Work Text:
Tartarus; Bronze Gate
3 16 20XX; 1320.33
Shouta Aizawa; Pro Hero; Visit
Floor 47; Underground; Block 17; SS Rank
Visit: Kurogiri; Oboro Shirakumo; League Of Villains Transport
Detained
[Processing]
…
[Access Granted]
The calm composure Shouta maintained was all but a facade. His mind was buzzing; panic disrupted his ability to make a coherent thought. It was only last night that Tsukauchi called to inform him about his presumably deseased best friend.
The leather of his shoes clicked against the sterile white floors. The sound waved through the air, only ceasing to greet the array of cameras that lined the concrete cornice of the hallway.
Guards stood stiffly around each corner and in front of every door. Their black tech wear and automatic weapons eminated an imposing aura that placed a chill on Shouta’s spine. If they had this effect by sheer presence he couldn’t imagine the terror of seeing them in action.
Aizawa swiftly walked down the hallway, accompanied by a selection of troops with the sole purpose of transporting him like he was some prized luggage. They weren’t necessarily keeping others away from him, but more of him from others.If they let some stranger freely into the SS rank region there’s no doubt chaos would ensue.
Shouta tried to marshal his thoughts, for he would be seeing his late friend for the first time in 12 years. He wanted to see Oboro but he’s not sure if he should. He’d never gotten over his friend's death and he doesn’t think he ever will. If he is alive, then what was all of that grieving and suffering for?
Did he spill tears endlessly for nothing? Did he scar his brain with Adderall just so he could feel something for someone who really was alive? Did he close out all of his relationships for months till Hizashi had to forcibly pull him out of his slump just to be lied to? Did he spend months in recovery and withdrawal for emotions that weren’t even necessitated?
A pang of guilty anger racked his body. The feeling was wrong, he was aware, but he couldn’t let go of the feeling that he endured so much for it all to be futile. In hindsight, he should have known that going to such extreme lengths were unnecessary, but at that moment no reasoning could change the way he felt. Nothing was rationalized because he didn’t want to face what really happened.
Shouta filled his lungs with a deep breath to steady his frying nerves. A large, ebony door was laid out in front of him, fitting seamlessly with the wall. There was no handle or texture for any type of grip, only a small window with 1.5” glass slightly foggy from the immense amount of material. There was no visible padlock for hacking, nor lock to pick. In all reality, the door was probably bolted closed or welded. It seemed impenetrable.
The closest door Aizawa could see was around 25 feet away, close to the size of a 2 story building. This made him think, how thick were the walls really? Surely they wouldn’t give Tartarus prisoners the luxury of such large rooms. They wouldn’t even be able to take advantage of the space, all tied up.
A towering man with beautiful bronze skin, pulled a small card from within the maze of pockets in their uniform. A hand was placed on his shoulder and all of his senses were wiped. He couldn’t smell the chemicals in the air or the warmth of the hand on his scapula. There was no distant hum of technology or feet pacing the floors. His eyes were filled with colors that were there but at the same time he couldn’t focus on one to describe it.
It was the same sensation when you tried to focus on something you’re imagining. You can feel it's there, yet at the same time there isn’t anything.
His senses were completely gone and a blanket of fresh panic settled on his shoulders. It engulfed him in its fabric, not letting him go no matter how much he writhed. Shouta felt like he was being swallowed whole, and the serpent of perturbation showed no intention of letting go.
As quickly as the panic set, it disappeared. His sense returned and Shouta felt residual warmth from the hand dissipating. Taking breath after shaky breath, Aizawa calmed his emotions.
The door that was previously shut, now hung open at an angle. The guards in front of him filtered though while the ones behind pushed him along.
Shouta shuddered at the contact, not wanting to lose the senses he so recently regained. The experience was terrifying but most likely a quirk used to conceal access and limit the probability of an assisted break out.
Gloved hands pressed up against his back, pushing him into a small room barley large enough to house him as well as the guards.
The area had similar slick colorless walls. The material had no traction and the soft gleam from the artificial white light concluded liquid would roll off. Corrocid acid would spill on the concrete floors, eating away and blood wouldn’t stain, only roll down in beads onto a lifeless body.
Another door laid ahead, deep gray fiberglass clashing brightly with the milky walls. The entrance behind them closed tightly, fitting back into its spot seamlessly.
“Stay,” a gruff voice commanded him like an animal.
Shouta obeyed. He wasn’t willing to test his skills against 260 pounds of muscle.
The burly man followed his comrades, receding behind the fiberglass door. He could feel their emotionless gazes piercing the air and drawing the breath from his lungs.
Blue light emerged from a vanishing point. It filled the room with an azure hue, illuminating his pale skin. The heat of the light stung his eyes, forcing them closed.
Once the scanner traced his whole body, it shut off with a resolute beep. The door across from him opened once again and he took this as his que to leave.
Another room awaited beyond but this time it was filled with a multitude of things. The walls were lined with dozens of cameras, more than he had ever seen before. All of them were fastened with different trinkets and machines.
The walls were padded with canvas cushions and bright light evenly lit the room, creating only a few shadows.
There wasn’t anything in the room that wasn’t bolted or locked. An enticing vermillion button was incased on the wall but only accessible with a key, and a small table was bolted to the floor with an assortment of dishware welded to the metal top.
The most notable thing was a stiff chair residing in the center, positioned towards the wall right of him. Aizawa inhaled a small breath and took in the sight.
A latticework of chains and cuffs wrapped around an intangible body. Mist poured through all the chinks creating a beautiful waterfall of indigo. The endless fog pooled at Oboro’s feet, fabricating sad flowers of violet and navy.
