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Keigo POV:

"Hey, it's me calling. Again. Please call me back. I'm on my way to your place right now, since I couldn't find you in your usual spot. We really need to talk. I'll be there shortly." I muttered into the phone, before hanging up.

Sure. It's not like I wanted to waste my day, continuously calling and trying to track down Diane Himura.

But, after Dabi's insane request, asking me to take out a pro fucking hero to prove my loyalty to the league, I realize this isn't really a task I can accomplish on my own.

No.

I'm in way over my head this time. And I know it.

And because of that, I need guidance from the only adult figure I have in my life. Diane's smart. She's been in this business a long time. She'll know what to do. I know it.

We need to make a plan together.

Sure. This isn't the first time Dabi has asked me to do something crazy. For the past eight months, I've somehow managed to wiggle my way around his orders, doing the bare minimum of what he's asked me to do, while still holding onto my contact with the league.

But, asking me to kill someone....the way that conversation went down...

I have no doubt in my mind that my chances with Dabi have run out.

This is my last opportunity to get my foot back in the door. My last opportunity to win back my meeting with Shigaraki.

This is the final straw.

And Dabi's successfully backed me up between a rock and a hard place, because there's no way in hell I can go around killing pro heroes to get this done.

That would defeat the whole purpose of what I'm trying to accomplish with this infiltration mission, which is ultimately ensuring that the heroes have the jump on the villains.

Taking out a pro hero wouldn't be methodical. It wouldn't be logical. It would only decrease the amount of resources we'd have against the villains, when it comes time to fight them.

......not to mention...it's...it's not very heroic...

But, anyways, what I'm trying to say, is that I need to remember that this infiltration mission is just that-a mission.

Despite the broody, dark monologues I've been spewing lately, I'm not actually a villain.

I'm not actually trying to join Dabi's little club, because in the long run...I know that what he's trying to accomplish isn't what's in the better interest of everyone else. He's only doing this for himself and his benefit.

My mission is meant to gain information on the league. Find out where the nomus are, and make sure I stay one step ahead of everyone.

But, I also need to make sure I don't jeopardize the heroes while I'm doing so.

Damn. This is confusing and difficult. How am I supposed to do this? I really don't know this time.

What? Isn't this what most twenty-two year olds worry about on a daily basis?

Ah, well. That's exactly it. That's why I'm currently trying to track down the boss.

I'm the number two hero, but I ain't oblivious to the fact that there's a part of me that's still young and inexperienced on certain aspects of life.

Everyone's got a mentor, right? Someone they go to when they need guidance?

And well....it's not as if I'm allowed to tell Endeavor-san about what's going on....

So, I guess...Diane Himura just happens to be my mentor.

But, apparently, she's hiding right now.

Not literally. She's just not in any of her usual places, like the hero commission office. And she's been dodging my calls, even though I hinted in my voicemails that I'm having a code red problem.

It's not like her.

So now, I'm going to the last place I could think of, as to where she'd be. Her house, of course.

And I already knew she was home, when I saw her brand new Tesla parked in the driveway of her million dollar house.

She wouldn't have that stuff if it wasn't for all of the work and accomplishments I've been carrying on my back. Ari, too.

So, technically, that means Ari and I bought her that car and house. You're welcome, Diane.

I groaned in annoyance as I began coasting my flight path towards the ground now, already feeling my mood dropping as I began nearing Diane's front door.

Hearing my phone ding with a text message, I quickly looked down to see if it was Diane.

And even though I should have been annoyed that it wasn't Diane, I couldn't help but smile and feel my mood lift as I saw who it actually was.

Text Message From: Intern Ari ;)

I know you're busy. But miss u and thinking of u. Call me when u have the time❤️
2:27 pm.

Text Message To: Intern Ari ;)

My day just got a hell of a lot better with this. Are you still with the fam? Tell them I miss them and that I'm sorry I bailed on breakfast:/
2:27 pm.

Text Message From: Intern Ari ;)

They've already made promises to cook you for dinner since you bailed today, so looks like they took it pretty well
2:28 pm.

