Chapter 26: Coming Together

There was utter silence. Not that there weren't sounds—they were simply faint, not even the roar of raging flames enough to dent the dome of quiet. The world simply seemed to stop or rather crawl by so time indeed seemed frozen.

Exhaustion would have excused any delusions, even a possible hallucinogenic Quirk. But nothing could replicate the pure power and malice that shook the area, causing those of a weaker constitution to freeze from the supernatural pressure. A power that was unmistakable though few had felt it and lived to tell about it.

Tomura looked on, wide-eyed, bedraggled from his skirmish that had lasted for over a day. It had taken years to hunt down the main forces that were planning to crush the League, to steal their foothold. The ensuing conflict seemed almost a lost cause as the League was overwhelmed by the coalition that thousands were a part of; those who threw themselves at the handful of League members. He had lost all but one of his collection of hands as "Father" still clung to his face ever dutifully, driving him to push himself as disgust bubbled up inside. Yet all of that was stripped away as disbelief drowned out the determination to snuff out the enemy. He had been unable to move as he watched what occurred in a few minutes, time distorted.

All around were various bodies of the League's enemies, some the handiwork of Tomura while others simply had fallen over like dominos at the powerful presence.

"S-Sensei?"

The man he had not seen in years, who had saved him from the streets when no one else spared him a thought, who had given him a home, a purpose, a name, stood before him. Not the mutilated figure he had last seen when he was sixteen, eight years ago, but the man from his childhood: powerful, imposing and with distinguishable features. The telltale of familiarity was the clear smile on the man's face without hearing his rumbling voice that one felt in their bones.

The Emperor of Villains, All For One, was free and completely healed. He had made short work of the enemy while Tomura had toiled as well as the others who had gotten separated. Further away some of the man's reinforcements were still on the loose, the most obvious being the ginormous rocky looking man whom Tomura could only deduce as Gigantomacha whom he had heard stories about.

Sensei was dusting off his hands, an orange haired man wearing a pinstriped suit at his feet. "To think this is all the Meta Liberation Army could muster even after joining forces with the elusive Phoenix Brigade. I endured ideals from Destro's time, allowing competition to brew behind Heroes' doors and under their noses, and this is all his spawn has to offer? I should have taken my time with the Brigade's brat and let Tomura finish you off. I'll be sending their leader my personal regards soon enough."

The united forces that made the Eternal Liberation Brigade had been crushed in a day by the returning Symbol of Evil. It was victory for the League.

"I suppose I needed the exercise. Besides, there are so many Quirks. I could only endure observing so long, I'm rather hands on after all." He turned to look behind him, grinning. "Look at the cornucopia before us! The potential for so many combinations! The possibilities!"

Tomura's brain was still catching up when he noticed Sensei was not alone. Slowly drawing closer with the sound of rubble being crunched was a shorter figure. The figure's head came up and it took a moment to click as fatigue attempted to rob him of realization. The two locked gazes for a moment, red eyes meeting red as what felt like a train slammed into Tomura's chest with undeniable familiarity.

"Why is he here?" The question was out before Tomura realized it. Not a greeting to his savior, to the founder of the League, nor a question about his restored appearance but about the one who seemed out of place. "The conditions…"

"So you were aware of that." Sensei's attention wasn't on Tomura but the young man next to him. He placed his hand on the other's head, slightly tousling the unnaturally black hair before settling it on the other's shoulder. "New arrangements have been made. It's simply a matter of overdue catching up."

It didn't make sense. Why was he back? Not when he was happy at the café for the past year and the deal between the two had been settled hence leaving the League behind three years ago. Why new arrangements?

Deku, Izuku, remained silent, his gaze slipping from Tomura. His eyes held something that was familiar, a distant look to them much like the day he had come back from Naruhata forever changed by some incident Tomura could never get the exact details of. His expression was solemn, like one attending a funeral though it was disguised by a mask of politeness—one Tomura knew. His attire was similar to what he used to wear such as the black tie and gloves, but he wore a crimson red shirt, forgoing his iconic white.

It wasn't the Deku he knew. It was Izuku simply dressed for the part. Yet why the black hair?

