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Chapter Text

Izuku Midoriya jumped around in circles, Katsuki Bakugo- or Kacchan- and Charlie Fowler chasing after him as they played heroes and villains. Inko and Hisashi Midoriya held each other a blissful smile on their faces. Mitsuki and Masaru Bakugo laughed at their son. While Daren and Karen Fowler cheered on the small battle.

Everything seemed so perfect, like nothing would ever change.

But it did.

A week later, Katsuki got his Quirk.

A month later, Izuko got pronounced Quirkless.

A year later, Hisashi was nowhere to be seen, a hidden letter in Inko's closet. Secret tears tracking down her face.

The once perfect family is broken. Katsuki started to bully Izuko. Inko had to work every hour she could just to keep herself and Izuko fed.

Somehow, Izuko never gave up. He kept moving forward to become a hero. He kept being the happy little boy Inko always knew. She didn't know that Katsuki was hurting him, or that Izuko had found the letter or that Izuko blamed himself for what was happening to his family.

It was Hisashi's death that was the breaking point. He had been shopping when there was a villain attack. The heroes had been too preoccupied with the media and pleasing their fans to see the villain. He had grabbed Hisashi and was going to hold him as a hostage but the hero attacked them in a final move.

Hisashi died instantly. Snapped neck.

Izuko and Charlie watched the whole thing. Izuko's hatred for heroes started that day. Every hero poster was torn down from his wall. Every action figure was thrown out. Every small piece of his once idles was torn up beyond repair. the broken child crying in the middle of his room.

Izuko became a ghost, that is what everyone said. Even Katsuki noticed and laid off his once friend. No one understood Izuko's guilt. If he had been born with a Quirk, his dad wouldn't have left. His dad might not have been there. His dad wouldn't have died.

His dad might have left him behind, but he was still his dad.

A month after the incident, the hero was reported dead. A sudden heart attack.

Izuko held his notebook close to his chest, watching the news reports.

Charlie had a calm observing look on her own face, already having made her decision.

"You can back out now kids. It's not too late." Floating behind their heads, the god of death, Ryuk, ate an apple, sucking out the juice.

"No. The fake heroes need to die. I will get rid of them, then the world can be better."

Izuko, at the age of ten, decided exactly what he would do. He wasn't a child anymore. He would take this into his own hands, then no one else would have to mourn over a death that could have been prevented.

Chapter Text

Izuko walked down the familiar path home. Bags filled his hands as he ended his shopping. If you were a normal person, there would be nothing strange about this.

But for those who knew Izuko, seeing him walking down with tons of new note books meant that he was going to be evaluating heroes later. It was never good when he was evaluating heroes.

Walking into his house, he turned on the TV and pulled out his book. Today is the sports festival at U.A, the first glimpse at the new heroes coming up.

Apparently, the first years have already got some attention, something about villains attacking them during training. Pathetic little school.

Opening his first book- labelled Class 1A- he checked all the pictures were stuck to the top corner. He had a book for Class 1B and 1E as well as one for unexpected characters that stand out. There were already a few students from previous years.

Tapping his fingers on the table, a smirk came to his face as the event started. Present mic was dictating again along with a man wrapped in bandages, Shota Aizawa.

Izuko smiled, remembering the first true hero he found. He spotted Aizawa during his first year where he managed to get fourth place even though he came from general studies. He transferred soon after, others had also noticed the student's skill. Izuko knew most people had forgotten about Aizawa when he went underground, but Izuko never did.

Loud crunching made Izuko jump. "Ryuk! I told you not to eat apples while I am analysing!" Izuko spun around to glare at the floating God behind him.

"What's the big deal? You are just going to write your notes over and over again, your obsession is really weird."

"Says the human obsessed, apple obsessed God." Izuko looked over his shoulder to smirk at the God.

Ryuk was about to say something when Izu shushed him to watch the athletes speech.

"Is that...?"

"Bakugo," Izuko growled, his grip tightening until the pen snapped in his hand.

"I pledge that I'll be number one," Bakugo said cockily.

Izuko growled, of course he would say that. He always was proud. How dare he pretend to be a hero. He is just a fake like the others. Pulling out a book from the shelf, Izuko turned to the old page. A childish drawing was in the centre with notes around it.

Taking out his stamp, Izuko put a large red box over the drawing, 'terminate.'

"You are going to kill him," Ryuk asked, floating over Izuko's shoulder.

"He is a fake, just like the rest." Izuko threw down the page and sat back in front of the table. The race was about to start.

For most of it, Todoroki and Bakugo stayed at the front. Todoroki was a weird one, he had potential but he seemed to be hesitating. Bakugo... he was the same as he used to be.

The class wasn't hard to identify, they all stood out pretty well. They reacted quickly and moved and had some skill, some definitely more than others but they all showed some.

There were a few others from the other classes that caught Izuko's eye. One, Mei Hatsume seemed very interesting. She had hundreds of small devices that helped her. There was a certain kid, Hitoshi Shinso who seemed to be doing nothing yet was doing so much. No one even realised it.

By the time they got to the minefield, Izuko had got down enough notes on everyone to be able to focus on the targets. Bakugo was being Bakugo. There was this smug character that grated on his nerves, Aoyama and there was this one who carefully held back, Monama.

But the one Izuko was watching more than the others was a small purple boy, Mineta. There were so many things wrong with Mineta.

Izuko narrowed his eyes as he watched a sudden cloud dust raise up and over the cameras.

"Well, that was boring." Slowly, a figure appeared in the smoke.

"Isn't that," Ryuk started pointing at the screen.

"Charlie," Izuko confirmed a large smirk coming to his face.

Walking out of the tunnel, Charlie came into view, her hands in her pockets and a smirk on her face. Her grey hair swayed in the wind while her large scar went up her neck and nipped at her cheek. She had black rimmed glasses that rested on her nose. "Oh well, maybe things will get more interesting."

Charlie turned to look in the camera, smirking as she knew people were watching.

Izuko knew Charlie didn't like to use more effort than necessary so her little display was out of character, but Izuko had a feeling there was a reason.... maybe. Someone probably challenged her to it. She wasn't very prideful but when it came to false heroes, she will not lose.

Charlie went over to two people, a lady with black hair and a lady with purple hair. They seemed pretty at ease with each other. Izuko frowned at that though. Charlie promised she wouldn't get attached, attachment only ends in pain.

Even though Izuko didn't realise it, he found himself rubbing his wrist where a familiar burn mark twisted in his skin. A burn Bakugo gave him.

By the time the second round started, Izuko wasn't paying that much attention. Charlie worked with the two girls and Mei to keep first place. Todoroki, Iida, Kaminari and Ibra got second.Bakugo, Kirishima, Sero and Ashido got third. And then Shinso, Ojiro, Aoyama and Niregeki came in fourth.

But it was not the placings that made Izuko snap another pen in half. That honour was on Charlie's shoulders alone.

In the last ten minutes of fighting, Todoroki almost got the headband. To stop him, Charlie grabbed his arm and twisted it in a way to dislocate his shoulder. Charlie should know not to use her training.

She was trying to impress though girls.

Izuko gritted his teeth before standing up. He will not let Charlie forget her purpose.

"Oh?! Are we going on a field trip?!" Ryuk floated over Izuko's head with a familiar smirk on his face.

"Yes. We are going to the sports festival after all. Besides, I want to see god old Kacchan death in person." Izuko smirked as he picked up his death note, stuffing it into his hoodie pocket. "I'm sure he will be so glad to see me."

Chapter Text

Blissfully, the class talked amongst themselves. Most had been disqualified in the first two rounds and were now secretly betting on who they thought would win- of course Charlie started it but no one needed to know that, now did they?

Yaoyorozu- or Yao-momo- and Jiro both talked to the said girl who had gotten them first place. They were all peacefully unaware of the certain villain standing outside their door, or at least they were until he knocked.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Everyone turned around in confusion. No one other than the class 1A students were meant to enter this room, and no one in the class 1-A students had the manners to knock... well no one other than Iida and he was already inside.

Charlie- who naturally wasn't bothered- jumped up the door and swung it open. "Izu," she cheered, pulling the green haired boy into a hug. "I thought you said you couldn't make it!"

The green haired boy let out a soft laugh that was saved for those closest to him before hugging back. "I said I would try to make it," Izuku corrected. In all honesty, Izuku never wanted to show up to these, they were too noisy for his liking. He couldn't analyse properly while he was here but he was going to at least try for Charlie, and now he had a second reason to be here.

"Who's this?"

Izuku turned to see the girl with purple hair walk forward. She had a look in her eyes that Izuku refused to acknowledge, Charlie was not going to get attached to this girl if he had any say in it.

"This is my childhood best friend," Charlie started but was stopped by a fist slamming on the table.

"Deku!" Bakugo was standing up with a murderous look in his eyes. Kirishima ran forward to grab Bakugo but was too late as he stalked over to 'Deku'.

Izuku rolled his eyes slightly, having long since abandoned any feelings of admiration or fear for the older boy. "Hello, Kacchan. It's so nice to see you too," Izuku said, rolling his words to show his true feelings.

Bakugo practically started to explode, small sparks coming off his palms as he ran at Izuku. Bakugo grabbed Izuku's shirt pinning him against the wall, lifting him so his feet could not touch the ground.

Strangely, the green haired boy didn't react as he was picked up, he only tilted his head and laughed. "Am I hitting a nerve, Kacchan?"

Bakugo growled his eyes twitching as he drew his hand back to punch Izuku square across the jaw. Seeing the situation taking a very wrong turn, Charlie stepped in, catching the fist. "Come now, Explosion boy, chill. Wouldn't want to have to explain this to Auntie Mitsuki now would you?" Charlie threw her arm around Izuku's shoulders, beaming when Bakugo dropped her friend and partner in crime. "Now, I'm going to get some power food! You guys want anything?!"

Confused mumbles surrounded the room making Charlie laugh.

"I'll take that as a no. See you next round!" Dragging Izuku out, Charlie skipped down the corridors not seeing a single thing wrong with what just transpired. She let out a yelp when Izuku swung her arm and pinned her against the wall, holding her neck with his forearm.

"What the hell were you thinking?! You know you cannot use your skills! What if someone had worked out what you really were?!"

"I-Izu, you're crushing my windpipe!" Charlie scratched at Izuku's arm desperately, making him pull back. He sighed, watching Charlie cough harshly with cold eyes. "Don't worry Izu, if anyone asks I'll just tell them I learnt to fight so that I could become a hero. All those fake heroes soak up that sappy stuff."

Growling a little, Izuku conceded, he wasn't going to win this. "Just don't get attached, I can see you're already failing at that part." Izuku turned away, about to leave when he paused.

"I didn't know you cared so much," Charlie joked, rubbing her neck slightly and making Ryuk chuckle.

"I don't," Izuku snapped harshly, Charlie's smile faulting every so slightly. She was used to Izuku acting like this, he hadn't been born like her. Charlie was born without empathy and without pressure or pain receptors, some would call her a psychopath but for a long time she just wanted to know what it was like to touch. When she did her first kill- about three months before Izuku- she couldn't care less, almost saw it as giving a gift to the other person (though she had grown out of that phase now). Izuku on the other hand, cared a lot as a child, but as he grew up, that empathy left him a hollow shell of the boy he used to be. "But... good luck in the next round."

Charlie's smile returned as she whispered under her breath, "you care." Spinning around and heading back to the stadium, Charlie hummed to herself.

Izuku headed out into the stands, mainly ignoring the different people who tried to talk to him. Sadly, he couldn't even open his notebook before he felt someone dragging himself somewhere else.

He was about to defend himself- likely by flipping the attacker over his shoulder- but when he spotted that it was Yao-momo, he decided against it. Probably not the best time to anger Charlie.

He was dragged into the box left for the class 1-A. Why was he here?

Strangely, no one other than himself seemed confused by the change of events. Shaking his head, he brought out his notebook and started jotting down notes. He could tell the others were confused by it but Izuku didn't care.

"What are you writing, Deku?" Jiro looked over Izuku's shoulder as the second battle raged on below them. "Is that Kirishima?"

"Izuku," he said back without thinking, more than used to the other name. "And yes."

"I thought Bakugo called you Deku," Yao-momo commented, tapping her chin.

Izuku didn't bother looking up, "It's an insult. Bakugo and I didn't get along as children."

A slight unsettled silence fell over the group as Kaminari came over.

"That's creepily detailed," Kaminari muttered, looking at the page.

"It's for Charlie," Izuku stated matter-of-factly. "She struggles identifying weaknesses so I find them and test her on them later."

"You worked all this out today?"

"Of course, aren't they obvious?"

"No," everyone answered at once.

Shrugging his shoulders, Izuku turned back to his notes. The battles raged on, Charlie beat Shinso easily. Next she was going up against Todoroki.

Izuku narrowed his eyes, scowling at Charlie. She was holding back. Why was she hiding back?! Izuku strained his ears to hear what she was saying but he was too far away. Suddenly, Todoroki erupted in fire that encased the entire stage.

"What on Earth did she say?!" Ryuk jumped in surprise as Izuku stared wide eyed. Seriously?! What did Charlie say?! Why was she even bothering?!

Todoroki launched forward to punch Charlie, she tried to meet him up but found herself easily overpowered and thrown against the stadium wall.

"Charlie," both Yao-momo and Jiro shouted in panic while Izuku just slapped himself.

"She is an idiot." Closing his book with a snap, Izuku got up and left the box. "You're an idiot."

"It was worth it," Charlie cheered from her bed before groaning.

"How? How in any possible way is this worth it?" Izuku rolled his eyes as Charlie laughed.

All Might walked up to the podium, holding onto the three medals. Slowly, he handed out each one. Third place went to both Tokoyami and Iida since Iida had a family emergency and had to leave. Second went to Todoroki who looked humble and slightly confused.

Seriously, what did Charlie say to him?!

Lastly, was Bakugo in first place. He was tied to a series of restraints that stopped him from attacking Todoroki for holding back in the final. Typical of him.

All Might brought out the gold medal and attempted to attach it to Bakugo but he was moving too much. "Come on Bakugo, just accept the medal," All Might muttered in frustration.

Everyone knew something was wrong the instant Bakugo didn't attack All Might. He was writhing around in his binding but something was off.

Bakugo was having a seizure. Writhing around in pain before settling into an eerie stillness.

Bakugo was dead and Izuku giggled.

Chapter Text

Izuku stood by the side of the house, watching the grieving families. He crossed his arms over his chest, not wanting to go inside. Not only were the class 1-A students in there but there were his godparents who would expect him to be grieving. This wasn't going to be easy to explain.

Charlie walked up to Izuku, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Izuku shrugged off the hand before turning around, hugging his stomach.

"Because you used to be friends."

"Not any more." Izuku's expression became dark, his eyes becoming dull. He let out a small sigh before pushing himself off the wall he was leaning on. "Come on, let's get this over with."

Charlie nodded, linking arms with Izuku so he couldn't run away, she half led, half dragged him into the house. Bakugo's picture was on the small coffee table with a series of candles and flowers placed around it.

Izuku quickly located his godparents and dragged Charlie towards them. "Mitsuki... Masura... I'm so sorry," Izuku whispered, faking the huge emotion that was pulling at his chest.

"Oh, Izu. I'm sorry too," Masura swiftly pulled Izuku into a hug, rubbing the child's back. "I know you loved him too, close as brothers. If you ever need to talk, we can listen."

Shaking his head, Izuku pushed his godfather away. "I know. And mum and I will always be here for you."

"I know I'm not much, but so will I." Charlie stepped forward, smiling solemnly.

"Thank you, both of you. I hope you find peace in your own way and time," Mitsuki said quickly, acting very differently to her usual... over the top style.

The two teens watched as Mitsuki and Masura were greeted by another associate.

"I thought you two and Bakugo didn't get along."

Both jumped at the new voice, spinning around to look at the yellow haired teen with a lighting bolt stripe. He looked slightly strange with a black suit and yellow hair. Kirishima was by his side with Sero- who was eating some of the mini sandwiches.

"We didn't," Izuku whispered back, calming down now he knew who was speaking. "But they do not know that and they do not need to know that."

"Why do you say that? Why pretend to be grieving when you clearly are not?"

Sighing, Izuku looked at Sero. "Katsuki and I had a complicated relationship. When we were little, we were very close. Mitsuki is my godmother like how my mum is Katsuki's, that meant we spent a lot of time together. The only problem was that as we grew up we became distant. Katsuki bullied me for my Quirk and that mixed with my grief over my father's death until I couldn't take it anymore. After that, our relationship never really recovered."

