Midori the Villain

Chapter 29: Bad Mass Communication

"Are these the new recruits you mentioned?" Izumi sat on the bar, her legs crossed and her hands casually sharpening one of her throwing knives.

"Yes, the two on my right took interest after I told them which Hero death they'd be involved in. The other two are just looking for a solid team to partner with. Allow me to make introductions." Giran motioned to them one at a time.

"The name's Twice, nice to meet you!" The masked man said cheerfully and flipped them off at the same time. Izumi raised a curious brow at the gesture but smiled nonetheless. Villains often had a quirkiness about them… she'd just accept the gesture as is.

"Mr. Compress…" Giran motioned to the man beside Twice.

"I've seen your wanted posters…" Izumi murmured and leaned back on her hands eyeing the man carefully. Like her he wore a mask that covered his face, and an elaborate magician's costume. "You specialize in thievery and escapes."

"That's right… I'm a master illusionist. A professional of my craft…" he stepped towards her with a knife… Dabi moved in to shield her but she held out her hand and motioned the man forward. He tossed the knife in the air and it became an elegant bouquet of roses. "For you, my queen." He bowed before her presenting her with the flowers.

"I would have preferred the knife as a gift…" she teased but accepted the bouquet slipping one rose out to mock sniff. "Still your chivalry and showmanship are appreciated. I can use a man of your talents for the stage I'm about to set."

"So I've heard…" He remained bowing. "I look forward to making magic with you, dear lady."

"And I you… Hmmm?" She looked to the final two. One man stood holding a camera bag over his shoulder, a traditional Japanese looking man with his only discernible feature were his wide black eyes that looked twice the size of a normal person. The second was familiar to her... taller and clearly a foreigner with his bright blonde hair, silvery gray eyes, and designer clothes. "I've seen you before. You're a reporter aren't you?"

"Yes he is …" Giran jerked a thumb in their direction. "These are the ones I picked to meet the items on your criteria."

"Oh?"

"Their real names are Louis Koijirou and Jethro Utsushimi. However they're also well known throughout the black market as "Ace" and "Broadcast." Giran explained. "They head a small gang of informants that deliver dirt on heroes to other villains."

"It's a pleasure Miss Karma." Ace smiled and walked up to extend his hand out to her. "Giran says you've a plan that'll make headline news. I'm anxious to be a part of it all."

"If you're here to meet my criteria that must mean one of you has a truth inducing quirk… I take it as the reporter that's your expertise?" She smirked behind her mask.

"It is…" He removed his slender frame glasses. "Shall I demonstrate?"

"Not on her…" Dabi immediately stood in front of Izumi. "The Queen is off limits."

"Not as fun… but I'll take what I can get." Ace looked him directly in the eyes. "What's your name, sir?"

"I go by Dabi… but my real name is Touya. I'm the eldest son of Enji Todoroki." Dabi blinked and his face twisted up when he realized what was happening. "The hell?"

"Oh, is that so?" Ace smirked.

Villain Name: Ace

Quirk: Sincere Stare, once a person looks directly into his eyes they find themselves spouting the truth. The quirk only lasts for up to five minutes, but can be used multiple times in a row.

"Those are some serious burns, Touya-san… How did you receive them?" Ace went on looking smug and tickled at the reaction of his victim.

"My father…" Dabi grit his teeth trying to keep himself from talking but the words wouldn't stop. "I inherited my mother's deficiency to fire. So when my father forced me to go past my limits my skin caught fire and nearly killed me."

"That's terrible. You must resent your father a great deal."

"I hate him. There's no words that can describe how much I despise him. I hate him for what he's done to me, to my mother, my siblings... I... ENOUGH!" Dabi jerked and held his mouth trying to keep himself from saying anymore. Izumi touched his shoulder and held out her hand her eyes narrowing from behind her mask.

"That's enough, you've proved your point." She jumped off the counter and gently stroked a hand over Dabi's chest. "Dabi, are you alright?"

"Forgive me Izumi, but I'm leaving."

"That's fine… I can take it from here. I have Kurogiri nearby if I need him." She gave him a gentle push to the door then turned to Ace. "Your quirk definitely suits my needs… but I'll kindly ask you to refrain from using it without permission. Now what do you expect in return for lending your power to me?"

"I just want the story…" Ace smirked slipping his glasses back on. "I'm eager to document the rise of power in The Queen of Villains, and of course her King if he ever decides to make an appearance."

"He will… Tomura is currently keeping an eye on our plan's progress." She crossed her arms and looked to his cameraman. "Is his quirk as interesting as yours?"

"No… but it's far more powerful in my opinion." He turned to his partner. Broadcast casually strolled up to the television and set his hand against the screen.

