Chapter 5: Who's in Charge?

Muscular POV:

Shit's gone to shit ever since the boss got fucking taken.

The ABB was always a dumb fucking name, but working under the lizard bastard let us do whatever we wanted. The braindead teleporter was always his damn dog, but the rest of us had our reasons.

Compress always liked running around and using his tricks whenever he liked but that meant he needed protection from the consequences. He got to use his power without many people acting against him and in return Lung had him using it to kidnap some girls for the rings.

Mustard is just a fucking brat whose obsessed with getting his dick wet. The boy was originally forced by Lung to join but ironically one taste of sex and the boy became one of his most enthusiastic workers. I mean I've used the merchandise plenty of times as well but damn, there's more to life my man. Mustard and Compress usually worked as a team acquiring the girls.

They would track some girls down then Mustard would knock everyone out with his gas once they got to a more deserted area. Compress would then minimize all the targets and Mustard into his spheres and make a clean getaway. Simple, effective, and kept the stalls full of the animals.

Me? I just loved to fucking fight. The adrenaline, the pressure, the fucking shivers running through my spine. I just want to throw fists with as many other people as possible.

Unfortunately, you kill a couple too many people in your impromptu fights and get a birdcage sentence thrown on your fucking head. At least it wasn't a kill order, those are usually saved for the 'kill everyone' fucking insane people. Can't let those people get into the real dragon's ring, too many examples have already been seen of what those psychopaths get up to in the wars.

Regardless, I am not the strongest parahuman on the block even if I am a strong brute. So, I needed some back-up that doesn't care if I get my occasional fight. That way if I lost, I didn't go straight to the birdcage since Lung would blow a fuse.

I mean Iron Man is a great deterrent to us, but the dude always has somewhere to be in the world. Lung could save his rampage for when the man is selling his tinker-tech somewhere else.

Ever since the empire was destroyed for Osiris' amusement, the villain attitude of this town has shifted. From the street brawls of most other cities, New Brockton Bay moved to deal in more backroom deals and money games than fights for territories.

We deal with the prostitution ring, the merchants go through the alleys and deal in drugs, and Coil's gang does whatever the fuck it is they do for money and give the rich people their 'high-class' drugs. Hell if I know. Everyone has split up the grimy side of the city and rarely fights unless someone puts their fingers where they don't belong.

There's the Palanquin as well but they don't shit where they eat so they're a non-issue. I mostly get my fighting urges scratched when those 'Judgment' fucks come around. The blade fuck or the shadow bitches were always a good time. Now, they have three new recruits and each of those are fun as well. Two fighters and their tinker is nice for the shit she brings to the table.

There's also the times where Sere or Circus forget their fucking place and come into our territory and I have to remind them where they stand. Other than that, there's those Osiris worshippers but no one really touches those people out of fear for the repercussions. No one knows what would happen, but no one also wants to find out.

As I reminisce on the good times where I could fight in the streets and not worry about the Protectorate taking me away permanently, Mustard and Compress walk into the abandoned warehouse we're using for this meeting. It's been nearly a year and a half since our organization has been almost completely destroyed. If it wasn't for the new boss bitch taking control, we probably wouldn't all be separated by now from lack of funds if nothing else.

Speaking of, I can see our fearless leader behind the two sorry excuses for muscle.

"So, how are all my little soldiers in WonderLand? Everyone happy? Mad? Sad? Glad?"

"Fucking shut up March, just tell me what you've gathered us for today."

I can't stand the over-confident bitch, but she's the only reason I can continue my fights so I'll let her keep control. Compress is similar in that he can keep getting away with his power and Mustard is being led by his dick as usual. Boy, that girl will rip your head off before you ever even get close, I've seen the type.

Crazy bitches, they'll cut you open just to prove a point. Helps when they win the fucking power lottery, I'll never give up my brute power but this girl really took the entire basket. Then again, that 'timing' thinker power of hers is the only way we're staying financed and organized so maybe I shouldn't complain about it so much.

