The reporter turned to the screen with a big grin. "And now, this just in: an exclusive interview with the A Class hero Yan-chan!"

The screen changed to a man sitting opposite to Ayano Aishi. They were in large leather chairs, in front of a live audience.

"You've certainly been through a lot recently, Yan-chan," the man said. "What's your opinion on the Monster Association? Do you think our heroes can handle them?"

Ayano gave him a sweet smile. "I'm not sure. The monsters are tough… but us heroes are tough too!"

"Akademi has also been suffering a lot of tragedies," the reporter said. "Do you think that the monsters are going after Goddess herself?"

"I'm not sure," Ayano shrugged. "Goddess seems to be in a lot of trouble."

"Speaking of trouble, how have you been handling Sweet Mask's assault, if you don't mind my asking?" the reporter asked.

Ayano sniffled. "It's been difficult… but I have to stay strong, for the sake of the world!"

The audience gasped, wiping the tears from their eyes.

"You're so brave and strong, Yan-chan," the reporter told her, gently. "You've come so far. We are all very proud of you!" He stood up. "Three cheers for Yan-chan!"

The audience cheered, thrice.

Ayano continued to smile sweetly, waving at the audience.

Sonic glared at the TV screen.

She had something to do with Amai's death, he thought. I can feel it. She's going to pay.

"People are losing faith in the Hero Association," Sitch said, frowning at his comrades.

"It's due to all of the deaths caused by the Monster Association," a woman who operated the City Z branch replied. "We must do something about them immediately. It is our top priority!"

"Garou's location is unknown," another operator said, "but we do know where the Monster Association is."

"That's right," Sitch said. "City Z."

He brought up a map of the city on his screen, and frowned. City Z was where Goddess lived. Could it convince her to come out of the shadows? Considering how many heroes had been taken out, the world needed her now more than ever. And not just her. Blast was an issue too. But barely anyone knew where he was.

"Do you think Traveller will return?"

Sitch was surprised to hear that question. He stared at Sekingar. His fellow worker had a serious look on his face.

"Traveller's been gone for ten years," McCoy chuckled. "No way she's coming back for this. We don't even know if she's alive."

Sitch glowered. "No. I think that Traveller is alive, and out there, somewhere. Just like Blast, when the world is in great peril, she will return."

Some of the members laughed at that.

"She was the greatest hero to ever live!" Sitch exclaimed. "One day, she will return. I know it."

Child Emperor had listened to those tapes multiple times. He'd read the newspaper article over and over again. He'd read about the death of Osana Najimi, Asu Rito, Sneck, and so much more. They were all shrouded in so much mystery, just like she was…

Not to mention the Hero Association was putting together a mission to take down the Monster Association, as well as save Waganma who had been kidnapped by them. No way was the young hero going to let Ayano Aishi come along. She was bad news.

He decided to turn to someone who might've just been able to help him: Metal Knight. He called the hero on a video call to discuss the Ayano Aishi situation.

"Hmm, that girl does seem rather odd in a lot of ways," Metal Knight told the younger hero. "Are you aware of what a Yandere is?"

"You mean that anime character trope?" Child Emperor asked.

"Not exactly," Metal Knight replied. "They are a type of person with a strange neurological condition. According to my research, less than a hundred people over all of history have reported having the condition. In fact, this Yan-chan character, and her maternal family, may be the only people alive that have this condition. Interestingly enough, all the reported cases of this condition have all been from females around the age of seventeen."

"She fits the criteria," Child Emperor admitted. "But what exactly is this condition, Metal Knight?"

"It is a condition that drains it host of feeling any sort of emotion," Metal Knight answered. "And usually, individuals with this condition will become obsessed with a person. This person that they meet will make them feel 'alive', and thus, they will want that person all to themselves."

"A person that will do anything to make someone else theirs," Child Emperor frowned. "That does sound like a yandere."

"I believe Yan-chan's mother may have been 'obsessed' with Yan-chan's father, and still is," Metal Knight continued. "As for Yan-chan herself, I'm not exactly sure who she is obsessed with."

"Demon Cyborg, maybe?" Child Emperor asked. "Though, why would she kill all of those students and heroes for him?"

"It hasn't been confirmed that she killed anyone," Metal Knight reminded him. "Most Yanderes will not go out of their inner circle, or do something incredibly outlandish. They like to keep to themselves. A Yandere most likely would not kill that many people."

