IIII

Chapter 6: Trepidation

IIII

His gaze was fixed on the forest in the distance. Staring out towards the large expanse through so small a viewport made his whole world seem small in comparison. And indeed, it was small. The room he had claimed when they had first arrived was barely large enough to accommodate his needs. Being originally designed as a storage space for spare parts and tools. Not as a permanent lodge.

Shigaraki scratched his neck for what was definitely the hundredth time that morning. Evidenced by the patch of dry red skin that his hands continued scraping against. He didn't notice the nervous tic, his mind was elsewhere, focusing on a myriad of questions that needed answering if he was to survive. If the villains he'd gathered here, out in the middle of nowhere, were to survive.

How long until they found out we're here? He scratched his neck again. For the past week, they had found shelter within the safety of the old facility. The same facility that had served as their staging ground for the Chiyoda incident. One of many dozen vaults created by the Doctor as a failsafe of sorts. Hidden outposts buried deep within the wilderness, far from the eyes of civilization and heroes. They were all that was left of his work, ever since the Jakku incident had destroyed his largest lab and the birthplace of the High-End Nomus.

And the Symbol of Peace, could he have survived?

Shigaraki shook his head. He found it difficult to fathom that Midoriya could've survived their last encounter. The finishing blow he had struck was tailored by years of preparation, and blind luck. And it had landed with devastating results.

Of course, He should be dead. But he's always had a way of making miracles…

"I'm surprised you found this place," the Doctor interrupted. Shigaraki knew he'd been standing there for quite some time. He heard the footsteps prior to his arrival, and he could sense his familiar presence. The sixth sense that had binded All For One to the Doctor and his work since the two had shared their power.

"You've mentioned that already." On their first arrival just a week ago, the Doctor had first commented on the status of the backup facility. It was a comment mixed with surprise and grief, it wasn't easy being reminded that the bulk of his life's work was destroyed. Even if it was ten years behind them.

"Is this the only one you've found?" the Doctor adjusted his glasses with a reserved look on his face.

Shigaraki nodded, "Yeah, the Nomus we used in Chiyoda were found here. Guess this is it." His heart sank a little. They would need resources and manpower if they were to make another move, and unless they could find a way to get that, it wouldn't be long before they ran out of options.

Even if the Symbol of Peace was gone for good, leaving himself as the strongest person in the entire country, Shigaraki was still only one person. Facing off against an army of heroes backed by entrenched institutions and societal structures. If he was to tear it all down he would need an army of his own.

"I have good news for you then. Although it is a shame about the current stock, I mean there's barely enough material to make a single Nomu, but there are other backup facilities that I know of."

Shigaraki looked up and turned to face him, "Then we have a chance."

"Of course, I won't be able to replicate the success of the High-End project." The Doctor clenched his fist in frustration. "I lost too much material at Jakku."

"Then?"

"If I can gather the resources I stashed and stretch the genetic material to make up for the gaps, I could produce a good number of fresh Nomu."

"Stretching the material will leave us with cannon fodder, not reliable tools."

"What choice do we have?" The Doctor hissed quietly. "Besides, bodies are bodies. It's better than nothing."

Shigaraki shifted his gaze. It was a hard fact to accept, that they would never be as strong as they once were, but at least they still had options.

"All right, do what you need to do."

The Doctor nodded and slowly turned to leave Shigaraki to his thoughts. He passed through the doorway before a mangled outstretched hand halted him in place.

"Wait just a minute," Dabi said. "What's this about more Nomus?"

The Doctor stammered, surprised by the sudden gesture. Backing up from the doorway as Dabi forced his way into the small room. His gaze fixed on Shigaraki.

"You promised after Chiyoda we'd be done." Dabi brought himself close to Shigaraki, he wasn't afraid of him.

"Right, but things have changed. We're winning again." Shigaraki crossed his arms, and stared him down. He didn't want to lose Dabi. After all, he was more than just a useful ally but someone he could trust as a friend; something that was in short supply. But they had their differences with one another, and he certainly wasn't going to take any disrespect. "We have a way to move forward, and make things right."

"Obsessing over Nomus got us into this mess!" Dabi clenched his fists.

"I know," Shigaraki paused to find his words. "And I know it's my fault we lost so much. But we have to act if we're going to make those losses mean something..."

