Heroes in the Dark chapter 23

They were deep in the heart of the city now. Large buildings towered over them on every side, but the one of most interest was the one they were parked directly in front of. Chronostasis got out of the car and approached the gate. He pressed a button and spoke to someone on the other side for access. A few seconds later and the gate opened. Without delay, he opened up the back door closest to Tokoyami and beckoned for them all to come through.

Tokoyami nervously pulled the hood of his coat over his head as he stepped out. It was weird to be out in a normal populated setting like this after so much time. The irrational fear that someone might see him and recognize him amongst this group of gangsters and villains worried him. But this place seemed to be situated away from major roads, and the only people milling about were sketchy looking individuals that gave this building a wide berth, as though knowing that it would only cause them trouble. And that was understandable, for the building, although nothing like the skyscrapers nearby, was considerably large and imposing. Now that he was standing before it, he could get a good look at it. It was relatively modern and had an unremarkable exterior of whitewashed walls, but the noticeable lack of windows and the tall walls surrounding it on every side suggested that it was holding secrets of its own on the inside.

Chronostasis surveyed the outside area suspiciously while waving them through the gate. Only when it closed behind them did he seem to relax. The sound of the car they'd arrived in driving off filled the air, and once that faded the air was quiet.

Tokoyami took in the new sight. They were now in a courtyard filled with immaculately trimmed trees and shrubbery. It was all very organized and symmetrical. And yet not a soul was out and about at the time, which surprised him. He would've thought that a central hub for yakuza activity would be a bit more lively.

Chronostasis led them to the large double doors that marked the main entrance of the building. This time around he didn't have to notify anyone and the doors opened from the inside as they approached, welcoming them. Tokoyami trailed a bit behind Twice and Toga, but he could tell that Chronostasis was keeping close attention to him. He entered with the rest of them, if but a little more hesitantly. He had no idea where this would take him or what to expect, only that he had better be prepared. They walked past two masked guards at either side of the door who wordlessly closed the doors behind them.

"It's nice in here! I hate it," Twice remarked, taking in the grand opening room. Similar to the outside, the place was pristine and sparsely decorated, devoid of anything unnecessary. A stark contrast to the less desirable conditions the League of Villains were accustomed to. There were sparse decorations, a few vases filled with flowers that Tokoyami could tell upon closer inspection were plastic. A single framed black and white picture of some people he didn't recognize. There was something innately concerning about the large, empty space.

Hallways split off every which way, but they were confidently led through the central path. A few twist and turns later, they stopped in the middle of the hall. Tokoyami looked around in confusion, but there were no doorways or split halls up ahead, and he wondered if their guide had taken a wrong turn. But he watched as the masked man stooped next to an alcove with a vase of fake flowers. He didn't get the best view as he huddled over the small, nondescript area, but it looked like he may have been messing with the wood paneling. Whatever it was that he was accomplishing, he was able to step back from it, and a moment later a hidden passage presented itself to them. Concrete steps went down into a basement area.

"This is where we head the mass of our operations," Chronostasis explained. "I don't expect you all to know the extent of our reach, but do know that we take matters very seriously. Please do your utmost to be respectful and refrain from asking too many unnecessary questions. Especially if you intend to insert yourself into matters that don't concern you."

"Huhhh? But aren't we gangsters like you now? It hurts that you have so little faith in us, you know!" Toga complained.

He looked taken aback, or at least as much as one could with their whole face obscured. "That as it may be, but you're still considered rival infiltrates. Or rather, think of this as…an internship. Yes, that. You're working for us but are not actually owed anything. You'll learn only as much as we're willing to tell you and will just have to live with that fact. This shouldn't pose you any inconvenience and it streamlines plans for us. Understood?"

" 'Kaaay!"

"I see! I don't get it."

"…Yes. Of course."

Chronostasis regarded them coldly, and perhaps with a bit of frustration, as though he had expected better answers. "Glad to hear it. Now come along, it's only a bit farther."

