Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Izuku felt a hand tapping on his cheek, then he started to hear a familiar voice.

“Midoriya, Midoriya! Wake up!” That was All Might’s voice. 

Slowly, he opened his eyes and All Might along with Ochako and Iida looked at him worried. 

“Huh, what's going on?” he said.

They all breathed a sigh of relief. “Young Midoriya, glad you're alright. As to what’s going on, well…”

All Might then gestured to the area around them. It was a large theatre hall. Izuku could also see they weren't alone. The rest of the class were there too, along with class 1-B and their teachers. There were even some pros there too, like Endeavour, Hawks and Mirko. But what surprised Izuku was that seated not far from them was the league of villains. 

Izuku shot up and tried to activate One For All. but nothing happened. 

“What?!”

“Yeah, our quirks don’t work here.” All Might said. “We’ve been stuck here for fifteen minutes.”

“There are no exits, I checked with the others,” Iida said. 

“At least we can't hurt each other.” Uraraka said.”

Izuku looked at her confused. “What do you mean?”

“When the pros saw the villains they tried to fight them, but when they got close they all couldn't move.” She said,

All Might nodded. “It seems that if anyone tries to commit violence in this place they get frozen in place.” 

Some of the other students saw that Izuku woke up and walked up to him. 

“Hey Midoribro, you're up!” Kirishima called. 

"I guess that means everyone’s  awake.” Aizawa said. “ Maybe now we finally figure something out.” 

Izuku rubbed his eyes and looked around again. The theater looked endless. Rows and rows of red chairs stretched into darkness. His mind had a hard time contemplating it. Was this a trap by the villains? No, they would’ve done something by now. But then what? It has to be some kind of weird warping or illusion quirk. As he was trying to figure things out heard a familiar soft voice. 

“Deku?” Eri said from behind Aizawa. Her red eyes looked around nervously as she clung to Aizawa’s leg. 

“Eri?!” Izuku shouted. “What are you doing here?”

“She showed up here the same as the rest of us.” Aizawa said flatly. “She’s been worried sick about you once you dropped in.”

Izuku gave the girl a soft smile. “Don’t worry, I’m alright. We’ll find a way out of here I promise.”

Eri looked at him for a moment before smiling back. 

A bright voice cut through everything. “Izuku you're up! Finally, I was worried you were gonna miss the fun!” Nejire said, sounding like  she didn’t have a care in the world.

Izuku looked to the row above him and found her and the rest of the big three with a small boy on Nejire’s lap looking very grumpy.

“Kota! What are you doing there?” Izuku asked.

“Help.” the boy whispered. “She hasn’t let me go since I got here. She’s been non-stop asking me questions about my quirk.”

“Okay since it looks like no one else is coming, let's get our facts straight. No quirks, no exits, no violence."

“Freaky aint it?” Mic said. “like , what kinda quirk coils even do that?”

“Yes it is quite strange” All Might said. “But also my stomach doesn’t hurt. And somehow he’s still breathing.” he said, shooting a glare at AFO.

“Perhaps no violence could also mean no injury.” Nezu wondered. “Either way this is quite the pickle.”

“Pickle?!” Monama shouted. “Sorry sir, this is more than a pickle.”

Kendo pinched the bridge of her nose. “Now’s not the time Monama.”

“Then when is it?” the blond exclaimed. “Where trapped in some creepy theatre god knows where, and on top of that we have to share a room with them!” He pointed to a few seats ahead where the villains were seated. 

Dabi lounged on his chair staring silently at the screen in front of them. Shigaraki was hunched over his chair scratching his neck. He was flanked by Kurogiri and Compress, and above him sat AFO with that same sinister grin on his face. Apart from them Stain and Spinner sat by themselves. Toga waved enthusiastically at the students.

“Hi, Izu~ku!” she chimed, her grin wide and unsettling. “Crazy place, right? Wanna sit together?”

Izuku stiffened and quickly looked away. 

“Quit your whining Monama!” Kendo snapped. "At least we’re alive.”

“For now” the blond whispered to himself.

“Guys, calm down,” Pony said nervously, her horns twitching as she glanced toward the villains. “No one can fight here anyway, right? That’s… good?”

“Whoever brought us here we’re playing by their rules.” Aizawa said. 

Bakugo was seething.  “You bastards better not be behind this.” he growled at the villains

“Oh, Bakugo,” Toga sing-songed from her seat, twirling a strand of blonde hair. “Don’t give us that much credit. I’d never throw a party and not make it fun.”

“You’re just as trapped as we are,” Dabi muttered from beside her, his eyes smoldering like dying coals. “So relax, Sparky.”

“Whatever’s going on when I get my hands on whoever brought us here…”

“Calm Tomura. We’ll get out of here in time, but for now let us observe.” AFO said with his calm voice.

“Yes Sensei”

“Welcome”

Everyone turned their heads looking for the source of the voice.

“This is my domain. Here I am in control of everything.”

“Who are you?”

“Why are we here?”

“What do you want?”

“Calm”. the voice rumbled. “ My name is unimportant for now. But as to why you're here, it is to observe and what I want is for you to learn.”

“Watch what? And what do you mean to learn?" Aizawa asked.

“You will be watching the lives of heroes and villains from other universes so that you might learn from them.” 

Murmurs rose in the crowd. Izuku for his part was curious. A chance to see heroes from other worlds. How could he pass up the chance? The things that he could learn. 

“This is like a react fic!” Hagakure yelled, all eyes turned towards her. She was fully visible and thankfully clothed. “Ah…you know? A react fic, where a bunch of characters are made to watch their own show or different universes?”

“Damn Toru, you read a lot of fanfic.” Mina said.

“Oh, look who’s talking.” Toru hit back. Mina stuck her tongue out at her. 

“Ah…yes Miss Hagakure.” The voice said showing emotion for the first time. “But what’ll be showing you will be real. You will see other universes as though you are watching a movie.” 

“Why should we sit through some movie marathon?” Monoma piped up with a sneer. “Class 1-B doesn’t need remedial lessons in heroism—unlike some people.”

“Say that again, copycat!” Bakugo snapped, half-rising—only to freeze in place mid-motion, body locking like a statue. “Damn it!” he growled through gritted teeth

“Oh yeah,” Uraraka said sheepishly. “That happens.”

The voice didn’t acknowledge the outburst. “There is no escape from this theater until the lesson is complete.”

“Lesson?” Iida said. “You expect us to passively consume propaganda without context?!”

“You may debate. You may reflect. But you will watch ,” the voice said. Then, softer, almost like an aside: “And some among you…may find these stories hit closer to home than expected.”

Eri’s small hand tightened around Mirio’s sleeve. “Mirio…what does that mean?”

Mirio smiled reassuringly. “It means…we’re gonna watch some movies, kiddo.”

Kota frowned deeply, hugging his knees. If this was about learning about being a hero why was he here?

In the back Stain listened intently and wondered if they were going to see were actual heroes or more fakes like the ones in this room. 

“First you see the legends from the DC universe.”

Nezu looked up. “DC? So these universes have different designations?"

“Yes. yours for instance is designated MHA.”

“Hm, interesting.”

“Now for the first hero of this universe. His methods are… unconventional.”

“What do you mean?” All Might asked. 

“He straddles the legal line.”

“So he’s a criminal." Enji said. “Are you sure he’s a hero?”

Dabi smirked. “This could be interesting after all.”

Tomura groaned. “Whatever, let’s just get it over with.”

“Oh, he sounds like an edgy hero,” Mina said.

Aizawa sighs. “Hopefully this can teach these kids some rationality.”

Izuku was giddy. He pulled out his news notebook and had a pencil ready. I wonder what his quirk is?

“Midoriya, where did you get those?” Iida asked, pointing at the notebook and pencil.

“Oh, I always have one ready on me.” 

“Now that you're all ready, let’s begin.”

Chapter Text

The screen turns on. A plane flies over a large city.

Voice Over: Gotham City. Clean shafts of concrete and snowy rooftops. The work of men who died generations ago. From here it looks like an achievement. From here, you can’t see the enemy.

Cut to a man looking down on the city from the plane. 

“That must be the hero we’re following. So he’s in America.” Izuku said as wrote down the name of the city.

“Hey, he kinda sounds like you Shota, doesn’t he?” Mic said pointing at Aizawa.

Mina shook her head. “Sounds more like Todoroki.”

Shoto showed slight shock. “How? We don’t sound anything alike.”

“He kinda sounds sad,” Ochako said solemnly. 

“The enemy? Does he mean villains?” Iida asked.

“Most likely young Iida.” All Might said. 

Kota sat silent on Nejire’s lap. Something about the man’s eyes looked familiar. 

“Something wrong bud?” Nejire asked after seeing the look on his face. 

He shook his head. “Nothing,”

“Shining towers hiding streets of darkness.” Tokoyami muttered.

Cut to the interior of a crowded train. A man with a moustache and glasses looks down at his watch. 

Man VO: ‘ Twelve hours. Train’s no way to come to the city. Thank God Barbra’s flying in .’ The man then looked out the train window. ‘She should have gotten the tests back by now. I only hate myself a little for hoping they come out negative. This is no place to raise a family. Maybe Gotham’s all I deserve now. Maybe it’s just my time in hell.’

He then bows his head with a sad look on his face.

“Who the hell is this nerd?!” Bakugo growled. 

“Must be someone important.” Izuku said as he noted the name. Barbra=wife?

Hawks tilted his head. “Looks like a cop.”

“Perhaps he’s a friend of the hero?” All Might wondered.

Kendo tilted her head. “He sounds…tired.”

“That train does not look comfortable.” Mina said squirming in her seat.  

“Oh, his wife must be pregnant. But he doesn't seem all that happy.”  Midnight said. 

“This place must be a real shit hole for someone to see it as punishment. Sounds like my kinda town.” Dabi said with a smirk. 

“Damn. I already feel sorry for him and I have no idea who he is.” Kirishima said.

Sero nodded. “Yeah this doesn't really feel like a hero story.” 

The screen turns black and a title fades in: BATMAN YEAR ONE

“Batman?” Izuku said scribbling. I wonder if he has some kind of bat quirk.  

Eri clung onto Mirio harder. “He sounds scary,” she quivered

Mirio gave her a soft smile. “Don’t worry, I'm sure he only scares bad guys.”

Nejire clapped her hands. “Ooo, sounds mysterious.”

Tamaki was shaking. “Bats are creepy.”

“Sounds like your kinda your kinda guy Tokoyami.” Jiro said.

The birdboy nodded admitting the name sounded cool.  

Midnight put her hand on her chin. “Hm,the name's old school and simple, I like it. But it’s not really a name that sounds…heroic”

“As if fakes like you know anything about heroism.” Stain hissed.

She chose to ignore him. “Anyway”

January 4

Train station. A man in robes trying to sell a book approaches the man from the train. He is suddenly hoisted up by a tall blond  man with a trenchcoat. 

Flass: “They don’t know when to quit, do they lieutenant? Name’s Flass, Detective Flass. Commissioner Loeb sent me to meet you.” 

Flass then tossed the man on to the floor. 