"Fine, ruin my mood, why don't you. Anyways, the Protectorate is going for a 6PM Wards assembly at the downtown mall so I was going to have you all cause a ruckus near the north-side so I can play with the kids. A couple of goons is all I need to show them their place."

"And of course, this has nothing to do with the asian girl on the Wards that moved to this town the exact same time as you? The same one you run to every time you get the chance?"

"Wow, you DO have more than just muscles in that brain! Does it matter though, I got the perfect plan and getaway for you guys!"

"I would rather not spend my day performing so you can go mash clits with your fucking gay crush. No real opponents are around at this time so it's a boring time that I don't want to be a part of just so you can go make fucking googly eyes."

"Uhhh, guys?"

"Shut the fuck up, Mustard, you don't get to talk when the grown-ups are speaking."

"Hmmmm, you've been getting uppity recently Muscular, it seems I'm going to have to put you back in your place just like I did when I first showed up. Seems like spending another week in pain will be a good lesson for you."

"Bring it on bitch, you got lucky last time."

"GUYS?"

"Not now, Mustard. Someone needs to be taught a lesson."

March has a feral grin on her face as she pulls out her weapon while I'm pretty sure I match her expression. Let's fucking go.

"Fuck you two, look out the window, we got bigger fucking problems!"

I swear Compress if you're ruining my fight for a worthless reason I'm kicking your ass. I look out the window together with March and see the sight recognizable all over the world. I'm grimacing at the thought of what the next week of hell is going to be like while our insane 'leader' has an even more insane look on her damn face.

"This. Is. Perfect. We want to turn our lives around, we got the best opportunity right here."

"Are you fucking insane? I'm not getting in between the fucking contenders! Nothing is worth that!"

"Ahhh, Mustard, not even for me?"

We're going to fucking die aren't we?…Well, at least it'll be a fun time. Mustard and Compress are starting to look green though, the two pussies should man up.

Shoto Aizawa(Eraserhead) POV:

*RING* *RING*

I stand at the front of the class as the bell rings and notice one person missing from their seat.

"Anyone know where Deku is?"

All I see is a sea of people shaking their heads back and forth. I'll follow up on that later and see if I can find out where the problem child has disappeared to in the school. If he left the campus Nezu would've informed me one way or another.

We get about 20 minutes into the lesson before alarms start going off in the class. Three red flashes, code 23. I really hate doing this. I turn on the projector for the class and log into a rather infamous website.

"Okay class, listen up. As you all know you are doing your best to become heroes and part of our responsibility to teach you everything you need to know is to show you some of the tragedies you will have to handle. As such, Nezu thought it is imperative that you a certain event that we will have to deal with yearly so that you can understand just how horrible it is"

The stream starts with a ten second countdown.

I argued with Nezu against showing this to children, but he said that they have to know what they are getting into if they decide to become heroes. Surprisingly, All Might agreed with him saying they have to understand what a monster Osiris is to humanity.

I kinda understand the need to show this to others, the amount of times I've seen the male children drooling over her form or paying to see 'exotic' pictures of her is overwhelming. Hell, the girls as well. Got to make them understand that not all villains look so obviously evil at first glance before someone takes advantage of them.

3

2

1

0.

The woman/dragon/devil/whatever it is takes center stage, going for an elegant background to contrast her over-excitement.

"HEEEEEEEE-LLO WORLD! IT'S TIME TO DU-DU-DU-DUDUDUDU-DUEL! WELCOME TO THE NINTH GRAIL WAR, HOSTED BY THE LOVELY TOWN OF NEW BROCKTON BAY."

I bang on my desk to get Grape Juice and ChargeBolt to stop drooling, they need to grow out of this. I suppose that's part of the reason we're showing them this so they can stop thinking of her as acceptable just because of some chest mounds. Regardless, wasn't Brockton Bay the scene of the firs—

"They had such a great time the first time around, I decided that I had to do an encore! It's what the people want after all! Now, let's start with the contenders, I know that's the part you all love to see the most. Also Las Vegas, I know you gamble on my games after I show the contenders and I don't care, but you will pay out when you lose otherwise I will be displeased"

"But before we start, I decided to do things a little differently this year!"

