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Chapter 22: All Hours Are Midnight NowNotes:

Otherwise known as the chapter where I change povs so quick it'll give you whiplash

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The remaining two months attending middle school and training his quirk pass in a blur for Izuku. He's ready to go to UA already and the anticipation is killing him.

Without his vigilantism to eat into his time, Izuku's anxiety rears it's enormous head. Even with how much he has done, he can't say if it's enough. (It's not.) And idling about when he could be doing something eats at him from the inside out. (Not that he could help much anyway.)

He wakes up most nights from nightmares he can't remember. He lies awake with lingering feelings of sadness and fear, and of fighting a losing battle. Although he doesn't remember, Izuku doesn't need to know what images his brain projects while he sleeps. No, his own memories are more than enough.

To distract from his spiraling thoughts of inadequacy, Izuku throws himself back into his missing person's case. He still wants to talk to All Might, so he can corroborate his story, and that will come soon, but the human trafficking deal he stumbled across gave him an idea. Could something like that be the cause of other Izuku's disappearance?

While there are changes to this timeline, Izuku's found that most things have stayed relatively the same, especially the people. So he thinks he isn't unfounded in assuming that he knows this timeline's Izuku just as well as he knows himself. (And being someone who has been alone with their own thoughts for days on end, Izuku knows himself very well.)

If he were in other Izuku's shoes, he knows that there had to have been an outside force. A kidnapping, or as loathe as he wants to admit it...a murder. The chances of him running away or getting lost are slim. At the very least, if that were the case, he wouldn't be gone for five months.

These conclusions he draws, while possibly narrowing his search, do not reassure him. If what he assumes is true, that makes the stakes that much higher. If other Izuku is alive, and he isn't found soon, Izuku doesn't know how much time he will have before it's too late.

The trafficking ring from the other day unfortunately bears no clues. Izuku finds no information on the victims, as it's likely protected, and the villains he caught were some of the few that were sprung from their cells. It seems like it's a dead end.

Before, Izuku had looked into other missing persons cases in the local area, and even expanded the search when nothing turned up. Still, there was nothing that stood out. Despite not finding anything though, Izuku was positive he'd eventually get a clue. No one can disappear without a trace.

Except now, he isn't so sure. Kacchan is...well Izuku would like to talk to him more about his case, but the point stands that he doesn't think there's anything there. All Might too. Even if Izuku asks his questions and confirms what other Izuku experienced, will he gain any new insight? If All Might saw anything happen to the other Izuku, he surely would've acted and there wouldn't be a missing persons case to begin with.

What is he not considering? He goes through the options one by one. If it's murder...why? Who'd bother to murder someone like Izuku unless it was an accident? And if it was an accident, there would be hasty traces left behind to clean things up.

It could've been a cover up. Maybe other Izuku saw something he shouldn't and had to be disposed of? But there are so many ways to make a murder look like an accidental death, why not do that? Why draw attention by making everyone think he was only missing?

So maybe not murder- a kidnapping did make more sense in terms of secrecy. But once again, for what purpose? Why Izuku specifically? Not ransom obviously, and Izuku was quirkless, he couldn't have much selling power. There had to be something else.

And then there's…well Izuku should rule that one out too. He knows himself, too well sometimes, and he would never have taken Kacchan's advice. There is no point in exploring that option either.

In the end, Izuku is right back where he started with no leads. He could almost pull the hair out of his head in frustration.

Well, while he investigates possible human trafficking cases and other such kidnappings, he has another task he needs to devote time to before school starts.

Quirk registration.

In his own timeline, this was done after the entrance exams once Izuku had received One For All from All Might. Other than naming it, he didn't have much to do with the process. All Might took care of most of the paperwork and all but erased the fact that Izuku had suddenly developed a quirk when he should have been quirkless. Izuku will register it once again in this dimension, but he doesn't think he can produce the same results All Might did. Maybe his classmates won't be able to tell, but any of the teachers or staff could look and see that Izuku "just recently got a quirk".

He'll have to change the nature of its description as well. If he wants to account for Black Whip, and any other quirk he will develop, he's going to have to think of a reasonable way to explain it.

Something like manipulating energy? Does that even make sense for something like Black Whip? It's a good starting point, but it feels too broad. Won't people expect that he could do more than he can with it? Hmmmmm, he needs something more specific? But also vague so people don't question it.

