Chapter Text
Black clad boots with orange accents step heavily on tile floors. Clank. Clank. Clank. The steel soles are heard in the shoes. Arms covered in black gloves, stopping mid bicep, with orange around the ends, swing with each step giving a false sense of momentum. One green wrist band on the right hand stands out of place.
Ground Zero, the rising star of the hero world, the man voted top bachelor three years in a row, and in the top three for the last five years, is pacing in front of a large wooden door. His red eyes are narrowed at the floor as he holds a phone to his ear. Black mask covers his eyes and his head accessories are still in place. “I fucking got it.” He growls out lowly.
His shoes grind into the floor, leaving scuff marks, as he stops and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Listen here, dipshit,” his fingers curl into fist. “You better not be lying or I’ll fucking kill you.” His chest heaves as he speaks, skin getting warmer. Anxiety builds in his chest which he tries to release by stomping his foot into the ground like a child.
Static fills his ears as he listens to the other side. “Dude I’m telling you the truth! I’ve got my Intel all written up. I’ll be at the meeting today in like five minutes. I told you all of this last week!!” Katsuki can picture Kirishima bouncing around with a happy smile.
“Tch,” the blonde runs a hand through his hair. “Whatever, just hurry the fuck up.” His voice is much softer this time as his hand moves to his neck. He hangs up the phone and looks out the window, the sky is clear, with no care in the world and no cognizance to those below it.
It’s been eighteen years now, since Katsuki just had his twenty-fifth birthday a few weeks ago, since Midoriya Izuku went missing. It’s been eleven years since he buried him due to no evidence being found of his presence. It’s been eight years since he came face to face with him during the take down of the league of villains.
His eyes stare into the blue skies with a fiery passion, though most would call it a glare, as he remembers that day. Their second year at UA the students helped the pros take down the League as a learning experience, really it was just free labor but that’s a whole other rant. It was the most celebrated day during that year and the most talked about event in the next two years. The League was crushed and their leader thrown in jail. All Might was avenged and peace reigned again. Yet, to Bakugou and a few others in his class that was the worst day of their lives.
The day his red eyes met green. The day he wasn’t able to keep his promise. The day he lost his childhood friend for a third time. To make it worse the heroes didn’t tell anyone about Deku helping them. They never spoke of the reason why. They only praised the heroes. Those days were the days that Deku's words rang in all of their ears. While the rest of japan regained their faith in heroes the students at UA lost theirs.
Claiming that Deku went back on his words, the heroes did not hold up their end of the bargain. His criminal record stayed intact for years after that. It wasn’t until a year later, when the whole class learned of the truth, that they started petitioning for the heroes to keep their end of the deal. They feuded for years about how Deku didn’t agree to go with the heroes after the battle and only that he would help them infiltrate the building. It took five years after they all graduated, and a few of them made it to the top ten, that the city finally made right on their original contract. Since it took so long they also got a few of Deku’s team members off the hook with the law as well, a bit of compensation if you will.
Katsuki’s shoulders relax as the red head comes running up, the sight of him is enough to put him at ease. “Took ya long enough, loser.” He pushes the doors open to see a group of people already sitting on the chairs in various costumes. Ingenium sits straight with his helmet beside him on the table as he speaks to Creati who has a red pen in her hand and is pointing to some folders between them.
Froppy and Uravity whisper to each other softly on the other side of the table. Shinso stands in the corner with his knee bent and foot propped on the wall, his arms, like a cage around him, crossed in a defensive manner. This is their group, including Ground Zero and Red Riot, that has been specially formed to find and help Deku. Since his record has been expunged he hasn’t done any more criminal activity so he is a free man. Katsuki looks at them and thinks of how they got here as they all stare at him with determined eyes.
A few classmates, such as Tenya and Yaoyorozu, went to university and got degrees in law and politics along with their hero course studies. All of them suddenly got the urge to do community service and started helping out at orphanages and such while they were in school.
All of this on their journey to be heroes. Once they graduated and reached their original goals, their real work began. The more charismatic members of their group, such as Kirishima and Hagakure, started befriending high status people and placed seedlings of ideas into their ears, at the guidance of the smarter members of their class. A few, like Kaminari and Ashido, made online videos about what it means to be a hero and how to better help people to influence the masses. Next, their high profile hitters with their fancy degrees and family names, including Todoroki, started working on changing the laws and redefining what the law says on quirk usages.
Bakugou and Shinso, the unlikely allies they are, worked together to build the VPF, Villain Prevention Force, of which everyone from the class is in and a few other lesser known heroes as well. Secretly though, a much smaller number of them also use the VPF to track down Deku and finally save him from everything. Shinso, Bakugou, Kirishima, Uravity, Froppy, Ingenium, and Creati are the only members of this group. Not that the others wouldn’t agree but if too many people are working on this it might mess it up.
