Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Any new updates on the case?” Shota asks while walking into Naomasa Tsukauchi’s office, slurping on a blackcurrant jelly pouch as he makes his way to sit in the chair opposite Tsukauchi’s desk. Shota is just about to start his nightly patrol, taking a glimpse at the clock on the wall he finds the time being 9:37pm. 

The room is spacious, the door to the entrance of his office to the left and a window on the right, behind Tsukauchi is a series of bookshelves filled with books or binders. The carpet is a lighter emerald colour and the walls are a khaki beige. His desk is filled with mini plastic shelves stocking up more files and important papers. In front of Shota is a tag at the front with the writing ‘Det. Tsukauchi’ on it.

“Not at this moment, I’m afraid. Whenever we find just a sliver of a lead, it ends up being a dead-end.” Tsukauchi says with a sigh, leaning his elbows on his desk and taking his palms to his eyes. After a few minutes, he takes his hands off his eyes and glances around his desk, looking for something, seconds later Tsukauchi picks up a file and passes it to Shota. “This is all I have on the case, take a look and tell me what you think.”

Shota takes the file and reads through the contents. It’s quite a thin file, showing the police and detectives haven’t made it quite far in the case. The first page starts off with the known victims of the crime, starting earliest to latest. There have been around at least six investigated disappearances, all linked up by how they were studied. They all left without a trace, in their homes there was no sign of any struggle or even a tell of their doors or windows being tampered with to get in. They just vanished. It’s strange, and unnerving. The first entry being a man. His name is Hara Keiji and he is in his mid-twenties, he has medium-brown hair and pale skin. There’s nothing exciting about him, he has a what people would call ‘boring’ quirk, which is called shock-absorption. He seems to have quite a normal life, his work being an accountant and having a small family of his own. His last sighting was on a Friday, he left work earlier and never made it home. 

The next known victim is way younger, just barely graduating middle school. She’s a young girl with blonde hair and green eyes. There’s not much to say about her either, her biological father died in a car accident a few years back that left her in the custody of her mother and step-father. She disappeared not long after Hara, just over a week on a Saturday late at night, her parents never heard a sound. Her quirk could be useful, being Super-Regeneration, but Shota doubts whoever took them that their quirks could be of any use. 

The other few entries are basically the same, different people with ranging races, quirks, ages, even seemingly randomised dates of being taken. All that really connects them all is they were all taken without a single clue or lead of who took them or where they were taken to.  

The last disappearance was around 2 weeks ago. Anything could’ve happened in that time, some even being in custody for nearly a month. They’re going to have to assume their deaths. Rarely anyone gets found alive after being captured for so long. 

Turning to the next few pages, it’s really only theories and conspiracies. No suspects, no evidence, nothing.

Shota takes a few seconds to think, even after closing the case file. He sighs and hands the file back to Tsukauchi. “I don’t know. It all seems too perfectly planned, no known flaws, the kidnappings in motion with no mistakes or even any hints to who could be behind this.

Tsukauchi nods in understanding, while putting the file back into its respective spot on his desk. “It’s devastating, but it’s a disturbing reality. Whoever has done this knows what they’re doing.”

Shota hums in agreement. “That just makes it more important to put an end to this.” He sneaks a glance at the clock once again and sighs. “I should head out, my patrol starts soon.” He says, getting up from the chair and tossing the now empty jelly pouch in the bin. 

“Stay safe out there, Aizawa.” Tsukauchi spoke, giving a small smile in Shota’s direction. “Let me know if you come across Juniper tonight. It's been a while since we heard from her.” 

Shota nods, leaving the office without another word. Juniper is an enigma, from the times she has shown herself, you could never figure out what she was thinking. Shota doubts he’ll find her tonight though, she’s quite elusive and from the times Shota manages to even come close to arresting her, she manages to slip right from his grasp. 

Leaving the police precinct, Shota acknowledges the chill of the autumn air. He’s going to have to switch to his winter costume soon. Ignoring the cold that whips on his face, he uses his capture weapon to fling himself to the roof of a neighbouring apartment, officially starting his patrol.

---

Shota sprints along the rooftops on the outskirts of Musutafu, his chest heaving as he leaps over the gaps between buildings while keeping his eye out on any sign of crime. This area is, to be frank, terrible. Many buildings he passes are either abandoned or looking one more year before collapsing. He takes to patrolling here often as this is where the most crime occurs. 

Many heroes tend to avoid this place, mostly due to the fact they believe it’s a waste of time without people fawning over them but also because they just don’t care. Shota doesn’t agree with that, and so he made it his responsibility to take care of it.

Him and Juniper, that is.

Speaking of the vigilante, he hadn’t seen her in a while. He’s beginning to get worried, and while he hopes she’s alright he also hopes she’d quit. It’s not safe for a civilian to be out doing activities that should be left to the pros. However, he cannot deny Juniper’s growing talent throughout the past few years he’d worked with her. 

Shota slows to a stop on the next rooftop he’d leapt to, taking a moment to breathe. He looks up to the inky black sky, the stars shining brightly. It’s beautiful, and he finds himself just taking moments like these more often than not. 

It’s then when he hears a scuffle in an alley a couple buildings down. He sighs, wishing he could’ve stayed in that moment, but duty calls. He cautiously proceeds down the line of buildings, heavily aware of the slight sound his footsteps creates as he does so. Shota stealthily makes his way to the edge, peeking over it to the commotion.

There he spies a person wearing dark clothes with green accents streaming along their sleeves. He can’t see their face that well from this high angle, though he’s sure they’re also wearing a black mask that covers half of their face. They’re wielding some sort of staff in their right hand, their fist tightly clenched around it as they’re focused on the person across them. It comes to Shota a minute later that this mysterious staff wielding person was Juniper. 

Across her was a bulky man - who Shota assumes to be the criminal in this situation -  in a white but dirty tank top, a bare head and scars littering his arms. The man snarls at Juniper, rolling his shoulders and cracking his neck. 

“Who the fuck d’ya think you are?!” He yells, going on the offensive against Juniper, his hands morphing into sharp blades as swipes at her. Shota immediately erases his quirk, the knives vanishing back into his calloused hands. 

The action leaves the criminal confused, ruining his flow at Juniper, giving her the opportunity to get a couple hits on him until his confusion transforms into anger. He releases a predatory growl, his fists clenched as he raises his hands to block Juniper’s blow.

“What the fuck did you do, bitch?!” He questions, preparing for her next attack and grabbing her staff before she could hit him effectively, dragging her closer to him. Shota can feel the need to blink, though he resists the temptation with Juniper being so close to his hands. He releases his capture weapon onto the man, effectively restraining him and forcing his deathly grip off Juniper. Only then does he allow himself to blink for a moment, leaping from his position on the roof and into the alley in a crouch before straightening up.

Shota tends to the criminal on the ground who had lost his balance when he captured him, he’d hit the concrete hard enough to get knocked out which made it easier making sure he was effectively restrained before addressing Juniper.

“What happened?” He asks, giving her a tired side glance though he keeps most of his attention on the man.

“He tried to sexually assault a woman. She ran when I grabbed his attention from her.” She explains, her words slightly muffled through her mask as she casually places her hands into her hoodie pockets. “Thanks for the help.” 

“Sure.” He says, taking out an extra pair of handcuffs from his utility belt and locking them on the criminal’s wrists. After that, he releases his capture weapon and adjusts it back onto his neck. 

“Mind calling the police to pick him up? I’ve got to make sure that woman is alright,” Shota asks, walking to the mouth of the alley, past Juniper. “Do you know which way she went?”

“I think she went right, she was wearing a work uniform. I think she was closing down her shop when that guy came up.” Juniper informs him, taking out her burner phone to contact the police. 

“Thanks,” Shota gives Juniper a small nod, looking down the street where she described the woman to have gone. “Take care, Juniper. I hope to see you soon.”

Juniper gives him a confused look, her brows furrowing being the only indicator of her scepticism. “What brought this on?” Her uncertainty isn’t completely uncalled for, given his track record of trying to bring her to justice. Except now, he’s realised that no matter the situation, she’d always find a way to slip away. 

“I know that trying to arrest you is futile, just stay safe.” Is all he says in reply, leaving Juniper in the alley to where the woman ran off to. 

As he walks away, Shota doesn’t see the thoughtful look on Juniper’s face as her eyes trail after him. 

---

Inko watches Eraserhead walk away, not without noticing the urgency in his steps as he does so. She sighs, flipping open her phone to finally call for the police. As her phone rings, she brings her attention back to the unconscious thug on the ground. The responder answered her call, and so she informed them of her current situation.

With that over with, she can take a moment to think about Eraserhead and what his words meant for her. Does this mean he won’t try to capture her again? Inko didn’t take him for the type to give up easily, though to be fair she had been evading his attempts for a myriad of years now.

She coughs into her elbow, her chest heaving as she leans against the cool brick wall behind her. The cold air nips into the skin on her face while she waits for the authorities to arrive. Around ten minutes later, she finally hears the sound of sirens in the near distance. The criminal’s slowly starting to regain consciousness, so she’s glad she won’t have to deal with him with the police on the way. 

The siren’s sound is especially close now, and so she takes it as her sign to take off. Just because Eraser hadn’t attempted to arrest her, doesn’t mean they feel the same way.

She examines the building behind her, finding a fire escape she could easily access and climb onto to the roof. She grins under her mask, ascending up the escape with ease. Inko stays nearby for a minute longer, making sure the police actually pick up the criminal before heading off once they put him in the back of a cop car. 

-

Once Inko’s patrol had ended, she made her way back to her apartment making sure nobody had the bright idea of following her. She arrives, leaping to her balcony softly as to not cause a disturbance to her neighbours.

Inko enters her living room, it’s dark and empty. She breathes a sigh of relief that nothing has happened while she was out. Inko couldn’t take any more risks of anyone figuring out where she lived. For Izuku. Especially with what happened to her husband, Hisashi, seven years ago.

Speaking of Izuku, she slowly made her way to his room making sure to keep her steps light. Inko gently opens the door, smiling softly at the sight of him wrapped up in his All Might bed cover. He’s safe. She closes his door before going to her room just across the hall. 

Once inside she pulls out a decently sized box from under her bed. She removes her utility belt, placing it into the box. Next goes her bo staff that’s been specifically designed to fold in half for easier storage. Only after she’s removed all her items into her box that she strips from her costume into her night clothes. Inko locks up her outfit into the case before hiding it back under her bed. 

With everything out of the way, she allows herself to flop onto her bed, get comfortable and enter the world of sleep.

Chapter Text

“Juniper, stop!” Detective Tsukauchi yelled as he tried to grab onto her when she sprinted by, though he’d just barely missed her. His eyes were wide with worry as he stared at her unflinching form. She watched as the smoke filtered through the building, her resolve hardened at the sight.

Inko was told to stay away from this mission. It was too dangerous for someone like her. But with how things were looking, she couldn’t stand by any longer. She ignored Tsukauchi’s warnings and sprinted into the burning building recklessly.

She brought the crease of her elbow to her mouth, which kept her from inhaling too much smoke. Maybe Inko was being too careless, but since the recent death of her husband she didn’t care what happened to her. 

Inko continued further into the building, coughing when she accidentally breathed in too much of the ashy smoke. It’s then when she found an unconscious child trapped under some debris. She heard some other heroes not far from where she is though nothing mattered to Inko more than getting that child to safety.

She tried to gently move the debris from the trapped child, their face was covered in ash and soot with a couple of cuts here and there. Inko assessed the extent of their injuries, and hoped they weren’t too hurt to be moved. Soon enough she had cleared the mess enough to safely extract them and hoped she got to them in time.

“Juniper!” Someone shouted from somewhere behind her, hacking up a lung as they did so. Inko spun around as she adjusted the kid in her arms, finding Eraserhead with his goggles on and his fists clenched around his capture weapon.

She began to walk toward him, but the floor creaked under her weight. Inko grimaced and retracted her foot back to the more stable area of the floor. 

“I can’t-” she coughed between her words, “-make it. You have to take them.” 

“I’m not leaving without you!” Eraserhead yelled, stealing a couple more coughs as the building continued to deteriorate.

“We don’t have time for this, Eraser. I’ll make it out, I promise.” Inko reached as far as she could with the child in her arms toward Eraserhead and sighed in relief when he took them from her. “Go! I’ll find a way.” 

All Eraserhead did in response was give her a grave nod before leaving the building. 

-

As Shota left Juniper behind, he trusted she’d make her way out. She always did.

He immediately brought the child to the ambulance, they looked no more than seven years old. His heart panged in sympathy for them, making sure they were alright with the EMT’s before facing the building for any sign of Juniper.

By then most of the heroes and firefighters had left the burning property, not willing to wait for it to collapse on them. The structure had gotten incredibly weak, and there was still no sign of the vigilante.

Suddenly the building groaned loudly, the support beams of it collapsed and soon the whole place fell with it. 

He hadn’t seen Juniper at all since he saw her inside, and he doubted she got out like she promised.

---

Shota gasps, shooting up from his duvet as he tries to catch his breath. Once he’s calmed down, he looks at the clock on his bedside table and finds it’s pretty early in the morning. 

He sighs, lying back down on the bed, dragging his hands down his face. He still gets nightmares about that day, the day when Juniper vanished for over half a decade. Everyone had assumed she died, despite there being no body found to confirm it. 

Shota always blamed himself, he had the chance to save her, but instead he left her to burn.

He didn’t even realise he was shaking until his husband Hizashi woke up beside him and placed a comforting hand on his arm. Shota almost forgot he was even there.

“You alright, hon?” Hizashi asks him gently, sitting up and giving him his full attention. 

“Yeah,” Shota whispered hoarsely. “Sorry to wake you.”

“Nonsense. I’ll always be here for you, Sho.” He replies, a soft smile on his face as he helps Shota get comfortable. “Do you want to talk about it?” He asks after a moment.

He stays silent, staring at his ceiling as he thinks of what to say. He eventually says something, appreciative of how patient Hizashi is with him.

“Remember Juniper?” Shota asks, giving Hizashi a small glance. He sees the moments his expression goes sad as he looks at him. 

“You know what happened wasn’t your fault,” he reassures him. “Plus, she came back, didn’t she? She didn’t die in that building, Sho.”

“Yes, I know. I just don’t get it, why disappear for like seven years just to come back on some random weekend?” Shota wonders out loud, it’s just something he can’t wrap his head around. Sure if she was injured that day in the fire, he can see why she’d need a good couple months or more to recover and get her skills back up after being inactive for so long but seven years? “It’s something I’ve been meaning to ask her, but every time I see her out, it’s a bad time.”

“I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for it. Do you still have her contact?”

“No, I tried to send her a text all those years ago to her burner, but I think she got a new phone since the incident as it wouldn’t go through.” He explains, heaving a deep sigh.

“You’ll figure it out. How about you get some sleep?” Hizashi suggests, rubbing a soothing hand on his shoulder. 

“Yeah, that’d be nice.” 

---

Inko looks sullenly at herself in her workplace bathroom. She’s getting worse. Her skin is sickly pale, with eye bags which look like deep bruises under her eyes. She knows other’s have noticed it too, she can’t go a single moment without pitying stares anywhere she goes. She turns on the cold tap of the sink, splashing her face in the cool water hoping it would freshen her up.

It helped a little, she felt more awake now. She decides to take out her make-up bag from her handbag and takes out her concealer. Inko applies some under her eyes to help cover the concerning eye bags. She looks much better, and she hopes it’ll be enough to last her through the rest of her shift.

Packing up, she takes a deep breath and exits the bathroom, giving soft smiles to anyone who takes a glance at her. She can do this. She just has to last until she gets home.

It can’t come soon enough.

-

It’s later that night, and Inko’s out on her patrol. She’s decided to ignore the growing feeling of fatigue in favour of going out. People need help more than she does.

Tonight is pattering down with rain, making it slightly more difficult to manoeuvre through the city without the risk of slipping and falling. Inko continues anyhow, stopping a good few villains as she does so. She doesn’t get why they’d want to be out in the cold and rain to commit crime, but that doesn’t stop her from bringing them to justice.

After a couple hours into her patrol does she allow herself a small break by sitting on the edge of a decently tall building. She adjusts her hood, making sure there’s no risk of it blowing off in the slightly unpleasant weather conditions.

The city smells earthy as she takes a deep breath in, feeling oddly calm as she feels the rain drop down onto her face and sink into her clothes. Her hoodie sticks to her uncomfortably, though it’s easy to ignore. 

It’s then when she hears footsteps behind her, deliberately loud enough for her to hear them. Inko glances over her shoulder to the sight of Eraserhead. She offers him an exaggerated salute before turning back around to the views of the city.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Inko starts, gesturing to the cityscape as Eraserhead takes a seat beside her.

“Yes, it is.” He agrees, taking a moment to tie up his soaking wet hair. Inko watches him as he does so a bit warily. It’s not that she doesn’t trust Eraser, quite the opposite in fact. It’s just that she can tell he’s acting differently. “Juniper, I need to ask you something.”

“Go ahead, no promises that I'll answer it though.” She looks at him with curiosity, her eyes watching his every move.

“Why did you come back? You were gone for so long, everyone thought you died in that fire. You could’ve left this life behind.” Eraserhead asks her, genuinely confused.

“I have… unfinished business, you could say.” She tells him vaguely, kicking her feet in boredom over the edge of the roof. “And I was gone so long for a reason, but I’m sorry if I worried you.” Her reason was to try to raise Izuku until he was old enough to be left on his own for a couple hours at night, but Eraser didn’t need to know that.

“I’m guessing you won’t tell me what that unfinished business is, hm?” Eraserhead sighs, shaking his head a little at Inko’s own head shake in denial. “Well then, for the record I’m glad you’re alright. If you ever need anything, you can contact me here,” he offers her a small card. She takes it and examines it briefly, noticing the phone number on it. “I know you lost your phone during the incident, so text me when you can.”

“You tried to contact me before?” Inko asks, surprised by the idea of him being worried enough to try to get in touch with her.

“Of course I did.” Is all he said in reply, getting up from his position on the roof. He gives Inko a small look, waiting for something it seems.

“Thank you. For trying, I mean.” She receives a nod in reply and Eraserhead promptly leaps from their rooftop to the next and the next until she can’t see him anymore in the distance, leaving Inko to her own thoughts.

---

“We’ve tried everything we could, Aizawa.” Tsukauchi says, trying to calm the pacing man before him. “I’m sorry, but unless we get any further leads this case is stone cold.”

“So what? We’re just going to give up?” Shota asks incredulously, pausing in his pacing to give Tsukauchi a stern look. He knows deep down that he’s being irrational, but he can’t bring himself to care. “Those victims? Those kids? They’re still out there needing our help, and you’re giving up?!” 

“I don’t like it either,” he sighs, rubbing his palms into his eyes. “I wish we could do more, but sometimes things are just out of your control.”

It’s been a couple months since the last known kidnapping, no new evidence or leads have shown up. It makes Shota feel useless. He should’ve done more to help, before it got to this point.

“You’re right.” Shota sighs, taking a seat across from Tsukauchi at his desk, resting his head on his hand. “You’re absolutely right, I’m not mad at you, it's just…” He trails off, but Tsukauchi nods understandingly anyway.

“I get it. It’s frustrating, and I wish it were different.” They sit in a tense but not uncomfortable silence for a moment until Tsukauchi speaks up again, changing the topic. “How are things going with Juniper?”

“As good as it can be, I guess.” He answers, adjusting in his seat as he considers the question. “She’s been pretty vague, but she told me she came back because of some ‘unfinished business’.” Shota continues, air quoting what she told him.

“What unfinished business would she have seven years later?” Tsukauchi asks, his brows furrowing as he mulls over what she might’ve meant.

“Hell if I know,” he sighs. “All I know is she’s not willing to talk about it.” Shota finds himself glancing at Tsukauchi’s clock, figuring it’s a good time to leave and get to work. He slaps his hands on his knees lightly before standing up.

“I’ll see you around, Tsukauchi.” He dismisses himself, heading to his office door to leave. Shota pauses, his hand resting on the door handle as Tsukauchi speaks up.

“Don’t think about the case too hard. There are other people out there who also need your help, okay?” Shota doesn’t give him a verbal answer, but instead a slight nod. He takes that as his cue to twist the handle and exit the office.

---

It’s the start of her shift, and Inko’s running late. She didn’t wake up to any of her alarms this morning, which ultimately led to Izuku having a quick breakfast and also being late for elementary. She rushes through the people on the streets, exclaiming a few excuse me’s and sorry’s as she bumps into a couple pedestrians in her haste.

Inko turns the corner, almost arriving at her workplace when she - quite literally - ran into someone, which knocked them both back a step or two. 

“Ah-! I’m so sorry!” She apologises as she regains her balance, looking up from sorting her clothes to look at the person she hit. Her eyes widened in shock at seeing that the man she bumped into was Eraserhead.

He gives her a strange look at her reaction, almost as if he was trying to place who she might be, but says nothing about it. Inko curses at herself for not looking where she was going, but she’s still very late to her job. 

“It’s alright, Miss…” He settles on unbothered, as if people running into him was a regular occurrence.

“Mrs Midoriya.” She answers, a little hesitant to give him her name, but it would’ve been suspicious if she hadn’t. “I really am sorry for interrupting you, but I’m going to be incredibly late to my job. Take care.” She quickly excuses herself, giving Eraserhead a small bow before rushing off, well aware of the stare he’s giving her as she leaves.

Chapter Text

Inko is exhausted when she finally finished her shift, she’s currently walking down the street towards her apartment. Izuku should’ve been home from school by now, it feels like forever since she saw him this morning.

“Izuku?” She calls out as she enters her place, locking the door behind her. She doesn’t hear a reply from her son, which isn’t all that concerning as he’s probably distracted watching new hero clips. She hangs up her handbag and slips off her shoes by the door before walking further into the house and into Izuku’s room.

“Izuku, baby. Are you home?” She asks softly as she peeks into his room, to find he isn’t anywhere in his room. A knotting feeling sets into her gut as she continues to search for him in all the possible hiding spaces there to no avail.

Inko leaves the room a bit more rushed now, entering the living room to search for her son. “Izuku!” 

The only warning Inko got was a couple small giggles to her left as Izuku pounced at her. “Boo!” Izuku squeals which caused Inko to jump in reflex, bringing a hand to rest at her chest to calm her beating heart.

“I got you!” He giggles, giving Inko a large and amused smile. She chuckles in response, relieved that Izuku was safe.

“That you did,” she reaches an arm down to ruffle his curls. “You almost gave me a heart attack.” Inko laughed, trapping Izuku in a warm hug.

“Mom!” He struggles against her hold, but he eventually accepts his fate and hugs Inko back just as strongly. 

“How was school, baby?” She asks, releasing Izuku from their crushing hug to move further into the living room, her son following close behind.

“It was good, we learnt a bunch of stuff!” He tells her, unable to control the excitement he feels. “Mom, can I go on the computer?” Izuku asks, almost vibrating off the walls.

“Sure, let’s go get you logged on.” She agrees easily, feeling like a mother duck as Izuku follows her close behind as they enter his room. She unlocks the computer, putting on Izuku’s favourite hero video.

“I don’t know how you can watch this, I think it’s scary.” Inko says, looking at him endearingly as he watched the video with a smile stretched across his face, an All Might figure in hand.

Inko quietly leaves the room, leaving Izuku in his room to watch the hero clips in peace so she can begin making their dinner.

-

It’s right when Inko’s about to end her patrol that she hears a scream in the distance. She immediately turns to that direction, skillfully vaulting over alleys and buildings while also being careful not to slip on the wet concrete.

She makes it to the scene, peeking over the edge of the roof she was crouching on to analyse the situation. She wasn’t the best at analysis, that was always Hisashi’s thing. Below she sees a bald headed man with a bushy moustache, he was quite short with strangely shaped goggles covering his eyes. He’s restraining a young girl as she struggles against his grip. The man brings a cloth to her face, which Inko immediately clocks that he's using something like chloroform to knock her out.

Inko knows she has to act quickly, taking a second to further examine the alley. Further down is this other villain, he’s covered in this purple mist and glowing yellow eyes. She has no idea what their quirks must entail, so she’ll have to proceed with caution. She unleashed her bo staff from her belt before leaping down onto the man, freeing the confused girl from his grasp.

“Fuck! Kurogiri, retreat!” The man gasps out, vanishing into the purple void before Inko could get any proper hits in. The mist guy - Kurogiri she supposes - vanishes along with him, not without giving Inko a stern glare with his flickering eyes.

With the villains out of the way, despite having escaped, she focuses her attention on the young girl who’s currently sitting on the dirty floor, leaning her back against the wall.

She shrinks her staff before approaching her, trying to keep her demeanour open and friendly. Inko inspects the girl’s condition, and figures she can’t be any older than fifteen. She’s got ashy blonde hair, which had gotten ruffled up during her struggle. She’s also got on a black zipped hoodie and black cargo pants. 

“Hey, can you hear me?” Inko asks, crouching down a reasonable distance from the girl. She wasn’t under the effects of that villain’s cloth for very long, and so she was still conscious. She nods slightly, and in response Inko smiles beneath her mask.

“Can you speak?” Inko continues, patiently waiting for her answer. 

“Uh, yeah,” she replies, clearing her throat. She sits herself taller against the wall, fidgeting with her hoodie sleeves.

“Thank you, you’re doing just fine.” Inko reassures her. “What’s your name?”

“It’s Kasumi.” 

Inko reaches out a hand for her to shake and gently does so when Kasumi returns the action. “It’s nice to meet you, Kasumi. I’m Juniper.”

“It’s nice to meet you too…” she greets back, removing her hand from Inko’s. “Are you a hero?”

“Something like that.” Inko settles on, getting up from her crouched position by Kasumi to call the police. “I’m going to call the police, alright? They’ll take care of you.” Inko could tell her words didn’t do much to calm the young girl, but it needs to be done. 

After she has called the police, she waits for them to arrive. Inko doesn’t move to leave after she hears the sirens in the distance, she needs to be sure the villains won’t try to swipe her up between the time of her leaving and the police arriving. 

A couple of police cruisers pull up by the entrance of the alley, their lights flashing being minutely distracting until Inko’s eyes adjust. She sees someone exit the car nearest to her, and it takes until they’re quite close to her to identify them through the lights. Tsukauchi Naomasa. 

“Juniper.” He begins, analysing the situation and watching as Kasumi is tended to by a couple of officers. “Long time, no see.”

“That’s right.” Inko offers him a grin, but it’s immediately cut off as she coughs into her elbow. She receives a concerned stare from Tsukauchi, but she ignores it.

“So,” Tsukauchi starts after her coughing fit has calmed down. “What’s the situation?”

“Attempted kidnapping.” Inko tells him, heaving a deep sigh. “It’s probably connected to that one case you guys are on. You know, with the mysterious vanishing?”

“I’m not going to ask how you know that,” he says, used to her antics after so many years, giving Inko his full attention at this new information. “Did you see who did it?”

“Yes. There was this shorter guy, he looked familiar somehow.” She informs him, now wondering where she’d seen him before. “He was bald with a bushy moustache and weirdly shaped goggles.”

“Familiar? How is that?” Tsukauchi furrows his brows in confusion and looks at Inko with an ounce of scepticism. And Inko really does try to think, but she keeps pulling up a blank. She simply shrugs, not wanting to think too hard about it lest she get a headache. 

“Anyway, he was the one trying to… hurt that poor girl. There was another person, or something, there too. His name is Kurogiri, and he has some sort of warping quirk. That’s how the victims vanish without a trace, I’m sure.” Inko didn’t realise when Tsukauchi brought out his small notebook to take down notes of what she was saying. She knows her observations are ringing true through his quirk, and so he wouldn’t need any more confirmation. They’d most likely take Kasumi’s statement too, and at the thought of her Inko hopes she’s alright. 

“Well, as much as I’d love to stay and chat, it’s getting quite late.” Inko hints, stepping back away from the detective to gauge if he’d stop her. He doesn’t make any move to indicate that, and instead just nods and gives her a small wave. 

“Stay safe, Juniper.” Tsukauchi calls after her before heading back into his cruiser to take Kasumi back to the precinct safely. This one night, he’s grateful Juniper was out today to save her.

---

Inko frowns slightly as she watches Izuku from the corner of her eye. He’s just arrived home from school, too invested in the TV to be aware of her scrutiny, scribbling away into one of his many notebooks. 

She isn’t stupid, and she isn’t a bad mother. She notices many things about Izuku, from his obvious interest in heroes to his more subtle hints that something is wrong. So when he arrives home with a limp and scuffed up clothes, Inko knows there’s something up.

She’s left him to his own devices for the moment as she prepares their dinner. Inko had tried to ask him how his time was at school, if anything happened at all. All he said in reply was his, now usual, response of ‘School was good, don't worry!’. 

For dinner she’s preparing them his favourite dinner; Katsudon. Maybe he’d be more inclined to open up with something tasty and familiar? Of course, she doesn’t want to push him too hard, but she’s his mother and it’s her job to worry. 

Ever since his quirkless diagnosis, she had been worried how his peers may take it. It’s quite uncommon for someone in their generation to be quirkless, and she doesn’t want his classmates to treat him differently because of it.

Inko sighs, finishing up the delicious smelling dishes and carrying them to the dining table. “Izuku,” she calls, grabbing his attention. “Time for dinner.”

They both take their respective seats at the table, and Inko sees the moment Izuku’s eyes light up at the sight of having Katsudon to eat. He politely thanks her before digging in. Inko feels herself smile fondly at him while also taking a couple bites herself.

Inko steels herself for the upcoming conversation, she takes a deep breath before looking at Izuku. She feels almost bad for what she’s about to do, but knows it’s necessary. 

“Izuku,” Inko begins, the younger boy pausing as he looks at her. “You know I love you, right?” She waits for his reply, which he’s chosen to display with a slow nod, confusion etched clearing on his face. “I love you so much, and I want you to know you can trust me. If anything is wrong here or at school, you can always tell me and I’ll have it sorted, okay?”

Izuku’s lips form into a wobbly line, and she can see his eyes fill with tears. Giving Izuku a patient look, she gets up from her spot at the dining table and makes her way to her son, kneeling by his chair to pull him into a comforting hug. It’s then when the dam breaks, no longer holding back his cries as he clutches the back Inko’s burgundy cardigan, burying his face into her shoulder. 

