Heroes in the Dark chapter 44

The halls echoed with the sounds of shouting and fights breaking out as the yakuza headquarters became a warzone for two opposing factions. Rubble rained down from the ceiling of the dank underground, the sanctity of the place quickly falling into disarray with the intrusion of the heroes coming upon them. The structural integrity of the place was at odds, walls and floors of heavy concrete shifting under the influence of Irinaka's quirk as if it were liquid. If one were to listen close, the general manager could be heard grunting with the exertion of his newfound capabilities. It was the lengths they went through for the good of the group.

Hojo stood rigidly within the room, an emblem of the Eight Precepts of Death hanging grimly behind him. Tabe stood at his side, picking at the seams of his mask in anticipation. They had been given orders to stall the heroes – incapacitate them if at all possible – to secure the preservation of Overhaul and his goals. Already, Irinaka was pulling the physical strings to funnel the brazen intruders into position.

By awaiting the heroes and providing an obstruction, the Expendables would be proving their worth. That had been the plan set up for the three of them. And yet… even with the tide of battle coming swiftly upon them, there was a distinct absence that filled the large man with doubt.

The three of them had been issued orders to work as a team. They were always a team, that's just how Overhaul and Irinaka had organized it, and it always seemed to work out. More than that, there was a certain kind of camaraderie that the three Expendables shared. But this time Setsuno hadn't arrived with them.

The temperamental companion, usually outspoken and eager, was strangely gone from their side. But Hojo was certain that he'd received the same orders. It was unlike him to defy Overhaul and, more than that, leave the two of them like this. And yet at the same time Hojo wasn't oblivious. He knew that there was some mental barriers harassing the young adult, and if he had to trace it back to a specific moment it would have to be… that night. When he'd chanced upon Nemoto and the League girl masquerading as his friend. At the time, he hadn't been sure what to make of that situation. But looking back on it he was filled with regret. Perhaps he could've done something to help Setsuno, kept a better eye on him when it was so obvious that the vixen smiling at him had ill intentions. After Nemoto had led them away to report the girl to Overhaul, he hadn't been able to track down his friend, either. He was never made fully aware of what that encounter had been, although the implications were evident – maybe that's why his fellow Expendable wasn't here now, apprehensive to face the outsiders infiltrating them.

But more still… he regretted not saying more in that hallway. When the "new recruit" had pleaded to hide him from Nemoto. And he had complied. He had no idea what it would lead to that night and the mess that had been made. Hojo had tried to be reasonable, maybe even welcoming to the League villains. But he could no sooner help them then they could help themselves, and in the end had only been detrimental to what he fought for. Despite all that, and the trouble that had been caused, he didn't wish them harm. The bird-headed one, at least, didn't need to be caught up in all this. Hojo knew what it was like to be unfairly used for the benefit of others before being tossed aside, and he wasn't cruel enough to encourage that outcome to another, especially one as young and naïve as that Tokoyami.

He should've just turned him into Nemoto when he had the chance. It would've saved everyone a lot of trouble. And yet, even now nobody was aware of the hand he had played in allowing Tokoyami to roam the halls unattended. Word of what had happened spread quickly. Apparently it hadn't been pretty, the mess that had been made in the wake of that night, and it had even proved a major inconvenience to Overhaul's goals. To think that Hojo had welcomed them, had told them over dinner about the Precepts and their affiliation as a way to help their transition into this cause, even knowing that they never belonged here. How foolish he had been.

But that didn't matter now.

The ceiling groaned, cracking in unnatural ways as Irinaka's quirk ripped it asunder. Collapsing under the general manager's command, a wave of heroes dropped down from above, battle-ready and determined. Dust from the collapsed infrastructure obscured them, and he couldn't make out exact numbers. If we can halt their progression for just a few minutes… or even just put one of them out of commission entirely… then our efforts would be of some use.

A dark clad figure rose swiftly from the debris, and other strong looking individuals did likewise, rising to the occasion. "We only fell about one story. This wasn't meant to kill us!"

