He couldn't get off the stage fast enough. Amidst the closure of Shigaraki's speech and the frothing masses that believed it to be truly inspirational, Tokoyami fled the scene. Though he could feel spotlights and curious eyes trailing after him, he paid it no mind and took shelter behind the curtains, where he waited in the wings for the storm to pass. It was all too loud, too bright, too overwhelming for him to feel like there was any reason for him to be standing dead center of it all. And for what? A declaration of his unprecedented position? It felt so back-handed, like there hadn't actually been any thought on the matter other than to add to his miserably precarious state.

I don't need this!

Dark shadow emerged, if only to peek his wary little head out to where legions of followers were rejoicing their newly appointed commanders. He squinted through the harsh yellow light shining down like beacons of ill-guided hope upon the ex-League of Villains. What do you think it means to be a lieutenant? I wanna know!

Tokoyami dragged his back against the wall until he fell upon the ground, where he crossed his arms defensively across his chest. It's not that. We'll see no fruits from this "promotion," only a stronger chain binding us to their unruly cause.

The quirk hovered close to his side – a comforting presence. Maybe to Shigaraki, but won't those people out there see us as somebody important? It could be a double-edged sword.

I… can't predict the ramifications of this outcome just yet. I see only the worst in the matter, but if you think something good may come of this declaration, then there's nothing left but to wait and see…

We should go back out there, then!

Tokoyami set his face into a deep frown of disapproval and hunched himself further into his sitting position. Absolutely not. I am not a caged beast to be so easily put on display for others to gawk at.

Tokoyami could tell that the quirk was disappointed, but not enough to argue on the matter, which was quickly dropped from there. Dark Shadow continued to peer out into the waiting crowds, even going so far as to give a little wave to Spinner, who was standing by looking somewhat concerned about his abrupt departure. The others either hadn't looked behind them to notice his absence or refused to acknowledge it. Before long, the speech wrapped up regardless of whether or not he was there for it. Re-Destro sounded out an announcement to cement his army's undying loyalty and offer closing statements for the ceremonial occasion. Though the state of frenzied admiration for the Paranormal Liberation Front was in full swing, their newest leaders were already done with the festivities and were leaving the stage.

"What's the matter kid – don't like being in the lime-light?" Twice asked in a way that was difficult to discern genuine concern from teasing.

Spinner extended a hand to him, which Tokoyami accepted. Standing amongst the others again, he couldn't help feeling a bit embarrassed. Not everyone had left the stage at the same time, though: Shigaraki was lingering a few moments longer, leaving with the slower escort of Re-Destro and his personal lieutenants. At the same time, Dabi was drifting further away from them, headed off in his own direction unprompted. How typical. Tokoyami kept watch over where he was going out of the corner of his eye, in the off chance that he could possibly be any more suspicious.

"I'll admit, I've grown unused to such large crowds," Tokoyami said with shuttered breath. "Although in past times, it might've been encouraged for me to properly engage with potential fans."

"Yeah, I'm not used to this fanaticism – it weirds me out!" Twice readily chipped in.

Toga rocked back on her heels. "Heehee, I kinda like it. It'd be nice if I could make some friends and have a reputation here. Being one of these lieutenants sounds like a pretty good start!"

"I've missed the feeling of adoration that comes from crowds of fans myself," Mr. Compress mused. "Pardon me, young Tokoyami, but I'm just not one to stick to the shadows for such prolonged periods of time."

What does that have to do with me? Tokoyami wondered, eying the dramatic gentleman suspiciously. With a shake of his head, he turned his attention back to more important matters. "What's taking Shigaraki so long? I don't suppose there's an obligatory after-party to attend as well, is there?"

Spinner answered this time. "He's been in meetings with these guys for days. He's gotta be exhausted by now, even if he doesn't look it." So even a person like him has his limits. "We should make sure he gets back to our part of the mansion so that he can get some proper rest… er, right?"

The others seemed indifferent, but agreed anyway.

Meanwhile, Tokoyami couldn't help noticing that Dabi had drifted out of sight. "So, uh, what about Dabi? It feels like he's never around that much – should we wait for him too?

