Midori the Queen
Author's Note: I'm looking at roughly another five chapters before "Midori the Queen: is completed. I have a rough outline of what I want but I'd still like fan opinions on where I should take the series next. What sort of adventures would you like to see The Queen of Villains explore? Please let me know in the comments!
Chapter 23: The Future Mrs. Overhaul
She put it off for a few days, but Izumi knew she'd have to come clean to her lover. She'd just gotten out of one loveless relationship, and now was marrying into another. The difference was that Overhaul supported her relationship with Dabi, and showed no signs of jealousy or care about her at all in the sexual regard. So, no point in hiding it, she told him the truth.
"You're joking…." Touya glared at Izumi as she changed into the Kimono that was provided for her. "Please tell me you're joking."
"Wish I was…" Izumi grumbled struggling with the weight of the fabric. She didn't really wear kimonos, but it was the traditional garb of the Yakuza women. After signing the official contact that held all their stipulations, Overhaul thought it pertinent for her to meet the rest of the clan and be presented as his future wife. In order to make the right impression she needed to fit the part. "...but that's the price I'm paying for his loyalty."
"I've spent the last few days researching this clan, Izumi. They're small time trash, with only a single reputation and that's Kai Chisaki. He's got a bad rep even amongst the other clan members, and he is using you to get what he wants. You should just-" He started to protest, but she turned her head giving him a sharp look.
"They may only be a Yakuza group but they've got uses, Touya. A lot of their members, particular Overhaul's circle, have powerful quirks. They've relationships and connections with the underground as well as the above ground news circuit. I can keep tabs on what's going on out in the world, while also working on building up revenue for us."
"That's fine and dandy, but why do you have to marry him? Why can't you just agree to support him, and we go hide out across seas for awhile?"
"Each person in this group is loyal to Overhaul. I can't just say "oh yeah I'm going to help" and not show any commitment. It's not how the Yakuza roll. This marriage is a business arrangement, one that'll benefit both sides. There'll be nothing romantic or physical about it." She tied the silk scarf over the waist grunting a little from frustration at the difficult piece of wardrobe.
"I don't care, it's still marriage. What are you gonna do if and when the heroes catch wind of who you are? The Yakuza are known for constantly being monitored by heroes, and if they find out you've joined them we're going to wind up caught and incarcerated… AGAIN!"
"Funny how you and Kai have the same argument for different sides." She smiled with affection even though he couldn't see it.
"Kai? You're on a first name basis now?" Jealousy dripped out of him, both irritating and embarrassing him.
"Yes." She fluffed her hair out and turned around adjusting the front a little. She watched his annoyed expression lighten some the effect of her attire quieting his disagreements for the moment. It made her smile. "Touya," she used his first name to add to that affection. "Relax, okay? I may be marrying him, but I don't love him."
"Then why are you? Why are we staying here and repeating the same mistake you made with Shigaraki?" His eyes took on a hurt look she hadn't expected from him. He always looked so stoic and put off that it was rare for him to show this softer side. The only other time he'd let her see him like this was when Ace had used his quirk to reveal his past, and opened up old wounds.
"I'm staying because I owe him a debt." She walked to him and took his hands in hers. "He helped me find you." She lay them on her cheeks nuzzling in, and smiled when his fingers stroked over her skin. "By doing so he helped me regain my strength, and helped me find my footing. On top of that, he's given me hope again… hope of changing the world for the better.."
"I suppose I can understand that. I owe him too for saving you and keeping you safe." He pulled her into his arms holding her protectively. "Still, what if he decides he wants more from your relationship?"
"He won't…" She pulled back and stroked his face. "Kai has a fear of being touched, and he finds the very concept of skinship disturbing. I doubt he and I will have the same connection Tomura and I did, nor will he take a shine to me. Still, he's affectionate in his own way so it won't be awkward to anyone on the outside."
"What about me?" He bent his head low to kiss on her neck whispering. "Will he allow our relationship?"
"I've put it in our stipulation. Since he can't see to my needs personally… I'll have you as my relief. He mentioned something about passing you off as my brother." She laughed when he grunted at that.
"I don't think of you as my sister." He testily shove his hands in the pockets of his jeans.
