The address led to, of all things, a school. An older looking school in an out of the way neighborhood. It was discreet and blended in well. At least, that's what Erika assumed it was meant to do. It couldn't just be a school, not with all this secrecy.

Erika heard someone approaching her from behind and turned to see a girl making her way across the street. She was tall and wore a light gray jacket to protect her from the drizzle. Or rather, it should have protected her yet she kept the hood down, letting her wavy black hair float freely behind her. Her skin was a pale gray and eyes black as the night sky with tiny glowing specks in them. Just like a starry night.

Both stared at one another before Erika took note of the card in the other girl's hand. She produced her own card. "It seems this invitation applied to more than just me." The woman from last week had hinted as much, but one could never blindly trust the word of a villain.

"Apparently," the other girl said, eyeing her warily, then glancing past her towards the school. "Who are they, do you know?"

"Nope," Erika shrugged, turning and walking towards the main gates. "But their offer is an intriguing one."

"I have my doubts they can actually bring about peace," the girl said bitterly behind her.

Erika was glad she had her back to the girl so she could not see the calculating look on her features. With that little tidbit of information, it seemed that they received different messages in their invitations. That was good to know.

"Well, let's see what they can deliver then," Erika said finally as they neared the school. There they saw someone. A thin woman with short cropped black hair wearing a suit that was rather large on her. She stood outside the main doors and smiled at them as they approached.

"Welcome," she said, bowing her head. "I am Nakasuji. We are glad you could make it."

"And what exactly are we here for?" Erika questioned.

"You'll see," Nakasuji promised with a smile. "The others are waiting in the auditorium. Just follow the signs and find your seats. We're still waiting on more than half of you."

Erika exchanged a small glance with the other teen, before nodding and walking past the woman into the school. It was just like any other entrance to any old school in Japan with lockers. But that was just the exterior they were seeing. She had a sense that there was a lot more they weren't seeing. A lot they weren't meant to see.

The double doors leading into the auditorium were wide open and inside was a row of chairs. Thirteen chairs, Erika noted mentally after doing a quick count. Five were already filled, with two individuals sitting furthest to the left, heads leaning into one another. The one on the right, a girl, had beautiful wavy blonde hair, while the boy next to her had short untidy midnight black hair. They both seemed to be wearing some sort of skintight costume. White with golden accents for the girl, and black with red accents for the guy. Both heads turned as Erika and her companion's footsteps echoed in the rather empty auditorium, allowing her to see one blue eye and one red one regarding them like a predator might consider potential prey. Those two were dangerous.

There was another girl with platinum blonde hair, sitting on the opposite end of the other two. One knee was drawn up to her chest, and she glanced in their direction as if expecting to see an enemy, brown eyes darting away as soon as they made eye contact. Unlike the other two who seemed to be in full costume, she was wearing a gray yellow turtleneck with jeans.

Finally, the last two in attendance, sitting in the exact middle, were a frail looking black haired teen and a woman with short red hair who appeared to be the only adult in the room. Both wore business suits and when they turned to look, Erika could see a blindfold over the boy's eyes.

Erika herself had come wearing only jeans and a large coat, though she was tempted to take it off now that she was inside. However, she'd be setting down access to several knives if she did, so she chose to keep it on.

"Welcome in," a voice spoke from their side and a woman approached them. Erika kept her composure, but it was hard when getting surprised by someone you were sure you hadn't seen a second ago. Dressed in a black suit with her black hair in a ponytail, she gave both girls a friendly smile, blue eyes twinkling with delight. "Feel free to call me Sagi. We'll wait for everyone to arrive before we begin, so please find a seat. Anywhere will do."

"And what exactly is going to 'begin'?" The other girl asked beside Erika.

A soft chuckle from Sagi. "The future, Ms. Ijichi. One I'm sure will be of interest to everyone who will be present."

Ijichi merely pursed her lip before turning to head to a seat, turning her head briefly to see if Erika was following. She was, but came to a halt when Sagi called out, "Oh, and Ms. Fujino?" Erika's eyes widened. Sagi's voice had changed slightly, and a familiar shiver ran down her spine. She looked back to see a hint of yellow in Sagi's blue eyes. "I am glad you decided to come."

