Tokoyami hit the concrete hard, tumbling away before rolling into a position where he could launch himself back onto his feet. His chest gasped for breath, spouts of fire sapping the oxygen from his lungs before he could replenish them. In a quick, coordinated maneuver, he dashed behind a stone column stained black with a build-up of ash from consecutive days. Another burst of the familiar blue flames scorched the place where he'd been seconds ago – not a very big attack, but that hardly ever mattered considering how hot they burned. Just being close to them was painful to a normal person. And yet Tokoyami was fully aware that they weren't out to hurt him. So long as he stayed conscious and strove to improve his movements, he wouldn't get hit.

"What, did you finally figure out how to dodge?" a voice jeered from the shadows only when the light of the flames had died out. "How unlike you."

Tokoyami bit back an irritated response. He'd played these games with Dabi far too many times to count. He couldn't say anything until he was certain that he had the time to talk without being blindsided. Talking was a good way to give away your position. Though if you were someone like Dabi, it was worth noting that it was also a good way to stall for time. And knowing him, he definitely needed it. Some days Tokoyami could swear that he delighted in elongating these tedious training sessions.

At least now he'd reached this point.

Tokoyami took a deep breath to still his nerves and focus on what was around him. He knew the layout of this abandoned car garage by now, paying attention to every pillar and curb. The long patches of light that would filter into the space through the slits in the building were almost completely gone by now as dusk set in, darkness building in the corners of the large space. He could feel his own power building in his limbs, an enhanced understanding of the shadows churning within. His right hand was coated in wispy shadows – the most he dared summon while at rest. It was enough, though.

Steeling himself, Tokoyami sprinted out from behind his hiding place. Flames dogged his heels before the cover of the next pillar concealed him. This time, instead of stalling behind the pillar while Dabi shifted his position, Tokoyami noted the exact moment when the flames were just starting to die down.

While shreds of blue still licked the air, he carried his momentum back into the open, leaving the cover behind. There was a small window where Dabi wasn't able to fire off another attack, and Tokoyami went straight for him, tearing through the dwindling remnants of his last attack. He went in unarmed, no shadow covering him – only a small reserve of his quirk covering his hand. Ashes swirled around him, and he squinted his eyes through the smoke that had been building up around his target.

Time slowed down as he watched Dabi draw his whole arm back. He knew this motion all too well, saw the beginning of flames appear over the patchwork skin. While Tokoyami was forced to strive for improvement and adaption, he'd gotten used to knowing what Dabi was capable of. He always aimed his fire high, arching it upwards so that there was some semblance of control. Maybe that was a trait of fire-users, because he felt like he'd seen the same motion be used by other people before.

Either way, Tokoyami knew by now where and when to strike.

He reached Dabi the moment fire left his arm. Tokoyami dropped to the floor, practically skidding inside his range. Fire burned scorching hot, assailing the air directly above him and singing the tips of his already ruffled feathers. He ignored the uncomfortable heat, focusing instead on his own hand. Tokoyami felt Dark Shadow's weak power condense around his hand, stitching together the loose scraps of shadow that fluttered around him like feathers in the wind. The moment Tokoyami lashed out, they formed a single, dagger-like claw from his hand. His weapon. His attack and defense, culminated into a single action.

They weren't the same big, flashy actions he used to engage with. This training differed considerably from the broad sweeping movements and power-centric attacks that had made up his artillery. Right now he just didn't have the resources to waste energy like that, let alone push the fragile state of his quirk. But he could move just fine on his own. He could take hits for himself, get out of the way when he needed to, and find the narrow openings where he could get his attacks in with as much force as he and Dark Shadow can muster in a split second.

The claw caught the front of Dabi's shirt, tearing through the weak material and scratching against skin.

Dabi backpedaled quickly, retreating from range. Considering he was the League's only long-ranged attacker, you'd think he'd be better at maintaining that distance. But he wasn't nearly as fast as Tokoyami had once thought.

"Alright, that's enough!" Dabi barked. His voice echoed harshly through the concrete arena.

Tokoyami stopped his pursuit in an instant, rocking back on his heels. His shadow claw dissipated like mist, though the remnants of it still coated his arm, as if waiting.

