Third person pov

Don't ask Aizawa how long it took him to get Kaminari out of his goddamn house. Just... don't. He doesn't want to talk about it. He's already going through the many stages of grief over the fact that his husband seems to genuinely like the kid. As in, this isn't the last time Aizawa will be tortured with the electric brat's presence. Again, he has nothing against Kaminari. He just wants his students as far away from him as humanely possible after hours, thank you. He's got a life outside of work and he'd like to live it.

Nighteye's agency isn't as large as most, but it still manages to loom over them as they mentally prepare for their meeting with All Might and his colleagues. A secure location is pertinent for a discussion like this, and the agency was the perfect place. Shota can tell Atlantis is nervous about the whole thing, constantly fidgeting, his mind alight with what feels like an endless pit of worries through their bond. Shota wraps a hand around his husband's, his own heart thundering a bit with apprehension. He doesn't know how the hell Hitoshi can stay so calm. Kid's got sunglasses on and is obnoxiously slurping away at his juice box. Where'd he even get that thing?

"Y-You think it'll be alright?" Atlantis asked quietly, eyes darting from the doors of the agency to Shota's face, trying to gauge an outward reaction despite the emotional connection already between them. Aizawa forced himself to calm, offering his husband a small, fond smile. Hitoshi made an exaggerated gagging motion behind his cousin's back. Aizawa ignored it expertly. He taught highschool-- he was (unfortunately) used to shit like this.

"It'll be fine. I've worked with Sir Nighteye before. I promise he's trustworthy." Shota soothed, words straightforward but soft. Atlantis nodded, centering himself. This was all fine. Everything would be fine and there was no reason whatsoever to panic at all, even slightly. Not even a little bit! It's not like a several-century old supervillain was out there, still alive, lurking, and probably hoping to wipe them off the face of the Earth. Nothing like that! Never! "Hey, I can practically hear you overthinking. Seriously, it'll all be alright. It's not going to be nearly as bad as you think it is."

Atlantis swallowed his nerves. He knew Shota was right. Nothing he worried about ever ended up being as bad as he thought it would be! He just had to brace himself. This wasn't the worst thing that was probably going to happen going forward. It was a simple meeting. One that involved revealing their secret to even more people, but if Shota trusted them, Atlantis could find it in himself to give them the same faith. Humans weren't as finicky with secrets as the mer were, but Shota was a great judge of character, and they hadn't run into any issues so far. Honestly, if All For One wanted to hunt them down badly enough, he'd... well, he would. Regardless of who knew and who didn't.

Squeezing Atlantis' hand one more time, Shota started for the door to the agency. He wished he could've grown a tail and escaped into the ocean with Atlantis. Then his husband wouldn't have to deal with any of this overwhelming stress, and they could spend their days drifting happily with one another. It was a childish fantasy. Atlantis likely never would've found Hitoshi had he not come onto land and ventured into UA with Shota. Aizawa was endlessly glad to have him here next to him, overwhelmed with love and overall adoration for the mer. It was just... hard seeing him so anxious and scared over this. That's all.

The inside of the agency was colder than it was outside. Bubble Girl looked up when they came in, giving a smile and jerking her head towards the hallway. Aizawa bobbed his head in greeting, only vaguely remembering the direction of Nighteye's office. It was upstairs somewhere, down a long hallway that would undoubtedly make Atlantis even more nervous. Aizawa just focused on holding his hand instead, leading them through and wishing Nighteye had done a bit more to warm the place up. The walls, at least, were a comforting shade of blue. Shota wasn't sure that was helping.

It was different inside, Atlantis noted. The tingle in the base of his spine grew stronger, and he reached out to grab Hitoshi's hand on reflex, turning to meet his eyes. The purple haired mer had removed his sunglasses and now had his brow furrow, clearly sensing the odd ambience in the air. It made their eyes glow ever so slightly, their spirits lighting up like a pair of little flames, activated the the presence of something else. There was something familiar whispering in the air, coaxing and begging them to keep forward. Atlantis couldn't help the way his shoulders loosened, and the way his breaths came out surer and more even as they took on the stairs. 