It weaved between his feet and around the legs of the metal chair, bolted to the ground. Yellow eyes listlessly gazed back at him reminding Shouta too much of himself when his body ran on nothing but medication. Their eyes had the same heavy sadness intertwined in their irises and fuzzy thoughts behind them.
Aizawa clenched his teeth to the point black threatened the edge of his vision. The pain was the only thing that kept the tears at bay. He wanted to weep. Cry into Oboro’s shoulder forever. Cry for all the hell his best friend had endured and for everything that happened to him. To spill every last tear he’d been holding back and shout every single doubt and worry.
He wanted to sob till his throat was raw and head hurt. He wanted to steal all their blankets and sleep in a pile of them like when he was 15. He so selfishly wanted everyone he loved to hug him and tell him it would be okay because they were all together.
But he couldn’t. He couldn’t stain his face with his salty tears because this Oboro isn’t the one he knew. He remembers too large smiles and flat jokes. Now the thing before him was anything but. There was no wild aqua hair or pool of fluffy clouds. All he could see was a monster.
It wasn’t human.
This thing was never in his memories. It didn’t have a place there.
Aizawa averted his eyes from it. It was too painful to look at.
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Transcript of Conversation between Aizawa Shouta and Tsukauchi Naomasa (HID: 9838472), Pro Hero, Police Force Head Detective (SID: 3048930), May 14, 20XX 4:23.26 am
Tsukauchi: Eraser
Aizawa: Detective
Tsukauchi: As you know we have taken The League of Villians’ Kurogiri during the Gigantomachia incident with Gran Torino.
Aizawa: Yes
Tsukauchi: Well, we have come to some conclusions and I would like your assistance in the matter.
Aizawa: You know I don’t like people who linger around the point. If it's something bad just tell me.
Tsukauchi:
Right, we believe that Kurogiri isn’t human, he is just another genetically engineered Nomu. This was baffling because he still possesses human-like qualities and has a will of his own. This means his body had to be derived from a human inorder for him to have those kinds of qualities to begin with. Since he is more human than the rest of the Nomu we have concluded that the transformation is a result of the multiple quirks.
Tsukauchi: Since Kurogiri only expresses one quirk we are to believe he is in a stage between human and Nomu.
Aizawa: Get to the point.
Tsukauchi: Well we have been trying to find the origin of Kurogiri and we found that he might be Oboro.
Aizawa: …
Tsukauchi: Shouta, I’m sor-
Aizawa: Shirikumo?
Tsukauchi: I’m afraid so.
Aizawa: But that’s impossible. I watched him die. I saw him crushed by that building. I saw it with my own eyes.
Tsukauchi: I know it sounds absurd but we have conclusive evidence that it is him.
Tsukauchi: I’m so-
Aizawa: No. I don’t want your apologies. I don’t need them.
Aizawa: Just get the point. What do you want from me.
Tsukauchi: (sigh), I’m sending Mic over later.
Tsukauchi: Anyways, I want you to go visit Kurogiri and talk with him. I want to know if seeing an old friend will spark any memories and cause any reaction. I need you to tell him about things that happened that might make him remember. If we can get him back then he could be an asset.
Tsukauchi: The League of Villains is still out there and I hate how this sounds but, his quirk is useful and having it accessible on our side would give us an advantage. If he has any memories they could be helpful for future plans as well. So just talk with him, okay?
Aizawa: Right.
Aizawa: I’m just going to go and talk to someone who I thought was dead for over a decade and see if I can use them as a pawn in our war. Will do.
Tsukauchi: Aizawa, we don’t just want to use him but right now we need all the help we can get. As much as I hate to admit it, we aren’t strong enough to fight the League right now. They’ve been interacting with the Meta Liberation Army and escaped our grasp so many times now. Not to mention fighting Gigantomachia which will be nearly impossible.
Aizawa: Do you know all of the shit I had to go through because of Oboro’s death? Are we just going to act like all of that never happened?
Tsukauchi: No, I’m not saying we need to forget the past but we are going to need to put it behind us for now. So many lives are depending on us to stop the League. I don’t want everything to go to shit because of spite!
Aizawa: No! This is more than that! Do you think that I’m uncomfortable with this just because of some petty grudge? I’ve had to deal with so fucking much becasue of this and if I’m being honest I don’t want to be involved with the League at all! Yes, being a hero might be my job but I have other things to protect! If I get involved with this there are so many people that will end up hurt!
Tsukauchi: You're upset, rightfully so but no matter what you do they'll end up dead anyway! Whether you make the decision to get involved or not the League will still target your class. It's just a matter of time before we are burying their corpses. I need your help so that Civilians and innocent people aren’t dragged with them!
Aizawa: …
Tsukauchi: (sigh) Aizawa, I was out of line. I shouldn’t have said such harsh w-
Aizawa: Just save it.
Tsukauchi: I need your help Aizawa. Please. If Oboro can give us any information we will take it. Society is being torn apart right now and we need to do something.
Aizawa: I want you to know that I hate this. I will do it but I’m not happy about it. I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing it for my students so I don’t want your pity.
Tsukauchi: Thank you Erasure, I owe you one
Aizawa: Whatever
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Shouta knew what he had to do. He just- couldn’t. It hurt so fucking much it felt like his heart was being proaded with a thousand needles.
His head felt heavy but he lifted it nonetheless to meet Oboro’s blank sedated gaze.
“Oboro,” he said, voice cracking. He knew he sounded stupid but there wasn’t anything else he knew to say. He couldn’t just hold a conversation with something that could barely register what was in front of it.
He took a seat in the cool metal chair across from it at arm's length.
“Yamada visited me yesterday and he wanted me to tell you he misses you. He spent hours babbling on and on about how you guys would spend sleepless nights together watching movies and laughing. He said that he always felt the happiest when he was with you. I don’t blame him because I think it was similar for me too.”
