Chapter Two: Trial by Public Interest

"YEET!" One for All cried as he threw the villain's gun a far distance away. "Won't be needing that any time soon!" The villain made a vague noise of surprise but before he was allowed to recover any further, One for All jumped into the air, his body spinning as his leg came out, kicking the villain across the face. The villain crashed to the ground with a loud yelp while One for All landed gracefully. "And that's how you do it, kids!"

He could see multiple comments appearing on his screen but he ignored them for now, not allowing himself to get distracted. Just because the villain was on the ground didn't mean he was out of the fight. He couldn't afford to let his guard down. One for All lifted his leg into the air and then using as much force as he deemed necessary - which was quite a bit - he allowed his leg to crash downwards, hitting the villain's neck. The villain slammed into the ground harshly and One for All was pretty certain that he was now unconscious.

"Alright! Now that that's over, let's get this trial started!" One for All cheered. He pulled some rope out of one of the compartments on his utility belt. Securing the villain's arms behind his back, One for All tied him up and set him against the wall. One for All spared a quick glance to the screen on his right wrist, checking the comments of his stream.

What did he do again?

your fighting has really improved

police might be on their way, be careful xxx

YEET YEET BITCH

thank you ofa

whats going on

When u can fight better than trained professionals,,,

who is this and hwat did he do?

GET REKT MATE

i recognise him. just kill him and save everyone the trouble.

One for All stared at the comments, just quickly taking in what everyone was saying before he pulled his phone out of his pocket. Although he was known as the "voice of the people", he had also gained the title of "Tech hero" because he was... well, he had a lot of tech. He liked to build little gadgets that helped him with his work and of course, any time he built anything, he live streamed it and showed his viewers as he built every item, the purpose it was for, how it was supposed to work, the test trials, etc. There was nothing his viewers didn't know about him - except his identity. It was the one thing he had asked that be kept a secret and his viewers had agreed to his one condition, which was something he greatly appreciated. Of course, One for All wasn't stupid. He knew it put him in exceptional danger, broadcasting his every gadget and everything he used, especially how it was used and what it was all for. If villains watched his stream and some probably did, they would know all about everything he used. The only thing he had yet to use was his 'quirk', which... he didn't have. Not that anyone needed to know that. Though the theories were always amusing to him and there were plenty of theories. In fact, One for All had counted - there was 107 different theories on what his Quirk could be but no one ever guessed he was quirkless.

They just thought he liked inventing stuff, which wasn't all too wrong. Everything he used was created himself - except his phone, which he had modified multiple times to suit his needs. It was dangerous broadcasting his every strength and weakness but One for All chose to do it anyway, regardless of the danger. He had promised to be truthful with his followers and not hide a single of his actions in mask from him. He intended to keep that promise, regardless of the risk it brought.

One for All stared at his phone, pressing one of the apps he had made. Immediately, the drone he had made that followed him everywhere, flew closer. Attached and built into said drone was a few of his extra inventions for an emergency and a camera, recording everything from a different angle. One for All used two main different cameras - the one in his mask to broadcast everything he saw and the one attached to his bot that always faithfully followed behind him to show a wider range of what was going on around him. It also helped show his viewers his movements since they couldn't see it as well through his eyes. The drone floated by One for All's chest, having lowered itself closer to him. Pressing another command on his phone, the drone settled before the villain, giving the viewers a very clear shot of the man. One for All walked around, checking for any potential threats. After ensuring the perimeter was secure for now, One for All walked back over to the villain.

One for All shoved his phone back in his pocket and clicked on one of the gadgets attacked to his wrist, turning it on. The gadget buzzed and One for All watched it come to life with a small smile. It was like a metal bracelet around his wrist, small and compact but very useful. It had a barrel at the middle, pointing towards his hand. It was like a taser, except it actually shot small jolts of electricity. On the metal band were several little buttons, which OFA used to activate it all. The gadget had several perks; rapid fire, stun, a single shot, a last choice option that shot out all the electricity it had stored at once and a power button. OFA used the single shot to send a jolt at the villain before him, the jolt being enough to force the man into consciousness. OFA turned his gadget off, not needing it anymore.