Also Sammy wants to know your workout routine. Apparently, you have "abs for dayz" and he bets you have a secret trick
2:28 pm.

Text Message To: Intern Ari ;)

There is a secret trick but I can't tell you cause it's top secret bro code. I'll tell him in person next time I see him. I'll also teach him how to pull chicks 🐥🔥
2:28 pm.

Text Message From: Intern Ari ;)

I refuse to let you turn my baby brother into a hoe like u
2:29 pm.

Text Message To: Intern Ari ;)

'Hoe' and 'total boss' are two different things, baby
2:29 pm.

Text Message From: Intern Ari ;)

Prepare to get roasted when you call me later 😘
2:30 pm.

Text Message To: Intern Ari ;)

Looking forward to it 😘
2:30 pm.

I allowed a final, genuine smile to spread naturally across my face as I shoved my phone back into my pocket....relishing in this small, happy moment I was able to have, amidst the shit storm I'm currently stuck in.

Sighing deflatedly, I landed in front of Diane's door a few moments later, immediately grabbing the spare key that I knew she kept hidden in the potted plant outside.

I don't see Kiara's Audi parked outside. Hopefully, that means she isn't here.

Unlocking the door, I wordlessly entered the grand house, feeling the fresh scent of pine and lemon immediately hit my nostrils.

The maid must have just left.

"Oi. Where are you?" I called out somewhat loudly, shoving my hands in my pockets as I walked down the posh hallway.

"Keigo? Is that you? I'm in my home office." Diane called back casually, her chill tone of voice immediately irritating me since I've been frantically trying to track her down for like three hours.

I let out an exasperated sigh, so she would know I'm annoyed, before trudging my ratty, overworked dirty boots across the freshly polished floor to get to her office room.

A few moments later, I was standing in the middle of the doorway, crossing my arms in distaste as I saw Diane typing at her desk.

She knew I was here. Yet, she didn't even look up from her work, continuing to type and clack away as she kept her cold eyes on the computer screen.

I grit my teeth together at her unbothered demeanor, starting to tap my foot impatiently.

"Yeah-Hi. Hello. You there? Cause I'm standing here-"

"Yes, Keigo. I see you. No need to lash out like that when you want my attention. Please, come in." She replied in monotone, not bothering to look up and acknowledge my presence as she nodded for me to fully enter the room.

Her lax, bored attitude was a hard contrast to my panicked, anxious state. And that was already starting to show as I kept up with my sass.

"Why the hell have you been ignoring my calls? Been tryin' to track you down all day with a code red situation." I blurted out, glaring at her sitting figure as I said the words.

My wings flinched up with an involuntary instinct of protection, since I just 'lashed out' again, as she'd put it. I expected her to whip her eyes around at me, and start yelling about how I should have some respect.

That's what usually happens, after all.

But, to my utter surprise, Diane didn't even blink an eye....continuing to look bored and unbothered, as she typed on her computer.

"Yeah. It's pretty annoying, isn't it?" She asked blankly, causing my brows to furrow in confusion.

Wait. So she was purposely ignoring my calls? Even though she knows there's a serious situation going on?

I narrowed my eyes slightly, taking a precautionary step back with my attitude as I tried to figure out her mood.

Is she mad? I can't tell.

"What does that mean?" I asked a little quieter, giving my wings a subtle flap. I was trying to get her to stop looking at the stupid computer, so she would pay attention to me, instead.

But, she didn't.

"Come on, little Keigo. I know you're not as dumb as you look. I'm simply asking if you enjoyed being ignored when you needed my assistance? I mean, is that not what you've been doing to me for this past month? Ignoring my calls when I need your assistance? So, why would I help you, when you won't help me?" She questioned condescendingly, her words causing me to groan as I finally understood the situation.

She's trying to teach me a lesson.

Ah. So, she is mad...

God damn it, I can't deal with this right now. There are so many other things that top importance, and I'm running out of time.

I let out a small sigh of anxiety, as I walked further into the room.

Knowing I wouldn't get anywhere with this conversation if I wasn't able to grab her attention somehow, I decided to go for a bold move.