"You're right," Child Emperor sighed.

"There is a chance you might be wrong about Yan-chan," Metal Knight said. "You could be investigating the wrong person. After all, this is all speculation. Perhaps she is not a Yandere. There's very little known about them. Most of what I'm saying is just my hypothesis."

"No, I'm sure she's suspicious," Child Emperor replied. "Goddess is…" he trailed off, remembering the warning Saikou Corp gave him.

"Goddess?" Metal Knight asked.

"Look, let's just say I found out that Goddess is also suspicious of Yan-chan," Child Emperor said. "That's why… I went to Akademi to investigate Yan-chan." He paused. "Has Goddess been in contact with you? Has she told you anything?"

"Even though I am affiliated with Saikou Corp, I don't know much about Goddess herself," Metal Knight admitted. "I have only heard the same thing you have: she is busy with this so-called 'family business'."

Child Emperor muttered under his breath, staring at the tapes on his desk.

"This Monster Association is rather dangerous, but I fear there is something lurking in the shadows," Metal Knight said. "It could be Yan-chan, or… something else." He paused. "Honestly, I don't think the Monster Association is the one killing heroes."

Child Emperor frowned at that. "If they aren't… then who is?"

"I am not sure," Metal Knight admitted. "But I am sure they are much worse than the Monster Association."

Child Emperor went silent.

"Goddess is hiding something as well," Metal Knight told him. "She has been hiding a lot of things, even before her 'family business' began."

Child Emperor realised he was right… what was Goddess hiding?

"Can you tell me anything you know about Akademi?" the young hero asked.

"Well, a strange young man from that school contacted me about an invention he'd made, a while ago," Metal Knight replied. "Turns out, he works under me now."

"Seriously?" Child Emperor asked. "What's his name?"

"Kaga Kusha," the elder hero answered.

Garou scowled. His body felt like it had been stampeded all over. He was lying in bed, in a room that looked like a hospital room someone had thrown their junk into.

Where's this? he thought, sitting up. So I guess I survived all of that… my memory is kinda hazy…

He looked over at the bedside table. Sitting on it was a note addressed to him.

He picked it up, reading over it.

Welcome to the Monster Association. If you're reading this, you've been saved from the brink of death. You can thank us for that. Keep that in mind as you take your time to rest in this room - without breaking into a rampage, if you please. Even if you did break out, you'd be targeted by the heroes. You need a safe place. We've prepared a change of clothes for you, so help yourself.

Garou scowled, crumpling the note into a ball.

Damn, my whole body hurts like hell, he thought, standing up.

He stretched his sore arms, his throat desperately parched. Gods, was he starving. He slipped into the new clothes the letter had mentioned. He kicked the door down, looking left and right into the dark hallways. He could hear nothing but the sound of presumably monsters in the distance.

Hello, Garou.

He nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Who's there?!" he demanded, looking around.

You do not recognise my voice?

Garou scowled, realising the familiar girl in question was not physically present. "Yan-chan? Where the Hell are you?! How the Hell are you talkin' to me through my head?"

It's called telepathy. It seems you're inside the Monster Association base.

"Where the Hell are you?" Garou repeated.

Not nearby. But I don't think you need me to rescue you.

"Hell no," Garou snapped. "What happened to the old man and Rai-ch- Raibaru?"

Bang, Raibaru, Genos and Bomb all survived the attack. I am surprised that you care.

"I don't," Garou growled. "And don't act like you're surprised. You don't have any damn emotions."

I suppose you are right. I recommend that you leave the Monster Association as soon as possible. Don't worry about the threat of heroes, I can protect you from them.

"I don't need you to protect me, dumb bitch," Garou snapped.

Hmm. Let me know when you are leaving. I will find you.

"I don't need you," Garou growled, but she didn't respond. He continued walking for a while, and realised the girl had gone quiet.

"Hey, Yan-chan, you there?" he asked.

No response.

"Annoying bitch," Garou cursed, continuing his trek into the Monster Association.

On the other end of the line, Ayano was packing up her bag, preparing to go home. It was time to catch up on her training. After all, everything was about to collide. She needed to be prepared.

"Skipping cleaning time again?" the teacher asked, frowning at Yan-chan with her bag draped over her shoulder.

"My apologies, Sensei," Ayano bowed. "The Hero Association called me in."

The teacher sighed. "Oh, very well. But please find time to attend to it tomorrow."

Ayano nodded. "Of course."