Flass: “Welcome to Gotham lieutenant. Don’t worry, not as bad as it looks. Especially if you're a cop, Cops got it made in Gotham.”

“What was that for?!” Izuku yelled when Flass threw the man down.

“That is unbecoming behaviour of a police officer” Iida shouted.

“What a jerk,” Ochako said.

Shigaraki scratches his neck. “Figuers all cops are the same.”

Aizawa narrowed his eyes at the last thing Flass said. The other pros looked at the screen with disdain.

“Sounds like this whole city is full of fakes.” Stain said.

Spinner nodded. “Perhaps this Batman will purge the city of such filth.” 

Airport. A group of reporters stand ready. When the man from the plane comes in they try to get his attention but he ignores them. One of the reporters turned to the camera. 

Reporter: “The 25-year-old heir to the Wayne millions declined to comment on his return home after twelve years abroad. We’ll keep you posted on Gotham’s richest and best looking native son. Back to you Tom.”

“Woah, he’s a millionaire?!” Ochako exclaimed.

Monama scoffed. "Of course the hero we start with is some entitled rich kid.”

Kendo side-eyed him. “You sure your not projecting there bud?”

“Twelve years? Izuku said, noting down all the new information. “I wonder what he was doing for that long. Training maybe. He might have been trying our different hero schools or mastering his quirk or…” he trailed off muttering to himself 

“Or probably hiding from these clowns.” Aizawa said.

“Only 25? He’s younger than I thought.” All Might said. “From the look in his eyes he seems to have experienced much.”

“You’d be surprised, old man.” Hawks said, kicking up his feet. 

“Great, he’s probably just some rich asshole that plays hero for kicks.” Dabi sneered.

Compress nodded. “Indeed. Very rarely do the rich do something purely out of the goodness of their heart.”

Spinner was apprehensive and looked to Stain. “What do you think sir? Could he be a fake?”

Stain’s head snapped towards him. “Don’t call me that.” he hissed. Spinner flinched and bowed his head.

Stain looked back at the screen. “But I don’t know. His eyes are not ones that seem to be interested in fame. They have resolve. But words mean nothing. Ill have to judge his actions.”

Shigaraki scratched at his neck, looking bored. “Tch. So what? Some spoiled brat gets tired of sitting on his gold pile and decides to play dress-up. Big deal.”

AFO’s voice rumbled through the chamber, calm but laced with something sharp. “Don’t be so dismissive, Tomura. Men like him—who endure years in the shadows—often return with purpose. The question is… whose purpose?”

Transitioned to the news room.

Tom: “Thank you Vicky. Vicky Vale at Gotham Airport. In other news, conspiracy charges against Police Commissioner Loeb After the disappearance of a key witness.”

Nezu’s tail twitched. “It seems the whole police department is compromised. That doesn't bode well.”

“I’m to see why this city has a bad reputation.” Aizawa said.

“If the police are this compromise, I can only imagine what their heroes are like.” Endeavor said.

“Like your one to talk.” Dabi growled but Endeavour ignored him.  

Police Station. Loeb’s office.

Loeb: “Lieutennat James Gordon. Impressive, very impressive. We're delighted to have you on the team lieutenant.”

Gordon: “You’ll get my best work sir. I promise.” Gordon said.

Loeb: “I know you will. And we are a team Gordon. A team. Any team needs to play together in order to win don’t ya think? Yes it does. Your record shows you’ve got what it takes.”

Gordon: "I know I’ve made my mistakes sir.”

Loeb: “What mistakes did you make lieutenant? You kept the media out of it. That’s all that matters, isn’t it? Yes it is.” 

Loeb:

“You won’t have to worry about my honesty Commissioner.” 

Loeb: “Lasting on my mind. Last thing.”

Gordon looks down defeated.

“Damn. I can’t imagine being in a situation like that.” Kendo said. “Gordon looks like a good man. But he seems trapped in a den of snakes”

Izuku noted Gordon and Loeb. Gordon seemed like a good man who was somehow stuck in this position. Maybe Batman will help him with the corruption. 

Toga shivered uncomfortably. “Ew, I think I found someone who’s blood even I won’t drink”

“Tch, people will call us villains when assholes like this are running the show.” Dabi said.

“His corruption doesn't excuse your villainy degenerate.” Endeavour said.

Dabi glared at him. “You lucky we can’t hurt each other here old man”.

”I wonder what mistake Gordon’s talking about.” Shoto asked

Cut to a mansion. A butler dutifully sweeps the snowy roadway. He looks up excited when a car driving in. He opens  the door for the man and smiles.

Alfred: “Welcome home Master Bruce.”

Bruce: “Thank you Alfred. It’s good to be back.” Bruce says, looking at the looming manor.

“You don’t sound too happy there Bruce.” Hawks said shifting in his seat. “You’d think a billionaire coming home after twelve years would at least fake a smile.”

“Maybe the place holds bad memories,” Tokoyami offered, his voice low and contemplative. “This mansion feels… haunted.”

“That’s just the rich for you,” Monoma said with a smug shrug. “Always brooding over problems the rest of us would kill to have.”

“Monoma,” Kendo hissed, giving him a sharp elbow.

Cut to Gordon and Flass driving through the city.

Flass: “Knew you’d like the commissioner. He’s a stand–up guy. And he'll be just as good to you as you are to him. Count on it.” 

Gordon(side eyeing Flass): “Yeah, I got that feeling.”

Flass stops the car when he sees a group of teenagers loitering on a corner. He steps out of the car.

Gordon: “Flass!”

Flass: “Nothing I can’t handle, lieutenant.” Glass then started walking towards the teens. “Hey, Stevie, mother know you’er here?”  

One of the teen-a black one- tries to bolt. Flass caught him and started to beat him  up.

Gordon stepped out of the car but didn’t stop Flass. 

Gordon V.O.: He’s got a green beret’s training. He knows how to use his size too. Don’t do a damn thing. Be sure of your facts before you take down another cop. Just watch him. Memorize every move. For future reference .

Flass then threw the kid in a dumpster and got back in the car with Gordon. 

Gordon: “Was that necessary?”

Flass tossed something at him. 

Flass: “Had this little beauty in his pocket.” 

Gordon opened in and revealed it was a comb.

Gordon: “It’s a comb, Flass.”

Flass: “Hey, I’m only human Jimmy. Mind if I call ya Jimmy?”

“What the hell? He wasn’t even doing anything.” Kendo yelled fist clenched.

“Of course a cop would abuse their power.”  Shigaraki growled

“That's… really unmanly.” Kirishima muttered under his breath.

Kuroiro turned to Pony. “Are all cities in America like this?”

“Absoletly not!” she said, shaking her head.  

Izuku glared at the screen. “Why isn’t Gordon doing anything?!” he asked. “I thought he was supposed to be  a good cop.”

All Might turned. “Young Midoriya It might not look good but…”

“Gordon is doing the right thing.” Aizawa said and all the students' eyes turned towards him.

“Sir, what could you mean? Is it not an officer’s duty to uphold the law?” Momo asked.

Iida nodded. “Yes, Detective Flass is blatantly abusing his power!”

“Yes,” Aizawa said flatly. “but Gordon’s in a tough spot. If he makes any moves against Flass without any solid proof he could be the one in trouble.”

Todoroki groaned in frustration. “So he’s suppose to stand around and do nothing?”

“That’s reality,” Vlad King said grimly. “Not every fight can be won head-on.”

“It might be hard, kid, but sometimes… you gotta play the game.” Hawks said, his voice unusually serious. 

Mirko shook her head. ‘Screw that! I it were me that block head would be seeing more than stars.”

“Yeah! What she said!” Bakugo yelled in agreement.

“Brutes.” Compress whispered.  

“I’m wondering where all the heroes are.” Shoji said. 

Compress giggled. “You think they’d be any better?”

Tomura smiled. “I’m starting to like this city.”

Back to the mansion, pan to two grav stones. Bruce puts down flowers for each one and knells down. The names on the graves are Martha and Thomas Wayne.

Bruce VO: Twelve years and the ache is still fresh.Like a raw angry nerve. But this isn’t about healing. I’m not looking for closure.

Many in the audience were silent for a moment.  

Ibara gave a small prayer

Kota stiffened. That’s why his eyes looked familiar. They were the same eyes he had seen in the mirror after his parents died. He wasn’t sure at first but now he felt a kinship to Bruce now that they shared a similar experience. 

“Well as if things weren’t downer already.” Yamada said. 

“Well that explains his sour mood.” Midnight said.

“And it’s probably the reason he wants to become a hero.”

“Boo hoo. So the millionaire lost his parents.” Dabi said. “Not like there aren't millions of poor orphans out there dealing with worse.”

Himiko nodded. “Yeah and having parents is overrated anyway. I ran away from home and look how I turned out.” she said with an ear to ear smile. 

Many gave her a side eyed glance.

Strain remained focused. So Bruce was doing this for vengeance, not the pure desire to help like All Might and the green boy. “Another fake!” he hissed. ”A man trying to satisfy his rage rather than uphold true justice!”

Solemnly, Izuku wrote the names on the graves. “That’s… awful, I can't imagine going through something like that..” He then looked up at Kota whose eyes were getting watery. “You okay?”

Kota rubbed his eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Todoroki remained silent. He often wondered what he would do if his mother died. He wasn’t sure what he would do, but he was certain it wouldn't be… hero work.

February 12

A siren was wailing and we see a police car in pursuit of someone. Inside the car Flass is driving casually.

Flass: “The boys, Jimmy. They’ve been asking me to talk to you.” Flass said casually as if he wasn't in a chase. “They’re worried about you. I mean, you with the baby on the way and all.”

Gordon(glaring): “Call me lieutenant.”

Flass: “Yeah, sure thing, Jimmy. You gotta learn to relax. See we got our own way of doing things here in Gotham.” 

Flass then proceeded to bump the car they were chasing, sending it tumbling, much to Gordon’s shock.

Flass stopped the car.

Flass:  “This job can get to you Jimmy. That's why we gotta stick together. The boys need to know they can count on you.”

Gordon gave him a look before getting out of the car. Flass grabbed his shoulder. 

Flass: “We can count on you right?” He then stepped out, gun in hand. 

The screen lingered on Gordon’s face, his jaw clenched in silent fury.

Then we fade to Gordaon’s apartment. He gets in bed and kisses his wife and puts a hand on her belly. 

“Such recklessness!” Tokoyami shouted. 

“That could’ve hurt someone!” Tetsutetsusaid

“Whow the hell has small talk during a chase?!” Jiro steamed

“It’s a threat.” Hawks said plainly. The other heroes nodded.

Aizawa nodded, “Gordon must not be playing ball, and now they wanna make sure he doesn't cause any trouble.”

AFO smiled. “Ah, looking at the chaos of this city reminds me of the good old day with me and my.”

All Might glared daggers at him. “Enjoy it for now. Remember this is a hero’s story. Justice will prevail!”

AFO’s smile didn’t waver. "We shall see.” 

February 21

Outside Wayne Manor. Bruce punches a stack of bricks breaking them.

Bruce VO: Im not ready. I have the means the skill.  