"You boast for me too much, Ace." Broadcast said stoically and his eyes flicker white a moment. There was a brief moment of static and then suddenly the TV screen blinked onto the scene that had just taken place. It looked like a recording, retelling the events of the conversation in almost perfect detail except now Dabi's face was smiling, looking calm and consensual.

Villain Name: Broadcast

Quirk: Premier; Allows him to recreate an illusion of an image that he's seen. He needs a media screen of some form to display, and depending on his concentration he can change little details such as the person's expression and the clothes they are wearing, but he can not manipulate sounds.

Izumi saw this and her grin spread from behind her mask. Yes… this was what she had been missing. These four people were the final pieces to her game and it was time to begin playing.

"You're all hired. We can discuss terms of agreement after we have a group meeting for my plan." She turned to face them all. "Gentlemen, welcome to the League of Villains."

~Later~

Dabi had missed the entire session. Izumi couldn't blame him after what had happened. The guy had been determined to keep his identity a secret from the rest of the leaguers… but the truth had slipped so easily out of him.

He heard Izumi's front door open and he clenched his fist around the glass of whisky he'd poured himself. It wasn't often he drank alcohol, but when he did he went for the good stuff.

"Are you angry with me?" She removed her mask and shook her hair loose so it curled around her face.

"I've no reason to be angry with you." He spun the glass between his fingers. "I'm more pissed at myself that I walked right into that reporter's trap. If word gets out that I-"

"I've sworn him to secrecy on that matter." She assured him and stepped up to rub his back. "All league secrets are to remain secrets unless I say. If he breaks trust then he forfeits his life. He's a smart man, he knows what news to spread and what news to keep to himself."

"You trust him?" He glared down at her.

"Not in the least… but I trust the fear of god that I put into his eyes." She smirked at him. "Believe me he won't say a word unless I tell him to otherwise."

"So I should trust you?" He turned pushing his drink away and shifting off the stool to trap her hips in his hands.

"My threats can be trusted… but not my actions" She slipped into his arms offering comfort by hugging him. "I've a tendency to hurt people without meaning to. I'm sorry that my request for him hurt you, Dabi."

"He didn't hurt me…" he whispered and pressed his forehead to hers. "Ace is a prick, but he's a minor annoyance to me. What really hurts is your careless affection. Why are you comforting me, Karma? I thought you love Tomura."

"I do love him… He's reserved a special place in my heart that no one can replace." She stroked his face her eyes full of sincerity. "I can love him and still have an affection for you, can't I? You're important to me Dabi. You're my knight, my confidant, and you have my utmost trust which is something I rarely give even to members of the league."

"You shouldn't…" He pulled her hands away and tried to step back but she wouldn't let him. She caught his wrists. He was rattled, and unsure of his place here. She had to make him understand that he belonged with them. She had to give him back his confidence or she would would lose a very important piece to her game.

"Well I do, and rightly so. You shielded me as a proper knight should. That not only deserves my trust but also deserves a reward don't you think?" She let him go and unbuttoned her shirt. The white fabric fell to the ground revealing the scarred yet tantalizing flesh underneath. Dabi's breath hitched painfully in his throat.

"Damn straight it does…" Unable to resist that naked collar bone his mouth latched onto it. At her low throaty purr his desires stirred with fervor. Without a word or second thought he lifted her up and carried her into the bedroom.

~Two Days Later~

"That's a wrap!" Broadcast called out and turned off the camera. Toga who had been playing as Endeavor slipped out of that form and back into herself. Izumi tossed her a robe to cover herself with.

"Nice job everyone." She complimented and lifted up her mask to blotch the sweat away before setting it back on her face. "Looks like we've got ourselves a tantalizing murder."

"You direct well," Ace complimented and walked onto the set. "The few little additives you put in were strokes of genius."

"More like momentary epiphanies…" She corrected smirking behind her mask. When he lifted his hand to sneak a peek she slapped the back of his hand with the end of her whip. "Ah, ah, ah… what did I say about snooping?"

"Can't blame me for the curiosity. I take it you still don't trust me quite yet." Ace teased and Shigaraki walked up placing a possessive hand on her shoulder. The gloves she'd given him were a perfect fit and just the tool he needed to make him comfortable with intimacy again.

"As she shouldn't. While I commend you for ruffling Dabi's feathers in a way I can't seem to, I will ask you to refrain from using your quirk on my subjects." He glared at Ace. "Especially on myself and my queen."

"Of course, your highness." Ace bowed to Shigaraki and looked to Izumi. "Pardon my insolence. You've been most kind to give me this one of a kind scoop. I'd be a fool to waste it."

"Then I suggest you spread the news and fast." Izumi pat his chest then slid into Tomura's hold as they walked away. "You'll have another within a fortnight and you'll want to eat up the popularity while you still have the chance."

