Chapter Text
It started, as many things do, with a deep and quiet night.
Across the nation of Japan, streetlights had come alight as the sun had dimmed, and the nightlife thrummed from a whisper to a dull roar. The air cooled as a slight chill wormed its way across fields and streets, heralding the winter that was due to follow in a few months.
The streets were filled with people going about their lives, office workers chattering away on phones, students laughing about their day, parents ushering children toward home, streets clogged with traffic and the sound of car horns.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of a nation slowly working its way into a subdued but lively night-time, Osaka was no exception. Its one outlier was a series of warehouses, tucked tight and disorderly at a fringe of the shipping district.
Looking down from a perch atop one of Osaka’s many buildings was an unusual presence in Osaka. He was usually found in Tokyo, or wherever the most distinct threat to the nation had most recently been seen.
The Number One Pro Hero All Might stared down at the seemingly innocuous grouping of warehouses, a deep scowl taking the place of his usual gleaming smile.
There were no reporters to impress, no civilians to reassure. His smile wasn’t needed here and now, and he wasn’t sure if he could bring one to his face if he tried.
Years of hard work and effort had brought him to this day, on this rooftop overlooking these warehouses.
If the information he and his team had painstakingly gathered over the previous couple of years was to be believed, then tonight was going to be the end. Everything had eventually led them back to this very place. Every low level henchman arrested and questioned, every back alley deal where information passed from greasy hand to greasy hand, all the breadcrumbs they’d so painstakingly gathered and parsed together had all led back to here.
All Might had even requested Sir Nighteye use his Quirk earlier that day. Any glimpse at what they were approaching was better than nothing.
“He’s there. The two of you fight and-” Nighteye’s brow furrowed in frustration. “-and I’m not sure. Everything is… clouded. I- I’m not sure why. But all I can see is that the two of you will fight.”
It was enough.
All for One was here.
And tonight was going to be the night that All Might ended his reign over the underworld of Japan, and brought justice to the monster that had haunted his country since the very Dawn of Quirks.
With a deep breath, he pushed off of the rooftop, launching himself into the air, a brightly colored missile of movement that quickly descended upon the edge of the warehouses, alighting upon the ground with surprising grace. He cautiously stepped forward, eyes darting across the darkened and dilapidated buildings, alert to any shift or sound.
All for One was here somewhere. And it was his job to find him, and put an end to him.
He’d taken hardly a few steps before the ground began to shake. Several of the warehouses in worse shape collapsed under the sudden motion and their own frailty. A rasping and distorted laugh began to echo between the crumbling walls.
“I can smell you coming!”
A bloated and malformed hand burst forth from the flat concrete of the area. Claws of misshapen and twisted metal dug into the ground, hauling discolored and rippling flesh behind them. Veins bulged and twisted in an unsightly manner as a body was pulled forth from the ground to join the disgusting limb.
All Might grimaced at the sight.
It was All for One, but he was not as All Might remembered from the dismal day he’d watched his mentor sacrifice herself to preserve his own life. No, the figure in front of him was something more malformed and twisted than he ever could have imagined.
Horns twisted and curled from his head, more sets than had ever been seen in nature, misshaped constructs of bone and keratin, dripping with gore and viscera, crowning his misshapen scalp. His eyes were overly large and bulging, massive irises rippling and struggling to contain the multitude of pupils that floated aimlessly within them.
His mouth stretched into a grin wider than any that belonged on a human face, layers of teeth of varying sizes and shapes fighting for space in the sickening maw. His body covered in various patchworks of fur and patterns, scales crawling for space as thick hide rippled and withered, bits and chunks of his own body competing for space, the losers flaking off in thick and bloody chunks.
The thing that stood before him could hardly be called human anymore.
“Do you like what you see, All Might? I learned from your predecessors! I was thwarted at each and every turn for all these years because I wasn’t properly prepared! The answer became obvious! It wasn’t about out-thinking you, or out-planning, no, it was much more simple. It was adapting beyond you! Evolving beyond your strength like Nature intended! I have no need for every curious and interesting Quirk, when I simply needed more traits!”
