While looking up at the ceiling, Tokoyami listened to the sound of his heart thudding uncomfortably in his chest. If he'd been nervous before about slumbering in a place like this, then it was certainly impossible now. Any pretense of sleep had been properly eradicated the moment Nagant had revealed her goals. And so it seemed that he found himself in a den of enemies. Granted, he was no stranger to such dangerous accommodations, but it still hurt. Miss Tsutsumi didn't seem like a bad person. On the contrary, he couldn't help seeing something of himself reflected in her. The main thing setting them apart was age, however long they were separated by, and it'd left him to wonder where his own path might take him in the future if he continues down this path.

But that was far from any immediate concern. No, rather, it was the rude bombshell that the assassin had dropped on him before she'd turned in for the night: her target was Midoriya, and they needed him alive.

Thinking about the implications had his skin crawling. His freshly patched scar itched, and he couldn't tell if it was from the new stitches or the feeling of discomfort that plagued him. This had to be because of Midoriya's quirk and the revelation he'd made about being targeted by Shigaraki. If the green-clad hero had only one foe to worry about, then Tokoyami might not've been too troubled. After all, Midoriya had willingly stepped out into the tumultuous post-war world to serve as bait for the Villain King, in a way not much different from Tokoyami's own antics. They'd both encountered their fair share of troubles in the past – who was he to interject?

He'd also promised Midoriya that, so long as he was out here trying to help this fractured society, that he'd help in any way possible. How was Tokoyami to know that he'd come into contact with the people hunting him down? The League was one thing, but these prison escapees… well, they were just full of surprises, weren't they?

If this was a danger Midoriya didn't know about, then… then…

I shouldn't be here.

She'll be mad…

Tokoyami sat up on the couch with a huff. His hand reached up to pick at the bandages on his shoulder, only to be stopped by a sharp hiss intruding his thoughts. He lowered his hand slowly, bracing his elbows on his knees and slumping with a renewed feeling of exhaustion. Obviously I'm not going to hang around here until morning. She'll want answers, and ratting out Midoriya is out of the question.

Dark Shadow listened to his thoughts, considering them in full before responding in a quieter internal voice. I know you're worried about Midoriya – so am I – but right now, I'm more worried about you. Fumikage, she's trained for this, with experience beyond our years. She's gonna hunt us.

Tokoyami swallowed thickly. He glanced over at the half-empty glass of water on the coffee table. He really had appreciated her generosity. He couldn't be sure if it was just a means to an end – take in the sorry-looking kid to see if he had any good info – but he didn't think it was. There was something sincere about her, even if it was clouded by the demands of a mission. And… and maybe he was just a shitty judge of character, but he still wanted to trust people. Especially if they were troubled by a haunted past.

Unfortunately, he didn't have the time to make any rash decisions. If he couldn't trust her, then he had to move on. And… and hope that it didn't come back to bite him too quickly.

At least try to get some rest, Dark Shadow urged. And make sure they're asleep if you plan on sneaking out before morning.

Tokoyami silently agreed before slowly rising to his feet. In that same moment, the drier let out a quiet beep, announcing the end of its cycle, and Tokoyami crept over to it to retrieve his freshened clothes. Even on its gentlest setting, Spinner's scarf came out with a few more frays on its ends, but it was the cleanest he's ever seen it. He donned his shirt, grateful now that it was no longer hardened by blood, and unfurled his cloak with a wave of warmth. He wrapped it around his shoulders like a blanket, unable to suppress the contented sigh that escaped his beak, and stood there for a moment. If he could bask in this sensation a little longer, he would.

With a deep breath, Tokoyami forced his feet to move across the hardwood floor. He couldn't attest to his normal level of stealth; his feet felt heavy, his body swayed against his wishes, and try as he might he could hear his breathing too clearly. He hoped it was from exhaustion, and not the possibility that he was losing his practice. Considering Nagant had caught on to his attempt at stealth earlier in the day, he wasn't particularly hopeful. But he still needed to scope out the occupied bedrooms down the hall, if only to learn if they were asleep.