Dabi straightened himself. There were more rips in his clothes that the one Tokoyami had just dealt, although none of them were ever very big. They both knew he could go further and attack more fiercely, but for the sake of this one-on-one he chose not to. Just like they both acknowledged how deadly Dabi's flames were if he wasn't careful. That much was always evident in the burns that always found their way to Tokoyami's clothes, searing threads onto his skin.

Tokoyami ran a hand through his feathers, shaking ashes from the tattered barbs and snuffing out a small blue flame that had caught on one of them. "I take it that will be all for the day, then?" Tokoyami said. His own breath felt strained, choked from the smoke, and he was reaching the point where these maneuvers were beginning to make his muscles and scars ache. Though he wasn't about to admit it. It was too satisfying to see his opponent call quits.

He could feel the heat coming off from Dabi as he approached. His glare remained as icy as ever, though. "I know improvement when I see it," he huffed.

That sounds like a compliment, Tokoyami mused.

I think we deserve it!

Tokoyami smiled. Dark Shadow's little caws in his head had been a greater reassurance than ever before lately. It was gratifying to feel his presence like this, especially considering the absence that had plagued him for so long.

"What's that smug face for?" Dabi growled. He was appraising the new tears in his signature coat. It made him look ratty, and he'd said as much before, but he just kept sewing it back together. Meanwhile, there wasn't much Tokoyami could do about the damage to his own limited wardrobe besides make sure he put out fires before they ate away at too much of his sleeves again.

Tokoyami answered him. "It's nothing you need to hear," he said vaguely, alluding to the private exchanges he had with his quirk.

Dabi accepted that. "…Fine. Let's just get back to the room."

Tokoyami watched the light dying from the sky outside. "We spent more time here than usual," he noted.

Dabi stretched his arms over his head and made his way to the exit. Tokoyami followed, the last bits of his quirk trailing away as he was reassured that the day's training was over. He was still troubled by just how little of his quirk could be used at once, but in the days and then weeks that had followed the night of Dark Shadow's return he had been able to harness what he could. With how gradual the process felt, it was difficult to know just how much he was able to improve his power. But it was there. Dabi was a better judge of it, as an outside viewer weighing in on the situation, and the training was proof of that.

Dabi hummed, more to himself than anyone. "I'm gonna be busy for the next couple days, so no training. You'll just have to keep yourself preoccupied."

Tokoyami picked up his cloak and katana at the exit, donning them both. Dabi didn't like training him in the use of sharp blades because he wasn't eager about getting stabbed, but he still kept it close at hand. He'd been more focused on working with his quirk anyway, so the sword was left to the sidelines for now. As it stood, it was still his greatest weapon. Dark Shadow had agreed that it was a cool addition to their artillery, now that he had room to speak. Truthfully, he'd been just as excited about Spinner's gift as Tokoyami had been. He just didn't say anything at the time.

They stepped out into the dusk, surveying empty streets filled with garbage and abandoned homeless camps. A siren wailed in the distance, reminding him that even this was still a kind of civilization. And yet it all felt so hollow, not a soul in sight.

As if on autopilot, they made their way down the narrow roads that would lead them back to the dump of a hotel. It was the closest he had to home at the moment. Granted, that was a rather depressing thought, but it was also one he'd learned to live with.

Ever since that night, Dabi had been staying around the room more. He'd wondered on more than one occasion if it was out of guilt, but he'd never questioned it. It could also have had something to do with the return of his quirk, since that gave him the tools he needed to escape if he really wanted to. But it wasn't that easy.

"I didn't take you for a busy person," Tokoyami mused.

He shrugged. "I still have responsibilities to uphold too, you know."

Tokoyami thought about that, but it didn't take much to reach a tentative conclusion. He asked himself if it was worth asking aloud or if he'd just be met with a scowl.

There's no harm in it, though, Dark Shadow urged in a quiet whisper that filled his head. You've noticed just as much as I have that he's been more open lately. Ahh there's so much I wanna ask! This is the one instance where I dare say that you're being too careful!

Tokoyami bit back an excuse, knowing that Dark Shadow was right. He usually was, since he was so intrinsically tied to so many of his unspoken thoughts. That's… fair, he admitted.