His laughter was harsh and grating against the night air, made worse by the competing sets of vocal chords he seemed to possess that set his laughter into twisting and discordant tones.
The harsh sound of cracking and splintering bone filled the air as All for One’s limbs contorted and twisted, flesh splitting and cracking, gouts of hot blood steaming as they hit the ground, flesh bulging as muscles writhed and swelled. His back arched in an unnatural manner with a sound like a whip cracking as his body rose further into the air, distended and malformed as spikes of bone burst through flesh, shortly after shorn off and falling to the ground as the grotesque figure grew.
His stomach bloated outwards, skin spilling pus and blood as an unearthly noise tore itself from his jaws as they snapped and split, teeth pushing outwards and upwards, skull giving way to wriggling masses of flesh and muscle as bony protrusions forced themselves outward from his back, stretching longer and longer, thick ropes of sinew crawling along their length as leather like skin stretched tight between them.
All Might grimaced as he took an unconscious step backwards, the gory and disgusting mass of misshapen flesh, muscle, and bone approximating a dragon before him. Hunks of it drooped and split, unable to hold themselves truly together under the mass of heteromorphic Quirks the man had dragged together in his insane fit of rage. Steam hissed off of its skin and exposed muscle like a patchwork nightmare.
The eyes, pupils swimming to and fro before swirling to focus on All Might, each alight with a madness that defied human comprehension. The massive maw opened and roared, flecks of blood and bone spattering across the ground, teeth trembling and shaking in their tenuous positions.
The stout legs, warped with musculature and too much bone, braced before pushing off the ground as the hellish beast launched itself forward.
All Might grit his teeth and swung with a twist in his hip to meet the abomination head-on.
The warehouses were the first of many casualties as the two titans collided.
The first collision of fist impacting into a maw with too many teeth and too little jaw sent a sickening crack through the air, followed by a shockwave that leveled the immediate area.
It was only the beginning.
Panic descended upon the city as the destruction spread, the two mighty foes clashing again and again, buildings falling to the waves of force as they collided, the ground tore apart in a flurry of cracking and snapping claws, strong hands hoisting sheets of rock and concrete to deflect blows.
The denizens of Osaka began to flee in terror, as the creature of rotting flesh and death incarnate fell upon the city, swiping and clawing at anything in its range, the unbalanced and quivering body lurching from one target to the next.
But it would always return its attention back to All Might.
Even as the buildings crumbled and the sky filled with thick cloying smoke as the city began to burn. Pitfalls of thick mud and brackish water formed as the city’s infrastructure became another target, another object to be destroyed and thrown in a furious rage. The once beautiful city became a hellscape of blood and ruin, hunks of the creature’s body left behind in a desperate staggering leap, or sheared off by one of the mighty blows from the Number One Hero.
But still it persisted.
Its undulating and mismatched flesh grew back at an astonishing pace. Teeth fell and scattered across the soil, replaced before they’d even hit the ground. The acrid stench of its burning and decaying mass filled the air, even as it kept moving.
All Might ripped its wings from its spine with a heavy heave, the creature’s roars of agony accompanied by the swift snaps and cracking of bone as they began to reform.
The once beautiful cityscape reduced to rubble, the two unstoppable forces still colliding again and again. Blood splashing across the ground, the soil already soaked and stained red. Helicopters swarmed around the edges, the foolhardy and the desperately courageous aiming shoulder mounted cameras, trying to glimpse the horrors unfolding before them.
And all throughout Japan, they watched in awe and revulsion.
The citizens. The police. The hospital workers. The students. The Heroes.
They watched with bated breath as All Might, the Number One, the untouchable Symbol of Peace, the paragon of power they’d all come to know, began to slow. His costume slowly shredding piece by piece, one dodge too slow, one block not quite strong enough, blood beginning to well from the cut s and scrapes that grew more and more numerous as the fight wore on.
Meanwhile the abomination seemed to show no signs of slowing. The mass of fused flesh and traits continued to rampage, its rage and furor unabated. It seemed as though nothing would be able to stop the creature until it accomplished its goal of ending All Might’s life.