"He's always off doing his own thing, the lousy ditcher!" Twice decided, before voicing his concerns. "Should we go find him? You know, make sure he's doing alright?"

"I…" Tokoyami started speaking up, only to hesitate. But they were already looking at him expectantly, wondering what he was about to say.

Well, now we have to commit, Fumikage.

"I, uh, can go find Dabi. We can meet you all back at the League wing, so go on ahead without us." Tokoyami couldn't help thinking that such a request was too presumptuous. And yet nobody argued.

"M'kay, just don't get lost now~" Toga scoffed.

Mr. Compress nodded sagely. "In the off-chance that you most likely do – considering the maze this place is – I'm sure you can ask anyone for directions."

Tokoyami hung back a moment longer, waiting for any other objection. When nothing significant came of his decision, he gave Shigaraki one last parting glance before trailing off into the direction that Dabi was last seen.

Tokoyami swept through the backstage area unopposed, passing stage crew and guards that were positioned to keep outsiders from getting on stage. They unnerved him – people, he found, unnerved him – but nobody moved a muscle in any kind of threatening way that would indicate trouble. This was nothing like Overhaul's base, where every person walking its halls were some sort of trained yakuza. These were just civilians, for the most part. But he couldn't forget that even civilians could be ruthless so long as they had a cause to fight for.

And yet this path he walked felt… friendlier than anything he could've anticipated. Passing the last guard and reaching the end of the stage area, he couldn't help hesitating. Down here he felt so much smaller… probably because he literally was. The throngs of people standing before him were much more intimidating on ground level. It didn't help that, based on first glances alone, there likely weren't going to be very many people involved. This was still an army, after all, so he'd hope that there wouldn't be too many unfortunate enough to be caught within the heat of this societal madness.

Calm yourself…

Do you need my help? Dark Shadow asked.

Please no, not this time, Tokoyami assured. I fear having you by my side would already attract more unwelcome attention.

But we always do that anyway, no matter what I do! the quirk whined in his head.

Taking a deep breath, Tokoyami stepped out. If Dabi can walk amongst them unchallenged, then why not I? And just like that, he began weaving through the crowds, tracing the path he could swear Dabi had taken. Tokoyami did his best to ignore any stares and not be noticed, dodging the clamoring bodies and for once praising his short stature for allowing him to slip right under peoples' peripheral vision. Usually his avian qualities earned him more attention than he'd like, but he was starting to recognize that there were quite a few more mutant quirk civilians here than what he'd normally see in a crowd. Honestly, it made sense, even if that understanding saddened him.

It only took a momentary lapse in concentration, lost in thought, for him to make his first mistake. Someone in the crowd stepped back, bumping up against him and giving him a start. The man turned sharply, apology ready on the tongue, before Tokoyami saw recognition dawn in his eyes.

"Oh hey, aren't you—?"

"I'm nothing!" Tokoyami shot back in a panic before fleeing the confrontation. He could feel his confusion as he darted from the scene, attracting exactly the kind of attention he'd been trying to avoid. He managed to finally find some peace of mind in the shadow of one of the massive columns that supported the ceiling far overhead. There wasn't a good view of the stage, where Re-Destro and his cohort were taking their leave, followed by a sluggish-looking Shigaraki, so the rabid fans had left the small section unattended. Tokoyami used this moment to contemplate just how exhausting it was to find himself in this position. He wasn't always this nervous, was he…?

Well, it hasn't gotten any better, if that's what you're asking. Remember when you were in first grade and—

I refuse to revisit that time long past, Dark Shadow! Tokoyami chided. He didn't need more reasons to hide himself away from unassuming eyes. I'm not here to greet these people and make a greater fool of myself. I just want to find Dabi so that I can get out of this overcrowded hellscape!

Dark Shadow emerged timidly, prompted by his troubled mind. "Er, Fumikage…?"

"Now what?" he bemoaned, fearing nothing but the worst.

"I know you said you only wanted to find Dabi, but, uh…"

The quirk crooked a talon towards a lively part of the crowd. At first it didn't click what it was that had them so enamored, considering the main event on stage had already come to a close. But a person like that could never go unnoticed for long – not with the reputation he held.

