Queen Karma

Chapter 7: A Hitch in the Plan

"What the hell do you mean you lost on purpose?" Shigaraki scowled at Karma as she dried her hair after her shower. "It sure looked to me like you were trying to win."

"That's precisely the point. It's not hard to lose against a skilled player, and Overhaul is an exceptional player. Were he a poor one it'd have been much harder to lose while looking like I was trying to win." She tossed her hair about frowning. "I forgot how hard it is to dry all this hair."

"Give me that." He yanked the towel away from her, shoved her down and then scrubbed at her head himself. "Why did you want to lose in the first place? I thought you said you didn't want to work with him."

"I don't want to, but I need to. Overhaul is playing an entirely different game than ours, but there's much I can learn and use from his technique that'll help us in the long run. I didn't want to come off too eager so I played it coolly, especially when I knew how you'd react."

"Well excuse me for being predictable." He yanked the towel off, poofy green curls sproinged all around. "I don't like this…being separated from you again. You're not gonna fall for this loser too are you?"

"Oh please," she blew bangs out of her face as he crouched down to meet her gaze. "The guy can't even shake my hand without breaking out into hives. I'm not the least bit tempted to touch him let alone sleep with him." She closed the distance between them, laying her lips on his. "Trust me, You're the only man for me, Tomura. I won't be fooled again."

"Good." He stroked gloved fingers over her face. He watched her lean into it, closing her eyes and smiling. "I don't want anyone to take you away from me . I'll kill anyone who even tries."

"Shhhh…" she lay her hand over his and turned her lips inward to kiss the palm. "None of that. Let's focus on the task at hand." She pulled his hand into both of hers and met his gaze. "Our objective is to assist Overhaul as he requests. I'll do what I can to find the source of this serum so we can expose it, and offer it up to the heroes as collateral for getting what we really want."

"Our own kingdom; an island decked out with all the trimmings, and completely cut off from society's rules and regulations. A kingdom without heroes; where we can rule side by side and protect what's ours." Tomura murmured it to her, endearingly. It was the dream and end game they'd decided on together. No longer at odds, they were of one mind now.

"We may have taken some detours to get to this point, but we're finally on the same path. We won't give the heroes any room to resist us. They'll either meet our demands, or welcome open war. One way or another we'll get the kingdom we desire, My King." She kissed him lovingly, and he pulled her in closer infusing it with more passion and need. "Mmmm I promise you."

~With the Heroes~

"Remind me why I'm doing this…" Toya grunted as he walked side by side with Hawks, both of them in their hero gear. While his costume had pretty much stayed the same, they'd made some alterations to Toya's Costume when the helmet had proved inefficient since his hair also caught on fire when using his quirk. After a few tweaks and modifications they'd gone with a ventilation mask that covered his mouth, and a set of goggles that were modified with special sensors and visual aids.

"It's your official debut, my friend. If you're going to help us capture the big fish, then we need to get your feet wet." Hawks pat his shoulder, and gave a wave to a nearby fan who called out to him.

"I don't feel like I'm the one doing the catching." He grunted irritably, and was grateful his helmet covered his look of discomfort at being fawned over by random strangers. No one even knew who he was, but they congregated around him like moths to a flame. "I feel like the one who's been caught and put on display."

"I know it's a little overwhelming, but unfortunately it's part of the job. A hero who walks tall and confident among their peers gives the public a sense of protection and trust. Everyone is putting their lives and faith in our hands." Hawks shrugged it off. "We have an obligation to uphold that faith and preservation."

"Even though it's not always true?" Toya paused and glanced down at his companion. "Heroes don't always show up when they're needed. Not everyone can be saved."

"Hey…" Hawks turned to him fully and laid a fist on the metal of his armor. "Keep Karma out of your head for the time being, alright?"

"It's not Karma who put these thoughts in my head." Angry, Toya grabbed him by the wrist but didn't pull the hand off him. "I've had these thoughts years before I met that girl. Just so happens our ideals at the time aligned."