The words started spilling from his mouth like poison before he even realized it. He began talking about every thought he had of him and everything he wished he could have told him before he died. Every regret and every memory.
All of his words were a quiet whisper and laced with jumbled emotions. Every word hurt more than the last and he felt hollow yet full at the same time. Every once in a while he thought he could see the yellow eyes make way for blue but it might have just been the unshed tear fogging his vision.
“You would always have this stupid goofy grin on your face for no reason. Everything seemed okay whenever I saw it. I guess I fell in love with it and then you. I want you back. I’m sorry. I should have done better. If I was just a better hero I might have been able to protect you. I’ve been trying really hard but I still failed. I let you down and I let down all my students this year. I’m just too weak and I need your help. I need you to help stop the league because they killed 2 of my students and took you away and made you into a monster.”
Tears were flowing freely now. They were salty but silent. His throat was starting to get scratchy from all of the talking and his head felt fuzzy with every passing second. It was like he was drowning in all of his thoughts. They were flooding his mouth and nose, seeping down his throat. The thoughts flooded in until they poured into his lungs. He couldn’t breathe.
His chest tightened and his eyes sat unfocused. Everything was blurry and panic seeped into his mind once more. All he could think about were all of the times he failed. Failed his students. His classmates. His friends.
His spiralling was halted by a warm hand.
“You did well Aizawa, we can leave now”
Tsukuchi’s words washed away all of the doubts that plagued his body. They were stuffed into a box that would inevitably open but stayed sealed for the time being.
He responded with a shaky ‘ kay’ and stood up on unsteady legs. His brain was still cloudy and hands still shook but he followed anyway.
The duo walked down the identical hallways in silence. It was tense but Aizawa didn’t dare shatter it because the moment he did he knew tears would fall once more.
One of the metal doors caught his attention. Peering through the dingy glass, Shouta could make out a small figure. Green, slightly overgrown hair, lay atop its head and thick metal shackles adorned their skinny wrists and ankles. Dull viridian eyes blankly gazed at the ceiling as they lay, sprawled upside down on a cot. They looked around 5’1” and male.
It was strange. They had the same build and stature as a young child and the finger guns he pointed at all of the cameras only added to their demeanor. They couldn’t be older than his own students, so why was there a child locked up in the SS region of Tartarus? It had to be a mistake, right?
“Careful, don’t get involved with him too much. His case is quite the one.” Tsukauchi said, taking note of Aizawa’s interest.
“But he’s just a child. He should at least have some justice. He might have done some bad things but not enough to deserve something like this.” His voice was still quiet and had a slight shake but he was feeling calmer, mind occupied instead of dwelling on today’s endeavors.
“I was thinking the same thing. His case is kind of fuzzy, The evidence isn’t complete and hard to prove. I can’t believe everything on his file is true because there is no way a child could create such complex plans.”
“Then we should get him out. He was obviously wrongly accused. If we could at least get him into a juvenile delinquent center or something, he could have a chance at life again. As long as he’s here there is no way he’ll be able to leave.”
“I’ve tried Aizawa. There’s no way I couldn’t, but the Hero Commision declared the case closed and once they decide something is final there’s nothing we can do about it.”
“Sounds like they just couldn’t catch the real criminal so they detained the first person with a small sliver of suspicion.”
Aizawa sighed. This was going to be a real headache but he wasn’t going to let this go unnoticed. He failed his student, Oboro, but he wouldn't let this kid fall through the cracks.
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Transcript of Conversation between Aizawa Shouta and Tsukauchi Naomasa (HID: 6382618), Pro Hero, Police Force Head Detective (SID: 1638263), May 16, 20XX 8:48.13 pm
Aizawa: Tsukauchi, have you found the case file for the kid in Tartarus?
Tsukauchi: Aizawa, I know you're interested in the kid but we really can’t. The Commission's word is final and you know you’ll lose your job if you defy it.
Aizawa: I don’t care if I lose my job. The Commision can go to hell for all I care. I’m going to investigate this case because I won’t let them do this.
Tsukauchi: (sigh) Alright, but you have to promise me one thing. If this case starts to get dangerous or the Commision starts digging in it we will stop. I don’t want to put your life in jeopardy or lose your job.
Aizawa: ...
Aizawa: Fine, but I get to call when my life is in danger, not you.
Tsukauchi: I can work with that. Alright, let’s get this case started.
Aizawa: I don’t-
Tsukauchi: No, I’m going to follow through with this case with you. I’ve known you for years and I’m not leaving you alone on this. We are doing it together.
Aizawa: Why do you suddenly feel compelled to help? I told you I don’t want your pity so just give me the files and get back to your shit.
Tsukauchi: I made a mistake ok. I snapped at you when I shouldn’t have, let me make it up to you.
Aizawa: You said it yourself. This is a stupid idea and I shouldn’t get caught up in it so why do you want to all of the sudden?
Tsukauchi: If I don’t you’ll just end up getting yourself hurt. If you have me on the case it will make things easier. If you really want to help your students you can’t do it alone.
Aizawa: I don’t want you to get hurt for my stupid desicion.
Tsukauchi: And I don't want you to get hurt from mine, so we’re doing this together.
Aizawa: …
Tsukauchi: Great, now, let’s begin
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Official Intelligence Brief - CONFIDENTIAL - 487-34-75A-7553C
Case file (29614)
Izuku Midoriya
Age: 15
Date Of Birth: July 15, 20XX
Sex: Male
Preferred Gender: Male
Quirk: None
Parents: Hisashi Midoriya (Father) missing, Inko Midoriya (Mother) Deceased (supposedly killed by Izuku himself)
Around October 27th 20XX (2 years ago) Izuku Midoriya was detained to Tartarus
Linked to various cases of disappearances of heroes returned tortured or dead. All heroes unable to continue job.