"It's… Hawks again."

The Number Two Hero looked right at home in the midst of these adoring fans. His wings stuck out over the heads of the people gathered, giving him space while he continued to freely interact with them, undaunted. He had to have been amongst the crowd this whole time – seen the announcement, witnessed them on stage. Without knowing where this hero stood on the matter, it felt like Tokoyami had just been caught in the act of committing treason alongside these notorious villains. And yet Tokoyami was the one who felt so rightfully betrayed.

He didn't call out to the hero this time. If Hawks was going to fly off at the earliest hint of confrontation, then he didn't want to give him that chance. No, Tokoyami wanted Hawks to see him – really see him and know what his inaction had caused. For someone praised for being so fast, Hawks had spent far too much time dragging his feet in the whole "saving" department.

Tokoyami weaved through the droves of people clustered around the hero, sight never leaving him for fear that he'd blink and lose his target. Something about the way he moved, silent and focused, must've done something to differentiate him from the rest of those gathered and alert the hero. Hawks whipped around right when he drew near, and Tokoyami watched his fanservice smile freeze in place. Tokoyami hadn't had an ice-breaker in mind when making this approach – only that his body had desperately willed this interaction to reach fruition. There was no way around it. There couldn't possibly be, right?

"Hawks. We need to talk." Something about the way he said – no, demanded – an audience with the hero made the fans around him uncomfortable, and they shuffled back to give the two birds space.

Hawks gave him a cheery wave, as if to welcome him into the shadow of his wings, but Tokoyami got the impression that there was something intimidating about the harmless gesture. He wasn't exactly the type to trust such things these days, trivial as it might seem to an outsider.

Hawks' eyes felt unmistakably sharp when they landed on him, and his feathers rustled in a way that vaguely reminded him of those days spent tracking down villains with him as an intern.

The first thing to leave the hero's mouth was not what he wanted to hear. "Oh hey, you're the new lieutenant, yeah? Congrats, that's a pretty big deal, you know!" The people around them began to murmur amongst themselves at that.

Fumikage, I wanna know what his deal is too, but we ain't gonna figure that out with so many people around. He's more secretive than that. Even when we were training with him, he always kept to himself, remember?

…All too well, Tokoyami glowered. "I dare say it's not nearly as impressive as the position you hold, Mr. Hero," Tokoyami all but spat, unable to keep the venom from his tone. "Might I ask what a person of such high regard is doing here?"

Hawks gave a noticeable flap of his brilliant red wings. Tokoyami took a wary step back, knowing damn well that the flapping was merely show – its main purpose was almost always to discreetly send out those little feathers for reconnaissance. Tokoyami had learned that much from him, at least.

To his credit, Hawks had an answer ready for him. "Why would I not be here?" he asked, raising his wings to the earnest crowd. "It's about time more people near the top recognized the hardships the every-day quirk-user goes through. This new Liberation Front marks our first true step towards freedom. You should know it just as much as I, don't you?"

Tokoyami clenched and unclenched his fists at the cruel irony of a free future. It was a good thing he was a patient person, because he was able to maintain his cool. "And so soon after this merger between two factions, no less," Tokoyami observed.

"I've been reading up on the whole thing. The history behind this movement is very interesting, as I'm sure you know," Hawks said, to which the onlookers murmured in agreement. One even pulled out a small pocket version of a book that Tokoyami recognized from his room in the mansion. "I'm here now to help bridge the gap between the newly established Paranormal Liberation Front and the more mainstream part of hero society."

Does that help of yours include killing other top heroes and leaving me to wallow in despair?

Tokoyami bit back every cutting response he had to give, reserving them for later in exchange for an invitation that wasn't so openly suspicious. "In that case, I look forward to working with you. Why don't we meet up later on to discuss the future of our alliance?"

That got his attention in a way that nothing else did. Even if it was slight, something about the way Hawks stood shifted. "Good idea! And maybe afterwards you could introduce me to the other appointed lieutenants—"

"Are you bothering him?"