Erika forced herself to turn on the spot and follow Ijichi. She chose to sit beside the other girl, in between the two suit wearing individuals and the yellow turtleneck wearing girl, if only because she felt rather spooked by Sagi being her .

"Do you know her?" Ijichi asked quietly as they faced the stage.

Erika chose her words carefully. "Just someone who invited me personally. I wouldn't get on her bad side." For if Sagi was who she thought she was, and she was pretty sure based on her reaction last week, then Sagi wasn't just dangerous, she was a villain. One who obviously excelled at blending in and disguising herself. She wanted to kick herself for not recognizing her, but if not even the top heroes could track down the infamous Crimson Bride, then she hadn't a hope in hell.

She's letting me know who she is, Erika closed her eyes, thinking. She definitely isn't afraid of me telling the authorities, she could kill me before I even had the chance. But still, it doesn't seem right. She must have confidence in whatever she and whoever is involved is trying to sell here.

We know of your desire. We can offer you a chance to right the wrongs in this society.

"I have my doubts they can actually bring about peace," Ijichi had said.

Different messages, but they had to have the same goal in mind. Maybe not in the way one would immediately think, but... She opened her eyes. Maybe that was it. A simple, logical conclusion based on the little amount of information she had. Crimson Bride, or Sagi, was a villain. Whoever TA was sent messages to thirteen people, each one with a different promise that would entice them to come here today. So maybe it wasn't about giving everyone what they promised, but giving them something in return for their service.

The question then becomes, what do they want from us ? Erika wondered as she heard new footsteps enter the auditorium.

"Of course the invitation would lead me to a fucking school," a girl's voice scoffed and Erika glanced sideways to see a girl with pink and black striped hair wearing a puffy pink coat with fake fur lining the collar. She huffed in annoyance, eyeing everyone warily. "So it wasn't just an invitation for me then? Figures."

Instead of going around the row of chairs, she grabbed the back of one near Erika and pulled it back to sit down in, not bothering to move it back into position. Erika barely gave her a glance. She knew the type, and she wasn't interested in getting to know her.

The next arrival wore a bulky coat with the hood up to obscure their face along with a black face mask. They walked slowly, as if careful with every step. The coat and the size of the person's shoes were a dead giveaway on the nature of their quirk, whatever it was; a mutant quirk. Erika only caught a glimpse of their face, a shiny green material, before they sat down on the opposite end near who Erika was guessing to be siblings, maybe even twins based on their looks.

It took another new teen to arrive for Erika to put more of the pieces together. A rather tall girl, with medium length violet hair with bangs covering the left side of her face and wearing a school uniform. Erika couldn't place where it came from, so she must go to a relatively small school. She looked nervous, her one visible dark blue eye glancing around worriedly as she took the seat next to what almost looked like a mother and son duo.

Ignoring the only adult here, we're all teens, Erika subtly glanced around. All vulnerable in one way or another I bet. Easier to manipulate. Especially if everyone here has been hurt by society in some way.

Within the next fifteen minutes, every seat had been filled. A girl completely covered in dark green thorny vines had situated herself two seats to Erika's right in-between Ijichi and the yellow turtleneck girl. And seated two seats away from the girl wearing the huge coat was a scrawny gray haired boy in scruffy clothes who sat alert, almost dog-like, staring attentively at the still empty stage. The last one to arrive was an average looking guy with short red hair in a rumpled black hoodie. He was slouching somewhat, hands tucked into his pockets as he took the last available seat next to the siblings.

That looks to be everyone, Erika noted, glancing back around towards Sagi, who gave her a smile before turning to the door where Nakasuji had just walked in. Both greeted one another with a curt nod before heading for the stage. Now to see what this is all about.

The lights dimmed, casting the stage in shadow. A figure strode out from the side and stopped in front of the podium. A spotlight switched on overhead, focusing on the man standing before them. Slicked back dark hair with harsh features. His sharp eyes surveyed his audience, hands gently grabbing the sides of the podium. He wore a dark blue suit with a similarly colored tie.