He took the lead once more, guiding them through the labyrinthine tunnels. Pipes jutted from the walls in places, and cold steel doors lined the halls. Every now and then someone would open a door to peek out at them before closing it, or a masked figure would pass them in the halls without the slightest acknowledgement, as though they were a common sight. The last significant thing he couldn't help but realize was the way that everything was still remarkably well-lit and, just like the rest of the base, was noticeably clean. Tokoyami could swear that with the number of turns they took that he was being particularly cautious, ensuring that the three of them wouldn't grow familiar with the area. It stood to reason that they wouldn't be able to patrol these paths on their own. Tokoyami could only imagine what they would find if given the opportunity. These are actual gangsters. Crime lords. So they probably have all kinds of…illegal wares. He didn't know if it was either a concern or relief that he didn't know the specifics. But he had a feeling that he'd be figuring it out in due time.

There came a point where Chronostasis stopped abruptly, looking down. Everyone followed his gaze to the ground and nearby wall, where what was quite obviously blood splattered across the surfaces. A rancid smell of flesh rose from the spot. Tokoyami shuddered, unable to avert himself, and the memory of Magne's messy demise returned to the forefront of his mind. The masked man scanned the area around them before setting his sights on one of the random lesser yakuza walking through the halls. He called the youth over, pointing at the stains as he approached.

"What is this?" Chronostasis demanded, pointing to the sullied floor.

The person he'd called to the scene, a young man that might've been in his early 20s with wild eyes and straight blond hair that fell partially over a black plague doctor mask, looked on with confusion. "Huuuh? I dunno, it's probably something Overhaul did! I don't keep track of the sorry trash he throws away."

"You don't know? Do you also not know what happens when a mess is left?" Chronostasis questioned with increasing urgency. "Clean that up or find someone who will. If not you'll become the next stain on the ground. That's not a threat, either, that's just how it is. I'm not responsible if Overhaul decides to get impatient with you lot."

He glared at the superior officer, but nodded stiffly. "Okay, okay, I got it. But you know I'm supposed to be joining you at the meeting, right? I earned the right to be one of the Expendables!"

That didn't sound like something to be proud of, but the young man held himself like it was a title of honor. Tokoyami understood the need to feel like they're a part of something greater. Being part of the hero-in-training curriculum, Tokoyami had been inclusive to team building, furthering of knowledge, and an expansion of his own powers. As for being involved in a gang…he didn't know what they offered to entice so many people to their side. But there had to be a reason why so many people would swear themselves to such a dangerous cause. Why they would so willingly throw away their chance to have a normal life. Perhaps, like him, it was something that was beyond their power. Just like he pondered the circumstances of the League members, so too were the fates of these gangsters called into question. Seeing what went on in the shadows of the underworld was truly a dark and sad experience.

"That's all very well and good, Setsuno," Chronostasis said. "That just means you should get this mess dealt with swiftly so that you may join us at the meeting. We're here with guests, after all."

Setsuno's eyes stretched wide. "Oh, shit, really? So it's true! The boss sure does know where to find interesting people! Haha…ah." His eyebrows knit together in concern, as though a thought had occurred. "So then, I really shouldn't be wasting time. I don't want to be the one keeping the boss waiting! You go on ahead, Chrono, and I'll catch up."

"Time is relative. I won't allow it to be wasted," Chrono said evenly, sweeping past the Expendable without hesitation. Tokoyami looked back at the young man, who had quickly pulled out a rag and was scrubbing away at his Boss's mess. It wasn't too much longer until they finally stopped before a more elaborate door, white with golden trim. Obviously this place was much more important than the other, less conspicuous rooms. Perhaps a favorite of Overhaul's.

Chrono knocked six times in a particular way and went straight for the doorknob. "I've brought the new recruits, Overhaul, sir," he announced, stepping into the room while gesturing for them to quickly enter.