Before Tokoyami could fully process what Hawks was asking of him, a cold, calculating voice flowed through the wall of people and Dabi emerged. Tokoyami watched him step right around the hero's wall of feathers and drape an arm across his shoulders. Anyone on the outside might've seen this and interpreted it as an overly friendly gesture, but Tokoyami could see only warning signs.

It felt like one wrong move from either one could be devastating. On one hand, if you were already that close to Dabi then you were already good as dead. A point-blank blast of blue flame would be devastating, if not painfully lethal. On the other hand, Tokoyami couldn't help noticing how sharp Hawks' feathers appeared, now hovering right over Dabi's head. He remembered the way those feathers could slice through nomus and embed themselves into solid stone. For a substance usually so soft and airy, it was unnerving that so many gathered together offered a whole arsenal of deadly weapons. But since he'd grown so used to seeing the feathers used to save others and restrain villains without unnecessary bloodshed, their alternative utility had been lost on him up until he'd seen them be used in the fight against the High End Nomu.

Needless to say, these two were caught in a stalemate. And yet they showed no evidence of the peril they'd locked themselves in.

"Oh, there you are Dab—"

Dabi cut him off, smile never leaving his face. "I asked if you were bothering him."

Hawks squirmed under his arm. "Nah, nothing like that! I'm just getting myself acquainted…" Something there went unsaid, and Tokoyami tilted his head curiously.

The air was starting to thicken with unseen tension, so Tokoyami stepped in. "I was actually out here looking for you, Dabi. You just left after the ceremony and everyone was wondering what you were up to. I went ahead and just happened to run into Hawks first, that's all."

Are you covering for him?

I'm trying to get an audience with him, but I can't imagine Dabi would like that. He already doesn't trust Hawks, and I think he suspects that we share something he doesn't know about.

I mean, his suspicions are pretty accurate, in that case, Dark Shadow pointed out.

I hate that Hawks has managed to be the most dubious person in a room filled with Liberation nuts.

You still wanna hear him out, though.

Of course. He's the only link I have to the other side. There's things I want to learn since I can't get it anywhere else, Tokoyami explained.

…He probably thinks he can learn stuff from us, too. I don't like it either, but maybe we should be more careful in how we approach him from now on.

Dabi wasn't always one to pick up on things quickly, but even he could tell that something in this exchange was amiss. Were they doomed to be a triangle of mutual distrust? How annoying.

Nevertheless, he eased up his stance enough that Hawks could slip out from under his arm. In turn, the hero folded his wings to his side and kept them there, to which Dabi shrugged easily. "Whatever. I guess it makes no difference. It's just kinda funny that you two keep running into each other."

Hawks laughed the idea off. "Well, you know, I've been around here long enough that it only makes sense that I'd start meeting the other members, right? I feel like some intros are still in order, don't you think?"

Dabi circled around him until he came to stand next to Tokoyami. "I wouldn't jump the gun so quickly – that decision goes to the boss. As for Tokoyami, you only ever got so close to him because he's my intern."

That struck a nerve. Hawks' smile left his face in an instant and he retreated a step back, caught off guard. The reaction earned Tokoyami's interest: this was the first time he could claim to see Hawks struggling to recover from a blow, no less a mental one.

I-I thought Dabi didn't know that we interned under him?! Dark Shadow spluttered.

He doesn't so long as Hawks hasn't said anything about it. He's just trying to get a reaction. And it worked. Tokoyami chose to interject again in the futile hope of saving face, if nothing else. "Bold words coming from you, Dabi. I didn't think you cared about anything."

He smirked. "I care enough about certain things," he said in that vague, stupidly cryptic way of his. Then he turned to address Hawks again. "I guess there's no helping these encounters anymore, huh? Seeing as how you've already made yourself so comfortable in our new base. We'll be seeing you around Hawks – just gotta keep an eye out for us."

Was that a threat? Dark Shadow asked as Dabi began to walk away.

Tokoyami didn't need any further prompting to trail after him, leaving behind a rather perplexed hero. It'd be weird for him to linger around here any longer. Besides… it was Dabi he'd been looking for, and from the way Dabi phrased his words it sounded like there'd be more chances to see him in the future. Plenty more.

