Top pic credit: akinasiooa

"Wait a minute! Wait!! Can we please just talk about this a little more? You're not really giving me a choice here." I quickly explained, doing my absolute best to keep up with Mr. Aizawa as he practically power walked down the 3-A dormitory hallway.

"I don't think so, Ari. I was pretty set on my decision from the moment you went missing. You're officially dropped from the league of villains assignment I've given you. I'd say sorry about it....but then again, I'm not really sorry. It's for your own good." Mr. A shrugged, as he strutted into the kitchen.

This was so not how I was expecting this conversation to go.

Despite feeling incredibly exhausted from my stupid celebration ceremony, and my meeting with Dabi, I didn't manage to get more than two hours of sleep last night.

Even the warm cocoon of Keigo's arms and wings wrapped around my body couldn't stop me from trying to figure out how I was gonna spin this whole situation with Dabi.

How can I give him information about UA, without betraying the heroes?....and without him knowing this?....and without him killing my family?....or killing Keigo?....or killing me?

Quite a lot to take in. I know.

However, the biggest stressor that caused me to get out of bed this morning, was the question of where I stood on this league of villains assignment with Mr. Aizawa.

We haven't talked about it, and why would we? I've only been back for two days. He probably thinks I'm crazy for even asking about it at this point in time.

But, Dabi's made it very clear to me that he waits for no one. Waiting pisses him off, and if I piss him off....

Well, you know what happens.

The point is, he just expects me to find out information about UA, because I go to school there. He doesn't really care about how I do it.

Which means, he doesn't realize how difficult it really is for a student to just get access to confidential information around the school, about the heroes, about the villains.

Keigo told Dabi I'd give the league information on the heroes. That was the deal.

But, he made this deal with Dabi, on the idea that I'd still be involved in this assignment. Because he knew I'd have access to things that the other kids, and even other teachers, don't have access to. This would end up pleasing Dabi.

So, of course, if Mr. Aizawa decides to boot me off this project, Keigo's only desperate plan is shot to hell, and we're left not knowing what to do.

The only choice I have is to assert myself back into this thing with Mr. Aizawa. I can't take no for an answer. There are too many lives depending on it.

I nervously tugged at the fabric of my hero suit, desperately trying to think of any justification I could find.

"I mean....don't you think you're overreacting just a little, Mr. A?! Really-like, when you really think about it, what happened this past weekend wasn't actually that big of a deal-"

"You were kidnapped and practically tortured to death, Ari." Mr. Aizawa interrupted firmly, glaring at me through tired, disciplinary eyes.

"But, did I die?" I smirked confidently, shooting him a weak finger gun.

His eyes closed in pure annoyance at my statement, probably pondering on why the hell he ever took a job where he has to deal with a bunch of 'stupid, bratty kids all day,' as he usually says.

"I'm surprised you didn't die, considering the state you were found in. Had you been stuck where you were for another day, you surely would have died from your injuries. Do you understand, Ari? You're not invincible. You were going to die." Aizawa stated bluntly, trying to let me know the severity of the situation I was in.

Of course, I already knew that though. I didn't need him to remind me. I'm very much aware of how much danger I was in.

And yes, maybe if I had the luxury to really sit down and reflect on the horrors I had to go through with Dabi, I'd actually take Aizawa's advice and take a step back from this project.

But, unfortunately, that is not a luxury I can afford.

"Alright, alright, Mr. A. So, what you're saying, is that you're still on the fence about it. Understandable, but-"

"No, that's not what I'm saying at all, actually. I'm saying no." He yawned out, waving a dismissive hand as he began making his way towards the 1-A classroom building now.

Damn. Clearly, he wants me to leave him alone now.

Well, time to piss him off more!

I forced my feet to pick up their walking pace, so I could catch up with Mr. Aizawa again.

He was still trudging down the hallway, muttering profanities to himself as he attempted to fix a broken piece of his laptop. His fingers were fiddling with the loose end cluelessly, as he obviously had no idea how to fix it by himself.

"Stupid piece of junk. I'll need to drop it off at the tech lab today..." He muttered begrudgingly under his breath, before I cleared my throat to get his attention again.

"Okay, right. So, anyways! Back to our conversation from a few moments ago-"

"I've already forgotten it."

"See, Mr. A, your mouth is saying one thing, but your mind is thinking another, am I right-"

"No."