The drive was stronger. Shota gave him a proud, maybe slightly-concerned look as he and Hitoshi stopped at the top of the stairs, legs locking as they were hit full force. It was here. There was something here-- swimming around them, soaking into their pores and asking them to recognize it. Hitoshi looked confused and conflicted, but Atlantis recognized this just as well as he recognized himself. This was the ocean, its waves crashing, its unending deepness singing to them, trying to call them into its waiting arms. Here... Here, he could feel it. He could feel it! 

He dragged Shota and the paralyzed Hitoshi down the hall as best he could, eyes set forward and determined. Aizawa opened his mouth to say something as they bypassed Sir Nighteye's office entirely, paused, and then closed it again. He had no idea what to say. Through their bond, he could feel it. Silvery, velvet, full of sea salt and reflecting sunlight. Recognition that wasn't his own coursed through his very veins like his own blood, making it easier to breathe. Any anxiety he'd had prior to coming here melted off of him like ice cream off a cone on a hot day. Joy radiated out from his core, embracing him tightly and reassuringly. This felt like floating. Where was this feeling coming from?

Hitoshi could hardly move, emotion crashing into him like a tsunami onto shore. It wrecked him entirely, and he wanted more than anything to cry. He'd been separated from the ocean and his kin for a long time, losing them when he was young. Hitoshi had been forced to slowly feel his deep bond with the sea leech away the more time he spent unable to call upon his tail. It was slow torture, leaving him unable to sleep, think, live. To have all these emotions back with him, strong as the day he lost them-- it was riveting. He felt like his very soul was being bolstered and fortified, built from the ground up into something grand just by being near... near this.

Atlantis threw the door at the end of the hall open, and the thundering waves stilled.

Everyone was already here waiting, sitting around a large meeting table nervously. Izuku Midoriya was sat rigidly in his seat, teeming with worry that caused him to vibrate in place. A tall blonde boy was there as well, sitting happily by the green-haired boys side. Nezu and Recovery Girl were both seated near where All Might stood. The blonde man had a hand on Sir Nighteye's shoulder. Sir Nighteye, who's gaze was focused on the door, unmoving and never straying. Atlantis's seafoam green eyes met a pair of yellow, and the world fell out from underneath his feet. He gasped. 

Hitoshi almost knocked into him from how fast Atlantis stopped. Sir Nighteye-- Mirai's-- tablet slipped from his hand. He was someone Atlantis had not seen in a long, long time. Someone Hitoshi wouldn't remember. He'd left the pod on his own terms when Atlantis was much smaller, and though no one had ever directly told the mer why, there were always whispers of him going onto land to hunt the forces that had been chasing them through the sea so passionately. Atlantis had thought for certain he was dead. Their family had spoken mournfully over it, saying he'd probably been harpooned. Yet... Yet he hadn't. He was here. He was right there. He was alive!

"Nighteye?" All Might asked in a soft, unsure tone. His nervous gaze darted between Atlantis and his former sidekick. Nezu sipped his tea happily. Aizawa would take the time to wonder where he got the steaming cup were he not so focused on the exchange happening right before him.

It was obvious to him just what was happening. Any apprehension he'd had before melted away from him, his frame slumping. He smiled. Didn't have to worry about someone revealing your big secret when it was their big secret too, right? Feeling Atlantis' giddiness was a bold contrast to how pale and shaky he'd seemed these last few days. These odd dreams he'd been having, plagued by rainstorms and the ocean calling for him to help, had left both him and Hitoshi unsure of what to do. They didn't know what the sea was asking them. Maybe this was the refresher they both needed.

"A-Atlantis?" Mirai sputtered, eyes blown wide and glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose. His hair was the same seaweed green with golden streaks, though his eyes weren't the same glowing purple Atlantis recalled from his childhood. Atlantis' hand slipped from his husband's and from Hitoshi's, a grin splitting his face unbidden. Hitoshi was a bit confused, clearly not recognizing him but knowing what he was. Atlantis couldn't contain himself, an overwhelming exuberance bursting forth in him. "You-"

"Uncle Mirai!" He all but shrieked, launching himself across the room. Sasaki broke into a disbelieving grin of his own, opening his arms to capture him, already tearful. A pulse seemed to wash over the room as they collided, the distinct smell of sea salt washing over them all, the roar of waves brief but there. Toshinori jumped back, startled as the pair nearly went tumbling onto the ground. Aizawa swallowed a laugh, Atlantis' emotions overwhelming. His own happiness over the situation was nothing to scoff at either. Seeing the one he loved so joyful made him feel empowered and light all over. 