He then kicks a tree causing it to fall.

Bruce VO: But something's missing. I have to wait. I have to wait.

“Woah, that's so manly!” Krishima said.

“Yeah, got that right.” Tetstutetsu agreed . “Think of all the skulls he could crack.”

Kaminari’s eyes widened. “What does he mean not ready? Man's got bones of steel!”

“Has to be some kind of strength quirk.” Kendo said. “His hand isn’t even hurt.”

Izuku bit the end of his pen. “If only I could figure out what his quirk is. It doesn't seem bat related. So it must be some strength quirk, or it’s some kind of enhancement… ”

Nezu chuckled. “Why don’t we ask?”

Izuku blinked. “R=really sir, you think we… can do that?”

“Voice,” Nezu called. “What exactly is Mr. Wayne’s quirk?”

“Quirk?” The voice said almost confused. “Is it not obvious that he is quirkless?” 

“Qurkless?” Everyone screamed.

“So we’re watching a quirkless loser?!” Bakugo screamed.

“But how? Isn’t he supposed to be a hero?” Iida said.

Nezu smiled. “So it’s as I suspected.”

All Might turned to him. “Sir?”

“Come now Toshinori.” the mouse/bear said. “Do you not see the level of technology here? And also the lack of anyone on screen with mutant quirks. Not to mention that although we have been following a police officer there has been no mention of pro heroes.”

Many were silently processing the principal’s words.

“Hey Voice!” Bakugo roared. “Is this really a world with no quirks!”

“While this world does possess people with abilities similar to quirks they are few and far between. What you are witnessing is one one of this world's first superheroes.”

“A quirkless bastard being a hero? Impossible.” Bakgo said looking like his world had fallen apart

Asui put a hand on her chin. “If pro heroes aren't a thing then that means…”

“Bruce is planning on being a vigilante.” Aizawa finished.  

Hawks chuckled. “So that’s what you meant by straddling the legal line.”

“So he’s a criminal with a vendetta.” Endeavour said.  “What kind of heroism could we learn from him?” 

“Probaly more than anyone can learn from you.” Shoto growled, but his father chose not to respond. 

“Hm, so the first hero is a criminal, how ironic.” Kurogiri sneered.

“Well when quirks were still a thing the first few heroes were vigilantes in our world. Does it really matter if he’s doing the right thing?” All Might said. 

“True but many of those early vigilantes were reckless and didn’t answer to anyone. These kinds of people can cause more problems than they solve.” Aizawa said.

“A quirkless world?” Tomura moaned. “How boring.”

“Now, now Tomura,” AFO said. “Quirks or no there can still be much to learn from this world.”

February 28

Police station. 

Flass slams his hand on the table.

Flass: “And Gordon, he looks at the fifty like it’s diseased. Then throws it in the padre’s face. Gives the entire squad a two-hour lecture on ethics. Put Schell on probation. I’m telling you Gil, He’s just not fitting in.”

Loeb(disappointed): “I had such high hopes for that boy.”

Ibara glared. “A priest offering bribes? How shameful to the Lord's name.”

“Looks like Gordon’s not playing ball.” Hawks said.

“Good. At least there’s one good cop on the force.” Midnight said

Aizawa sighed. “While that is good it might cause some problems.”

“But Gordon’s the only good man there.” Izuku pleaded. “Someone has to do something.”

All For One chuckled softly. “Ah, idealists in a cesspool. Back in my day not many survived the year.”

Shigaraki scratched at his neck, irritated. “Boy scout.” he hissed. “All he's doing is making himself a target. Idiot.”

Dabi smirked, leaning back. “Yeah, the guy’s practically begging for a beating.”

Toga licked her lips. “Ooooh, but it’s cute, isn’t it? He’s trying so hard to be pure in such a dirty world. That makes the blood taste better when he breaks.”

 “Idealism is a fragile thing, Tomura.” All For One hummed. “One crack, and it shatters completely.”

Kirishima clenched his fist. “Hey, don’t talk like that! Gordon’s solid!”

AFO just slowly shook his head. These children will learn soon how the real world works.

March 11

Parking garage. 

Gordon is walking toward his car. 

Gordon VO: I requested off this damn night shift four times now. Barbra needs me. Barbra and little James. So I hope it’s a boy so what?

Nemuri smiled. “Don’t worry Gordon, no here’s judging you.”

“It really is sweet how much he cares for” Toru said

“Somethig feels off.” Aizawa said.

As Gordon was about to unlock his car he heard a familiar voice.

Masked Man:  “Going to work lieutenant?”

Suddenly he was surrounded by masked men holding baseball bats.

Masked Man:  “You're gonna be a little late. Might have to skip the whole night.”

Izuku leaned in. “Oh no…”

“Shit!” Mirko spat.

“Those cowardly bastards.” Kirishima growled

Himiko was giddy. “Yay, we get to see a cop get beat up hopefully we get to see some blood too.”

They try to attack him but Gordon is easily able to dodge their attacks and fights back. 

“Damn! He’s got moves.” Mirko complemented.

Bakugo exploded with excitement. “Finally some action!”

Dabi gave a lazy grin. “He’s scrappy, I’ll give him that.”

Gordon VO: ‘I was taught to handle worse than this. But then…’ he gets hit by a bat at the back of head. ‘It's been a while.’

They knock him to the ground and proceed to beat him up. 

“Cheap shot!” Testutetsu yelled.

Jiro winced. “This is hard to watch.”

Toga was bouncing in her seat. “Yay! More blood, more!”

Izuku almost leaped off his seat .“Come on Gordon, get up” 

“They’re hurting him.” Eri yelled. All Mirio could do was cover her eyes.

Masked Man: “Consider this a warning. Be smart. Think of that pregnant wife of yours, Jimmy.” 

They then leave him there bloody and beaten. 

Midnight glared. “They are the lowest scum.”

Aizawa bowed his head. “Like I said, Gordon was bound to get in trouble eventually. But I will commend him for his adherence to the law and standing his ground.”

“At least his injuries don’t seem too severe.” Recovery Girl said. “He’ll survive and make a full recovery.”

Kota sat staring at the screen with his fist clenched. They’re threatening his family…

Elsewhere in a different parking lot. Bruce is in his car applying makeup.

Bruce VO: This is a reconnaissance mission. Until I’m ready my anonymity is an obvious priority. All it requires is a change of clothing and complexion. And a single memorable distracting detail.  

He then finishes making a fake scar that runs from his face down to his neck. 

“Intresting, but will that really work? I mean… he is famous." Izuku wondered. 

Midnight winked at him. “You’d be surprised how many people don’t recognize us outside of our costumes.”

Present Mic threw his hands up. “True story, I once lost a lookalike contest of myself. Even when I showed them ID they wouldn't believe me.”

That made a few students giggle.

“Trick’s kinda genius, not gonna lie.” Tetsutetsu said, rubbing his chin.

“That’s only because you’d fall for it, Testu.” Monamoa snickered. 

Relight District. Bruce is walking down a road filled with neon signs advertising pornography.  

Bruce VO: Its a twenty block walk into the enemy camp. The East End.  

As Bruce walks down the streets we can see various women trying to grab the attention of the men around. 

Many in the audience were shocked and disgusted.

“Dear Lord.” Ibara said, almost fainting.

“There are children present!” Iida yelled, chopping the air.

“Oops, forgot about that.” the voice said then suddenly glasses appeared on Kota and Eri.

Kota tried to get the glasses off. “Hey what gives? Some stuff is blurred out.”

“You don’t want to know” Izuku said.

Mirio let out a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness”

“You’d feel right at home wouldn’t you Mineta?” Jiro said.

“Yes” he responded, without hesitation 

“Control yourself, man.” Kaminari said face palming.  

Nejire put a hand on her chin. “Can’t be that bad right?”

Bruce VO: Hard to believe it’s gotten worse

Girl’s Voice: “Cheer you up Mister?”

Bruce turns to see a girl who look like a teenager decked up in makeup wearing a suggestive outfit.

Tamaki bowed his head. “You were saying?”

“No, no, no!” Present Mic slapped his hands over his eyes.

“That is seriously fucked up.” Monama said.

Dabi clicked his tongue in disgust. “Looks like we found something we can all agree on.”

“Yes, this city is truly disgusting." Kurogiri said.

“Would burning this whole street down be so bad.” Todoroki said with an edge to his voice.

Bruce: “How old are you?” 

Girl: “Young as you want me to be.” 

“And it somehow got worse.” Hawks said, burying his face in his hands. 

Mic turned green. "I think I’m gonna be sick”

A man with a scared face then comes up and grabs her by the hair. 

Man: “Stupid little bitch! You're doing it all wrong.”

Girl: “B-but I did what you said.”

He toss her aside. 

Man: “Get on out of here. We’ll talk this over later.”

“Someone kill that guy,” muttered Mirko, cracking her knuckles.

“This city really does need a hero,” All Might said grimly, eyes narrowing at the screen.

“That creep better get what’s coming to him,” Itsuka snapped, fists clenching

Bruce: “No. I think you're finished with her.”

“Yes!” Kirishima and Tetsutetsu cheered in unison. “Get his ass, Bruce!”

The man turns to Bruce. 

Man: “Man, that crazy old vet thing is old. You stink like vice.”

Bruce: “I’m not the police. Believe me.”

Cut to a window nearby a woman with short hair in black leather looks down at the two men.

Client: "Selina, don't stop now.”

“Mommy,” Mineta whispered, practically drooling.

“She looks strong,” Midnight purred.

Selina: “Can’t be vice. We're paid up.”

Client: “Selina, what are you doing?”

Selina:“Watching some idiot tying to get himself killed.”

Back on the street a crowd gathered around the two men.

Man: “Man you pushing. You’re looking for a new scar? Just tell me where you want it.”

He then pulls out a pocket knife and lunges at Bruce.

Bruce dodges it and knees the man in the chest and kicks him in the face sending him flying. 

“OOOH!” Both classes roared in unison.

“That was beautiful,” Setsuna Tokage whistled.

“Make that scarface pay!” Kendo cheered.

“Divine retribution." Ibara whispered. 

Bruce then yelps and sees the girl from before stab him in the thigh. 

Girl: “Come on, get him!” 

“Ungrateful…” Monama said

“He was trying to help you” Iida said. 

“Loyalty is a helluva thing.” Aizawa said.

“Or the money that dries up if Scarface gets gone.” Dabi said. 

More people go at him but he easily fights them off. The girl tries to stab him again only for Bruce to grab her and toss her aside. Seeing the girl hurt, Selina jumps down and joins the brawl. She and Bruce trade blows back and forth, the two of them seemingly evenly matched.

“Damn! She’s really good,” Kendo muttered, wide-eyed.

“That she is,” Mirko said, assessing Selina. “Wouldn’t mind sparring with her myself. But she’s quirkless… I’d probably end up hurting her by accident.”

They break off but before the fight can continue a siren is heard followed by police lights. Two officers step out and point their guns on them. Telling them to freeze. Then suddenly one shoots Bruce in the shoulder and Selina immediately puts her hands up. 

The two cops walk up to Bruce bleeding on the floor. 

