I do not own BNHA or its characters.
Enjoy Chapter Six of "Control"
Cowritten and coedited by aoimikans on Tumblr.
Reaching Out
Izuku froze, still gripping All Might's shoulders as the light bled from his blue eyes. His ears drooped, and he stilled. Sightless, he stared past Izuku.
"A-All Might?" Izuku's voice quavered.
All Might flinched, eyes shutting, and he raised a hand to his head. A harsh shudder wracked his body, running down his spine and shaking his legs sprawled on the floor. He slumped heavily to the side and dug his claws into his scalp.
Brows furrowing, Izuku carefully leaned All Might against the counter and moved his trembling hands away, pinching his lower lip in thought.
"M...Midoriya?" Ashido called softly from behind him, "Is All Might okay?"
Izuku jolted and turned.
Those who had been studying in the living room - nearly half the class - had moved to the edge of the kitchen. Their worried gazes fixed on All Might.
Izuku blinked and cleared his throat, "I think he's, um, lapsing." He turned back to All Might, quickly examining his hunched position.
He can't stay here on the floor…
Biting his lip, Izuku reached out and gently pulled All Might's hands from his head, relieved when he found his claw caps were still intact.
At least he didn't hurt himself.
All Might opened his eyes, confusion etched in his expression. He went to put his hand on his forehead, but Izuku firmly held his wrists. A small groan rose from him, and his tail swung and hit the floor with a loud crack!
Iida edged into Izuku's peripheral vision, "Midoriya..." A note of warning crept into his voice, and he gestured toward himself, "Maybe you should back away from All Might-sensei."
Izuku's shoulder tingled, but he gently shook his head, resisting the urge to rub at the fresh scar.
This … isn't like last night. He thought, growing more certain.
"All Might?" He bent and leaned into his teacher's line of sight, smiling a little when his gaze didn't move away, "Can you stand?"
All Might's furrowed brows relaxed, and the tension bled from his shoulders. For a moment, he remained still. Then slowly, he began to shift, pulling his feet under himself.
"That's it," Izuku's smile grew. He gripped All Might's arms as he stood, steadying him as he shakily rose to his feet, "There we go…"
Glancing back, Izuku spotted Bakugou at the front of the crowd, a conflicted expression pinching his features. His hands smoked, and small sparks crackled from his palms.
Izuku caught Bakugou's gaze, and the blonde stiffened, gritting his teeth.
"Quit crowding the damn kitchen!" he growled, whirling on his classmates and earning a few shell-shocked looks. Sparks pop-popped in the air as he stalked to the dining area, "Hair-for-Brains, help me move the tables so All Might can get to the couch, and someone fucking call Aizawa-sensei already!"
"A-ah! Yes!" Iida suddenly straightened, "Kouda, Tokoyami, and Kaminari, please help clear a path for All Might-sensei. Uraraka, Aizawa-sensei's number is on the fridge. Please call and inform him about the current situation."
Hushed movement suddenly filled the shared space, and Uraraka darted to the fridge, dialing the number stuck to it. Dining tables and chairs were pushed out of the way, while all bags, books, and pillows were picked up off the floor.
Izuku turned his attention back to All Might.
Unfocused eyes roamed across the room, and All Might's ears twitched at each voice and scrape of furniture. Izuku jolted slightly, looking down when he felt All Might's tail curl snuggly around his waist.
Hope surged in his chest, and Izuku looked up, "All Might?"
His smile fell. Blank blue eyes struggled to focus on his face before sliding away again. Sighing, Izuku stepped closer and pulled one of his teacher's arms over his shoulders, "I'm going to help you to the couch, okay? Just… stay close to me. I won't let you fall."
Izuku wrapped his arm around All Might's back, grunting in surprise when his teacher's tail tightened its grip, "It's okay. I've got you."
Pressing gently at All Might's back, he took a step forward. A small grin split his face when All Might took an unsteady step, then another, following Izuku's slow pace.
Izuku carefully watched All Might's feet as they edged around the kitchen counter, murmuring words of encouragement with each shaking step.
The tail around Izuku's waist suddenly clenched, and All Might bent. A wet cough wracked his entire frame, and he clutched his side.
Alarm shot through Izuku, and his gaze darted back to the fridge, "Uraraka! Throw me an ice pack!"
Uraraka jolted and pressed the phone to her shoulder. She dug into the freezer, pulling out the pack, and, with a touch, made it float toward Izuku.
He sighed in relief, nabbing it out of the air.
"No no no!" Uraraka hastily exclaimed into the phone, "It's for All Might-sensei! No, no one is hurt. Ah- yes, All Might is coughing again..."
"Here," Izuku said quietly. Worry seized his stomach when he heard the wet wheezing of All Might's breathing, "You need to move your hand."
All Might's hand dropped limply to his side, claws gripping at air.
Izuku gently pressed the pack to All Might's scar, apologizing under his breath when All Might flinched away from the cold. Slowly, he relaxed and leaned into the numbing pack. His tail slipped slightly down Izuku's waist.
Izuku searched All Might's face, frowning at the dribble of blood on his chin.
"Can you hold the ice pack?" he asked, pulling his hand away when All Might's covered his own. Izuku adjusted the retired hero's grip, squeezing his hand lightly, "Thank you."
All Might's expression was pained, but his eyes remained unfocused and wandered aimlessly.
A small towel hung on the edge of the counter, and Izuku stepped towar-
"Urk!"
The tail around his waist tightened, All Might's frame going stiff.
"Okay, okay. I'm not going anywhere," Izuku said, pressing close to All Might's side again. Bunching up his sweater sleeve, he brushed the dribble of blood from his chin.
"Is there anything I can do?"
Izuku looked up, "Yaoyorozu, um, could you make some tea? He'll probably like some after… after all this."
His classmate nodded, shooting All Might a concerned glance, then dashed into the kitchen.
"Are you okay to move again?" Izuku asked, leaning down to look at All Might's face.
All Might didn't answer, his eyes squeezed shut.
Izuku bit his lip, glancing up at the couch and back, "It's not far. Come on."
