The impromptu holiday celebration had been a pleasant surprise. Truly, it had been. But in the days to follow, Tokoyami failed to rid himself of the looming sense of dread steadily overtaking him. Where exactly it came from could not be so easily pinpointed, so he had to assume that there were multiple factors contributing to his growing unease.

Celebrating with the League had been… strange. That wasn't to say he'd disliked it – rather, he'd enjoyed it to the fullest in the fleetingness of that cold, festive night. It wasn't something he'd ever expected to share with the close-knit group. It was no substitution for the kind of joyous occasions he would've otherwise held with family and friends was he not shackled to this mansion. And yet he couldn't ignore the sincerity of the gesture. Twice's desire to bring them all together was meaningful in its own right, and he'd been able to see a side of the League that he wouldn't normally bear witness to. Despite the peril of his situation, it'd served as a pleasant distraction. If only for a while.

As a dawn of a new year quietly overtook them all in the midst of their ever-building schedules, so too did a renewed sense of purpose arise within the members of the Paranormal Liberation Front.

Shigaraki was gone. That much had been made abundantly clear, and still Tokoyami had been the last to know. Truthfully, he didn't quite understand it. The villainous leader had gone off to do his own kind of training, whatever that entailed, and had left everyone here to pick up the slack. Was he truly so confident in his impact made here that he was fine leaving everyone else to their own whims? But as Twice had explained, he'd formed the regiments with the expectation that they would fill in the gaps he left behind. Sure enough, Tokoyami never saw Shigaraki in the mansion after that. He wasn't present in his room or the common spaces, and his chair in the meeting hall, much like the late Curious, was left noticeably empty.

In hindsight, it was strange to think that the conversation Tokoyami had had with him in the kitchen late that one night would be the last proper talk he might ever have with him. If the speculation of him becoming an entirely new person was true, then he wasn't sure what to expect anymore. Was the speculated outcome… what Shigaraki wanted? Even after their brief conversation, that image that Tokoyami was already struggling to recall, he felt as though he couldn't possibly grasp everything that the man was all about. His aspirations, his troubles, his faith in the League… where did it come from? And would knowing such answers bring him any closer to putting a stop to his destructive plans?

If there was anything he could do to learn more, then at least he had a lead for potential intel. Or at least he hoped he did. Because as it stood, Shigaraki was stuck training within the vicinity of the Doctor, and Tokoyami still had a link to the mysterious little man, unbeknownst to the others.

Dr. Ujiko, for better or worse, had maintained his silence for the past several weeks. Throughout the war and his time spent here, communication had been nonexistent, making him wonder if the communication device given to him had been busted during a fight. But the device looked unchanged, and when he listened close he could faintly detect a low hum emanating from its speaker, as if it was merely put on hold. For all the good it did, he'd continued to keep it on him during training, hoping that he might someday attain a reward for his contribution to the doctor's studies… whatever that entailed. It certainly couldn't be any more damaging to his reputation than Toga's claim of his blood or his new title of lieutenant. He'd tried speaking directly with Ujiko, of course: what plans do you have? What's the state of your experiments? And more recently, the question at the front of his mind was in regards to Shigaraki's current condition.

Radio silence. Every damn time.

He wanted to throw it away. But he couldn't do that. He wanted to leave the little communicator in a drawer and never look at it. But he couldn't do that either. Not forever, anyway. Today of all days, he'd left the little thing on his bed stand. Nevertheless, if the slimmest chance existed that something good might actually come of this deal, he couldn't afford to let it go. So he persisted, asking questions to a void and keeping the wretched monitor on him wherever he went.

It was strange, seeing the League go about their regular business as if nothing had changed. And sure, perhaps it was only the smallest of changes to have Shigaraki gone from his typical role here, but the knowledge lingered over his head, instilling within him a shadow of dread.

Other than that unnerving thought festering in his mind, turning over the implications of what might've become of their leader, things were quiet. He spent his time today at rest, unbothered by the typical requests for training and study he had come to expect from the other members of the League. Comfortably nested on a seat in his preferred sitting room, where only a few scraps of tinsel and lone fallen ornaments remained from last week's Christmas celebration, he could claim to be at peace.

Tokoyami swiveled his head towards the entrance of the room when the sound of encroaching footsteps alerted him.

"Good afternoon, Twice. Do you beseech something of me?" Tokoyami greeted, noting the way the spandex suited man didn't come any further into the room. "What? No! I was just checking on ya, but I'll be gone here real quick. There's a meeting happening soon! Are you coming or not?!"