“I-I’m sorry, Mom!” Izuku wails as Inko whispers sweet nothings into his ear, rubbing his back soothingly until he calms down. 

After patching up Izuku’s injuries, they decide to watch his favourite movie cuddling up together on the couch, a bowl of popcorn at their disposal. Inko is glad that he’d been able to trust her, she doesn’t like seeing her baby in pain. By the end of the movie the popcorn bowl is empty and Izuku is resting by Inko’s side snoring lightly. She carries him to his room, suppressing the cough she feels in her rising up her throat, the action bringing irritated tears to her eyes. 

Only when Izuku is safely in bed, does she allow herself to clear her chest, wiping her wet eyes afterwards.

---

“What’s this about, Tsukauchi?” Shota asks over the phone, it’s late and he’s just finished his nightly patrol. The detective had called him just as he was about to enter his apartment, though he guesses that his job is never really over.

“I’m sorry to call you so late, but I got some new intel about the case.” He informs Shota. He sighs deeply into the phone, too tired to care if Tsukauchi can hear him. 

“Couldn’t this have waited until the morning?” He continues, walking into his apartment and tossing his boots by the door. Shota hopes he won’t wake Hizashi up, though knowing him he could sleep through a storm. 

“Probably,” Tsukauchi huffs out on the other end of the line. “Thought you’d like to know as soon as possible though. We’ve got new leads on the kidnapping cases.” 

“Seriously?” Shota questions, surprised they’d gotten anything at all after all this time. “It’s been months without any new leads, and you’re telling me now there’s finally something to go on?”

“It’s a miracle, really. We wouldn’t have even known unless Juniper was there to save their next target.” He says with relief through the phone. “Right place, right time. Or something like that.” 

“Thanks for telling me, Tsukauchi.” Shota tells him with genuine gratitude. “Make sure you get some sleep tonight, God knows you need it.”

“I will, Aizawa. Take care, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you.” He hangs up the phone, staring at the device for a second longer than he needed to. Shota heaves a deep sigh, fatigue hitting him like a brick now that he’s home. He doesn’t have to worry about anything when he’s here, his husband being just a door away from him. Despite this, he can’t stop thinking about the case. It’s been plaguing his mind ever since the first time he got his hands on it.

Shota decides to clear his mind before he gives himself an even heavier headache, quietly making his way through his bedroom and getting dressed before joining his husband, falling asleep almost instantly as his head hits his pillow.

Chapter Text

Shota steps into the police precinct, immediately feeling the exhaustion pull at his eyes as he observes the area. He barely managed to get any sleep the night before, and seeing the workplace buzzing with energy and people made him want to turn right back around and go home.

But of course, he still had a job to do. 

A very important one, in fact. Shota mulls over what Tsukauchi told him last night as he walks over to the detective’s office, glaring at anyone who dared glance in his direction. Their first lead in six months, and apparently Juniper was the one to intercept. Shota surprisingly doesn’t find that very shocking.

Passing by many officers in the albeit cramped corridor, he suddenly finds himself standing in front of Tsukauchi’s door. He reads the nameplate screwed into the wood, ‘Det. Tsukauchi’, giving himself a moment before knocking on the door.

“Come in,” Shota hears his familiar voice call through the door. He twists the handle, opening the door with a slight creak coming from its hinges. “Aizawa. Glad you could make it.” Tsukauchi continues as he closes the door behind him.

“So, the lead?” Shota immediately questions, his eyes landing on the detective’s seated form behind his desk as he strolls further into the room.

“Right to business, I see.” Tsukauchi says with a fond smile, picking out an innocently thin file from the surface of his desk. “Some things never truly change, huh?” He offers the file to the tired hero, which he takes as he takes a seat on the chair.

Shota opens the file and he suddenly feels like he’s experiencing some sort of deja vu. Sitting across Tsukauchi like this, file in hand as they discuss the impossibilities of the case. He doesn’t have much hope this time around. 

However, as he reads the new information added to the file he feels his eyebrows raise. The details written in the documents is something he’d thought wouldn’t be possible with how the investigation was going. It’s harsh, but it’s the truth despite how hard they’re all working.

“Kurogiri?” Shota voices the rather unusual name, the syllables rolling off his tongue. “He’s responsible for how they manage to disappear without a trace?”

“Exactly. According to Juniper, his quirk is something to do with warping. He can create these…portals, and so we’re assuming that’s how they managed to stay under the radar for so long.” Tsukauchi explains. “We could probably try to get Juniper to a sketch artist, Kasumi doesn’t remember what they look like too well.”

Shota’s lips twitch downward at the mention of the young girl, Kasumi. She’d almost be old enough to be one of his students, and to think she could’ve been taken is enough for his heart to squeeze. That thought alone has him wondering how the other victims are faring, and Shota wishes he didn’t. He doesn’t even want to imagine what conditions they’re in- if they’re even alive, that is.

Tsukauchi must see something in his expression as he sighs, leaning his elbows on his desk and lacing his hands together. “I know what you’re thinking, and I can’t promise this will even help us get to the kidnapped victims,” Shota opens his mouth to protest, but doesn’t manage to get a word in as the detective continues, giving Shota a pointed look. “But I know we’ll try our best, no matter how long it takes.”

Shota breathes out, nodding at Tsukauchi as he considers his words. “Right,” he says, looking from the man in front of him to the file. “There was someone else there too. Didn’t catch a name, did she?”

“No,” Tsukauchi confirms, though Shota notices the thoughtful look on his face. “However, Juniper did say he looked vaguely familiar to her.”

Shota feels his eyebrows knit together in confusion. “Familiar? Did she say why?” Everything about Juniper confuses him, from her motivations to her actions. It’s like she’s a puzzle waiting to be solved, except her pieces switch shape every time he thinks he’s gotten somewhere with her. 

“She doesn’t remember why or how, well from what I’ve gathered from her anyway.” 

“Nothing's ever simple with her, is it?” Shota sighs.

“Apparently not.”

---

“Are you ready, Izuku?” Inko calls from the front door, putting on her cosy black coat. The weather has been getting colder, soon autumn will pass them by and Inko is not excited for the change. Her patrols would be much harder to navigate, and she’d have to be more aware of slippery surfaces thanks to the ice and she’d have to find her winter version of her costume soon.

“Coming, Mom!” Inko hears Izuku’s voice coming from the living room, and soon enough her son joins him by the door. He looks nervous, his smile shaking slightly, but that’s to be expected when your mother plans a meeting with the principal.

Inko shakes her head fondly at him anyhow. “You’re going to get cold wearing just that.” She says, taking his All Might themed scarf from the hook on the wall and wraps it around his neck comfortably. Once satisfied that Izuku will not freeze, Inko flashes him a reassuring grin and heads for the door.

-

“Mrs Midoriya! What a pleasant surprise.” The principal greets with a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, ignoring Izuku behind her entirely.

“Good morning, Mr Hachiro.” Inko politely replies, however she’s not smiling. She takes a seat on the leather seat to the left of the principal while Izuku meekly follows suit on the right. Inko keeps a close eye on her son, gauging his reactions and attitude towards Mr Hachiro. He’s avoiding eye contact whenever possible, instead preferring to keep his head down.

“So,” Mr Hachiro begins, breaking Inko out of her thoughts. “What may I help you with?” He asks, tilting his head in faux concern. Inko takes a breath, the air in her lungs a calming pressure against her ribcage. She releases the breath before looking at the man. He’s got medium brown hair, swooped to the side with heavily applied hair gel. Not really Inko’s taste, if she says so herself. He’s wearing a generic suit with a maroon coloured tie, and once she looks back up to his face she notices his eyes are a pale blue. Piercing, as he waits for her reply.

“I’m sure you already know what this is about.” Inko raises her eyebrow, accusing. However, Inko realises he has no intention of showing all of his cards when he gives her an innocent grin. That’s fine. She isn’t one to do so either. 

“Well, surely it’s about young Izuku here.” Mr Hachiro suggests, subtlety glancing at Izuku’s hunched form. “However, I have no idea what exactly this is about. Care to enlighten me?”

Mr Hachiro keeps up his facade easily, it’s only because Inko has had experience in reading such expressions that she can see through his tricks.

“Well, I’ve noticed that my son has started coming home with a myriad of injuries and bruises after school.” Inko tells him, narrowing her eyes at him as if to dare him to try to challenge her silent accusations.

“So you think he’s getting mistreated here?” Inko nods, her frown deepening when Mr Hachiro lets out a small chuckle. “Mrs Midoriya,” he leans forward in his seat. “I assure you that we condone no bullying whatsoever in this school, to anyone.”

Inko huffs, knowing he’d say something like that. It might have worked on any other parent. 

However she’s not just any other parent.

“You’re a bad liar, Mr Hachiro.” She calls him out, standing up from the chair and getting close to the sad excuse for a principal. “I’m not as stupid as you think I am. I can read between the lines, and I have many connections that can get you and this school sued.”

He chuckles nervously, pulling at his tight collar around his neck. Inko’s leaning close enough that she can see a sweat bead drop from his face. 

“How about we- we all calm down?” Mr Hachiro suggests, cringing at himself for a moment for his stutter. Inko backs off, however she stays standing, crossing her arms as she glares at him. 

“You better do something about this, and if I hear anything- and I mean anything from Izuku that nothing’s changed, you can kiss your job goodbye.” Inko revels at the sight of the principal’s nervousness. He’s avoiding eye contact with her all together, his cool and collected personality long abandoned. He’s tense. His jaw tightened. Inko couldn’t be more proud of herself. 

Mr Hachiro gives them a brief nod with a shaky smile. “O-of course! I’ll look into the matter, Mrs Midoriya.” 

“Thank you.” Inko easily falls back into her usual politeness. “Have a good rest of your day.” She turns on her heel, gesturing for Izuku to follow her out of the office. He scrambles to catch up with her, and they don’t look back.

-

After their meeting with Izuku’s principal, Inko treated her son by taking to a nearby store and letting him choose a new piece of hero merch. His grin was bright as he picked out the latest All Might figurine for his collection. It was a little on the pricey side, but Inko went through with it for how brave Izuku was.

However, now Inko is breathing raggedly as she stitches up a wound on her abdomen. She’d managed to escape the couple of heroes that chased her, though just barely. Who knew they could be so persistent? She’s been feeling off lately. There’s this exhaustion lingering throughout her limbs, throughout her body that no amount of sleep could fix. 

Her breathing hitches, digging the needle into her skin. It hurts like a bitch, but she’s gone through so much worse, she can handle it. Doesn’t make it any less unpleasant though. She wonders, for a split moment, if Hisashi would be proud of her. Maybe not in her current predicament, she’s sure she looks like absolute shit stitching herself up. 

As a whole, however? She’s saved so many people in all the years she’s been a vigilante. So many families she kept together. Though, she immediately feels guilty for even thinking of it. No amount of people she saves will ever make up for the failure of saving her own husband. 

Who is she if she can’t protect the people she cares about most?

Sometimes she’d wake in a cold sweat at night, that memory plaguing her mind. The moment she dares to close her eyes, visions of her husband flash in her mind. The bitter memory is a harsh reminder of how selfish she was. Inko knew there were risks of getting involved with her profession, though she’d never accounted for the day anyone would ever have such a vendetta against her, they’d murder her loved one in cold blood.

She wonders what could’ve been if she didn’t take on this responsibility. Hell, she doesn’t even remember why she started in the first place. Since she gave birth to Izuku six years ago, Inko had been hesitant to return to her nightly activities. She could’ve lived a normal, honest life with her son. Forget that she even did anything at all.

Inko can’t do that, no matter how much she wants to. 

She has lots of loose ends to tie up, of people to save. Although, her most pressing problem isn’t the annoyingly determined heroes out to get her, nor is it her fucked up sleeping schedule. 

What she’s most resolved to do is find the villain that ruined her family. Find the person who killed her husband.

She’ll do it, no matter what it takes.

---

A week passed without any sign of Juniper, and Shota’s getting antsy. He’s heard of what’s happened, that some heroes had managed to get close to capturing her and in the process she’d seriously hurt herself. As much as he hates to admit it, Shota’s worried about her.

A part of him believes that maybe she’s finally quit, though he knows that’s wishful thinking. On the other hand, some darker part of him worries she’s died in a ditch somewhere, unable to properly care for her injuries. 

While he understands why they need to bring her in, she’s an insanely elusive vigilante and a threat to the heroes' reputations. If some random person can do a better job than the pro’s, what would the civilian’s think? It’s a small mercy that Juniper’s not one to bring herself into the spotlight, and so despite her lengthy years on the field, she’s not as well known to the general public. 

Because she’s not very popular, her capture isn’t one of the Commission’s main priorities. Shota can only shudder at the thought of Juniper being the centre of attention. Who knows what lengths the Commission would go to have her off the streets.

Shota is snapped from his thoughts as he hears a scream echo in the distance. He immediately spurs into action, vaulting over the gaps between buildings as he uses his capture weapon to help balance himself. 

By the time he’s made it to the scene, there’s someone already there that’s taken care of it. For the second time that week he feels some sort of deja vu wash over him. It’s as if Juniper has some sixth sense for whenever he thinks about her, she ends up being at the same place at the same time.

Sighing, he jumps from the roof he’s on to greet the mysterious vigilante. 

“Juniper.” Shota says simply, offering her a disinterested wave when she turns her head to his voice while she zip ties the offender’s wrists together. 

“Eraserhead,” Juniper addresses, standing back from the unconscious criminal and dusting off her costume of any dirt. “Fancy seeing you here.”

“I could say the same thing about you,” he huffs, crossing his arms as he leans on the alley wall behind him. “I heard you got a nasty blow the last time you were out, are you sure you should be out right now?”

“I’m fine.” Juniper dismisses, avoiding Shota’s face in favour of staring down her burner phone she pulled out of her pocket. “Just a small scratch.”

He isn’t convinced, but he’s not going to push her any more than he has to. She’s skittish when she feels vulnerable, and he doesn’t want to risk her injuring herself further in an attempt to get away from him. 

Shota is once again broken from his thoughts at the sound of Juniper coughing quite harshly into the crease of her elbow. He doesn’t get to ask about it though as once Juniper’s recovered, she brings her phone to her ear. Most likely calling the police.

He waits for her to finish, and once she puts her burner away does he allow himself to question her.

“Quite a nasty cough you got there, you alright?” The only response he gets is a small glare from the woman. 

“It’s just a small cold.” Juniper drawls, as if it’s obvious. “You know, because it's been getting colder recently?”

“Right.” Shota sighs, looking away from her to look at the street beside them instead. They stand together in a somewhat awkward silence, though neither of them want to be the first to break it. He soon hears the faint sounds of sirens, and so Shota takes this as his cue to look back to Juniper. 

She looks lost in thought, and Shota has no idea what she may be thinking at that moment. The more he’s around Juniper he realises just how little he knows about her. Though, he’s also been spacing out more often than not nowadays, so at least there’s at least one thing they have in common. 

“Listen,” he starts, taking Juniper by surprise. She’s quick to recover as she waits for him to continue. “Just… take it easy. I’d rather not find out you’ve died one of these days because of your recklessness.”

And it’s the truth, he’d much rather know Juniper is okay than find her lifeless body dumped somewhere because her seemingly endless streak of luck ran out.

“You don’t need to worry about me, Eraser.” She says, a distant look in her eyes. Shota frowns at her response, his lips pursing while he studies Juniper.

“That doesn’t mean I--”

“I said I’m fine, alright?!” Juniper interrupts him, her fists tightening by her sides. Shota decides to stay silent as she calms herself down, her hands losing their tension as she raises them to rub her palms to her eyes. 

He doesn’t know where this sudden change in attitude came from. Sure, people can have different feelings throughout the day but Juniper isn’t the type to turn to anger quickly.

“Sorry,” she sighs. “I know you’re probably just looking out for me, but I’m good. Okay?”

“Okay.” Shota reiterates, earning a disbelieving glance from the vigilante. He’s not going to give her any more reason to get pissed off by him pushing her too hard. However, she seems satisfied by his answer eventually and he sees her prepare to disappear into the night once again. “I do have a question or two for you though, before you leave.”

“Make it quick, I don’t want to be here when the police arrive.” The mention of the police makes the pro suddenly remember that they were, in fact, on the way. If he listens closely, he can hear the sirens in the distance. 

“Never mind, I’ll take care of this. Meet me a couple blocks away from here, I'll ask you then.” Shota offers instead, shooing her away from here with a small hand gesture. 

“You can’t ask it now?” Juniper huffs with a roll of her eyes. 

“It’s not something I want to ask under a time limit.”

She hums before flashing what Shota thinks is a grin underneath her mask. “Alright, Eraser. Don’t take too long.” Juniper waves at him, and as she makes her way up the fire escape he notices how she’s supporting her hand on the right side of her abdomen. He sighs, his attention then taken by the cops who’ve pulled up to the scene. 

The minute he’s done assisting and explaining the situation, Shota’s already on the lookout for the emerald vigilante. Due to her week-long hiatus, he hasn’t gotten the chance to ask her for more details on Kasumi’s attempted kidnapping. Her being the only witness to the crime is enough for her view to be important.

He eventually finds her a couple blocks away as promised. She’s sitting alone at the edge of a relatively tall building. Shota would’ve mistook her for a jumper if she wasn’t wearing her costume, and also the fact they’d planned to meet back up once he was finished with helping out.

“Juniper.” He announces his presence so as not to startle her. He’s silently grateful that she kept to her word and decided to meet with him before his shift ends. Shota makes his way towards her, taking a seat beside her on the edge.

“So,” she begins once he’s taken his spot next to her. “What did you want to ask?”

“Remember that kidnapping you prevented a little over a week ago?” Shota can see the thought behind her eyes as she takes a minute for her to respond.

“I think you have to be more specific than that.” She snorts at his confused expression. Just how many did she encounter just last week to not immediately think of the one he’s referencing?

“The one where you saved Kasumi Yuko?” Shota wants to sigh at the look of sudden recognition on her face. As he can only see the top half he watches as her eyes widen as she remembers.

“Yes, of course. Is she doing alright?” Juniper asks genuinely, throwing him off guard for a moment before he disregards that feeling. Despite her mysteriousness, she does have a track record of honestly caring for the victims of the crimes she prevents.

“She’s doing well, from what I’ve heard. I haven’t talked to her personally, though.” Juniper seems satisfied by his answer nonetheless, kicking her legs on the building she’s sitting on. “What I wanted to ask is if it would be possible to get you with a sketch artist? Kasumi tried, but she claims she didn’t really see who did that to her. With you being the only other witness, we were hoping you’d be willing to help us out.”

Shota isn’t surprised by the skeptical gaze he receives from Juniper, and so he immediately tries to lessen her worries. “This isn’t a ploy to get you captured. This case is much bigger than you are and your insight would be very much appreciated.”

“I’ll think about it. How would that even work?” 

“You could come by the precinct,” he starts but sighs at her disapproving glare. “We’ll have it so nobody there will attempt to catch you. Or, if you have any better ideas I'd love to hear them.” Shota compromises, tucking his hair behind his left ear. 

“I’ll go.” Juniper never ceases to surprise the underground hero, he wasn’t expecting her to agree so easily. “Is tomorrow afternoon a good time?”

“That should be fine.” Shota feels his lips twisting up slightly, relief waving off of him in waves. He stands up, giving Juniper one last glance. “Thank you.” 

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Eraserhead.” He shakes his head, turning away from her and heads in the direction to his apartment. 

He’ll text Tsukauchi the details later, right now he'd much rather fall asleep for years.

Chapter Text

Inko felt her heart pounding in her chest as she darted back to her apartment. She felt how her shoes slapped against the path. Inko couldn't shake the feeling of the fire burning her skin. Couldn’t withstand the bitter, acrid stench that stuck to her clothes. She had almost stumbled into a streetlight due to her blurred vision, her breath came out raspy and short as she gripped onto the metal streetlight to stabilise herself.

Why was she reacting this way? She got out, didn’t she?

She should’ve listened to Tsukauchi the moment he told her to stop. But if she didn’t, then she couldn’t have saved that kid from the burning embrace of the fire. 

Inko had barely made it out. The moment she handed off the child to Eraserhead she was resigned to her fate. The structure of the building was deteriorating every second, the flames licking her figure the longer she stood on the unstable floorboards. The smoke was getting to her head, she knew. Every cough that escaped her lips irritated her throat, she looked behind her and there it was. Her way out.

Inko doesn’t remember exactly how she got out, but she knew she must’ve as she managed to get away from the scene. It felt as though she had tunnel vision. She doesn’t know why this was affecting her so much. This isn’t her first time she’d done something like this. Why was it affecting her so much?

Eventually she’d managed to arrive at her newly bought apartment, a couple of unopened boxes scattered around the living room. Inko wanted to scream. Rip her hair out. Anything at all.

She didn’t though. 

Her clothes felt too tight. She stumbled to her empty bedroom, stripping herself from her costume and chucked it to the floor. She all but collapsed onto her bed, the night long forgotten until morning.

---

Being out during the day in her vigilante persona was off putting, to say the least. 

Inko’s crouched on a nearby building across the police station, scouting for any possible threats. She doesn’t think Eraserhead is a liar, but you can never be too sure. So far it seems clear, and Inko takes that as a pretty good sign. 

After a couple minutes of consideration, she decides she’s wasted enough time already. Izuku’s will be finished soon, and she’d much rather be there to greet him when he gets home.

Ignoring the surprised looks of the many bystanders as she jumps from the low roof she’s been scouting on, she makes her way towards the station across the road. Inko feels severely out of place as she does so, finding it harder to ignore the stares the longer it takes for her to get to her destination.

The minute she walks into the place it doesn’t feel any better, honestly she thinks it’s worse.

The station falls quiet as she walks up to the reception. She isn’t sure what she’s supposed to exactly, Eraserhead wasn’t that specific the night before. The last time she was here was during her earlier days of being a vigilante. 

Inko was still learning the ropes of the profession, she was inexperienced and it must’ve been quite obvious with how quickly she was brought in. It was pure luck that she’d managed to escape the multitude of cops and heroes on her ass. 

Inko promised herself never to get caught again. Hopefully never step foot in the precinct again.

But here she is, willingly walking into the lion’s den. 

Lovely.

“Hi,” she starts awkwardly to the receptionist. “I’m here to see Tsuakuchi, is he here?”

“Just hold on a minute,” the receptionist stares for a moment more before picking up her desk phone. Most likely calling the detective, and she’s proven right when she discusses the situation to the other side of the phone.

Soon enough the call ends, the phone clicking into place on its stand. “He’ll be here soon.” Inko nods in acknowledgement, taking this time to examine the station. The place is still eerily silent, minus the newfound whispering between officers at her arrival. 

You’d think they’d just get on with their jobs instead of being so easily distracted. Hell, she’s not even that popular!

It feels all too soon that Tsukauchi arrives, looking a little out of breath as he approaches. He must be shocked she even kept to her word that she’d arrive.

“Juniper!” The detective greets, signalling her to follow him further into the station. Once he’s sure she’s following, he continues. “I wasn’t sure you’d actually show up. Consider me surprised.”

“That makes the two of us.” Inko huffs, taking in how much the building changed since the last time she was here. It’s definitely gotten an upgrade at some point during the years. Inko’s snaps out of her snooping at the sound of Tsukauchi’s chuckle of amusement. 

“You haven’t changed much throughout the years, have you?” 

Inko shrugs behind him, knowing he can’t see the action as they walk up some flights of stairs. “I suppose not. Kind of hard to tell by yourself.”

“Fair point.” Tsukauchi says, finally arriving at an inconspicuous door after what felt like forever, he pauses outside the door to face Inko. “The plan is for you to give your account on Kasumi Yuko’s attempted kidnapping, seeing how you’re the only other witness to the crime. I’ll be here to make sure everything you’re saying is true, and someone else will be there to sketch out the culprits from your description. Sound good?” 

“Sure. And I can walk right back out after?” Inko asks, just to be sure. 

“That was the deal, Juniper. Your cooperation here is necessary, and if that means letting you go this time after the fact, it’ll be worth it.” He reassures with a firm nod to Inko’s direction. He then opens the door, allowing Inko to walk into the room first before following suit, closing the door behind her.

Once she enters, she notices the similarities between this room and an interrogation room. There’s a large table in the middle, taking up most of the space with two chairs to the left, one of which is already occupied by a thin man with papers scrawled over his side of the table. Tsukauchi takes his place beside who she assumes is a sketch artist. Inko takes her respective seat on the opposite side of them, suddenly feeling a lot more nervous than before.

“Thank you for joining us today, Juniper.” Tsukauchi breaks the silence, then gestures towards the guy beside him. “This is our sketch artist, Murai Sora. His quirk helps him visualise what you describe depending on how much detail you provide, so more detail the better.”

Inko bets if Hisashi was with her right now, he’d be sprouting off all kinds of questions about Mr Murai’s quirk. She can see how a power like that can be useful in situations like these, though she probably couldn’t analyse it as well as her husband could.

The interrogation goes by quickly, in Inko’s opinion. Tsukauchi asked her for her statement and account of events, which she answered as honestly as she could. It was then time to fully describe how the criminals looked. Inko’s sure Mr Murai has already got some idea thanks to his quirk, but the more detail the better.

It’s been a good while since she’d witnessed the crime, so it takes her a minute to remember all the specifics, but eventually it all comes to her as she continues to describe them.

It’s when Mr Murai reveals his sketches asking for confirmation about their looks, her gaze pauses on the doctor's face. Now that she isn’t rushing to save Kasumi from their grasp, Inko finally has the time to analyse why he looked so familiar to her. The drawings themselves are insanely accurate, but that’s what happens when you have a quirk depending on details, she supposes.

“That’s them. Mind if I…?” Inko trails off, gesturing to see the doctor’s drawing up close. Mr Murai offers it to her without a hitch, a light smile on his face despite their circumstances.

“Is there something wrong with it?” Tsukauchi asks, giving Inko a questioning glance. Inko shakes her head in response, her eyebrows knitting together as she tries to remember.

“Quite the opposite. It’s great, really. I just--… there’s something that isn’t adding up.” It’s then when it hits her. Where she knows him from. He’s the doctor that diagnosed Izuku when he was four years old. It’s been a few years since then, it being his seventh birthday during the upcoming year. 

Where was it that the doctor worked? Why now is she having trouble remembering the important details? 

“Oh right, I remember now.” Tsukauchi says with a sudden look of realisation. “You said you recognised him when I came by.”

Inko hums an affirmation, the rough paper resting in her gloved hands. “I don’t know anything about him. It’s been a good few years since I’ve met him, and that was only once.” She sighs, handing back the drawing. “He works in a nearby hospital though, probably to do with quirk management.”

“Thank you, Juniper. I hope you know how helpful this has been for us.” Tsukauchi reassures her after seeing her frustrated expression, offering the vigilante an understanding smile. He stands up from his place at the table, Mr Murai following suit. The artist leaves Inko and Tsukauchi alone, exiting the room with a polite, “goodbye.”

“Is that all, then?” She wonders, taking a quick glance at the clock on the wall. Izuku’s classes will be over soon, and while it’s not the first time he came home to an empty house due to her work, she’d like to be there for him today.

“So it seems. If anything else comes up, I’ll get Eraserhead to relay it.” Tsukauchi suggests.

“Where is he, anyway?” Inko wonders aloud, she thought he’d be here as he was the one to suggest the whole shebang.

“He’s at his day job, so I’ll update him later when his patrol begins.” The detective explains, and Inko hums in acknowledgment. She supposes that makes sense. Despite all their years together, she really doesn’t know much about the underground hero. If Inko actually knew how to run a computer, she’d probably have the information by now-- but alas, it’s not to be.

It’s probably for the better that she doesn’t know a lot about Eraserhead, no villains could use him against her and vice versa. Plus she doesn’t want to snoop on his private life, God knows she wouldn’t want anyone doing the same to her. It does make her a little curious about the nature of Eraser’s job. Maybe she had met him before on some random day as she’s buying groceries and he was the cashier. She does remember seeing him around town before, though he was easily recognisable to anyone who knew him due to his unmistakable scarf. 

“I could just give you my burner number, if that’s easier?” Juniper offers, surprising Tsukauchi at her suggestion. “I mean, you did have my old one and even I’ll admit it was pretty useful.”

“Yes, that’ll sure speed things up if anything you need to know comes up.” They exchange numbers, and it’s so normal - if you look past the fact that she’s a vigilante handing her contact details so easily to a detective - that it makes Inko feel slightly unbalanced.

“If that’s everything, I’ll be on my way.” Inko excuses herself, standing up from her chair and walks towards the door. Tsukauchi makes no move to stop her. It still makes her nervous that this was all a ruse for her to get caught, but apparently not. Inko doesn’t really feel like going through the bullpen again to leave. 

Against her better judgement, she swerves to the direction opposite of the way out which the detective behind her gives an odd look at her for. 

“Juniper. The exit is that way..?” He tries to inform her, though all Inko can focus on is the window at the end of the hall, wide open as though inviting her through it. She grins, beginning her sprint to the window, ignoring the shocked yells from Tsukauchi from behind her and leaps.

Only to remember that she is not on the first floor.

She doesn’t have much time to review how absolutely stupid that was, even for her, as the concrete below seems to be getting closer and closer.

It doesn’t help that the window she chose to jump out of was not one by the back of the building for her to sneak out. No, Inko had to choose one of the few windows that led to the main street. 

This meant three things. One: She had no clear way of breaking her fall. Two: The ruckus Tsukauchi is making behind her is bringing a lot of attention. And three: She’s one-hundred percent an idiot, no doubt about it.

Bracing herself for the impact she’s definitely going to feel later, she hits the ground with an attempt to roll as she does so. Doesn’t help much, Inko realises as the action only contributes to pulling her shoulder.

Ignoring the curious and albeit terrified expressions of the innocent bystanders, she looks back up to the window she jumped out of to see Tsukauchi’s stunned appearance. She offers him a teasing salute, biting back a hiss of pain at the action. Inko sees the moment the detective sighs in relief at the knowledge she’s in one piece.

For the most part.

Inko suddenly remembers the audience she’s gathered. She gives them a nervous smile through her mask before awkwardly walking off, immediately turning to the nearest alley to disappear into.

When Inko arrives home just before Izuku, she vows to never do something like that again.