The villain jerking, gasping as he looked around. "w-what?" the man asked, frantically looking around his surrounding before noticing One for All standing above him. The villain's eyes widened, recognition shining in his eyes as he took in his appearance. OFA smiled, taking a few step backs, once again giving his viewers a full screen. He took out his phone once again and pulled up the villain's profile.

"Okay, let's start then... David Collins, you were accused of multiple crimes; fraud, identity theft, theft, rape, and attempted murder. You originally lived in England, where you committed these crimes. There was a warrant out for your arrest but before you could be arrested, you fled the country, coming here, to Japan where you've resided for the past two years, continuing your fraud and identity theft. According to your record, you have scammed people of over 1500000 yen, in Japan alone," One for All explained, reading off from his notes and summary of the villain that he had created from the villain's profile. "Do you deny these claims?"

"O-of course, I-I do! I hav-haven't done any such thi-thing!" The man stuttered, leaning forward, desperation and fear in his eyes. One for All spared a glance to the screen on his right arm again to check the comments, his face a blank mask.

What a sicko

just kill him, who even cares?

I'm so lost right now, man.

he fled the country and came here, we certainly dont want him.

how is it fair that hes been on the run for that long and no hero has caught him

arrest him.

who is this guy?

Im not paying my taxes so he can live freely in prison. besides, he probably scammed someone of something like that, so hell no.

throw the trash out

Thats a lot of damn money

wuu2

those poor girls!

Votes: unopened.

One for All hummed. It wasn't time to open the votes. The man hadn't had his say yet nor had he been given a chance to defend himself and One for All was all for equality in trials like these. He didn't have restrictions like courts did but sometimes that made things a bit... difficult. Not everyone was willing to listen to a villain's story or what they had to say. They had done what they had done and no matter what made them do it, they had still chosen to do so. One for All lowered his arms, looking back over to David, who, One for All noticed, was now shaking.

"Why do you deny these claims?" One for All asked calmly. The man was all too eager to answer. Clearly, he thought he could get out of this. Most villains did. Unfortunately, some people really didn't care if you had a sob story or not, 'you had still committed the crime, so pay the time' was a common thing for him to hear.

"I-I would ne-never do such things! I swear!" the man cried. One for All's gaze slowly drifted over to the gun he had thrown away.

"Riiiiiiight," he drawled, clearly believing him. One for all walked over to the gun, picking it up and strolling back over. One for All held the gun up. "And this?" he asked, unimpressed.

"Self defence! You attacked me! Everyone knows how you kill people, I was scared you'd kill me so of course I lashed out!" The man screamed and One for All flinched. He hoped the man hadn't noticed but judging from the look in the man's eyes, he had most certainly noticed. One for All quickly composed himself. Luckily, his viewers wouldn't have been able to see his flinch.

He couldn't deny it though. Regardless of the fact that this man was a criminal, it... hurt. To have people be afraid of him. Yes, villains were supposed to be afraid of heroes and it was the same the other way, but One for All wasn't exactly acknowledged as a hero. He was technically a villain. He had killed. He was a murderer and people were afraid of him because of that very fact. He had wanted to be a hero but the cards he had been given weren't exactly in his favour. Regardless, One for All would continue - as long as it was what the people wanted.

"You're just a murderer! At least I haven't actually killed someone!" David cried, glaring at him. A knife was embedded in One for All's heart and it gave a painful twist. One for All kept a blank face, even as the knife continued to twist about. His stomach churned as well but he chose to ignore it.

"Attempted murder is just as bad as murder," One for All replied calmly. He couldn't help but look down to his comments, wanting to know what his viewers had to say.

Current viewers: 6,908

dont listen to him, man

aren't we just as guilty for asking you to kill them?

its not like anyone you killed was innocent

kill 1 murderer, the amount of murderers in the world stay the same. but if you kill ONE HUNDRED, then I think you're making a difference dude.

Ily ofaaaaaaaaa

Even if it is for our sake, it is technically murder.

yeah, you do it for us

no one listens because no one cares, david.

theres a difference in what you do and what he does

two wrongs doesnt make a right

thank you for all you've done

U only kill those who deserve it tho xx

who asked for his opinion anyway?

He's right though. You ARE a murderer by definition. But its righteous.

"Yeah but no one has actually died because of me! They've died for you! How many have you killed, anyway?" David continued, obviously trying to get under One for All's skin but the boy wouldn't allow it.