*Sigh* Of course she did. I should be facing more horror from whatever scheme she has hidden up her sleeves but to be honest you grow numb to the atrocities when they're shoved in your face year after year. It's a horrible thing to feel, but at least Japan got off for another year.

"You see, usually I pay respect to this little 'unwritten rule' idea you guys have buttttttt I decided that this year the audience really needs to know their characters so that's thrown out the window"

She wouldn't—It's Osiris, of course she would. The lives of the survivors are practically over unless they join Marquis, Paradise, and the others by her side now that their secret identities are gone. An image of a girl is shown on screen and to my horror she looks so young.

"First up is little Taylor Hebert, 16 years of age and a local to the New BB area with no known super identity yet!"

Oh god no, a teenager. Child Emperor was the last kid but we've always known that more could be included according to the monster's whims. She's too young to experience tragedies lik—

"Her only use of her powers against others is a mass slaughter she performed against 163 members of the ABB Gang and the parahuman Oni Lee back in November of 2009! Damn Girl, talk about a strong start! Now for her power and upgrades!"

I can hear near vomiting sounds behind me in the class, it's clear that this is too much for some. Osiris thought it would be a wonderful idea to show this girl's previous victims as she goes over the 'Player Card'. As I read the details, I can only think of one thing.

"Fuck."

A large-scale human master with no remorse for killing, this is a nightmare. 2008 showed us what happens when you let Masters have free reign, nobody wants a repeat. Hell, we still have to be careful to make sure none of the 'bombs' left behind hurt too many people. As we all keep looking at the screen, another young girl appears on screen. A blonde this time as opposed to the earlier girl's raven black hair.

"A good first choice I think! Now onto choice number two for my game, little miss Victoria Dallon also known as the Ward Aeon. Another long-time BB local, representing the Wards of the USA. Give her a hand everyone!"

"She's the child of the woman some of you might remember as Brandish, I wanted to give her family a second chance to give the world a good showing after such a failure the first time. Hmmmm, actually I think her cousin is here in Egypt, maybe I can get her in for a family interview?"

I'm near speechless for once. We have two teenagers in a single war? Even if the first is quite irredeemable, that's still a horrible thing to have these kids behind me see. It's less real to them when they think they have a chance to grow beforehand, but seeing people their age suffering through this tragedy will make it all the more shocking to them.

I tighten my muscles and school my expression while the thing goes on to have her fun at the expense of the world. That all ends however when the next image is shown on screen.

"...What?"

"No, this is a joke right? Please tell me it's a joke."

"THERE'S NO FUCKING WAY THIS HAPPENED TO —"

"DEKU!"

I have to end this now.

"Meet my third contender, some international representation in the game! Izuku Midoriya AKA Deku, hero hopeful from UA. Hi Nezu, Hi All Might, Look! Your kid's on TV!"

She continues to rattle on as half the class is crying, more are in shock, and even the dumbest of my students know this isn't a time for jokes. I go to shut off the stream before a minor explosion cuts off my path.

"TEACH, STEP AWAY NOW! I NEED TO SEE THIS!"

In my emotional state, it's easy enough to activate my power and make him back down.

"Ground Zero, Do not attem—"

"Most people wouldn't care about that though so let's mention something a little more interesting. If you would look here on his player card, you will realize that little Izuku here is the inheritor of All Might's power! Oh All Might, you should have invited me to the passing of the torch, I missed such an important moment! I guess I'll just have to help him make some more vital memories that he won't forget."

"Well, if he lives that is."

That is the final strike and the dam breaks for a lot of the children. I can see Uraraka drop to her knees in the back, curling up, seemingly in the middle of a panic attack. Bakugo seems to be having a meltdown if his now destroyed desk has anything to say about it. I need to reclaim control.

I turn off the stream with Bakugo distracted and yell at the entire class.

"SETTLE. All of you will settle down. Nobody is going to turn that back on and everyone will go to the overnight dorms assigned for when you have extra practice. Creati and Froppy, can you please assist Uravity and help her calm down. Creati, I'm aware you've had trauma training so put it to use."