"Tch," Dabi turned away.

There were footsteps from down the corridor, as a familiar face peeked around the door frame. She had a look of concern etched onto her face. And her hair was a wild mess.

"Hey," Toga spoke softly. "Get some sleep. And quit talking so loudly, we're supposed to be friends right?"

"Yeah!" Muscular's distant booming voice echoed down the hallway. "So shut the hell up! I'm trying to sleep!" There was a heavy thud, as Muscular struck the wall of his room. Shaking the whole structure of the hideout, kicking up dust as it shook the building.

There was dead silence for a brief moment. Before everyone carried on, albeit in a much softer tone than before.

"Anyways, I must return to my work." The Doctor pleaded. He was uneasy, tired even, and it was visible on his aged face.

"Not yet." Dabi pressed his hand against his collar and grabbed it firmly. "I heard what you were planning to do with those Nomu."

"Err?" The Doctor broke into a nervous sweat.

"It's not going to work, see. If the High-Ends couldn't get the job done last time, what makes you think these will?"

"Dabi cut it out, you're going to wake up Muscular again," Toga groaned, stepping into the small room. She was wearing blue slippers, and a matching nightgown. An outfit far detached from her usual bodysuit.

"Sure they'll be weaker, all of them will be. But at least we'll have something to—"

"I almost died in Chiyoda because all of your Nomus weren't good enough," Dabi hissed pulling him in closer by the skin of his collar.

"Don't worry," Shigaraki spoke up. Catching everyone's attention, their gazes turned towards him. "I have an idea."

"Care to elaborate?" Dabi retorted.

"Support items, lot's of them." Shigaraki's grin widened.

The Doctor's eyes lit up with fascination. "Ah! Of course, external augmentation to offset genetic weaknesses!"

"I got the idea by taking a glance at Redestro," Shigaraki admitted. Although in truth he also received inspiration from some of the JRPG's he'd been playing recently. A hobby that had persisted with him over the years, despite the misgivings of others.

"Right," Dabi recalled a time shortly after the incident at Deika where Redestro had lost his legs to Shigaraki. He'd made due by using a cybernetic replacement of sorts, a pair of spider like attachments to support his movements in absences of his original legs. It was unsightly, but he understood the need.

"And I know just how we'll get all the parts," Shigaraki continued. "But that's between me and the former CEO of Detnerat. We have other things to focus on now."

"Is it really wise to risk everything on another incident?" Dabi released the Doctor from his grasp. "We just got everyone back together again."

"Almost everyone." Shigaraki smiled. "We still need to pay Gigantomachia a visit."

….

He smiled. Cracking open the can of soda as he plopped onto the couch. It was a small living room, typical of most apartments. But it was good enough for his needs.

Won't be long until they get here. He thought to himself.

It was his day off, a seldom occasion not to be wasted. After all, he was a pro-hero. Constantly embroiled in day to day activities that determined the safety of others.

He checked his watch. They're running a little late, oh well. He turned on the television, and laid back into his seat. In hindsight, Kirishima figured this would've happened. Given that his closest friends had to make requests to take the day off. Requests that could either be refused directly by the Hero Commission, or circumstance itself.

But as the T.V came to life he placed his worries aside. Taking another sip of his soda before he heard a knock on his apartment door.

"Come on in!" he shouted.

The door swung open, greeting him with the sight of his close friend: Denki Kaminari. "How's it going?" he shouted as he entered the room. Kaminari wasn't dressed in his hero costume, although his hair was a bit of a mess. No doubt the result of his work earlier in the morning.

"I'm doing alright. Any word from Bakugou?"

Kaminari shook his head, "Haven't heard from him all morning."

"That's not like him." Kirishima worried. He wouldn't want to miss this.

"Yeah, usually when I call him he'll at least tell me to 'go to hell goddammit!'" Kaminari did his best Bakugou impression before taking his seat on the couch.

"Shame. He's going to miss the new episode." Kirishima returned his attention to the T.V. as the intro to their favorite show started rolling.

"Yeah. But I get it," Kaminari shrugged. "He must be busy after that incident in Chiyoda."

Right, Kirishima thought. Especially with Izuku out of the picture for the time being, more pressure would be put onto other top heroes. Shoto and Katsuki must be under a lot of stress.

