Instinct

The UA recovery ward was quiet save for the steady beeping of monitoring equipment.

Marcus and Evelyn sat on adjacent beds, their injuries already healing thanks to Recovery Girl's quirk.

Both appeared exhausted but alert, their postures straightening simultaneously as the door opened.

Principal Nezu entered first. Behind him came Aizawa, his arm in a sling, face partially bandaged, yet his gaze remained as penetrating as ever.

"Your guardians have arrived," Nezu announced, his tone pleasantly neutral despite the gravity of the situation.

Outside in the hallway, a small crowd of Class 1-A students had gathered. Uraraka, Asui, Iida, Kirishima, and several others waited anxiously, hoping for news about their classmates.

Their quiet conversation ceased abruptly as heavy footsteps approached, making the floor beneath them vibrate slightly.

"Whoa," Kirishima whispered, eyes widening as two enormous men rounded the corner.

The footsteps grew louder, and when Thragg Grayson stepped through the doorway to the recovery room, the entire atmosphere changed.

At 7'3", his massive frame filled the entrance, broad shoulders nearly touching both sides of the doorframe.

His impeccably tailored detective's suit did little to conceal his imposing physique, muscles straining against the fabric with each movement.

Behind him came Nolan, a foot shorter but no less impressive, his presence complementing his brother's rather than competing with it.

In the hallway, the students exchanged wide-eyed glances.

"That's Marcus's uncle?" Kaminari whispered, unconsciously taking a step back. "He's even bigger than All Might!"

"So manly," Kirishima murmured with a mixture of awe and intimidation. "No wonder Marcus is so strong."

Iida adjusted his glasses nervously. "Their family resemblance is remarkable. The same bearing, the same... presence."

Inside the room, Evelyn's reaction was immediate and surprising to those who knew her primarily as the composed, analytical student.

Her face lit up with genuine joy as she practically leapt from the bed, crossing the room in an instant to throw herself into Thragg's chest.

"Dad!" she exclaimed, her arms wrapping around him as far as they could reach.

Thragg's transformation was equally remarkable. The stern, intimidating detective softened visibly, massive arms enveloping his daughter with gentle care.

He bent slightly to press a kiss to the top of her head, one hand smoothing her hair.

"I'm fine," Evelyn assured him, though she made no move to leave his embrace. "Just tired."

"I know," Thragg replied, his deep voice gentler than seemed possible from such an imposing figure. "You did well."

Marcus had risen more sedately, exchanging a brief embrace with Nolan. "Uncle," he acknowledged with a respectful nod to Thragg.

Aizawa watched this family reunion with careful attention, his mind cataloging every detail.

The Graysons were an anomaly in his experience - a family of late-bloomers with quirks that manifested well past the typical age.

According to their records, both Thragg and Nolan had developed their strength enhancement quirks in their late teens, with Thragg's continuing to evolve well into adulthood.

Their children had followed the same pattern, their powers only emerging recently - which made the power they had reasonable to appear so late, but also made him suspicious of their exceptional control.

The door opened again, admitting Midoriya, who had been waiting outside with the others. The green-haired student froze momentarily as his eyes fell on Thragg, an involuntary "whoa" escaping his lips.

Thragg turned slightly, acknowledging the newcomer with a slight nod. Midoriya's mind immediately began working, comparing the massive detective to the only other person of similar stature he knew.

'He's almost exactly All Might's height,' Midoriya thought, eyes widening. 'Maybe even a bit broader through the shoulders. And that's without transforming like All Might does!'

"Ah, young Midoriya," Nezu said cheerfully. "Thank you for joining us. As a witness to today's events, your perspective will be valuable."

Having been one of the few students present during the Nomu fight, and one to actually observe and analyze everything.

Midoriya nodded, trying not to stare at Thragg. He'd visited the Grayson home several times since becoming friends with Marcus and Evelyn, but Thragg had always been working.