Tokoyami hummed in contemplation, wondering if these meetings were ever actually planned in advance or if they were always so spontaneous. Outside of weekly update meetings that went over the progress of the regiment and similar assets, there wasn't typically any set pattern. Considering that they'd already met for this week's check-in, he had to assume that the subject of the matter would be different. I wonder if I'll hear anything about Shigaraki…

If it's about that creepy doctor, then I dunno if I wanna hear it, Dark Shadow mumbled.

Tokoyami pushed himself out of his seat and crossed the room. "I have every intent of attending the meeting. I'm still a welcome participant to these arrangements, correct?"

"W-well, yeah," Twice admitted, stepping back to let him pass before falling in at his side. "You're just a kid, though, so I can never tell if you're actually interested in all this crap."

Tokoyami blinked slowly, eyes held forward. "Of course I am. I never know what might pop up, so I need to always be ready… why? Did you want me to take notes for you again?"

"No, no! I'm getting better at this whole note-taking business, I'm just, uh, not used to it," Twice explained, growing flustered. "I don't need your damn help! Though, uh, if you hear my regiment come up in conversation, it'd be great if you could jot down anything important."

Tokoyami smiled lightly. "But of course."

They reached the meeting hall early, at least by League standards. Re-Destro and Trumpet were already present, locked in idle chit-chat with Mr. Compress. The magician waved them in, but Tokoyami halted just shy of the doorway. Impossible to ignore was a new presence, sitting in the back of the room like a chunk of mountain that had made its home within these walls. Tokoyami grabbed onto Twice's wrist before he could go much further into the shadow of the beast. "Since when is he a part of all this?!" Tokoyami hissed, every feather fluffed. He hadn't seen Gigantomachia since the ceremony that had named them as lieutenants, when he'd been looming in the back of the crowd, a villainous obelisk that stood to reign in their new era.

"Machia himself won't be processing much information, but he'll be attending meetings from now on as a representative for your doctor," Trumpet explained, eying the massive attendee with as much disdain as he could muster while keeping his voice neutral. Tokoyami could understand his resentment, considering how much destruction the giant had inflicted upon their forces.

"How did he even get in here?" Tokoyami breathed, eying the hulking man and comparing him to the doorway. The underground meeting hall he could understand, but navigating the passages of this mansion, even despite its grandeur size, couldn't have been such a simple task for one so massive. Seated as Gigantomachia was in the back of the room, he gave no response to the conversation revolving around him. Which was fine, considering Tokoyami would rather not have the villain's attention.

Twice paid the unexpected attendee no mind and took his normal seat at the table, encouraging Tokoyami forward with a reassuring little wave. Wary but determined not to be scared off, Tokoyami slowly strode over to the darkest corner of the room that suited him, as far away from the beast of a man as he could be. It didn't give him the best view of the table, and it left him in a sort of blind spot where people entering the room wouldn't see him when entering, but he preferred it that way. He leaned back into the wall, practically merging into the shadows of the dimly lit room. The only tell-tale evidence that he was present at all came from his red eyes peering through the darkness. It was probably for the best that way. He wasn't truly a part in all this, so distancing himself from the table was a logistical course of action – even if his reasons had more to do with caution this time around.

Over the next several minutes, more of the usual attendees started to file in and seat themselves around the table. He went generally unnoticed, as one might expect, by the likes of Spinner, Toga, Skeptic, and Geten. They likewise showed more consideration for Gigantomachia's looming presence before settling down for the meeting.

Three seats empty. Two never to arrive.

Geten caught his eye from the far side of the room, where he was likewise withdrawn from the privilege of the table. He confided in him a most curious look, only for his eyes to dart away as though suddenly disinterested. Even now, it was difficult to tell if the lieutenant still seethed with anger at the thought of him or if – just maybe – he might've earned a measly morsel of respect in this damned mansion.

They were still waiting, though, and the table was growing impatient. Skeptic rapped his fingers irately across his closed laptop. Growing bored, he pressed a button on the table, and a high-tech monitor emerged seamlessly in front of his seat. Trumpet sat stiffly, with fingers clutched around a new stack of printed hand-outs, and quietly asked when he got those installed. Evidently, just last night in preparation for today.

When finally Dabi came through the doorway, last to arrive, everyone let out a collective sigh of relief.