Tomura's attention went from Izuku's masked expression to the hand on his shoulder to Sensei's smiling face. "Sensei, I don't… how…? What do you mean?" He took a shaky step forward, his limbs tired but he willed himself despite feeling like the ground was about to give out from under him.

"A bonding experience between blood. A family matter." Sensei's hand tightened slightly on Izuku's shoulder before turning into a pat. "It gets complicated once you get clones involved but for simplicity's sake: I'd like to formally introduce you to my grandson. From now on you may address him as Akatani, no sense discarding the family name I gave the other one; at least this one is worthy of it."

Tomura's mind went blank, a white noise filling his head.

"Unlike his predecessor he is full of potential despite heavily taking after his mother's side, such as looks and even her family name, which, in spite of its faults, yielded something promising. Knowing now there is a resemblance, don't you think? A near spitting image of his 'father' like this."

Thoughts clawed at the white noise and Tomura sputtered, "B-but he's Quirkless! You gave him his Quirks!" How could Sensei have someone who was Quirkless in his family? Why hadn't he told Tomura sooner? Why now? Had Deku, Izuku, always known? Had it all been a trick from the beginning with the puppy dog act? A massive con to make him let down his guard?

A laugh rose in Sensei's throat though Tomura's skin prickled. "That's what we all thought. Turns out he takes after my little brother and had one all along." His fingers seem to curl into Izuku's shoulder, drumming lightly like a dragon would prey caught in its talons and deciding to play. "It's called Amalgamation. A mutation of my own Quirk but it cannot give nor take. Because of its relation I could not sense it using Detect until it had other Quirks added to it." A wide grin formed, a glint in Sensei's resorted gray eyes. "Like All For One it can hold various Quirks but combine them into a single new Quirk rather than separate use through stockpiling. All it takes it a simple extraction and new ones can be given to amalgamate and so on."

How did he know that? Deku had only ever three Quirks, told him he had three. He had witnessed three.

Sensei offered an answer with a shameless shrug. "I couldn't help myself and tried a few minor combinations in the past while he slept, but no harm done and none the wiser until now. And like my brother's own Quirk, it cannot be taken and, seemingly, it cannot be given. A true marvel."

Izuku's hands tensed ever so slightly but hung by his sides, continuing to stand dutifully by the man who proclaimed them blood.

Something bubbled hot in Tomura's gut and his eyes burned. He pulled "Father" away from his face, gripping the hand as he faced the man he thought knew. "Why not tell me sooner? Was this a test? Sensei? You couldn't trust me with knowledge of your flesh and blood?" Did he think he would kill out of jealousy? To risk wrath rather than foster a sense of protectiveness as comrades? As… brothers?

"No need to be dramatic, Tomura." Sensei's voice was bored and full of disapproval. "No one knew except for myself and my colleague the Doctor after I had a DNA test done shortly after my acquisition. It was a matter of safety and not ruining our relationship like with my brother and even my degenerate clone who couldn't replicate my Quirk. It hardly had an impact on your two's coexistence, didn't it? The Doctor said it was scientifically enlightening through non-interfering observance. They do say third time's the charm."

Third?

Not fourth?

Tomura's mind raced, combing through memories like a powerpoint on hyper-speed. The times the two were alone, the so called business matters, the one on one Sensei spent with the younger boy, the observations he took in training. Had there been little signs, things that had been done for the other while he never had been a recipient of such treatment? The hints of favoritism rather than an excuse of different parenting or personalities needing a tailored approach?

Was he… just a substitute?

"Am I not worthy? I've been leading the League in your absence!" He demanded, desperation in his voice that twisted into something pointed. The League had been enduring, kept together for years without Sensei—All For One. Even with Deku gone as the strategist they kept their foothold, even added to their ranks. "I have become my own leader!"

The League was his own. Hadn't everyone gathered after Sensei had been imprisoned? Stuck together under his leadership even when Deku left? He was the successor, the one who came before and stayed.

"Indeed. You even lead the charge against foes that have been plaguing us before my little… extended sabbatical. Yet it was merely a loan in position, was it not? Got a bit cozy keeping the throne warm, so to speak? Am I not your benevolent benefactor? I'm here to take back what is mine. I'm your Sensei and everything is as it should be."