“He didn’t even do anything!” Ochako screamed.

Toga smiled. “Oh more blood.”

Cop1: “Jeez, Eddie, why’d you shoot? He didn’t move.” One officer said.

Eddie: “He was going to.”

“Yeah right. Classic excuse.” Hawks said.

Bruce then slowly wakes up in the cruiser listening to the cops talking.

Eddie: “Any cash?”

Cop1: “Couple of bucks. No ID. Aw, he’s bleeding all over the back seat. What if he dies?”

Eddie: “So what if he does? One less mouth to feed at the soup kitchen.”

“That man requires immediate medical attention, the least you bastards could do is cover the wound up.” Recovery Girl yelled, waving her cane. 

“They didn’t even bother to treat his wounds, how shameful” All Might said.

“Their callousness is scary.” Pony said.

“Wonder how Bruce gets out of this. If they book him the jig is up.” Shoji said.

Bruce then sits himself up and gives them a stern look.

Bruce: “You two. Stop the car. Get out.

Cop1: “The hell?”

Eddie: “Don’t mind him. Probably hopped up on something.” 

“He didn’t really think that would work right?” Momo said 

“Worth a shot.” Kaminari said.

While they were talking Bruce slipped his cuffed hands under his feet. He then tried to choke out the driver then slammed his face into the window. The other grabbed his gun but Bruce caught his hand. The out of control car bumped into a truck flipping it over on its side.

“Whoa man, has to be more careful." Sero said.

Asui nodded. “Yeah, kero , I get that he needs to get out but that was reckless. They could’ve hit someone.”

“That’s why vigilantes are a bad idea.” Aizawa said. 

Izuku noted; skilled but reckless in his note book. Like I’m one to talk.

The car started to catch fire. Bruce kicked the door open and made his way out, he then looked back at the knocked out cops.

Bruce VO: “Scum maybe. But even scum have families.”

“He’s actually saving them?” Izuku said, perking up.

“Guess he’s not so bad.” Tsu said. 

Stain perked up. The save doesn't absolve Bruce but it did make the hero killer wonder about how strong Bruce's conviction is. 

He grabs the two of them and set them down on a nearby alley. When the car exploded Bruce used it as cover to get away.

Back in his car Bruce is struggling to start it.

Recovery Girl growled. “He shouldn’t be driving. He needs to call an ambulance and get proper treatment.”

“Yeah… I don't think that's happening in his situation.” Hawks said.

“Maybe Alfred can patch him up?” Mina offered. 

“But isn’t he just a butler?” Kaminari asked 

Mina threw her hands up. “I don’t know but he’s gotta have something.”

Cut to Gordon driving while listening to a radio call. 

Radio: “Detective Flass is off duty, lieutenant. He and the guys have a poker party every Wednesday night over at Chutes.”

 Gordon puts the radio down and looks at the bat in the other seat.

“Damn, they really did a number on him.” Kendo said 

“Looks like he’s getting payback, hell yeah” Mirko said.

“Is that a good idea? He is still an officer.” Iida said. 

“I don’t like this, it could go south very badly. He’s not acting rationally.” Aizawa said. 

He then swerved out of the way of an incoming car.

Cut to a suburb where Gordon is in his car waiting for Flass to come out. When he does come out and get into his car Gordon starts to follow him with his lights off.

When they’re far enough a way Gordon drove up to the oblivious Flass he swerved into him, making Flass crash into a nearby tree.

“Was that necessary? He could’ve killed him.” Momo said.

“And nothing of value would be lost.” Mirko said. 

“You got that right.” Hawks agreed.

Dazed Flass fell out of the car. That’s when headlights shone in his face and he went for his gun. When Gordon stepped out of the car with a baseball bat in hand and drew his own gun at Flass. 

When Flass saw it was Gordon he put his hands up and threw his gun away.

Flass: “Hello Jimmy.” 

Gordon stood silent with his gun still ready.

“Here we go.” Hawks said. 

Toga looked disappointed. “Aw, no blood.”

Gordon VO: It’s been years since I had to take out a Green Beret. Even so, he deserves a handicap.

Gordon then holstered his gun and threw the bat at Flass. He caught it and smiled.

“Wait, really? he’s given him the bat?” Kosei said

Mirko smiled grimly. “This is gonna be good.”

Hawks smiled too. “Gordon doesn't seem like the type to overestimate his abilities. I think he’s got this.” 

Flass tried taking a few swings but Gordon easily dodged it. He then followed up with a flurry of punches that made Flass drop the bat. The rest of the fight was no contest as Gordon kneed Flass to the ground and got on top of him, pummeling him over and over.

“Check that fraud!” Kirishima said.

“Give it to him!” Mina said. 

“Not so tough now are ya?!” Toru screamed.

Gordon got back into his car with the bat. 

Gordon VO: He’ll never report it. Not Flass. He’ll make up some story that involves at least ten attackers. But he’ll know. And he’ll stay away from Barbra.

“So there was some rationality to it.” Aizawa said. “Then I retract my previous statement.” 

He then drives away, leaving a beaten and naked Flass tied up in the snow.

Many start laughing at Flass.

“Damn, that’s brutal… and brilliant,” Yui commented

“That’s what you get.” Juzo said.

“Try threatening a pregnant woman now.” Jiro said

“Should he be leaving him in the snow?” Izuku asked. 

“I’m sure he’ll be fine.” Mirko said. 

“It’ll be a good lesson for him.” Nemuri said.

 Bakugo crossed his arms, smirking. “Good. Let the guy know who’s boss.”

Back at the Wayne manor we see Bruce's crashed car with a trail of blood leading to the mansion. Following the trail we see Bruce sitting in a room looking at a bust of his father. 

“Damn he doesn't look too good.” Hawks said.

“He needs medical attention. Where the hell is that butler and why isn’t this oaf calling him.” Recovery said.

“Maybe he didn’t hear him come in, it is a big house.”

“All that good blood going to waste."

“I wonder whose bust he's staring at?” Izuku asked.

Bruce VO: I’ve tried to be patient. I’ve tried to wait. But I have to know. How, Father? How do I do it? What do I use to make them afraid?

“Is he going crazy?” Nejire asked.

“He did lose a lot of blood.” Mirio said.

Bruce VO: If I ring the bell, Alfred will come. Another of your gifts to me Father. But I’d rather die than wait another hour. I’ve already waited eighteen years.

Recovery Girl shook her head. “Fool, ring that bell already or you’ll be wasting your fathers gift .”

Fade to a memory of Bruce walking out of the movies with his parents.

Izuku blinked. “A flashback? That must be Bruce, but he looks so…”

“Happy.” Ochako finished

 As they make a turn into an alleyway. Out of the shadows a man steps out and pulls a gun on them. 

“Oh no, this must be it.” Mirio said.

Kota closed his eyes and covered his ears.

Izuku put a hand on his lap. “Don’t worry bud I’m right here.”

Eri clutched tighter on Mirio. “Yeah, you don't have to watch this either.” he said, turning her head away.

Bruce's father tries to deescalate but the man shoots him. Bruce’s Mother moves and she gets shot too, her pearls falling to the ground. The gunman runs leaving Bruce kneeling in his parents blood under a spotlight with a haunted look in his eyes. 

Transition back to adult Bruce with the same look in his eyes.

Kota opens his eyes and meets Bruce’s gaze on screen. It’s like looking into a mirror. He sees the same fear, the same shock, the same unbearable grief.

Bruce VO: Eighteen years since all years left my life .

As if in answer. A bat came crashing through the window and landed on his father’s bust. 

Bruce: Yes father . 

Bruce then took the small bell in his hand. Cut to black.

Chapter Text

“I see that you are all well engaged.” the voice said, sounding amused. “Before we continue, how are we all feeling about the story so far?”

They all looked up. Some of them had a look of confusion on their faces.

“What do you mean how are you feeling?” Kirishima yelled.

“That was… very depressing.” Mina said softly, her usual brightness dimmed.

“Heroism born from tragedy. A shadow to bring light.” Tokoyami intoned with his head bowed.

“That was so sad. IT WAS SUPER FUNNY!” Twice said, almost jumping from his seat. 

Dabi blinked. “When did you get here?”

“I’ve been here the whole time.” Twice said proudly. “I SNUCK WHILE YOU WHERE WATHCHING!”

Dabi groaned. “God, you’re annoying.”

“All in all.” Aizawa cut in. “While it is tragic it doesn't mean I approve of Bruce’s actions.”

“I agree.” Vlad said. “While I can understand the situation, vigilantism is not the way.”

Kendo raised her hand. “But sensei, how do they solve things legally? This city is full of corruption and from what we heard at the start anyone who tries to fight it disappeared.”

All Might gave a small nod. “I have to agree with her, Vlad. Gotham is too far gone to trust in the system. It would need something more, perhaps Bruce could give it that.”

“He’s rich isn’t he?” Present Mic asked. “Can’t he just use his money to help fix the city?”  

Snipe shook his head. “And who will that money go to? More corrupt bureaucrats? Even charity can be a mask for crime.”

Nezu folded his paws together, eyes glinting. “You’re all quite right. To save a city like Gotham would require… extraordinary means. That much is clear.”

Across the theater, All For One chuckled. His laugh rolled like thunder. “Oh, how I love this city. It reminds me of the old days, when I had Japan in my hands. Watching a cesspool like Gotham thrive on fear and corruption—it almost makes me nostalgic.”

All Might glared at him. “Keep reminiscing. Those days are gone and they're not coming back.” 

AFO tilted his head. “We’ll see about that.”

Shigaraki shifted in his seat, scratching at his neck. “The city’s trash. But… I like it. You ask me, I say let it burn.”

Toga kicked her feet, smiling faintly. “I like him. Not like all you happy-shiny heroes. But he is still a bit boring. I'd have to see more.”

Compress crossed his legs, voice smooth as ever. “So far this ‘Batman’ seems to me like a young man with a trustfund and too much time on his hands. But I will admit that he does have grit and knows more about the plight of the people than most rich heroes I’ve robbed.”

“Who cares.” Dabi said. “This whole city can go burn for all i care.”

Spinner turned to Stain. “What do you think? He might not have a true hero's heart but he does seem to want to help. He did save those officers.”

Stain groaned. “The source of his ‘heroism’ is still rooted in vengeance. Until he is shown to value true heroic qualities over his own desires I would still call him a fake.

Spinner nodded. “I understand.”

“And what about you kids?” The Voice asked.

Izuku was chewing the end of his pencil. Bruce was quirkless and had suffered a terrible tragedy. But instead of giving in to despair he resolved to become a hero to help his city. Izuk had to admire that, and he also had to admit it made him question his own drive. 

He always wanted to be a hero but since he was diagnosed quirkless he still held on to that dream. But now he wondered if he did everything he could to make that dream real before All Might gave him One for All. Yes he had studied quirks and how heroes operate but he never did try to be one. Bruce trained for eighteen years and showed really good skill while he was stuck making notes at his desk. Izuku knew that if Bruce was in his position he wouldn't let being quirkless stop him.

