Prologue

"A classy lady who happens to have four arms. A gentleman with a handsome coat of fur. A squishy boy with skin like gelatin. Individuals like these fine people used to belong to the minority."

Thus began the Detnerat Company's ad for hero gear. Striding down the street past the three individuals so named was the Company CEO, long, lean and birdlike.

"But the appearance of the extraordinary continued to accelerate, bringing us into their era. While mass production and consumer culture has been expanding ever since the industrial revolution, this phenomenon suddenly pumped the brakes. By the time everyone realized, it was too late! Those with newer types of bodies spent their days just trying to find products to fit their daily needs." He threw his hands up in the air, his arms crossed over his head, and cried out,

"Many found themselves struggling in this new era for that reason alone. We've made a point of never forgetting that history, while creating products to suit each and every valued customer. WE offer customized designs, guaranteed on your doorstep in three days or less! It's the technology and the proprietary system behind this personal touch that have made us number one in the industry! And now the world of heroes too can expect big things from Detnerat!"

Thus ended the commercial. Aired on all major channels, coming soon to a store near you.

Quirks, sometimes known as Meta Abilities, entered the world many years ago. After the chaos brought about by the advent of the extraordinary, people wanted peace. They started planning ways to co-exist with metas. But among metas themselves, there was a pervasive desire. Liberation over suppression. Wielding one's abilities freely seemed like it should be a basic human right. Chikara Yotsubashi, the man who unified the liberationists to form the Meta Liberation Army. He called himself Destro - the one who would destroy the status quo. While the government trudged ahead with legislation, Yotsubashi opposed the powers that be and vied for supremacy, prompting a struggle that ended several years later with his defeat. Yotsubashi's army dissolved, and many of his followers were caught. While in prison, the man himself did some writing before taking his own life. Unbeknownst even to Yotsubashi, he had a child out in the world…

Chitosu Kizuki, star reporter for Detnerat Corporation, placed her thumb to her forehead with her pointer finger stuck in the air on the entrance of the CEO, the ancestral child of the great Yotsubashi. It was a private board meeting of the head officers of the Meta Liberation Army's secret headquarters; her fellow chiefs of staff, Geten, Skeptic, and Trumpet, were gathered about the table as well, and gave the same salute as their chief joined them.

"Any progress?" He asked Trumpet.

"We found someone with a potential connection to the League. If we're gonna make contact, it needs to be sooner rather than later."

"Move on that."

"Right."

"They are enemies to the Liberation army, and if the state is struggling to handle them then it's up to us. I swear on Destro's good name we will end the League of Villains!"

"On that note," asked Curious, "What's all this about you expanding into the hero industry?"

"Right. If it's a track record you're worried about, we have it. The country is full of those who lie in wait, hoping for liberation…"

Several Months Earlier

"Join the League of Villains, Hawks."

The head of the Heroes Public Safety commission, known to those around her only as Madam President, stared down the #2 pro hero with the icy indifference she reserved only for those who were about to receive a true direct order. She was standing in her office, backed only by a tired aide, while the young spiky-haired blonde tilted his head at her words.

"Huh? Hang on, what am I missing? There's that search team already, right? With Gran Torino and them?"

"How did you know that?" Asked the aide. "That's never been disclosed."

Hawks merely shrugged. Madam President turned to face him more directly.

"As you just demonstrated, Hawks, you've got sharp eyes and ears. We jumped the gun in the Kamino fight, scrambling to rescue the kidnapped boy. As a result, our intel was lacking and we severely underestimated the enemy. And intel is what's key if we hope to eradicate this shadow organization."

"The bioengineered creatures especially," added the aide. "Is All for One's power all that is needed to create them? Until we expose the ins and outs of this League, we're doomed to make the same mistakes again."

"What about the people they hurt while I'm infiltrating? Do I just turn a blind eye to that?"

"You can and you will. That's why we came to you." The President turned to face the view from out the window. "There will be ho honor or accolades in it for you. Set your sights on the long game and act accordingly. There's no better man for the job as we see it."

"Is all this really necessary?"

"We wouldn't suggest it otherwise. By infiltrating their organization, we'll be able to get them both from within and from the outside."

"Suggest it'? Funny calling it a suggestion when it's an offer I can't refuse. Shame on you."

"I won't deny it, Hawks. We got lucky that you couldn't make it to Kamino."

He gave her at last a deep bow. "If getting my hands dirty can somehow bring everyone peace of mind, I'll gladly take on this task."

She gave him a nod.

"Ensuring the safety of the people who live in this world is the burden we must bear, as enforces of the peace. Sacrifices have to be made in order to ensure the world keeps on going. Sometimes that means that heroes must do tasks that do not seem to distinguish them completely from the very villains they face. They must sacrifice tirelessly, even if it means their very soul, to ensure that others are safe and well-cared for."

It was an old and tired voice, though a strong one; a voice that spoke to many years of such sacrifices, toils, and hard work in the name of a noble outcome. One could read in its tone the stories of many necessary sacrifices.

When the Winged Hero had left, her aide watched as she returned to her desk, sorting through the papers piling up in the shelves.

"We need to go over the protocols for the upcoming UA hero work studies. Now in order to ensure that this League of Villains does not succeed in their goal - "

"Madame President?"

"Yes?"

"How can - how can you remain so calm? You may have sent that boy off to his death. Or worse."

"He knows quite well the danger he is undertaking. It is his choice. If he wishes to he may leave at any time."

"I suppose…"

"You expect me to tear my hear and wring my hands?" She shook her head. "Vulgar displays of emotion will not get the job done. Feelings are meant to be suppressed by those who hold the safety of others in their care."

"Aren't you worried for him?"

"No." It was curt and abrupt. There was to be no more discussion. He said nothing else as she returned to the papers on the desk.