Walking over to her desk, I gently closed her laptop shut while she was in the middle of typing, causing her to finally stop and look up at me.

She looked calm, yet it was obvious that she was silently demanding an explanation from me.

Keep your cool, Keigo. You need her help.

My shoulders slumped slightly as I felt my gaze involuntarily drift towards the desk.

"Y'know....it's not as if I've been spending this past month, sitting around idly and preening my feathers. But, if it's an apology you're lookin' for, then fine. I'm sorry." I stated quietly, my voice raspy as I tried to find my reason for giving in so easily.

I need her help. I can't do this on my own.

Diane let out a small, condescending chuckle, as she leaned back in her chair, looking at me like I wasn't worth anything more than the gum on the bottom of her shoe.

I'm ashamed to say that look causes a minuscule twinge of something inside myself.

"So, what have you been doing for the past month then, Keigo?" She questioned, tilting her head to the side as she impatiently waited for my answer.

Oh...well....let's see....

Punching Dabi in the face. Being a bad bird to Tokoyami. Knocking the boots with Ari. Trying to track down the league and get my meeting back with Shigaraki, after I fucked everything up. Oh! And I tried acupuncture for the first time. Ari took me and started laughing, saying I looked like a real life chicken skewer-

"Been workin.' What else?" I shrugged casually, raising my brows in slight question.

Diane's eyes burned into me for a moment, silently studying my appearance as I spoke the words.

Damn it. She can read me better than most people.

"Mhm. And how is the infiltration mission going? I haven't been receiving your weekly follow up reports. I'm sure that's because you're just slammed with all the data you're getting. Right?" She asked accusatorially, her threatening tone of voice causing me to internally cringe.

It seems like she already knows the answer to that.

Well, no use lying or beating around the bush with it. Time isn't a luxury I can afford anymore.

A quiet, nervous chuckle escaped my mouth, before I did the best I could to turn on my 'charm.'

"Heh. Well, that's kinda what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, there's been a situation-"

"Please, do tell." She commanded firmly, forcing me to resist the instinct to roll my eyes.

I was about to tell, before you interrupted me. Bitch.

"Sure thing, boss!" I faked out, giving her a respectful smile as I tried to piece together the words in my mind.

How can I say this lightly, without getting myself in trouble?

"So....the thing is-" I started out, hating myself for instinctively trying to beat around the bush again, even though there was no use.

Diane wasn't having it, either.

"Little Keigo, you have five seconds to explain to me why you interrupted my day. Surely, you don't want to see me upset with you. Right?" She stated casually, pursing her lips in thought.

But, even though she looked calm, I didn't miss the subtle glint of malice that shone brightly in her eyes. It was a look that made my wings involuntarily sharpen in self defense, as I remembered the physical and mental beatings that usually accompany a sentence like that.

Diane's eyes trailed to my sharpened wings, causing a minuscule smile to tug at her lips as she saw my instinct to be naturally afraid of her.

Taking my reaction in stride, she slowly stood up from her chair, walking out from behind her desk to stand in front of me.

My jaw tensed in stress when she came close, and even though she was shorter than me...it felt as if she was taller than Endeavor.

Her hand quickly raised from her side, acting as if she was gonna hit me.

I automatically flinched, bracing myself for a hit, before I saw her raised hand go to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear instead.

But, judging by her small chuckle, she knew what she was doing.

"Wow. Still so weak. The number two hero, flinching because he thinks I'm gonna smack him. Is this how you act towards the villains?" She asked quietly. Her voice was low. Her look was demeaning.

No. I don't act this way towards the villains, because they're not as terrifying as you are, Diane.

Swallowing thickly, I kept my blank eyes locked on a random part of the wall...just wanting to get past this small game with her so I could ask for her help.

"I don't act this way towards the-"

"Look at me when you're speaking, timid boy."

My fists clenched together in overwhelming frustration with the name, making me want to scream in her face for even saying that.

I'm so sick of being called by that name. It doesn't hurt my feelings the way it used to.

Now, it just makes me angry.

I snapped my gaze towards hers now, glaring slightly at her unnecessary, problematic behaviors.