Kirishima looked horrified by Izuku's tale but didn't say anything; he couldn't.

"However, there was a silent agreement between us that we would never let our families know how distant we became. We didn't want them to know and so hid it, I guess we still are."

Charlie wrapped her arms around Izuku's shoulders as he smiled at her.

A scream of disgust brought their attention away as they spotted a lady Izuku recognised as Himari glaring at Mineta who was being held up by Yao-momo. Jiro was by her side, stabbing Mineta with her earphone jack.

Mineta was saying something ranched while Jiro whispered-shouted at him, deciding it would be best to remove him from the room. Just another fake hero.

Charlie smiled upon spotting the two girls, leaving the boys to go talk to them. Once again, Izuku internally screamed at her attachment. If she gets attached now, it will get in the way. Heroes and villains do not get to be friends, let along anything more.

"So, you hungry," Sero asked, holding out some of the sandwitches.

Izuku smiled softly, taking one and putting it in his mouth. He hummed in delight, Mitsuki always wade the best sandwiches.

Kirishima motioned for them to leave, deciding that the group probably wasn't right for the current setting. Izuku sat on the wall, pulling one of his legs up onto it while the other dangled off. Kirishima sat next to him while Sero was on his other side. Lastly, Kamianri sat on the floor.

"So, what is it like attending U.A?" Izuku tried to keep his curiosity away because, while Charlie was a great spy, she often wasn't the best at describing things and the few things she did describe were usually... contorted.

"It's really amazing! We get taught by these super cool heroes! We even get taught by All Might," Kaminari cheered, Izuku's smile faltering at the hero's name. All Might was not a proper hero.

"Sounds nice," Izuku sagged his shoulders forward, thinking over the idea.

"It is. You want to become a hero too, Izuku," Kirishima asked, noticing the other's posture.

"No... not really. I used to though. A very long time ago."

"What changed?" Sero looked up at Izuku who sighed.

"My father died during a villian attack. The hero who was fighting was careless and led to his death, I guess my views on heroes never recovered after that. Doesn't help that my quirk ain't the most heroic or useful one in the world."

"What's your Quirk?"

Izuku smiled slightly, this was going to be fun. "I can see gods and demons that walk on this plane."

Ryuk looked insulted as he gasped angrily. "That is not a Quirk, that is a sacred gift given to you by my power! You are nothing without me!"

Izuku let out a happy laugh, swinging his legs slightly. The others gave him a weird look as Izuku gave them an innocent smile. "My apologies. I befriended a god a few years back and now he follows me around. He is quite funny."

The boys muttered uncertainly under their breath before Kirishima asked the question. "How is seeing gods a villainous Quirk?"

Izuku let out a small laugh before sitting up straight. "Who ever said gods were good?"

~~~

Charlie glared at the purple boy walking across the wall. He had that look on his face. "Hey, Izu. The targets in sight. Am I free to move in?"

"Yeah. Time to purge this fake hero."

Chapter Text

It was a normal day. The sky had clouds dotting the blue canvas. Birds were being annoying like usual and the class 1-A students were just arriving at their classroom. They were talking loudly as Uraraka pulled open the door and let out a horrified scream. She jumped back and fell to the floor, the teachers running forward to block the view.

Inside the room, Mineta was hung up by his arms, chains tying him to the ceiling. His Quirk had been over used, purple balls stuck around the room. He had been slashed and cut all up his body. His eyes and tongue having been cut out and used, in conjunction with his blood, to write the words 'fake hero' above him and 'Courtesy of Black Ink and Havok' underneath. While his throat had been sliced open and his chest had been stabbed over and over it was clear that those injuries were not the cause of death.

Charlie had to work hard not to smile at the scene. She and Izuku had put a lot of effort into that scene.

The class was rightfully horrified by the corpse. Aizawa swiftly stepped in to drag the students off and away. Aizawa pushed the students into the half built dorm room that Nezu had spent the last week trying to get up. A lot of raw materials were thrown around the place and it probably wasn't safe but it was the only place they could go.

The class sat down in various places, a clear gloom falling over them.

"I am sure that all of you have many questions but we need to be calm and get through this without anyone shouting," Aizawa said tiredly. If it wasn't bad enough that Bakugo died during the sports festival, now Mineta is dead. Likely due to the same villains.

"Why are they targeting our class?" Mina fiddled with her uniform, fear dripping off her.

"We don't know, nor do we know the connection between Mineta and Bakugo."

"Other than them both being considered fake heroes," Charlie stated without thinking, instantly noticing her mistake.

Jiro gave her a weird look, standing up to look her in the eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Well, it's just... Bakugo wasn't the most respectable youth. He bullied a lot of people in his past and doesn't act like a hero. Then Mineta... he wasn't the most... respectable person in the world. If I was to make a guess, the villains are trying to send a message through us. That as long as they are still around, no 'fake' heroes will get to go out into the world."

An unsettled silence fell over the class. Charlie started to panic. Izuku would kill her if she got caught out this early.

Aizawa sighed, "you sound like Nezu. He came to the same conclusion."

"Wait, what counts as fake?" Kaminari looked panicked, he looked around trying to work out who could be possible targets.

Aizawa shrugged, not quite knowing. "Nezu said it could be anyone who is becoming a hero for money, fame or other rewards."

Charlie nodded, sounded about right. Looking around, more people- while worried- didn't look like they thought they would be killed. Uraraka looked worried- strange. Thankfully, from the looks of it, there were no more in this they would need to kill.

Knocking at the door alerted the group to the new arrival. All Might walked in with a strange man by his side. Charlie tilted her head ever-so-slightly. She didn't recognise him and she knew everyone- Izuku made sure of this.

The man walked into the middle of the room, a gloomy aura around him. "I understand you all must be upset, so I will make this as brief as I can. I am Detective Tsukauchi and I will be investigating the murders of your classmates. I need to ask if any of you have seen anyone acting suspicious or if anyone outside this class has met both of them when they were doing something 'un-hero' like."

The group went silent as they tried to think, it was Kaminari who was the first to talk. "The only one I can think of... Izuku hated Bakugo as a child and the only time he met Mineta he was being his usual self. But Izuku wouldn't do this, right, Charlie?"

Charlie had to hold in the laugh, the irony almost over-baring. "Izu would never do something like that to Mineta and he does not have the power to kill Bakugo in the way he died! Izu may not have got along with Bakugo but he wouldn't dare harm a bug let alone Mitsuki or Masura." Well, she wasn't lying, Izuku doesn't like hurting bugs or most animals and he didn't want to hurt Mitsuki or Masura. And he used Ryuk's power to kill and Charlie was the one who hurt Mineta so... it technically wasn't lying.

Tsukauchi gave her a weird look but nodded, accepting her answer.

Charlie let out a quiet sigh of relief, that was close.

"Is there anyone else who you can think of?"

A series of no flutters across the room made Tsukauchi resign himself. These kids didn't know anything and if they did, they couldn't recall it.

"If you think of anyone or anything, call me." Tsukauchi placed a stack of his cards on the table before bidding goodbye to the heroes.

"Wait," Iida called, standing up with uncertainty running through his veins. Tsukauchi stopped at the door, looking over his shoulder. "Do you... Do you think this..."

"Do I think this happened in connection to the Hosu murders and your brother's attack? No. Stein's attacks focus on established heroes, these seem to focus on students. However it is quite possible the villains behind this are inspired by his beliefs." Tsukauchi gave a final look to the class before leaving.

"In light of recent events, we believe it might be best if you stay in school for the foreseeable future. Your families have already been contacted and will be bringing the necessities. Nezu will come by later to explain in further detail. You will be required to stay here or in the grounds surrounding this building. There will be no lessons today." Aizawa left with All Might as an uneasy silence fell over the class.

"First Bakugo, now Mineta," Mina muttered to herself.

"You can't help but wonder," Kaminari continued fearfully.

"Who will be next?"

The class shuddered as Charlie put her head in her hands.

She had to hide her smirk somehow.

Chapter Text

Charlie swayed back and forth, her expression calm and calculating. She tapped the pen on her cheek as she hummed and muttered under her breath.

"Will you stop that?! You are distracting me!" Izuku glared as Charlie jumped back and fell off her chair, falling harshly into the floor.

"I know you're laughing at me, Ryuk," Charlie snapped before returning to her desk. "Besides, this is a very important decision."

Izuku raised his eyebrow, he thought it was obvious what she should do. "Just find someone in Hosu. It doesn't matter who."

Charlie froze, narrowing her eyes. She ran the city through her memory but couldn't quite place why the city was important. Why were they going to Hosu? "I don't get it..."

"Hosu. Ingenium. Stein. You didn't read the file I gave you, did you?" Izuku sighed once again before pushing himself away from the desk and towards Charlie, spinning slightly on his wheely chair. "Stein is the only other person who understands us. He has been killing fake heroes across the land."

"Copycat."

Izuku rolled his eyes before leaning back in his chair. "We need to seek him out and his last attack was in Hosu. So just pick an agency in Hosu and get ready." Izuku threw her school bag at her, hitting her straight in the face.

"Not cool Izu! That hurt!"

Charlie tapped her fingers against the table. This train was taking forever! Izuku was across from her, reading and writing his usual notes. Together they were going to Hosu. Charlie will complete her internship with Native and Izuku will seek out Stein- if that was even possible. If he succeeds, then he will meet with Charlie during the night.

Or at least that was the plan. knowing their luck Native is more likely to find him first.

Screeching brought the duo out of their thoughts as they pulled up to Hosu station. Charlie jumped up and stretched out her limbs before grabbing Izuku's arm. She dragged him out onto the road and walked her way to the agency. Izuku swiftly detached himself when they arrived, deciding it best to wander down the alleyways.

Sighing, Izuku brought out one of the many knives Charlie has given him over the years. This one was Izuku's favourite. He didn't use knives often but when he did it was almost certain to be this one. It was a three inch needle point blade with a fitted handle that was carved to fit Izuku's hand best. A soft grade green band around the base that stood out against the black handle. Charlie had made this for him after his first kill, a 'celebratoral blade' as Charlie called it. And every year, once Izuku's hands became too big for the handle, Charlie would just resize it.

Izuku spun the blade across his fingers before twisting his body and throwing the knife, the blade hitting into the cardboard box he was aiming for. Bringing out a small set of throwing knives, Izuku jumped and hit the wooden windowsill in the alleyway. Rolling one more time and releasing the blade.

"Little boys shouldn't play with knives." A shadowed figure stood in front of Izuku, the knife caught between his fingers.

"Vigilantes should be harder to find," Izuku countered with a smirk, closing his eyes and pulling the other knives into his hands.

"What an interesting Quirk..."

"That's not my Quirk." Stein gave Izuku a weird look as he started to circle the young boy who pulled back his sleeve. "Those knives are tied to the bracelet. A gift from my friend." Izuku's bracelet was a silver body with a black band striping the middle. Small knives and daggers danced along the stripe that started to glow blue, the knife in Stein's hand glowing to match. It flew out of Stein's hand and towards Izuku who caught it easily.

"Your friend sounds powerful."

"She is."

"I suppose you are too. Tell me boy, why are you throwing knives at the windows."

"I was waiting for you. Tell me Stein, why are you bothering to talk to me?"

"Because no normal boy throws knives at windows without reason, I assume there is one."

"Yes. I was practising. I thought that was clear."

"Practising for what?"

"To take out the fake heroes naturally."

Stein let out a laugh, smirking to the boy. "Sounds like you agree with my ideals."

"More like you agree with mine. Charlie and I have been killing longer than you, we just hid in the shadows. Or at least we did until Bakugo went a step too far."

"That was you?"

"You seem surprised." Izuku walked towards a stack of boxes, sitting on one while running his fingers through his hair. "What do you want, Stein? I assume it's not to question me all night."

"No. I am not." Acting quickly, Stein threw one of his knives at Izuku who barely dodged. He pulled out his swords, charging at Izuku and swiping at the boy's neck.

Izuku jumped back, dodging away from the silver. He ducked under Stein's blade, swinging his fist out to hit Stein in the stomach. The vigilante stumbled back before charging once again, this time successfully nipping at Izuku's cheek.

"I think your time is up, boy." Stein kicked down the knife, paralysing Izuku who gasped.

"Leave Izu alone!"

Stein barely had time to register the shout as he was thrown across the alleyway but an invisible force. Charlie jumped down beside Izuku, placing her hand on his shoulder and making him glow blue. Free of Stein's Quirk, Izu was able to stand. Pulling out one of his knives, he got ready for another try.

The battle continued for hours, whenever one thought they were getting the upper hand they were swiftly cut down to size.

They were all tired, that is what happens when you fight constantly for four hours.

Stein was staring at the other two, most of his and Izuku's knives sticking out the bricks making up the walls. Charlie didn't seem bothered, holding a blue fire covered sword in her hands she disappeared from sight and kicked Stein across the face.

"How do you keep doing that?"

Charlie smirked, pointing her sword at Stein's throat. "It's my Quirk. We call it, Requirement."

Chapter Text

Jumping to the side, Izuku rolled out the way of a knife. Stein had agreed to help train him but he never agreed to be nice while doing so. Stein charged forward, landing a kick against Izuku's chest. He tumbled off to the side, hitting against the wall painfully.

"You keep leaving your front open," Stein started to lecture but froze when spotting Izuku's body shaking painfully. The small boy brought out a cloth and tried to get his lungs back under control. "Hey, you alright?"

"Just- cough- fine." Izuku slumped against the bricks, still breathing harshly. "Pathetic, isn't it?"

"What's wrong with you?"

"Why do people instantly think that something is wrong just because I can't breathe?!" Izuku sighed, pulling his legs close to his chest and rubbing the burn. "It's not like I can't breathe most of the time."

Stein watched him curiously, this boy was far from normal but this was a new layer to that.

"I'm fine now, we should continue." Izuku pushed himself off the wall, stumbling a little when his feet refused to work.

"You sure?"

"Yeah, let's go again." Izuku got into a fight stance as he threw a knife at Stein. Of course Stein jumped to the side but Izuku pulled the knife back and was able to hit him with the handle. Stein seemed to be happy by Izuku's improvement but wasn't about to give up.

They stayed fighting for hours. Until the sun was down and the normal villains were out. They were breathing heavily- though Izuku was struggling more than Stein- and they finally decided to call it to end. Izuku collapsed on his back, staring up at the stars while Stein sat back on some of the boxes left behind in the alleyway.

"We should find somewhere better to practise, this place is too dirty." Stein looked startled by the sudden statement, but Izuku didn't care. "I mean, look at this place, half of it is garbage."

"Well, I wasn't planning on staying here. I was only meant to do a quick job but you and your friend decided to barge in on my life."

"Wait, so you still have someone you need to kill?"

"Of course, there are always more fake heroes that need to be purged. The infection only gets larger every day."

Izuku hummed in agreement, pushing himself off from the ground. "I suppose that is why we chose to kill off the young ones. That way we are destroying the eggs before they have the chance to become snakes. So, who you got to kill. I might be able to find them for you."

"I doubt it, he is hard to get away from the crowds. His name is Native and he is selfish, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Cause Charlie is interning with him. We picked him out of a hat, I suppose with our luck he would be a fake one." Izuku smirked a little before pulling out his phone and pressing a button. "Hey, Charlie. Want to have some fun?"

Charlie smirked as she hovered her fingers over her hero's forehead. She lightly pressed down, receiving an agonised scream from Native. "Yep, it's working!"

Stein watched the two, leaving them to see what they got. Charlie took one of Izuku's blades, smirking as she shone the silver in the street light. She pointed it at Native, barely pricking him with the tip.

"Why are you doing this?" Native tried to move his limbs, tried to get away, but he couldn't.

"Oh, that's obvious! Because you are a fake hero! I felt it the second I met you and when my friends suggested we have some fun, I couldn't say no." Charlie flicked her wrist up, cutting into Native's cheek.

Izuku walked forward, pulling out his own knife. "We're going to make an example out of you, just like we did with Mineta." Izuku cut across Native's chest, dipping his fingers into the blood and smearing it across Native's forehead.

Every touch was torture for the hero. Charlie walked off, going to her back in order to get some chains. Izuku continued to slash across Native's chest and arms but was forced to stop when someone kicked his jaw. He went spinning off to the other side, Iida standing in front of Native. He stared down at Izuku, horror in his face.

"It's you! You're the one who killed Bakugo and Mineta. Kaminari was right." Iida's eyes shifted to look at Stein who had stepped out of the darkness. "You've joined up with him! He killed Tensei! I am Tenya Iida! I will kill you both for them all!" Iida ran forward, kicking Izuku in the chest. 'Not again.'

Stein swiftly ran forward, stabbing Iida and throwing him to the side. He brought the blade up and licked across the blood, paralysing Iida instantly. "You alright kid?"

Izuku groaned, the coughs having burnt his throat. "Never better."

Stein pulled out his sword before driving it back into Iida's shoulder, the teen let out a scream but Stein didn't care. "You should get something to stop that."

"What are you suggesting?"

"Maybe a blood proof vest could work."

"Yeah, then I can't breathe at all. Trust me, I've tried it." Izuku pulled himself up from the ground, walking over and looking down on the girl. "Suppose I should put my mask on. Don't want someone else to recognise me." Izuku pulled out the mask Charlie made him. It was a black inky kind of mask. It covered his eyes and swirled around his face. Honestly, it annoyed Izuku and mostly got in the way but Charlie insisted and Izuku did not want to deal with an angry Charlie. "He's pretty stupid. Coming in here when we've already taken out a hero. Did he really think he could beat us?"

"Clearly he did. Maybe we should make him an example too, that's what your friend would say. Where is she?"

Looking around, Izuku sighed upon seeing Charlie hiding behind a box with her phone out. "Recording us. As usual." Izuku yelped when he felt himself being dragged away by the collar. Fire swirled around Iida, Todoroki coming onto the scene.

"Well, that is annoying." Izuku brought his hand out, dragging a pencil with him.

"Don't you dare!" Charlie dashed forward, kicking Izuku in the jaw. Izuku wanted to scream at her, but she stood in front of Todoroki- that same stupid fire in her eyes. Charlie swirled Todoroki's loose flames around her and sent them out.

Izuku rolled to the side growling under his breath. "Is that how this is going to be? Fine, so be it." Izuku threw one of his knives at Charlie who jumped to the side. Of course she hadn't been watching Izuku train so she wasn't prepared for when Izuku called back the blade and stabbed her in the shoulder. Todoroki sent out ice at Izuku but it was stopped by Stein.

Native was groaning, movement returning to his limbs.

"Shit." Running forward, Izuku stabbed Native- receiving a scream of shock from both Todoroki and Iida. Izuku ran to Stein's side, sighing. "Hope you don't mind me taking out the trash."

"Come on, or we won't get out at all."

Izuku smiled, throwing out three of his knives. Charlie and Todoroki jumped to the side, moving to stop the attacks. Todoroki sent out ice to freeze over the villains, Charlie pulled gravity down to stop them escaping but Izuku summoned one of his knives back, breaking her concentration and letting himself and Stein jump away.

Charlie defrosted the ice and sent floods of water out, hitting Izuku straight in the face. Stein ran forward to attack Charlie but Todoroki stopped it from landing. Stein jumped to the side, cutting across Todoroki's cheek, but Todoroki used the moment to freeze up Stein's blade and up his body. Izuku swore under his breath, bringing the paper up again.

"I said no you don't!" Charlie used her Quirk to send Izuku into the wall, accidentally knocking his mask ever-so-slightly from his face.

The sound of heroes screaming caught Izuku's attention. "I'm sorry Stein." Jumping up, he scaled the building and watched as Todoroki realised that the third blade Izuku threw stuck out of Iida's skull.

Chapter Text

Charlie did not know how to deal with this shit. The detectives had been questioning her for hours. She wasn’t a natural liar. Finally, when she was free, Izuku grabbed her and threw her onto the roof. “Are you going to tell me why you stopped me?” Izuku glared at Charlie, crossing his arms over his chest.

Charlie had the nerve to not look guilty at all. “Killing him wouldn’t work with our mission.”

Izuku gave Charlie a harsh look. “And letting Stein get captured does?”

Charlie opened and closed her mouth. “Well, no. That wasn’t the plan.”

“And trying to get me captured was?”

Charlie gulped, stepping back. “I had to maintain my cover.” Charlie let out a yelp as Izuku pushed a knife to her throat.

“I thought I told you to not get distracted. You’re there to spy, not make friends or be a hero. When we’re done, you’re dropping out of that school. Understood?” Izuku waited but Charlie refused to look at him. “Understood?!”

“Yeah. Understood.”

Izuku was not convinced. He turned away, walking to the edge and jumping off. Charlie sighed, laying on her back.

“Man, imagine if he knew that Todoroki was suspicious.”