---

Shota’s taken out of his thoughts at the sound of his phone ringing on his desk. The sound brings the attention of his colleagues around the teacher’s lounge, but he ignores their curious stares in favour of looking at who’s calling him.

As he picks up his phone he reads the number on his screen. Unlike his husband, Shota prefers to have his contacts unnamed and instead just memorise the numbers he saves. It’s safer that way, he supposes. In his line of work, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

He recognises the series of numbers immediately, having been in contact with the guy a lot more often than not lately.

Detective Tsukauchi.

He heaves a deep sigh, getting up from his seat and exiting the lounge so none of his nosy colleagues can eavesdrop. He answers the call.

“Tsukauchi?” Shota begins, suddenly feeling worn out before the conversation has even started.

“I’m sorry to call you while you’re at work, but this simply couldn’t wait.” Shota perks up at that, a little intrigued by what the detective has to say. He grunts in response, signalling for him to continue. “We’ve got the sketches. Juniper kept to her word.”

And that… genuinely surprises Shota. Listen, he didn’t doubt her for a moment though it’s still shocking to hear she willingly took such a risk. 

Risk.

And it really was just that. She had no way of knowing Shota would keep his promise. No way of knowing if what he said was real and not just a ploy to get her arrested.

But even then, she went through with it. 

“I’m surprised Juniper managed that, let alone even showed up.” He comments absentmindedly, watching the city through the ceiling to floor windows of UA. The sun is high, its light shining down on Musutafu. 

“Honestly I was too,” Tsukauchi huffs through the phone. “Out of everyone, she’s surely not the worst vigilante we’ve encountered as she actually came.” 

“You’re only saying that because she’s less chaotic than the others.” Shota snorts.

“You might wanna rethink that statement, Aizawa. She jumped out a window on the fifth floor!” Tsukauchi groans, and Shota can picture the detective with his hands in his hair in exasperation. 

“I didn’t say she wasn’t chaotic. Just that she’s normally quite tame than the types we'd normally get.”

“Whatever, just be sure to come around before your patrol.” Tsukauchi says as if Shota wasn’t already planning on it the minute he called him.

“You got it, Tsukauchi.”

---

A couple months have passed since Inko’s visit to the police department, and Izuku’s seventh birthday passed just a week ago. The boy, predictable as ever, asked for a new notebook and a couple bits of hero merch to go with it.

He seems to have taken on Hisashi’s talent of analysis if Izuku’s ramblings have anything to say about it. She’s wondered more than once if he’d inherited an intelligence quirk somehow, despite neither Hisashi or herself having any quirk related to that.

Either way, the work Izuku creates is insanely talented for a seven year old. He’s passionate, you can tell.

Inko’s also noticed that Izuku’s been coming home with little to no injuries ever since her talk with the principal. Whenever he does come home with a little bump here and there, he blames it on his own clumsiness. Inko was skeptical at first, but eventually decided to trust him. He knows that she’ll be here to support him if anything changes.

This line of thought brings her to her next point. If anything does change, she wants him to be able to defend himself at least. Being quirkless in this world will be tough, and it’s up to Inko to help him through it. With her experience as a vigilante, she’d picked up many useful tricks in fighting that she could pass onto her son so he could use those same techniques to help himself if the need ever arises. 

She’d been thinking recently about where she’d even teach him. It can’t be a public dojo, as most don’t accept quirkless students as it’s deemed “too dangerous” for them to handle. They could try out in public, in a park perhaps? Inko personally wouldn’t mind it, though she’s sure Izuku will. The last thing she wants to do is make him uncomfortable.

That leaves the only option left; her base. 

It’s nothing special, just a small warehouse Inko rents every month that’s got enough in it to be a decent training area. She’d normally use it for emergencies, where she’d get too injured to go home right away. She doesn’t want to risk Izuku seeing her that way.

That building had helped her out countless times, whether that be hiding from heroes to having a safe place to attend to her wounds she’d receive on her patrol. 

With what direction their current world is going in, with less people being diagnosed quirkless as time continues and more people being born with a supernatural power, Inko believes that teaching her son to protect himself will help him in the long run.

If anyone figures out the connections between her personal and vigilante personas and tries to use Izuku against her, at least then he’d have some idea about how to protect himself.

She ignores the betraying voice at the back of her mind that points out how it didn’t help Hisashi in the long run.

It won’t happen to him. 

Inko won’t let it.

Chapter Text

Shota groans in frustration as he lowers his head to his hands, his hair covering his face. He just can’t seem to figure this case out, and it’s pissing him off to no end. It’s been months since Juniper told her account of events which eventually led to pretty accurate sketches of the perpetrators, though they hadn’t caught a glimpse of a lead any further than that.

They’re going to need to extend their search radius. They’ve been assuming they main in Musutafu, due to their track record of snatching their victims from the city. Though now that Shota considers it, with that warping quirk they could essentially go wherever they want. Of course, they’d most likely have to be close enough to know enough about their victims to even want to attempt to kidnap them, despite how random their pattern appears. 

It’s something he’s going to have to bring up to Tsukauchi later. 

“What am I missing…?” He whispers, removing his hands from his face to stare at the pictures of the criminals on his living room coffee table. 

The summer is going to come to an end soon, and schools will open again for the new term. Shota just can’t wait to see what new first years will arrive at UA.

(Sense the sarcasm?)

Every year, without fail, just contributes to the growing grey hairs on his scalp. However, he can’t deny their potential. They start out naive students, sure, but after their years at UA they’re reborn as promising heroes. 

He can only hope this new batch won’t be as bad as last years. He had to expel that whole class for their immaturity, though he did re-enroll them now that they’d learnt the consequences. 

Eventually, Shota decides he’s had enough of running his brain around in circles over the case and leaves that for his future self. There’s only so much he can do when he’s powered by fumes.

He hopes, one day, they’ll find the victims and lock away the criminals once and for all. 

Just not tonight.

-

Inko’s being watched. 

She feels the eyes on her, the hairs on the back of her neck raising. Where the feeling is coming from, she doesn’t know. Maybe she’s just being paranoid. Inko has been on patrol a little longer tonight than she’d usually be. 

Not for any particular reason, it’s just that she prefers to be on the streets. Saving people. Everytime she saves someone, their smile gives her a high that no drug could replicate. Not that she does drugs! She knows how damaging it can be on a person to get addicted, she’s witnessed it first hand many times on her patrol.

Inko decides to continue her job despite her instincts screaming at her to go the other way. 

She manages to interrupt a couple more crimes, unable to shake the feeling of uneasiness as she does so. As she’s tying up a criminal in the dirty alley, she takes a moment to look at her surroundings, hoping to catch the person who’s watching her. No such luck. Nothing seems out of the ordinary.

Inko’s not willing to let it go, though. 

There’s not much she can do without knowing who’s bothering her in the first place. Ultimately, she decides to head home thinking it’s just the exhaustion catching up to her. 

“Oi, ye spooky bitch!” The criminal grunts from his slumped position against the wall. She blinks in surprise, almost forgetting the guy was there. “Untie me right now! Do ye have any idea who I am?!” He growls out, a slight accent to his words, Inko notices.

“No can do!” Inko chirps in reply, keeping her facade up through weariness. It must be pretty late into the night by now, or early in the morning depending on how you see it. “What are you doing out so late, anyway? I know I’d much rather be anywhere else right now.”

He scoffs with a roll of his eyes, leaning his head back onto the wall behind him with an audible thump! Inko thinks that must’ve stung, though she chooses not to comment on it. “Nun ya business, prick.”

“Well, I mean other than your failed attempt at robbing that innocent store around the corner.” Inko snorts which does nothing to ease the criminal’s growing irritation. “Pretty embarrassing, I must say.”

“Shaddup!” He scowls in Inko’s direction, though his attempts at getting her to be quiet fall on deaf ears. “I don’t give a rats ass what you think, I can do whatever the fuck I want.”

“Right…” she huffs in amusement, “and how’s that going for you so far?” She takes a moment to cough into the crook of her elbow, receiving a raised brow from the criminal.

“It was going pretty fucking dandy, until your annoying vermin ass showed up.” He answers, giving Inko one last skeptical glance before going quiet as they hear sirens in the distance. The police will be arriving soon.

As they wait in the alley for a few more minutes, Inko thinks about what exactly is wrong with her. She’s had the same cough for months now, and though she doesn’t feel too much different than before, the intensity of said cough has been increasing as more days pass.

It’s been getting particularly harder to concentrate during battles as she has the stinging need to clear her throat every five minutes. Inko doesn’t miss the concerned glances from her coworkers as she does, even the troubled stares she’d get from Eraserhead every now and then when he’d catch her during her coughing episodes. She always brushes it off, not wanting to worry them any further. 

Inko’s sure Izuku has noticed too. 

She hates to see him worry about her, but she knows he’s quite observant despite his younger age. Most days the boy would have to get himself ready and dressed for school as she’d be too exhausted to move from her bed. Inko feels absolutely terrible every morning that happens, but Izuku isn’t the type to hold a grudge. 

Though, on the days where she managed to conserve her energy, she’d take Izuku out a couple days a week to train him. 

Well she says train but it’s really just teaching him basic self defense. She’s been taking him to her warehouse as planned, and so far he shows good promise and determination to get better. 

Inko hopes this will help him overcome any bullies he may come across. Growing up quirkless in this day and age… it’s a death sentence. She prays that her son won’t go down that path, and live a happy life, though she realistically knows that he’ll face many challenges from many different people.

Hell, she’s witnessed just how terrible treatment is against them by all the incidents she’d come across during her patrols. 

So if this small effort will make his life just that much easier, she’ll do it. 

Inko loves her son dearly; no doubt about it. She still feels terrible she pretty much gave up on him when he was diagnosed quirkless, unable to stomach the thought of him wanting to become a hero. But after a moment of consideration, she knows more than anyone in his life that a flashy quirk isn’t what makes the hero. 

Sure it helps, but being a limelight hero isn’t the only option. For example, Eraserhead is an underground hero who only really uses his quirk to even the field, though he still fights quirkless against them and especially towards mutant types as they‘re unaffected by his erasing power.

Though her illness is becoming quite the concern. She knows she should get it checked over and find out if it’s anything serious, but if it does end up being pretty horrible, she most likely has to buy medication she can’t afford. Working on a low income will do that to you.

And while check-ups are free in the area she lives in, sometimes even getting an appointment set up takes months. ‘I bet by the time I even get a confirmed date, the sickness would be gone.’

It’s just not worth it. If she has to suffer a couple more weeks with an annoying cough, so be it. She’ll leave it for now, it’s only really bothersome when she's doing something important like, you know, fighting crime?

If there was another way to get what she needs, Inko might just do it. Though, most of the other options are underground doctors and such who are more associated with villains than vigilantes like her. She doesn’t want to take the risk of being so vulnerable around them. ‘What if word got out that Juniper, the friendly neighbourhood vigilante, was sick?’

That wouldn’t end well for anyone. It would make her more of a target to villains and heroes alike, she hasn’t forgotten that many heroes are still after her. After failing so much, you’d think they’d give up by now, but no! Just because Eraser and Tsukauchi paused in their attempts to catch her—which she still doesn’t trust, by the way—doesn’t mean that everyone else will follow suit.

Inko sighs before leaving the villain to get picked up by the cops. She’ll have to think about what to do at a later date, preferably where the police won’t be.

As she makes her way home, Inko doesn’t acknowledge the eyes following behind her.

---

Izuku sticks his tongue out slightly in focus as he tries to copy his mother’s stance. She told him what to do, and is currently beside him to help adjust his position where it’s needed. 

‘Feet forward…Don’t lock your knees…Stay balanced…’ Izuku repeats to himself like a mantra, full of energy and excitement at the idea of learning from his Mum. There are clearly a few flaws here and there, but that’s where she comes in and helps him. It’s not bad for his first attempt.

When Inko offered to help train him, he’d been surprised she even knew how! Though adults always know more than he does, so he didn’t question it. It’s what his teachers at school said, anyway. 

Izuku shakes the thoughts from his head, not really wanting to think about school at that moment. Right now he has to focus!

“Good job, Izuku! You seem to be getting the hang of this.” Inko praises with a smile which in turn encourages Izuku to grin back at her. 

“Will I learn how to fight now?” Izuku asks, eager to move on. So far all she’s taught him is a couple of stretches and stances which he’s grateful for, truly!—But it’s getting repetitive and he wants to move on and improve as quickly as he can.

“Not quite yet, baby. We don’t want to overdo it after the first couple sessions.” She explains, ruffling his green curls affectionately. “Maybe next time.”

At her words, he can’t wait for their next lesson. He wants to get it over with already! He wants to prove to his classmates he’s not some useless Deku. 

Ever since Inko chewed out his principal, the treatment against him did get better. At the beginning, anyway. His class then learnt to hit him where his mother couldn’t see, and the mean names they called him didn’t stop either way. Izuku glances at his Mom where she’s taking a large sip of water from her flask. He feels guilty for not telling her about it after all these months. It’s just— he doesn’t want to bother her. Izuku pushed it far enough after he told her the first time. 

Plus, he doesn’t want to get anyone in trouble. It’s his fault he was born quirkless; this is just preparing him for the real world! Izuku doubts she’ll see it like he does, but as long as she doesn’t discover what’s been going on, he’ll be fine. 

---

Why can’t anything ever go her way? 

Inko’s hands shake as she reads over the letter. Once. Twice. The words don’t change, they don’t jump out at her and laugh saying it’s a prank. 

Because it must be. It has to.

She’s aware of the eyes that follow her during her patrols. The culprit must’ve just been far enough away that she couldn’t decipher where exactly they were. She knew someone was following her and she let it happen. Why did she do that? Why didn’t she try harder? 

Ever since Hisashi’s death, she’d been more paranoid over anything and everything. Inko brushed off that uneasy feeling she felt as silly paranoia, and now she’s paying the price.

‘I’m coming for you, Juniper.’

She’s going to have to move. Again. It’s too risky staying here. Just when things were starting to look up for her and Izuku—

Izuku.

Her heart thumps in her chest, eyes wide with despair as she turns to look at the unsuspecting boy on the sofa. He’s distracted by the news on TV. Another villain captured by a popular hero Inko can’t remember their name right now. All she can think about is the threat shaking in her unstable hands.

They need to go. Izuku isn’t safe. 

‘He’ll never be safe with me.’ A darker part of Inko’s mind whispers at her, though she ignores it in favour of researching motels in the area for them to stay at tonight. She would’ve gone to her base, though if her stalker—or stalkers—have been following her long enough, they must know where the warehouse is already.

She’ll have to take a break from her vigilantism until she’s sure they’re safe. Inko can’t risk her stalkers finding out where they’re headed. 

“Hey, Izuku?” Inko grabs his attention, and she has to force a small smile on her face at his confused and innocent look. “We’re going to be staying somewhere else tonight, so could you please pack your bag? Just a few extra clothes and whatever else can fit. Can you do that for me, baby?”

“Oh, sure!” Izuku says as he gets up from his spot on the couch. “Where are we going?”

“I’ll tell you later. You get going and pack up quickly.” Inko ushers Izuku to his room to gather his belongings before doing the same thing herself with her own things. She takes a couple outfits, other important gadgets and then goes to tackle her Juniper box underneath the bed. Inko decides to take her costume just in case.

Once done packing up, she leaves her room with a full backpack of necessities and collects both her normal and burner phones. While Tsukauchi and Eraser are probably used to her unplanned hiatuses,  she thinks they’d appreciate a little heads up this time.

Eventually Izuku also emerges from his room many minutes later, bag in hand. He’s still visibly confused about the whole situation, and Inko feels the guilt swell as she takes his expression in. If only she was more careful, then her son wouldn’t be in danger.

“I’m ready.” Izuku says, breaking the silence. Inko gives a shaky nod in acknowledgement, gripping onto the note so tightly her knuckles have gone white. The paper crinkles at the harsh contact which pushes her to stuff the threat into her pocket.

“Let’s go, then.”

-

When they arrive at the motel, Inko and Izuku are both exhausted. The sun is setting, leaving the sky painted with an array of beautiful pinks and purples. It’s almost calming, in a way, though Inko is anything but calm at the moment.

She knows they’ll have to move from their apartment to somewhere safer, but right now she can’t be too sure. They’ll have to stay here until the coast is clear. As they walked to the motel, Inko hadn't felt that unsettling feeling of someone watching her. She takes that as a good sign.

Without wasting any more time, they walk up to the reception and book a room for a couple nights. It’s all they can afford at this time, so she’s going to have to cross that hurdle when she gets to it. Right now they focus on moving into the room.

It’s small and a little dirty, but it’ll have to do. Izuku clearly isn’t impressed by it but he doesn’t complain. There’s two separate beds and an even smaller kitchen by the room entrance. On one side of the counter is a microwave and on the other is a sink. By that is a decently working fridge, which Inko is grateful for. She spots a door further into the area which she then figures must be the bathroom. 

Inko wishes she didn’t have to do this, but she didn’t see any other option. She takes out the note from her pocket after she sits down on one of the beds, staring blankly at the scribbled words. 

They must’ve planted it in her apartment when she was out with Izuku. They could’ve ambushed her the moment they got home, she wouldn’t have suspected it, but they chose to warn her instead. Why would they do that? She doesn’t understand it.

All Inko knows is that she has to protect Izuku. No matter what happens, she won’t let anything happen to him. 

---

“Inko,” Hisashi smiled as he held her hands in front of him. She’s dressed in her newly designed and crafted costume, ready to face the monsters of the night. They stood in their kitchen, entranced by each other’s presence. “You know I love you, right?”

Inko nodded, unsure where this conversation was headed. All she knew in that moment was the affection beating out of her heart every moment she looked into her husband’s eyes. 

“Be careful,” he continued with a sad, almost knowing look in his expression. “Don’t let your guard down.”

This all seemed obvious to her. Of course she’ll be careful, this isn’t her first patrol. Inko pulled down her mask before she leaned in and gave Hisashi a small peck on his cheek.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” She reassured him, though he still looked unconvinced despite how much he tried to hide it. Inko sighed, letting go of her husband and making her way toward the window, ready to leave.

“Inko.” Hisashi caught her attention once again and as she turned to face him, she noticed his eyes looked a little wetter than she remembered them being just a second ago. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Chapter Text

Inko wishes she didn’t leave that night. If she stayed, maybe her husband would be alive right now? Maybe she wouldn’t feel this overwhelming hole in her heart.

She wonders what Hisashi would say to her now, if he could see her. Would he still love her, like he said? Despite her being unable to protect him, would he still support her? Inko doubts it. She knows she wouldn’t support her after everything.

But now that Izuku is in her life, she’s at least been trying to get better. He’s the only thing left that's important to her. He’s the only thing left in her life that makes her feel closer to Hisashi, even though he’s gone. To her, Izuku is like the second chance she didn’t get with Hisashi—to be better for the both of them. 

Izuku deserves so much more than what she can give him.

Now here they are, sitting in a shitty motel room thanks to her mistakes. Her recklessness. 

Inko wondered if the people who followed her were the same people who got to Hisashi. She can’t dismiss the idea, though it does feel unlikely. Juniper’s pissed off so many people since then, so it could be anyone really.

All she wanted was to make her hometown a better place, for herself and others. Is that such a bad thing?

Apparently so, because she just can’t ever seem to catch a break. Realistically, she knows they can’t forever bounce around from motel to motel in hope her oppressors will give up and leave them alone. It’s wishful thinking—and naive— which is something she can’t afford to be right now.

Inko needs to nip this in the bud before it can escalate. She’s almost grateful they gave her a warning, though she knows they won’t be so easy next time. 

If Izuku wasn’t a part of her life, she bets she would’ve let them get to her. Inko probably would’ve done it herself, if she’s being honest. But now Izuku is her responsibility; her sole reason for living. If something were to happen to him, she’d be entirely to blame. 

She wouldn’t be able to live with herself if that happens.

What she has to do now is prepare Izuku for the worst. If anyone caught wind of him existing as Juniper’s child, he’d certainly have a target on his back. If she can’t be there for him somehow, then he’ll need to know how to defend himself. No more beating around the bush.

She’ll also need to figure out what exactly her stalkers want from her. Inko knows it’s her they want, if the note they so kindly left is anything to go by. But their motives are still unknown to her.

Inko sighs as she rolls over to her left side on the bed, figuring she should get some sleep before she overthinks too much. 

There’s not much she can do right now, anyway. However, tomorrow is a different story entirely.

---

“Tsukauchi,” Shota greets tensely as he walks into the detective’s office. He had gotten a text from the detective to come by his office when he had time, most likely to talk about something urgent. Juniper messaged him that she’d be going on a break for an unspecified amount of time. While he appreciates the warning, this just leaves him with more questions than answers. “What’s this about?”

“Take a seat,” Tsukauchi invites Shota further into the room, gesturing to the familiar seat he’d occupied on the many other occasions he has been summoned to the office. Shota sighs as he follows Tsukauchi’s offer. “I’m sure you’ve heard already by now, but it’s been brought to our attention that Juniper will be going on an indefinite break from her vigilantism.”

“Yeah, I know, she sent me a text.” Shota nods in confirmation, wondering where this conversation will lead to. “What about it?”

“I’m sure it’s no cause for concern. She goes on breaks often enough, just glad she had the idea to tell us before she left.” He explains, fiddling around with his computer as he does so. Tsukauchi has a deep frown on his face, spamming multiple buttons on his keyboard as if something isn’t working.

“You alright there, Detective?” Shota raises a brow at his display, honestly a little amused by the situation. Though the amusement is short-lived as he remembers the sensitive and important information that resides on that computer.

“It should be fine, it does this sometimes.” Tsukauchi scowls at the device despite his words. “I’ve been meaning to get an upgraded model, but right now the station is… underfunded, to say the least.”

Shota hums sympathetically, it’s understandable that they’d be getting less payments than other areas that are deemed more important; such as hero agencies. It’s a shame really as it’s the police who end up processing each and every villain that ends up caught. While they haven’t been on the frontlines as often as they were during the earlier years of quirks—thanks to the rise of heroes—it doesn’t mean their work now is entirely useless. 

“Not to worry, I’ll fix it later.” Tsukauchi eventually says after a few more unsuccessful attempts at fixing the computer. “What I really wanted to talk about is the case. Sure, we’ve had sketches now for months but they haven’t shown their faces since then. Or, if they did, nothing has been reported.”

“That’s not good.” Shota says oh so intelligently, unable to think of a better response. They’ve been searching high and low for the culprits, though nothing has come to light. It’s honestly frustrating just how elusive they are.

“No. It’s not.” Tsukauchi huffs light-naturedly, pulling sheets of paper from a drawer under his desk. He places the papers in front of Shota, allowing him to see the sketches. “We’ve had officers and heroes alike take a good look at them and keep a lookout, though we haven’t published this to the public.”

This tidbit of information confuses Shota. Why wouldn’t they release this to civilians? If they knew to be aware of the kidnappers, they’d be able to prepare accordingly to be kept safe. However, the more he thinks about it, the more he understands, in a way. Not only would this increase public tension and distrust towards heroes as it’s been almost a year since they caught wind of the first victim, it would also bring the attention of the criminals themselves. They could switch tactics; become more alert if they know the department is onto them.

The facts they’ve gathered about them is next to nothing. It would be counterproductive to share what they have to the people when they barely have anything to go on themselves.

Despite Shota not saying anything in response, Tsukauchi seems to follow his line of thought anyway. 

“It’s not ideal, but it’s the best course of action for us right now.” He continues, taking back the sketches from Shota and leaning into his chair. “We’re doing the best we can with what we have, but it doesn’t seem to be enough. We’ve still made zero progress with this case since we opened it.”

“If I may,” Shota interjects. “I think we should start expanding our search radius to other cities. Sure the one we’re going off now was a great start, but it’s gotten us nowhere. If we share what we know to other authority figures in other areas, we’d increase our chances of catching and arresting these criminals.”

Tsukauchi mulls over his suggestion for a moment before replying. “It’s not the worst idea, though what if that plan is futile too? I don’t want to waste any more resources on something that isn’t guaranteed to have results.”

“But—” 

“I understand where you’re coming from, Aizawa.” Tsukauchi interrupts with a sigh. “But I can’t risk this. Almost all of their victims were born and raised here; in Musutafu. They must be stationed somewhat near here, and I doubt they’d put in so much effort to travel through every prefecture for random victims. It doesn’t make sense, according to my boss.”

“This isn’t right.” He says simply, pointedly avoiding Tsukauchi’s gaze. Shota knows that he most likely doesn’t have that much freedom in his work. The department's funds are tight enough as it is, and as much as they’d want to expand, they couldn’t risk the operation being in vain and being a waste of money they don’t have. 

“It’s not, but what can you do?”

“I’ll catch you later, Tsukauchi.” Shota dismisses himself, getting up from his seat and leaving the office, not waiting for a response.

He knows they could do more. What’s the point of having all these officers and heroes if they can’t pursue situations that need them the most? They’ve got a warping quirk in their arsenal, for crying out loud! They could be anywhere. Could take anyone as they pleased without a trace.

Though, Shota knows that sometimes things are out of your control. It won’t matter what he argues; his insistence won’t matter in the long run if the people controlling the strings deem the situation unimportant. It’s not right, it won’t ever be right, but that’s just how it goes more often than not. There’s not enough evidence to prove the kidnappers could be in a different prefecture, and so they won’t take action until there is. 

He doesn’t hold this against Tsukauchi, either. From the years he’s known the younger detective, he does seem like a genuine guy, and Shota knows all too well how infuriating it can get when you have to follow orders. 

---

“Izuku,” Inko grabs her son’s attention from where he’s sitting on the motel bed. He’s writing in his notebook to pass the time, as there’s honestly nothing else to do in the motel room. She goes to take a seat next to him, her face creased as she looks at him in poorly concealed worry.

“Izuku, I need to tell you something.” She begins, her words only gaining a confused stare from the seven year old. “Mum is being looked for by bad people. Bad people who want to hurt us.” Inko rests her hands on top of his own comfortingly despite the fear she feels. Nothing has ever shaken her up this much before… not since Hisashi. 

“I don’t want you to worry, honey. I won’t let anybody get to us, okay? I’ll always be here to protect you. You’re going to have to stay off from school for a week or so, until this situation calms down.” Inko smiles shakily at him, hoping she looks calmer than she feels. “I know it’s a lot right now, but I need you to be strong and brave for me right now; like All Might. Think you can do that for me?”

Izuku gives her a silent nod in response before speaking up. “Who’s coming after us?”

“I…I don’t know, Izu. But that won’t stop me from protecting you.” She raises a hand to ruffle his curls, earning a reserved smile from Izuku. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Mum.”

Inko wraps her arms around her son warmly, glad the conversation went well. She wasn’t sure how to breach the topic to him, and honestly he probably doesn’t even understand the full extent of the danger they’re in. 

She shouldn’t have gone back to her vigilantism. She had an out, all those years ago, she could’ve stayed home with Izuku all those nights she went out. Inko can sprout any excuse she wants for why she chose to go back to the streets; to save people where the heroes couldn’t, but none felt right. Ever since she started, she just couldn’t seem to put it back down. Like an addictive drug she can’t seem to shake off. Inko knew the dangers of getting back into this profession, but she continued anyway. 

Inko knows deep down that if Hisashi were to see her now, he’d be disappointed in her. This whole predicament proves she hasn’t learnt from her mistakes. How could she be so willing to risk losing Izuku like she had Hisashi?

It makes her sick to the stomach.

“I need to go out and get something, okay?” Inko tells Izuku as she pulls away from their hug, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Stay here and keep away from the windows, I’ll be back soon.”

It’s most likely they don’t know of Izuku’s existence. If they did, they would’ve taken him by now to use against her. The most she can do right now is make sure he’s safe and secure, and if that means leaving him for a moment or two to scout out her competition, then so be it.

With that, she gets up and changes into a black hoodie, black jeans, and storing a spare black mask into her pocket. Inko can’t be seen out as Juniper, and while her stalkers definitely know of her civilian identity, the best she can do is try to blend in, deal with the situation, and get back to normal as soon as possible.

How hard can it be?

‘Apparently, quite hard.’ Inko realises half an hour into her search. It’s late enough that the sun is setting in the distance, she doesn’t know the exact time but she guesses it must be around after seven in the evening. 

Inko has been strolling through the streets of the city, no actual goal in mind of where her stalkers could potentially be. It’s what she gets for not putting in actual effort earlier, she has nobody to blame but herself.

As she continues this endeavour, Inko realises how painfully slow she is. Of course, her main idea is so she doesn’t stick out and draw attention to herself which means no jumping over buildings, and no running through the streets, ultimately leaving her with one option: walking. 

So it’s not ideal, but she’ll deal with it.

The streets are mostly empty around this time, excluding the occasional smoker or drunkard sitting at the mouths of alleyways. 

Inko sighs heavily as she eventually comes to the conclusion that she won’t be meeting her sources of grey hairs tonight. Which she doesn’t mind too much, but she wishes she could get it over with already.

With this in mind, she decides to go visit a place that had her back during her earlier years of vigilantism. Inko hasn’t visited in almost a decade, though she’s sure they’re still up and running. In basic terms, it’s pretty much an underground club. A neutral ground for villains, vigilantes, and underground heroes alike. It’s a strict place filled to the brim with rules and conditions once you join, and if you intentionally break any of them you can consider yourself… permanently cut.

Inko knows she doesn’t exactly look like Juniper right now, though it shouldn’t be a problem. While she doesn’t like the attention on her, she is quite respected among the club and won’t have any issues verifying that she is indeed, Juniper. 

As she gets closer to one of the locations, Inko pulls out the mask she took earlier and covers her face. This particular spot is secluded enough from the public eye, instead having a front as a music store. The building overall doesn’t draw much attention, which is essential when you’re harbouring vigilantes and villains while also engaging in less than legal means of business.

Inko approaches the side entrance of the building, spotting the inconspicuous guards by the door. They tense as she walks up to the pair in confidence, only stopping when they gesture to her to do so.

“What’s your business here?” The one on the left asks, he’s quite buff with a sleeve of tattoos on his left arm. The guard on the right has a similar physique, raising a brow at Inko. 

“It’s Juniper, and I think the summer is quite tropical.” Inko shrugs, flashing the guards a wink as they move to let her into the building. They’re unaffected, but it’s the thought that counts. She huffs as she makes her way into the club, thinking how ridiculous that password is. No time to dwell on it as Inko approaches the actual entry to the club, opening the door to the area. 