"Welcome, and thank you for coming!" Re-Destro cheerily welcomed, all too delighted in stark contrast to the annoyed faces around him.

Dabi didn't bother responding, intent on heading to his usual seat. Instead he stopped one foot in the doorway. Tokoyami noted the sidelong glance directed at him. Of all the people to come in, he was the first to actually notice him immediately upon entering. Is it perhaps that you can distinguish my shadows from normal ones? What an acute awareness you possess…

Dabi walked right past him, giving him a courtesy nod on his way. It felt kind of nice to be acknowledged, even though he was normally content to blend in with the wallpaper.

With everyone assembled, the meeting began. Mr. Compress and Spinner took the initiative, going over the events they'd coordinated with their regiment and the shipments they needed to run through Trumpet. Toga didn't have much to say, other than to complain that her co-commanders didn't like her. Considering the intelligence regiment had a large following remaining from Curious, it wasn't without reason. It just meant that progress in her department would be slow until they could settle internal affairs… whatever that meant for someone like Toga.

When Twice's turn to report came around, it was evident that he was struggling from the first word. Re-Destro had to chime in and deliver some info that had been delivered to him from the Black Regiment's co-commander. This was the kind of information that Tokoyami paid careful attention to, pulling out a small notepad and pen to take notes like he would in any ordinary class setting. He'd usually have much neater writing, but he'd grown lax as of late, and the poor lighting did little to assist him. So he just scribbled down what he could, figuring he could rewrite anything important later on to give to Twice.

The Violet Regiment had nothing to report on their end, and Geten stayed unnervingly quiet the whole time that Dabi took control of the table. Though what he had to say didn't seem to line up with what Tokoyami might've expected from a division dedicated to any old warfare tactics. Instead he started listing numbers, applicants, recruiters in the field, and targets that would make for powerful allies. He talked with more passion than Tokoyami had ever heard from someone who always seemed to act with a shred of carelessness. It was difficult to believe that he was actually out there getting so much work done.

You don't think he'd just be out there doing nothing, right?

Hm. Back at his apartment, he was rarely ever there. I thought for certain he was just avoiding me on his worst days, considering they numbered many.

Well, we've seen exactly what kind of progress all those missing days has brought us…

Dark Shadow paused. Hearing Dabi's report, Tokoyami had long since stopped taking notes, but the quirk was still listening intently. You don't think that all this information is—?

Dark Shadow didn't get the chance to finish that thought before they were both so rudely interrupted by their worst fears.

"Agents on the hero side have proven to be a damn good resource, so the more we can dig into that pool of information, the better prepared we'll be when the time comes to launch an attack," Dabi explained coolly. "I've said this before, but it's worth bringing up again how invaluable my connection with the Number Two hero has been."

Skeptic tapped away at his converted tablet, pulling up a program separate from what he'd been focusing on. "Yes. The bugs haven't been tampered with as of yet, so we're getting a much broader inside look on the Commission's network than ever before.

Trumpet rearranged the papers in his hands, something Tokoyami had noticed he does when nervous or under pressure. As it turned out, even someone with a professional background had tells that betrayed his thoughts. "He's been getting awfully close to our innermost network within the PLF, hasn't he? And you're certain we can trust him?"

Dabi held back a snicker, proceeding all the same. "Of course. He's been petitioning to meet within these halls, and this is the first time he's been given the approval for a meeting with us. You're always welcome to turn down his request at the last moment, but I won't be held responsible if we miss out on important information. Isn't that right, Re-Destro?"

The mentally defeated man perked up in his chair, hand already reaching for a communicator wrapped around his ear. "Why, it's a pleasure to meet with another of the League's esteemed colleagues!" he said agreeably before speaking into the device with a click of a button. "You may send him in now."

Tokoyami stiffened as the doors began to open once more, and he pressed himself into the corner of the room as far as he could go, his vantablack cloak melding him into the richest shadows. His eyes narrowed to slits, and he watched with shortened breath as that man so audaciously entered his life yet again.

What right did he possess, really, to march in here with Liberation history book in hand and preach amongst this tyrannical group as though he was a peer?

Hawks stretched out his wings, proudly showing off the tiny feats of technology that were attached to them. Skeptic offered him an approving nod in return for his resourcefulness.