"Ah-Wait! How about you sleep on it?! I know you love that, don't you?-" I chuckled nervously, hearing my phone ding in my pocket.

Normally, I'd ignore it. But, after everything that's happened lately....that wouldn't be very wise.

I groaned in annoyance as I yanked my phone out of my pocket, trying to keep my walking pace next to Mr. Aizawa.

Text Message from: Unknown

Fuck it all. Dabi, you crusty son of a bitch.

Good morning, doll. Hope you slept well. Enjoyed our late night talk last night. I look forward to seeing more of that gorgeous face very soon. Ready to work for me today?
7:57 am

I grit my teeth in stress as I quickly skimmed over Dabi's creepy message, feeling my anxiety levels only rising more and more by the minute-

"Who's got you so worked up? You look like you've seen a ghost." Aizawa mumbled uninterestedly, as he gestured to my phone.

I quickly closed my phone screen, internally shrieking when I was forced to ignore Dabi's message right now.

I can't risk Aizawa accidentally seeing.

"It's just....uh....boy trouble." I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck nervously.

Not necessarily a lie-

He rolled his eyes at my words, making his way towards the 1-A classroom.

"Boy troubles, huh? Look, Ari, boys should be the last thing on your mind right now. You're graduating soon, you're set to have a successful career as a hero, and right now, you've got an internship with the number two hero in all of Japan-speaking of that....why are you still here at school, talking to me? Your job starts at 8, does it not?" He questioned, closing his eyes to take a walking nap down the hallway.

Work starts at 8....but, it's not like Keigo cares if I'm a few minutes late, considering he's probably still asleep in my bed at this moment...

Not that I can tell Mr. Aizawa that.

"A-Ah, well...Hawks gave me formal permission to be a few minutes late today. You know, after everything that happened-"

The dinging text message sound of my phone, caused my heart to jump in anxiety, as I immediately pulled it out of my pocket again.

Text Message from: Unknown

Ignoring me ?
8:01 am

Well, yes, Dabi. I'd like to.

I groaned softly, slowing my steps to let Mr. Aizawa walk ahead. Dabi needs a reply. I can't keep him waiting any longer.

Text Message sent: Unknown

I'm not ignoring you. I'm here. What do you want?
8:01 am

Text Message from: Unknown

So sassy. Here's the deal: word on the street is that the heroes are planning a surprise raid on the league. Pro heroes such as Eraserhead, Midnight, all the ones from UA. Your job: find out when and where so we can leave before they get here.
8:01 am

My jaw tensed in pure stress at Dabi's command.

What he's asking me to do, is find out information that I can only obtain from Mr. Aizawa.

Specifically...

Mr. Aizawa's laptop. That's where he keeps all information like this.

I have no doubt that everything about this raid that Dabi is talking about, is on Mr. A's laptop. I need that laptop. I need him to let me continue working with him-

Text Message from: Unknown

Oh, and I know you won't tell anyone.
8:02 am

I thought that was the end of the text message until a picture suddenly popped up under Dabi's message.

It made my heart stop. I wanted to die.

The photo was of baby brother Sam, at the grocery store, buying some milk. He had no idea he was being stalked, wearing the biggest, brightest smile as he talked to the cashier. He's wearing that sweater I bought him for his birthday last year.

My phone started shaking in my hands, making me realize I was trembling.

No, I hate this. Oh, I hate this so much-

Text Message from: Unknown

Poor little Sammy. Always running out of milk. He drinks a lot of it. Anyways, I'll be waiting for your call. I expect an answer by the end of the day. Today. No exceptions. Oh, and don't try to come looking for me, doll. I'm where you'd least expect. No use wasting those precious minutes trying to find me, when there's so much on the line for you. Right?
8:04 am

What...

No....

I'm gonna hurl...

He's gotta be joking....

End of the day?!? He wants an answer by the end of the day?! What?! That's no time at all!!

What can I do? Negotiate with him? No. That will just piss him off. I can't piss him off.

And seeing baby Sam's face...my little brother. My good hearted, innocent little brother, who just wants to live his life and be a hero. To see him being watched like that, knowing that my mistakes could get him killed...

That changes things for me. It changes something inside me. Inside my soul.

And, what I mean by that is...

I really can't take no for an option now.

There's no time to slowly try and plant the seed in Mr. Aizawa's head to take me back. There's no time to do this gently or be subtle.