"But what I don't get," Kaminari gestured. "Why would Izuku take off on a special mission right after the incident?"

"Dunno," Kirishima shrugged. "I'm sure he has his reasons. Maybe the Hero Commission has him on a special assignment."

"In any case, it's not fair to Baku—, I mean."

Kirishima cut him off. "I know what you mean, it's not fair to the rest of us. But that's our job for ya." He took another sip of his soda.

"Let me try sending him another text." Kaminari pulled out his phone, and quickly scanned his contacts. He had already tried calling Bakugou three times, with no response.

"I wouldn't if I were you," Kirishima protested. "It's not manly to bug him while he's busy."

"I'm worried about him, that's all." Kaminari replied as he sent his text. "He's been working too hard since the incident. I haven't seen him take a break."

For a brief moment there was silence between them, asides the audio coming from the T.V's broadcast. Kaminari was restless. He knew Bakugou could take care of himself, after all he was the number three hero, very little could place him in danger. But he was worried that Bakugou had forgotten to take care of himself. Falling victim to the pressures of his job, and slipping into an endless cycle of work to distract himself from the stress.

Come on man, talk to me. He thought anxiously waiting for a reply.

.

….

Principal Aizawa shuffled through his paperwork, skimming past the myriad of class reports and recommendations. His hands were firing away on his keyboard, arranging information and files on various students and applicants who were trying to make their way into U.A.

Asides from the scattered files next to his computer, his desk was covered in small stationery assets. A cup that read 'Best Dad', with the Dad crossed off with a red marker and replaced with 'Aizawa', was responsible for holding his collection of pens and dust. It was a birthday gift from Eri from when she was still little. And it had served him well all these years.

There was also a picture of his old class. The last graduating class he'd taught before becoming Principal of the school. A group photo of Class 1A. Originally planned as a formal yearbook photo, it was instead recorded as an informal memento. Something to keep him company on his desk, outside of carrying a heavy yearbook on him at all times.

But he had other things to focus on asides from his last few days had been a mess without even counting Eri, his biggest responsibility. A host of things needed to be sorted out since the incident at Chiyoda had placed the whole country on edge.

Security needed to be organized, class drills needed to be started in case of a villain attack, and there were a dozen requests from news outlets asking for interviews with faculty members. Not to mention a small army of parents who were concerned for their children's safety.

Aizawa sighed. And glanced at his makeshift pen holder. Eri.

She was still shaken by what had happened. And since he was at work he wasn't able to train her. The only outlet for her while he was gone were homework assignments from her non-hero courses.

He glanced back at his paperwork, and shook his head. Not like this. Aizawa thought, reaching for his phone.

He scanned his contacts quickly, I don't have his number.

Turning his attention to his computer, he opened another tab on his browser and got to work.

"Let's see, hero agency listing," he muttered. Aizawa ran through the names: Anima, Creati, Ingenium. Ah, here we go. "Phantom Thief."

Glancing down the page he found the contact information and punched it into his phone. The sooner the better. Aizawa made sure to glance over his shoulder, to make sure no one was watching, before dialing the call.

For a few moments there was silence, followed by a monotonous ringing that seemed to go on and on with no answer. Come on, pick up.

Eventually the line answered, "Thank you for calling the Phantom Thief agency! If you would like to place a request please leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible." It was a machine, the automated secretaries that were the first line of defence between heroes and the public's endless calls.

"Hi, this is Principal Aizawa of U.A High School. I've got a favor to ask of you, and some substantial compensation if you're interested. Call me back at this number." He hung up.

Hopefully I won't have to wait too long. Aizawa thought, returning his attention to his work. He's the only person who can train with her in my absence.

He glanced back at the cup. "Don't worry Eri," Aizawa spoke softly. "You'll get stronger."

….

"Ugggh!" Eri groaned, throwing her pencil aside. For the last few hours she had been grinding through her classwork. A final cram of tedious assignments, and final projects that were the last barrier before the next level of her education. But despite her efforts and time sink, Eri found it difficult to make any progress.

Deku…she thought, glancing away from her textbooks.

It was quiet in the dorm as usual. There were no visitors, or caretakers aside from herself. The video camera providing a live feed of what she was doing didn't count. Sure Aizawa, and agents of the Hero Commission were supposed to be keeping an eye on her at all times. A compromise that allowed for Aizawa to carry out his role as Principal of the school. But that hardly counted for anything resembling support or company.