The room was that same pristine whgite, unflawed in every way. Books lined some shelves in the back, and daylight streamed in through highlights in the ceiling. It retained that sparse sense of furnishing, with just a few small couches and a simple table in the center. The room had a remarkably light and airy feel to it, compared to the rest of the basement area. And yet this was a room filled with filth. Some of which he recognized.

The one that was hardest to ignore was the large bruiser that he had faced. He looked no different, looming taller than anyone else with his heavily fortified fists raised and excited for a fight. Besides him stood a dark cloaked, more traditional looking plague doctor masquerader, complete with stiff black robes and an outdated hat. Tokoyami vaguely recalled him as well, though it had all been a blur and his head had been spinning at the time. And there had been another. A monstrous fellow who had easily decimated the entire wall. He was…sitting in the corner now, almost unrecognizable due to his shrink in size. He was no longer the massive bringer of destruction, and if anything seemed quite at peace.

And then of course there was Overhaul. He was the only one seated, hands folded in his lap. His amber eyes bore holes through them, and Tokoyami couldn't keep himself from fidgeting as he was made to stand before him. Even though the circumstances had changed, he still felt like he was in the same amount of danger. Just being in the same room as him, even in this civil setting, wracked him with discomfort. It had been different with Shigaraki. Although they both had destructive quirks and the will to use them, at least Shigaraki was easily readable. You knew when to keep your distance or push your luck, and he was still in the process of checking his own emotions. But Overhaul distilled the fear that he might act without warning. That a single movement he didn't like could be your last. There was no reasoning to him, only cold calculations and a desire to exert his power over others at whatever chance he got. It was a different kind of frightening.

But perhaps the League members didn't carry the same sentiment. They stood before the audience, decisively unimpressed, and jumped right into introductions unprompted.

"Tomura ordered me, so I was forced to come here. I'm Toga."

Tokoyami gawked to the unsound girl in shock. You shouldn't be so blunt about it!

He hoped that Twice might show more respect. But that was a fleeting idea. "It's been a while, ya damn bird bastard!" Twice declared loudly. "I'm never gonna forgive you. So it's a pleasure to be workin' with you."

"Damn bird bastard?" Tokoyami whispered hoarsely. He knew it was in reference to the sharply hooked mask that Overhaul donned, but still it seemed a bit insulting.

"Yeah, Twice, that insult doesn't really work here," Toga chastised.

Twice looked to the bird-headed kid in bewilderment. "Oh! But not you! You're the same!"

Tokoyami cringed noticeably at that, neglecting his option to introduce himself in favor of keeping silent. There's no way he could act as brashly as the two maniacs he stood beside.

Chrono had already left them to be next to his leader. Hopefully he had disregarded Toga and Twice, although it was evident that others had not.

"My apologies for being late, Overhaul." Chrono said. "We took the longest route here as an added precaution."

"That's much appreciated," Overhaul responded evenly, never letting his focus leave the new recruits.

The large brawler had been visibly restless since they'd entered the room, but now he could no longer contain himself. "Alright, it's you guys! Back for another round, yeah?! We never got to finish our fight, so let's duke it out!"

A tall, thin man donning a traditional kimono and white plague mask turned sharply to the muscular brute. "Rappa! Enough!" he chided sternly.

Twice regarded Rappa's challenge. "I'm gonna murder you," he said flatly.

Tokoyami interjected swiftly. "He doesn't mean that! We didn't come here to fight you."

"Uh yeah, no." Toga said.

At the same time that this was happening, six knocks sounded on the door, slightly out of sync, and the lanky blond from before slipped through the door. Reading the atmosphere, a tiny sound escaped him and he quickly slinked over to the far corner to stand beside two others that Tokoyami hadn't seen before.