"Some kinda room…?"

"We're just getting farther and farther from the target now. These guys are punking us real good!"

I guess it would be asking too much of Irinaka to do everything, huh? That's fine.

Usually Setsuno would be the one to speak up first, snide remarks and all. But this time Hojo would have to take over. "You heroes shouldn't be here, infringing upon our territory like this. But it's too late for you to go back now. Just know you won't escape this place unscathed." It was the truth in his mind, and to some extent a fair warning. But these types were unfortunate in that they didn't back down from hardships. Well, neither does he.

A large orange-clad hero knocked his fists together, raring to go. "So they wanna fight?! How about we show 'em what us here pros can do!"

But another one stood out from the crowd, a raven-haired teen donning a white cloak who positioned himself before the others with an arm outstretched to hold them back. Just one hero? How insulting. Why are the young always so eager to die? We may not be a complete team, but even Tabe and I can handle this much.

"You pros and your power are essential to the mission. As for these guys trying to slow us down… I can deal with them myself!" he declared. "And then the sooner I take care of those two, the faster I'll be able to rejoin you guys. But for now you need to focus on catching up with Mirio!"

So he also has friends he needs to be beside. That's great, but if we're worth anything as yakuza we can't allow that to happen. The last thing we need is people like him getting close to Eri and Overhaul… though I can't help but wonder if it's already too late for that. Either way, this is our responsibility now. We can't afford to let you reach your friend.

Everything burned with pain as he fought to recover the wind that had been so abruptly and thoroughly knocked from him. His heart rattled in his chest, each thunderous beat pounding in his ears a grim reminder that somehow he was conscious. But it really had come out of nowhere.

Kirishima gasped for breath, and his body, cracking to reveal fractured flesh, curled into itself at the movement. His fingers, sharp as claws from his quirk, felt brittle as they shook. He knew they were supposed to encounter difficult foes during this mission, but that attack had caught him off guard. He had time to become Unbreakable. How laughable that was now, as he watched his façade crumple to waste. When the roaring in his ears began to ease and he could pick up on what was happening around him, he forced himself to focus. Where's Fat Gum… I can't just… I have to keep fighting.

"—wins, right? That ain't a real fight," a voice growled in disappointment. "Men are meant to rip each other apart with their own power, you feel me?"

Fat Gum started to call out his hero name, but it wasn't going to do any good. Kirishima was paralyzed with pain, the sensation of his armor crumbling apart and leaving him more vulnerable than he had been in years excruciating. He was finally starting to get air back into his lungs, but he was a far cry from being useful in this predicament. And all the while, he was aware of his mentor getting hammered by barrages of punches.

A dark-robed yakuza, small in comparison to his heavy-hitting teammate, commented on the situation at hand. "Fat Gum and a boy who can harden his body… just the two? Hmph! And both with defense-oriented quirks. Nothing but punks. What a shame, Rappa."

Another attack. Kirishima cringed at the sound of each hit connecting with deadly precision.

"Defense oriented, huh? Guy's barely standing after that. Still, it's impressive that he's still in one piece, right?" Rappa asked, his eagerness poorly contained.

The robed figure sighed as he had to spell it out for the brutish man. "We are a spear and shield up against two shields."

Rappa lowered his fists slightly in disappointment. "Wait… so this ain't gonna be a real fight? That sucks. I thought it was supposed to be easy to light a fire under these types." The man hooked his hands behind his head in contemplation, mulling over his options. "I didn't get to have a good fight last time either, ya know? I thought I was finally gonna have a proper go with that bird-faced pet of Overhole's. I never even got to go all out against those shadows before the Boss dealt with him, though! Where am I supposed to get that sort of satisfaction from beating up a worthy fighter if I'm up against two shields and my last opponent is recovering from a bad case of death?!"