 Even without the same amount of money that Bruce has he still knew he could’ve trained to have the right body for the job, could’ve invested in learning how to make support gear that could compensate for not having a quirk. Mr. Aizawa is still a capable hero even without his quirk and so are many other heroes. If that was the case what stopped him from trying anything before getting OFA? 

“Deku, something wrong?” Ochako whispered.

Izuku shook his head. “No, I’m fine. Just… thinking.” Then he steeled his voice. “While it might be illegal, I think Bruce is doing the right thing.”

That drew stares.

He pressed on. “Just because it’s against the law doesn’t mean it’s wrong. The police don’t care about the law anyway. At least Bruce is trying to do something good.”

Kirishima nodded hard. “Yeah! I agree, Midoribro. The manly thing is to do the right thing no matter what.”

Iida crossed his arms, tapping his foot sharply. “While I want to agree, I cannot fully condone his actions. Vigilantism only creates chaos. What happens when Bruce beats criminals, only for the police to release them because there’s no evidence? He can’t simply rely on brute force.” He shook his head. “No. The only path is fixing the system from the inside. Lieutenant Gordon will have to be that change.”

Monoma smirked. “That’s if he lives long enough. Just because he beat up Flass doesn’t mean the rest of them will stop coming for him.”

Kendo winced but nodded. “I hate to admit it… but Monoma’s right. Gordon’s one man. If the whole police force is corrupt, he’s climbing a mountain.”

“Could he not appeal to Internal Affairs?” Momo asked.

Shoto spoke up quietly. “Unlikely. Remember what the voice said—witnesses against Loeb disappear. Unless Gordon finds proof, he’s doomed.”

Mina blinked. “Wait, you’ve been here the whole time? How come you didn’t say anything until now?”

“I was paying attention,” Shoto said flatly.

Kirishima turned to Bakugo. “What about you, Bakubro?”

Bakugo scoffed. “Tch. If those useless cops won’t do anything, then yeah—the quirkless wannabe should beat ’em bloody. Better him than nobody.”

Miruko cracked her knuckles. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

Hawks tilted his head. “Still… both Bruce and Gordon are walking on thin ice. This could go very wrong.”

Midnight exhaled. “You got that right.”

“Well then with all that, lets continue.” the Voice said before turning the screen back on.

April 4

Heavy traffic in the middle of the road. Rain pours heavily as Gordon sits in his car. 

“Guess we’re back with Gordon.” Izuku said as he noted the date.

Radio: He’s held four children at gun point. Reportedly he has a history of mental illness. SWAT team lead by Brendon has just arrived…

Gordon puts his coffee down and starts ramping his car. 

Gordon: Crap Brendon? It’ll be a massacre. 

“Oh no.” Ochako said hearing about the hostages. 

“Someone has to save them.” Izuku yelled. 

“Maybe this will be Batman’s debut.” All Might offered.

Aizawa noted that the gun man had mental issues. “This won't be clean” 

Eri quietly tugged at Mirio’s sleeve. “Will… will the kids be okay?”

He gave her a reassuring smile. “Of course, sunshine. Gordon’s on it.”

Kōta muttered from under his cap. “…Hope so.”

He goes off road and starts driving on the sidewalk, scaring some pedestrians. 

Gordon VO: Last month he and his lunatic gestapo calmed a riot down in Robinson Park. He didn’t even leave the statues standing. 

He started to drive faster causing people to jump out of the way. He then got back on the road.

“Whoa dude, I get you're in a hurry but there’s still people on the sidewalk.” Kaminari yelled. 

Midnight clicked her tongue “This Brendon sounds like someone who’s looking for a reason to pull the trigger.”

“He sounds fun.” Dabi said. 

“Hope those kids are okay. FUCK THEM KIDS!” Twice shouted.

Shigaraki chuckled, scratching at his neck. “Finally, someone I can relate to. Just smash everything until the problem goes away.”

Cut to an apartment that is surrounded by police. Citizens stand behind barricades watching. A crazed looking man has a gun on a little girl.

Man: No. Don want. Isn’t blank.

“Okay when they said he had mental problems I didn’t think they meant he was that far gone.” Present Mic said. 

“Yeah, he doesn’t sound like he’s in the same world as everyone else…” Nejire whispered, frowning.

On the ground one of the officers is arguing with the SWAT team. 

Brendon: Damn it, Merkel. I’m not here to argue, I’m here to clean up.

Merkel: Lieutenant is on his way sir. I really think…

Brendon: To hell with that spineless bastard. Now stand aside. 

Aizawa groaned. “This is a delicate operation; it requires a scalpel not a sledgehammer.”

“I don’t think this Brendon cares as long as he neutralises the threat.” Midnight said

Snipe leaned closer to the screen. “He tries that those kids are as good as gone”

“Come on Gordon.” All Might pleaded

AFO chuckled darkly. “I must admit, Gotham has a delightful tendency for its ‘protectors’ to make things worse. Such fertile ground for… influence.”

“Sounds like your kind of city,” Dabi muttered.

“It was my kind of country, once,” AFO replied.

As they try to push past Merkel Gordon crashes through the barricade and blocks the SWAT team. Gordon steps out of the car to confront them.

Gordon: Go find your own war Brendon. I’ll take it from here.

“YES!” they all shouted. 

He then  walked to the front of the building. He then shows the mad man his gun and drops on the floor and walks in the building.

“Is that a smart idea?” Kosei asked. 

Aizawa nodded. “In this circumstance, yes. Anything to deescalate the situation is preferable.”

Mirko shifted in her seat. “This is why I hate hostage situations.”

Midnight giggled “What? Mad that it’s a problem you can’t punch?”

The screen transitions to the perspective of a news channel. Barbara is listening intently

Reporter: Intense hostage situation in midtown, at the corner of Richmond and Todd. We’re getting reports that the gunman has a history of mental illness. And was apparently released from Arkham Asylum.  

“Why would they release him? He clearly isn’t well.” Iida shouted while chopping the air. 

“Maybe he was fine when he got out?” Toru wondered

“Or maybe the police aren't the only ones not taking their job seriously.” Monoma said.

Back in the apartment Gordon is slowly walking up the creaky stairs. The man steps out crying carrying the girl and pointing the gun at Gordon. Gordon put his hands up.

Gordon: Take it easy friend.

Man: No! Defibrillate! No lunch. No lunch.

They sat silent with the heroes tensing at the situation.

Gordon slowly walks to the man.

Gordon: It’s okay. We’ll order out. 

Man: No lunch! No gangrene lunch.

A cat meows distracting the man long enough for Gordon to take the gun out of his hand and knock him out. The girl the man was holding ran to the corner where the three other kids huddled together.

There was a shock when the cat meowed that was followed by a collective sigh of relief. 

“Thank God that’s over.” Ibara said. 

“Hostage situations are some of the most stressful when it comes to hero work.” All Might said.  

“You got that right.” Aizawa said. 

Gordon walked up to and knelt down. He reaches in his pocket and takes out some gum and offers it to the kids and gives them a smile.

Gordon: Who wants gum?

“This is why it’s always important to smile. It helps ease the victims." All Might said.

He continued. “Take note kids. In a hostage situation it's always best to stay calm and stop the issue from escalating. Talk to the perpetrator down so that they give up or give you an opening to take them down. Remember that.”

“YES SIR!” they all shouted. 

April 5

Loeb’s Office

Loeb: You really handled that well, Brendon.

Brendon: What was I suppose to do? Disobey a direct order? Something's gotta be done.

Loeb: I’d like nothing better. But we must be patient.

He drops a newspaper on the table that celebrates Gordon’s heroics.

Loeb: Gordon has the press on his side. He’s a hero.

“You're kidding me right? No way he’s complaining about Gordon dining his job right.” Juzo said. 

“Super unmanly” Kirishima said shaking his head in sync with Tetstutetstu  

“Bastard’s just mad he didn’t get to shoot anyone.” Vlad said. 

Toga pouted. “That’s a shame there would’ve been lots of blood”

"At least Gotham has more than one hero.” All Might said. 

“All that press for Gordon must sting for men like them,” AFO chuckled. “When a system thrives on corruption, the honest man becomes the enemy.”

Shigaraki sneered. “Doesn’t matter how many kids he saves— this city will still eat him alive.”

“All the more reason he needs to stand his ground,” All Might countered firmly.

Izuku scribbled furiously in his notes. If Gordon is fighting from inside and Batman from outside… maybe together they can actually make change.

April 6

Shooting gallery

Gordon shoot the target square in the chest. Flash cut to him with his wife having an ultra sound. Back to Gordon shooting. Flash back to Gordon staring the printed scan looking worried. Back to the present where he shoots the target in the head. 

Gordon VO: I hate the job I hate the gun. But I keep practicing. 

Cut to night where Gordon is sitting on his bed staring at he floor while his wife is asleep. 

“He just saved those kids. How can he hate it?”  Izuku asked. 

“It’s probably not what he was expecting when he first signed up.” Aizawa said. 

Hawks nodded. “Yeah. Hero or cop—this job eats at you. Makes you carry things you’d rather not.”

Izuku gripped his pen harder. “But… isn’t he still doing good things? Shouldn’t that be enough?”

Hawks sighed. “Sometimes the good doesn’t weigh as much as the bad.”

Gordon VO: How did I let this happen?

He puts a hand on his wife’s belly. 

Gordon VO: To bring an innocent child to life. In a city without hope. 

“I didn’t think about it like that…” Izuku whispered. He tightened his grip on his pen. He doesn’t want to bring up a child in Gotham. But maybe… maybe Batman is what could give him hope again.

“He can’t lose hope!” All Might pleaded. “Not when people are counting on him.”

“Or perhaps wear a condom next time?” Compress said, earning sharp looks from nearly everyone.

Eri blinked in confusion. “What’s… a condom?”

“NOTHING!” Mirio, Izuku, and Aizawa all yelped at once, flustered.

Pan to the window where we see a dark figure with a cape jumping around rooftops. 

“Was that…”

“It was him.” Izuku said. 

April 9

Gordon’s Apartment. 

Barbra is massaging Jim’s back.

Barbra: I could use a jackhammer on your back.

Gordon: Your doing fine honey.

“Lucky bastard.” Mineta said before getting smacked by Asui’s tongue. 

“What I would give for a loving wife to do that to me.” Kaminari said before Jiro stabbed him with one of her jacks. “Ow! I thought you couldn’t hurt anyone here.”

The phone rings and goes to answer it.

Gordon: Ignore it.

She answers it anyway. 

Barbra: Hello?

Merkel: I’m sorry, Mrs. Gordon…

Barbra listens then gives Jim the phone.

Barbra: It’s Merkel at the station. Something about a giant bat.

Jim has a disappointed look on his face.

“He must be busy if they already heard about him.” Midnight said

“If that’s the case then he’s being reckless.” Aizawa groaned.

“Not everyone can be as underground as you.” Present Mic said. 

“And he is new.” Cementoss said. “Any hero activity in this world would be noticed.”

Cut to the rooftops of Gotham. Batman is patrolling jumping from roof top to rooftop. 

On the fire escape three criminals are stealing a TV. As they make their escape Batman drops between them rising menacingly. 

