Chapter Thirteen: The Meeting
Tuesday night came, and once again, Hawks could not sleep.
Whenever he closed his eyes, burning hands would grab his arm and throat, startling him awake as he clutched at the non-existent injury. He eventually gave up on sleep and went to Miruko's laptop. Logging in to incognito mode, he began researching the affects of abuse on families. He knew all the procedures and steps to arrest and convict, but he just…
He just…
Hawks clicked on a scholarly article about the psychology of abusers and found himself directed to some books on the subject. He minimized the page without looking.
White? You're being pretty quiet in there…
"I am fine." White said with his usual blunt tone. "You can look up this if you want. It won't upset me."
Hawks hesitantly opened the page again but still did not look at them. Are you sure?
"Yes. Seeing this may help you..." Hawks felt the word 'cope' in his thoughts. "...understand, correct?"
Maybe. Or it might make me feel worse. Hawks's hand clenched around the mouse. But your comfort is more important. If you don't want me to look at this, tell me.
"It is alright." White reassured him. "I have made peace with my feelings towards my father and this will not change them."
...Okay.
Hawks looked at the page and began to read. He read some books and articles on the psychology of both active and 'reformed abusers'. In the latter case, the outlook was rather nauseating. Most abusers did not randomly go 'Oh, I hurt my family. I should stop that.' They only changed their behavior because of outside influences such as an ultimatum i.e. legal repercussions or court-ordered therapy. And even those 'changes' were often not done out of a selfless desire to right past wrongs.
The use of the term 'benevolent/benign dictator'— more commonly used to refer to certain types of government outside of this context— in one article stuck out to him most. It referred to an abuser who quote unquote 'meant well' and exercised their need for control in a way that it appeared to be for the benefit of the family. But control was still control, and they were still manipulating their families in a way to achieve selfish goals. Mainly maintaining their control, either consciously, through habit, or unconsciously.
Another common behavior that lingered in Hawks's mind was how some abusers expected forgiveness because they felt they deserved it. Their family leaving them and refusing to see them again was a non-existent option in their minds. They were trying to be better, so why weren't their families accepting them? How could they be so 'cruel' as to reject them when they had changed? Didn't they know they were a better person now, who should be rewarded for doing good?
But there were also those that felt genuine remorse and truly wanted to make amends. They realized they had done others harm and wanted to fix it, even if that meant losing their families— though for many, they had lost their families long before that point. So… they should get that chance, right? The chance for a realization, remorse, and self-betterment?
Right?
Hawks could not bear to look at the articles anymore and minimized the page. He forced himself to open it again because he needed to try to understand Endeavor's possible psychology so he had an idea of how to react to it. Especially so any anger would be directed at Hawks himself and not elsewhere.
"Gold, I think you need to stop." Pink murmured.
"Agreed." Silver said. "This is wearing on you mentally."
I'm fine. His thoughts sounded kinda… toneless. And he felt numb. Weird, that.
"You're not." Green denied.
Defensive anger bubbled in Hawks's skin but it petered out pathetically. It doesn't matter if I'm fine or not. I can't sit in a corner and cover my eyes and ears when it comes to this. I'm investigating, as is my job. And I need to do this for Shoto and his family.
"But what would exposing Endeavor do?" Purple questioned. "How would it benefit anyone other than the enemy? In our timeline it only benefited the villains."
The Commission would say that too, Hawks mused.
Purple flinched.
Sorry. Hawks took a shuddering breath. This isn't about exposing him. This is about getting the people he's hurt out of there safely and ensuring they remain safe. To do that, we need to predict how badly he may react. An arrest may be possible but considering his status and the statute of limitations, it's highly unlikely. Thus, getting the kids out and maybe minimizing chances for interaction with his wife.
If Hawks distanced his former idol's name— all the Todoroki's names— from the case, it became a bit easier to be rational. He should be rational regardless. Emotions and personal feelings had no place in these cases. He should know better than that.
His jaw clenched. Making him go to court-ordered— or even psychologist-suggested—therapy is another option. Though in those cases, it may not be our decision to make. It may be up to the ones he hurt to decide what they want to happen. Some push for therapy, others for separation, etc.
"They'll want different things." White warned. "Fuyumi was willing to forgive out of a desire for us to be a family. Natsuo did not forgive him, ever. And although I could work with him, it was never as family."
Hawks remembered the nightmares that may be White and Shoto's shared past and shivered. Would present you come forward?
"Unlikely. I wouldn't see why I'd need to, plus I believed such matters were meant to be private. And I know Endeavor's role in Hero Society. It'd cause too much of an upset if this became public. Even when he had… 'changed', the public turned on him in an instant."
Hawks bit his lip and took another shaky breath. What if I tried to do something and maybe kickstart that realization of his?
He got eight startlingly vehement "No."s as a response.
"Gold, it's not your job to make Endeavor realize what a bad parent he's been." Green said firmly.
"Agreed." White stated, and his statement had a lot more weight than Green's.
But if I do get through to him, then that might make things better for Shoto and his family, right? Hawks argued. His stomach twisted into knots. Or at least make it less likely he'll explode if something happens—
"This isn't your responsibility. Endeavor is responsible for his own actions." Orange interjected with such rage that Hawks's skin felt hot.
"Again, it's not your job to make him a 'better person'." Green repeated.
But I know the future, Hawks protested. I know he can at least stop. Whether it's from remorse or— in his mind— necessity because of his new role as Number One, I can't just leave things as they are and let whatever play out. Endeavor has a deathgrip on his goal to beat All Might using Shoto, and as long as he has that mindset, he won't let Shoto go and nothing will change. Even with evidence, civil action is so unlikely… Surely I can at least try something else?
"Gold... Endeavor won't listen to you." Silver interjected bluntly. "You could appeal to him rationally, morally, or emotionally, but he won't see the damage he's caused. He still thinks he's working towards his goal and the 'sacrifices' he has made are worth it. In fact, if you try to guide him away from his… current mentality, it might just make him cling to it more."
"He beat up his wife and two of his kids for years because he couldn't surpass All Might himself." Orange enunciated. "He only 'changed' because surpassing All Might was no longer an option. If his own fucking sense of morality and the human decency to not beat his four year-old son so hard he puked couldn't stop him, a 'lazy upstart' he hates and bullies certainly won't."
Guilt clogged Hawks's throat and he dropped his gaze from the bright computer screen. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like I'm defending him.