Tokoyami did his best to keep quiet as he hovered outside the first door. Knowing the deadly presence that was on the other side, he felt a chill creep up his spine. Sneaking around this dark apartment felt wretchedly familiar, and his mind flashed back to shadowy halls and eerie fluorescent lights that highlighted countless closed doors hiding disgusting secrets.

Fumikage, listen.

Tokoyami shook his head, ridding the thoughts from his mind so vehemently that he staggered. When the bout of dizziness came to pass, he lowered his head next to the wooden door to overhear what was on the other side.

Soft sobs greeted him, broken and miserable. The pathetic noises hadn't stifled since he last stood here, and Tokoyami felt a twitch of irritation pulse through him.

"Boss… I didn't mean it… I'll make things right. That was always the plan. Anything… anything I do, it was always supposed to be fixable. So… I should be able to…!" Chisaki droned on, muttering to himself with rampant thoughts. Tokoyami couldn't help the flash of satisfaction he felt, knowing that someone like him was capable of feeling such crushing guilt. Although the fact that it came at the expense of another person who might be suffering as a result of Chisaki's actions made it less savory.

The sniveling petered out to be replaced with slow, methodical breaths, and Tokoyami waited to decide if that was the lull of sleep that had finally taken claim over the miserable yakuza.

Instead, his voice came again, more focused and hardened than he'd heard it since being so rudely reunited with the loathsome villain. "You… putrid crow. You're enjoying this, aren't you? Leave it to a carrion-eater to flock to rot. Miserable… miserable boy; I always knew you were sick." Tokoyami's nails dug into the soft wood of the doorframe, and splinters pricked the tips of his fingers as rage boiled in the pit of his stomach.

He's doing this intentionally. Don't let him rile you up, Fumikage – it's not worth it.

He already knew that. Even still, he couldn't help but hang onto Chisaki's every word. The man had said so much to him back when Tokoyami was "serving" under the yakuza. Now that so much time had passed, he listened to every venomous word that dripped from his mouth in much the same way, as if he was still a captive audience.

Chisaki's voice lost some of its heat, and Tokoyami had to strain to pick up the next part that flowed from his malicious mouth, so easily targeted at him. "Did those disgusting heroes ever take you back? I was surprised, you know. Shouldn't you have better places to be, allying yourself with that damnable Deku and those insidious pros? Or were you unceremoniously tossed to the wayside when they saw you for the sick, bloodthirsty bastard that the League of Villains groomed you into? And where are they? Shigaraki, the nerve of that menace, saw fit to bring Tartarus to its knees. I doubt he cares that I escaped, considering the mess he made of me. But I don't suppose the League still cares for a wretch like you? So tell me, Fumikage Tokoyami, do you have anyone anymore? Or did you burn every bridge when you showed them how ugly you are from every angle?"

Tokoyami was vibrating with barely contained rage. He was starting to wish he hadn't stopped at this door and done as his quirk had suggested. The recent memory of him lunging across Chisaki's bedroom, claws aimed at his throat, played in his mind on repeat until nausea rose in the back of his throat. He thought of what it might take to silence that poison-laden croon once and for all. But more than that, he felt his eyes sting in a way he hadn't anticipated, and he struggled to keep his breath steady as shaky gasps threatened to take hold. Perhaps he was a fool to have let someone as far-gone as the ousted yakuza boss rattle him to such a degree, and yet he couldn't help the pitiful sensations that were so callously cast at him. He knew Chisaki was like this, had seen the way his words had manipulated Eri and all his followers into submission. But Tokoyami should've been able to steel himself from such harsh accusations. Was he so unstable that he couldn't even fend off the heresy from the very person he hated the most?

Go back to your sniveling. Feel sorry for yourself, you blight upon the world. This world will be happy to forget you once you're dead and gone. And I… I will celebrate like nobody else. These thoughts and more ran rampant through Tokoyami's head, an onslaught of negativity and bile that crushed down on Dark Shadow's own thoughts and left his mind feeling dark and heavy. And then, with a slow breath to steady his fraying nerves, Tokoyami forced out a quiet growl. "Good night, Chisaki."