Tokoyami spoke up, nervous about the response he'd get. "Does it… have anything to do with Hawks?"

Dabi didn't react in any noticeable way. He only kept walking, and Tokoyami had to wonder if he'd heard at all. He started to open his mouth to ask again, but got his answer before he could.

"You sure seem interested in what's going on between me and the number two," Dabi drawled. He looked calm, but Tokoyami detected the faint edge in his voice.

"How could I not be," Tokoyami muttered sheepishly. "Besides, I feel like I should be able to know what you're up to."

The corner of Dabi's mouth twitched. "Then you must have the wrong idea. Don't pretend that you're entitled to shit like that. What I do in my own time is my own business. You wouldn't like what I'd tell you anyway."

Tokoyami deflated in disappointment. "That's not…" he started to argue, before his words died in a disheartened sigh. "I hate to break it to you, but that's a horribly lackluster excuse. It instills little reassurance, and now all I can do is assume the worse."

The shadow of the old hotel fell over them as they found their way into the empty parking lot. The cold gray walls of buildings blotted out the last of the light, and a chill settled over him.

"What do you think is the worst?" Dabi asked, looking down at him.

That made Tokoyami pause. It felt like he'd seen the worse already. He thought the worse had once been Shigaraki, for his coldness and apathy. Then he'd witnessed the cruel, raw powers of All for One, and had seen where Shigaraki had gotten his bile nature from. But there were so many other evils in the world that couldn't just be defined by a single person. He'd watched a whole network of yakuza breed evil in the underworld through the exploitation of a child, and even more recently the source of the monstrous nomu that could tear apart whatever target they were given.

So in Tokoyami's mind, the worse had to lay within the shadows created by the villains of this grieving society. It was easy to believe that as someone who'd suffered so much at the hands of these nefarious groups.

And yet, when he looked at Dabi, he didn't see him as the worst the world had to offer – far from it. He was still a villain. Because he does bad things, and says he's a villain, and aligns himself with them. But he's also someone who was let down by society in one way or another. Maybe the worst evils were ones that weren't so easily defined. If someone says that they're a villain, regardless of where that mentality came from, it becomes easy to just accept that.

Tokoyami was no fool. Evil could find itself anywhere, even in the hearts of those that strive for good. There wasn't such a clear-cut morality that could be so easily defined.

"The worst… would be not knowing for sure who the greatest threat to society is. One person causing trouble can be apprehended in due time, but a network of bile roots seeping the life from innocent people is much harder to unearth. Even when you think it's gone, there could still be remnants growing out of sight, spreading suffering." Tokoyami had said this with more clarity than he'd thought. It felt different to be saying these things aloud, like it was a culmination of the kinds of thoughts that had been circulating his mind in fragments.

They reached the dark metal door of the hotel. Dabi made no move to open it. "Do you think the League is like that?"

Tokoyami's shoulders slumped. He was already growing weary of this. He should've known he'd get no answers from this guy.

Hey, it was at least worth a shot, right? Besides, it doesn't hurt to keep talking, see if we learn anything new, Dark Shadow advised.

Tokoyami gave in. "Not… exactly. I know who all is a member, so your network isn't exactly far-reaching. The League has made a name for themselves, but considering you're the only one actively trying to recruit while the others are out fighting Gigantomachia in the mountains, then it doesn't seem as though there's much progress being made." He hesitated, wondering how much he should really say. Dabi was still looking at him expectantly. "…That being said… those nomu are wretched beasts that will bring only pain. I don't understand how you can stand to use such a monstrosity."

"That's a pretty strong opinion. You know they were human once, right?"

Tokoyami winced as though that were a personal attack. It just felt so wrong. "That makes it worse Dabi!"

He shrugged. "Don't blame me. I didn't make any of these monsters. I was just handed the power to use a tool and told to test them out."

He finally opened the door and proceeded to walk inside, as if that were the end of that. But Tokoyami wasn't about to end the day here. With a scowl, Tokoyami shoved past him in the hallway and took the lead towards the stairwell. "I'm going to the roof," he announced with a huff.

Dabi groaned behind him. He was probably looking forward to lying in his bed after the day's training, but Tokoyami didn't want to go back just yet. As Tokoyami ascended the flights of stairs, he could hear the heavy thud of Dabi's boots following after him.