Mph. That was most certainly a threat. I'd say that Hawks should watch himself here, but I don't have any way of knowing where he stands in all this.

Well, for starters, would you rather he be working for the heroes or the villains?

Tokoyami tried to focus on keeping up with Dabi. Considering how often people tried to stop him, it wasn't very hard.

I'm… not sure. I don't want anything bad to happen to these people, but at the same time there's greater stakes to be had.

Tokoyami resisted the urge to look back and watch the winged hero fade into the crowd. This was much different than that first night when Hawks had turned him back to Dabi. It was obvious by now that this hero had been given several chances to free him of these shackles and yet couldn't lift a feather to aid him – only hinder and strike him down further. It was like his old mentor wanted to see him on the villain side. And if so, what kind of cruel fate was that? Tokoyami had gone through so much to reach this point in the League of Villains' chronicles, but he'd never given up hope that when the day came he might be accepted to the other side without consequence.

So if Hawks was no different than those megalomaniacal heroes that fought them on the behalf of the MLA mere days ago, then was he truly a lost cause on the heroes' end?

Nothing else to it. I'll… learn more in due time. And until then, I have no other choice but to keep moving forward.

Dabi took a deep breath once they'd cleared the throngs of people and made their way back to the stage area. Tokoyami joined him in that feeling of relief. "I take it you're not one for crowds either?"

"Hate it," he admitted, like it was the most obvious response. "I just had to get you outta there – and put that hero in his place if he knew what was good for him."

"Oh?" Tokoyami hummed. He let a silence lengthen between them, questions hanging on his tongue, until Dabi arched an eyebrow.

"What, you got somethin' to say?"

Tokoyami jumped at the accusation, pulled as he so often was from his tumultuous thoughts. "Y-yes, actually," he stammered, before clearing his throat and deciding to come right out with it. "You told Hawks I was your intern. Why? You've never referred to me as such before." What do you know?

Dabi smirked. Tokoyami could swear he was amused by the inquiry. Surprisingly, he answered with as much honesty as he could muster for someone who usually kept so much to himself. "I wanted to see if I could ruffle his feathers – and I was right. He mentioned before that he was scouting you, and I wanted to let him in on what he missed out on."

Was that… a compliment?! Dark Shadow gasped.

Don't be so excited about that…

Tokoyami buried whatever emotion was evoked by his words and pressed on, visibly undaunted. "That's all fine and well, but what will you do now? You seem to be keeping yourself awfully busy as of late – between investigating the neighborhood and… whatever else has been on your plate."

Dabi raised his arms and clasped his hands behind his neck. "Who can say?" Mph. Back to being a man of few details, so it seems. But with patience rewarded, Dabi continued. "Even though this is our new base, I've been going back and forth a bit. Actually, I was planning on going back to the apartment tonight to grab some of my stuff."

Nothing of importance, then, Tokoyami lamented.

He's probably doing other stuff he just doesn't wanna tell us about. He was always off doing one thing or another back in that place, and it looks like he can't relax for even a moment here, either.

I suppose he's a busy person. If investigating the number two hero was only one of his agendas, then I shudder to think what else is on his plate – or who else is getting roped into these schemes.

"Kind of you to go looking for me, but there really wasn't any point," Dabi said, already beginning to walk off again. "If the League asks, tell 'em I'll be out for the night. Until then, try not to cause any trouble. Got it?"

Compared to when he was talking to Hawks, this felt less like a warning and more like a mutual agreement: I won't go causing trouble if you don't either. Tokoyami wished he could agree to that – it'd make his life a lot easier. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't causing problems on purpose. They just always managed to find him first.

Tokoyami released a weary sigh that wasn't lost on Dabi. "I'll get back to you on that," he grumbled.

With a dry laugh, Dabi turned the corner and was gone, leaving him right back where he'd started. Only now he was alone, with the rest of the League long gone. After waiting a few abysmal moments, Tokoyami peeked around the corner to see how far Dabi had gone, but there was no trace of him. it was difficult to tell if he was able to freely access that transportation ability of Ujiko's, since the Doctor was playing favorites by allowing Dabi extra incentives, or if Dabi was just that eager to high-tail it out of this stuffy mansion.