Tokoyami retreated from the door, hands balled into trembling fists. He tried so hard to tune out the mocking laughter that slipped out from under the crack in the door as he left the putrid villain behind.

So… Chisaki wasn't asleep yet, that much was certain. But it didn't seem like he'd had the chance to talk with Nagant one-on-one since Tokoyami had arrived here, so unless he missed something, he shouldn't have to worry about the dejected yakuza. For now.

Tokoyami composed himself as best he could in the few steps it took to carry him further down the hall to where Miss Nagant had retreated into her own room. Once more, he hoped that he'd be met with silence – anything that might confirm she'd be asleep or otherwise unconcerned with the outside world. Instead, when he paused next to this door, he was once again greeted with hushed whispers on the other side. Tokoyami cursed his luck and, unable or perhaps unwilling to back away, he leaned his head close to the wooden board.

"—no I… yes, I understand – right." A beat of silence. "Trust me, I have it under control. My new lead… huh?" Another pause, where Tokoyami can hear his heart thudding loudly in his chest. "O-oh. He's a bit… I see."

She's talking about us.

She's talking to All for One.

A keen feeling of sickness began to spread through Tokoyami. If Chisaki had been made aware of his presence, then Nagant would definitely know if he overstayed his welcome on the other side of her door. And yet, it was so difficult to pry himself away. If there was something here to be said, then he had to hear it.

You're playing a dangerous game, Dark Shadow chastised, sounding more tired than anything else.

Tokoyami hushed him gently and continued to listen.

"I just thought… he needed help. A-and that he might be useful, but you're saying… okay. In the morning I'll ask – yes." Her voice hardened, and Tokoyami found himself growing inexplicably disconcerted by it. "Understood. I'll make sure of it."

He wasn't sure if that was the end of the call. When silence stretched on for a moment too long, he began to draw away quietly from the door. A sudden thump caused the door to shudder as something was thrown against it, causing him to stumble in the midst of his retreat. This was followed by an irritable "Go back to sleep!" and Tokoyami retreated swiftly with his dignity only marginally hurt.

Do you think she's mad?! Dark Shadow squawked as Tokoyami scuttled back to the living room and ducked behind the couch. Why did this feel like living with Dabi all over again?

That was… just a warning. I can deal with those. It sounds like she still intends on talking to us come morning. I wonder if we can glean any information about All for One and the League's location from her.

I thought you wanted to leave before morning?

I— Tokoyami peered back over the top of the couch at the sound of rustling, but neither door opened. He wasn't even sure if Chisaki was capable of opening his door. With a heavy breath, he reclined onto a pillow and tugged his cloak around him. I won't risk it. I'll be out of here before the sun rises, and if Miss Nagant ever approaches me on it, I'll just tell her that I was needed elsewhere. Perhaps I can approach her again once I know that Midoriya is safe from her.

And you don't think you're in any danger of her?

Tokoyami considered that, eyes narrowed into tired slits. I'm sure I am. It wouldn't take much to reveal my active ties with the heroes, and I don't think she would forgive me for withholding information from her.

Fumikage…

I already know I'm a damn fool for accepting her help. But I don't want to regret it. Just… please, let me lie here for a spell. An hour or two, at most. And then, once they're unaware, we'll slip back into the night.

Tokoyami waited for his quirk to plant seeds of worry in his mind, or coil restlessly in the folds of their shared thoughts, or anything really that might make it harder to sleep. Instead, Dark Shadow materialized alongside him, small and well-meaning. I'll keep watch. And this time, I'll do a better job. I promise.

Tokoyami tucked his beak underneath a supplied blanket with a relieved sigh, caving into the hazy fog that quickly rolled into his exhausted state of mind. Thank you, Dark Shadow. If anything happens, I'm relying on you.

Worried yellow eyes blinked down at him. I know.