Eri glared at the camera. I guess I'm not important enough to have a real person watch me. As much as having Aizawa watch her day to day activities was a pain, there was at least some comfort in the fact that he was there with her. Someone she looked up to and could trust was looking out for her. The camera on the other hand was faceless, and cold. Peering into it's silent lens Eri couldn't make out what it's intentions were.

She sighed. Returning her gaze to her pile of textbooks. How are differential equations supposed to help me become a hero? Eri thought skimming through the assigned pages.

"I should be learning things I'm actually going to use!" she groaned, leaning back in her chair. As she did so, something caught her eye from beyond the room's window. Turning to face it Eri stood up from her chair, and walked closer to the light peeking through.

Through the window she could make out the distant image of the other U.A dorms. Although the dorms were spaced out apart from one another to prevent any mishaps, they were bordered by a sizable field. That had been carved out for soccer, baseball, and other activities to take students' mind off of their coursework.

"Who is that?" she muttered softly. Noticing the lone figure of a single person on the field.

It's too early for practice. What's he doing? Eri thought. Ever since the Chiyoda incident the school had taken measures to ensure the safety of its students. One of which was a tight curfew, and strict adherence to class schedule. It was unpopular, but rules were rules.

Nearing the window more details began to emerge. The figure was of a boy, around her age. He was wearing the typical uniform of U.A: a white collared shirt, covered with a grey jacket, topped off with a red tie, and accompanied by a matching suit of green dress pants. But in addition to his uniform he was wearing a worn red cap, fixed with two yellow spikes jutting out of its front.

"A water quirk?" she observed. Peering out into the distance she could see the boy using his quirk. Large jets of water appeared out of thin air to form foaming currents, that struck the surrounding field over and over again.

But the blows were not aimless. There was a large target at the near end of the field that he appeared to be aiming for. It was a simple wooden display, crossed with a red 'X'. He's training his quirk here!? Isn't this a little too close to the dorms?

"Dammit!" Eri heard the boy yell. "Why won't this work?" Despite his best efforts, none of his attacks had landed a single hit on the target. Each jet of water had changed its course mid flight striking the ground to the side of the large 'X'.

His efforts reminded Eri of her own. The countless hours spent doing the same action over and over until any sign of improvement showed. How long has he been at it? she thought.

"That does it, I'm going all out now!" he yelled assuming a new stance. Raising his hands together the boy released a larger burst of water. "Tide Breaker: Roaring Current!"

A sizable jet of water emerged from his palms, which moved with a surprising speed catching Eri off guard. It was massive in comparison to the previous attacks some three times larger than the previous jetties. Although, just like the others it missed its mark.

It's heading this way! Eri realized, as the jet of water strayed past the target on a collision course towards her dorm.

She hit the ground just in time to avoid the blast. The large stream of water crashing through her window in a shower of water and broken glass. "Aaaaaahhh!" Eri shouted.

The water soaked everything on the upper level of the dorm, in addition to knocking over shelves, photo frames, and other fixtures that were in the path of the rampaging stream.

Eri brushed her hair aside, it was drenched in water and was matted over her face. You've got to be kidding me, she thought glancing at her surroundings.

…

"I'm so dead!" Kota shouted, shaking his head. Despite all his efforts training since the early morning, he was showing no signs of improvement. And to make matters worse, he had just totaled the upper floor of the Principal's lodge. The very same Principal of U.A who was infamous for his frequent expulsion of students. "No, no, no."

He scanned the dorm for signs of damage. Sure enough, the window was totaled and who knew just how much of the interior shared a similar fate. I should leave. There are lots of guys with water quirks on campus. I'm sure they won't know it was me—

"Aaaaaahhh!" Kota could hear screaming coming from the dorm.

What was that? Is someone in trouble?. Kota glanced at the damaged dorm, and then back at the field.

He rushed towards the building without wasting another moment to think on the subject. What am I doing? I should be heading back to my dorm. Kota shook his head as he approached the door to the dorm.

Visually speaking the structure looked like any of the other dorms at U.A. Aside from the damage to the building's upper floor it had the same artificial look as the other housing blocks on campus. Despite the familiarity the dorm still unnerved him, This is Aizawa's dorm….

