Midori the Queen

Torn Loyalties

"Things are quiet…" Izumi said offhand as she eyed her game meticulously. Kurogiri and Ace stood in the kitchen, Kurogiri washing dishes and Ace drinking what seemed like his fourth cup of coffee. "Too quiet."

"Well you did put all the troublemakers to work." Ace commented with a smirk.

"That I did," she smirked back at him. "I take it you’re on standby Kurogiri?" 

"Yes, I've already dropped the potential recruits off at their destination." He set the glasses in the cupboard and turned to her. “Tomura, Dabi, and Toga are overseeing the mission and will signal me when they need pick-up.” 

“Tomura is? That’s rare…” She raised a brow. 

“He says this particular mission is important to him. He wants to ensure that nothing goes wrong.” 

“Makes sense, I’m really proud of him.” She leaned on her hands smiling affectionately. “He seems to be coming into his power and really giving his actions thought and caution.” 

Ace and Kurogiri exchange knowing glances, before separating. Kurogiri sat across from Karma to play against her in chess, and Ace sat down on the couch and opened up the newspaper to browse through the latest news.

“Your I-Island heist is still top billing despite it being over a week since the event. You really have made a name for yourself, Queen of Villains.” 

“I have you and Broadcast to thank for that.” She moved her bishop into position, her lips quirking a little when Kurogiri took the bait and left her Queen’s path open for attack. “Your assistance with the videos has helped put the league in the spotlight and highlight exactly what I wanted.” 

“It’s been my pleasure, and I’m receiving all kinds of praise for my deduction work.” He bragged and tapped the paper with his own article highlighted. 

“Was there any fallback on your supposed kidnapping?” 

“They’ve put me in therapy with other PTSD victims, which I’ve humored as it helps play up my innocence in this role. The police have been patrolling my house and my work, but thanks to Kurogiri I’m able to slip in and out without much suspicion.” 

“Good, because more than likely I’ll need yours and Broadcast’s help again soon. The I-Island story will only stay highlighted for so long. I’ve gotten everyone’s attention, and now I need to make a clear and concise statement, We need to show them we mean business and what our overall motives are.” 

“How do you propose to do that?” Kurogiri questioned. 

“I’ve been asking myself that every day for the past week. What’s the next step? Just how big of a risk should we take?” She held up her Queen, hesitating a moment as she contemplated on what to say. “I think it might be time to take All Might out of the picture.” 

Ace choked on his coffee and beat on his chest.Kurogiri blinked in surprise by her words. 

“Are you serious?” Ace wheezed when he finally gained enough breath to speak. 

“Yes…” she stroked the smooth marble of her piece and set down the Queen in check position. “I don’t necessarily mean we have to kill him, though I’m sure Tomura would feel differently on that matter. What I’m suggesting is taking down his position. His weakness has already been revealed, now we just have to fully exploit his limitations. The man can only do so much, and unless other heroes step up and make a better example of themselves hero society will start to crumble. The people will have doubt, questions, and be more open minded to alternative realities.”