Shota glanced over at Hitoshi, who seemed conflicted. Clearly he didn't recognize Mirai the same way Atlantis did, which made sense with how long Nighteye had been on land. Atlantis would've had to been only a child to know who he was. Merfolk were known for their excellent memories, according to Atlantis, which was likely the only reason his husband was able to so clearly place him. Merfolk also seemed to have a unique air around them. You could distinguish them by the feeling of their soul alone, Atlantis had once told him, smiling wistfully as he said it. It likely wasn't a feeling he got to experience often. Shota supposed he should probably get used to the idea of Sir Nighteye being around.

Mirai's laughter rang out in the office, and Shota nudged Hitoshi forward. The purple-haired mer stumbled a step, glancing back at Aizawa momentarily before allowing himself to shuffle over too. Atlantis pulled an arm blindly away from the embrace to grab him as well. Nighteye did the same, pulling Hitoshi close and beaming down at the pair with an expression uncharacteristic of him based on the way Mirio and Toshinori were gawking right now. It looked right, though. The smile. Aizawa grinned his wide, somewhat creepy grin, unable to truly contain himself.

"What a shocking turn of events." Nezu sipped his tea. "Well, I guess there's really no reason to worry about him believing the merfolk secret anymore!"

Izuku and Mirio turned away from the tearful reunion almost robotically, staring at Nezu with wide eyes.

"The what?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He is not Tomura Shigaraki. He isn't. He knows he isn't in the same way he knows Kurogiri isn't actually Kurogiri. They've been made into this, but what were they before? He doesn't know. He doesn't know, and it drives him up the wall with anger. It makes it hard to breathe, because the answer is in his head screaming at him, and yet he can't hear it. He knows it's there but its like it's been shoved underwater, and he hates it. He just wants to know who he is. All the answers are on the tip of his tongue, so why can't he just spit them out? 

He can see himself in the black of his hair and the new color of his eyes. He can hear it in the ocean's waves, calling to him. He doesn't know what the sea is saying, but he knows for a fact it's talking to him. It lulls him, alive and present. He isn't sure how that's possible. The ocean is a body of water, not something that should have any sense of autonomy. Yet it does. It's the one thing he's certain of-- whoever he actually is. It's maddening, the knowing but unable to know. Who made him this way? Was it Sensei?

His memories of how Sensei found him are distorted. He can recall a family-- one he accidentally killed with his quirk-- but his memories of them are warped and faded. They're... wrong. They don't feel like real people he actually knew. He doesn't feel anything towards them, not rage, not love, not longing. The word 'family' does not fit the image planted in his head. When he thinks back to his childhood, he can't recall any particular moments he had with them. Eating dinner, chatting, simply coexisting in the same house. He just knows their names, vaguely recalls their faces, and has a labels that brand them as his kin. But are they? 

Kurogiri watches his charge, somewhat aware that he's been polishing the same glass for the past thirty minutes but not really caring all that much. Tomura Shigaraki has been like this all morning, glassy-eyed and staring into nothingness. Every so often he'll pull out his phone to stare at screencaps he'd taken of the General Studies student at UA, Hitoshi Shinso. Kurogiri wonders if Tomura knows what sort of expression he's making when he looks at him. And if he did know, would he realize the gravity of his own feelings? He knows this boy. Kurogiri isn't sure how, but he's certain Tomura and Shinso are connected in some way.

He thinks he understand, because he felt the same way when he first saw the pro hero Eraserhead. He gets a twinge in his gut, one that is only stronger anytime Present Mic comes up. Hizashi Yamada is his name-- he knows this, but not because he looked it up. The name simply came to him, a part of him from before that had never quite left. The Doctor had erased much of whoever he'd been, but even he could only do so much to turn Kurogiri into the perfect shell. It felt like only recently the warp gate user was able to muster up some sense of individuality and forward thinking. Like he'd emerged from a thick haze, finally able to form his own coherent thoughts outside the orders he'd been given.