Seeing him in person was... intimidating in a way that went beyond mere physical presence.

In the hallway, the students pressed closer to the partially open door, straining to hear.

"I can't believe that's Evelyn's dad," Ashido whispered. "No wonder she's so confident."

"Look at how he carries himself," Tokoyami observed quietly. "Like royalty. Like he's used to absolute authority."

Uraraka nodded, a slight shiver running down her spine. "There's something about him that makes you want to stand at attention, isn't there?"

"Now then," Nezu continued inside, gesturing for everyone to sit, "we have some matters to discuss regarding today's incident."

Thragg and Nolan took seats that seemed comically small beneath their large frames. Evelyn returned reluctantly to her bed, while Marcus sat up straighter, preparing for the inquiry.

"To be direct," Nezu began, his cheerful tone at odds with his serious words, "we have concerns about the lethal force employed by Marcus and Evelyn during the villain attack."

"Lethal force?" Thragg repeated, his expression shifting to one of parental concern. "They defended themselves against villains who invaded a school facility. I was under the impression they protected their classmates."

"They did," Aizawa confirmed, his bandaged face making his expression even harder to read than usual. "But they also decapitated and destroyed the brain of an artificial human called a 'Nomu' with concerning efficiency."

In the hallway, Kirishima swallowed hard, remembering the brutal efficiency with which Marcus had fought. "I didn't see the whole thing, but man... when Marcus got serious, it was like he became a different person."

"Evelyn too," Asui added quietly. "She's usually so calm and friendly, but during the fight, she was... cold. Calculating."

Midoriya watched the exchange inside with growing discomfort, remembering how Marcus and Evelyn had dismantled the creature that had nearly killed Aizawa-sensei.

"I see," Thragg said, his deep voice measured. "From a law enforcement perspective, I would question whether this 'Nomu' could be considered legally human.

Was it capable of independent thought? Moral reasoning? Or was it merely a weapon deployed by the villains?"

Nezu's whiskers twitched with interest. "An interesting philosophical question, Detective Grayson.

Our preliminary analysis suggests the Nomu was indeed a modified human, though with severely limited cognitive function."

"If I may," Nolan interjected, "my son and niece were faced with an immediate threat to themselves and their classmates. They used the abilities available to them to neutralize that threat."

"With lethal efficiency that suggests prior combat experience," Aizawa noted, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Experience that wouldn't be expected in students whose quirks only manifested recently."

The room fell silent at this implicit accusation. Midoriya glanced nervously between his teachers and the Grayson family, noting the subtle tension in Marcus's shoulders.

Outside, Iida adjusted his glasses nervously. "Professor Aizawa seems suspicious," he whispered.

"Can you blame him?" Todoroki replied, speaking for the first time. "Their quirks supposedly only manifested recently, yet they fought like seasoned professionals."

Thragg broke the silence, his tone shifting to something harder, more reminiscent of his detective persona. "Are you suggesting my daughter and nephew have engaged in illegal quirk usage, Professor Aizawa?"

"I'm noting an inconsistency," Aizawa replied, unfazed by Thragg's imposing presence. "Their control suggests years of practice, not months."

Nolan leaned forward slightly. "My brother served in specialized military units before his respective injuries forced retirement. We've both trained our children in combat techniques since they were young - quirks or no quirks."

"Hand-to-hand combat is one thing," Aizawa countered. "The precision they demonstrated with their quirks is another matter entirely."

Marcus spoke up, his voice calm despite the tension. "Uncle Thragg and my father taught us discipline and focus long before our quirks manifested - knowing we'd possibly develop quirks like theirs, since they themselves were late bloomers.

When they finally appeared, we applied those same principles."

"Precisely," Evelyn added. "Mental discipline transfers across applications."

Nezu nodded thoughtfully. "A reasonable explanation. However, there remains the matter of the lethal approach taken."

"May I speak?" Midoriya asked hesitantly, raising his hand as if in class.