"132, but that's not important to you nor is it relevant to your case. You have denied the claims against you because 'it is something you would never do'. Do you have any other reasons or anything more you'd wish to add to this statement?" One for All listed, remaining calm. One for All could tell from the change in David's expression, he realised he wouldn't be getting out of this anytime soon, especially not with taunts. He almost seemed calmer when it clicked in his head. One for All tensed, ready for some kind of trick.

"I, uh... There's no proof it was me! You've got the wrong guy!" David continued. One for All sighed and lifted the gun, pointing it at David's head. He had no intention to actually fire, just scare him, but David didn't need to know this.

"Do you have any reasons for committing these crimes? This is your last chance to attempt to sympathise with my audience before I open the votes. Do not speak to me; speak to the world that will now judge your actions and seal whatever fate they choose for you. Or even, speak to the ones you stole from," One for All spoke slowly, making sure his every word was clear. One for All lowered the gun. David shifted uncomfortable, his eyes darting around. "If you have nothing to say to them, then they will begin to choose your fate." One for All lifted up his phone, getting ready to open the polls.

"I did what I had to, to make a living. I needed money and it was the best option for me," David answered, looking directly into the camera. "You have to understand; the need for money in order to survive."

We all need money, but we dont go conning people everywhere.

thats bullshit

you always have a choice, my dude

sAME, BUT like... no

Everyone has a choice, man. You made yours. We're not paying for it.

you could have gotten a job like the rest of us

That ain't how we go about this shit.

I think he should live. He seems sorry.

His viewers are as unforgiving as ever, it seems. Sometimes, the villain's reasoning didn't matter to them. They just wanted justice for the hurt that had been inflicted upon them and the people they cared for. Sometimes, the backstory just didn't matter. They had done what they had done and while what happened to them sucked, they had actively made the choice to do what they did. Everyone had a choice, was a common quote.

"Do you want to say anything more?" One for All asked softly, preparing to open the votes. David shook his head, seeming to accept his fate. One for All was a bit suspicious about him - while some did come to accept their fate, having seen OFA's stream before and knowing when they had reached the point of no return, the man before him seemed to give up a little too easily, setting One For All on guard.

"Then, it's time the public decided your fate, as you once chose theirs," With that, One for All opened the votes. He lowered his phone and stared at David, simply just examining him, trying to see if David had set a trap of some kind or was attempting any dirty tricks. It would come as no surprise - the man conned people for a living, it wouldn't be surprising if he was using those very same skills to try and trick OFA. Not that the boy would fall for it, after all. There was also a chance David didn't intend to do anything but the chances were slim and One for All had learnt the hard way that lowering his guard was a very bad idea. In this line of business, he couldn't afford to allow himself to believe that everyone had a good side.

It was a slow five minutes, waiting for all the votes to come in. Deciding that he really didn't want to deal with the silence anymore, One For All repeated David's crimes, his defence and adding more information about his victims, explaining it all in more detail and telling any new viewers what was going on.

One for All spared a glance at his phone, checking the votes.

David Collins. Crime: Thief, rape, attempted murder, frau... [Click here for Villain profile case]

Arrest: 2840 votes.

Kill: 1983 votes.

One for All hummed, looking over to David from where he was leaning against the wall. "Looks like you're going to be arrested. That's not a guarantee though, there's still more votes to come," he informed nonchalantly. He clicked off the votes and momentarily turned off the visual in his mask. Making sure that his viewers could no longer see what he was doing, he opened another app.

Amongst all his viewers, he had gained many fans and followers. People who were willing to help him with his hunts and such. One for All was an internet sensation, broadcasting his every move. Which was, of course, a massive danger all in itself. While it built trust between him and his followers, it also broadcasted his every move to his enemies, to the police, heroes, villains, to everyone who sought him out to get rid of him. He didn't work with the police - they were against him because he killed. The police force was to arrest him if they were given the chance. To law enforcement, he was a villain. Despite that, One for All knew he had followers and fans in the force, but he knew very well that they had to do their job, regardless of their own opinion on him.

(He just wanted to help.)