All Might abruptly jerked forward, his steps uneven. Izuku tightened his grip around his back and kept up with his stuttering pace. Claws dragged and clicked audibly against the floor as All Might walked.
Izuku helped him up to the couch, and they slowed to a stop. All Might's breaths rattled wetly, his body shaking with effort.
"Here we are," Izuku said, giving the tail around his waist a small squeeze. His attempt at an encouraging smile faded when he saw All Might's eyes were still unfocused, still too far in his own head. Izuku pat the hand dangling from his shoulder, "We're at the couch. Sit down and rest awhi-ah!"
All Might's legs buckled under him, dragging Izuku along with his tail. Izuku grunted, grip slipping with All Might's shirt.
"What the hell, Deku!" Bakugou's voice cut across the room along with the pop! pop! of his palms. The blonde's eyes were fixed on All Might's side.
Izuku followed his gaze and tensed.
His attempt to hold All Might up had snagged his shirt, pulling it up. The mosaic of scar tissue and skin was just visible beneath the ice pack still pressed to it.
Izuku leaned down, lowering All Might and himself to the floor. Gently, he fixed All Might's shirt, eyes scanning the faces of his classmates in the livingroom.
They had all seen.
"Here," Ashido rushed forward with a blanket, "He's shaking…"
"Ashido, please," Iida suddenly cut in, helping carry a tray of teacups from the kitchen, followed by Yaoyorozu, "All Might did request we give him plenty of space when he gets like this." He sent Izuku a glance, though his expression was difficult to read, "We need to respect his wishes and wait for Aizawa-sensei."
Ashido bowed her head slightly, lower lip sticking out as she hastily tucked the blanket around All Might's shoulders. In a soft voice, she said, "Hurry back, All Might."
Sighing, Iida began to pass around tea, "Until Aizawa-sensei arrives, we should all try to remain calm and quiet so we don't disturb All Might-sensei."
Bakugou clicked his teeth and stalked to the front window, settling heavily against the windowsill. Kouda sat on the floor beside Tokoyami, glancing up at All Might before turning his attention to his rabbit. Uraraka, finally off the phone with Aizawa, took a cup of tea from Yaoyorozu with quiet thanks and sat cross-legged beside Ashido on the opposite couch. Kirishima and Kaminari shared a look before claiming a corner of the coffee table.
When the tea was passed out, including a cup for All Might set nearby, a hush fell over the living room - broken only by All Might's troubled breathing.
All Might shifted, and Izuku tensed, a flicker of hope stirring in his chest. Then it faded with a disappointed sigh. All Might only pulled his legs closer to himself. His clouded eyes fixed on the floor.
"Do you think…" Kaminari suddenly spoke up, his quiet voice almost too loud in the silence. He swallowed, lips pressed in a thin line as he stared down at his tea, "Do you think this happened when All Might was - you know - when he was still …"
There?
Chained.
Alone...
Kaminari's words were met with stunned silence.
"I mean, this happened last night too, right?" Kaminari continued, fidgeting with his cup, "And he… he was gone for almost a month with just that nurse to help him."
"Shut. Up." Bakugou growled from the window.
"He can't buff up anymore…" Kaminari shook his head, "And even though he escaped-"
"Kaminari-" Kirishima warned softly.
"Seven quirks…" Kaminari continued, shoulders tensing, "That crazy Noumu at USJ only had - what? - four?"
"Shut! UP!" Bakugou whirled from the window, teeth bared and hands smoking, "He's right there!"
"Bakugou," Iida scolded, voice firm and low and gesturing stiffly, "Please, keep your voice down."
"Fuck," Bakugou seethed, whirling back to the window and rubbing at his eyes in frustration.
"Mm… L'nguage."
Izuku jolted along with his classmates. They all heard, but All Might remained bent. He almost looked to be falling asleep.
Kouda's rabbit suddenly jumped from its boy's lap and crossed the living room. It sniffed at All Might's legs, nose twitching, then climbed up onto them.
Kouda leaned forward, his voice quiet, "He's okay?"
The rabbit lifted its head to look at Kouda, and promptly flopped onto its side.
Kouda's broad shoulders relaxed, and he sighed in relief. Contagious, his relief spread over the rest in the room.
Moments later, the front door swung open, and Aizawa stepped inside. He looked at each of his students in turn before turning toward Iida.
"Explain."
Just… take your time. I'm right here…
Toshinori's eyelids fluttered as the fog mercifully receded. Pain flared dully in his lower back, and he shifted uncomfortably. Something cold slipped from his grip, and he opened his eyes.
A white rabbit stared back up at him from his lap, whiskers twitching up curiously.
"Well, hello there little one," he croaked, voice hoarse, and gently pet the small creature before it hopped from his lap.
Another throb of pain ran up his spine, and Toshinori grunted, sitting up straight and rolling his neck.
"All Might-sensei!"
"He's back!"
"How are you feeling?"
"Do you want your tea?"
Toshinori blinked rapidly, and his ears perked up at the bombardment of relieved, overjoyed voices.
A hand rested on his arm.
"How are you feeling, All Might?"
Toshinori glanced to his right.
Izuku sat on the floor beside him, wrapped in Toshinori's tail. Concern filled his soft green eyes as they searched Toshinori's own.
Relief flooded him.
Nothing… nothing happened.
"Better now," Toshinori managed a small smile, glancing at his surroundings and pulling a blanket off his shoulders, "Wasn't I in the kit-Oof!"
Arms wrapped around him, and Toshinori froze.
"We're so glad you're okay!" Uraraka exclaimed.
Ashido nodded enthusiastically, tears brimming in her eyes.
Brows raised, Toshinori hesitantly returned the embrace, patting the girls' backs.
"It's alright," he said softly, "I'm sorry I worried you."
"Are you really okay?"
Toshinori looked up.
Young Kaminari didn't meet his gaze. Biting his lip, the boy's expression was subdued and uncertain.
Sighing, Toshinori unravelled his tail from around Izuku and - giving them both a pat on the head - released Ashido and Uraraka from his embrace. He stood with a grunt, rubbing his lower back, walked around the coffee table, and settled back on his haunches beside Kaminari and Kirishima.
"You want to know if I'm really okay?" he asked softly, folding his hands on the table top.
