9 Phlegethon/We Kill By Flame

It seems that astonishing revelations are not going to be an uncommon occurrence in my lifetime. The first time it happened, I met the ghost of Hassan-I Sabbah who offered me the opportunity to become an assassin. The second time I discovered an underground human trafficking ring right here in Tokyo. And now this. It seems the third time here is not the charm.

My brain still struggles to understand the sight before me, with one half refusing to function while trying to think of excuses. He could've just reacted to a perceived threat; a floating phone – still kicking myself over that slip-up - would make anyone suspicious. But the other, more rational part of my brain, which has always served me well in the past, honed and trained by the founder of the Assassin Order, told me to put two and two together.

Why would he react so badly to the sight of a phone that probably no one else knew existed? On top of it all, know exactly where to go?

How exactly did he decide to come here? I have no idea. Really bad coincidence?

While those thoughts run through my head, I just keep staring at the man bending low in front of me.

His sweaty head slowly rises up and starts to survey the room. His fists are clenched tightly and his breath is calm. And those eyes, hidden behind the simple mask, dart to and fro.

What was that type of mask called again? I heard the word somewhere before, in an old comic book…

Oh, that's right.

A domino mask.

"I know you are here somewhere," he says in a low tone. "You're not the first invisible Villain I've dealt with. If you reveal yourself now and surrender peacefully, I will hand you over to the authorities with minimal injuries."

His voice shakes me out of my stupor. The request registers in my mind and my fists slowly clench. Surrender? After what I've seen? After this…revelation?

No chance. I needed answers, and Pro Hero or not, Domino was going to give them to me.

I pull out one of my knives, but just before I manage to throw it, the 'Hero' slams his hand down on the floor and the tiles on it started flipping through the room – and by extension - towards me like rippling water. So instead of throwing the knife, I jump over the wave. I try and throw it again, but he slams his hand down and another wave comes, forcing me to jump. A stream of water suddenly bursts through the stall behind him.

This isn't good. This place is too small and I'm at a bit of a disadvantage. I jump over another wave and look to the open door. That'll work. I grab the phones lying on the floor and jump again, this time straight towards the door. I dart through it and into the small corridor, pressing myself to the wall.

I take a few quick breaths and tuck the phones in a pocket as I assess the situation. This guy's a lot less tacky than he looks. His Quirk is impressive, especially when fighting in tight spaces. But now that I'm not in the same room as him, I can think of a plan to – oh shit!

The hero bursts out of the bathroom and sends another wave after me, making me jump again. The tiles crack the wall behind me, albeit with a softer noise than in the bathroom.

That does it!

Before he can send another wave at me, I fling the knife at his shoulder. But in the last half-second, he shifts his body so instead of the shoulder, the knife strikes his upper limb instead. He hisses in pain as I smile, though it barely lasts a second because the 'Hero' grits his teeth and charges in my direction. He raises his other arm as he does so, but I won't let him get a chance to use his Quirk. I dash and move so I'm right under him, whip out another knife and stab him in the chest.

He lets out a choking sound as the blade pierces through his costume. Damn it, only under the ribcage. But I need answers from him, so he should stay alive a little longer before –

Domino suddenly grabs my arm and flings me away, making me collide with the wall. The pain I feel through my back makes me freeze up for a moment, but I quickly shake it off. Hassan's motivational stings hurt worse, plus the body armor seemed to be doing its job.

I jump again, this time to the side, to the hallway that led to the stairs and Domino's office. Another wave of tiles strikes the wall. The 'Hero' comes running out of the corridor, his dual-colored hair nearly covering his mask. With a simple gesture, the knives come flying out of his costume and into my hands, making him cry out in pain and stumble on the floor.

I sheathe one knife while preparing the other to throw when he speaks.

"Don't…don't think you can escape…Villain," his labored breath mars his tone, but the sight of his bared teeth makes him looked like a beast. "Your Quirk means…nothing. Give me the phone, or I will break you so hard…that the police…won't piece you…together."