"True enough, but it'll work for our cover story especially since you're so protective of me. Kota is our little brother, and we're his acting guardians. I'm hoping he and Eri could-"
"Who the fuck is Eri?" He quickly interrupted her.
"Kai's daughter, and the major reason I'm agreeing to his proposal. She can't be any older than Kota...and she's so timid. She's being abused in some way I can tell, but I'm not sure how." She trailed off when she heard footsteps outside her door. Suddenly wary that they were being watched she walked to the desk and started to write. "Chisaki wants me to act as her mother."
"He wants you to what?" He walked over to her, reading over her shoulder in an old habit they used to exchange private words.
"Chisaki wants me to marry him so I can take care of his daughter. I agreed so that I can act as a shield for Eri." She sat back, letting him read what she wrote as her fingers tap impatiently on the desk.
"I'm going to save Eri by either improving her living situation here, or by smuggling her out. Either way I want to help her."
Ah, Dabi thought with a quick twitch in his lips. Now it all made sense to him. He could understand her "considering" the act of marriage in terms of negotiation and getting what she wanted out of Chidaki… but for her to actually go through with the marriage there had to be legit logic behind it. Saving the girl was Izumi's goal, and she would do it even if it meant marrying a man she didn't love.
"If you're acting as a shield," He fisted his hands on her shoulders, kneading them firmly. "Then you may end up taking the brunt of the abuse."
"Mmmm I know… but I'm used to that." She murmured and closed her eyes at his massage. He started drawing letters on her skin with his fingers and thumbs. She made out the words clear as day.
"How long?"
"I don't know if this marriage and partnership will work, or how long it will last. Right now it's the only option we have that keeps us hidden, but productive." She started to write again.
"If we can earn the clan's trust and find out what the source of his quirk-destroying serum is, then we may be able to separate from the clan and produce it ourselves. In the meantime I'll look out for Eri and if need be get her help from outside. Until I'm satisfied with our chance of success we have to blend in, and take the opportunities Kai has given us."
"I suppose that works for now… but if Overhaul gets caught, and it comes down to saving you or the kid, then I'm saving you, understand?"
"I understand." She set the pen down and burned the paper to ash over the trash can. "For now I need to finish getting ready to meet the rest of the clan." She dusted her hands free and picked up a brush running it through her hair. Dabi helped her, taking the brush from her hands and running it through her curls before braiding it.
"I have one more question for you, Izumi."
"Hmmm what is it?" She felt his arms close around her, his face pressed into her neck.
"Did you mean what you said the other night?"
"The other… oh." She thought back several days ago, when they'd made love in his room. There'd been no light but for the candles they'd lit, and she remembered watching the glow dance in his blue eyes as he filled her. The ambience and gentleness of the moment had the words just spilling out of her.
"Touya… I love you."
Remembering it now she was so embarrassed by how weak and taken she'd been. She always seemed to lose herself when it came to sex. This time she'd let out her feelings for him without ever meaning to. She had wanted to savor that feeling, to take her time exploring it before confessing it out loud. Now her emotions were out in the open and she was afraid of losing the love she'd just found.
"I-" She started to speak, but was quickly interrupted by the door slamming open. Kota slumped in wearing an obi, his trademark hat traded for a bright red bandana.
"Touya, the boss guy wants to see us." He frowned at the older man, and sneered at his attire. "Is that what you're wearing for the meeting? Are you stupid?"
"I was under the impression I wasn't invited." Touya shrugged off the insult, but scowled at the fact they'd been interrupted. "I'm a wanted criminal with an easily recognizable face. It would be best for me to lay low."
"Well that's not what the boss wants. Hurry up and change into one of these stupid outfits and let's-" He grunts a little when Izumi suddenly ruffles his hair. He shakes her off blushing. "What's that for?"
"You can't fool me, Kota-kun." She smiles brightly and had Kota fidgeting in place. "You like being part of the Yakuza. It's quite adorable."
"I do not!" He blushed redder and hides his face behind his arms. "I'm just showing respect is all! I don't actually enjoy wearing this stupid get up, or talking with the old farts, or stuff like that. It's all stupid." The more he tried to deny it, the more obvious it became. She couldn't help it, Izumi laughed bright and happily that Kota seemed to be fitting in with the misfits of Chisaki's clan.