Tokoyami could easily drift through the weighty darkness of his energy-drained body for the whole night and deep into the next day. Each hour of much-needed rest brought proper relief that helped to sooth his aching bones and itching scars. In the furthest corner of his dreamless sleep, it occurred to him that he could probably afford to get more actual rest, rather than constantly busying himself with a never-ending list of objectives. But if he didn't push himself, then what if he missed something truly important? If he wasn't always vigilant, how was he expected to find the clues that would push him forward? He didn't even know how much time he had before… before he needed to…

I need to wake up.

Wake up…

Fumikage! Wake up!

Tokoyami shuddered, eyes cracking open into darkness, and he struggled against the wall of fuzziness that pushed back against him. Hn? Wha—what happened? I only just closed my eyes. Tokoyami's eyes slipped close again, his head falling back against the pillow, and only his quirk's insistent demands to stay awake kept him from returning to that cozy darkness he'd been submerged in mere seconds earlier.

Dark Shadow, I know what I said earlier, but maybe I can rest just a bit longer… Tokoyami begged wearily, feeling his body protest with every second spent awake.

There's no more time. She's coming.

Tokoyami's eyes snapped wide open. What?!

Don't move yet. She's coming down the hall. Weapon drawn. We'll need to catch her off guard if we wanna make a clean escape.

Tokoyami squinted through the dark. The light of morning had yet to rise, and in the quiet of night he could almost fool himself into believing that nothing was there. But when he looked at Dark Shadow, hidden beneath the blankets and peering up at him with eyes widened by fear – fear for him – then he knew damn well to take it all seriously. So he held his breath, tilted his head, and stayed perfectly still. And sure enough, he detected the deliberately quiet steps coming his way, creeping up on him with all the intent of a predator sneaking up on its prey. He didn't have the time to ask why. Instead, Tokoyami shifted his weight subtly beneath him, careful not to disturb the fabric, and braced an arm beneath him. With a mental command, he had Dark Shadow get ready, coiling like a trap about to be sprung under the blanket. She wasn't upon them just yet, but if he moved too soon, then he'd be in perfect position to get shot at.

No. He had to wait for his opening.

Fighting to keep from giving himself away, he let things move around him, growing increasingly aware of the impending sense of danger growing around him. All the while, Dark Shadow pricked his thoughts with warnings.

She's close.

Closer.

…Fumikage.

Even in the already stifling darkness, Tokoyami felt the shadow of a person – a presence, really – fall across him, cold and uncaring.

She's here.

One moment, he could hear the slight grating sound of Nagant's gun clicking into place above his head. The next, Tokoyami was rearing up with a startling yell while his quirk unfurled and joined him with a resounding roar. His attacker jumped back as he threw the blanket over her, and he sprang off the couch, shoving past her with all the strength he could muster. He hoped that'd be enough to preoccupy her for one second, maybe even two, while he made a mad dash for the balcony door.

Even still, a shot went off blindly, the resounding bang ringing like thunder in the cramped living space. A bullet streaked past Tokoyami, off its mark, and shattered the glass of the door he'd been about to throw open. Tokoyami skid to a stop, hesitating a moment too long before plunging through the curtain of shattered glass.

Dodge!

Tokoyami ducked to the side of the door, slipping behind the exterior wall just as another blue projectile was sent his way. Although his heart thumped wildly in his chest with adrenaline, the initial shock of the attack had passed, and he found the ability to speak. "Nagant! Why are you shooting at me?!"

"New orders," came a chilling, too-close voice. Tokoyami moved to launch himself from the balcony, only for a lightning-fast hand to snake out from the shattered glass and take hold of his wrist. He swiveled on his heel, searching for the sympathetic eyes from before only to find the end of a gun directed at his head. "All for One has deemed you a threat. He wants you dead."

The shock and unprecedented feeling of hurt that afflicted him left his head reeling. Luckily for him, Dark Shadow wasn't so easily fazed by such upsets, and grew in response to the threat. With an outraged hiss, the quirk rounded on Lady Nagant and lashed out with his claws. She hadn't seen his quirk respond this way before, and smartly stepped back to avoid the shadowy mass. The next shot that was fired seemed useless against the swirling mass of purple and black.