Hawks stiffened a little, sensing the tension. He'd uncovered bits and pieces of Toya's past after their visit with his mother in the hospital. Come to find out, Endeavor, the Hero he'd always admired had more than his share of flaws. It was these flaws that inevitably caused his death.

" I'm sorry. I know you don't have faith in heroes anymore, and I don't blame you. In many ways we've failed the people we've always tried to protect … but you chose to work with us. Something brought you to our side, and you can't just back out now, or you'll lose what you've-"

"Yeah, yeah, I got it. Spare me the heart to heart, Hawks." He sighed heavily and slowly released him."I guess I'm just sick of walking around like some kind of celebrity, when I haven't done anything to deserve it yet."

"Hey…" Hawks smiled and gave him a friendly punch to his shoulder. "It's only your first day. Trust me, you'll get the chance to earn it."

An explosion erupted from several streets down, pedestirans screamed and ran in terror away from the destruction.

"Right on cue, come on Toya, now's your chance!" Hawks took to the air, and Toya immediately followed. His flames jettisoned from both his hands and feet propelling him upward and after Hawks. It still amazed him on how quickly Toya was able to not only master the flying technique, but improve upon arrived to the scene together, Hawks using his feathers to rescue the victims from the terrorist attack, and Toya flying straight towards the villains carrying weapons. In a rapid flash he has the two grunts up front down and out. The two other men who were smarter to run ducked into a nearby alley hoping to lose the heroes. Hawks' feathers hoisted them up and off their feet.

"Just where do you think you trouble makers are going?" Hawks inquired teasingly and brought them right into punching range of Toya's fist.

The people applauded at the impressive teamwork and immediately tried to crowd in for photos and questions. Hawks floated above the crowd and motioned Toya to do the same.

"I think we'll finish this patrol airborne."

"Yeah sure…" he started to hover beside him and grunted when Hawks pulled him in by his shoulders. "Hey watch it-"

"Whaddya guys think of the rookie? Pretty impressive right?" He called down to the crowd and got an eruption of cheers. "You'll be seeing us together a lot more often so be sure to give him a warm welcome, okay?"

"What's his name?!" Someone shouted.

"Why don't I let him tell you that?" Hawks gave him a pat on the back. Toya was flushed and flummoxed at first but he soon relaxed and called out.

"The name's White Knight!"

The ladies all squealed in delight shouting out praise and encouragement to the new young hero. Something inside Toya shifted, a sort of light that turned on and burned away the negativity he'd been feeling before. For the first time since he'd put on the costume, Toya truly felt like a hero.

So… he thought as he waved his hand in the air to acknowledge the people… this is what it feels like to be a hero. No wonder Karma had such a hard time letting it go. There really was no other feeling quite like it.

~Meanwhile~

"We appreciate your cooperation Queen Karma and company." Overhaul welcomed the three into his meeting room. His associates, including the eight precepts, stood around him like a protective shell.

"Just remember Chisaki, I'm here to learn and assist, not to take orders." Karma reminded him. "My trust in others only goes so far."

"Understandable considering the betrayals you've endured. Which is why I think honesty on both parts is essential to our individual and join plans succeeding. First off, why don't we start with proper introductions?"

"Introductions?" Karma raised a brow. "Whatever for?"

"We may know each other by reputation, but I think it's best if we settle now how we're going to address ourselves. For starters you will Call me Overhaul, not Chisaki. I tossed that name away long ago. I have the ability to disassemble and reassemble the things I touch." He held his hand out, flexing the fingers tauntingly.

"Hmmm feel a bit middle school, but very well." She shifted her stance and pointed to herself. "You all may address me as Karma, I am the Queen of Villains and co-leader of the League. My title will remain neutral for now since this is not my territory. It's a pleasure doing business with you."

"My name is Toga," Himiko said with a monotone voice to match her disinterest in the party. "It's not a pleasure because I didn't have a choice. I was ordered to come here."

"The name's Twice, and I've decided to hate you all!" Jin announced boisterously, then shouted with flair. "I look forward to working with you!"

