Shattered Destiny

by Midoryia-Uzumaki13

The first time Izuku thought his life was over was the day he found out he was Quirkless. The second was when he decided he needed to disappear, ignored and unwanted by society. However a hero saved him, giving him a chance for a new life. His savior’s name? All For One. And Izuku? (Not my story)

16. 16

Chapter 15: Swimming with Sharks

The next morning Deku woke up to Dabi hovering around in his designated quarters, which was a small lightly furnished room that screamed Overhaul's brand of minimalism. He blinked at the clone through blearily eyes as he'd been restless due to the unfamiliarity of the room as well as being behind pending enemy lines. The looming nightmares didn't help either, barley refraining from uttering noises in his sleep as he was conscious enough to realize it was a dream. That and he was craving coffee; he didn't want to know what time in the morning it was.

"What's going on, Dabi?" He inquired, unable to call any clone anything else even if they were results of Twice's impressions of the original. Twice had created another copy after Rappa "retired" the other so Deku could have someone in the room with him at night as a means of protection. Deku had nothing to hide from skeptical and zealous members; he was there to reevaluate and scope out the Yakuza before they tried to swallow the League up though at the reveal of Eri he tempted another thought.

"Sounds like a bit of noise, Little Boss." Clone-Dabi informed, lurking near the door. "Nothing alarming but I wasn't willing to stick my head out with you asleep. Look suspicious to these guys."

"Thanks for keeping an eye open for me." Deku muffled a yawn as he got up, stretching as he felt the endurance enhancer part of his Quirk increasing with his wakefulness, pushing the exhaustion back. "Wonder what's on today's agenda. I didn't expect Overhaul-san to keep playing Shogi until dinner. I only beat him twice."

"You have bedhead by the way. Like a bush." Clone-Dabi gesture to his own hair, grinning slyly as Deku promptly tried to tame his curls with his fingers. Once he successfully subdued some of his hair he went over to his discarded clothes, slipping his white dress shirt over his sleeveless white undershirt once his pants were on. After his gloves were on and he'd managed to pull his tie over his head, not bothering to undo the knot—which probably was scandalous—Deku stood fully dressed before Clone-Dabi who had turned around to give him some illusion of privacy.

"Maybe I should ask Twice to make a comb." Deku brushed his fingers through his hair once more, managing to slick one side back to his usual half swept back style. "If I can find him before anyone else sees me. I have an image to uphold, especially if I'm representing the League."

"I think he's ironing his costume at the moment. 'Sides, you look fine. At least you're showing your face, unlike them."

"Ironing...? You know what, it's okay. Twice can handle himself." Deku dismissed with a wave, not even going to question if the clone was teasing or how he knew given it wasn't surprising either way. "Best get going or they'll think we're conspiring or I'm a lazy teen who will sleep until the afternoon."

"If we can get out." The dark haired man reached over and tested the door handle. "Oh look, the door does what it's suppose to. A miracle." He gave a deadpan look at Deku, turquoise eyes ever hooded yet piercing and a question that had long been burning inside Deku popped into his mind impulsively as if driven by suppressed nerves.

"Wait! I know it's not fair since you're a clone but…" Deku blurted, causing his companion to halt from opening the door. "It also feels like asking you is cheating, but I never have a chance privately otherwise…"

"Shoot."

"If I ever asked, would you tell me who you were? And if I guessed, would you deny it?" He asked in a low voice, in case the walls did have ears presently.

Clone-Dabi regraded Deku for a few moments with his signature blasé composure. "I'm limited by what Twice knows. Can't say for certain how 'he' would respond. You've known him for years now and are sharp, different from Shigaraki's powers of deduction."

"Right, again not fair. Sorry for the sudden question."

"You alright?"

"Yes, just still waking up. Rambling happens more. Lot on my mind."

"Right." Clone-Dabi dared to lightly pat Deku's head, glaring out of the corner of his eye at the door in case of any eavesdroppers. "Shigaraki's going to get jealous we're with the mighty Precepts and he's not. We're with legendary gangsters."

Deku gave a wistful smile, wondering just what Twice's impression of Dabi was given he had known the League for a year now. Clone-Dabi opened the door, peeking outside for a moment to ensure no one was waiting to jump them. Once the coast was clear Deku exited his room and headed toward where Overhaul had indicated breakfast could be fetched, his companion close behind.

It had to be part of a test. To see if he could find his way around the maze in less than a day as a way to assess his retention. Question was what would earn trust better: don't get lost or get turned around only a few times to be slightly late or be clueless all together. Overhaul most likely wanted to be impressed but not threatened, like how he had insisted in multiple Shogi games to test Deku's mental prows.

"Yo, isn't it this way?" Clone-Dabi gestured in another direction as they paused in the corridor.

"Maybe..." Deku confessed, thinking as he pushed other thoughts away. How many turns right had they taken to go to his quarters? He just had to repeat the count and take lefts instead. "I'm surprise no one came to guide us. I doubt Overhaul-san wants us to wander around in our own."

"Presumptuous aren't you?"

Deku suppressed a jump as he turned and looked down to see Mimic's doll sized bodysuit, hands on hips like a disapproving adult. Clone-Dabi twitched in mild surprise, deadpanning at the small figure, hiding the fact he might have narrowly avoided punting the midget. Deku was certain the real Dabi would have done it as a happy accident despite his restrained persona just to spite the high strung character if they didn't need to play nice.

"Mimic-san, good morning. Thank you for coming for us."

"Don't get cocky!" Mimic declared, giving the pair the stink eye and pointing accusingly despite Deku's etiquette. "You might not act like punks but you are! I've got my eye on you."

"As expected of one of the esteemed higher ups." Deku gave a slight bow, hoping to appease the suspicious, if not zealous Mimic. "My apologizes for any rudeness and if we're late."

Mimic seemingly went mute, his voice perhaps being transmitted elsewhere as he promptly turned and began leading. After only a few minutes they reached the designated room where Twice was waiting, evidently already have eaten as he was currently engaging with Rappa who was wondering how a fight against himself would fair. Deku grabbed his choice food which together made a traditional Japanese breakfast.