~~~

Todoroki was watching Charlie. He hadn’t taken his eyes off her since the Stein incident. With Iida’s death came a whole new level of paranoia in the school. They had dorms to stay in and were preparing for the exams.

Yaoyorozu had offer to tutor the class, a fact Charlie was slightly exploiting and at every study session, Todoroki was there, watching her. It was getting a little creepy.

“Dude, what’s your problem with Charlie?” It was a necessary question for Kaminari to ask.

“It’s nothing but, have you noticed she doesn’t react if you hit her?”

Kirishima frowned. “She definitely does. It’s normally the reaction of ‘I shall break your nose’.”

Todoroki gave Kirishima a small look. “That’s during sparring. The rest of the time she doesn’t notice. It’s weird.”

“It’s a medical condition.” Charlie grinned as she appeared out of no where. “And yes, it is a problem.”

Kaminari looked confused. “A medical condition?”

“Yep. Can’t feel a thing, not even a hug. Have to do really careful checks after training to make sure someone didn’t stab me without noticing but we live. On a different, less personal and invasive topic, did you hear we’ll be fighting robots?! It’s gonna be so fun!”

“It’s an exam,” Yaoyorozu corrected as Charlie shrugged.

“It can be both.”

“I still can’t help but be nervous. My Quirk isn’t exactly suited for combat.” Jiro twisted her earphone jacks in her hands as Charlie gaped, hugging Jiro tightly.

“No! You’re amazing! Trust me, you’re more capable than you think. You too, Yao-momo.”

Yaoyorozu hid her face as doubt plagued her.

“Don’t you guys think its weird how the school is continuing like nothings happened?” Kaminari leaned against his hands as he stretched on the couch. “I mean, outside more partrols, we’re continuing like normal, even though Iida’s dead.”

“Not true. We also promoted Yao-Momo and selected a new vice-representative.” Charlie grinned proudly as Kaminari gave her a look.

“That’s not the type of action I’m talking about. It’s just weird.”

“I heard the police form has created an entire department trying to find these guys,” Kirishima announced as Sero nodded.

“I heard they’re now connected to the LOV. I almost forgot about those guys with everything going on.”

Charlie nodded. “The attack on Native and Endeavour happened at the same time as the Nomus attacked Hosu. It’s not likely to be a coincidence.” Of course, she knew it was but the longer everyone thought they were part of the LOV, the longer it would take them to find the real villains.

“I wonder if they’ll become more dangerous with the backing of the League. It’s hard to imagine them teaming up with the LOV without an ulterior motive,” Jiro muttered as the group grew quiet.

“But we don’t really know anything about them? The only thing we know for sure is that they killed Mineta for being a fake hero. We don’t even know if they are the same people who killed Bakugo and Iida,” Ojiro exclaimed as Charlie hummed.

“Not true. We know they killed Iida from Stein’s interviews as he referred to his sidekick as ‘Black Ink’ the same name as one of the Mineta killers.”

“But can we trust his word? He is a villain.”

Charlie bit her tongue. Izuku would not like this.

“Also, if we believe the whole, ‘fake hero’ thing then why attack Iida, he was like the noblist hero ever,” Mina complained as Charlie shrugged.

“Everyone has a different side.”

Yaoyorozu looked around the class with a frown. She took a breath as she stepped forward. “We should stop thinking about this and focus on our classes. Exams are only a few days away and we should work to become the best heroes we can.”

Her words fell flat as the students began dispersing disheartedly. Yaoyorozu’s shoulders slumped as she realised she failed again. Charlie placed a hand on her shoulder. “Mind explaining quadratics to me again?”

She nodded but it did little to lift her mood.

~~~

The days of exams were coming to a close. The written exams were over and the practical exam was clashing on. Charlie was regretting all her life choices.

“So, is there a plan or are we just accepting that there is no way for us to win this,” Sero hung his head as Ojiro’s tail flicked.

“We could have a chance with Charlie’s Quirk but it is All Might.”

“Even with three people it still feels like we’re at a disadvantage.” Sero hung his head as Charlie took a deep breath.

“Right. Here’s the plan. I’ll keep All Might busy while you two head for the exit. We only need one of you to make it but you should stick together.”

“Wait… you want to take on All Might alone,” Sero stared in shock. “Do you want to die?”

“No. But I chose to believe in my abilities. Plus- technically he can’t hurt me.”

“Just because you don’t feel it doesn’t mean you aren’t getting hurt,” Ojiro tried to reason but Charlie had made up her mind.

“It’s the only way we can win. Trust me, I’ve been training to take on tough opponents.”

“Sure, but not All Might,” Sero stressed as Charlie stood up.

“I’m gonna watch Yao-Momo’s exam. Bye!”

Sero sighed as he looked at Ojiro. “She’s going to die.”

“Yeah.”

~~~

As the group walked through the city, Charlie used her Quirk to reach out, attempting to find All Might. Stopping in her tracks, Charlie didn’t move as the city collapsed around them. The protective shield stopped any of the damage hitting them or the surrounding buildings. “Time for you to go.”

Neither Sero or Ojiro got a choice in the matter as Charlie threw them far over All Might’s head and charged in, punching All Might right in the jaw.

Charlie didn’t hesitate, raising rocks from the ground and throwing them at All Might, unleashing the brutal attacks.

“Holy sh-” Jiro cut herself off as she watched the onslaught. “I knew Charlie was powerful but damn.”

Yaoyorozu nodded. “It’s not just that. She understands that if she lets All Might get a punch in it will be over. She must be doing this so he can’t find his footing.”

“Still, that’s a lot of power. She’s even using her Quirk to stop the buildings from being damaged by All Might’s escape attempts.”

True to Jiro’s words, each time All Might punched to the sky a temporary barrier would appear around the buildings, protecting them for that moment.

“Charlie is really powerful.”

“But she’s not invincible,” Yaoyorozu muttered, a concerned note to her voice.

Charlie knew she wasn’t going to win. Her Quirk gave her the ability to use other Quirks at will but the tole on her body was extreme. For example, if she used Zero Gravity, she wouldn’t be able to pick up a person without throwing up instantly. The more she used a Quirk the more she could accustom her body to it but it still didn’t last long, especially when she was using two Quirks at the same time.

Wrapping her power around All Might, Charlie threw him to the other side of the city before she collapsed. Her body felt heavy and she could barely move. She could hear All Might charging closer as she waited for the blackness of sleep and then she moved.

Charlie knew her Quirk well but for a moment, she wondered if she had accidentally activied it. It turns out, she had not, instead, Sero had dragged her to safety. As he parched with Charlie, Ojiro crossed the line.

“I thought I told you to run?” Charlie was barely staying awake as Sero chuckled.

“Yeah but there’s no point getting help if the people who need saving are dead by the point we get back.”

Charlie laughed. “Good. You a true hero.” And then passed out, missing the almost horrified look on Sero’s face.

~~~

Izuku tapped his fingers on his leg as he waited. The car had finally pulled out of the drive way, leaving the building empty. Walking closer, Izuku dragged the gasoline to the front door, picking the lock with no problems.

Once instead, he covered everything. Every record. Every instrument. Every picture. He covered the bedrooms and the kitchen and even every little cupboard within the house. Then he walked to the garden in front of it, a small patch of grass and began pouring the gasoline on that, spelling out the words.

“You sure you want to do this?” Ryuk watched with a chuckle as Izuku lit the match.

“She has to learn.”

The blaze began, consuming everything of the family until nothing but ash was left. The Jiro family home was gone, ‘A Warning’ written into their garden. It wasn’t even a warning for them.

Chapter Text

Charlie rushed along the streets as she approached the blaze. “Kyoka!” Jiro turned, standing in front of her house with Momo and her parents. “What happened?”

Jiro blinked. “I don’t know.”

Charlie looked over the burns, spotting the message. The ice rage flooded her. She knew who did this.

~~~

“You burnt down Kyoka’s home.” Charlie looked at Izuku as he flicked a page over in his book.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. And it’s Kyoka now?”

“Do not change the subject. You burnt down Kyoka’s home.”

“I’ve been at home all day.” Izuku turned a page.

“Don’t lie to me! Put your book down!” Charlie slammed her hand down, an angry look in her eyes when Izuku jumped up.

“Are you really doing this?”

“It appears so. We only target fake heroes. Kyoka isn’t a fake hero.”

“I never said I was a fake hero.”

“But you burnt down her house?”

“I didn’t do that.” Izuku smiled as Charlie charged forward. Izuku stepped to the side, kicking Charlie’s chest and pinning her down. “This is your last warning, Charlie.”

“I don’t need you. You need me,” Charlie spat out as Izuku scoffed.

“No one needs you.” Izuku stood up, walking off as Charlie rubbed her neck.

~~~

Charlie smiled as she walked into the mall, fidgeting with the scarf she was wearing.

“Morning, Charlie,” Yaoyorozu greeted as she grinned wider.

“Morning, Yao-momo.”

Yaoyorozu frowned, tilting her head. “Isn’t it a bit hot for a scarf?”

Charlie chuckled. “I don’t feel the cold or the heat. It’s just comfy.”

Yaoyorozu did not look convinced as the rest of the students showed up. The class fell quiet as Jiro arrived. “Kyoka? How are you?”

Jiro smiled quietly. “No one was hurt.”

Charlie walked over, pulling Kyoka into a hug. “It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything or pretend to be happy.”

Jiro sighed softly. “Thank you.”

“Am I doing the hug right?”

Jiro pulled away. “Yes, you did.”

“Are you searching for anything?”

Jiro paused, looking down at her school uniform. “Well, this is my only set of clothes that I’m not borrowing from my aunt so a new wardrobe.”

Yaoyorozu grinned. “Oh, I can help you with that.”

“I don’t have a lot of money, though.”

Charlie grinned. “We do. Let’s go.”

“Wait, you can’t buy me a whole new wardrobe.”

“Yes, we can.”

~~~

Izuku glanced around the hospital, standing up and walking forward, bumping into the figure. He let out a startled sound as Izuku fell to the ground. “Sorry I didn’t see you there.” Todoroki glanced down as Izuku stood up.

“It’s okay-” Izuku stopped, seeing Todoroki. “Hey, you’re from UA, right? One of Charlie’s friends.”

Todoroki nodded. “You’re Charlie’s friend.”

“Izuku, Izuku Midoriya.” Izuku shook Todoroki’s hand as he glanced around the hospital. “Why are you here?”

“My mother. She’s sick. Why are you here?”

“My mum. She’s in a coma. I don’t think she knows I come by, but I don’t like missing a day.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault.”

“What happened?”

Izuku paused, glancing at Todoroki. “I don’t think you’ll accept that answer.”

“Why?”

“Because Charlie caused it.”

~~~

Charlie smiled as she and Yaoyorozu shared the cost of Jiro’s new wardrobe.

“I’ll pay you back,” Jiro announced, fidgeting with her hands.

“No need,” the girls answered back as they walked out. “These all look really pretty on you,” Charlie added as Jiro blushed.

The class met up once more, laughing and joking as they waited for the last stragglers to join them.

“Food,” Charlie asked as the class cheered.

~~~

Todoroki sat on the beach, glancing at Izuku as he held the can in his hand. “So, what happened?”

Izuku smiled softly. “Charlie was young. She doesn’t understand the difference between right and wrong. She didn’t understand if she used her Quirk on my mum there wouldn’t be a way to reverse it,” Izuku explained as Todoroki lowered his head.

“How old was she?”

“13.”

Todoroki paused, looking at Izuku. “That was two years ago.”

“I am aware.”

“Why would she do that?”

Izuku frowned. “She didn’t have a reason. She just wanted to know if she could.”

“No.”

“She’s a fake hero.”

Todoroki looked at Izuku in confusion as he hesitated. “You sound like those villains.”

Izuku looked at Todoroki. “You think those people should have lived?”

Todoroki paused. He thought over each person who had died, trying to find an answer. “I don’t know.”

“Do you think your dad should live?”

“You’re going target my dad?”

“He’s Endeavour right? The man only in this for glory who killed your son and pushed your mother to insanity. You think he should live?”

Todoroki didn’t have an answer as Izuku sighed, about to stand up. “Why did Iida die? He was good.”