The patrons of the club look up for a second at the newcomer, though they’re quickly sucked back into their own business, forgetting Inko’s existence. She prefers it that way, she doesn’t like the attention to be on her for long periods of time.

As she passes many people on her way to one of her contacts, some vaguely familiar while the rest don’t ring a bell, that should be there tonight, if they kept to their schedule throughout all these years. Inko feels herself grin as she spots the person she’s looking for. She goes by Siren—though Inko has taken to calling her Bubbles—; she’s got a mutation quirk that makes her skin blue with scales along her arms and neck, which Inko thinks her name suits her quite well. She’s also got dyed pink hair pulled into a messy bun. Siren is currently tending to a bar, handing out drinks where customers request them.

Inko glides into a bar stool, suppressing a chuckle at her old friend's antics as she berates a guy for dropping a shot glass.

“Hey, Bubbles!” Inko calls for her attention once Siren has cleaned up the mess of the broken cup, earning a sigh from the woman in question.

“And here I thought we got rid of you once and for all, Juniper.” Siren chuckles with a roll of her eyes as she approaches Inko, leaning her elbows against the counter and resting her chin on her hands. “And my name isn’t bubbles, it’s Siren.”

“But Bubbles is so much cuter.” Inko teases.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Siren brushes her comment off fondly, pouring her a drink. “The usual, I assume?”

“That’ll be nice, thanks.” Inko says, taking the glass of gin. She pulls her mask down for a moment to take a sip, not all that worried about showing her face to Siren. 

They go way back to when Inko was just starting out. Siren was the one that directed her to the club in the first place, where Inko managed to buy some support items and weapons. While Siren is pretty neutral when it comes to villains, vigilantes, and even heroes, Inko knows she’ll have her back if she’d ever need it.

“So, what has the oh so elusive Juniper been up to during her decade-long break?” Siren asks with a tilt of her head. “Had everyone here thinking you died or got caught.”

“Sorry to worry you so much, Bubbles.” 

“I wasn’t worried!” Siren denies immediately with a pout, though Inko can tell she was genuinely concerned. Inko smiles softly at the woman, before fidgeting with her empty glass.

“I just had to deal with something in my personal life. And my old burner got destroyed in my last mission before that hiatus, so I couldn’t contact you.” Inko explains, giving Siren an apologetic look.

“You couldn’t at least seek me out once throughout these years?” Siren whacks Inko’s shoulder without any real hostility. “You had eight years! I thought you were dead for eight years, until I saw you that one time months ago on the news—jumping out the police department’s window? Come on, Juniper! Even when you came back, you didn’t think to come visit at all?” Siren accuses, her casual front broken as she continues her rant. Her words attract the attention of people nearby, but they know better than to interrupt Siren.

“I’m sorry.” Inko sighs, rubbing at her temple. “I had things to do, and surprisingly coming to a bar wasn’t the first thing on my list.”

“Not an explanation.” Siren says stubbornly.

“I know it was shitty of me to stay away for so long, but the first seven years were valid, I’ll tell you that.” Siren opens her mouth to retaliate, though Inko continues without giving her the chance to. “I don’t even know how to say this, and I don’t think I should when anyone could be listening. Is there nowhere more private for us to talk?”

Inko can tell she’s frustrated, though after a moment she responds with a nod. “We can talk in the back room, come on.” Siren urges Inko to follow her, which she does silently.

Once they enter the empty room, Inko takes a seat across from her friend. 

“Start talking. You’re not leaving until you give me all the deets.” 

“I had a kid.” She starts, giggling slightly at Siren’s shocked expression. 

“Seriously? Juniper, I love you—but what?”

“Seriously. He’s seven years old, and he’s very polite and understanding. I’ve been gone for so long so I could be there to raise him. You know of my husband's death, so it was pretty hard in the beginning, but I think I did a good job raising him with what I had.” Inko continues, smiling fondly at the thought of her son. Her expression suddenly turns sour, remembering the probable mercenaries after her.

“I started up my vigilantism again almost a year ago, but I wasn’t active that often during that time either. Though, sometime during my patrols… I don’t remember when exactly, but someone has been following me. Just yesterday they left a cryptic note on my kitchen island, and so I had to leave with my child as soon as I could.”

“Oh, Juniper…” Siren starts, worry etched onto her face. “Where’s your kid now? Shouldn’t you be with him?”

“I don’t think they know he exists yet, so I’ve been out trying to find these fuckers behind this and end it quickly so Izuku won’t have anything to worry about. He’s at this motel nearby, though he knows not to open doors for strangers and to stay safe.” As Inko tells Siren of her predicament, the woman shakes her head.

“This just won’t do. Motels ain’t that safe, hon. I’m not sure what your money situation is like right now, but I doubt you’d be able to stay there long.”

“I know, and it’s only temporary until I can nip this in the bud. But I didn’t know where else to go, they know my identity so no matter where I take him, he’ll be in danger because I’m there.” Her fists clench tightly onto her jeans, knuckles turning white.

“I could take him in, at least until you sort this out.” Siren offers, reaching out to lay her hand on Inko’s shoulder. “I have a spare bedroom, and I’ll make sure he’s safe. It’ll be better than keeping him alone in a motel every time you go out.”

“Are you sure?” Inko asks shakily, unable to keep the tears out of her eyes. Sure, she’s been a vigilante for years, though it seems she hasn’t outgrown the famous Midoriya tears quite yet. “Even though I haven’t kept contact with you for so long?”

“I don’t care about that anymore. Sure you could’ve said something earlier, but better late than never, right?” Inko coughs into her gloved hand, though she plays it off as a cold at Siren’s minorly concerned face.

“If you’re sure, it would really help me out. Thank you, Bubbles.” 

“For the last time, it’s Siren.” Siren rolls her eyes, but her gaze immediately softens at Inko’s chuckles before scribbling something on the back of a receipt from Siren’s jean pocket. “Here’s my number, I’m assuming by now you’ve got a new phone?”

“Yes. Thank you so much.” Inko takes the receipt from her friend, concealing it into her hoodie pocket. 

“Enough with the thank you’s, I’m sure you’d do the same for me if the roles switched.” Siren laughs, soft and carefree. It’s that moment that Inko truly realises how much she’s missed her. “I’m sure you’ve been out late enough already, little Izuku must be worried.” She continues, standing up from her seat, waiting for Inko to get up and go with her.

“You’re right.” Inko agrees, following Siren’s example and following her out the room. Siren walks Inko to the exit, pausing before Inko walks through the door. “Remember to text me, I can have him over as soon as tomorrow, no sweat.”

“I will. I’ll let you know the details when I’m back.” Inko replies, not letting any important information slip out with how many people are in the club. Better to be safe than sorry, especially now with her current situation.

“You better. I’ll be here for you whenever you need me, Juniper.”

“Thank you, Siren.” Inko shows her gratitude by reaching out a hand for her to shake. She would’ve gone in with a hug, but she’d rather not draw attention to herself.

Her chest feels lighter as Inko leaves the club, glad she’s not completely alone in this life. She wonders what might've been if she had taken the time to reach out to Siren sooner, but she doesn’t think about it for long as she’s just happy to have her now.

It takes her another half hour to return to the motel, and her worries immediately cease when she finds Izuku curled up and asleep in one of the beds. Safe.

Inko takes a moment to change into something more comfortable before going to place a kiss on her son’s forehead. She’ll contact Siren in the morning to plan their arrangement.

Once Inko’s sure she’s done for the night, getting comfortable in the other bed, she allows herself to succumb to the world of sleep.

Chapter Text

Inko sits at the edge of the bed, inspecting the old receipt she received from Siren. The number scrawled on the back is slightly smudged from sitting in her pocket all night, though it’s still eligible enough to read.

While she agreed to turn to Siren for help last night, she’s admittedly getting second thoughts. Inko has nothing against the woman at all, she was there for her during her early days of vigilantism. Showed her the ropes throughout the underground club. Helped her stay out of trouble with the other occupants of the club more often than not.

So why is she doubting herself?

Inko glances up from the unsuspecting paper to Izuku. She can tell this has taken a huge toll on him, despite his lack of complaining. He’s been quieter, and every time Inko moved towards the motel door, he looked up with worry.

She didn’t want him to worry. She didn’t want him in harm’s way, either.

Taking a breath, she takes out her burner phone from the bedside table drawer before punching in Siren’s number. Inko can trust her, and she believes herself to be a pretty good judge of character.

Her thumbs hover over the keyboard of her phone in a moment of hesitation before he eventually decides to rip the bandaid off and send the text.

‘Good morning, Bubbles. It’s me, Juniper.’

Inko doesn’t expect to get an immediate response, so she switches off her burner in favour of checking up on her son.

“Izuku, honey.” Inko says as she walks towards him, he’s currently packing his belongings into his bag at her request. Izuku doesn’t look up from his task, instead preferring to stare at the lone All Might figure in his hands. “Are you alright?”

“Are we going back home now?” He asks, risking a glance to his mother with unshed tears in his eyes. “I want to go home.”

Inko frowns, kneeling next to Izuku as he looks back to his figurine. She places a hand on his shoulder, giving it a small squeeze before speaking. “Not just yet, baby… the bad people are still somewhere, we can’t go home until they’re away.”

“Can-can’t you tell the heroes? They’ll chase the bad guys away, Mama!” Izuku’s breath hitches, he brings his hands to his eyes and rubs at them. “They always do…”

“Oh, Izuku...” Inko pulls Izuku into her warm embrace, blinking to keep her own tears out of her eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

The words that spill out of her mouth make her tense. That’s the exact same thing she said to her son all those years ago, when he got his quirkless diagnosis. Is she just bound to repeat history? Bound to have her family in constant danger because of her?

Inko wants to keep Izuku safe; to keep him out of this life. 

She tightens her hold on her son for a moment longer before moving away and collecting her own belongings. They can’t stay in the motel any longer, she can’t afford another night.

Opening her burner phone, she notices Siren had replied to her text with an annoyed greeting, though she had given Inko an address. The place isn’t too far from the motel, so it shouldn’t be a problem getting there by foot. 

“Are you all packed up, Izuku?” She asks, glancing at his solemn expression. Inko knows he isn’t taking this whole situation well, which is just more reason for her to finish this up before it gets out of control. 

“Yeah…” He replies, picking up his bag and heading towards the door. Inko takes one last look around the room in case they missed something, satisfied that they haven’t, she leaves the room and checks out of the motel.

---

After half an hour of walking, they eventually made it to Siren’s apartment. It’s small and unsuspecting, though that’s probably what Siren was looking for. 

“Izuku, before we go in I need you to listen to me.” Inko begins, crouching down to Izuku’s level and holding his hands in her own. “One of Mum’s friends lives here, and you’re going to stay here with her until the bad guys go away, okay?”

“Other than Auntie?” Izuku asks with a tilt of his head. They haven’t seen the Bakugo family in a good couple of months; while she does appreciate the friendship between her and Mitsuki, she slowed down their meeting after noticing how uncomfortable Izuku and Katsuki were acting together. Inko and Mitsuki still keep in touch over the phone, but they don’t go to each other’s houses as often anymore.

“Other than Auntie.” Inko nods with a small smile.

They both walk up to the entrance, and Inko knocks on the door. A moment later, Siren opens up with an inviting grin on her pale blue skin. She’s got her pink hair down instead of her usual ponytail or bun. 

“Welcome! It’s good to see you.” Siren invites inside, and it’s then when Inko realises she hasn’t asked for her actual name despite how long they’ve known each other. Inko and Izuku walk into her home at her invitation.

“It’s good to see you too. Thank you for letting Izuku stay here.” Inko says with genuine appreciation as they go further into her home. It’s a homey studio apartment with the kitchen by the front entrance with the living area just by it. There’s a small TV at the back wall with a couple sofas facing it. Izuku takes a seat on one of the couches, watching Siren with a nervous look. 

“Of course. I’ll be here for you whenever you need help.” Siren reassures as she pulls Inko into a small hug. Inko knows she still hasn’t fully forgiven her for disappearing for so long, though she's glad she’s still willing to be in her corner. 

Pulling away from her embrace, Siren approaches Izuku on the couch with a soft smile.

“Hey Izuku, how are you doing?” She asks, crouching to meet his eyes without towering over him. Izuku looks away from her shyly, fidgeting with his fingers.

“I’m good, Miss…” 

“Oh! My name is Yoshino Amaya, though you can just call me Amaya, yeah?” Izuku nods.

“It’s nice to meet you, Amaya.”

“So polite! I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.” Amaya grins, standing up from her crouched position to address Inko once again. “You don’t have to worry, Young Izuku will be safe here.”

“Thank you, I don’t know how to repay you.” Inko huffs, wiping a stray tear from her eye. Amaya’s gaze softens at this with a shake of her head.

“You can start by kicking those stalkers as—” Amaya glances at Izuku, “—butts! Kick their butts and come back to us safely.” 

“I will.” Inko declares. 

And she will.

---

A week has passed since Inko has entrusted Amaya with caring for Izuku. Now that he’s staying with her, he can go to school like normal and continue his studies. He doesn’t have to suffer with the annoyance of constantly being on the move. 

During this time, Inko had been staking out her own warehouse. She’s sure her followers have noticed the building, though by now Inko’s sure they’ve given up looking for her there with how long she hasn’t returned. The place looked clear, so when Inko entered she was caught off guard by someone she didn’t recognise snooping around her belongings. It didn’t seem like they noticed her appearance, so she took this opportunity to approach the person and take them by surprise. She hit them with the hilt of her staff, which knocked them out easily. 

It was almost too easy.

So here she is now, a random guy tied up tightly to a nearby chair as she waits for them to awaken. The guy was wearing a purple suit with rounded glasses, and grey hair. Inko takes this moment to cough into the crook of her elbow, it’s rough and sickly. Even after all this time, her cough just doesn’t want to go away.

Luckily she manages to calm it down just as the mysterious man starts showing signs of waking up. Inko pulls up her mask to cover her face, she can’t risk anything right now even if he does end up knowing what she looks like anyway.

Once he opens his eyes and realises who got the drop on him, he huffs out a breath of amusement. “Juniper. You’re a slippery one, y’know that?”

“So I’ve heard.” Inko crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow in question. “And who might you be?”

“You haven’t heard of me? I gotta say, I’m hurt.” He smirks at Inko’s unimpressed stare. “It’s Giran, surely that’ll refresh your memory?”

“The broker?” Inko asks, honestly a little stunned he sought her out. She doubts he’s with her stalkers, though you can never be too careful with villains like him. “I’ve heard of you.”

“Oh, wonderful! So you must know I only seek out those whom I find interesting?” Giran tugs on his bindings, slightly agitated by the restraints and sighs. “Do you have a smoke?”

“No, I don’t.” Inko replies. “And is that what you were doing? Seeking me out?”

“Well, I guess it’s more you sought me out instead.” Giran huffs, gesturing to the ropes tying him to the chair. “But sure, I was looking for you, Juniper.”

“Many people are looking for me.”

“There’s no doubt about it,” Giran says with a knowing grin. This reaction confuses Inko as the broker continues. “I know a thing or two about the mercenaries after you.”

“So you’re working for them, is that it?” Inko asks defensively.

“On the contrary. We’ve never met, but your reputation precedes you. Despite everything you stand for, I respect you and your drive. You’ve got a hunger, something you’re fighting for.” Giran reassures her, “it’s not often I meet people with your motivation.”

Giran’s explanation surprises Inko, she would’ve thought he’d want her off the map with how often she catches villains like him. Though, Giran hasn’t expressed to have any opinions on anyone as long as they paid.

“Is that right?” She huffs, minutely amused. “Didn’t take you for an ass kisser, Giran. What’s this really about?”

“Eager to get down to business, I see.” He chuckles. “Very well, I’m here on a mission for another vigilante client of mine. He’s pretty new to the scene, so he asked me to seek you out for some pointers.” Inko gives Giran an unimpressed stare at his words. What kind of joke is this?

“I don’t believe that for a second.”

“Juniper, I am many things but I’m not a liar… unless, of course, the situation calls for it.” Giran adds cheekily, “the kid’s name is Stendhal. At least hear him out, maybe he’ll motivate you with his ever captivating monologues he likes to sprout out to anyone who’ll listen.”

Inko is perplexed, to say the least. While Giran has never been known to stab willing clients in the back, he is still a villain. For all she knows, he could be leading her straight to the lion’s den. She’s just about to decline, to tell him she’s not interested when something within her urges her to pause. 

What does she really have to lose? 

Other than Izuku and Amaya, she’s pretty much alone. If Giran is being honest about this meetup, the least she could do is hear them out. Inko hasn’t heard of this Stendhal yet, maybe this is her chance to finally have somebody in the same boat as her. 

“Alright. I’ll hear you out, but if this turns out to be a trap I won’t hesitate to throw your ass to the cops.” Inko promises, freeing the broker from the chair. 

“That sounds more than fair.” Giran chuckles, pulling a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it up. After taking a puff, he offers a hand to Inko which she returns. “Glad you decided to come around.”

“So, when does Stendhal want to meet?” Inko would much rather be doing anything else, she has to figure out who exactly has a hit out on her. She’s sure Giran knows more than he’s letting on about the whole situation if what he said earlier was any indication. Still, she can’t deny this is a good opportunity for her. Gaining allies, a support system and whatnot. Though, if this vigilante is more trouble than he’s worth, she’d have to figure something else out.

“In around three days from now, come to this address.” Giran says as he hands her a piece of paper. The place is some warehouse a couple blocks away from her own. 

“Is that all?”

“Sure,” the broker begins his walk towards the warehouse exit, though he slows to a stop and turns back to her, all the while Inko watches. “Unless, you’d like some intel on the rats hunting you down?”

“That would be useful.” Inko admits, taking measured steps toward Giran. The man just hums in response. 

“This information comes at a hefty price, however. Can you handle that?” And honestly, no she isn’t sure she could handle more debt for her already weeping wallet. But if Giran’s information is legitimate, it could really help her get a proper lead in her own investigation. She wasn’t ever good with computers or intel gathering, so this is really her only option. 

“Just tell me what you know.”

“Those mercenaries after you? They’ve been hired by the boogeyman of the underground. Apparently, you’ve been disrupting their evil schemes, and so they want you off the playing board.” Giran shrugs nonchalantly, as if he hadn’t just shattered Inko’s world. The boogeyman of the underground? Just who is this guy?

Surely he must have a quite impressive reputation to those who know of him to gain a title like that. Her confusion must show on her face as Giran lets out a chuckle before taking another puff of his cigarette. 

“You don’t know the big man? The kingpin, if you will?” Inko shakes her head, not sure what to make of this. How has she, of all people, pissed off the leader of the underground? Surely it’s one big misunderstanding. “Well, that makes sense. Not many ordinary people know of his presence. He’s the type of guy to stay away from. So whatever you did to get this man angry must've been terrible.”

“I don’t even know what I did. One minute I’m on patrol, and the next I’m getting followed by these thugs.” 

“Interesting,” Giran sighs. “Though he’s not one to make mistakes. Even if you’re not aware of what you did, he surely hasn’t forgotten.”

“Just my luck, huh?” Inko crosses her arms. She doesn’t know what she could’ve done to deserve that reaction. ‘Disrupting their evil plans’? Inko does that to many villains on the daily, what makes him any different?

Well, that’s a problem for future Inko. Right now, she needs to deal with the mercenaries now despite what their motivations may be. The sooner she puts this to bed, the sooner she can go back to Izuku and Amaya.

---

Juniper has been a lot more active lately compared to her usual schedule. Shota has noticed, kind of hard not to with how many more criminals are landing on their laps every night. And while Shota hasn’t had the opportunity yet to talk to the vigilante, he knows something has to have happened. 

Shota also can’t seem to let go of that case, either. He knows they could be doing more, but how could they with how insufficient their evidence is?

It’s the logical thing to do, but that doesn’t mean he has to like it.

The night is cold and unforgiving during this time of year, and Shota is grateful his costume is made with thermal fabric just for this reason. His hair and capture weapon whip as the wind passes. He’s sitting on the edge of the roof, eating a mango jelly pouch. Depending on how his patrol goes, he normally takes his break on this specific building. Mainly for the gorgeous view of the city, It’s peaceful and void of any villains or vigilantes.

That was until he hears the familiar thump of someone landing behind him. Shota rolls his eyes, not bothering to turn and see who’s decided to interrupt his break. He already knows, anyway.

Juniper takes a seat beside Shota, her face looking longingly at the jelly pouch he’s eating from. He huffs before silently tossing her a spare packet from his belt. Juniper’s expression immediately brightens. She turns her face away from the underground hero before pulling down her mask to take a couple sips of the strawberry jelly.

They sit together in a somewhat comfortable silence. It’s one of the rare moments of peace they seem to have on nights like these. 

Shota knew eventually they’d have to break this air of tranquillity, they have much to discuss, after all. 

“What do you know of ‘The Boogeyman of the underground’.” Juniper begins, which is the first red flag to Shota as Juniper is rarely the one to initiate business talk. 

“I thought that was some legend?” Shota straightens. “The tales begin from almost two-hundred years ago. If he really did exist, I doubt he’s still around. Why?”

“Well, I may or may not have pissed this guy, who claims to be this legend, off?” Juniper cringes at Shota’s incredulous expression. Just what the hell has Juniper been up to?

“Explain.” Shota all but demands, and she does. She explains how she met up with some sketchy broker who gave her information about this group of guys who have been following her for a good amount of time — which is news to Shota, what kind of attention has she been getting? Clearly nothing good.

“Turns out those lowlife thugs were hired by… y’know. And now here we are.” To say Shota is stunned is an understatement, though he tries to make sure it doesn’t show on his face. 

“You’re just always getting into the craziest situations. Why didn’t you tell me earlier, I could’ve helped you.” Shota tries to reason with her, but she shakes her head.

“And what, put a target on your back too? This is something I need to deal with on my own.”

“I’m more than willing to help you, Juniper.” 

“So you’d risk your life to help some measly vigilante like me? What happened to being logical?” Juniper accuses. “I shouldn’t have said anything.” She finishes, standing up from her place on the roof, heading towards the fire escape. 

“Juniper!” Shota calls after her, stopping her from going any further. “You can’t do this alone. Let me help you.”

“I can’t put you at risk like that, I don’t even know why I even came here. You can’t help me, plus more than anything you’re supposed to be doing your job and arresting me. Why haven’t you?” Juniper turns to look at Shota, her eyes glistening with restrained anger.

Honestly, Shota doesn’t have a reply to that. He is supposed to be capturing her and taking her to the precinct, to have this case over once and for all. But at the same time, he just can’t. They’ve gone through so much over the years together, and when she’s finally off the streets he doesn’t know what he’d do. He does enjoy those calm moments together, or the rare chance they’d fight as an effortless pair to take down the villains and criminals they’d come across. 

Despite how illogical he knows it is, he isn’t ready to say goodbye. Not yet.

Plus it would be cruel to arrest her now. It’s obvious she’s got her reasons for coming back, though the specifics are still unknown to him. 

It seems he took too long to reply as Juniper scoffs and leaps down the fire escape balconies. He stands there wordlessly, not for the first time watching Juniper leave. This time leaves a cold feeling in his chest, though.

---

Inko leaps over a myriad of buildings in her haste to get away from Eraserhead. That was probably one of their most useless meetings in their entire history. She can handle herself, she has been for the majority of her life. Inko was the one to raise Izuku alone, Inko was the one to save the people the heroes couldn’t get to in time. 

She’s accomplished so much by herself, she doesn’t need any help taking down a couple thugs who think they’re all high and mighty for being the chosen pawns of the boogeyman. All she has to do is lure them out, beat them, then milk any information they have of whoever is after her and why. It would also be preferable to not think about the underground hero as she does so. 

When did he get so illogical? She doesn’t know. Inko knew from the moment he wasn’t chasing her ass from any given opportunity that something had changed. It didn’t bother her at the time, it was just one less thing to worry about as she went about her duties. Though now, after their conversation he’s all she can think about.

It’s pissing her off. She desperately wants to hit something.

Inko’s usually quite slow to anger, but now she toes the line. She doesn’t even understand why she’s so angry in the first place. Eraserhead offered her help, so why did that piss her off so much?

Well, it’s not the first time she’s had to deal with people desperate to get her off the map, but here she is, alive and mostly well. As she continues to jump over deep alleys, she begins to recognise the streets and buildings of this area. It’s then when she realises that she’d been subconsciously making her way back to her apartment.

The apartment where she cannot go, as that’s where her stalkers are most likely to find her.

From where she is now, she must be a couple blocks away from her house. An idea pops up into her head; a stupid one, but an idea nonetheless. 

Instead of waiting for the criminals to show themselves, how about she lures them to her in a place that she knows better than anyone? 

This night might turn out her way, after all.

Chapter Text

Perched on a roof nearby her past home, Inko observes her old apartment. It wasn’t the most secure in the neighbourhood, or even the nicest looking, but it still felt like home to her. It was her chance for a fresh start as she began to raise Izuku all those years ago.

She knows that her home will never feel the same. Not until she’d rid of the mercenaries after her. Who hired them? She doesn’t know. All she knows is that they want her dead. 

Inko can only hope this’ll end soon. She needs to get back to Izuku, give him a normal life. Even then, Inko can’t forget what she started all of this for.

Inko shakes her thoughts away. Right now she has to deal with one thing at a time, and right now that’s the criminals after her.

After her initial glance at her house, nothing seems too out of the ordinary. At this point they probably think she’d abandoned the building altogether — which is true, in a way. Still, it’s strange to see her apartment pretty untouched at all.

She figures there’s something waiting for her inside, so with a deep breath she scales down the side of the building she’s on, crosses the street, and makes her way to the front door. Inko steels her nerves, opening the door to reveal the darkened hallway. 

The place feels cold and unwelcoming, a sense of foreboding washing over Inko’s skin as she enters into the lobby. She glances at the myriad of photos on the walls as she walks by, longing to go back in time and appreciate what she had.

Inko’s nearing the end of the corridor, and as she’s about to rest her hand on the door handle, the hairs on the back of her neck raise. Inko spins around, back to the door as she frantically looks around the space. 

“Who’s there?” Inko calls out, her hands itching to grab her bo-staff. She gets nothing in response. 

Inko figures she must be going crazy. Maybe she’s just paranoid? Yes, that must be it. She reluctantly turns back, her heart banging against her ribcage as she opens the door to the living room. 

“Juniper.” A voice giggled out from within the room. Inko’s breath stutters in her throat as she frantically glances from corner to corner, trying to pinpoint the source. She hasn’t felt this scared since… ever. Inko can’t think. Her shaking hands reach for her staff, only to drop it once in her grip. Inko curses at herself, desperately trying to pick up her weapon from the wooden floor.

Why is she feeling like this? Inko might just throw up, tears pricking at her eyelids as she grips onto the door frame for support. So lost in her own head, she didn't realise the mysterious voice had continued until the culprit was right in front of her.

The woman is around the same height as her, though now she looks taller as Inko clutches at her stomach with her right hand and her left still gripping to the frame. As Inko’s eyes try to focus on the woman, she notices her bright pink hair tied back in braided buns. Despite her eye-catching hair style, she’s overall wearing inconspicuous clothing. A dark hoodie, black cargo jeans, and a mask that covers the lower half of her face - much like Inko’s.

“...no fun, you’re not even listening to me.” The woman huffs, crossing her arms as she gives Inko a nasty glare. 

“Who…who are you?” Inko manages to choke out, unable to shake this overwhelming sense of dread. Is this her quirk? It has to be. There’s no other explanation. Inko has faced worse than this, and had never felt so terrible.

“You can call me Arona.” She grins, fiddling around with something in her hands. It takes a moment for Inko to realise it’s a knife. “I’ve been so excited to meet you, Juniper. Or would you prefer the name Inko? I think it suits you quite well.” 

Inko chooses to stay silent, as if she’d be able to muster any words anyway through the lump in her throat. She tries to back away from Arona, but she’s unsuccessful in her attempts as she falls over backwards instead, pushing herself back to lean against the wall. Why can’t she just focus, damnit?! This woman knew her name, knew where she lived. Just what else does she know?

“This is just sad, not at all what your reputation makes you out to be.” Arona sighs, as if disappointed. “This is too easy, at least poor Hisashi put up more of a fight.”

A fat silence fills up the space between them. Inko thinks Arona started talking again, though she’s not listening.

This is the person behind her husband’s death? 

Inko’s struggling to breathe, she knows it. She feels it. The air never gets the chance to fill her lungs as it’s gone just as quickly as it came. Inko feels weak. So incredibly weak. All those nights she spent looking for the culprit, just to be too under the effects of a quirk to function. All those nights wasted. She could’ve used them to be with her son, Izuku.

And isn’t that a thought? What will happen to Izuku? Her precious little boy? 

She’s sure Amaya would take him in. From what she's heard the past week from her friend, Izuku’s been adjusting well to living with her. That thought still doesn’t erase the agony Inko’s feeling. 

Suddenly Inko feels Arona’s knife slice across her face, the cut starting from the edge of her eyebrow and across her nose. She cries out in pain, instantly bringing a hand up to cover the wound.

“You should start listening to me more, Inko. It’s rude to ignore people, y’know?” Arona hums after a moment, taking no notice of Inko’s pained breaths. “Well, living alone all these years must’ve stunted your manners, so I'll let it slide this time.”

Inko almost sighs in relief at the confirmation that Arona isn’t aware of Izuku’s existence. She’s sure the villain has searched her apartment high and low, and so she made sure to clear out Izuku’s room enough to make it look like a stereotypical guest room rather than her son’s.

“Whatever, this is boring.” Arona continues, looking at Inko’s pathetic form on the floor in disgust. “You’re no hero, you’re just some weak piece of shit who somehow managed to make it this long. It makes me wonder why I was even intimidated in the first place.”

“Why are you doing this? Why did you kill my husband?” Inko all but demands, coughing into her arm when she does, continuing to hold the cut on her face. 

“Ah, all questions that’ll be answered in due time.” Arona smiles, a sick and vile smile, Inko’s sure. It’s hard to see past her mask, though her crinkling red eyes are a dead giveaway. The villain crouches down in front of Inko, her gaze piercing as she does so. “I’ll let you in on a secret, ‘kay?”