"No way." Toga's voice came from behind Tomura, some distance away. He didn't spare a look but the euphoria was evident in her voice. "Is that Skull Mask-chan? Oh I'm getting chills, it is, isn't it?" Evidently she had survived her encounter with the enemy forces. There was a gasp and the sound of approaching footsteps. "Dekkun? You've come back! Ah, that black hair~"

"Wow, survived hell to see this." Dabi's dry voice was approaching, lax as ever and not betraying whatever thoughts lurled behind those cold eyes. "Must be my lucky day."

"Ah, Tomura's comrades." Sensei stated it as if taking inventory. His gaze shifted to Izuku, leaning down as both hands clasped his shoulders, standing behind the young man. "You're being rather quiet. What do you say to subordinates?"

"Subordinates?" The word left a bitter taste in Tomura's mouth, much like when Re-Destro had tried to crush the League under his heel, the Brigade's own brat leader being obnoxious with his own streak of sadism. The League's various branches and underlings surely were faceless subordinates but these he lived with, those closest to him, weren't quite that. They were his support party like any sensible main character, building a strong team around themselves to magnify efficiency and ensure success to clear the game.

"This is a new chapter for all of us. Family is what matters and with it my business." Sensei sounded as if he were giving a business briefing, stating irrefutable facts like one knows the sky is blue. "Izuku is my heir and it's time he took rightful responsibilities as such. He's had enough time to experience the frivolity of 'normality.'"

His heir.

Tomura felt a blow to his gut, mouth suddenly dry. His gaze snapped to the one he had dared trust, spent years with, the sensation of needles pricking his skin rapidly. Raspy breathes escaped him as the rest of the world dropped away, thoughts distant as he absently gripped "Father" tighter.

Izuku's gaze shifted from the ground, his mouth a firm line. His eyes found Tomura's and though they were too far away the latter could imagine them looking glassy. A wave of emotion broke the surface of Izuku's face and he mouthed something with an expression of utter defeat and regret. Even without hearing the words the younger of the two's voice was clear, as if spoken next to Tomura's ear.

"I'm sorry."

Something snapped inside Tomura and the memories that had been buried came bubbling up, the fractured pieces suddenly coming together. Instances of a black haired, red eyed boy—himself—crying into his mom's arms, his father yelling, the hitting, the fear, the hope he had, the dream he held. How his father had attempted to snuff the dream through tyranny and physical force to beat the notion out of his son's head. The memories of feeling confusion, frustration and smidge of hope that if he endured quietly his dream could be realized. How he'd reached a breaking point, his family gone when all he wanted was to stop his abuser, to stop the pain and itch; to be free and have his way. How Tenko had died the day his Quirk emerged and liberated him yet striped him of what loving touch he had known.

With the memories came realization and guttural rage.

"That isn't what he wants." Tomura barely contained the growl in his voice, the itch intensifying. It wasn't what he wanted. This wasn't how it was supposed to go.

"What do children know what's best? A dilemma that still plagues mankind, rebellious children resisting things that are good for them rather than only those not." Sensei, no All For One, dismissed, giving Tomura a look that was meant to be placating. "We all have our roles to play, including you. Now, it's time we took to inspection. Come, Izuku."

He was never going to take over the League. No matter if Deku had no interest and had handed him the reins, it wasn't going to be allowed. All For One was nullifying the understanding the two had—ignoring the younger's wish for a normal life, his dream. Whatever agreement the man had with Deku there were clauses the other wasn't aware of, terms amended, trapping the other party within the agreement through some leverage no doubt. He'd seen it countless times, various people thinking they were gaining a favor, why would it be any different now?

They all were just pawns in the end.

The one in control was and always would be All For One.

"You're a liar!" Tomura shouted and "Father" disintegrated in his hand despite not all fingers touching it. Bile rose in his throat and his eyes burned, his itch making his whole body tingle. He launched himself forward, adrenaline pumping and all thoughts left behind, ignoring the sounds of surprise from Toga and Dabi. "No one's going to stand in my way, not even you!"