Resolving himself to a lone walk back to the League's claimed section of the building, Tokoyami traced his steps to the elevator that'd brought them so far underground. There were other ways to reach the main floor, but those were used by the masses instead of leading into the heart of the Liberation Army mansion. The less people he had to face, the better. Nevertheless, he couldn't help feeling that these evasive maneuvers wouldn't do much to serve him well for much longer. Villains, heroes, civilians – they could all see him now. In the open, in the public eye, and displayed before the Paranormal Liberation Front, there was nothing to hide.

Tokoyami pressed his temple against the chromatic elevator door, focusing on the hum of whirring mechanisms pulling him higher.

So then what did the heroes think of him? He'd already shown all he could possibly have to the villain side, for all the good it's done him. If mutual trust was the price of sympathy, then he didn't know what to do with it anymore. Especially when it felt like any hero that cared an ounce for their reputation would do well to keep their distance.

It hurt. Not as much as the first time his hopes had been dashed by Hawks, but it still found a way to burrow deeper into his already festering sorrows. In what sick world was he left to rely more on the villains responsible for his capture than the very heroes he'd worked alongside not so long ago?

Time has passed, yet I'm still here. Surroundings change, people adapt, and I stand in the midst of the very same storm that has waged from the beginning.

The elevator stopped with a ding! His ascent through desolate thoughts came to an end. Unlike the crowded underground, no guards patrolled this stretch – it was the same as when they'd entered. Tokoyami followed the hallway up the stairs. When he reached the door that led back into the rest of the mansion, there was a small button waiting for him on the wall. Since this door had originally been opened by Trumpet's private remote, he guessed they had to make a way for anyone to exit the secret passageway.

Tokoyami pressed the button and walked out into the grand central hall, and the door closed behind him. Given the chance to inspect it further, it was a truly seamless doorway that left behind almost no trace of its very existence. This group had it all figured out, which just made it feel even stranger that the League had actually managed to overtake such a supposedly competent group. Maybe they'd learned their lesson from Overhaul? Shigaraki wasn't one to take these matters lightly – he'd done nothing but fight, even after the battle had concluded, and now he had a major corporate leader playing the role of puppet beneath his hands.

In that case, I shouldn't be so worried about patrolling these parts. The League has this place under control, if that stage performance was any indication. Tokoyami checked his surroundings, relieved when nobody was around, and continued to where he was pretty sure he needed to be. He followed familiar hallways, mirrored the directions he'd been paying attention to on their way to reach the underground, and went up several more flights of stairs. Up until he realized that much of the décor in these halls were practically identical, offering little in terms of remembrance. And he'd lost track of which floor he was on.

Tokoyami paused at an intersection between two hallways. In his uncertainty, Dark Shadow emerged with the promise of either potential guidance or emotional support – whichever one was needed first. "You know, for such a big place, they sure don't give you many directors," the quirk noted.

Tokoyami wavered where he stood. "I'm sure that's intentional. It's nothing we shouldn't already be used to, though."

"We can't help getting lost, though…"

"If I can find the main conference room, then I'll know where to find the League," Tokoyami huffed, reassuring himself. Fueling himself with false confidence, he continued through the labyrinth of white-washed walls, porcelain vases, and generic landscape paintings.

"Hey, hey, that hallway is bigger! Maybe it'll lead to more important things. Like stairs."

"Why would anyone need a place so big anyway?" Tokoyami complained, following his direction around yet another corner. "I haven't seen a single room be inhabited other than the ones that house us and the League. What's even the point of it all?!"

Tokoyami looked down what he thought would be another empty hallway. Instead, he locked sights with one of Re-Destro's most trusted soldiers. Geten whipped around so fast that his hood fell to his shoulders. Registering the mutual alarm they shared in seeing each other so suddenly, Tokoyami stopped dead in his tracks.

"Turns out this place wasn't as empty as we thought, huh?" Dark Shadow whispered, hovering close to his head.

Cold, calculating eyes appraised him for all he was worth. "Ceremony ended an hour ago. What are you doing still snooping around these parts?" he demanded, an edge to his voice.