Moral of the story...never ignore Diane's phone calls again. Always answer her.

"I don't act this way towards the villains. And there's no time for you and I to be arguing about something this insignificant, when Dabi has tasked me with something impossible." I stated firmly, hoping she would take the bait I was laying out for her.

And she did.

"What is it that Dabi has asked you to do?" She sighed out in annoyance, acting as if my request for help was hindering her from doing a million other things for the day-even though she's the one who forced me to do this mission in the first place.

Knowing there was no way I could sugar coat this lightly, I decided to just rip the bandaid off and come out with it.

"Dabi.....he wants me to take someone out. A hero...he wants me...to kill a hero to prove my loyalty to the league." I sighed out stressfully, running an anxious hand through my hair as I waited for her response.

Diane was silent as she took in my words, blankly staring at the wall in lost thought for a moment as she tried to process.

I didn't dare say anything else, choosing to wait for her to speak on her own time.

Although, I will admit that the quiet tension in the room was literally going to kill me, as I saw her nod her head slightly in acknowledgement.....slowly starting to pace the room back and forth.

Well. Good. She only paces when she's thinking. At least, now we're on the same page with this. She's clearly trying to make an alternative plan.

"Why?" She asked me absentmindedly, stroking her chin in lost thought while she continued to pace.

I furrowed my brows with her vague question, tilting my head to the side in confusion.

"Why what?"

"Why does Dabi still need you to prove your loyalty to the league? Why does he still not trust you? Are you telling me that you've made absolutely no progress in the last eight months?" Diane scoffed in annoyance, given her head a small shake of disbelief with my stupidity.

Oh. Why does Dabi still not trust me? Simple. It's because I beat him to a pulp for trying to take advantage of Ari.

"Ah, well, it's not as if I'm trying to infiltrate a tea party here, y'know? I'm sure the league's got their reasons for not wanting to let me in. I'd be worried if they didn't have their reservations about me. Makes it more believable on my part. Must mean I'm doing a good job, right?" I smirked out cockily, definitely not intending to tell Diane the specific reason as to why Dabi is giving me this wild task.

"Eight months and nothing. We're running out of time, Keigo. Has he even given you any indication that you're close to getting a meeting with Shigaraki soon?" Diane asked, starting to sound more irritated with me as this conversation went on.

Of course he did! I got the meeting with Shigaraki!

And then I lost it.

"Not yet. But...surely....I'm close to getting it. I bet..." I started off quietly, feeling my heart starting to pound at the blatant lie I just told her.

Even so, guess my lying tactics were better than I thought, as Diane didn't even seem to notice. She was too concerned with my failures in my job to realize I was lying. Nice!

I watched her brows starting to furrow together, while her lip began to tighten up-two tell tale signs that she was pretty close to losing it.

Wanting to do a little damage control, I began trying to diffuse the situation as best I could.

"B-But, hey. It's not a big deal. I've already given some good thought to this, alright? First thing, Dabi didn't even give me a specific hero to kill. He just wants proof that I did it. This means, he's probably more concerned with the fact that I have a body ready to show him." I started out confidently, watching Diane's eyes completely glaze over in her own type of plan, making me realize that she probably wasn't even listening to me.

But, that's nothing new. She's been ignoring me for sixteen years. I'll just continue on like I always do. That's kinda where I picked up the habit of having one sided conversations with myself.

"And now for the plan. You've got some good connections with the morgue downtown, boss. I say, we get a body...disguise it as someone from the pros-preferably a no name, who's not very famous, and send the real person into hiding! Then, I give the dead body to Dabi, and everyone is happy!" I explained, outstretching my wings from behind me to emphasize my presence.

I was surprised with Diane's quick response to my answer, making me realize that she was listening, even though she pretended like she wasn't.

"And what if that doesn't work, and Dabi sees right through it? Then what? What will be the fate of this mission?" She said with slight stress, causing my heart to pound again as I remembered exactly what Dabi said would happen if I failed at this again....

"Believe me when I tell you, Hawks, that this will be your last chance....for everything."

My wings gave a soft flap of anxiety, as I took a deep breath to calm myself with the current situation.