Around 5 years ago, first hero went missing (Pro Hero Selkie of the Oki Mariner Crew) The body was returned at the doorstep of the Okinawa Police Department with the words ‘Heroes Aren't Real’ engraved in the flesh of the cadaver.
Within the 3 years of activity, 86 heroes were found dead (including the number 8 Bubble Hero: Wash) and 46 tortured (See page 14 for full list of victims) . Most instances were covered by the Commission to preserve peace.
This case caused mass panic amongst the Government officials and Top Pro Heroes, leading to the retirement of the Number 5 Ninja Hero: Edgeshot.
All leads in case turned up cold. No DNA turned up on corpses and all torture victim unable describe culprit. Forensic scientists and Detectives unable to create conclusive leads or evidence. (Tongues, teeth, fingers, eyes, and lips were extracted from victim to maintain silence. Most victims unable to listen and talk about topic without insanity. All cases resulted in violence and/or panic.)
Civilian (Futsuno Ningen) spotted a small boy, (described to be around 4’8” with dark green almost black hair and bright green eyes) leading a Pro Hero into an ally way. Said hero was found dead in Sukoshi Park under the slide of the playground. Instances were reported to police and concluded the small child is culprit.
Containment of villain initiated in February 2 years ago. Multiple top heroes and 175 police officers. Fight lasted 3 hours and 80% of police found dead and 13 civilians. Convict successfully contained.
After analysis of records, Detective Tantei concluded Izuku Midoriya to be an SS rank villain and to be under close watch in Tartarus floor 47. No court date held.
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Aizawa was baffled. This child was 13 and he caused more mass destruction than some adult villains that had been around for decades. There was no possible way. Tsukauchi was right. It sounded like the Commision was in panic trying to keep it under wraps while stopping it so they clung onto the first person that looked slightly guilty.
They took the word of a civilian and ran.
How stupid could they be? Did it ever come to mind that maybe he was a hostage? That the real villains had something important to him and blackmailing him to do that?
They never took those kinds of things into consideration and just threw a 13 year old child into one of the highest level security prisons in the nation. This was turning out to be more of a headache than he planned.
He needed some coffee. There was no way he was going to survive this week without it.
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Tartarus; Bronze Gate
3 22 20XX; 0834.34
Shouta Aizawa; Pro Hero; Visit
Floor 47; Underground; Block 15; SS Rank
Visit: Izuku Midoriya; Hero Assailant-Murderer
Detained
[Processing]
…
[Access Granted]
The artificial cold of the building bit at Shouta’s skin, making it prickle. He was back sooner than expected to his displeasure.
The moment he walks into the building, his emotions always become a confusing mess. He can’t tell how he is supposed to feel and what to do with all of these questions. It’s like he was an insecure middle school student again.
He pushed his rattling nerves away for later. This was a professional endeavor. He needed everyone to see that he was a cold, emotionless Underground Hero, who’s thoughts don’t get scrambled by his own line of work. He faced unpleasant things everyday and this isn’t any different.
Shouta came to a halt in front of one of the sealed doors. He closed his eyes ready to plunge into darkness.
He might have done it once before but that didn’t make it any less terrifying. His might still panicked, trying to desperately grasp at anything that could be real. The threads of reality slipped through its hands but it still groped around for it in a futile attempt to ground itself.
Cold flooded through his body and he blinked his eyes open. On instinct, they squinted shut from the dramatic light change, slowly trying to dilate.
Before Aizawa could stray himself and readjust to all his functions, hands disregarding his consent shoved him into a bare room.
He stumbled in, almost tripping over his own feet. The only thing that the room possessed was a single metal chair, wielded to the floor. Directly in front of the chair was a large window about 7x5 feet.
He peered through the glass only to be met with the surprised, electric green eyes of the suspected assailant.
Shouta sat in the chair and looked at the kid for a while, taking in his appearance. Seeing someone so innocent and childish be locked up in the highest security prison in the country was insane. The kid looked like he should be hanging out with his friends at the mall and complaining about how much homework he had to do, not endure this hell.
The boy seemed to have lost interest in Shouta and proceeded to point his pointer finger at all the cameras in the room with his thumb up, like little finger guns.
Left corner, Right, Middle, Right corner, Behind, Top
The action was almost endearing, seeing how this child still possessed kid-like qualities.
“My name is Shouta Aizawa, nice to meet you.”
The kid lowered his hand and studied Shouta's face for a moment.
“You don’t have to say ‘ pleased to meet you’ when your whole posture screams ‘get me the fuck outta here’ ” The kid said with a shrug.
So, he was observant and a smart mouth, great. Well, at least he’s blunt and has more personality than Todoroki. That means holding a real conversation was possible.
Or so he thought.
Shouta didn’t know how to respond after that. He sat in uncomfortable silence for moments more; it didn’t seem to bother Izuku one bit. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying how Shouta would fidget in his chair from the awkward atmosphere.
God he wished he could just die on the spot.
“So, what is your name?”
Good, good. If he just kept making small talk he could make progress if he slowly opened up to him. He may be cold and never had any children but he’d been teaching for 3 years and he was a teenager once. How hard could it be?
Albeit, this is the first year that he hasn’t expelled all of his kids and they all were kind of forced to create a bond with each other from all of their traumatic experiences. His childhood also wasn’t the greatest and he didn’t have much time to be a real kid.
“You don’t need to ask all of these trivial questions. You know my name and probably social security number. But I know you won’t leave till I talk to you so I’ll indulge your pointless queeries. Name’s Izuku Midoriya, pleasure to meet you.”
The introduction was dripping with sarcasm and false emotion.
