For those who have previously read my work, thank you for bearing with me through my burnout period. Hopefully, this is a sign of better times to come. Just a warning: I am willing to admit that half of this chapter was written more than a month after the first thanks to my burnout. Please keep this in mind if there is any difference in the writing style. Once again, thank you very much.

ALDERA'S ANTI-HERO: HOW ONE MAN'S ASSAULT UNVEILED A SYSTEM OF DISCRIMINATION

Daughter found 'near traumatised' by bullying experience

Izuku only mildly acknowledged the droning voice coming from the TV, his mind too preoccupied with thoughts of foreign lands. While there had once been chatter of potentially moving abroad – his father's overseas work having prompted a lengthy discussion regarding the matter – it was something that Izuku had long since dismissed. There was a comfort to be had in Musutafu, comfort that would be lost if they travelled halfway around the world. If there was any reason to deprive his mother of the roots she had laid in the prefecture, let alone the country, then Izuku didn't want it to be his own selfishness. Such was why Izuku's blank stare had attempted to melt the wall for several minutes by this point, only a hand upon his shoulder jolting him out of his ponderings.

"…Is this about me learning about what happened?" gently drawing his mother's arms around his shoulders, Izuku's shake of his head was silent. "Look, I know how much you thought of him as a friend, bu-"

"Don't. please, just – don't worry, Mum. This, it isn't about him." Izuku was quick to reassure, even if the tightening of the arms around him spoke volumes of how much Inko believed him. "Kacch-Katsuki, he… he got what he deserved. Even if he was my friend, he did bad things. If I got angry at his punishment, I… I wouldn't be able to call myself a hero one day."

Mulling over the official penalties Katsuki and his merry gang had accrued, Izuku couldn't say that he was ashamed of them. Then again, proud was hardly the right term… comfortable. He was comfortable with them. At least, he would be, given time. Katsuki had shown behaviour worthy of punishment and received the due consequence; how could Izuku complain in the face of such a logical outcome? Actions being non-prohibited did not mean permitted. That much should be common sense. Then again, with the vitriol that had spilt from Katsuki's lips from time to time, it was clear that they were working off very different concepts of common sense.

"Then what happened to the smile I love so much, hmm?" Inko easily retorted, Izuku trying to fight the embarrassed smile that threatened to burst out at his mother's pokes and prods at his cheeks. Faced with a relentless assault, however, Izuku's defences lasted all of five seconds before they crumbled. "There we go, that's more like it! Now, come on – tell me what's up. It has to be something major if it's bugging you more than… Katsuki."

Izuku didn't need to turn around to picture the venomous visage that was probably plastered across his mother's face. She had been a firm believer in Katsuki's potential, even if there had been a few hints of his less savoury qualities here and there. To now hear so suddenly about how he had been treating Izuku – from the police no less – had naturally left Inko seething. Izuku could only thank the heavens that his mother was far from the violent type; were it not for those pacifistic tendencies, Katsuki's mother would not be able to hear as freely as she did now. Even then, their relationship had partially soured, nought but a combination of Izuku's prompts and Mitsuki Bakugou's own fury healing the wound.

It wasn't as if Izuku could blame her though. You'd be hard-pressed to find any parent who wasn't appalled by what the news outlets managed to discover despite Aldera's efforts. Such was why the rampages at the junior high school's gates were as frenzied as they were when hints first hit the internet. Perhaps the calls for an indiscriminate rehauling of the staff were a little bit excessive – there were just as many good apples among the bad - but Izuku certainly wasn't going to oppose them. After all, Aldera had a lot to make up for if it had any plans of keeping itself afloat. Regardless, knowing his mother's mindset did help to choke his words, a moment's hesitation passing before Izuku managed to pose a question.

"Mum, if I… if we suddenly had the chance to move abroad, what would you think?" he began, unable to meet her eyes. Even so, the low hum he received in return hardly helped his disposition. "Theoretically! Like, one hundred per cent theoretically! What would you think if you could go and live anywhere you wanted in the world?"

"…I see. What did they say?" at his mother's remark, Izuku was left to blink owlishly.

"Wh-who are you talking about?"

"Don't play innocent with me. I saw how that policewoman was looking at you; I can smell someone showing interest in my son a million miles away." She replied, the heat of her son's blush managing to somewhat quell the venom building in Inko's mind. "I don't know why they would talk about moving abroad though. I can understand getting away from Katsuki, but there must be easier ways. The next town would do the same thing. It would probably be them moving too, not us…"

"No, it's nothing like that. It's just-" a reluctant sigh slipped through Izuku's lips before he had any chance to stop it. There was clearly no going back at this point – no choice left but to push forward. "They gave me the chance to become an officer like them. You remember what I said before, about what happened?"

"Of course. That woman had you at the driver's seat of a train of all things. Yes, I don't think I could forget that little demonstration of hers."