Seeing that Diane was becoming stressed about this situation immediately caused me to feel stressed, too.

"W-Well, if Dabi saw through my lie, he'd probably just...kill me right then and there." I blurted out casually, not knowing another alternative as to what would happen.

"Exactly. And then we'd lose our only inside informant for the villains." She immediately countered, unsurprisingly more concerned with how this situation would affect my position with the league, instead of focusing on the fact that I would be killed.

Damn. There's that small twinge in my heart again.

"Well...I mean, yes, technically me being dead does mean I won't have my connections to the league, anymore. But, maybe you can just find another way to infiltrate after I'm gone." I reasoned, letting out a small, tired sigh as I tried to plan ahead for my, apparently inevitable, death.

Diane stopped her pacing, immediately shaking her head in disagreement as she looked over at me.

"No. I refuse. You're my best agent. I won't lose you over something so trivial." She pointed out firmly, crossing her arms as she stared me down from across the room.

I was taken aback by her odd statement, feeling my eyes widen slightly at a response like that.

"Trivial? What's trivial about this? It's a literal life or death situation for someone. It's seriously one of the most significant things that has come up during this mission." I explained firmly, feeling my own irritation levels starting to rise now.

Diane simply continued glaring at me, giving her shoulders a small shrug of carelessness.

"I beg to differ. It is trivial. It's trivial, compared to the grand scheme of things, which is the safety of the entire country." She countered calmly, her face starting to turn from stressed into something more confident now.

"What are you-"

"One life, compared to the lives of millions, Keigo. That's what I'm saying. Are you really willing to mess up your odds for something like that?" She interrupted me, giving her head a small nod of agreement with herself.

My brows raised in slight shock at her statement, as I waited for her to continue speaking.

But, she didn't. She was waiting for me to respond, instead.

"A-Are you......what...what are you saying?" I asked in pure disbelief to something I already knew she was saying, starting to feel a cold sweat on my face as this conversation began to take a very dark turn.

I asked the question, but I didn't want to hear the answer.

But, that didn't stop the answer from coming anyways.

"I'm saying to do it, Keigo. Kill one of the pros, if that will make Dabi finally trust you." She commanded casually, her voice and demeanor sounding completely unbothered about the execution she just ordered on some innocent person's life.

I inhaled sharply, but ended up choking on my breath anyways as Diane's words left her mouth.

"W-What?! Do you hear yourself?! Why the hell would I do that!!? It's something that goes completely against what we're trying to accomplish in this mission!!" I yelled out, feeling my temper starting to slip as my anxiety began hitting an all time high.

I could feel my heart beating erratically. My breathing was short and choked. My muscles were trembling. Sweat was rapidly forming on my face.

I was immediately starting to have a panic attack.

But, I didn't care.

"Don't raise your voice with me again." Diane suddenly spat out, giving me a look of fury that burned into my soul.

But, I was angry, too. I simply matched her look of anger, staying silent as I felt my breathing only become more hindered.

"You tell me then, Keigo. What are we trying to do in this mission? I wanna hear it from your perspective." She seethed out, storming over to me.

My wings sharpened up without my consent as Diane came walking over, causing her to suddenly make a beeline for her desk instead.

Oh fuck. I know what she's getting.

Not that I won't be faster. But, still. This conversation is quickly starting to reach a dangerous high. Everything is getting out of hand.

Diane quickly ripped open the drawer of her desk, pulling out a gun before she cocked it and aimed it at my head.

"Dull your feather blades within the next three seconds, or I'll put a fucking bullet in your brain, before Dabi even has the chance to murder you. Now." She called out calmly, causing me to immediately force my wings to power down.

"It wasn't intentional." I spat out breathlessly, tucking my wings behind my back.

Expertly twirling the gun between her fingers, Diane walked back over to me after seeing my blades had been put away.

"Now then. What are we trying to do with this mission, Keigo?" Diane asked again, her voice coming out impatient and condescending.

"Trying to figure out where the nomus are. Trying to stop the league from putting the public in danger." I quickly explained, starting to remove my jacket as I began feeling too hot and clammy in it.