And then-
All Might fell to one knee.
The abomination screeched, its maw stretching unnaturally wide as its great mass began to move, picking up speed, heading directly for the Number One Hero.
And moments before what seemed to be the end, the beast faltered. Its leg snapped under its own horrendous weight, lowering its head, even as it forged ahead through the injury.
And if anyone was close enough, they would have seen the moment All Might lifted his head, a defiant light burning brightly in his eyes as the beast stumbled directly into the position he was waiting for.
The nation watched in shock and terror as All Might lunged forward with all his strength, his arm pulled back for a strike.
And above the roar of the flames, the gushing water from broken pipes, the buildings collapsing, the screams of terror and fear, a sound that would echo through Japan’s history from this day onward was caught on camera, against all odds, above all others.
“UNITED STATES… OF… SMAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!!!”
All Might’s fist connected with the beast’s head as it charged, and the world stuttered to a halt at their meeting. It seemed for a brief instant like they’d come to a stalemate, before the force rippled through the distended body of All Might’s opponent as its body burst and split, no longer able to hold itself together as it collapsed, twitching and quivering in the throes of death.
The nation watched with stilled hearts and held breath as the fight seemed to come to an end.
One of the helicopters touched down at the edge of the epicenter, the news crew hesitantly being the first to set foot on the aftermath of the titanic clash.
The camera lens zoomed in and focused as they slowly made their approach, warily stepping between pools of steaming blood and sharp rubble. The image of All Might slowly comes into sharper resolution on screens across the nation.
His right arm still held extended, locked in the position of the killing blow, his costume tattered and torn, strips of fabric fluttering listlessly in the still air. His form is painted in blood, some of it his own, much of it not. His breathing was ragged and uneven. His left arm hung almost limply by his side, the shoulder bearing a deep gash, nearly severing the arm. The same side bears a deep and horrific wound, his weakened left hand pushing against the organs that threaten to spill forth.
He didn’t notice the news team as he stared down at the remains of the vile creature he’d just put down. His gaze was heavy and filled with rage, disgust, and something akin to pity.
His next uttered words, unbeknownst to him, echoed across the nation, stamping their imprint into the history of Japan.
“Look what happened to you… You lost control of yourself, and your Quirk. You let it consume you. You were always a monster, but you let it turn you into something else. A demon, an abomination, a mockery of life parading around in human skin like you were even still allowed to call yourself human. Death welcomes you with open arms, even if it is an ending better than you deserve.”
All Might finally noticed the news crew, watching in astonishment, as he responded by raising his fist towards the heavens, plastering a pained grin across his face as he smiled to reassure the nation that He Was There.
That he would protect them from the evils and monsters that lived within their world.
Even the ones, they began to think, walked beside them, without even knowing it.
The next decade saw a dramatic shift in the dynamics of society in Japan following the fall of “The Demonbeast of Osaka.”
All Might’s words rang throughout the minds of the citizens and they were not quiet.
The thought that the beast was someone who had lost control of their Quirk. Become consumed by it. And it was clearly some kind of heteromorphic Quirk, his appearance couldn’t be explained any other way. It was much more dramatic than most, but the facts all seemed to be there.
Heteromorphs were always on the verge of losing a battle against their own biology, becoming monstrosities that required judicious force to take down.
Once the idea had taken root, it spread and grew with fervor.
Heteromorphic Quirks had always been the subject of some level of skepticism and judgment from the population at large, but following the incident, things escalated quickly.
It wasn’t uncommon to hear about heteromorphs being attacked on the nightly news, suspected of villainous activity. Pushed towards the fringes of society, fearful gazes following them, wondering if they would be the next to turn.
The Hero Public Safety Commission stepped in and began advocating for more measures to “assure public safety.” Authorizing heavier use of force against heteromorphs, stronger punishments for crimes, stricter examinations of job applications and school admissions.
The measures were met with wild approval from the public at large, and the HPSC’s power and influence grew, built on the backs of the heteromorphs they sought to crush underfoot.