“He was only there for revenge. That revenge would have corrupted him until all he was as a hero was someone who thought, just like your dad. I am sorry I had to kill him, though; he looked like one of the few who wouldn’t need it.” Izuku stood up. “You can hand me in if you want. I won’t blame you. If not, I’ll see you around Todoroki.” Izuku walked away as Todoroki frowned, staying on the bench a bit longer.

~~~

Izuku walked back home, listening to Ryuk crunch on his apple. “Is that story true?”

“Which one?”

“Charlie’s the reason your mum is in a coma?”

Izuku paused, glancing at Ryuk. “My mum’s dead.” Ryuk looked startled. “I didn’t lie, though. Mum worked herself to death after Dad left. When she collapsed, Charlie used her Quirk to bring her back, but she was brain-dead by that point. Charlie feels guilty about it, so she pays for the hospital to take care of her, but she’ll never recover.”

Izuku walked through the door, seeing Charlie collapsed on the sofa, a tired air around her.

“It’s a shame, really. I always thought Charlie was a loyal person, and now that loyalty is her undoing.” Izuku walked past her to his room and sat in front of his computer. He pulled up the backdoor he had into the police, checking any records that Todoroki had gone to them.

~~~

Todoroki sat in his room, staring at the ceiling. He kept playing the conversation he had over and over in his head. He snapped out of his thoughts when his phone buzzed.

‘Thanks for not selling me out.’ A single text from an unknown number.

Todoroki hesitated before he responded. ‘You’re welcome.’ Todoroki wasn’t sure how the guy knew or if he was joking but almost instantly, he responded and started a conversation. One would think it would be about his villainy or hero society but instead he talked about a TV show. Todoroki remembered, he was just a kid. An incredibly disturbed kid but a kid none the less.

He joined the conversation.

Chapter Text

Charlie grinned as she stretched in her seat. The bus travelled along the road, heading through the windy path above the deep forest.

The class talked amongst themselves, happy and sad and all manners of conversations going on around her. Aizawa parked the bus, letting the students walk off and wander around the breathing space.

Pixie-Bob was there to greet them. Charlie did not pay attention to the hero as she talked. The Wild Wild Pussycats were one of the few heroes that never crossed Charlie or Izuku’s radar so she had no interest in her or her team.

Charlie looked over the cliff edge, viewing the forest, when the ground moved behind her. With a startled scream, Charlie went over the edge with the rest of the class.

Charlie grabbed Yaoyorozu and Jiro, bracing herself as she crashed into the ground and created a crater around her.

“Charlie! Are you okay?” Jiro looked over at Charlie as she smiled.

“Yep. I strengthened my shock absorption to the max-” Charlie stopped, growing dizzy as Yaoyorozu helped her stand.

“What’s wrong?”

Charlie groaned. “The side effect is kicking in. I didn’t have time to properly gauge how much of the Quirk I was going to need, so I used as much as I could muster.” Charlie leaned against Yaoyorozu as she let out a sigh of relief.

“At least you’re okay.”

Jiro nodded, turning to look at the rest of the class as they wandered into the forest. The beasts attacked, forcing the students back. “That’s not good.” Jiro got ready as Charlie stood up.

“Don’t worry, I can handle it.”

Before Yaoyorozu or Jiro could stop her, Charlie held up her hand, swaying on her feet as she sent a giant ire blast through the forest, burning everything in the way.

The class turned, looking at Charlie in horror as she grumbled. She had missed the target anyway. The beast she was aiming at roared in response and charged at Charlie. Before it could kill the idiot, Jiro slid in between, stabbing it with her earphone jacks and using the vibrations to destroy it.

“Charlie, don’t do that again.”

Charlie grumbled, rubbing her forehead as she winced. “I’m dehydrated now.”

“Give her here,” Kirishima announced, wrapping Charlie around his shoulders. “Let’s move out!” Kirishima charged, barely noticing the deadweight on his shoulders.

Todoroki watched Charlie, an unreadable expression on his face.

~~~

The sun was setting when the group got through the forest. Charlie had thankfully not burnt down any more of the trees, but she had flooded the area about an hour ago, and all the students crawled out caked in mud and soaked to the bone.

The students collapsed around the tables, not hearing the Wild Wild Pussycat’s announcement that this was a one time thing.

Charlie grinned, swallowing gallons of the water that was provided as Jiro gave her a worried look. “Are you sure that’s enough?” She muttered sarcastically as Charlie grinned.

“Yep. I need to replenish the water in my body, especially from the flood Quirk.”

“How come you were having such problems today? Normally, you don’t receive such strong side effects,” Yaoyorozu commented as Charlie hummed and took a bowl of food.

“Yeah, powerful shock absorption fucks me up. Though I suppose using any of the Quirks to the maximum at any time does leave a toll on my body, those I don’t use as often are worse. I’m not used to the side effects, so I don’t have a resistance. The main side effect of shock absorption, alongside tiredness and dehydration, is dizziness. It sort of rattled my head, and then I couldn’t focus, so I used the other two at the maximum level, too.”

Charlie laughed at herself as she finished her meal.

~~~

Todoroki looked around before opening his back and taking out the secret phone Izuku had given him. Unlike the rest, it was still getting a signal, even in the middle of the forest. Todoroki wondered for a moment how Izuku had achieved that before pushing it aside.

He started talking, a small smile on his face. He messaged back and forth until the rest returned, and he hid the phone once again.

~~~

Charlie felt instant regret when the next day came. She couldn’t feel pain, but she did feel exhausted, overheating, dehydration, and all the lovely side effects of using her Quirk. Charlie stood on top of a newly made mountain, firing her Quirk into the sky. She was trying to swap between Quirks faster as well as the time she could use them.

It was as close to torture as one could get with Charlie. The last thing she wanted to do was cook a meal.

Charlie frowned, looking at Jiro. “Technically, I don’t feel hunger pain, so do I really have to eat?”

“Yes.”

Charlie frowned, a sad expression on her face as she was forced to help out, by which that meant she stirred the pot.”

“How can someone who lives alone be this bad at cooking?” Jiro looked at Charlie, completely unimpressed, as Charlie huffed.

“I can make a sandwich. That is enough.”

“It is not.”

“Besides, I’m not usually the one that cooks.” Charlie looked back at the pot as she spoke. “Izuku cooks most of my meals. He doesn’t go to school anymore, so it’s the least he can do when he lives at home all the time.”

“I wasn’t aware you two were living together,” Todoroki commented as Charlie hummed.

“Well, neither of us have anyone else. Things just ended up this way.” Charlie stopped stirring, her hands growing thinker before she lifted the pot off the fire, putting it on the side as Yaoyorozu screamed.

“Your hands!”

Charlie laughed, showing her hands that had returned to normal, completely unharmed. “Heat resistance Quirk. See, no damage.”

Yaoyorozu let out a sigh of relief before she started to lecture Charlie on her reckless use of her Quirk.

~~~

The days past, each member of the class getting a little bit stronger and a lot more tired. Finally, the awaited day came.

“But Momo, Kyoka,” Charlie whined as Jiro held up the straw with an orange stripe on the bottom, a stick that matched the one in Momo’s hand.

“Sorry, Charlie. You’re the one who created this game. It’s amazing you lost.” Jiro chuckled softly, turning to Yaoyorozu as she patted Charlie’s back.

“It’s okay. You’ll have fun with Ojiro.”

Charlie glanced at Ojiro. “I doubt that.”

Ojiro sighed, a saddened look on his face.

Chapter Text

Dabi walked along the edge of the forest, burning the trees.

"Your Quirk is very interesting."

Dabi jumped, turning and looking at Izuku. "Who are you? You're not a student at this school."

"Wow, you've done your research." Izuku smiled, walking closer as he ignored the flames. "I'm not a hero, but I can't let you get in our way."

"You think you can beat me-" Dabi stopped, coughing violently as he stumbled back.

"Yes, I do. Touya Todoroki. Now, die like a good boy. I have business with you, brother, to attend to."

Dabi looked at Izuku in shock as his heart stopped beating, and he fell dead on the forest floor alongside the other members of the League of Villain's vanguard.

Izuku frowned, looking at the paper. "How weird. I couldn't kill the misty guy. I guess when you're made of different DNA, the death note won't recognise them. Am I right?"

Ryuk laughed, floating by Izuku's side.

"The rest is up to Charlie. Want to have fun?" Izuku pulled out his weapons as he walked through the forest.

~~~

Charlie stopped as she saw the gas pour across the forest. Ojiro skidded to a halt next to her, frowning in confusion. "What is that?"

The purple gas surrounded them as Ojiro gasped, falling down. "Ojiro," Charlie called out, a bubble covering Charlie's mouth and keeping her poison-free. Ojiro collapsed as Charlie huffed, standing back up. "So they can back after all."

Charlie felt the text message arrive in her brain.

'Have fun, but don't forget our targets.'

Charlie let out a chuckle, summoning the weapons to her. "Don't worry Izuku. This will be fun."

~~~

Aoyama squeaked as he saw the villains walking through the forest. Todoroki watched him hide and panic. The villain saw him and walked on.

"Aoyama," Todoroki called out as Aoyama looked at him.

"Todoroki?"

"Come on, we should get out of here." Todoroki pulled up Aoyama, running off as Aoyama frowned. He was sure the camp was the other way.

~~~

Charlie pulled the knife out of the cracked mask, watching the blood pool down to the ground. She paused before taking off Mustard's mask, seeing the young villain underneath. "I wonder what led you down this path."

Charlie stopped when she heard a gasp. She looked at Tetsutetsu and Kendo who were standing in the clearing, becoming clearer as the poison dissipated.

"What?" Kendo looked at Charlie's mask and saw her covered in blood. "Why would a villain kill another villain?"

Charlie grinned, turning to face the students. "Oh, I'm not with them." Charlie charged as Kendo pushed Tetsutetsu in front of her. He turned to metal, meeting Charlie's blade. Charlie laughed. "Well, you're fast, I'll give you that. Shame you don't have a brain."

Charlie swept her foot out, knocking Tetsutetsu to the ground. He let out a startled sound as Charlie put pressure on his chest. Kendo rushed forward, slapping at Charlie as she caught her fist. "And you have a brain, but you're not fast at all." A spike appeared out of Charlie's hand, stabbing through Kendo's fist as she screamed.

Charlie took a moment to internally cry at her choice of Quirk. Using too many different Quirks would give her away, so she was stuck with the spike Quirk.

Charlie spun, kicking Kendo in the head and throwing her to the side. Tetsutetsu used the moment to stand up and charge at Charlie, wrestling with her. "Big mistake." The spikes burst out of her torso. Tetsutetsu gritted his teeth, but Charlie was stronger. She pierced through his iron before throwing him aside.

Before she could finish, Kendo slapped her. Charlie slid across the ground, digging her feet into the earth. "I thought we already did this-" Charlie stopped, seeing Kendo running deep into the forest. She chuckled. "Well played." Charlie turned, walking in the opposite direction. "I think I'll let you cook a bit longer before I decide whether you're worth leaving alive."

~~~

Izuku hummed to him, walking down the road as he stopped at the Endeavour agency. He walked in, but there were no people at the reception, and no heroes were waiting. He walked into the elevator, pressing the button as he walked to the top floor.

Blood was splattered on the floor. Endeavour was on the ground, staring up at his green flame-covered intern. She had tears falling from her face.

"Why are you doing this?" Endeavour stared at her as she raised her hand. The fire burst out, overheating Endeavour as he collapsed. When it was over, she walked to the window and stepped out.

"That was harsh, even for you," Ryuk commented as Izuku walked over to Endeavour.

"Endeavour is a powerful hero. Just like how Shoto is very powerful. Only those he's trained could defeat him." Izuku grabbed Endeavour's foot, dragging him to the elevator.

"Why not just use the eyes or that little Todoroki to get his name."

Izuku smiled, leaning against the elevator. "That wouldn't be a good trial for Shoto, now would it?"

~~~

Charlie skipped along the forest, stopping as she finally found her target.

Tsu, Uraraka and Toga were in the middle of a fight. Charlie crouched down, finding no will to interfere with the battle. She watched Tsu, the way the girl acted and behaved and what she did. Of all the people in Charlie's class, Tsu was the one she was finding the hardest to read. Her motivations and desires were a complete mystery.

Toga stumbled back when she caught sight of Charlie, covered in blood. "Who are you?" She sounded excited as Charlie stood up.

"I'm the Master."

Toga grinned. "Hi, what are you like-" Toga couldn't finish when the spike shot through her head.

"Sorry, I have a girlfriend, and I'm not interested in psycho chics." Charlie pulled the spike back as Toga fell to the ground. She walked out, turning to Tsu and Uraraka. "Hello, I'm looking for the one they call Uravity."

Uraraka gasped. Before she could do anything, Tsu wrapped her tongue around her waist and threw her away. "Ochako! Run!"

"But what about you?!"

"I'll be fine," Tsu stopped as Charlie appeared behind her.

"I wouldn't be so sure." Charlie swiped down as Tsu dodged. Charlie tutted, seeing Uraraka land far away.

Tsu stayed on her toes as Charlie chuckled.

"I wonder, will the girl who only cares about money step in to save her friend or will she run." Charlie laughed, lowering herself. "Let's find out."

The spikes erupted from Charlie, storming towards Tsu as she leapt out of the way. Tsu dodged from tree to tree and still Uraraka did not move, frozen in her place. Tsu jumped again when the spike pierced through her shoulder, pinning her to a tree.

Tsu gritted her teeth, glancing back. "What are you doing? Run." Tsu spat out her tongue, wrapping it around Charlie. "Run. I'll keep her here. Go!"

Still, Uraraka did not move. Charlie laughed, the spike pulling out of Tsu's shoulder and dropping her. "I finally worked you out. You're actually a hero. What a delight! Shame your friend isn't." Before Tsu could do anything, Charlie charged forward, slamming her head into a tree.

Black spots covered Tsu's eyes as her limbs went limp, and the tongue fell from Charlie's torso. Charlie turned to face Uraraka. "Now, little girl, it's time for you to go."

Charlie appeared by Uraraka in a second, covering her mouth and holding her till she blacked out.

~~~

Charlie walked towards the clearing, freezing as she spotted Aoyama. "Well, no wonder I couldn't find him. You beat me to it," Charlie laughed as she walked into the clearing.

Aoyama screamed, seeing the girl covered in blood. Charlie stopped, seeing Todoroki walk out the other side.

"Ah, so I misread this situation. Never mind. Guess I'll have to just kill you and take Frenchy now."

Aoyama stared in horror as Todoroki stood taller. "Black Ink sends his hello."

Charlie blinked in surprise. "One moment." Charlie turned, sending a message to Izuku. 'Wtf. Is Todoroki evil now? How is he evil? Why is he evil?'

"You don't have to spam me," Izuku chuckled, walking out with his phone in his hand. "I'm right here."

"Izuku," Todoroki smiled, turning to Izuku as he chuckled.

Izuku dropped Monoma's unconscious body before turning to Charlie. "Everything is ready. One portal, please."

Charlie huffed. "Fine but we're talking about later." Charlie opened the portal, picking up Uraraka as Todoroki picked up Aoyama.

Aoyama gasped, crying as he tried to pull away from Todoroki but couldn't get out of his grasp. On the other side of the portal, Mt. Lady and Endeavour were tied up.

"Welcome to your official joining of our squad, Frostbite."

Chapter Text

The heroes were panicking. In the last 24 hours, things had fallen apart. Endeavour's agency was attacked, resulting in all his sidekicks losing their lives and for the hero himself to go missing.

The training camp UA set up was also attacked, resulting in three students and one hero being kidnapped. They were concerned that the number was actually five, but both Todoroki and Charlie showed up a few hours after the incident, claiming to have hidden in a cave.

They found four dead bodies. One was of a burnt man who had no physical injuries, one of a young lad who looked like he had been thrown through a wood chopper and one of a young girl who had a hole in her head.

The last body was of the child Koda, who was crushed to pieces on the mountainside. None of the Wild Wild Pussycats were talking. Mandalay was a mess, and the other two that were still here weren't fairing much better.

Kendo, Tetsutetsu and Tsu were all being questioned. They were the only ones who saw the murderous villain going about. It didn't take long for the police to work out what happened.

Two separate villain groups attacked the training camp. The LOV who killed Koda and the murderous villain group who killed Mineta killed the members of the LOV and took the students. There was a 50/50 chance on who took Ragdoll.

"Why does this keep happening," Kaminari asked, holding his head in his hands.

"No matter where we go or what we do, we keep getting attacked," Hagakure whispered. "I saw her, Master. She walked past me but didn't notice I was there."

