Golden Ashes

Chapter 18

It's been a while since the whole Bakugou mistake. We found a new place to hide. But today we have to meet someone at some warehouse. I hate it. The only reason I'm staying is because of Shigaraki. Something changed after All For One was taken. He's changed but I can't describe how. It's obvious in the way he treats me. It's different. He's not as rude. I think after he couldn't rely on his teacher, he started to lean on me, ever so slightly.

I lena against the wall next to Shigaraki. Magne's sitting on something, I don't know what. So is Compress. Toga's just on the floor in front of Compress. I don't know where Dabi is.

" 'A good one'...? This is the league of villains? What a joke." Some guy in a green and purple jacket walks in, Twice next to him.

I look at Shigaraki, a small smile spreading across my face.

"What? Is he famous or something?" Magnus looks at the guy and back at me and Shigaraki.

"Sensei showed me a picture of him before. The Yakuza. He's the leader of the eight precepts of death."

Magnus starts giggling and it makes me laugh. "Yakuza! Oh my, i've never seen one before! You smell so dangerous!"

I look at Shigaraki. He just looks annoyed. "What's wrong?"

"Shush."

Compress speaks up. "Those who were not caught and locked away were treated like criminals. Put plainly, he's an endangered species left over from old times."

"Well, I can't say you're wrong." He tilts his head. His voice sounds odd because of that beak mask he's wearing.

Magne giggles again. "And so, what business does Mr. Bottom-Of-The-Barrel yakuza man have with us? Are you another one of those types who are on a high after All Might's retirement?"

He looks at Shigaraki. "No... More so than All Might, the fall of All for One was significant. The Emperor of Darkness, he who controls all of the underworld... My generation regarded him like an urban legend. Nonetheless the elders believed and feared him. But now we've heard rumors of his demise."

I watch Shigaraki. I can see his eye narrow behind his hand. The guy keeps talking but I don't care anymore. I walk away and sit next to Compress. Everyone pays close attention to him talk but I only listen in when I hear Shigaraki's voice.

"If you're saying you know who our sensei is and yet you're asking that question... Are you trying to stir something up? The next will be me. As of now we are gathering strength and continuing to expand. And with our combined power, we will bring down this hero society without fail."

"Do you have a plan?" The guy again.

I almost laugh at how agitated Shigaraki sounds. "A plan? You... Didn't you come here to become allies with us?"

Again, the guy starts talking. And again I tune him out.

And again I listen when Shigaraki talks. "Twice... next time you bring someone, make sure you have your head straight first."

The guy keeps talking. And then Magne jumps up, swinging the block she carries towards the guy. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Yakuza. We're not gathered to be 'under' anybody." She brings the pillar-thing back and slams into the guy's head.

And then I scream, jumping back against the wall. Magne's body explodes. Her top half just gone.

I don't who yells, but someone yells her name. And the guy talks over them. "You guys threw the first punch. Aghh, so filthy. That's why I hate this so much."

Compress jumps after him. And then I follow after Compress.

Shigraki grabs me before he can't. "Wait! Compress!!"

Compress tries to activate his quirk, but it won't.

"Don't touch me." The guy swings his arm back, exploding Compress arm.

I flinch and look at Shigaraki.

He launches himself forward, hand outstretched. Before he touches the guy, someone else jumps in front of him. He turns to dust immediately.

And then more people pour into the building.

I grab Shigaraki's arm and pull him back. "What are you doing?!"

Toga lifts her knife. "Tomura, I can stab him! I'll stab him!"

"Don't Toga." I let go of him.

Twice screams. "Let me take responsibility!"

Some bird thing points at us. "Wise move, handyman. It doesn't have to be right away, but the sooner the better. Please take the time to think long and hard about your organization and what not."

The guy walks to the door. "Once you've calmed yourself, call me." And then he leaves, the others following him.