Chapter 22
An uncomfortable silence loitered in the air as the two strangers continued exchanging glances. Though doubt clouded his mind, Izuku was quite certain the strange man ahead was a friend, one that would do him no harm. Able to move once more, Izuku hurried over to Bakugou, who lay still on the floor beside him, the faint sound of AC's jets whistled about, accompanying Izuku side.
"Bakugou are you ok? Can you speak?" Izuku said, gingerly shaking his comrade. Bakugou's arms, which were now exposed, became molted with a coating of cuts and bruises, caused by the shielding of his head and sides. Izuku cautiously turned him over to his back exposing his stomach, a weak groan of retaliation escaped Bakugou's lips.
"I know buddy, but I have to check the damages," Izuku said, the inner mechanic in him yearned to fix what was broken. He boosted the shirt from his waist band, exposing the abdominal region. The skin surrounding it was blotched and scab red. Several blemishes surrounded the ribcage, as well as the sternum. Patches of skin could be seen turning purple, with a large indication of swelling. Though conscious, Bakugou himself spoke no words, but merely groaned heavily, his face contorted in agony and discomfort.
"We have to help him, I think he's bleeding internally, he also has several broken ribs," Izuku said to the stranger, who continued to maintain composure, holding a face that held no expression.
"Sorry kid I don't where we could take him. He might have some idea" the stranger said, pointing down the corridor at a small shadow that could barely be made out peeking through the corner of the murky streets. Once the stranger gestured for him to advance however, he complied walking towards the scene of the crime at a brisk pace, his features becoming clearer and clearer in the shadow of the alleyway.
"Kota is that you?" said Izuku perplexed, confusion and worry enveloping his thoughts.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help," the child said, tears beginning to flood down his cheeks. "There was just too many of them and I couldn't help so I went to get someone and now Bakugou's hurt and," his words were uncoherent, as his verses were botched by constant sobs and sniffles.
"Hey Kota, calm down. Bakugou's going to be fine ok, just breath. So, he was the guy you asked for help," Izuku said staring yet again at the man who came to their aid. The man nodded coolly, his hands were planted at his sides, his eyes remaining hidden, masked by the golden shades.
"And who are you?" Izuku asked, slightly concerned that a young adult seemed to be close acquaintances with Kota, a mere child of thirteen.
"I'm Shoto, sorry we had to meet under these circumstances." He said extended outwards for a handshake, which Izuku clasped firmly.
"Thanks so much for all your help really, but let's exchange formalities later, right now my friend needs a hospital," as Izuku spoke, the concern in his voice was palpable. He kneeled beside Kota whose eyes were still damp, the sleeves of his oversized dress coat smeared with tears and mucus.
"Kota, don't worry ok? You saved us, you're the reason were still here right now," Izuku spoke, choosing his words carefully, preventing Kota from experiencing any further panic or terror. The consoling words appeared to have no effect on the small child.
"Kota, do you want know how you could help?" Izuku asked, griping both his shoulders consolingly. Unable to give a verbal response on account of the excessive crying, he merely nodded feebly, awaiting further instruction.
"What I need you do to right now," he spoke, directing a finger at Kota in an authoritative way, "is to run over to the Ceederwood in, grab Tenya and Denki, and have them meet us at the closest hospital. Can you do that for me?" Kota's heart appeared to stop hammering, his breathing calmed slightly.
"Five minutes in that direction," the boy said gesturing north "You'll arrive at the emergency ward, get him there as fast as possible," spoke Kota. His face regained minimal composure as he seized the mission, bolting down the corridor through the hills of snow. Sounding a slight whistle with his lips pursed, AC flew into Izuku's draped knapsack once more. Izuku recoiled suddenly at the events that had just transpired, never once imagining that incredible violence such as that could find itself his way.
"Brave kid," said Shoto, with his eternal monotone register.
