Hello my readers!
MERRY EARLY CHRISTMAS!
This chapter is going to be a bombshell of information. I hope that you enjoy part 2 of Castle's Crumbling.
Izuku.
Who was that? Within his mind he could see a silhouette, he could tell it was a woman, but everything else was so fuzzy.
…Izuku… the voice was trembling and filled with so much grief, I'm so sorry, she cried.
No... don't cry.. you- you didn't do anything… wrong...
He tried to reach out to her, he wanted to wrap his arms around her like he did Eri so he could calm her crying, but his movements were slowed he felt like he was falling, drowning. Sinking deeper and deeper into darkness while the grieving woman faded into the light.
Izuku… Izuku… the broken voice faded and he was left within the darkness, but there was a feeling that he wasn't alone. When he turned he came face to face with an entity. The being had no distinctive features, just a form that was even darker than the darkness that surrounded them. There was familiarity to it.
It's been so long, Izuku. deep and hollow, the words seemed to bounce around them. Thank you for my name.
When he woke up he felt a weird heaviness that lingered around him. The dreams were becoming much more vivid and stayed with him longer. He splashed his face, it bothered him. Izuku stared into the mirror, his reflection staring right back to him.
Thank you for my name.
He frowned, "What was that suppose to have meant?" he muttered grabbing a towel and walking out of the bathroom. He didn't have time to be thinking about stupid dreams. Today was meeting day. He needed to be focused and clear headed if he was going to have to deal with All for One and his apprentice again.
"Otosan!" Izuku called out happily, "Look who I brought!" he added with a smile.
The elder man sat up in his bed and smiled widely as he took in the sight of his adopted son and his little granddaughter, "What a pleasant surprise. You've grown since the last time I saw you Eri."
Eri clung shyly to Izuku's side the entire time. She wasn't use to being out of her room other than being taken to the scary place. It was just recent that she was allowed to start coming outside, just recent that Kai started trying to be nicer to her. Eri was still scared, still timid and her only support was Izuku, so she followed him around everywhere like a shadow. She gazed up to the elderly man and then to Izuku curiously.
"This is your Grandfather, Eri-chan, go over and say hello." he coaxed her to be less shy.
Her red eyes went from Izuku to her grandfather a few times then cautiously she took a few steps forward, "h-hello..." she spoke softly.
When she saw the softness of his smile and a wave of his hand she continued closer to him. Izuku picked her up and sat her on the side of the bed and the three of them began to talk, simple things really, until finally Eri was comfortable to open up to her grandfather and was happy to find someone else that she wasn't afraid. Kai stood in the doorway just watching them in silence; he wasn't exactly attached to Eri, the child was more troublesome than he cared for, but he supposed he could tolerate her for a while longer.
"So, Grandpa is Izu's papa?" she asked curiously.
"He adopted me when I was a little younger than you." Izuku answered with a smile.
Eri's eyebrow furrowed in thought, "Did your momma not want you either?"
Izuku hesitated for a moment. Eri remembered that her mother abandoned her. She didn't have the grace of not knowing like he did, "I, uh, I don't know. I hardly remember anything before living here." he replied.
The old man caught Kai with a knowing look. Kai's eyes narrowed in warning before the elder turned back to the kids.
"Why?" the infamous question of a child was spoken.
"Kacchan says I hit my head really hard when I was little after an incident with a bully and I just never been able to recollect anything really." Izuku tried to answer her, he hadn't really had to think about his past for a long time and honestly now that she was bringing it up he did have to wonder just where exactly he did come from, did his family abandon him like Kai suggested, did they think about him, were they dead or something entirely different, he wasn't sure. In a way, it made him feel a little guilty that he never took the time to find out more about it.
Eri frowned a bit before carefully gazing to the side to see Kai watching them. She still didn't like him, there was something dark and dangerous about him that reminded her that he was still a bad person. He effected Izuku too, she could see the change in her hero, Kai was changing him and she couldn't let that continue to happen.
"But it really doesn't matter anymore, you know why?" Izuku spoke up and Eri shook her head to the question, he smiled, "It's because this is home. I have you, Otosan, Kacchan and the rest of our family in my life, what more could I ask for?"
