CHAPTER 18:

POST-MORTEM

I heard about Katsuki Bakugou's little conniption later. And as much as his rant had been born of his vendetta against Izuku Midoriya, and the poison his puppet-masters had been dripping in his ears, he had a point. Those who attacked the USJ were willing to murder and rape teenagers. Death is what they deserved, and if they were dead, they would not have harmed anyone ever again.

However, Bakugou's ego played more of a part in his rant than any true moral conviction. He could not stand to see Izuku Midoriya to have any happiness in the world, or indeed, any life. As far as he was concerned, Villains, even potential ones, didn't have a right to exist, or a right to be.

Ah, what an overly simplistic, quixotic view he had. He would have made a fine Sarafan if he ever found the faith for it. In truth, the only thing Bakugou had was faith in himself and his own abilities. After what happened with his former friend, he felt betrayed by all around him, including his own mother. And his puppet-masters exploited this. How much influence did they have? Well, I cannot say. I personally believe that Bakugou walked a tightrope between Hero and Villain, and all that was needed was the slightest bit of instability to push him into the abyss. No, not a tightrope, but a maze of morality that one could easily get lost in, for the maze is twisting, ever-twisting(1).

Despite all his fear and uncertainty and annoying morality, I find Izuku Midoriya to be more admirable. Unlike Bakugou, he at least knew the maze was there. And he tried not to get lost in it…

Consciousness came back slowly, and Izuku's eyes fluttered open, only to snap shut with a wince of pain at the brightness of the lights. A groan escaped his lips as an icicle seemed to stab itself into his brain. The first thing he saw as he risked opening his eyes again was the faces of Toshinori (no longer in his All Might form) and Tsukauchi looking down at him. Recovery Girl was nearby, and he realised he was at the infirmary of UA.

He blinked as recollection came flooding back, but Toshinori gently touched his hand as he began to panic. "I know what you're going to ask, Izuku. Everyone's all right, save for some minor injuries for the most part. I was pretty much the only one aside from you who needed to be here with Recovery Girl, as that Nomu thing gripped my wound pretty badly. Your friends are waiting outside. They wanted to see you badly, but Tsukauchi needed to ask you some questions."

Izuku nodded morosely, sitting up. He tried to speak, only to begin coughing. Recovery Girl promptly came over with a glass. Izuku sipped it, before he said, his voice a hoarse croak, "It's because I killed the Nomu, right?"

"Partly, though witnesses corroborate that it was in self-defence, Midoriya, so you're not in any trouble. Indeed, your actions may have saved many lives," the detective said. "But you will need to attend counselling sessions. Janos will be handling your counselling sessions, though if you'd like to avail yourself of another counsellor like Hound Dog…or there's a good one who works with the police and Pro-Heroes when they kill someone in the line of duty. In any case, the Nomu creature…if what we suspect was done to it is true, then killing it was a mercy. Though obviously, killing is not something you should make a habit of."

Izuku nodded morosely. "…Then please, ask your questions, Detective…"

Tsukauchi nodded after asking his last questions. "Thank you, Midoriya. You've been most helpful. If you've gotten Quirks from the Nomu like before, I'd like you to see if you can figure out exactly what they are. We know three of them, with shock absorption, super strength, and regeneration, but there may have been more."

"…Detective…do you think that monster…could have been made by All for One?"

Tsukauchi frowned. "…As a police officer, I have to say that that's under investigation, and it's not your purview to speculate or contribute to that part of the investigation. But…Toshinori says you already know about All for One and One for All. It's a distinct possibility, that's all I can say. We have the remains of the Nomu for analysis, so we might be able to have some sort of answer later."