All For One's expression darkened and he held out a hand, palm facing Tomura. Tomura dropped, slamming his hands against the ground. The wave of destruction exploded out from his hands, rock and dirt cracking with rapid aging and flying in the air as the energy beelined for the man he had once looked up to. Decay swallowed up the space between as Tomura's eyes were glued on his opponent, his body remembering the day his Quirk manifested.

The white haired man promptly levitated, holding onto Izuku by one arm. With his extended hand a bubble seemed to surround the two as the destruction crashed into it and bounced off, leaving no sign of damage thanks to the force field. Tomura tasted blood in his mouth as he snapped his teeth together, clipping his tongue as he glared, Decay swallowing up everything it touched—including the unconscious Re-Destro.

"I had anticipated some jealousy, even a case of the dog biting the hand that feeds it. But really, Tomura." All For One's voice dripped with disappointment, even boredom. Tomura lifted his hands, continuing his advance, daring to see how well a force field could directly withstand the full caliber of Decay. "I suppose I underestimated the Cain instinct. It's apparently inevitable for anyone raised with others."

The earth sprung up around him and engulfed his arms, halting him. Tomura found himself rooted to the spot as the pillars of earth covered his arms nearly to his wrists. He strained to break free, his hands attempting to touch the rock trapping him but found it out of reach. He tore his hateful gaze from All For One to his hands, willing himself to escape before turning his attention back on the levitating figure—only to find him inches away.

In the scathing heat of anger a cold fear dared to splash him, calling him back to his senses to comprehend the situation.

"You—" All For One's large hand engulfed his face, muffling him. Cold sweat broke out and he felt his heart thundering, whether from adrenaline or fear he wasn't certain.

"You finally unlocked your Quirk's potential. I had thought it would remain dormant longer. However it's like a child having a gun, simply careless."

Don't.

His body seemed to be on fire, his nerves screaming and he couldn't suppress the sound of agony that escaped. As sudden as it started it stopped and in its place was a void of energy. Tomura choked, gasping for air like a fish out of water, the world a sudden haze. Memories swam before his eyes as he tried to grasp the present. The itch that dogged him was ripped away and when he tried to summon the feeling of Decay nothing happened.

No, no, no, no—

"Perhaps a Noumu will fair better. Or maybe you should be paying a visit to the Doctor yourself. Surely we can salvage something." All For One's voice was distant in the fog as Tomura fought to stay awake, staggering between the earth pillars that forced him into a t-pose despite being released from All For One's grip. "An attitude adjustment is in order, that ungratefulness is unacceptable. I do need more practice with Overhaul…"

Tomura felt his knees buckle despite fighting to remain standing, his world spinning. Through the haze and tears he blearily saw the ominous hand reaching for him once more. Suddenly red flooded his vision though he felt no pain.

"Wait! Don't!"

Tomura shifted his gaze and realized he was looking at the back of Izuku who had placed himself between Tomura and All For One. He stood with his arms spread out, nearly mirroring Tomura's own pose.

"Oh? Why is that?" All For One sounded amused not testy, genuinely curious.

No one had ever put themselves between him and harm's way unless it was a Noumu following orders. Not even when his father had abused him, his big sister simply crying and being too afraid of incurring his wrath as well. Not his own mother who had to comfort him behind closed doors, powerless to stop the violence except through useless words. Yet…

Why?

Izuku remained planted between the two, unmoving. "He's harmless without his Quirk, why not leave him? Think of the message it will send others that not only your enemies lose their Quirk but even those publicly known to be in your ranks if they defy you! Letting him go can be an example. Being Quirkless is a hell in itself. I would know."

What was he saying?

"Hm, indeed a worthwhile proposition. Excellent business-like mentality as I thought." There was clear approval in All For One's voice and his hand dropped by his side. "A little pressure and you get a diamond. But I'm not certain I should simply let him go with a slap on the wrist. He bore his fangs at me."

"I… I'll accept any Quirk you give me without complaint." Izuku's fingers curled slightly, his voice catching for a moment before steeling himself. "If that suits you."

Wrong, it's all wrong.