I doubt it's poisoned, that'd be too obvious, he thought to himself as he arranged his food, Clone-Dabi grabbing his meal as well. Plus Overhaul is interested in me, no way he'd try to off me so soon; he's taking a calculated risk like I am. Too bad I'll never switch. Too much to do, I have to figure it all out. The things the Yakuza could offer though with the alliance, even if shaky…

"You going to eat or stare at your food like it's a crystal ball?"

"I wasn't mumbling was I?" Deku quietly inquired as Clone-Dabi proceeded to sample each of the items, seemingly testing them. The clone lightly shrugged as he bit into the grilled fish, making a slight face in disgust—the only indicator being a twinge of a frown. Clones didn't have to eat but could if they wanted and felt the urge as far as he knew; he doubted Twice had ever experimented with a starvation test.

Deku realized after a moment the clone was being cautious and taste testing for him in case of foreign substance. Twice really did make the clones protective and cautious, though the real Dabi was ever an enigma. Then again the clone's self preservation was probably low knowing he was a replica. "Don't force yourself."

"Who said I was?" Clone-Dabi promptly took bigger bites of the rice before diving into the miso soup to wash the fishy taste away. After a few seconds he regarded Deku out of the corner of his eye, "You going to eat, Little Boss?"

Deku wordlessly turned his focus back on his food and began eating. It clearly wasn't a cafeteria but almost like a teacher's break room. Eri was nowhere to be seen, probably served meals directly in her room as a means of protection and control. He tried not to make a face at the thought as he bit into a pickle though it covered the true subject of his reaction.

Twice's antics were background noise as he dipped in and out of thoughts, on guard though Clone-Dabi was playing sentry. He was finishing up his meal that he tried to eat quickly though well paced to seem at ease and polite when he heard a clear voice break through over Rappa's enthusiasm and Twice's candor.

"Your Quirk, it's not an obvious mutation, so an emitter or enhancer?"

"Combo." Deku found himself answering, no chance to think. Immediately his eyes went to the questioner who was wearing a black cape and sporting a bowler's hat and mask. He mentally smacked himself for forgetting what Giran had provided about the known Precept members given their Quirk registration records though details were still murky. The urge to answer was like a compulsion.

Confession. It had to be.

"What is your Quirk's aspects?"

"Emitter with enhancements. My strength and endurance are boosted while I can emit a black aura that can cause physical damage if it touches others, though degree varies. It can be dangerous so I prefer not to use it to avoid collateral damage."

Crap. What else were they going to ask?

"Interesting." Overhaul mused, tilting his head while his attention was locked onto Deku as he stood in the doorway near the questioner. "Nemoto, give him a chance to answer first before using your Quirk. We're equals and it is still early. My apologizes for his rudeness."

"Doubtful." Clone-Dabi muttered, cold eyes locked onto the others as he stood ready next to Deku, his food abandoned.

"You could have asked me before." Deku's face was neutral as he lay down his chopsticks calmly. "Since you already know Twice's and basically Dabi's. I wasn't hiding it, it's just not important since my role is not a fighter."

"Again, my apologies. Nemoto jumped the gun on my account. Though I would have thought it was an intelligence enhancer." Overhaul admitted, coming into the room with Kurono as Mimic was already there.

"Disappointed?"

"Intrigued."

Definitely not good.

Overhaul was interested in him while playing a roundabout etiquette game to test them. He was a dangerous, intelligent man Deku couldn't take lightly. He had to play it smart before things got out of control; Overhaul was far more underhanded than he had anticipated but the interest could be used in his favor.

"What's on the agenda for today, if I may ask?" Deku shifted the subject as he stood up with restraining calm. He felt warmth lightly radiating off Clone-Dabi which provided some comfort that his bodyguard was on edge. Twice managed to breakaway from Rappa, his measuring tapes snapping back into his wristlets as he strode over with mild swagger.

"What, we got a mission? Sounds exciting! IT'S GONNA BE LAME ASS."

"For Twice and that thing there no leaving the base. They're known criminals thanks to Twice's history and the other hardly being subtle about his appearance." Overhaul gestured at the two, earning a deeper deadpan from Clone-Dabi.

"I'm grounded?" Twice exclaimed, taken back as he looked between Deku and Overhaul. "Don't take me out of the game, coach!"

"It's Overhaul-san's call, Twice. You're being loaned out so if Overhaul-san wants you incognito that's the deal."

"Fine with me. See how long I last." Clone-Dabi muttered, his hooded eyes on Overhaul. "Feels like you're handicapping us a bit though."

"I'm not going anywhere except when I leave here once mediation is complete. This period is to build trust without using intimidation tactics." Deku looked at his two companions, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor with cold eyes as he tucked his feelings away. "We're on Overhaul-san's turf, respect the rules."

He turned toward Overhaul with a slight bow, "My apologies. What did you wish to say?"

Overhaul appeared pensive, bringing a gloved hand up to his face as he tapped the side of his mask. "Curiously enough I was-"

They were interrupted by a quake that followed the sound of an explosion in the distance. The room rocked, causing everyone to attempt to catch themselves to prevent falling over. A low ringing plagued the group's ears from the sound, multiple people clamping a hand over the worst effected ear if not both.

"What was that?" Twice shouted as he looked around, hands over both ears. "You guys don't have any pyromaniacs do you? Hell, that's dangerous!"

"Mimic!" Overhaul snapped as he rightened himself, glaring at the small bodysuit. It was silent for a few moments for suddenly moving erratically.

"A gas main blew nearby!"

"An accident?" Deku watched Overhaul who looked far from happy. "Or..."

"Send someone to check it out, discreetly. I want to make sure this isn't some distraction tactic by Heroes. See if our other bases were effected as well."

Mimic's puppet body dashed off, pulling out a syringe of some kind from its body as it disappeared around a corner. Immediately Nemoto's attention was on Deku's group, his expression surely tense beneath his mask. Immediately Deku knew what was coming next, trying to brace himself for the hijacking.

"Was this your doing?"

"The hell like I know, I'm a clone, Bird-face."

"No way! I want to stay in one piece!"

"No, but it does seem suspicious." Deku confessed, feeling some relief that was all he divulged as his companions seemed to be recovering fine from the Quirk. "Coincidences do happen though."

"Nemoto." Overhaul's tone was dry, causing the caped figure to back up like a dog being told to kennel itself. "Go and see if you can find out what happened with Mimic."