The rest of the meeting went similarly. They sat there till Shouta’s stomach hurt from the scent of antiseptic and dry responses.
The only thing he had learned was that the kid liked the color green, rabbits, and katsudon but he didn’t like peppermint scented things. Overall, the meeting was unsuccessful but he had suspected as much.
The kid didn’t open up and he never acquired anything of use. Although after listening to all of the sarcastic and often lude comments he’d come to find himself a tad fond of them.
It was strange. He would never let his students get away with half of them but they were creative. He honestly didn’t mind it.
Aizawa left the cold and isolating interrogation room with guards surrounding him once more. Between the walls he could hear a muffled voice.
“Don’t make me your charity case. You’ll just get yourself dragged into more trouble than it's worth.”
It was that moment that Shouta made the decision to never give up on Izuku. It didn’t matter if his hero licence was in jeopardy or he lost his teaching position. He was going to help this kid. For the students he failed, Oboro, and himself.
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Tartarus; Bronze Gate
4 18 20XX; 1457.34
Shouta Aizawa; Pro Hero; Visit
Floor 47; Underground; Block 15; SS Rank
Visit: Izuku Midoriya; Hero Assailant-Murderer
Detained
[Processing]
…
[Access Granted]
After weeks of traversing the halls of Tartarus, Shouta still couldn’t tell the halls apart. Each corridor was identical to the last. It was a maze of prison cells that scrambled his brain. It was a miracle that the guards could memorize one floor, albeit 50.
The progress with Izuku was minimal. He consistently visited but in his words “he hadn't unlocked the tragic anime protagonist backstory yet.”
However, in Aizawa’s personal opinion, the kid had warmed up to him a bit. They had a long conversation about the importance of Communist Manifesto copies in today’s economy.
Shouta had to explain that Tokyo wasn’t in a national state of panic due to the lack of Communism insourcing industries. They never came to an agreement but what did Izuku know? He probably hadn’t even read the book.
This week's visit resulted in something a little different.
They were bickering about something stupid as usual when Shouta made an off handed comment about working at UA.
Conflicting emotions battled in the boy’s green irises. The confused and painful expression was painted on, as if deep in an unpleasant thought.
“There was a time when I wanted to go to UA and be a hero,” he finally said after a time.
“What stopped you?” Shouta replied, testing the waters.
He wasn’t sure if Izuku would be open to discussing matters such as these, for normally he would shut down the moment his past was mentioned.
“I don’t have a quirk so my father left me when I was really young so I don’t have much recollection of him. When I was at the beginning of middle school my mother left as well. She just up and went so I have no clue where she is.” Izuku’s voice was barely audible through the thick glass.
“Of course I was only able to live in the apartment for a few weeks before I was evicted. That left me in a lot of alleyways and backstreets because I was young and never thrown out into the real world before.”
“I dropped out of school not long after from bullying. I didn’t have the materials to waste on burns and wounds. I was a small vulnerable kid, dirty in a shady part of Japan, so that already puts me in a bad light.”
Shouta’s teeth dug into the skin of his lip, in an attempt to keep calm. He was currently furious.
“Someone helped me get some food and I was terrified so I clung to the first adult figure and display of affection. I was promised food, a bed, and everything I would need as long as I helped him. I was desperate so obviously I took the man up on it.”
“My only instructions were to ask heroes for help and then lead them to him. Act like he was hurt and get them to really panic and I was rewarded. I didn’t see the harm in it. I did something small and I could survive.”
Aizawa didn’t blame Izuku. If he was a scared child and someone promised necessities for something so easy he would have done the same thing. It was just too enticing for such a desperate situation.
“After about a year he gave me an unrefusable offer. He said he knew someone who could give me a quirk as long as I learned how to use a knife and continued to do everything he said. I took it up because at the moment the only thing I could think was that if I got a quirk maybe my mother would accept me and want me back. Then, I could have a happy family once again.”
Shouta blanched. His face was milky paper because there was a possibility that the child in front of him had an interaction with All for One. This could complicate things.
Then again, they did have Tsukauchi on their side.
“So that's exactly what I did. He taught me to use a knife so when I lured heroes to him, I’d pull out the knife and stab them. All I wanted was to be happy and in all honesty I was terrified what would happen to me if I didn’t listen to his commands.”
“Then the whole fiasco with the civilian unfolded a few years later. They threw me into Tartarus sometime after I turned 13. I think I’ve been here for 2½ ish years but I have no concept of time.” Izuku finished recalling.
What was he supposed to say? How should he react?
This kid was abandoned for something outside of his control so he clung to the only source of consistency and means of survival. He was terrified for his life and forced to do things he never wanted. He didn’t even realize what was happening at first.
They never gave this kid a court proceeding. The Commission was just desperate to appease the masses that they threw a literal child in Tartarus. The system was corrupted.
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Shouta stood in front of the podium, adorned in typical Shouta fashion with a sleeping bag and uninterested expression.
Aizawa thought after years of practice he had created the strongest unreadable expression. After all of the shit and loss he had to endure just to crack it he never imagined that something would shake him to the point of breaking.
Maybe the emotions he’d been shoving down all year had finally accumulated to the brink of overflowing. It started with one fracture after another, and before he knew it pieces were falling off. No matter how hard he tried to fit them back into place they’d crumble right in his hands until they spilled through his fingers to the floor.
His fruitless attempt only prolonged the inevitable and now he was here in front of his class, on the verge of tears.
There was nothing he could do. It was happening too fast for him to stop them.
The tears he had been holding back for what felt like years, slipped down his cheeks. Silently, they rolled down till they met the podium with a resolute plip. They kept falling, his eyes were blurry from the salty tears and an unspoken silence settled on the class.