Think, Izuku, you've analyzed so many quirks, you should be better at analyzing your own.

Something that has to do with strength, and speed...and a mass of shadows shaped like a rope? And also lightning? And also the other quirks he will develop, each unique in their own right?

He could come up with something…probably.

Izuku sighs. He seems to be creating more problems for himself than those he's solving. Regardless of whether he has an idea in mind, there is no option in not registering his quirk. Not after what he did to the zero pointer. Staying registered as quirkless, even though the other Izuku surely still must be, would just garner unwanted attention. He can apologise to other Izuku when he finds him.

Izuku already made the appointment. His mother is at work right now, but Izuku doesn't really need her for the quirk registration being as old as he is. He can notify her later and-

Come to think of it, did he ever let his mother know he has a quirk?

This time Izuku probably does pull a little of his hair out.

Shouta stares at the student profile in front of him as if the child pictured could leap off the page and answer all his questions. Unfortunately, the paper stays inanimate, as papers should, and Shouta is left with a massive headache.

Midoriya Izuku. 15 years old. Quirk: unknown. Apparently nothing was written for that portion of his application.

The student who took out the zero pointer in one hit. The student who placed first overall in the entrance exam with near-perfect results in both portions.

The student who Eri identified as "Deku" almost as soon as she saw him.

"Are you sure it's him?" Shouta asks her despite her insistence. The other day when she saw All Might on the TV, she called him Deku too. It almost gave Shouta a heart attack.

"It's Deku!" Eri nods earnestly, eyes sparkling unlike anything Shouta has seen from the girl so far. "Can I go meet him?"

Shouta thinks about it before he smiles in a manner that is anything but friendly, picking Eri up in his arms.

"Sure. We can both meet him."

But "Deku" had already left the exam area. When Shouta tried to cut him off at Recovery Girl's clinic, he had been too late once again. He was able to get the child's name and description from the exam records later, although Eri had been disappointed.

Seeing how the boy took out the zero pointer too, Shouta isn't surprised Eri mistook him for All Might. Perhaps if the kid trained at UA, he would be as good as the number one hero by the time he graduated…

But Shouta's getting ahead of himself. There's questions that he needs answering before he even considers accepting the kid into the hero course (regardless of what his colleagues tell him). Yes, he scored well and will be placed in Shouta's own class, but if he finds any fault with Deku, UA will see another expulsion.

Why did Deku rescue Eri? How did he know about her? How did he do it? Why didn't he tell anyone? It's all too suspicious. Shouta doesn't know the exact details, but it sounds like vigilantism. And he doesn't need another vigilante to worry about.

Shouta rubs his temples, but can't bring himself to slide the paper away. He isn't even sure that Midoriya is Deku. Shouta was tired the night they met and he only saw their face. While Midoriya bears a striking resemblance to Deku, Shouta can't be 100% sure. He was hoping Eri could confirm it for him by visiting Midoriya in surprise. The kid would have to show some sort of recognition if he was actually Deku.

It'll all be clear once UA starts.

Kagerō pulls the cigarette from his lips and blows out the smoke. He watches the two men sitting across from each other with interest, although his outward appearance is relaxed. A necessary trick he's learned from his trade.

He was the one to introduce the two to each other, but now he's wondering if that wasn't such a good idea. Kagerō thought they'd be like magnets, opposing forces attracted to a common enemy. They are like magnets alright, but perhaps they are too similar to do anything but repel.

Chisaki Kai, otherwise known as Overhaul. Leader of the Eight Precepts of Death. He took over the business after the previous leader fell into a coma with plans of doing things a lot differently. He has a vision, and is not one to be satisfied with keeping to the shadows.

Shigaraki Tomura. Leader of a new villain group that is lacking in members. His own dream is ambitious, and he's backed by an incredibly terrifying teacher. With plans to announce himself soon, Kagerō believes he will shake up the very foundation of hero society.

He ought to get the ball rolling before things escalate.

"Introductions first. Shigaraki, this is Overhaul. Overhaul, this is Shigaraki. I believe you two can help each other out." Kagerō says.