Kaminari nodded wordlessly.
Toshinori tapped his claws on the table, then turned them upward, examining them. He hummed thoughtfully.
He smiled.
"Not really," he said, chuckling when Kaminari jolted and gaped at him, "But I'm getting there. All of this, just takes time getting used to."
"But you shouldn't have to."
Toshinori's tail thumped humorously as he looked up at young Bakugou.
"Yes," he agreed, "but it doesn't change what happened. You will find in your career as heroes - No, you have already seen and experienced the fact that terrible things happen to good people like yourselves. You cannot change what happened, but you can work to prevent it from happening again."
He reached back and traced his claws around his spikes, "Strive to always move forward."
A somber silence filled the room.
"BAHAHAHA!" Toshinori barked a loud laugh which devolved into a small coughing fit, earning him startled looks, "Such serious faces! What I mean to say is, I am steadily recovering and will be just fine. Really!"
Toshinori grinned wide, relief filling him when his students relaxed.
"Alright, you heard him."
Turning, Toshinori spotted Aizawa at the dining room table.
Aizawa folded his hands in front of his face as he looked to each of the students, "All Might is fine. I suggest you all return to your rooms for the night. I expect to see you all bright and early for homeroom tomorrow."
Iida suddenly shot up from his chair, gesturing stiffly, "Yes, Aizawa-sensei. Everyone please take care of your cups and promptly turn in for the night."
Toshinori pushed himself up to stand, patting Kaminari on his back and giving the others an encouraging smile, and padded up to Aizawa.
"They called you?" Toshinori asked, digging his knuckles against the sore spots on his back.
"They did," Aizawa replied, pushing a mug of tea toward Toshinori, "Although, they were still fretting over you when I arrived. So much for giving you space."
Toshinori chuckled, taking a seat beside his peer and sipping at the warm tea, "I should have expected as much."
Aizawa glanced past Toshinori, "Yes, Midoriya?"
Toshinori looked over his shoulder and spotted Izuku fidgeting with his tea cup.
"I-," Izuku shook his head and smiled, giving each of them a short bow, "Goodnight, All Might. Aizawa-sensei."
Aizawa grunted in reply, and Toshinori nodded and watched as the boy quickly washed the cup and headed toward the stairs.
Izuku looked back once more, meeting Toshinori's eyes - an unspoken request to talk.
Looks like I'll have an early start tomorrow. Toshinori smiled and stretched his arms across his chest, I could use another run.
The room quieted as the last of the students filed into the elevator.
"So," Aizawa leaned forward, "what do you think was the trigger for this episode?"
Pain twinged in Toshinori's side, and he rubbed at his scar, "My side flared up again, but I don't believe that's the main cause. There has to be something I'm missing. Pain doesn't… consistently trigger episodes," He shook his head, "I wish I knew. My memory gets hazy when it happens, so I can't rely on that much - if at all."
Aizawa pursed his lips in thought, "And Recovery Girl or your nurse couldn't determine the cause?"
Toshinori frowned, "No."
He reached into his pocket, checking his phone briefly.
No messages.
Isamu… I wonder how he's doing.
Turning his attention back to Aizawa, he asked, "I've barely seen you this weekend. What have I missed?"
Aizawa shrugged, digging into his utility belt, "Increased patrols around school grounds. We're having more trouble with paparazzi than villains these days."
From his belt pocket, he produced two white feathers, "Although I did find a child's nest nearby."
"Nest?" Toshinori asked, taking a feather between his claws.
"A child with a heteromorphic flying quirk," Aizawa explained, sliding his phone toward Toshinori, "Homeless and young, but capable."
Toshinori looked down at the phone. A white and blue blur stretched across the screen in the vague shape of a winged child.
"Most likely has a friend," Aizawa continued, "Their nest was full of things I doubt they could get otherwise. I left contact information for a shelter specializing in heteromorph children."
Toshinori nodded his approval. If the child had wings and made his home on rooftops, he would need a place to go where other children like him felt safe, especially with the temperatures dropping.
"Any word on the League of Villains?" he asked, tail flicking curiously.
Aizawa gave him an exasperated look, but shrugged, "No word. They've shown very little movement, even during your absence. We're still looking for their new hideout."
Toshinori nodded, drinking the last of his tea. Scratching the back of his head, he huffed, "I suppose that's to be expected. After Kamino, I can't imagine Shigaraki would make any rash moves in the open. He's learning, even faster now that All for One remains distant."
Aizawa hummed and nodded, "Someone is clearly watching the school. That photo of you on the news. That's no coincidence. However, as for Shigaraki's next move..."
"He will want to gather allies," Toshinori finished, stretching out his legs under the table and enjoying the cool of the floor on his pads, "Hm, that and resources. Attacking the school again would be tantamount to starting an all out war. Something he is ill prepared for."
Aizawa grunted in agreement, collecting his and Toshinori's mugs. He took the dishes to the sink, quickly rinsing them before setting them on the drying rack.
"Either way," he said gruffly, "Nothing you should worry yourself with now, All Might. You should rest."
Toshinori huffed and sent the younger teacher a wry look, "So everyone tells me."
Aizawa crossed his arms and turned, leaning on the kitchen counter, "Now if only you'd listen."
Toshinori barked a laugh, "You've got me there!"
Aizawa hid a rare smile and gestured to the elevator.
Raising his hands in surrender and tail swaying playfully, Toshinori stood, "Alright, alright. Good night."
He almost missed Aizawa's mumbled response. He shook his head and laughed.
The morning came quickly, and Toshinori was pleasantly surprised to wake up in lying in his own bed. Arching his back and tail, he stretched with a soft groan.
Ah, he winced, rubbing at the small lump under his ribs.
Swallowing down the burning in his chest, he chewed one of Recovery Girl's antacids and brought a bottle of water with him to the kitchen.
The sun had not yet risen, and the shared kitchen was deserted. Toshinori glanced at his watch. The students would not be up for at least a half hour.
Just enough time, he grinned.
By the time the first student wandered downstairs, large stacks of pancakes sat on the counter.
"Good Morning, Young Ojiro!" Toshinori grinned, tail swaying happily and bumping against the counter. "I took the liberty of making breakfast for everyone. Please, sit."