"No! You don't get to hurt him!" Dark Shadow roared, forcing her back as Tokoyami stepped up to the edge of the balcony. The drop was dizzying and his tumultuous thoughts weren't helping his decision making, but knowing his quirk was right behind him was all he needed before taking a leap of faith.

He felt Dark Shadow redirect his attention, only to be rewarded with a shot from behind. The quirk shuddered, a sensation Tokoyami felt through their link, before the shadowy being dispersed altogether. There was a fearful moment where Tokoyami didn't feel his quirk's comforting presence around him, making him wonder if he'd been to rash in his sleep-wrought decision making. And then he felt familiar claws wind around his midriff in the start of a hug. A hooked beak curled over his shoulder, having worked its way out from under his madly fluttering cape, and yellow eyes squinted against the rush of wind that met them.

Tokoyami let out a thankful breath, driving the panic from his mind. "You had me worried, there," he gasped, feeling the rush of air lessen around them as they struggled to redirect themselves out towards the network of buildings that would cover their escape from the sharp-eyed shooter.

Just as they catch their bearings enough to level out, another bang fills the air. Something clips through his cloak and skims his arm. He sucks in a sharp breath, flinching at the sharp pain, and the bullet glances off his steel gauntlet. He chances a look back as Dark Shadow careens off to the side, pulling him into the cover of a building. Before his peripheral is cut off, he can see Lady Nagant positioned on the balcony railing. Her quirk-activated arm hangs at her side, and she gives no indication that she's about to pursue them. She turns away, and then the façade of a sky-scraper separates them.

Dark Shadow does nothing to slow, putting as much distance between them and her as possible. The city is unnervingly quiet below them as the first gray tints of morning begin to bleed into the sky. Even still, there's room for thoughts to pass between them as his heart begins to settle.

Her aim was off, Dark Shadow notes, relieved that they'd made it out in one piece.

Tokoyami rubs his arm begrudgingly, but her projectile had left nothing more than a pink graze on his right arm and a scuff on his gauntlet. I don't think she'd be on this job if her shooting capabilities weren't reputable. That was a warning shot.

Dark Shadow starts in surprise. You think she let us go?

I can't be certain, but if All for One really wants us dead, then it would be up to Nagant to carry out that order.

It sounds like we're more of a nuisance, then, Dark Shadow huffed. I'm not surprised to have a target on our heads, but you'd think that after the war the League would want nothing to do with us.

Tokoyami shook his head. That… that was Shigaraki's last decision. He left us so that we could go back to the heroes, but the League must know I want to find them. Maybe… maybe All for One sees me as a threat to the current state of the League.

Does he think you have some sway over them? We haven't heard a peep from them since…

Whatever it means, it's enough to place a hit on me. But if Nagant isn't pursuing me, then I have to assume that her hunt for Midoriya takes precedence.

Then we need to find him.

Dark Shadow deposited him on an empty roof. He remained vigilant, head swiveling every which way as if danger could swoop down upon them at any moment. While the quirk took watch, Tokoyami took out his phone with trembling hands. The brightness of the screen scoured his eyes, and he squinted his eyes while fumbling with the screen brightness. His fingers shook as he looked through his contacts, grateful to have the numbers of at least some of his old classmates from old study groups. It was 5am – not exactly the best time to be contacting someone – but this was an emergency.

He sat on the cold concrete surface, wincing at the sound of a car alarm going off in the distance, and called Midoriya's number. It rang. And continued to ring. He waited up until it went to voicemail, where he switched to the text chat with an audible growl.

Tokoyami: Midoriya I must speak with you its an emergency. Please respond, you are in danger. Send.

It didn't say much, but hopefully that was enough to get his attention. Unless it reaches him too late. Or he doesn't heed my warning. Or he's fine being in danger because he believes he can handle it so selfishly—

Fumikage, just thinking about it doesn't help matters.