“Cool!” Kirishima and Tetstutetstu said. 

“A dark avenger set to strike.” Tokoyami said. 

“Not a bad costume for one of the world's first heroes.” Midnight said

“Let's see if it actually intimidates them.” Aizawa said. 

One of the robbers get spooked he tripped and fell off the fire escape. Batman goes to grab his leg stopping him from falling. 

Aizawa sighed. “And it already went sideways.”

As he was holding on the other robbers took the opportunity to kick him in the chest and the face. The other took the TV and smashed it over Batman’s head. 

“What the hell!?” Ojiro said

“Your friend could die if he lets go.” Sero said 

“Just drop him!” Bakugo growled.

“This is amateur hour.” Aizawa said.

“All that training, and he almost dies on night one.”Shigaraki mocked.

Batman kicks the one behind him knocking him out. He then pulls the leg of the other’s leg which causes him to hit his head on the railing.

He pulls the last one up and sits down breathing heavy. 

Batman VO: Amateur. Lucky amateur.  

“You’re goddamn right you are.” Aizawa sneered.

Present Mic turned to him. “Aw come on Shota he’s still new to this.”

Aizawa shook his head. “He also has training that suggests he could do better.”

All Might leaned in. “But he didn’t give up. He pushed through, even after the hits. That’s what matters.” 

May 15

Police Station, Meeting room. 

Gordon addressed the other seated officers while a new blonde female officer stood next to him.

Gordon: Some of you know Detective Essen. She returned to Gotham from Lakeside to help with our investigation. 

All the heads in the room turn to her and the men start whistling and commenting on her. 

“God damn!” Mineta and Kaminari shouted. 

Momo glared at them. “Could they at least have some tact?”

Iida started chopping the air. “That inappropriate behavior to a fellow officer.”

Midnight giggles. “She doesn't look like she minds.”

Izuku, meanwhile, scratched his pen furiously across the page. “Detective Essen… transferred from Lakeside… assisting Gordon directly.”

Gordon: Okay, okay. Listen up. Our vigilante, or Batman as the news shows are calling him, has committed seventy assaults in the past five weeks. Now during his time certain patterns have emerged. 

Dect. Essen hands Gordon a file. 

Gordon: Thank you. He operates between the hours of midnight and 4a.m.. Concentrating his efforts on the East End. 

He then turns to the wall showing sketches of what they think Batman looks like.

“Those don’t even look like him! THE RESEMBLANCE IS UNCANNY!” Twice said. 

Toga leaned forward, grinning at one monstrous sketch. “Oooh, that one’s my favorite!”

Dabi groaned. “Of course you’d like the nightmare fuel version.”

AFO chuckled darkly. “Fear is a canvas. Batman is painting on it brilliantly.”

Gordon: This Batman is working his way up the crime ladder. From junkie to pusher to supplier. No one appears safe, not even cops. Right Flass?

The camera pans to Flass who has his arm in a sling and is wearing a neck brace.

Flass: It’s not human.

The other cops start laughing. Gordon raises a hand to calm them down but is smiling.

The heroes and the class laugh as well.

Mirko smirked. “I’ll never get tired of seeing that bastard humbled.”

Bakugo snarled. “Tch, does that idiot seriously think he fought a monster?”

Aizawa crossed his arms. “He’s either covering his tracks or delusional. Probably both.”

Nezu steepled his paws. “Why not both indeed.”

Izuku scribbled quickly: Pattern = escalation. Spreads fear in both criminals and corrupt police. Strategic intimidation. Compare to Pro Hero tactics.

Gordon: Gentleman. Why don’t you tell us what happened? And try not to exaggerate

Flass: It’s like I said in my report. 

Fade to the memory. Night. Flass is receiving a bribe from a drug dealer

Flass VO: I received an anonymous tip leading me to the East End cocaine delivery.

Pan to criminals loading drugs in a truck.

Flass VO: I was in the process of single handedly apprehending the felons.

“Is he like a pathological lair?” Jiro asked

“Not unless it makes him look good.” Mina said.

From a nearby rooftop Batman unfurls his cape and jumps down landing on the car and spooking the criminals. 

Flass: It came out of the night sky. Wings 30f across. 

Kaminari leaned forward. “That entrance though—so cool!”

“It looks like the scare tactic is working.” Present Mic said, jabbing his elbow into Aizawa. 

The dealer Flass was talking to pulled out a gun and fired.

Flass: One of the felons I had not disarmed yet produced a gun and fired pointblank. 

Batman ducks and the bullet passes through the cape. From his gloves he produces small bat shaped darts and throws them at the criminals. They strike, knocking them all out. 

Flass: The bullet passed right through the creature like it wasn’t even there. Something flew from its hand. Little dart things. Paralyzed everyone, except me.

“Damn he’s good.” Mirko said smiling. 

“Way better than before.” Monoma said. 

Present Mic turned to Aizawa. “What do you think, Shota? He kinda fights like you.”

Aizawa sighed but nodded. “I’ll admit this is a significant improvement. I’ll give him an A.”

Midnight blinked. “You're grading him?”

Aizawa nodded. “If our students have to learn from this I need to make sure they learn the right thing.”

Izuku muttered while writing: Improvised projectiles. Small, bat-shaped darts. Precision-based. Fear layering = cape, shadow, sudden movement.

Cut back to the meeting room where we can hear laughing.

Flass: It singled me out. It had claws. I'm telling you it isn’t human. 

Gordon clams them down again.

Gordon: Gentlemen please. 

Kendo frowned. “I hope every dirty cop in Gotham gets the same treatment.”

“He’s legend is spreading fast.” All Might said. 

“This really is like the beginning days of heroes.” Nezu said.  “Where they started off as rumors and myths.”

May 19

A mansion with multiple limos parked in the driveway. 

Batman sneaks up to the drivers and injects him with something that knocks them out.

“Wait what’s he doing here?” Mina asked

Izuku scribbled: High-profile gathering. Possible mob leaders. “Stakeout mission?”

Hawks shrugged. “All the big wigs in one place? Sounds like opportunity.”

Midnight tapped her chin. “But opportunity for what?”

Inside the mansion dining room the elite of Gotham are gathered.

Marian: Have you seen Batman, Commissioner. They say he’s huge.  

Falcone: You shouldn’t pry Marian. Gil has his hands full these days. We’re trusting him to cope with Batman and Gordon. 

Compress sneered. “They reek of excess. Even their dining feels like mockery.”

“That’s all rich assholes for ya.” Shigaraki said.

Man: Well whoever this Batman is, he’s having a positive effect on the public spirit. Street crime has dropped significantly. Hell Gil, maybe you ought to offer him a job.

Falcone sits and slams his glass on the table.

Falcone: Hey, hey, let's not kid ourselves. Batman is costing us all money. 

All Might’s jaw tightened. “Good. Let it cost them dearly.”

Loeb: Two sides to everything friend. Look at the long term. A few street operators are put out of action, yes, but the people of Gotham have a hero. Makes them feel safe. 

Man: And the safer they feel, the fewer questions they ask right Gil? 

Aizawa sighed. “…Unfortunately, he’s right.”

Nezu’s ears twitched. “It is the paradox of heroes. Safety breeds complacency.”

AFO leaned in with a smirk. “So even your own leader admits the flaw.”

Nezu returned the smirk. “We don’t discard systems for being imperfect.”

“Yet,” AFO whispered.

Stain’s voice was sharp. “If frauds had been culled, true safety might exist. Batman at least tries to carve out truth.”

Izuku scribbled harder: Dual strategy forming—Gordon reforming internally, Batman externally. Ideal scenario = coordination. Will they align?

Outside by a window Batman  sets up a spotlight with a knocked out guard on the floor. Back inside they open a platter and set it on fire.

“What is he doing? I thought he was here to collect evidence.” Momo asked

“That won’t matter if no one will prosecute them.” Nezu said.

“Maybe he’s laying a trap?” Izuku wondered.

Falcone:  I don’t like it. It’s stirring things up. And with Gordon pushing Internal Affairs to go after Flass…He would be difficult to replace. And if he were to talk…

Loeb: Let me worry about Flass.

“So Gordon is trying to change things from the inside.” Izuku noted. 

“Hopefully it works.” All Might said. 

“I mean it's good that both are happening isn’t it? One handles the external threats the other handles the internal ones.” Izuku said. 

Momo nodded. “That is the best case scenario. I wonder if Batman and Gordon will ever meet.”

“That would make for a dynamic duo.” Present Mic said. 

“Or Gordon arrests him for vigilantism, "Endeavour said.

Cut to Batman unpinning a grenade then back in the room. 

“Wait. What's that?” Kosei asked. 

“He’s gonna do what I think he will.” Asui aid worried. 

Compress chuckled. “Best solve the problem by cutting it at its root.”

“Everyone relax. It’s just a smoke grenade,” Aizawa said.

Loeb: Relax Carmine. I got everything under control.

The grenade smashes through the window and lands on the table releasing smoke. As everyone is panicking Batman cuts the powerline turning the lights inside off. 

–: Whats going on?

–: The lights! What happened to the lights! 

An explosion goes off by the and the wall and Batman walks in with the spotlight from behind making him look menacing. 

Batman: Ladies, gentlemen, you’ve eaten well. You’ve eaten Gotham’s wealth. It’s spirit. But your feast is nearly over. From this moment on, none of you are safe.

He then puts out the flame on the platter leaving them in darkness. 

“That was one of the most manlyest things I’ve seen!” Kirishima shouted.

Tetstu nodded. “Ditto.”

“So it’s was a warning tactic. Smart, but a bit too theatrical for my taste.” Aizawa said. 

Compress clapped. “A master of presentation. Bravo.”

“Won’t this just make them angry?” Ochako asked. 

Kendo nodded. “Yeah now they’ll treat him like a serious threat.”

“That could be a good thing. It could make them sloppy.” Izuku said. 

May 20

Loeb’s Office.

Loeb: No excuses. That vigilante bastard goes under, instantly. Or it’s your job.

Gordon walks out of the office with no expression.

“Yep, they're angry.” Kendo said. 

Hawks chuckled. “A random vigilante just walked in a room with the most powerful people in the city like it was nothing. It makes them look weak.”

Midnight frowned. “And of course they stick Gordon with this. The only honest cop, forced to bring down the only man helping him.”

AFO chuckled softly. “Two forces of justice set against one another. How interesting."

June 2

Late Night, Gotham Streets

A blond women walks down a shady looking street. 

Batman VO: She knows how to walk in heels. So few women do these days. 

“I feel called out.” Jiro said.

“It’s not that hard.” Momo said

“Easy for you to say.”

Midnight laughed. “When this is over, I’ll give you lessons, sweetie.”

Asui blinked. “Why is walking in heels note-worthy?”

Aizawa answered. “Because it doesn’t make sense. Nobody sensible walks alone here at night looking like that.”

A man jumps out of an alley and reaches for the woman’s purse. She screams and wrestles the purse out of the muggers hands.

Batman VO: She knows how to scream.

“A mugger!” Iida yelled..