Why was he being so submissive?

Tomura struggled and spat out blood, the taste of iron jogging his senses.

"Perhaps." There was a thoughtful note to All For One's voice. He seemed to be waiting for something, looking expectantly at Izuku. Tomura swore he saw a slight tremor run through Izuku's body.

"Please, Grandfather."

"Very well." All For One waved his hand after a few agonizing seconds and the earth pillars disappeared, releasing Tomura.

Tomura fought to keep upright but fell onto his hand and knees, panting. His brain was screaming, grabbing for what was no longer there like a car battery ripped out from under the hood with dangling cables left behind.

Where. Where.

"We're finished here. I'll have Kurogiri help with inventory." All For One instructed, his voice growing further away as footsteps receded. "Come, Izuku. Others loyal to me and the League may follow. I won't turn away allegiance."

Izuku lingered, back still to Tomura before taking a few steps forward and then stopping. From behind came a rushing set of footsteps.

"Dekkun~ That was intense! I got chills!" Tomura embraced Izuku in a near tackle, ignoring her battered state, one eye swollen shut and various burns and cuts covering her body. "I can't believe you're back! We just have to find Jin-kun and Mr. Compress!" She grinned at Izuku before sparing Tomura look that turned to sympathy. "That sucks."

"Hi, Toga-chan… why don't you go on ahead?" Izuku's voice had a hint of warmth though faint. Toga looked at him, the smile slipping from her face as she released him.

"Okay. Don't be too long, it's rude to make a lady wait!" She went off in the direction of All For One, slightly hobbling. Tomura could only watch, the sense of betrayal growing around him like a hole about to swallow him up.

"Gotta follow the Big Boss' orders like always. Can't say I saw the reunion going down like this." Dabi offered with a shrug as he walked past, following after the man he evidently had been serving for years. "Be seeing you, Little Boss." As he retreated the two were left alone on the remains of the battlefield.

Questions crowded inside Tomura's head, fighting to be paid attention to rather than the incomprehensible void. He stared at his hands and noticed they were trembling, adrenaline fading and shock setting in. Slowly he looked up and met Izuku's gaze, the latter's eyes still red from Quirk activation. He looked defeated, the life sucked out of him, despite possessing a Quirk—a Quirk that All For One wanted for himself but couldn't have. Words fought for comprehension and Tomura managed to grasp onto one.

"Why?"

The question was raw, his voice rasping as he forced it out. His own outrage had been for himself as well as the other, but what did the younger owe him? Why not let All For One be rid of him?

Izuku was silent for a few moments, not because of deliberation but apparent emotion. When he spoke his voice was soft, understanding what Tomura meant, "Brothers have to look out for each other."

Tomura stared, noticing Izuku's eyes indeed looked glassy as they often did when he was holding back tears. Numb he looked down at his hands once more, reminded of the emptiness nestled in his chest. Even if he grasped for words they seemed to be evading him, gone like dust on the wind.

"I'm sorry." The words were almost a whisper and Tomura thought he had imagined hearing them like before. When he looked up Izuku was further away, returning to the watchful man who welcomed him back with open arms, offering a pat on the shoulder before snaking a possessive arm around once more.

Tomura could only watch as they disappeared into a Warp Gate, left numb and alone. Not even the familiarity of itchiness could lend him some form of comfort as that was gone along with his Quirk. Decay was gone and so was the identity he had been given by once benefactor. The man who had kept him only until his usefulness ran out.

Tomura Shigaraki had been the creation of All For One, the one who claimed the family name was his very own.

Tenko Shimura was a long buried child who had died with his family, someone who no longer existed.

Who… am I?

"Can you hurry up with your business?"

Katsuki looked down at the corgi gazing back at him with all too intelligent eyes. He gave the leash a slight wiggle for a reaction but only found large brown puppy eyes staring more intently and ignoring the surroundings. The tiniest whine sounded and he couldn't help sighing.

"Fine, we'll go to the park and then we're going home."

At the word "park" the corgi began bouncing and wiggling, letting out a happy bark. Katsuki was unable to hold back a smile at the pure joy of the bouncing the dog, looking back at him and making sure he was following.