With a heavy sigh, Tokoyami pushed himself up onto his feet. "You're right. Action is needed here – as it always is." There was a certain degree of weariness in those words, the kind that laid heavy on his burning shoulders. But that didn't mean he could slow down, even for a moment. If Midoriya proved too difficult to get ahold of, then he would settle for the next best thing.

Tokoyami looked up the location of the Nighteye Agency. Luckily for him, it was a manageable distance away. Or at the very least, it was closer now than his dilapidated room back in the bad part of town. He hadn't even realized just how far he'd drifted from his base, between the scuffle with Rappa and the sequential retreat with Nagant. It seemed as though he'd been led astray. And all this for some medical supplies.

Now there was something more to be gained, if it meant helping Midoriya. After all, he swore to be there should his friend ever need help. And that time was now, even if he proved elusive.

All the while, he worked to quell the fear that he might be leading the bounty hunter right to him. Had she done something with his clothes? Did he have a tracker placed on him? Or in him, from when she was stitching his wound?! N-no, surely not. She didn't know who I was back then. Unless she's been playing me the whole time. Unless she wanted me to run. And in reality I'm just endangering him more by—!

"Fumikage!" Dark Shadow snapped, right next to his head and loud enough to make him recoil. "That's enough! Let's save it for when we find Nighteye. He'll know what to do."

R-right…

Tokoyami takes the time to put his thoughts in order while Dark Shadow flies them to where they need to be. By the time they reach Nighteye's Hero Agency, it's past six and the sun's light is just starting to peek out over the horizon. Tokoyami checks the entrance, but it's still locked, the building vacant, and he paces around the building's perimeter for a way in. He felt exposed being out in the open with a target on his head, and he didn't know the area well enough to find any sort of shelter while he waited for them to open. With an aggravated sigh, he has his quirk fly them up to the top floor and begins checking the windows. The agency of a higher ranking hero would probably have more security measures in place, but he's not concerned with that as he locates a window that's unlocked. He drops down into a dark hallway and slams the window shut behind him with a shaky breath of relief, being sure to lock it behind him. At least if he really does have a target on his head, there's something separating him from a well-placed bullet.

Tokoyami makes his way down the hall, past closed doors and promotional hero posters. He passes a few rooms labeled with names he doesn't recognize – his sidekicks, perhaps? – before he settles on a more ornate door with a golden plaque labelled Sir Nighteye. Finding that he'd done all he could for the moment, Tokoyami slumps down in front of the door and leans his head against his knees. His phone is in his hand – still no response from Midoriya. It's starting to worry him… but again, it's still early morning. He just needs to calm down. There's nothing more to be done, at least for the moment. But exhausted as he may be, he can't find it in himself to fall asleep. Not again. He refused to be caught unaware yet again, if he could help it. And so, with Dark Shadow shifting nervously around him, he stands guard waiting for the hero to come.

He didn't know what else to do.

His worries threatened to creep up on him, and his quirk chased them off at every opportunity. So he ended up sitting in silence, doing everything in his power not to fret over the future and what this assassin meant for him and Midoriya.

As sunlight streamed in through the window on the other end of the hall and he could feel his mind begin to drift towards slumber once more, he was alerted by the sounds of footsteps ascending the staircase.

Shaking off the threat of slumber, Tokoyami hastily pushed himself to his feet just in time for the stairwell door to open in front of him.

The person on the other side paused, and Tokoyami took a step forward right as the door opened in a sudden movement.

"Sir Nighteye, I—!"

The hero before him was poised with something in his hand, arm reeled back to throw it at him. Tokoyami flinched at the sudden movement, and Dark Shadow swelled to life in front of him with a startled hiss.

Nothing was thrown, and Sir Nighteye lowered his arm with a look of confusion drawing the corners of his mouth down.

Settle down, we're alright! Tokoyami soothed the frazzled quirk. Though after everything they'd been through, it was a perfectly rational reaction. After all, Sir really had looked ready to attack them.

"Tokoyami? What are you—" Sir Nighteye began. But then he gave him a thorough look with a critical eye, and a heavy breath escaped his nostrils. "Why don't you sit down in my office? It looks like you have much to say."