"Y-yes sensei."

I watch over the students as they file out, pressing the emergency button for drones to come out and watch over them as they move to the dorms.

I practically ran to Nezu's office and burst through the door, seeing a grim Nezu and All Might nearly driven to tears. He probably was crying before I arrived, I can still see his damp cheeks.

"Nezu, you two know?"

"Yes, I'm already calling everyone and alerting the press that ANY attempt to talk to our students right now will be considered criminal. Thankfully the laws to prosecute for knowing attempts at causing meaningly and excessive stress and trauma here works in our favor."

The Anti-Trigger laws, designed to help prevent more trauma-based triggers by cracking down on intentional acts of stressing others. They apply to everyone whether the person is a parahuman or not, especially after the tragedy of second-triggers became more well-known. It's a shame it's rarely used as it's meant to be and instead is used as a tool to oppress speech, but all laws have to start somewhere. Nezu continues to speak while All Might just seems shell-shocked over on the couch, cut off from the rest of the world.

"From my drone's earlier view, I can see you stopped at young Deku's introduction. You should probably watch the rest if you wish to know what our student is up against."

A TV pops out of the wall and is right where I left off and starts playing again.

"Now, I know you're all just buzzing with excitement at that fact but the other contestants need introductions as well! Next up, one of our older contenders at the age of 20, please give it up for Shigaraki Tomura!"

I can see the image of a young man with white hair and extremely dry skin around his face. At least he is slightly older than the others but he is still too young for all this. I can see All Might begin to cry again but I can't understand the reason yet.

"That's a boring name though, his birth name is Tenko Shimura. Most wouldn't know it, but his grandmother was the holder of All Might's passed power before the man himself and his teacher! All Might promised himself he would watch out for her grandkids and failed, so sad"

I can see the man withdraw even more into himself on the couch, no doubt blaming himself for everything that is happening to the two boys as a part of this war. The problem with believing you need to save everyone is that you see every failure as your own.

"One of All Might's enemies found out their identities and arranged an accident while taking young Tenko for himself! Now we see the man Tenko is today, full of hatred for the world that never helped him and ready to give everyone else a heaping of pain. I don't get it but I'll let the boy believe what he wants. Just goes to show that everything has its consequences, no matter how removed they seem."

Tears are rolling down All Might's face at this point, but he draws ever further into himself while covering his ears. Evidently, he doesn't like what she says next.

"All Might, it seems so many things just revolve around you! Ya know, if you just came over for a conversation back when he went missing, I could've told you where he was but you never seemed to visit. Oh well, at least you can watch him now all grown up. You're welcome for the reunion I caused, maybe the two little guys can meet up and play together in this war! Now, a quick intermission for our commercials of the newest products developed by my people! Stay tuned for the next three contenders!"

As I continue to listen to the hell that one of MY students has been dragged into for the next week, I can only pray he makes it out in one piece and is still the same heroic boy I know.

November 8th, 2004 - Time And Location Unknown - All-For-One POV:

"HAAAHHH, ha, ha. Hahahahaha!"

I come back to life with a great sigh, laughing all the while. It is unfortunate that I lost but no great planner ever goes into the game without plenty of contingencies. With all the powers in my hands, I see self-preservation as the highest priority. As long as I can overcome annihilation, I'll always win eventually.

I put upon my power but don't feel most of the powers that I have gathered over the weeks. I see no reason they wouldn't have come with me so what is the problem?

"Yeah, about that."

I twist around and see the one who started this all. The one who blessed me with such power and the only thing I consider a true obstacle putting Scion aside.

"Sup, neat tactic. I did feel you were going to be one of my smarter contenders but there was a problem with your plan."

What? I planned everything perfectly just in case, what could I have possibl—

"Kudos to you for finding a way to biologically back-up your body with a combination of cloning, memory, and even a time-locking power to store the body so you could destroy it if you won. After all, no one should be strong enough to contend with you, not even yourself right?"