"It didn't sound like that at all." White reassured him softly, and if anyone else had said it Hawks probably wouldn't have believed them. "You're just trying to rationalize things in an attempt to cope." Those words sounded suspiciously therapist-like. Hawks did not know how to feel about that. "This situation is… complicated. And stressful. And personal. I understand your conflicted feelings. Your situation was similar, correct?"
Hawks went rigid. Excuse me?
"We both went through training no child should because we were raised to be Heroes by… unfitting guardians. And your fixation on the 'benevolent dictator'— the ones who make it seem like it is for the benefit of the whole to comply— That's what they did to you, correct?"
Even in his own head, Hawks could not muster the ability to share his thoughts.
"...Gold?" White sounded hopelessly, innocently confused. "Why are you upset? Did I say something wrong?"
No, Hawks forced out. I'm fine. You didn't say anything wrong.
It would be cruel to tell White that he was mistaken and wrong because Hawks was not abused by the Commission— Why did White think he was?— so he kept that thought to himself. The fact that White had that misconception made Hawks feel like the worst person on the planet, because White mistakenly believed Hawks had been through something comparable to his awful past. He believed Hawks had suffered as he had, and was extending compassion based on a misunderstanding.
Hawks was not abused. He was selfish, slow to learn, and ungrateful so the Commission had to be harsh when training him. The Commission had made him the Hero he was, but sometimes he did not accept that and acted out. His situation was not like White's at all.
Hawks had been trained. White had been abused.
And Hawks had unintentionally manipulated him. He had been taught how to play people so they'd feel a certain thing towards him, and the Commission always said he was manipulative and tried to trick people into feeling sympathy for him, usually by acting pathetic and holding back crocodile tears. Had he done that to White? He hadn't meant to.
Hawks forced the guilt deep into his mind, praying the voices had not noticed it. He heard White start to say something else but Green shushed him. He shut down the computer and crawled into bed, hoping to get at least an hour of shut eye before tomorrow. Or later this morning, apparently, since it was two a.m. The voices soon retreated into their 'rooms', leaving Hawks with only his own thoughts for company.
He still could not fall asleep.
That was probably a good thing.
XXXXXXX
Wednesday morning came too quickly.
Hawks slept exactly zero hours. Who needed nightmares when his own racing and nightmarish thoughts kept him wide awake?
He slowly got dressed in his costume— feeling more like he was getting dressed for his own funeral— and wondered how to hide bloodstains from Miruko until he could get them out. He would wear civilian clothes that he could throw out but that would just make things worse. He was a Hero, not a person.
"Going full Vigilante is becoming more and more appealing by the second." Green said flatly.
"Uh oh. Green wants to go full Vigilante. Everyone run!" Yellow joked. It did not hide his unease.
If we run they'll just think we're guilty, Hawks reminded them as he methodically put on his gloves. Whatever happens, do not interfere. They'll lock us up— or worse— faster than you can fight back.
"I'd like to see them try." Orange growled.
"Well, I wouldn't." Pink argued. "Remember, Gold will be the one to suffer most if we're caught. And I don't just mean potential spying. Could you imagine what they'd do if they realize he has nine Quirks at his disposal?"
"Please stop. I already have nightmares." Yellow said weakly.
Their arguments made Hawks feel queasy. He swallowed. I think you guys should check out.
"We're not leaving you alone." Silver denied.
You have to. Lock yourselves inside completely.
"I don't know if we can." Green mentioned.
Again, you have to. Please, I know it's tempting but we can't just mess up or go on the run to escape them. We have people here to save. He dragged a hand through his hair. Let's just try to get this over with as painlessly as possible, okay? Think of it as a doctor appointment or something.
"Because doctors cut you up too?" Orange sneered.
I'm not going to be cut up.
"Right. Just tortured."
I'm not going to be tortured. Just questioned.
"Wow. You're such a better liar than we are. I almost believed you there."
They could always do worse. Hawks blinked rapidly. Look, what's going to happen will happen. I can't avoid it but you can.
"You know… I knew a little girl who thought that too." Green said quietly. "She also thought she had to accept the pain other people put her through. Her name's Eri."
Hawks did not flinch but it was a close thing. This is different.
"It is." Green agreed. "But you feel equally trapped. You can't rescue yourself, just like Eri couldn't. So we'll help you however we can. May I please take control?"
His tone was pleasantly level with a hint of steel. Trusting Green not to go burn down Commission HQ, Hawks let him slip into control. Hawks's vision blackened, but before he could panic, he was back in control again. He glanced at the time. It still read the same numbers.
"We'll get out of your way now." Green said, far too agreeable compared to just a second ago. "Trust them to have your back."
What and who?
It was too late to get a response. Green had already retreated deep into his mind. The other voices were gone too, leaving silence in his head. He could only hope their walls held and they did not try to play Hero. They should know better than to try. Hawks was a Hero. He did the saving. He was not saved.
He flew towards his destination.
He smiled at fans who spotted him.
He apologized because he could not sign autographs this time since he had a boring meeting to get to.
He arrived at Commission Headquarters five minutes early.
He did not give in to his desire to loiter outside. There was no point in delaying the inevitable.
The moment Hawks stepped inside the facility, he was in Quirk-suppressing cuffs with clamps around his wings. He did not fight as a bag was yanked over his head and he was dragged into the lower levels.
Keep calm and relaxed, he reminded himself as he had been taught. It'll be over when it's over. You will never be rescued, only released. You can do nothing to stop it.
His jacket was torn from his back, leaving him in the backless halter top he wore underneath. He was cuffed to a chair and the bag was yanked off of his head. If Yellow were aware, he would likely joke about how garishly cliché the interrogation room was. Cold grey walls. One-sided glass. Two chairs.
He looked around with clinical disinterest as his heartbeat slowed. Just like with a doctor's visit, he calmed down once he was there. At least, he tried to convince himself it was like a doctor's visit, though he had to admit his visits probably were not considered normal.
The door opened and he did not tense, remaining calm and relaxed because there was nothing he could do to prevent what was coming.
That apathetic relaxation vanished when someone he did not expect entered. Hawks was surprised they did not send in the questioners first. That was the usual procedure. As the President stopped in front of him and sat down, he kept his unease off his face.
"Before we begin with your interview, there is something that needs to be addressed." She said as if Hawks were merely there for a checkup. "My agents have informed me that you've been looking into the Todoroki family. You will cease such endeavors at once."
Hawks could not bring himself to laugh at the unintentional pun. He just felt cold. For a moment, he could only stare at her in stunned silence until he found his voice again.
"You know about what Endeavor has done?"