This was one thing they never expected to see. Aizawa was supposed to be their one pillar of unshakable strength through it all. He never shed a tear at the USJ or the mournings that followed after, though in their hearts they all know he suffered just as much in private. He stood strong when they were all weak. So, why?
What could possibly bring him to tears?
The emotion in the room was tangible. It felt like one sound or movement could shatter it.
A soft voice dared to disrupt the tense atmosphere.
“Aizawa-Sensei, what’s going on?”
Shouta’s eyes met a pair of veradent eyes. He bit his tongue as memories of Izuku flew through his conscience. Every last one of those memories portrayed a carefree and mischievous kid. He never would have thought how hard such a feat would be hundreds of feet underground where sound doesn’t travel and help doesn’t arrive.
He sat, trying to get a handle on his emotions as the contents of the previous day replayed in his mind.
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Tartarus; Bronze Gate
7 06 20XX; 2152.47
Shouta Aizawa; Pro Hero; Visit
Floor 47; Underground; Block 15; SS Rank
Visit: Izuku Midoriya; Hero Assailant-Murderer
Detained
[Processing]
…
[Access Granted]
The reality of Izuku’s situation finally sunk in as Shouta made his way down the halls of the SS ward. The cool air of the beginnings of spring still stuck to his skin. Slowly, it was getting warmer. He wanted to show Izuku what the outside world was like again. Artificial lights and AC could only substitute for so long.
The corridors were silent, the distant sound of machinery was the only thing that permeated the air.
Footsteps came to a halt at door 544, a number he had memorized long ago.
The moment his senses returned and he stepped through the threshold, a blood curdling scream rang through his ears. It sounded so painful and desperate it hurt to hear.
He was shaken out of his stupor, as crimson blood painted a sad flower on the glass. It dripped down, pooling on the once white floors.
Aizawa rushed to the glass and took in the inhuman sight.
Chains snaked around Izuku’s wrists and ankles, schakeling him down to the chair. Tears streamed down his face and blood stained his clothes and hair. A pained expression was painted on his face but his mouth was tightly closed. A small cart was filled with a multitude of items. Pliers, lighters, electric tasers, all decorated with flakes of dried blood.
A man with a red flushed face held a pair of pliers between his fingers with a bloody fingernail. Upon closer inspection, he could make out multiple on the floor, and sensitive exposed skin where they should lie.
A majority of Izuku’s toenails were a sickly purplish black from the area’s constant bruising and abuse.
The red faced man roughly placed the device back onto the tray and picked up a red-ish brown stained cloth and wiped off his hands.
A well dressed woman stood beside him and picked up a clip board and scribbled something down. She cleared her throat.
“Now Izuku, I’ve said this multiple times but if you just corporate you won’t have to feel all this nonsensical pain.”
The red faced man picked up another item and a blow torch.
“Who helped you kill all of those heroes? Who were you working with?”
Shouta desperately looked at Izuku hoping he would open his mouth to say something, anything. He didn’t want to watch him suffer like this anymore. If he could just make a sound he might not have to suffer such torture.
He wanted to help the kid. Knock some sense into him and get him to tell them. He didn’t need to protect those other criminals. If he was being black mailed or something he was willing to protect the kid. No one would be able to get to him if they could just get him out.
Izuku’s mouth stayed clenched shut. Instead of sound, a small dribble of blood poured from his lips.
A sick smile was painted on the flushed man.
“Tsk, tsk, little boy. You’ll never learn your lesson will you?”
In his chubby fingers, he held a stick of iron, glowing all shades of red and orange, almost reaching white in one spot.
He shoved the burning object through a tear on Izuku’s tattered white shirt, onto a pale patch of exposed skin.
Shouta could smell the burning flesh through the perforation in the thick glass window. He felt sick to his stomach as he watched the hot metal pressed into his skin making it raw and red. The area around the scalding iron started bubbling and blistering.
Aizawa couldn’t do it. He had to look away.
The ringing of agonizing screams pierced his ears as he took deep breaths, in an attempt to keep the impending nausea at bay.
Frustrated tears built up in Shouta’s eyes but he didn’t dare let them fall
All he was doing was standing here watching. He was completely useless. The kid was suffering and there was absolutely nothing he could do.
All this time Izuku had been forced to experience cruel inhuman punishment and he had no idea. He was suffering but still put on a carefree facade for him.
Why?
Why was he going to such extensive lengths? It didn’t have to be like this.
Rage filled his whole being.
He wanted to tear Tartarus apart brick by brick and slaughter every person that hurt Izuku. He wanted to rip them to bits so they could never even touch Izuku.
But he couldn’t. He was powerless.
Aizawa couldn’t even report this to the government because they had their backing. Tartarus wasn’t connected to Japan so it didn’t have to follow all of the Human Rights and Protection laws.
Essentially, they were able to treat their prisoners as they wished and nobody could say otherwise. They could kill Izuku without prompting and there would be no questioning or investigation.
The idea of being stuck in Tartarus never really clicked to him till he was forced to witness it first hand. His brain couldn’t put into perspective just how awful it was.
He finally came to realization when the one he loved was out in that position. He wanted to protect Izuku with his life. He felt like he was his son at this point and he had been through hell for years in this place and the outside world.
He would get Izuku out and show him all the good aspects of the world.
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Tartarus; Bronze Gate
7 14 20XX; 1655.04
Shouta Aizawa; Pro Hero; Interrogation
Tsukauchi Naomasa; Musutafu Police Department Head Detective; Interrogation
Floor 47; Underground; Block 17; SS Rank
Visit: Izuku Midoriya; Hero Assailant-Murderer
Detained
[Processing]
…
[Access Granted]
Once more, Shouta traversed the halls of Tartarus. This time he was accompanied by Tsukauchi.