She then quickly made her way out of the school, reaching the sidewalk. She prepared to run all the way home as a warm-up when-

"Yan-chan, Yan-chan!"

Ayano tried not to flip out as Midori appeared from behind her.

"It's been so long since we've hung out!" Midori said, brightly. "Let's play Miyuki at my place after school!"

"No," Ayano said, not even meeting Midori's eyes.

"Aw, but we haven't played it since… well, before your birthday," Midori retorted.

Ayano didn't respond.

Midori sighed. "Yan-chan, it's just… you're always so busy with all this hero stuff these days... I wanna hang out again! Like the old times!"

"I can't," Ayano said, gruffly.

"Why not?" Midori asked, sounding hurt. "Are you… avoiding me?"

No response.

"You never talk to me at all these days," Midori said. "Yan-chan, if you're upset about something… then tell me! I'm your best friend! I want to help you!"

She grabbed Ayano's hand.

"You're acting like a weird fanfic character," Midori pleaded. "Please, tell me what's wrong!"

"You are wasting my time," Ayano growled, grabbing Midori's arm and snapping it like a twig. "I will destroy you."

Midori screamed, holding her limp arm. "What do you-"

Ayano pulled out her knife, jumping on top of Midori. She pinned her to the ground, raising her knife. She dug the knife into Midori's body, over and over again. Blood pooled around her body. Ayano couldn't stop stabbing her. The feeling of succession was just too strong. She cackled, soaked in blood, smile wide.

Eventually, she got off the corpse, and dragged it off to a hole to let it rot. Now she could work in peace. She left to clean herself, a small smile on her face.

She felt a presence at the back of her head. A presence that she felt when using her strings.

Go forward… destroy them all…

… fun…

She would. She would destroy them all.

"Hmm…"

Kaga Kusha, president of the Science Club, frowned as one of his monitors went off. It was a green flashing light. He pressed a button on the monitor. It changed to a screen view of his underground basement. Kaga narrowed his eyes, staring at the row of tubes in the basement. A dark grin surfaced on his face.

"I see…" he said, tapping his fingers together. "So my hypothesis was correct."

Goddess couldn't take her eyes off the news page. Not until she got to the bottom of it. Her investigation had received some interesting results, after all.

"Miss Saikou."

Goddess turned around, facing her bodyguards. They stared down at her.

"Your father forbid you from this research," one of them said.

"This research is necessary," Goddess replied. "As a hero, it is my-"

"Your father forbid you from hero activities," the other bodyguard informed her.

Goddess turned away. "I am aware of that. But I cannot sit idly while this hero-hunter roams free, attacking not only my group, but other heroes. As well as this ridiculous Monster Association and the atrocities they have brought."

But Goddess was curious… is Garou really such a big threat? Is the Monster Association really behind all the killings? Are they really coming after me? What's their true objective here?

She thought of her group members…

"Ugh," Aoi cursed, lying back on her bed. "I hate this hospital so damn much!"

"Oh, Aoi," Akane said, giving her a gentle smile. "We'll get out of here eventually."

"Meg's still not doing anything," Aoi grumbled. "How long is she gonna wait?!"

"I wish I could act sooner."

Aoi looked up at the voice, noticing a girl in a red hoodie. The girl was holding a bouquet of flowers.

"M… Meg?!" Aoi asked.

"Megami darling!" Akane exclaimed.

The S Class hero hurriedly shushed them. "Don't call me by my name. My father isn't aware that I'm here. Nor am I supposed to be here."

"What're you doing here?!" Aoi asked. "Tell me you're gonna do something, dammit!"

"I encountered the Hero Hunter Garou on the way here," Goddess explained. "He attempted to attack me. I knocked him out with ease. Hopefully, that will keep him dormant for a while, and will convince him to stop this hero hunting nonsense."

"You should've killed the bastard," Aoi growled.

"My father would forbid it," Goddess replied. "And besides, he is still human… for now. I prefer not to kill humans unless it's absolutely necessary."

Aoi huffed. "Your dad can screw himself. Meg, the Monster Association is bad news. They're killing our students and our heroes! But if you went after them, they'd run off with their tails between their legs! They'd never mess with you again!"

"She has a point, darling," Akane agreed.

"I cannot," Goddess replied. "No matter how much I want to…" She glowered. "But if the other S Class heroes cannot handle it... then I will violate my orders."