"How do you know Kota? And you know what, while we're at it, what are those rocket things you have strapped on your arms and legs?" Izuku said, attempting not to come off as too assertive. Shoto merely raised an eyebrow, though his other facial features remained at rest.
"Weren't you the one that said we don't have time to exchange pleasantries?" Replied Shoto facetiously. A brief pause occupied the air as both individuals stood stationary.
"Fine. You grab his legs; I'll get his arms. Try to move him as little as possible," he said, whilst taking position. Too troubled to speak, both Izuku and Bakugou carried their injured comrade through the thick blanket of snow. After a minute had passed Izuku's brow began to drip with sweat, as his knees began to buckle with each step. He struck the snow hard with each pace, having underestimated Bakugous weight. On the contrary, Shoto's face remained calm and collected, as if the effort he provided to the task at hand was no more than that of a leisurely stroll. The whole while they scurried Bakugou did not speak, uttering no complaint and delivering no grievance. Izuku was unsure if this pleased him or concerned him.
It was now mid-day, and though Izuku's shift was about to begin relatively soon, the well-being of his friend was all that occupied his thoughts. In addition, he desired the support of his friends, hoping that Kota delivered the message in time. Following Kota's directions to the letter, after almost ten minutes of their tendons and muscles fighting off gravity, they had finally reached their final destination.
The hospital appeared small and gothic. The infrastructure looked as though it was in dire need of repair, with ivy curtains that scaled upwards. Moss infested the base of the edifice, creating the image of a bottom layer. At the entrance of the complex were a set of automated sliding doors, though their function had been compromised due to the structural integrity of the building. Once they had entered the building Izuku took note of an elevated hospital bed to his right, where Shoto and he hastily placed Bakugou, reliving Izuku's arms from the strain that had encumbered them.
"We need a doctor, somebody help him!" bellowed Izuku down the lobby, grabbing the attention of registered nurses, some alarmed civilians, and one or two attending physicians. Izuku was surprised at the response they provided to his plea for help, as the infirmary staff immediately began barking orders at one another, their hands waving about as direction after direction was executed.
Moments had passed, and from the corridor opposing the entrance of the hospital came sprinting a rapid response team, draped in white robes and green scrubs. In a flash they sized the rails of Bakugou's bed and began carting him away down the same elongated corridor they had emerged from. As Izuku began to sprint beside the lineup of hospice staff a man with massively thick glasses and an oversized hospital gown placed his flat palm on his chest, stopping him dead in his tracks.
"I'm sorry but you can't come with us," said the man commandingly, "please be seated in the waiting room over there, we will notify you of any updates. I assure you we'll do all way can." Tough the grown man spoke with words of comfort, the way in which he delivered them appeared as though he had recited that same speech one thousand times over, detaching himself from the patient. That, coupled with the prevention of him being able to accompany Bakugou, made him extremely vexed. Feeling the veins begin to burst within his own forehead, Izuku did as he was told and proceeded down the indicated waiting area, stopping himself from instigating yet another brawl.
It was there that Izuku awaited the news of Bakugous well-being. A string of dread still dangled from the back of his mind, as he eyed the entrance of the hospital in anticipation of his assailants storming in, continuing the skirmish. That thought quickly subsided however, presuming they would not confront him in such a densely populated Izuku looked up to find that Shoto continued to linger in the waiting room, his entire body lay motionless as he sat staring at a paint chipped wall as if he were catatonic.
"Sorry if I came off as ungrateful, I was just worried was all," Izuku said solemnly as he scratched the rear of his lime scalp anxiously.
"It's fine don't worry, I had to help." As he spoke his head did not pivot to gaze upon Izuku, but instead remained immobile staring at the hospital wall.
"Can we talk now? I have a lot of questions about what the hell just happened back there," said Izuku. A hint of anger could be registered in his voice, clearly upset at the universe in regard to the events that had just transpired.