The others are still doing their parts though as part of the VPF’s main force. They collect donations throughout the year and fund programs to help people. Hatsume Mei of the engineering department back in their school even made things for disabled people and gives them out for free, obviously making enough of a profit on the other things she made to pay for that. Tentacole, Tsukuyomi, Earphone Jack, and Can’t Stop Twinkling go to schools and talk about how to treat people and what bullying can lead to.
You’d think them all saints or the rest of the world idiots. They are only doing what they should as heroes. Not just being flashy and famous but doing small things that no one would notice and encouraging others to make a difference in someone’s life. You can’t save everyone but everyone can save someone. They pick up trash when they see it, because even picking up one bag helps and sooner or later someone else will pick up one as well. The cycle continues until all the bags are gone. Yes, some would think them saints because of their activeness in their communities and yet they only view themselves as human.
So rather the world is stupid. Because they have to be told not to make fun of someone. Have it explained to them that they need to be nice to others. They have to be forced to pick up after themselves. What seems like common sense is so rarely actually done. They’ve noticed the difference. The difference in who actually believes in their cause and acts on it. Those who preach it, lecture others on it’s importance, are the ones who forget it the quickest; all the while the person who takes it to heart starts living it. Only a cruel person has to remind others they are kind while a kind person never has to say a word.
“So?” Uravity speaks up when the silence becomes too much and Ground Zero is dragged back into the present.
He takes a heavy seat at the head of the table and crosses one leg over the other as he speaks. “We have video surveillance of Deku’s movement. His group seems to have their hideout located in a secret basement area underneath some expensive apartments in the heart of Tokyo.” He mumbles out as Kirishima steps forward and hands out folders to everyone.
Froppy holds up one of the pictures which shows Deku in all of his green curly glory giving a peace sign to the camera and a crooked grin. “I think he knows we are watching. Kero~” she flips through the rest of the pictures which shows Deku at the same place at the same time every day for a month.
Shinso shakes his head as he finally moves from the wall and drops lazily into an empty chair with his fingers combing through his lavender hair. “It’s the diner all over again.” He mumbles out.
Red Riot nods his head with a small smile. “It seems he wants us to find him now. The question is why.” Red hair is styled into spikes which are unmoving as he shakes his head.
Uravity raises an eyebrow at everyone. “Maybe he wants to be caught. Like he’s tired of this game.” She mumbles out with a sad smile. Even though he played her so well she could never hate him. Those few dates back in high school are still some of her favorite memories.
Sharp teeth reveal themselves as Red Riot grins at the group. “That’s not all we have!” He flips past the pictures of Deku. “You see we have also caught surveillance of the others in his group heading into these buildings disguised as workers.” He shows more pictures and of them inside the building.
Ingenium slices the air with his hand as he speaks, “Don’t forget that this may be part of his plan as well. He might be leading us in circles. Again.” He says the last part a bit softly as he adjusts his glasses.
Creati raises her hand at the elbow as she speaks. “Will we use the HSR as the cover again for the public as we look into this?” Her elegant actions fit well with her mind.
Katsuki groans as he leans forward on his elbows, a rare sign of fatigue, at the mention of the group. HSR is the name the public gave to a group of villains, or vigilantes depending on who you ask, that have been posting videos about people all across society. Not just big names either but small time people. Like you would only know them if you lived in the same town kind of small names.
Holding Society Responsible, the HSR put Japan on edge with their actions a year after AFO’s defeat. People thought it was a prank at first when someone posted a video of a teacher physically bullying students, after all that teacher just got an award for his great work and how well liked he was in his community. Then a video of Endeavor and how he treated his family. People screamed about powerful people being cruel for a week. That is until another video about a small school on the outskirts of the city was uploaded showing a student being abused and others just walking by. This time the video had words. Those who walk by are just as guilty as those who hit. It showed these words over and over again. It was on every TV, computer, and cell phone for five minutes for a week.
A few people from their class know who this group is but will never tell a soul. Because while people were panicking and throwing fits about their privacy another change occurred. People started speaking out about their mistreatment. The internet was now filled with people agreeing with this anonymous group. More videos were popping up by more users showing people doing bad things. Online groups were formed to talk about mistreatment based on the discrimination of quirks. The laws and tight hold on the use of quirks was also brought into questions. Everyone soon learned that those who cried the loudest against the group had the most to hide.
Two years into this group being active and they released a new video showing a middle school student picking up trash on his way to school as others walked by. This time the words say For a better society we need to hold those who do wrong accountable but also praise those who do right. So it began that just as videos of people doing bad things was uploaded there were now people doing good things as well. Another year into it and the group, now called HSR, started questioning their own fan base. They showed counter videos of someone screaming and getting mad and how they were provoked to look bad. How some of the “good people” videos were staged for fame. They proved that everyone, even themselves and fans, are to be held equally accountable.