"You sure about him?" Tomura took one more glance back, the crew behind them packing away the debris from their shoot. The video that they made together would be viewed by the world if all went well… and Izumi had the utmost belief that it would.

"I don't know about him… but I'm sure of their abilities." She explained and removed her mask the moment they got privacy. She wiped the rest of the sweat away and looked up at him. The look in her eyes was smug and confident. "I don't need to trust him… I just need to outsmart and use him."

"That's my queen…" he took her chin and kissed her. "Mmmm and good work with Dabi. I don't like other men touching you, but I'll tolerate it with him as it's the only way he'll listen to orders."

"I'm grateful, Tomura. I don't like deceiving you which is why I told you right away of what was going on." She stroked his face. "He reminds me of his brother and Kacchan… Shoto has been all too eager to break down my defenses. Having Dabi here to has eased my heart and given me strength against such temptations."

"Speaking of which, has he taught you any new tricks yet?" He toyed with her hair and licked her cheek making her shudder some.

"A few…" She slid her arms around his neck and breathed heavily on his lips. "Shall I show them to you?"

Eager to devour her Tomura tugged open the first button of Izumi's pants. He button on the end of his glove tugging it off and slid four fingers down the front of her belly. Just as he was about to make the dive in there was a loud knock on the door and both grunted with irritation.

"Who is it?" Izumi asked, completely annoyed. Toga's voice answered on the other end.

"Queeny! Acey wants to know when you'd like Broadcast to feature the video we made."

"Friday. Internships start Monday morning so I want everyone to be aware of it before we disperse from school."

"OKIE DOKIE!" She called back and hummed skipping back down the hall.

"Tch, so many distractions. Let's go home." He took her hand and yanked her along. "I don't want anymore interruptions."

"No argument from me…" She walked with him willingly and slipped the mask back on as they slip out of the hideout and onto the streets again. "Want me to signal Kurogiri to pick us up?"

"Do a double press so we can do a meet place. I don't want anyone hitching a ride with us." He said with a sneer. "What's this about featuring the video and making everyone at your school aware of it? I get that Endeavor's death would be released, but there's no guarantee that the media would release actual footage of the attack."

"Who said we were going to use traditional mass media?" She smirked and picked up her phone when it rang. "Kurogiri? Pick Tomura and I up at meet point K and send us home.. Don't let anyone else hitch a ride, is that clear?"

"Yes, Karma."

"If we're not using mass media," Tomura continued when she hung up and they walked together to the meet point. "Then how are we going to release the video to the public?"

"Connections, My King." She leaned up on her toes to kiss his cheek and slid her fingers through his gloved ones. Kurogiri's warped appeared in front of them and she led him in with a seductive sway in her steps. "All kinds of connections."

~Friday Afternoon: UA Cafeteria~

"Hey, Ochaco come take a look at this cat video, it's so cute!" Hagakure waved her phone at Uraraka who slid her chair closer and bent her head in. With Ashido and Froppy leaning their heads in to oggle all four began to squee in awe.

"HOW CUTE!"

Izumi rolled her eyes laughing at the giddy females. Such simpletons were amused by the silliest things. She eyed the clock with a firm scowl. One minute to go… why was she so anxious to get it over with?

"You alright there Midoriya?" Kirishima asked taking a seat across from her.

"Yeah I'm alright." She gave him a small smile. "I'm just worried about Iida is all. He hasn't been himself lately." Iida had been keeping his distance all week despite doing his best to pretend nothing was wrong. Due to his estrangement both she and Uraraka had been accompanying Kirshima, Shoto and a few of their other classmates.

"I hear yah…" He reached across the way to pat her hand. "Don't worry, I'm sure he'll be back to normal after he's had some time to-" he started to comfort but lost focus as all screens in the cafeteria flipped to black including the ones for the menus.

"Hey what's wrong with your phone?" Ashido tapped Tohru's screen as all the girls frowned over the lost video. Izumi's eyes looked up at the clock and she had to push back the smug smile that wanted to appear.

Showtime.

Everything blinked back on, but to Tomura pressing his face into the lens of the camera.

"Is it working?" He asked and tapped a gloved finger to the glass.

"Yes, sir," a muffled voice responded and had him grinning creepily.

"Good, then let's get this started.

All around students looked on puzzled and horrified at the display.

"What the hell is this?"

"Hey isn't that the guy that attacked USJ?!"

"Holy shit you're right!"

"Attention everyone, thank you for tuning into my live broadcast." He put a hand to his chest bowing. "I am the leader of the League of Villains and I'd like to make a statement to the world."

