I don't own anything except any original characters (including the Reader's concept) and/or any original plot

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Chapter Twenty-Seven - Kingdom Fall

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Waking up in a cell wasn't very surprising.

Honestly, waking up in a normal cell was better than a lot of other options. You could have been executed immediately due to treason, or locked up like All for One so you couldn't move and would spend the rest of your days stuck in a plain cell.

So, waking up on a cot in a boring but furnished cell was nice.

Rubbing your eyes, you noted that there were no cuffs or chains on your hands and/or feet. There wasn't even a Quirk suppressant on you, though it didn't matter much anymore.

Something wiggled in your pocket and you nearly jumped out of your skin when you first felt it. Cautiously reaching in, you relaxed when you saw it was just one of Hawk's feathers.

"I'm alright," you whispered, "This was inevitable, I knew that. Don't worry about me and don't do anything stupid to try to get me out. Worry about yourselves. I'm sure we'll see each other again someday."

The feather wiggled in what you assumed was confirmation, so you stuck it back in your pocket and took comfort in knowing that Hawks and Dabi were somewhere safe enough to communicate with you freely.

Lying back on the cot, you closed your eyes and took stock of your own body and mind. The chronic pain that had plagued your muscles ever since you received your energy-based Quirk was gone. You were thankful for it and saddened at the same time. Your decision to remove your Quirks was impulsive and perhaps a bit stupid, but you couldn't find it in yourself to feel much regret over it. You'd miss your Quirk, but you wouldn't miss all the problems that came with it. You weren't close enough with your superstrength Quirk to feel any true loss, aside from the fact that it reminded you of your father. You didn't like to think of your family much anyway- either family, now. The one you were born into and the one you found.

Tomura was dead. It filled you with a detached kind of sadness. In a way, it was better that he died. The rest of his life would have been spent in a cell otherwise, or he would have slowly taken over and destroyed the world. Neither option sounded very appealing, so death was okay.

You'd known Tomura for 5 years, but it felt like much longer than that. The two of you had fought together, grown together, and in the end, you turned on him. You didn't regret that very much either, even if you were going to miss bickering with Tomura.

The rest of the LOV was a big question mark. Dabi and Hawks were likely well on their way out of the country by that point, if they were out of Japan already. The others, however... they could have run or they could have fought until they got caught. You could see all of them doing one, or half of them doing one and half of them doing the other. Maybe you'd be put in the same prison as them if they got caught-

"Yeah right," you had to laugh at your own stupidity. All of Japan knew how dangerous it was to keep you together now. They wouldn't be dumb enough to put all of you in the same prison. Maybe not even two of you. You'd likely never see your found family again.

"(Y/n) (L/n)," a plain-looking man opened up the cell door, no visible Quirk discernable. For a moment you tried to look at his Quirk core, then quickly remembered you couldn't do that anymore, "Come with me please. Hands behind your back."

While the man was cuffing your hands you realized he knew your name. Your mask was gone, likely in evidence, so all it would take was facial recognition software to match you with the pictures of your younger self. The authorities obviously knew and you wondered if the rest of the world was aware at this point as well.

The police officer led you down a short hall to an interrogation room. He took a cuff off of one of your wrists and attached it to a loop in the table instead. Then, he sat across from you, remaining silent for a few moments as he flipped through a set of files that were already in the room when you came in.

"Your name is (Y/n) (L/n), correct?"

"Yes."

"You are 16 years old?"

"Yes."

"And for the past five years, you have gone by the alias Energy?"

"No, I've been going by the name publicly for around two years. Before that, I had little to no interaction with anyone who didn't or couldn't know my real name," you had a hunch what the man's Quirk was based on his initial questions, "Who are you?"

"I am Detective Tsukauchi."

"And why are you of all people the one questioning the right hand of the League of Villains? Shouldn't this honor be going to someone of a higher authority?"

"My Quirk allows me to tell when someone is telling the truth and when they are lying," just like you thought, "We will be joined by two others soon." Humming quietly, you chose not to respond, "Is there anything you would like to tell me right away (Y/n)? Anything you'd like to get off your chest?"

