The Bad Batch (Star Wars X My Hero Academia)

Chapter Thirty One - A Deal With The Devil

In the dead of night, Dabi waits in an alleyway. After a moment, the Number Two Hero Hawks arrives and meets with Dabi.

Dabi: You're late, Hawks. I was starting to wonder if you'd ever show up.

Hawks: Sorry. Had my hands tied up. As far as the other Pros are concerned, this meeting doesn't exist. 

Dabi: You talk about being sympathetic to our cause, yet you're still acting like a Pro Hero. 

Hawks: I still have to keep up appearances to avoid drawing suspicion. 

As Hawks says this, Dabi was skeptical. 

Dabi: You remember what I said earlier, Hawks? You've still yet to prove to us that you're really in for the cause. 

Hawks: Actually, about that....

Hawks then presents Dabi with what appeared to be a trash bag. Hawks gestures Dabi to open it. When he does so, the body of what appeared to be Best Jeanist was inside. Seeing this made Dabi chuckle. 

Dabi: I'm not sold that this is really Best Jeanist, but you did kill someone. How heroic. 

Hawks: It's him, alright. You can run a DNA test if you want. 

As Dabi says this, footsteps were heard. Dabi turns his head to see Crosshair entering the alleyway. 

Dabi: What the hell is this, Hawks? 

Hawks: Don't worry. He's with me. 

As Hawks says this, Dabi turns his attention to Crosshair. After a brief moment of silent, Dabi smirks. 

Dabi: I recognize you. You're Crosshair of the Bad Batch. Where's the rest of your squad? 

Crosshair: What squad?

Upon hearing Crosshair's response, Dabi chuckles once more. 

Dabi: This just keeps getting better. You know, I've heard the stories of the Bad Batch. The dregs of Pro Heroes. A stain on the so called "spotless" reputation of the Hero Association.

Crosshair said nothing in response to Dabi's statement. At this point, Dabi took note of Crosshair's silence. 

Dabi: Your friend here isn't very chatty. How can I be so sure that he can be trusted? 

Hawks: He can be trusted. He's the one who helped me kill Best Jeanist.

Dabi: Is that right? Tell me, Crosshair. How did it feel to kill your fellow Pro Hero? 

Crosshair: Bold of you to assume that he's my equal. He's just a reg. A reg who didn't have the guts to do what needs to be done. The way I see it, he's a part of the problem. 

As Crosshair says this, he approaches Dabi. 

Crosshair: As for the Bad Batch. They'll be dealt with. 

Dabi: Think you have the stomach to kill your own squad? Killing some Pro Hero is one thing, but to kill your entire squad is another matter. 

Crosshair: They had their chance. They could've been part of the solution. Instead, they chose to be part of the problem. 

Dabi: There's some in the League who won't easily believe that you've turned so easily. 

Crosshair: You mean the Shadow Dogs?

Dabi: You and your squad have been giving them a massive headache. 

Crosshair: I couldn't give a damn if they do trust me. All that matters is the mission. If they get in my way, they'll die. 

As Crosshair says this, the room became tense. There was a tense stare down between Crosshair and Dabi. 

Hawks: Listen, I can vouch for Crosshair. He'll be a great asset to the League. 

Dabi: Is that right? Hawks here has done quite a few things to prove himself. He helped deal major damage to the Number One Hero and killed Best Jeanist. You? All you have is talk and testimony. Anyone can talk the talk. Can you walk the walk? 

Crosshair: You have something in mind? 

Dabi: As a matter of fact, I do. The League has given the Shadow Dogs a very special assignment. There's a....loose end that needs to be taken care of. 

Crosshair: What kind of loose end? 

Dabi: An arms dealer by the name of Gizor Dellso. 

Crosshair: I know him. A worthless piece of trash. 

Dabi: He's been supplying the League with weapons, but now he's threatening to turn to the Pro Heroes and give up all the information he has on us. 

Crosshair: The Bad Batch have been investigating him for years. In fact, they're getting ready to hit his main compound. 

Dabi: How convenient. Your job is simple. Kill Dellso. And if you can, give your former teammates a nice sendoff. 

Crosshair: The Shadow Dogs better do their part. I'm letting you know right now. If any of the Shadow Dogs step out of line, they're dead. 

Dabi: Just kill Dellso. Kill him and consider yourself an associate of the League of Villains. 

Crosshair: That won't be a problem. 

As Crosshair said that, he and Dabi shook hands. Dabi then glances over to Beat Jeanist's body to see a bullet wound right between his eyes. 

Dabi: Which one of you killed him first.

Crosshair: The both of us. 

Dabi: How heroic. I'll be in touch. 

With that, Dabi left the alleyway. When they were left alone, Crosshair and Hawks exchanged looks before parting ways. As Crosshair walked out of the alleyway, he got a call from Hunter. 

Hunter(Phone): Where are you, Crosshair?

Crosshair: On my way back. 

Hunter(Phone): We're about to hit Gizor Dellso's place. 

Crosshair: I'm on my way.

With that, Crosshair hung up the phone. In that moment, Crosshair had made a deal with the devil. As he joined the Bad Batch in preparing to raid Gizor Dellso's outpost, Crosshair would soon make his move.