Wh…what? Even in his battered state, it didn't take much to put together that he was talking about Tokoyami. Kirishima had been briefed about the change in conditions just like everyone else and was led to believe that their old classmate was in here somewhere. But just what the hell had been happening since he'd last seem his classmate?! Those words were difficult to process, and the image of his classmate trapped in this place surrounded by yakuza – was he alone? Was he actually dead?! – filled him with horror. Had this all been because he wasn't able to save Tokoyami that night? He remembered it so easily, too, when Bakugou had desperately launched himself towards him. When he'd grabbed his hand like it was the only thing he could hold onto in that darkest hour. And Tokoyami, he was supposed to be there too, clinging on alongside them during the precarious rescue mission. It had been impulsive, it was dangerous – they got in so much trouble afterwards. But it was worth it, to rescue their two classmates. Except. They only recovered one of them. And Kirishima was so relieved to have Bakugou at his side again, but the fact that they weren't able to accomplish all they'd set out to do had weighed down heavily on his ambitions of being a hero. The memory stung in the forefront of his memories, much more than the knife of the villain girl that had sought him out during the rescue mission when they were in the air. How could nobody have noticed sooner? Why had they went ahead with a plan that favored Bakugou's recovery more than the other? They put everything on the expectation that Bakugou could blast towards them, but had been all too quickly blindsided by the fact that Tokoyami – the real one – hadn't been able to reach them. It had been their greatest surprise and disappointment as the realization of the rescue team's collective failure had come to light. Why couldn't we have saved them both that night? Why can I never save everyone when they need me?

"…Although I'd say that calling that boy a shield gives him too much credit," the barrier-creating foe drawled, opening an eye to look upon the struggling heroes with disdain.

That hurt. The comment bit into his ill-preserved integrity in a way he hadn't expected. But it was different from the rush of pain that was continuing to sweep over his body as the adrenaline from the initial bruising began seeping in more than before. Why does everything have to hurt?! I'm cracked! I couldn't take those hits. One more flurry like that, and I'm…

At a time like this, with his mind clouded with pain and regret, it was Bakugou's words to him that rose to the surface. "Just being able to stand through anything makes you crazy strong." It had been a rare compliment from someone who didn't give those out freely. It was supposed to be a reassurance. And yet it was difficult to think about the person they'd been able to rescue without mulling over the failure that had led them to this place and the knowledge of what had happened here.

I thought I'd gotten stronger. I thought I was helping people. Dammit…! I'm still not… weakness wormed into him like a self-fulfilling prophecy, tainting his confidence and making him remember all the times where, just like now, his best hadn't been enough. It all seemed so futile, someone with a quirk like him striving for such overzealous aspirations when he couldn't even help himself. All the doubts that had plagued him as a middle schooler were resurfacing, and it was beginning to show in his faltering will.

A boisterous voice rang out, banishing the fog from his find and grabbing his attention back to the present in a way that couldn't be ignored. "Keep standing! You haven't lost until they've broken your spirit! Taking down villains is all about how fast you can make 'em lose the will to fight! If you throw in the towel first, what then?! Let's beat these pawns down and rejoin the group!" Fat Gum proclaimed, his will to fight burning hot in spite of the abhorrent condition he was in.

That's right. He had to keep moving forward. For himself. And his friends, whether they be waiting for him back at school or relying on him here to do everything he can right now. He'd suffered from inaction before, an inability to do anything at all, and it had not only proved his cowardice but endangered the lives of his classmates. He couldn't afford to do that again. If it was true that someone like Tokoyami had already been forced to face off against a guy like this, then Kirishima had to pull himself together to do the same. If I can't even do that much, then what sort of man am I?! I'm supposed to be a hero… I'm supposed to be a shield. And that means making sure that nobody else gets hurt! Everyone else is waiting on me. I can't let down any more people. So then why… can't I move?!

All too easy~

The knife slid out of the heroes back with a satisfying sound that made her squirm with eagerness. It felt all too good to be getting free with her stabbing after the stuffiness of these yakuza types. She was finally able to work efficiently in a setting like this, and Twice's help made it all the more enjoyable. Taking aside those… little incidents of working behind the backs of the very yakuza she was supposed to be aiding, this really did make her feel like a dignified member of a powerful group leftover from a golden era.

