Chapter 48: Growing Danger
He trusted him, but at the same time, he was hesitant to let him influence him. He was smart, smarter than Nick would ever be. But he was also broken, having suffered more than Nick ever would.
While he was a good person Nick could tell that something was broken that had been buried deep in the man's soul.
Knocking on the door to the principal's office he heard the cheery voice of Nezu come through the door. But all Nick could think of was that dark tone from yesterday morning.
Opening it he walked inside to see Nezu happily writing away on some forms, his small paws aptly holding the pen as he swiftly made his way through the gathering mountain of paperwork.
Steeling his shoulders Nick walked forward the door swinging shut behind him as the door closed by itself. The slam of the wood hitting the frame caused Nezu to look up finally at Nick. An eyebrow raised as he said, "You seem very eager young Nicklaus, what can I help you with?" His voice was curious as he put the pen down. His paws were put together as he leaned his elbows on the table.
Pulling a chair up Nick sat and held his hand out and the paper formed from within his arm where he was keeping it hidden.
Putting it on the table he spun it around and pushed it towards Nezu he picked it up and started to read over it as Nick spoke. "I believe that this is an opportunity that I won't get again. I want to capture Kurogiri since his warping is a massive advantage to the league and get rid of their boss once and for all." His voice sounded certain.
"You sound very certain about it? How do you plan on revealing you know about his true identity?" Nezu questioned as he put the paper down on the table and quickly started typing away on his laptop, his eyes narrowing as he did so.
'Shiba Toshio,' he was looking for the identity. The concerning thing was that he found it. "From first glance, this person seems to be real. Are you sure he is who you are thinking he is?" Nezu asked, his voice curious as he turned back to Nick, deciding to discuss this with him like he would a team member, not a student.
"First, I plan to just tell him, the more mysterious that the doctor appears the better in my opinion. I think it would just be easiest to say that I know who he is and I wish to make a trade. He lets me look at Kurogiri's body and in turn I heal him and let them both go."
Taking a breath he continued with his next statement, "and I am positive. I don't know who else it could be. What does the file say about injuries?" Nick asked, leaning forward as Nezu turned the screen a bit.
"It says it was a villain in South Africa he encountered while on a trip. His quirk is registered as a mundane quirk that makes his skin dry but has little other effects. He has rich parents that payed for the trip and are willing to spend a lot to get him healed." Nezu explained.
"The other arm was lost shortly after while he was running from the villain and got caught up in an explosion from a grenade that was thrown by some of his guards." Nezu finished as he turned to Nick.
"So one arm with an explosion and the other petrified, I think it's as clear as it can be." Nick said, leaning forward a bit as he put his forearms against the table.
"Very well, I will allow you to go ahead with it, the main goal will be to detain Kurogiri, if you can capture Shigaraki then do that as well, but it is not of the same importance. Although I suspect you will not have a problem doing so." Nezu said as he handed the paper back.
Permission granted.
---
He had booked the appointment last night, for tonight. He was currently in Yomi's old clinic which had been appointed as the meeting location.
Hiding beneath the floor he kept eyes hidden throughout the room, behind small gaps of cover. He had easily enough been able to make the appointment through Yomi who he had told what to say.
Thinking back to it he closed his eyes and focused on steadying himself for what would be done.
--- Last Night ---
Walking into the backroom through the wall Yomi sat up a bit straighter with shock as he took a seat across the table from his employee and put the paper down on the table between them.
Reaching out with a confused look Yomi took the paper and said, "What would you like me to do sir?" His voice was clearly ready to do what he was asked even if he was jolted by the sudden appearance.
"Nothing for now Yomi, please have an early night and join your son upstairs. I will be making the appointment with Tomura myself, I will be using your voice however." The Doctor said as he changed his voice box to match that of Yomi's.
"hmmm… yes, this will do." He said, getting a shocked look from Yomi as he stood up from his seat. Ready to leave despite his curiosity.
"The villain Shigaraki Tomura is the clients real name, disciple of All for One. I will be booking an appointment with him." The Doctor explained as he went over the company phone.
"Are-… I don't mean to be rude but will you be doing it here?" Yomi asked clearly hesitant to ask the question of question The Doctor a quick glance at the roof of the house above that held his son made his worries clear.
Realizing it would be foolish he shook his head. "You have raised a fair point Yomi, thank you. I will be booking it at your old clinic where you still hold the deeds if I am correct?" His voice questioned as he asked that.
Nodding Yomi replied in confirmation. "Yes sir, thank you." Turning he left the room to let The Doctor do his work.
Taking the phone he dialed the number. Hearing the phone ring twice before it picked up from the stand Nick heard the voice of Tomura speak out, "H-hello. This is Toshio, how may I help you?" The voice was meek and nervous. Tiredness hanging off every note.
If he didn't know better nor know the voice he would have abandoned this being Tomura just by the sound of the voice alone. Seeing the villain was becoming more crafty he narrowed his eyes as he thought about this, no. The risks were still minor. There was nothing Tomura was able to do if he needed to be touched to be healed.