“He has to save her.” Izuku said

Aizawa shook his head. “No he doesn't"

Izuku blinked. “What do you mean sensei”

The woman starts to run from the robber and he pulls out a knife and chases her. 

Batman VO: you can hear it from the rooftops. 

The man and woman pass an alley where Batman is watching.

“Why is he just watching?” Ochako said.

Batman VO: Gordon is wasting a lot of man power on these traps. 

Batman slinks away and the man and woman stop running. They look around as if waiting for something. Gordon then steps out of a nearby car. 

Gordon: We’ll try again tomorrow night. 

They both walk back to his car as Gordon looks around. 

“Oh” Ochako said

Kendo scratched her head. “I kinda feel stupid now.”

Aizawa pinched the bridge of his nose. “When we get back, all of you are getting situational awareness drills.”

June 5

Falcone Mansion.

Inside the garage a guard walks past various cars until he notices one is missing. 

He panics and runs ion to his boss’s room.

“Uh oh,” snipe said

“Someone’s getting fired.” Dabi said. 

Guard: Mr. Falcone, your Rolls, it’s gone.

They stop when they see the state of their boss. He was naked in his bed with his hands and feet tied behind his back. 

Falcone: He took it. Said it’s in the river. Thinks he’s a damn Robin Hood. He dies.

“So know he’s just fucking with them?” Shigaraki said. 

“He’s just making them angrier, how does that help?” Montana said. 

“Like  Izuku said before, it makes them sloppy. But it also tells them that he can do whatever he wants to them at anytime.”

“You almost sound impressed.” Midnight said. 

Aizawa ignored her.

Izuku muttered under his breath: Psychological warfare. Not just fear—humiliation. Targets lose composure faster when their pride is attacked.

June 6

Night. District Attorney Office. 

Gordon and another man walk into an office with an exercise bench. 

Gordon: He knows when and where we set our traps for him, and night after night, he terrorizes the most powerful men in Gotham. Heard what he did to the Romans car.

Dent: Laughed myself silly. A Rolls Royce. 

Izuku tilted his head. “Who’s this?”

“Harvey Dent. Assistant District Attorney.” the voice explained

“You think Gordon is here for help?” Present Mic asked Aizawa. 

Aizawa shook his head. “I doubt there's much he can do.” 

Gordon: You’ve been after the Roman for years. Some of your witnesses changed their testimony. Others vanished. It must be frustrating. 

Harvey: Oh yes. 

“Ah, that’s what it’s about.” Nezu said. 

“What?” Mina asked, confused. 

“Gordon suspects Dent might be Batman.” Nezu answered. 

“Really?” Kendo asked. “Isn't it a bit farfetched that a lawyer does all that in his spare time.” 

“You’d be surprised by the things people do to achieve their goals.”

Gordon takes hold of the barbell.

Gordon: Do you mind?

Dent: Go for it.

Gordon starts lifting the weight.

Gordon: I understand he used his muscle to keep you from making DA.

He lifted the weight a few more times before putting it back down.

“So he has motive.” Hawks said. 

Gordon: You keep in shape don’t you Mr. Dent?

Dent: What are you driving at lieutenant?

“And he’s got the right build.” Miriko commented. 

Gordon pulls out a notebook and pen. 

Gordon: I need to know where you were on the following dates. 

Cut to Gordon walking out of the office.

Gordon: Thank you, sir.

“Can’t say I blame him. He would be one of my suspects too if I was on this case.” 

After Gordon leaves Dent’s smile drops. He then closes the door and sit on his table.

Dent: I thought he’d never leave. You can come out now.

Batman then sneaks into the office through the window. 

“So Batman is working with someone.” Izuku said as he noted the new relationship. 

“Smart.” Midnight said. “That’s how he knows where to strike the mobsters. Probably how he knows about the traps too.”

“But why work with a vigilante?”  Vlad asked. “He’s risking his career.”

“Like Gordon said, he must be frustrated with the system. He probably sees this as the only way to get justice.” Nezu said.

“And the cracks in society widen.” AFO sneered.

Cut to Gordon and Essen driving down the street. 

Gordon: He had an alibi for every date Essen. Says he was home between midnight and four with his wife. No point questioning her.

“Why not question his wife?” Jiro asked. 

“No use getting the same story twice.” Aizawa answered. 

Essen: You really think he's Batman, lieutenant?

Gordon: It’s possible. Dent certainly is passionate enough. But it takes more than muscle to fight the way Batman does. And to get around the way he does. And those weapons? He’s got an arsenal. Can’t afford that on a blue collar salary.  

“Pretty solid reasoning.” Aizawa admitted.

Essen: Money lieutenant.

Gordon: Hmm?

Essen: Bruce Wayne is the richest man in Gotham. Being from out of town you might not know, but Wayne's parents were murdered, by a mugger I think. He was just a little boy at the time.

Mina winced. “Damn, that was fast… they put it together already?”

“It’s the only logical explanation,” Nezu said calmly. “But they still lack proof. Right now it’s conjecture.”

Gordon: Essen, I could kiss you. 

“You’re a married man Jim!” Hawks shouted.

Essen: Jim!

Gordon screeched the cat to a halt as a truck passed in front of them. Gordon caught a glimpse of the driver asleep at the wheel. 

“Is that guy asleep at the wheel?” Monoma yelled. 

“Or drunk.” Setuna said with a scoff. 

“Doesn’t matter,” Vlad cut in. “He’s gonna get someone if they don’t stop him.”

Gordon: Hold on!

Gordon starts the car again and follows the truck. He drives next to it and opens the door. 

Gordon: Take the wheel. 

“This is really dangerous.” Tamaki said.

“Come on Gordon” Mirio cheered on fist pumping.

As Essen took the wheel he jumped on the truck. On a nearby roof top Batman notices the commotion. 

“Batman! Maybe he can help.” Izuku shouted. 

“What’s he gonna do?” Dabi cut in. “Body slam the truck?”

On the road a homeless woman is pulling a shopping cart across the street.

“Can’t she hear it coming?!” Snipe Shouted half standing 

“She has to get out of there.” All Might shouted. 

 As Gordon is trying to get to the wheel Batman jumps down and pushes the woman out of the way.

“Yes he saved her!” Izuku cheered. 

“That was too close for comfort.” Momo said with a hand on her chest.

 “Tch,” Dabi clicked his tongue. “All that fuss over a homeless rat. Nothing of value would’ve been lost.”

“Disgusting,” Endeavor growled, flames licking at his shoulders.

“Oh, don’t act like you’re a saint,”Dabi bit back. “You’ve crushed plenty of ‘rats’ under your boots.”

 Gordon falls off the truck as it crashes into a wall. On the ground Gordon sees Essen have her gun aimed at Batman.

“What?! He just saved someone!” Kirishima barked.

“He’s still a wanted man,” Vlad explained grimly.

“Don’t you just love the justice system?” Shigaraki snorted.

Essen: Don’t move! Lieutenant you alright? I called backup. 

Gordon: Essen!

As she looked back at Gordon, Batman took the opportunity to punch her and run into an alley. Gordon took out his gun dazed. 

Gordon: Stop! Or I’ll…

He is too dazed and puts the gun down. At the same time multiple cop cars pull up. 

Gordon: It’s Batman! He went down that alley. 

The officers followed and upon Batman started shooting at him. One of them hit him in the leg but he kept running. Batman turns a corner and sees a window boarded up. He jumps into it, breaking the boards.

“Well this is a shit show.” Monoma said. 

 “This is bad,” Recovery Girl whispered. “He’ll bleed out if he doesn’t stop moving.”

“He won’t stop,” Aizawa said quietly.

Gordon: Get the front of that palace covered! Merkel, take a squad to the roof. No one fires without my order.

Cut to inside the abandoned building Batman walks up old stairs leaving a blood trail.

“I’m starting to like this hero. He bleeds al ot.” Toga said. 

“This is worse than before. He’s completely surrounded.” Aizawa said. 

“He’s best option at this point is probably to give up.” Vlad said. 

Hawks shook his head. “Yeah I don’t think that's happening.” 

“Then how’s gonna get out of this?” Present Mic Wondered. 

“He’ll find a way, I just know it.” Izuku whispered to himself. 

 Cut back to Gordon arguing on a radio. 

Gordon: Batman hasn’t attacked anybody. There’s no need for Brendon. I’ve got the situation in hand. 

“You gotta be kidding me.” Kaminari said. 

“They’re bringing in that bastard?” Bakugo complained. 

“That takes turning himself in out of the option.” Hawks said. 

“You don’t think they’ll accept surrender?” Asui wondered. 

Aizawa shook his head. “No, the Batman has been too much of a problem for them. They want him dead.”

A helicopter comes in, making everyone shield their eyes from the wind and spotlight. As the chopper flies over the building it’s revealed to be holding a bomb. 

Izuku dropped his pen. What the…a bomb?”

“That is totally overkill.” Toru complained. 

“What if there are still people in there?” Iida said. 

“And the surrounding buildings.” Momo said. 

“Like they care.” Monoma whispered.  

Gordon: Oh no. Everybody back!

The cops take cover behind their cars. The bomb drops and explodes leaving the top floor in flames. The smoke can be seen from all over the city.

“NO!” many shouted. 

“Bastards!” Mirko yelled. 

“I knew they wanted him dead but this is too much.” Endeavour said. 

“Like you would know anything about restraint.” Dabi snickered.  

Kota sat rigid watching. “They all just want to kill. Same as…” he trailed off and bit his lip hard.

 Izuku noticed and leaned toward him. “Kota…”

Kota shook his head quickly, not wanting to say more.

Inside the burning building. Batman wakes up on the stairs, then the floor breaks causing him to fall through. On the floor he quickly gets out of the way of falling debris. His utility belt starts sparking and he throws it away. He turns and gasps as he sees a burning corpse be running out of the way of more falling debris. He then looks down at a metal door hatch on the floor.

 “Damn—how is he even standing?” Kirishima muttered.

“Dumb luck,” Monoma scoffed.

“No,” Ibara said softly. “Providence. He’s not meant to die here.”

“He lost his tools. Now it’s just him and his will,” Izuku whispered

Shigaraki chuckled lowly. “Cornered like a rat in a burning cage… It’s almost beautiful.”

Eri buried her face against Mirio’s arm. “...He won’t die, right?”

Mirio smiled gently. “No way. Guys like him… they don’t go out that easy.”

Tamaki, unusually firm, muttered, “He’ll find a way.”

Mirio chuckled softly, but his eyes stayed serious on the flames.

“Basment would be a good idea.” Momo suggested. 

Aizawa shook his head. “It’d also be the first place they look.”

Cut to Selina’s apartment. The girl from before is watching as the chopper drops another bomb on the building. 

Holly: Selina, come see.

Selina wakes up from bed surrounded by cats. She picks he clock up and looks at the time. 

Selina: Five in the morning? Come on Holly. 

Holly: I’m serious Selina. Things are blowing up. 

Selina: Brendon’s probably cornered some jaywalker. Turn on the TV. Gotta be something on about it. 

“Why are we seeing these two again?” Jiro asked. 

“I’m not complaining.” Mineta said leaning in. 