Looking down upon the comatose hero she had knocked unconscious, she couldn't help but feel of euphoria as she was able to do the things she loved the most. With a contented hum, she licked the blood from her knife and began the transformation, having already set her clothes aside in a safe spot. It was satisfying to see his blood spill out… but that was too obvious. Taking a second, she rolled the hero onto his side to conceal the stab wound. Maybe it would buy her a few more valuable moments.

A voice sounded out from the other side of one of Irinaka's annoying walls. Was he going to break down these barriers or was she expected to find her own way around them?

But she didn't have to wait long, because someone on the other side was already making swift work of the obstruction, a single powerful kick all that was necessary to open up the space around them. And oh how lucky she was! The familiar green haired boy was standing right there.

Sweet Izuku, you came here after all! This must be fate~ Ahhh, I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself. But I must…get close…!

Wiping her hectic thoughts to the side, she painted on her best façade and played her role, crouching down next to the hero and speaking in a convincing matter. "The imposter just showed up and came at me! Watch out, there could be more reinforcements somewhere!" Thankfully it usually didn't take too much to sell these sorts of dialogues at times like this.

The dark-clad man she identified as Eraserhead came over to investigate the unmoving body, and she took this opportunity to stand herself and walk over to where darling little Izuku was waiting. So set in her sights was she that she didn't notice at first the quiet figure drifting behind him, a purple-haired kid that looked suspicious of everything. Including her. Toga thought that she might've seen him from somewhere, but he came second rate to her true target. Don't look at me like that, I'm a hero! If you blow my reunion here I'll make sure you don't come out of this unscathed, her inner voice seethed, gaze flicking to the unnamed boy. It was taking everything in her power not to say the wrong thing or make the wrong expression. Just let me get a little closer~

"You okay, Midoriya?" Toga's disguised self asked. But being right beside this destructive boy – he's not even bleeding yet! Weren't these heroes fighting? I'll have to do something about that – was making it harder to keep it up. But she was in range now, and her knife radiated heat as she gripped it tightly from behind her back. It'd be nice if I can get back what little Fumikage took from me~ I want this so badly!

Midoriya answered the hero in earnest. "Yeah! Let's hurry up and get Chisaki—"

Such a trusting boy. An unmistakably sinister smile spread across her face, and her knife flashed, its target set. She just couldn't help herself!

But her knife didn't get to sink into his flesh like she had been so eagerly anticipating. She was mere inches aware from contact, with Eraserhead a few seconds too late to do any good. It was so close, a slash of metal with greedy intent coming from a fellow "hero"; nobody ever saw it coming. It was the perfect position! Except for this time. Why did it have to be now?!

Before her knife could lay claim to its target, it was whacked aside by a white cloth. From behind Izuku, the purple-haired boy was glaring at her with a knowing distrust. There was a familiar scarf wrapped around him, and some strange headset device as well. She hadn't been expecting to give him the time of day with her priorities already set in motion, but now he was getting himself involved in the most inconsiderate way possible. His scarf-like weapon had just barely been successful at deflecting her deadly aim. The audacity of some people!

Her smile became tight and clenched. She wasn't about to have this day be ruined. But at the same time, she was aware of her disguise unwillingly being melted away. Cover blown.

Sweet Izuku, his face went wide in betrayed surprise and he took a hasty step back as Toga's own face came to light. "Himiko Toga?!"

He remembers meee! "Toga! Yes, it's me, Toga! You remembered~! I'm so very glad to see you again…!" While their long-awaited reunion was happening, a different scarf shot out from behind her, wrapping securely around her body and dragging her away from the fun. Why must these things always be cut so short?! But that wasn't about to stop her. She kept talking, her happiness overflowing. "I could not be happier, Izuku!" she babbled. "So, so thrilled!"

"That's far enough, Himiko Toga!" Eraserhead called out.

Aw. She was being physically dragged away now. These people have no right to keep us apart. I'll just have to shift my sights for a second. You're wide open, you nuisance.