"League of Villains, huh?" One of the Eight Precepts, Rappa, stood in the back looking eager. "I heard your group is strong. Let's fight, right now!"

"I'll kill you!" Twice shouted in challenge, but Toga and Karma each grab an arm.

"No way."

"My apologies for him, he's a bit excitable. You three will be working close knit with this group behind me so it's best if we all get along."

"We can try, but how exactly is this going to work?" Karma asked putting her hands on her hips.

"Simple, Toga and Twice just need to follow my orders like the rest of these boys, whilst you and I work out the details."

"Why only Toga and Twice? Aren't I also a piece for you to play?"

"You've already made it clear that you won't follow my orders. Your loyalties lie with your king, which is fine, but it's not your loyalty I need. I just need your brain. These two however…" Chisaki jerked a finger towards Toga and Twice. "Are useful tools and can come in handy. That being said, in order for us to work more seamlessly together, I would like to know what your quirks are so that if anything happens I can plan accordingly."

"I'll tell you when it becomes necessary." Toga decided on the spot and then gave a shrug. "Or when Queeny tells me to."

"I agree!" Twice held two thumbs down then jerked one across his neck. "I ain't saying a word!"

"What is your quirk?" The voice echoed in the room… the question pulsating through Twice's mind and forcing an answer.

"I can make doubles of anything. In order to make it work I need a precise image. For a person that'd mean their height, chest measurement, and shoe size- a lot of data. I need to look carefully, measure carefully, and only then can I make one thing into two..."

"Twice… you idiot." Karma slapped a hand to her face groaning as Twice continued to fully divulge his quirk to the others. She knew somehow that his actions were most likely because of a quirk, but it was still stupidly embarassing.

"You just said you wouldn't tell him, then you told him everything!" Toga pointed an accusing finger.

"It-it wasn't like that Toga-chan!" Twice waved his hands around, obviously confused and embarrassed as well.

"How about you?" The voice repeated to Toga, and had her spilling her guts in very much the same manner.

Shin Nemoto- Quirk: Confession, he can force people to tell the truth by asking them a question, and can even drag out truths the person talking doesn't know about.

Karma's eyes focused on the man in question. She scowled. So… this guy had a similar quirk to Ace. Interesting. She wondered if it had the same weaknesses.

"Last but not least…" Ace turned his head toward the queen and repeated his question. "What is your quirk, your highness?"

"My quirk is called Sentient Aura." She spoke automatically, the quirk practically shoving it out of her. She narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth again to speak, but tried a trick she'd learned from practicing with Ace. "It is a difficult and complex quirk that I haven't fully mastered nor do I know the full details of yet."

"Hmmm?" Shin, clearly surprised by the resistance she was showing to his quirk. Overhaul had to smirk.

"Well that's interesting." He glanced back at Shin. "Try again, something more concise."

"What is the best utilization of your quirk?" Shin asked and had Karma struggling this time.

"Mnng, fortification… I'm… able to protect myself by using my own energy as a shield." She clenched her fists at her side. "It doesn't work on a quirk like yours that requires a person to hear… but I can protect myself from elements, and anything that involves a direct touch."

"Interesting… and what are the weaknesses of your quirk?" Shin continued to interrogate and had Karma struggling again. She squinted and tried to think of what to say, but the truth was already forcing its way out of her mouth.

"S-Stamina, and concentration… I can store up kinetic energy through meditation, but the more I store up, the harder it is to keep from releasing it. My emotional and mental state is also very important as I tend to lose complete control when I'm angry or upset." Karma took a knee as she finally caved and cursed. "Damn it. Your quirk is way more powerful than Ace's was."

"Color me impressed." Overhaul applauded. "You're the first person Shin's ever needed to use multiple questions in order to get full divulsion… and even then I think there are some secrets you've kept hidden."

"Are we done with that ridiculous interrogation then?" Karma wiped at her brow scowling.

"Just one more question…" Shin looked to the group as a whole. "Did you hear anything from Shigaraki about betraying us?"

"No." Twice and Toga spoke together.