Hawks' report was initially garbage – overbearing dribble designated for placating the wishes of the higher-ups. Knowing him, it was hard to believe that Hawks was actually married to the ideas presented in their teachings. He put up a good case for himself, sure, but Tokoyami was unable to place that over what he already knew about Hawks' goals. This man got what he wanted. That's why Tokoyami had worked under him during the work study. It was and always would be a means to an end.

"Anyway, I'm spreading the good word about Liberation ideology!" Hawks summarized lazily, as if that was a good cover for the number of details within his vast pool of knowledge that went unsaid.

For fuck's sake, I worked with you! The amount of networking and influence you possess is more than what could ever be known by anybody other than you. It's no wonder Dabi doesn't trust the hero with the world at his wingtips. I'm sure… that you're being careful, and that anything you share here is only the kind of things you know are already revealed by those bugs on your wings…

But his report was good enough to appease everyone else in the room, and a wave of agreeable murmurs met his closing statement.

"You sure are a hard worker, Hawks! What a swell guy!" Twice commended. "A total villain – come work for me!"

Tokoyami winced. The phrasing could've been a bit better. But if Hawks was supposed to be on their side, then it'd be right to view him as a villain. But you're not. You're something else entirely, aren't you?

Tokoyami watched as those red feathers twitched ever so slightly, taking in the details of the room more thoroughly. It could be mistaken for a shudder. Although Tokoyami felt no eyes on him, he felt so thoroughly seen, and no amount of shrinking into the darkness would make him any less exposed.

It made the next words he had to say feel all the more targeted, like a knife twisting into his abdomen once more.

"The Commission still thinks the League consists of just a few members in hiding! And they're none the wiser about the Liberation Army." Hawks said confidently. Times like these, Tokoyami wished he could see his face. Not that it would make much difference, but he still yearned to see it for himself. What facades he could put up, what words felt so wrong; anything that could've given him further insight on what the man was all about. Regardless of what Tokoyami wanted, Hawks continued as he always did. "They're still investigating the League's possible involvement in Deika, but our fellow soldiers are doing their jobs well." He paused for the briefest of moments. "All that's left is to slowly but surely reeducate the next generation."

Tokoyami went rigid, teeth clenched together. You bastard! You already had your chance!

For as livid as Tokoyami felt, Skeptic had different ideas. He brightened up at the revelation, and with another click presented everyone with a pop-up screen of their own that screen-shared the documents he was looking through. His technology had been a quick installation indeed. Perhaps he'd grown weary of Trumpet's info packets.

"Ah! Like the two boys who've been making waves under the joint Endeavor and Nighteye agencies!" Skeptic said, scrolling through what might've been a recently published news article.

"It's Izuku!" Toga said, delighted by what had appeared on her screen.

Mr. Compress struggled with the device, trying to understand the scrolling mechanism through his gloved fingers. "Truly?! What a coincidence!"

Tokoyami craned his neck, desperate to bear witness to the closest screen while his thoughts ran rampant. He wished he could see even a bit of what was being shown on Spinner's screen, since he was closest.

Midoriya! He's out there making headlines – they're talking about my old classmates! Tokoyami thought to himself. It'd been so horribly long since he'd last heard anything about the people he left behind.

Dark Shadow dug through old memories to reconnect the new morsel of information they'd been given about the outside world. Nighteye. That was the man we saved from Overhaul, yeah? If he's still training Midoriya and organizing his own agency, then I have to assume he's doing good.

That's… perhaps the greatest relief I could hope to have, Tokoyami decided. It was aggravating as all hell to be listening in on this without being able to be a part of the conversation. But it was something, and he shuffled forward a step to look past Spinner, there was an image of ice in the corner of the screen. That means that the other boy they're talking about, the one who's associated with Endeavor, would be… Shouto Todoroki.

It makes sense, Dark Shadow hummed. Who best to teach him about fire than the Number One hero… and his dad?

And yet I fear as though fire users are all I ever come across… Tokoyami watched Dabi's expression carefully. His eyes were locked onto the screen, perhaps the most interested he'd ever been in something presented to him during one of these meetings. It was peculiar, too, because he appeared to be almost… disappointed?

Is that truly the right word? I can't understand what might be going through his mind.

"Looks like they haven't grown much," Dabi decided. When he finally looked up again, it was to peer past Hawks, focusing instead on the troubled shadows behind him.

"Give 'em a break, they're still in school," Hawks said, letting everyone finish scrolling through the articles about the highly influential generation set before them.