"How can we help?" Deku inquired as Nemoto ducked out of the room without another word. Now was their chance with Overhaul mildly distracted to learn more about the Eight Precepts of Death and how they truly ran themselves without any airs. They would be more on edge from a possible attack but they would also be distracted.

"You all are with me. Rappa, go run a perimeter with Tengai. Katsukame is on standby along with the others, relay that, Kurono. And be sure to secure our irreplaceable assets."

Rappa compiled with some grumbling while Kurono was behind him, pulling out a radio from his pocket. Twice gave a wave, calling, "Knock them dead, big bro Rappa!"

"Let's move to somewhere more suitable." Overhaul turned, indicating for the others to follow. "We didn't survive this long without knowing when to be cautious." Deku followed quickly with Clone-Dabi and Twice in tow, the two sticking close like shadows as they trailed after the Yakuza leader.

"Maybe a rival group got wind of our alliance." Deku mumbled from behind, Overhaul apparently trusting him enough to turn his back, though it was more likely he trusted own abilities as his speed and technique was unknown. Besides, now was not the time to act; he had to find the Precepts' weakness and exploit it before it was too late. Said weakness was the key to Overhaul's plans and said key was Eri; the linchpin to the Yakuza's power grab.

He had to be smart.

"Anyone underestimating us are fools." Overhaul's comment caused Deku's neck to prickle given his underlying thoughts. "Boss built the Yakuza and we've lasted this long despite this age of Heroes and Villains, the suffocating survalliance. This whole society is plagued by this Quirk disease and the mentality it has bestowed. We are not remnants of a bygone era, we are the superior survivors who will forge a new age that harks a time before Quirks. A time that honors both our mentors; I'm sure you agree."

"I-" Deku's answer was cutoff as a loud explosion rocked the hideout worse than before. A rumbling sound followed it, succeeded by cracking. He had just enough time to jump back as a slab of concrete fell where he had been standing. Overhaul dodged it as well, retreating the opposite way as rubble crashed down between the small group. Dust bellowed up, engulfing the hall as the tremors continued for a few more seconds before ceasing.

Well, that was one way to avoid answering.

"Twice?" Deku called, looking around for his companion through the dust, eyes bleary as he let out a cough. Nearby Clone-Dabi had managed to avoid being reduced to a puddle of goop, looking more unimpressed than ever. "Overhaul-san?" He dared to inquire, wondering if the latter had been put out of commission. Where the tunnel had been a solid wall of rubble now stood, part of the ceiling having collapsed.

"That was close! I'm still in one piece! You, Deku?"

"Yeah. We're both okay."

"Phew! Good, cuz Shigaraki would be pissed! WE'D BE BEST FRIENDS!"

"Who the hell is blowing up my base?" Overhaul's voice came from the other side, sounding indignant at the audacity. "Move over."

There was the faint sound of shuffling feet and precise footsteps. Within a matter of seconds there was a grinding sound of cement shifting followed by a whirling sound of rushing air and suddenly the rubble was gone, abruptly combined with the wall in a bulge that spidered up to the hole in the ceiling, creating a makeshift beam to support what remained. With the rubble gone Deku got a clear view of Twice, who looked part afraid and part in awe, and a clearly pissed off Overhaul who was replacing a glove back over his hand.

Deku couldn't hide his own awe of witnessing the Quirk, his red eyes wide and mouth slightly ajar; a Quirk like that could be used in so many ways, the countless possibilities. His mental rambling began, threatening to sidetrack him as he dissected the work and theorized the workings of such a versatile ability. Thankfully Twice took centerstage as the Yakuza leader dusted himself off.

"This guy is totally amazing! Did you see that? Could we have an instant replay for MVP Overhaul?"

"They're trying to cut us off, whoever they are." Overhaul glared upward at the ceiling as if he could spot the ones responsible with x-ray vision. "That diseased way of thinking of underestimating us will be their downfall. This is nothing."

"If they're trying to sever communications and block pathways we need a means to get around it. Maybe you can contact Chronostasis-san since he had a radio. Twice, think you could make-" Deku was cut off as another quake rocked the building, shaking him to his bones.

The sound of cracking concrete filled the air with the rumbling before more fractures appeared all around. Within seconds the floor disappeared from under his feet as the ground crumbled and he was free falling the next moment.

"Shi-" Twice's cutoff exclamation was all he heard as the others disappeared from view.

Deku's heart thundered in his chest as his brain went into overdrive, screaming at him to use his instincts. He released his hold on his Quirk, allowing it to pool throughout his body, strengthening his legs as well as his arms. He snapped his head around to catch sight of the chunks of concrete falling with him and slammed his feet against the nearest one, propelling himself upward. He dodged the various falling slabs and leapt toward the hole above, trying to get back. As he reached for the edge another tremor occurred, sending more debris raining down.

Deku's eyes widened and he hastily retreated, jumping down off of the falling slabs to reach the ground below as he let himself fall. As his feet hit the ground, jarring his bones, he jumped to the side as concrete slammed down where he had stood, exploding outward like a manmade meteor. Bits of rock pelted him, causing him to wince and cough as more dust exploded outward from the rain of rubble.

He coughed once more, brushing himself off and squinting far up where he had come from as the tremor subsided, estimating he had fallen maybe two levels below. The extent of how deep the hideout went was a mystery but the deeper the level the worse the quakes' affects were, manmade or not as he suspected. What kind of Quirk was causing this ruckus?

His thoughts were sidetracked as he noticed the way upward had been sealed, leaving mere cracks for light to filter through as the tunnel's lights were flickering erratically before sputtering out. Even with his enhanced strength attempting to jump up and punch away the debris was too haphazard. There was a chance Overhaul could make a way down but the man was clearly pressed for time and it was certainly a huge mess.

"You alright?" An unexpected voice droned, causing him to jump. He looked to see Clone-Dabi emerging from some of the rubble, having managed to avoid being reduced to goop.

"Y-yeah. How'd you stay in one piece?"

"Flames are good for propulsion, including descent. But basically I lucked out that I didn't get nailed by anything."

"Looks like we're stuck down here, we have to find another way up."

"That's a shitstorm up there. Might want to scope the place out while we have a chance. Birdman's gonna have plenty to worry about aside from us."

"True but if we want to get out we have to go up but that way's blocked."

"No muscling our way out with your strength?"