Overhaul rubs his arm, something that could be a nervous tick, except for the sharpness in his eyes. "I'm interested in knowing how a couple of backwater villains could possibly help me out."

Kagerō sighs, taking another puff of his cigarette. He's not surprised. Why do villains act like children? Honestly, all this posturing is difficult to work around.

Shigaraki scratches at his neck harder than he had seconds before, a surefire way to tell that the comment has irritated him.

"...backwater villains?" He rasps. His hand spasms.

Kagerō needs to nip this in the bud, immediately. He keeps his voice calm, almost bored. "You are both after the same person. The new vigilante."

Both sets of eyes snap to him. Ah, so that got their attention. He continues.

"There's barely any information on him out there for an old man like me to collect. Lately, we can't find any trace of him. It might do good to...work something out."

The two take in the information, Kagerō can already see the cogs turning in their individual heads.

"We have enough information." Shigaraki decides with a scoff. "What could a psychopath parading as a businessman possibly offer?"

Overhaul's eyes narrow. "Offer? I should be asking you that. I have enough information on my own and better means to collect more."

Kagerō hides his smile under his hand as he takes another hit of his cigarette. So they both have information they'd deem valuable, and they aren't completely dismissing the idea of working together. It looks like they do share an interest in catching this vigilante.

"I'm not suggesting a complete alliance." Kagerō explains. "Simply an information exchange. The fact remains, you both need the vigilante caught. And he hasn't been yet, despite how both of you claim to have all the information you need."

Shigaraki growls at the slight, but Overhaul seems contemplative. Kagerō waits patiently, his smoke filling the air between them.

"Before I agree to anything," Overhaul finally says, "I need to hear your game plan. An organization like yours lacks any firepower. No one even knows about you, it'd be like you were borrowing my name. Where are you planning to go? How do you intend to catch the vigilante? What will you do with him once you have him? I can't blindly go along with this unless I receive satisfactory answers."

Kagerō shifts his eyes to Shigaraki. It's no longer his job to step in. Overhaul poses some good questions. Questions that Shigaraki will have to answer if he wants to recruit anybody. It'll be up to him whether he can secure this alliance. If nothing else, this is an opportunity for him to learn.

Shigaraki's scratches increase. Kagerō spots a hint of blood.

"I've heard of you before, you know." Shigaraki rasps. "Sensei told me about you. You're a relic from a bygone era. You call my organization of 'backwater villains' lacking, and yet your own little gang is on the decline. My plans? If you aren't interested in joining us, I don't need to explain anything to you."

Silence passes between them. Kagerō watches the exchange, tension as thick as the smoke in the air.

"You are correct." Overhaul answers. "Revealing one's hand can be deadly." He taps his gloved hand upon his arm. "As it is, I see no benefit in working with you beyond sharing information. However, I am not one to turn away a potential workforce. If you choose to work under me, I could guarantee that the vigilante will be caught and you will gain recognition through the organization's reputation. You would be used quite well."

Shigaraki's leg bounces, his hand tears through the bloody skin on his neck. Kagerō has worked with Shigaraki long enough to know when he's well and truly agitated. He shifts in his seat and wonders if he can turn this situation around.

"Used? I am the one using you. I am the one in charge here, not you. And I will never serve under anyone." Shigaraki stands, an impressive pressure accompanying him, though Overhaul appears almost bored.

"Kurogiri," Shigaraki orders. "Get him out of my sight."

"Wait." A single word, and silence falls upon the room once more. Kagerō almost wants to whistle, it isn't everyday that he hears the mysterious big boss speak.

"Let me speak to him."

Overhaul seems intrigued at the appearance of the new voice. Despite how vehemently Shigaraki reacted earlier, he doesn't protest, although he's still noticeably irritated.

After Sensei says his piece, the tides have changed.

"Alright. I'll agree to this alliance under the specified terms." Overhaul says.

Shigaraki nods jerkily, much calmer than before. "I guess."

Kagerō smiles. Who knew? Sometimes people can see eye to eye given a common enemy.

And you know what they say about the enemy of my enemy...

Notes:

Just want to give a moment to thank all the people who have read my fic. I'm really so happy and you have no idea how much your comments and kudos bring joy to my life. Also thank you to the NWA discord server for making me feel like I belong and all around being great people.

On another note, UA will start soon.