Man, I know I'm about to piss him off with my constant nagging but...I don't have a choice.

Aizawa, I will make you listen to me.

Unfortunately, all of my angsty pondering and texts with Dabi allowed Aizawa the time to abandon me and walk into his classroom.

Oh no, Mr. Sleeping Bag. I'm not letting you get away from me.

Gritting my teeth in determination, I waltzed into the 1-A classroom, causing all of the kids to look at me in question.

Luckily, there was still a few minutes before it was time for class to start. Guess that will have to be more than enough time to do this.

Let's hope my persuasion skills will be enough-

"What?! No way!! Ari Parker?!" Someone squeaked out excitedly, causing me to look over at the culprit.

The green hair, the big smile? I remember him from the sports festival. That's Izuku Midoriya.

"That's Ari Parker from class 3-A!! She's part of the Big Four-oh man, I'd really like to ask her about her quirk! It requires so much precision and focus, you know! Being able to freeze three things at once, and with a time limit?! How do you keep track of those seconds?! How do you prioritize what to immobilize?! How do you-"

"Woah, woah! Hey, slow down there, broccoli kid. That's a lot of words you're spewing all at once." I chuckled absentmindedly, more focused on the sight of Aizawa stepping into his sleeping bag when class is about to start.

Seriously, he does that with his other classes, too?!

"Oh-hah, sorry!! I've just been a fan of you since Kamino." Midoriya exclaimed excitedly, stopping me from abandoning our short conversation for just a moment longer.

I didn't want to be rude, but I really didn't have the time for this right now.

"Hm? Fan?" I asked distractedly, already thinking about how I was going to persuade Mr. A to let me continue working on this assignment-

"Oh yeah, you're amazing, Ari!! You probably don't even remember, but you and I have done a few missions together now. Let's see, there was the yakuza infiltration raid, Kamino-oh boy, the way you showed up and started taking down those villains. I just think you're a real force to be reckoned with." Midoriya smiled, finally managing to grab my full attention with his sweet words.

I couldn't help but turn my head in his direction at such a nice compliment, feeling a smile immediately gracing my face.

Who knew Izuku Midoriya would be the one to bring a smile to my face today? What a sweetheart.

Putting my conversation with Aizawa on hold, I waltzed over to Midoriya, rather enjoying his company.

"Say, that's right. You were at Kamino and the yakuza house, too. I remember. You pulled off quite the rescue mission for Mr. Katsuki Bakugou, and little Eri. And, all in your first year, too. You're very impressive, Midoriya." I smiled, shooting him a thumbs up.

My heart warmed as I watched his face light up from my words.

So smiley. He reminds me of Sammy.

"Wow! You really think so, Ari?! Hey, Kacchan, did you hear that? Ari Parker thinks we're impressive-"

"HAH, please. As if I need approval from some wannabe extra in the making." A little blonde, gremlin looking kid retorted from behind Midoriya.

My eyes immediately locked on the explodey blonde, recognizing who he was right away.

That little-

I narrowed my gaze at Katsuki Bakugou, slowly sauntering over towards his desk.

His face contorted into one of confused anger when I lightly slammed my hand down on his desk, looking at him in utter annoyance.

"Oi, you dumb bitch! What the hell do you think you're doing-"

"You stole my internship with Best Jeanist, you explosive, spiky haired little shit." I retorted calmly, still making it a point to give Bakugou the evil eye.

Bakugou's face slowly turned from one of confusion into one of cocky arrogance, as he carelessly leaned back in his chair now.

"Hah! What are you on about now?! I didn't steal shit from you. If Jeanist knocked ya, it's probably cause you weren't good enough. Just affirms what I've always thought, since I got here. I'm better than you. No question about it." Bakugou smirked, kicking his feet up on the desk....and placing his dirty shoes right on top of my hand.

I raised my brow challengingly, already getting a pretty good read on this kid.

Thank you hero commission for teaching me how to read people as quickly as possible.

Affirm. Bakugou used the word 'affirm,' meaning he needs validation....support to verify that he's correct. Judging by the way he carries himself and tries to gloat his worth to everyone, he needs validation because he's insecure with himself. Insecure that he's not really the best there is.

And that's it right there. I have successfully identified his mental weakness. Bakugou wanted to be the best. The way under his skin is to simply make him question his abilities.