The little girl stared at Izuku for a moment. Family. They were all a family in Izuku's eyes, he wanted her to see them that way too. She wondered if she could, but how could she forgive what they had done to her and Izuku, how could she pretend like it never happened.
"Izuku, it's time to go. We still have to get ready for the meeting." Kai stated as he walked further into the room. Izuku looked to the clock then gave a nod while helping Eri back down who quickly ducked behind him. Izuku said his farewells to the elder before leading Eri out of the room. Kai stayed behind, telling Izuku to wait for him in the car.
Once they felt Izuku was out of earshot the old man relaxed back into his bed, "It's not as easy as you thought it'd be." He watched the young man carefully.
Kai glares at him at first then turns away, "What has he told you?"
"He tells me everything Kai. Including what happened during and after the meeting with All for One and his League of Villains." the old man replies, "I'm disappointed Kai. I asked for you to take care of my granddaughter, but what you've done is going too far."
"Tch, your hands are as blood stained as mine, don't patronize me old man, I'm the Boss of this Syndicate now not you."
"Are you?" the old man questioned causing a slight tinge of panic to rush through Kai. "I seem to recall that you are only the 'Acting Boss' right now because of my declining health. However, you are not the next in line to take over." he stated sternly. The old man could tell this new information shocked Kai, but he needed to understand the consequences of his actions leading up to this moment. "Those years ago Kai, when I took you in. I did so because you're family." his eyes softened just slightly, "You are the only son of my youngest brother; all I had left of his memory. When my children denounced themselves from my life you became the heir because I had no one to pass my legacy down to." he explained, "until Izuku came into our lives." Chisaki watched Kai carefully, gauging his nephew's reaction to what he was saying, giving Kai a moment to let his words sink in before continuing. "By officially adopting Izuku all those years ago I had my attorney rewrite my living will. Once Izuku is old enough the estate and all its fortune will go to him. He is my heir, not you."
Stain was no hero. He knew that the moment he realized how corrupt society had become. He found only a few actually worthy of the title Hero, one in particular being All Might. Though the Pro Hero was commercialized beyond all compare he never let it get in the way of being the Symbol of Peace. Stain felt there would be no one that could replace the man when the time came that he would either step down or be taken down. It was why he did what he did, why he would punish those that sought to tarnish the ideals of heroics with selfish greed.
Then he met Karasu. The shadow of Overhaul.
Karasu proved to him that he shared the same ideals and goals. To cleanse the world of false heroes. When he discovered that the gangster was actually a kid, no more than sixteen if he had to guess, it was a bit of a shock at first. Yet the Anti-hero knew that the yakuza tend to start their members off early. After a few more encounters with them he began to see this boy as something more.
Being the only outsider to know his appearance outside of his 'Karasu' persona he witnessed so many sides to him. No one could ever guess that this green ball of light could be the lethal and merciless criminal everyone was beginning to fear. Sweet, honest, inquisitive, and sharp as his knives. Izuku was in all the word, perfect. That was when he discovered the one thing that was holding Izuku back from reaching beyond his current state. Overhaul. Now to only get the kid to see that too.
"Now that you know where I live you've decided to roost here or something?"
The question brought the hero killer out of his thoughts. He glanced down from the rooftop he was currently lounging on down to Izuku. The kid seemed amused, his green eyes danced with mischief, Stain had to wonder what was going on in his head.
"I don't roost kid." He responded as he jumped from his perch and landed near Izuku. "So the league wants another meeting with you huh?"
"Yeah, apparently. The meeting will take place here." Izuku answered, "I'm sure Kacchan is on edge about this, he doesn't like outsiders coming here." He mentioned. "You're an exception of course, but he just doesn't like the filth that people bring in, usually takes about a week to get everything sterilized and back to normal."
"You're joking, I hope. I mean he wouldn't clean this roof just because I walked on it?"
"Uh, yeah, doorknobs, chairs, rugs would be replaced, walls cleaned, sidewalks and hallways, it's a real pain, but necessary, there are way too many germs out there."
Germs… did he just say that? The Hero Killer could feel his eye twitch involuntarily. Just what was that gangster putting in the kid's head. "It won't kill you to get a little dirty you know."