Tokoyami nodded glumly and stepped to the side, letting him pass over to his office where he deftly unlocked his door and stepped inside. Tokoyami followed after him, ushering Dark Shadow back under his tattered cloak.

It was difficult to ignore the… unexpected amount of All Might memorabilia decorating the room. He could feel the gleaming smiles and shadowed eyes being directed at him from every angle: time-exclusive promo posters, limited edition figurines, and all manner of extravagant merch lined the walls and filled the shelves. Tokoyami looked out over it with a vacant expression, feeling the hollowness in his core ring louder than before.

It was a strange choice of decoration, to be sure. But it just showed how devout this man had been to his hero. Sir Nighteye must've truly loved All Might.

The hero in question had taken his seat at the head of his desk and gestured to the chair directly across from him. Tokoyami sat down heavily, leaning forward on his elbows and hanging his head dismally as Sir began to speak.

"I'll admit, I didn't foresee this. It's been what, five days since the upset you and Deku caused at UA?"

Tokoyami winced. "I was trying to not make it that way. Besides, the heroes all knew Midoriya was leaving the school to fight on the frontlines, didn't you?"

Sir crossed his hands in front of him. "It seemed like the best call at the time…" Tokoyami narrowed his eyes. He sounds regretful. "But to think you two would leave at the same time, and for such similar yet different reasons: one to serve as bait for the League, and another to hunt them down. It sounds as if you two would be running in circles at that rate."

"That's what you heroes would want, isn't it?" Tokoyami challenged. "Anything to keep All for One from turning his attention to other directions. And that's why I'm doing this for my own self-interests – not because any higher order wishes it from me."

Fumikage, it's okay. I don't think you need to be defensive around him. Following his quirk's insight, Tokoyami took a breath to calm himself.

Sir Nighteye furrowed his brow. "That's why you haven't been asked to do anything. If anything, I would hope you'd get some proper rest, but your teacher informed me of your plans, tentative though they might've been. I don't blame you for taking action upon yourself, and I won't criticize you for entering a dangerous field in your current condition, if that's what you're thinking. After all, it might surprise you to know that I hold you in high esteem. So if you've thought to seek me out after so many days has passed, then I can only imagine that it's for good reason."

Tokoyami blinked owlishly. He certainly wasn't expecting a response like this. Especially after leaving UA. It would've been easier to believe that they'd think him a traitor, turning his back on hero society after so long in the possession of heroes. But that was forgetting the fact that there were still people on this side who believed in him.

"Y…yes, I…" The words couldn't come out right for some reason. His head felt light, and he was so damn tired. Why was this so hard, now that he had an audience? Aizawa told him. Probably everyone. But they don't… resent me for my decisions. Tokoyami closed his hands into fists and raised his head to meet Sir Nighteye's steady golden gaze.

"I'm here to warn you. Midoriya's in terrible danger. A bounty hunter is after him – her name is Lady Nagant. She poses a serious risk to him, though her goal is to take him alive to bring back to All for One. Please, you must make sure such an ill fate doesn't befall him!"

The hero's eyes widened briefly in surprise before reverting back to neutrality. "So you've made contact with her?"

It was Tokoyami's turn to be surprised. "You know about her?"

He nodded grimly, pushing the bridge of his glasses up. "Unfortunately, yes; we were informed early on that there was a certain escapee from Tartarus who would prove most cumbersome if All for One brought her into the fold." He paused for a moment, choosing his next words carefully. "This information came from Hawks, as they were both recruited into the Commission around similar times."

"You're working with Hawks?!" Tokoyami snarled. Dark Shadow fluttered anxiously in the depths of his cloak, growing agitated with the sudden burst of anger.

Sir Nighteye raised his prosthetic hand, calling for peace. "No, we are not. We haven't made contact with Hawks since then… nor has he tried to be part of these missions, essential though they may be."

Tokoyam,I glowered at him all the same, not sure what to make of the information. Should he be relieved? Or frustrated that Hawks was still such a coward? If he'd made any sort of public statement, it would've been all over the news. Tokoyami hadn't heard a peep from him. Or anyone, really.