Oh, I'm sorry. Is that manipulative? My bad, that's just how I was groomed.

I quickly matched Bakugou's smirk, lazily shrugging my shoulders at his words.

"Eh, I guess you're right. That's probably why Jeanist took you on. Of course you're better than me! Duh-oh, or, maybe its because you're just an inexperienced, little student hero who needed all the help he can get. Ah! Yes, now it makes sense! After all, you're still just barely learning the basics! A first year, such as yourself, has a lot to master before you can run with the big leagues. You've gotta walk, before you can run. And right now? Well, you're still in diapers, kid." I smiled happily, hearing a couple of his classmates start snickering.

Bakugou's chair screeched across the floor as he abruptly stood up, balling his fists as they rapidly began to smoke up now. Probably from his quirk.

Man, this kid's got a temper!

"HUH!!? DIAPERS?!? IS THAT WHAT YOU SAID!? WANNA SAY THAT ONE MORE TIME, YOU SHITTY FACED BITCH?! I'LL KILL YOU-"

"Ah, you will?! Well, feel free to kill me, I guess. I mean, you'd be saving me a lot of trouble by doing so, with all of the other shit I'm supposed to be dealing with today. Hey, if anything, it'd actually be very heroic of you to put me out of my misery." I winked, watching him crouch into some feral, aggressive fight stance.

I couldn't help but slap a hand over my mouth, barely containing my laughter over this hysterical asshat of a child.

What, does he expect me to fight him in this classroom? What are we, savages?!

"WANT ME TO BLOW YOUR EYE SOCKETS OFF?!" Bakugou screeched, letting little, hilarious explosions start crackling from his palms.

Hah. I kinda like this kid. He's fun to rile up.

"Blow my eye sockets off? Sure, guess if you're into that sort of thing. Hey, maybe after that, I could immobilize you in a pool! Or the ocean. Or a pond. Just face down in any body of water really-"

"Parker, stop terrorizing my students, and get a life." Aizawa called out from the front of the room, already half asleep in his sleeping bag.

Shit. I'm getting way sidetracked.

"Well, as much fun as this has been...see ya later, explosion boy. It definitely hasn't been a pleasure." I muttered, quickly turning on my heel to continue the mission at hand.

I immediately abandoned my conversation with Bakugou, quickly walking over to Aizawa.

"HAH! RUNNING AWAY ALREADY?!? I KNEW YOU WERE AFRAID OF ME-" Bakugou started yelling, before some red headed, spiky haired boy started calming him down.

Jeez, what a hot head. Let's hope I never have to work with him...

"Heh, sorry about that, Mr. A. Tell you what, I'll stop terrorizing your students, if you let me back in on this league of villains assignment-"

Mr Aizawa's groan of annoyance cut me off, as he barely opened his eyes to look at me.

"For the last time, no. Now, that's the end of it." He muttered firmly, already closing his eyes to dismiss this conversation.

My confident smile fell slightly, upon hearing his stern tone of voice.

He's really not messing around with this, huh.

Damn it. It's starting to look like he's really set on this decision. He's about to unknowingly ruin everything for me! Come on, Ari. Convince him better. Do better.

"O-Okay, look-Mr. Aizawa, please. All joking aside, I really enjoyed the project, and I'm very eager to help you out again. If you'd just give me one more chance, I can prove to you that everything will be okay. You can count on me." I tried reasoning, deciding to drop the carefree act and give him my professional side now.

Aizawa's eyes opened again, as he began shuffling around in his sleeping bag, reluctantly climbing out of it.

I remained silent in anticipated dread, as I watched him stand up from the floor.

He climbed out of his sleeping bag for this? It must be serious.

I was torn between wanting this conversation to end, so I could know the final outcome....and, also not wanting this conversation to end, because I was afraid of the final outcome.

After all, ignorance is bliss, right?

"Ari, I won't lie to you and say I don't feel partly responsible for your kidnapping. I can't help but think you were targeted because the villains found out you were helping me. Think about it. Of all the people in this school, you were the one chosen. Why do you think that is? I'm seriously asking you. Why? What other reason is there?" Aizawa asked, giving me an empty chance to explain that.

Why, you ask? Why has Dabi been targeting me? Why did the league kidnap me? Why didn't my HFRA work the way it was supposed to? Why do I still not have any idea how the hell this weekend actually happened?