"Yeah, yeah I'm keeping my word. Figures I get stuck with an extrovert."

The two eventually reached the park and the dog stopped, looking and sniffing for signs of others. To her disappointment and Katsuki's relief no one was around. Still she seemed to be looking and sniffing, her butt slightly quivering with excitement as she attempted to wag her short tail. As a people person she needed her daily dose of encounters and certainly hoped for a new friend to appear.

"Alright, come on: walk and business. No socializing this time, no one's here. Go on and go potty." He gave the leash a gentle pull but she stood stock still, ears perked and her attention honed. He followed her gaze and caught sight of a figure detaching itself from the trees and shuffling through the bushes.

The figure emerged, wearing a large black jacket that looked beat up with its hood pulled over their head. Something about the slightly jerky movement caused the hair on the back of Katsuki's neck to stand up, instincts telling him to beware.

The figure stopped some distance away, seemingly regarding him. Katsuki's grip on the leashed tightened though he fought to keep a neutral look to not giveaway his unease. Even as a Hero he couldn't jump to conclusions and act first until confirmation of a threat. A suspicious figure wasn't enough reason given the variety of people amongst society; it was a fine line between vigilance and prejudice.

"Keeping a routine can be dangerous."

Familiarity prodded him though he struggled to place the voice. The figure reached up and lowered their hood, revealing a face Katsuki didn't recognize except for the hair together with the voice and posture. It was enough for realization to snap the pieces together.

"You." Katsuki tensed, his eyes narrowing and his hands flexing. "Shigaraki!"

Shigaraki remained unmoving, his expression neutral as he regarded the blond with his face uncovered. His eyes flick to the corgi and Katsuki had a thought he could tackle the known villain in a split second though disarming would prove a challenge unless he managed to knocked him unconscious—he couldn't chance being touched. Instead he decided to stall and perhaps spot a better opening before anyone else came upon them and chanced becoming a hostage.

"The League picking off Heroes from the shadows now?" He demanded, fishing for anything he could pass on and hoping to perhaps distract by means of conversation. "Heard you haven't been seen in months despite a report about you and your goons fighting with some so-called army! Your big bad boss sent you?"

All For One had escaped prison a few months prior and the public had lost their mind at news of the prison break. The Commission had done its best to assure everything was under control, hastily doing damage control about the compromised security of their boasted maximum security prison. However the Symbol of Evil had yet to reappear in the public though there had been rumors, rumors Katsuki was privy to thanks to All Might's connections.

Shigaraki remained silent before letting out a sigh. He lifted his hand and Katsuki tensed, ready to spring, but the pale haired man simply scratched the back of his head, seemingly lost. "You have a way with words…"

Taking advantage of the distraction the corgi bolted, jerking the leash out of Katsuki's hands. She dashed toward Shigaraki as a wave of horror hit Katsuki with no time to chastise himself.

"Toko!" He grabbed for the leash but it was out of his reach and the corgi was already at the villain's feet. She looked up expectantly, placing a paw against his leg to beg for attention. Shigaraki regarded her before bending down, hand reaching out.

"Don't you—" Katsuki took a few steps but halted as the villain slowly petted the dog, almost awkwardly as if trying to recall how to. Toko wiggled and nuzzled the hand, happy for the touch. There was no sign of instant Decay, Toko completely unafraid of the man who had been leading the League for years. He stood baffled though still on guard. "What… the…"

What was Shigaraki's game? Was he going to hold her hostage and play the sadist? He would never forgive himself if something happened to her, he'd promised—

"This is his dog, isn't it?" Shigaraki kept his attention on Toko, his voice low and calm. He gently scratched behind Toko's ears before looking up at Katsuki with a knowing expression. The blond felt a chill up his spine as a pit formed in his stomach under the scrutinizing gaze. "You're Kacchan."

"What do you want?" Katsuki tensely asked, watching each pet Toko received in agony, feeling as if he were playing Russian roulette.

"I…" Shigaraki looked lost, gazing down at Toko. He continued to pet her slowly, soaking up the sensation. "I… had a dog once. They look alike."