Toga snagged the scarf that was pulling her along and twisted in the air with cat-like precision, turning to meet the new target with a stab-happy determination. The gap closed quickly between them. And then her momentum came to an abrupt end when a scarf from the other direction caught up with her.

What the actual hell?! Toga's joy came to a standstill at the same time that the rest of her body did. She was now being grappled from two sides by these infuriating capture items. It had to be that damn purple-haired boy. Wow, this is like, really pissing me off. The ribbon-like cloths tightened around her. Ummm actually this might be bad. Shit.

Twice had sent her off with a clone of her own to play with, but god forbid he actually be here when she needs him. So she was on her own for this round. That's fine. Toga slipped her knife under one of the restraints, but although it gave slightly when she pried it away from her it gave no indication that it was going to rip beneath the sharp blade. So it looked and acted like cloth, but its material was something else entirely? What was this, some sort of logical ruse?!

The purple-haired kid spoke up. "Sorry, Eraserhead, I wasn't sure if you needed help but…"

The pro hero shook his head. He began walking towards Toga, reeling in the capture weapon with every step so that it remained taunt. "No, it's good that you acted when you did. My reaction was a second late, and that could've been bad. Midoriya, what about you, are you okay?"

He nodded his head slowly, a frown tugging at his face. He looked disappointed by his own lack of a response. But at least he wasn't injured, a fact that infuriated Toga to no ends.

"Good. Do you think you can take Rock Lock to a more secure location? We'll have to hand him and the villain off to the police in Nighteye's group before we can progress any further. But at least we were able to deal with a villain like this so early on and apprehend them."

That's what you think! Toga's inner thoughts seethed. She needed an out, and it didn't seem likely that the pro was going to let up anytime soon. The other one holding the ropes, however…

"Oh, good for you guys, really, I haven't been in a situation like this since, what was it, the Kamino incident? What a time that was, don't you think?" She watched Midoriya wince, turning his eyes away, and the boy beside him turned to look at him. Now!

She flicked her wrist, her arm given just enough room to manage an aim with deadly precision. She figured that going for the pro would get her nowhere, but placing a target on the less experienced students was always sure to produce results. Her knife slashed through the air, aimed for the third-wheeling bastard, since he'd been so insistent on getting between them. And she saw the split second where he froze, a moment where he was trying to decide if he should move or remain steadfast. For his crimes against her, he'd be paying with his blood.

But of course sweet Izuku, selfless as he was, saw the knife coming and kicked it out of the way, denying yet another opportunity. Three for three, what poor taste. It was fine, though, because she still felt a split moment where the capture weapon loosened on his side, giving her just enough wiggle room to slip free of her binds and make a wild dash to the closest wall. Eraserhead gave a shout and made a move to cut her off, but he couldn't have predicted that the very walls would open up for her and she'd be able to escape just like that. Irinaka begrudgingly closed the section of wall behind her, and when she turned back the last thing she saw were those three desperate heroes doing everything within their righteous power to suppress people like her just trying to have fun. How laughable.

"Welp! I'm down a knife and didn't even get to slice up any of those three, but I can adapt~" She thought about Izuku, and when she might get her next chance to strike him down with her love, and released a wistful sigh. With her mind full of wishful thinking and her fingers twitching to grip the handle of a knife once more, she sauntered over to a remote location out of the way of all the drama to where her possessions had been stashed. As she donned her clothes, she began rummaging through her bag to pinpoint whatever sharp weaponry she had floating around in it.

"Hmm it's been a while since I last saw Twice. I might have to go find him myself to make sure he's doing okay…" Her hand closed around a smooth glass object, and a much different kind of smile took over her expression. "Well… if I can't do that, then I should at least have some fun with the things I've been handed." She swished around the blood trapped in the vile, all too aware of what this meant for her. "Ohhh, Twice is gonna love this!" But before all that, I should probably do something about that obnoxious yakuza geezer breathing down our necks. The morning has only just begun and already so much excitement is going down!