"That's a lot and I might make more fall on us. Namely I can just crack concrete without hurting myself, though I haven't pushed it really; I don't have enhanced durability. Dark Aura is too wild to use… I really should work on a better long range attack in case of events like this."

"Well, I might be bust with my Quirk, we don't know if any gas lines have been ruptured. I might not need to worry about lasting to the end of day but..." Clone-Dabi gave a shrug in Deku's direction.

"Right, can't chance that though I don't smell anything. We need actual pathways for the most part." Deku scanned around before pointing. "That way's not blocked."

He headed toward it, Clone-Dabi complying without a word. Their footsteps echoed off the walls as the rest if the world seemed far away except for muffled noises of perhaps battle. Thankfully no more quakes plagued the structure, the cause perhaps subdued.

"Wonder what they do down here." Deku mumbled, trying to not let the silence swallow him as dark thoughts were always at the fringes of his mind, waiting for a chance to strike. Clone-Dabi made a near silent noise of disinterest and shrugged in the dim light.

"The guy's a bit radical. Do you want to know?"

Deku's thoughts immediately went to Eri and his veins felt like ice. Where was she in all this? Was she alright? Perhaps Kurono had grabbed her if she was indeed one if the unspecified assets. A child caught up with the Yakuza was a nightmare already—even if she was apparent family; this situation heaped on top was the mother of all nightmares.

They didn't get far when they ran across a Yakuza member, clearly a grunt as he lacked a mask all the higher ups seemed to sport; well, counting the ones Deku had laid eyes on. He seemed startled by their appearance, freezing as the three stared at one another.

"Your boss is upstairs." Clone-Dabi flatly stated, pointing upward as Deku tried to think of what to say. "The tremors tossed us on our asses down here. Know the way back?"

"You're-"

"From the League, yes." Deku calmly informed, the grunt looking at him with a mixed expression he couldn't pinpoint. "We got separated from Overhaul-san."

"Th-this way." The man gestured and began leading the way. He was visibly tense though the reason could be a number of things so Deku shifted his gaze elsewhere, thoughts wondering once more.

They had only gone a few yards when the back of Deku's neck prickled. His eyes widened as his gaze darted back to the man who kept the same stride; he noticed a bead of sweat rolling down his jaw. He felt his Quirk buzz beneath his skin as he dared to release his hold on it slightly in precaution. They were all on high alert while he was in the belly of the potential enemy.

"Death to the League! Down with Overhaul!" A figure screamed as they seemingly peeled away from the wall, apparently possessing a camouflage Quirk. Razor sharp claws gleamed as they leapt at Deku, aiming for his head.

Deku pivoted toward the figure, his Quirk screaming through his veins despite the mental dampener he had in place. Dark Aura exploded from his open hand as he made a chopping motion and the misty substance slammed into the screaming figure diagonally before they could reach him.

Instantly the would-be attacker was thrown back against the wall, letting out a grunt before slumping to the floor, unconscious with a large gash like abrasion marring their clothing and part of their face. They probably sported a nice concussion but the physical injury was thankfully minor—they would live.

"Who-?" He was suddenly hit by a wave of nausea that felt like a sledgehammer. He hit the pavement, one knee down while he fought to keep upright as his equilibrium was sent to another zip code. The world was spinning like he was on a merry-go-round set on warp speed, light distorting as his view spun and teetered.

"To think the League would fall into our lap. Been infiltrating here for nearly a year and now we have the chance to take out two rivals! The Eternal Godfather is going to be pleased."

He fought the urge to throw up what little breakfast he had eaten as he shrugged to get to his feet but staggered. There was another party involved? A rival group really did catch wind of their pending alliance? "Who-?"

"Stubborn aren't we?" The man opened his mouth and instantly Deku was hit with a harder wave of nausea, feeling as if the ground was pulled out from under him like a rug as he squeezed his eyes shut for a moment.

Vertigo. It must be a sound related Quirk that attacked the brain through the ear canals, causing the sensation. He had to shut the man up, knock him out somehow.

"If I take you out right here the League will turn on Overhaul. They'll think the Eight Precepts killed you and it'll be blood in the water. Blood with sharks all around." The man smiled widely as he reached into his jacket. "Either way, small fry Leaguer or what, it's still a blow to you guys, two birds with one stone. 'Sides, you're big only in name, we're bigger. We're eternal."

Stall him. Figure out something!

"What group?" Deku managed as he felt bile climbing up the back of his throat, it burning and his eyes watering. Dark Aura was starting to slip out, crawling up his arms almost as if to protect him while he tried to push his enhanced strength to his legs as his focus slipped. "Didn't think anyone had the guts to pick a fight."

"Guess you could know who's sending you to the next life." The man pulled out a gun and pointed it at Deku, smiling proudly. His heart slammed into his ribcage, his veins feeling icy hot as his Quirk rushed through his body while numbness took over his mind. Dark Aura started to spurt out in agitation, tendrils branching off but dying, hampered by the vertigo. "The Mafia sends its regards. Hail the Phoenix Brigade."

Move, move, mo-

He leapt to the side to dodge, clutching a fist to gather Dark Aura but hit the ground shoulder first as another wave of dizziness swept over him. Bile escaped into his mouth and he gagged, coughing as he was sprawled on his side. Despite channeling the extra power to his legs he'd crookedly jumped sideways like a drunk frog, not going far.

Suddenly there was an intensity of scorching heat and an unnatural roar as a loud bang was heard followed immediately by another along with a simultaneous bloodcurdling scream. Deku instantly froze, cold and numb to any pain as his vision still swam, unsure if the scream was his. A startled breath escaped him and he rolled over out morbid curiosity, wondering what his last moments would allow him to see as all other thoughts were distant.

"Sorry, kid. I had to chance the leak." Clone-Dabi gave a slight smile as he started to dissolve, hand over his chest where a large hole was steadily forming as he stood a few feet away. "It was you or him."

"D-Dabi?" He croaked, a fog still over him from shock and the lingering vertigo. The scarred man seemed to smile grimly as he grew shorter, his features distorting as if he were melting.

"Shit luck, real me gets motion sickness so that got me good. Almost didn't make it. Looks like you're on your own now."

