Lucas's activities as the Nightmare Vigilante did not go unnoticed. Over the months, his calculated strikes against criminals—particularly those the hero system ignored—drew attention from both sides of the law. His reputation spread, not as a hero or a villain, but as something in between: a force of fear that struck in the dead of night and disappeared without a trace.
For some, he was a problem to solve. For others, he was an opportunity.
---
The League of Villains
The smoky, dimly lit bar had seen better days. Shigaraki sat hunched at a table, absently scratching his neck as Kurogiri poured a drink. The atmosphere was tense, the League still licking their wounds after the USJ incident.
"Have you heard of him?" Shigaraki asked, his voice low but agitated.
Kurogiri placed the drink in front of him, his tone measured. "The Nightmare Vigilante? Yes. His actions have been... disruptive. Not to us, but to the criminal underworld."
Shigaraki's lips curled into a bitter smile. "He's ruining some of our potential recruits. Scaring them into hiding. It's annoying." He drummed his fingers against the table, deep in thought.
Spinner leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "If he's so dangerous, maybe we should recruit him instead. He's clearly not with the heroes, and he's powerful enough to carve through the kinds of scum we'd want gone anyway."
Shigaraki's eyes narrowed. "Maybe. But someone like him... he's not controllable. He doesn't follow rules. He's a wildcard."
Kurogiri nodded in agreement. "Still, it might be worth observing him further. If we can harness his fear tactics, it could strengthen the League."
"Fine," Shigaraki growled, scratching harder at his neck. "Keep an eye on him. But if he gets in our way... I'll turn him to dust myself."
---
Overhaul
In the cold, sterile halls of his underground base, Overhaul studied a grainy surveillance image of Lucas's Nightmare Bonnie form in action. The still captured the moment perfectly: the glowing red eyes, jagged teeth, and claws tearing through a gang's defenses.
"He's... fascinating," Overhaul muttered, his gloved fingers brushing against the image.
Chronostasis stood nearby, watching his boss closely. "Do you want us to make contact with him?"
"No," Overhaul said firmly. "Someone like this isn't interested in partnerships. He's an idealist. A fool who thinks fear alone can change the world."
"Then what do we do?"
Overhaul's lips curled into a cold smile. "Bring him to me. Alive. I want to understand him—how he works, how his power functions. If he's as useful as I think he is, I'll break him until he follows my vision."
Chronostasis hesitated. "And if he won't cooperate?"
"Then I'll take him apart," Overhaul said, his tone devoid of emotion. "Piece by piece."
He turned to a subordinate. "Put out a reward: $75,000 for anyone who can bring him to me alive. I want him. And I want him soon."
---
The Meta Liberation Army
In a sleek, modern conference room, the leaders of the Meta Liberation Army sat around a circular table, illuminated by faint, clinical lighting. Re-Destro leaned forward, his fingers steepled as he watched a video of Lucas in action, projected on the wall.
"This 'Nightmare Vigilante' is gaining attention," one of his advisors said, gesturing to the footage. "He's disrupting minor criminal operations across multiple districts."
Re-Destro scoffed, his face calm but dismissive. "He's a distraction, nothing more. His actions, while impressive, do not align with our philosophy. He's just another anomaly born from society's fear of quirks."
"Should we monitor him?" another advisor asked.
Re-Destro shook his head. "No need. The heroes will deal with him eventually. And if they don't, he'll burn himself out. People like him always do."
---
The Heroes and Principal Nezu
At UA High, Principal Nezu sat at the head of a conference table, surrounded by Pro Heroes. All Might, Eraser Head, Midnight, and Present Mic were among those present, their expressions ranging from concern to outright frustration.
"The Nightmare Vigilante," Nezu began, his high-pitched voice unusually somber, "has become a significant problem. While his actions have led to the arrest of several criminals, his methods are dangerous and unlawful."
Midnight crossed her arms. "We should just treat him like any other vigilante. Track him down and put him behind bars."
"Easier said than done," Eraser Head interjected. "He's slippery. None of the heroes who've tried to confront him have managed to pin him down. He's smart, and he knows how to use fear to his advantage."
All Might frowned, his voice heavy with concern. "He's young. That much is clear from his movements and decision-making. If we can reach him, maybe we can help him. Turn him away from this path."
Nezu nodded. "That is the goal. Arrest him, yes, but also extend a hand. If we can guide him, perhaps he can use his abilities for good within the system."
"And if he refuses?" Eraser Head asked.
Nezu's gaze hardened. "Then we do what we must to ensure he doesn't harm anyone further. But I am not willing to give up on him yet. This 'monster' may still be a child in need of help."
The room fell silent, the weight of Nezu's words settling over them.
---
Lucas
Unaware of the discussions happening about him, Lucas crouched on a rooftop, watching the streets below. He'd just stopped another mugging, leaving the would-be criminal tied up for the police to find.
William's voice echoed in his mind. "They're noticing you, Lucas. The villains, the heroes, even the ones in between. You're making waves."
"I know," Lucas replied quietly. "But I don't care. I'm not doing this for them."
William's spectral form appeared beside him, his expression unreadable. "Be careful, kid. The more attention you draw, the harder it'll be to stay in control. And the harder it'll be to stick to the line you've drawn for yourself."
Lucas tightened his fists. "Let them come. Heroes, villains—it doesn't matter. I'm not changing who I am."
William sighed, shaking his head. "Just remember, Lucas. You're playing with fire. And if you're not careful, the nightmare inside you will burn everything you've built to ashes."
Lucas didn't respond, his glowing eyes fixed on the city below. He was ready for whatever came next. Or so he told himself.