"No, but I more than likely will." Karma spoke and grit her teeth. Everyone was suddenly on edge. "Tomura gets jealous very easily."

"I see… well let me put you and your King's worries at ease." Overhaul stood. "My interest in you is strictly for business."

"You sure about this boss?" Mimic eyed Karma warily. "I don't trust her, or any of them."

"There's been no talk of betrayal as of yet, so we can put that thought out of our minds. They need us just as we need them. Isn't that right Karma?" Overhaul approached her, his eyes having a wicked gleam in them.

"Yes, as much as it pains me to admit, I need you. So for now we'll work together to build a world where both our families can thrive."

~With the Heroes~

A few days passed, and that was all it took for Toya's White Knight to gain high rank popularity. While they kept the public eye on him and the Number One Hero Hawks, Sir Nighteye and his crew continued their investigation on Karma.

Unfortunately for them their clues came up short. The few bread trail of crumbs they were able to follow led them nowhere. Nighteye refused to let go of the fact that the League could be in cahoots with teh Shie Hassaikai, but thus far there wasn't any evidence other than their brief battle in that warehouse.

It was ultimately decided that the best course of action, was to bait Karma and the league into revealing themselves. Many plans were thought out and suggested, but were discarded.

"We need a surefire way to get Karma's attention. Something that's libel to anger her, and force her to make a move." Hawks decided.

"I'm in agreement." Nighteye pushed up his glasses. "Bakugou and Todoroki have both mentioned that she tends to break patterns and throw caution to the wind when she gets emotional. It's the only time when she's vulnerable and libel to make a mistake…"

"So how do we go about making her angry? Should we have a comic write about her in the funny papers?"

"She doesn't care about her on image as much as she cares about those she's protecting. If we can somehow procure one of her members then-"

"What about a former member?" Hawks smirked and glanced at Toya who had remained quiet this whole time. Toya's head shot up in shock.

"Wait, what?"

"We wanted to keep your identity hidden in order to avoid a public spectacle… but a spectacle is just what we need right now. Karma knows who you are, she knows your real identity and if we announce that the rising hero who's been fighting side by side with the Number One hero has been Endeavor's First Born son-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, now hang on just a damn minute. I never agreed to that!" Toya scowled and pointed an accusing finger at him. "The only person in my family that even knows I'm still alive is my mother, and all of a sudden you want to announce it publicly that I'm alive?"

"We can give you time to tell the rest of your family if that's what you-" Hawks tried to negotiate.

"I said no! I'm not publicly announcing my heritage to the public. I refuse."

"We don't necessarily need to give them those details, do we?" Nighteye thought aloud, rubbing his chin. "We just need to give Karma enough information to put the puzzle together herself. We don't have to reveal his identity to the public… only to her."

"Hey, yeah, I get what you're saying!" Hawks pointed to big thumbs up. "Great idea, Nighteye!"

"How exactly do you expect me to clue her in without revealing who I am or was?" Toya rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a headache coming on.

"By being as honest as you're comfortable being." Hawks pat his shoulder. "The HPSC has some contacts in the media… we'll leak the right questions, and you'll have all the right answers."

"I still don't like it but… if it means we can finally make some progress on this case then let's do it. Gotta warn you though, I'm not really great at public speaking."

"Not to worry, my friend." Hawks hooked his arm and wing around him grinning, Toya grunted a little at the closeness but couldn't hide the half smile. "I'll be right there with yah every step of the way."

"Alright, but try not to be so clingy. We don't want to feed the media any other kind of news." He shoved him playfully and then bumped fists with him.

"Then it's settled. I'll call a press conference and feed the right info to our media connections. In the mean time Hawks and White Knight ill prep for the interviews, and Nighteye will be in charge of setting up security and follow-up." The President ordered and got a group consensus.

"Yes ma'am!"

~Karma and Overhaul~

"You've got security leaks all over, it's a wonder you haven't been caught yet." Karma told Overhaul as they went over the shipment lines. "All of these traffic points lead straight back to Hassaikai. It's a complex map, but a well trained hero will spot the subtle links and exploit them to at least get rid of possible involvement."