For that very reason, One for All had to be very careful. The police weren't friends with him - they were an enemy. He was more than aware that the police were smart. They weren't to be underestimated, despite what One for All said about them. It wasn't the police that was the problem, however. It was the prisons. What was the point of all the Police and heroes hard work if villains just kept escaping from prison? Or if the villains didn't get the sentence they actually deserved?

Amongst his many followers, there had been a few that had a helping hand with One for All's actions. Of course, they did it all behind a screen which he was more than okay with. He didn't have any official sidekicks or anything, but there were people that helped keep his site up and running, monitoring the votes and making sure that the villain cases were accessible to the public. They also dealt with any glitches that hit his system when he was out and unable to deal with it. Whenever One for All was too injured or his cameras had been too damaged, he communicated with his fans through his admins - they passed messages on for him and kept the public updated for him. All of his admins were selected carefully and of course, trusted a great deal. They were his loyal followers and helped him run everything, sending important alerts straight to him. From what he had heard from his admins, One for All had also inspired a few people to take action - there were other internet vigilantes that did the same as One for All, their actions in his name. It was amazing, really. Although a bit worrying, of course.

Suziya (Admin): The Police are still trying to figure out where you are. The nearest cop is three minutes away from your current location. You most likely have 7 minutes before they're onto you.

Rya (Admin): Heroes are patrolling the area. Stary and MountMan would be the heroes you'd be most likely to deal with, since they're closest. MountMan would be the biggest threat because he can sense vibrations in the earth. I'm not sure how it works exactly, but from what I hear, he can use it like a sonar in water - except in the ground and for you.

Vixxy (Admin): 61% of your usual viewers are current and watching. It'd probably be best if you close the votes in another 3-7 minutes. All in all, it's a good attendance. There's no point in waiting for more people.

One For All (Leader): Thanks, guys. I'll close the votes in 4 minutes and then get out of here.

One for All left the app and went back to the votes, turning his mask camera back on. "Alright guys, I'll be closing the votes in 3 minutes and... 38 seconds, to be exact." From the corner of his eye, One for All could see David flinch.

All was silent for the next few minutes as One for All debated his escape route and the best way to get back to his hideout without the police tracing him, especially since it seemed as though his viewers wanted David to be arrested. While that could change, there was still a fair chance he'd have to leave him to the police, but that came with trouble on its own. He had to make sure the police were actually able to capture David and take him into custody. One for All couldn't just leave him here and hope that the police found him, after all. It would be the perfect chance for David to attempt to escape and One for All wouldn't allow that to happen.

"Why do you do this?" David asked. One for All looked up, breaking away from his thoughts and plans.

"What?" He looked at him in confusion. Was he trying to find another way to get out of his predicament? A distraction, maybe? "Do what?"

"You're not like the heroes," David muttered quietly, looking downwards, frowning. "But you're not like the villains either. You're a league of your own and for what?"

"Bold of you to assume I'm in a league of my own," One for All snarked, raising an eyebrow. David didn't reply and after a few seconds, One for All scoffed, then sighed, growing serious. "I'm whatever you want me to be," One for All muttered, staring at the man across from him. "Whether people decide to deem me as a villain, a hero, something in between or something entirely different, is up to them. I won't label myself."

(He's not allowed to choose.)

"What is it that you want to be? I'm asking you, not the public," David looked up, staring right into One for All's eyes with so much intensity that he flinched. One for All remained quiet, having no response to give. The truth is, he had stopped thinking about what he wanted to be a long time ago. It didn't matter what he wanted - what matters was what the people wanted. If they wanted a hero, they would get a hero. If they wanted a villain, they would get a villain. If they wanted something different, they would get something different, and henceforth. What the person behind the mask - Midoriya Izuku - wanted was lost a long time ago until the goal was ripped and frayed around the edges, the centre of the picture lost and faded, completely unrecognisable.

(He had hope once, didn't he?)

(What had destroyed him? He couldn't remember.)

(When had his opinion amounted to nothing?)

(It had meant nothing for a long time now. Perhaps it never meant anything to begin with.)