Heads from down the hall turned towards the bright and happy sound with quizzical brows. They'd never heard such a sound behind these walls. Any laughter was always full of animosity, sarcasm, or spite. This laughter felt genuine and pure.
"Who are they again?" One member whispered curiously.
"Apparently guests of Chisaki… they arrived last night." Another answered.
"Who would have thought that that stiff Chisaki had friends like that." They continued to whisper and contemplate with the other members as the lot of them gathered in the meeting room.
Izumi, Touya, and Kota all joined Overhaul in the meeting room. He gave a nod of acknowledgement to all three then held up packets for each of them.
"Your official documents representing your new identity." He passed them out and Izumi eyed the picture and her own face.
"Karma Carson… a 19 year old american?" She raised a brow and got a shrug from Overhaul.
"You speak English don't you? I figured you could pull it off." He explained.
"Kou Carson, age 8. We don't even look alike, how are we gonna pass off as siblings?" Kota raised a brow at that. Overhaul passed Izumi contact lenses which she put in without question.
"You all will have the same father who works in the American Mafia, but each of you has a different mother. I'm giving Karma and Touya red contacts so you will all have the same eye color.
"That's fine except for one thing…" Touya dropped the file on the table Overhauls team had taken a young Enji Todoroki picture and altered it with red eyes and slimmer features. "This doesn't look a thing like me."
"Not yet it doesn't…" Overhaul removed his glove and before Touya could even move he closed the gap and scratched his arm. His body bulged and twisted Dabi screaming as the pain caused him to explode and Izumi dropped her documents looking shocked… Kota jumped back in fear looking white as a ghost.
"What did you just DO!?" Furious Izumi"s hair scorched blue and she looked ready to dust him where he stood.
"Calm yourself, wife...he's not dead." He wiped the blood from his hands shuddering off the disgust as Dabi's body slowly started to shift and form. There was a groaning and roaring sound coming from the mass of blood and muscle before it starts to take humanoid shape again.
Izumi stare in complete shock as Touya's body slowly and grotesquely put itself back together… but differently. His build was more substantial, his face attractive and youthful, hair a bright sunburnt color, and most surprising of all his skin was smooth and perfect as if he'd never been burned.
"Touya?!" Breathless and shaken up Izumi went to her knees and took his face. "Is that you?"
"Yeah...yeah…" he set his hands over hers and looked into her eyes. "What in the hell just happened to me?"
"He-he-he…" Kota pointed an accusing finger at Overhaul his body shaking like a leaf. "He blew you up! I thought you were dead!"
"My Quirk can deconstruct and reconstruct matter including human cells. There's a time limit, but I am able to kill someone and quickly bring them back if I so choose." Overhaul said, his voice dripping with intimidation. He stepped to Toya and offered him up the contacts. Dabi's intial flinch made him smirk. "Without a quirk you're no good in a fight. Still Karma tells me you're good at intel and surveillance. I can't use you to max capacity unless I completely rewrite your identity. Forgive me if it was a bit… messy."
Touya clenched his teeth and snagged the contacts standing up on unsteady legs. He found a mirror hanging on the wall, and took a few moments to really let it sink in that what he was seeing was his actual face.
"I'm gonna have to dye my hair again." He spoke after taking a calm breath. He slipped the contacts in and ran fingers through the red hair sneering. "I look too much like the old man with my old face."
"Wear a bandana for now." Overhaul tossed him one along with a face mask and then gave one to Kota as well. "Both of you will wear these from now on. Can't have you breathing in filthy air." Kota hesitated before accepting his, being careful not to touch the man. "For this meeting you both are to be silent unless addressed. Keep your characters in mind, and avoid confrontation with any of the members until deliberations have ended."
"Deliberations?" Touya questioned after setting his mask in place.
"I have overall jurisdiction in this place and by my word you're a member. However, if you want to fit in and be a true member of the Hassaikai you'll need to get approval from the clan, which requires a vote, and a special ritual."