Re-Destro gave an approving nod before closing out of the tab. His finger hovered over a different program, waiting to close up this portion of the meeting and move back to more confidential information. "Well done, indeed! You may see yourself out now, Hawks."

Tokoyami watched the red-winged hero leave with a somber intensity, careful of his every step and movement of feathers. You know I'm here. So just acknowledge me already, why don't you?!

Then the doors closed behind him with a heavy thud, and Tokoyami leaned back against the wall like it was the only thing supporting him. I just… want to talk. And maybe then I might understand.

"With that update out of the way, let's turn back to more pressing matters," Re-Destro said, switching subjects while everyone was still together in the same room. "Just as we discussed then, Spinner?"

Tokoyami was losing the ability to continue paying attention fast, with his mind muddled by tangled distractions. Until his quirk squirmed through them all.

He's still there, Dark Shadow noted glumly.

Hawks?

He's talking with the guard. In actuality he's stalling in front of the door.

Tokoyami pressed his head against the wall connecting to the hallway. They were sturdy and soundproofed, but he knew better. He can still hear us.

Times like these, it feels like everyone talks too loud. Too comfortably. I can't imagine you doing the same in a place like this.

By the time the meeting reached a satisfying conclusion with all adjustments made to future goals for each regiment, Hawks was long gone. Even still, Tokoyami couldn't rid himself of the unease coursing through him. It didn't feel like the proper response, either. If Hawks was untrustworthy, then he was rightfully working for the heroes. Unless he's cutting them down to gain favor within the League, in which case who is he actually working for?

I shudder to think that his feathers might be stained in the blood of the innocent.

He wouldn't, though! ...Right?

But he did. And we can't pretend to know what his agenda truly is.

When everyone began to pack up, Tokoyami was already so much more tired than he had any right to be. After Hawks' leave, he hadn't possessed the mindset to jot down any more notes, either, so any useful information had been ultimately wasted on him.

Since this meeting had been unexpectedly longer than usual, attendees were much quicker to leave. Toga practically darted out of the room, thankful for it to be over. Twice came up to him after, mumbling something about notes, and Tokoyami assured him that they could go over the Black Regiment information together later on.

"I just feel kinda bad, you know?" Twice mumbled, massaging his aching forehead regretfully. "I should be able to get this all down on my own, and I know you're already so busy with your own stuff. I can't stand holding you back!"

Tokoyami blinked owlishly. "I… it's fine, really. It gives me something more studious to focus on, rather than the overbearing weight of physical training that's defined my life as of late. I dare say I value this time."

Twice sighed. "It's nice of you to say that, but if it becomes too much please let me know. What a pain in the ass!" And then he left, marginally more sullen than when he'd first entered. Everyone else filed out in turn, until Tokoyami asked himself what exactly he was waiting on. Can I really go out there? What if I run into something unpleasant?

Has that ever stopped you before?

Finally, Dabi turned off his monitor and got up from his seat. But rather than leave like the others had before him, he leaned up against the wall next to Tokoyami. "Couldn't help noticing how interested you were in hearing about them."

"I could say the same to you," Tokoyami huffed. But now wasn't the time to be abrasive. He wouldn't have stopped beside him just to point out the obvious. "What did it say? The report, that is. Are…" He wanted to choose his words carefully, but his fervid desire to speak his thoughts overtook him. "Are they alright? Please, Dabi, how's my old class faring?"

"They're making names for themselves out there," Dabi answered, almost bored. "The article was a recent incident report following those three taking down a villain in the streets before much damage could be done."

"Three? I thought it was about Midoriya and Todoroki. Who else was there?"

"It was that angry kid – the one who could never stop screaming and threatening to blow us up back when… well, you know."

Tokoyami closed his eyes, feeling the name escape him with a decisively bitter taste. "Bakugou." He took a deep breath. "Why wasn't he brought up? He's the one Shigaraki wanted most, and he's out there proving to the world that he's a capable hero, isn't he?"

Dabi shrugged. "There wasn't much info on him, that's all. Unlike the others, it didn't say what agency he was associated with, nor anything about his involvement on the scene. It just said that he showed up around the same time Hawks did to finish cleaning up the incident. As far as heroes-in-training go, I think he's been lagging behind… It doesn't help that he's without a mentor now." He crossed his arms across his chest. "Besides, regardless of what Shigaraki thought at the time, I think you were the better candidate."

"I suppose you think I should be flattered by that," Tokoyami growled, thinking back on those harrowing events.