"We know nothing." she denied dismissively. "Your investigation is simply a waste of time. It is unbecoming of a Hero to partake in such frivolous and over-reactive actions based on the whining of a child."
If you know I'm investigating Endeavor, you must know Shoto has told me nothing, Hawks thought. He dare not say it and kept his anger off his face.
"There is no 'conspiracy'." the Commission President stated. "There is no great scheme to 'protect an abuser'. We are simply doing what is best for Hero Society. We do not care about Endeavor's home life unless it threatens the public's belief in Heroes. Do not become a threat, Hawks."
Hawks lowered his head and kept it bowed. His instincts screamed at him to remain submissive but he could not get Shoto's haunted expression out of his mind. Despite himself, Miruko's words echoed in his head. "If Hero Society can utterly collapse because one Hero is abusive, I'm not sure it deserves to keep standing."
Hawks looked up and met the President's gaze. "This isn't right. Just because Endeavor is a high-ranked Hero doesn't mean this should be swept under the rug. Do you know about his first son, Touya? He—"
"Silence." she snapped. "What Endeavor does in his private life is not our concern. You will drop this investigation or there will be consequences."
Hawks could hardly believe what he was hearing. "You can't just ignore—"
"Are you telling me what I can and cannot do?" she asked icily. "Are you that ungrateful to those who pulled you out of poverty and allowed you to become a symbol of this Society instead of another rat laying dead in the gutter? Do I need to remind you that good Heroes do not question those that work to keep the public safe?"
A chill went down Hawks's spine. He went mute and shook his head.
"I see your remember your lessons." The President did not smile. Her eyes were cold. "But if you are so dedicated to the cause, we will gladly give you a reason to want to become involved."
Unease curled in Hawks's gut. He realized the President was waiting for him to respond so he forced out a question. "What's that supposed to mean, ma'am?"
The Commission President folded her hands neatly on the desk. "You could become a publicly known abuse survivor. An inspiration. Both past and present. Heroes being abused is hardly talked about in our society, especially with their lives so private. And those in childhood tend to gravitate towards equally toxic persons in adulthood, do they not?"
Hawks did not say a word. He did not need to. He knew his face had drained of color.
He could scoff and argue no one would believe it. He could say that they would not be able to get proof of ongoing abuse but "evidence"— and memories because he knew they had such a Quirk at their disposal— could be easily faked. Every picture with a random bruise or injury would become "proof" something was wrong, and people were already looking closer because of Heartbreak's words.
He wished he could tell the President just how disgusting she was for seeing abuse and wanting to use it to manipulate people's sympathy. Worse, there was some truth in the tale she wanted to put forward. His parents had not been the best caretakers. Or could she possibly be speaking of—
No one. T̴̰͌ĥ̶̞e̴͚͊r̶͉̓ȅ̵̗ ̶̢͐ẅ̸̭ȃ̵͉s̸̠͘ ̶͔̿ņ̶̇ọ̴̅ ̸̝̔ò̶̱n̴͕͗e̶͑͜ ̶̮́ȩ̶͊l̷̯̿s̶͚̒e̶̢̓.̴̥͗
The truth could come out that part of his past was fabricated but Hawks doubted the Commission would let that happen to their beloved p̶e̵t̴ ̷p̶r̴o̷j̸e̷c̸t̵— Number Three Hero. Which meant others would take the fall.
After all, the only person he regularly interacted with in private was Rumi.
Rumi, who he had told about Endeavor.
"That won't be necessary." Hawks whispered.
"Excellent." she said pleasantly. She rose from her seat and headed to the door, letting a man and a woman in. "Do what you must. You may leave a few marks but keep it subtle. Let the public speculate and theorize as they always do."
"Yes ma'am." the two chorused.
Both were dressed in black from head to foot. Unlike Ennea, their figures were clear, identifying one as male and the other as female. Their voices were also unaltered, calm and almost benign, but Hawks knew better than to think they were truly benevolent.
Her code name was Pathfinder. Her Quirk allowed her to track responses— both physical and emotional— and stories to see whether her target was contradicting their own tale. It was not as clean-cut and precise as Tsukauchi's Quirk, something which Hawks would bet infuriated her.
His code name was Amplifier. His Quirk let him inflict pain on others' with a touch and multiply it. He could have easily become a villain with a Quirk like that, but 'luckily' the Commission found use for him first. Hawks knew his touch firsthand.
"Will he need a remedial course, ma'am?" Amplifier asked.
Hawks forgot how to breathe. 'Remedial course' was a Commission agent's polite way of saying 'reconditioning'. His head was already a mess. He was not sure he would survive a remedial course.
The President watched him with her cold, unsettling eyes, seeing if he'd squirm or maybe beg. He didn't, and she almost looked satisfied.
"No." the President said. "Tell me if that changes."
She left, shutting the door behind her and leaving Hawks with his two former trainers.
"Hey, kid." Amplifier greeted. "Long time no see."
Not long enough, Hawks thought but dare not say.
"You're good at this whole song and dance." Amplifier acknowledged. "And that's the problem. You could've gone rogue and be playing Hero."
"I haven't." Hawks said quietly.
Amplifier chuckled. It was friendly in a way that a hyena's laugh was friendly when it smelled fresh blood. "Really wish I could believe you, kid. As always, it's nothing personal."
Pathfinder put her hand on Hawks's jaw, splaying her hand on his throat above his pulse. Glowing blue tendrils oozed out from her fingertips like gleaming, writhing worms. The thin, malleable strands trickled up Hawks's jaw and around his neck. Some slipped into his hairline while others trickled down his spine. He knew what was going to happen next and forced himself not to tense, exhaling slowly. The strands down his spine reeled back like vipers and jabbed into his skin. They remained there, sticking to him like wires. The places they pierced burned. Hawks did not utter a sound.
Amplifier placed his hand on Hawks's upper spine in the empty space Pathfinder left between his wings and shoulder blades. Hawks stared unblinkingly at the ceiling and forced himself not to drift. That would only make things worse for him.
They won't damage my wings too badly. They're too important.
As for the rest of him other than his pretty, marketable face? Not so much. And even his face could use some nice bruises so he could have reminders for a few days…
"Where were you this past year?" Pathfinder asked.
"In the woods."
Hawks felt a small tingle.
"Where else were you?"
"Nowhere. I was just in the woods."
The tingle became a sharp pain like a small electric shock.
"Who were you with?"
"No one was with me."
The shock became fire.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
The fire burned his flesh.
"Are you associated with the League of Villains?"
"No."
It boiled his blood.
"Where were you this past year?"