"So that's what all this is about?" Izumi questioned and motioned to her outfit. "...and the attire is signicant to the ritual?"
"The old way, is the proper way..." Or at least in this case it is, Chisaki thought to himself as he watched Izumi absorb this information as she was keen to do. In truth, this was a test for her. He wanted to see if she could sway the bulk of the clan to accept her despite her villainous background. The majority of the clan didn't see him as the true head, but merely a stand in for their comatose leader. Despite his best efforts to appear professional and able his own charisma was limited in getting the other members to trust him.
If Karma could pull off what he could not… then total control of the Shie Hassaikai would finally be his. He held out his hand to her, shirking back a shudder as he escorted her into the hall where the majority of the clan restlessly waited.
They took their spots at the head of the hall, Overhaul going against tradition a little by standing between them and the people behind him.
"Thank you all for coming. I've brought you all here today to celebrate and receive your blessings." There was a momentary pause as collected voices huddled in whispering curiously. "I've decided to marry, and the woman you see behind me is my future bride."
Izumi bowed graciously to the group.
"It is a pleasure to meet all of you. My name is Karma, and I look forward to joining this family."
"Did she just say Karma…"
"Oi isn't that?"
"Didn't she die?"
"What's the meaning of this, Chisaki?!" An angered clansmen stood up. "Do you mean to tell me that this whore you've been harboring is The infamous Queen of Villains?!"
"That's correct," Overhaul pointed a finger like a gun at him. "... and you'll watch your mouth when addressing her. Villain or not I am marrying this woman and you will show her respect."
"What the hell were you thinking bringing her here?" Another stood up in protest. "What if the police find out she's here? We'll all be arrested and the clan will be forced to disband."
"I don't see the problem." Overhaul shrugged. "So long as you all agree to keep her true identity a secret the world will never know that my wife and the infamous Karma are one and the same."
"Help me to understand something, boss." A voice from the back spoke up, one Izumi recognized from Overhaul's circle. "Just how does this in any way help the Shie Hassaikai. From the way I see it she's nothing but a burden."
"He's got a point." An older gentleman spoke up now and stood with the help of his cane. "I've tolerated you bringing in these thugs…" he motioned to the group in the back, the circle Overhaul called The Eight Bullets. "Because each one has served a purpose and made themselves useful… but this woman is a different story entirely. She's the most wanted criminal in the world, and a traitor at that. I see no worth in keeping her here."
"I'm the traitor?" That pushed one of Izumi's buttons and her hair flickered for a moment but she managed to maintain composure.
"That's right… I know all about you Queen of Villains. You backstabbed and betrayed every person you've ever aligned to. You took the hero course in order to discover All Might's weakness, you killed your own mentor and siezed control of the league of villains. You made an alliance with the hero killer Stain, only to kill him in the streets. Now you want to abandon your own league and join with us? I'm sorry but I don't see any value in your loyalty at all."
"The old man's right!" A more passionate and fiery member spoke up in rage "I'd rather die than welcome this backstabbing harlot into our group!"
"That can be arranged…" Overhaul removed his glove, his temper rising and his eagerness to shut the loud mouth up only heightened his instinct to kill.
"Wait, Kai…" Izumi held up her hand and stood up. Though her own temper flared up she remained composed and spoke up. "I'm aware that I will have to earn the trust as well as make myself valued here... and it will take more than just words in order to do so. I would like to prove my worth, by giving them an example of my power."
"You've more than proven your worth by providing us with the funds for-"
"That was a small donation in reward for your kindness, Kai." She turned her eyes to him. "If I'm to be a part of the Shie Hassaikai, then I must show them what lengths I will go to, in order to earn the respect of my peers."
~Training Hall~
"So you are considered the strongest of the Eight Bullets am I right?" Karma spoke out to Rappa. "At least in terms of combat ability."
"That's right, girl." He cracked his knuckles. "Only person I've ever lost to is Overhaul, and that streak ain't about to be broken by a pint sized princess like you."
"That's Queen, and you may want to rethink your methods a little before coming at me single palmed." She eyed Tengai, a quiet and Buddhist type man whom stood silently behind Rappa. "You're his partner are you not? Why don't both of you come at me at once." She motioned them forward. "It will be a far better example of my capabilities."