It was a long ten years of discrimination, prejudice, and xenophobia being forced deeper into the grains of society, as the HSPC’s grasp grew wider and stronger.
To oppose the HSPC was political suicide in the modern day. The same could be said of voicing support for opposing any of the many unfair measures used against heteromorphs.
The changes had come swiftly, but they had grown thick roots, and would not be easily removed.
Nezu stared at the man sitting across from him. He’d put on a facsimile of a smile, his mouth drawn into an approximation of a grin, his sharp fangs just ever so slightly visible. For once, he cared nothing for making his human guest feel comfortable or welcome. If the man could sense the anger and disdain that crawled just below Nezu’s fur like a thousand tightly coiled snakes, then he would consider it all the better.
The man was thin and reedy, his suit starched too stiff, the shoulders slightly too large for his lanky frame, the tie askew just a hair, his shirt just starting to bear the hints of discoloration from too many washes. His thinning hair was pushed back, stiff and coarse, held firmly in place by an egregious amount of product. His horn rimmed glasses were expensive, but of a fashion that went out of style a year or two ago.
All in all, he was a thinly veiled insult in the form of an HPSC representative.
A subtle jab. A whisper in Nezu’s ear that he did not get their best. That he was a relic, a relatively new one, but that he had already been consigned to the annals of history, his footnote written in the history books yet to come, and they were just giving him the time and grace to recognize it.
But Nezu had not reached his position as the Dean of UA University through sheer luck. And despite what the HSPC seemed to believe, he would not sit on the sidelines and simply allow the vultures that headed the despicable organization to have their way.
He had fought for his students for years before, and he would continue to fight for them as long as he was able.
The HSPC and their phobic rhetoric and agenda be damned.
He waited. Breaking a silence shifted the dynamic of a conversation, transferred power. And he wasn’t going to hand this half-formed man in a stiff suit any advantage.
The man coughed.
“Well, I think we both know why we’re here, so we can dispense with some of the formalities.” He gestured to the stack of folders placed on the desk between them. “Now, as I’m sure you’re aware, due to the legislation passed eight years ago, the HSPC reviews all proposed Hero course students following the examinations and makes recommendations on which ones are well suited to the profession, and which ones should potentially be reconsidered.”
Nezu’s hackles raised at the way the man said reconsidered. Like it was an order to a pet.
“Looking over the proposed students for UA University, the Commission has found a few… concerning cases.” He spread out some of the folders. “Asui Tsuyu, Tokoyami Fumikage, Kamakiri Togaru, Shoji Mezo, Bondo Kojiro, Ashido Mina. To name a few. We at the Commission, of course, have carefully reviewed their profiles and determined our recommendations for these students.”
Nezu’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“I see. It is good to hear that the Commission is taking this matter seriously, and making sure their recommendations are in the best interests of everyone involved.” The man’s lips tightened.
“Of course. We take matters like this very seriously. It concerns the future of our country and the safety of its citizens, after all. Now, as for our recommendations-”
Nezu held back a growl at the slight smirk that curled its way across the man’s face.
“Asui is an acceptable candidate for the Hero course. Inoffensive and relatively minor heteromorphic traits, as well as a skillset suited for rescue operations. The public won’t be too off-put by her appearance, and she’ll make for a good face for heteromorphs with heroic aspirations. Tokoyami is an interesting case with a more prevalent avian heteromorphic appearance, but a concerning Quirk. This… Dark Shadow. It is recommended that he is permitted into the Hero course, as such a Quirk needs to be closely monitored and trained to ensure that it is used appropriately.”
Nezu nodded stiffly as he listened to the man speak, his oily words sending concerned shivers down Nezu’s spine. The way that he spoke of these students like they were products on a shelf to be marketed, rather than aspiring individuals with bright futures.
“As for the rest of them, the Commission officially recommends that none of them should be permitted to enroll in UA.” The man said decisively.