Teachers looked baffled, many trying to change the channel of screen. Izumi held back another look of smug satisfaction. None of that would work, she thought. Broadcast was sending his vision through a direct satellite link that he and Ace had access to. This picture was being sent directly to every screen in Japan… and could very well go global if she had the inclination to do just that.

"HOLY SHIT!" She snapped from her mental pat on the back and turned to Denki who stare pale faced and dumbfounded at his own phone. "Todoroki isn't that-"

Shoto bent his head in and his normally stoic expression went pale and stricken at what he saw. Tomura took a seat like a true king, his body relaxed and face looking over the man kneeling before him and the masked villains off to the side serving as the jury. Most of them were all extras

"You stand accused of spousal abuse, child neglect, and overall just being a royal jerk. How do you plea, Hellfire Hero?" Karma, her voice warped through a mechanism in her mask, spoke and echoed through the wide empty warehouse serving as the courtroom.

"What sort of game are you playing at? How the hell did I end up here?"

"Defendant is in contempt of court." Shigaraki tapped his finger in the air. Karma nodded and whipped him across his face forming a massive welt on his cheek.

"Every time you speak out that isn't a direct answer to the question I'll have to have you punished, Mr. Endeavor." Shigaraki smirked at him. Izumi lifted his chin up slowly with the end of her whip so he looked directly into Shigaraki's eyes. "Now how do you plea?"

He spat blood at Tomura's feet and Karma smacked him again on the opposite cheek and turned to the camera.

"Seems the defendant has chosen to plead the fifth. That's quite alright i've more than enough evidence to convict…" she held out her arms. "Ladies and gentleman of the jury I give you exhibit A." She tosses a folder with his wife's pictures in them. With Dr. Nakahara's connections she was able to obtain all kinds of information about his wife and children. Reports of her supposed "Self inflicted" injuries, Shoto's and Touya's medical history in reference to their burns, as well as his wife's mental instability and confinement to an institution.

"How did they know?" Shoto stare at the screen holding his scarred face looking positively sick at having this all unleashed for the world to know. "How did they find out?"

"The so called hero you see before you is a false god!" Karma announced to all who watched. "He proclaims himself a hero, goes through the motions of saving others and gaining the popularity that comes with it. This glorified profession hides who he truly is… a selfish family dictator who knows nothing of respecting ones family and offspring. He borderline tortures his children to make them stronger, and beat his wife when she tried to intervene… all for the soul purpose of his selfish desire to defeat All Might and become the number one hero!"

"Attention all students, please shut off all electronic devices and return to your classrooms!" The PA system tried to halt the panic but too many people were invested and curious about what was happening to the Hellfire hero.

"The League of Villains was created to stand against the heroes that abused their power. We announced ourselves to the world when we chose to face against All Might and the staff of U.A. high school. We believed such a school shouldn't exist, teaching children false truths about the world, and about how hero society should behave. You are a prime example of why the world should change!" Karma pointed an accusing finger at Endeavor's shamed and bleeding face.

"Why the hell isn't Endeavor fighting back? Is everything they're saying true?"

"He's the Number 2 hero and yet these villains have him on his knees looking ready to beg for mercy. Just how powerful are they?"

"Well?" Karma lifted up his chin again with her whip. "Have you anything to say in your defense, Endeavor?"

"Enough… you made your point." He hung his head again. "I've nothing to say to you or your band of tyrants. If you're going to kill me, then do it."

"Your honor… members of the jury..." Karma lift her chin proudly. "The prosecution rests. The decision is now yours."

"Has the jury reached a verdict?" Tomura leaned on his knuckles glancing over at the makeshift band of villains who huddled together almost comically. After a moment they all stood up and Mr. Compress lead the pack in proclaiming…

"We the jury find the defendant guilty of all charges!"

"ALL STUDENTS REPORT TO YOUR CLASSROOMS NOW!" Present Mic shouted through the speakers now trying to halt the viewing of what was to come. Shouts and screams echoed as people shoved and pushed unable to pull their eyes away from their phones.

"Any last words, Endeavor?" Karma asked, her whip choked around his neck as Dabi, dressed as an executioner stepped up and placed a hand over his head. Endeavor laughed and looked straight into camera.

"Burn in hell!"

"You first." Dabi retorted and set Endeavor's body aflame. Despite his affinity for fire, Dabi's more potent flames slowly melt the skin and bones of his father, the graphic depiction gruesome and nightmarish.

The visuals and screams unleashed caused massive panic and horror throughout the school. Izumi let herself get swept away by the panic, People shoved, shouted, cried… it was mass hysteria.

...and Izumi loved every minute of it.

~Ask Briry~

Briry: Graveyard shifts are kicking my butt! I'm doing my best to get these chapters punched out as fast as I can. I apologize for the delay.

Next Chapter: Material Girls