Arona pauses, seemingly waiting for Inko’s response. She gives a shaky nod, ignoring the pain that swells at the action. 

“I hate you.” Arona states. Inko is confused for a moment, as if that was a secret by this point. “I hate you, and everything you stand for and I’m sure you feel the exact same way towards me.” Arona briefly examines her bloody knife, grimacing at the crimson liquid staining her weapon. 

“We’re not so different, you and I. You took something from me, someone dear to my heart. So, of course, I had to make sure you felt the same pain I did by taking who was dearest to you.”

“I don’t—” Inko doesn’t know what to say. She doesn’t remember pissing this woman off enough to warrant killing her husband. Arona is sick in the head, that much is clear. “What are you talking about?”

“Come on, Inko. You’re not daft. Think!”

‘Easier said than done’, Inko retorts in her mind. Arona’s quirk is still active, making it hard for Inko to do the simplest of things. As much as she hates to admit it, Inko’s entirely at Arona’s mercy.

“Not ringing any bells, hm? Fine.” Arona sighs once again, looking fed up with Inko’s incompetence. 

“Your quirk…” Inko all but pleads. “Turn off your quirk.”

Arona glares at Inko at her audacity. 

“You’re so pathetic,” the villain snarls. “Kurogiri!” She continues staring down the fallen vigilante as she calls the strangely familiar name. Where had she heard that name before?

Inko’s taken from her thoughts as a purple void swirls by Arona. Inko knows who this is. The villain behind all those kidnappings. Is Arona connected to them in some way? Where’s—

“God, you’re so fucking useless!” Arona yells, kicking her studded boot into Inko’s chest. She must’ve said something that Inko didn’t catch. Again. “Next time you won’t be so lucky.” And with that, Arona steps through the portal and it vanishes just as quickly as it appeared. 

Inko is left alone, and she can finally feel her heart calm down now that Arona is gone. 

She can finally think.

A drop of blood trickles down her face and onto her lip, making her cringe at the metallic taste. How could she forget her wound? Now that she’s aware of it again, the pain comes back full throttle, making her cry out in agony. 

“Fuck…” She hisses, clumsily getting up from the floor and stumbling through the door where the bathroom is, leaving a trail of blood behind her. Surely there’s a first aid kit in there somewhere.

Inko opens the cabinets beneath the sink, not bothering to look at her pitiful state in the mirror as she searches. She’s sure she looks terrible, she doesn’t need her reflection to confirm it. Though, she knows she can’t hold it off forever. The minute she finds the first aid kit, Inko knows she’ll have to assess the damage across her face.

Soon enough she finds what she’s looking for and gets set up by the sink, her blood dripping into the ceramic bowl as she leans over it. It’s then when she makes eye contact with her own reflection, and damn does she look like she got run over by a truck.

Inko gets to work, cleaning and dressing the less than precise slice across her face. She’s sure a wound like this will scar. Not good at all. Not only will it make it easier for the heroes to identify her, her poor Izuku will have all kinds of questions that she won’t be able to answer.

Just what had she gotten herself into? And what did Arona mean when she claimed Inko took someone dear to her? 

If what she said was true, that means Inko truly was the cause of Hisashi’s death. She decided to go out as Juniper all those years ago. If she had any self restraint at all, if she stayed home maybe her husband would be with her today. 

She can’t stay here any longer. It was risky enough coming back in the first place. Inko wills her tears away, her fists clenching by her sides as she leaves the bathroom to go to clean up the mess she made. 

Why can’t she ever do anything right?

---

Inko eventually managed to make it to her base. She doesn’t know how, but she’s glad she did because the minute Inko hit her bed she went out like a light.

She woke up a couple hours later, still in her bloodied costume, and the furthest thing from being well rested. Her whole body ached, her head especially. 

Just what was she thinking last night? 

Clearly nothing that intelligent, if this is where it led her.

She’s better than this. Inko knows she is. It’s just that she was so angry, vengeful. First that shitshow dispute between her and Eraserhead, only to be hit head on with that crazy villain Arona.

The same crazy villain she’s been looking for all this time. She’d never admit it to anyone, but just because Juniper lost her presence physically during her seven-year hiatus, doesn’t mean she left entirely. It was always the plan to come back one night and search for the one behind her husband’s murder.

And there she was, moments away from her grasp. Taunting her, as if Inko’s existence meant nothing.

As she replays the events of last night in her head, the more it chips away at her patience. By the time she manages to get out of her messed up bed, she’s bustling with pulsating rage. The rage directed at Arona, the woman behind Hisashi’s death, for whatever reason. Though, the rage directed at herself the most—for letting a woman like that get away so easily.

‘I’ve got a lot to think about.’ Inko thought to herself as she left her base after cleaning herself up and dressing in inconspicuous clothing. She heads in the one direction where Inko knows she’ll calm down.

---

The rain patters down onto Shota’s umbrella as he walks in step with Hizashi. They pass a myriad of different shaped graves and stones, each one engraved with a different name in a different font. 

Hizashi is holding a bundle of flowers as they pass the grave stones, a solemn expression on his face. Even after all these years, the one thing they could bond over, in a way, was the death of their closest friend. Oboro Shirakumo. 

There’s never a day that passes where Shota doesn’t miss his blue-haired friend. Even in his last moments he chose to be the hero he always set out to be, protecting helpless children as an onslaught of debris fell on top of them. The kids made it out fine, Oboro, on the other hand? Not so much.

“Hey.” Hizashi grabs Shota’s attention, grabbing his sleeve to keep him from walking off. “We’re here.”

Shota didn’t even realise, too deep into his thoughts. He responds with a silent nod, standing by with the umbrella strong in his grip as Hizashi crouches down to replace the withering flowers with the newer ones. 

Shota stands there while Hizashi stays kneeling on the dirt, a mutual silence enveloping them for a moment, each of them paying their respects to the boy they lost so long ago. Shota reads the inscription on the stone over and over, wondering why a guy as good as Oboro had to go.

“You alright?” Hizashi asks, getting up from his position on the ground and wiping the dirt from his trousers as he does so. 

“Fine.” Shota replies, adjusting his grip on the umbrella. He glances around at the many other gravestones, taking notice of each one that’s gifted with fresh flowers and the ones without. It’s then when he takes notice of a woman with green hair a couple rows down from them. There’s not many people in this area with a hair colour like hers. It looks familiar, somehow.

“Hold on a minute, ‘Zashi.” Shota gives his husband an apologetic look, offering the umbrella to him. The blonde raises a brow, but takes the umbrella from him anyway.

“What are you doing?” Hizashi tries to ask, but Shota’s already on his way to approach the woman. He doesn’t understand why, but he somehow feels the need to speak to her. As he gets closer, he can see her and almost hear her mumbling to herself. However, the most pressing thing he can notice is the bulk of bandages wrapped around her face.

Shota doesn’t introduce himself yet, instead choosing to observe her from nearby. From this distance, Shota can read the writing etched onto the stone the green-haired woman is kneeling in front of, and is immediately met with recognition. 

‘In loving memory of,

Hisashi Midoriya

A loving son and husband,

2139 - 2169’

This must be the same woman he met ages ago, the one who bumped into him rushing around the corner. Their interaction was brief, so brief that Shota hadn’t recognised her at first. 

He decides he’s had enough watching this poor grieving woman, sighing to himself and turning back around to get back to his husband. Once he does, Shota grabs back the umbrella from Hizashi and heads back to Midoriya, ignoring his husband’s incredulous looks.

“Excuse me?” Shota starts, startling the woman before him. The rain is still pouring relentlessly, and while she’s already soaked to the bone, he offers her his umbrella. “Take this, the rain is merciless today.”

She looks up at Shota in shock and confusion, glancing at the umbrella warily as if it will jump out at her. “Thanks… but I’m already soaked, there’s no need.”

“I insist.” Shota persists, giving her a small but rare smile as she silently takes it. “I don’t think I ever introduced myself, I’m Shota Aizawa.”

“Inko Midoriya.” She replies, albeit a little awkwardly. 

“We met briefly almost a year ago now, I’m not sure you even remember. I thought I’d come say hello and see how you’re holding up.” 

“That’s very kind, Sir, but I’m alright. Thank you for taking the time, though.” She offers him a smile in return, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. 

“Do you mind if I ask what happened?” And at her questioning gaze, he clarifies by pointing at his face at the general area of her injury.

“Just an accident at home.” Midoriya replies curtly, and from that Shota now knows to back off from that subject. 

“I’m sorry to take up so much of your time, but I should probably be going now.” Shota excuses himself, offering Midoriya a small bow and promptly leaves the woman alone, leaving the umbrella with her.

He doesn’t understand what made him approach her in the first place, though he surprisingly doesn’t regret it. As he makes it back to his husband, they both make their way back to their car parked a little ways off the cemetery entrance. Hizashi asks an abundance of questions and Shota answers them in as few words as possible. 

All he wants now is to go home, get dry, and chill with Hizashi and his cats until he has to leave.

He wonders if Inko Midoriya got home safe as he walks through his apartment’s front door.

Chapter Text

A couple days have passed since she met Arona, and a couple days that she had to deal with the injury on her face. It’s been difficult, to say the least. Inko forced herself to continue going to work, despite everything that has occurred in such little time. She noticed the worried glances she got from her co-workers, though she eased their worry by giving the same lame excuse that it was some silly quirk accident at home.

It seemed to work, so she’s not complaining. 

Inko hadn’t gone out as Juniper during this time, and she’s sure Tsukauchi and the rest of his troops noticed if all the texts she’d received from him have anything to say about it.

She didn’t reply to any of them, not exactly wanting to talk to him— let alone anyone, at the moment. 

But here she is, standing in front of her bathroom mirror, glaring at the gauze wrapped around her head. Inko tried her best to care for the injury with what she had, though never took the chance to really look at the damage Arona caused. 

Since she’s going to have to meet up with Stendhal tonight, she figures she better assess what’s on her face. She has no idea what the other vigilante wants with her, and she’s not even sure she wants to meet him. Inko had done her research, and found that Stendhal’s work is quite… violent. 

The way he culls his victims mercilessly, under the ruse of justice. While she agrees that villains deserve to have some consequence to their actions, killing them without giving them the chance to reform is insanity.

Though, if she has the chance to help him change his ways before he gets too out of control, then she’ll take it. She’ll be the better influence he needs. 

Inko slowly pulls off the bandages covering her wound, hissing as the dried blood peels off with the gauze. The wound is ugly and jagged, mostly due to the lack of proper care for it. She knows it’ll scar, no doubt about it. She can’t help but feel frustrated at herself, her fist clenching tightly around the bloody bandages. How could she allow this to happen? 

How could she face Izuku like this? He would certainly have questions, and she certainly cannot tell him the truth. Ever since Hisashi left their lives it’s as if she’s hit a constant downward spiral that keeps getting deeper and deeper. It’s not his fault. If only she read the signs that night. Stayed only a second longer to see the look in his eyes and convince herself not to leave. To stay.

Not a day goes by where she doesn’t regret what she chose. Was her patrol really that much more important to her than her husband? How could she have left him so vulnerable to the hands of Arona?

It’s probably best she doesn’t think about it right now. Inko quickly cleans the cut on her face, wanting it to be over sooner rather than later. It seems clean enough now that she could get away with leaving it without reopening the wound. She’d rather not have to go out tonight, but she made a deal and will have to follow through.

---

“Nice choice of cafe. I love the mocha here.” Tsukauchi grins in greeting as he sits across from both Shota and Hizashi. 

“Right? It’s always so homey here too.” Hizashi replies just as enthusiastically. He nudges Shota’s shoulder lightly as he continues. “This is actually Shota’s favourite coffee shop.”

“Oh really? I’m here twenty-four-seven, how come I never see you?” 

Shota sighs but not unkindly. “Because I avoid you in public, Tsukauchi.” His blunt answer incites a breathy chuckle from the detective. 

“Always the same. Somehow I’m not surprised.”

“Enough. What’s the point of this interaction other than making my head hurt?” Shota passes a questioning gaze to his husband, he was the one to set up the meeting after all.

“I just thought it would be nice for you two workaholics to take a break. Is that so bad?” 

“Yes. Decidedly so.” Shota huffs with a shake of the head. His answer only gains a harsher nudge to his shoulder. 

“Always a pleasure to see you too, Aizawa.” Tsukauchi cuts in with a huff of his own.

“Enough dilly-dallying! Pick something on the menu and let's just hang out for once. No worrying about work.” Hizashi says as he passes around the menus. A mere formality, Shota already knows what he’s going to get and going off by Tsukauchi’s expression, he does too. 

“You’re the one with three jobs. If anyone’s the workaholic, it’s you.” Shota snorts at Hizashi’s side glance. 

“Ha. Ha. What did I just say about dilly-dallying?”

“I already know what I want.” Shota shrugs.

“Me too.” Tsukauchi says with a nod, trying to stifle his laugh a moment later at Hizashi rolling his eyes. 

“I knew we should’ve gone somewhere else. Why did you convince us to come here, Sho?!” 

“It’s my favourite place. You said it yourself.” At that Hizashi groans as he ultimately decides to focus on his own menu.

“Well, I’m not done deciding so go entertain yourselves.” As an afterthought, he continues. “No work talk!”

“I hope you guys don’t mind, but I invited a close friend of mine here too.” Tsukauchi says sheepishly. This brought two very different reactions from the men across the table. Shota is skeptical, though he doesn't let it show on his face much more than a raise of an eyebrow. Tsukauchi always mentioned this friend, but he’s never met him. Hizashi on the other hand is absolutely ecstatic at having the opportunity to meet someone new.

“No problem at all! When will they be coming over?” Hizashi asks, long abandoning his menu to suck the answers out of the poor detective.

“He should’ve been here to come with me, but he’s… running a bit late.”

“What a great first impression.” Shota snorts, getting up from his seat to order the drinks after asking both Hizashi and Tsukauchi what they want. As he waits by the till after ordering, Shota hears the ringing of the door opening behind him but he doesn’t bother to look. 

After a moment, Shota realises the cafe has turned palably silent. He glances around the place, immediately on guard, when his eyes land on the elephant in the room. At their table is an insanely muscular man with blonde hair, two bits of his fringe sticking up like bunny ears. This man is recognisable to anyone. The number one hero: All Might.

What is he doing here? At their table, no less? When the cafe has gotten over its shock, and All Might has managed to swat away any fans asking for autographs, Shota collects the drinks and makes his way to the table. He pointedly avoids eye contact with the hero, instead favouring to place the drink to their respective holders before getting back into his seat by Hizashi across from Tsukauchi.

“Ah! Aizawa Shota, I presume?” All Might starts with a disgustingly bright smile. It makes Shota scowl.

“Yes. Sorry I didn’t get you a drink.” Shota apologises without any real meaning to it, taking a sip of his coffee. 

“That’s quite alright, Aizawa. I was just getting to know Yamada here. I take it you both are heroes?” All Might says, giving a hesitant glance towards Shota at the word ‘hero’. Shota scoffs but is immediately silenced when Hizashi starts speaking.

“That’s right!” He replies with as much energy All Might has. “Present Mic, in the flesh. That grump over there is Eraserhead.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard of you, Mr Eraserhead.”

“Should’ve stayed that way.” Shota shoots a look at Tsukauchi, and in response the detective gives him his usual disappointed glare. “Whatever.” Shota sighs.

“Sorry about him, All Might.” Hizashi swoops in to save the situation. “He doesn’t get out much.” 

“Yes, sorry about him Toshi.” Tsukauchi says apologetically on top of Hizashi’s apology. 

All Might laughs heartily, waving off their apologies. “Don’t worry, I’m not offended.”

“You never mentioned you were friends with All Might before, Tsukauchi.” Aizawa butts in. “Does he even have the time to chill out with a couple of buddies in a cosy cafe? Being the number one hero and all…”

“I never mentioned it because I didn’t think it was that relevant. Until today, that is. He was free, we were free, that’s all there is to it.”

“I have plenty of time nowadays, ever since I became the Symbol of Peace, crime has decreased significantly throughout Japan.” All Might chimes in with his usual smile. 

“Great.” Shota deadpans, sipping on his coffee. “Anyway. I know we said no work talk, but I’m not on shift later.”

“Oh?” Tsukauchi tilts his head inquisitively the same time Hizashi shoves Shota for uplifting the ban on work talk.

“It’s Juniper.”

“Juniper?” All Might jumps in. “Isn’t that the vigilante terrorising Musutafu?”

“Yes, she’s that vigilante, but she’s not terrorising the city.” Tsukauchi answers for Shota. “What about her, Aizawa?”

“The last time I saw her was a couple days ago. She’s being hunted by mercenaries hired by apparently ‘The Boogeyman of the Underground’ because she pissed this guy off.” Shota furrows his brows, surveying both Tsukauchi and All Might’s reactions. They both pale, eyes widening in shock. “Seems like you know something about this?”

“If it’s who I’m thinking of, then yes, I’m afraid so.” All Might begins once he’s recovered from the initial shock, but as he’s about to continue, Tsukauchi stops him with a stern look. 

“It’s not something that should be discussed here.” 

“Fair enough.” Shota replies easily, ignoring Hizashi’s appalled expression from beside him. 

“How about we finish our drinks, without the work talk, then?” Hizashi insists, taking a frustrated sip from his cup. 

“We can talk about this at the station later.” 

---

“Stendhal? Anyone here?” Inko calls out through the empty warehouse. She’s around ten minutes late to their supposed meeting, not her fault that people can’t stop causing mischief in the streets. Inko doesn’t call out anymore than that. The warehouse isn’t that large, if a bit dark in some corners.

It’s because of her silence that she’s able to hear the slip scrape of a shoe behind her. She twists, unsheathing a decently sized knife from her utility belt just in time to block Stendhal’s katanas from slicing her.

“You’re quick.” Stendhal huffs, backing off. 

“Was that some sort of test?” Inko asks, not putting away her knife just yet. Stendhal doesn’t answer, focusing instead on the injury on her face with a curious look.

“That’s a nasty cut you got there. How—”

“I didn’t come all the way here for you to pry into my life, Stendhal. What do you want?” Inko interrupts, pointing her knife higher. 

“Easy, now. I’m not here to make enemies.” He begins, sheathing his katana on his back. “I’ve heard a great deal about you, Juniper.”

Inko stays quiet, actually quite interested in what Stendhal has to say.

“We’re one of the same. We fight against the evil of this world, in hopes to create a better society. But you’re too soft.” Inko opens her mouth under the mask to retaliate, but Stendhal continues. “You’re soft. You capture the villains you come across, only to feed them to the police where they’d be processed in a flawed system. Those criminals, they don’t deserve the light of day. They’d manage to weasel into a shorter sentence when they deserve the death penalty.”

“It seems to me you don’t understand a thing, Stendhal.” Inko sighs. “You’re wrong. We’re not one of the same. We have completely different lives, motivations, and methods. I don’t and never will understand how you can take someone’s life so easily, when there’s always a chance for redemption.”

“Pests like that don’t deserve redemption.” Stendhal insists, glaring down at Inko.

“Then you’re a fool.”

Inko watches Stendhal closely, surveying his reaction. His face twists into something ugly, his teeth bared with his fingers twitching to grab one of the many knives on his person. But he restrains himself, taking a breath.

“You’re lucky I respect you enough, Juniper. Otherwise, you’d be nothing more than a blood stain on the floor.”

Stendhal isn’t the type to let go of his ideals so easily, Inko knows. She doesn’t want to throw away this opportunity, though. Under her wing, he could grow into a better, more genuine person. Sure, there’s no forgiving what he’s done, slaughtering every villain he’s come across, but if there’s a small chance that he can change, Inko will take it.

“It’s not too late to turn around, to do good things.” 

“Who’s the real fool, now?” Stendhal turns around, heading for the warehouse exit. “This isn’t worth my time.”

“Hey!” Inko calls out, appalled by his sudden change. “You’re the one who sought me out! What is it that you truly want?!”

“What do I want?” He turns back, slowly making his way back to the vigilante. “I want to rid all the vermin of this society, only the ones deserving can continue living. Watch you don’t get on my bad side, or even you, Juniper, could be my next victim.”

“So it’s not just criminals on your list? Anyone who dares to stand against you is seen as a threat? Talk about a God complex.” Inko mutters the end of her sentence, but she’s sure he heard her anyway. This isn’t going well at all.

Without warning, Stendhal launches himself at Inko with a crazed look, katana in hand. Reacting quickly, she uses her quirk to slide the katana out of Stendhal’s grip, catching him off guard. Inko dodges out of the way as she does so. She twists the blade in the air, pointing the end of it just at Stendhal’s neck. 

“Many have theorised your quirk, never thought I’d see it in action.” Stendhal says, mildly impressed.

“The same could be said to you.”

Stendhal huffs in amusement. “Touché.” He tries to take a step back, away from the blade, but Inko doesn’t risk any movement and decides to lift Stendhal with her quirk. Before, she could only lift small objects towards her, though after much practice as Juniper, she managed to increase the limits of her power.

“Incredible…” Stendhal grins. “You truly do care, don’t you?”

“Not something I try to hide.”

Stendhal must’ve calculated the pros and cons in this type of situation, as he requests to be let down on the conditions he won’t try to fight her again. 

“I only respect those that are true. Take All Might, for example. He’s a true hero, always fighting to keep this flawed society together. I was wrong. We’re not the same, but… you’re something great in your own right. Despite our differences, you’ve got an ally in me.”

The sudden change of mood is giving Inko whiplash, but she’s glad that Stendhal isn’t going to fight her anymore. This is just the first step, and real change will come with time.

“Thanks…” Inko eventually settles on, watching Stendhal leave into the darkness, leaving her alone.

---

“Just to recap, you’re telling me this two-hundred year old legend is real, and somehow Juniper had managed to get unlucky and gain his attention?” Shota asks incredulously, looking between Tsukauchi and All Might. He doesn’t get a response past their sheepish expressions. “Christ…”

“This situation is not ideal, but we could use this as a way to find him and bring him to justice.” All Might suggests.

“So you’re saying to use Juniper as bait? Are you insane?” Shota can’t believe what he’s hearing. “Even if we were to do that, which we’re not, how do we know it’ll even lure him out? She’s being stalked by his goons that are considered expendable to him. Who knows how many he’ll send out?”

“I think it’s worth a shot.” Tsukauchi starts, but Shota isn’t listening. Instead he gets up from his seat in the detective’s office and storms out. What the hell are they thinking? Using her as bait for one of the most dangerous villains in all of Japan? No, he won’t support this. There has to be another way. He’s not supposed to be on shift tonight, but this cannot wait.

He needs to find Juniper.

---

The night has been quiet. Almost too quiet, sending a chill down Inko’s spine. She’s sat on the edge of a tall building, paranoia building at every little sound. It’s then when she hears the slight breaths of people nearby, maybe two or three people on top of the same building as her.

She continues to act oblivious, wondering if these are the mercenaries that have been after her for countless days. They don’t move, neither does she. 

That is, until she’s tired of waiting.

“I know you’re there. Show yourselves.” Inko begins, standing up and turning around to face her stalkers.

“This doesn’t have to be difficult, just don’t struggle and this’ll be over with quickly.” The one in the middle says gruffly. He cracks his knuckles with a sickening grin. The other lackeys nod in agreement beside him, and they all suddenly pounce at her. However, they suddenly stop in midair as Inko uses her quirk to stop them.

She feels a headache starting up, but she continues despite the pain building within her. The criminals exclaim in confusion which morphs into anger. Inko needs to finish this quickly, but it turns out she doesn’t have to as a white cloth binds the three mercenaries from behind. 

Never in her life has she been so happy to see Eraserhead. She releases her hold on her quirk, the tension in her head fading away slightly.

That went easier than expected. It puts her on edge, though she chooses not to think about it in favour of watching Eraser knock the criminals unconscious with ease.

“Are you alright, Juniper?”

“Fine. Just a small headache.”

Eraserhead grunts in response, pulling out his phone. Presumably to alert the police of the situation.

“Are these the guys that have been after you?” He asks, pocketing away his device and locking eyes with the vigilante, where he notices the injury on her which wasn’t there when he last saw her. “What happened to your face?”

Shit. She’d forgotten her cut was visible. 

“Nothing of your concern.” Inko snaps, just wanting this night to be over with. “Thanks for your help.” She says after a moment of silence. 

“Don’t mention it. The precinct will take care of these guys, hopefully someone will leak something about All For One.”

“All For One?” Inko repeats. She doesn’t recognise the name.

“The boogeyman you’ve pissed off. He goes by All For One, and is a fated enemy against All Might, so congratulations.”

“Uh… Thanks.” Inko sighs. “I guess. I doubt that’ll be the end of them.”

“You should lay low for a while. Try to get that injury healed.” Eraser suggests, pointedly not looking at her.

“I had something important to attend to tonight. But sure, I’ll lay low.” Inko rolls her eyes, checking her imaginary watch. “Time to go, thanks again and I’ll see you soon.”

“In one piece, I hope.”

“No promises.” With that, Inko leaves the hero behind in the direction of her base. She’s glad the mercenaries were caught tonight, but it’s definitely not the end of All For One. 

Not yet, at least.

She makes it to her base in record time, feeling unbelievably tired and dizzy. She rips off her mask from her face, stumbling into the bathroom to cough into the sink. It’s harsh and after a solid ten seconds of non-stop coughing, blood makes its way onto the ceramic of the sink.

Fuck…

Once she feels semi-alright, she rinses away the blood from the sink and takes a step back, looking at herself in the mirror. She’s pale, and obviously looks unwell. She has no time to be sick now of all times. Maybe it’s just quirk exhaustion? Most likely. She did go past her limits, she must admit.

She’ll be better tomorrow.

She has to.

Chapter Text

Shota watches through the glass as Tsukauchi interrogates one of the mercenaries caught last night. It’s not been going well since none of the suspects are willing to out their boss. The lack of results is frustrating the detective, Shota can tell. Beside him is the number one hero, watching the same thing he is with a grimace.

Honestly, he’s got to hand it to them. This amount of loyalty is insane, willing to go so far and not cooperate despite All For One having already discarded their use to him. Shota is glad they didn’t have to resort to using Juniper as bait, luckily having stumbled upon her the night before. He’ll have to make it up to Hizashi, they were supposed to do anything but work. 

“This isn’t going anywhere.” All Might speaks up, giving a side glance to the sleep-deprived hero. Shota sighs, leaving the room without a response to get another cup of coffee. Nothing is going anywhere, at this rate. There hasn’t been another kidnapping in a good while, and it’s putting Shota on edge. This whole All For One business isn’t helping, either. A man who can give and take quirks. Absolutely unheard of, but not impossible he supposes. Quirks are a phenomenon in itself. 

He approaches the coffee machine, taking a large cup and pouring his usual drink. He’d barely slept a wink last night, three hours at most. Shota glances at his watch, groaning internally after realising he’d need to be at his second job at UA in around thirty minutes. The kids can teach themselves, can’t they?

After a moment of serious consideration, he picks up his cup of coffee and convinces himself that, no, they cannot be trusted themselves.

He walks back into the viewing room, noticing All Might is looking much more nervous than he’s ever seen him before.

“Are you alright?” Shota asks, taking a gulp or two of his drink sent from heaven.

“Huh? Oh—Yes… Yes, I’m alright,” All Might answers, minorly startled at the question. “I’m just worried. What if we fail?”

“That’s completely understandable.” God, is he really about to comfort All Might of all people? “If this leads to a dead end, I wouldn’t worry too much. You’re All Might, and you always find a way to solve problems with a smile. You’ll bring him to justice eventually, I’m sure.”

All Might looks up to Shota from his seated position with an unreadable look.

“Thank you, Mr. Aizawa.”

Shota hums, bringing his attention back to the interrogation through the glass. Eventually Tsukauchi seems to give up, leaving the room without looking back. Shota doesn’t miss the smug look the criminal gives as Tsukauchi retreats.

“We’re getting absolutely nowhere with them!” Tsukauchi starts the minute he walks into the room with Shota and All Might. “We’re so close, and I can’t believe this is what’s getting in our way.”

“They’re loyalty is admirable, I must say.” Shota says absentmindedly, glancing into the windowless box as the criminal is escorted out of the room by a couple beat cops. “Anyway, I’ve got to go, or else Nezu’ll have my head.”

Shota begins to leave, pausing to place his right hand on Tsukauchi’s shoulder reassuringly. “We’ll get there. Don’t give up now.” He gets a determined nod in response which satisfies Shota enough.

They’ll get there.

---

A few months have passed since Inko had been told to lay low, and truth be told, she has. She finally saw Izuku again after not seeing him for a while, he’s settling into Amaya’s home easily and has been keeping up with his school work. Izuku also told her that Amaya has been continuing the training they never got to finish together, but now he’ll have the basic knowledge of how to defend himself.

She felt terrible for having to leave him again, but she cannot risk it. Inko knows Amaya has her own life too, especially her double life as Siren in the underground club, though she promised she doesn’t mind it and that Izuku had been great company.

Her injury had healed since the night she met Arona, and before she went to visit her son she made sure to cover the ugly, jagged scar with make-up to lessen his worries. One day she’ll have to tell him about her life as a vigilante, if only to keep him off that path. Not yet, though. He’s too young to truly understand.

So, after months of no contact as Juniper, she decides to go out tonight having nothing else to do. Inko’s sure she’s clear of any more mercenaries, because if there were they’d most likely already have shown themselves. Thanks to Eraserhead, she doesn’t have to worry about it anymore. In theory, anyway. She’s not sure how the case is developing, but surely they’re closer to figuring it out now than they were a couple months ago?

Maybe she’ll ask about it if she runs into Eraser tonight?

With that in mind, she gets dressed into her costume, snaps on her belt with her support items, and slides on her black mask.

Inko exits her warehouse, ready to face the night ahead.

A couple hours fly by, her patrol running slow in the Autumn weather. Not many criminals decide to go out when the night is cold, that’s for sure.

It’s then when she’s about to end her routine that she hears a scuffle in an alley a couple roofs down from where she’s standing. She approaches warily, looking down into the incriminating passage to find Stendhal looming over an unmoving man with malicious intent, teeth bared. 

“Die, pest!” Stendhal exclaims, but before he can swing his katana through the offender’s chest, he’s stopped by Inko using her quirk to restrain him.