Ojiro nodded sleepily, pulling his chair out with his tail and sitting down.
Toshinori's ears perked, "How did you do that?"
"Hm?" Ojiro rubbed his eyes, "Do what?"
Toshinori stared down at his own tail, brows furrowed as he tried to will it closer to the nearest chair. He grunted when it curled loosely around the leg of the chair and nearly toppled it in his attempt to pull it out.
Shaking his head, he gestured to where Ojiro sat, "Your tail… I can't seem to get mine to listen just yet."
Ojiro's eyes widened in understanding, and a grin split his face, "You're thinking too much."
Toshinori blinked.
Ojiro snorted, grabbing a few pancakes with his fork and placing them on a plate, "It's just another limb."
The young boy stared at the fork in his hand and looked up at Toshinori, "Like this," he dropped the fork, wiggling his fingers, "I don't even have to think about making the motions. I just… do it."
Toshinori chuckled as his tail curled and uncurled by his feet, "I suppose I'm lacking in the dexterity department."
Ojiro reddened, "Ah! That comes with lots of practice! I didn't mean-"
"It's alright," Toshinori smiled softly, "Like you said, I just need to practice."
Ducking his head, Ojiro muttered a soft apology, but paused. He met Toshinori's gaze, a cautiously determined look in his eye, "Y'know... I wouldn't be the hero Tailman if I couldn't teach you how to use yours. Maybe I could help you figure things out?"
Toshinori's smile widened, "I just might take you up on that, Ojiro, my boy. As long as I don't take you away from your studies, of course. But that can wait until after you all have eaten. Good morning kids."
Ojiro looked back, and students filed out of the elevator, rubbing their eyes and sniffing at the air.
"Pancakes!" Uraraka cried out with delight, "Ah- good morning, All Might-sensei!"
"Good morning to you too, Uraraka," Toshinori grinned, tail wagging energetically. He padded back into the kitchen and gestured to the stacks of pancakes, "There are a few options. Plain, blueberry, banana, and walnut. I made the walnut last in case of allergies, no worries. Syrup and fruit are just here. Serve yourselves and eat up!"
Choruses of 'thank you's echoed across the kitchen, followed by the dings and scrapes of plates and silverware as his students helped themselves. Once they had their first servings, Toshinori grabbed his own plate and settled down beside Hagakure and Sero.
"How have your classes been?"
Before long, the sun rose above the lower buildings of U.A. and the lazy breakfast made way for the hustle to get ready for classes. Toshinori watched with amusement as his kids darted around from the comfort of the living room couch.
His tail thumped against a throw pillow happily as Jirou and Hagakure waved and walked out the front door.
"Hmm…" Toshinori turned his attention from his students and his lesson plans to his tail.
It wraps around people just fine. Maybe…
Curiously, he flicked the tufted tip then clumsily slid it beneath the pillow. Curling his tail, he wrapped the end around the pillow and lifted it, "Huh, what do you know?"
"Um, All Might?"
Toshinori dropped the pillow and looked up, "Midoriya, my boy. What can I do for you?"
Izuku glanced around and, seeing that no one was paying him much attention, sat in the chair catercorner to Toshinori.
"How are you feeling?" the boy asked quietly.
Toshinori chuckled, "I'm doing very well, my boy. A good night's sleep will do that."
"That's good," Izuku nodded, fidgeting.
Quirking a lopsided smile, Toshinori swatted the boy's knee, "What's on your mind?"
Izuku jumped at the sudden contact, but relaxed, "It's just a thought really…"
"Go on," Toshinori encouraged.
Izuku frowned pensively, "Would you want to go back to the beach?"
Toshinori's brows rose as Izuku continued.
"I mean, it's great that you've been able to go outside the dorms and to the faculty gym, but you haven't had a chance to go anywhere else," he rubbed the back of his head, "It's just, until you are able to start teaching again, there isn't a whole lot for you to do and you just seem happier when you have more to do and I thought maybe a change in scenery could help since you've only been around here since-"
"Midoriya, you're rambling," Toshinori chuckled.
"Sorry," Izuku replied bashfully.
Toshinori shrugged, looking down at his clawed feet, "I can't see how I can go anywhere before announcing my condition."
"But that's just it!" Izuku exclaimed before blushing and lowering his voice again, "Wouldn't it be easier for you to travel before people know? Again, it's just a thought. I just..." he sighed, "I don't want you to think you can't go anywhere… because of your lapses. Then last night, you said we should always strive to move forward. I thought maybe going to the beach - someplace familiar - together would be a good start?"
Ah, Toshinori rubbed at his watch, his smile softening, I see.
"I'll ask Principal Nedzu if something can be arranged," he said.
Izuku sat up, a wide grin on his face, and Toshinori chuckled.
"Now go get ready for class or you'll be late," he said, nudging the boy.
"I will!" Izuku replied, practically bouncing in place, "And thank you."
Toshinori grinned wide, tail thumping the couch cushions as Izuku dashed out the dorm doors.
"Still playing favorites, I see."
Toshinori jolted, hackles poofing, and coughed.
"Ah! Good morning, Aizawa," he said, wiping a bit of blood from his lips.
"Planning on taking a trip?" Aizawa deadpanned.
Straight to the point, Toshinori thought with a wry chuckle.
"Young Midoriya is concerned I'll coop myself up," he said honestly, reaching back and tapping his loose spike, "I understand where he's coming from."
"Well," Aizawa leaned against the arm of the couch and shrugged, "Whatever helps as long as precautions are made. I suggest speaking with Nedzu before noon in case he's in a talkative mood."
"I will keep that in mind," Toshinori smiled lopsidedly and glanced at the lesson plans on the coffee table, "Aside from classes, what are your plans for the day? Sadly, I haven't gotten a chance to fully review the notes you gathered for me."
Aizawa hummed indifferently and gestured to the door, "After homeroom, I plan to meet with Detective Tsukauchi at the station regarding the winged child and some of my recent captures. Anything you need passed along?"
Toshinori's ears twitched thoughtfully, Other than the blood tests…
He shook his head, "No, nothing pressing at the moment."
