Chapter 7: The Fight for Concord

Izuku adjusted his grip on the gun as he moved forward alongside Preston Garvey and Piper. Albóndiga trotted ahead, sniffing the air. The sound of gunfire continued, mingling with the shouts of looters and the civilians trapped inside the nearby building.

Preston: (In a deep voice) I really appreciate your help. These raiders have us trapped. We are protecting a group of civilians in there, but if we don't do something soon... they won't make it.

Izuku: (Looking at the building) We'll get them out alive, I promise. How many raiders are left?

Preston: At least six, but there's something more. They've awakened a bloodthirsty beast nearby... and it's furious.

Piper: (In disbelief) A bloodthirsty? Are you kidding?!

Izuku: (Seriously) No matter what it is, we have to face it. Preston, any plan?

Preston ascended and guided them into the museum. Inside, there were civilians hiding and a staircase leading to the roof.

Preston: On the roof, there's an old power armor with a fusion core. If you can use it, you could face the bloodthirsty one directly.

Izuku: (Nodding) Perfect. I need cover while I climb.

Piper: (Resigned) I always get the hard stuff, don't I? Come on, Izuku.

Izuku, Piper, and Preston began their ascent to the roof. On the way, they found raiders blocking the stairs, but Izuku and Piper neutralized them with precise shots. When they reached the rooftop, Izuku saw the power armor: rusty, but functional.

Preston: (Pointing to the power armor) The core should be there. If you can use it, we could turn the tables.

Izuku approached, opened the core compartment, and installed it. The system came to life and the exosuit activated. Izuku got into it, feeling how the servomotors amplified his strength.

Izuku: (Testing the moves) This will work.

At that moment, a terrifying roar echoed in the distance. The bloodthirsty one, drawn by the noise of the battle, appeared in the square. It was a huge beast, with sharp claws and muscles that seemed to be made of steel.

Piper: (Looking at the bloodthirsty one in horror) That is... gigantic!

Izuku: (From the exosuit) Stay here and cover me. I'll take care of this.

Izuku jumped off the roof, the impact of the power armor kicking up dust on the ground. The bloodthirsty one saw him and roared, charging directly at him. Izuku lifted an old minigun that was on the roof and started shooting.

The bullets pierced the skin of the bloodthirsty one, but it wasn't enough to stop him. The beast caught up with Izuku, throwing him against a car. The exosuit absorbed the impact, but the blow left him dazed.

Piper: (From the rooftop) Izuku, watch out!

Izuku quickly got up, grabbed a sharp piece of metal from the ground, and used it as an improvised spear. When the bloodthirsty beast charged again, Izuku dodged and drove the metal into its side. The beast roared in pain, but kept fighting.

Izuku: (With effort) This isn't enough...!

The bloodthirsty one struck with its tail, breaking a nearby post and knocking down debris. At that moment, Albóndiga bit the monster's leg, distracting it for an instant.

Izuku: (Taking advantage of the distraction) Thanks, kid!

With the minigun in one hand and a grenade that Preston had given him in the other, Izuku charged at the beast. He fired at point-blank range while throwing the grenade to the ground.

Izuku: (Shouting) This is for my family!

The explosion hurled the bloodthirsty creature backward. The creature lay motionless, finally defeated. Izuku, covered in dust and sweat, slowly stood up, with the damaged but functional exosuit.

Preston: (Running towards him) That was incredible! I don't know how you did it, but you saved us all.

Piper: (With a relieved smile) You're definitely crazy, but I'm glad to be on your side.

The civilians left the museum, thanking Izuku and the group.

Preston: (Looking at Izuku) We can't stay here. Sanctuary could be a good place to start over. Would you help us get there?

Izuku: (Nodding) Of course. Sanctuary is my home. I will take them there.

Before leaving, Preston offered him the laser musket he had found in the museum.

Preston: Take it. What you need more than I do.

With the group gathered and a new goal in mind, Izuku, Piper, Albóndiga, and the survivors began their journey to Sanctuary. The world was dangerous, but with allies like them, there was hope.

End of Chapter 7.