I couldn't stop the words that came out of my mouth, but I didn't care. "Resorting to threats of violence? How unheroic of you. Looks like it's not the only thing."

"Shut up," he snarls. "I won't fall for your petty tricks."

"No trick here. But I wonder what trick can you pull out of that costume? Those wounds don't look very good."

The man lets out a roar and sends out another wave, which I jump over. The tiles hit wood behind me, and I get an idea when I look at the office. Time for a little goading. "Why don't we take this to your office? The view there is quite good, but the trophies I feel are too out of place."

Without paying him any attention, I run to the door and push it open. I quickly move to the wall and watch as he bursts into his office, his darting all looking for me. I fling the knife at him and this time, it strikes his shoulder. Just as he looks in my direction, I move to the side and summon the weapon back. His body jerks to the side and he lets out another scream as the blade flies back into my hand. I throw the blade again, but he swerves at the last second and the knife slashes his arm…with a small chunk of muscle.

"AAAHHH! THAT DOES IT!" At this point he's livid, gnashing. "You want to fight dirty, punk!? Fine!" He raises his foot and slams it down. "Domino Cascade!"

The tiles on the floor suddenly jump upwards and ripple towards me. Before they were just up to my knees, now they were reaching up to my head!

Before I can react, the tiles at my feet shoot up and smash right into me. I stagger back, trying to refocus myself, but apparently, that was all Domino needed. He looks right at where I'm standing and sneers viciously. "There you are."

He stomps his foot and sends another Cascade at me. This time I swing my knife down at the tile and it shatters. A jolt of pain courses through my arm, but I ignore it because he then sends more. He gives me no chance to attack, only to move. I can't even stay in place because somehow the shards go up with the wave. Every time I smash a tile he sends a Cascade. I wounded him bad, no doubt about it, but he just keeps coming.

As I smash another tile, I try and think of something. I can't get close to him, and with the rate he's sending those attacks, he might exhaust me. I don't know how long my arms can hold on.

But it's when I look to the gauntlets strapped to my forearm that the lightbulb goes ding.

I sheathe the battered knife and draw the antique dagger. Just before the wave can reach me, I smash the tile below my feet and kick the big shards away. A little side swerve later and I'm unharmed. With a silent cry, I throw the dagger at his raised leg. It strikes the appendage with a loud squelch, and from the sound of it, I also hit bone. Not even listening to his scream, I raise my right gauntlet, place my other arm on the button, point it at him and…

POW!

A long cable no thicker than my finger shoots out and pierces Domino through the shoulder. The 'Hero' screams and spits out blood, the cable firmly anchored there with the tiny extendable grappling hook I knew to be at the tip. I push the button, pull my arm back and the cable retracts, dragging him towards me. With the costumed man now bleeding at my feet, I pull again and the hook disconnects from his body, retreating back into the gauntlet.

I pant as I look down at my target. Lacerations, missing bits of flesh, and a broken leg. That should hold down while I get my answers. I move to pull out the dagger and –

"GOT YOU!"

I feel my world spin as Domino leaps where I'm standing and tackles me to the ground. He then somehow finds my head, goes down a bit, and begins pressing. An impressive feat considering the state of his arms I try and look up at him, but the hand blocks my view.

"You…you…you have no idea who you're messing with. I'm a fucking Pro Hero!" He yells as I try to hit him. "When the police come, I'll make sure you never see the light of day ever again! I'll get them to throw you so deep into Tartarus they'll forget you even exist!"

Never see the light of day again? Because this scum stopped me?

A wave of rage overtakes me as I snarl. Who the hell does this piece of lying garbage think he is!? He thinks he can tell me what to do, knowing what he's done!? I need him to talk, and if it means breaking every bone in his body before I gut him then that's what I'll do!

I'm too far away to hit his face, but his arms are right there. With a mighty twist of my body, I grab his arms and –

SHINK!

"AAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The blade pierces through them like butter. He lets go of me and I yank my arm away. As he falls to the ground, I look at the blood-covered steel under my arm. A trick suggested by Mawla, used by his people, and now improved with modern tech. Neat.