"Probably not," he admitted rather sheepishly. "I'd just hate to think that someone as strong as you wouldn't have been able to reach your greatest potential in the hands of the heroes. Who's to say you ever would've been able to fly had your experiences here not pushed you to your limits? Don't get me wrong – I don't wanna paint what happened to you as a positive. Only that sometimes we're given overbearing challenges that might seem impossible, but once we get through it we learn something new about ourselves that we might not have known before."

Then he peeled himself away from the wall and left. Tokoyami, not wanting to be left behind with Gigantomachia, who'd fallen asleep inside the room during the meeting, followed after him. But Dabi struck off in a different direction than what he had in mind, and Tokoyami settled for taking the long way through the mansion to go outside and stretch his limbs.

Be careful.

The voice in his head warned him too late, and he rounded a corner only to stop dead in his tracks. Hawks was standing in the middle of the hallway, back turned to him while he waved goodbye to a dark figure retreating just beyond his sight.

Tokoyami took a step back, entirely unsure what to do in this situation. But it was far too late to retreat. He was being watched now. By Hawks, by everyone. If he ran, he'd be suspicious. Hawks would be suspicious. He couldn't do that to him. But he wasn't about to run up to him, either.

So I just play dumb? Like nothing ever happened between us?!

Hawks made up Tokoyami's mind for him instead. He turned around, avian eyes glinting, and approached Tokoyami with the same canned greeting he offered everyone he could get away with being friendly towards.

"Oh, hi, it's you again! You were in that meeting just now, weren't you? I barely even noticed you!"

Isn't that just like you to do so? "Hawks… you seem to be adjusting well here. How did you enjoy your first meeting with the others?" I hate this.

If you glare with that much contempt, someone will think something's wrong.

"I think it went well! I'm already starting to learn more about everyone here," Hawks said, eyes flicking back behind him. Who was that just now?

No matter. He's finally getting what he wanted this whole time.

Hawks extended his gloved hand out to him – a simple handshake. "I hope to hear more from you, too, if you'd be willing."

Tokoyami froze up, unable to speak. By now, weeks – no, months – had passed since he'd first met Hawks on that rooftop. At the time, Tokoyami had been bloodied and tired and scared. And he'd reached out to Hawks with hope, thinking that escape was nigh, that he'd be flown off into the night and that would be the end of it.

Obviously that hadn't happened. Since he was still here. No, rather, when Tokoyami had so desperately grabbed onto Hawks' arm, he'd been pushed aside, forced to turn back into the arms of his captors as though it were of no consequence.

Now that same hand was being offered to him again, and an unbearable sadness ran through him as he resigned himself to taking hold of it.

"We should talk one of these days over lunch, yeah? It'd be great to get to know you!"

"…The feeling is mutual," Tokoyami mumbled, words hollow and unreal. He nervously eyed the black tick-like devices adorning a select few of his feathers.

His hand felt so cold and unwelcoming, not quite understanding the intent behind it. But in the center of their clasped hands was something else.

When Hawks withdrew his hand, Tokoyami clutched his into a fist that he brought down to his side, protecting whatever it was that had been handed to him in that briefest of moments. If he spoke now, he feared it might be unnecessary. Or too specific or any number of things he struggled so hard to keep vague and controlled. So he stepped back, keeping his clenched hand hidden under his cloak, and Hawks took that as the initiative to withdraw – for now.

Tokoyami felt no relief when Hawks vanished from sight. Because this seemingly meaningless exchange had answered for itself. From now on, wherever he went, he would be working under the service of another. It felt unavoidable. If he turned this opportunity down, then it would only work to further cement his role amongst the ranks of villains and traitors.

But then why should I have trust in one that's so faithless?

Tokoyami feared that if he held back the words that choked his throat much longer then he might never be able to speak again. So he took what he'd been given and set out with renewed purpose, striking out towards a familiar path to the outside of the mansion and into the labyrinth of hedges. Until he came upon that most peculiar of places – the abandoned gazebo where he trained Toga in the use of his quirk. Beyond the fact that it offered a quiet shelter away from everything else, it was also the only true place of privacy across the mansion grounds. He came here somewhat regularly now, either with or without Toga, but hopefully not enough to spark suspicion. He assumed that Re-Destro's people wouldn't care enough to meddle in the affairs of two kids sneaking off every now and again.

Tokoyami descended the short flight of slippery stairs into the shadowed hollow, passing under the chipping and overgrown façade of the old stone structure. Everything about this place felt quieter than anywhere else, and he reveled in the odd comfort he attained from it.