"Yeah shoot, I'll answer anything you want. But I got some questions of my own as well," he said calmly. Izuku held quiet reservations, warry about what information he should disclose. Anything he disclosed might tie to his friends, or even worse, his family back in Galliedenn. After a small internal debate, he found that interrogation seemed necessary, seeing as though he still did not grasp the concepts of this new alien world known as Aspeu.
"Alright, I'll concede to that. First things first, who were those guys back there, how the hell did they know who we were, and what the hell is their problem?" said Izuku, futilely trying to mask his anger.
"They call themselves the Reservoir Dogs, their the ones you've probably seen around, wearing those dumb leather belts from shoulder to hip. One of the most dysfunctional trends I've personally seen in a long while. They like to stir the pot, picking fights for the good of the people or whatever. Their all a bunch of chauvinists if you ask me. Though there aren't many of them, they roam around Ceederwood quite a bit. Makes me wonder why you even came here in the first place," he said angling an eyebrow. A pit formed in Izuku's stomach at the prospect of dealing with people of that breed in the future.
"Got it, so how do you know Kota?" Izuku continued.
"Even though the kid is young, he's been wandering around these streets since he was six. Basically, everyone knows him. And the reason he hasn't gotten into trouble as of yet is because he'll provide favors. Do a little recon here or there, stash a little something here, you know that sort of thing," he said nonchalantly.
"And what exactly does he do for you?" said Izuku, his trepidation growing deeper and deeper.
"That's just something you'll have to ask him," he said coolly. Izuku did not know what to make of the information bestwon upon him. Though Tensei and Tento had kept their promise in the sense that all party members had a stable source of income, he did not perceive the lack of security as an issue up until now. It had given him second thoughts about residing in Ceederwood.
"What about you? Are you part of any backwards-ass guild or clan or whatever?" questioned Izuku.
"Yeah you could say that. Actually, you've already bumped into some of us already. Don't worry though we're nothing like the Reservoir Dogs though, we have a lot more common sense," he said remaining in his fixed position. Izuku heart rate began to escalate once again, at the thought of all these factions that surrounded their everyday lives. Izuku wondered if Shoto's party, along with many others, have been keeping tabs on he and his comrades. Was this the norm here in Aspeu, or could it be AC that has been drawing all this unwanted attention towards them? Whatever the reason, Izuku found this lack of privacy very unsettling.
"What do you mean I've bumped into you people? Like who?" Izuku said nervously.
"I think now it's time I ask some questions of my own," he said in a flat intonation, though his head finally reared towards him. Izuku could witness his own daunted expression reflecting upon Shoto's golden spectacles. Though he did not wish to forgo any information whatsoever, Shoto's overwhelming presence, coupled with the fact that Izuku felt as though he owed the man something, brought him to concede.
"Fine, what do you want to know?" Izuku said reluctantly.
"That's a pretty nifty ball you have there in your back pack."
"That's not a question," said Izuku, abhorring this line of questioning.
"Where'd you get it?" he said patiently. Izuku felt as though Shoto would not believe him if he told the truth, though no deceptions seemed to manifest in his mind.
"I had a GAUNT system installed in my house, wanted to be able to keep in contact with my family once I arrived in Aspeu. The very next day, it appeared out of nowhere, with no letter or note of address," Izuku said truthfully.
"Really? It just showed up one day?" Shoto said, raising his eyebrow once more.
"Yeah, that's the truth," said Izuku. In the back of his mind he knew the information he was disclosing was merely the half-truth. He felt uncomfortable unveiling the contents of the video, portraying AC's enigmatic origins. He knew deep within his soul that the blonde liberator was in enough trouble as it is, he did not wish to lead anyone else down her trail. Small beads of sweat began to form on Izuku brow, as he grew frightened that Shoto would know that he was withholding information. A pause reverberated in the air, cut only by the distant racket of medical jargon, and sickling coughs.
"Who else knows about the orb?" continued Shoto. Though his expression never altered, it appeared as though he bought the lie fed to him by Izuku. A wave of relief washed over him as he judiciously answered the next question.