Aoi scowled. "Dammit. Garou was the one who attacked us, wasn't he? I can't remember shit."

"I am not totally sure if it was him... or, if it was, in fact, someone else," Goddess replied.

Akane gasped. "You mean…"

"I will find out the true culprit," Goddess declared. "And I will destroy them."

"Your father is not going to like this," a bodyguard said.

Goddess faced him, picking up a piece of paper covered in question marks. "This is part of the reason why Father has not let me return to the Association. I understand that I am not allowed to participate in hero activities, but my father will allow me to investigate this."

The bodyguards frowned, and nodded at each other. Goddess continued her work. She wasn't sure how close she was to figuring out the truth, not with new threats continuously popping out. But she knew she would be the one to figure it out. Destiny had foretold it so.

Suiryu had been utterly destroyed. That bald man, that hero, Saitama… he had taught him the truth about heroes. Despite how much he despised them, the world needed heroes.

But as it turns out, not all heroes had the best intentions in mind.

He watched Ayano's interview on television. She seemed friendly enough, but he couldn't help but get an awful feeling.

Once I get out of here… I have to do something.

Ryoba Aishi read the newspaper, sitting on her hotel room's plush couch. More heroes had been killed. The newspapers were all saying it was the fault of the Monster Association, but the woman herself didn't believe it. After that last phone call she'd had with her daughter…

"Dear, come here for a moment," she said, facing her husband.

Muko Aishi* turned towards his wife, slight apprehension in his eyes.

"What is it?" he asked.

Ryoba showed him the newspaper.

"The Monster Association?" he asked, reading over it.

Ryoba shook her head. "No, dear. These deaths… are not the fault of the Monster Association."

"How do you know that?" Muko asked.

"It's finally happened, dear," Ryoba said, smiling sadly. "Our daughter has found her senpai."

"Ayano has a lover?" Muko asked.

Ryoba shook her head. "No. She met a person that made her feel emotions, but he is not her lover. And now… she feels that she has a 'purpose'. And that purpose is becoming the strongest hero alive."

"That's why she joined the Hero Association," Muko realised.

"I'm afraid not," Ryoba said. "No, dear, the truth is… the newspaper is wrong about the Monster Association being behind the murders."

Muko's eyes widened. "You don't mean… no, Yan-chan could never..." He clenched his fists.

Damn these Aishi women, he thought. I… I tried everything I could to help my daughter, and she still… she turned out even worse than her mother!

"Dear…" Ryoba reached out for her husband.

"I need a smoke," he said, walking out of the room. He headed outside to the hotel's balcony. Ryoba sighed, watching her husband light his cigarette.

What am I supposed to do? Muko thought, puffing smoke out of his mouth. I can't handle this anymore… why did it have to be her? Why did it have to be me?

Ryoba shook her head. She hated it when her husband got like this.

Oh, Yan-chan, dear, she thought, looking over the news. She didn't care much for heroes, nor the lives of others, but still…

For her entire life, Ryoba had been subtly teaching her daughter how to get away with murder, just in case she found a special someone and needed to protect them no matter what. Now Ryoba realised that she herself was partly responsible for whatever her daughter was becoming.

The creature she herself had failed to be. Her daughter was now that creature.

She had to do something about this. She would do something about this. She would stop her daughter, one way or another.

Before the entire world was destroyed.

A woman with long, silver hair sat on top of a balcony. She adjusted the hat she'd owned for many years.

"Don't worry, sister," she said. "I'll find you, one day."

Gyoro-Gyoro stared at an image of Ayano.

It is her, he realised. She's the one I've been searching for…

… SO, YOU LIKE TO HAVE FUN? ME TOO…

*This name came from a Yandere Sim fanfiction called 'A New Devotion' by UmbraAzuka, it's really good and I recommend giving it a read. Also, ngl, Muko is the MVP of this story. The poor guy has been through a lot. I decided to give him a name because… well, you'll see why…

Anyway, SEASON 2 IS FINISHED CAN YOU BELIEVE IT GUYS! So yes, I've been working on season 3 - it takes place in the Monster Association, and deals with that. It follows the manga/webcomic, so if you haven't read either, big spoilers for that. Like last time, I'll post some extra chapters before the release of season 3. I want to base one of them on the OVAs coming out but I'll have to wait until they come out lol. The manga hasn't actually covered the entirety of the Monster Association arc so I'll be making some liberties. Until then… see you soon, and as always, thank you for reading!