"In the woods."
His nerves were alight.
"Where else were you?"
"Nowhere."
Hawks was burning burning burning—
"Who were you with?"
"No one."
Burning burning burning—
"Did you come into contact with the League of Villains?"
"No."
Burning burning burning burning—
They went through the same questions again.
And again.
And again.
And again.
Sometimes they threw in other ones to try to catch him off guard but even while in pain, Hawks could play the game.
These two knew it.
They had taught him how.
That's why they pushed him so hard, because he knew how to lie. His word could not be trusted.
Keep calm and relaxed. It'll be over when it's over. You can do nothing to stop it.
After what felt like hours, Amplifier stopped using his Quirk. Pathfinder's tendrils receded from Hawks's flesh, leaving small, bloody holes down his back. Hawks slumped and breathed harshly, sweat running down his face. He knew it was not exhaustion or belief in his claims that gave him brief relief, but tactics. They did not want him to get used to it, after all.
Amplifier kept his hand on Hawks's back and patted his arm with his free hand.
Hawks did not flinch away.
The interrogator chuckled. "You're still so good at this, kid. I taught you well."
Hawks felt a hand wrap around one of his blood feathers. He only had a moment to brace himself before Amplifier yanked it out. To a normal human, it would be like losing a chunk of hair at the scalp. Hawks bit his lip and made no sound. Amplifier handed the bloody feather to Pathfinder, who put it in a plastic bag.
"We'll send this to get tested. You can stay here while we wait for the results."
Hawks did not argue. There was no point in protesting. They would do what they wanted to him no matter what he said. He was just along for the ride.
"Hey, Amplifier?" Pathfinder said. "We've spend the day being fancy when we didn't check for the basic tricks." Her gleeful tone betrayed her real motives.
"You're right," Amplifier acknowledged. "A few hits should break any glamours."
Hawks kept his head down. His heart sank into his shoes. They knew he was who he said he was. There was no doubt about that. This was not about the woods anymore. Not for this portion, at least.
They were not here just to question him. They were here to punish him. Because he had not checked in like all good agents must. Because he had investigated Endeavor. Because he dared to try to spread his wings. None of this was necessary. Hurting him like this would not make him crack and spill his every secret to them. He knew that. They knew that too. But necessity was not their purpose.
The Commission President's words earlier had not been a threat, but a promise. Hawks was going to show up with bruises, and people would wonder why. They would never suspect the wonderful Commission that had helped the Public so much. Instead— with a few anonymous theories on the internet with some 'other evidence'— their attention would turn to those closest to Hawks. He'd been so stupid to think vanishing and death were the only way his friends could be hurt. The message was clear.
This is what happens when you look for help, Hawks. What happens next is your fault.
He shut his eyes and braced himself.
If Red was aware, she'd tear up, hands over her mouth in horror— in part so she would not try to create a weapon.
If Orange was aware, he'd scream at Hawks to fight back.
If Yellow was aware, he'd try to distract Hawks while his anger boiled sharply under the surface.
If Green was aware, he'd sit in stunned silence at the sight of the corruption behind his beloved Heroes.
If Purple was aware, he may just well snap and brainwash Amplifier and Pathfinder so they were the ones hurting.
If Pink was aware, she'd try to soothe him, remaining positive as she did everything she could to shield him from the pain.
If Silver was aware, he'd shout about the injustice of it all, trying to come up with a legal way to expose it.
If White was aware, he'd blame himself.
But none of them were aware.
None of them were there.
Hawks was alone.
Good.
XXXXXXX
The moment the final bell rang on Thursday, Tokoyami made a beeline for the door. The school day was over. Classes were done until tomorrow. Homework was his future, but lessons and studying were in the past. Done were the hours of math and English. Gone was the overeager class representative who ordered him not to sit on his desk. For Tokoyami, freedom was mere feet away—
"Wait, Tokoyami!"
Tokoyami grimaced as he heard Iida's shout, but politely stopped in the hallway and waited for him— and Todoroki?— to catch up. Both had their school bags slung over their shoulders, as did Midoriya and Uraraka further back, but to Tokoyami's surprise, the other two friends did not join their group, instead heading past them and out the door.
The reason for their separation soon became apparent as Iida spoke in a low voice.
"Aizawa-sensei has offered to take us to see Er— er, Starling today. Would you like to come?"
It took Tokoyami a moment to remember 'Starling' was the name they used for Eri in public. He considered making an excuse. It was not that he did not want to see Eri, but the girl's unease around him wonder if he should be there. He knew it was not his fault, or hers, and he wanted her to be comfortable.
Before he could refuse, Todoroki's phone binged, indicating he had a text. He opened it, and when he looked up, his expression seemed colder.
"I'm afraid I cannot go. I have… training with my father."
"That is unfortunate. We will tell Starling you miss her." Iida said enthusiastically.
Tokoyami opened his mouth to remind him he had not agreed to go, but found himself pulled along to Aizawa's car. Their teacher seemed to count the number of students twice before a frown graced his lips.
"Where's Todoroki?"
"He could not make it." Iida said. "He has training."
"Hmm."
Aizawa's deceptively bored gaze landed on Tokoyami. He did not say anything, but Tokoyami had a feeling he knew about Eri's… aversion to his beak. He did not tell Tokoyami to leave, however so they went on their way.
The halls of the facility Eri was being kept at were horribly bleak. Tokoyami normally preferred black to color, but even he was relieved when they entered Eri's room to see the walls covered with vibrant pictures. Eri looked up and her hopeful look fell slightly before she ducked her head.
"Hi, Mister Eraserhead." she mumbled towards her feet.
"Hello, Eri." he crouched in front of her and smiled. "I brought some old friends to see you. Do you remember Fumikage Tokoyami and Tenya Iida?"
She nodded and hugged herself. "They're Hawks's interns."
"That's right." Aizawa said patiently.
"Hello again, Eri!" Iida said enthusiastically, kneeling to her level. "It is good to see you once more. Oh! I brought something." He rummaged through his bag and pulled out a package of what appeared to be cookies. "My brother made these for us. Although sweets are not good for your health, I believe it is wise to indulge every once in a while. If that is alright with you, Aizawa-sensei."
"Of course." Aizawa allowed.
Iida set the cookies on a plate in the center of Eri's small table and they sat in the chairs, Tokoyami most hesitantly of all. He tried not to think that Eri was doing her best to avoid looking at him, but whenever she caught his attention, she was looking elsewhere.
It's not because I'm a mutant, Tokoyami reminded himself. It's because of something terrible from her past.