"h-hello? Sir?" The voice of 'Toshio' came through the speaker. Questioning the extended silence.
"Tomura Shigaraki, I give my condolences to the capture of your master." The Doctor spoke through the phone. Abandoning Yomi's voice. "I feel that it is appropriate I talk to his only disciple myself." His voice was raspy as it whispered through the phone.
With silence weighing down on the call the lack of response slowly stretched longer and longer until the voice of Tomura sounded, no more stutter or meek tone. Just his voice.
"Doctor… to think you would know my master." His voice not questioning. It was a simple statement. "Will you heal me?" Getting straight to the point.
Responding with a small gap The Doctor spoke slowly as he said, "I will, I only do so because of who your master is, however. I do not want your money however, I wish for something else." His voice kept the same low rasp to it.
Not responding immediately the silence once more stretched on. "What do you want?" His voice was serious.
"I want to look at your wound. The one given to you by Nicklaus Hendrix…" The Doctor started to speak but didn't stop there as his voice was filled with a sudden sickening glee. "And once I heal you… I want you to bring me his body."
Hearing this the small cackle of Tomura filled the room as it came from the phone's microphone. "Do you really expect me to be able to take him down as I am? Even with my arms, I am not his match." Tomura pointed out his voice filled with a sudden venom.
"Oh, but you could be… I will allow you to use your quirk from your whole body, just like he can." His voice was back to normal as he made an offer he was sure that Tomura would not be able to resist.
He had set up the pieces, a respect for All for One that he displayed, a common enemy and an amazing reward.
He was sure that his offer would not be turned down.
"Alright, I think we can come to an agreement then." Tomura said with a sickeningly happy voice.
The only reason he didn't bring up Kurogiri was because he was sure that he would come. He was one, Tomura's protector and two the best way to move around unseen since the league was on the run. It was clear enough that he would be the one to bring Tomura, and he just needed him to be there.
With the location of the meeting being sent, he ended the call. Leaving the clinic through the floor and travelling underground. Shifting back to Nick as he did so he popped up outside of U.A. and informed Nezu of how it all went. Soon he was once more allowed back inside through a secret underground entrance and snuck back into his dorm with a successful night.
--- Current Time ---
Feeling the air shift in the building above him he felt Kurogiri appear. A small smile adorned his face as the space around the portal gave form to two figures, looking through his eyes he saw Tomura emerge without his hands and Kurogiri quickly forming into a solid body. Likely wanting to be here since he was good at dealing with 'touch-based' opponents.
This was a lot easier, he had half expected Kurogiri to stay as a portal but he was glad that it wasn't the case.
Emerging from the ground he felt his body shift into being as the threads wove together into one being. Plague mask down to his body. Loose black clothes were all that he was wearing. His red eyes were clear as the eyes all over the walls and ceiling suddenly opened up as well, the only light in the room coming from the slightly glowing crimson eyes and Kurogiri's own yellow ones.
"Tomura, you came." The Doctor spoke as he stood where he was. His gaze narrowed as he looked at Tomura and Kurogiri.
"Of course I did, I wish to be healed after all." The mad villain said as he smiled wickedly, his arms missing as the sleeves had been cut off to show the jagged stump and the blown forearm.
"I do not wish to extend this out more than I need, lay down and I will get started." His voice was raspy as he watched Tomura go and lay down on the provided bed. Putting his hand on the man's chest he was surprised that there was no fear.
Just as he was about to start he paused but didn't show anything outwardly. He had planned that once he had Tomura unconscious he could force Kurogiri to listen to him or he would take Tomura's life, Kurogiri would be forced to listen because of his programming.
That was the simple version at least. But it wouldn't work now.
"Is anything the matter?" The voice of Kurogiri spoke up from the side of the room. Keeping his distance.
"No, it takes some time to heal so please allow me to concentrate." The Doctor said as he closed his eyes. Focusing inwards on the body of 'Tomura.' But it wasn't was it.
It was a duplicate of Tomura, he didn't know exactly how he could tell but he was willing to listen to that thought. It must have been. That left the question, was Kurogiri a duplicate as well?
Trying to take a sample from Tomura he felt the sample dissipate into nothing as soon as it left the body of Tomura.
Of course, there was no way that Tomura would just walk into an unknown situation, not as the person he was now. He was different from Canon.
He would play along for now.
Healing the body of Tomura over about 20 minutes he opened his eyes and looked up at Kurogiri before saying, "I have healed him properly. You can take him back now. I expect my side of the deal to be met sooner rather than later. That is all." Before fading into the floor as the eyes around the room closed.
Staring into space as if not having expected it to end so quickly Kurogiri suddenly spoke up. "Wait, Doctor, are you still there? I wish to check something with you…" Although no response came.
For an improvised plan, he was sure that it would work. And maybe better than the original.
