The morning alarm chimed at precisely 5:30 AM, a sound that Thragg silenced with a single motion.
He rose from bed with practiced efficiency, careful not to disturb Amanda and Roberta who slept beside him.
The Battle Beast coat hung on a specialized stand near the door – inappropriate for his current role but never far from reach.
Thragg's morning routine was methodical. Fifteen minutes of physical activity – deliberately restrained to avoid damaging the house.
A seven-minute shower. Breakfast prepared with military precision.
All calculated to maintain his cover as Thragg Grayson: former military specialist, current detective with the Musutafu Police Department's Special Investigations Division.
If one wants to fool the world, first they must make the basics of the made up identity reality.
As he dressed in his tailored suit, Thragg reflected on the identity Roberta had crafted for him. The choice to position himself within law enforcement had been strategic.
Heroes might have greater public visibility, but detectives had access to information systems, crime scenes, and intelligence networks that would prove invaluable for their mission.
"You seem to be thinking a lot this morning," Amanda observed, having awakened during his preparations. She sat up in bed, watching him adjust his tie with amusement. "Still getting used to playing cop?"
"The role is... instructive," Thragg replied, his deep voice carefully modulated to a more conversational tone than his natural imperial cadence.
This constant adjustment to his speech patterns remained uncomfortable, though he recognized its necessity. "Their systems of authority are inefficient but revealing."
Amanda smiled, stretching languidly. "Well, you look good in the suit, at least. Very detective-like."
Thragg examined his reflection in the mirror. The tailored charcoal suit concealed his muscular frame as much as possible, though he still presented an imposing figure.
His hair was precisely trimmed, his mustache impeccably groomed.
"The children's integration at UA proceeds as expected?" he asked, checking his service weapon – a formality, as it was essentially decorative given his abilities.
"Marcus and Evelyn are excelling in Class 1-A, Mark and Eva in 1-B," Amanda confirmed. "Their teacher – Aizawa – seems suspicious, but that was anticipated by Roberta having checked his background."
Thragg nodded once. "Acceptable. Suspicion without evidence merely establishes their exceptional nature."
He moved to the bedside, bending to place a brief kiss on Amanda's forehead and then Roberta's sleeping form as well - it seems he tired her quite a bit with their... activities.
Amanda having the advantage of having more stamina because of her other form. "I will return at approximately 19:00 hours."
Amanda caught his hand, her expression softening. "That's 7 PM in normal people time, and try to say 'I'll be home for dinner' instead. You're getting better, but sometimes you still sound like you're giving a dull professor's lecture."
"I'll... be home for dinner," Thragg repeated, the casual phrasing feeling foreign on his tongue.
"Much better," Amanda approved with a smile. "Now go catch some bad guys, detective."
---------------------
The Musutafu Police Department's Special Investigations Division occupied the top floor of the central precinct building.
Unlike the bustling activity of the regular police floors below, the SID operated with quiet efficiency, handling cases involving complex quirk usage, organized crime with quirk elements, and situations requiring specialized knowledge beyond standard police training.
Thragg entered the office precisely at 7:00 AM, nodding acknowledgments to the handful of early-arriving colleagues.
His desk was immaculate, organized with geometric precision – a trait that had initially drawn curious glances but was now accepted as simply another of Detective Grayson's military-bred peculiarities.
"Morning, Grayson," greeted Detective Tanaka, a veteran officer with a minor analysis quirk that enhanced his observational skills. "You're punctual as always."
"Good morning, Tanaka," Thragg replied, consciously adding a slight upturn to his lips that humans would recognize as a friendly smile. "Any developments overnight?"
Tanaka slid a folder across to him. "Two new cases. A quirk-based robbery at Musutafu Central Bank – some kind of phasing ability.
And a series of assaults in the warehouse district. Victims report being attacked by someone who could manipulate shadows."
Thragg opened the folder, scanning the contents with rapid efficiency while maintaining a human-appropriate reading pace. "The phasing quirk matches the MO of the suspect in the Hosu jewelry heist last month. Has the hero office been notified?"
"Yeah, they're sending someone over. Probably one of the local pros, not a big name."
Thragg nodded, already mentally cataloging the tactical applications of a phasing quirk and its potential weaknesses. "I'll take the warehouse district case. The shadow manipulation suggests a stealth-oriented perpetrator. Less likely to have hero involvement already."
Tanaka raised an eyebrow. "You always pick the ones without heroes attached. Not a fan of the caped crowd?"
This was a recurring observation that required careful management.