Tokoyami pressed his back against the moss-covered support beam and slid down its surface until he was seated on the cold stone flooring. He pulled out his hand from the folds of his cloak, opening it to reveal the small, unremarkable red feather that had been gifted to him. It was a test, pure and simple, and whatever he did with this feather would define where he stood in all this mess. He recalled the times prior to this when he'd grasped one of Hawks' feathers while working under the villains. The first time, it had fallen from Dabi back in his apartment and Tokoyami had held onto it in desperation only for the planted listener to be subsequently burned. The second time, during the high end nomu incident in Fukuoka, hadn't been nearly so hopeful. The deadly red feather that had pinned him to the wall had left a bitter impression. Holding that feather had left him angry. He'd spat at the treacherous thing, openly questioning Hawks' actions.

Every time Tokoyami came into contact with those damned feathers, he'd had something to say. But it'd always felt frantic or beyond his control, and all too quickly his chance to say anything meaningful had been stripped away.

This time, when he held this feather – firmly so that it wouldn't slip away but gentle enough not to break the fragile quill – he felt like he finally possessed the right to speak, openly and without interruption. So when the words flowed forth, he found himself incapable of holding back everything that he'd kept trapped for so long.

"Hey, Hawks. I guess it's been a while since we last had a decent conversation. Though looking back, I'm not sure if we ever truly had something so sincere." A stiff wind rustled the leaves around him, as though murmuring in agreement. Though the feather moved ever so slightly in tandem, no sound came from it – a silent participant. "If you're worried about me being heard, then don't be. I'm in the one place that's not monitored in any way. Knowing you, you've probably already figured that location out by now. I wish… I wish I could know what you're after, because I don't think I can keep sinking so far into this inescapable darkness." Tokoyami released a forlorn sigh, resting his head in his hand. "I suppose I don't really know you that much, do I? I feel like I'm supposed to trust you, but I can't do that if you do nothing to help me. You don't think so little of our time together that you see me as an enemy… do you? Or was I right to think that… I…" Tokoyami's head dropped from his hand, falling limply onto his chest. "…Might not be worth saving."

Fumikage…

"You are still a hero, right? As convincing as you portray yourself, I can see your lies plainly. You're not actually on their side. Truthfully, you infuriated me, far before any of this ever happened. When you took me under your wing, I foolishly thought that it was a turning point that served to strengthen my heroic ambitions. Instead, you just wanted my face and whatever half-baked intel I could offer you. Did you ever stop to think how humiliating that was, to be treated like some carrier pigeon to serve your own selfish interests? Well, now you're closer to the League than you ever were before. I imagine you must be thrilled," Tokoyami spat, unable to hold back the venom in his voice.

The feather dropped from his trembling hand, floating onto the ground between his hands. He didn't want to let go of his anger at the hero – but he knew better than to let it get the better of him. He couldn't leave things as they were, either. With solemn assent, he carefully cupped the feather in his hands and held it close to his beak, his voice barely more than a breath. "I'm not… evil, if that's what you needed to hear." Of course we're not! Dark Shadow agreed. "But if you're the shining example of what a hero is supposed to be, working behind everyone's backs and endangering the lives of people, then I don't think I want to be that either." Of course… that's also important. "Whatever you're up to, I'm not planning on ratting you out or throwing you to the wolves – even if you can't show me the same courtesy. If you knew what was best, you'd keep your head low. But you're not going to do that, are you? Because you're always one step ahead of everyone else, right?"

Tokoyami took a deep breath, burying the flicker of contempt that threatened to singe his judgment. "Hawks, I don't know what you know. I have no sway in their armies, nor the authority to back up the title of lieutenant that has no doubt brought me defamation. I know not the list of your sins, nor of what you intend to accomplish here. Thus far, you've given me so painfully little reason to offer you anything at all in return to the coldness you've shown me. But if you intend to dig this grave… then I won't see you buried.

"Be careful around Dabi – he doesn't trust a damn thing about you, and I don't blame him. It so happens that Dabi's also a far better teacher than anything you ever offered me… just so you know. Be nice to Twice – he's sensitive, and he's been through a lot, but he makes for a good friend. As for Toga, you'd be better off steering clear. I'm sure she'd love to stab you, should you give her the chance. Spinner's generally easy to get along with, though that might only be because of our shared interests. It turns out we have a fair bit in common. Mr. Compress means well, even if he's hard to understand at times. I don't like his marbles and I've never seen his face, but he's earned my begrudging respect – just don't tell him that, or it'll get to his head."