"I heard Tetsutetsu and Kendo went up against her, too. They were lucky to get out alive," Kirishima muttered.

Charlie stopped her smile, turning to Yaoyorozu. "Are you okay?"

Yaoyorozu jumped, looking up before she sighed. "I wished I could have done more. I could have tried to save them."

"You saved tons from poisoning. You did well, Momo." Charlie nudged Yaoyorozu's side as she nodded reluctantly.

"I hope Kyoka's okay."

"She's just lightly poisoned. She'll be fine." Charlie smiled as Yaoyorozu let out a shaky chuckle.

"Alright everyone," Aizawa called out, causing the conversations to stop. "We're moving out of here, the location is too compromised for you to stay but we also can't let you go home yet so you'll be going to UA."

Charlie frowned. "Isn't UA also compromised? After the whole Mineta thing?"

Aizawa gave her a look. "UA's security has been increased. It's the safest place you can be."

Charlie and Todoroki were the only ones who saw the irony in that.

~~~

Charlie hummed to herself, looking at the weird dormitory they were waiting in.

"We need to go," Todoroki announced, making Charlie jump.

"Wow you're creepy. You sure you're good with all this?" Charlie smiled, leading Todoroki to a secluded room.

"Heroes that hurt people more than they help don't deserve to live. My father is a prime example of that."

"But are you sure you're good being the one to you know?" Charlie made a dramatic hand motion as Todoroki nodded. Charlie shrugged. "If you say so. I just always thought you would be one of the true heroes. Guess this is what happens when I let Izuku talk to people."

Todoroki gave Charlie an odd look as the portal was opened and they both walked through. Izuku was sat on a table, inside the abandoned building. The air was freezing. Endeavour and Mt Lady were tied up and drugged while Monama was isolated from the other two. Uaraka had her hands in the air and gloves on while Aoyama had a concrete brick in front of his stomach.

Each of them had a camera pointed at them and Izuku was typing on his laptop. "We're almost ready. Get changed. We go live soon."

~~~

All For One sat alone in his dark room, watching the screen for an answer. His plans were being foiled by some Stain copycat. He wanted to believe that it didn't matter, but the Endeavour incident caught his attention. He was certain whoever caused it was the same person who had caused such a ruckus, but he had no idea how it happened.

He glanced at Ragdoll before he shut his screen. He would have to find out later, he had plans to complete.

~~~

The students gathered in the living room, watching the news, when the screen flickered. The signal cut out before being replaced by a black room.

"Someone shut off the TV?" Kirishima frowned when the figures came into sight. They were all dressed in their villain uniforms. Shoto had a giant hood on and a black wig, just in case. His face was hidden in their standard masks. Only his had silver-like ice crystals on it.

"Welcome, welcome. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Ink Blot. You might recognise the name from some of our other crimes, like the killing of the pervert of UA."

Charlie giggled at Izuku's dramatic entrance. "That' isn't all we've done. I particularly had fun running a mock at the UA training camp. It wasn't even well hidden. I'm Master."

Last was Todoroki's turn. "And I'm Frostbite. Tonight, we have something to show you." The screen flickered again; this time, it was divided into six. The bottom middle stayed focused on the trio of villains while all the others contained a different hero or student, the heroes at the bottom and the students along the top.

"You might be wondering, why did we take these guys when the pick of the crop. Let me asure you, these are all roten," Charlie sang, walking off to the side and off screen.

"Each one doesn't know how to be even half good, let alone a decent human being or a good hero," Todoroki added before he walked off.

"So tonight, we sacrifice live for all those to watch. I wonder, can the police track this signal before all the blood is split." Izuku smiled before the screen flickered, this time, only Uraraka was present.

Aizawa rushed into the room. "Turn that off." He turned off the TV, but it turned back on. He tried to disconnect it, but the signal appeared on everyones' phones. "Don't watch," he ordered, but no one could look away.

Charlie walked up to Uraraka. "Hi. Welcome to hell. Little miss sob story here only cares about money. She doesn't actually care about being a hero." Uraraka shook her head as Charlie smiled. "We have the perfect death for you." She stepped back, grabbing a rope. The screen tilted up to show molten gold above Charlie's head. "Say goodbye. At least you'll be worth something once you're gone."

She pulled the chain, and the gold tipped onto Uraraka's head. She screamed, boiling her skin and falling into her mouth and eyes.

The screen changed, this time showing Todoroki with Aoyama. The French boy was crying, fighting against his restraints. "Tell us UA, did you wonder how your school kept getting broken into. It's because of him. Aoyama here is a traitor working with the LOV."

Aoyama continued to cry and scream into his gag.

"Traitors are the worst kind of heroes." Todoroki walked closer. "You traded your friends, your future for a Quirk. So your Quirk will destroy you." He injected something into Aoyama as the boy started screaming more. Todoroki stepped away as the lasers shot out. Soon Aoyama was a ball of light, steaming and burning before he blew up.

The screen flickered, this time Monama was present. He wasn't crying, just looking at Izuku. "Do you know why you're here?"

Monama shook his head.

"You care more about fame than the people you save. Those types of heroes will leave someone to die if a camera's not pointed at them." Izuku walked closer. "So you will feel the same as they do." Above Monama, the stack of rumble crumbled, threatening to crush him at any moment. "Feel the despair knowing no one will save you."

Monama grinned, looking up, but his smile fell.

"You're wondering why you can't use my Quirk? You'll never know." Izuku didn't move as the rubble collapsed, crushing Momana instantly. Blood splattered on Izuku before the screen flickered.

Mt Lady was tied up in a chair as Charlie sat next to her. They were in a weird model city that towered over them. "I wonder I wonder, do you know how many people have died during your villain fights. Guess natural for you. You're so big you see us ants." Charlie stood up. "We're not ants."

She pushed against the giant model city as he crumbled on Mt Lady, splatting her blood everywhere.

Then, the screen went to Endeavour. Todoroki didn't say anything this time, not for a while, at least. "What happened to Touya?"

The question made Endeavour freeze.

"He burnt up because you wanted a hero-son. He died because of you." The anger started to fill Todoroki as he gritted his teeth. "Because of you, he died. Did you even feel sorry?" Endeavour couldn't respond as Todoroki stepped closer, whispering into his ear. The TV didn't pick up on what he said, but Endeavour started screaming. Todoroki pulled a rope, and buckets of gasoline landed on the hero. Todoroki lit the match, walking away as Endeavour burnt.

The screen flicked up to Izuku, who was the only one standing in the building. "Did you enjoy our show? It's not over yet. We have a surprise. We will kill the greatest fake in the world. All Might. How, you might ask? It's already begun." The camera flicked; this time, it was on All Might, breaking down the door to a building. He stormed in, running to the basement and finding the bodies.

He checked them for any signs of life, but the more he checked, the more he realised they had all been dead for a few hours at least.

All Might stood in the building, his eyes glazed over as the Death Note took hold. The security alarm sounded as the building slammed shut. He didn't move as the concrete poured in, slowly covering All Might from head to toe.

The screen returned to Izuku, Charlie and Todoroki by his side again. "Thank you for watching," they announced together before the screens shut off.

"This can't be real," Kirishima whispered in horror as the class couldn't find their answers.

"It's a nightmare," Mina whispered. "It's just a nightmare."

Chapter Text

UA was quiet. A number of students had pulled out of the school. Without All Might or Endeavour, riots and villain attacks had spread across Japan. None of the students had been allowed to leave UA.

Charlie walked into the common room, glancing at each student. “Did anyone hear?”

Only Yaoyorozu and Jiro looked at her. “What?”

“UA is getting a statue of All Might. Some company donated it.” Charlie smiled as Jiro scoffed.

“It won’t bring All Might back.”

“Did you hear? Sato’s family have pulled him out,” Yaoyorozu muttered as Charlie nodded.

“And Kaminari’s fighting is trying to pull him out, but Kaminari doesn’t want to leave UA.”

“We haven’t seen Mina since it all happened,” Jiro added.

“Or Tsu. I think she’s taking it extra hard because she was there when they took Uraraka,” Yaoyorozu commented, looking across the near-empty common room. “Todoroki hasn’t re-emerged either.”

“His dad died,” Charlie stated as Yaoyorozu nodded.

“He shouldn’t be alone.”

“He’s with his sister.”

Jiro blinked, looking up. “Oh, right. They’re starting to let in family members, right?”

Charlie nodded. “They have to pass a strict background check and pass the no-harm quiz before they’re let in. Todoroki’s siblings and mum are the first to pass.”

Jiro sighed. “I hope my parents can get in soon. They’ve been staying at a friends place but with the attack they had I’m worried.”

“They’ll be okay,” Charlie soothed as Yaoyorozu hummed.

“I haven’t been able to contact my parents recently. The whole family house has gone into the most extreme protective protocols. Only the security team can get any messages in or out. I’m stuck writing letters for them, but,” she stopped as Charlie nodded.

“UA has to check each one.” She smiled and pulled Yaoyorozu into a hug. “Everything will be okay. I promise. You two are both amazing heroes that won’t even cross those asshole villains.”

~~~

“Welcome back, everyone,” Aizawa announced, standing in front of the class. “I understand a number of you are distressed by the current events, and the heroes are doing everything in their power to defeat the villain. In the meantime, we have to continue your education as planned. For that purpose, you’re getting a new student.” Aizawa waved at the door as Shinso walked in. He awkwardly waved at the students. “Shinso will be joining us and training alongside you all. Treat him with respect.”

“What are we doing today?” Yaoyorozu questioned as Aizawa stood a little taller.

“Today, you’ll begin developing your ultimate moves.

~~~

A long lecture, quick change and a short run later, they were in the training ground, fighting against the various ectoplasms.

No one’s heart was in it.

“Woah, your class looks worse than mine,” Vlad muttered as he walked in.

Aizawa glanced at Vlad, a tired look in his eyes. “It isn’t your turn yet.”

“Don’t need to get defensive. My students aren’t ready yet I thought I would just check on yours. It’s been a rough few months.”

Aizawa didn’t respond as he watched his students.

“It’s not your fault.” Vlad looked at Aizawa, but Aizawa didn’t respond. “It’s not your fault.”

“It’s not theirs either. The hall will be ready in five.” Aizawa walked away as Vlad sighed.

Ectoplasm was trying hard to keep the students focused but it did nothing and they left. As they exited, they passed 1B who were three students less and extremely quiet.

~~~

Charlie smiled as she walked back into the dorm. “Everything’s still so dark,” she whistled quietly.

“You shouldn’t talk to yourself,” Todoroki stated, making Charlie jump.

“Oh, Shoto! How are you doing? How’s the family?” Todoroki gave Charlie a look as she laughed. “What? Can’t I ask my partner in crime about this stuff?”

“Izuku isn’t going to try getting into UA.”

“I mean, he doesn’t need to. The biggest problem is us.” Charlie grinned, pointing at herself.

“You shouldn’t say that at school, and there are riots and villain attacks everywhere.”

Charlie shrugged. “Izuku will be fine. He’s got this.” Todoroki stepped away as Charlie huffed. “Tough crowd.” She walked off, entered the kitchen and started cooking.

She only saw a few others. No one talked, and Charlie picked up the meals, walking up the stairs and to Yaoyorou’s room. Jiro and Yoayorozu were lying on Yaoyorozu’s bed. Jiro held up her phone, talking to her dad as Yaoyorozu wrote her letter.

“I brought food.”

The girls smiled weakly as Jiro said goodbye before hanging up.

“Your dad okay?”

Jiro nodded softly. “He’s getting frustrated with one of the guys. Apparently, the jerk is one bad choice from joining the riots and hasn’t stopped talking about them. Dad almost punched him, but he’s worried about what UA asked in their no-harm interview and isn’t taking any risks.”

Charlie smiled. “He’ll be here soon. Then he won’t have to worry about that jerk again. I have presents for you.”

The girls gave Charlie a weird look as she pulled out two boxes and handed it to the others. Yaoyorozu smiled as she saw the video camera, fidgeting with it. “What’s this for?”

“You said you didn’t like that you couldn’t see or hear your parents. So I got you this and them a matching one- your family is so suspicious of people. But now you can send each other video letters and hear each other without the fear of someone hacking.”

Yaoyorozu smiled. “Thank you.” She pulled Charlie into a hug as Jiro pulled out her present.

“Charlie, why?”

Charlie turned to Jiro as Jiro held the brass knuckles in her palm. “You said you felt unsafe unless you got lucky enough to use your Quirk. This way, you can beat up anyone without having to rely on your Quirk. You keep them hidden. They’re best in a sneak attack.”

Charlie smiled happily as Jiro looked over the weapons. “I don’t know.”

“I’m not saying for every day use but if the situation comes to it, you can defend yourself.” Charlie hugged Jiro as she sighed.

“Okay. But a last resort.”

Charlie cheered before she collapsed on the bed, pulling Jiro into a tight hug. Yaoyorozu smiled, taking a picture before pulling the camera aside.

~~~

Izuku frowned as he looked at the warehouse. The police were still trying to dig through the cement but making little progress. Strangely, though, two cubes of cement just disappeared. Izuku had a feeling he knew why.

“Charlie, what did you do?”

Charlie laughed on the phone. “What? Nothing.”

“All Might and Uraraka are missing. Are you sure that’s not you?” Charlie giggled as Izuku sighed. “Just tell me you were careful.”

“I was careful.”

“What did you do with them?”

Charlie smiled. “Don’t worry, it’s safe.” Charlie hung up the phone as she grinned, watching the golden All Might statue being lifted into the UA grounds. She think she captured All Might well. It’s a shame she couldn’t use the pose the bones actually were in, but she used Uraraka’s for the arms and even managed to retrieve the fake gold they used. It was perfect.

Chapter Text

Jiro let out a relieved sigh as she spotted her parents walking inside the UA grounds. "Kyoka!"

"Mum! Dad!" Jiro rushed over, hugging them tightly. "I'm so glad you're safe."

"Of course we are." Jiro's dad hugged her tighter before they broke apart. "Now, how about you show us around?"

~~~

Charlie tapped her foot on the ground as Yaoyorozu looked at her. "What's wrong?"

"Kyoka hasn't returned."

"She's with her family."

"What if she's not?" Charlie frowned, and Yaoyorozu pulled her into the couch.

"Take a breath, she'll be here soon."

Yaoyorozu rubbed Charlie's shoulder as she leaned against Yaoyorozu's side. "Fine. How are your parents?"

Yaoyorozu lit up, showing off the latest video her parents had given her. Jiro smiled as she walked in, running over to Charlie and Yaoyorzu's place. "Hello!"

"Kyoka!" Charlie jumped up, pulling Jiro into a hug as she laughed.

"Hello, Charlie. Mum, Dad, this is Charlie and Momo. Charlie, Momo, these are my parents."

Charlie waved excitedly as Yaoyorozu bowed. "Hello, Mrs and Mr Jiro. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The two adults smiled, bowing back. "It's a pleasure to meet you, too. Our Kyoka has told us much about you both."

"Really?" Charlie grinned as Kyoka blushed.

"I'm going to get the tea."

Charlie laughed, a bright grin on her face as she struck up a conversation with Jiro's parents.

~~~

"I don't know, Kyoka. It's still not safe," Jiro's mum whispered as Jiro looked down.

"It'll only be a day, and it's important. If we have our licences, we can help. We can stop the riots."

"But you're only a first year," Jiro's dad stated as Jiro sighed.

"I know, but we want to live our lives in peace, and that'll only happen if we start doing something now. We'll have hero escorts."

"As if that'll protect you when the top heroes got taken out."

Jiro lowered her head. She knew her parents were right, but she wanted to help anyway.

~~~

Jiro stood in her room, packing her hero costume before she hesitated, slipping the brass knuckles into her pockets.

She left, finding what was left of the class waiting for her by the door. Charlie waved her over as they listened to the safety lecture Aizawa was giving them.

There was something about not leaving the vehicle, staying together and not wandering off plus a huge lecture on what to do if a villain attacks.

They slowly got onto the bus, taking off from the city. None of the students, other than Charlie, had seen the devastation first hand. Most of the cities were destroyed, ruble filling the streets. Civilians glared at them as Yaoyorozu sat back.

"Why are they so hostile?"

"Because of UA's tight rules, a lot of people aren't able to get into UA, and many more have given up trying. It's caused a lot of tension between UA and the public," Charlie explained as Jiro looked at her.

"I'm surprised you know that," she commented as Charlie smiled.

"Izuku's been keeping me updated. He's had to go to a different hero school just to stay safe."