"…It's obscene, what was done to it," Izuku muttered. "I mean…was that once a person? I'm sure it was, and…whatever was done to that person turned it into that…thing. I'd ask who would do such a thing, but…there's too many people in the world who could, and would." He shuddered and shivered. "And that Kurogiri guy…there was something wrong with him. I mean, there was plenty wrong with that Shigaraki guy, but…Kurogiri…that collar, I think it was like a respirator. And yet…they had all the resources to plan this, to get the plans, but Shigaraki was basically throwing minions at us when he wasn't throwing tantrums. He can't be the real leader of the League of Villains, even if All for One isn't involved."

Tsukauchi chuckled. "You've got a good brain, Midoriya. A shame you didn't want to join the police. As I said, though, it's an ongoing investigation, and the police have jurisdiction. Still, thank you for your time. I'd suggest you keep quiet about any speculation about All for One from your classmates, though. Anyway, I'd better get going. And Midoriya? You saved lives today, and prevented injuries. Killing should be a last resort, even in defence of others, and you should never enjoy it…but you did good today."

As he left, Toshinori nodded. "What he said."

Recovery Girl waddled over, and gave him a stern look. "Now, young man, while I cannot ask that you not defend others, you had a very violent episode. You're lucky you didn't injure yourself or choke on your own vomit. I know you couldn't have known the reaction was this bad, given that something like this happened when you awoke your abilities, but your stamina was badly taxed. In fact, I think it was the regeneration Quirk from the Nomu that ensured your body is in as good condition as it is. People who gain multiple Quirks can potentially end up brain-dead, from what I have heard. That being said, you appear to be well enough to leave, and you'll be given tomorrow off, along with your classmates, but I want to be notified ASAP if you feel any ill effects."

Izuku nodded, only for the door to open, and a group of students come in. "IZUKU!" Himiko yelped, all but leaping onto the bed, her golden eyes wide in concern. "Are you okay?"

"Stupid question, Himiko," Hitoshi said, slouching in, followed by Tenya, Ochako, and a few surprises. Namely, Tsuyu Asui, Kyoka Jiro, Tokoyami Fumikage and Shoto Todoroki.

"He's fit enough to go home," Recovery Girl said. "But don't crowd him, understand?"

"We got told by the others what happened, mostly Ochako," Hitoshi said as they walked through the grounds of UA. "She saw a lot of what happened. It sounds…nasty, to say the least."

"We went up against actual Villains," Izuku said, shivering as the implications of the day caught up with him, with Himiko all but clinging to him. "They wanted us dead. They wanted us all dead. And they had that bioengineered monster to take on All Might."

"Truly, today was a dark one in the annals of this establishment," Tokoyami remarked.

"Yeah, Nezu will no doubt be reviewing the security arrangements here," Jiro said.

Tsuyu gained a pensive look on her face. "Then again, that Kurogiri guy…teleporters are hard to counter, and they're rare to boot."

"And they were brazen," Todoroki said. "This was a shot across the bows. Make no mistake…we got out of that alive partly out of luck, and partly because most of those Villains were just back-alley scum that were overconfident about killing a bunch of children. Even if they failed…they've damaged UA's reputation for safety and security."

Tenya frowned to himself. "That is indeed a good point, Todoroki."

"It's hard to prepare for all eventualities," Izuku said. "Even UA can't prepare for everything. But you're right, Todoroki. We survived partly out of luck, and partly because they were cocky."

Todoroki nodded. Himiko, however, shook her head. "The thing is…they might try something like this again. I mean, that Shigaraki guy and whatever Kurogiri was…they got away. And something bioengineered like the Nomu can't be cheap." She then looked at Izuku. "Izuku, I managed to ask Janos and Vlad King. 1-A have the day off tomorrow, and…so have I."

"But you weren't there!" Tenya protested.

"But Izuku was!" Himiko snapped at the straitlaced teen. "I got that text from him, and I had to worry about whether he was alive or dead with those Villains coming after him! Someone needs to be there for him, and with all due respect to you guys, I've known him for longer than any of you!"

"Iida, let it go," Ochako said. "If Dr Audron thinks she can…" She looked at Izuku. "If you want, we can all come over, or if Himiko wants to be alone with you…"

"…How about we meet up later on that day?" Izuku asked. The tightening of Himiko's grip suggested he may have blundered.