Nodding, Aizawa yawned, "I'll bring you a copy of my notes after classes, but the students are beginning the Fire Rescue Protocols section today."
Toshinori nodded his thanks and grinned cheekily, flexing his arm, "Give 'em hell."
Aizawa gave him a flat look, though Toshinori could almost see the spark of humor in his tired eyes, "I intend to. You've spoiled them enough this morning to make up for it."
"Remind me to apologize to them if they make it back!" Toshinori barked a laugh, then gestured to the kitchen, "There're still some pancakes leftover if you're hungry, Aizawa."
Glancing over, Aizawa shrugged, "Might as well."
Toshinori couldn't help his wide grin or the loud thumping of his tail as Aizawa made himself a plate.
"Thank you for alerting us to the runaway," Naomasa said, walking with Aizawa to the filing office, "I'll give his description and picture to the officers who patrol that area. They know to handle kids like this one gently."
"They flew the moment they saw me. Whatever their history, they seem cautious of adults," Aizawa warned, adjusting the pile of paperwork in his arms.
Naomasa nodded, carrying the other half of Eraserhead's reported captures, "My officers will give the kid time to approach them on their own. Officer Kohana is especially good with runaways."
Aizawa hummed in response then took the rest of his files from Naomasa, "I can take these from here. Looks like someone needs you." He gestured down the hall before ducking into the filing office.
Naomasa raised an eyebrow in question and turned. Sansa - the bell hanging from his shirt collar softly jingling - approached from down the hall.
"Wright's team is gathered as you requested," he said with a short salute.
Naomasa sighed, a heavy sense of unwanted obligation setting firmly in his gut.
Wright's actions need to be addressed with his whole team, he reminded himself, pinching the bridge of his nose. He followed Sansa to the conference room.
Wright's team sat around the table. Vera Lang sat, absently tapping her red and white cane against the floor. Beside Lang, Alba Tyto nervously preened the primary feathers sprouting from her wrist. Jean-Baptiste Bellamy sat on the loveseat in the corner, eyes closed and lips moving silently. The dark wood beads of a rosary swung from his gentle grasp and a broadleaf plant grew greener and larger beside him.
Another plant sat between Genji Tsuda and Mary Shin, small blue flowers sprouted from the ivy. Their backs were turned away from Naomasa, but he could see the tension in Tsuda's shoulders.
"Detective Tsukauchi," Wright called from the head of the table, standing as Naomasa walked farther into the room, "Good morning."
"Good morning," Naomasa replied, tone professional, "Please sit. I assume you understand why I requested the presence of your team?"
"Yes," Wright said as he remained standing. Though his expression was impassive, his chin tilted upward ever so slightly.
Pride, Naomasa realized with a mental sigh.
He was not the only one to catch the shift in the Englishman's attitude. Bellamy pocketed his rosary, shooting a look at Wright, and approached Naomasa.
"Coffee?" he asked, gesturing to the steaming carafe, "I find it calms most to sit and drink with each other before discussing difficult topics." As he spoke, he poured two mugs of coffee, passing one to Naomasa and the other to Wright.
An olive branch…
Naomasa gave Bellamy a significant look and nodded his thanks, allowing his own feelings of understanding and gratitude to flow freely.
Bellamy smiled, winking, and mouthed, "You're welcome."
Taking a sip from his mug, Naomasa sat at the table. He gestured to Wright's seat again.
Wright tapped his mug, gaze raking Naomasa's face, before he took his seat.
"Please, Detective Tsukauchi," Lang said with a smile in his direction. Her sightless eyes stared past him, but some part of Naomasa felt her gaze was piercing.
"The reason I asked for your presence today was to address the interview conducted yesterday," Naomasa began. He looked directly at Wright, "Wright, you ignored protocol and in doing so put the Yagi-Rishi case at risk. The use of an active agent quirk on an interviewee was beyond inappropriate."
"Sato consented. Is that not enough?" Wright asked, "My methods may be seen as… extreme in this country, but they get results. You cannot argue against their effectiveness."
"On the contrary," Naomasa said tightly, "I can. What you covered in your questioning was a narrow scope and shallow. If Sato did not want to continue aiding as a witness after your treatment of him, I would not blame him. He still has so much to give to help this investigation. You put that at risk. It is just fortunate Sato is as generous and forgiving as he is and is still willing to work with us."
"Us?" Shin asked, pleasant surprise coloring her tone.
"This remains a joint investigation," Naomasa said, folding his hands together on the table, "That said, I remain the head investigator. There are lines that must be drawn. Active agent quirks like Tsuda's will not be used on witnesses. I will, however, allow the use of passive quirks - ones that do not directly affect the witnesses - like Tyto's memory quirk and Bellamy's empath quirk. Tsuda may be present at interviews as he is still a valued member of your team and joint investigation. Wright, despite your disregard for protocol, you too will still be allowed to interview witnesses and suspects on the condition that I review your questions beforehand and you conduct your interviews under my direct supervision. Understood?"
Wright took a long, slow drink from his coffee.
"It is more than fair," Lang said, "Will."
Wright sighed, brushing back his dark blond hair, "I feel I must apologize."
Naomasa's brows rose briefly in surprise.
"This is a bit of a pattern, I'm afraid," Wright continued, a mildly regretful look on his face, "My… passion for our investigation tends to overwhelm my common courtesy. I do regret my hasty actions."
True or not, bullshit, Naomasa thought, forgetting to rein in his skepticism and catching Bellamy's sigh.
"I expect strictly professional behavior," Naomasa said. He took a drink from his coffee, "You can begin, perhaps, by sharing what about your case is connected to the Yagi-Rishi case."
Wright bristled.
"While I appreciate the secretive nature of your case," Naomasa said slowly, "It does not take priority over my own. If you want my officers and I to help, we need to know what we are looking for. You wouldn't be interested in this case if there wasn't something. If you continue to work with my team, I suggest you share."
Perhaps it was a bit much. Naomasa did not have the the direct authority to cast Wright and his team out, but Chief Tsuragamae would not stand for anything that could compromise the Yagi-Rishi case.