"But isn't UA the safest," Momo questioned as Charlie shrugged.

"It's up there, but there are others that match UA and don't have a 5-month waiting list. People are desperate."

Charlie jumped as a rock crashed into the window, cracking it. People were screaming and cursing them out, but Aizawa and the other heroes didn't respond; they were simply driving on.

Mina shook, keeping her head down as she breathed harshly.

"Mina," Hagakure questioned softly as Mina jumped, shaking her head.

"Why does this all keep happening?"

Hagakure pulled Mina into a tight hug as they drove on forward.

~~~

The students arrived at the testing location and were immediately escorted away to be processed. Each was put in a separate room and put through a long test to check they weren't here to do any harm before being let into a big room with the others.

Everyone stared at them as Charlie ignored it, pulling Yaoyorozu and Jiro to the side. "Guess these students also don't like UA."

Jiro and Yaoyorozu smiled sadly as they listened to the instructions. Basically, they needed to hit the targets on the other students while avoid getting hit themselves. So essentially a complicated snowball fight.

The second they were allowed to run off, UA made its way to the mountain.

"I'm going to work alone. My Quirk doesn't work well with others," Todoroki announced, running off before anyone could comment. Charlie frowned, getting a sense there was something she hadn't been told.

The rest of the limited class stayed together, barely making it to the mountains when the test began, and the other students jumped out. Charlie reacted first, creating a barrier to protect herself, Yaoyorozu and Jiro.

Mina spewed out acid, melting the balls about to hit her and Tsu while Ojiro and Kirishima hit away the balls. Kaminari, Sero and Hagakure were all on dodging the balls while Shoji and Tokoyami took advantage of their Quirks to keep the balls away,

"Alright, time to show these kids that 1A hasn't given up." Charlie glanced at Jiro as she nodded, plugging her earphone jacks into her gloves and punching them into the floor, breaking up the ground and shaking the mountain.

Charlie multiplied the balls, shooting them in hundreds of different directions and hitting the students either in the target or in the gut, which was a total accident.

Tsu and Tokoyami took advantage of the onslaught, using their agility and Quirks to land their required hits before getting out of the way.

Yaoyorozu glanced at Charlie, calling out her name. "Do you remember Mineta?"

Charlie gave Yaoyorozu a weird look. "Yes?"

"Can you use his Quirk?"

Charlie smirked, lifting her hand and pulling a silver ball out of her head. In a few minutes- and with some assistance from Sero, the students were trapped.

"That wasn't so bad," Charlie announced as Kaminari screamed.

"You're bleeding!"

Charlie frowned, lifting her hand and touching the blood. "Oh." She promptly fell forward as Yaoyorozu rushed over to catch her.

Chapter Text

Charlie groaned as she woke up, blinking as she found herself staring at Yaoyorozu. “Hello?”

“Hello,” Yaoyorozu smiled, petting Charlie’s head. She was lying on Yaoyorozu’s lap, her head bandaged up.

“Well, this is a wonderful sight to wake up to.”

Yaoyorozu smiled as Jiro pulled Charlie up. “Are you okay?”

“Peachy.” Charlie made attempts to help Jiro, pulling her off Yaoyorozu’s lap. She would quite happily stay there. “I feel like we were doing something.”

“Getting our hero licence,” Jiro answered as Charlie shook her head.

“No. I think it was beating up children.” She got a look from the other two as she swung up. “It’s the same thing.”

As she stood up, Yaoyorozu updated her on the second round of the test. The city was being attacked by villains, and they had to save the people trapped.

“Oh, easy,” Charlie laughed as she stretched her arms. “When does it start?” Without warning, the walls fell to the ground. “Nevermind. Let’s go.”

Yaoyorozu took the lead, taking the group to the centre of the city as she began to order people around. “Charlie, can you secure the buildings?”

Charlie looked at the rubble before she smiled. “Got it.” She touched the rocks before a silver slurry spewed out of her palm, stretching over the rubble and solidifying it in place. “Kirishima, can you get the rubble blocking the path?”

Kirishima rushed to Charlie’s side, lifting the rubble and letting Charlie through. Charlie looked over at the man before she smiled. “Great.” She picked the man up when he screamed at her.

“Wrong! You shouldn’t just pick someone up. I have a broken leg!”

Charlie gave him a look. “No, you don’t. I scanned you for injuries. You just have a bruise and a lot of fake blood.”

“I wasn’t going to actually break my bone for this, but I have a broken leg.”

“No. You. Don’t.”

“Charlie,” Yaoyorozu called out, creating a splint. “There. Now he’s safe to move.”

“His leg isn’t broken, but okay.”

“Don’t talk back to the injured,” the actor shouted as Charlie glared at him.

“You’re not injured!”

“Just take him to the safe space,” Yaoyorozu interrupted as Charlie sighed before speeding off faster than the eye could track.

Jiro gave Yaoyorozu a look. “She’s going to fail, isn’t she?”

“I believe everything will be fine. Let’s move on.” Yaoyorozu continued organising the group. She would occasionally catch signs of Charlie stabilising buildings before running off with the actor.

Suddenly, Charlie was by her side. “I need to borrow Mina, Sero and Tokoyami.”

Yaoyorozu blinked in surprise before she nodded. “Mina, Sero, Tokoyami. You’re going with Charlie.”

Charlie grinned, picking Mina and Sero up under one arm and Tokoyami in the other before running off. She appeared in the middle of nowhere, with no actors in sight.

“What are we doing here?” Sero clambered out of Charlie’s arms as she grinned.

“Fighting.”

On cue, the wall was blown open, and Gang Orca walked out with his sidekicks.

“Shit,” Mina and Sero whispered together.

“Protect the safety zone,” Tokoyami announced as he sent out Dark Shadow.

Charlie grinned. “Time for a real fight.” Using the same Quirk as earlier, she showered silver liquid over the sidekicks, which quickly gathered around their feet and solidified.

Mina slid forward, spraying acid over the sidekick’s weapons and gears, dissolving each one she spotted. Sero followed right behind her, wrapping the sidekick’s arms to their bodies as Tokoyami protected them from the sidekicks they had yet to restrain.

That left Gang Orca to Charlie. She could feel her limit creeping up on her like a steamtrain. She could barely move her fingers, and her limbs were slower than before. “Okay, we got this.” Gang Orca laughed as Charlie smiled. “Don’t have the Quirk for defeat… capture it is.”

Charlie charged forward as Gang Orca shook his head. “You’ll have to do better than that.” He let out a supersonic wave, hitting Charlie, but it had no effect on her. He blinked in surprise before he waited. When she got in range, he punched her, only for his arm to go through her body.

Charlie reappeared behind him as her illusion disappeared. “Illusion,” she whispered. “Now,” she touched the gang orca as he let out a gasp, falling to the ground. “Paralysis.”

Charlie landed on the ground before she let out a cheer.

The crowd of student heroes and sidekicks stared at her in shock as they began to mutter.

“Did she just take down Gang Orca?”

“She defeated a hero.”

“That’s impossible.”

Charlie laughed. “Tokoyami, would you mind catching me?” Charlie stumbled back as Dark Shadow whipped behind her, catching her before she fell to the floor. “I’m okay,” she shouted with a slur, barely registering the exam coming to a close.

~~~

Charlie waited for the results, listening absentmindedly to Yaoyorozu scolding her. Charlie’s eyes were focused on something else.

Eventually, the organiser came to the podium and explained how the results worked. As they watched to see who scored above 50, the class let out a relief. Everyone passed. Charlie barely scraped by on 54.3, but she passed. (She was blaming all those people who definitely didn’t have injuries)

Yaoyorozu and Jiro cheered as Charlie smiled at her.

~~~

Izuku hummed to himself as he heard his phone ring. “Hello, Shoto.”

“I passed the entrance exam.”

Izuku laughed. “You’ll be allowed to leave?”

“Yes.”

“You could sound more excited,” Izuku joked as he turned down the nearest street.

“Are you safe?”

“Are you worried about me?”

“Your ‘ability’ doesn’t work if you don’t know their name.”

Izuku smiled as he hummed. “You shouldn’t worry. That isn’t a problem anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll see you soon, Shoto.”

There was a pause on the other side of the phone. “Goodbye, Izuku.”

“Bye, Shoto.” Izuku walked into down the last road to his home as he spotted a villain attacking a shop. Izuku hummed, reading the name above him before taking out the piece of paper, the paragraph already written on it. He wrote down the name before he walked away, hearing the villain grabbing a knife and killing himself.

Chapter Text

The class stared at the TV in varying degrees of shock and horror.

“What’s up?” Charlie peeked out of the corridor, following the scent of food.

“A new vigilante has taken over the city,” Tokoyami announced, bringing Charlie’s attention to the TV.

On the screen was a reporter, standing a little away from a crime scene, being protected by police officers in full riot gear.

“They’re calling him Madness because he takes over the villain’s mind and commands them to kill themselves, carving some symbol into their chests before they do,” Jiro added as Charlie hummed.

“Creepy.” Charlie shrugged her shoulders before she looked at Yaoyorozu. “Did you get an internship?”

The class gave Charlie a look as she held her hands up. “What? There is nothing we can do about that unless we’re in our internships.”

Yaoyorozu smiled softly. “Yes. I’m interning with All Might. Mirio helped me get it.”

“Lucky. I’m getting so bored staying here. I want to help.” Charlie huffed as Jiro smiled.

“You should be patient. Even if you had an internship, that’s not a confirmation that you would be allowed to fight a villain.”

Charlie stuck out her tongue. “But I can beat most of the heroes already. There is no reason to put me on the bench. I took down Gang Orca.” Charlie managed to hold herself off saying something else she would regret.

“It doesn’t matter. Unless a hero is willing to take responsibility for you, you’re stuck here,” Aizawa announced, making Charlie scream.

“Kirishima, Tamaki wants to speak to you. Tsu, Nejire has requested to speak with you.” The two students blinked in surprise as they started asking questions.

Charlie didn’t care, crossing her arms indignantly.

~~~

“Todoroki,” Charlie called out, hopping behind him.

“Charlie.”

“Formal as ever. Listen, I know Izuku wants you to intern with someone, and I’m just wondering if you would put a good word in for me.” Charlie gave her the best innocent look as Shoto thought.

“I can tell them, but I make no promises.”

“Yes! Yes, yes, yes! Who are you with?”

“Gang Orca.”

“Oh, shit.”

~~~

Todoroki took a deep breath before he walked into Gang Orca’s agency. “Thank you for having me,” he stated as he bowed.

Gang Orca smiled, putting down the paper he was reading. “No problem. I am sorry for your loss.”

“My father and I did not get along, but,” Todoroki paused, “he did not deserve to die.”

Gang Orca nodded as he stood up. “I trust you to be able to keep up.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. Let’s go.”

~~~

Yaoyorozu kept to herself as they walked along the streets of the city with Mirio. “The biggest thing these days is breaking up fights. With All Might and Endeavour out of the game, villains are taking more risks. These patrols are getting more and more dangerous. These streets tend to be calmer, but the further we get from a hero agency or police station, the more villains we’ll encounter.”

Yaoyorozu nodded as they walked past an alleyway. Yaoyorozu instantly froze, hearing footsteps rushing out of the crack. She spun fast, getting ready for a fight, when she spotted a small child running to her. The girl didn’t spot Yaoyorozu as she crashed into her and fell to the ground.

“Oh, hey there, are you okay?” Yaoyorozu kneeled down beside the girl, checking her for injuries, when she saw the wounds across her arms. “What-” Before she could question it, another set of footsteps walked out.

“Eri, don’t run off now.” The villain, Yaoyorozu, who had been warned off, walked out of the shadows, staring at the girl in her arms. “Well, hello there. My apologies, but my daughter just slipped away. Such an excited thing, she’s always running off. Mind handing her back.”

Mirio smiled, laughing loudly. “Of course, kids that age will just do that.”

Yaoyorozu was barely looking at Overhaul, staring at Eri. The girl was shaking terribly, tears in her arms as she begged not to go.

Overhaul’s attention was solely on her now as Mirio tried to convince her to play it calmly and let the girl go, but Yaoyorozu couldn’t. She would later justify it, saying that letting them go without a question would be more suspicious, but in her heart, she knew she didn’t want to let that girl go. “What have you done to this child?”

Overhaul stared at Yaoyorozu, a frustrated look on his face. Mirio was getting ready too, the air slowly building up to the fight they all knew was coming.

“You don’t have to make things difficult, Eri,” Overhaul drawled out as he began taking off his glove. Almost instantly, Eri detached from Yaoyorozu and ran to Overhaul’s side. Mirio grabbed Yaoyorozu as Overhaul smiled. “See, she’s just playing around. Let’s go home, Eri. These streets aren’t safe anymore.”

Yaoyorozu watched in despair as the girl followed Overhaul away.

~~~

Yaoyorozu knew she shouldn’t be talking about it, but she couldn’t keep it locked up. She lay on Jiro’s lap as the girl ran her fingers through Yaoyorozu’s hair. Charlie was sitting to the side, handing Yaoyorozu comfort food and drinks as they listened to her story.

“And Mirio did nothing.”

“He couldn’t do anything. If he did, then we would end up in a fight we couldn’t win.” Yaoyorozu sighed. “Sometimes I wish I was as strong as you,” she muttered, taking Charlie’s hands. “You would have been able to save her.”

“Or,” Jiro interrupted, “she would have acted impulsively and gotten killed.”

“That. Definitely that,” Charlie agreed, making Yaoyorozu laugh lightly.

Yaoyorozu sighed softly, leaning into Jiro as she smiled. “We should let you sleep.”

Yaoyorozu frowned but sat up, letting Jiro and Charlie walk toward the door. “Night,” Charlie cheered, waving to Yaoyorozu before they left. Charlie and Jiro talked till they arrived at Jiro’s door, and Charlie left her side, too.

Charlie slowly pulled out her phone, calling Izuku. “I’ve got our next target.”

Izuku chuckled. “That so? Which hero is it?”

“Not a hero.”

“Not a hero?”

“He’s a dick, though, and he’s abusing his daughter.”

There was a pause before Izuku smiled. “Text me the details.”

“You got it.” Charlie laughed before she walked into her room. She hung up before she laughed. “This will be fun.”

Chapter Text

The students gathered in worry. Months of planning had come down to this. Hundreds of heroes were ready. Tsu stood by Nejire while Kirishima stuck beside Tamaki. Lastly, Yaoyorozu kept by Mirio as she listened to the heroes talk.

"Do you think we should be here?" Kirishima glanced at Yaoyorozu as she raised her head.

"I won't fail Eri again."

Kirishima let out an excited sound. "Hell yeah. We will do this!"

Tsu nodded, patting Yaoyorozu's shoulder. "Just don't do anything dangerous. The streets still aren't safe."

Yaoyorozu nodded, and before they knew it, they were off, getting ready to save Eri.

~~~

The heroes crowded around the hangout, knocking on the door as they waited for the villains to respond. Heroes split their attention from watching the door and watching the streets for any villains that might show up.

Eventually, the heroes at the door gave up waiting, crushing through the door and storming inside.

Almost instantly, they stopped. The halls were covered in blood, bodies lying on the hardwood.

The heroes bent down, checking their pulse. "They're dead. They've been dead for a while."

Bubble Girl stepped back, going to Sir Night Eyes' side. "It looks like," she paused, unsure if she should say something. "It looks like what happened at the Endeavour agency."

She was right. As far as anyone could tell, the villains had turned on each other, attacking and killing one another.

"We shouldn't jump to conclusions. We need to move on. If something has happened, there might be some people still alive," Sir Night Eye ordered as the hero forces divided between searching the rest of the building and continuing to the secret base.

"Is anyone else getting a bad feeling?" Tsu looked at Kirishima and Yaoyorozu. Neither answered immediately, but they were both tense, looking at every corner of the tunnels for any sign of whatever had attacked the villains.

All they found were bodies.

After a long time searching the tunnels, they stumbled into a large room. It was a giant cave full of rocks and spikes and the aftermath of a battle. In the back was a giant blood stain, no signs of a body and on the back wall was a familiar message. 'Courtesy of Black Ink and Havok'.

The heroes didn't know what to do, stuck staring at the battlefield.

Yaoyorozu shook her head, stepping back and covering her mouth. "No. This can't be right."

"Does this mean Overhaul is dead? Just like that," Kirishima asked as Fat Gum walked towards the wall.

"This blood is dry. Whatever happened here happened a while ago."

Tsu frowned. "No one heard anything?"