"Dabi?" Deku called again, vision clearing in time to see the clone collapse into a pile of goop, reduced to what it'd once been. He struggled to get up as the last of the dizziness was fading, eyes on the sludge that had been his partner and bodyguard. He sucked in a breath to clear his head when he was hit with a musky, sweet aroma mixed with coppery metallic aspect. Reeling from the strange odor he turned and froze as realization slapped him as the last of the vertigo faded.

On the ground was a black heap that was smoldering, a lump of melted metal nearby—the remnants of what had once been a gun.

Deku barely had time to register the scene as what food remained in his stomach was purged from his system. He pivoted away from the charred body, the remains of the apparent Mafia member, as he gagged. He braced himself against the wall with one hand as he doubled over, heaving as his breakfast spilled out, tears stinging his eyes as his body was wracked with convulsions. Coughs escaped him as the tears welled up, the violent force of his hurling summoning them as well as the sight and smell of the gruesome aftermath he was left with.

It was you or him.

The clone's words echoed in his head as he retched again, his throat burning from the bile. Soon he was dry heaving as there was nothing left, the smell of his stomach contents mixing with the recent smell of death in a worse oder. His ribs screamed in agony from the repeated heaving while a gasp escaped him, his mouth feeling like the inside of a garbage disposal.

"It's not your fault. It's not your fault." He shook as anxiety took hold, his back to the corpse. "You didn't do it. I... I didn't kill him." The words were raspy as his mouth went dry, his heartbeat drowning out other sounds it roared in his ears. "He was a bad guy. He was going to kill me. It wasn't me."

It was as if the floor dropped out from under him while he broke out into a cold sweat. His breathing became erratic, gasping for air as he fought to calm himself and breathe through his nose. Suddenly he was no longer in the underground base and was on the street, staring at his gloved hands as a scream rose in his throat while his vision darkened.

It was always his fault. For just existing.

If he wasn't there it wouldn't have happened.

None of it.

A sharp pain bloomed across his back and the vision was gone as he found himself slammed against the wall, a startled breath escaping him. Multiple sharp points dug into his neck as he was pinned a moment later, feeling blood starting to well up.

"The Phoenix Brigade is eternal!" A familiar voice screamed into his ear, apparently foaming at the mouth as spittle flew past him. "We shall rise from the ashes! The West shall take the East!"

Deku grunted as the claws tightened and he felt a bead of blood roll down his neck as his head swam from the brutal jolt. He should have double checked the other opponent, he knew better after years of practice. His foe's grip was relentless as he felt the other clawed hand grip his arm, pinning it against his bleeding back.

He had to get away. He was going to die alone in an oversized cement coffin if he didn't fight back.

Why should I get to live? I'm not innocent, how am I better than these criminals?

His body slacked under the grip as his heart raced despite his resignation and pain burning across his back from the claw marks. His luck had run out—after all he'd stolen it from others. Why should he fight back? Why couldn't today be the end?

I deserve it.

"Pitiful League! This is why we'll take your place and reign superior in your stead. We just need the source of the bullets and everything will be as the Boss wills it! Too bad you won't live to see it. This is for Verti, peon!"

Deku was caught in a daze at the taunting, his thoughts barely switching from his melancholy. The source?

It took a second for cognizance to set in, elbowing the self-loathing out of the way.

Eri.

Dark Aura exploded up his arms, causing the Mafia member squawk out of surprise and let go as lacerations abruptly covered their clawed hands. In a flurry he pivoted and smashed his fist into their jaw, delivering a ruthless uppercut that would have made an All Might fan scream in envy.

His assailant sailed through the air like a pop fly before slamming into the ground with an audible grunt. Stillness followed, brought on by the state of unconscious he had once again rendered them into.

Deku pressed a hand to his neck and pulled it away to see smeared blood but nothing terrible. His back stung the worst but he didn't have a means of checking it. However more pressing matters were on his mind.

The League and the Precepts were the joint target of the assault from a third party, the apparent Mafia. The mysterious Phoenix Brigade that reportedly heralded from the West. Could it be the same one from all those years ago that had apparently tucked tail and run when Sensei had been taken? The group Tomura had met just before that fateful day?

This whole thing was a territory dispute as well as a huge custody battle for a little girl to be used as a tool?"You're all sick." He breathed through gasps, shaking as adrenaline coursed through his body along with his Quirk as he felt his weariness drain away. "Mafia or Yakuza, no one should have little kids as their linchpin. Kids should be kids, not locked underground like a lab rat."

Deku had to get out and regroup with Twice, the only one guaranteed to be on his side. However first was the issue of getting back above as he was already how many levels deep before the chaos broke out. It was most likely a war overhead and he was deep within a bunker filled with vipers in disguise amongst other vipers.

"Everything above is a distraction." He strained to listen to distant sounds but only heard indistinguishable low reverberations. "They're trying to take out Overhaul and snatch Eri-chan. She could be anywhere in here."

As he tried to come up with a plan he took off his tie and bound the unconscious grunt's wrists behind their back to prevent another incident. "Only real good use for these things," he muttered as he cinched the knot tight, sure Kurogiri would forgive him for essentially throwing away a nice tie. In turn he pulled the bandage like headband off the grunt and used some as wrappings around his neck to stem the bleeding; his back stung but didn't seem to be gushing.

"All right, this isn't your first solo mission. This is just like the others, just with more opponents at once." He exhaled as he stood up, looking the way he had been heading, pointedly avoiding the charred remains. He focused on the metallic smell of his own blood rather than the unique stench as he brushed a gloved hand across his mouth to wipe away any remains of bile. "You can do this."

Amalgam Emanation was at his call as he reached down, letting it fill his Quirk nerves once more though he kept the outflow of Dark Aura sealed. The power spread to his legs as he brace himself in an unmistakable starting position, knowing he'd have to move fast to by past potential opponents as well as more debris.

I have to do this.

He pushed off and was gone, charging through the halls like a madman, dodging around various rubble and even putting some of his parkour training into practice. His breath burned his lungs while the rushing air tore at his raw back, the movement causing the claw wounds to bleed once more. The pain was barely anything and he pushed through it, set on his goal.

If the enemy had Eri he just had to intercept them. Otherwise he needed to reunite with Overhaul and inform him, securing trust further and ensuring Eri was protected. This crisis was the perfect time to strike but also the best means to prove their apparent coalition and camaraderie.