This had been going on for a few weeks now, where he could just say that he wants to be somewhere else and inevitably ends up on the roof. The place, where he could look out over the tops of buildings and see the horizon, meant something to him. It ended up being the best space for just… stopping and thinking. In the time that had passed since Dark Shadow had started talking to him, this had been the necessary location where they could talk quietly about everything that had happened. Even the things he didn't want to talk about and the grievances and regrets that made his heart ache. Everything had come to light while sitting on the edge of the roof. And he could have this space mostly to himself, just so long as Dabi was nearby to watch over him.

Tokoyami opened the door to the top of the building. On the horizon, what he hadn't been able to see before, was a thin line of orange – the last light of sunset. As winter crept ever closer, there was less daylight. The nights were getting longer, colder, and it left a chill in his bones. As more time passed without any big events, as though the world was quiet and peaceful, it also instilled in him a sense of dread.

He walked out over the empty roof and took his usual place near the edge, sitting on the concrete ground with his arms resting on the short wall. Dabi stood at the door, figuring there was no point in coming any closer. He was just here to look over him until he was ready to go back to the room.

The first time Tokoyami had been on this roof was when that doctor had transported him and Dabi back here after that unpleasant visitation. Every time after that it had been his choice to come up here, though. The first conversation he'd had with Dark Shadow up here had been a somber one where he'd had to admit to his faults.

Tokoyami recalled the hurt when Dark Shadow had to explain to him, as if he didn't already know, that all his quirk wanted to do was protect him. And the more he willingly jumped into danger, the more he sacrificed himself for someone else, the harder that was to do. Dark Shadow hadn't liked going silent for so long. But it was a preservation of his strength and will so that he could recover.

He was also upset with him.

If time was supposed to heal all things, then it sure felt like it was taking long enough.

Tokoyami wrapped his cloak tighter around him to stave off the cold. Dark Shadow materialized with his permission into a small, dismal form that hovered next to him while the sky swallowed the last of the sun's light. He was so small, like a hand puppet, but at least in the moment he was a solid mass of shadow. None of the static-like appearances that corrupted his form or made him look small. The quirk couldn't get very big without stretching himself thin, though. Hence why he had to use the power sparingly and be smart with the limitations that were challenging him now.

It had occurred to him over the past few weeks that maybe this was how it always should've been. Maybe instead of constantly having his quirk active, he should've been more considerate of strain and power consumption. It didn't do him any good to have Dark Shadow exposed to his weakness when it wasn't necessary or use him when there was no reason to. Their current training was a painfully obvious shift from their previous efforts, where they were trying to have Dark Shadow materialized as much as possible in the hopes of bettering their bond. Admittedly, that had been kind of nice for a while, despite the circumstances for the training. That training hadn't been for nothing, either. Despite the length of silence that had eroded their link of communication, the bond was still there. It hadn't been desecrated in the aftermath of the Overhaul incident, as Tokoyami had feared. It was just… fragile.

Dark Shadow, for one reason or another, had always been better at expressing emotions than himself. That might've been more telling of the kind of person that Tokoyami considered himself to be, though. Either way, he'd had to come to terms with the fear and sadness that Dark Shadow had to lay out for him, and the feelings of betrayal he'd felt when he was pushed too hard.

He understood what Dark Shadow wanted a bit more now. And if there was still something he was missing, then he wanted to know. After everything, though, there was still one idea that set itself above the rest: Dark Shadow wanted Tokoyami to be safe.

It was an idea that had been determined long ago, even before his pursuit to be a hero. But Dark Shadow was a powerful quirk, and neither of them could help the fact that it was fueled by darkness and emotions. That's what had led them to heroism in the first place – the desire to obtain control and stability. And if they could get that far, they could help people. But somewhere along the way Tokoyami realized that he must've glossed over that initial agreement. And how could he not when there was someone in need right in front of him?

No excuses, Tokoyami mulled to himself. Of course, his quirk was right there, and he already knew how he felt. With a discontented hum, Tokoyami reached out a hand and absentmindedly scratched his quirk on the head. Shadows slipped between his fingers, but in truth it wasn't all that different from petting a cat. If his quirk was spread thin, then his hand likely would've passed right through.