He just knew one thing; he wasn't a hero, despite what some may say. He wasn't sure if what he was doing was right or wrong anymore. He just knew that people wanted what he was doing. His own morals had gotten lost somewhere and the truth is, he had no idea where. He had no idea when everything had become black and white, and where, along that long road, it had all just become grey and he was struggling to find an answer to a question that hadn't even been asked. He was lost and he had no idea which way he was supposed to be going, he only knew which direction he was wondering in, but he had no idea whether it was the right way or not. He just knew he was following their voices and doing what they told him to - a robotic version of his old self (always so empty), filling the void with jokes and busying himself with gadgets and plans that he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to go through with, but did anyway.

"You don't even have an answer?" David scoffed, looking away. He almost looked disappointed but One for All couldn't be sure. He couldn't identity the emotions on the man's face properly and even if he did, it could be fake. The man was a con artist, after all. Once more not having an answer, he just shrugged. He had nothing to say about what he was.

"It doesn't matter what I want to be. What matters is what the people want and whatever they want, I will be," One for All answered, deciding that maybe the man needed some kind of answer to find some sort of peace in his mind. (He didn't know what he fought for anyway.)

"Even if they want you to be gone?" His temporary companion snapped, now back to glaring at the mini vigilante. One for All shrugged again. If that was what they wanted, then that was One for All would give them - his disappearance.

"Even if they want me to be gone," One for All confirmed, his voice void of emotion. (He had thought about it before and he had accepted it. He had considered himself lucky for even getting this far. Maybe that was why it was okay in his mind that if the people wanted him gone, then he should go. He had been around long enough, hadn't he? He had done what he set out to do. (What was that again?)

His phone beeped and One for All looked down to see that Vixxy had set a timer for the votes. Time was up. The votes had been set.

"Okay, it's time," One for All stated, pushing himself away from the wall. "The public has decided what they want to do with you," One for All looked down to his phone, cursing himself when he caught sight of the comments that he didn't want to see right now. He didn't need reassurances or curses or questions or anything.

(Just leave me be.)

Live stream comments:

Would you really?

I appreciate all you do for us

don't disappear, we love you!

we need you. your a hero

kindly raise your confidence, please and thank.

youre a necessary evil, so thats like... vigilante?

u no ur opinion matters to right? xx

thats a sad thing to say ofa

big oof

One for All clicked off the comments, ignoring the majority as they rapidly appeared on his screen.

Votes:

Arrest: 4306

Kill: 3064

Total votes: 7370

Viewers: 8403

Course of action to be taken: ARREST.

"1033 people that are currently watching didn't vote, but that's okay. David Collins, for your crimes, the public has deemed it in their best interest that you be arrested. To the Police, if you wish to find me and the villain, my current location is [insert location here, sorry guys, I really don't know how to do locations]." One for All passed the judgement calmly and strictly as always. "We'll be waiting," One for All began to pack his stuff up. From the corner of his eye, he could see David relax greatly, clearly relieved he was only going to be arrested.

"Prison is a relief to you?" One for All hummed, deciding to make conversation. He hadn't been in a very talkative mood and he knew how his viewers worried whenever he didn't speak - he was almost always speaking, rambling about one thing or another. His fans had come to understand that his silence meant he wasn't in a good mood. Truth be told, One for All was still upset from his little breakdown yesterday. He hadn't broken down in quite a while. He was supposed to be stronger than that. He was supposed to have grown up. Supposed to be better. He wasn't that crybaby anymore. He wasn't that person anymore. (Who was he?)

"It's better than dying," David replies, watching him. One for All stared at the gun before chucking it towards a window. Far away enough from David but close enough that he could grab it in an emergency. Though, he hoped it wouldn't come to that. One for All, really not feeling up for anymore conversation, remained quiet. A few minutes passed and the sound of sirens began to draw closer. (They should catch you.)

(Monster.)

One for All jumped up to the rafters, lingering near the window of the roof to escape. Once he made sure the police had David in their custody and he didn't get away, One for All could leave. Then be chased by said police, as usual. Although One for All was aware that some heroes and police officers as well as other authorities supported him, he knew they couldn't always act on what they wanted. He was all too aware of such a feeling. So although he had their support, he knew it was best not to risk staying behind or leaving himself too vulnerable.

His drone floated behind him, providing a birds eye view for his followers which included OFA in the frame. One for All liked to give his followers as much view as he could and he realised that they couldn't see everything through his eyes. A drone to give a second view compensated greatly.