A trial by fire could clench Overhaul's trust and interest in him. It would buy the League more time to swallow up the Yakuza group instead or destroy it all together. But first he had to locate the key parties.

As he raced around, checking down corridors he sensed he was going in circles. Had the structure changed or was it the work of someone's Quirk? He slid to a stop to think, panting slightly as despite his boosted endurance he was growing dehydrated and was uncertain of how much blood he'd lost.

"Maybe I have a concussion." He wondered, not chancing to release his Quirk which held possible obvious symptoms at bay. Between natural high pain tolerance, adrenaline and enhanced endurance it was hard to tell along with sheer stubbornness to keep upright. As he caught his breath, he paused to see if a headache or nausea was picking at him.

Then again, confusion and disorientation were symptoms. Maybe that's why he felt like he was going in circles.

"Damn place is like a maze. We need another way out."

"I don't have any C4 on me, I'm not the explosions expert. You want to chance blowing ourselves up? Let alone the asset?"

"I'm more scared of what Overhaul will do if he gets his hands on our remains."

Voices drifted down the hall faintly, not drowned out by the sound of his footsteps. With no other leads Deku cautiously followed the sounds of bickering, turning down another hall before stopping.

"Lost?" He inquired, causing the three figures before him to whirl in his direction. Each sported a mask of some kind; either they were an obscure part of Overhaul's gang or infiltrators trying to remain anonymous. A den of vipers indeed. His interest shifted as he realized one of the figures was holding onto something next to them.

Eri stood looking at him with wide red eyes, her mouth pinched shut as she seemed unnaturally still and quiet. The tallest of the trio, wearing a mask covering the top part of their face like a deformed skull lacking the jaw, held her wrist in a grip that seemed far too tight as her arm was forced upwards in a taunt position. Her gaze went to the ground as she seemed to bite her lip. Her dress appeared more ripped than before though there were no apparent injures—who knew what lay beneath her bandages.

"I thought Chronostasis-san had her. You find her first or take her off his hands?" Deku's tone was controlled, attempting to look causal despite his concern. They hadn't attacked yet; there was a chance they were Overhaul's men or else the Brigade members were not clear on all their members. He would have the advantage if he kept them off guard.

"Haven't seen jack of him. Who are you?"

"Don't recognize me?" He cocked his head, flashing his practiced devil-may-care smile with his aloof persona. Years of smothering his feelings and living with Dabi gave him more then enough experience to sell the snark and apathy. "That says something about your rank, I think."

"Is he one of ours?" The shortest one inquired, sporting a bandana with an animal's toothy maw print over the lower half of his face.

"Like I know. I mean, kid looks like shit." The second tallest snapped, the voice sounding feminine from beneath a full face mask styled like a mannequin's face except for the open mouth that sported vampire like fangs.

"It's aesthetic." He shrugged, not shifting his cool gaze as they regarded his messy bandages and slightly bloodied shirt. "But I've got more to worry about than appearances. Sorta hard to tell what theme you three are working."

The tallest one's grip seemed to tighten on Eri as the girl winced but did not utter a sound, as if prey hoping the predator would end things swiftly or go away. "Mouthy, aren't you? Thinks he's big man on campus while there's a war going on."

Don't provoke them.

He had to be careful though the urge to sass was deep. It was three against one and they had a hostage. Confusion and mystery were on his side, plus they were underestimating him. For now he had to confirm if they were with Overhaul or the Brigade, though he had a hunch. He just had to get Eri before they realized they'd been duped.

It was all about educated guesses and using what little he did know to extract more info and pull the wool over their eyes.

"Hardly, just affirming allies since I'm sure the Boss won't appreciate us taking each other out, reducing manpower," Deku assured with a wave of his hand, looking indifferent through his skin prickled as he watched Eri withdraw even more as if wishing she were invisible. "The mission comes first. Though as I said before, you three look lost."

"You know the way out?" Mannequin Mask asked, skepticism in her tone.

"I came from above. Besides, what happened to the exit plan? Especially if you three are apparently the extraction team. Not that I was in the loop."

"We just managed to find the girl first. Got the jump on some of Overhaul's idiots as they were moving her. I hate to be them when he finds out." Toothy Mask confessed, earning a slap across the back of the head from his female comrade.

"Then lead the way, kid." Skull Mask instructed, his arms flexing as he postured. Beside him Eri winced slightly as her arm was yanked with the movement and Deku nearly grounded his teeth; he spread out his hands to relent, his eyes hooded as he gave a fake smile.

"Fine, but first you need to let her go."

"Listen to this brat! And why should I?"

"She doesn't like that. And neither do I." His tone grew cold, an edge entering it and the two shorter members seemed surprised. "Besides, I don't think manhandling the asset would be appreciated nor part of the plan. Damage goods are not acceptable."

"We found her first. No way we're handing her over to you! Brat trying to steal our thunder with the Eternal Godfather."

"Eri-chan, do you want to go with them?" Deku directed the unexpected question in a calm tone that sliced through the tense air. She froze at being addressed but slowly looked up, clearly confused. "It's okay, it's your choice. Yes or no?"

She looked unsure what to do, as if given an option for the first time. Eri glanced from the masked trio to the slightly bloodied Deku who offered a small smile despite his collected persona. Fear reflected in her eyes as she looked down and shook her head, seemingly suppressing a shudder.

"See? So how about letting her go? She's not going to run. No need to be rough with her. Besides, we're on the same side, right? Why not pool our resources? I show you the way and you three are the muscle."

"And I should listen to you because…?!"

"What, afraid four people aren't enough to handle a little girl, including yourself? Gotta keep a vice grip and chance breaking her arm? Did you even try talking to her first?"

"You trying to start something?!"

"No, I thought this was for the Eternal Godfather, not our own glory."

The large man let out a growl that was almost animalistic before releasing his grip. Instantly Eri pulled her freed arm close to her body, eyeing the trio with wide eyes as if afraid they might grab her again.

"This doesn't mean you're in charge." Skull Mask growled as he stood between Eri and Deku.

"Then don't think of me as a leader, I'm just the guide." Deku's tone was even as he fought the urge to roll his eyes at the man's clear issues about control. He looked at Eri and gave small nod. The girl glanced once more at the masked figures before slowly making her way over to him, uncertain.