"Although you're entitled to your animosity for Hawks, bear in mind that he is still the standing number two hero, even if his popularity has taken a blow," Sir went on. "He would've been an asset in our efforts to draw out the League. But as it stands, our team consists of Deku at the head of the action, with support from Endeavor, Best Jeanist, and myself." A heavy sigh escaped him, and Tokoyami realized with a start that the hero also appeared immensely tired. "We've been trying to keep him aware from danger, but that comes with the territory. If he's to engage with someone with the caliber of Lady Nagant, I would want support from us to be as close as possible. But lately, it's been getting harder and harder to keep up with him…"

"How can that be?!" Tokoyami snapped, jerking from his seat. "You guys are supposed to be professionals. You set him out on this mission—" You're making him a martyr, just like Hawks did to me! "–and you can't even keep up with him…? You better not be taking this lightly!"

"Don't throw around accusations if you don't have the weight to back them up," Sir replied coldly, the knuckles of his right hand turning white with how they held his other hand. Though he was remarkably good at keeping his cool, Tokoyami could sense the depth of his own frustration laying just beneath the surface. He squirmed in his seat, suddenly feeling self-conscious of his outburst while the mentor figure calmly explained himself.

"Midoriya has been distancing himself more with each passing day. He said he couldn't afford to be around anyone." A frown that appeared genuinely saddened tugged at the edges of his thin lips. "The first few days, I used my quirk to keep an eye on him. Even if it doesn't help in the grand scheme, I needed that reassurance. But my Foresight faded yesterday, after a fight with a particularly large villain, and I haven't heard from him since. He's not getting much sleep. I know he's pushing himself too hard." His eyes hardened, and Tokoyami once more felt his worth being appraised. He couldn't look the hero in the eye. "I can see the same is true for you. I'm no stranger to you headstrong, reckless types. But I don't plan on sitting by and watching the people I'm supposed to look after work themselves to death."

Tokoyami averted his eyes, his hand drifting begrudgingly to the thin pink scar from Lady Nagant's bullet, and he was all too aware of the way that he was being watched. "I wouldn't expect you to sit on the sidelines. I'm sorry," he mumbled.

Whatever tension was floating in the air fizzled out between them, and Sir leaned back in his chair. "I won't push you for information, but I do need you to know

Tokoyami relented easily. If it was Sir, then it was easy to explain it to him. It made him wish, for a fleeting moment, that he had interned under him when class 1A was holding its work studies – or anyone other than Hawks, for that matter. But that was an idealistic thought that only stood in his thoughts because of the poor experiences with the hero that had come about later down the road. He'd been excited at one point to have the Winged Hero as a mentor, even if that feeling has long since decayed into something ugly and spiteful.

It was with a greater openness that he disclosed his encounter with Lady Nagant and his subsequent brush with her quirk. It didn't feel like he was betraying anyone by giving an account of the events, and not once did Sir Nighteye regard him with pity when he was talking about his own difficult fight against Rappa, how he sheltered in the hospital and woke up to Lady Nagant searching the room. He let him say his part uninterrupted, even when Tokoyami revealed the assassin's new secondary quirk – evidently, this was news to him. He finished his account with that final exchange, where he'd found himself on the receiving end of her bullets.

"She's a truly formidable foe," Tokoyami admitted. "That's why I needed Midoriya to know, but…" He still hasn't responded to my text.

Sir Nighteye rose suddenly from his seat, pulling his own phone from his pocket. "I'll contact the rest of the team on this immediately. I can give you access to Midoriya's GPS signal, but don't be surprised if he continues to prove elusive. Regardless of the danger we're being faced with, I won't see you young heroes succumb to the burdens being placed upon you. I owe that to him."

Tokoyami didn't need to ask who he was – one look around the room said it all. With a grim nod, he followed after Nighteye as he busied himself with calls and preparations. And while doing so… he couldn't help feeling relieved to be working with a hero that he might actually respect.