"Is this a confessional now?" You raised a brow, slightly unamused but willing to entertain the detective's question, "I'm hungry, but I guess a big battle will do that to you. I'm wondering what's going to happen to me but I've accepted my fate no matter what it is. I'm wondering if your hackers have managed to salvage the data on my phone after the virus wiped everything out since I didn't log in after two hours. I'm also wondering where the rest of the League is."

"The League is in custody."

"All of them?"

"All except Shigaraki and Dabi. Shigaraki whom you killed, and Dabi who died in battle along with Hawks after releasing a video explaining his true name to be Touya Todoroki. Did you know his true identity?"

Both of them faked their deaths, smart. No one looks for a dead man. As soon as they were out of the country they would basically be free.

"I did, and he knew mine. We had a strange relationship."

"Like siblings, right?" You sucked in a breath, wondering how Tsukauchi made that - accurate - assumption, "The league has a very interesting dynamic from what we've observed before and after your arrests, almost like a family."

Drumming your fingers against the table, you looked to the two-way glass across from you, wondering who was watching. Tsukauchi deflated slightly when it became clear you were done talking but perked up again when the door to the interrogation room opened. Two people walked in, a woman in a black turtleneck and blazer and someone who presented as generally gender-neutral. Since Magne drilled the importance of pronouns into you, you'd say they/them unless told otherwise.

"This is The Counselor and Doctor Fujito Hou."

"You got a name, Counselor?" You asked the woman.

"Counselor is fine, you can call me Cee if you want to be my friend. But I don't think you want to be my friend because you clearly have a problem with adult authority and we're about to bring up a lot of trauma."

Blinking, you struggled to figure out if the Counselor was saying all that because of their personality or because of their Quirk. They reached into their jacket and pulled out a flask, and alarm bells went off in your head. This was going to be one of the people interviewing you?

"For god's sake, Cee. You could be professional for the introductions at least," Doctor Hou rolled their eyes.

After taking a generous swig from the flask, the Counselor sent a glare to their colleague(?), "Listen, I'm just supposed to be the Counselor for Class 1-A to help them deal from the trauma that this person and the rest of their little group has given them. Do you realize how much stress and work you've given me?"

Realizing the question was directed at you, you shook your head, "Not really, no, but I'm glad 1-A is getting some help."

"You're a bad villain, you know that, right?"

"You aren't the first person to say that to me. So, what exactly do you two do, and why are you here?"

"Like I said I'm the 1-A Counselor, but I'm here on a favor. My Quirk allows me to create a psychological profile on whoever I speak to, the downside is that I need to speak the truth to get that profile."

"And the alcohol..."

"Helps counteract the downside."

"Right... and the Doctor?"

"My Quirk allows me to view memories. I specialize in traumatic events, specifically within young people. With the help of my Quirk, I can help them process what they've been through. Now, however, the higher-ups believe viewing your memories directly will give us the most accurate view of what we're dealing with."

"Because I complicated things by taking down Tomura, right? You never would have done this if I hadn't switched sides."

"Correct. I require your written consent before I can enter your memories," as Doctor Hou said this, Detective Tsukauchi pulled a piece of paper from the file he had and set it and a pen in front of you, "If you refuse then I will leave, and The Counselor will stay with Detective Tsukauchi and work with you instead."

"I consent," you took the pen and pressed it to the paper.

"(L/n), if you need a moment to consider it then you have time. We can even get you a lawyer-"

"I'm not a child, Doctor. I think my actions can prove that well enough. I know what I'm consenting to."

Reliving certain memories wouldn't be fun but it would be efficient. If that was what it took to get this over with and move on then you would do it. After this would be a trial and a likely conviction. Your defense would be based on your struggles in early life and "manipulation" from those around you. It'd gain sympathy from the jury but wouldn't overrule everything you did. You'd likely spend the rest of your life in prison or at least a good portion of it. So be it.

"Alright. I'll try to avoid irrelevant memories to respect your privacy." Doctor Hou quickly looked over the paper when you passed it back to them and moved their chair closer to you, "I'll have to touch your temples, is that okay?"

"Go ahead."

Doctor Hou placed two fingers on either side of your temples, closing their eyes-

"You're daughter's Quirk hasn't manifested because she's quirkless."