Officers rushed in, weapons at the ready and the hero Stary beside them. Her eyes immediately drew upwards, apparently already knowing where he was. She must have been watching the stream. The officers walked over to David, hauling him up and away. One for All's eyes followed him as he was escorted out and then his gaze landed on Stary who was calmly watching him.

"I do not want to fight you, One for All. Please come down," Stary said gently. One For All scanned her, searching for any tricks she might be preparing. He wasn't intending to come down, but he wasn't going to take his chances and assume that she wouldn't attack anyway. Although she doubted she would though. The Star-Light hero. A kind and beautiful hero who's Quirk was something akin to raw energy. If he remembered correctly, she could absorb energy and store it, as well as release it. She could make her attacks look star-shaped and that was where the basis of her name came from. A hero that could 'light the darkness' as some said. (Don't get near her, you'll ruin her light.)

"I don't want to fight you either, Stary, but I have no intention of being arrested today," One for All replied. He stood up from his crouch, lifting up his mouth guard and securing it on his face. He kept his eyes on the officers that were standing off to the side and undoubtingly waiting for an opening. Stary's eyes softened and sadness and pity began to take their place. One for All tensed. No. He didn't want that. Don't look at him like that. Never look at him like that. He's had enough of that. He was better than that. He didn't need that. He didn't need that. He was strong now. He wouldn't let them feel that way for him. They shouldn't. He didn't want nor need it. Pity.

(Always, always so pitiful and useless.)

(No, no. Not anymore. No. Never again.)

(He's somebody now. He isn't the nobody he used to be. He's somebody. He doesn't actually know who, but he is somebody.)

"You always have a choice, One for All. You can stop. You can leave this and live. Be your own person," Stary said, still looking at him with that sadness and damn pity-.

OFA grit his teeth but kept his voice as composed as possible despite his tense body posture. His statement was strong as he spoke. "I don't need a choice. Not anymore. But they do. I am their choice and their voice and I will not stop until they want me to."

"Do you want to stop?" Stary asked instead, still directing her question to the person behind the mask and dammit, stop it - It wasn't about what he wanted! It was about them, it always was. It was about the people who felt they were ignored and didn't have a voice. It was about the people who were crying out to be heard, to be helped, to be saved, begging for a hero that never came, who couldn't do things themselves. It was always about them and it always would be. It wasn't about him. It could never be and would never be. His own voice was drowned out by theirs anyway.

One for All, not having an answer to the question - or at least an answer he wanted to admit to - remained quiet. One for All expected another question, perhaps a change of topic, or action. Nothing came. Stary just kept staring at him, ever so expectant, ever so patient, her eyes hoping and sad all the same, hoping for him to come to his senses and use his own voice. He would never dare.

Finally, One for All couldn't take it anymore. He didn't like the way she was looking at him. He couldn't stand it. "It doesn't matter what I want. It never has. The only thing that matters is what they want," One for All hissed. Not waiting for an answer, he turned and jumped out of the window, intending to get as far away from here as he could. His drone followed him as loyally as always.

"Wait, One for All! Please!" Stary cried, sounding desperate and worried and One for All hated it. He didn't want to be there anymore. He sprinted across the rooftops, turning off his cameras so he could make his way back to the MurderFort. He didn't want to be bothered anymore. He didn't want to talk anymore. He didn't want anymore people asking him what he wanted. He wasn't willing to be followed and risk another interaction with people. He just wanted to be left alone. (Like he usually was. Ever so alone and unimportant.)

When One for All arrived at the MurderFort, he slammed the door shut and leaned against said metal door. What was wrong with him recently? He was supposed to be okay. He was supposed to be stronger than this. He was supposed to be better. He wasn't supposed to be this weak again. Why did he keep coming close to breaking down every damn time? Why was he on the borderline of just shutting down entirely? He sighed, calming himself down. He took some deep breaths, feeling some of the weight on his shoulders be lifted. Good. That was good. He needed to relax. Perhaps he was just overworked. It had been really busy recently. Yes, that had to be it.

He just needed a little break.

(He needed to be himself for once.)

(No. Not that. He can't be that.)

(No one needs or wants that. They just want One for All, their voice.)

(He was still nobody under the mask but he was somebody with the mask. That's all that matters. That's all.)

(That had to be all. He couldn't let himself believe otherwise.)