They were unbelievably fortunate it hadn't yet been leaked that All Might was abducted and missing for nearly a month… but it was only a matter of time. Naomasa doubted the Chief wanted to deal with the shitshow if it got out the case was jeopardized by a group of foreigners.
"Wright," Bellamy spoke up, "This is ultimately your call, but I believe sharing would be wise. All of us feel the same."
"All, hm?" Wright frowned, tapping his index finger on the table.
"Yes, all," Lang said, her cane audibly smacking Wright's ankle beneath the table, "Get your head out of your ass and work with the nice detective."
Naomasa leaned forward, capturing Wright's gaze, "Perhaps I can make this easier. From your line of questioning, anyone could gather that you are focused on All for One, but…" he paused when Wright's frown deepened, "But what is your goal? What do you intend to accomplish specifically? What action of All for One are you investigating? And since this is a joint case, how may I help?"
Wright sighed, "Before going into our investigation, I must ask. What, if anything, do you know about All for One's part in the Yagi-Rishi case?"
Naomasa frowned, but answered, "I believe I've already mentioned this, but All for One is a villain and an old enemy of All Might. They have a history, and because of their history, All for One was the one to abduct him. You know from your interview that All for One gave All Might quirks with the intent of turning him into a noumu - one of his living weapons like the ones captured at Kamino."
"All for One is not just a simple villain," Wright said, his voice growing serious, "And the Battle of Kamino was not his debut by a long shot."
"Yes," Naomasa nodded. He knew that too well, "All for One has been an active threat since the early days of quirks."
Wright blinked, though his look of surprise was quickly masked, "Alright, so you have some working knowledge on how far back their legacy goes."
Naomasa's brows furrowed, Their?
Wright looked down into his coffee as he continued, "No one's been able to pin them down - All for One and their many quirks. Every whisper pointed in a different direction. They have connections to universities, hospitals, charities, international trade, shipping, black markets, and drug cartels. Despite their reach, the so-called Ruler of the Underworld is untraceable. My team and I have been working to uncover the truth about their existence."
Tapping his finger on the side of his coffee mug, Naomasa hummed, "Not to be rude, but are you being deliberately vague? Trust me when I say, I know about All for One."
Wright's eyes flitted to the area up and around Naomasa's shoulders. He frowned, gesturing across the table, "That information is the cultivation of our life's work. Are you implying you know more?"
Ah, Naomasa paused, his irritation with Wright's superior attitude waning, They don't have the benefit of Toshinori's knowledge.
"Long before the Kamino Battle and the following incarceration of All for One, All Might and I were working together to capture him," Naomasa sighed, "Though for particular reasons, we believed him dead until recently."
Lang suddenly spoke up, "Am I right in saying All Might was the one to come to you about All for One?"
"Correct," Naomasa said, "That was years ago."
"So it would be safe to say All Might - your friend, Yagi - would have important information about All for One," she continued.
Naomasa hesitated, "Yes, though he is still recovering from the effects of his… imprisonment."
"About that," Wright said, his voice taking on an odd tone, "He would be able to describe his experiences with All for One and the power that allowed them to force quirks on him, yes?"
"Is that a part of your investigation?" Naomasa asked, growing tense.
Toshinori's been through enough…
"It is an aspect of it," Wright said with a nod.
"And what would you do with that information?" Naomasa asked.
A hard light shined in Wright's eyes, and the expressions of his team grew somber.
"We are now aware that All for One was the 'villain' that destroyed the Kamino Ward, that they were briefly imprisoned in Tartarus … and escaped. We don't have the strength or authority to bring them into custody for their crimes," Wright rubbed at his breast pocket, "But at the very least, we can cripple their support systems. Shine a light in the dark until they have no more shadows to hide behind. Corner the King of Darkness."
Check, Naomasa thought.
He released his mug, and caught Bellamy's smile.
Huffing a laugh, Naomasa shook his head, "Alright."
"Alright?" Wright quirked a brow.
"I will ask Yagi if he would be willing to speak with you," Naomasa clarified, "I'm sure he would find your cause worth aiding. But the lines I've drawn still stand. You will follow protocol."
"I believe I can manage that," Wright said, a genuine smile lighting up his face, "For the sake of finally cutting off the lineage of All for One. It ends with the man currently holding the title."
Naomasa blinked, "Title?"
Wright's brows furrowed, "Yes, a title passed down from person to person. If they can give quirks then it stands to reason they've passed their quirk down with each gen-"
"Wright," Bellamy shook his head.
Naomasa shook head in disbelief, They don't know...
He watched Wright's face carefully, quirk buzzing at the back of his mind.
"No… I'm afraid I must point out another misconception," Naomasa sat back and folded his hands in front of him, "All for One is one man."
A hush fell over the group.
Wright's lips pressed into a firm line before he spoke, "By 'one man' you mean… what, exactly?"
Naomasa sighed, resisting the urge to pinch his brow, "There is no lineage-"
At least… not in the way you think.
His mind flashed to Toshinori and -
He shook the thought away, returning to the matter at hand, "All for One is, and has always been, one man. He must have some sort of longevity quirk - knowing him, probably multiple quirks that allow him to maintain his strength and health despite his unknown age."
Bellamy hummed, staring deeply into Naomasa's eyes.
Naomasa felt a surge of protectiveness and anger - anger at himself.
No. That is not my secret to reveal. All for One. Nothing else.
Remaining silent while the others contemplated Naomasa's words, Bellamy's gaze flicked over to the nearest plant. A broad purple streak now marred its features. His lips twitched in what Naomasa thought to be…
Amusement? Understanding?
"Well, what do you know..." Lang said quietly, "Montgomery was right."
Naomasa blinked at the sudden statement, "Right about…? Who is Montgomery?"
"Was," Wright corrected, hand brushing over his breast pocket, "He was the first of us to look into a series of crimes in the UK that mirrored others across the globe. The first to start connecting those crimes with the name All for One. He's no longer with us."
"I'm sorry for your loss," Naomasa said.
"Montgomery found that All for One was using hospitals in the UK as fronts for prescription drug trade. Opioids mostly," Wright said, "We were able to gather evidence against those working with them - him, and they were arrested. Unfortunately, the majority of those believed to be higher in command either disappeared or committed suicide."