Diane nodded in agreement with my words, watching my movements carefully as I neatly set my jacket down on the desk.

"Correct. And by what means do we ensure that this is possible?" She asked again, causing my eyes to close in frustration as I already knew the answer to that.

"By doing whatever it takes. I know. I understand that. But, by taking out a pro hero, that will only lessen our fight numbers when it comes time to have a real clash with the villains! We need all the capable heroes we can get!" I explained, desperately trying to save someone's life right now.

But, apparently, my own words backfired on me.

"And what if you took out someone who isn't a capable hero?" Diane asked, calming down slightly as she spoke the words.

I forced my trembling, fatigued muscles to stop shaking as Diane continued saying more unforgivable things....not wanting to know how this conversation was going to proceed.

But, even so....

"What did you just say?" I breathed out stressfully, giving her a wild, look of confusion.

Diane slowly walked closer to me, eyes blazing into my brain with a glare that could practically kill me if it wanted to.

"Keigo. Your argument, is that we can't kill one of the pros, because we need all the help we can get. So, I'm saying...take out someone who won't be of any help to us. Kill one of the weak ones. Then, your argument is solved." She said a little bit quieter, as if the neighbors next door would be able to hear this conversation.

I don't blame her for keeping her voice down though. If anyone caught wind of what the hell the president of the hero public safety commission and the number two hero of Japan were talking about right now....all hell would break lose in the entire country.

Not only had Dabi put me in a difficult position by giving me this task, but now Diane has as well, because by asking me to take out a weak hero....she's exposing my excuses for refusing to do it.

Sure, it's not practical in my eyes to take out a pro hero for this mission.

But, I also just don't want to do it.

I stared at Diane blankly, trying to decide how the hell I could side step such a bold order with another excuse....

Before, I found nothing coming to mind.

Looks like I'll just have to lay it out straight.

"I....cannot....do that." I whispered raspily, feeling absolutely nothing as I said the words.

I wasn't scared. But, I also wasn't proud of myself for sticking to my guns, either. I wasn't angry.

I was just empty.

Because it seems that even though my heart had made a decision to do something right for once, my poisoned mind was already preparing me to follow Diane's orders against my will.

I was already trying to shut out my emotions and block this entire thing from my mind, even though I said no.

I'm so confused about myself.

Who am I?

Diane didn't seem to notice the struggle going on inside my head, as I watched her face go livid with silent fury instead.

"What did you just say?" She whispered quietly, matching my void look of emotion as both of our feelings were elevated to an all time high.

My mouth moved before I could think about it, surprising myself with the words that came out.

It seems that while Diane and I were having an argument about who's going to give in first, my brain and my heart were doing the same thing with each other.

"I-I said no. I won't do it. I won't kill a hero to complete this mission. I'll stick with my plan and head to the morgue. I'll get the body, disguise it, and bring it to Dabi." I rasped out, feeling my feet turning on their heels as I began numbly walking towards the door.

Once again...I don't feel proud of myself for sticking to my guns. I feel conflicted, even if I don't want to admit it.

Because my mind is fighting so hard with itself to follow my own choice.

I have no problem doing it when Diane isn't here. But when she is....it suddenly becomes so hard to disobey her.

Who am I?

I am-

"Keigo. Get back here right now. I didn't give you permission to walk away from me. Keigo-I said get back here......KEIGO TAKAMI!!" Diane yelled out in pure and utter anger, causing my feet to stop in their tracks immediately.

I didn't turn around, simply closing my eyes as I waited for her to speak.

"Fine. You want to disobey me? You think you know what's best, Mr. Twenty-Two Year Old? Alright. Go ahead, then. Do things your way. But, when you die from the poor planning of your choice, I want you to die with this in mind: the moment Dabi burns you alive into ash, is the same moment I grabbed my next agent to carry on your mission. It won't stop at you, Keigo. It will keep going....with her." Diane explained firmly, the last word of the sentence causing my blood to run cold.

Her...?

No....

You can't. You won't.

My heart stopped. My mind faltered. Everything went hazy from my internal panic.

Diane didn't say anything more as she waited for me to process the words.