Oh yeah, what started it all. The announcement that broke your heart and destroyed any chance of a good future.

"Quirkless? Are you positive?"

That was your dad. You'd... forgotten what he'd looked like. He seemed both younger and older than the faint memories your mind could supply, and the sound of his voice washed over you in a wave of warmth.

"Positive. It's interesting," the doctor mused, flipping through a few of the charts. "She only has one joint in her pinkie toe like the average Quirk user, but she doesn't have a Quirk. Do her siblings have well-developed Quirks?"

The doctor really should have watched their words. It was like he rubbed in the fact that you should have had a Quirk, but you were just super defective and didn't.

"Yes. Her sister is a genius and her brother has super strength. Both of them have one of our Quirks."

"What likely happened was that both of you carry a recessive quirkless gene. While it was only a twenty-five percent chance, (Y/n) got both of those recessive genes which rendered her quirkless."

"She's going to grow up ridiculed," your mom sighed. She ran a hand through your hair, and you could feel it. You could have cried, but it was a memory so you could do nothing more than think in the present and act out the past. "Society is going to look down on her."

Blip.

"And who might you be?"

All for One seemed so much scarier at the time. Maybe it was the fact that you killed him, but he was hardly frightening anymore. He was just a man desperate for chaos and power, but not truly made for it.

"My name is (Y/n) (L/n)."

"And why are you here, child?"

"I've heard rumors about what you can do. Any criminal worth their salt knows about you. You can take Quirks, and give them. I want one."

You got one. You hurt because of it. You lost it purposefully. What a tale.

"And why would I give one to you?"

All for One never would have denied you. Whether you grew up to be Tomura's second-in-command or simple cannon fodder, you would become a part of his cause because he could never resist bringing a new pawn into his game of chess.

"Because I'm smart and willing to do a lot of things if it means changing society. People with Quirks are comfortable, too comfortable. They push down the powerless when they themselves are powerless and hiding under the umbrella of heroes. I want to change all that, I want a world where who you are and not what Quirk you have decides your future. To do that I'll need power."

"I see. An admirable goal, I'll admit. Surprising, as a child as young as you should be focused on other things. Things you've been robbed of because of your quirklessness, isn't that right? You grew up quickly and shrouded in the darkness the world thrust upon you, holding out hope but soon finding that no one understood what you truly needed."

"I have terms."

Terms you stuck to. The first because of your own morals and the understanding of those around you, and the second because you killed All for One because he could think to retaliate.

"Demands for the man who could give you a Quirk?"

"Yes. One, I won't kill anyone who's innocent. And two, when I want to leave, I'm leaving. No strings attached, no debt left to you, no one coming after me. I'm gone. I'll serve my purpose and I'll serve you for as long as I see fit. You won't find someone more willing to do what it takes to change things."

"I understand, and I accept. I have others who are willing to kill innocents for the cause, and as long as you are silent then no harm will come to you shall you wish to leave. I will have much use for you. Come here, child."

Blip.

"I don't like you." Tomura was angry at you, and it took you a moment to remember when this took place. It was about six months after you joined All for One, and Tomura had been determined to chase you away and hate you that entire time.

"I never said you had to like me, idiot," you snapped back, sitting down and leaning your back against his room door. He was on the other side, "All for One wants us to bond for some reason, so does Kurogiri but for a different reason, I think. You don't have to like me, you can hate me still, just don't be so obvious about it."

"Master doesn't care who or what I hate."

"Maybe not, but I think Kurogiri is getting stressed and he makes all the food so we probably shouldn't make him upset."

The door opened, and you squeaked in surprise as you fell backward and hit the floor. Tomura was glaring down at you and offered a hand. You nearly took it before realization set in and you smacked his wrist.

"If you were dead Kurogiri wouldn't have to worry anymore," Tomura sighed disappointedly.

"He'd probably take all your games away though."

Tomura frowned, "I'm glad you figured it out, then."

Blip.

"Damn villains, just don't know when you give up, do you?" This was when you first met Katsuki at the USJ. Your mind felt a bit hazy, and you wondered if you were aware of as many memories as Doctor Hou was actually seeing. You might have just been seeing certain ones out of all the memories the doctor viewed.

"Neither do you, it seems."