Kota recalled the rumors. Stories of students who were too rowdy out on the sports field. adjacent to the Principal's dorm, expelled for using their quirks too brashly. He gulped at the thought as he knocked on the door. "Hello! Is anyone in there?"

There were loud footsteps audible from behind the door. They grew nearer and nearer before the door swung open. Revealing a girl soaked head to toe in water, her white hair matted over her shoulders and face.

"Um, are you all right?" His eyes were level with her's.

"No! What were you thinking?" Her arms were at her sides, made into fists.

"I'm not that great at controlling my quirk." Kota avoided eye contact, holding his arm behind his head. "Sorry."

"Ugh." Eri rubbed her head, she could feel a pounding headache coming on. "Then how'd you even get past the entrance exams?"

"That's beside the point—uh, I can still use it sometimes," Kota sighed, he knew he sounded like an idiot. Or rather, he knew he was an idiot.. "Wait, you're hurt!"

"A bit. I'm not worried about myself," Eri looked down at her light cuts. The broken glass from upstairs had grazed her just enough to form small cuts along her arm. She turned her attention away from the bleeding. "Listen, um, I don't know how else to say this. But you're not allowed to be in here."

"Yeah, I know." Kota scratched his head. There were a lot of things he was doing that he really shouldn't have been. Training outside of curfew near the dorms, striking the Principal's lodge, talking with mysterious strangers.

Eri shook her head. "No, I mean you're really not allowed to be here. Mr. Aizawa doesn't want me seeing people."

"Why not? Wait, why are you even here? I thought this was the Principal's dorm."

"It is. But, I've got special training. Um, I've said too much." Eri turned away, this was bad. If the Hero Commission found out….

What makes her important enough to stay cooped up in here and receive special training from the Principal of UA? Kota considered. "You're in the hero course?" he asked.

"Sort of...it's complicated."

"Well what's complicated about it? You train to get stronger, to make the world a safer place." Kota straightened his cap. "Beats crunching numbers over math textbooks."

"Right…" Eri shot a glance back at her desk. It was still covered in overdue assignments from her other courses.

"Is it your quirk?" Kota raised his eyebrow.

"Um...yeah," she replied meekly.

"Oh, if that's the case you've got nothing to worry about." Kota's eyes lit up. "It doesn't matter what your quirk is, as long as you work hard you can become a hero." Although he wouldn't admit it, the idea wasn't his own. His idol had taught it to him, and it was an idea he had sworn by since he'd shown interest in becoming a hero.

"I'm not sure, if that's really true." Eri spoke up, her voice cracked slightly. It is really possible for me to become a hero?

"Sure it is, I mean when I was younger I could barely use my quirk. Now…." Kota could see the water damage in the rest of the dorm. "I'm improving."

"Listen, I get what you're saying. But some people are just...different." Eri glanced at the ground.

"What even is your quirk?"

"I can't show you, it'd be too dangerous."

"Oh," Kota paused, he wasn't sure what to say. "Well the Number Three Hero has a dangerous quirk."

Eri remained silent.

"And, um. I have a dangerous quirk too…" Kota admitted.

Eri raised her eyebrow. From what he could gather the look on her face spelled: 'Are you serious?'

"My quirk is strong, I'm just bad at aiming it. No matter what I do it always seems to go wrong," Kota shook his head. "But that's alright, because one day I'll be stronger!"

You remind me of someone, Eri thought to herself.

"I'm going to become a hero who can save people. That way, no one has to lose someone close to them...like I did." Kota continued.

"Of course that's assuming I don't get expelled after this," Kota gave a meek smile. "I'm really sorry about all this but, I really don't want to get in trouble with Principal Aizawa." Kota begged. "Please don't tell him."

"Well I would but…" Eri turned to the shattered glass window Kota broke. "You kinda made a giant mess." As much frustration as she had for him, Eri admired a certain aspect of his character. That inspiring determination, and heroic idealism.

She glanced back at her desk. Then at the camera that was watching over her. From what she could tell the water had damaged both, no doubt halting the surveillance in the process.

"Step back." Eri told him. Before shutting the door.

Kota held his head. Crap I'm done for! I knew I shouldn't have knocked on the door. He ran the possibilities through his head. She'll probably turn me in, I'll have to transfer to Shiketsu!