But, I couldn't. I didn't want to process them. My mind wanted to stay in denial.

My eyes remained blank and lifeless as a storm of chaotic emotions swirled around inside my heart.

I didn't know what to do at the moment. I didn't know what to say.

So, the only thing I could do....was ask what I already knew.

"Who's the her who would continue the infiltration mission?" I practically whispered out, not giving a shit about how upset I may have sounded now.

Any concealment of my emotions I'd been holding onto was now officially out the window.

While I still had my back turned to Diane, I could only imagine the satisfied look that was probably on her evil face as she heard me sound weak.

It made me so incredibly angry, especially when I heard her say....

"Ari Parker, of course. She will be the one to continue once you've carried out your final duty with Dabi. After all, she is my next big hero. And you've been one to state that multiple times, yourself. It's just the natural line of succession. Once you die, Hourglass will become the new Hawks. She will take over with your duties. All of them, and more." Diane explained carefully, keeping her words slow and clear to ensure that I absorbed every single one.

And I did. Oh, I definitely did.

My jaw tensed so tightly, I felt as if I'd break my teeth. My eyes squeezed shut so hard, I started seeing stars. My muscles began trembling again, but it wasn't out of panic this time...

It was out of anger.

And I'm losing it.

Turning on my heel, I didn't even bother to hide the pure and utter fury in my eyes as I stormed over to Diane, forcing my wings to stand down with every fiber of my being.

"Like hell you will." I growled out angrily, watching Diane's eyes light up with challenge.

"Who's gonna stop me? You? You'll be dead." She simply said, boldly maintaining my eye contact as she spoke.

Oh my god. She knows how to trigger me too fucking well. I hate it. I hate her. I hate this job. I hate it all.

And to my horror, she spoke again.

"Hm. Actually, now that I think about it....you've given me a great idea, Hawks. See what happens when you speak your mind? Now, I've come up with a perfect plan to put in place. Ari's never been one to stray too far from my rules, unlike you. Sure, she's gotten a little more bold in the past few months, but I'll reel her back in easily. Plus....she is a woman. I'm sure the men in the league will be more inclined to tell her things once she becomes a little....promiscuous." She pointed out, hiding back a malicious smile as she saw my face go wild with anger.

Every emotion was showing on my face and I can't stop it. It's a feat only achievable by Ari, Dabi...and Diane.

"How could you even say something like that!?? She's eighteen years old and you're suggesting she sells her body to get answers from Dabi?!? What the fuck is wrong with you, you sick, twisted bitch!!?" I yelled out, becoming too far gone to notice how calm and collected Diane was.

"Eighteen is a legal adult. Part of the reason why I even gave Ari the time of day in the first place, was because she was charming. A very cute, spunky kid, who I knew would turn into a beautiful, young woman, someday. And she did. I'm sure the league would take notice. If she does a little something for them, maybe they'll spill some secrets for her...." Diane explained, shooting me a sickly sweet smile as she easily maneuvered around my trembling body to walk out of the room first.

Now, she's leaving?!

"So go ahead, little Keigo. Do things your way. Make your own choice. Don't take out a pro hero. Whatever. You know what? I actually think it's a great idea now. All of this honest talk from you almost has me thinking that I'd rather have Ari doing this job, instead of you. It'd be a hell of a lot easier from both sides, I believe." She chuckled out over her shoulder, causing me to immediately turn on my heel and trail after her.

She's already won this argument. And she knows it.

And then it hit me.

The conversation Ari and I had yesterday....

"Diane doesn't know about us. She doesn't believe you have ties to anyone. Because of this, she's more likely to leave you alone if she doesn't have anything over your head."

"What do you know, huh? Just spill it." I called out, briskly walking down the hallway to catch up to her pace.

Diane's feet immediately stopped in her tracks upon hearing my words, turning around to face me at lightning speed.

I quickly skidded on my heels to a stop, waiting for her to speak.

"Is there something to know, then?" She asked firmly, narrowing her eyes at me threateningly.

Once again, it threw me through a loop.

Diane's face wasn't a knowing one right now. It looked as if she was genuinely trying to figure out the answer for herself.