"Good evening," he spoke, his voice carrying over them even without a microphone. His voice was curt, but at the same time also pleasant. "I am sure you all are wondering why you were invited to come here today. And indeed, it is an invitation. But know that anything we may discuss here today may be sensitive in nature. You are free to leave now without any burden on your conscience. Do know that if you stay and don't like what you hear, then you will be subjected to a quick one hour mind wipe from one of my associates. Nothing harmful, and I'd like you to know up front about how things work here." He paused, letting everyone glance among themselves, some definitely debating leaving.

Erika crossed one leg over the other. She was already here. No backing out now, not until she at least heard his speech.

"Very well," he said after a minute. "Then please let me introduce myself. I am Dr. Shakusai. I used to be a quirk analyst and psychologist. I once worked in quirk therapy. Now," he held up a hand. "I know what some of you might be thinking." Erika noted his gaze landed on the vine girl, who had grown twitchy on the other side of Ijichi, and then towards the other end of the row. "But you are not here for therapy. At least, not primarily. In a way, what we have invited you all to join could, in fact, be therapeutic for you should you allow it." He smiled, a glint of pure white behind his lips. "You all were chosen precisely because of one common factor; society has failed you."

"In my time as a quirk analyst," he went on. "Seeing all the different kinds of young minds, both good and bad, I saw many things in common. Most were harmed either directly or indirectly by society's standards and rules. Those who suffer with weak quirks or even those who are quirkless or essentially quirkless, they are the obvious victims of this hero society. But it is also the ones who have strong or useful quirks that also suffer. They are praised, sold on a glamorous life of becoming a hero, only to drown when reality sets in. Whether that be when the true nature of the world is revealed, or you're tossed aside like yesterday's trash the moment you're no longer of value."

A subtle shift to Erika's left from the girl who had dragged her seat back.

"You all know what it is like to feel pain," Dr. Shakusai gripped the podium. "To fear. To be let down. This society is one of heroes, and heroes are meant to save people. But have they saved any of you?" He shook his head. "I came to this truth many years ago. I once sought faith in a man I thought would bring about change, but he failed in his endeavors. In his place, I have begun to see where true change will come from. Not from the government who place their trust in heroes. Not from the heroes themselves. And certainly not those who idolize heroes. No, it must come from those who are cast aside, the outsiders, the weak, the broken, the hopeless. Those who need a second chance but are never given one."

"Now, I know what this must sound like," he straightened. "What I am saying must mean I am a villain. If believing in a better world and breaking society's rules and standards to bring about change is villainous, then indeed I am a villain. But I am not like one of those petty criminals who robs banks, kills for the fun of it, or is driven by some mad ideal to the point of having lost their original purpose. No, I am a believer, a believer that what I do will bring about a better world. A fair world where people like you don't suffer." A deep sigh. "I will be the first to admit that this is a dangerous path I walk. What I am offering you all is a chance to change not just your lives, but society as well. And should our actions be revealed to the world at large, you will be labeled as villains. As those who would stand to harm others and tear down hero society. But," he held out his hands. "Is such a society just? Is it right for people, the younger generations such as yourself, to suffer while others prosper? All because of a misplaced belief that because we have heroes to protect us that nothing is wrong?"

"So I invite you all to reject this broken society and to join me in my fight to bring about change," he held out a hand. "But I don't want you to just hear this from me. No, I think hearing it from those you can relate to will help you make your decision." He stepped back, bowing shortly before stepping aside as the sound of echoing footsteps could be heard and three people stepped onto the stage.

The one in the lead stepped up to the podium, hands tucked into his black trench coat's pockets. He was lanky and had spiky black hair, but his most prominent feature had to be the nasty purple scars that ran along his bare arms, neck, and lower jaw, all stapled to parts of his skin not yet disfigured.

"Ahem," he coughed into his fist as he held up a piece of paper and he checked it before saying, "Welcome everyone, my name is Dabi, and- yeah, hell no. I ain't reading this crap." Blue flames burst from his hand and burnt the paper to a crisp as he gave Dr. Shakusai a glare. "Asking me to come here is one thing. Asking me to write a speech and read it aloud is another thing. If you want me to convince these kiddos, I'm going to do it my way. Deal with it."