Suddenly a bright light emerged from within the dorm, peering out from the shattered windows to leak into the surrounding field. Before his eyes, Kota could see the building reform itself. Water evaporated into nothing, shards of glass returned to their unshattered state, and the bent structure straightened back to normality.

"What the?" Kota was dumbfounded. Her quirk? He blinked twice to check his vision. Making sure that what he had just seen wasn't an illusion.

The door swung open again. This time the girl was no longer soaked from head to toe in water, and she was wearing a smile on her face. "If anyone asks, this never happened." She said.

"Right. Wow, with a quirk like that what couldn't you do." Kota glanced up and down the structure for any signs of weakness or damage. And sure enough, all of it had vanished. "What kind of hero do you even want to be?"

"Oh...um, I guess I never thought about it that much." Eri responded, shifting her gaze to the side as she tried to come up with an answer. The more she thought about it the more images of Deku came to mind. In many ways he was the sole reason she had wanted to become a hero, with his inspiring charisma and confidence. If there was any hero she wanted to emulate…"I want to be like Deku."

"Who doesn't? I mean just imagine what it's like to be the number one hero," Kota's eyes shone with admiration.

"It's less the fame I was thinking of. Deku has a way of making everyone smile, and that's the kind of hero I want to be."

"I see," Kota answered. That quirk, that mindset. Whoever this girl is...she's extraordinary. "What was your name again?"

"Eri," she replied.

"I'm Kota," he gave a parting wave before taking a few steps back. "It was nice meeting you."

A few yards away down the field he turned and shouted, "I owe you one!"

Eri smiled and shut the door. Returning to her studies. No Kota..I owe you. She thought, running what he said over and over in her head: It doesn't matter what your quirk is, as long as you work hard you can become a hero.

…

A class of small children walked along single file as their teacher spoke. "Stay together everyone."

They stared up with fascination as the infographic display came to life. A detailed image of heroes in action surrounding a map of the historic incident. Points in time where the action took place, everyone involved, and so much more all compressed into a single moving holographic image.

The kids watched with bright eyes as the tour guide and their teacher showed them around. As a monotone robotic voice narrated the chilling historical event.

Todoroki watched from afar perched against a tall column as the class walked along the exhibit, putting his hands in the pockets of his teal sweatshirt. He was dressed like any other civilian, concealing himself with his hood pulled over his white and red hair.

"Yo." Hawks spoke, emerging from the nearby doorway. Dressed in casual clothing, far detached from his hero costume. It was a bright red jacket with long sleeves some two sizes larger than his usual size to accommodate his large wings that were hidden underneath.

"You wanted to show me something?" Todoroki muttered back. "Has to be important if we're doing all this sneaking around."

"Oh believe me, it is. Sorry about all the secrecy." Hawks lead Todoroki around Jakku's memorial past the crowds of people focused on the displays of information and past heroism. "But considering the circumstances I thought it might be safer if we draw less attention to ourselves."

They approached the main hall of the memorial, a spacious room lined with a row of statues and busts on either side. Each carving was a tribute to the memory of every hero who'd lost their life during the incident at Jakku. Todoroki could recognize each and every one of them. Although his days as a student were long behind him, he could still make out the mannerisms and expressions hidden behind the stone.

Midnight...He could remember what Midnight was like, how she conducted her lectures with a laid back composure. A chill went down his spine as the memory of her passing came back to him.

"You know kid, have I ever told you how glad I was that your Dad didn't end up like that," Hawks gestured towards the statue labeled Shield Hero: Crust. It's expression was almost life-like through the stone, a complexion brought to motion by Crust's wide smile and signature thumb raise.

"I'm not a kid anymore," Todoroki replied coldly.

"Relax, it's just an old habit. You're still young anyways." Hawks made a sharp turn, towards the back of the hall beckoning Todoroki as he walked down it. Emerging through the opening he could see it was a lengthy exit corridor. Flanked on either side by a series of maintenance closets, and idle water fountains tucked away from the public eye.

Oddly enough though the exit was labeled off limits. There was a small waist high gate blocking off the door.

"Over here, this exit was never a part of the original floor plan for the building." Hawks added as he stepped over the gate. "That way none of the staff here could mistake it for a fire escape." He chuckled. "Wouldn't want that misunderstanding."