---
Sitting on a wooden box Tomura kept his knee tucked up to his chest. His sleeves hung loosely at his side as twice was standing silently to the side. They had sent the clones of Kurogiri and himself through the portal. Currently, the three were waiting in the room to see if the duplicates would appear again safe and sound.
The silence was only broken by the creaking of wood as he lowered his leg. He was patient. He could wait and if the clones never reappeared then The Doctor was a fake… something told him not to trust the bastard.
It had already been 20 minutes… and just as he was about to speak up a portal appeared. From it came Kurogiri carrying a healed Tomura.
Smiling Tomura stood up and said. "I guess I am going myself then." His voice was somewhat eager.
"What took you so long! That was quicker than I thought." Twice suddenly said as he stood up. Ready to get rid of the clones.
"Wait," The clone Kurogiri said as he stood there, "he left as soon as he healed 'you,' he is no longer at the location. You may have to contract him again." Kurogiri said.
Gritting his teeth he said, "god damn it! I hate having a quest reward delayed…" Pissed off he walked over to the clone of himself and stomped on its head as hard as he could.
As he did so he watched the clone start to dissolve. As it did so, buried beneath the sludge a small mass merged with the floor. Unnoticed by those in the room.
Having condensed himself down as much as he could Nick had hid inside the clone of Tomura and waited for it to be brought through the portal. As soon as the clone was broken apart he moved into the ground. Listening into the room he confirmed the members of the League that he was most interested in were there.
Smiling he waited for a few more moments before spreading a hair-like tendril up through the ground behind Kurogiri. Tapping it against Kurogiri he felt the portal users biology. A confusing mix he would have to decipher somewhere safer.
Grinning he knocked Kurogiri out. The clone was pierced by a spike of bone that shot from the floor at blinding speeds, causing the clone to dissolve. Shutting the real Kurogiri's brain off for a moment as he let the body fall to the floor. Emerging from the ground as he watched Tomura and Twice jump to their feet. Standing from where they were sitting the both of them got into defensive stances.
"Doctor!" Tomura said with aggression as he crouched down. Making the walls of the building close as the windows and doors were sealed shut he tilted his head to the side.
Speaking in a slow raspy voice as 'nerves' grew from his feet and around the room, covering the walls, floor and ceiling in a slow creep. Eyes opened up on the walls and roof as they all stared at Tomura unblinking as the duo jumped onto the boxes to avoid touching the floor.
"Honestly, I didn't expect a plan like this to begin with, but I welcome the surprise." His voice amused as he held a hand out to Kurogiri who suddenly started to fold in on himself compressing down through the reverse gigantification quirk.
Holding the orb about the size of a head Nick wished he could make it smaller if only compress were here. But Tomura had still split up the league it seemed.
Holding Kurogiri The Doctor spoke again. "But this farce has gone on long enough." With sudden hairs shooting from the nerves before Twice and Tomura were even able to respond they were both knocked unconscious as he shut their brains down for now.
About to smile at his victory he walked over to the body of Tomura but he could straight away feel something wasn't right. Frowning he watched as the body slowly dissolved into a gray goo.
Staring coldly at the body of Toga he tilted his head to the side.
That was a shame… he wished to get rid of everyone that knew about this deal but it seems that Tomura had made more than one backup plan.
Closing his eye he felt around the outside of the room thinking he must be nearby but it was likely that he had well and truly left the area by now.
Clicking his tongue in annoyance he compressed down both Toga and Twice, he had taken a sample so he would leave Nezu to deal with them. He had made sure that when he compressed them he had gotten rid of their mouths so that Kyudai would not be able to warp them.
Staring at the spot before him in annoyance he stored Kurogiri inside him since he was the most important but for the others, he just made a bag to put them in.
Cursing his failure he looked out one of the now unsealed windows as he thought to himself. 'Tomura is much more crafty than the original… why was he so ready to put members this important in danger?' It didn't make sense. He had examined them though and nothing was wrong with their bodies, they were not bombs or anything like that… no.
Wondering what was going on he shook his head. It didn't matter, not for now. He had Kurogiri and that was the main goal. He guessed that it wasn't Tomura throwing away his minions. After all, he had put one line of defence in the way and almost everyone would have trouble dealing with two Kurogiri's, he just had the element of surprise and was very strong.
Making his way outside into the cold night air he closed his eyes expanding his range as much as he could, he was sure that no one was following him. To make sure he still travelled under the floor. Luckily he wasn't too far from a train station. Transforming into a normal school kid. A backpack and a smaller body. Getting on the train home from wherever he had ended up he found himself staring out the window.
Tomura was more dangerous than he thought he would be...
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Thanks for all the support! I didn't think I would reach a million views but welp... that is a lot. Thanks to everyone that has read it and all the positive comments!
As normal comments and reviews are always welcome. Your advice is always more than welcome!
As for Nick getting his license another way, I never really planned on him joining the Hero Safety Commission since he would hate to be there 'slave' I was more so using it as an example of an alternative route. But all the points there were brought up I do agree with. I don't think that would be something he would do at all. However I don't think it is unlike him to try find another method to get out there.
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