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CHAPTER START---
"So...does anyone else feel like I shouldn't be here?" Enji asks as Law begins reading the documents.
"Not really much of a choice for you," Law says. "You already know my face and who I am, which Pantu probably tried to get out of you but you didn't say because you're not that stupid, so now you're here."
"And having the current #1 Pro Hero on our side will make the courtroom matters that much easier," Pantu says. "I can't imagine they wouldn't call you as a character witness to speak about him."
"I see, so what should I know? If I'm going to speak about this then I can't simply go in blindly, especially after what you did yesterday," Enji says.
Law glances up at Nezu, then back down to the documents.
"It's your life, tell him as much as you'd like," Nezu says.
Law thinks it over for a moment, then sighs, "ok, fine, so, I'm not really interested in being a hero."
"I always knew that," Enji says.
"Becuase, my parents are Arsenal and The Heart Thief---"
Enji chokes on his coffee, coughing a few times, "they're what?"
"Hey you're in no position to judge, one of your kids is friends with Shigaraki," Law says.
"What?" Nezu looks between them completely confused.
"His son is Dabi," Law gestures to Enji.
"Your son is Dabi?!"
"The DNA sample also had some traces of Nomu blood mixed with his," Enji says. "So All For One likely pushed him deeper into darkness."
"Yeah but he didn't start it," Law says. "Anyway, I'm basically working off their sentences with my Pro Hero stuff."
Enji takes a moment to soak it all in, as does Nezu, then he relaxes back into his chair.
"So, your parents are in Tartarus, that's why you're doing this."
"I moved them from Tartarus," Pantu says. "Horizon claims to be honorable regarding deals he makes, but I couldn't risk it, we need his presence to stabilize the country."
"I see, so if he wasn't a 'National Asset', would you have simply given him a slap on the wrist and let that be the end of this?"
"Ofcourse," Pantu says with no hesitation. "Without him the next time a monster like that shows up there won't be a Japan, that is what you said, right?"
"It is," Enji says. "I just didn't think the corruption would be this blatant, from the beginning too."
"Sometimes the people don't know what's good for them."
"Those words are often used to justify the most cruel decisions," Enji says. "I hope you don't make this kind of thing a habit."
"Horizon is simply that exceptional," Pantu says. "My main concern is what happens if we lose, Horizon?"
"You don't have to worry about that," Law says. "I'll keep my word, you can execute them and I'll just go to whatever country makes me the best offer."
"Assuming you don't get some kind of prison time as a punishment," Enji says. "That would be a way of keeping you away from the public but within Japan, a 'Break glass in case of emergency' type situation."
"Mmmm," Law grumbles. "Well whatever punishment they decide, I've earned, but I'd hope they're smarter than trying to lock me up."
"Nobody is that dumb," Pantu says. "Everyone knows the international pressure of having someone that can cure anything being locked in a hole would ruin Japan's standing on the world's stage. This case is all about whether or not the people trust you to continue acting as a Pro Hero without having another mental breakdown."
"The last thing anyone wants is you intentionally trying to hurt people," Enji says. "Have you ever done that, trying to kill people?"
Law feigns offense, "what you think just because of who my mom is that I'm some kind of trained killer?"
"Uh, no, I just meant---" Law cuts off his sputtering with a quiet laugh.
"I'm messing with you, she trained me in everything she knows, as I've mentioned before, let's leave it at that," Law says.
"Oh, I see," Enji goes back to quietly drinking his coffee.
"Now can we get to the important things please," Pantu says. "Can you give us an assurance that you won't have another episode like that? I'd hate to imagine you turning that kind of power against a civilian population…again."
"It won't happen again, that's just a little barrier I had with my Quirk," Law says.
"Hand Of God, the Quirk you refuse to give proper details on, I respected that before but after this, I need some answers."
"That...is fair," Law says begrudgingly. "It's a bit difficult to understand unless you experience it yourself, but, imagine my Quirk as the ability to understand things around me, and myself. This includes energy, radiation, and if I push my senses, light, but that's still really hard to do.
When I use an ability it's me giving the world an instruction, but each command takes a certain amount of my stamina, some more than others. Demanding change from the world takes the most, so at first my warping was so inefficient I could only do it once per day, and not even far enough to get to another room.
As I was growing up and constantly training, the barriers became more mental as my body could store more energy within it. Techniques became easier to grasp but still nearly impossible to a regular person's understanding.