"The Aspeuean forces know about the orb, but we lost them. That's part of the reason why we're in Ceederwood. Apart from them, I believe no one else knows. I try to keep him pretty well hidden for obvious reasons," Izuku foreclosed. At this response both of Shoto's eyebrows elevated ever so slightly, the most sentiment Izuku has ever witnessed him give.
"You called it a him? Why is that?" Shoto continued, seemingly engrossed in the conversation.
"I don't know, force of habit I guess," Izuku said, in an attempt to doge the question. He was sure that the thought of a sentient machine would be implausible, almost laughable to most people. He was positive that Shoto would feel the same.
"You also mentioned a 'we', right? Who else did you come here with besides that battered fella?" Shoto said, gesturing down the corridor where Bakugou was expectantly receiving the best treatment possible. Izuku winced slightly as Shoto referred to Bakugou as a "battered fella." Izuku became irate about Shoto's lack of understanding regarding the gravity of the situation.
"I only came with two other guys, both from my hometown."
"And where is that?" Shoto continued. Izuku grew more and more irritated, finding it unpleasant regarding how personal these enquiries were becoming. He now grew petrified, of the idea that this deadly man would snuff out the location of Shanta and Yoroi, putting them in the crosshairs. Still, Izuku felt uncomfortable lying to the man who had just saved his life.
"Galliedenn, ever heard of it?" Izuku said hesitantly, bidding that the man would size the probing of his origins.
"So what your telling me is that of all places that encompass the globe, Galliedenn was where it ended up?" Shoto said trying to mask any minor hints of frustration that scarcely lingered in his intonation. As the two sat there, directly gazing each other down, Izuku had never felt more threatened. This man held a keen interest in AC's whereabouts and origins and emanated the impression that he himself knew more about AC than even Izuku did. "Could this be the lead I've been looking for? Could he know anything about the girl in the crash?" Izuku thought to himself.
"Why are you so interested in the orb? Do you know anything about it?" questioned Izuku in retaliation.
"Not more than you do I'm assuming," Shoto said indifferently. No inflection was noted, and no markers were given, however, Izuku had the gut feeling that what he just reviled was nothing short of a lie. Izuku recognized that the furtive man was hiding something, perhaps the key to unlocking the cryptic past of AC.
At that moment Izuku regarded Shoto as an adversary more so than a friend, presuming his objective was to pilfer AC. He grinned inwardly however, knowing full well that if a faction of the Aspeuean military could not capture the mechanism, then Shoto himself would stand no chance at a robbery. Izuku was at the cusp of pressing further, though his dialogue was quickly interjected by a roar heard from outside the exposed hospital entrance.
"Bakugou, Izuku, you in there?" bellowed the familiar voice of Denki, with a splash of tangible concern.
"Your friends I'm assuming?" Shoto said haughtily. As if on cue, three pairs totting boots resonated down the hall, marching towards the lobby entrance. In came Tenya, Denki, and Kota, chests greatly stirring with heavy breathing, their faces red from exertion. Once they made direct eye contact with Izuku their eyes distorted to large saucers, alarm plastered all over their faces.
"Kota told me what happened, are you hurt? How is Bakugou doing?" Tenya asked comfortingly.
"I'm fine Tenya thanks, it's just Bakugou I'm worried about. He got injured pretty badly, now I'm just waiting for the doctors to give us any details," Izuku said truthfully.
"How about you buddy, are you doing all right?" Shoto asked Kota, who's demeanor had returned to its original severity.
"I'm fine Todoroki, thanks for asking. And thanks for helping, really it means a lot," Kota said appreciatively.
"Who's this guy," Denki asked, directing a nod towards Bakugou's savior.
"That's Shoto, he's the one that helped us stop the thugs," Izuku replied. Internally, he concluded that there would be a better time to voice his concerns about Shoto to his fellow colleagues.
"Hey, it's a pleasure to meet you," Shoto said with his hand extended.