“She must really like cats.” Ockako noted. 

Cut back to the building that has now lost it’s roof and paramedics can be seen taking someone on a stretcher. Then a SWAT truck comes in with all the officers walking out.

Brendon: Lock and load.

Gordon: Brendon. Keep your men under control. No one fires unless I say. 

Brendon: Not this time Gordon. The commissioner wants a corpse. He’s gonna get one. 

They then move past Gordon and enter the building. 

Brendon: All units, entering the target area. No prisoners men. 

"Damn this is not gonna be easy.” Midnight said. 

“He can’t take ‘em all. Especially in his condition.” Present Mic said. 

“He still has a chance if he’s smart about it.” Aizawa said.

All Might raised his fist. “I believe in him.” 

Back to Selina’s apartment where Holly is watching the news as Selina feeds the cats. 

Reporter: Batman has been surrounded by Gotham police inside an  abandoned building in Robinson Park.   

Holly: Selina, it’s Batman. Can we?

Selina: What the hell. Grab your coat. 

Back inside the building the SWAT team is sweeping the building. 

Cop: Unit 1 reporting, second floor’s a mess. Nothing living.

Cop: Unit 2 reporting, body under the water heater just an old wino. 

One of their flashlights lands on the trapdoor. 

“Those bastards! They don’t even care that they killed someone with that bomb.” Tetstuteststu shouted. 

“They’ll probably write it off as collateral damage.” Aizawa said. 

“Really wish I was there to crack their skulls.” Mirko said. 

“Oh no, it looks like they found him.” Mina said. 

“Don’t be too sure.” Nezu said. 

Cop: If he made it down there , he might have survived.

Brendon shoots at the door. 

Brendon: Check it out.

One of them opens the door and they enter leaving two outside. Batman sneaks up from behind the two and knocks them out. 

Aizawa’s eyes narrowed. “Exactly as I said. First place they’d check. Which means the last place he’d actually stay.”

Hawks whistled low. “Smart. He’s always one step ahead.”

In the basement the team checks out the room before the door above them closes. Brendon runs up and bangs on it demanding it to be opened. Then their radios turn on

Batman: I like you where you are, Brendon. Too many people have already died. Order your squad to withdraw. I can’t guarantee their safety. 

Brendon grabs the radio angrily.

Brendon: Unit 1 and 2, converge on the lobby, he’s here. Shoot on sight. 

“Well there goes negotiating.” Monoama said. 

“At least the ones down there are out of the way.” Jiro said. 

Izuku scribbled in notes on how to deal with stealth and large numbers. Keep engagement to a minimum. Put enemies in a position where they can’t retaliate.

Said units start to make their way to the lobby. Batman drops a smoke pellet into the basement room making them scramble for masks. 

. “Man, I need to talk to Hatsume when we get back,” Ojiro muttered. “Support gear like that would be a game changer.”

“Yeah. I know what you mean.” Izuku said. “ His utility belt is like a portable support shop. He plans for every angle.”

Momo nodded, thoughtful. “I’m realizing how under-utilized my creation quirk is. I could do so much more with proper training and foresight.”

Outside the other officer hears what's going on but Gordon casually wipes his glasses. 

Brendon: Goddamnit. Unit one do you read me? 

Merkel: Seems like Brendon is in trouble. 

Gordon: I wish I could help, but orders are orders. It breaks my heart.

“Oh yeah, such a tragedy,” Present Mic said dryly.

“Heartbreaking,” Hawks smirked.

Shigaraki tilted his head. “Funny. Heroes cheering for cops to fail. Maybe you’re all starting to understand my worldview.”

“They’re not cops,” Vlad growled. “They’re butchers in uniform.”

Shigaraki chuckled. “If that helps you sleep at night, sure.”

From the onlooking crowd Selina and Holly push to the front. More choppers arrive and Loeb is flying in one of them with a sniper. 

Pilot: Sir he’s taken out Unit 3.

Loeb turns to the sniper.

Loeb: You better shoot straight son. 

The sniper then takes aim at the door and windows.

“As if things weren’t bad enough.” Sero said. 

“Should he even be here?” Kaminari asked. 

“Probably want to make sure he stays dead.” Izuku said. 

Back inside Batman is bandaging his leg with a cat nearby. 

Batman VO: I’ve made a mess of things. Let it get out of hand. 

“That’s for sure.” Aizawa said.

“At least he’s treating it,” Recovery Girl added, though her scowl was sharp. “Too little, too late if he pushes too far though.”

Footsteps are heard and he hides under the stairs and SWAT make their way down. 

Cop: Careful these stairs are about to give way. 

As they were sweeping the room the cat jumped out causing one of the cops to shoot at it. He is stopped by the other one. Once he calmed down they continued. 

“Trigger happy dumbass.” Mirko said. 

“Thank goodness he didn’t hit the cat.” Koji whispered. 

Batman VO: With my belt gone, I’m down to my blow gun. Three darts and an unofficial invention of Wayne Electronics. 

He opens the heel of his boot and presses the button in it that emits a strange sound. Transitioning from the city to the outskirts of town.

Jiro winced, hands clapped over her ears. “What the hell is that?”

“A signal,” Momo murmured, eyes narrowing. “But to what?”

“Maybe Alfred?” Mina guessed.

Kaminari blinked. “What’s Alfred gonna do—parachute in?”

Mina stuck her tongue out at him.

Batman VO: Haven’t tested it for this great a distance. Took me weeks to find the right ultrasonic tone. A tone that acts as an attractant.

Transition to a cave where the sound of bats can be heard.

Izuku’s eyes widened. “Wait a cave?”

Aizawa squinted. “This’ll be interesting.”

“And terrifying." Midnight said. 

Tamaki shrank in his seat. “This won’t end well.”

Back in the building. The SWAT team is trying to list a log that was placed over the trapdoor. As they were struggling, the officers noticed something under the staircase. As he got closer Batman shot a dart in his neck, knocking him out. Immediately the other officers shoot him causing him to run behind multiple pillars. The cat was about to get shot but Batman catches it and throws it out the window. He gets shot in the arm and as they continue shooting they hit Merkel and Gordon ducks for cover. 

Gordon: Cease fire you idiots. 

Dabi threw his hands up. “He’s right in front of you bastards.”

“Guess that’s what happens when you lead by corruption,” Compress said. 

“That crowd better stay back. This could get worse.” Recovery Girl said, waving her cane. 

“At least the cat made it out.” whispered Koji

Batman takes cover behind a large pillar. Brendon climbs out of the basement from the chimney and takes his helmet off. 

Brendon: I’m gonna cut that bastard in half. 

Sero whistled. “Damn. That's one tough pillar.” 

“But it won't last for long.” Ojiro observed.. 

As they close in they cause more damage to the pillar and when it looks weak Batman kicks it down causing the whole ceiling to fall.

“I thought kicking the tree was impressive, that was crazy!” Present Mics shouted. 

“With a bum leg too.” Snipe said. 

“He did let them shoot the pillar enough to make it weak. Plus this is an old building it probably would’ve fallen over eventually.” Aizawa said. 

“But still. For a quirkless person to do that while injured is impressive.” Midnight said. 

Aizawa turned to her. “Didn’t say that it wasn’t. Just that it’s not impossible.”

 The room fills with smoke and as Brendon gets up Batman grabs him. He glares then throws Brendon out the building. The crowd cheers and Gordon watches on. 

Gordon: They’ve made a hero out of him. 

“That’s right!” Izuku blurted Beside him, Mirio pumped a fist.

All Might folded his arms, nodding. “Other than Gordon, he’s the only one deserving that title.”

Shigaraki scoffed, scratching at his neck. “Tch. They cheer for a freak in a mask they don’t even know.”

“He beats and terrifies the people who hurt them,” Mirko countered. “That’s all that matters.”

“In a city so dark, even a flicker shines like the sun,” Tokoyami intoned, voice solemn.

Then the crowd starts screaming and Gordon turns to see a swarm of bats flying towards them. The crowd panics and many run for cover. 

“Yep, that's terrifying.” Kaminari said. 

“It was a bat signal.” Mirio joked. 

“With all that training and gear, he might as well have a quirk,” Yaoyorozu said thoughtfully.

“Yeah, I can actually see him beating some of us,” Kirishima admitted.

“Speak for yourself!” Bakugo snapped.

Inside the building Batman fights the SWAT team, taking them out quickly and efficiently. Eventually they gang up on him and surround him. The bats burst in the building distracting them.

 “He’s so fast and precise,” Iida said, leaning forward, eyes shining.

“I wonder who trained him,” Kendo mused. “No quirk, but no hesitation against armed men.”

“Those bats added about a thousand points to his cool factor,” Monoma muttered, grudging admiration in his tone.

“They also gave rabies to half the city,” Recovery Girl said flatly.

“Can’t all be perfect,” Hawks replied.

Gordon takes Merkel inside his car to get away from the bats when Batman runs on top of his car. The swarm starts heading in a different direction and from the helicopter Loeb sees Batman on a police bike leading the bats away. 

Loeb: There the motorcycle. After him. 

“He finally got out.” Izuku cheered. 

They get lower to the road and Loeb tells the sniper to shoot, but the bats catch up and enter the chopper. The bats then swarm the cop car chasing bat man leading them to the river.  

“I don’t think that could’ve gone better.” Present Mic said. 

Aizawa shook his head. “Those bats were a huge risk. Those cops could have crashed into something. And that helicopter could’ve crashed in the street.”

“You're right about that. But he was in between a rock and a hard place.” Midnight said. 

“I don’t think he would’ve cared if they died.” Asui said. 

“I think he would actually.” Izuku interjected. 

“Why?” she asked. 

“At every opportunity that he could’ve killed or let someone die he hasn’t. I don’t think he wants to see anyone die like he told Brendon earlier.” Izuku explained. 

“Huh. you're right. I didn’t think about that.” 

Gordon VO: Every member of Brendon’s team, every cop and everybody in the crowd ere vaccinated for bat bites. 

Fade to Holly and Selina getting shots in rather uncomfortable places. 

Gordon VO: Never had so many had such trouble sitting down.

“Do they have to give it there?” Mina whined, squirming in her seat.

Recovery Girl nodded sternly. “As painful as it is, yes. Perhaps next time they’ll think twice before blundering into chaos.”

“In a world of heroes?” Nezu’s eyes gleamed. “Unlikely.”

Cut to Brendon on a stretcher. 

Gordon VO: Four of Brendon’s men were hospitalized with broken bones. Brendon himself suffered four broken ribs and internal bleeding. 

“I say he got off easy.” Mirko said. 

Cut to the building showing the burnt corpse of the homeless man.

Gordon: The dead winos had no relatives to complain about the fire bombing. Everyone who could’ve ordered Brendon and Loeb up on charges remains to me by appointment or telephone. 

“There’s always someone you can’t save.” All Might whispered. 

“I still hold that that bomb was unnecessary."Endeavour said. 

“It’s not like they cared to begin with. I think we have to remember that these people  might as well be villains with the way they operate.” Nezu said. 

All For One’s laughter rumbled again. “Now that, little mouse, is something we agree on.”