Honestly, the words sounded just as ridiculous then as they did when Inko first heard them. How someone willing to put a child in charge of a massive vehicle armed with weaponry Inko had never imagined managed to gain a position of authority, she would never understand. Were it not for the fact that there had been plenty of witnesses on hand to express how easily the giant had been contained, Inko would've gone on a rampage for how recklessly that policewoman had treated her son, particularly considering how injured he had been moments before.

"Well, there's apparently other stuff too. Stuff that could help me stand on a level footing with people with proper Quirks." A small part of Izuku cursed the breathiness of those final words, but it simply couldn't be helped. The realisation of his near-lifelong dream; approaching it with anything other than the awe it deserved would be unfathomable. "Miss Takao – the policewoman – she offered them to me. Said I could become a police officer equal to, if not greater than, a normal hero. Considering what just happened, I…. I kind of want to believe her."

"A police officer on the same level as a hero…" the scepticism coating his mother's statement was entirely justified in Izuku's opinion. Given the rapid growth of the heroism industry, it was only natural for the police side of the whole affair to be pejorated mercilessly. Steadily filled with a combination of the Quirkless and failed heroes, the police had essentially cemented themselves as the lesser security force. After all, anyone who could improve the reputation of the police simply became a pro hero instead. "And she wants you to go abroad for this to happen? She can't just transfer the equipment to Musutafu if she wants you specifically? She mentioned the GSPO, they have the authority to do that, right?"

"It's not that easy. Apparently, the whole thing's meant to be under wraps. The only people who know about it are you, me, and the Parisian branch of the GSPO." Replied Izuku. "Accepting Miss Takao's offer would mean leaving all of this behind, for who knows how long. I know I should've rejected her immediately, but I just couldn't… Mum?"

Inko's mind, however, seemed far more preoccupied with the walls than her son, a face filled with thought firmly in place. Pierced by a sinking sensation deep in his stomach, Izuku braced himself for the incoming denial, leaving the gently muttered words that followed to force out a sound of confusion.

"… I remember reading something about French language courses, but I can't for the life of me recall where…" Inko muttered, a teasing grin sneaking onto her face as she met Izuku's soon watery eyes. For all the stuttering and panicking the boy went through, let it be known that Izuku had never been slow to acknowledge implication. "What, did you really think I would force you to give up this chance? Phones and social media exist for a reason, Izuku. Anything or anyone I'm attached to here, I can either take with me or contact pretty easily. If you need to go to a different country to achieve something impossible in Japan, then I'm willing to take the risk. Granted, I'll have to get used to a different type of cuisine when I don't feel like cooking. Oh, the sacrifices I make for my son~."

"H-hang on a minute! Shouldn't you be worried about – I don't know – the cost of such a move? About having to, to find a new house? A… a whole bunch of other stuff?" Izuku was quick to question, yet his mother's only reply was a wave of her hand.

"Izuku, this isn't my first time going through a large-scale relocation. I wasn't born in Musutafu. I had to get this house somehow, and your dad had to get all the stuff necessary for his overseas work as well. It's a little sudden, but nothing your mother can't handle." Inko reassured, punctuated by an embrace that threatened to choke Izuku. "Besides, if this Miss Takao really wants you on her team, then she's not just going to sit idly by, right? The least she could do is help us find a home, keep the whole process smooth. I'll need to talk with her anyway - a few more questions won't hurt."

Any form of retort failed to come. Had there been at least some form of resistance, maybe Izuku's mind wouldn't have been left so frazzled. As it was, it took all his might to restrain his tears to the waterfalls they were then.

A clock struck eleven, and a fist struck Mack Gurori.

Admittedly, it wasn't a particularly powerful strike. After all, with a knife sticking out of his stomach, it wasn't as if there was much need for an excessive follow-up. Even so, it was more than enough to send Mack flying backwards, a group of terrified clients only barely managing to avoid the body tumbling towards them.

Thank goodness too, for it meant they managed to avoid the remnants of flesh that burst off Mack's body, the hideous viper-like visage beneath exposed for the world to see. Well, perhaps not everyone was so fortunate, if the man soon vomiting in the corner of the casino was anything to go by.

"…Screw it. If you want something done, do it yourself!" the creature roared, a soft light emanating from its back before slithering through the air to meet its target. With mere moments to think, there was nought else for the assailant to do but throw themselves onto the floor, much to the horror of those behind who lacked the same agility. Left without any means of escape, they might as well have been sitting ducks for the beams that burrowed into their bodies. "Let's boogie!"

Uncontrollable dancing may appear comedic at first, but one need only look to the emaciated women piled in the corner to realise just how frightful the concept could be. Unable to control your own body, forced to push it beyond its physical limits even as the pain becomes unbearable; it was only natural that those 'hired' dancers eventually broke down.