I flick my middle finger and my wrist upwards and the blade slides back into the slot. I look over to the battered scum and nod. Finally, time for some answers.

I walk over to him and press a knee on his chest. His grunt turns into another yell when I pull out the dagger from his foot. I press it to his neck and undo my Concealment, his eyes widening at the sight of me.

"Now, you piece of shit, it's time you start talking." I lean closer to him. "I've been tracking down this child trafficking ring you see, and my latest find led me here. Imagine my surprise when I find a phone hidden in a tissue dispenser of all places, a phone whose number matches the one inside the call-list of the trafficking garbage I killed."

"K-killed?" He asks, his voice weak.

"Yeah, along with the rest of his friends. The surprise they felt when I cut their throats open is something I'll remember to my dying day. So, as a concerned citizen, mind telling me why said phone was found in your private restroom, in a place that needed a key?"

He lets a low moan. "I-I don't know."

I narrow my eyes and kick him in his wounded leg. The scream that followed was very satisfying.

"Are you really going to play the tough Hero now? Come on, don't be stupid. I mean, how did you barge into the restroom at the same moment I had the phone? A hidden alarm system?" I let out a low growl. "Unless you want me to make your wounds worse, confess."

The man pants and grits his teeth. "I told you…I don't kno-AAAAAGGGHHH!"

This time it was his shoulder. "I am in a very bad mood right now. Don't test me." I move the dagger to under his chin and press it just hard enough to draw blood. "You want me to impale your head outside this office?" I move it again to right over his eye. "Pluck out your eyes and throw them on the desk." He goes still under my hold. I have his full attention. "No? Good. Start. Talking."

Despite his fear, he says nothing and bites his lip. I press the dagger to right under his eye. "Don't say I didn't –"

"F-Fine! I'll talk!" Heh. Bluffs like these always work.

"Good." I take out Swirly-Cheek's phone and activate a recording app I downloaded beforehand. Setting it down on the ground, I begin.

"Are you in charge of a trafficking ring?"

"Y-yes."

My eyes narrow. To hear it in person… "Was one of your traffickers an employee here? A man with swirls on his cheeks?"

"Yes."

"How long since you started this trafficking ring?"

"…two years."

I try very hard to hold onto my self-control. How many children like that boy died at the hands of the scum under him? "Are there any stations outside of Tokyo?"

"No." He caught his breath for a moment. I press the dagger again and he squirms. "I-I mean yes! There's one in Osaka, that's it!"

Osaka, huh? Not too surprising. Now time for the big one. "Why did you do it?"

"W-what?"

"Why did you start this whole thing?" I growl.

Despite his injuries and his position, he lets out a sardonic chuckle. "Why else? Money."

Of course. What else. "How could you do this!?" I yell. "You're supposed to be a Pro Hero! You save lives, not sell them into fuckin' slavery!" I gesture to the wall adorned with news clippings, now broken. "Do those awards and praises mean nothing to you!? Those children you save, don't you feel any shred of guilt when you sell them like they're –"

I pause at the sight of his broken grin. Taking off his mask, I recognize the glint in his eyes. I've seen it on criminals before when they think they're on top of the situation. A horrible feeling rumbles in my gut.

No. No. No.

There's no way he could sink that low.

"Those children you saved…" I lean forward until my mask nearly touches his face. "Do they have anything to do with this!?"

He chuckles again, blood dribbling from his mouth. "Heh, you…seem like a smart Villain. What do you think?"

My thoughts go into overdrive as the horrid realization rapidly forms. The words from that scumbag back near the Villain market…and that clipping with the picture of rescuing a child…what did the headline say exactly?

Oh, that's right.

"Pro Hero Domino, Rising Star! Rescues victim of Quirk traffickers!"

"You…you kidnap children and sell them…" I start out low. "But some you keep…and you rescue them…in front of everybody…" My free hand's clenched so hard I feel like I might draw blood. This…this utter piece of trash…

He simply smiles. Nothing more.