Overhaul pointedly ignored the latecomer and waved aside Rappa's comments without paying them further head and turned to address the new arrivals. But the topic he started into proved to be less than desirable. "I'm sorry about the incident with Magne." The distinct lack of remorse in his voice was very noticeable. "I didn't want to kill him, either. I understand the hostility that you must feel towards me. But now that we've entered into a partnership, I would like you to assist in the execution of our plan."

Twice rounded on the yakuza leader with more anger than Tokoyami had ever seen him display before. "It's not him, it's her…! You bastard!" Twice seethed, distraught that the crimelord couldn't even use the right pronouns or treat her death with any degree of actual respect. For as long as Tokoyami had been with them, they'd always addressed the trans woman comfortably and without hesitation, so of course he had done the same. It was common decency, regardless of the fact that they were villains. "You just glossed over her appearance the first time, too! You had no right!"

There it was again, the rare display of humanity that showed the connections that the League members shared. They were a group that accepted each other for who they were, or for who they aspired to be, and regarded each other as equals. That was something that for all he knew was lost on this group of gangsters. Tokoyami knew how sensitive the fate of Magne was to be so fresh in their minds, especially for Twice, who had shouldered so much of the responsibility. So it would make sense that he would act like this, even if it wasn't a particularly smart move to be calling out their leader at such a time.

But Twice wasn't done. "So, what did you need us to do?" This was still Twice after all, and although his personality switches still managed to catch him off guard, it wasn't entirely unexpected.

There was some muttering from the back of the room, but otherwise it seemed that Overhaul wasn't particularly concerned with the strange mannerisms. "Like anyone else in the group, you just have to follow orders," he explained patiently. "First off, in order to facilitate that, please tell us the details of your quirks. I want us to exchange information so that if you're needed, it'll be easier to coordinate with you."

Tokoyami noted that his explanation shared similarities to the one that Chrono had given, and decided that this had been discussed – at least between the two of them, if not others – at length. Their desire for control over them was readily apparent.

But to Tokoyami's dismay, Toga was having none of that. "If it's only when we're needed, then I'll tell you when it's needed. Because I still don't really like you guys!" she declared with a decisively carefree expression.

Tokoyami gritted his teeth in frustration. This was not the sort of impression he wanted to give to these dangerous people. Perhaps it was fine for them, but if the plans were what he'd expected then Toga and Twice weren't the ones that would have to be dealing with them as much. All they had to do was agree to run around and use their quirks. Despite the frayed ties they had with the yakuza, it really wasn't asking for much. Tokoyami meanwhile was the one who would be alongside Overhaul and his crew for whatever reason. He was the bargaining piece in all this – a trophy – and that knowledge left a sour taste in his mouth.

Of course, it stood to reason that Tokoyami wasn't the only one dismayed with Toga's blunt, unapologetic response. The whole room was one filled with judgment. But it was the strange black puppet-like figure seated next to Overhaul that was quick to call her out on her bullshit. "Just answer the damn question! Don't you dare mess with the Yakuza, you assholes!"

Tokoyami staggered back ever so slightly, caught off guard by the amount of sheer, deep-rooted rage emanating from the little body. But he remembered it now. Yes, he too had been there during the first encounter. He dimly recalled the plague doctor puppet riding atop the tank of a man that had burst through the wall. In all the chaos, it would be easy to overlook such an insignificant presence. But not here. Not while he was seated next to the leader, screaming profanities at them for their inconsiderate behavior. Not the kind of character he wanted to upset, evidently. Not that it could be helped at this point already.

I'll be walking on eggshells the entire time I'm here! I knew it'd be worse than being surrounded by the League, but still… Tokoyami looked to Twice and Toga to gauge their reaction, but they weren't nearly as concerned as he was by the reaction they received. If anything, they appeared thoroughly irked, as though this response was what they needed to refuse further cooperation if these sorts of exchanges were to be the norm.

Twice shook his head decisively and held his arms up in an X, denouting his compliance. "Nope! This is no good! It was pointless after all; we'll never be yakuza! So it's decided! This just grosses me out, so I ain't saying a thing!"