Thragg had deliberately established a pattern of professional distance from heroes without displaying overt antipathy that might raise suspicion.
Doing so to have a cover for when in the future he does become close to them.
"Heroes have their purpose," Thragg replied, injecting a hint of what others would interpret as wry amusement into his tone. "But they tend to... complicate investigations with their enthusiasm."
Tanaka laughed. "Diplomatic as always, Grayson. But you're not wrong. Last week I had that kid Backdraft practically wash away my crime scene trying to help."
"Precisely my point," Thragg said, rising from his desk. "I'll begin with the most recent assault location."
----------------------
The warehouse district sprawled across Musutafu's eastern edge, a maze of industrial buildings, shipping containers, and narrow alleys.
The most recent attack had occurred in a service corridor between two storage facilities, far from the main thoroughfares.
Thragg surveyed the scene, his enhanced senses detecting details invisible to human investigators.
Microscopic traces of a dark substance clung to the walls – not blood, but something similar to the residue left by certain quirks.
The pattern of scuff marks on the ground indicated a struggle, with the victim being dragged approximately 4.7 meters before escaping.
He was documenting these observations when he detected an approach – someone moving across the rooftops with practiced stealth, but not silently enough to evade his hearing.
"You might as well come down," Thragg called, not looking up from his notes. "Your presence is already noted."
A moment of silence followed, then a figure dropped from above, landing in a crouch before straightening. A hero in a black and gray costume with stylized eye motifs across the chest and shoulders stood before him.
"Impressive hearing, detective," the hero said. "Most people don't notice me until I want them to."
Thragg recognized him from Roberta's database of local heroes – Nightwatcher, a mid-tier professional with enhanced night vision and limited stealth capabilities.
Not particularly powerful, but well-regarded for his investigative approach to heroism.
"Detective Grayson, Special Investigations," Thragg introduced himself, extending a hand in the customary greeting ritual. "Your reputation precedes you, Nightwatcher."
The hero seemed pleased by the recognition, shaking Thragg's hand firmly. "I've been tracking these shadow attacks for the past week.
Three victims so far, all with the same description of the attacker. Thought I might catch them in action tonight."
"You believe they'll return to the same location?" Thragg asked, genuinely curious about the hero's reasoning.
"Pattern suggests they're territorial," Nightwatcher explained, moving to examine the wall where Thragg had been collecting samples. "All attacks within a three-block radius, all against people who were alone in areas with minimal lighting. Classic predatory behavior."
Thragg found himself mildly impressed with the analysis. "A reasonable hypothesis. The residue on the walls indicates a quirk that manipulates existing shadows rather than generating darkness independently."
Nightwatcher turned, surprise evident in his body language despite his masked face. "You can tell that from the residue? That's... unusually perceptive for a detective. No offense."
"None taken," Thragg replied smoothly. "I specialized in quirk analysis during my military service. The molecular structure of genuine shadow manipulation leaves distinctive traces."
Thragg has been trying for a while to replicate Roberta's and the Eves matter manipulation abilities, but the best he has been able to do is increased awareness of molecular structure of things beyond his own, which is useful for his Detective work.
"Military, huh? That explains the posture," Nightwatcher said, relaxing slightly. "Well, Detective, since we're both after the same target, how about we collaborate? I've got the night vision, you've got the analysis skills."
Thragg considered the proposal. Working with a hero would provide valuable insight into their operational methods, while also beginning to establish himself as cooperative with the hero system.
"An efficient approach," he agreed. "I was planning to establish surveillance tonight. Your abilities would complement the operation."
Nightwatcher seemed pleased by the acceptance. "Great! Most cops I work with either want to hand everything over to heroes or try to shut us out completely. Nice to meet one with a practical attitude."
Thragg nodded, allowing a slight smile. "Effectiveness takes precedence over protocol."
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Nightwatcher replied. "I'll meet you back here at sunset? That's when our shadow friend is most likely to be active."
"Agreed. 18:30 hours at this location."
The hero gave him an amused look. "Military time. Right. See you at 6:30, Detective."
As Nightwatcher departed, Thragg returned to his evidence collection, mentally analyzing this interaction.
The hero had been respectful, competent, and reasonably intelligent. Potentially useful for gathering information about hero society from a mid-tier perspective.
-------------------
By mid-afternoon, Thragg had compiled a comprehensive profile of the shadow manipulator based on witness statements, crime scene evidence, and historical case files.
The suspect was likely male, mid-twenties, with a quirk that allowed control of existing shadows but required direct line of sight.
The attacks showed increasing confidence, suggesting escalation was imminent.