But what if that 'something' was a bird mutant like himself? What if that was why she could not bear to look at him?
Tokoyami only ate one cookie, his appetite gone. Although he knew Tokoyami's mood, Dark Shadow happily took his share.
When the cookies had been eaten, Aizawa instantly retreated to the wall and leaned against it, leaving his students and Eri at the table. The implied 'You figure out what you want to do next by yourselves.' went unsaid, and Tokoyami had to repress a frown at it. He noticed Eri was finally looking at him— or maybe Dark Shadow— and froze like a deer in the headlights.
"Er." His mind scrambled for something to do. "Do you… want to draw?"
Eri blinked owlishly at him and ducked her head. "Yeah."
She grabbed some crayons, shoved a few at him, and huddled over her page. Tokoyami glanced helplessly at Aizawa and his teacher motioned for him to come over. Tokoyami did as he asked and Aizawa put a hand on his shoulder.
"It's not you." he said quietly. "She's still uncomfortable around everyone except Hawks."
"But she's fine with Iida. I scare her." Tokoyami whispered back. "I should leave."
"You do not scare her." Aizawa said firmly. "If you did, she'd let me know she wants you to leave. She's just apprehensive because Hawks is not here, and likely finds Iida more approachable because she can tell you're nervous." He glanced towards the door with a frown and turned back. "She'll open up eventually. Just let her come to you, okay?"
Tokoyami nodded reluctantly and returned to the table, where Iida happily drew what might be Ingenium while Eri hunched over her page like it held her most closely-guarded secrets.
Tokoyami grabbed a blank sheet of paper and glanced at the black and very dark grey crayons before deciding to stay away from them for now. Eri probably would not appreciate his darker artistic inclinations. He eventually grabbed a blue crayon and began sketching UA's main building.
It was quiet, but a peaceful kind of quiet.
As he carefully sketched lines, Tokoyami found himself relaxing, becoming lost in his art. He felt hair something brush his arm but did not look at Eri as she peered over his shoulder. He kept his expression neutral, preventing his surprise at her quick turnaround off his face. Perhaps getting used to him was the simple solution.
"What's that?" she asked, pointing.
Tokoyami showed her the picture. "This is UA. It's where students go to become Heroes."
Eri blinked red eyes at him, the same color as his own. "Will I go there some day?"
Iida looked up, opened his mouth, shut it, and returned to his drawing, allowing Tokoyami to continue the conversation.
"If you want to become a Hero." Tokoyami acknowledged. "Though there are other Hero schools as well."
"Hawks went to Hero school?"
"Yes." Tokoyami wracked his brain but could not remember if Hawks was a UA alumnus or not.
"And you go to Hero school?"
"Yes. Iida, Todoroki, and I all do."
Eri looked down at his picture, then up at him once more. "Heroes save people."
It was not a question, but Tokoyami nodded. "Yes."
"They save people like me."
Again, it was not a question. Again, he nodded.
Her tiny fists clenched and her jaw quivered. "I will be a Hero, too."
Tokoyami blinked at her, and felt his stiff exterior soften. "I'm sure you'll be a great one." An idea struck him. "Why don't you draw what your costume will look like?"
Eri immediately ran off to do that. She frowned at the crayons, considering each one, before grabbing the blue, gold, and red ones.
"Hmm..."
Tokoyami heard Aizawa sigh. For a moment, he thought his teacher might disapprove of his encouragement of Eri— which in hindsight, made absolute zero sense considering Aizawa taught future Heroes— but he noticed Aizawa glancing towards the door again before he pulled out his phone. He glanced at it and immediately stuffed it back into his pocket. Aizawa saw Tokoyami looking and spoke softly to him.
"Usually Hawks is here by now."
Tokoyami could not deny the unease that curled in his gut. He could not forget what ended up happening the last time Hawks had vanished somewhere. He doubted many would.
"Maybe he got held up?"
"It's possible." Aizawa said, but Tokoyami knew that was Aizawa-speak for 'That's unlikely.'
Tokoyami was soon distracted by Eri running up to him to show him her picture of her Hero costume. She insisted he draw one as well— even though he already had one— but he decided he and Iida could indulge her. He followed her to the table and they spent the rest of the evening drawing whatever they could imagine. Every few minutes, Eri would look towards the door hopefully.
But Hawks never appeared.
XXXXXXX
Hawks's blurry vision focused and he found himself on the cold floor of the interrogation room. His left eye felt puffy and his throat ached, and he knew he'd have bruises tomorrow. They would not be that noticeable, with most easily hidden by his clothes.
But that was the point, wasn't it? A slipping sleeve or an online poster pointing out he had smudged the make up covering his black eye might be ignored or get an avalanche going. An avalanche that would hit all the wrong people and conveniently miss the right ones, proving that he was just another pawn to be moved for the public's entertainment, as always.
Does Shoto ever have to go to school with bruises or does training explain them away?
Two shadows fell over Hawks.
His trainers had realized he was awake.
He shut his eyes.
Amplifier and Pathfinder went through their questions again.
And again.
And again.
And again.
Hawks never wavered. He never revealed the voices, or their time traveling, or their Quirks, or their mission. He kept to his story— the truth— that he had been in the woods all year, alone, with no contact with the League of Villains or anyone else.
He could see Pathfinder was getting annoyed, because she loved a good narrative and his wasn't it. She wanted more. She wanted tales of corruption, betrayal, and treason. He did not have one to give her. So she took joy in creating her own story by leaving bleeding wounds down his back and compelling bruises on his skin.
In contrast, Amplifier was almost proud of him. He radiated joy as he used his Quirk on Hawks, but it was not a sadistic kind. It was like a father's when his son won first place in a contest, or what Hawks imagined such an emotion may be like.
To Amplifier, Hawks was a project he took pride in, and this was simply business. A business most people would find horrifying, but still business since someone had to do it. If Hawks did not know better— thank Miruko he did— he may think Amplifier hurt him to show he cared. In a twisted way, he did care, since he trained Hawks to resist torture for the good of others. Hawks almost admired him for it. How sick was that?
A few more warnings were left on Hawks's flesh, which frightened him more than the more-painful interrogation ever could. He should regret telling Miruko about Endeavor and trying to investigate him when he knew the Commission would never take kindly to him threatening to shake the status quo, but he didn't. He would never regret it.
If the Commission realized that, he did not fear what they would do to him.
As Hawks passed the threshold of pain and teetered on the edge of hazy apathy, Pathfinder released him from her Quirk and slouched. "I'm bored. He's so boring."