"WHY!? HOW THE FUCK IS SOMEONE LIKE YOU A HERO!?"

"Heh…" Domino then looks me in the eye. "You wanna know something about the Pro field that they don't teach you in school? The competition. We get paid according to our record. If nothing happens in our area, the cops don't pay us much. It costs money to keep this place going, ya know." He pauses to cough up more blood. "Ugh…gross. And when a crisis does happen, they don't call a newbie Hero. No, they call on someone familiar, more experienced. Leaving me to patrol crime-free streets or twiddle my thumbs here. So what do you do to make sure you don't end up a stinkin' sidekick again?" A grin forms on his broken face. "You make arrangements. A nod here, a looking-the-other-way there, and if you think big like me, have a…reliable source of income. Traffickers look good on the record, and the press eats it up like chocolate. Plus, nothing's better than kids for the news."

Something nasty bubbles up in my gut. I grit my teeth as I slowly raise my dagger upwards. Before me is a type of man I had never hoped to see. A flytrap. I once said that I had no problems with Heroes working for money. I still believe that, experiencing a little bit of their cost. It isn't a shame to want money. But this…

"You prey on innocent children to fuel your greed. You betray the trust of the people by abusing your power for your sick desire. You smear the very title of Hero with your presence. No more." The dagger is now at its highest, ready for the plunge. "The evening bell has tolled thy name, Domino, and I am your – "

"FREEZE!"

I look up to see policemen burst into the office and line up, guns pointing right at me. One of them, wearing a trench coat and a fedora, looks at me grimly.

I really need to work on my awareness.

-x-

Earlier…

"Ugh…anything new?"

The feline-headed officer shook his head. "Nope. We've contacted our agents in the underworld, but so far everything's silent."

Detective Tsukauchi rubbed his forehead and sighed. "What about the hideouts we found. Any leads from there?"

"Nothing definitive. A few stray facts, maybe."

"I see." He looked his coworker in the eye. "Do what you can, Tamakawa."

Sansa Tamakawa nodded and gave a salute. "Sure thing." He made to exit the office when he stopped. "Tsukauchi…" he turned back to the detective. "I actually noticed something. I think you did too."

He raised his eyebrow. "Oh? What is it?"

"You remember the paper trail from that hideout up north, right? I've been checking in with the experts, and they all say the same thing."

"It's clean. Way too clean for something like this." Tsukauchi frowned. Human trafficking was always difficult to hide. Unlike drugs or guns, handling humans is trickier. Especially when concerning Quirks. And in a city, even one as big as Tokyo, there was always a whisper or a comment regarding business like this one. "When it comes down to it, to operate, a trafficking ring needs money and protection from the law. They usually operate in run-down areas, mostly in the country and slums. But this one was right in the middle of a regular residential area. "These traffickers had a lot of money and friends in high places. There was even a government-issued medical license in one of the drawers."

Tamakawa looked down and his nose twitched. "So this isn't some patchwork gang job. I was afraid of that."

"Unfortunately, you're right." He sighed again. The detective pulled out his phone and started scrolling through his contact list. "Chief Tsuragamae told me to avoid contacting any Heroes, but I think this is going to get out of our hands pretty soon. We'll need someone who specializes in rescue and who has some insight into the criminal underworld."

"Gunhead then? He's dealt with smugglers before."

"Mmm, maybe. I was thinking more along the lines of Eraserhead. He's better suited for underground work. If my contact can get him then –"

"Detective Tsukauchi!" An officer barged into the room, startling the two. "Apologies sir, but we've received an emergency alert from Pro Hero Domino's Agency. There's been an attack."

Tsukauchi shot up from his desk. Every Hero had a user-locked app that they could use to send an alert to nearby Heroes or police stations should they need help. The Heroes' occasional ego issues when it came to asking help aside, it was an effective system. Naturally, alerts like this were always sent through headquarters as well.

"Any Heroes in the area?"

"No sir. But there are two cruisers who've responded."

He nodded. His police intuition kicked in full gear. Something big was about to go down. "Tamakawa, get your gun and meet me down at the lot. You, tell another team to come with us."