Todoroki noticed a distinct lack of guards on the surface, they can't be leaving it unattended right? He glanced up at the lone camera perched on the ceiling's corner. Active surveillance.

Standing before the door Hawks turned towards the security camera, and waved. The camera silently watched him with no reply. Todoroki raised his eyebrow.

"I know I'm not in uniform, but it's me." Hawks spoke to the camera. "You recognize my smile don't you?"

Suddenly the camera opened apart, revealing a long and spindly arm that expanded towards the pair of heroes. At the end of the mechanical piece was a scanning device of sorts, that quickly conducted a retina scan of Hawk's eyes before retracting back out of sight.

Hawks blinked, rubbing his eyes a little. "Even after a dozen times, I haven't gotten used to that."

The exit door opened, and Todoroki followed him into the room. It was an elevator, although it lacked any buttons. The interior was surprisingly spacious, and the shine and material was noticeably different then the surrounding memorial.

"What now?" Todoroki asked as the exit door slid shut.

"Observation deck," Hawks shouted.

The elevator shifted, and he could feel it descend quickly. "Voice recognition too?" Todoroki asked.

"Of course," Hawks winked. "The Commission loves the added security, I figure it helps them sleep easier at night."

"So what's down here?" Todoroki asked as the secret door hissed close above him.

"You'll see in a second. You won't find this on any of the official reports the Commision makes us fill out all the time, or any sort of paperwork. Everyone made sure to cover this up the best we could."

"Which is why you put it beneath a public museum." Todoroki said blankly.

"Actually the museum was built after the facility was. Shortly after the Jakku incident these caverns were excavated for the operations." Hawks corrected him.

With each passing moment as they went lower and lower, Todoroki grew ever more on edge. Just how much are they hiding down here?

As quickly as the elevator began its descent, it had arrived at its destination. The silver doors slid open to reveal a vast underground expanse. A massive chamber loaded with machinery, computers, and supporting columns that seemed to lead off into infinite. Yet all of this daunting scenery brimming with active personnel and service workers was dwarfed by what lay beyond it. Behind the observation panel some thirty meters high and wide, was a clear view of Gigantomachia. A monster tethered to countless hoses, tubes, monitors, and life support systems.

Todoroki noted the guards, and how they didn't bat an eye as Hawks entered the cavern.

"Shoto is with me," Hawks nodded to them as their gaze met him.

Gigantomachia was buried alive save for his face under the entirety of the Memorial's bedrock. A series of pumps and machines clicked and hissed loudly as they cycled sedatives to keep him asleep.

"I-I thought it wasn't possible."

"Yeah, we didn't either." Hawks sighed. "We've already tried to terminate him, but nothing worked. So this cavern became his prison. However, our sensors started picking up some conscious thought a week ago. Which means something is stirring him."

"Can he break out?"

"For now, not really. But if whatever is bothering him gets closer to him then yes. Most of these machines aren't meant to let him think, much less feel whatever is setting him off."

Todoroki turned to Hawks. "Why haven't we evacuated the memorial? Why are we still letting people in? There are children upstairs!"

"The panic would only make it harder to keep him here. It was hard enough to sedate him this much."

"I knew the Commision was incompetent but this is a new low." Todoroki couldn't bring himself to watch the pumps work. "Worse than just lying. It's actively putting people's lives in danger."

"Which is why I wanted to show you this."

Hawks walked over to a nearby console, surrounded by on-duty researchers. "Que the mic."

The workers looked at each other, and then back at Hawks before tapping a button on their console.

Abruptly the loudspeakers over the cavern began to sound, ""Tomura...Tomura…" in a deep mumbling voice. The recording was mixed with what sounded like loud snoring, and the whole observation deck seemed to rumbly slightly as the giant stirred.

Hawks sighed. "From what we can tell, he sensed Shigaraki during the Tartarus breakout. If Shigaraki realizes where Gigantomachia is—

"It'll be a disaster." Todoroki muttered. Another Jakku incident...

"Right."

The machinery around the cavern began to wail. Monitors flickered to life with strange signals, and a loud warning siren began to roar.

"His heart rate just jumped," one of the researchers shouted.

"We're getting a spike in brain activity!" shouted another.

Through the loudspeakers the same voice from before muttered, "Master is coming..."