Aren't you getting sentimental? Dark Shadow sniffled, clinging onto the memories as they poured out from his thoughts.

Is that so wrong? What did Hawks think was going to happen when he left me with them for so long? And for what, so that he could reach his damned feathers into whatever crevice he could occupy? How truly bold for someone who never knows when to stop. Of course I have this much to say. It'd be unbearable to hold back. This is the information he'd always yearned to hear, right?

"There were others, too," Tokoyami continued in spite of himself. "Members of the League that you won't see here. I don't remember much from Magne, but she seemed kind and high-regarded, if a bit too head-strong. I think it was her loss that caused the League to act differently – to aim higher and stay together. And then there was Kurogiri – he's still a captive on the hero side, right? I don't know much about the incident, but I assume he's in Tartarus. His quirk makes me nauseous and something about him always unsettled me, but he was always considerate of everyone's needs. When he was captured, the League had to start thinking more for themselves. They were living in a shack, but that's when I noticed Shigaraki taking on more of a leadership role in his absence. As for Shigaraki himself… there's not much else to say. He's the League's leader. For better or worse, he brought us all together. And maybe he only really cares about destruction, but I think this team meant something to him. But now that he's gone, I don't know what else there is to learn, if he had words left unspoken or ambitions left undone. Because supposedly he won't be the same anymore."

Tokoyami gazed down at the feather as his voice trailed off, and with it the memories he held began to fall away as well. My experiences here have changed me, that much is certain. But where am I supposed to stand when the outcome of everything here comes to fruition?

"That might be the most honest account you'll ever hear of the League. That's what you wanted, all those months ago, when you grilled me for answers, correct? It's almost a relief that I can get this off my shoulders now, though I doubt this means I'll be free from your scrutiny. From the very beginning, you were always looking down on me, weren't you? In those skies filled with spotlights, your wings cast the longest shadows. While you sat back and watched your old intern writhe, I learned to re-forge that darkness, and now I have wings of my own. And someday, I'll use them to be freer than you could ever hope to be. Remember that next time you wish to learn from me, and consider yourself lucky that I'm such a patient person."

As expected, the feather didn't respond. It made little difference anyway, since he knew that Hawks had heard every word of it. With that, the shoved the feather back into his pocket, stifling its ability to pick up on surrounding vibrations with the same intensity. Although he didn't know the exact sensitivity of the feathers, or just how far-reaching their ability was. It wasn't as if Hawks was one to reveal his secrets, after all.

With nothing left to say, he left the forgotten gazebo behind, climbing its stairs back into the maze of hedges and winding his way back to the mansion, unchallenged by anyone he might've come across. It was easy to decide that he was thoroughly done with the day's events, and he would take great relief in retreating into his room where such thoughts of contemporary morals would dare not follow after him.

Only, when finally he did close his bedroom door behind him in the relative safety of this space, he wasn't greeted by the sensation of peace. No, of course not, because trouble had to dog his heels every step of the way. It seemed to be the one thing that kept him walking forward when he'd much rather lie down to rest his heavy head.

A crackle of static rippled through the otherwise quiet space as he entered.

Tokoyami jumped, surprised by the intrusion on his senses, and he pinpointed the source on his bedside table. The communicator linking him to the doctor was responding. Tokoyami's hands flew to the table, where he cradled the tiny thing. He fiddled with the miniscule buttons until the static cleared, replaced by a voice that made him shudder with recognition.

"You've been doing quite well for yourself, haven't you, Fumikage Tokoyami? You may think me deaf, but I've been listening! Regardless of my practices, I am an honest man. I can keep my part of the deal. I can answer your questions. Just so long as you don't grow lax. However, in order to do so, I would need you to come see me in my lab."

Tokoyami's throat went dry. His beak hung open, eager to respond but afraid to commit for fear of what that might bring.

Fumikage, this guy makes me nervous. I don't wanna visit him alone. I know you want

Whatever answers he has are only for us… I don't think he'd agree to further negotiation than this morsel he's handing us now. Tokoyami squeezed his eyes shut and held up the device so his words could be heard without a shred of doubt. I won't let him do anything bad. I just can't afford to say no. "Name your time, Dr. Ujiko. I'm willing to meet with you."