"I know." Amplifier said proudly. He ruffled Hawks's hair. "I taught you so well, kid."
Hawks did not shrink away from the touch. He did not react at all, not even a twitch. A trickling numbness passed through him that warned him he might start drifting soon, whether he wanted to or not. He could not let that happen. What if one of the voices accidentally— or intentionally— slipped into control while he was out?
An unexpected tap on the door should be a reprieve, but in this place, surprises tended to only bring misery.
Another agent poked his head in, expression grave. "Change of plans. You need to clean him up. Someone has come for Hawks."
Hawks hid his face, uselessly praying they had not seen it drain of the little remaining color it had. Rumi, please tell me you didn't.
"Why are you still here? Send them away, genius." Pathfinder said sarcastically.
He leaned close and whispered something to her. Faster than a flipped switch, her annoyance turned to rage. "Are you kidding me?" She turned and grabbed Hawks by his hair, yanking him up as she shook him. "Did you really think All Might could protect you? Where is your pride?"
For the first time since entering the building, Hawks let an emotion slip onto his face: shock. What? How had All Might found him?
"Not All Might. His police dog." the agent sniffed."Sirs, he insists he needs to see Hawks immediately for a case."
Oh. Hawks lowered his head. That made sense. Of course Tsukauchi needed him for a case. That was why he came here. Of course. Why would it be anything else?
'You will never be rescued, only released.'
"He's getting suspicious." the agent insisted.
"I don't have time to clean him up." Amplifier said steadily.
"The President says to send him as is." the agent replied. He stared at Hawks, and he belatedly recognized him as his driver from when he first left the hospital. "The detective may think he's a big dog but he's just a mutt. He's not important."
If he wasn't important, you wouldn't release me, Hawks thought. He did not say it. He couldn't.
They unlocked his cuffs and Pathfinder yanked him to his feet. Amplifier shoved his coat at him with enough force to count as a punch to the chest. Hawks hardly swayed and was able to put it on and walk on his own. He knew his former teacher's body language well enough to know he was glowing with pride.
Detective Tsukauchi was waiting for them in the lobby. Him and…
…Best Jeanist was here too?!
The shocked expression that flashed across the Commission agent's face told him the Fiber Hero had not been there when he went to retrieve Hawks. Tsukauchi spotted them first. His face remained stoic as if he had not noticed the blood and bruises on the young Hero's face.
Or did he not care? That must be it.
"Hawks, we've had a breakthrough with our case." Tsukauchi said instantly. "It's time-sensitive so we need to hurry."
He must be talking about the case with Eri. Hawks shoved his lingering pain away. They had bothered to get him released for this, so it must be important. He had to work. He had to be useful.
"O-Of course, sir. S-Sorry. I was in a meeting." He cursed himself for stammering but his tongue felt heavy, like it was made of stone instead of flesh.
His claim was a big fat lie. They all knew it but none spoke of it.
Just like it— a̸͈͑l̶̠̐w̷̗̃ḁ̸̆y̷̢̌s̵͖͗ ̶͔̇w̸̘̍a̵̱͝s̴̮̅— should be.
Jeanist did not say a word. His fingers twitched. Mockingjay did that when she was angry, so Hawks kept a wary eye on the Fiber Hero as he consulted his memory for what he knew about him in order to brainstorm the best ways to get him to calm down.
"I understand. We must go. Good day." Tsukauchi inclined his head to the Commission agents.
Jeanist's hand— gentle, not painful— latched onto his elbow and Hawks found himself guided out of the building. He flinched as a street light shone in his eyes and blinked up at the moon.
What day is it? He asked.
There was a long pause.
"Did you try to speak?" Jeanist asked neutrally.
Hawks's pale cheeks turned red. "Sorry, sir. I asked what day it was."
"Thursday night." Jeanist said stiffly. "You almost missed our gathering tomorrow."
He had arrived at the meeting early Wednesday morning. So it had barely been two days? Hawks dropped his gaze in shame. "Sorry, sir."
The fingers grasping his arm tightened and he forced his sight to remain ahead so he would not see Jeanist's face.
"Do not apologize or so help me—" Jeanist stopped and took a deep breath.
His hand remained clenched around Hawks's arm. Although a part of Hawks nervously considered how Jeanist could easily break his arm if he twisted it the right way, he did not try to wrench it free.
They got into Tsukauchi's car and drove off.
Hawks did not realize he was shaking until he noticed his wings quivering. He cleared his throat and regretted it as his strained trachea twinged with pain. He shoved it aside because he had to work now.
"So what's the breakthrough, sirs?" he forced out, tone almost close to being normal. 'Almost' wasn't good enough but neither man snapped at him for it.
Tsukauchi halted at a stop sign, turned away from the road, and looked him right in the eye. "Eri's favorite color is red."
Hawks nearly choked. "W-What?"
"Any new information can be a breakthrough if you think about it." Tsukauchi said airily. His expression became cold as he turned back to the road and kept driving. "Or if you need an excuse."
Hawks stared at him uncomprehendingly. "But… that's not urgent at all. So why are you here, sirs?"
"To rescue you." Tsukauchi's voice was far too quiet.
'You will never be rescued, only released.'
Hawks continued to stare at him. Tsukauchi's words refused to compute and his brow furrowed in distant confusion.
"So why are you really here, sirs?" he repeated.
"We came to rescue you, Hawks." Tsukauchi said lowly.
There was anger in his voice— Careful careful don't say the wrong thing.— but Hawks was woozy and stupid and decided to question him again.
"You… just came here to release me?" That had to be what the detective meant since— 'You will never be rescued, only released.' "Why?"
His foggy brain slowly processed the delicacy of his situation and that he should probably keep his mouth shut. He dropped his gaze as his wings pressed close to his body. He didn't know why his body always seemed to think that would stop people from grabbing them and pulling out fistfuls of feathers.
"Sorry, sirs." he said, forcing himself not to whisper. "I don't mean to be a pest. You don't have to tell me."
Tsukauchi's fingers were white on the wheel. Hawks kept his mouth shut, his back pressed to the seat despite how it made his wings ache, and his gaze flicking between the detective and Best Jeanist. They both looked angry though they were clearly trying not to be. Oh dear.