“Certainly you jest. Out of all of those other students, there are certainly some promising candidates worthy of heroics. Some of them are a bit rough around the edges, but that’s what UA is for.” The HPSC representative nearly sneered at Nezu’s words.
“Three candidates who hardly even look human, one that creates weapons, one that has one of the most upsetting physical mutations we’ve seen in recent years, and one that shoots glue of all things, and you think these are the best options for hero candidates? Not to mention Ashido.” He spat the name like it burned. “She has horns, and I don’t think I need to remind you how the public feels about those, pink skin and black sclera, and Acid of all things as a Quirk! You couldn’t have picked someone who embodies everything the public would fear seeing in a hero candidate if you tried. So no. The Commission’s recommendations stand.”
Nezu grit his teeth and sighed softly. Now was not the time to fight this particular battle.
“Very well then. UA will follow the Commission’s recommendations, and Asui and Tokoyami will be admitted to the Hero course. As unfortunate as it is, the other students will have to find their home in the General Studies course.”
It was unfortunate, Nezu thought, but opposing the Commission was becoming a more and more dangerous game as time went on. These students deserved their chance at heroics, but it seemed that their pathway there would need to be somewhat delayed. Already he was working on several plans of how to guide these students towards excelling in the Sports Festival, so he could justify their transfers to Heroics once they were under UA’s wing.
The soft, sinister chuckling of the representative brought Nezu out of his musings, and a frown to his face.
“I’m afraid you misunderstand the Commission’s recommendations, Nezu.” A dark smirk blossomed on the man’s face. “We know about your little Sports Festival loophole. Once enrolled in your school, the students are under your purview, and the Commission does not interfere with transfers. So none of these students will be admitted to UA at all. It is the Commission’s official recommendation that they be rejected entirely.”
“You can’t do this! You want to ruin the futures of these promising students over prejudice and malice! They are bright young minds that deserve the opportunity to learn! To grow and flourish!” Nezu snarled.
“These are only recommendations, dear Nezu.” The man leaned forwards. “You are, of course, free to do as you wish. The Commission doesn’t directly interfere in the running of Hero schools, after all. But UA does get a rather large amount of funding through HPSC grants, doesn’t it? As well as sponsorships through the Sports Festival. Oh! And the Commission has to officially approve all Hero Internships and Work-Studies, as well as Hero Licenses. A school that doesn’t trust in the HSPC’s recommendations might need a more… rigorous look, when determining whether or not such things are approved.”
Nezu growled low in his throat at the smirk of condescending superiority the man was giving him.
“You’re such a bleeding heart, Nezu. Most of these heteromorphs aren’t worth the air they breathe, yet you think they could be heroes. Such a silly notion. As it stands, the Commission has made their recommendations. Asui and Tokoyami. The others to be rejected. The decision is ultimately yours, but the Commission will be watching your decision with great interest. Although it shouldn’t be a difficult one. Really, how much could a couple of heteromorph rejects really be worth?”
The man excused himself, straightening his suit jacket as he left Nezu’s office, that disgusting smirk still playing across his lips.
Nezu allowed himself to sink back into his chair as he looked over the folders in front of him.
He could admit them. He could defy the Commission’s recommendations to prove a point.
But they’d made their threat very clear.
Doing so would put a target on UA’s back, and the Commission was very good at holding grudges. He would be jeopardizing the future of every student at UA just to make a point. He wanted to. He so desperately wanted to defy the Commission and their disgusting policies, but doing so right now would come with a heavy cost.
He slowly gathered up the folders and looked them over. He took a deep breath to try and calm his flaring anger. He regretfully took a pen as he marked Asui and Tokoyami’s files as accepted, his paw shaking as he marked the others for rejection.
He had failed them before he even got the chance to help them.
“I’m sorry. I wish there was more that I could do. But it’s not as though I can explain why…”
Nezu paused.
A slight smirk crossed his face.
He may not be able to give them the full story, but phrasing was quite important.
These students had earned passing scores, but he could not permit them into his school, and they deserved to know as such.
And it was with that one critical choice that the wheels of history began to turn, as the first step down a long and bloody path was unknowingly taken.