He was reviewing security footage from nearby buildings when Captain Morita approached his desk.
"Grayson, heard you're working with Nightwatcher on the shadow case," the captain said, leaning against the desk partition. "Good. The commissioner's been pushing for more hero-police collaboration lately."
"The hero's abilities complement our investigative resources," Thragg replied neutrally. "It was the logical approach."
Morita chuckled. "Always so practical. That's why I like you, Grayson. No ego in the way." He lowered his voice slightly.
"Between us, though, keep an eye on him. Nightwatcher's solid, but heroes sometimes get... competitive when they're close to a capture. Don't let him run off half-cocked if you locate the suspect."
"Understood, Captain," Thragg nodded. "The priority remains public safety and proper procedure."
"Exactly." Morita straightened. "Oh, and the commissioner wants your input on that quirk classification system you proposed.
The one that categorizes based on molecular interaction rather than observable effects. He thinks it might have applications for the national database."
"I'll prepare a detailed proposal," Thragg promised, making a mental note to have Roberta assist with appropriately advanced but not suspiciously beyond-current-science documentation.
It was a way to establish them as well as a family that has very much understanding of Quirks, a family of scientific ingenuity, thanks to the girls, and his wife's - Roberta's knowledge of matter.
This could get them to be more in contact with people with special Quirks, and study quirks more, to eventually replicate it for Viltrumites.
After Morita left, Thragg returned to his analysis, but found his thoughts drifting to this world's hero system.
The hierarchy was... interesting to say the least.
A complex interplay of public approval, government oversight, and combat effectiveness.
So different from Viltrum's pure meritocracy based on strength, yet not without its own form of efficiency.
These thoughts occupied him until it was time to return to the warehouse district.
----------------------
Sunset painted Musutafu's skyline in hues of orange and purple as Thragg positioned himself on a rooftop overlooking the previous attack site.
He had changed from his suit to tactical gear – black pants and a dark gray tactical shirt that allowed greater freedom of movement while maintaining a professional appearance.
Nightwatcher arrived precisely on time, landing silently beside him. "Evening, Detective. Nice spot. Good sightlines."
"It covers the three most likely approach vectors based on previous attacks," Thragg explained. "I've placed motion sensors in the blind spots." This was another fabrication – his enhanced senses made such devices unnecessary, but maintaining his cover required such pretenses.
"Impressive setup," Nightwatcher commented, settling into a comfortable surveillance position. "You don't move like regular police. Special forces?"
"Something like that," Thragg replied vaguely, "Specialized unit."
"Thought so," Nightwatcher nodded. "I worked with a guy from the JSDF's quirk response team once. Had that same... precision."
They lapsed into silence for a time, watching the growing shadows below as night fully descended. Thragg used the opportunity to observe the hero more closely.
Nightwatcher's breathing patterns, heart rate, and micro-movements all spoke of extensive training and experience – above average for this world's heroes, though still laughably inadequate by Viltrumite standards.
"So what made you join the police instead of going pro?" Nightwatcher asked eventually, his voice kept low. "With your quirk analysis skills and that military background, you could've been a solid hero."
The question was one Thragg had prepared for, having recognized it as inevitable in this hero-obsessed society. "I prefer a more... structured approach to justice," he replied.
"Heroes serve their purpose, but police work offers consistency. Procedure. Something beyond individual interpretation of right and wrong."
Nightwatcher seemed to consider this. "Fair point. The hero system has its flaws. Too much emphasis on flashy quirks and popularity sometimes. Not enough on actual results."
This was interesting – a professional hero expressing criticism of the system. Thragg filed this away as potentially useful information. "You seem unusually self-aware for a pro hero."
"Been at it long enough to see the cracks," Nightwatcher shrugged. "Don't get me wrong, I believe in what we do. But the system could use some reform. Too much bureaucracy, too much pandering to rankings and sponsors."
"Yet you remain within the system," Thragg observed.
"Change from within," Nightwatcher replied. "Plus, I'm not exactly top-ten material. Easier to stay principled when you're not being offered million-yen endorsement deals."
Their conversation was interrupted by movement in the alley below – a figure slipping from shadow to shadow with unnatural fluidity.
Not walking through the darkness, but seeming to become part of it before reforming elsewhere.
"Target acquired," Thragg stated quietly. The shadows seemed to extend from the figure's body, suggesting a mutation-emitter hybrid rather than pure manipulation.
"I see him," Nightwatcher confirmed. "Waiting for potential victim or moving to another location?"
"The latter. Previous pattern indicates hunting behavior, not ambush predation."