"You're meeting with Stain today. The Hero Killer." Kurogiri reminds, not for the first time. Once again, he isn't sure if he's heard or not. "Sensei thinks he would be beneficial to our cause. He has instructed you to try your best to recruit him."

Nothing, not even a twitch. Tomura's just staring again, fingers drumming carefully on the bar. He's been better about his quirk, not so quick to dust things when feeling emotional. In fact, his entire attitude seemed to have softened since they began sneaking off to the sea. Something about it calmed him and helped Tomura center himself. This was what he was supposed to be like. Not irritable, volatile, and overly cruel. Those were all things Sensei had implanted in him, the same way he had planted indifference and obedience into Kurogiri all those years ago.

Kurogiri frowned. This wouldn't do. Tomura Shigaraki had to be mentally present for the meeting with Stain, lest he lose his life or the opportunity to recruit the crude killer. Sensei would be enraged if he found out how spacey his prodigy was, and Kurogiri feared what would happen if their master found out about Tomura's change in personality and appearance. So far, it hadn't seemed like he'd caught on. He'd never been one to check in much anyway. It was a small blessing, but Kurogiri counted it dutifully and with much gratefulness. Still, he scrambled somewhat for what to do. How did he get them out of this? How did he save Tomura Shigaraki? 

"The ocean. I'll take you there right now, if you agree to prepare yourself for the meeting afterwards." Kurogiri blurted it out without meaning to. It was a temporary fix and a risky one at that, but he had to do something. Tomura's now-seafoam green eyes were immediately on him, transfixed. The young man smiled a small smile-- one that shot warmth through Kurogiri's usually hollow chest, causing his mist to flare ever so slightly. Kurogiri smiled back. Despite his mist, he knew it could be seen in the curve of his glowing eyes.

"Alright." Tomura's voice was scratchy, but not in a dry way. It was more tired and unused than anything else. He looked down, seeming a little morose but thankful nonetheless. Kurogiri felt a bout of fondness well up in him. Yes, that's what this was. He cared for Tomura Shigaraki beyond his orders. He felt affection for him and wasn't just protecting him on orders, he wanted to now. Or perhaps he always had, on some level. "Thank you, Kurogiri."

Kurogiri opened a gate, the sound of seagulls and crashing ocean waves spurring his charge out of his seat. Tomura all but lunged for it, suddenly full of vigor as the sea sung him into its arms. Kurogiri smiled, following after him with a light feeling in his chest. His glowing eyes were drawn to the clouds drifting above in the beautifully blue sky, and he felt at peace. 

Neither of them noticed the blinking red light on the dark TV. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There are many classes of mer. Warriors, healers, sirens, defenders, mages-- the list is truly endless. Though healers are on the rarer side of things, there is no class more rare than that of a seer. A mer that possesses the ability to know. To be aware of what came before, what happens now, and of what comes after. It's a power nearly lost in time, one so overwhelming it struggled to manifest in the newer generations. His Uncle Mirai is the only one Atlantis has ever even heard of, let alone met. 

They aren't biologically related, but anyone in the pod is family. He can remember his uncle's tail perfectly, shimmering gold, fading into green at the fins. His tail was different then the rest, long, flowy, with fins that cascaded like ribbons. It was beautiful enough that Atlantis could spend hours at a time staring at it when he was younger, mesmerized by the everchanging miasma of color and awed by the grace with which it moved. He'd been heartbroken when Mirai left. As a seer, he'd had a target on his back since birth. He'd thought it best to leave for the safety of the ground, whom at the time had been expecting many new additions. 

"M-M-Mermen? Y-You're all... m-mermen? Another species?" Izuku Midoriya squeaked the words out with wide eyes, looking between Atlantis, Hitoshi, and Sir Nighteye with a shell-shocked look on his face. Mirio was faring much worse in the processing department, having been Sir's intern for a year now. To find out the man he'd been working under wasn't human left his head spinning. It wasn't bad, per se. He just... had no idea what to think. It seemed impossible, but Hitoshi Shinso had willingly taken off his necklace to show off his tail, and it was undoubtedly otherworldly. "And One For All it... i-it isn't a quirk."