"You've got a good point… so what do you suggest?" Overhaul questioned.

"You need to find a neutral zone as well as hire some less noticeable flunkies to deliver the goods. Your team members are easily spotted because of the masks they wear, and just one of them being on site could link it directly back to you." She explained and stepped away from the map in order to pour herself a cup of coffee. She'd been up all night going over Overhauls inner workings and setting up a financial pool for him to dip into for his supplies.

"I've got a factory and adjoining warehouse that ought to do the trick. It's currently being used as a cover business, but those changes shouldn't be too hard to make."

"I thought you disliked filthy places." She smirked at him.

"Necessity trumps luxury, but it won't be filthy once I'm done with it. I gotta say though, Karma, hiring you was the best decision I ever made." He lay his palms out flat. "You spotted all the weak links in my plans, and gave me concise methods in which to fortify them."

"Be thankful I'm your ally and not your enemy… for now at least." She smirked over the rim of her cup. "Now then, about this product-"

"No." He interrupted curtly and had her pouting.

"How do you expect me to protect and utilize something that I have no idea what it is."

"I came for advice, and you came for leverage. We will both get what we receive and nothing more." overhaul rolled up the plans and glanced back as the door opened.

"Yo, your highness, there's something on the tube I think you should see." Mimic jerked a thumb behind him. "The HPSC is holding a press conference and you're the main topic of discussion."

"Well isn't that nice?" Karma laughed. "Aren't I popular?" Humored at the aspect, and just a bit curious, Karma wandered into the common room where everyone including Toga and Twice say around a big screen and listened to the President talk about their plans to take down the League of Villains.

Karma immediately spotted Hawks at her side, but didn't quite recognize the hero standing beside him.

"Who's the guy in white, a new sidekick? I've never seen him before." She spoke aloud.

"I dunno but we're about to find out, have a seat queeny, I made popcorn." Twice tossed some up in the air, but Karma made no move to catch it and it sprinkled on her head instead. She casually brushed it off and just listened to the conversation taking place.

"Karma is nothing but a poor misdirected child who's caught in an abusive relationship with a dangerous villain. This so called family of miscreants she claims she's protecting has done nothing but steal, maim and murder to get their way. Do not let her delusions of betterment sway you… and instead look to those who have always been here to protect and serve the public. Our Heroes."

She motioned to the group on stage and applause rang out.

"To say a few words, I'd like to introduce to you a rising star in the hero industry. Under the tutelage of the Number One hero Hawks, White Knight has arrived to protect and serve his country like many true and noble knights of old. He's here today to answer the many questions the public has for him, and to share a bit of his story on why he's chosen to be a man of Justice."

"White Knight…" Karma's eyes narrowed and then suddenly widened when she recalled Ace's last message to her. "No way… Dabi?"

"That's Dabi!?" Twice pointed a finger at White Knight as he calmly answered the questions that were asked of him, Hawks butting in here and there as a bit of comic relief. "WHat 's with the goofy costume? HE LOOKS SO COOL!"

"Shut up!" Karma grabbed the remote and turned up the volume.

"Many have noticed that your fighting style is similar to Endeavor. Did the former number two hero hold a special place for you?" A reporter asked.

"Yes." Toya answered honestly. "It was Endeavor who originally trained me, and I very much admired him as a hero."

"Did your perception of him change after that shocking reveal before his death?" The report poked, causing Hawks to visibly gulp and go pale.

Welp, he thought, moment of truth.

"No… because I already knew the kind of man he was." He paused, his hands flexing and fisting nervously. "Truthfully, I was only ever a disappointment to him. Little by little I began to see the man I'd always admired turn into a man I didn't recognize anymore. I was desperate for his attention and affection, but he denied me at every turn. He didn't believe I could be a hero, let alone a top hero. For a time… he was right. I'd lost my way, venturing down a dark path I'd had no hope of returning from. I lost my family, my dreams, and my very reason for living… but then someone showed me a different path."