As she drew closer Deku squatted down, causing her to flinch but she approached shyly if not dutifully. "Are you alright, Eri-chan?" He softened his gaze at her downcast eyes as she mutely nodded. "Dangerous things are going on right now and you have to stay safe. Some not so nice people are fighting. I came here to make sure you're okay, though I don't think Overhaul will be too happy."

Eri gave another mute nod, clearly resigning herself to the will of others. She looked so broken, the fear nearly invisible, that Deku felt a spike of anger that he quickly turned into determination as he sensed his Quirk nerves tingle in aggravation. Why would a child have to hide their fear to the point of being doll like? What horrors had she endured to make her so docile—so defeated?

"It's okay. I'm here to protect you," he spoke in a near silent whisper, causing her to look up at him. She stared as he smiled gently, relaxing his persona a tiny bit, pushing all self-loathing away to turn all focus on the small child instead. "I know it's a lot to ask for trust so just believe in me. I won't let anything hurt you." His gaze went to her bandaged arms before her face as her gaze met his. "Not anymore."

Eri looked unsure but slowly nodded, her soft tiny young voice seemingly loud in the silence that filled the large room, "O-okay, Deku-san."

"Cut the sweet talk and get going." Skull Mask snarled, causing Eri to flinch and step closer to her proclaimed protector.

"Wait a minute, Deku...?" Toothy Mask pondered, eyebrows knitting together. "That sounds familiar..."

"That's because he was with Overhaul, the others were talking about it!" Mannequin Mask declared as realization dawned. Deku instantly tensed, heart thundering as he tried to calmly coax Eri behind him while the trio seemed to be processing. From behind he heard a small gasp and mentally kicked himself, momentarily forgetting about the clawmark wounds on his back.

"Wait, we had a plant in the League?" "No, you idiot! He's the enemy!" Mannequin Mask slapped the shorter Toothy on the back of the head as she whirled toward Deku. "He's from the League! Little twerp is trying to steal our prize out from under us!"

"Trying to play us for fools?!" Skull Mask roared, suddenly developing claw like hands. "We'll show you what it means to cross the Phoenix Brigade! You play with flames, you're going to get burned!"

"Eri-chan, stay behind me." Deku instructed calmly as he stood up, planting himself between the frightened child and the three Brigadiers. He was the last line of defense to keep Eri out of unknown enemy hands; he couldn't risk chancing their treatment of her given what he'd witnessed so far.

You have no idea what their Quirks are. Either knock them out fast so they can't chase after us or try running with Eri and chance that I can outpace them.

"No one screws with the Phoenix Brigade!" Toothy Mask screamed, eyes unexpectedly glowing as if a switch had been flipped. Suddenly his mask was set aflame and fell from his mouth as a stream of molten lava spewed forth like dragon's breath. The lava spilled onto the floor, causing steam to form as the ground was melted away.

Deku tensed at the sudden heat as the stream of lava was shot towards him, the sound of sizzling filling the air. He leapt backwards, holding a hand out to nudge Eri further back to keep out of the range of the lava. Of all the elemental emitter type Quirks to run into this one was far trickier than training against Dabi's hot blue flames.

"You moron, you trying to toast the girl as well?!" Mannequin Mask screamed, cuffing him on the back of the head once more, making him choke on the lava presently spewing from his mouth. That seemed to knock some sense into him as the lava flow abruptly stopped though a good portion of the ground was covered, parts giving way to leaving a gaping hole.

"Keep behind me, okay?" Deku didn't need to look to know Eri nodded, her eyes shifting from his bloodied back to the lava. His fists tightened as he loosened his mental hold on Amalgam Emanation and the combo of the three Quirks inside him rushed through his body. Dark Aura was smothered as he held down the physical manifestation, not ready to betray that element of surprise just yet; the mental block he had in place caused the black element to stall as he tried to assure himself.

She'll be safe. I just have to direct my attacks forward.

Deku dodged to the side as Skull Mask swiped at him with wicked looking claws. He twisted around and delivered a precise punch to his opponent's head, holding enough of his strength back to not cause permanent damage but still knock a sizable opponent down. The mask exploded on contact, revealing fluffy orange hair and cat like pupils while the man's expression was dazed. He took advantage of the hesitation and put his opponent into a headlock before swiftly kneeing him in the stomach, knocking the wind out from him.

Skull Mask let out a gasp as he fell to his knees, barely catching himself. Before he had time to regain his bearings Deku brought his leg down in an axe kick, catching the man behind the neck and knocking him face first into the ground. The Brigadier instantly went limp, surely suffering a broken nose and concussion as he took an obligatory nap on the pavement.

"Wow, honestly I'm disappointed. All that talk and that's it?" He gave a smug look, taunting the others while hoping it was enough to intimidate them. "Can't say I'm impressed with the Mafia's pick of goons."

"Tora!" Toothy Mask shouted as Deku stood next to the fallen powerhouse, glaring the remaining two down. Eri watched in silence, eyes wide as Deku stood with his back to her, seemingly unstoppable with no signs of fatigue despite the wounds he carried.

"Molten! Take him out!" Mannequin Mask shouted as she grabbed a knife strapped to her leg. Her partner immediately obliged, spewing a fresh torrent of lava while she lunged forward. The lava shot toward Deku who leapt out of the way, trying to keep between Eri and his opponents without putting her in the line of fire.

"Eri, stay out of reach and at my back. No matter what!"

"Trying to be a hero? How sweet!" Mannequin Mask taunted as Molten kept up the stream of lava. She twirled the dangerous looking knife as she hung back, seemingly gauging the green haired teenager.

Deku planted himself in front of Eri and promptly slammed his right fist into the ground followed by his left, causing an explosion of concrete to fly upward from the superhuman impact, crafting a hole that the lava began pouring into.

Suddenly pain exploded in his left arm as he brought it up for another punch. His eyes went to his shoulder where the knife was embedded though thankfully not up to the hilt. Deku grounded his teeth as he bit back a cry as his arm screamed in agony, blood dripping down his arm.

Could she teleport the weapon? Or was it merely a lucky shot? Or-

"Bullseye." There was a smile in Mannequin Mask's voice as she snapped her fingers with success. "Having second thoughts with some pain bringing you clarity?"

"Nice one, Artemis!"

Of course her codename was the Greek goddess of the hunt. Her Quirk was clearly related to aim—hardly original.