"So I've heard." He replied with a shrug, "Kacchan makes sure that I keep clean, he's looked out for my health since I could remember." He spoke a little too fondly of the yakuza leader. "By the way, I haven't heard any news on your next target, is there a reason you've been waiting so long?" Izuku asked showing that he was keeping a close eye on Stain.
The Hero Killer gave a nod, "His hero agency has too many extra variables. I'm waiting until the Sports Festival since everyone's attention will be occupied then." He replied, "And because of the Leagues recent attack they will have majority of the heroes stationed there."
"Sounds like a good plan, just don't get careless. Less Hero Support doesn't mean completely defenseless." Izuku pointed out.
"I'll keep that in mind. Now when is this meeting starting?" he asked.
Kai joined the conversation then as he stepped outside, "Within the hour, finish getting ready Izuku." He ordered the boy.
They were all there. Spread out strategically through the building, but still there. The entrance guarded by Toya and Rikiya who was lounging in front, seemingly ready to fall asleep. Within the room Yu, Shin and Hekiji were stationed around them while Soramitsu and Deidoro stayed near the rear exits. Overhaul sat at the head of the enlarged meeting table, Karasu to his right and Chronostasis to his left, Shin beside Kurono. Behind Karasu stood the imposing Rappa as his guard along with Stain who opted from taking a seat and instead stayed back to make sure he had every part of the room within his sights. There was no room for any foul play, Overhaul made sure of that.
Like before a dark shadow portal opened and out stepped Shigaraki and All for One. There were new faces that stepped out of the mist as well, they weren't supposed to be there. Overhaul stood from his seat, "Who are they?" he growled out. This changed everything.
Shigaraki spoke, "They're my new members. You brought yours, so why not bring my own?" he quipped back with a grin.
Overhaul's hands gripped into fists, he hated the League, there was no room for them in his plans, yet here they were trying to weasel their way in. "Next time you'll report who exactly you'll have accompany you here."
Shigaraki was about to retort, but the heavy hand of All for One on his shoulder kept his mouth shut. "He's still learning the etiquette of business conduct. It will not happen again. Sit, we have much to discuss."
While Overhaul was steaming about the blatant lack of respect the older teen showed, Karasu quietly gauged all of them from behind his new and improved mask.
This plague mask was designed and created by him, it completely covered his face, like Chronostasis, but still resembling the look of his namesake. The pitch-black leather was sown meticulously together by strong gold thread. Thick lens stretched to the sides to not impede on his peripheral vision, the lens was technical genius as it was designed to be a transparent computer screen. He had spent hours with the program and downloading all his notes within the mainframe so that if anything were to happen to his library of analytical notes hidden within the compound, he would still have everything right there in his hands or rather head. It also had a built-in camera and sensors to improve his awareness. The mask securely wrapped around the base of his head, covering his ears with sound enhancement and audio recording equipment. While the hood of his jacket snapped onto the rim of the mask keeping his hair cleverly hidden away.
There were nine new League members. Each one different. His alert system went off for two; Muscular and Moonfish. Their specs appeared on his screen, he had no room to judge them, but at the same time he did not trust them. The other members had petty crime tied them or were completely unknown within the system which piqued his curiosity of them.
The League converged on the opposite side of the table and room, All for One taking the head of the table with Shigaraki on his right and Kurogiri on his left. He watched the new league members as they settled into their own spots. The ones that sat along with the original were assumed the strongest of the group. The first one he gauged was a blond female, she sat in one of the chairs finding more amusement in spinning her chair around instead of paying attention to the conversation. Her hair was tied up in messy buns and she looked young, like around his age. She seemed innocent, but there was also a feral look about her. The next was an older male, black hair and a mess load of scars….
"The hell is with your new getup Karasu? You look ridiculous." Shigaraki's rude comment brought Karasu's attention on him.
"Aw, jealous? I'd give you a hand with yours, but it seems you've already acquired enough." Karasu responded, earning a laugh from those around him, but Shigaraki was steaming.
Karasu smiled, it was so much fun to antagonize him and easy too.
"Hold on… Is that Stain?" the question seemed to bring everyone's attention to alert. The lizard man rose from his seat with wide eyes as he stares behind Karasu to the man that was standing in the shadows. The girl stopped her twirling as well and gazed with awe.