Tokoyami stiffened. He knew that accusatory tone all too well, from his previous times spent in other villains' territory. It was the "you really shouldn't be here" voice that always managed to lead him into trouble. Thus continuing the ceaseless cycle of problems reaching him before he could do anything about it.

Then he noticed the single key clasped in his hand, about to be used on the door in front of him. Was that supposed to be his room? Tokoyami took a step back, wondering if he could disengage before anything came of this. Considering he had nothing to hide this time around, he settled himself for honesty. "I'll admit – I might've lost my way. But I'm well on the path back to where my living quarters reside."

Somehow, that just made him more suspicious, as evident by the way Geten pocketed his key and came forward. "Is that so?" he challenged.

Tokoyami nodded, and Dark Shadow did the same. "You would question my intent?"

"Well, for starters, you're on the wrong floor," Geten growled, staring him down accusingly.

I knew it!

"…I was not aware," Tokoyami mumbled.

Geten sighed. "Then there's no helping it. Re-Destro wouldn't want you to wander aimlessly, so I guess I better help you. Is that what you expect?"

Tokoyami raised his hands peacefully, trying to summon the words to excuse any responsibility. "If it's too much trouble, you don't have to—"

"No! You have no reason to be around these parts. How you even managed to get this far into the residential zone is far beyond me." Residential? Could've fooled me – you're the only one here! "Now follow along. And don't try to pull anything, or else I will put this down in the records!" For someone who'd managed to maintain such a calm façade during the rebranding ceremony, he sure did hold a lot of unrestrained contempt for those around him. Nevertheless, Tokoyami didn't pick up on any ill will, and followed him – somewhat gratefully – back the way he came.

Geten kept glancing back at him to make sure he was trailing in his wake. There was something about the little gestures that bordered on the edge of paranoia, though he couldn't place why. He's unnerved?

He keeps staring at me, Dark Shadow mumbled, coiling around Tokoyami's shoulders and blinking his yellow eyes.

If he doesn't understand us, then that's on him. No need to be judgmental…

Tokoyami thought about speaking up – maybe clearing some things before any hard feelings between them festered. He didn't know how long he'd be living in this place, after all. It didn't need to come with a new wave of unpleasantries just because he couldn't bring himself to properly communicate with the residents who were here first. Before he could, however, Geten had already stopped at the base of a familiar flight of stairs.

Already?!

Perhaps we were closer than we thought.

"This ought to be your destination: up and to the right. I'm sure you know the room by now. Do better to not get lost, alright? We have coded directions for this very purpose, you know, so take the time to learn it while you're here." Tokoyami wasn't completely sure what that meant, but agreed to do so anyway before the lieutenant continued. "I hope that's the last I see of you anything, I much prefer a chance to meet you on another battlefield – not my private doorstep. So be warned, Shadow Bird! I'm eager for a rematch, and I won't let those wicked claws of yours get the best of me again," Geten hissed.

What the hell does he mean by "Shadow Bird?" Dark Shadow cawed indignantly.

Tokoyami was equally perplexed by the vehement declaration. If I remember correctly, he was calling Dabi by something strange, too. Blue Flame, I think it was? It strikes me as odd – he seems to only be thinking of people by what their quirks can do, without factoring in anything else.

That guy has kind of a focus on power, yeah? I don't think I wanna fight him alone. He seems like an angry person, and it doesn't look like he takes losing easily.

But his fight wasn't even with us – it was with Dabi!

And we chose to intervene, remember?

Tokoyami gave in to the quirk's damning speculation. Based on first impressions alone, he wasn't sure if this was yet another enemy he'd made or an opportunity for rivalry. If he could live peacefully in this place, then that'd be great. He just had to think that there were more people on his side than against him. Overhaul's followers were right to be wary of me, but some of them were relentless in their provocations… asking for fights and pestering me with thinly veiled threats.

I don't think we have to worry about that so much here, Dark Shadow said encouragingly. After all, it's Shigaraki who's on top in this place, and the League won't let those other guys intimidate us!

Tokoyami sighed with as much wistfulness as he could muster. Was it so strange to ask for the support of villains? Not that they had a very good track record, but it was still something. I hope you're right.

