosions.
“Kacchan, calm down. Hawks said he’s okay. The heroes are planning a rescue mission. Just leave it to them.” Midoriya continued to attempt to calm his friend down.
Ryker just looked at the kids and started laughing. “God, this is hilarious.”
Rena just looked at him. “How is this hilarious?”
“Oh, it’s just, this Hero has a villainfor a father, whereas a certain villain has a heroas a father.” Ryker smirked. He was definitely trying to stir up more trouble.
“What are you talking about?” Hawks asked.
“Well, I guess it’s only fair, since I told Dabi about your true identity, that I tell you his true identity.” He started to rumble his nasty laugh again. Then he looked over to the young heroes and grinned, stopping his gaze on Todoroki.
“Say… Shoto Todoroki, was it? You have siblings, right?” Ryker asked, a dark glint in his eyes.
“Yes,” Shoto said plainly.
“How many?” Ryker piped back.
Shoto darkened his gaze. “Two. Why?”
“Don’t you mean three? Pro-Hero Endeavor has four children.”
“Well, yes, but my oldest brother died,” Shoto answered with a questioning look.
“Did he, though?” Ryker chuckled.
“What are you getting at?” Hawks asked, stepping towards the menace of a man once again.
Ryker turned his gaze back to Hawks. “What I’m getting at is the villain known as Dabi… is none other than Endeavor’s firstborn son, Touya Todoroki.”
“You’re lying. Touya died in a fire years ago,” Shoto grimaced.
“Did they find a body?” Ryker asked.
“Well, no, all they found was a part of his jawbone,” Shoto replied, eyes widened at the realization.
“So how can you be so sure he died? Dabi has a fire quirk, and those eyes. They look an awful lot like your left eye. Ever wonder why Dabi has such an obsession with Endeavor? It’s because he wants to bring him down. Ruin his entire existence, Kill you're entire family. All because daddy didn’t pick him. He picked you to be the golden Todoroki to carry on his legacy. Man, I can’t wait to see that family reunion.”
“How do you even know all of that?” Hawks questioned.
“Simple. I asked. I told him that if he told me everything, I’d tell him your identity. He didn’t even hesitate. He must really hate you, Hawks. I’d watch your precious feathers if I were—” He was suddenly cut off by Rena smacking a piece of duct tape over his mouth.
“That will be quite enough of that. I wanted to ask you questions, but it seems like you just want to mouth off everyone’s secrets. They were going to find out about all that eventually, so you really didn’t do anything by telling them now.”
There were muffled curses and complaints coming from the man, but they were ignored.
“What do you mean we were going to find out eventually?” Hawks looked at Rena, a little miffed, thinking she already knew all of that and didn’t tell him.
“Well, it’s compl—” She was about to respond when she noticed a majority of the room going pale, as if they had seen a ghost. “What’s wrong? You all look like you’ve seen Death him—oh.” Her face deadpanned. “He’s right behind me, isn’t he?” She turned her head to see the myth himself walking in with a few of the other guardians.
“Hiya, Rena! Ver! Everyone.” He said somehow cheerily, despite the atmosphere in the room.
Aviv spoke up, “To answer your question, Sir Hawks, you were going to find out eventually because it’s written in your future. Don’t worry, Rena didn’t know. She was wise enough to avoid looking into anyone’s future. That can be dangerous.”
“What are you all doing here?” Rena asked, her curiosity piqued.
“We’re here to help you, of course,” Alkwan answered with a warm smile.
“You have mastered all of the elements, so you are ready,” Aether added, her voice filled with pride.
“Besides, I think Odysseus has played his games long enough. It’s time to end this,” Aviv said, his expression turning stone cold.
Rena felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. “Thank you, all of you,” she said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “I couldn’t have come this far without your guidance and support. Knowing you’re here with me now means more than I can express.”
Aether nodded, her smile widening. “Remember, Rena, balance is key. Use your mastery of the elements to maintain equilibrium. Don’t let any one power dominate your actions.”