The crowd went silent, microphones and cameras leaned in, anxiously awaiting the continuation of his story. Toya took a deep breath, debating on how much of the truth to tell them, how much to reveal to the public. Full disclosure wasn't appropriate, but neither was a bold face lie.

"It's because of her I am finally able to break away from the destructive path I was headed down, and make something of myself." He stood tall, his lips smiling behind the mask. "She's given me back my reason to live, she's given me hope for the future, and she's given me the friendship and love I never knew I needed."

Karma's grip on the remote tighten as the words Toya spoke came straight from the heart. Suddenly it became very hard to breathe, and she could feel the ties of her former life begin to wound around her heart like a noose. Karma faded into her subconscious and Izumi came out.

"Thanks to her, I will prove Endeavor wrong. I am not a disappointment, nor a failure. Thanks to her I will become a top hero, and give that word meaning again. I will not let her or anyone else fall down the same dark path I'd once followed. I will become her White Knight, and continue to protect her as I swore I would from the very beginning…" He looked directly into the camera as he said this. "... because I love her."

Izumi's eyes filled with tears and spilled down her cheeks. On screen The White Knight was peppered with questions about this mysterious woman, and of their relationship, but he merely walked away with barely a "no comment" for the crowd.

Emotions stirred and riled up inside of her, causing conflicting thoughts. She reached into her pocket, rubbing her thumb over the sword pendant she'd kept with her secretly.

"... because I love her."

Dabi, loved her? Was this real?

"I love her…"

If he loved her, then why did he leave her?

"I love her…"

If he loved her, then why did he betray her?

"I love her…"

It didn't make sense, none of it made sense. The metaphorical noose tightened tighter around her heart, and she struggled to catch her breath. The eyes of her companions all turned to her, wondering just what was going on inside her head.

"I love-"

"YOU LIAR!" Removing the pendant from her pocket, Karma launched it at the TV screen. Sentient aura boosted the throw and the pendant landed straight between the eyes of the displayed picture of "White Knight" on screen. Breathless, and on the verge of a panic attack, Karma unleashed her rage and fury by flinging more of her power out. The TV split in two and then splintered into pieces on the floor.

Twice, Toga, and the members of the Shie Hassaikai who stood in the room with her all backed away, not wanting to be the focus of her unleashed rage. Tears spilled down Karma's face, but the wicked smirk, and dangerous gleam in her eyes were anything but sad.

"How dare that filthy traitor try to manipulate me like that?" She stormed over to the remaining pieces of the TV and stomped them underfoot. "My faith, and my heart will not be swayed. Not this time!" She twisted her heel and whirled around at the others in the room. "The hell are you all staring at? Get back to work! We've got fear and chaos to spread!"

"Yes My Queen!" Toga and Twice stood at attention and saluted, and surprisingly so did the Shie Hassaikai members. Karma's eyes turned to Chisaki who hadn't budged from his place on the couch.

"That warehouse you mentioned… I don't suppose you'd be willing to take me so I can oversee a few last minute changes?"

"I take it you've decided to alter your plan?"

"It's time we gave the heroes a taste of what's to come. Send out word to your potential buyers and have them meet us there in one week. We'll give them a sample of our products, including your newest creation. I don't care if it's a non-permanent dose. It's time the heroes feared what we're capable of!"

"Hmmm," Pleased Overhaul waved a hand at his men. "You heard the Queen, let's get to work boys."

Cheers echoed in the room and bodies scattered to complete their various tasks. Karma casually approached the broken TV, pulling the pendant out of the pile of broken pieces on the floor.

"Tch, not even a bit damaged." She turned it over in her hand with a pout, then slid it into her pocket. "Ah well, best hang onto it for now. I could always use it as poetic justice later."

"Yo, your highness! You coming?" Overhaul grunted at her.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." She turned away from the trash on the floor, and walked side by side with Overhaul out of the room.

~Ask Briry~

Thank you to my loyal fans who have been remaining patient for updates. I hope this makes up for it!

Next Chapter: Red like Roses