I don't even know how I'd begin explaining what Shambles and Amputate really do if I was asked, so I often just say they're spatial and leave it at that. But after fighting All For One, I put my training into overdrive.
I worked harder and grew faster than ever before, but it was like I had a wall instinctually built into my Quirk, preventing me from accessing all the power I'd been developing, and I needed a push to break through it."
"Gigantomachia gave you the push when he killed you," Enji says. "And you woke back up with your brain running on pure instinct, that's why you couldn't use any of the abilities that require a more refined thought process."
"Well I didn't actually die, but I was close enough to trigger it, yeah," Law says. "And now I'm stronger than ever, and I can assure you that will never happen again."
"While I trust your word on this," Nezu says. "The public isn't as logical, and fear is currently ruling them."
"They aren't wrong to be afraid, especially considering what you did so casually to the second most powerful hero in Japan," Enji gestures to his own arm. "But they are thinking too short-term, not realizing that if Gigantomachia could be made, another one is imminent."
"People are stupid, nothing new there," Law takes a sip of his liquor. "Don't suppose if this goes bad we can cut another deal?"
"Unfortunately I've already been putting my job, my life, and the trading relationships of the entire nation at risk by keeping your parents alive," Pantu says. "Did you mom really have to make half the U.N. personally hate her?"
Law shrugs, "she was just very good at her job, it comes with the trade."
"How many people know they're still alive," Enji asks. "You made a false announcement that they were executed over a year ago, is that secret safe?"
"Aside from the people in this conversation, nobody knows who those 'mysterious prisoners' were, only that they had to move them," Pantu says. "That's why we didn't reveal any names or faces."
At this moment Law finishes reading the documents and shakes his head, "ok, so I'm fucked."
"That was my initial thought, yes," Pantu says. "But we have a few days to prepare, ideally they announce which judge will be presiding over this matter and I can leverage my connections."
"That's highly illegal," Enji says.
"I am the government," was her simple response. "If I can get him to hand this matter over to the HPSC then I'll simply sweep this away."
"That could cost you your job if Prime Minister Bosu disagrees," Nezu says.
"What happens to them if you lose your job?"
The line is silent for a while before Pantu speaks again, "Nevermind, If I lose my job all the files will be passed onto my successor, including all the secrets holding Japan together."
"Bosu will insist on some punishment for Horizon," Enji says. "He became president by promising the people that Pro Heroes would have a tighter leash, this flies in the face of his promises."
"This is a real mess I got myself into," Law mutters. "Normally I'd just call up America's president and have him give me a hand, but if anything they want me to lose this case so I take his offer."
"Is that where you'll be going if we lose?" Pantu asks.
"Well, it's a really really good offer, I don't even have to do anything, just be in the country," Law shrugs.
After a few more minutes of talking, Pantu got an important update.
"The official number from the battle just got to my desk," she says.
Enji's heart sinks into his chest as a grim look forms on his face, "how bad was it."
"Confirmed dead, 470,000, confirmed injured, at least 7 million, the numbers are climbing by the second since more bodies are being found, and more reports of missing people are still coming in."
"Is that news public yet?" Law asks.
"No, and it won't be until the trial is over, I'll delay it," Pantu says.
"Thanks," Law takes another sip of his drink, looking mostly unbothered, while Enji can't even fathom loss of life on such a scale.
He gets up and begins walking to the kitchen, "I need more food," was all he said before leaving the room.
As Enji sits alone once again with Nezu, he looks over at his former school principal who was cutely drinking his tea.
"Does this not bother you at all?" Enji asks.
"Letting the past bother you is a large part of why you humans can't step forward together," Nezu says. "I prefer to look to the future, a future where Horizon will save many more lives than this calamity has taken."
Enji sighs, "you're really hopeful, as expected from the principal of the worlds best Hero Course."
"You know you could visit sometime, maybe be a guest teacher like Thirteen," Nezu suggests. "Having the three greatest Pro Heroes in the history of Japan on one campus would be quite something."
"Horizon isn't fully a Pro Hero yet Nezu," Pantu reminds him.
"True, but he's already better..."
END CHAPTER---
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pat.reon: Keanu_Eugene
CHAPTER START---
---Minato Tokyo, 11 PM...
Ryuko Tsuchikawa, formerly known as the Pro Hero Pixie-Bob, sits alone on a train after being sent home early from her workplace.
She idly scrolls on her phone, but ever so often glances around at the entirely empty train.
"This is actually pretty nice," she mutters, enjoying the subway being completely empty rather than the usual crowds.