“Enough, Stendhal. You don’t have to kill him!” Inko says, hopping down into the alley from her crouched position on the roof, placing herself in front of the victim.

“Juniper…” He snarls with a manic look in his eyes. “What are you doing? Release me! He needs to be culled!”

“Don’t you see he’s helpless? What did he do to condone such drastic measures?” Inko gestures to the guy behind her, and as she looks closer herself, she can feel the fear radiating off him in waves. But he’s not moving. Not even shaking. Inko would’ve thought he’d run off by now. 

“It doesn’t matter what he’s done,” Stendhal begins. “All that matters is that he pays for his crimes!” He finalises, struggling against the use of Inko telekinetic power.

“I can’t let you do that. We should let the police handle him.” Inko tries to reason with the bloodthirsty vigilante, but he just doesn’t seem to give up. 

Stendhal scoffs. “The police? What can they do? Nothing! Abso-fucking-lutely nothing! You can’t trust them to do their jobs. You can’t trust heroes to do their jobs! So someone must fill the gap…”

“Last I checked, killing people isn’t part of the job description.”

“You’re starting to be more trouble than you’re worth, Juniper.” Stendhal threatens, narrowing his eyes. “Why even bother defending this cretin?”

“Because every life is worth something, and that includes him. Every life deserves a chance at redemption.” Inko says determinedly, taking out her burner phone to call the police. “Killing them is more merciful than making sure they live to see the consequences.” 

Inko, despite the strain, continues to hold Stendhal with her quirk as she alerts the cops in the area. Soon enough, they hear sirens start to approach, and the criminal left on the ground still hasn’t moved.

“What did you do to him?” Inko asks, crouching down to the man. He’s still breathing, and he is awake, but just frozen.

“It’s my quirk,” he explains. “It’ll wear off soon.” Inko thinks he’s being honest enough, and so she gently adjusts him to a slightly more comfortable position against the brick wall, giving him a reassuring smile as the police approach.

“Let’s get out of here.” Juniper states, scaling the building onto the roof, pulling Stendhal along with her. Tonight is going to be a long night. Only when they’re far enough away from the scene does she allow herself to release Stendhal from her hold. He lands on the roof in a heap, taken off guard by the sudden freedom.

Stendhal gets up silently, dusting himself off as he does so. A silence stretches on as they regard each other, one with contempt and the other with annoyance. 

“What you did back there was reckless.” Inko calls him out, crossing her arms. She knows he won’t attack her, not yet at least. Especially since he stated they were allies, not enemies, the last time they met.

Stendhal huffs dryly. “And what do you suppose I should’ve done?”

“Let the police handle it. What are you deaf?”

“The police are incompetent.”

“Not all of them are.” Inko insists. “There are many great cops who genuinely care about their job, and there are many people out there who deserve a chance to redeem themselves.”

“About what you said earlier,” Stendhal starts with a sigh. “That killing is merciful?” Inko hums in acknowledgement. “It made me think…”

“That’s a first.”

“Zip it.” Stendhal points at Inko with a gloved finger. A warning. “It made me think that in some ways, you might be right. Criminals shouldn’t be rid of so easily… they deserve punishment much worse.”

“You’re not going to torture them are you?” Inko asks with eyes wide as saucers. Holy cow, just how mental is this guy? 

“So what if I am? Killing them is too easy.”

“I meant let the law handle it! Why would you think I’d approve of torture?” Inko says incredulously, appalled by Stendhal’s thinking. That wasn’t what she intended at all! 

“Whatever, I have business to attend to. You’re wasting my time.” Stendhal says before leaving her alone and to her own thoughts.

“What the fuck?” Inko whispers to herself, feeling as if she’d bitten off more than she can chew. Maybe he’s too far gone, and she’d only just made things worse. It’s probably a miracle he hasn’t killed her yet, especially since she keeps getting in his way. 

She has a lot to think about, as she often does these days.

---

Inko needs to get a job.

She used to have her office job a while back, though ever since the first few sightings of All For One’s underlings, she stopped going and as a result got sacked. She can’t exactly tell anyone the reason she stopped showing up was the lower the risk of being killed. 

Inko can only imagine how that’ll end.

So because of that, she only has her back-up funds to her name. 

Inko walks along the pavement, sun shining despite the cold air. She mainly keeps to herself, clutching her jacket closer to her in hopes to warm up. It doesn’t work that well.

She’s already visited a couple places where she wouldn’t mind working in such as retail to family-owned businesses. They wouldn’t take her, so she has to find somewhere else. Maybe she could work as an assistant somewhere? Inko has always been good at doing tasks an assistant would do. Planning dates, scheduling, paperwork. 

It’s then when she gets a stray and idiotic idea. 

What if she worked within the police force?

As a receptionist, most likely. She wouldn’t have the qualifications for anything more than that, but it could be a great opportunity to have access to the building in case she’d ever need to snoop at the files they have on her as Juniper.

She’d only take shifts during the day, seeing as during the night she’d be, y’know, stopping crime.

The more she thinks it over, the more she becomes open to the idea. Nobody would suspect a police receptionist to be the vigilante Juniper. Plus, it would be hilarious to see how long it’ll last. 

With it cemented into her mind, she makes her way to the police station central to Musutafu. She’s quite familiar with it, mostly due to dropping off criminals right at their doorstep earlier on in her vigilante career, and more recently due to the fact she jumped out a window. Not her proudest moment, she must say.

She walks in, a bright smile on her face despite the anxiety growing in her chest. Inko walks up to the reception, earning a smile back in response to her own. The lady behind the desk seems nice enough.

“Hiya, what can I help you with today?” The woman starts, and going by her name tag, her name is Ms. Tahara.

“Hi. I was wondering if there were any jobs available as a receptionist here?”

“Of course, let me check with my manager.” Ms. Tahara informs, getting up from her seat to leave into the ‘Staff Only’ room just around the corner. Inko watches her leave patiently, breathing a sigh of relief once she’s gone. She hopes she looks presentable enough, she needs this job.

A couple minutes pass and the receptionist emerges with her presumed manager following behind. He greets Inko with a friendly grin, holding out a hand for her to shake.

“Hello, Miss. I’m Fujimura Toshiaki, the head manager of this department. I take it you’re looking for a job here?”

“Yes,” Inko replies, shaking his hand firmly. “If that would be possible.”

“Sure, sure! This is actually perfect timing, one of our last receptionists had to leave due to personal reasons, and so we luckily have a spot available. If you would follow me to another room, would you like to start the interview today?” 

“I don’t mind at all, lead the way.” Inko replies easily, gaining a nod in response. She follows Mr Fujimura into the ‘Staff Only’ room from before. 

“My office is just down this way, come along.” Mr Fujimura says as they walk through the myriad of halls before eventually approaching his office. He opens the door and holds it, allowing Inko to walk in first. She thanks him and immediately goes to sit on one of the chairs in front of the desk.

“Thank you for having me, Mr Fujimura.” Inko starts as the man in question takes a seat across from her. He shuffles with a couple of papers on the desk before regarding her.

“Of course. So, tell me about yourself.”

Inko answers the questions to the best of her ability. There were pretty generic questions such as what prior experience she had, why she wants that particular job, salary negotiations. All in all, Inko believes it went well, the interview lasted a little over thirty minutes. There’s not much that needs to be said for a simple receptionist job.

“That’s all the questions I have for you today, thank you for coming by Mrs Midoriya.” Mr Fujimura says, giving her one final handshake.

“Thank you for your time,” she says, taking his hand.

“You’ll hear from us in around a week, I hope to see you walking these halls by then. Take care.”

“Have a pleasant evening, Mr Fujimura.”

On that note, Inko takes her leave and exits the police department with a hopeful look on her face. She genuinely believes she has a chance to get this job. 

As she’s walking out, she notices two familiar men walk into the department at the same time. Risking a glance, Inko realises it’s both Detective Tsukauchi and Eraserhead walking in. They don’t notice her, which Inko appreciates greatly. If she gets accepted as a receptionist, she’ll never get used to seeing them outside of costume.

Just makes the situation all the more fun, doesn’t it?

She huffs a laugh to herself, walking off in the direction to her base. Inko wonders how’d they react if they ever found her out to be Juniper.

---

“There’s just something I can’t comprehend.” Tsukauchi starts, a troubled look on his face. Shota tilts his head inquisitively, nodding at the man for him to proceed. “Why was Juniper targeted by All For One in the first place?”

Shota didn’t think too much about the reasoning until Tsukauchi brought it up at that moment, and the thought stumps him. Why was she? Does it have to do with the myriad of kidnappings they’ve been trying (but failing) to stop? The last Shota heard of Juniper doing anything before the mercenaries showed up was when she stopped the attempted kidnapping of a girl by Kurogiri and some doctor they still don’t know the name of. Were they working for All For One, and relayed the situation to him?

That doesn’t make sense. Did they even know of Juniper when it happened?

“Going out on a limb here, but do you think it’s a possibility that All For One is the one behind all those kidnapping cases?” Shota asks, glad they’re discussing this topic in the privacy of the detective's office. Tsukauchi seems to toy around with the idea in his head, his eyebrows furrowed as he thinks.

“Maybe.” Tsukauchi sighs, scavenging for a blank piece of paper from somewhere in his desk drawer. He finds one or two eventually, and by the looks of it, it seems he’s creating some sort of mind map.

“If that’s true, Juniper was the one to stop their most recent attempt, though there’s no evidence, at the moment, if there have been any more victims since then.” Tsukauchi states as he draws down his thought process. “All For One is the type to stick to the shadows, preferring to send out his loyal servants to clean up any messes that might’ve occurred as he focuses on his main goal. In this case, he must’ve figured out at some point that Juniper was the one to prevent Kasumi from being taken and sent people after her for it.”

“Do you think when she took that ‘indefinite break’ that was when the mercenaries first showed up?” Shota wonders aloud. “It was right after giving her statement about Kasumi’s attempted kidnapping, and ended up giving us visuals of the perpetrators. Maybe All For One had it out for her then? For revealing the actions of his servants?”

“Possibly, but that information was never released to the public.” Tsukauchi counters, scribbling furiously onto the paper with many different theories. 

“But why did it take over a week for him to do anything about it? If they knew who she was, why didn’t he send someone earlier when she first disrupted the attempt?” Shota insists. “They must not have known it was her that stopped them until she made her statement.”

“How would they have known, then? As I’ve said, the sketches weren’t released and it definitely didn’t mention that Juniper was the one to give it.”

“Tsukauchi.” Shota deadpans. “I hate to even consider it, but there must be a mole in this department.”

The detective looks up at the hero in shock, his writing halted. “What are you saying?”

“All For One could have anyone anywhere. Is it such a crazy idea that he’s got someone to report to him from the inside?”

“I cannot suspect my own people, Aizawa.” Tsukauchi suddenly stands up from his seat, turning away from Shota in favour of looking outside the window. “A traitor? Are you being serious?”

“I know it’s hard to swallow, but we must look over every possibility. It could be there’s no mole at all, and All For One is just crazy good at gathering information.” Tsukauchi seems to relax at that, at the thought that he may not have to accuse anyone he works with. “But until we get confirmation… it’s only logical.”

The silence stretches on for what feels like hours as Tsukauchi mulls over the potential situation. It can’t be easy having to suspect the people you work so closely with, but there’s no other explanation at the moment.

“I guess you’re right.” He eventually settles on, turning back around to face Shota. He collects his trench coat from the coat hanger nearby and puts it on.

“Where are you going?” Shota asks, watching Tsukauchi get ready.

“I need to think.”

Tsukauchi leaves without another word.

-

A couple days have passed since their conversation. Both Tsukauchi and Shota have been keeping a close eye on anyone who acted the slightest bit suspicious, but haven’t met anyone who really screamed ‘red flag’. They can’t have been expected to figure out who has been leaking information to the most dangerous villain of all time right off the bat. There’s many officers in the precinct, which also means there’s many people they can’t trust.

So far Shota and Tsukauchi have kept to themselves about their discovery. The days have flown by, each time they’re met with someone who could be a suspect, a simple background check writes them off their list immediately. It’s frustrating and it’s getting old.

“This is a waste of time, Aizawa.” Tsukauchi sighs once they’re in the privacy of his office once again. “Do you still suspect my people to be traitors?”

“Fine, so maybe it’s not the police department. Maybe they’re just great at blending in? Or—”

“You want an explanation so bad you’re making one up.” Tsukauchi interrupts, unable to stand Shota accusing his coworkers like this.

“What?” Shota asks, caught off guard by Tsukauchi’s fed up tone. “That’s not what’s happening. Where did that even come from?”

“Nobody here would dare work for that monster. I’ve seen it. You’ve seen it. It cannot be any of them, I refuse to believe it.”

“If you’re right—”

“Which I am.” Tsukauchi clarifies, earning a frustrated glare from the hero.

“If you’re right, then maybe it was someone brought inside? Not part of the department, but happened to be there on the day Juniper came by.” Shota suggests instead, feeling a headache begin to form the more they talk about it. Tsukauchi definitely seems more open to that idea.

“Maybe it was someone brought inside.” Suddenly Tsukauchi’s eyes widen as he whispers, “Murai Sora.”

“Who?”

“The sketch artist. The one who took Juniper’s statement with me for the sketches. He was the only one who really knew of the purpose of Juniper being in the department that day, other than us.”

“It’s worth checking out.”

“Let’s catch this son of a bitch.” Tsukauchi grins, beckoning Shota to follow him.

Today is going to be a long day.

Chapter Text

Before they could even think of arresting Murai Sora, Shota knows they’re going to need hard evidence. Of course, right now they’re going off my speculation, so the next order of business is to arrange a stakeout without alerting the artist. 

Being one of the lead heroes on the case, it’s a given Shota is on the team to watch over the suspect. 

But of course, on the first night Juniper just had to butt her nose in where it doesn’t belong, ignoring the fact the whole point they got to a slight conclusion was due to her meddling.

Doesn’t mean he has to like it.

“Whatcha doing tonight, Eraser?” Juniper asks, unaware of the fact that he’s trying to focus on the suspect. He signals to her to be quiet by placing a finger on his lips. She gets the message immediately, realising tonight isn’t the night for shenanigans.

“Stakeout.” Shota whispers simply from his position on the roof. Murai Sora is currently paused in the street at the mouth of an alley, across from Shota and Juniper. That way he can keep an eye on him without revealing himself.

At his words, Juniper curiously looks over the roof they’re standing on, most likely trying to find who it is Shota is staking out. Nosy much?

“Get back, what are you doing?!” Shota whisper-yells, pulling the vigilante back from the edge. “Do you want to be seen?”

“ Sorry, ” Juniper whispers back sarcastically. “Who is that? Hard to tell from here, no?”

“It’s none of your business, Juniper. Get out of here and let me work.” And in response he gets a couple tuts from the woman beside him. “I’m serious.” He emphasises, shooting a glare in her direction.

“I can help you.”

“Like how you let me help you?” Shota bites back, knowing it’s petty to say that to her. “Go cause trouble somewhere else.” Juniper gives him a wide-eyed look, mostly due to the fact he cannot see the lower half of her face due to the mask. He hopes she knows it’s in her best interest to leave. If Murai Sora is the mole, then catching wind of her here could put her at risk to All For One again.

“Fine, I get it.” Juniper sighs, walking away to the other end of the building where Murai isn’t standing. “I’ll get out of your rat’s nest.”

“That’s not the saying.”

Juniper doesn’t reply, hopping over the edge to where Shota knows there’s a fire escape. He feels terrible, but he cannot risk it. It’s for her own good.

-

“You didn’t say no take-backs.” Inko whispers to herself the minute she’s out of Eraserhead’s sight. He won’t tell her what he’s up to? He doesn’t need to, she’ll find out. 

Inko won’t do anything tonight. She doesn’t want to mess anything up too bad, especially since Eraser seemed so serious about it. She’s due in for the results of her possible job status as a receptionist soon, probably in a day or so.

Eraserhead doesn’t seem to be that far into his investigation, so she can risk the next couple days to do absolutely nothing about it until she has access to the department freely enough to snoop and get the relevant information. 

For now though, she guesses she’ll continue her patrol.

She seamlessly manoeuvres over buildings, keeping an eye and ear out for any trouble. It’s then when she notices someone dressed in all black walking along the street, hood up and head down. They’re around average height, and quite slim. While that alone isn’t enough cause for suspicion, Inko feels the apprehension bubbling in her stomach. 

Inko tails the guy for a bit until he swerves into a convenience store at the corner of the block. She scales down the building, landing onto the concrete below. Crossing the empty street, she peers through the glass of the shop. 

The fluorescent lights illuminate the room clearly, aiding her to look into the store with ease. As she looks, her eyes narrow when she analyses the situation. There, the guy who she was following, is holding the cashier at gunpoint. 

Inko immediately springs into action, entering the shop and using her quirk to pull the gun out of the person’s hold, instead bringing it to herself to latch it onto her utility belt.

“Call the police.” Inko instructs the fear-ridden girl behind the counter. She nods shakily, aiming for the wired phone on the wall. During this time the criminal spins around in shock before his face morphs into something akin to anger.

“Who do you think you are, hero ?!” He snarls, though all Inko does in response is roll her eyes. She’s gone through this spiel hundreds of times during her time as a vigilante.

“Not a hero, hon.” Inko grins, lifting the man with ease, thanks to her quirk. Due to his slender body type, he’s not heavy at all compared to the three very muscular mercenaries she lifted a good few months ago. Soon enough, she begins to hear sirens closing onto their location. Always so quick to move once she’s on the scene, huh?

Without wasting any more time, Inko knocks out the man and releases her quirk on him. She makes sure he doesn’t have a hard landing, though. After making sure the offender is alright, she turns her attention to the cashier.

“Thanks for your help today.” Inko says, flashing her a grin. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

She shakes her head, giving Inko a wobbly smile.

“The police will be here soon. They’ll take good care of you and this guy over here, don’t you worry.”

With that, , she places down the gun with a gloved hand on the floor far enough away from the offender and promptly leaves the store, narrowly avoiding the police cars that pull up to the shop. As she continues her patrol, she wonders if Eraser had gotten anywhere on his mysterious investigation.

---

Shota is getting absolutely nowhere with the stakeout.

So far, Murai had just been loitering around the alley, as if he was waiting for someone. He assumes nobody ended up showing, as twenty minutes after Juniper left, he walked off with what Shota can only think is a frustrated expression. It is quite hard to tell from that distance, he’ll give Juniper that.

He's been assigned to follow the sketch artist for the next few days and report on anything suspicious. His patrols? Now focused on this man in hopes that maybe he is associated with All For One, or anyone at this point.

Eventually the artist retires to his home for the night, which Shota confirms is his apartment thanks to the basic information they have of him on file. He watches for another thirty minutes, making sure Murai isn’t leaving for the rest of the night. Soon enough, the lights turn off within the house, and so Shota takes that as his sign to leave.

He hopes tomorrow will be more successful.

---

“Why is Mum always gone?” Izuku asks Amaya, taking a few gulps of water from his bottle. He’s been staying with her for several months now, only catching up with his Mother when she comes over unannounced. It’s already October, and he feels he hasn’t seen her properly since his birthday in July.

“She’s just really busy, Izu.” Amaya replies with a sympathetic glance. They’re sitting beside each other on a park bench. The leaves on trees are turning into different shades of orange and brown.

“Did she stop the bad people yet?”

“She will.” Izuku frowns at her vague answer, deciding to drop the topic. 

“How do you know my Mum?” At the new question, Amaya smiles fondly as her mood brightens. 

“Well, it was an accidental meeting. Around eleven years ago we first met, and she was a really clumsy lady and we became friends almost immediately.”

-

Amaya rushed down the street, hoping she won’t get chewed out too bad for being late to her job. Her brunette hair is tied back into a bun, so her hair was out of her face as she sprinted. She absentmindedly thought one day she’d dye it pink.

It wasn’t her fault she was so late. Scratch that, it was. The alarm didn’t go off that morning - thanks to her not setting it up the night before, which delayed her by a good hour or so. It took ages getting ready, never mind actually getting there in the first place.

Amaya watched as the entrance to the club came into her sight. About time. It’s then as she was about to cross the road, she heard a crash coming from an alleyway nearby. Her curiosity getting the better of her, she turned around and approached the alley warily, peeking from behind the wall.

That’s when she saw her. The new vigilante within Musutafu. Amaya tried to remember her name, it was something along the lines of Jaffa? Jumper? Either way, said vigilante was sprawled across many trash bags in an opened dumpster. She looked absolutely defeated.

“Excuse me?” Amaya spoke up, alerting the woman to her presence. Jumper leaped from her position in the trash and wiped off any dirt from her as she did so.

“Ah, hello!” Jumper all but yelled into the streets. “To what may I owe the pleasure?”

Amaya couldn’t see her face, but if she did she’d bet her expression was sheepish and a touch embarrassed. It made Amaya huff out a laugh.

“Are you alright, Jumper?”

“J-Jumper?!”

“That is your name, yes?”

“What?! No! Who in their right mind would be called that for a vigilante name?” Not Jumper exclaimed, acting as if she’d be pulling her hair if the hood wasn’t in the way.

“I’m sorry!” Amaya rushed to apologise with a wince. “Then what is your name?”

The vigilante paused in her despair, a grin etched onto her face. “Juniper, nice to meet you.” she said.

“I was close enough with Jumper.”

“No, you weren’t!” Juniper informed without any real bite. She rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms. However, she glanced at Amaya at the sound of her gentle laughs before she joined in with her own chuckles.

“Can I buy you a drink?” Amaya grinned as she held back her laughter at Juniper’s confused expression.

“Uh… I’m sure you truly are lovely, but I have a husband.” Juniper cringed under the mask. Amaya could barely keep it together, her face squished to hold back the snort that wanted to escape so badly.

“Not in that way! There’s an underground club I work at literally across the street, they accept people from all sides. It’s neutral ground.”

“Oh.” Juniper whispered, ultimately more embarrassed at the revelation. “A drink sounds nice, Miss…?”

“Siren.”

“Lead the way, Siren. Or wait— Siren sounds so serious. Totes not fit for a cute lady such as yourself…”

“That’s the point…?” Amaya stated, her face flushed purple through her blue skin.

“I’ll call you Bubbles, that’s much cuter. It fits with the whole sea theme too.” The two women walked side-by-side as they crossed the street and as they got to the sidewalk, Amaya nudged Juniper at her words. She was unfazed.

“That’s not my name.”

“It is now.” She laughed. For a moment Amaya was completely entranced by this vigilante she came across, and felt the need to hear that laugh again.

“Yeah, whatever.” Amaya rolled her eyes as she entered the club, Juniper close behind. The club tended to be busy during those hours, but both Amaya and Juniper managed to stay together until she got to her station behind the bar.

“So, what would you like?” Amaya asked Juniper, tying her apron.

“You’re a bartender here?” Juniper questioned in return, looking around the club.

“I did say I worked here,” she said. “Back to my earlier question. What do you want? The drink is on the house.”

Juniper hummed as she glanced at the drinks menu. “I’ll have a glass of gin, if that’s okay, Bubbles?”

“Yes, to the drink. No, to the name.” Amaya shook her head; preparing the drink she asked for. 

“You love it, really.”

“Whatever you say, Jumper.” Amaya snorted at Juniper’s sputtering, which earned a playful glare in response.

“That was mean.”

“You love it, really.” Amaya repeated, a smug look on her face.

“Touché.”

-

“She never mentioned you before…” Izuku says, interrupting Amaya’s thoughts. He kind of feels bad, it looked like she was really enjoying it.

“Inko wouldn’t have mentioned me.” Amaya smiles down at Izuku, though he can tell she’s not entirely happy about that. “How about we go down to my gym? We can train some more, get you into proper hero material, hm?”

Izuku’s face brightens at the thought of training. He misses doing it with his Mum, but it can’t be helped. She’s busy. For once, someone truly believes he can be a hero without a quirk! Izuku knew when he first got his diagnosis that his Mother didn’t support his dream, but now that he has Amaya in his corner, he’s feeling much better about becoming a hero one day. 

“Are we actually going to fight today, or are we still only exercising?”

“Sorry, Izu, but until you’re a little older we gotta keep to the basics.” Amaya apologises, holding his hand as she stands up from the bench. 

“That’s forever away!”

“It’ll fly by, just you wait.” Izuku groans dramatically in response, earning a chuckle out of Amaya.

---

Inko can’t believe what she’s reading. She can’t believe she’s done it. 

She got the job! 

Inko knew her life must turn around someday, and after months of waiting she’s finally getting somewhere. The police department had emailed her, and it turns out she made such a great impression that she got accepted to be a receptionist.

They say she can start tomorrow from the early hours in the morning until the late afternoon, which works out just perfectly for her.

However, a different problem for her is what to wear.

She’s got the basics, but nothing really stands out to her as acceptable to wear. Not like she wants to stand out, Tsukauchi works there, afterall. With that in mind, she takes out a couple bills from her purse that should be enough to buy her an outfit or two to switch about with.

Time to go shopping, she supposes.

-

The mall is bustling with people of all types. Teenagers having a day out to families shopping for necessities while keeping their toddlers in check. 

It’s honestly overwhelming, but Inko soldiers on, looking for a store that sells work appropriate clothes. She eventually finds one, and decides to look around. The shop is much quieter than the mall in itself, which Inko prefers as she can actually hear herself think.

In the end, she picks a couple collared shirts, a pencil skirt, and some slacks to go with it on the day she doesn’t feel like wearing a skirt. Inko walks up to the counter and pays for the clothes, finding out she had just enough to get it with a little change spare. 

Deciding she deserves a small break, Inko makes her way to a nearby cafe to spend the rest of her change on a good cup of coffee. Maybe once she’s finished, she could go visit Izuku and Amaya and tell them the good news?

Sounds like a plan to her.

---

“Nothing on him so far.” Shota reports to Tsukauchi the next morning after his first stakeout of Murai Sora. They can’t be expected to catch him in the act right off the bat. They’re not even sure what kind of act they’d be looking for, honestly.

“That’s unfortunate, but expected at this point.” Tsukauchi sighs. “I just wish there was something more we could do. We can’t exactly arrest him with no evidence.”

“He’ll reveal himself eventually.” Shota settles on, not really in the mood to say anything more.

“Hopefully.”

“Waiting is always the hardest part of missions like these. Something will come up, and then we’d have somewhere to work from.”

“Never took you as an optimist.” Tsukauchi smiles despite himself, gaining a scoff from the hero.

“I’m not.”

“You definitely are.”

“Shut up,” Shota huffs. “I’m too tired for this, I’ll see you tomorrow, Detective.”

If only they knew what the next few days would bring.

Chapter Text

Inko is shaking with nervous energy as she looks at the doors of the police station. She can see officers and civilians alike through the glass doors, knowing that Tsukauchi must be somewhere in the building too.

She’s never attempted anything like this before. Her heart pounds underneath her ribcage, anticipation pumping through her veins. 

Taking a deep breath, she pushes herself forward towards the building before she could lose her nerve. Despite it being the early hours of the day, the precinct is swarming with people. It really goes to show that the department never gives itself a day off.

In the email, it directed her to find Mr Fujimura’s office again to collect her own lanyard that’ll give her access to parts of the department. It should have her picture and name on it, easily identifiable. The thought makes her feel anxious.

Remembering the directions given to her almost a week ago, she makes her way through the same halls to Mr Fujimura’s office. The door is closed, and so Inko politely knocks. She hears a voice beckoning her from inside.

Steeling her nerves, she opens the door to find Mr Fujimura sitting at his desk with a friendly smile.

“Ah, Mrs Midoriya!” Mr Fujimura welcomes her. “I was told you’d make your way here, you’re here for your tag, yes?”

“Yes, please.”

“Just a moment…” Mr Fujimura nods, opening his desk drawer and pulling out the lanyard. “Here you go.”

Inko takes the tag and puts it on over her head.

“Thank you, Mr Fujimura.” Inko says.

“Follow me, I’ll show you where you’ll be working.” He gets up from his seat behind the desk, gesturing for Inko to follow him as he leaves the room. “You have no idea how glad I was when I heard you’d be joining us!”

“Me too.” Inko huffs, taking a moment to cough into her elbow. She feels tears spring up to her eyes, but she refuses to let them fall. The sudden coughs gained a concerned look from her superior.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, just breathed in wrong.” Inko plays off, inconspicuously wiping her eyes before he could notice the tears. Of all moments to cough?

“I get that sometimes too, you’re good.” Mr Fujimura chuckles. “We’re here now, anyway. All you gotta do is sit behind the counter and direct anyone who comes in. Due to your past experience, I’m sure you know a thing or two about computers?”

“Yep.” Inko says, popping the ‘p’ as she settles onto a chair behind the reception desk. There are two other people stationed with her, though they’re both busy with their own situations it seems.

“Perfect. If you need a hand, let me know. I’ll be in my office.”

“Thank you, Sir.” With that, the man leaves Inko alone to her own devices. What Inko notices within the first thirty minutes of her shift is that officers tend to avoid the reception and favour heading to their dedicated floors. That’s logical, though. Why would they clock in from the reception when it should be available to civilians?

Despite the busyness of the station, she hasn’t had anyone come up to her. They must’ve already been talked to by the colleagues before she came, so with nothing else to do she logs into the computer and wonders if she could access any files from there or if it has to be a specific one. Knowing her luck, it’s probably the latter.

Of course, she knows the basics on how to work a computer. What stumped her everytime she tried was ‘hacking’ or whatever it’s called nowadays. She’s only ever seen people do it in movies, breaking into firewalls and suddenly they’re into high-tech information? A foreign concept to Inko, that’s for sure.

So when she tried to access files that looked more on the classified side, it was very obviously denied and there’s nothing she could do about it. She hopes it doesn’t show on anyone’s history that she tried to access it in the first place. That would be an awkward thing to explain.

Deciding to leave it for now, she gets back to the work she’s supposed to be doing. It’s then when she hears a familiar voice enter the station. Inko darts her head up from the computer, watching as Tsukauchi walks in talking to another officer, that officer having a cat head which Inko immediately recognises as Sansa. Pretty much Tsukauchi’s sidekick. Inko puts her head back down, hoping they won’t notice her as she listens to their conversation.

“You’re working so much lately, Sir.” Sansa says to Tsukauchi as they walk deeper into the station. “Have you considered taking a break?”