"One problem with that though, you see the truth is…"

I can see her clench her fist and all I can feel is PAIN. No scream can pass my lips as the agony passing through my body far surpasses anything. I'm brought to my knees by the sheer intensity riveting my body, even All Might's fist never brought me as much trouble as a simple gesture from her.

"You died so I own you now. Not only that, I don't appreciate you trying to circumvent my rules so a couple of punishment games are going to be put in place. Be happy I'm letting you come back at all, your soul trying to drag its way back to the living is annoying but I don't feel like spending it just yet. What part of "I own your immortal soul when you die" don't you humans understand? Just because you can't understand something doesn't mean it doesn't actually exist you know?"

….I think I bit off more than I can chew. The odds have been against me before so I just have to play the hand I was dealt, no matter how unfavorable it is to me. She is beginning to look impatient, so I quickly blurt out the most important words from her rant through the pain so I can get some clarification.

"P-punish G-g-game?"

"Oh good, you were listening. First thing first, your power's upgrade is gone besides the immunities, you're back to level one. If you want more upgrades and the rights to your souls back, you're going to have to earn it with a performance. There's only two set rules to this game."

"One. You can't be openly discovered by the heroic elements of Japan as you bring back your organization for your return. I can accept a person or a rumor or two, but it can't become a thing plenty of the good guys know about."

Okay, that's not too bad. I've done it once before and I can do it again. I can bring plenty of my previous associates under heel all over again while making sure word of my return doesn't spread.

"Two. Amuse me. The game ends when I feel like it and you get what I give you. The more you amuse me, the more I return your upgrades. That involves the occasional risk, but I promise the rewards are worth it. I'll come check on your progress once a year so be a good boy!"

That's…..significantly more challenging for me. I have to stay hidden while manipulating things to entertain this woman? I transformed from a king of the underworld to a jester for this woman's court.

Well, I've become the king of Japan's underworld once so I can do it twice even with these new restrictions. As the pain flowing through my body starts to wind down, I notice she has already left me to my own devices. Best get started as soon as possible, I don't think I can afford to disappoint her.

Present Time:

I'm going over the last details of today's agenda when I look over the current strength of my power. Over the years I've earned back the ability to have 8 personal powers while speeding the time it takes to take someone else's power to 10 minutes. A trifle compared to my earlier heights but I know I'll never get back what I lost. The price of my hubris I suppose, to think I could cheat a monster of that caliber. I'm only alive right now due to its whimsical nature in the first place.

Two power slots I earned back for acquiring Dr. Garaki as a permanent Bio-Tinker assistant. He has truly been a blessing to my operations, I can't keep all my power selling hidden but with Dr. Garaki by my side the powers I sell in the shadows can be attributed to his bio-tinkering.

My willingness to play with my life by making my operations more visible under the guise of Dr. Garaki earned me another power slot and a faster power acquisition time. The heroes are constantly trying to take down "Dr. Garaki's" operation not knowing that I am the true brains behind the curtain. I imagine they would put a lot more effort into it if there was even a hint of my life. Even Dr. Garaki himself plays along, often speaking online about how sad he is about my death.

Between his bio-tinkering and me being able to give two powers to another person, I earned another two power slots for showing off all the so-called 'Nomus' I have in storage, just waiting for the day I can reveal myself to the world again. Stealing powers in secret is the hardest part of my life, but I'm an old hand at such a thing so my earlier experience has come back to help me.

Then I showed off my idea to take All Might's ward-to-be from his abusive home and raise him to be evil, which earned me my latest power slot and a far faster acquisition rate for my troubles. I feel like a dog at times, being thrown treats to act a certain way but the taste is too good to ignore. I feel a certain camaraderie with people I've never met for some reason, but I'll get over it.

Speaking of young Tomura, I should go see how he is progressing recently. I've given him two great powers and he has been subject to the best of Garaki's bio-tinkering, so he is a secret weapon for me once this 'game' finally ends.

I turn to exit my private room and pause as I reach the door. I turn back around and wonder how I missed it the first time.

"Took you long enough to notice me. It's been about 6 and a half minutes."