"Few loose ends with him," Lang said with a scowl.
"But just enough to keep on his trail," Wright continued. "Until around six years ago, when all traces of him began to dry up. While it was easier to round up his loose ends when they didn't die before sentencing, All for One was nowhere to be found."
Toshinori… Naomasa realized.
The first battle between All Might and All for One.
"Then we followed some of his known aliases to Japan, which brought us to observe Rishi," Wright continued, gesturing across the table with a broad sweep of his hand, "The rest is as you see it."
Naomasa finished the last of his coffee and stood. He pulled the carafe from the coffee maker and returned to the table. Reaching across the table, he refilled Wright's mug, then his own.
Shin suddenly gasped in delight. The blue flowering ivy on the table suddenly lost all purple color and doubled in size, leaves twirling up and reaching for the ceiling light.
"Thank you for sharing what you know," Naomasa began, "Now this is a joint investigation."
Hatoko glanced over the building's roof, his white crest feathers standing at attention. The alley below was empty, and he smiled, slipping his wings out from the vertical slits in his coat. He gave them a couple experimental flaps and, feeling the slight breeze, flew across to the nearest roof.
Hatoko shivered, quickly ducking under a heat exhaust vent and into the small space behind it. A nest of torn cardboard, newspapers, and a few blankets sat in the corner of the space. Beside it, he spotted a small grocery bag with a note taped to the front.
Anxiety and hunger twisted Hatoko's stomach. He frowned, sniffling and rubbing at his cold, runny nose.
They found my nest again…
Two policewomen saw Hatoko playing in the park on Monday. One lady was very tall with big arms and hair like ropes that moved around by themselves. The other lady - she said her name was Kohana - looked like a living teddy bear-dog. He smiled. She was funny and nice and gave really good hugs.
Then they asked where Hatoko lived and where his parents were.
Atsu-nii told him those questions were dangerous. He didn't say why.
Hatoko kicked at a stray piece of cardboard, "Some spy I am…"
He had panicked and flown away.
… They found him again on Tuesday.
Before he could run, Kohana said he wasn't in trouble. She said they weren't going to take him away. She just wanted to talk again and feed him a warm lunch.
It was getting colder after all…
The ramen shop was so warm. He could still remember the smell of miso and chicken and pork and beef and-!
Hatoko sighed. He had never felt so full in his life. Even before running away, hunger was no stranger to him.
"There is a place where you can be warm and always have food," Kohana said, patting his hand with her plush paw.
Hatoko shook his head, swallowing his noodles, "I can't. They'll clip my wings."
"Who told you that?" Kohana asked softly, tilting her head.
"Atsu-nii," Hatoko shivered as a cold wind blew into his nest.
Tucking his wings tight against his back, Hatoko dug into the bag. There were snack bars, a couple onigiri, dried fruit, large bottles of water, tissues, and pocket warmers. He plucked the note from the front of the bag.
Eat the onigiri first and drink lots of water. Give me a call if you need anything or just wanna talk, okay?
Officer Kohana Akita
Beside her name, she'd drawn a smiling cartoon dog face.
Hatoko smiled back at the little dog and tucked the note into his pocket along with a couple pocket warmers.
His phone suddenly buzzed in his pocket.
Hatoko pulled it out, and glanced at the screen.
[Running late?] from Atsu-nii.
Hatoko sighed, guilt stirring in his gut, [I'm coming. New nest is a little far away.]
[Okay] was Atsu-nii's fast reply, [Fly safe and don't be seen.]
Pocketing his phone, Hatoko grabbed both onigiri, unwrapped, and quickly ate them. With a few breathless gulps of water, he tied the grocery bag and hid it in his nest with his treasure backpack.
Hatoko braced himself and darted back out into the cold. The sun had long set, but the boy knew the roofs like the playground in his favorite park. It didn't take long to hopscotch roof by roof to the magician's meeting place.
Atsu-nii was waiting for him.
"Hatoko!" the magician called for him, waving.
Hatoko flapped hard as he touched down, the wind blowing him a little off course. Quickly righting himself, he raced across the roof and hugged Astu-nii.
"Careful! Careful," Astu-nii grunted, patting his back.
Hatoko backed away and frowned.
Atsu-nii's voice sounded strained, but he was still waving his-
"W-what…" Hatoko stared in horror at the loose sleeve blowing in the wind. His voice cracked, "What happened to your arm?"
Atsu-nii smiled - though it looked more like a grimace - and waved his fingers, "Another magician made it disappear!"
That's a lie. Hatoko knew.
After tucking his flapping sleeve into his coat pocket, Atsu-nii gestured toward himself, "Let me see your phone. Any new pictures?"
Hatoko shifted uncomfortably, staring at the sleeve. It looked like a deflated balloon.
"Hatoko," Atsu-nii's voice was stern, "The phone, please."
"Sorry," Hatoko's crest feathers pressed close to his head, and he quickly passed over the smartphone.
Atsu-nii fumbled with the phone, cursing under his breath as he pressed it to his chest to readjust his grip. He paced a few steps away, tapping impatiently on the screen.
"How're the books?" Atsu-nii asked.
"Good," Hatoko lied. He didn't know. He'd left his books behind in a panic when he found a note in his first nest over the weekend. When he'd gone back, there was nothing left of his nest. It had been cleared out.
The magician was too absorbed by the phone screen to notice Hatoko's lie.
Hatoko bowed his head and shivered as a harsh wind bit through his coat. His teeth chattered.
Atsu-nii sighed, "Why don't you come inside? I have some tea ready. Might as well get warm while I charge this."
Hatoko perked up and a bright smile split his face, "Yes please!"
Wings fluttering with excitement, he followed the magician down the warm stairwell and into a spacious apartment.
"Take off your shoes," Atsu-nii reminded him, slipping off his own, "Warm your feet in the kotatsu. The tea is already there."
Hatoko dashed into the livingroom, sitting and sliding his legs under the plush blanket. He sighed.
So warm, Hatoko thought with a smile.
He was sipping steaming hot tea when Atsu-nii came back into the living room.