Hey, those are great questions. Mind telling me the answers?

My incredibly short moment of hesitated silence, was all Mr. A needed to put the final nail in my coffin. Literally and figuratively.

"Ari, in five months, you will become a real pro hero. You will no doubt make a name for yourself and solidly your place in the top ten. Great. Good for you. But, I couldn't care less about that. Because right now, for these next five months, you're still my student, and my top priority is keeping you safe. Which is why I will continue to deny your request to come back to this project, every single time you ask me. Save yourself the trouble and listen to me now. You're out. My decision is final." He replied firmly, starting to give me a warning glare now.

Fuck!!!

This is starting to look very bleak for me.

Even though I wanted nothing more than to stop pissing off Mr. Aizawa, I had no choice but to keep going. I needed to prioritize the task at hand.

"B-But, I really need this-"

"No, but's. Our conversation is over. Now, get to work-"

"But, Mr. Aizawa-"

"Get to work, Ari." He stated sternly, his escalating frustration making me internally cringe.

"I am literally begging you, Mr. Aizawa. Please don't do this. Please let me-"

"ARI!" He suddenly yelled out strongly, causing his entire first year class to immediately shut up whatever conversations they had been engaging in prior.

Great. Now all of the attention was on me.

I closed my eyes in frustration, cursing my brain for the flash of Sammy's beautiful smile that ran through my mind.

Damn it. Help. I need help.

I need your help, Mr. Aizawa. Please help me.

Someone help me. Anyone. Please. I'm begging you. I don't want to do this.

A cry for help.

Maybe, if I can just try to hint to him somehow that I need help....he'll understand...

I cleared my throat at a final attempt to do this entire situation somewhat properly...doing my very best to get through to my teacher, and friend, of three years.

I can only hope he will pick up on my signs.

"Mr. Aizawa....you don't understand. You don't understand, when I tell you....I need this job. Do you get it? I don't have a choice. There is no other choice, but for me to do this job. Will you please help me...do thi-"

"Drop it. Now. I won't tell you again." He seethed out lowly, cutting me off before I even had the chance to finish my sentence.

I stared at him blankly, feeling a sudden wave of frustrated anger wash over me at the sight of his stubborn face.

He didn't even pick up on it. He didn't pick up on my secret plea for help. He didn't even allow himself the chance to do so.

That much was obvious from the dark glare that currently sat in his eyes.

No understanding. No questions. No curiosity.

Just stubbornness. Authority. Finality.

And I hated it.

This must be how Keigo feels whenever he can't get a secret point across to the people he cares about.

Heh. How many times has he felt this way with me, I wonder.

It's like this task with Dabi has now put me in Keigo's shoes. I understand. As much as I can, anyway.

Well, this is great. Aizawa has officially ruined the only plan Keigo was able to come up with in keeping me safe. In keeping my family safe.

So, what do I do now? Where do I go from here? It's not like I have a million years to think about how to proceed-scratch that, I don't even have a day to ponder over a new plan.

Oh boy. I really am in a pickle, huh?

I'm never one to disrespect my superiors. That's not how I was raised.

So, I couldn't help but hate myself a little as I simply glared at Aizawa in response, before quickly storming out of the classroom without another word.

Of course....I made sure to get a quick glimpse of his laptop before I left. Just to make sure it's in the same place it's always in.

I didn't even think about looking for Aizawa's laptop. My mind just went there instinctively.

Because that's how I was trained. To be sneaky. To go under people's noses and get the job done.

No matter what. For the greater good.

As much as I hated myself for it, I felt the ideals from the commission, that have been drilled into my mind for eight years, beginning to cloud my head.

And as much as I hate it, as much as I hate this part of myself, and try to fight it everyday of my life....

I won't stop it from happening.

Because starting now, I will actually be needing some of these skills to complete my mission.

Sixteen hours. I have sixteen hours to get Dabi the information he wants, before he kills my family.

It's really come to this, has it?

Looks like I'll have to get my hands dirty, after all.

And I know just the bird man double agent who will help me figure out how to get the job done. The man who will help me double cross the heroes....betray the side of good, in order to save my family.

What other choice do I have? I'm trapped. There's no way out for me, except through helping Dabi.

I mean, what would you do in a situation like this...

I guess now you might be asking yourself...

Where do Keigo and I fall on the scale of moral black and white?

Well...

That will be for you to decide.