"My turn," Katsuki lifted the hand with the gauntlet on it, and now you found it funny that all of his classmates were running away. At the time you were more concerned with not getting blown up.

"Nomu!"

The blast was brutal, despite the Nomu and you definitely should have been more injured than you were. No matter, you wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Blip.

"...I suppose I could introduce the two of 'em before I go. This one looks like an adorable high school girl, right? She's actually the suspect in a series of murders where the victims bled out. So far her name and face have been kept out of the media."

"Toga, here. Himiko Toga! Life is too hard! I just want to make it easier to live in this dumb world. I wanna be Mr. Stainy! I wanna kill Mr. Stainy! C'mon handy-man, please let me join your League of Villains!"

Himiko was a nut when you first met her. She was still crazy now but it was endearing rather than disconcerting. Plus, she was less obsessed with Stain which was great.

"You gotta be kidding me. Is she crazy?"

"Well, she can hold a conversation. For the most part at least. C'mon, she could be useful. And this guy. He hasn't committed any flashy crime but he's taken Stain's ideology to heart."

"I don't like this," and there was Dabi, being an asshole like always. Again, it was now endearing rather than annoying, "Is your group really dedicated to the Hero Killer's mission? I can't imagine you are if you let this little psycho join you."

"Grow up. She may be a psycho but at least she knows how to introduce herself to people. Don't just stare. What's your name?"

"Right now I'm goin' by Dabi."

Knowing what you did now, it was much easier to understand why Dabi was attracted to the LOV in the first place. You wanted to know where he got his fake name, though.

"No, I need to know your real name."

"That's hypocritical."

They were going to become your family. You just didn't know it yet

Blip.

"Why do you want to be a hero?"

"So I can beat the shit out of scum like you."

You and Katsuki had bickered like an old couple from the start, though back then you were more interested in tearing him apart than actually getting to know him.

"Ouch, my dead heart really felt that one! How long have you wanted to be a hero?"

"Forever."

"Everyone around you thought you'd be a perfect hero, right?"

"I will be! I'll be Number One and defeat anyone who gets in my way! Any extra should be able to see that!"

Knowing what you did now about Katsuki, about how he used to see the world and the pressure he put on himself, you realized his life could have been as tragic as yours. Just like Midoriya. All of you made different choices, though, and that showed in where you were currently.

Blip.

"Listen to me. Your friends are here to rescue you. You're going to let them, and escape. All Might is holding back because of you. When I let you go, you're going to hit me with an explosion and make it look like you opened a window. That's when they'll jump out, got it?"

"Why should I believe you?"

"Because I haven't lied to you once."

"And you've suddenly had a change of heart?" Ha. Katsuki had no idea what kind of change of heart you'd have in the future.

"If you want to get dragged through that portal kicking and screaming then go ahead! Hit me now, Bakugou!"

You held your arms in front of your face to protect it and screamed when searing heat scorched through your clothes and burned the skin on your arms. Katsuki would be a hard-hitting hero, your arms took weeks to heal and you were constantly worried about infection due to that.

When you regained your bearing in the memory Katsuki was already in the air with his friends. This would be the first secret the two of you would keep for the sake of each other. The rest would come later and would be much more damning.

Blip.

"Go home."

"Sorry, but we didn't come together to be put under someone! 'm here because I don't want to be bound by anything! We will decide where we belong."

Magne jumped at Overhaul and was dead just as quickly in your memory as it seemed to happen in reality. Feeling her blood splashing on your clothes and face again was mortifying. You'd never forget her, all the wisdom she saw fit to teach you about the world's cruelty. You wanted to remember her life, not her death.

"Big Sis Mag!"

Was this important because of the trauma or because of what came after?

Blip.

"What did you draw?"

Oh, Eri. You'd known her for such a short time and had grown so attached to her. Getting her to the heroes was the best thing you could have done for her, but sometimes your heart still ached thinking of her.

The crudely made drawing of you and her holding hands in front of a bunch of mountains held a special place in your heart. She made it for you because she felt safe and loved, something she'd never felt before.

"Is that for me? Eri... thank you, I love it."

"The mountains are like the story from yesterday," Eri explained, "I... want to see them."