For the moment, Dark Shadow enjoyed it.

"Was training alright today?" Tokoyami asked, now that they had time to breathe and take a rest. It felt important that they go back on forth on this so that they understood what they needed to improve on for the next time.

Dark Shadow tilted his little head. Tokoyami couldn't tell if the quirk was thinking or just adjusting so that he could scratch the other side.

"I wanna extend my reach to be longer, but that's hard right now. I don't like that you have to get so close to the target just to land a hit because then you could end up getting hurt," Dark Shadow said.

Tokoyami sighed, remembering the shadowy protrusion that could only extend so far from his hand. "It's progress, but you're right that we need a better way of channeling that power. I take it we won't be able to cover long-range attacks again for a good while yet…"

"Not in my current condition. There wasn't much I could do about that, Fumikage," he cawed sadly.

"That's alright," Tokoyami assured, much as he had been since communication had opened back up between them. "We'll get there, I just need to be stronger for you. It shouldn't have to be the other way around."

Tokoyami looked out at the open sky, pondering their options. He stayed like that for a while, until his hand slipped back onto the parapet. After a while, Dark Shadow got tired and dematerialized. It had been a long day. From the sound of it, whatever Dabi was up to meant that there wouldn't be any training for the next few days, so at least then they'd be able to rest. Not that this rest was particularly reassuring.

He always found that he lost track of time looking out over the tops of buildings. It was one of many things that had begun after that night. That night with the nomu, with Dark Shadow… and ultimately with Hawks. At some point he realized that he wasn't just appreciating the view. He was scouring the skies looking for a certain winged hero. Even though he'd made it clear that night that he wasn't going to save him, Tokoyami still had no choice but to wonder what he was doing. And yet that was futile if he continued to exist in a state of not knowing. He got the impression that Dabi knew what he was looking for, for all the difference it made. Even now he was watching.

Tokoyami rose from the ground with a sigh. Stars were beginning to appear in the sky. As much as he would've liked to stay out here a bit longer, he didn't want to test Dabi's patience. It was considerate enough that he could do something like this in the first place, so it'd be foolish to take it for granted.

Dabi moved from the doorway to let him pass. Tokoyami figured he didn't have anything to say. He was wrong.

"By the way… he did actually ask about you. Hawks did."

Tokoyami stopped in his tracks. Ever since the first conversation they'd had following that dreaded night, Dabi had kept his plans vague and the subject of Hawks even vaguer, as though he didn't like talking about it. He kept most things to himself. The bastard was the most secretive person Tokoyami knew. But that was fine so long as moments like this existed.

Tokoyami looked up at him, unable to keep the hope out of his voice. "He did? What'd he say?"

"He wanted to know what your condition was. I'm sure there was more that he wanted to say, but that was it. I just said you were stable and recovering. And that was it."

"Oh… I see." Tokoyami must've sounded disappointed, because Dabi kept going.

"I'm sure he wants to know more than what he lets on, but with everything else going on there's not exactly a lot of room for other discussion, if you get me." He was looking out towards the sky now, gripping the door handle as if ready to close it at any time.

Tokoyami frowned. He was starting to get annoyed. "No. I don't get you. Why not just tell me what's happening? If you think this is any way to keep me compliant, then you'd dare to be wrong. You mention everything else as if you keep me up to date with your nefarious deeds, but you don't. You tell me you won't be around the next couple days, and pretend that I'll just sit here in this gross building doing nothing."

"You're not doing nothing. You're healing and getting stronger, isn't that enough?" Dabi argued.

"I could just walk out of here and never look back," Tokoyami warned, standing his ground. "With my quirk, I could break open the door and make it back to the heroes while you're gone." It was true. They'd reached a point in his training where Tokoyami had enough power that he could escape if he really wanted to. Alas, it wasn't physical chains that kept him a captive to the villains. This must've been on both of their minds, because Dabi locked him in a glare. Now they were talking.