Katsuki considered the thought Shigaraki had a stroke, perhaps an aneurism—maybe even a brain switch. He had never been chatty before by all accounts and if he was it was either threats or spewing hate about something. He had been evasive for years yet why was he approaching Katsuki so casually? Was it because he knew of his connection to Izuku?

"Guess you know then, if you know that name. He must have told you about what a little shit I was, he had plenty of time to vent in your company." Katsuki smiled bitterly over the past he was ashamed of.

"No. I figured it out." Shigaraki seemed to be fixated on Toko, talking more to her than Katsuki. "You two had obvious history. He'd mention his childhood, about his treatment. I'm not stupid, no matter how vague he was."

"Is this some revenge on his behalf? Hate to break it to you but you're a few years too late; he's more than able to fight his own battles and he did and won. Or is this something you've been sitting on and today's the day simply because?"

"I might have killed you in the past for that, maybe just maimed so you'd suffer. I've done it before. But he didn't want my help." Shigaraki lightly ruffled Toko's ears and she butted his hand for more while Katsuki found it hard to find comfort in the confession. "He never was good at asking for help."

Katsuki watched, still trying to sort out just what was going on. Finally he admitted, "Yeah, it's his dog. She's a therapy animal but he asked me to take care of her for him. You've been stalking me?"

"I kept some tabs on him. I didn't take you for a corgi person." Shigaraki's red eyes turned back to Katsuki, his expression almost emotionless, unnatural. "But yes, I was waiting for you. Been watching the past few days."

"What do you want? If you're not here to kill me?"

"Do you know where he is right now? Why did he leave you his dog?" There was a sense of a sincere question but also an undertone that while lacking accusation, felt like frustration.

"Why should I—"

"Do. You. Know." Shigarki's tone reminded Katsuki of boiling water though the certified sociopath seemed to be urging him for careful consideration, to question what he knew.

There was no harm in telling him. It would serve as a good distraction if the other was fixated.

"He told his mom and I he'd gotten a special sponsorship to attend college in America—it was a big deal after everything he's been through. He should have brought the dog with him but he said something about customs. Told me she'd be happier with me, that he wouldn't be able to take care of her as well while he's gone, he'd be too busy." Katsuki carefully began, watching the other man who seemed to be studying him.

"That bothers you."

Katsuki felt anger smolder in his chest at Shigaraki's observation, the villain able to pick up on what had been fueling a simmering frustration. "It doesn't make sense! He loves that dog. It was BS that he said I needed her more than him. He looked torn up about it!"

"No word?"

"No, not really. Maybe a text once in a while, I'm sending him photos of his dog. His mom says she gets phone calls from him every week. They video chat when they can though between his schedule and the time change it's been rare. He's only been gone for a few months. I figured he accepted the offer especially since your maniac boss on the loose he'd want to get out of Japan. What's it to you?"

Why was he bothering to hold a conversation with a known criminal in the middle of a deserted park? Simply because of a mutual connection? He was the one getting distracted as doubt he had long felt wound its way around his gut.

Shigaraki stared at Katsuki, having stopped his petting of Toko. "He's back with the League."

"Shit." Katsuki breathed, feeling as if the wind had been knocked out of him. Shock gave way for a surge of anger that rose up from his toes as he grounded his teeth. "Shit. Shit, shit! No! He would never!"

"It wasn't his choice." Shigaraki straightened, a hateful expression on his face. "All For One made him, probably with blackmail by using you two and others as leverage. He couldn't let you know."

"Shit! That bastard!" Katsuki's rage was near an explosive point. He had to clench his fists to avoid letting off explosions. Toko, sensing his distress, hurried over and began pawing him. Katsuki took a breath as he didn't dare look away from Shigaraki, searching for signs of deception. "Why?"

"He's apparently family… and All For One can't let that go. He even has a new alias, probably to avoid detection from the Heroes and not worry his mom. It's like that man plans on treating him like someone else… he's not Deku."