Okay. Breathe. Think. Plan. Tsukauchi is a policeman so 'joking' about him using excessive force might make him pause. He won't want to get into legal trouble. If it angers him instead enough for him to grab you, suck it up. Jeanist cares about his image so complimenting his fashion line may appease him at least a little. If that fails, let him know you're beneath him and a waste of effort. That could make him back off—
Hawks's vision blurred and he feared he may pass out. Thankfully he didn't. He had to be awake and figure out why they needed him enough to release him. He didn't want to ask since they already refused to answer. He didn't want them to— s̵͓͂ê̵̢n̴͇̏d̷͍̕ ̶̺͒h̸̹̑i̸̟̇m̵̧̄ ̶̩͝b̸̬͐ã̷̖ć̴̜k̸̼̓— become annoyed.
"How did you know I was here?" he mumbled even though he should really shut up until they brought him to wherever he was needed. They released him for a reason, after all.
"Miruko found the note you left on her table. She knew she'd act rashly so she called Jeanist and Toshinori, who contacted me."
Hawks's brow furrowed. Note…?
"Trust them to have your back."
Oh. How did Green know they'd need me so they'd release me? Why did they release me? Why won't they say? Hawks tried not to let his apprehension show because if they were being so secretive about their motives, they might not be good.
"Just as a warning—" Hawks tensed. "—she's feeling guilty it took so long." Tsukauchi continued. "She slept in her office last night and didn't return home until a couple hours ago."
"Hypocrite." Hawks whispered.
"Hawks, are you severely injured?" Jeanist asked professionally.
It seemed he had pulled himself out of whatever stunned stupor he had been in. Hawks should do the same. He should but he could not seem to because he knew he still wasn't safe. No, safety had nothing to do with this. He still did not know what they wanted him to do and they weren't telling him, so he needed to be functional and ready, not foggy-brained and tired and cold. He tucked his chin to cover his throat and shivered.
"Let me see." Jeanist ordered.
Hawks dare not disobey. Jeanist gently— real gently, not fake gently like Pathfinder—cupped his jaw and turned his head a little. Hawks let him expose his neck, struggling more with keeping himself from drifting than he did with his body, which he kept relaxed and easily poseable. Like a doll. Jeanist was just touching his neck a little and his hands weren't squeezing or shaking him and that was fine and okay. Hawks pretended he was at a modeling gig, which helped a little bit.
Keep calm and relaxed. It'll be over when it's over. You can do nothing to stop it.
…Why was I released?
"What did they do to you?" The disbelieving way Jeanist said it made Hawks question whether he meant to ask out loud.
"Nothing—" Hawks remembered Tsukauchi had a lie detecting Quirk. His heartbeat quickened. He couldn't get in trouble for not-lying to a policeman with that ability, right? "Amplifier has a pain amplifying Quirk." he said unsteadily. "Pathfinder's Quirk has, uh... tendrils that let her follow stories and see inconsistencies. The tendrils have to… um, poke into the skin for it to work. I'm used to their affects so I'll be fine in a..." The words he was looking for evaded him and he desperately scrambled for them. "...in a... uh, a few hours. I can work."
Jeanist's fingers were nice and cool and did not grab his throat to shut him up or to shake him for giving information. "And the bruises?"
Tsukauchi was still there so he had to be honest, right? The voices said he had to be honest. He didn't want them to get in trouble.
Hawks swallowed. "A message." His hands clenched into fists. "They threatened Rumi."
Jeanist's stoic expression twitched.
Mentioning Rumi is bad idea what have you done you—
"Tell me." Tsukauchi demanded. "This car isn't bugged."
Hawks shouldn't.
He knew what happened if he talked to people.
But if he kept silent, and something happened to Miruko, he would never forgive himself.
"I told her about—" Hawks swallowed Endeavor's name. "I told her about a possible abuser that's an important person so they threatened to make her seem like an abuser. Or— more likely— they'll do something to make her seem like a Villain." The latter option was the most probable since the President would not be sloppy enough to warn Hawks about what they planned to do. "It'll discredit both our words if we try to investigate… that thing which also has to do with someone abusing someone. I'll be the paranoid victim or the ignorant defender and she'll be the monster trying to divert attention by blaming other people." He blinked rapidly with his third eyelid, not daring to close his eyes. "They just wanted to remind me I overstepped my bounds and my life is in their hands. B-But Rumi doesn't have anything to do with that!"
He coughed and hastily checked his hand, relieved there was no blood. He shoved his lingering pain aside and looked desperately to Jeanist. "You can warn her right? I can't. They'll know if I try and they'll— they'll— I can't. You can, right? I'll pay you back however you like—" He was interrupted by another coughing fit. He felt Tsukauchi press on the gas and his stomach twisted. "Don't take me to a hospital. I don't need a hospital. It's superficial damage, mostly. I'll sleep it off after we do whatever you need me for. I can work."
"We don't need you for anything." Jeanist said.
Hawks wished they would stop lying. "Then why did you release me?"
The thud of a hand hitting the steering wheel made him jump. But it was okay, because it was better to hear that than see an angry hand coming towards him.
"This is illegal." Tsukauchi snarled. "It all is. Enhanced interrogation is against the damn law."
"It's not considered enhanced." Hawks mumbled. His exhaustion got the better of him and he leaned on Jeanist's shoulder. The Fiber Hero did not shove him off or grab him by the hair and slam his head into the window, which was rather nice of him. Hawks remembered not to push his luck and carefully leaned away. "Amplifier has his license and his Quirk leaves no lasting damage. And the beating was discipline for breaking the rules."
"It clearly wasn't." Jeanist said icily.
"Then it was from training. Or a villain attack. Or from a trip down the stairs. Or from rumors just like they hint they'll start circulating if I don't keep my mouth shut—" Hawks stopped and pulled his coat tightly around himself. "Please don't act blind and pretend I can report this. Please don't try to report this. You'll only make things worse."
"It seems we're all in a chain of threats then." Jeanist said quietly. "You tried to speak out, and they threaten Miruko. Miruko tries to speak out, they threaten you. And if we try to speak out…" He did not finish.
Tsukauchi's hands were tight around the wheel. "We'll continue this conversation at Miruko's—"
Hawks jolted upright. "No. Don't take me home. It might be bugged. Take me to Mockingjay."
It was the safer option right now. Not only would the bugs not be a problem, but Katniss was more levelheaded than Rumi. She hated the Commission but she would not go charging in to Headquarters to take them out Vigilante-style.
Hopefully.
XXXXXXX
"I'm going to kill them." Mockingjay said in English.
"You know I can understand you, right?" Tsukauchi asked.
She looked him right in the eye, unrepentant. "I am going to kill them." she repeated coldly. Her grey eyes glinted, reminding him of a predatory bird sighting prey. "Am I lying?"
"I don't think I want to answer that." he said dryly.