Does she really not know that Ari and I are dating? Is she playing me? Does she just think I'm fond of Ari and that's why she's using her against me?

......damn it, I don't know.

But, what I do know, is that apparently Ari was wrong when she said Diane had no way to control me, because she doesn't have anything over my head.

Because the same way Ari is bound to Diane, because of her family's safety....

Is the same way I'm apparently bound to Diane, because of Ari's safety.

And Diane has somehow figured out that Ari is my weakness, whether she knows we're actually dating or not.

Sixteen years. Sixteen years, and I never had the weakness of attachment. Diane knew that, which is why she's always had such a hard time controlling me.

But now...

She has successfully managed to find something that makes me human....which is my true emotions. But, instead of treating my emotions and vulnerabilities with care and affection like Ari does, Diane stomps on these feelings. Morphs them and twists them into something that will benefit her.

And it did.

And I'm about to prove her point, right now.

Well done, Diane. Well done.

Steering away from my initial question of subtly asking if Diane knows about my relationship with Ari, I decided to ask what I knew she wanted to hear.

"Diane........you're asking me to murder someone. Do you understand? Is this really what you want from me?! Huh!? Is that what will make you happy? If I fucking kill someone!!?" I yelled out, cursing the small crack of pain that slipped through my voice.

Knowing she had the upper hand over me now, Diane's eyes immediately softened into something of mock comfort, before she placed her hands on my shoulders.

"Little Keigo. Listen to me..." She said softly, her abrupt maternal tone of voice smacking me in the face like a damn truck.

I closed my eyes tiredly, not wanting to hear whatever poison she was about to plant in my mind.

But, I don't have a choice. I'm forced to hear it.

"My dear....you are such a special hero. That's what I've raised you up to be. That's who you are. And special heroes.....they have to do difficult things, sometimes. But, they do them so that the rest of the world can shine bright. I know you want to be a shining light, sweetie. And by doing this mission correctly, you will be. You'll be the savior to millions. You, Hawks. By doing this....you will be special. You'll be enough to put everyone at ease." She whispered kindly, her words making my eyes blank and my head start to pound.

Wow.

Hate. Right now, at this moment....I have so much hate.

I hate what I'm being asked to do.

I hate myself. For a few reasons.

I hate myself for staying here to hear this.

I hate that Diane is using Ari, the very first taste of happiness I've ever had in my life, to control me.

But, mostly....

I hate myself for finding some sort of comfort in Diane's calm tone of voice. She's horrible. She's awful. I've never met a more manipulative, sickening person in my entire life. I know that what she just said to me is not something that was said out of genuine love.

So, why is my heart trying to find something genuine about it? Why is there a piece of me, trying to pretend that Diane means it when she says I'm special?

It's as if I crave for her to show me affection. I'm never able to move on from her, because she's always here. And because I'm never able to move on from Diane, I'm never able to grow and get very far without her.

What do I want? What am I going to do?

Who am I?

I think I know now.

Not being able to take anymore psychological torture for the day, I slowly closed my eyes....letting out a sigh of pure and utter defeat.

Diane kept her hands on my shoulders, but it felt as if she was trying to keep her talons dug in my soul.

Ari. Dabi. Diane.

Each one pulls me to their side....

But, today...it seems that one has beat the other two.

Feeling my body being drained of my emotions, I slowly opened my eyes, looking into Diane's with a blank, submissive will to do.

Do it, Hawks.

Do.

Don't ask questions, anymore. Don't pretend like you can think for yourself. Just do.

And you will. Just like you always have.

"Who's the target?" I asked heartlessly, feeling my soul drowning back into the darkness.

Diane smiled softly at my compliance, giving me a small nod of encouragement as a reward.

"I've got just the guy in mind."

Goodbye, Keigo. I never had the luxury of being him for too long. I should have known that better than anyone.

So, who am I?

I know exactly who I am now. Who I've always been. Who I always will be. I was born to be him, and I will die, being him...

I am Hawks. The man who's too fast for his own good.

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Next Chapter Title: The Man Who's Too Fast.