A Sad Boy in a Tree house
Chapter 24
Confession
England 1902
Night consumed the local city, making the stone streets empty. Edison bulbed street lights were scarce but managed to give just enough to the lone man in a top hat. He was wearing a black suit with a long dark coat and carried a black bag. His steps echoed in the dark as he relied on the shadows to hide his face. All at once the street lights started to flicker, making the man look up and scowl at the sight. The flashes of light revealed the round lenses of his glasses and exposed his pale skin and long greying sideburns. Quickening his pace, he turned to one of the buildings and climbed up the short stairway to the door. He fiddled with the keys in his pockets, attempting to select the right one with a single hand.
As he found the right one he went to place it in the lock. A pair of hands locked onto the sides of his arms making him drop his keys. The well dressed man was turned around to face his assaulter.
"I'm not getting better! You said it would be temporary doctor!" Silently screamed a panicked man about thirty years old, his white shirt drenched in sweat along with his patchy ruffled hair. The skin on him seemed to be peeling away in several areas, others having excess calluses in random parts of his body.
"I said they were made to be temporary, but it's still a new formula." This doctor stated, unamused and annoyed with the behavior presented to him. "But, I take it the results went well for the duel?" He continued, examining the state of the sweaty man.
"Please! I can't begin to describe the pain I am experiencing!" His yelling grew louder. The doctor looked at his surroundings before turning around and picking up his keys.
"Alright then, come in and I will take a look at you." Hearing that gave the distressed person hope, letting him take his arms off the savior. The door clicked open, letting the two enter. The streets stayed quiet for only a couple of minutes before a loud cry of pain rang out, the lights of the streets flickering before growing more dim. They all went out as the cries stopped, only after a few seconds of deadly silence passed before the street lights flickered to life quickly.
*Vwoorp* *VWOoorp* *VWOOORP* *VWOORP*
Wind brustled through the grass and trees. The light of the sun beamed between the leaves on a nearby path of cobblestone. The TARDIS, disguised as a shed built into a tree, landed with a thud. Soon after the door opened revealing Nejire, wearing a long light blue dress that had a dark blue ribbon around her waist. Her sleeves were slightly puffy that went just passed her elbows with her white blouse barely sticking out. The blouse was detailed and reached a little up her neck in an intricate lace collar. The top half of her dress almost seemed like a jacket that allowed the blouse to be seen as a shirt under it.
She smiled as she took in a breath of fresh air. "The air is amazing! How could women in this time period even enjoy it with such tight corsets?" She asked someone behind her. The door opened a little more showing Izuku. He wore a matching outfit for the time. The pants were dark green and stretched down to his ankles. On his feet were his red shoes, he always argued that they went with every outfit. The dark green jacket was small and open with tailcoat flaps on the back of it, extending to just above the thigh. At the front it didn't even reach to his belt, style and color blending in with the double buttoned vest. His white collared shirt was his saving grace to fight against the colors Izuku wore. But it still housed his deep red bowtie.
"They have probably worn them in almost all their social gatherings. By now they're used to the constriction" Izuku replied, checking his watch.
Nejire stepped out into some of the sunlight, shielding her eyes from the brightness. "Do you think Bibimi wears a corset?"
Izuku shuddered, remembering all the 'fashion' gadgets the girl had created and demonstrated on him. Power Loader's phone was probably filled with pictures of the time lord in several compromising positions. He reached for a spot just beside the door inside the TARDIS and pulled out a top hat that went with his outfit, and a white umbrella that went along with Nejire's dress. "I wouldn't worry about her, despite her...enthusiasm towards beauty she also plays it safe for her potential customers' bodies."
'Not so much the mind though.' He briefly thought. Dusting the hat with his hand he adjusted it's placement upon his head. Nejire was handed the umbrella making her smile as she opened it to shield herself from the sun. "So I know I said old style British party, but what party are we going to? Is it going to have good food or just stale stuff?"
Her question caused Izuku to check one of his pockets. In it he pulled out a ziploc bag containing a simple sandwich. "Sorry, but yes the food isn't the best so I made sure to pack some lunch. They do have some great snacks we should try." He began to lead the both of them on the path. Not long after they approached a fancy country house with a single light post near the fence.
A small group of people were gathered in the courtyard next to the property, all wearing clothes matching the time period but still very well dressed. Nejire leaned into Izuku's ear as they were noticed nearing the group. "Wait, do I need to try and have an accent? Or does the TARDIS already do that?"
Izuku thought for a moment before answering. "Just think about wanting to fit in and the TARDIS will do the rest."
One of the men, slightly short, large mustache, heavily balding, and wearing a simple black suit approached with a woman next to him. She was in her early twenties and wore a more conservative outfit.
"Hello there, I don't believe we've met before." The man asked with a heavy accent, slightly skeptical.