“There’s no time for breaks now, especially since we’re so close to finding out who’s behind all those disappearances.” The detective replies.

“I’m sure you’ll catch the guy, and he’ll still be out and about even if you miss a shift or two.”

“I can’t just take a break right now, Sansa. I owe that much to Aizawa, at least. If anyone needs a break, it’s him.” Tsukauchi sighs, walking by Inko’s desk in the direction to his office.

“Can’t imagine it’s easy working as a teacher whilst being an underground hero, when does the guy sleep?” Sansa chips in, but Inko isn’t eavesdropping into their conversation anymore. Who were they talking about? Was it Eraserhead? He’s the only hero that consistently works with Tsukauchi, and she knew he had a day job just not as what.

Eraser always seemed so awkward around kids, she never would’ve taken him for a teacher. Honestly, Sansa has a point. When does he sleep?

She wonders if he’s teaching right now, at whatever school he works at. If that’s why he’s only doing his ‘stakeouts’ during the night, where he actually has time. Someone else must be tracking the guy throughout the day, Inko muses. 

No point thinking about it now, but it is great information to have. Never know when she might need it.

Without any more delay, she gets right back to work. She can’t be slacking on her first day, afterall. 

Eventually her lunch break rolls around, and so Inko takes this time as an opportunity to get a better idea of how the building is laid out. She gets up from her place behind the reception, walking in the direction Tsukauchi went in earlier that day. If she’s lucky, Tsukauchi’s computer will have the information she wants.

Hopefully he’s gone for his lunch break too.

Finally, after what felt like years of walking, Inko stumbles across a door that has the sign ‘Det. Tsukauchi’ on it. Looking over her shoulders, she deems the coast clear enough to walk in, not before listening beyond the door to hear if anyone is in there. 

It sounds silent enough, and so Inko slowly twists the knob, opening the door. The emerald carpet truly stands out against the beige walls. An interesting choice, that’s for sure. Without wasting the limited time she has, she swerves behind his desk and turns on his desktop. Inko is then met with the login page.

Stupid. Of course she’ll need a password.

‘If I was an overworked detective, what would I choose…?’

She tries once. Then twice. Until she’s on the last chance to get it right before the computer gets locked out. Why are passwords so difficult to guess?

In the end she just settles on the ‘forgot password’ mechanism. Maybe she’ll manage to get past the security questions? How hard could it be?

Inko inwardly groans at the question. 

‘ What’s your favourite security question?’

Is Tsukauchi being serious? What kind of question is that? She guesses it gets the job done, though, as she is completely stumped. Maybe she’ll ask about it in passing as Juniper or something? Or would that be too suspicious?

It’s her first day, give her a break.

She’ll have to try again tomorrow. There’s no way she’s getting into it today. Setting the computer back to the way it was, she leaves the room as silently as she entered it. Stupid Tsukauchi and his stupid security.

He should really make it easier for vigilantes such as herself to get into top secret and classified information. Does he have no manners at all?

Stupid.

---

“Show me what you’re hiding…” Shota whispers to himself watching Murai Sora for the second night this week. It’s only Tuesday, but he could really use the weekend right about now. Not as if he has a break from his hero work on the weekends, but at least he doesn’t have to worry about waking early enough for his teaching at UA.

So far it’s been the same song and dance from the night before. Tailing the guy throughout the night, hoping he does something suspicious enough to report on. Yesterday was a complete bust, but Shota won’t lose hope.

It’s then when he notices Murai walk into a darkened alley, fading out from Shota’s sight. He curses lightly, latching his scarf onto the railing of the roof to secure his way down quickly. Making sure Murai is still unaware, he crosses the street swiftly and leaps on top of a roof a couple buildings down from the alleyway Murai entered with his capture weapon. 

Even if Murai doesn’t have any connections to All For One, it’s definitely worrying enough he’s entering alleys in the dead of night. With this in mind, Shota jumps over the gaps between the buildings with practised ease, slowing down as he approaches the alley.

He crouches down and peers over the edge, silently watching Murai lean on the wall with crossed arms and a disinterested facial expression. All of a sudden a dark, fog-like portal appears within the alley, catching both Shota’s and Murai’s attention. That must be the work of Kurogiri. Shota quickly pulls out his phone, unlocking it and opens the camera. 

This is exactly the type of evidence they need.

A woman with bright pink hair walks out the portal, completely covered in dark clothes. She approaches Murai, who’s giving her a smug grin.

“Status?” The woman asks, glancing around the alley, barely missing where Shota’s perched on the roof. He snaps a couple photos of them together.

“On-track. They have no idea.” Murai informs her with a confident tone of voice. “It was honestly too easy.”

“Hm.” The woman responds, looking at her nails disinterestedly. “And you’re sure nobody in the department knew? Even after we sent those mercenaries after that pesky vigilante?”

“Positive, Ms Arona.”

Arona offers Murai a disappointed smile. “Why do you lie to me?”

“Lie?” Murai repeats nervously, if Shota looked hard enough he’s sure he could see the man sweating bullets. “Whatever do you mean?”

“They know.” 

“What?! But I-”

“Don’t act so stupid. You’re lucky Sensei is willing to give you a second chance.”

“All I had to do was find out who messed up his plans, nobody said anything about making sure the police didn’t know!” Murai argues, desperation hanging off of every word. 

“You’re working for the most powerful criminal organisation, and you didn’t think to make sure the police couldn’t find out your involvement? I should kill you right here.” Arona threatens. Suddenly Shota feels an overwhelming sense of dread. His heart stutters in his chest that he can hardly think. It came on so abruptly, surely this must be the work of a quirk?

He can’t erase it, or else his presence would be revealed.

Shota wills himself to keep quiet, it seems Murai is taking the effects much harder than he is. The man’s fallen to his knees, clawing at his chest.

“Please! It-it won’t happen again, I swear!”

“You better hope it doesn’t, Sensei doesn’t take too well to failures.”

Sensing it’s the end of their conversation, the portal makes itself materialise back in the alley, which Shota makes sure to capture a couple photos of Arona walking through it with Murai in shot.

He’s definitely working for All For One. Going off by context, Shota guesses this ‘Sensei’ figure must be some kind of codename for him. Shota distantly hears Murai mutter to himself as he leaves the alley, having recovered from the quirk much like Shota did, but he doesn’t waste anymore time tailing him and instead heads right back in the direction of the police station.

Once he arrives, he immediately makes his way to Tsukauchi’s office, not bothering to knock on the door as he enters.

“Tsukauchi.” Shota greets, closing the door behind him and turns to find that the detective is not alone. There in the room with them is All Might, because of course he is. “Sorry. I didn’t realise you had company.”

“It’s fine, Aizawa. I was just updating him about the case.” Tsukauchi glances at his clock. “You’re back early. Did it go well?”

“It went better than well.” Shota responds with a grin, opening his camera roll and shows Tsukauchi the photos he took.

“This is perfect. Share those to me, and I’ll add the images to the case file.” Shota does so.

“So he was connected to All For One?” All Might asks, leaning over behind Tsukauchi to get a look at the photos.

“It definitely seems that way.”

“Who’s the girl?” Tsukauchi wonders. “I haven’t seen her before.”

“Apparently she goes by Arona. They were discussing that she knew that we knew about Murai’s involvement. He’s been given a second chance to make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Shota explains after successfully sharing the images to Tsukauchi’s email. “She also confirmed that it was them that sent those people after Juniper.”

“We only found out a couple days ago, how did they discover it?”

“They must have another informant somewhere.” All Might chips in, letting his presence be known. Again. Shota sighs, rubbing at his eyes.

“I thought we cleared everyone in the department?” Shota asks, giving a questioning look to the detective.

“Not everyone…” Tsukauchi begins. “Just earlier this morning, I noticed someone new working in the reception. Isn’t it strange she started working, and suddenly the villains found out?”

“Did you say anything about the case around her?” Tsukauchi’s eyes furrow.

“I briefly mentioned it to Sansa as we walked in, but it wasn’t super detailed. It could’ve been about anything.” He says, racking his brain for any more information about her.

“What did she look like?” Shota questions.

“I didn’t look too hard at her, but she had green hair.”

“Maybe you could identify her on the cameras?” The underground hero suggests, ignoring the way All Might looks between both him and the detective as they speak.

“Possibly.” Tsukauchi logs into his computer, pulling up the security footage from that very morning. They watch as she enters the building, visits the manager's office and sits at her desk for the whole first half of her shift.

“She doesn’t seem that suspicious so far.” All Might comments before immediately getting shushed by Shota. Tsukauchi speeds up the footage, then immediately slows it down when she gets up from her table and walks down the hallway Tsukauchi went earlier. They follow her on the cameras, and find her entering the very office they’re in.

“Still not suspicious, All Might?” In which the hero replies with nothing more but a huff.

“There’s no available camera in my office, I’ve been intending to get it fixed.”

“That’s convenient.” Shota rolls his eyes, backing away from Tsukauchi’s computer screen to think. “She does look familiar.”

“What is it with everyone finding somebody familiar?”

Shota clicks his fingers as he realises where he knows her from. “Inko Midoriya. I met her twice, the first time was well over a year ago. She was in a rush, and stumbled into me as she turned the corner. And our most recent encounter was on the third of August. Hizashi and I visited Shirakumo’s grave, and I noticed her sitting at a grave in the pouring rain. I offered her my umbrella.”

“What a gentleman.” Tsukauchi snorts. “But it’s something worth checking out. 

“I’ve got work tomorrow morning, so I trust you’ll be fine without me?” Shota asks, already halfway out the door.

“Don’t worry. I’ll update you when I can.”

“See you.” Shota bids him goodbye, not wasting a glance at the number one hero. As he walks through the halls, it gives him time to think over the events that happened in just one day. He really hopes Mrs Midoriya isn’t who they think she is. From the first time he met her, she seemed honest enough, albeit nervous but nothing truly jumped out at him about her.

The only time he thinks she was lying to him was the nature of the injury she had when they met at the cemetery, though he didn’t push because he knew it wasn’t his place to pry. They barely knew each other, so of course she’d be wary of him.

He really does hope they’re wrong about her.

---

The next morning arrives, and Inko still has no clue how to get through Tsukauchi’s security question. She’s so desperate, she’s genuinely considering just getting up and asking him and hoping for the best.

Of course she’s not going to. But if it comes up naturally, who knows?

It’s then, once she finished getting ready and made her way to the station, she enters the department to find Tsukauchi already waiting for her at her desk. They catch eyes as she walks in, in which Inko responds with a nervous smile.

‘Crap, does he know who I am already?’

She approaches as normally as she could, Tsukauchi’s expression not changing from his neutral-but-suspicious gaze.

“May I help you, Sir?” Inko asks to break the ice, her nerves flying all over the place the longer he stays silent.

“Mrs Midoriya, could you come with me to my office?” Inko nods in response albeit critically, following him down the quite familiar corridors. They enter his office, and the detective gestures to Inko to take a seat in one of the available chairs as he circles around to sit at his desk.

“May I ask what this is about?” Inko examines Tsukauchi’s demeanor. He seems tense. 

“This isn’t formal procedure, and I do apologise, though this has to do with a case not many people in the department know of.” Tsukauchi starts, turning on his computer, expertly avoiding her question.

“What case?” Inko asks, watching how Tsukauchi types into the computer and taking note of every button he presses on the keyboard. It’s hard to keep track due to the angle she’s looking at it from, but she ends up managing to memorise what he’d typed. She pinches herself to keep the grin from stretching on her face.

Password secured. Take that, security question.

“It came to my attention that you entered my office yesterday? Is this true?” Tsukauchi begins, fiddling around with something on his computer. After years of knowing the detective, it’s hard to forget what his quirk is.

Lie Detection.

The thing is, she was snooping in his office yesterday. She just wanted to see if whatever Eraser was working on would be on his computer, but she had a couple bumps in the road… and she can’t exactly tell him that. It’ll encourage more questions than defuse, which could risk her secret identity.

Only the second day of this job, and she’s already failing. 

Just her luck, right?

“Yeah, I did.” Tsukauchi looks surprised by her upfront answer, he clears his throat.

“And what were you doing inside my office?”

“I was looking for something…?” Technically true, she was looking for information. She doesn’t know what Tsukauchi’s end goal is with this, what even sprung this whole interrogation on. He doesn’t seem to know she’s Juniper, which is a plus - but then what else could he be questioning her about?

“What were you looking for?”

How is she going to phrase what she was doing in a way that’s truthful but without giving the whole truth? Just that question alone is stumping her, and there’s most likely going to be more after. Why did she think going to his office was a great idea?

“There was a problem with my computer, so I went to try to find another one to see if I could log in.” Also kind of true, in a way. That time she tried to open classified files on her computer was definitely a problem to her. She likes to snoop, okay? And she did try to find another computer and log in, just missing out the finer details that it was Tsukauchi’s account she was trying to get into.

“And you couldn’t have picked any other computer?”

“I could’ve, but all the other computers were occupied. I know I should’ve asked, but you weren’t here and honestly it was a spur of the moment idea. I am sorry.” Inko replies, actually quite apologetic that he’s had to come out of his way to question her. 

What confuses her though is that he told her it’s for a case, but so far he’s only been asking about his computer.

“Is there anything else?”

“Do you know what my quirk is?” Inko raises her hand into a ‘so-so’ gesture. “My quirk is Lie Detection. As the name suggests, I can detect when someone lies to me. So far you’ve been nothing but honest, which I appreciate. I trust you aren’t a bad person, but I have to ask you this to confirm it.”

Inko nods silently, encouraging him to proceed.

“Are you working for All For One?”

The question takes Inko off guard. They think she’s working for him? Why would they think that? If anything she’s working against him, especially after those mercenaries she’s still not gotten over.

“No, I am not.” Inko says confidently, and she can see Tsukauchi visibly relax at the revelation. 

“That’s great news, thank you for your cooperation Mrs Midoriya.”

“Of course.”

“How would you like a cup of coffee? For the hassle I put you through.” Tsukauchi offers, already standing up from his desk and making his way to the door. This would be the perfect opportunity to see what they’ve been up to!

“If you’re sure.”

“Just a moment, I’ll be back soon.”

The minute Tsukauchi closed the door, inko shot right up from her seat and rounded around his desk to try her hand at logging in. He must’ve signed out when he went for the coffees, as his log in page is on display.

She types in the sequence of letters she memorised the detective logging in with earlier, grinning once it goes through but immediately feeling like screaming at the absolute mess of a desktop he has. Files and spreadsheets are scattered across the screen in no particular order, driving Inko absolutely insane.

“Clean your desktop, man.” In the end she decides to search up keywords and hope something relevant will show up. She types in ‘Eraserhead’ first, and the search comes up with a myriad of different files involving the hero. She’s got to broaden them down, and ends up searching for ‘All For One’. 

This search brings a much slimmer array of files to choose from, and so Inko clicks the first one that comes up and reads it as fast as she can.

‘ ALL FOR ONE - REPORT - INCIDENTS

Detective: Tsukauchi Naomasa

Lead Hero(es): ERASERHEAD (Shota Aizawa)

                     ALL MIGHT (N/A) 

ALL FOR ONE’S KNOWN ASSOCIATES:

KUROGIRI - (Name Unknown) - Quirk: Mist Portal

DOCTOR - (Name Unknown) - Quirk: Unknown

ARONA - (Name Unknown) - Quirk: Fear Inducing -> T.B.C

INCIDENT 1-7:

2175.11.10: Morioka Kei - Japanese - Status:Kidnapped/Unknown

2175.12.23: Teion Walton - African-American - Status: Kidnapped/Unknown

2175.12.29: Noguchi Sachiko - Japanese - Status: Kidnapped/Unknown

2176.01.05: Sharlene McCleary - Scottish - Status: Kidnapped/Unknown

2176.03.26: Hara Keiji - Japanese - Status: Kidnapped/Unknown

2176.05.01: Kaba Saki - Japanese - Status: Kidnapped/Unknown 

2176.05.17: Kasumi Yuko - Japanese - Status: Alive - Saved by JUNIPER

RELATED INCIDENTS:

2176.05.26: ERASERHEAD reached out to JUNIPER and requested she come into the station to give her statement and details about Kasumi Yuko’s attempted kidnapping. 

2176.05.27: JUNIPER arrived at the station and gave her statement to both Tsukauchi Naomasa and Murai Sora. Murai Sora focused on sketching the perpetrators, and was successful. 

2176.05.28-CURRENT: Sketches gave a clear visual, but KUROGIRI and DOCTOR have not been seen since Kasumi’s attempted kidnapping. DOCTOR not seen in any nearby hospitals, despite JUNIPER’s insistence.

2176.08.02: JUNIPER confided in ERASERHEAD that she was being stalked by possible mercenaries. Estimated 2176.07.23 when they may have started following her due to convenient breaks taken during that time period. Refused ERASERHEAD’s help when offered.

2176.08.05: ERASERHEAD informs Tsukauchi Naomasa of his knowledge about the ‘Boogeyman of the Underground’ - AKA - ALL FOR ONE over lunch at a cafe. Elaborated later at the station that day. 

During ERASERHEAD’s patrol, he had encountered JUNIPER facing off 3 mercenaries. He assisted her and brought them in for questioning the next morning.

2176.08.06: Tsukauchi Naomasa attempted to interrogate the 3 mercenaries brought in, however they refused to cooperate and tell any information about ALL FOR ONE. Was witnessed by both ERASERHEAD and ALL MIGHT.

2176.10.06: JUNIPER was previously told to lay low despite mercenaries being caught throughout those 2 months. Couldn’t risk ALL FOR ONE sending any more after her until the coast was seemingly clear. Both Tsukauchi Naomasa and ERASERHEAD conspired together about the true reason why ALL FOR ONE targeted JUNIPER as her involvement was not told publicly. Came to the conclusion of possible moles within the department.

2176.10.06-2176.10.08: Tsukauchi Naomasa and ERASERHEAD reviewed the department for any suspects. Mission was unsuccessful, until they suspected someone that was brought in on the day JUNIPER gave her statement. This led to the sketch artist, Murai Sora.

Planned to start stakeouts the next night during ERASERHEAD’s patrol.

2176.10.09: ERASERHEAD began his patrol and tailed Murai Sora through alleys. ERASERHEAD was distracted by JUNIPER and had to refrain from giving her any information for her safety. Stakeout was unsuccessful as Murai Sora showed no signs of being involved.

2176.10.11: ERASERHEAD began the second night of the stakeout against Murai Sora. First half of the shift showed signs of being unsuccessful, however Murai Sora turned into a darkened alley in which ERASERHEAD followed. Murai Sora met up with previously unknown associate ‘ARONA’, and discussed Murai Sora’s involvement. Was deemed a liability due to police investigations against him being known to their organisation, but was given a second chance by ‘SENSEI’ - AKA - ALL FOR ONE. Both ARONA and Murai Sora have not been apprehended at this time, and are to be pursued by ERASERHEAD during his next patrol.

ERASERHEAD reported the incident to Tsukauchi Naomasa that night with ALL MIGHT in the room. Suspected another mole within the department due to police involvement being recent, and the villains knew. Previously assumed to have cleared the department, but didn’t account for newcomers to the department. 

Top suspect at this time was Inko Midoriya, a woman recently brought in as a receptionist in the department. Watched her for suspicious activity on security cameras. First half of the shift showed normal behaviour, however during her lunch break she had left her desk in favour of entering Tsukauchi Naomasa’s empty office. Camera currently broken in the office, intent to get fixed in a week’s time. This was considered suspicious behaviour, especially since it wasn’t shown what she did within the room. Tsukauchi Naomasa was tasked to interrogate Inko Midoriya on her intentions within the room and ask if she’s involved with ALL FOR ONE the next day.

2176.10.12: T.B.R’

After Inko’s finished the report, she feels a headache begin to form throughout her temples. That was an onslaught of information that Inko was not prepared for. A part of her is relieved that the camera in this office isn’t working, because it would be hard to explain what she’s doing now without sounding suspicious.

However, another part of her is miffed; she didn’t think of the possibility of cameras within the station. Obviously there’ll be cameras, Inko!

Inko clicks out of the file, making sure everything is the way it was before logging back out and sitting back onto the chair. She wonders how she had enough time to read that, surely it doesn’t take that long to get two cups of coffee?

“I’m back.”

'Speak of the Devil.' Inko offers him a small smile, taking a cup of coffee as it’s offered to her.

“You took quite a while.” Inko comments offhandedly, taking a sip. It’s not the best thing, but it’s quite alright.

“I know, I’m sorry. The machine just down the way is broken, so I had to take a trip to another one up a floor, only to find a whole queue waiting for me.” Tsukauchi huffs a laugh, rounding his desk to take his seat. “Hopefully you weren’t too bored.”

“Don’t worry, I was just fine.”

A silence stretches between them. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s not exactly comfortable either.

“Look,” Tsukauchi begins. “I just want to say thank you for being so cooperative. It must’ve been quite confusing to be pulled aside like that.”

“I’ll admit it was really worrying, though I’m glad it’s sorted.”

“As am I.”

---

Inko’s standing in what used to be her kitchen. The apartment has been vacant since she’d first met Arona, the whole house left untouched despite how long it’s been. She hasn’t been paying the rent, which she’s fine with. She was planning on moving the minute that note was found on the very kitchen counter she’s looking at.

She looks around the room, committing each and every detail to memory. Whilst she never lived in this particular house with Hisashi, his son did. For over seven years, she worked herself to the bone to try to give him a good and safe life. 

Inko failed in that aspect, she’s sure of it. If she really did try, she would’ve lit her vigilante costume to flames instead of putting it on again. Inko cares too much about her son to truly throw her life away, but she knows their time together is limited. More than anything she wants right now is to hold Izuku once again, to hold him close and tell him everything is going to be okay. That she’s going to stay.

It’s wishful thinking. Delusional, even. Until she deals with Arona and anyone who threatens her, her baby isn’t safe by default. Which is why she’s got to do this, and make sure Izuku won’t get caught in the crossfire, even if it costs her life. 

He’d be much happier without her. She’s seen how well he’s been adapting to Amaya. Inko hates to put so much pressure on her friend, though she’s been pretty adamant that Izuku has been nothing but an angel with her. They’ll be happier together.

From across the room, Inko pulls a piece of paper with a pen towards her with her quirk. 

If this mission ends up having a drastic turn, at least she’ll have left an explanation for her son. She releases a shuddery breath before writing.

You never know.

-

For this plan to work, Inko needs to make sure nobody knows what she’s doing. She cannot rely on anyone but herself. This is the only way to protect the people she cares about. Inko can’t rely on Tsukauchi, she can’t rely on Amaya and she certainly can’t rely on Eraser.

To get to Arona, she needs to find Murai Sora. 

Inko must act quickly and find him before the police do. Since reading the report, she knows they’ll be swift to apprehend him tonight and to pry any information about All For One from his lips.

Once he’s in custody, it’s over. Unless Arona decides to show herself one day, then she’d have the advantage over Inko. She can’t let that be an option, so tonight must be the night.

She doesn’t know what to expect, and so she stocked up on her materials and sharpened her knives as much as she could. Inko’s felt Arona’s quirk before, there’s no forgetting that. That works for her, however, as now she knows how her quirk works. At least a bit.

If Hisashi was still here, and the circumstances were different, she knows he’d have a field day over analysing Arona’s quirk. The thought brings a bittersweet smile to her face. 

Why did he have to be taken from her so soon? He didn’t have the chance to meet his son, who’s grown up so much like him. Izuku may have her looks, but he’s got his father’s brain. If only he could see him now, what would he say? 

Inko shakes the thoughts from her head before she could get too distracted. The whole reason she’s doing this is for Hisashi’s honour and her son’s future.

She can’t afford to fail now.

Inko surveys the streets Murai had been frequently seen within the past couple days, hoping to come across him. It wasn’t easy, but she ultimately found him hanging out in an alley not far from his apparent meeting with Arona. 

‘Why does everything have to happen in alleys?’

Without thinking, Inko leaps into the alleyway, catching Murai off guard enough for her to spin him around and pin him to the wall, hands behind his back.

“What—” Murai begins, but Inko doesn’t let him get a word in.

“Shut it. Where is Arona?” Murai turns his head to look at his oppressor, stifling a chuckle once he realises who’s gotten the drop on him.

“Juniper… What a surprise. I thought Ms Arona would’ve dealt with you by now.” He begins, but winces as Inko pushes him harder into the brick wall. It was nothing more but a warning.

“I’m not here to talk games. Where is Arona and All For One hiding?”

“As if I’d tell you.”

Now, Inko considers herself to be a patient person. She’s not one to instigate fights, but instead tends to resolve them if need be. However, the same cannot be said about her now as she’s got Murai in her grasp. She’s one step away from getting her revenge, and the only thing standing in her way is this pawn of All For One.

“Fine, you don’t want to tell me?” Inko asks, sickeningly sweet. Outside of Murai’s field of vision, she pulls a freshly sharpened knife from one of her utility pockets and places the blade threateningly to the skin of his neck. His breath hitches at the sudden change of atmosphere between them, a bead of sweat running down the side of his forehead.

“Tell me and I’ll let you go.” Inko offers before digging the knife just enough to nick his neck, allowing a dribble of blood to escape. “Or else. So what will it be?”

Murai gives her a wide-eyed gaze from his helpless position. “You’re crazy.” He whispers.

“No. I’m realistic.” Inko narrows her eyes, quickly losing her patience. “Now, tell me where they are!”

“I don’t know! I-I don’t!” Murai begs against the wall, causing Inko to press her knife tighter against his skin.

“Why are you lying to me? The police will be here any moment to take you in, and they’ll be a whole lot harsher than I am.” Inko tries to convince him. “But if you tell me, right now, where Arona is hiding you could be in for a lighter sentence. If not… I don’t need to say it, do I?”

The implications were clear. Information for his life.

“Fine! Just- Just put the knife down.”

“I’m doing nothing of the sort until you speak.”

“Jesus…” Murai sighs, his shaking form giving away exactly what he’s feeling. She’s done it. “They’re based in a warehouse not too far from here. The abandoned one, on Shore Street. It’s quite small, but you can’t miss it.”

Inko smiles at her accomplishment. “Was that so hard?” Inko asks, but not giving him the time to answer before knocking him out. She pulls out her burner phone, calling her favourite detective. Before she can press the call button, another person drops into the alley. Inko is immediately on guard, turning to face this new person before relaxing at the sight of Eraserhead. He looks incredulous with a hint of confusion etched on his face.

“Juniper, what are you doing?”

“I’m helping you guys out. You were looking for him, weren’t you?” Inko asks, tilting her head and gesturing to Murai’s unconscious appearance.

“I specifically told you to stay out of it.” Eraser reminds her, giving the vigilante a wary look. “How’d you find out about him, anyway?”

“Your lack of confidence wounds me! Is it seriously so hard to believe I did my research?”

“Yes.” Eraser replies bluntly, and by how casual the hero is acting around her she can assume he hadn’t seen much of their conversation. Said hero walks up to the fallen heap of a man, binding him in his capture scarf for safe measures.

“Fine. I snuck into Tsukauchi’s office and looked at the report. Are you happy now?” She admits with a roll of her eyes.

“Since when did you get into his office, let alone have time to look at the report?!” Eraser asks skeptically, glancing up at Inko.

“I have my ways?” She offers, but it doesn’t sound convincing in the slightest.

“I bet it was you who broke his camera.”

“He has a camera?”

“And you didn’t even know!” Eraser breathes in heavily, collecting Murai and placing him closer to the mouth of the alley as they wait. “Guess there’s no point in telling you what to do, huh?”

“Thought that would’ve been obvious from the first time you met me.”

“Thought you’d mature throughout the decade.” Eraser retorts just as quickly, shooting her a soft glare.

“One can hope.” Inko chuckles at Eraser’s deadpan expression. “Anyway, I got to go… do things. You know how it is.”

Inko begins to walk off, not waiting to hear Eraser’s reply but stops when he calls out to her with an unknown emotion lacing his voice. She turns back to face him, analysing his expression to find it unreadable.

“What is it, Eraser?”

“Just… Stay safe. Don’t be stupid.”

Inko feels as if he had more to say, but he stopped himself for whatever reason. She offers him a grin that he can’t see through her mask.

“You got it! I’ll see you next time.”

She spins back around and walks off, overly aware of the stare Eraserhead is giving her. It’s as if he knows what she’s about to do, which is impossible but she can’t help feeling the slightest bit of guilt as she makes it out of his vision.

He wouldn’t understand. She needs to do this alone.

And she’s ready for it.

Chapter Text

“Tell us where they are.”

“For the last time, I’m not saying a thing!” Murai insists, banging a hand onto the interrogation table despite the cuff wrapped around his wrists. 

“This doesn’t need to be difficult. Just tell us where they are and I promise everything will be okay.” Tsukauchi pressures, his fist clenching under the table. They’re so close. “What’s the point of protecting them?”

“I’m not protecting them! I’m protecting myself, don’t you see?! If I snitch…”

“Even if you don’t say anything tonight, All For One has already lost any use for you. Doesn’t matter what you say, you’ll be dead before you can explain yourself.” Murai seemed as if he was about to retort, but Tsukauchi beat him to it. “But, if you say what we need to hear right now, you’ll be put into protective custody until we’ve arrested him. You’ll be safe."

“Do you not already know where he is?” Murai asks, wondering why they’re trying so hard when he’s already got one foot in the grave. 

“No. Why would you think that?”

“Your vigilante friend made me tell her. She threatened me! You’re saying she didn’t tell you the moment she found out?”

“If what you’re saying is the full truth, then no.” Tsukauchi informs, looking behind him through the two-way glass in concern where Shota and All Might are watching the scene unfold.

Shota walks up to the microphone and sighs before speaking. “She didn’t say a word to me, just up and left pretty much the minute I showed up.” He confirms.

“Right.” Tsukauchi whispers to himself before turning back around and facing Murai. “Just tell us what you told her, that’ll be the last time we’ll ask you about this.”

“Christ…” Murai groans. “They’re located in a warehouse on Shore Street. That’s where I was told to go for specific meetings. All For One never showed himself there, but many other members did.”

“Like who?”

“Kurogiri, Arona, and myself.” Murai says. “There were other dudes there, but I don’t think they were official members like us. They were more like guards...”