Alkwan nodded in agreement. “Trust in your instincts and the bonds you’ve formed. Your connection with your allies will be your greatest strength. Lean on them when you need to.”
Aviv’s expression softened slightly. “Stay focused and don’t let Odysseus’ tricks distract you. He thrives on chaos and confusion. Keep your mind clear and your heart resolute.”
Rena absorbed their words, feeling their wisdom settle within her. “Thank you. I’ll remember your advice.”
With a final nod from the guardians, Rena turned to face her friends. She took a moment to look at each of them—her friends from Fairy Tail, the heroes, the Black Bulls, the Straw Hat Pirates, Bepo and Law. She felt a surge of pride and gratitude.
“Everyone,” she began, her voice strong and clear, “Thank you for the support you have given me through this mess of a situation. I don’t know where I would be without each and every one of you. Some of you I’ve known longer than others, but each of you has helped me grow. I’m sure I would have drowned in my own darkness if I hadn’t met all of you. You mean so much to me, and I’m so glad to have met you all.”
She looked at her friends from Fairy Tail. “Natsu, Lucy, Erza, Gray, Wendy, even Happy and Carla—your unwavering spirit and determination have inspired me. You’ve shown me what it means to fight for your friends and never give up. You gave me a family and a place to call home.”
Turning to the heroes, she continued, “Hawks—you taught me the true meaning of heroism. Your bravery and dedication to protecting others are unmatched. Midoriya, Bakugo, Todoroki—you are going to be amazing heroes. Don’t stop believing in yourselves and keep fighting for what’s right.”
She then addressed the Black Bulls. “Asta, Noelle, Yami, Vanessa, Zora, Finral—your resilience and strength have been a beacon of hope. You’ve shown that no matter where you come from, you can rise to greatness. Never let that go and always push past your limits.”
Next, she looked at the Straw Hat Pirates. “Luffy—you and your crew have shown me the power of dreams and the importance of never losing sight of your goals. Your adventurous spirit and loyalty are what make you incredible allies.”
Finally, she turned to Law. “Law, your strategic mind and unwavering resolve have been invaluable. Your ability to stay calm and focused under pressure is something to be admired.”
Rena took a deep breath, her eyes shining with determination. “We are a formidable force, united by our bonds and our shared purpose. Let’s fight with everything we have and show Odysseus that we will not be defeated. Together, we will end this and save existence.”
Her words resonated through the room, filling everyone with renewed energy and resolve. They all gave her a cheer before turning to each other. A bit of banter broke out among the groups, lightening the mood.
Natsu grinned at Luffy. “Hey, rubber boy, try not to get in my way with those stretchy arms of yours.”
Luffy laughed. “Only if you promise not to burn my hat with your fire breath, flame brain!”
Gray smirked. “I’ll freeze both of you if you don’t stay focused.”
Zoro chuckled. “Good luck with that, ice cube. You’ll need to catch us first.”
Asta flexed his muscles. “Let’s see who can take down the most enemies. I bet I can beat all of you!”
Sanji lit a cigarette, smirking. “Just don’t mess up my suit, muscle head.”
Hawks shook his head, smiling. “Remember, we’re all on the same side here.”
Law adjusted his hat, a small smile playing on his lips. “Let’s save the competition for after we win.”
Rena couldn’t help but smile at their banter. But as the laughter died down, a moment of doubt crept into her mind. She turned away from the group, her shoulders slumping slightly.
Hawks noticed and stepped closer. “Rena, are you okay?”
She sighed, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if I’m not ready? What if I fail everyone?”
Hawks placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’ve led us this far, Rena. We believe in you. And you’re not alone. We’re all here to support you.”
Rena looked up, meeting his eyes. “Thank you, Hawks. I just… I don’t want to let anyone down.”
“You won’t,” he said firmly. “We’ve got your back.”
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