I stand completely still, only keeping my calm by the fact that Osiris' immunities have been proven to stop the Simurgh's mental affliction to others. It only seems to amuse her.

"Hmmm, you know who I am at first glance, that's much quicker than most. Sis did say you were far smarter than the usual people we deal with in our daily lives. I don't really have as much of a presence with my human body as my sister does, though that should change this year. Finally getting to co-commentate with her! Was it the wings that gave me away?"

Act completely natural and partly subservient.

"Partly, Miss Simurgh. I do keep up with everything surrounding my current keeper and wouldn't want to disappoint her again."

I'm not even going to pretend I'm in an equal position here, I've made that mistake once.

"Interesting, though you will be happy to know that is going to change soon. Sis is busy with other matters so I'm here to tell you that your little game with sis is coming to an end. All that's left is to judge if you've earned any more power."

On one hand, there's no Sword of Damocles held over my head anymore but I've also run out of chances to acquire strength. It's a mixed bag but I think the ending is due.

"We won't interfere in your life again until you die and we leave you how you are until then. Welllll, with one exception. You raised an interesting boy out of Tenko, so we decided to make him one of our contenders. Congrats!"

What.

"Anyways, We decided to upgrade you back to the ability to give other people 3 powers for raising a boy interesting enough to be part of our games. That should make your little Nomus more fun. One more power slot because when we took Tenko for the game, he brought some property of yours with him. Also we brought your acquisition speed down to 5 minutes, that upgrade is my personal thanks for that food tinker power you sold us."

No, go back to the previous thing.

"I believe the previous host's name was Lunch Rush? Regardless, you're left with 9 personal powers, a 5 minute acquisition period, and being able to give others 3 powers at the end of our games. Congrats for earning that much back, once this year's war ends feel free to do whatever you want with your life."

Wait, please.

I know my false child and if Tomura wins then he'll want to end the entire world won't he? I didn't exactly plan for this situation.

Fuck.

"I love that expression on your face. Sis was right, sometimes the little things like this ARE fun. Chao!"

Is it wrong of me to hope the child I raised to adulthood with my own hands loses? I didn't earn my life back just to see it all disappear again. I wanted to rule over the world with an iron fist, not destroy it!

Shigaraki POV:

I look around the abandoned alley I find myself standing around, my handheld system and assistant the only things I recognize by my side.

"Kurogiri, where are we?"

"I don't know, master."

"HEEEEEEEEEEY, I got a surprise for you two Come on over here!"

The Fuck is this, a tutorial NPC? I turn around and swallow those words before I say them as I recognize the nearby person. I'm not that crazy.

Shigaraki Tomura AKA Shimura Tenko

Original Power: Two powers from All-For-One: A striker based annihilation/decay power(The only power All-For-One kept from the Africa War) and a danger sense/combat thinker power. Also has a beyond peak human package and can adapt to what damages him as a result of bio-tinkering. Striker 7, Brute 6, Thinker 5, Mover 2, Trump 2(Trump rating for adaptation)

Upgraded Power: Striker power can now be used as a large scale shaker effect for non-living targets and works faster. Danger sense now includes minor/short bursts of combat precognition(5-10 seconds),and doesn't account for Shigaraki's reaction to the future. Increases results of Bio-Tinkering. Striker/Shaker 9, Bruter 8, Thinker 6, Mover/Trump 4

AN:So the remnants of the ABB now work for March, UA can do nothing but watch the suffering, and All-For-One is soon to be free from his obligations.

Tried to make the chapter about powerful men but they still had to listen to and obey someone else. The Aizawa POV was mainly a chance to show regular people reacting to someone they know being put through the gauntlet.

Kurogiri got dragged along because he was considered property, not a person for the war. It would be like a tinker bringing equipment along or a master dragging previous victims if they were on hand.

Thanks to Kelsier Vin for helping me with beta reading this and the next few chapters! Also I'm looking for a few more beta readers to help me out and save time and make the text read better so if anyone wants to help send me a DM(or conversation as QQ calls it), thanks in advance for any of your time.