Dabi turned back to the audience, arms crossed. "So yeah, I'm Dabi. And this is my quirk, Blueflames." He held up his hand again, blue fire dancing in the palm of his hand. "Great quirk, right?" He snuffed it by quickly closing his hand. "Wrong. It has great firepower, sure, but at the cost of burning me alive if I overuse it. And because I burned my pain receptors way back, I gotta be extra careful. I went through hell when I was young, pushed to my limits and beyond. I was treated as if I was special, as if I might be the next All Might. Let me be the first to tell those of you who are strong, who have quirks you're proud of, it isn't always the best thing in the world. Cause at the end of the day, if someone with a better quirk comes along, you're thrown away without a second thought."

"Now let's talk about why you all are here," Dabi grinned down at them. "As wonderful Dr. Shakusai said, you're all here cause you have been kicked down into the dirt one too many times and now you're invited to join whatever the hell we are. So then, what are we?"

"We are the ones who were mocked," one of Dabi's companions stepped forward into the light. She was striking, with long, flowing raven hair, and was likely only a few years older than her, if that. She wore only a black school uniform with red accents, yet somehow Erika got the impression she was the most gorgeous person in the room. Her uniform included a patch over her heart, a crest of sorts. The letters TA with thorns wrapped around them. "The ones used until we were no longer of worth."

"We were always looked down upon," the third person stepped forward. Shorter than the other two, with a young looking face with a mop of brown hair. He was as average looking as average could come. Like the girl, he wore a similar uniform. "Too weak, too ordinary, essentially quirkless." He placed a hand upon his chest. "Or just quirkless."

"I know these are some of the most hated words a person can say," Dabi theatrically placed his hand on his chest. "But we know where all of you have come from, because we were there as well. So we know better than anyone else the anger you have within. The deep mistrust of the world. The bitter feelings that will seemingly never end. We are the dregs of hero society, and maybe it's time we embraced that."

"You have a chance here to prove yourselves," the girl said. "To show everyone who thought so little and insignificant of you that you have what it takes to be better. This isn't a chance many get, much less people like us."

"If only someone could give me a quirk," the brown haired boy snorted. "That's what I vainly desired when I first found out I was quirkless. But when I thought there was nothing left for me, I found out where my true strength lay. And now here I stand, stronger than I have ever been. And I'm more than ready to help others like me."

"As much as I hate people in general," Dabi said with a shrug. "I will say this. Dr. Shakusai here and everyone else, they have given me and you a wonderful opportunity. To become stronger, better, and bring about change to a society obsessed over heroes to the point where those in the gutters are forgotten." He moved out from behind the podium and dropped off the stage to stand before his audience on equal footing. "Iinuma said it best. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We took it years ago and we're better off for it. You thought no one would offer any of you a helping hand. Well, let me change that." He held out his unscarred hand, fingers outstretched.

"We'd be villains," Erika stood, facing Dabi. "We'd be hunted down by heroes as the very enemies of society."

"A society, I'll remind you, that is very much broken," Dabi moved his hands to his hips, a smirk playing on his features. "So broken it has birthed the likes of you all, suffering and all. And many, many more just like you. Wouldn't you say that's cause enough to tear it all down? To become what society dictates a 'villain'?"

"I was going to be a hero," the girl in the yellow sweater spoke this time, standing as well. Her fists were clenched at her sides. "Becoming a villain would be against everything I have ever stood for."

"Can you say some villains are any worse than some heroes?" Dabi retorted. "They aren't all saints like All Might. Some of them have even darker secrets than villains." His tone had lowered, turquoise eyes cold. The girl flinched and looked away, seemingly unable to find a way to respond.

"What exactly are we being offered to join?" Erika asked. "A cult? A league of villains?"

"Nothing of the sort," Dabi's smirk returned. "As mundane as it sounds, it's exactly the reason why we chose to hold this meeting here. I'm sure you all wondered why your invitations were signed 'TA'. Well, let me be the one to enlighten you." He snapped a finger and the lights in the auditorium suddenly all turned on. Blinking away spots, Erika could now see the two giant letters emblazoned above the stage.