"The pleasure is all mine," Tenya said, clasping the hand in return. "Thank you so much for your help, we can't thank you enough." Glances of inquisitiveness were dished out by both Tenya and Denki as they ogled at Todoroki's many tattoos. In addition, they stood gawking at the strange titanium cylinders and wires that lined his forearms.
"It's really no problem," Shoto said, not letting his inflection waver at any instant. "But I'm going to head out now, this has been a big ordeal and I've got a lot to do today. It was nice meeting you all," and with that he marched towards the door, his posture slightly slouched with both hands in his pockets. Both Tenya and Denki's expressions showed slight confusion, trying to grasp the strange character that had just entered their lives.
"Lucky you ran into him hu Izuku?" Denki said with a sigh of relief.
"Yeah, lucky," Izuku murmured under his breath, still thankful for the strangers help, but apprehensive regarding how to proceed.
"He's honestly a good guy, he does a lot of good for the community in his own way," said Kota, clearly idolizing the man. Tenya and Denki continued to converse with Kota concerning both Shoto's credentials, as well as Bakugou's state of well-being. Izuku was consumed in thought however, trying to compartmentalize and assess all the information he was supplied with. He endeavored to rationalize with a clear head, though this morning's events had left him fearful, and doubting his move to. Without warning Izuku lifted from his seat, marching towards the exit of the waiting room, his feet carrying him forward with a drive.
"Izuku where are you going?" Tenya asked, confused as to what his childhood comrade was thinking. Izuku, deep in thought, did not provide a response to Tenya but instead veered left to face the snowy white expanse that the entrance of the hospital provided. It was there that Izuku saw Shoto still exiting the building. His casual stroll resonated through the building as the clicks of his hefty boots resonated off the wood.
Izuku briskly ran after the man, paying no mind to the sick and injured surrounding him. The doubts in his mind all consuming. By the time he had finally approached his target, they had reached the sleet and snowfall that encompassed all of eastern Aspeu. Shoto, having the instincts and hearing of an eagle swerved to view Izuku, knowing he was approaching from behind. He was unfazed however as the two stood facing each other, so close that their warm breath pierced the frosty air and stroked the cheeks.
"I know, that you know more than your letting on," said Izuku forcefully.
"How very perceptive," Shoto said in response, enjoying how flustered Izuku had become.
"I want to know more about AC, and whatever outlandish organization you support as well. I want to know just how the hell things work around here," Izuku spoke. Though a tinge of fear and uncertainty crawled up his spine while questioning a man as powerful as he, the determination in his inflection in his tenor never wavered.
"Who's AC?" he said in response.
"The orb that your apparently so fascinated by," Izuku said through gritted teeth. A moment flew by, while the callous breeze burned his cheeks and nose.
"Izuku, is it? There is so much more going on than you know, powers in play that you couldn't even fathom. And for some unbeknownst you seem to be in the middle of it all." Izuku froze, shocked at the premonitions that Shoto had been describing.
"Don't get me wrong, I am a friend, and I am here to help. However, I wasn't lying about having somewhere to be," out of his striped shirt pocket he retrieved a pen and paper and commenced scribbling. "These are the coordinates to my personal GAUNT system, don't lose them and don't show them to anyone. Whenever you're ready to talk, that's how you can reach me. I'll put you in contact with good people. In addition, I'll clarify all the questions you have. That includes questions regarding the Resivouir Dogs, about the green caps and AC, about all of it." The howling wind bellowed in their ears, though Izuku remained transfixed.
"Change is imminent Izuku, and I think I can put you to good use" he said, his voice as calm and collected as ever. As he received the inscribed scrap paper, Izuku' mind churned. Hundreds of additional questions came worming their way through his conscious. How wide was the breadth of knowledge this man possessed? What secrets had he reserved within the confines of his mind? Before Izuku had the opportunity to question him further, he was met with Shouto's back, as he turned and sauntered through the snowy abyss.