When Nezu nodded, Midoriya continued, "The Nomu was incredibly powerful. It had multiple quirks - shock absorption, super strength, and regeneration at least.

It had already nearly killed Aizawa-sensei, and it was coming after us next." He swallowed hard. "I don't think they had any choice but to... to stop it permanently."

"Young Midoriya makes a valid point," Nezu acknowledged. "The situation was dire, and conventional incapacitation might have proven insufficient."

Thragg's expression softened slightly as he regarded Midoriya with newfound interest. "Thank you for that perspective," he said, his deep voice causing Midoriya to straighten involuntarily.

Outside the room Uraraka remained near the door listening in. Though her mind was still adrift as she remembered moments ago how she instinctively stepped back when Thragg's eye caught her for a moment.

'If Marcus is this strong with a late-blooming quirk,' she thought, 'his uncle and father must be absolutely terrifying at full strength.'

"There is also the matter of quirk exhaustion," Recovery Girl interjected, entering the room with her clipboard, giving a glance to the students listening in, ignoring them as she opened the other door.

"Both students pushed themselves beyond safe limits. Marcus suffered severe muscular strain, while Evelyn experienced neural feedback from overextending her molecular manipulation."

Thragg's expression immediately shifted to concern. "Is there permanent damage?"

"Nothing my quirk couldn't address," Recovery Girl assured him. "But they'll need rest. No quirk usage for at least three days."

"They will rest," Thragg stated with absolute certainty, his tone making it clear this wasn't merely a promise but a fact.

Nezu cleared his throat. "While we have concerns about the methods employed, we cannot overlook the fact that Marcus and Evelyn's actions likely saved lives today.

The villain leader - Shigaraki Tomura - possesses a decay quirk that could have killed multiple students had he reached them."

"Then what exactly is the purpose of this meeting?" Nolan asked directly. "To reprimand them for saving their classmates?"

"To understand," Aizawa corrected. "UA trains heroes, not soldiers. The distinction matters."

"With respect, Professor," Thragg countered, "heroes who cannot make difficult decisions in life-or-death situations are merely performers in costumes."

The statement hung in the air, its bluntness surprising even Aizawa. Midoriya found himself considering Thragg's words despite his instinctive disagreement.

All Might had always found ways to save everyone without killing - but had there been situations where even the Symbol of Peace had no alternative?

Outside, Todoroki's expression had grown thoughtful. "He's not entirely wrong," he murmured, surprising his classmates.

"But heroes are supposed to save everyone," Uraraka protested weakly.

"And when that's not possible?" Todoroki countered quietly. "When it's one life against many?"

"A provocative perspective, Detective," Nezu said after a moment. "And one worth discussing in our ethics curriculum. For now, however, I believe we've addressed the immediate concerns."

He turned to Marcus and Evelyn. "You acted to protect yourselves and your classmates, and for that, UA is grateful. However, I would encourage you both to reflect on the responsibility that comes with your considerable power."

"We understand, Principal Nezu," Marcus replied formally.

"We'll be more mindful in the future," Evelyn added, her tone perfectly contrite.

Aizawa didn't appear entirely satisfied, but he nodded nonetheless. "You're both excused from classes for the next three days. Use the time to recover - and reflect."

As the meeting concluded, Midoriya found himself lingering, watching as Thragg gently helped Evelyn to her feet as she began telling him more about what happened.

There was something fascinating about seeing such raw power tempered by such obvious paternal care.

"Midoriya," Thragg's deep voice suddenly addressed him directly, causing him to jump slightly. "I understand you've been visiting our home regularly."

"Y-yes, sir!" Midoriya replied, straightening instinctively. "Marcus and Evelyn have been helping me with combat training."

Thragg studied him with eyes that seemed to see far more than they should. "You showed courage today, according to my daughter's account, attacking the beast when it was attempting to kill your Sensei. That is commendable."

"Th-thank you, sir," Midoriya managed, feeling both terrified and oddly pleased by the praise.