"I don't know about the rest of you, but I won't be able to come," Todoroki said. "No doubt my father will rope me into training after today. Regardless, I hope you have a decent enough time. Oh, and Midoriya? Watch your back around Bakugou. I have to go. Take care." And with that, the stoic teen walked away.

"I'm not sure any of our parents would want to let us out of their sights after today," Jiro said. "Momo and I had a hell of a close call during our fights."

"…We came so close to dying," Izuku said softly. "Those monsters wanted to kill us. I mean, it's one thing to expect that when you're actually a Pro-Hero, but when you're a student…I know my mother's probably going to be unhappy. And the galling thing is…those Villains weren't there for us. We were just diversions to kill time until All Might came along. And even though we survived and won…Todoroki was right. The Villains scored one victory. They exposed UA's complacency."

"But what was he saying about Bakugou?" Ochako asked.

"Nothing good," Himiko sneered. "That rabid Pomeranian hates Izuku. Thinks he's a Villain."

"That's not true!" Tenya snapped. "While I cannot say I condone killing, Izuku made a choice between our lives and that monster! I am glad that he chose to save us! In any case, I will have to speak to my brother and parents about this."

As Tenya walked off, Tsuyu looked thoughtful. "Izuku…there's more to Bakugou hating you than that, isn't there? Can I ask what it is, or is it private?"

"…It's private, Tsuyu. It's a part of my Quirk that I wish I didn't have, but it's no danger to any of you. The teachers know of it. Let's leave it at that."

"Understood, ribbit. But…you saved us. Don't forget that…"

Himiko accompanied Izuku to his home…and to be frank, it felt more like home to her these days. Coming to the Midoriyas for dinner was not an uncommon occurrence by now for the blonde teenager. While her relationship with her family improved after Janos took her under his wing, there still seemed to be a wariness, and Himiko found Inko more welcoming, even after Inko learned about her Quirk.

Himiko had panicked on getting the text from her darling Izuku, and understandably so. Now that Izuku was all right, at least physically, that fear had become replaced by sheer fury. Not burning hot fury, but cold fury, a fury that was like liquid oxygen, chilling and corrosive. All she had were a pair of names: Tomura Shigaraki and Kurogiri, the leaders of the League of Villains. But perhaps not the masterminds. Already, Janos had taken her quietly aside with Hitoshi, and revealed that, given the Nomu, the creature Izuku was forced to kill, All for One was possibly involved.

Tomura Shigaraki. Kurogiri. All for One. She would make them bleed for attacking Izuku and their shared friends. In fact, she would take that device that crazy Support Class girl Mei Hatsume had finally built for her, disable the safeties, jab it into their bodies, and drain them fucking dry. The thought of the blood-sucking device drinking away every last drop of their blood was a happy one. True, it wasn't a particularly heroic one, but she wasn't feeling particularly heroic towards those monsters.

And she was feeling the same way towards Bakagou. Janos had warned them about Bakagou's attitude. Oh, he had a point in his little spiel. Many Villains deserved to die instead of being imprisoned, even if it was in Tartarus. But Izuku was no Villain. And neither was she. She could easily have been, but Janos and Izuku caught her before she fell. And Hitoshi, Inko, Jin, Shuichi…they kept supporting her. So too did All Might, and Vlad King, Ochako, Tenya, Itsuka, Ibara…they believed in her.

But Bakagou? One day, he would make good on his threats. And she would be there, waiting, with a hypodermic attached to a blood-suction device, ready to divest him of all the beautiful blood he wasted just by existing. No…she would drink it from him directly. Bite deeply into his neck, and drink deeply of the only thing that was beautiful about him, his lovely, lovely blood.

She shook herself of those thoughts as they approached the Midoriya flat. But as they entered, it was minor bedlam. Not much, but of all people, Jin and Iguchi were present, entertaining Eri with their antics, while Janos was speaking with a rather teary-looking Inko. "Izuku! Himiko!" Eri chirped.