Tokoyami brought his hand to his head, barely suppressing a sigh of exasperation. They were here to cooperate. They didn't exactly have further choice on the matter. Hell, they were already deep into their territory, so there was no way that it would be so easy to denounce their partnership at a time like this without facing consequences. And yet, knowing Twice, this probably wasn't all he had to say, regardless of what his morals indicated.

"I can take anything and copy it!" Twice continued, going back on his declaration in order to explain the details of his quirk just like they'd been asked to. For a moment, Tokoyami had almost been willing to believe that the divided man would've kept his ideals, but as he'd come to learn it was never quite so simple as that. Nevertheless, it intrigued him to hear the technicalities of his duplication ability now. He watched in fascination as Twice pulled out the measuring tape from his bracelets. "All I need is a very precise "image!" If I don't have a complete image, we'll just be copying complete trash! For a person, I need exact measurements for their height, weight, chest, foot size, and as much other necessary data as possible. Look carefully, measure carefully. Only then can I make that first object into two!" Tokoyami was impressed, even if he didn't express it. He didn't expect the quirk to be so technical. And from the sounds of it, Twice had to have a lot of patience to utilize it thusly. Despite his confusing nature, it really did seem like he got along well with people. Which was good, since the technicalities of his quirk almost demanded it. His was a power that couldn't work without cooperation. "The sole difference between the copy and the original is their stamina! It varies from thing to thing. But when a certain amount of damage accumulates, it'll dissolve. The most I can copy at once is two things, though the second one's stamina will be even lower than the first. Finally, for personal reasons, I cannot make copies of myself!"

That last part was of particular interest. Tokoyami vaguely recalled his first conversation with Twice, where the man had somewhat explained the troubling self-conflict that he had made at one time. He could almost imagine that that was related in some way, and was tempted to inquire about his quirk further. But as he snapped his measuring tape back into place, Tokoyami caught sight of the thoroughly unamused expression Toga was giving him.

Realizing his mistake, Twice buried his face in his hands and groaned. "No…Why?! This isn't the normal me at all…!"

Wait…what is the normal Twice? Tokoyami pondered to himself.

Toga rolled her eyes in annoyance. "I didn't plan on giving up my quirk so easily. You made me look stupid," she complained.

"That ain't it, Toga, I swear –!"

But she was already explaining her own ability. "When I drink someone's blood, I can become that person. That blood becomes energy, so how long I can stay transformed is proportionate to the amount of blood I take. One cup of blood can last me a full day." Tokoyami shuddered to think how she would go about getting so much blood. He tried not to put too much thought into who her victims were. "If I drink multiple people's blood in one go, I can transform into any of those people. I can also include clothing into my transformations. The new clothes overlap the ones I'm wearing, which means I end up naked, so that's kinda embarrassing…" Tokoyami remembered that as well, though it was nice to have his suspicions reaffirmed. That being said, Toga didn't strike him as the modest type, so he doubted she was truly bothered by the minor inconvenience of her quirk so long as she got what she wanted.

Toga and Twice looked between each other for confirmation. It looks like they had said their part. "So that's it, right?" Twice asked.

Overhaul looked down his mask at them with greedy eyes as he absorbed the information. "Not quite. We still haven't heard young Tokoyami's quirk."

Tokoyami's chest tightened and he realized that he actually hadn't been prepared for this.

But you knew they'd be curious about me, right? Dark Shadow said.

Well, yeah, but it's not why I'm here!

Twice took a cautious step forward so that he was standing partially in front of the crow-headed kid. "I don't understand why that'd be important, since he won't be using his quirk while he's here."

"Are our quirks not good enough for your plan?" Toga pouted, trying to dissuade them into pressing the matter further.