"Eri, I pinky promise that one day I'll take you to see the mountains. A big, pretty one, just like the story."

You told her pinky promises were unbreakable. You might have lied. You could be dead soon or locked in a cell with the key thrown in the ocean. Maybe you could write and explain things. Maybe you could see her... you missed Eri.

Blip.

"Shut up, you're so loud," Katsuki was annoyed with you again. There was sand beneath him and both his arms were broken. You were on Nabu Island, "It was stupid of you to be here. I would have beat the shit out of you if we weren't dealing with that other bastard."

"Don't tell me two broken arms are gonna stop you?"

"Broken ribs too... You helped the kids."

"Of course I did. I'm not a monster, Katsuki. I know what it's like to be quirkless, I didn't want that for Katsuma."

"You aren't as evil as you pretend to be," his words made your breath hitch, even in the present, "About what happened last time-"

"I'll visit you," you interrupted, "When you're less delirious from pain. We can talk then. And if you still want me behind bars, then say the word. Saving those kids felt-" a near-silent thud came from behind you, "Hawks. Ever the early bird, huh?"

Blip.

"I've had like four near-death experiences this year, and I have a feeling it's not going to get any better as time goes on. You aren't scared to call me out on my shit, and you understand what it feels like to be crushed by expectations. I sit here waiting every night for you to come because I want you here. I want you, (Y/n). And I- I- damnit!"

Katsuki was kissing you. This was on Christmas. Katsuki trapped your hands in a gentle grip and presently you melted. Past you began crying. Katsuki wiped the tears away with a soft look that still started you. What had you done to deserve such kindness from him?

"This is the third time you've seen me cry. I'm two ahead of you."

"That one time is all you're gonna get. But I'm sure we can get even in other ways."

"Katsuki, I..."

"I know. I feel the same."

You loved Katsuki. You loved him and he might never know. You never said it. You should have... it hurt, but it was reality. You never said the words but he knew. That would have to be enough.

Blip.

"All for One."

This was the day you killed All for One. You were standing across from him in his cell, keeping a careful eye on the monitors attached to him to make sure he wouldn't suddenly use one of his Quirks on you.

"(Y/n), to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"When I pledged my allegiance to you I had conditions. Do you remember what they were?"

"Why yes. You didn't wish to kill innocents and when you left you didn't want to be pursued. I assume this relates to the second."

Giving a noncommittal noise as a response, you pulled the gun out from the waistband of my jeans, "Here's the thing. You aren't innocent, and I don't trust you in general."

You shot him, his heart rate and brainwave monitors both went off the charts. For a few heart-pounding seconds, you thought the bullet wouldn't work, but as the seconds passed and nothing happened, you realized you would be fine.

Humming under your breath, you held out your hand and got a firm grasp on AFO's life energy, pulling, "Thank you for your help All For One, and fuck you for everything you've done."

He was dead. You didn't know at the time that you didn't need to waste your time stealing his energy. He would have died on his own soon enough.

Blip.

Coming back to your senses was strange after spending so much time in your own mind. Doctor Hou seemed to be going through the same process, but because they were a professional they recovered much quicker.

"I... I see," Doctor Hou muttered, looking over a notepad you realized was almost entirely full. From what you could see, your memories were written out like a script. So that was how the higher-ups would see them, "I believe I have everything I need. Counselor, Detective Tsukauchi, if you would come with me."

Half an hour later you were brought food.

An hour later you were escorted to the bathroom.

An hour and a half later the door opened but no one stepped inside. It wasn't until you heard footsteps that you looked down and saw Principal Nezu. The mouse-bear-dog hopped up on one of the three chairs across from you, a pleased expression on his face.

"You have caused quite a stir, (Y/n)."

"I live to please, Nezu."

"Things are still slightly uncertain right now, but there are certainties I can offer. The first is that your family is here-"

"What?" Your heart dropped to your stomach. Of all the things you were expecting to hear, news of your family wasn't one of them, "Wh- why are they here?"

"Because you are their child, and they love you, and they have been worried. They are aware of everything that has happened, the good and the bad. They have not been scared away, and they'd like to see you if you wish."