Izuku smelled the air for a moment before he pulled out an old letter with an opened seal on it. "Sorry, we were informed short notice from the local electrical company to review the wiring. One of the employee's was recently fired for failure of safety precautions." The time lord matched the british accent, bringing the letter back in his pocket.
The woman's eyes flashed with recognition. "Oh yes, he was incredibly lazy. I put in a sour note once I found him napping in the yard." That caused the man to look back at the younger two with a more welcoming look.
"Excuse me for my suspicions. My name is Edgar Syers and this is my wife, Florence Madeline Syers." Edgar stated extending his hand. Mrs. Syers gave a short curtsy at mention of her name. "Pleasure to meet both of you." She said.
Nejire got excited to engage in the custom. After giving her own curtsy Izuku spoke, shaking the man's hand. "I'm Izuku Midoriya, born in Japan raised here. And this is a family friend of mine in a similar circumstance, Nejire Hado."
"It's ae pleasa to meetya both." Nejire spoke in an over emphasized accent. The three of them looked at her with strange glances. She began to look between them, oblivious to the awkward atmosphere. Edgar coughed into his hand, gathering the group's attention.
"Right, well, Mr. Midoriya, why don't I show you to the estate while my wife can give your…"
"Companion." Izuku answered the unspoken question with a smile. The word was simple, but it filled Nejire with joy hearing it. It felt more to her than being a friend, it was someone who stuck by you no matter what. 'Companion' She started to think. 'Almost like we're a-'
"Right this way then, I'll introduce you to the rest of the party while Mr. Midoriya inspects the property." Mrs. Syers spoke, drawing her attention from her thoughts. Nejire gave a nod and began following the woman.
Izuku watched as the two women began to make their way to the party. Nejire looked back to him as he gave a little wave. "I'll join you in a few minutes!" He called out to reassure her. Her reply was a short wave and a smile.
Edgar looked back to Izuku. "Your companion sure seems to have a harder time with the local dialect."
"She's just not as experienced. Shouldn't take her long to figure it out, she's smart."
Nejire followed the woman to the party group. A small man with a well groomed face approached with a plate of small food with toothpicks in them. nodded to the japanese girl. With a smile Nejire took one of the snacks and gave it a try.
Her eyes went slightly wider as her face was filled with glee"MMMmmm, these are great!" Nejire took another one and started to chew again.
Florence put her hand to her mouth to restrain a giggle. "I see you're enjoying yourself. Did your companion inform you about us before he dragged you into his work?"
Nejire just continued to smile as she enjoyed the snack. "No, I wanted to come with him. We go to all sorts of amazing places like Ancient Egypt, New New York, Vegas, Oh! And hidden temples in Norway!" Florence looked slightly stunned as Nejire grabbed a new snack to try.
"He must be an amazing electrician for his age doing so many out of country jobs. I don't know if I consider Worcestershire as grand as Egypt but we are happy to have you."
Nejire looked back to Florence confused. "Wartshestire?"
"Worcestershire."
"Whatsittwoyire?"
"Wor-ces-ter-shire"
"..." Nejire swallowed her food as she tried to figure out how to say the complex word. Florence simply smiled at the girl as she kept continuing with effort.
"I wouldn't strain your japanese tongue too hard. It must be hard to talk to so many people of higher vocabulary."
That made Nejire stop, slightly offended that the woman referred to her language as "lesser." She tried to change the topic to something a closet racist would be fine with. "So what is the party for? Or is it just a casual get together?"
"Me and my husband are going to participate in the world figure skating championships. I know it's strange given men have only competed but we checked the rules. No rule says that there can't be a pair of skaters."
This was a good start, now at least she knew they weren't sexist as well.
Meanwhile Izuku was walking in the empty house, looking over the walls with a sonic in hand. "Well, everything seems just fine. I'm just lucky that no one bothers to ask for the letter. I don't know what they would do if they found out it was just a love letter from Amelia Earhart."
He continued to scan the local wiring as he mumbled to himself. This was a simple trick he pulled every now and then to get into parties. Pretend to just be there for work, be nice or rely on others kindness and boom! Apart of the socializing as if you're an honored guest passing through. Of course he didn't often pick parties, but it was good in small groups to get to know the locals of the time.
Briefly he looked out the window and saw the party below. He could see Nejire talking with a few women now, making him smile at the sight. Something else caught his gaze as he looked over to a man standing alone next to a tree. Izuku started to focus on the odd man. This stranger wasn't wearing party material, but he was carrying a bag. 'He's not a typical guest, he's dressed for work not fun. That bag, it's a medical bag. Is this a drug deal?'