"If you all should join, I'd like to welcome you to Toaku Academy," Dabi gave an exaggerated bow, still grinning at them all. "The perfect place to grow and become who you're meant to be. No longer shackled by the restrictions of society, but freed from the heavy chains placed upon you your whole lives. Call us rebels. Scholars. Hell, even villains. In the end, we are who we make of ourselves, not what society labels us as."

"So a villains school?" Erika found herself almost impressed by the boldness of it. "A bit audacious isn't it?"

"That is precisely the reason," Dr. Shakusai spoke as he walked to the edge of the stage. "The heroes have their schools all over this country and across the world. Their ideals and their truths permeate every aspect of what is taught and what is right and wrong. So if we must label Toaku Academy as a school for villains in order to right the injustices, then that is what we must do. It is what we have been doing for five years now."

"This isn't the beginning of something brand new," the boy who had been sitting next to his adult guardian spoke, blindfolded gaze pointed in Dr. Shakusai's direction. "We aren't just recruits. We are your new students ."

"Very astute, Mr. Asao," Dr. Shakusai said warmly. "Now I must ask again, and the choice is still forever yours to make. You are invited to become students of Toaku Academy, a place where you are allowed to be yourselves and where your quirk doesn't define you. You will put yourselves at odds with the very core of hero society itself, but all for making the world a better place. What say you all?"

No one spoke or moved for a long moment, then the sound of chairs scraping back made everyone look at the siblings on the far left, who had stood in unison. "We accept," the girl spoke.

"Really!?" the yellow sweater wearing girl stared at them in open shock. "Just like that!? But-!?"

"Don't pretend to know us, Iwayama," the blonde girl's voice was cold. "You have yet to see the depths of evil the hero commision has been willing to go to in order to keep the status quo." When Iwayama flinched at those words, a smirk played across the other girl's features. "Or perhaps you have. Wallow in your delusions if you wish, but me and my brother will forge our own path forward here on out."

"I had already made my decision some time ago," Asao stood, his guardian standing with him. "Change is something that society sorely needs. And I will use my quirk as many times as it takes in order to achieve that goal."

"And if it may be accepted, I would also like to offer my services," his guardian bowed her head. "Where my charge goes, so do I. And with my quirk, I have no doubt I will be of use."

"That you would be, Ms. Tojima," Dr. Shakusai. "I'd be willing to offer you a minor teaching position as well."

"Oh to hell with it," the girl sitting behind Erika kicked her chair back. "Why not? I don't have a chance in hell to get what I want in this damn society now. So sign me the fuck up."

"I just have one question," the violet haired girl stayed seated, shifting nervously. "What would be required of me?"

"Nothing that you wouldn't want," Dabi spoke this time, giving the girl a soft smile. "What we offer to you specifically is a chance to overcome that fear of yours. Isn't that more desirable over the constant fear you live in?"

She hesitated for a long moment, before sucking in a shaking breath and nodding, her eyes closed. "It would be. Yes. I'll... join."

"What do you think?" Ijichi whispered next to Erika. The redhead gave her a sideways glance and shrugged. If she was being honest, she was leaning towards accepting, but some conflicting feelings still remained. Yes, she found that she agreed with a lot of what they said, and she didn't actually mind being labeled as a villain; she already was.

However, she tried not to look at Sagi, who was standing off to the side of the stage, very clearly staring at her. It seems accepting this proposal is what they expect of me. At least, she expects it. And that's what worries me. She glanced down at her hand, clenching and unclenching it. Heroes are the root cause of everything that is wrong with society. Some may do a lot of good, but in the end, there are still so many who use their positions purely for fame and money. Not to mention everyone out there like the people here...

She surveyed the group. Teens beaten down by society and with nowhere else to turn. It was no wonder they were here in the first place, leaping at the chance to finally have a chance to prove themselves without the constant weight of society's expectations of them.