"Tch… who in the hell does that bitch thinks she is?" Rappa sneered cracking his knuckles.
"Proceed with caution Rappa," Tengai warned, speaking calmly. "She may look like an innocent child but that girl is labeled as one of the most dangerous villains today."
"Shut up, I don't care what she says I don't need your help. I'm going to pound some humility into this bitch." He stepped forward rolling his shoulders, slowly and raising his fists up in preparation. "...and when this is done, Overhaul is next."
"Eager, isn't he? Are you sure you want to watch this Kota?" Izumi called out to the group that watched. Kota's gaze met hers and he watched as she calmly adjusted the sleeve of her kimono so that her hands were freed up. "I know how you feel about unnecessary violence."
"It's fine, this is different. These guys won't accept you unless you prove yourself right? Besides this guy is just like Muscular, hurting and killing people for his own satisfaction. Put him in his place." Kota grit his teeth.
"Mmmm I'm not sure this fight will solve his hunger for violence, but at the very least I can shut the mouths of those that look down on me." She clenched her fist, flaming dancing around her fingers briefly for a moment. "Including this arrogant jerk."
"Don't underestimate him, Karma." Touya warned. "Arrogant or not, the guy's got experience that you don't."
"True enough…" Karma's smile turned a little sadistic. "Which will leave an even bigger impression."
"Fighters ready?" Overhaul lifted his hand up in the air, and he could feel all the eyes behind him hone in on the competitors. "BEGIN!"
"I'll make this quick!" Rappa beat his fists together then unleashed a flurry of punches. "Go to hell!"
The rocket fast punches sent air pockets of power rushing by. One barely zipped by Izumi's cheek before she brought up her barrier and blocked the remaining gingerly touched her cheek where she'd felt the impact, and wondered why the force she'd felt hadn't damaged her at all. She'd expected to feel blood or at least the sting of a bruise there.
During her training she'd taken on far lesser members and come out without a scratch. She thought it was because her own abilities, and her aura had protected her… but now she was starting to wonder if something else had come into play. She'd have to test it out.
She held a hand out feeling the energy bouncing off her aura and she let out a shudder as she prepared herself for what was to come next.
"I can feel the power locked behind the years of training and harnessing your ability… I can see why you have such arrogance in your abilities as a fighter." She released the barrier taking the full force of his blows, letting them smack up against her and send her skidding back on her heels before she brought up the barrier again. Despite having the wind knocked away she hadn't felt any pain, not a single broken bone, cut, or even a bruise. Her smile widened. "... and yet I'm still dissatisfied."
"What just happened?" A clan member murmured. "Did that glow she's emitting stop the punches? She didn't take any damage."
"Her third quirk…" Overhaul murmured and felt a tingle of excitement from the spectacle. "She's finally discovered it.
Quirk: Fortitude: Her body can withstand heavy amounts of physical damage. So long as she is aware of the attack, her body will automatically react and defend against it, which is why "Cremation" doesn't harm her. Things like sneak attacks and surgery do not apply.
"Well now…" Izumi tossed her hair over her shoulder. "I think I've seen all I need to." She slapped her hands together, heat building and then coming free from her palms. She set loose a large blast of fire, Tengai immediately brought up his barrier to protect himself and Rappa. When the flames and smoke cleared Izumi had vanished.
"Where did she…" Rappa looked around frantically through the crowd. He heard a thud above him and turned his head up to see Izumi floating above them pressing her hands against an invisble wall.
"Ah I see now…" Izumi laughed looking down at her prey."Your barrier is much more structured than mine and you don't need nearly as much energy to produce it. However-" Her eyes sharpen and her grin spread wide. Aura pulsed from her hand, her hair sprouting flames as the energy beat harder and faster until the dome finally began to crack under the pressure. "Unlike mine, you can't strengthen the barrier's efficiency with your own power and energy. And against someone like me, it's downright useless." She brought up her fist surrounding it in her aura. She let out a scream as she punched that fist right through the dome and released a blaze of fire immediately after to encompass her prey and fill up dome. Tengai and Rappa both scream in pain as they bodies catch fire. Tengai lowered the barrier, the flames dispersing out and free now allowing him to roll on the ground and ease the burn.