If he were true to himself, he may just feel a little murderous himself. And a bit tired of how their world ran. Mostly though, he was angry at himself for being so blind.
The Vigilante Ennea's supposed connection to Hawks's past gave Tsukauchi the excuse he needed to start digging into the Winged Hero's upbringing. What he found was more than a little concerning— Forget that notion. It was probably one of the worst things he had ever seen because the Commission had partaken in what was essentially legal Quirk trafficking. They scouted children with powerful Quirks, paid off their parents, and raised the children to be what the Commission desired. Pro Heroes were only one 'career path' open to such children.
His fears about Hawks being bought and groomed were correct, though the documents he found used nicer and— for lack of a better term— prettier words to say a six year-old had been legally enslaved. Not only that, but when they failed to produce a completely obedient, conditioned Hero like they wanted, they cracked down on him with debts upon debts to keep him on a leash. Hawks had no hope of a life outside of the Commission's grasp. If he tried to come forward— if he even thought he could— he'd be crushed harder than a raw egg under a boot and swept under a rug with the other skeletons.
Tsukauchi glanced towards the room where Hawks was sleeping off this 'Amplifier's' Quirk— and a few sedatives Mockingjay may or may not have slipped into his drink. Tsukauchi would disapprove but he was not sure Hawks wanted to remain conscious.
Hawks was a bit out of it— he did not react at all when Tsukauchi asked for clarification on how he got those injuries down his back— though he himself did not seem to realize it. The way he spoke so confidently about how long the affects would last told the detective this was far from the first time these Quirks had been used on him. That did not bring any comfort to Tsukauchi's already-troubled mind.
He let his gaze drift over the other three Pro Heroes in the room, not that two knew the third was a Hero. It was a bit awkward having All Might there with Mockingjay, Jeanist, and the sleeping Hawks not in the know about his true identity.
But Toshinori Yagi needed to stay All Might's humble secretary. Especially with the Commission's shadier nature brought to light.
"Should you be here, Toshi?" Tsukauchi asked carefully.
The others would likely think he was referring to Toshinori being a 'civilian'. If only they knew the Symbol of Peace's view of the world had just been shattered into shimmering shards.
"Yes." Toshinori stated, but his voice was hollow. He gritted his teeth and put his head in his hands. "How could I let this happen?"
"Unless you're secretly a Commission Board Member, I don't think it's your fault." Mockingjay said flatly.
"Yet we must take some blame." Jeanist stated. "To be so blind to the corruption in a trusted pillar of Hero Society is simply unjustifiable. How long has this type of travesty been happening right under our noses?"
"For decades." Mockingjay said bitterly.
"You knew about this." Tsukauchi realized.
"And could do nothing except try to keep Hawks alive." Her fingers clenched into fists. "In four years I only got one win against them, and that was because they could afford to lose the piece of scum I targeted."
"Can you give me details?" Tsukauchi requested.
She looked him in the face as if daring him to avoid her gaze. "One of his handlers was fired before he could do more than call Hawks 'pretty' and bribe his way into personal hand-to-hand combat training with him."
Hearing her tone, Tsukauchi had a feeling Hawks had to beg her not to kill the man.
Tsukauchi wisely did not continue down that rabbit hole. He honestly did not want to think more about any of this, but he was a cop and it was his duty to make this right. He could not do anything less and bear to look himself in the mirror afterward. Not after what Hawks looked like when those agents dragged him out of whatever hell he had been in.
I never want to see Hawks that… that passive again. Did he even realize he looked scared out of his mind? He looked just like that young girl Eri did when we mentioned bringing her to the doctor. Like he was headed to his execution but just accepted his coming death. And his insistence that we had to have rescued him for a reason… What the hell kind of thoughts did they put in his head? Tsukauchi gritted his teeth. We can't think about bringing the Commission to court or exposing. Not yet. First we need to help Hawks break free of them. But for that, he needs protection… He needs Heroes. Ones that the Commission can't slander or send away without causing an uproar in their precious Hero Society.
Tsukauchi's eyes narrowed. "Toshinori, the Commission has no influence at UA right?"
"None." Toshinori said adamantly. "Nedzu does not see eye to eye with them. He lets them proctor the exams and tell the school good times to do internships but that is all. He insists UA remain an independent establishment."
"And so the teachers are protected from their influence?" Tsukauchi pressed.
"Yes."
"What about teaching assistants?"
Toshinori's blue eyes settled on him. "All staff members are. What are you thinking?"
Tsukauchi pushed the brim of his hat up. "To start off, we'll treat this like any other abuse situation. To help Hawks we need to separate him from his abusers and bring him somewhere safe where they cannot get him."
"And you think UA is that somewhere." Jeanist realized.
Tsukauchi nodded sharply. "That's right. Not only will this allow him to have time off from fighting Villains— because we all know he's working himself into the ground— but he'll have other Heroes around to turn to directly. It will also distance him from Miruko and make the Commission's possible smear campaign less appealing."
"If they really want to discredit her word they'll find another way." Jeanist warned.
"And bring Hawks into the middle of it." Mockingjay snarled. "They love to give their exciting narratives to the public, and a 'broken friendship' is a juicy one."
Tsukauchi shot her a concerned look but said nothing.
"It sounds like you have experience." Jeanist brought up tactfully.
Her grey eyes grew cold. "I have experience with corrupt Hero sponsors and their games, yeah." She crossed her arms. "It probably hasn't hit Hawks yet that she's not being targeted just because of him. Miruko's been causing a ruckus ever since she reached the Top Ten. I know about how she used to push for Villain reintegration programs."
"'Used to.'" Jeanist echoed lowly. His expression showed nothing, but his voice was hollow. "That stopped around the time she met Hawks, didn't it?"
"Which is all the more reason to get Hawks into UA as soon as possible. Otherwise they might end up threatening him to silence her." Tsukauchi stated.
"Who's to say they aren't already doing that?" Jeanist murmured. "Those bruises likely won't be seen by the public if Hawks has any say."
A heavy silence fell over them.
Tsukauchi forced himself to break it. "Toshinori, do you think All Might can get Hawks a position at UA?"
Toshinori was not smiling. Not at all. His blue eyes burned like flames.
"I know he will."
XXXXXXX
A/N: *Says I'm going to update Monday.*
*Updates even earlier than usual.*
*shrugs*
Originally this was two chapters but I thought leaving it at a cliffhanger would be unnecessarily mean when Hawks would have been rescu— *ahem* "released" in the next chapter.
The next update will be out around February 3rd-ish.