Overhaul blinked slowly. "Even if I don't intend on using said quirk, it still benefits me to know the capabilities of everyone serving beneath me. That way I know what to expect should any complications arise and I act accordingly. You gain nothing from keeping secrets from me. In any case, I've already been looking into this matter. Your quirk is named Dark Shadow, correct? Tell me the nature of it. I simply must know."

Even under his mask, Twice couldn't conceal his grimace as he stepped back. "I guess you're up, kid."

Tokoyami stood awkwardly in front of the group of imposing people.

It's fine, go ahead. Tell them all about me! You've done this before.

As if I could! Confiding our weakness to people like this isn't exactly something I can get used to.

Then maybe we should stop having weaknesses?

Tokoyami had to force himself to end the internal dialogue. The yakuza didn't appear to enjoy waiting on him. This time, instead of stumbling through a half-hearted explanation like he did when first sharing his quirk with the League of Villains, he took a deep breath and began. "I control my quirk Dark Shadow like a puppet, sending it out to fight at mid to long range. I can also use it for personal physical enhancements, cloaking it over myself for improved defense and short ranged melee attacks. It harnesses the power of darkness, so generally it's weaker during the day." He thought that was a pretty good, albeit incomplete, explanation. But when he tried to gauge the room's response, they didn't seem all too impressed.

Overhaul sat back, flicking a speck of dirt off the couch. "I've been finding you in the news recently, so please excuse my interest in you. It couldn't be helped, really." Tokoyami cursed quietly to himself, earning a laugh from Dark Shadow that echoed in his mind. "I'm sure there's so much more to you than that, but you did in fact provide a response so I won't press you further. This may not mean much to you, but don't be afraid to let your guard down while you're here with us. Regardless of whether you accept it, you're one of us now. We mean you no ill will."

And yet that still sounds horribly ominous. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."

"It's my pleasure," he said, breathing the faintest of laughs. "I look forward to working with all of you."

The black-cloaked figure standing behind the gang leader shuffled his robes. "Tell us one more thing." Please, you don't have to do that. "Did Shigaraki tell you of any plans to betray us?"

This…wasn't quite the question he'd expected. But it made sense to be wary of them. According to Shigaraki, they needed this alliance, but the turbulence from both sides was still something that wasn't so easily forgiven. But Toga and Twice were quick to respond.

"Nope…"

"Nuh-uh!"

Tokoyami paused. If there were any plans, then he would certainly be the last to know of them. "I don't…believe so. No."

Overhaul regarded them all coldly. If he was satisfied with that answer, then it didn't show. "Okay, then. From now on, you'll be treated as a member of the Precepts. However, I can't just let you run about freely when you're wanted by the police. Certainly, I wouldn't want to be held responsible for losing you, either. I ask that you stay in this underground living space until you receive your orders."

Tokoyami had already willingly accepted this outcome. Chronostasis had even warned them that they weren't trustworthy. It was an understandable decision, and quite frankly one that made little difference to him at this point. But still the other two found it reason to complain.

"What is this, house arrest?!" Twice huffed.

"But whyyyy? I wanna be free to go wherever," Toga complained loudly.

Tokoyami suppressed a sigh. "Of all people, you two have the least to –"

Before he could even finish, the small plague doctor stuffed animal slid down from its place on the couch and tottered towards them on its stumpy little legs. "Don't think you can get away with keepin' attitudes like that much longer!" The significance of the intimidating voice lecturing them was almost lost because of how innocent the appearance was, but still the yakuza member continued, growing ever louder and more brash. "So if you no-life thugs and outcasts understand the situation, then be good and do what you're told. We're the Yakuza! Don't you look down on us!"

Tokoyami could't help but see the irony of the situation, since he had literally no choice but to look down at the small figure trying to stand high and mighty on the floor. And yet his tirade wasn't over.

"We're gonna take back society's reins from the shadows and reinstate the yakuza as a force to be reckoned with! The life dream of our bed-ridden boss, fulfilled! We'll step out of here as kings! So you better, be grateful, ya bastards…!"