The two had met up at a cafe a few days ago to discuss the interrogation. They went over procedures and had a vague outline of questions procured.
He could tell how nervous Naomasa really was behind that blank face because he had experienced the same emotions. The Detective had probably been here dozens more times than he, but the building still affected someone as seasoned as him.
The Detective took the only chair in the room and pulled out a notepad, flipping to a fresh page.. Izuku’s face wore a guarded expression, similar to the one he saw when they first met.
Shotua couldn’t blame him. He would be more worried if Izuku still trusted adults. They had failed and hurt him so many times that anyone would lose faith in them. It was a miracle he would even talk to Aizawa.
The tension in the room was almost palpable, making Shotua fidget from the awkward atmosphere.
“I’m Detective Tsukauchi Naomasa from the Musutafu Police Department. I have come to ask you a few questions but before we start I would like it on record if you give your consent to recording this conversation.” Tsukauchi formally addressed.
“Yea, sure,” Izuku responded nonchalantly.
“Great,” he turned to the device held by a guard with horns, “Detective Naomasa; Head Detective of Musutafu Police Department; Case File 29614. Location, Tartarus floor 47, block 17, cell 544. Participates present, please state your name.”
“Shouta Aizawa, Pro Hero Eraserhead, assistance with interrogation.”
He gestured to Izuku, prompting him to identify himself.
“Uhhh, Izuku Midoriya, the one being interrogated… I don’t fucking know.”
“Alright Izuku, I have a few questions and all I ask is that you try and answer truthfully. You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions but the more you answer, the better chance you’ll have in your trial.”
“First question, was there anyone you worked with?”
“Yes, I had a master that would give me rewards and food for my obedience and assistance.”
Tsukauchi touched the top of his pad of paper with his pen, signaling to Aizawa that it was true.
“Alright, was there anyone else who helped you?”
“I usually worked alone, or with Master.”
True
“Do you know the name of your ‘ master’ or what they look like?”
“I don’t know their name because they communicated with me through an anonymous video chat. I only saw their face once when they first found me. Their voice was deep and I think had a masculine build so I assume they’re male if that helps at all.”
Detective touched the middle of the paper signaling a mixed truth and lie.
“No, wait. I think I actually saw his face twice cause he visited me once for a reward.”
True
“And that reward was?”
“They promised me a quirk if I continued to help and did a little more than before.”
True
Aizawa watched as all of the color drained from Tsukauchi’s face similar to the way he did when told months ago. There was a slight tremor in the Detective’s hands, making the notes shaky.
“Did you take them up on that offer?”
“Of course. That was the only thing I wanted as a child. I hoped that I would be gifted with one so my family would love me so it was like a dream come true. I was never able to receive the quirk though because I got locked up first”
A little color returned to his face.
“Speaking of your family, it was suspected your mother was killed, was it you?”
Offence flashed in Izuku’s eyes.
“What do you take me for? It’s not like I would just stab my mother with a smile written all over my face.
True
It's been going well so far. They have information to find the real culprit and evidence to prove he didn’t kill his mother. If they just keep this up they can prove him innocent in a month or two.
Sensing Izuku’s anger, Tsukauchi changed the subject.
“What things did your master ask of you?”
“I was asked to lure certain heroes or ones that were just around into an alleyway or confined space most of the time. After a while I was given weapons for higher profile people to help subdue them and bring them to him.”
True
“Subdue how?”
“Things like chloroform rags or knives to cut tendons in legs or fingers.”
True
“Was your master the one to torture and kill the people?”
“As I said, I only saw him a few times so he could have done it himself or with other people’s help.”
True
“Thank you for your cooperation Izuku. I will have the evidence looked over and if all goes well you’ll get out of here in 4-7 weeks. I may have to come back in if we have some more questions about your case.”
Aizawa let out a sigh he hadn’t known he was holding. All of the guards were in on this, so after seeing this hopefully they would lessen the security, or at least give him some more freedoms.
However, Shotua had one more question.
“Izuku, you answered all of our questions but why didn’t you tell the men before?”
The hollow look on Izuku’s face was chilling.
“Because no matter what I said they wouldn’t believe me and just punish me worse. All they wanted to hear was that I was I did it and wouldn’t accept any other answer. I knew if I caved and just said what they wanted to hear it would be even worse for me.”
Tsukauchi and Aizawa sat on the boat that would carry them back to the mainland with shared somber expressions.
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Tartarus; Bronze Gate
8 02 20XX; 2152.47
Shouta Aizawa; Pro Hero; Visit
Floor 47; Underground; Block 15; SS Rank
Visit: Izuku Midoriya; Hero Assailant-Murderer
Detained
[Processing]
…
[Access Granted]
Shouta had being spending more time in the police office, procuring and reviewing evidence with Naomasa and his subordinates. He had spent many sleepless nights working just so he could get Izuku out of that hell.
Sansa insisted that he take a break so that’s exactly what he did. Although it wasn’t really a break because he was going to see Izuzku again.
He wanted to check up on him to see if anything had changed since the interrogation. That was it. Totally the only reason and NOT that he had become attached to the problem child and sees him as his own child. So what if he’s been looking into the legal documents for an adoption. The kid didn’t have any stable guardians and the foster care system was shit so he was only thinking about it out of necessity. Nothing else. Aizawa, give in. He's your problem child.
Aizawa rounded the corner to Izuku’s cell with a small smile hidden by his hand.
As always, Izuku was laying on a bed, chains writhing around him. He perked up at the sight of Shouta. It definitely doesn’t make him feel warm inside.
He remembered months ago the small boy that wouldn’t even make eye contact with him. His answers used to be short and he wouldn’t use any honorifics. Well, he still lacked respect for his elders but now it was just part of the Izuku charm.