"It won't take long for it to charge," he said, carefully lowering himself to the floor, "Tell me about your work, super spy."
Hatoko put his cup back on the table, shifting uneasily.
"It's okay," he said with a small pout, "Not very many people are going in and out. It's not very fun…"
"But it's very important," Atsu-nii said with a sage nod. Waving his hand above the table, he smiled. A gust of wind blew outward, and a plate of mitarashi dango appeared, "A reward for your hard work."
"Thank you!" Hatoko exclaimed, crest feathers standing tall in excitement, and plucked the sticky, bite-size treat from the plate. The flavor took him back to the festivals and streets vendors.
He was about to tell Atsu-nii some of his festival stories when he heard a strange noise.
"Mr. Compress," said an eerie voice, "Is this your Dove?"
Hatoko flinched, wings pulling close as he froze in place.
If you don't move, they can't see you. If they can't see you, they won't hurt you. The old mantra ran through his head, eyes pressing shut.
"Shigaraki," Atsu-nii said, surprise in his voice, "I wasn't expecting you."
Hatoko cracked his eyes open as a pale hand reached out and took a dango ball. Quick as he could, the boy darted around the table and hid behind the magician, gripping desperately at the back of his shirt.
"It's alright Hatoko," Atsu-nii said, reaching back and patting his head, "These are friends of mine."
"Friends?" Hatoko asked.
"Yes, they won't hurt you," he answered.
Slowly, Hatoko peeked out from behind Atsu-nii's shoulder.
Three men stood in the livingroom. One was a man in a skin-tight suit and mask like the kind heroes wore, only he didn't look like a hero. The second was a man made of dark, swirling mist in a nice suit, but the business kind. The third had shaggy hair and dismembered hands covering his face, neck, and arms.
They didn't look friendly.
"We are gathering everyone," the hand-face man said. He glanced Hatoko's way, and Hatoko ducked behind Astu-nii's back, "Someone important has come to visit us."
Atsu-nii's good hand gripped at his injured shoulder. Hatoko could see goosebumps running up the magician's neck.
"You could have sent a message, Shigaraki," Atsu-nii grumbled.
The man made of dark mist bowed his head in acknowledgement, "This is faster."
The masked man fidgeted, "Hey Kurogiri, think there's enough time to eat some of that dango? Shut up. Not the time."
"Calm yourself, Twice," Kurogiri said.
"Fuck you, you're right!"
Hatoko flinched.
"Not in front of Compress' guest," Kurogiri ordered. A wave of dark mist suddenly billowed outward, engulfing the masked man. When the mist receded, Twice was gone.
"Atsu-nii," Hatoko whimpered.
Kurogiri knelt down, "I just sent him outside for the time being. My apologies for startling you."
Shivering, Hatoko made himself smaller, clutching Atsu-nii's shirt.
These friends are not nice.
Atsu-nii sighed, pushing himself to stand, "Alright. Just give me a moment," he turned to Hatoko, "I'm sorry, we'll have to cut this short. Come on. Let's get your phone."
Atsu-nii gently nudged him around his scary friends and to a small kitchen.
"Ah!" Hatoko yelped, twisting and clutching onto Atsu-nii's leg.
A monster was in the kitchen. Big and covered in uneven patches of wiry, black hair.
Except for... its head.
It's one of those villain monsters, Hatoko realized, fingertips digging into Atsu-nii's thigh, eyes squeezed shut. If they can't see you, they won't hurt you. If they can't see you, they won't hurt you.
"It's alright," Atsu-nii said softly, gently stroking the feathers atop Hatoko's head, "This is just… another friend."
No it's not! Stop lying! Hatoko hiccuped fearfully, tears brimming in his eyes. Atsu-nii! Even the kids playing in the park know about them…
He clung, eyes shut, to Atsu-nii as he walked past the creature and unplugged his phone. Hatoko didn't dare open his eyes until they were in the stairwell, and the door was shut tight behind them.
"Here," Atsu-nii said, tapping Hatoko's head with his phone, "Take this."
Hatoko sniffled, hands trembling as he took the phone.
Atsu-nii sighed, rubbing the stump of his left arm, "I'll send you a message when I get back. Okay, super spy?"
Hatoko slowly nodded.
"Keep a lookout for those people I told you about. If you see them -?" Atsu-nii paused.
"Send you a message as soon as I can," Hatoko finished.
"Good boy," Atsu-nii praised quietly, ruffling the boy's feathers. He nudged Hatoko toward the stairs going up, "Come back when you need to charge your phone again."
Hatoko nodded silently and bolted up the stairs, crashing against the roof access door. Tearing across the roof, he spread and flapped his wings.
Fly away, fly away, fly away home, his mother's voice sang in his head as he took to the air.
Hatoko held the phone tight to his chest, the cold wind biting at his face.
Maybe the priest would let him stay the night…
Toshinori stretched, reaching for his clawed toes as he sat on the track. Glancing over his shoulder, he watched as his tail flicked from side to side, a lopsided smile on his face.
It helps with balance when I… run, He thought, arms and legs still thrumming with every heartbeat. He pulled off his running gloves and flexed his fingers, This isn't so bad.
His phone pinged, and he fished it from his pocket.
Naomasa's name lit up the screen, and Toshinori squinted, rubbing sweat away from his eyes.
[Good to go.] The detective's message read, [I've freed up Sansa's schedule for the escort. I'd do it myself, but my weekend's packed!]
Toshinori smiled, shooting off a quick text, [You're the best! Thank you Nao!]
[Get yourself some fresh air, Toshi.]
He could almost hear the serious tone of Naomasa's voice.
Laughing, Toshinori sent a thumbs up emoji, [That's the plan! Don't overwork yourself.]
[That's funny coming from you, but alright.] Naomasa wrote, adding an unimpressed face, [Take care and give young Midoriya my well wishes. He has a good head on his shoulders, that one.]
Toshinori nodded, Yes. He does…
[Thanks again. You take care as well.]
He set his phone down, finishing his stretches and pressing his knuckles into his lower back.
Toshinori sighed, and took a deep breath.
A peaceful smile lit up his face.
He could almost smell the sea breeze.
Thank you for reading!
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