The train slows and eventually stops at the main Minato Tokyo station, and she steps out before smoothing out her outfit.
Her simple dark blue long skirt and matching long-sleeved shirt appear perfect as always, and holding her purse in hand she quickly makes her way to the streets above.
She makes it all the way to the surface without so much as seeing a single person on her path. As she gets to the street above there are no cars on the road, only an eerie silence of the once alive city lays still.
She looks to the east, seeing Horizon Tower standing proudly in the middle of the city, directly in the middle of this long main street for all to see.
Once a beacon of hope, now transformed into a symbol of fear and uncertainty.
In the hours after the Gigantomachy, the area around Minato Tokyo had effectively shut down. Businesses and residences were sealed up as everyone got as far away from Horizon Tower as possible, aside from the mobs still protesting at the foot of it.
A forlorn look claims her face as she sighs and turns her back to it, walking to her apartment.
She slows her pace and lifts her phone to her ear, returning a call she got late last night, and before it can ring a second time the person answers.
"Ryuko!" the voice of an older woman comes through the phone. "Did something happen?!"
Ryuko sighs, "no mom, I was just calling to let you know the office is closed today, until further notice it seems."
"Good, then you can get out of that place before he comes back, you should come home, I haven't seen you in months."
"I'll call Shino and find out what I can, she said the mountain resort has been full for the first time since the League Of Villains attacked it, so they may need an extra pair of hands."
"That's good, the more heroes around you the better," her mom says.
"I really don't think any amount would help," Ryuko admits. "But I know you've been worried about me staying in Tokyo, so I was just calling to let you know I'm on my way home to pack, looks like our office was the last to run away."
She looks around at all the buildings boarded up or simply closed, the bustling streets of Minato Tokyo now transformed into a ghost town in less than a day.
"Right, just get as far away from that place as possible, call me later before you leave."
"I will, and how are things back home?"
"Mmm, lots of new people in Hokkaido, too many. But the shop is busier than ever," her mom says. "Do you know if things will be changing soon?"
"No idea mom, I'm not a Pro Hero anymore so they don't update me on that kind of stuff," Ryuko says. "Shino says the Hero Network is put on high alert, everyone is expected to respond if something happens, even the Rescue Heroes."
"Oh..." her mother hesitates for a moment. "Will you go help if they need it?"
Ryuko stops walking for a moment, looking back at Horizon Tower in the distance, "well, if he goes crazy again there isn't any point in me going, but if it's something less dangerous and my team is involved, maybe..."
Her mother chuckles softly, "still my little hero."
Ryuko sighs, rolling her eyes, "alright mom, I need to call Shino, I'll give you another call before I leave."
"Ok, I'll be waiting," the woman says before ending the call.
Ryuko sighs and looks down at the phone, "yeah, hero, tell that to La Brava..."
After another minute of walking, when her apartment building is within view, she calls Shino.
"Hey, what's up?" Mandalay's voice reaches her ear the moment the call connects. "Things are a bit busy here today so I can't talk long."
"Uh, right, I was wondering if you could use another pair of hands, my office is clearing Tokyo until this mess is over," Ryuko says.
"That'd be great actually, all the nearby towns are busy too so lots of people are just coming to the hot springs for a few hours," Mandalay says. "Oh, and can you grab me some stuff on the way here, I'll send you a list."
"Sure thing, I'll be there in a few hours."
"Great, see you then!" Mandalay hangs up and presumably gets back to work.
As the call ends Ryuko is already entering her high-end apartment building, taking the elevator up to the 43rd floor, still having not seen another person on her journey home.
As she enters and locks the door behind her, turning on the lights, she quickly takes off her heels and breathes a sigh of relief.
She immediately walks over to the kitchen to make herself some tea, and as the electric kettle is on begins walking to her room.
As she's passing through the hallway she notices light out of the corner of her eye, and is immediately on edge.
She places a hand on the wall while walking toward the living room, quietly and slowly, ready to activate her Quirk at any moment.
Only to relax as she looks into the room, "let me guess, you found the spare key?" Ryuko asks as she moves to take a seat, glaring at Horizon who was sitting watching the muted news.
"Something like that, do you like the new apartment?" he asks without even looking at her.
"Seriously?" Ryuko folds her arms across her chest, taking a single seat across from him. "You drop a city from the sky, disappear for almost an entire day, don't answer any calls, send me a 'I'll call you later' text and never bother to call, then break into my home, and that's all you have to say."