"Yes. Though, I have been... unable to access my tail for a good amount of time now." Nighteye's tone was measured, but even he couldn't keep grief from bleeding into his voice. Hitoshi put a hand on is arm, understanding grimly etched into the lines of his face. He knew what he was going through to an extent. He'd always been able to feel his tail, though, not having had it ripped away from him as violently as Mirai had. Atlantis squeezed Aizawa's hand. "And correct. One For All is not a quirk."

Izuku opened and closed his mouth a few times, the tale tumbling about in his head. It had been a lot to take in. Mirio-senpai had made him a little nervous before with his overly-boisterous attitude, but now he was glad he was here, if only to have someone else to freak out with. Merfolk were real. He had merfolk magic embedded in his literal soul and now a several-centuries old merman who'd been banished to land was after him to try and kill him. It was totally insane! Crazy! And yet, he couldn't help but be awed. For years, they'd been trying to figure out where quirks originated from. To think now Izuku was one of the few in the entire world who knew... he was beyond honored.

One For All had always felt like a tide within him that pushed and pulled as needed, a raging storm unable to be controlled or harnessed. It was no wonder it was too much for his body to handle. It was potent with magic his human body couldn't wrangle. Magic. Pardon his French, but holy shit. There was a whole other species out there aside from humans. Older than humans, even! He ached to write it down, but knew he couldn't. He didn't want to let them down. They'd just trusted him with something huge-- let him in on a secret bigger than anyone could've ever imagined. He was determined to show them they hadn't made a mistake. He wanted to help! 

Most shocking of all, perhaps, was the fact that Mr. Aizawa was ritualistically married to a merman. Recovery Girl's assistant that had healed him a few times over-- who had healed him with magic, oh my god-- was willingly bound to his uptight teacher. He was kind and bubbly, with open and friendly eyes. It was a bold contrast, but Izuku was happy for them. He swore he wouldn't tell a single soul! Wow. Just... wow! Merfolk were real and he knew about it. They'd trusted him enough to tell him! It was amazing!

"You knew all this time and didn't tell me." All Might mourned, frowning. His eyes glanced over at Mirio. The Number One pro had been having trouble processing the entire thing, really. Could you blame him? "Then... this is the boy you wanted to be my successor. Why?"

Mirio jumped slightly, gaze snapping away from Sir and over to All Might incredulously. Hitoshi blinked as well, sharing a look with his cousin. This was news to both of them, and to Aizawa too, who shifted slightly in his seat. Atlantis scooted closer to his spouse, eyes bouncing around the room. Izuku Midoriya was a kind boy and had taken the horrifying news exceedingly well, seemingly not worried for his own safety. A bit concerning if you asked Atlantis, but valiant as well. It made him feel hopeful for the rocky times to come. With Mirai on their side, maybe things would be okay. 

It felt overwhelming to see him and know he was alive. Another member of his family, here on land. Were there more out there? How many? Did they have their tails taken away from them too? The fact that Hitoshi and Atlantis still had theirs had stunned Mirai so hard he'd almost fallen over. He'd gawked, asking how it was possible. Atlantis had been startled and a bit taken aback. Shota, luckily, had stepped forward to give a rundown of the situation. He was endlessly thankful for the support.

"Wait, me? You wanted me to have it?" Mirio asked, looking sort of terrified. Izuku looked unsure and self-conscious, shifting in his seat a bit. Nighteye cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing away from his intern. 

"I looked through his family tree and found some crossover with mer who'd been cursed to land a few generations prior. He's a descendant, though distant. It seemed like the best bet. One For All is an overwhelming force." Nighteye admitted. Mirio looked even more stunned by the news. Izuku turned to him with big eyes. "Though, now that I've met Midoriya, I can feel that it's settled into him kindly. I think it's bound itself to him, and that means you made the right choice, Yagi. I don't believe it would've consented to moving on to anyone else."

Toshinori nodded, mouth dry. Izuku gulped. That was another thing he'd learned-- One For All was alive. Though it could be passed on, it could also stop itself from being passed on if it didn't like who'd been chosen. To think his quirk wasn't a quirk, but an actual, living... Izuku still wasn't sure what it was, actually. Now that he was aware that it was more than just stationary, he felt like he could feel it better, curling in his chest. It had always responded to his thoughts and emotions somewhat, but Izuku had always thought that was normal. He'd never had a quirk to base it against, after all. 