"Hm? Oh I forgot to mention him the last time didn't I?" Karasu said as Stain approached the table. The look on Shigaraki's face was absolutely priceless. "The Hero Killer and I have been working together for a while now."
The lizard turns to Shigaraki, "I thought you said that he joined your group?!"
"I found him to be unworthy of my allegiance, so I refused his invitation." Stain announced with a glare pointed toward the white-haired villain leader who's red eyes were filled with a savage rage.
"But you found this Quirkless brat to be so-called worthy?!" Shigaraki growled his fists trembling with his anger.
Karasu watched carefully. He could see the familiar look of betrayal in some of his cohorts' eyes and body language. He would know.
"I see the future in this kid." Stain stated calmly. This surprised even Karasu, "The future I've been fighting for. He shares the same ideals and drive that I do, he's proven his worth in more ways than even he realizes."
All for One seemed to be gauging the situation, like watching the board and planning his next three steps in chess. This was turning out to be more interesting than he initially thought. He wondered how his apprentice would continue to react, so far it seems the game is in Karasu's favor for now.
Kai was stunned, the hope that this meeting would go fast and smooth was just shot out the window. Izuku was once again the center of attention. What was this asshole thinking? His gold eyes fixed on Stain, he was standing way too close to his Izuku. HIS Treasure. His skin itched at the sight.
A fist slammed against the table. Shigaraki's glare was intense, but Karasu seemed unfazed, "We came here to plan our next attack on the Hero Society." He stated.
Surprisingly Karasu gave a nod, "Agreed, as fun as that was, lets get back onto topic shall we?" he turned to Stain who walked around to the empty seat next to Karasu. There was still a buzz in the air. A shift in energies. Karasu turned to Kai, their eyes locked and soon Kai was calming down, he had to remember, Izuku wouldn't leave him.
Kai took control of not only his temper, but the room as well. "Your attack on U.A. shook the people's faith in heroes, but it was only short lived. They're still going through with the Sports Festival despite the popular opinion for them to cancel it." He pointed out.
"We don't plan on doing anything during the Sports Festival." Shigaraki replied.
Kai scoffs, "I would have questioned your intelligence if you did."
Shigaraki sneered doing his best to ignore the insult, but the constant scratching of his neck showed otherwise, "It would give them a false sense of security and they would become laxed, that's when we would strike again."
Karasu leaned back in his seat thoughtfully. He didn't speak, but he was listening and figuring out his own thoughts on the topics. He wasn't noticing the extra eyes that would hover back onto him throughout the meeting.
"Strike at what exactly? You're attempt to kill All Might failed. You are going to try again? How much more resources are you willing to sacrifice?" Kai argued with frustration. Karasu could tell he was on the last nerve with Shigaraki, whom seemed obsessed with the death of All Might.
"I'd like to hear what Karasu thinks." All for One spoke.
The greenette blinked as he turned his attention to AfO. He could feel the man's gaze upon him like last time. "What I think?" he reiterated pointing at himself before looking over to Overhaul. He's not supposed to be the one speaking, that was for the Boss to do and he wasn't. Overhaul's eyes were already on him, he could see that he was not happy, but the nod that he received allowed him to do so, showed him that he still trusted him.
He cleared his throat, "Well, Shigaraki's idea is a good start, but Overhaul makes a valid point, 'why attack the school again?' It's already been exposed that their defenses against attacks was nothing more than a joke." He then recalled something from his previous notes suddenly, "So attack outside of school…" he muttered. A satisfied smile graced All for One's hidden features.
Red eyes narrowed, Shigaraki let out a huff of aggravation or was that curiosity, "Outside of school?"
"I acquired some information recently. U.A. is planning to take the first years to an unknown location to help them take early preliminary licenses thanks to the extra attention they are receiving." He pointed out, "If attacking from the inside the hero's home turf isn't enough, then perhaps we can persuade them come to a more leveled playing field?" Karasu suggested. That's when Shigaraki saw his rival in a new light.
Hope you enjoyed your Christmas Gift!
Let me know what you think so far.
Next chapter will be up soon, but the more you review the faster I write!