The two officers nodded and quickly left the room, the detective following them swiftly. Grabbing his weapon holster from the rack near the door, he headed straight down the stairs and past the offices. In no time at all, he reached the parking lot where his squad car was parked. He got in the driver's seat and started up the engine, just in time for Tamakawa to come running out the door and climb into the shotgun seat. A gear shift and police siren button later, they were off.

The car sped through the streets, Tsukauchi's driving skills ensuring any tight corners were carefully turned. As he kept his eyes on the road, his gut feeling kept growing and growing.

Soon, they reached the Domino Agency. He parked the car along the curb just as two other police cruisers came speeding through the streets. He turned his attention to the frightened people standing in front of the agency, wearing black-and-white suits. He went up to them and flashed his badge. "I'm Detective Tsukauchi of the Tokyo Police Force. We've received an alert from Pro Hero Domino. Can any of you tell me what's going on?"

One of them, a man with balls on his chin went up to the detective. "We're the night shift. We were doing our work when Domino texted us that a Villain broke into his office and told us to get out of the building until the police came."

"Where is he now?"

"Probably in his office. It's on the third floor."

Tsukauchi quickly processed the information and nodded. "Thank you. I suggest you leave, we'll collect statements from you later." He turned his head to the side and yelled. "Tamakawa! Yoriasu! Officers, with me!"

Knowing the other officers were right behind him, Tsukauchi drew his gun and dashed towards the staircase. He ran up the stairs, and he could hear a voice coming from above. When he finally reached the third floor, his eyes widened. Knelling above the Pro Hero Domino was a hooded man, his arm raised high with a knife.

No time to waste. "FREEZE!"

-x-

I hold back the frustrated growl as I see the policemen aim their guns at me. My luck is really moving back and forth these days.

"Put the knife down and place your hands over your head."

I stare at the black-haired policeman. "To whom am I speaking?"

"Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi, Tokyo Police Force. I repeat, put the knife down and surrender."

What is it with people trying to get me to surrender lately?

I slowly lower the knife and then quickly place it under Domino's throat. "Move and he dies."

One of the policemen, the one with a cat's head, hissed and bared his teeth. He looked like he was about to do…something, when the detective motioned for him to stop. Which he did, like a good kitty.

I need to get out of here. I can't stall. I'll have to resort to a rapid Concealment tactic. Yet, I feel the need to ask him a question.

"Detective, say a Pro Hero commits a crime. What happens to them?"

The man quirks an eyebrow. "Why are you asking?"

I shrug. "Curiosity. It will also explain the things in that phone over there," I gesture to the phone lying on the ground, still recording. "You can have it after I'm done."

He looks back and forth between me and Domino. Ah, he actually seems smart. Wait, that's a bad thing for me.

"Their license will be re-evaluated and if necessary, revoked. Depending on their crime, they'll receive prison time or community service."

"Hmm. And what happens if a person, Pro Hero or not commits an extremely heinous crime? Like, creating a human trafficking ring?"

He sharply inhales and his eyes widen. Looks like the police caught on to some of my work. "Per the Anti-Trafficking law, up to 10 years in prison or forced labor."

…what?

Ten years? That's it?

This piece of garbage in human skin, responsible for who-knows-how-many children being sold like animals, responsible for the death of an innocent child, will get a measly ten years!?

A chuckle draws my attention back to Domino. He still has that grin, blood coloring his teeth. "Give it up, punk. That's just how it is."

No.

No, I refuse to accept that.

I refuse to accept that this man would get off with something as light as that.

I can't accept it. I won't accept it.

Something inside me surges through my body. A cacophony of voices, speaking in a foreign yet familiar tongue. But I cannot mistake the resolution in their words.

If they will not pass judgment, then I will.

I slam my open palm on his face. I hear the policemen shift their guns. I don't care for that. I stare into his eyes, now open with mounting horror.

"I said this before; the evening bell has tolled thy name, and the endless abyss is what awaits thee.