"It feels a bit early for that." Deku smiled through the pain as he focused on the task at hand. Eri had to be kept out of the Mafia's clutches, especially if they were secret foes of the League. His right fist curled as he resisted the urge to pull the knife out—something that would worsen the wound and hasten the blood flow. "We've only just started. Unless you're considering giving up, I'd understand. Just pretend you never saw us."

"Cocky aren't we? There's more where that came from." Artemis proceeded to open her jacket, revealing various knifes that looked well suited for throwing.

"You're free to try." Deku flashed a devious grin as he worked on a plan to take out the duo. Trapping them on one side would buy some time. However the range of both Quirks were fairly long and their limit was unknown. He'd have to grab Eri and dash back the way he came before they had time to realize what was going on.

"I've been thinking I need a new pin cushion. Molten! Get the girl!"

Piss them off so they get sloppy. Anger clouds judgement and makes fighting messy, especially for those untrained. Wrap it up.

Deku ducked down and grabbed a piece of concrete that fit in his right hand perfectly. Curving back his arm he readied himself and let the rock fly with the speed a professional baseball player envied. It was a blur as it sailed across the room before smashing dead center into Artemis' mask; the mask cracked and exploded as the criminal let out a cry and stumbled back, grasping at her face while her mask fell to the ground in pieces.

"You brat! You're dead!" Artemis screamed as blood dribbled down her face from the point of impact.

"Oops, not hard enough. Didn't want to fracture your skull and send you into a coma." Deku grabbed more rocks, eyes narrowing dangerously as his dropped his playful tone, "Though that might be my only option."

Artemis let out a scream of fury and grabbed at two knives while her partner charged.

Ignoring the pain in his left arm as Molten charged his injured side, Deku channeled his Quirk through his left arm, feeling it burn around his knife wound. Dark Aura manifested around his arm, tickling his bare skin as he held back on the intensity. He planted his feet and swung, unleashing a dark energy whip that caught Molten by surprise.

The elemental user's eyes glowed more intensely as lava began to spew forth once more, trying to intercept the purple-black substance. Taking advantage of the distraction Deku lifted his right fist, still clutching the concrete bits. He slammed his fist into the ground before him, relaxing his hold on his strength as he clenched his teeth.

The ground exploded in a shockwave, the rapidly crumbling ground becoming a fissure that raced toward Molten. His eyes widened and he tried to fuse the ground together with his Quirk but Dark Aura caught him in the side, sending him crashing into the wall. As he struggled to his feet the ground crumbled, his eyes widening as he grasped at the ledge but to no avail.

"Molten!" Artemis yelled as her companion disappeared below with the eroding flooring.

"Looks like it's one on one. Last chance to give up." Deku gave a shrug despite his heart racing and arm throbbing. "Take too long and Overhaul might catch you himself."

"I'll cut out your tongue!" Artemis screamed, throwing one knife and then another swiftly, digging into her jacket for more. Deku hurled the pieces of concrete in her direction, clattering against the knives midair and causing them to fall harmlessly. She had more blades in hand, eyes blazing as she gritted her teeth, blood still running down her face, making her look like a crazed warrior.

"Let me guess, your Quirk enhances your aim. But it lacks a homing aspect so your target has to be within a certain parameter from when you designated it. Enough of a margin and it's a complete miss or off the original mark but still a hit. Limited by line of sight?"

"Yours must be being damn obnoxious!"

"Partly." Deku smiled as his opponent grew more enraged. He titled his chin up defiantly, gazing at her with uninterested eyes. "What's your excuse?"

Artemis looked like a vein would pop as she pulled her arms back, eyes locked on him.

Good.

Deku let out an exhale as he channeled strength to his legs, feeling them tighten like a rubber band. He bent his knees and pushed off, dodging to the side, using his right hand to perform a one handed handspring reenforced with his combined Quirk. He launched himself to the wall where his feet made contact.

Artemis threw her multiple knives at him in rapid succession. "I'll skewer you like a frog!"

"Don't think so." He calmly informed as he pushed off the wall, flipping though the air in a move Toga would be proud of. As he arched above he released Dark Aura and was slightly shrouded in it, the near black substance covering him like thin armor over his chest and arms. With a swing of his good arm he sent out a tendril whip and knocked the flying knives away.

Artemis took a step back, drawing more knives before he slammed into her. The impacted sent her flying across the room, slamming into the opposite wall with a thud. A gargled sound escaped her as the rest of her knives scattered across the ground, most falling into the still hot magma.

He landed in a crouch, feeling Amalgam Emanation coursing through his veins in a flurry, clawing at him to let out more. He curled his fists, forming a mental lock once again as he tucked Dark Aura behind the mental bolted door he had created. He stood tall, red eyes narrowing dangerously as his last foe seemed ready to pass out. "I'm Deku. No one screws with kids on my watch."

"Shit, the League is no joke... even their brat is a hard hitter." Artemis muttered as she leaned against the wall, concussed. Another moment later she passed out, going limp among the debris.

Deku watched for a few moments, muscles still tight and teeming with enhancement as he made sure his foe was out cold. After he saw no twitching he exhaled and turned his attention on his throbbing left arm. He crouched down, tucking his arm away from Eri's view. With his right hand he grabbed the hilt and exhaled, trying to calm himself and relax his muscles. A wave of pain and nausea came over him but he inhaled through his nose.

It's now or never.

Letting out an exhale he pulled as straight as he could. A flash of light appeared before his eyes and he bit back a grunt of pain as he felt the blade slide out. Air hissed between his teeth as the tip of the blade emerged, his arm no longer skewed.

"At least that's over." He panted, dropping the blooded knife, letting it clatter to the ground. He reached up and pulled at the loose bandages around his neck and began winding them around his arm to stem some of the flow. Once he had it as tight as he could make it he pressed his right hand against the wound to apply pressure.

He wiped his brow against his forearm, rubbing off grime and sweat as his thoughts jumped back to the mission. He turned to look at his small charge in the distance, "Eri-chan, are you-"

"That... HURT!" A thundering roar deafened the room as Deku whirled back around toward where his first opponent lay behind him. Tora was getting to his feet, orange eyes blazing while his face was bloodied, his nose indeed broken. "Think you've won, punk?!"

Of course it had been too easy.

Round two was just beginning.