Midori the Queen

A Deal with the Devil

Midori the Queen

Author's Note: Credit for chapter art goes to a very talented artist Yanduri.Chan.

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Chapter 22: A Deal with the Devil

“You want Overhaul to speak to him directly without your involvement?”  Chronos questioned Izumi’s plan as she stood beside his leader already feeling empowered by her position. 

“Yes, all of you question whether or not to trust the person I’ve asked to meet with. He’s still a member of the League of Villains, and as such has obligations to Tomura. If I were to speak to him directly it would be more compelling for him to favor me, and twist his words to gain my trust. So instead I want you to speak to him as if you’re holding me hostage, and find out his true intentions.”

“What if he decides to get violent?” Mimic questioned and brought up a gun. “Can we kill him.” 

“Ace is not a fighter, and ill suited for any kind of combat situation. He’s a lot like you Shin.” She glanced to the side at one of Chisaki’s men. “His power compels people to speak the truth, and his true usefulness is in collecting information. I can assure you he won’t get violent, and he’s not stupid enough to bring anyone who will.” 

“The notice said to come alone. If he disobeys that-” 

“If he disobeys then it all depends on who he brings with him.” Izumi interrupted the argument and leaned forward on the table. “If he brings someone, then it’ll be someone whom he finds valuable to his survival or will turn the tables in his favor. He’s smart, charismatic, and has connections all over the world. It’s why I valued him as an ally. This meeting isn’t to determine his loyalty to me… but to determine his willingness to join you, Overhaul.” 

There was a moment of silence, and since no one decided to speak up Izumi pressed on. 

“I’m the odd number out here, Overhaul. I need people I’m familiar with and whom I can trust 100%. Even if it is just two people, I need that support if I’m going to be useful to you. I need Ace to find Dabi, and I need Dabi to stay focused and calm. Whenever I have a meltdown he’s always there to keep me grounded. He knows me, comforts me, and he is my rock to hold me steady.  Tomura was fool for trying to take that away from me, so don’t follow his example or you’ll share his fate.” 

Overhaul lounged back in his chair, his fingers pressed together in his trademark “thinking” pose. All eyes turn to him and he let out a deep sigh as his mind became clear. 

“Ambition without a plan is just a delusion, and a plan without ambition is a lost opportunity.” He stood up and shoved a case across the table at her. “The same logic applies to us, Karma. Without you, my plan is a good intention with nothing to show for it. Without me you’re a loose canon shoving her morales onto people who won’t listen.” He watched her open the case, admiring the costume inside. “I’ll get you the people you need, but just remember-”

“I know.” Her smile came fast and warm. “We need each other. That hasn’t changed.” she turned her eyes up to him. “Thank you, Overhaul.” 

~Later~

"Ambition without a plan is just a delusion."

Overhaul's philosophy was inspiring to Izumi. More and more she was finding reasons to like him. Even though he had many flaws to counteract those reasons she found herself looking over them to the core of who he was.

He was abrasive and temperamental when provoked, but knew how to appear well mannered and soft spoken. 

He was egotistical, and cold, but he had the leadership skills and tactical prowess to gain a following.