"Shit! He must have set new conditions for the gag order, the bastard. Of course he did. Not that Izuku would want us to worry. Even so… Shit!" Katuski carded fingers through his hair, trying to think. Izuku related to that maniac? How was that even possible? Sure Katsuki couldn't clearly recall Hisashi Midoriya, the man who had divorced Inko due to marital strain after Izuku's disappearance, but certainly he wasn't All For One. Inko had even mentioned she'd spoken to him after Izuku's return though Izuku remained estranged from his so-called father.

"Why are you telling me this?" He demanded, shoving the stampede of thoughts aside. "Can't do something from the inside? Don't even think about harming Izuku because of your little power struggle!"

"I'm not with them." Shigaraki looked almost sad through there was clear anger. Katsuki almost felt compelled to consider feeling bad for him. "He defanged me and kicked me out." He raised his hand non-threateningly before letting it drop. "He… All For One took it from me. Everything."

It took a moment to click for Katsuki, thinking of how Shigaraki's touch had left Toko unharmed. How he hadn't rushed him and tried to touch him to inflict rapid decay. All For One had stolen Decay and tossed Shigaraki out. One maniac had lost it to another who was far more dangerous and well practiced. The realization made the rage in Katsuki turn cold, his veins feeling like ice.

He had to warn the others.

"I wouldn't hurt him… it's not De… Izuku's fault." Shigaraki's voice was faint and Katsuki looked up to see the pale haired man clutching his head as if in pain. "It's… not."

Katsuki watched Shigaraki seemingly grapple with some inner demon. Still, something nudge at him, urging him to speak up amidst the bombshell, perhaps sparked by the gentleness Shigaraki had shown Toko who he knew to be Izuku's, a hint of a soft spot despite disbelief. "Why are you doing this? What is Izuku to you?"

"He's… he's…" Shigaraki was slowly growing more lucid, his eyes becoming clearer. He met Katsuki's gaze, his expression slightly soft yet distraught. "He's my brother."

That… was unexpected.

Yet the two had grown up together, as odd as that had been as far as Katsuki was concerned. Izuku had only shared some stories of his time growing up with the League, perhaps in part them being painful and him wanting to leave that life behind; especially when he literally couldn't talk about certain things. Yet it was clear the two shared an unusual bond and that Izuku, while admitting they were criminals, had a sense of fondness, reminding Katsuki villains were people too with their own demons. That everyone deserved at least a second chance.

"I'll free him! Quirk or no Quirk! No one messes with my family! To hell with that bastard! He's not my sensei!" Shigaraki proclaimed and Toko barked for emphasis, picking up on his improved mood.

A second chance indeed.

Katsuki cocked an eyebrow, still not letting down his guard. "So, what? Are you going vigilante now? You still have crimes that you have to answer for."

"That's fine, I'll pay for them later after I've pried Izuku from that bastard's grip. Even if I have to break every finger with a damn crowbar." The vehement declaration sounded like a promise, leading Katsuki consider a thought, no matter how insane if not illegal it was.

A common cause and a common foe. Shigaraki was ready to go at the enemy, he simply had to be pointed in the right direction and he probably would go crazy like a rapid albino squirrel with over twenty years of unresolved issues needing catharsis.

"Shigaraki—"

"Don't call me that." The man looked repulsed which was only amplified by his beat up clothes that he had surely been living in for the past few weeks if not months as Katsuki realized with some horror. "That's his name. I don't want it. I'm no longer his puppet."

"Fine, what then? You need a moniker of some kind. Simply going 'you' is tiresome."

The other stood in silence for a few moments. His gaze settled on Toko sitting at Katsuki's feet and lingered a few seconds before speaking up. "Mon."

It was definitely an insane idea.

But he wasn't a traditional Hero.

And the circumstances certainly weren't ordinary.

Katsuki relaxed his stance. "Well, Mon. I think I know some people who can help, All For One is on quite a few shit lists. No promises, but truce?"

"For Izuku."

"For Izuku."

Perhaps Izuku's greatest talent was bringing people together. Uniting even the unlikeliest of persons for his sake. People who would otherwise be trying to kill or apprehend the other.

One thing was for certain: they weren't going to stop until he was free from his unjust destiny.

They would shatter whatever nefarious plans All For One had. No matter how long it took.

Izuku would be free again one day.