Shinso looks at the group as a far away gaze enters some of their eyes. “We infiltrate next week. Let’s keep quiet. We will meet around ten, when most people should be off the streets.” He informs the group. They all nod and stand to leave.
Katsuki glares at his feet as his fingers bury themselves into his hair. The pain does nothing to ground him from his frustrations. A hand rests on his shoulders. “You okay man?” Red eyes look at the blonde in worry as he tries to comfort him.
Katsuki shakes his head as his voice becomes raw with an emotion other than anger. Self hate and anxiety build in his throat. “I can’t waste any more time on hope .” He spits out the last word like it physically hurts him. His voice cracking as his eyes burn, narrowing even further to prevent his building emotions from showing.
Kirishima gives a small understanding smile. “I know man. We’ll get him this time.” He squeezes the blonde’s shoulder before walking away as well.
After Raiding the League of Villains, End of No Regret.
Dust pollutes the air as the aftermath of Deku’s fist. Katsuki’s knees give out and hit the ground with a loud thud that seems to echo in everyone’s ears. His red eyes hollow as he stares at the empty place in front of him. Loss and grief takes hold of his heart once more. His childhood friend is gone. Again. Anger quickly flows through his blood as his fist slams into the ground in front of him. “Damn it!” His hoarse voice hollers out like a wounded animal as overpowering emotions rip through his throat like a gargled scream of pain.
The others just stare in disbelief at the spot Deku used to stand in. Everything they did was for nothing. This victory is a bittersweet taste that sours in their stomachs as they look at their explosive classmate as rare tears stream down his face and a broken cry breaches his lips. Never have they seen their classmate like this. Never have they seen anyone like this. Such pure grief.
Kirishima snaps out of it first as he looks between the rest of his classmates. “We have to go after him!” He declares as he tightens his fist. Eyes down casted to the dirty floor in the dim light. “We have to save him.” his own voice breaks with desperation and confusion.
Bakugou stands on shaky legs and turns to the red haired male he calls friends. “I will bring him back.” He states more to himself then the other.
Shinso steps towards the blonde and places a hand on his shoulder. “Not alone. We’ll help.” He informs with conviction in his indigo eyes. His shoulders tense as he tries to comprehend everything that has happened. Why Izuku would run from them.
In the blink of an eye Katsuki is on the mind controlling teen. His hands gripped tightly into Shinso’s shirt collar as his red eyes narrow, lips pulled back to show sharp canines like a rabid animal. “You’ll help me?! Fucking great, you lied to me! You kept me from Izuku!” His voice is raw and harsh.
Red Riot quickly jerks Ground Zero off of Shinso who uses his arm to remove Bakugou’s spit from his face. “Calm down man!”
Bakugou slams his elbow into Kirishima’s face. With the impact the hardening hero stumbles backwards to hold his now bleeding mouth. Explosions pop off on Bakugou’s hands, “You all lied to me!” He shifts to look at each of them.
Shouto steps forward, “Your personal issues would have ruined this mission.” He states calmly.
Bakugou’s voice scratches out of his throat with the raised volume., “How are you so sure!?” His red eyes shine with intense emotions.
Shinso ‘s fist connects with the side of Bakugou’s face with a quick and hard jab. The sound bounces off the walls as the indigo hair male pants, his back slouched slightly as he rests one hand on his knee for added support. Sweat drips off his nose as he glares at the blonde. “It doesn’t matter! We just need to save him.”
White and red strands of hair wave as Shouto shakes his head in disbelief. “How?” He questions them.
Red Riot stands tall as he looks to his more stoic classmate. “I don’t know but we will.” His confidence is growing as his mission builds in his chest. A call to duty so few ever feel in their lives rising up to mix with his unbreakable spirit.
Shinso looks the dual quirk user as he runs a hand through his hair. “We’ll figure it out.” He states as his hand on the blonde male’s shoulder tightens in reassurance.
Before anyone can say anything else the pros arrive, looking battle torn with varying degrees of wounds and torn clothing. “Where is Deku?” Aizawa questions them as he steps closer, holding tightly to a bleeding arm.
“Gone.” Shouto fills the silence.
Endeavor steps forward with narrowed eyes. “What do you mean gone?” His voice is tight as he speaks and holds in his own anger.
Katsuki barks out his reply, “He’s fucking gone!” His fist clenched at his side. He shoves past the adults and makes his way out of the building. Eijirou falls after him quickly.
Midnight looks at the other two students. “What happened?” She questions them with earnest and concerned eyes.