---

As Inko approaches the warehouse, she’s glad that the artist didn’t lie to her. The place looks suspicious enough on its own, with guards patrolling the perimeter of the building. From an outside perspective, it just looks as if regular cops are watching over the place to prevent any vandalism, but Inko knows better now.

She spends a few minutes just observing the officers. How they patrol, what their patterns are, how to get past them. Inko knows she’s on a time limit, especially since Murai is now in custody. 

There are two sets of patrols, as far as Inko can see. One is by the back of the building, while the other is by the front - where Inko is currently watching. She reckons she could get by without being spotted if there’s a way in by the roof. Like a vent or skylight, though not many warehouses have skylights. Vents it is then.

After watching their routines, she warily approaches the building, making sure to move when she’s sure the guards won’t spot her. She climbs up a rickety drain pipe attached to the wall that leads to the roof, praying to herself that it won’t break as she clambers up. Every now and then she pauses in her ascent, listening out for the footsteps of the guards and for any sign of the pipe collapsing. 

So far things are in her favour. Inko climbs to the roof successfully without alerting anyone to her position. 

She grins to herself as she notices some vent entrances in the middle of the roof. Inko walks up to it, inspecting it for a moment before picking up the opening, bending her knees under the weight before placing it beside her. It’s pitch black within the vents, and so Inko pulls out a small torch from her utility belt she keeps for emergencies, and clicks it on before vaulting over into the vent.

It’s when she’s entered the place she realises she has no idea where to go. This was quite last minute, she supposes, but Inko can’t just waste time crawling over the whole building in the vents hoping for a glimpse of Arona. She’s sure the police are on their way already, she has to finish this quickly.

Inko passes by more unsuspecting guards as she crawls through the tight space of the vents aimlessly. This isn’t going to work. She’s making her way around the building too slowly, with no real plan, and she bets the police are hot on her tail already.

Looking through the air duct’s slits, she comes across a room that looks as if a murder or two occurred within it. There’s blood splattered across the room, some fresh, some not. There’s a stained chair placed in the centre of the room, ripped up duct tape stuck onto the armrests and front chair legs - as if someone had been there recently. 

It makes Inko’s stomach churn.

Just what could’ve happened in there? And why? So many questions with so little answers. Inko takes a breath through her mouth, her nose unable to stand the metallic stench from the room and decides to move on to the next duct in the vents, unable to stay any longer than she needs to.

The next brings a grin to Inko’s face, her sickness long forgotten as her eyes lay on the one person she’s been looking for all night. Arona. Sitting there with one leg over the other as she’s distracted with something on a computer. 

It’s the perfect opportunity.

She seems to be alone, and just as Inko’s about to bust in, she hears a door opening just beyond what she can see from the air duct. 

“Miss Arona,” the voice starts, and Inko doesn’t recognise it. “The meeting will commence in ten minutes, make sure you are well prepared.”

“Thanks, but I don’t think there’ll be any meeting tonight.” She replies, looking up from her computer for a moment and looking in probably the direction of the other voice.

“What makes you say that?”

“Word got out that Murai had been arrested. The moles in the department sure are quick with it.” Arona replies, looking back at her screen intensely. “It’ll be a matter of time before the heroes get here. Murai hadn’t ever been the strong-willed type.” She says with a sigh.

“You think he’d betray us?” The voice speaks up, and Inko really wishes she can see further to at least get a face with the deep voice she’s hearing. Then she processes her words. Tsukauchi definitely was not paranoid for suspecting people in the department to be moles, that’s for sure.

“Maybe reluctantly.”

“I’ll be sure to let Sensei know.”

“You do that, I’ll work on this for the time being.” Arona nods without looking up from her computer. Maybe she’s looking at the camera system? Or putting up security measures around the warehouse now that they’re aware the heroes are most definitely on their way? Either way, Inko can’t let her go on.

Once she’s sure the other occupant of the room has left, she unsheathes a throwing blade from her holster and smashes her way into the room by elbowing the air duct below her and swiftly making her way down. She instantly finds her footing, throwing the knife in Arona’s direction with no hesitation in her body. 

The knife misses her head by an inch, the blade embedding itself into the couch she’s settled on. Her eyes are blown wide before they narrow on Inko’s ragged form, her breathing uneven and harsh. Her throat feels dry, especially now there’s no way out but to fight her husband’s killer.

“Hm.” Arona regards Inko with a look, taking a breath before getting up from her seated position in no real hurry to get started. She flashes Inko a predatory grin, leaving no warning to the vigilante before she leaps at her, slashing her own knife erratically, forcing Inko on the defensive. She backs up step after step, but Arona keeps getting too close. Uncomfortably so.

“I was wondering when you’d find this place.” Arona starts, but Inko isn’t listening and instead focusing on not being affected by her quirk. It’s hard, and the dizziness is making her movements sloppy. Inko eventually feels the wall crash into her back, Arona taking the opportunity to pin her there and press her knife threateningly over her neck. Reminiscent of how she acted towards Murai earlier that night.

“You definitely put up more of a fight, but that simply wasn’t enough.” Arona huffs, pressing the knife deeper into her throat hard enough to draw a bead of blood. “It definitely wasn’t enough for your husband, that’s for sure. If anything, he gave up the moment I entered that house and used my quirk on him. Kind of like how you reacted your first time, except he wasn’t as lucky as you were.”

All of a sudden, at the mention of Hisashi, Inko feels her blood boiling beneath her skin. Her grimace contorts into a snarl, glaring daggers through Arona’s eyes. All too quickly she pushes Arona from her position with a newfound energy, remembering who this is all for. Inko aims for Arona’s wrists, loosening her grip of her knife enough for her to drop it, the metallic sound echoing around the room as it hits the ground.

Her husband? Giving up? Sounds nothing like the man she used to know.

“Shut up!” Inko yells, pulling out another knife from her own arsenal and pouncing at the villain in front of her. How dare she even suggest such a thing! 

She manages to get a slice in on Arona’s cheek, albeit shallower than Inko would’ve hoped for. Despite that, it’s enough to take the villain by surprise and allow Inko to get another hit in, this time on her shoulder with a cut that’s much deeper than the one on Arona’s face. Inko grins, teeth bared, as Arona comes to her senses and dodges out of the way of another slash coming her way. She looks rattled, glancing at Inko in a new light.

“You shouldn’t be able to think right now!” Arona yells, her eyes blown wide in confusion. Inko snarls at her, her breathing uneven as she tries to catch it. Inko brings up an arm to wipe at her forehead, wiping away the uncomfortable feeling of sweat building there.

“What-” Arona doesn’t get to finish her sentence as a myriad of guards burst into the room, guns at the ready and pointed at Inko. Arona smiles at Inko smugly, raising a hand towards the guards to signal not to shoot. Yet.

“Well, Juniper,” the villain chuckles, “it seems you’re all out of ideas.”

Just then, a grey rope of some kind wraps itself around a couple of guards by the entrance, picking them up and smashing them together hard enough to knock them out. Inko sighs in relief. She knows who that rope belongs to.

“Not quite.” Eraserhead replies for her, immediately fighting against the other guards that are by the door. Gunshots ring out across the room. She turns over a table to hide behind and once she’s settled Inko looks over to see if Eraser is okay. She finds him seemingly fine for the moment as he swiftly disarms the guards with his capture weapon before going in for the kill. And by that she means he knocks them out, of course.

Inko turns her attention back to searching for Arona during the chaos, only to find her fleeing through a different door. Inko gets out from her spot, feeling as if she’s got tunnel vision. Her only aim is to make sure Arona doesn’t get away. 

As she’s sprinting to the door Arona fled through, a stray gunshot embeds itself into her left calf. Inko doesn’t feel any immediate pain, though after putting pressure on the leg she cries out and collapses to the floor.

“Juniper!” Inko hears Eraser yells from somewhere across the room, though she’s not sure where exactly. Eventually the sounds of shots dwindle down, but her head continues to ring anyway. Inko adjusts her position on the ground to one where she leans her back on the wall, making it easier to assess her injury.

It’s bleeding profusely, crimson gushing out of the wound as she hisses in pain. She distantly hears footsteps approach her, and looks up when the source of the footsteps crouches by her.

“Eraser…” Inko starts, without really knowing what to say. It's not her first time getting shot, though she’ll admit it’s been quite a while. 

“You’ll be okay, Juniper. It’s okay.” Eraser comforts uncharacteristically, slicing a clean section of his capture weapon and applying pressure to Inko’s wound. Her face scrunches up into a grimace, to which Eraser winces in sympathy.

Inko thinks a few minutes have passed of Eraser treating her, though she’s not entirely sure. She vaguely hears a commotion nearby, though she doesn’t know what’s causing it.

“Are you hurt?” She asks.

“Just a few bumps, I’m fine.”

“Huh.” Inko hums, glancing back down to her gunshot wound. It feels as though it’s burning under her skin. “That’s good…”

“I don’t think the bullet hit anything important. It doesn’t seem to be bleeding that much anymore.” Eraser explains, pulling out some gauze from his utility belt and wrapping it up for the time being. “The heroes are here now and almost to our location.”

Inko doesn’t know why he’s telling her this, and Eraser must know from her continued silence.

“You should be getting out of here before you’re caught.” He explains.

“I can’t walk like this.” Inko counters, gesturing to her calf.

“You don’t have a choice. Not unless you want to get arrested tonight?” Eraser sighs, standing up from beside Inko to offer a hand to her. “C’mon, I'll help.”

Inko takes a steadying breath before accepting his hand, allowing herself to be pulled up by Eraser and immediately regretting it when her leg flares up with pain. 

“Fucking hell…” Inko whispers, steadying herself as she clings to Eraser’s arm, only to lose her balance as the earth shakes beneath them, but Eraser was quick to support her before she collapsed completely. Any other day she’d be embarrassed about the amount of vulnerability she’s showing, but right now all she can think about is the pain radiating throughout her leg, and wondering what the hell that was. 

All too slowly, Eraser guides her towards a corner within the room where there’s a bunch of boxes and crates piled up. He sets her down behind a box, out of sight from anyone who may come through into the room.

“Stay here. I’ll come find you when this all blows over, okay?” Eraser informs her, waiting for Inko’s response before leaving. She nods in acknowledgment, knowing she won’t stay long enough for him to come back for her. He nods back anyway, running off in the direction of the sounds of fighting in the distance.

Now that she’s alone, she can’t help but feel pissed off at herself. Inko had her! She was going to catch Arona, and make her pay for what she did to Hisashi. But she got away. She let her get away. It’s all her fault. If only she didn’t get shot, she would’ve caught up to her and wouldn’t have wasted Eraser’s time and resources to help her.

She’s so useless. Just as Arona said when they first met. Nothing she does is ever enough, and now she’s injured and without a safe and immediate exit near her.

Could this night get any worse?

---

“You got that, Eraser?” Tsukauchi asks over the comms in Shota’s ear. He grunts an affirmative response, surveying the warehouse in question. The minute Murai revealed where it was, he immediately made his way to the place. Tsukauchi has been filling him in on the interrogation happening still within the department, and is now aware of the possible enemies he could encounter in the building. 

“It seems their patrols were undisturbed. Either Juniper hasn’t arrived yet, or she’s just that stealthy.” Shota reports into the comms, his capture scarf waving in the wind from where he’s perched on a nearby roof. 

“Most likely the latter. We know just how elusive she is.”

“I’m going in, be on standby.”

“Be careful, back-up will arrive in five minutes.”  

“Roger.” Shota says before leaping into action. He first aims for the guards by the front of the building, knocking them out efficiently before they have the chance to pull an alarm. It’s easy to take people off guard once their quirks have been erased, that’s for sure.

Shota makes sure to take care of the next patrol group before entering the building, his every step echoing around the hall despite his attempts to walk quieter. He sees some guards down the hall as he peers over the edge of a wall, but he doesn’t have to deal with them at that moment as they run off in the opposite direction Shota is in.

That’s unusual.

Well Shota is not going to look a gift horse in the mouth, that’s for sure. He takes off in the direction they left, curious to see what they must be busy with. 

As he approaches, he hears a voice speak out in the room he assumes the guards went into.

“...it seems you’re all out of ideas.” Shota only catches the end of the sentence, but even then he makes his way into the room and catches two guards with his scarf, knocking them out against each other before the others have time to react.

“Not quite.” He responds gruffly, observing the room. He quickly spots Juniper in the room, the woman looking a little worse for wear than he remembers. Immediately, the rest of the guards catch up to the situation and begin shooting at him. He tries his best to avoid them, taking them out one by one, but he ends up getting grazed by a couple bullets as he does so. Nothing too serious, but could be problematic without medical attention soon.

Shota continues fighting, too full of adrenaline to even feel his injuries, and swiftly ends the fight by yanking their guns from their grip with his capture weapon and then knocking them out easily with their quirks erased.

The guards were not made of muscle, and seemed to rely on their weapons and quirks instead of brute strength, which worked out perfectly for him. It’s then when he notices Juniper collapse onto the ground, his heart pumping wildly in his chest at the sight.

“Juniper!” He calls out, dealing with the last guard before making his way to her side as she drags herself against the wall.

“Eraser…” Juniper starts with a faraway look in her eyes. Shota looks down at her in concern, observing her frame for where she’s been hurt. He eventually finds it when he notices there’s blood gushing out of her calf.

“You’ll be okay, Juniper. It’s okay.” Eraser reassures her, tearing a clean section of his capture weapon without a second thought and applies pressure to Juniper’s wound. Her face scrunches up into a grimace under her mask, to which Shota gives her a sympathetic look. It’s not easy getting shot.

As he waits for the bleeding to stop, he hears the sound of people entering the warehouse and listens to them start fights within the building. A moment later Tsukauchi talks into his comms, explaining that his backup has now arrived.

His attention is brought back to Juniper when she asks, “are you hurt?”

“Just a few bumps, I’m fine.” He responds, continuing to ignore his own injuries he’d gotten earlier.

“Huh.” Juniper hums, glancing back down to her gunshot wound. “That’s good…”

“I don’t think the bullet hit anything important. It doesn’t seem to be bleeding that much anymore.” Shota explains, pulling out some gauze from his utility belt and wrapping it up for the time being. “The heroes are here now and almost to our location.”

Shota blinks at Juniper’s silence, realising she must be more out of it than he thought.

“You should be getting out of here before you’re caught.” He continues.

“I can’t walk like this.” Juniper counters, gesturing to her calf, which is a…decent point to make.

“You don’t have a choice. Not unless you want to get arrested tonight?” He sighs, standing up from his crouched position to offer a hand to her. “C’mon, I'll help.”

She takes a steadying breath before accepting his hand, allowing herself to be pulled up by him and Shota can tell just how much agony she must be in when she hisses in pain.

“Fucking hell…” Juniper whispers, clinging onto Shota’s arm for support when suddenly the ground begins to shake, leaving Juniper unbalanced and Shota rushing to keep her steady. Was it an earthquake? He helps guide her to a secluded corner of the room, the boxes piled allowing for great cover to any onlookers or guns that may encounter her. Shota helps lay her down behind a crate.

“Stay here. I’ll come find you when this all blows over, okay?” Shota informs her, nodding in response to Juniper’s nod, taking that as silent permission to leave and that she’ll be okay without him for the time being.

With Juniper safe and out of the way, Shota briskly makes his way to the action. He hopes Juniper snaps out of it soon enough, it would be unfortunate for her to be caught over something like this. Officially, he’s supposed to be trying to capture her. He knows he’s supposed to, but he just can’t bring himself to. 

Shota already lost Juniper once. 

He will not lose her again.

“What’s the situation?” Shota demands into his comms, approaching the battle scene.

“ Eraser! You’re okay!” Tsukauchi sighs in relief. “ You didn’t respond, we thought something happened to you.”

“Well, I’m here now. What’s going on?” Shota asks again, turning a corner in the warehouse and stopping in his tracks.

“ This battle is bigger than anything we’ve seen before…” Tsukauchi begins, though Shota has stopped listening, observing what he’s seeing in front of him. 

This half of the building had been completely demolished. That must’ve been what caused that supposed ‘earthquake’.

Beyond the rubble and settling dust, he surveys a multitude of heroes at the scene each fighting with some lackey. There’s some heroes he recognises like Ingenium and Midnight, though there’s many he doesn’t know. It doesn’t matter, though. They’re all doing their part. Shota begins to erase some villains' quirks to help the heroes finish their battles quickly whilst simultaneously taking on villains himself, wrapping them in his capture scarf and swiftly knocking them out.

Suddenly the fighting ceases for a moment as every hero, villain and civilian looks further down and spots All Might grinning down at a white-haired man in a suit. Everyone is captivated by the sight, and Shota barely registers the faraway voice of Tsukauchi in his ear.

“ All For One… ”

Shota promptly chokes on his own spit.

That’s All For One?

Both All Might and All For One seem to be talking about something, though Shota can’t hear over the sounds of people starting back up their fights after the initial shock wears off.

Shota tries to ignore the sounds of harsh hitting fists into skin and climbs to the roof of a nearby building. Far enough away from All Might and All For One so there’s no threat of getting hurt, but close enough that he has All For One in his sights. He makes it in time to see All For One pierce All Might’s skin with some sort of tendril on the left side of his body, All Might spitting out his own blood as All For One yanks back his tentril. Shota grimaces at the sight.

He notices All Might reel back his fist in preparation of a most definitely devastating blow despite the damage inflicted on his body, and as he leaps in All For One’s direction, Shota takes the opportunity to erase the villain’s quirk. 

Whatever his plan was, he didn’t have the chance to follow through as All Might punches All For One in the face, knocking him down to the ground and creating a crater in the ground by the sheer force of the punch.

Shota blinks, rubbing at his eyes for a moment due to using his quirk so much already tonight. When will this night end? As the dust settles around the crater, it’s revealed All For One is not where he’s supposed to be.

All Might is immediately on the defensive, glancing at every possible point All For One could emerge from. But nothing comes. No blows, no quirks, nothing. 

At the disappearance of All For One, the villains freeze in their fighting in anticipation for their leader. It never comes, allowing the heroes to arrest the last of the villains and deal with them accordingly. Shota looks back to All Might, the man is gripping onto his injury but soon enough medics arrive on the scene to check him over.

“ Eraser, come in.” Tsukauchi says through the comm. Now that the adrenaline has worn off, Shota can feel each and every cut littering his body, exhaustion overflowing his senses.

“I’m good. Is it over?”

“ It seems that way. We’re creating a perimeter a few miles out to see if we can find any sign of All For One.”

“Seriously?” Shota retorts, surprised. “Surely nobody could survive a punch like that from All Might? I saw it with my own eyes.”

“ We’d rather not take any chances. I’m by the front of the warehouse, if you’ll come by to be seen by paramedics? We’ve got a team searching within the warehouse already, so you don’t need to worry anymore.” Tsukauchi tries to reassure him, but the mention of the police sweeping every inch of the building puts him on edge.

Juniper is still there.

“I’ll be right there.” Shota says all too quickly, surely coming off as suspicious to the detective, but it doesn’t matter now. He’s just gotta take a slight detour.

Shota walks as fast as he can without bringing too much attention to himself, passing the officers Tsukauchi told him about. He arrives at the room he left Juniper, only to find she’s not there but a medium-sized puddle of blood where she was originally shot and drips of blood leading to where he sat her down. 

Thinking quickly, Shota tears yet another section of his scarf and cleans up any visible spots of dried blood from the floor. Surely it’ll be enough to keep her clear, even for just a while longer. He finishes his final sweep of the room, making sure no evidence of Juniper is visible just as the officers catch up to him and enter the room. 

Shota takes a breath, barely regarding the officers as he leaves.

Surely that’ll be enough.

The only thing he wonders now is where Juniper ran off to. Or perhaps limped is a better term for it? He can only hope she’s alright and safe, and not in the back of a cop car on the street.

---

It takes longer than Inko would’ve liked to arrive at Amaya’s place. Her leg feels like it’s on fire, each step she takes encourages a throbbing pain around her calf. At least she’s not bleeding out, but the bullet is still embedded into her skin. She cannot take it out alone.

She couldn’t go to Eraser. He was busy and had already done so much for her. She doesn’t have her husband anymore to help patch her up after patrols. And so, that leaves her longest friend, Amaya.

It’s long into the night already, and going off by the slightly brightening sky, it must be around dawn.

She hopes Izuku doesn’t have to see her like this as she arrives at her door, knocking a couple of times and waiting for an answer. Minutes pass by, and just as Inko was about to knock again, the door opens to the sight of Amaya looking as if she had just woken up.

Amaya quickly wakes up, though, after realising it was her at the door and letting her limp into the apartment.

“Inko!” Amaya whisper-yells, helping her take off her boots before they walk further into the living room. “What the hell is going on?”

“She got away.” Inko says, a burning hatred boiling in her chest. She rips off her mask from her face and puts down her hood, taking a seat on the couch. “She got away.”

“Who got away? Inko, what happened?”

“The person who killed my husband! She got away, and it’s all my fault!” Inko lashes out, to which Amaya crouches by her with a sympathetic look.

“Listen. I’m sorry, but getting worked up won’t help anyone. Izuku’s just in the other room, remember?” She reminds her, which makes Inko feel even shittier. There she is causing a scene, almost getting caught, with her son still here. What would’ve happened if she died tonight? If the bullet hit her chest instead of her leg? Would he even know? Sure, she left a letter for him, but what good is that if he doesn’t even know to look for it?

Inko can’t let go of the rage bubbling beneath her skin, though it’s subdued at the thought of the possibility of Izuku waking up and seeing her in this state.

“Now from the top. What happened?”

And Inko tells her everything. Of Arona, and how she’s the one who killed Hisashi. She found out where she was, and immediately went to try to give her a taste of her own medicine. How she snuck out of the warehouse without getting spotted thanks to all the fighting and distractions. She tells her everything.

“You’re such an idiot, Inko-”

“I know, how could I let her slip away so easy-”

“No. Not that. You’re an idiot for not telling anyone, not even me, about the shit you’ve been doing. Just what do you think would’ve happened if you died tonight? I would be left without my best friend. Izuku would be left without his mother. ” Amaya takes a breath. “You need to stop this, before you get seriously hurt.”

“I can’t stop now! I am so close, I-”

“I’m not hearing it! You need to be here, and live. If not for yourself, then for Izuku and Hisashi.” Inko doesn’t reply, knowing if she were to agree to Amaya’s terms, it would just be a lie. She can’t stop now, and she’s sure Amaya knows that now too by her silence, her lips pressed into a line. “I’ll get you some fresh clothes you can borrow tonight, the bathroom is through the door to your right.”

“Thanks…” Inko says, the nickname she always calls her on the tip of her tongue, but she refrains, sensing it’s not the time. Amaya, true to her word, passes Inko some clean pyjamas and Inko takes that as her cue to get up and take a shower. It’s hard to walk, but she manages without help and eventually finishes getting cleaned up. 

She walks back out of the bathroom twenty minutes later to find a pillow and a duvet laid on the couch without Amaya in sight.

Inko sighs to herself, getting comfortable in the makeshift bed and falls asleep almost immediately.

---

“You scared me half to death, y’know? Getting a call saying you’re in the hospital was not a great experience.”

“I’m sorry to worry you, but I’m fine. Really.” Shota tries to reassure his husband sitting by his hospital bed. Shota hadn’t realised just how injured he’d gotten last night, he thought he was grazed by the bullets but turns out a couple did manage to sneak their way in. He had to undergo surgery to remove the bullets, and now he’s on a whole bunch of painkillers for the time being.

“You almost died, what do you mean you’re fine ?” Hizashi asks incredulously.

“The doctors said most of my bleeding was internal. That’s where the blood’s supposed to be.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“But you love it.” Shota huffs at Hizashi’s attempts to keep a smile off his face.

“If you’re well enough to make jokes, should I call in the detective?” Hizashi wonders, their previous conversation forgotten as Shota remembers the night. He hasn’t been given any updates since Tsukauchi told him of the perimeter they established, and that must be because he’s been in surgery. 

“How long has it been?”

“Give or take nine hours since you got into the hospital itself? But six hours out of surgery. You’ve been resting all those hours, and I was wondering if you’d be okay to see Tsukauchi or would you rather wait a little longer?”

Shota debates the pros and cons in his head, before settling on seeing Tsukauchi then. Better to get it out of the way.

“I can see him now.” Shota says, giving his husband a nod.

“Alright. I’ll be back in a moment.” Hizashi informs him, standing up from his seat and exiting the room. While he waits, he ponders how Juniper is doing. The thought of the vigilante pulls his lips to a frown. 

She wasn’t looking too hot when he left her. At least she got out, and her injuries could’ve been worse. He also hopes his attempts at cleaning the evidence she left was enough to keep her out of the claws of the legal system. 

He can’t stop thinking about her, and what exactly she was trying to achieve. Why was she there? Why didn’t she tell anyone else? It’s driving Shota crazy.

“I’m back, with our favourite detective.” Hizashi greets as he enters the room, Tsukauchi close behind.

“Hey, Aizawa.” Tsukauchi says, taking a seat by the foot of the hospital bed while Hizashi sits on the chair he was on earlier.

“Hey.”

“I’m sure you’ve been dying to know the results of last night,” he begins before back tracking a moment, “no pun intended.”

“I wasn’t dying, but sure, please fill me in.”

“Right. Well, the good news is that we have arrested over forty of All For One’s servants that were at the scene which includes all those armed guards you must have encountered.”

The way Tsukauchi is telling the events is putting Shota on edge. “And the bad news?”

“Most of All For One’s main members have managed to get away. This includes Kurogiri and Arona, though we’ve got Murai.” Tsukauchi sighs.

“What about All For One himself?”

“We believe he must’ve died on impact. Just like you said, nobody could survive a punch like that, not even All For One.” Shota feels the tension bleed from his body. “Your contribution helped out immensely, it didn’t go unnoticed that you used your quirk to erase his, that might’ve saved All Might’s life.”

“How is he, anyway?” Shota asks, grimacing as he remembers how All Might had been stabbed by the villain.

“He’ll live.” Tsukauchi responds bluntly, not going into any details. He probably can’t, it’s the condition of the number one hero, afterall.

“I’m sorry. I know you’re close to him.” Hizashi speaks up.

“It’s alright. He’ll pull through, and be just fine.”

Offhandedly, Shota wonders if Juniper will pull through too.

---

There’s a lot of things Izuku regrets. 

For being quirkless. For being useless. But the worst of all must be not being there for his Mum when it mattered the most. 

That night, when she came to visit, Izuku wasn’t asleep. Well, he was, but the voices from the other room woke him up. Moving on, he was going to leave said room only to pause at the tension coming from beyond his door.

“The person who killed my husband! She got away, and it’s all my fault!” Izuku heard his Mother say. His hand was on the doorknob, ready to twist it and run into his Mother’s embrace. Except he didn’t.

She never told him what happened to his dad. Always a quick snippet before the conversation changed. He felt as if he was intruding on something he shouldn’t be. He let his hand drop from the handle, and listened to their conversation with rapt attention.

“Listen. I’m sorry, but getting worked up won’t help anyone. Izuku’s just in the other room, remember?” At the mention of Izuku, he held his breath and kept steady, making sure not to creak the floor. “Now from the top. What happened?”

And she does. Izuku absorbed each and every detail spoken from his Mum. About the villain named Arona that killed his dad, and almost his Mum tonight. He doesn’t know why she’s been put into such dangerous positions as of late. First the bad men after them, which is why he’s even staying with Amaya in the first place, and now this?

“You’re such an idiot, Inko-”

“I know, how could I let her slip away so easy-”

“No. Not that. You’re an idiot for not telling anyone, not even me, about the shit you’ve been doing. Just what do you think would’ve happened if you died tonight? I would be left without my best friend. Izuku would be left without his mother. You need to stop this, before you get seriously hurt.” 

“I can’t stop now! I am so close, I-"

“I’m not hearing it! You need to be here, and live. If not for yourself, then for Izuku and Hisashi.” There’s a prolonged silence after Amaya’s declaration. Surely she’s considering it? Izuku doesn’t know what he’d do if one day she didn’t come home. “I’ll get you some fresh clothes you can borrow tonight, the bathroom is through the door to your right.”

“Thanks…” Sensing that’s the end of their conversation, Izuku swiftly made it back to his bed and acted as if nothing had happened.

And here they are now, sitting at the table eating breakfast with a tension so suffocating Izuku can hardly breathe. It’s a good thing he’s almost done, so he can go to school and leave this behind.

“Izuku, honey?” Inko starts, which startles Izuku for a moment.

“Yeah, Mum?” He responds, as if he knows nothing about what she was up to last night. He’s always been good at acting.

“You know I love you, right?”

“Of course… I love you too.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t been around as often as I would like.” She sighs, rubbing at her eye.

“It’s okay. I know you must be busy.” Izuku smiles, not wanting to see her upset.

“Yes, she must be so very busy.” Amaya chips in from the kitchen with a roll of her eyes, earning a glare from Inko.

Sensing the energy changing once again, Izuku takes that as his sign to get up and head out. He puts away his plate before pulling on his school bag onto his back.

“I have to go, or else I’ll be late for school.” Izuku excuses himself, quickly making his way back to his Mum to give her a hug and then goes to hug Amaya before leaving.

“Have a good day at school, Izuku!” He hears his Mum call out as he closes the door behind him. Only then does he sigh in relief, finally out of that suffocating home. Now he has to deal with a suffocating school. Great.

He begins his journey, keeping to himself as he walks in the direction of his elementary school. Ever since his Mum spoke to the principal, the bullying had calmed down. Not a lot, but at least everyone hits where it’s harder to see so nobody could be alerted. It’s weird though. Kacchan used to be his main instigator, always using his quirk on him to practise.

He doesn’t anymore. Kacchan doesn’t even look at him most days. Maybe he’s worried about getting in trouble? Though, Izuku doesn’t see why that would be the case. He’s never cared about it before, so what changed?

Izuku doesn’t have time to dwell on it any longer as he approaches his school, red shoes thumping onto the ground.

Izuku breathes a sigh. 

Maybe today won’t be so bad?

He is immediately proven wrong when he passes the gates and trips over someone's foot sticking out where he walked. He lands face first into the concrete, and laughter emerges from his classmates around him. He quickly gets up, not wanting to hang around any longer.

He mutters an apology to the student he tripped over before all but fleeing to the school’s entrance. 

Some things never change, huh?