Carve it into thy soul; my technique as the Assassin.

ZABANIYA!"

-x-

This damned Villain. Who does he think he is!?

My life as a Hero started out just fine. I graduated after 3 years at Ketsubutsu. I finally finished being a random number two for some blowhard Hero. I started my agency. Then I found out how big of a disappointment it was!

No arrests. Barely any action.

Laughed at because of my Hero name.

Money was getting tighter.

Then I saw an article and got an idea.

Why not make it so I have more arrests?

I always wanted to be a Rescue Hero. Why not make sure that there is always a rescue.

I got in contact with the underworld anonymously. I heard about the lucrative prospects. Brats were always needed by someone.

So I started it. I would find brats. Use my privileges to make sure no one came snooping. Then cart them off using a network and sell them for good cash.

Then I let out a few to be rescued and my fame skyrocketed. Sponsors came in and I was rolling in cash.

I was on the track to enter the top 100 Heroes chart.

So what if a few brats got hurt? No one would miss them.

But this wannabe Stain comes in and ruins everything!

I'll get out. I have a good lawyer. That recording will be annoying but I can deal with it. Then I'll find this son of a bitch and –

Wait.

Where am I?

I look around. Everything is dark.

Giant cliffs. Blue lights. Sand all over the place.

I look down at myself. What happened to my wounds?

A shadow blocks out the light.

I look up and feel myself freeze.

Nothing can describe this.

Nothing can describe what I'm feeling.

This…monster, cloaked in black, wearing the same mask as the Villain, looks at me like I'm some insect.

"Thou hast sinned gravely, false Hero. Thy actions resulted in the death and misery of others, may their souls rest in Allah's embrace. Thy greed has consumed thee, leaving only this filth before me. I am the Old Man of the Mountain, and I pass judgment onto thee."

Old Man of the Mountain? What the f-

His eyes flash red. Everything turns blue. Why is it so –

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!"

It burns!

Why does it burn!?

WHY DOES IT BURN!?

-x-

Noble Phantasm Unleashed:

Zabaniya - Delusional Judgment Rank C+

An 'ultimate assassination technique' bearing the same name as the angels of hell, a title which all previous 'Old Men of the Mountain' used for their own techniques. Unlike them however, who were forged by extensive modification of the Hassans' bodies, this technique is a reflection of the Assassin's desire to inflict what he deems true judgment. Calling upon his unique connection to the Valley in the Shadow of Death, Assassin drags his target's soul to the Valley, where the First Hassan awaits them. Their soul is laid bare before the Great Founder and should they be found guilty of whatever sin Assassin finds them to have committed, the flames of Gehenna will burn away their soul and body until naught but ash remains.

-x-

Ritsu Ogawa (Assassin - Hassan-i Sabbah)

Stats:

Strength: D+

Agility: C

Endurance: D++

Mana: C++ (Only when using Power of the Valley. Otherwise, nonexistent.)

Luck: C+

Skills:

Presence Concealment D+: The ability to hide from others. A poor level for any Assassin, but against ordinary criminals and some intelligent ones it works well.

Throwing (Dagger) B and Throwing (Retrieval) B: The expertise for throwing projectile weapons; in this case, daggers. His daggers have the same destructive power as firearms when thrown, typically spelling certain death for human targets. He can retrieve them to his hand with but a mere gesture

Information Erasure C++: Erases all traces of the user's identity, physical or digital, after leaving a scene of assassination. It does not hide the user's identity in any other situation, and clues can be pieced together to deduce identity. If the user's identity is discovered, then the effects of the skill vanish. Rank increased thanks to multiple exposures outside of Presence Concealment.

Power of the Valley of Death C++: A unique connection forged as a result of finding a relic of Alamut. Assassin can draw power from the Valley to perform certain skills he would otherwise be incapable of doing.

Quirk - Super-Hearing C: A power gained as a result of evolution. Allows the user to hear precise details within a certain range. Can extend the range in exchange for loss of detail. Also alerts the user of incoming danger provided they can react to it.