"Guys…what are you doing here?" Izuku asked.

Janos looked at them, and gave a sad smile. "I came here to offer a meal out as an apology to your mother, Izuku. I'm afraid today's events made her worry. Hitoshi will be meeting us there."

Inko hurried over, and hugged Izuku. "Izuku…what possessed you to do such a thing?" she sobbed.

"…People nearly died, Mum," Izuku said softly. "I just didn't realise what would happen. Are you talking about the Nomu?"

She nodded. "Just…promise me, if you can, to leave it to the Pros next time. You're not a Pro-Hero yet, you're a student, still learning, and…"

"…Mum, I'm not an innocent child. I haven't been since I awoke the Soul Reaver," Izuku said morosely. "Not since I killed that mugger, and Bakugou called me a Villain. If I can do something to help save someone…I'll do it. And…that thing…that monster…it was designed to kill All Might. It could easily have taken down most of us, including the other Pro-Heroes. I made a decision in what little time I had. Mum…I can't promise that I won't do something like that again. Being a Pro-Hero means life and death situations are going to be a thing. Even if I can't be All Might, saving people with a smile on my face…I'll still save people."

"…You already have, Izuku," Himiko said quietly and sincerely. "You saved me from myself, you and Janos. And you saved your classmates from that monster. You're a hero already, as far as I'm concerned."

Janos walked over to them, and placed a clawed hand, one on Himiko's shoulder, the other on Izuku's. "I won't lie to you. What happened at the USJ was an opening shot in a war that you probably will get caught up in. It should not be your fight, but the League of Villains will not care. And your class, Izuku, won't be the only ones involved. Indeed…the UA Sports Festival will be coming up, in spite of all this. You need to show the world that you are not afraid, or rather, not cowed by fear. The Fallen will be amongst those providing security to this event. We will ensure that what happened at the USJ will not happen once more…or at least not as bad as it went. Now, we had better prepare for dinner…"

As he raged at Dagoba Beach in the moonlight, boiling with fury over Deku given preferential treatment by those fuckwit so-called heroes, Katsuki heard his phone trill, and he answered it, not recognising the number. "If you're some shitty telemarketer, fuck off."

The voice he heard was deep, and recognisable. "They got your fire right. You know who this is, don't you?"

"I know who you sound like, but how the fuck do I know it's you?" Katsuki snarled.

"Good question. Let's just say we have a backer in common, Katsuki Bakugou. Tell me…the name Hash'ak'gik should mean something to you, right?"

Katsuki halted. Eventually, he said, "I'm listening."

"They saw what you went through at the USJ. Now, my son just told me a little about what went down there, and he overheard your words. He's too…wilful for his own good. Unwilling to do what is right. But I know you are. I know what Izuku Midoriya is, and that he is the bearer of the Soul Reaver. I know he is getting too powerful, and that the so-called Pro-Heroes are too willing to turn a blind eye to him, and to the Villains here. You see, I've formed an organisation with some like-minded friends. We do not allow Villains who are going to kill time and time again to go to prison. No…we deal with them like any illness. We remove them, burn them out, cut them away. But the time is not yet right. Not yet, anyway. But soon, we're going to expose the Pro-Heroes for the weak fakes that they are, and do away with any unwilling to get the job done. We will destroy evil at its source, as well as any who would hinder our crusade. Anyway, I know you have tomorrow off. Come to my agency by 9 AM. We'll talk there. And soon, there will be a reckoning..."

CHAPTER 18 ANNOTATIONS:

So, the fallout is settling, and Bakugou has been sent an offer from a certain Pro-Hero. Oh dear. And for those with any real familiarity with the Legacy of Kain franchise, Bakugou's backers have been revealed.

1. Jonathan Young's cover of The Day has 'the maze is twisting, ever-twisting' as part of the lyrics for the chorus.