"Well, how is it?" he looks over at her.
Ryuko just glares even harder at him, "it's amazing, thank you, again. But why are you here now, didn't even call me..."
"I was, busy, dealing with some things."
"Getting ready for court in two days I assume."
"Yeah, pretty much," he goes back to looking at the TV. "It's been, distracting."
Hearing how unsure he sounds Ryuko's gaze softens, "what's wrong?"
"Are you...scared of me now?"
Ryuko looks taken aback by that question, "what?"
"Everyone is scared of me," he gestures to the news which is once again updating people on the status of the battlefield. "They don't know what to do with me anymore."
"Well I'm not everyone," Ryuko says. "I'm just...upset. It was scary, you know, watching someone you love get hurt like that and then they disappear without a word, how'd you expect me to feel?"
"Right, sorry, I should have atleast called," Horizon says. "How have you been dealing with all of this?"
"I don't have anything to deal with, at least compared to you," Ryuko moves to sit beside him, looking directly at him. "But why are you here, when you should be getting ready for court, or healing people you hurt, or looking for bodies, or doing anything else, why?"
They sit in silence for a minute.
Then he takes her hand, "because, I have so much to do, so many options, but for the first time in my life I don't know what to do...and you're the only person I can really talk to, I don't have anyone else."
Hearing him so lost and confused nearly breaks her heart, "Nezu---"
"---sees me as a weapon to use against evil, we're friendly but...that's all there is to it."
"Well, what do you want to be?"
"Happy," Horizon says. "But, I don't think my original plan is the only option for that anymore, and that's what scares me."
"What was the original plan?" Ryuko asks.
"Be a Pro Hero for a while, finish the contract, retire and disappear forever, start a family of my own."
"And what changed about that?"
"I um, didn't count on enjoying being a Pro Hero, but part of me likes it," Horizon says. "Maybe not actually helping people, but the way they worship me, the perks it brings, like being allowed to freely use my Quirk in public, it's intoxicating..."
"You're scared of going back to hiding in the shadows?" Ryuko asks.
"I'm just...unsure, but depending on what the judge decides, I could lose my chance to be a Pro Hero here, in Japan at least."
"And what would you lose if that happens, is being in Japan that important to you?"
"No, but, that would make me break my contract and...I'd lose some very important things if that happens."
"And losing those things scares you?"
"That's the worst part," Horizon says. "I thought the idea of losing them would scare me, but...part of me doesn't mind that happening."
"Why do you think that is?"
"Because, they wanted me to move forward without them, and live life on my own terms, so I know it's what they'd want..."
"But you just can't let go of them," Ryuko leans against him. "Hand of God changes the world around you, but you're so scared of something in yourself changing, it's part of life."
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean it isn't scary," Horizon says. "Accepting this...is terrifying, more terrifying than fighting Machia', by far."
"Why not simply, go get what you want anyway, even if you didn't earn it?" Ryuko asks. "You're Horizon, nobody can stop you."
"I can stop me," Horizon says. "Family culture stops me, all the lessons my mother taught me about honoring any contract we make, will stop me."
"Sounds painful."
"It is," Horizon reaches forward as if touching the air. "It's like everything you could ever want is right there, and the only thing stopping you from grabbing it, is yourself," he lowers his hand.
"I could never do that," she says as she gives his hand a gentle squeeze, "that's why only you could be Horizon."
"Yeah, I guess you're right..."
After a few more minutes of talking Ryuko makes her tea and changes into more comfortable clothes before returning to her seat.
"This defense doesn't sound promising," Ryuko says after he explains the details of what happened during the Gigantomachy. "I mean you killed a lot of people...like, a lot of people."
"I know."
"And you think saying 'trust me it won't happen again', is a good enough defense?" Ryuko asks. "Even for Horizon that might be pushing the extent of your special treatment."
"Well I'm hoping with Endeavor and Nezu speaking for me that'll help."
"Oh, I won't be called as a character witness right?"
"No, Pantu makes sure nobody knows about us," Horizon reassures her.
"That's a relief," Ryuko says. "But, and I know you probably don't want to think about it...what's the plan if you lose the case?"
"I've already gotten some offers, so it looks like I'll be moving to America."
"Oh, did they beat the offer from Germany?" Ryuko asks.
"Easily, and much better perks," Horizon shrugs.
Hearing this Ryuko puts down her tea and climbs into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, "you know, living in America could be a nice change..."
END CHAPTER---
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