He had the spirit of the ocean in him. Him. It was no wonder Shinso had seemed so awed by him after their fight, coming over to him and staring at him, grinning at him, reaching out to try and touch his face. It's like he'd been hypnotized, and Mr. Atlantis had been much the same way in the infirmary. Even after Izuku'd been healed, Atlantis had hovered nearby. Water would sometimes drift over and prod at him. He hadn't minded, having felt extremely at peace as the man-- merman?-- did so. It was astonishing that they could recognize the power just by him using it. But then wait, didn't that mean---

"W-Wait. Does that mean Shigaraki is a merman too?" Izuku blurted out without really meaning to. All eyes were immediately on him. He shrunk into himself slightly, trying not to flinch at Atlantis and Hitoshi's wide-eyed looks. Though they hadn't fought at the USJ, they'd obviously heard the name. Probably from Mr. Aizawa, if he had to guess.

"Shigaraki Tomura was the villain leading the siege over the USJ. We unfortunately do not have any clear photos of him at this time. Only eye-witness descriptions." Nezu explained for Nighteye and Mirio, who looked lost. The principal smiled. "Please do elaborate, Midoriya."

Izuku sunk back into his seat a little. He glanced at All Might, who gave him an encouraging nod, brows drawn with concern. Shinso was sitting across from him and was leaning halfway across the table in anticipation, and Atlantis looked close to doing the same. He hooked his arm with Aizawa-sensei's instead, sharing a look and a small smile with his husband. Izuku took a deep breath. This could be helpful information, especially if it was true! He had to share what he knew.

"W-Well, when I used One For All to punch the nomu, he stopped scratching himself and monologuing and stared at me for a little while." Izuku admitted, feeling a bit stupid. Maybe this was all a coincidence? No, no, it couldn't hurt! He'd never forgive himself if he did know something and didn't share! "He got really hysterical and said that I didn't have a quirk, that I had something else. He said it was ripping him up and yelling at him. I thought he was just crazy at the time, but looking back with what you just told us..."

Izuku trailed off, averting his gaze. Silence fell across the room like a heavy blanket, the implications of his words hefty. They knew because of the Nomu that All For One was most likely the one operating the League of Villain's behind the scenes, but to think that a merman-- a young one, at that. Shigaraki really hadn't seemed that old-- was one of his underlings. Was he there against his will? Was he a full merman, or just a half one? Did it matter? Izuku didn't know. Mirio set a firm hand on his back, smiling a reassuring smile despite being entirely out of his depth. Izuku felt the exact same way. 

"It sounds like there's a good possibility, dearie." Recovery Girl spoke. Nezu sipped at his tea thoughtfully. Why was it still full and steaming? What the hell? And why wasn't it staining his fur? "Thank you for sharing."

"Y-Yes. That couldn't have been easy." Atlantis agreed, voice a little distant. Shota wrapped an arm around him fully, deep in thought. Shigaraki... he thought back, digging up everything he could remember about the encounter. Nothing about him had seemed particularly different. He'd just been... unhinged. Obsessing over killing All Might. Nothing about him had appeared otherworldly or particularly oceanic in nature. Was that because he didn't have his tail, like Nighteye? Or was it something else entirely. "Then... Th-Then, can we try to find this Shigaraki? If any of us could just... just see him, we'd know."

Hitoshi nodded adamantly. Nighteye took a deep breath and did the same, eyes stuck on the two other mer in the room. Family was something he had sworn off. He hadn't thought it was possible that any of them were left. He'd checked in on his old pod-- or tried to, anyway, only to find he couldn't locate them. After he'd lost his tail, his power had dampened and faded away into the meager thing it was now. He eyes changed from purple to yellow, his skin paled and dried, and his neck itched. His gills, locked away, screamed to breathe. He wished he could let them. He'd have dug them out by now if he thought that would actually work.

"It's a start. If he is a merman, I'm sure he's got information that would open a lot of doors for us." Shota's voice was firm and full of authority, since Nighteye was clearly starting to zone out again. Mirio seemed concerned for his mentor, squirming in his seat. "Now, internships are coming up. How are we going to utilize our resources? And where will we send Midoriya?"

That, at least, seemed to breathe some semblance of life back into the room. Shota had a sneaking suspicion they'd all find themselves at the beach soon one way or another.