"You forget, these streets are full of fighting. It wouldn't have caught anyone's attention," Aizawa announced as Yaoyorozu shook her head more.

"We were watching this building. If it was attacked, we should have known." Yaoyorozu looked at Mirio, Bubble Girl and Centipede.

Bubble Girl frowned. "Do we know the Quirks of Black Ink and Havok?"

Tsu frowned before she held up her hand. "I saw Havok during the Sports Festival. She had a spike Quirk."

"And Black Ink?" No one answered. "Then it could be that he has a Quirk that lets them go undetected."

"That's not good," Rock Lock grumbled as Aizawa nodded stiffly.

"But it makes sense. They got into UA without setting off a single alarm. If Havok's Quirk is the spikes, Black Ink must have a Quirk letting them move as they wish."

Mirio frowned. "Wasn't there a third member?"

That caused everyone to stop, looking back at the wall.

"That's right. The guy who killed Endeavour. Who was that?" Bubble Girl looked at the other heroes as Sir Night Eye spat out an answer.

"Frostbite. That's what they called him."

"So why wasn't he here?"

The group looked at the message, wondering what exactly happened.

~~~

Todoroki sat in his room, looking over the classwork he had yet to do when there was a knocking on his window.

Turning around, Todoroki gaped in surprise. "Izuku? What are you doing here?"

Izuku laughed, hopping through the window as Todoroki opened it. "Charlie just visited me, and she agreed to sneak me through security. I wanted to see my favourite traitor."

Todoroki rolled his eyes slightly before sitting on the bed, letting Izuku sit next to him. "I heard what you did. I thought you only attacked heroes?"

"No. We put innocents in danger, regardless of whether they're heroes or not. Remember, we killed Stain."

"How could I forget? You killed Iida, too."

Izuku hissed with a grin. "You still sad about that. We wished there was another way, but Iida only wanted bloodshed. He wouldn't have been a good hero."

Todoroki avoided Izuku's gaze. "Do you see yourself as a hero?"

"No. I think anyone who thinks themself a hero is deluded and more dangerous than most. Those are the kinds of people who will only help if someone's watching." Todoroki hummed before he leaned back. "We tried to bring you with us to fight Overhaul. Why didn't you respond? Do you want to back out?"

"No. Gang Orca is suspicious of me. I don't think he believes me when we talk about Endeavour."

"Then leave him. Say you have to focus on your family. You don't have to do anything you don't want to. If anyone tries to make you, contact me. I'll get you free."

Todoroki smiled. "Gang Orca is a good hero."

"Agreed. So he'll let you step back if that's what you want."

"You should go. The longer you stay, the more likely you'll get caught."

"They can't catch me. But true. I have responsibilities to take care of."

Todoroki gave Izuku a look. "Someone to kill?"

"No. An innocent to take care of." Izuku walked to the window, sending a quick text before getting ready. "We'll see you soon, Shoto." Then he fell back dramatically, disappearing from the air.

~~~

Izuku sang under his breath as he walked into his home. Despite the chaos, it was well-kept and looked just like a normal building. "Eri, I'm back."

Izuku walked into his mother's old room, where Eri had hidden behind the bed.

"No need for that. I brought you some food." Izuku opened the mini fridge he had put in there, stocking it with sandwiches and treats. Then he took out various apples, putting them atop the fridge. "I didn't know which type you liked, so I got as many as I could."

Izuku started walking to the door. "You don't have to stay here. If you want, you can leave."

"I don't trust you." It was the first thing Eri had said since Izuku and Charlie had taken her. "You killed Overhaul."

"He hurt you. I don't like people who hurt those who can't defend themselves. But, if you don't want to stay, none of the doors are locked, nor are the windows. You can leave. I won't even chase you."

"Why?"

"Because it's your choice. This home will always be ready for you, but keeping you prisoner here would make me as bad as Overhaul. Then I would have to kill myself, and I have no plans of dying soon." Izuku walked out, shutting the door behind him before returning to his desk and continuing his search for the next target.

Chapter Text

“Hey, how are you doing?” Jiro walked toward Yaoyorozu cautiously.

“I failed her again,” Yaoyorozu muttered deadpan, looking out the window of her room. “She’s dead, and it’s my fault. If I had grabbed her-”

“You both would have died.” Jiro sat next to Yaoyorozu, taking her hand. “I’m glad you’re alive.” Yaoyorozu frowned as Jiro gently rubbed her hand. “We don’t know she died.”

“She can’t have survived that.”

“They never found her body,” Charlie interrupted. “And last I checked, those psychopaths only kill villains and fake heroes. A little girl is neither of those.”

Yaoyorozu sighed. “I hope she’s okay, but I don’t think living on those streets is any better.”

Charlie smiled, hugging Yaoyorozu. Part of her wanted to tell Yaoyorozu the truth, take her to Eri, show them that she’s okay, but she wasn’t dumb enough to do that… she thinks.

~~~

As the class walked towards their lessons, they grew nervous. The people taking refuge in UA were all staring at them.

“Anyone else feel odd,” Hagakure questioned as Mina wrapped a protective arm around the invisible girl.

Mina had changed a lot since the training camp. The toll of everything going on around her was clear. Her eyes had heavy bags under them, and her skin was a few shades lighter. “They should fuck off.” There was little of the happy-go-lucky girl that had been there before.

“They think we’re going to cause trouble, make those psychos attack us again,” Jiro scowled, kicking at the ground. “It’s not we’re asking for it.”

“You can’t blame them though. They’re scared and separated from their families, all for the protection UA supposedly brings. We’re a threat to that,” Tokoyami explained as Charlie scoffed.

“I don’t care about their safety. They’re not the ones who keep watching people die. They’re being selfish.”

“Isn’t that the nature of humans, though,” Todoroki questioned, making the class fall quiet.

None of the other students were particularly holding up well. Tsu, Kirishima, and Yaoyorozu were all dealing with the fallout of the latest Black Ink and Havoc massacre, while Mina, Sero, and Kaminair were all struggling with the light in a world like this.

Hagakure was the only one developing a sense of existential anxiety and paranoia, while Ojiro and Shoji were just quiet, not that they were particularly loud beforehand.

The only people who seemed unaffected were Charlie and Todoroki (for obvious reasons that weren’t caught by anyone but them), Jiro and Tokoyami.

As they walked into their class, they found themselves staring at Midnight.

“Where’s Aizawa?” Jiro was the first to question the teacher swap as Midnight cleared her throat.

“With everything going on, heroes are flailing in numbers. To make up for that, many of us are doing third or quad shifts, meaning you get whoever isn’t on duty.”

The class stared at her for a while before Charlie raised her hand. “Have you slept?”

Midnight smiled weakly. “I’m getting enough kids.”

Charlie frowned more but didn’t say anything as Midnight started talking them through the class. She kept slurring her words and struggling to finish her sentence.

“So, we’re planning our cultural festival thing? For the next hour,” Jiro questioned as Midnight nodded. Jiro looked at Charlie, motioning for her to do something, and she gave Jiro a thumbs up.

Charlie aimed her fingers like a gun before a pink dart shot out, hitting Midnight’s neck. “What?”

“We don’t need you for this. Rest.” Charlie grinned as Midnight fell to the floor, caught barely by Dark Shadow before being placed on the ground.

“Was that necessary?” Todoroki looked at Charlie, who was grinning proudly.

“If you think you could have debated with Midnight, I will stand corrected. But it’s Midnight.” Charlie grinned before turning to the class. “So, cultural festival? Any ideas?”

~~~

By the time Midnight woke up, it had been nearly four hours. “Did one of you drug me?”

“It’s no different than what you normally do in a fight,” Charlie joked as Midnight glared at him.

“You shouldn’t have done that.”

“Maybe, but since we knocked you out, we decided on our cultural festival, began organising and booking it with the other staff on the team, turned in the paperwork, and had time to do both Quirk conditioning and stamina training. You should believe in this class more.” Charlie grinned proudly as Midnight frowned, looking around.

No one else was in the classroom. “Where is everyone?”

“Let’s see. Todoroki and Tokoyami are both with their mentors (though Todoroki left his maths book here, so expect him to come in here late at night to get it), Jiro, Yaoyorozu and Kaminari are starting their cultural prep while Shoji and Ojiro start the other half of the cultural prep. Everyone else is either studying, training or helping Hagakure make the food. I’m here, keeping an eye on you since I did sleep 3 hours longer than planned. If your heart stopped, I was gonna electrocute you.”

Midnight finally pulled herself up. “That’s not how the heart works. Not all heart failure is shockable.” Charlie held out her arm, helping Midnight stabilise.

“You’re really tired, huh?”

“Our students keep getting killed. We’re working to find Black Ink and Havok, but nothing we can do will get us close.” Midnight paused. “Not that you would understand.”

“What does that mean?”

“Out of everyone in UA, hero, student and civilian, you’re the only one who has never feared those villains.” Midnight paused, letting out a stressed sound. “Sorry, it’s been a long search.”

Charlie thought for a moment. “What if I helped?” Midnight gave her a look. “I’m not saying I should go fight them, but I do have an infinite Quirk with infinite abilities. Did you not think I had a tracking Quirk. I could more information.”

“It’s too risky.”

“So I should let them come to me?”

Midnight sighed, shaking her head. “Do you not have any fear?”

Charlie smiled slightly. “I have an infinite Quirk. If I chose, I could make myself immortal, invincible. I don’t fear someone who can just sneak into places and make spikes.”

Midnight stepped away. “It’s still too risky. But I will talk about it with the others.”

Charlie watched Midnight walk away before she frowned. “This could be a problem.” Charlie stood up before she walked back to her dorm, putting on her smile as she approached Yaoyorozu. She faltered a little when she spotted Todoroki. “Hey, Icyhot, I thought you were working.”

Todoroki shook his head. “Gang Orca is in hospital. A building fell on him, so they’re keeping him in the UA hospital. The visit only lasted 30 minutes.”

Charlie nodded before she looked at his notebook. “What you working on?”

“Maths.”

Chapter Text

Todoroki walked into the building, quietly swapping his shoes before he entered the living room.

Izuku was sitting in front of the TV, watching some cartoon with Eri, whose eyes were glued to the screen.

“Hey there, Shoto,” Izuku greeted as Eri cautiously looked up. Todoroki and Eri barely interacted. Most times, Eri would run to her room the second she heard the door open, but this time, she stayed.

It made Todoroki and Izuku smile.

“I brought apples.” Todoroki put the bag on the table as Izuku stood up.

“Wow, still trying to bribe Eri’s affection,” Izuku joked as he took out a chopping board before unlocking one of the locked cupboards and pulling out a knife. He took an apple, cutting it with practised ease.

“Izuku, we need to talk.”

Izuku raised his eyebrow before he glanced at Todoroki. “About what?”

“Charlie.” Todoroki leaned into Izuku’s ear. “I think she’s going to betray us.”

Izuku hummed as he finished cutting the apple. He put the fruit on a plate, quickly washing up the chopping board and knife before returning them to their respective locations.

He took the cut apple and put it on the table in front of Eri. “Sorry, Eri. Shoto and I have something to talk about. We won’t talk over your show, though, so we’ll be in my room. You can get me for anything, okay?”

Eri nodded nervously as Izuku smiled at her.

“That’s my girl.” Izuku stood up, motioning for Todoroki to follow him, and walked into his room. It looked almost entirely like a library, covered in notebooks and tombs of all kinds. Izuku collapsed into his desk chair, swirling it to look at Todoroki sitting on his bed. “So, what’s this all about?”

Todoroki paused before he recalled the conversation Charlie had with Midnight two days prior. “I don’t know who she’s fooling.”

Izuku hummed. “I don’t think anyone does. Charlie has always been one of those people that you can’t tell if she’s about to protect you with everything she’s got or give you over for a bowl of ramen.”

“But you doubt her?”

Izuku smiled. “If the only loyalty a person gives you is their word, always doubt them.”

“Do you doubt me then?”

“No. You gave us something much greater than someone’s word. You showed loyalty through action when you killed your father.”

“Charlie kills.”

“Charlie kills for fun. I know you’re loyal because you gave us your first kill. It’s very different.”

“Then why should I trust you? All I have is your word.”

Izuku smiled. “If you want my loyalty, I can give you something greater.” Izuku reached into his desk, pulling out a black notebook. “Loyalty is like trust. You know you have someone’s loyalty when you share trust. That’s what I believe. So I’m going to tell you how, if you ever find me unloyal, to kill me.”

Todoroki’s eyes widened as Izuku held the book in his hand. Behind him, Ryuk tutted. “Bad move, kid.”

Izuku ignored him. “This is the death note. It’s the source of all my power. So long as I write someone’s name in this, they die. I can make them do things before they die or make them die in a specific way, but I need their real name. If you ever need to kill me, this is what you’ve got to do. Aim for my hands. If I can’t write, I can’t stop you. Simple as.”

Todoroki stared at Izuku. “Is this true?”

“Want to test it?”

Todoroki frowned before he shook his head. “No. I believe you.”

Izuku smiled. “Then should we focus on Charlie?”

“What will we do if she is a traitor?”

Izuku hummed. “If she is a traitor, we will likely not have confirmation until too late. Charlie won’t let us spy on her the second she realises we’re trying, and if she thinks we’re suspicious, she will definitely beat us in a fight. Which is why I’ve got these.” Izuku reached into a different part of the desk, pulling out a gun.

“You think shooting her is the answer?”

“No. Shooting her with Quirk-destroying bullets. While Charlie was having fun killing all the Overhaul minions, I nabbed these. There are only five, which is a shame, but it will do the job should Charlie become a problem. Shooting her with one will stop her from using her Quirk ever again. She’ll be completely mortal.”

“You’ve known she is a traitor for a while, haven’t you?”

“I’ve had my suspicions she would betray us. She’s like a cat. She goes to the side she finds more interesting. And unfortunately for us, we’re not the side she has a crush on.” Izuku put the gun away as Todoroki sighed.

“How long do we wait?”

Izuku hummed. Leave that to me. Don’t let her know you think she’s a traitor. You’re too close. She might attack me. She won’t risk that with me.”

“You certain?”

“Charlie can’t kill me faster than I can kill her. Go. Keep your head down. Tell me, my phone’s been broken, and I wasn’t in when you visited.”

“Won’t she know?”

“Not at all. My phone is actually broken, and she can’t spy on this building. When she was a kid, she made it perception-proof. Only people we trust can see it at all, and no one can see through the doors and windows. It’s why it’s so safe.”

Izuku grinned as Todoroki nodded.

“Okay. Stay safe.”

“You are in more danger than I am.”

Todoroki waved before he left. He bid goodbye to Eri, who was in the middle of eating her apple.

When Todoroki was gone, Izuku returned, becoming unimpressed as Ryuk fought Eri for her apple slice. “Seriously?”

~~~

Charlie hummed the song she had watched Jiro write and play for the last few hours when she heard her phone ring. “Sup, Zuzu.”

“Charlie.”

“How come you’re calling me at such a strange hour?”

“I hear UA is running their cultural festival.”

“Yep. The class is putting on a concert. Kyoka has been teaching some of the students how to play instruments, and she’s writing an original song for the class.”

Izuku hummed absentmindedly. “That’s… kind of her. Anyways, most of UA’s connections are going to be at the festival. It could be a good opportunity to get rid of a few nuisances.”

Charlie frowned. “I don’t know Izuku. I think it might be wise to wait.”

“Why? This is going to be the biggest collection of false heroes ever. The three of us could easily thin the herd.”

“The class is trying hard. I don’t want to mess that up.”

“You mean you don’t want to mess up Jiro’s work.”

Charlie didn’t answer as Izuku sighed dramatically.

“Are you losing loyalty, Charlie? You’ve lost focus and care. Don’t forget what we’re trying to do.”

“You think now you’ve got Todoroki, you can replace me? You need me, Izuku.”

Izuku chuckled a little before he coughed. “We don’t need anyone. I’m sure you know that better than anyone else. If you’re still going to be on our side, I expect you to help cull at the cultural festival. If not, I guess I’ll have to write your name.”

Charlie scoffed. “You wouldn’t. Besides, UA’s doors are closed. You can’t get through.”

“Is that your choice?”

“Goodbye Izuku.” Charlie hung up. “Asshole. Thinks he can beat me. He can’t do anything.”

Chapter Text

The civilians living in UA were nervous on the day of the cultural festival. There was no saying what would happen or if they would get attacked, but as the day went by, slowly, the people relaxed. Heroes patrolled every part of UA, mixing into the crowd and having almost a hero for every 3 civilians.

The class 1A concert was ready to start as the students gathered around.

“You ready?” Jiro asked Yaoyorozu quietly as she nodded. Charlie grinned, giving them both a hug.

“We will crush this! Right, Mina?!”

Mina gave Charlie a weak smile. Mina had become their dancing coordinator. It hadn’t fixed any of the problems she was facing, but there was a sparkle once again in her eyes, and that gave hope to the class.

“We got this,” Kaminari whispered as he and Tokoyami picked up their instruments. That just left Ojiro, who, due to his inability to dance, had been put on the drums.

The rest of the class was either dancing or preparing other things for the performance.

“Hey, where’s Todoroki?” Sero glanced around as Charlie frowned. “We need his ice. If he’s not here-”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.” Charlie grinned as the group nodded nervously. They had learnt that when Charlie had a plan, it was down to luck whether or not it would work.

“Good luck, everyone,” Sero announced as Charlie and Kirishima climbed into the rafters.

Jiro walked onto the stage, and the performance started. The class danced and used their Quirks to create special effects. Charlie created ice for Kirishima to shave before activating Uraraka’s Quirk and raising people from the crowd.

Hagakure shined light like a disco ball, and the class burst streamers that Yaoyorozu made. For the first time in a long time, the class appeared to actually have fun and front and centre of it all was Jiro, singing her heart out.