"You should join us for dinner once the children have recovered," Thragg continued. "My brother and I would be interested in hearing more about your perspective on heroics."

Before Midoriya could respond, Aizawa approached. "Detective Grayson, a word before you leave?"

Thragg nodded to Midoriya, then moved aside with Aizawa. Their conversation was too quiet for Midoriya to hear, but the tension in Aizawa's posture was evident.

"He's intimidating, isn't he?" Marcus said, suddenly beside Midoriya.

"Your uncle? Yeah, a little," Midoriya admitted. "He's... intense."

Marcus smiled slightly. "He has that effect on people. But he's fair. Always has been."

"I noticed you call him 'uncle' very formally," Midoriya observed.

"Military family habits," Marcus explained with a shrug. "Respect is important in our household."

Across the room, Nolan was speaking quietly with Evelyn, who nodded occasionally at whatever he was saying.

Despite their imposing presence, there was something genuinely warm about how the Grayson men interacted with their children.

As they prepared to leave, Thragg approached Principal Nezu one final time. "I appreciate your handling of this situation, Principal. Rest assured, we take our children's development very seriously."

"As do we, Detective," Nezu replied cheerfully. "That's why UA exists - to shape the next generation of heroes."

"Indeed," Thragg agreed, though something in his tone suggested he might have his own definition of what a hero should be.

The Graysons departed together, Thragg's massive form leading the way, Evelyn at his side with Marcus and Nolan following.

As they passed through the hallway, the gathered students instinctively pressed themselves against the walls, creating a path. Some bowed their heads slightly without even realizing they were doing so.

Bakugo, who had been leaning against the wall with his usual scowl, straightened involuntarily as Thragg passed.

For perhaps the first time in his life, he remained completely silent, his usual bravado momentarily forgotten in the presence of something his instincts recognized as apex.

Their departure seemed to release a tension from the hallway that no one had fully acknowledged until it was gone. The students collectively exhaled, exchanging bewildered glances.

"Man," Uraraka breathed once they were out of earshot. "Marcus's uncle is... wow."

"Yeah," Midoriya agreed, joining the group outside, still processing the encounter. "It's strange - All Might makes you feel safe when he enters a room. Detective Grayson makes you feel..."

"Like prey," Asui finished bluntly. "Ribbit. No offense to Marcus and Evelyn."

"It's not just his size," Midoriya mused. "It's like he's... containing something. Like there's this enormous pressure just beneath the surface."

"Did you see how even Bakugo shut up?" Kaminari whispered, glancing at the explosive student who was still staring down the hallway with an unreadable expression.

"It was like watching a lion walk through a room of house cats," Jiro added.

Aizawa, overhearing this, gave Jiro a sharp look. "An interesting observation, Jiro," he said quietly. "Very interesting indeed."

As they dispersed, Aizawa remained behind, staring at the door through which the Graysons had departed.

Something about that family didn't add up - their quirks, their combat efficiency, their unusual family dynamics.

Sure, everything seemed to have a logical explanation, but they... They just almost seemed TOO logical. Like an explanation ready for any question.

Sure, it may be true, and he may be being extremely paranoid, but again, his instincts were warning him.

Especially when he laid eyes on Thragg Grayson. Something about that man just seemed... above.

Like thinking of him as a mere detective just felt beneath the feeling he gave off. Knowing this and being who he himself is...

Well, Eraserhead had never been one to ignore his instincts.

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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter!

As promised the 2nd one is here.

Do tell me how you found their reaction to Thragg - I take into account instinct a lot when writing characters, because, My Hero itself is a world about evolution of humans to developing abilities, and well, when it comes to that, instinct is a very important factor.

Thragg no matter how human he tries to act, is still The Emperor of an Empire spanning Galaxies, with more blood on his hands than several oceans.

The Terror of the Universe.

None of them can help but slightly feel that.

Well, I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)