Shouto shrugs his shoulders as the exhaustion of the day makes a vice grip on his limbs. “He left.” He states simply as he also leaves the hall. Shinso makes eye contact with his mentor before walking off in silence as well. The pros didn’t push anymore than that. The hollow look in their eyes stop them. The frustration and anger flowing through the blood. The confusion in their minds. The pros have seen this all too much in their line of work. It’s the look of someone who didn’t make it in time. Of a hero who couldn’t save someone.
The week soon passed and as Aizawa revealed to the group that Deku didn’t get his pardon. The class was in an uproar, at least most of them. Even the members who didn’t like the villain grumbled about the heroes breaking their word but didn’t act or say much to anyone. It was that night the future was truly set in motion.
“It’s not fair!” Uraraka cried out in their dorm living space. Everyone spread out on the couches, the floor, or just standing by the wall.
“What can we do about it? The adults made their call.” Sero shrugs as his arms stretch behind him on the couch. Denki sits to his left and just shakes his head in disbelief.
To the right of Sero, Mina slaps her hands on her knees. “It’s not fair though! They promised!” She points out.
“Heroes shouldn’t go back on their word! It’s not manly.” Kirishima points out as he paces behind his three friends.
Denki looks up with sad yellow eyes. “Well yeah, but Aizawa said that’s the way the law works. We can’t go against the law!” he tries to argue with the rest.
Katsuki clicks his tongue. “Then the laws fucking wrong!” He snaps back with only half of his normal energy. Still emotionally drained from the last week.
Kirishima jumps up in front of the group, “We need to save Deku!” He calls out. Reminding everyone of what they worked for the last couple of months.
Froppy tilts her head causing her hair to fall into her lap. “We’re only students. So there isn’t much we can do. Kero~” She points out with a thoughtful but dejected voice.
Shinso steps forward from the wall to stand among his classmates. “We won't always be. We can correct this when we get older. Form our own group and help him, along with others like him.” He voices to the others.
A thoughtful look takes over the class as Shouto steps forward. “Why?” He counters.
Bakugou jumps at the man with a growl causing Kirishima to harden his skin and get between them as he speaks over his shoulder. “To save him!” He states like it's the most obvious thing.
“He doesn’t want to be saved.” Mineta stands from his seat and walks to Shouto’s side to show his support. “If he did he would have stayed.” He adds as an afterthought, not really caring for the conversation at hand.
Kirishima shakes his head as he struggles to contain Bakugou and his growling. “That’s all the more reason to save him. He just doesn’t know he needs to be saved.” At this he loses his grip on the blonde.
Katsuki and Shouto are suddenly nose to nose as the blonde bunches his hand into the half and half boys collar. “You don’t think he deserved to be saved or some shit?” His voice a low growl as he speaks.
One teal and one gray eye stares calmly back into red. “I’m saying that maybe he doesn’t want our kind of salvation.” At this Katsuki’s grip tightens but he continues. “Don’t be so arrogant as to think there is only one kind of salvation. Deku...Izuku doesn’t need us to save him.” He states slowly.
Finally the blonde lets go as he stalks away from the person that defied him. “I’m saving him.” He states clearly.
Momo speaks from her seat furthest from the blonde. “Maybe Todoroki is right.” She places a hand on her chin in thought. "Deku always pointed out the unfair laws and treatment of different types of quirks.” She mumbled to herself as she averted her gaze from red eyes.
Tenya stands with a stiff motion. “That’s right. As we learned in hero laws class most of the laws for quirks were made during a time frame that only looked to suppress people with abilities. Our first step should be to rectify these mistakes.”
Mineta rolls his eyes and crosses his arms. “You want to change the laws for one person?” The disbelief and disdain in his voice is thick as he looks to the others like they grew an extra head.
Shouto nods his head along. “We could change the laws for everyone. Our laws are behind our society's needs and it is a hero's job to help people. This is also a form of help.” As the debate carried on slowly the students moved from one side of the room to another. Those who wanted to actively save Deku stood with Shinso and Bakugou. Those who wanted change for the whole but not actively go after one. Finally those who stood in the middle, willing to help both sides.
Kirishima glances to Katsuki and smiles. “We’ll find him. Have some faith.” He grins as he speaks quietly.
Katsuki’s red eyes look into Kirishima's as he nods with a frown that looks menacing. “Faith huh? Fine cause I can’t waste any more time on hope.” With that he turns back to listen to his classmates and future comrades.
The class divided into sides at this, though the division did not cause malice. They made plans as a whole on what they needed to do to enact change. They planned and studied and made drafts of how things should be. In secret a select few met to form the beginnings of the group that would actively seek out Deku. This is how the VPF formed before it was ever brought to the government for agreement, before any of them became pros, and before they knew the impact this would have on their world as a whole.