With that thought hanging in his head, he ascended the last staircase and opened the door to enter back into the League's designated space.

Only to be met by frenzied cries of alarm.

"Bad time, you'll have to come back later!"

"Go away, we're not taking visitors! Welcome back!"

Tokoyami hesitated, confused by the reaction he'd garnered, but proceeded anyway. This time it was a physical opposition that stilled his progress. He'd gotten the door open enough that he could see through a sizable crack. However, any possible vision into the room was blocked by Mr. Compress, who'd apparently been put on guard duty.

"Oh! Why, hello!" he said, recognition dawning upon him. He turned back around to the others while easing his hold of the entrance and allowing Tokoyami to slip in. "False alarm, everybody! It's just young Tokoyami."

Having the door swiftly closed behind him, the room breathed a collective sigh of relief. Tokoyami took note of whatever had transpired in his brief absence, settling on the most obvious, unavoidable aspect.

While Mr. Compress had been protecting against potential invaders, Twice and Spinner were kneeled over the crumpled up body of Shigaraki, practically passed out on Toga's beanbag chair. The boss's oversized coat had been tossed aside, as well as the stifling suit top and tie that he'd been wearing underneath. Such formal attire didn't do much to improve his image anyway. His arms were crossed over his head, obscuring his face, and shuttered breaths left him every few moments.

"What… happened here?" Tokoyami asked, utterly stunned by what he was bearing witness to. Their leader looked completely wiped out, despite the fact that he'd been able to stand tall even after a monumental battle that had shaken an entire city to dust.

Spinner fiddled with a wet wash cloth like he wasn't quite sure what he should be doing to help. "Uhhh, he got tired… you know, from everything."

"It took every ounce of his strength to make that speech, I'll have you know!" Twice adamantly declared.

A bleary red eye opened to glare at him, followed by a voice muffled by his own arms. "That's not it," Shigaraki spat with about as much dwindling venom as he could muster. "I've been running on empty this whole time just to set up that damn announcement… and put everything in place."

From the direction of the infirmary, Toga hustled back with an armful of medical supplies – most of which were probably not necessary. But they included painkillers and bandages, so that was about as good as it was bound to get. "Don't worry, Tomura, I can wrap you up!" Toga sang all too happily, plopping down on the ground next to him.

Mr. Compress spoke up from his guard post. "You weren't followed, were you? And I thought you intended on bringing back Dabi…?"

"I got a bit sidetracked," Tokoyami mumbled, thinking back on his little escapade. "Dabi was busy. And, uh, Geten guided me back here, but he's already gone. Do the others not know of his condition?"

"That's right. And they're not gonna find out," Shigaraki said, a bloody grin cracking his face. He struggled to sit back up, much to Twice and Spinner's dismay. Toga started unfurling a wrap of bandages, only for it to drop from her eager hands and begin rolling away. "I've got this whole thing handled, just so long as I don't show any sign of backing down. I expect the same for you all, as well. If we're the new leaders of this army, we can't be weak. That's why you're all my trusted lieutenants now. Use this time to train and better yourself, because that's exactly what I'll be doing. More… and more! The power that was promised to me – I'll grab hold of it and never let go!"

Shigaraki's emphatic declaration was met with awkward shuffling and silence, as if nobody really had a good response to that. Even in such a story state, he was still driven by the promise of success and the imminent destruction that would come with it. And somehow everyone else was expected to contribute in some way.

"You've had it rough, Tomura," Toga soothed gently, rolling the bandages back into a sloppy roll. "Can't it wait until tomorrow? You should celebrate with us!"

"Yeah, take it easy and have some sushi!" Twice agreed. "It's been sitting out for hours. You probably shouldn't eat it."

Shigaraki was slow to get up, and this time nobody dared to stop him. Despite not posing a threat to anyone present in this condition, none of the League wanted to be the one standing in his way.

"You worry too much," Shigaraki rasped, dragging deadweight body back to his room by himself. "I'll sleep this off and come back stronger, just you wait."

Mr. Compress hummed in disapproval while watching the leader take his leave before sitting down heavily on a chair. "I guess that means no meetings for the next few days."