The dregs of hero society, Erika found herself repeating Dabi's words from earlier. That is what we all are. Maybe... maybe it is time to change things up. Take a stand. She gripped her fist tighter. I hold no illusions as to what accepting may entail, what may be expected of us down the line. What would happen should we fail. But... if this brings about actual change, then... The face of a certain masked fanatic with a blood red scarf appeared in her mind. Then it'll all be worth it.

With electric blue eyes resolute, Erika stepped forward, looking at Dr. Shakusai. "I know why I was asked to come here today. Not just because of my past, nor of my desires, but because of my quirk. I will join because it is what I see benefitting me." She looked at Sagi, who was wearing a satisfied smile. She couldn't help the chill that ran up her spine, but she matched her smile. "I accept."

Beside her, Ijichi considered her for a moment before nodding. "I too accept."

All eyes turned to Iwayama, the last to make her decision. Everyone else had ended up saying yes, while the platinum blonde haired girl had looked like she was fighting an internal struggle. Eventually, with a torn look, she said, "All my life, I just wanted to help people. To save people from disaster. I thought... They helped me, made me stronger. But they also... Is getting my hands dirty the only way to help?"

Dabi approached, setting a hand on her shoulder and squeezing it softly. "The world isn't black and white. Even heroes have to get their hands dirty. The question you gotta ask yourself is this; Which cause should you get your hands dirty for? A corrupt hero commission, or a cause worth fighting for?"

And just like that, all the fight seemed to leave her as her shoulders slumped in defeat. "...Fine. I accept."

"Good choice," Dabi said softly.

"I thank you all for coming to this unanimous decision," Dr. Shakusai took the podium. "And I, along with the rest of the staff, would like to officially welcome you to Toaku Academy. Those of you who cannot come and go as they please will have accommodations here. On the surface, this is a school for a select few troubled children, so no one will suspect anything shady going on. Our time here today is coming to an end, but classes will begin the second week of the new year. It goes without saying this will not be a traditional school with traditional classes. While we will educate you as needed, there are many things traditional high schools, both civilian and hero ones, do little to teach or blatantly wipe from history. One must first know the truth before they can bring about change."

He held out his hand as both Sagi and Nakasuji joined him on stage. "Both Nakasuji-sensei and Makka-sensei will serve as two of your instructors. Dabi, having since been a student, now serves as a teacher assistant, so he too will be your instructor at times. And Mr. Yamada and Miss Iinuma here are your Student Council President and Vice President." He gestured to both the boy and girl who wore what Erika realized was going to be their school uniform. "When you are here next, you shall be introduced to the rest of your class. And with that, I must bid you all adieu. Those who are staying, please see Nakasuji-sensei who will-"

Erika was already leaving, tuning Dr. Shakusai out. She needed time to think, but even more to prepare. She'd just become part of something big. Precautions would need to be taken.

"Hey, wait up!"

Erika paused at the entrance of the school and looked back to see Ijichi standing there. Erika sighed. "You don't even know me, yet it feels like you've already imprinted on me."

"That's a bit rude," Ijichi rolled her eyes as she strode past her. "Is it so wrong to try and make friends?"

"I don't have friends, nor do I need them," Erika said harshly.

"You're gonna want to rethink that attitude if we're going to be part of this whole 'villain school' business," Ijichi retorted, her strange space-like eyes twinkling. "After all, even villains need allies."

Erika brushed past her. "Maybe so. We'll have to see how things turn out next we meet." By the time she had left school grounds and crossed the street, Ijichi had separated from her and gone a different way. Only then did Erika glance back at the other girl just as she disappeared down a corner.

"Villains, eh? By the feel of it, you're well on your way."

With a glance towards the school, Toaku Academy, Erika continued on her way, knowing full well this day marked the day everything would change, for better or worse.

I'd like to give a shout-out to the wonderful Juni_Penguin_ for creating this story's cover and banners! She did a fantastic job and it was really hard to choose between the filter variations of each one, as each one is absolutely gorgeous! In the end, I have made my decision, but feel free to check out her Graphics Shop, POLARIS, to see the other versions. That's it for now folks. College is as busy as ever, so I'll see you all until the next time. Toodles!