"You realize I didn't have to keep you here. I could've just given you over to Mr. Ujiko and been done with it. But I didn't. I still could, though," Dabi said. Tokoyami took note of the communication device that he kept on his ear. The doctor had given one to each member of the League. He wondered if the doctor was listening to this conversation right now. "And yet I don't think that'd be the worst outcome for you. No, the worst that could happen is that you end up back with the so-called heroes. They've already labeled you a villain, not that the heroes on top are much better."

Tokoyami's frown deepened into a scowl. "None of this would be an issue if you just told me the vendetta you have with hero society. Do I have to beg? Please, just give me something." There it was: perhaps the biggest reason why Tokoyami no longer fantasized about the idea of escape the way he previously did. He had to know. He had to see what the League was doing with his own eyes, and be there when they began to act. Even if it meant he was getting caught up in their ploys. Even if it meant he'd continue getting hurt. He was the closest thing to a hero that could stand in their midst unattested. He had to believe that there was a good reason for that, that maybe he could bring about some good from his miserable position if he continued to be here. Maybe only then would he understand what role Hawks had to play in this as well. Or Shigaraki's plans or even Dabi's elusive history. Any one of those was worth sticking around for. Nobody else was in the position that he found himself in now.

Dabi closed the door, blocking out the view of the sky and shutting them back inside the building. The only light was a dimly flickering bulb suspended above them, casting shadows down the stairwell. "Tomorrow they'll be announcing the Hero Billboard Charts. It'll be the official start of a new era… with a new number one hero."

There was an unprecedented amount of disgust on Dabi's tongue, and the amount of bitterness that Tokoyami felt coming off of him came as a surprise. "You… don't like Endeavor." That was definitely it. This wasn't the first time he'd considered it in regards to Dabi, either. Tokoyami was only vaguely aware of the controversies surrounding the man that had held the number two position for so long. He was Shoto Todoroki's dad, after all, and if the sports festival was any indication, then there had to be some unresolved issues in that household. As far as the public was concerned, he wasn't very popular. But he made up for it with strength and competency. Only now he was the number one hero by default, and tomorrow it'd be made official.

Looking at the villainous fire-user standing in front of him, blue eyes filled with hatred, he was left to wonder not for the first time about some uncomfortable possibilities. Like what exactly had heroes done to him to make him the kind of person he was now.

Dabi was smiling. Somehow that didn't feel very reassuring. It wasn't often that Dabi smiled like this, and when he did Tokoyami got the sensation that something bad was going to happen.

"I just feel… if the heroes want to celebrate their new beginnings, then maybe it's time for something to shake the weak foundation they've built themselves on," Dabi said, his voice strangely calm.

"You're going to cause a scene?" Tokoyami thought about that – about everything that Dabi had said today – and something clicked. "You're going to test the nomu."

Dabi blinked slowly. "Doctor's orders. But don't worry – I have Hawks in on it."

Tokoyami blanched. He reached for the handrail to balance himself, and missing that he ended up slumping into the wall. "What do you mean?!" he demanded. He took a deep breath, fearful that he was reacting too strongly in front of the villain. But how could he not?!

What is Hawks even doing? Is he trying to get people killed?! The image of that high end nomu going after him sent a shudder through his body. Nobody should have to face off against that monster. Back then, when that nomu had cornered him, scarred him, it had all just been a game anyway. The nomu was a horrible force, significantly stronger than the meager amount of power he'd shown to him. Tokoyami knew that to be the truth. So whatever Dabi did to unleash that nomu to the outside world was bound to be worse than anything he'd seen in that underground arena.

Hawks wouldn't let people die, Dark Shadow murmured. He didn't sound very reassured, though, as if he were reeling just as much from the new information. It was bad if even the caveat of his innermost thoughts was disturbed. He's fast, so he won't let anyone die. Right?

"It's my responsibility to see just how good these high-ends are," Dabi explained. "It's just as much a test for Hawks, too. We've been figuring the details out for weeks. By now he knows more about the nomu than he does about you. Well, at least he thinks he does. Priorities and all that, I'm sure you understand."

"W-what's going to happen?" Tokoyami asked, fighting to keep his voice steady.

Dabi leaned forward until his face was level with Tokoyami's. "The day after the charts are announced, when everyone is celebrating and lamenting the new top ten heroes, I'm going to unleash the nomu onto Fukuoka. The heroes won't even know what hit them."