Finding words difficult, you simply nodded. Your family still loved you. They knew what you did, and maybe they were bothered but it wasn't enough to make them leave you all alone. An immeasurable weight lifted from your shoulders, one you'd never known was there. Maybe you'd lose everyone dear, but not your family- your birth family.

"And I have another piece of good news. The HPSC and the Japanese government have been in talks about the charges they wish to bring you to trial for. However, with your time with the League being brought to light by Doctor Hou they are prepared to make a deal."

Perking up in interest, you wondered if it would include taking a few years off your prison sentence, "What's the deal?"

"Well..."

~*~*~*~

Katsuki had been restless ever since the end of the battle. It wasn't a war, it hadn't gotten that far thanks to you, him, and Midoriya. People were dead, but no one Katsuki was close to, and much less than it could have been.

Currently, Katsuki was pacing a hole into the wood floor of Aizawa's office. Aizawa himself was staring Katsuki down from behind his desk, one of his arms in a cast and bandages wrapped around his head. It wasn't as bad as the USJ. Katsuki found it in himself to be thankful.

"UA policy states you should be expelled immediately for what you did, and blacklisted from all other hero schools. Not only failing to report a villain's presence on campus but continuing to meet with said villain is unthinkable, Bakugou."

"I know," Katsuki hissed, and he did. He knew how much trouble he could get into if his meetings with you were ever found out. He'd been expelled, wouldn't be able to go to any other hero schools. His dreams would be ruined. But... he saved Japan from Shigaraki, took down Gigantomachia which - arguably - gave the other heroes the push they needed to take down the Paranormal Liberations Front. Katsuki was a hero for a time, "I don't regret it."

"I'm aware. There are few things you normally regret," Aizawa sighed, and Katsuki was suddenly shocked to see how tired his teacher seemed. It wasn't his normal brand of exhaustion. It was bone-deep, a tiredness formed from years of loss, trauma, and dealing with little shits like Katsuki, "Which makes this worse. However, there are a few extenuating circumstances. Energy never caused direct harm to any students or faculty during their visits. They also acted heroically several times before what happened with Shigaraki, most of those times saving either 1-A or young children."

Including Eri, who still talked about you with stars in her eyes- who Aizawa had applied to adopt a month ago.

"Because of this, Energy has been classified as an anti-villain by both the public and the HPSC... there are no rules surrounding not reporting an anti-villain."

Katsuki paused in his pacing, looking at his teacher with wide-eyes. If there were no policies surrounding anti-villains then that meant-

"You aren't expelled!" Principal Nezu burst into the office with his classic dramatic flourish, "You will be the first and last student to be granted this exception as we will be amending the rules, but your journey does not end here, Bakugou."

Sweet relief washed over Bakugou. It wasn't over. He could still be a hero for the right reasons, could right all the wrongs of his childhood. He could make the system better like him and you always talked about.

Wait- "Principal Nezu, what's going to happen to (Y/n)?"

"I thought you'd ask that question! (Y/n) was granted a deal! They will be leaving Japan with their family under close observation. Their home country government has been notified. They will be living under a parole of sorts until their case is reviewed again and they are granted the freedom of a normal citizen."

"They'll never be treated normal," Katsuki scoffed, his heart panging at the thought of never seeing (Y/n) again. You were gone, just like that. He was relieved you had been given such a nice deal and glad you had taken it, too, but he didn't realize that your goodbye in the apartment would be your last goodbye. He would have said so much more if he knew.

"Not if their name is released, no. But their true identity has been locked up tightly. Only those of the highest clearance will no, plus you and the League of Villains. Assuming none of your classmates put the pieces together."

Aizawa sighed, "They aren't as dumb as they look. I'll talk to the ones that I think know. They get a weird look in their eye when Energy is brought up."

The trio talked a bit more, about what Katsuki should have done and the good he did for Japan. When Katsuki was finally let go, night had fallen, and the stars were bright in the sky. The walk from the main campus to the dorms was short, but Katsuki was sure to take his time to process his thoughts.

It was over. All of it. The League, 1-A's troubles, and his relationship with you. The pain of that outweighed the relief  of everything ekse.

Tilting his head up, Katsuki whispered, "I love you," to the stars, praying to whatever deity that would listen that you somehow got the message.