Having amused themselves with the sight since the casino first opened, those struck by the creature's beams knew that full well. Such was why sounds of horror soon saturated the air as their bodies began flailing with reckless abandon, only drowned out by the sound of bullets as the assailant attempted to finish their job. Unfortunately, that lasted all of five seconds before several chaotic limbs made such attacks unviable, an awkward shove just barely managing to buy the assailant some breathing space.

Not that it mattered much, considering that Mack was nowhere to be seen. Were it not for the snickering that snuck between the screams, then the assailant might have been caught completely off-guard. As it was though, not a moment of hesitation passed before a silver pistol aimed skyward, groans of pain following as the mass of Mack plummeted to the ground. Said groans only became worse as a foot landed upon his back, the assailant undeterred by his wriggling as they went to work.

3-8-5!

"I'll be taking this."

With five keys in one hand, the other slammed the safe on Mack's back shut, sounds of relief surrounding the assailant as they reached for their pistol. Though a reassuring sound in any other context, nought but contempt came to mind as the assailant made their final shot, launching themselves back as an explosion rocked the casino. At the end of the day, how could one feel relief when the guilty are absolved? Only the fact that said guilty would soon find themselves facing a completely different punishment offered any condolence. After all, the less said about the occurrences in Mack's casino, the better.

"…My lady." Turning her head, the assailant spared but a glance to the maid who stepped out of the shadows. Anything more would've been encouraging her actions and after hearing the same spiel about how it looked 'uber-cool', encouragement was the last thing that maid needed. "I've managed to receive more news about the deal with the police."

"And it was important enough you decided to visit me while I'm working instead of waiting at home?" came the assailant's withered response, a swift movement stowing their weapon away. Given the red tinge to the maid's cheeks even in the dingy light of the casino, a response was unnecessary. "You know what? Forget it. Come on, we'll talk on the way home. If the police got my report when I think they did, they're a couple of minutes away at best."

"Understood. As far as I'm aware, the boy looks like he's going to agree. There were minor obstacles, but nothing that couldn't be overcome by the police."

"And what about on their side?" an answer didn't immediately come, though perhaps the fact that they were leaping through a shattered window was to blame. Greeted by the chill of the evening, the sight of the setting sun was almost enough to give one pause. A shame then, that rapidly approaching police sirens had to ruin the scene's serenity.

"No more than the usual complaints. As long as nothing major comes up, then it should go through like everything else." The maid replied once the dust of her dress was removed. That it took several more seconds of cleaning than was necessary went unsaid. "Still, Izuku Midoriya… for someone like him to actually be a suitable candidate for them, I don't think I would've ever noticed if not for your deductions."

"Blood attracts blood. Call it an instinct." Was the offhand reply, punctuated by a dismissive wave. "I wouldn't expect you to pick up on his inherent ability anyway. From the intel I've managed to accrue, his current environment isn't exactly primed for him to flourish."

"And you think the police will provide him something better?"

"They've surprised me before. Usually in a bad way, but they've surprised me, nonetheless." Answered the assailant, a flick of their fingers flinging a flash of red into the distance. "Look, try not to think too hard about these kinds of things now that we've reached this point. Doubt begets doubt. Whatever happens on their side doesn't affect our job. If they want to kick up a fuss over someone their own member brings in, let the idiots rant. Means we'll be free to keep taking back what's ours."

"…Of course. Then I'll prepare t-"

A police light glaring up towards the pair brought those thoughts to an end, several guns deliberating about whether to aim at them or the folk fleeing from the casino. Far from drawing the fear they desired, however, the officers responsible were astounded when one of their targets decided it was time to yawn, a teasing tone floating down from above.

"Took you lot a few seconds there! Figured you weren't going to notice!" the assailant called, a moment of regret regarding their distance passing. Oh, to hear what those inept men were muttering; after the stress of the night, they could've used a hit of amusement. "Are we enjoying the scenery?"

The answer came in the form of some horrid mix of vanity and vulgarity, the offending officer too incited to augment his anger with a megaphone. Always the same, those lot. Too poor with their quirks to work as a hero, so they fanned their egos by handling the heroes' scraps. Not that it particularly mattered; if the assailant was one to listen to the police, they wouldn't exactly be in the profession that they were. They could've been singing Frank Sinatra and the assailant would've given the same shrug they did then.

"Gonna take that as a yes. Well, from what I've heard, Watanabe Museum's gonna have a similar exhibit. Maybe you could catch it if you rush." They teased, their words in the wind like a fire beneath the police's butts.

The flash of smoke that left no traces of the assailant or their partner was almost unnecessary. Having learnt their lesson over several failed capture missions, none of the police force dared try to apprehend them. Their only hope lay in bolstering the security of their next target – which, given their track record against the assailant, was optimistic at best.

"Watanabe Museum?" the maid said as they stepped from their hiding place. "But my research says our next target should be the Naruhodou mansion. Didn't you say a phantom thief never lies about their heists?"

"Eh, keeps them on their toes. Too big for their boots, the lot of them – a little humiliation won't hurt. Now, come on."