~~~

Izuku was singing to himself, leaning against a tree, when he heard Todoroki approach. “You’ve been busy.”

Izuku grinned, standing up. He stepped over the body of Ectoplasm, not looking back as he walked to Todoroki’s side. “He was a fake hero. Most heroes are corrupt. Ready to cull off the bad bunch?”

Todoroki nodded, pulling on his Frostbite mask before he glanced back. “Charlie isn’t coming, is she?”

“Her loyalty to those girls is far greater than her loyalty to us. She won’t bother. Ready, Shoto?”

“Ready.”

~~~

The class gathered around as Charlie continued to praise Jiro, Yaoyorozu and (maybe) the band.

“What do we do now?” Mina glanced at Charlie as if she would have the answer, while Charlie just grew more excited.

“We should explore the festival! There is so much here. Oh! We should go to the 1B performance. I hear it’s gonna be a train wreck.” Charlie grinned, only getting Jiro and Yaoyorozu’s support.

“I’m hungry,” Shoji announced. “Should we get food?”

Shoji’s announcement was met with more excitement as Charlie huffed. “My idea was better.” She didn’t resist, though, as the class stuck together, exploring the various food options.

Jiro frowned as she watched a number of the heroes running past. “Momo,” she called out before stopping herself. No one else in the class was paying the heroes any notice. She turned around and kept moving, unable to shake the whisper in the back of her head.

~~~

Todoroki froze over most of the heroes who tried to stop them while Izuku went through each methodically, stabbing anyone who failed the hero test.

“Stop this, this minute,” Midnight announced as she walked into the clearing. “I won’t let you harm another person here.”

Izuku tilted his head. “We weren’t asking permission.” With the tiniest of nods, Izuku signalled to Todoroki, who instantly shot ice at Midnight.

A scream pierced through the area, shattering the ice. Present Mic stood up proudly when the knife spun out of the misty, stabbing into his speakers. Before he could recover, Izuku stabbed a second blade through his eye.

Midnight stepped back, ripping open her costume and releasing the purple air.

Izuku tutted. “We’re wearing masks and knew we were fighting you. You didn’t think we were dumb enough to not make them gas masks, right.”

Todoroki appeared to the side of Midnight, the sharp icicle barreling to her chest when Aizawa pulled her away.

“EraserHead. I was wondering when you would show up.”

Aizawa ignored Izuku, turning to Midnight. “Go, alert Nezu and put the school in lockdown. There’s nothing more you can do here.”

Midnight looked at Aizawa in shock. “No.”

“Go.”

“Not to interrupt, but we only want Midnight,” Izuku shouted as Aizawa looked at him.

“I won’t let you hurt anyone else.”

“Is that so?” Izuku smiled before he nodded to Todoroki. Todoroki kicked out his foot, but no ice appeared. Izuku laughed. “Tell me, Aizawa. Do you know my Quirk?”

Aizawa didn’t take his eyes off Todoroki.

“You must know it’s a useless Quirk; won’t do anything in this fight. But, if I step to the right-” Izuku did as he said. “I’m soon going to be out of your vision. You take your eyes off my friend, and he kills you. Do you think you can fight me without once taking your eyes off him?” Izuku charged, raising the dagger and swiping down. He had no intention of hitting but caught Aizawa’s eyes.

Instantly, ice shot out as Aizawa jumped up, landing on a tree.

“Think you can run?” Izuku tilted his head innocently. Frost ate away at the tree, rising higher as Aizawa began staring at Todoroki again. Izuku brought out his blade. “Let’s see how long you can survive this fight.”

~~~

Midnight almost collapsed by the time she arrived at Nezu’s office, bursting open the door and shouting, “We need to go into lockdown. Black Ink and Frostbite-” she stopped, stumbling back.

Nezu and the heroes that were guarding him were all dead. Only Rock Lock was alive, frozen at a wall. “No shit.”

Midnight rushed over, picking up a knife that had been thrown into one of the heroes’ head and chipping away at the ice. When Rock Lock was freed, he walked to the desk and pressed the button under it to activate the lockdown.

People began screaming, running about and fleeing.

“What do we do now?” Midnight looked at Rock Lock as he took a deep breath.

“We buy time for everyone to get to safety.”

~~~

Charlie stopped mid-bite as she heard the alarms.

Hagakure froze entirely. “You have to be kidding.”

Charlie stood up. She thought for a second. “No more running. We defeat them today.” She looked at Yaoyorozu and Jiro. “Get to safety. I’ll catch you up.”

“No. We’re with you,” Jiro took Charlie’s hand as Yaoyorozu nodded.

Tsu and Kirishima didn’t need to be asked twice, while Tokoyami gave them a thumbs up.

Hagakure was still shaking as Mina sighed heavily. “Ojiro, Shoji, take Hagakure and get as many civilians to safety.” Shoji and Ojiro both looked unsure as Mina held up her hand. “Keep them safe.”

Mina’s statement was enough. They nodded before taking off.

“The rest of you don’t have to come,” Charlie announced, but no one left. “Then let’s finish this.” She started walking in the direction she knew Todoroki and Izuku were, the single thought in her mind. ‘Those assholes should have just left the festival alone.’

Chapter Text

Aizawa struggled against the ice as it crept over his skin, sticking him to the tree.

“Good job, Frosty,” Izuku cheered, holding his hand up for a fist bump while Todoroki gave him an odd look. He was holding up his hand but not doing anything as Izuku finished the action. “We’ll work on that later.”

Aizawa glared at the two villains, watching them. “Aren’t you going to finish the job?”

Izuku turned back before he laughed. “Oh, I knew I liked you. You see, we have a moral code. We only kill those who put others in danger or hurt them. Fake heroes and villains. You are neither.”

“All Might wasn’t a fake.”

“All Might was a fake.” Izuku glared at Aizawa as he stubly smiled.

“No, he wasn’t. He was a great hero that you had no right to kill.”

“He was a fake.” Izuku grabbed Aizawa’s hair, glaring into his eyes. “All Might was the worst of fakes. Do you have any idea how many times I watched him choose to walk away from civilian suffering. Or how often he demoralised or hurt those around him. He couldn’t see past his own light to witness how big a shadow he was creating.”

“Ink,” Todoroki interrupted, touching Izuku’s shoulder as the boy calmed down, dropping Aizawa.

“If you want to know more about All Might, go to Backthorn Street. But for now, we must go. I’ll see you again, Aizawa. After all, I do hope if a hero does stop me, it’s someone like you.”

Izuku stepped away, whispering something to Todoroki as he brought something out, writing quietly between him and Todoroki. They stopped as the members of 1A showed up, and Izuku put his book away.

“Black Ink. Frostbite. We are here to stop your terror,” Yaoyorozu announced, but Izuku wasn’t focused on her.

“Huh, I guess it’s come to this. Do you think you can beat me in a fight, dear sister?” The class muttered in confusion while Charlie tensed a little. “I was ready to give you the world. Bring about the society we always talked about, but you’re going to throw it all away for what- a couple of girls who don’t even like you back? Society pushes people like you and me aside. Why do you defend it?”

Charlie didn’t respond, refusing to meet Izuku’s taunts.

“Staying silent? What’s wrong? Afraid they’ll learn the truth. It would tear your poor class apart, wouldn’t it? To know that their precious classmate was a traitor and murderer actively working against them.”

Izuku grinned as Charlie had enough, sending a shock wave of power that Todoroki blocked with his ice.

“Charlie,” Mina questioned as she shook her head.

“He’s clearly trying to divide us. I don’t know who he’s trying to blame, but I trust that none of you are traitors.” Charlie’s statement calmed the class as Izuku chuckled.

“She always did have a knack for lying.” With a subtle nod, Izuku motioned to Todoroki, who sent out another wave of ice.

Mina jumped forward, melting the ice away with her acid.

Yaoyorozu handed Jiro the mini speakers that she had learnt to create in case they broke as Jiro hit them into the ground, breaking apart the Earth and forcing Izuku and Todoroki back.

Izuku took out his knife, deflecting Dark Shadow, who was charging at him. Kirishima rushed to the other side, punching through the ice Todoroki was putting up.

Charlie didn’t hesitate, joining Dark Shadow as she attacked Izuku. “You should know you can’t defeat me. I know you too well,” Izuku teased quietly as Charlie pushed him away.

“Is that so? Last time I checked, I was the only one with a Quirk,” she hissed back as she created a ball of power above her, about to fire it when Izuku ducked down, hitting her gut.

“Maybe. But you’re predictable, and I know all your weaknesses.”

Charlie stumbled as the energy ball became unstable, sending bolts of power around her that Todoroki and Izuku dodged easily. Sero let out a pained scream as one hit his leg, causing him to fall back.

When the energy was gone, Charlie turned around, trying to land another hit on Izuku, who slid under her.

“I know all your charge times and all your weaknesses. I know that when you feel threatened, you use the quirks too much and have to face even more a drawback, sometimes even blacking out because you don’t know how much to use. Oh, and I know that you can’t use your best Quirk without the truth coming out.” Izuku slid out his knife, hitting Charlie's cheek as it turned to stone.

She jumped back as Todoroki sent more ice at her, forcing her to retreat even more.

“How the hell is he winning this,” Kaminari complained as Charlie panted.

Jiro gently took Charlie’s hand, motioning for her to copy her breathing. “He’s rattling us. The more we panic, the better their chances are.”

“They’ve clearly studied us. We should be careful,” Tokoyami added as the rest nodded.

“So what’s our-” Sero could finish when the blade stabbed into his back, hitting his heart. “No.” Sero fell to the ground as the blade flew out and back into Izuku’s hand.

The class gasped, stumbling back as Izuku tutted. “You shouldn’t take your eyes off the target in a fight.”

Todoroki sent sharp spikes of ice at the group, about to hit Kaminari as Mina pulled him out of the way, ending up stabbed instead.

“Mina,” Kaminari called out, but she was already gone.

The class stared in shock as Izuku sighed sadly. “Shame. She was one of the good ones. What a waste of a death.” Todoroki re-aimed, firing at Kaminari, who was frozen in fear. The ice-stabbing Mina separated him from the others. No one could rescue him this time.

But the ice stopped short.

Todoroki stood up straight before turning to face Aizawa, who was struggling to keep his eyes open and fighting against the already terrible dry eye.

“He really is impressive,” Izuku muttered, making no attempts to stop Aizawa.

Taking her chance, Jiro slid out, stabbing the ground again and causing the Earth to fall apart. Izuku charged at her, but as he ran through the rubble, he realised it was too late.

Charlie, with help from Kirishima and Dark Shadow, jumped over him, aiming at Todoroki. She sent out a huge shock wave, hitting Todoroki through the tree off UA and far away. The second she landed, she touched the ground, the Earth moulding to her will as she sent it after him, surrounding him and forcing him to the ground.

With Izuku distracted, Tsu hopped up, wrapping her tongue around him and throwing him into a rock.

Izuku coughed, blood spluttering out of his mouth as he stood up. He chuckled. “Not bad heroes. Such a shame, though. 400 seconds is up.”

Charlie’s eyes widened as she waited. She was okay, but Kaminari started sputtering and falling to the ground. The group surrounded him in concern as he gasped and held his chest. Across the campus, others did the same.

“When did-” Charlie turned to Izuku, who chuckled.

“When I saw you coming. I knew I couldn’t finish my plan without you betraying me, so I made sure even if I died, so would all the others.”

Charlie stared in shock. She glanced back at what was left of the class before she snarled. “I will kill you.”

“I expect nothing less. After all, I trained you very well, my dear sister.” Izuku took off his mask, a soft smile on his face as the class stared between them.

Charlie didn’t care.

“It was always going to end like this. You and me. Ink Bot and Havok. I don’t have a single regret except maybe sending you here. If I hadn’t, we might have had more time together before you got bored of our vision. You always were a psychopath, after all. The boredom was always going to drive you away. I wonder, how long till you’re bored of these people too.”

Charlie placed her foot on the ground as it moved, spiking through Izuku’s chest.

He coughed and chuckled. “You can’t undo your red. We lay in the sea of blood together. There is no escape. Only drowning.”

Chapter Text

Charlie sat in the interrogation room, holding the death note she had pulled out of Izuku’s jacket. It was bloody and fake. Only one page in the entire book was from the original, and it was full of names, all of which were dead now.

The heroes, still alive, had run over after the commotion, finding Kaminari, Mina, Sero and Izuku’s bodies. They had freed Aizawa, and the few other heroes, ‘Ink Blot,’ had spared them, but when they went looking for Todoroki, he was long gone.

Aizawa had arrested Charlie, bringing her in carefully. If she tried to use her Quirk, she would die before it activated. She answered all their questions about Izuku and the villain group.

She told them she had betrayed them because they were going too far, but Aizawa didn’t believe her. The lie detector man was struggling to get a read on her. None of her lies showed up as lies, but he had an uneasy feeling, and when he asked her to lie, it still didn’t work.

He never worked out how Charlie did that.

Amongst the dead, about 3/4 of the heroes were gone. Most of 1B, too, and Hagakure and Shoji were both dead.

Midnight was always found dead next to Rock Lock, who had tried everything to keep her alive.

The death of Izuku got around fast. An air of relief spread through UA as they concluded that without Izuku’s ‘Quirk’, the singular ice kid wouldn’t be that hard to defeat, and while Izuku had killed a lot of heroes, his final act of defiance came with the majority of the villain population dying as well.

Within a few months, society started putting itself back together. The population in Japan was greatly reduced, but there were enough normal people for society to function. Basically, none of the farmers, normal trade people or workers died, but the number of CEOs who had ‘mysterious’ heart attacks made it difficult to divide the economy, but they did it anyway.

Basically, all of 1A gave up being heroes. Occasionally, they would see news about Tsu, Kirishima and Tokoyami working hard as the ‘Hero survivors of 1A’. The rest had left.

Yaoyorozu and Jiro walked towards Tartarus, accompanied by Aizawa, who always joined them as they walked into Charlie's room. She was one of two people in Tartarus; everyone else was dead.

“Kyoka, Momo, I’m glad you’ve joined me. My days get so boring.” Charlie grinned as Jiro and Yaoyorozu sat before them.

“A camera caught a glimpse of Todoroki yesterday. He really is Frostbite,” Yaoyorozu started as Charlie chuckled.

“I didn’t lie to you. Todoroki and Izuku were really close. It was a little creepy.”

“Why did he join you?” Jiro barely looked at Charlie as she chuckled.

“Because Izuku asked him to, and Endeavour was such a shit Todoroki wanted to.”

“Why does he have Eri?” Yaoyorozu was staring at Charlie as she hummed.

“I saw how sad you were when you couldn’t save her, so Izuku and I saved her ourselves.”

“Why?”

“Because you were sad.”

Aizawa finally stepped in. “Behave Charlie. I won’t let you manipulate them.”

“I’m not manipulating them.”

“You’re a psychopath. You don’t feel or understand empathy.”

Charlie chuckled. “I guess you’ll never know then.”

~~~

Todoroki walked along the streets, Eri at his side, eating her apple. He knew the police were waiting for him, but he had something to do first. He looked to Tartatus, holding the death note close.

She didn’t deserve such a simple death. She would pay for killing Izuku regardless of the cost.

Fin