Nightwatcher gave him another surprised look. "You really do know your stuff, Detective. Most cops would've just said 'he's on the move.'"
Thragg realized he had slipped slightly in his speech pattern, allowing his analytical nature to override his more approachable persona. "Military habit. Precise terminology prevents miscommunication."
The shadow figure moved deeper into the warehouse complex, occasionally pausing to check surroundings but clearly heading with purpose.
"We follow," Thragg decided, already plotting the most efficient intercept course. "Maintain visual contact but prioritize stealth."
Nightwatcher nodded. "I'll take the high route, you take ground level?"
"Yes," Thragg agreed.
They separated, Thragg descending to ground level with deliberate care to make appropriate noise for a human.
He followed the shadow manipulator through the maze of warehouses, maintaining a distance that would seem challenging but manageable for a well-trained detective who has an injury and doesn't use his strengthening Quirk much for personal reasons.
The suspect eventually stopped at an abandoned loading dock, where the shadows were particularly dense.
Thragg observed as the figure seemed to meld with the darkness, becoming nearly invisible to what would be normal human sight.
Nightwatcher's voice came through the communicator Thragg had accepted earlier. "I've lost visual. Too dark even for my night vision. Can you still see him?"
"No," Thragg lied smoothly, his enhanced vision tracking the suspect perfectly. "But he's entered the loading dock of warehouse 17. No exits except the main doors and a fire escape on the east side."
"I'll take the fire escape," Nightwatcher replied. "You cover the main entrance. Wait for my signal before moving in."
"Understood," Thragg acknowledged, moving into position.
He could, of course, have apprehended the suspect instantly with minimal effort. But that would compromise his cover and waste a valuable opportunity to observe hero operational procedures. Patience had served him for millennia; it would serve him now.
Nightwatcher's signal came three minutes later – three clicks over the communicator. Thragg entered through the main doors, moving like a well-trained human officer, service weapon drawn as procedure would dictate.
He heard Nightwatcher's controlled breathing from the catwalk above.
"Police! Come out with your hands visible!" Thragg called.
A laugh echoed through the darkness, seeming to come from everywhere at once. "Police? In my domain? How... adorable."
Shadows surged forward like solid tentacles, aiming for Thragg with surprising speed. He allowed one to graze his arm before dodging the others.
"Nightwatcher, he can weaponize the shadows!" Thragg called out.
The hero dropped from above, his specialized goggles glowing faintly as he activated some enhancement. "I see him! Three o'clock from your position, Detective!"
Thragg turned, firing his weapon with deliberate near-misses to drive the suspect toward Nightwatcher's position.
The hero moved, using the distraction to close distance and deploy a capture device – some kind of light-emitting restraint specifically designed for shadow quirks.
The suspect howled as the light cut through his shadow form, forcing him to solidify. "Damn heroes! Always interfering!"
Thragg moved in to complete the arrest, reciting the appropriate legal warnings as he secured the now-visible suspect – a thin man with gray-tinged skin and entirely black eyes.
"Impressive coordination, Detective," Nightwatcher commented as they led the secured suspect outside where a police transport was already arriving, summoned by Thragg's earlier alert. "Most cops I work with would've been shadow food."
"Likewise," Thragg replied, allowing a hint of genuine approval. "Your tactical approach was... efficient."
After transferring the suspect to the transport officers, Nightwatcher extended his hand. "We made a good team. If you ever need hero backup on another case, ask for me specifically. Most of the flashy types wouldn't appreciate your style, but I do."
Thragg accepted the handshake, careful to apply appropriate human pressure. "I'll keep that in mind. Your assistance was valuable."
As Nightwatcher departed and Thragg began the necessary paperwork for the arrest, he reflected on the night's events.
Another day of establishing himself, complete.
He honestly should reward Nolan in some way when they get back, this undercover business is quite the annoyance, especially with him having to alter his speech to more approachable levels.
To not sound as Amanda so delicately put it, 'like a Roman emperor trying to file a complaint at the DMV with blood on his sandals.'
Yes, his little brother perhaps deserved some kind of extra reward.
-----------------------
(Author note: Hello everyone! Finally another chapter again. Apologies for the wait.
I decided to make Thragg a detective, been a bit inspired by my Batman writing and Chloe in my Lex Luthor's son fic.
Also, yes! I can finally logically write Thragg starting to talk normally, which, could eventually lead to him talking like that a lot again, by being more like his normal human self from long ago.
Do actually tell me if you like that, or whether you want to after this, Thragg to go back to his more... methodical way of speaking.
Well, I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)