Izumi landed gracefully atop the flames, her kimono catching fire but she calmly pat it out. She stepped through the inferno stopping in front of Rappa who had curled up into a ball to protect himself but to no avail. She pressed a foot against his mask slowly crushing it underfoot.
"Checkmate."
"Strong… so strong…" Shin stare in pure astonishment at the young beauty silhouetted by her own fire. "These two were pro fighters, and she's only a teenager. How is it possible that she's able to endure Rappa's punches and overpower Tengai's strong quirk?"
"It's because she was bred to be a weapon." Overhaul spoke up his eyes taking in the sight and grinning ear to ear from behind his mask. "All for One had decided Tomura Shigaraki would be his successor, but knew there were gaps in his capabilities. He saw the raw talent of Izumi's mind and decided to turn her into a weapon Shigaraki could use. He cultivated her natural talent then trained her body to pair with it. Give her a couple of quirks with wide versatility and behold..." He stretched his hand towards Izumi who now turned to him with the sweetest smile one her face. "A weapon of mass destruction."
"Doesn't this just prove the fact that she goes against what the boss wants?" One of the underlings looks uneasy at the display. "In the end she's just villain, isn't she?"
"On the contrary," Izumi corrected as she approached the crowd. "It's because I was bred to be a weapon, that I rebel against the very concept that gave me creation." Behind her Overhaul used his own quirk to restore Rappa and Tengai's bodies back to normal. It was the perfect backdrop for her speech. "Many people have quirks that have given them grief. In my former circle I had comrades who were shunned from society, used, abused, or cast away. It's because society only values us by our quirks, and what we can do with them."
"Those times are changing," Overhaul spoke up now and stepped up behind Izumi setting his hands on her shoulders. The men watched wide eyed that he neither flinched nor broke out from the contact. "This woman is to thank for it. It is her voice that swayed All Might's heart, and brought forth a time of change. It is her strength that stood against the villains who sought to destroy the world she was trying to build. I've brought her here because she hares my vision, and together we will revert everything to the way it used to be. We are going to create a world without quirks, a world where power comes from hard work, determination, and intelligence! A world where the Yakuza will once again reign supreme!"
There were some cheers, the hype of the moment stirring a good portion of men to grab onto Chisaki's concept. Still Karma could see the other apprehensive faces and she spoke up once again.
"I realize that many Yakuza now a days just want to reside in peace… but there's no pride in that. All you're doing is bowing to the masses and that's not what the Yakuza is about. The history of the Yakuza stem from proud families and clansmen who cherish the bonds they have with each other. It stems from brothers, sisters, and friends joining together, and working hard to earn the power they gain. It stems from strong and smart individuals who do whatever it takes to protect what's theirs." She stepped forward and away from Chisaki, a small yet intimidating woman staring down a group of men, most of which who dwarfed her. "I promise you, gentlemen, that if you accept me I will protect this clan no matter what. I will bring you wealth again, I will give you back the dignity you've lost… and I will fight any and all who threaten to tear you down!"
It was the final word that took away any doubts. The men stood together cheering and raising their fists in celebration to her. When they all returned to the meeting room, She, Touya, and Kota went through the ritual to bring them into the Shie Hassaikai ranks, by sipping from the glass of sake to unify their bonds.
"With that it's done." Chisaki held a hand over Izumi who knelt on the pedestal looking out over the clan with dignity and pride. "I present to you my bride, and the future matron of the Shie Hassaikai."
"Karma! Karma! Karma! Karma!" With her villain name being chanted through the halls, echoing and bellowing until it rumbled like thunder, Izumi felt power seep into her, and the familiar joy of acceptance by those she considered her family.
The Shie Hassaikai was now her family… and this time she would NOT be betrayed.
~Ask Briry~
Briry: Long time no see faithful readers! Sorry this update took so long to cook up, but I got hit by a brainstorm and have been fighting back and forth between plot points. I hope my adoring fans will help me cultivate the best path for our Queen. Be sure to leave your opinions in the comments!
Next Chapter: Eri's Trust