The metal chair feels cold even through he’s pants but he’s used to it by now.
“We’ve had your case relooked over and it’s been tough but we think it might work. What are you going to do when you finally get out?” Shouta inqueeried.
“I don’t know, maybe sell orphans and use that money to invest in the stock market or something.” Izuku shrugged.
“Izuku, we’ve talked about this, orphans have little monetary value-”
“Yeah, but I’d still have more money than I started with. There is no way I’m going to pay for all of those children. I’ll just steal them.”
“If you get arrested for selling orphans for stock I’m not going to bail you out so don’t even try to call me.”
“No, I won’t call you because you’ll be licking my boots while I sit on my throne of success.”
“How about we do something more legal.”
“That’s the problem. The legal system just stunts my creative endeavors.”
“How about we look at all the new cats in this animal shelter that just opened down the street from my apartment. I promise it is just as thrilling. I know a good cat cafe but you can’t tell anyone about it because I don’t want my students finding it.”
“Speaking of my students, I think you’d love to meet some of them. Uraraka is the personification of bubbly pink. Tsuyu is a little blunt but I think your personalities would work well together. Iida would probably have a heart attack at every vulgar word you say and Mina would hype you up. Denki and Sero too. They’re good kids and you’d like them.”
“Thanks Aizawa.” Izuku says, an indecipherable emotion flickers across his face. “Can you unchain me, I need to use the bathroom.”
The young guard inside of Izuku’s room unlocks the metal, chaining his hands together.
Before his brain could register what happened, Izuku used his cuffed wrists to bash them into the guards throat, crushing his windpipe.
He watched in stunned shock as Izuku grabbed the keys and gun from his corpse. Izuku quickly removed the shackles from his wrists and ankles.
Red lights flashed through his vision and sirens so loud that hurt his head. His breath quickened with panic. He was so confused. Nothing was making any sense.
He could hear gunshots distantly through his rising terror. Izuku pointed his gun and shot every camera in the room with deadly accuracy. The glass shattered, raining down and covering the floor. He pulled the trigger and destroyed one after another when he realized it was a pattern he’d seen many times before.
Left corner, Right, Middle, Right corner, Behind, Top
When they first met and dozens of times after, he watched Izuku shoot the cameras with a finger gun over and over. To think something he once found endearing was now terrifying.
He abruptly stood up as Izuku walked through the door. Shouta was’t prohibited to have his capture weapon because it was deemed a weapon, so in a futile attempt to subdue Izuku he activated his quirk. He knew there would be no effect but what was he supposed to do?
A door behind him opened and 4 guards poured in. They rushed towards Izuku, but he didn't even hesitate.
In the corner of his eye he could see blood splatter against the white walls, staining them red. A wet feeling soaked through his shoes and he turned his head, only to be met with the sight of four bodies laying unmoving on the ground.
“Izu-”
His words were cut off, as a blood curdling scream escaped his lips. He collapsed to the floor, hitting it with a loud thud.
Both of his legs were painted in a sick scarlet and unmovable.
Izuku stood over him with a blank expression and a gun in his hand.
“Izuku what’s going on? Why are you doing this?” Shouta’s voice was shaky with growing panic.
“Why would I do this? Isn’t it obvious? Oh wait, I sat here watching you believe my every word. I can’t believe how fucking stuipid you are.” His words felt like daggers in Shouta’s heart.
“What about your mother? She-”
“Don’t you get it!” He exclaimed, waving the gun. “I killed her! It was me! I fooled everyone!”
“But-”
“And those heroes students you wouldn’t shut up about? Yeah, I formulated that plan, you're welcome.”
Aizawa’s entire body racked with indisputable rage and betrayal. Why would he do this?
Was he really the killer the whole time?
No. He couldn’t. He trusted the kid. He put everything he had and loved on the line just so he could save him. He didn’t do it all for nothing. He couldn’t. Not again.
Tears of frustration and self hatred spilled from the corners of his eyes and rolled down the side of his cheeks.
“I- I believed in you. We were so close. You can still go back now. I'll take the blame for everything.”
A smile carved itself onto Izuku's pale face. Bubbling laughter filled the room.
“Why are you so fucking dumb ? I waited and primed until I could finally meet you. I just pretended for so long so you would forget the real truth. I’ve been here awhile waiting for your doom, so I hope you enjoyed your days because I supplied them.”
Shouta clenched his teeth, hoping this was all just a dream and not really reality.
“What’s this? Did you misunderstand our arrangement? You only live once and you're mine, so once you die I'll have my reward at the price of your mind's enslavement. So thanks, you were lovely entertainment.”
The sound of crazed laughter mixed with the metallic scent of blood. It had been a while since he felt this horrible . This used.
Izuku had played him like a fool and now he will have to pay the price.
Izuku’s face went completely stoney once more.
“A little advice, don't trust anyone. I may not have a quirk but it doesn’t mean I can’t control you with some sickly sweet words and an innocent face.”
The sound of gunshot rang loud in his ears but it did nothing to distract him from the white hot pain in his head. He could feel himself slowly losing consciousness as vermillion blood dripped into his eyes. The last tears streamed down his face as he watched Izuku’s shadow disappear into the distance.
He failed. He couldn’t do it. He let down his student. Oboro. Hizashi. And himself.
Black played at the corners of his eyes, soon filling his visions as his thoughts became no more.
═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══
Breaking News, I’m Juyo Hito from news channel 6 and I’m reporting to you live from the Bronze Gate. Just hours ago the villain once known as ‘Green Rabbit’ has escaped Tartarus Prison taking hundreds of lives. He is currently on the loose. If you see a small boy around 5’1” with green hair and eyes please call authorities immediately and do not approach. This was Juyo Hito, have a good night and stay safe!