It surprised him to see who was approaching the mysterious medical man. Edgar was looking around, making sure no one was watching too closely as he approached where the doctor waited. Izuku's hands moved rapidly to his pockets as he shoved his arm into one. It went further and further despite the small size of the pocket. He scrambled as he pulled out a cord, a small disk on one end and an earmuff on the other. His body spun around as he tried to locate something.
Locking his eyes on a small glass of water he threw the liquid out, pressed the disk on the bottom of the cup, used his sonic screwdriver on it briefly, and aimed it at the two men. He stood at the window, getting confused at the lack of noise before realizing his mistake. Grabbing the earmuff he placed it against his ear and listened to the conversation.
"I assume you have our edge?" Edgar muffled voice asked. Izuku pressed his head against his shoulders to hold the ear muff as he used his screwdriver against the glass.
'Our?' Izuku thought.
"Yes, take your pick. I've got speed, strength, reflexes, or if you're wanting I have more diluted doses to make it look more natural for your performance." The old doctor spoke.
Izuku's eyes narrowed with surprise, whispering to himself as he listened. "The second place winners took steroids?! Well I shouldn't be that surprised for sports competitors but they shouldn't have anything like that now."
The old doctor grabbed two vials from his bag, both of them had a milky texture that was a near black green. There were small tips of metal at the bottom of them that showed a small needle and a red light. Izuku got distracted as he saw the lights in the room flicker slightly. 'I just checked the electrics, meaning that whatever he's got is interfering with them, and that's not human for the time at all.'
"Found You!"
"AHHH!" Izuku yelled, dropping the glass. Nejire stood there with two cups in her hands slightly surprised at the reaction.
"..I brought refreshments?" She gently smiled, slightly wiggling the beverages. Izuku let out a deep breath grabbing the earmuff and placing it down on a nearby cabinet. Nejire sat on a chair next to the window handing one of the cups to Izuku. He nodded as he sat down across from her on the bed.
Nejire didn't express emotions, just looked at Izuku as he took a sip. His hand swished the glass around, staring at the liquid. He was in deep thought as he breathed.
"Who is Ochaco?" She asked suddenly. This made Izuku's eyes snap to her, without moving his head.
"A classmate, in 1-A."
Nejire groaned as she hung her head. She lifted her head back up with a deadly gaze striking obvious fear in Izuku making him sweat slightly. She set the cup aside and set her elbows on her knees leaning over, expounding. "Isn't she the same one as the little girl in the pictures?"
"Which pictures?" He asked slowly.
"The ones in the TARDIS!" She threw her hands up in frustration over this question game. He was never avoiding questions this much but she had to ask. "Sometimes I see you Midoriya, and even though I see your face your eyes are somewhere else. I can't help but feel you're thinking about something else someone else."
It was clear to see Izuku felt guilty, his eyes shifted to the side avoiding the confrontation. Nejire set one of her hands on his shoulder. Once his green orbs met her royal blue ones, he saw her concern. It made him feel more guilty before she opened her mouth again. "Izuku, what happened?"
Izuku's lip started to quiver as his eyes started to get more moist. Nejire reaffirmed her presence by grabbing his hand, squeezing it slightly. His eyes naturally darted around, wanting to avoid this, but they kept being drawn back by Nejire's.
"She was-" He began but was cut off by a crack in his voice. Nejire rubbed her thumb on his hand, being absolutely patient with him.
"I tried to-" Izuku kept trying to speak but as a tear streaked down his face his voice continued to break. He looked at Nejire once more but saw her gentle smile. Making the decision he held up a hand to her head, making her slightly blush at the touch. She let him bring his other hand up and hold the other side.
Once he closed his eyes Nejire was flooded with memories. She saw the small boy sitting in Ochaco's home with a cookie, both of them sitting next to a Christmas tree with presents around them. Ochaco gave the first Izuku a scarf that matched his eyes. Not too long passed when they both sat next to the fire with hot chocolate, the little girl smiling brightly at him.
In a different memory both children were sitting on Ochaco's bed. She was crying softly as he held her, wiping away any stray tears. Yet, not too long ago the kids were playing with the pink skinned girl on a different planet. Seasons shifted as the two grew incredibly close, Ochaco running around with a smile as Izuku followed with his hands in his pockets. One time after school Ochaco was trying to hand out cards to many other kids for her birthday only to be ignored or turned down. When she gave up and started walking home, she looked up to see Izuku standing outside the TARDIS giving a soft smile. When he led her inside it was decorated with all sorts of wonderful things from glowing balloons filled with stars, or ridiculous party hats.
Ochaco gave another great big smile and charged Izuku, giving him a great big hug. Izuku seemed very content as a small smile was present on his face. Years passed as Izuku hardly aged while Ochaco started to grow. She became more confident, determined, and a very strong hero while Izuku stayed the same, simply supporting her and helping where he could. Then Nejire saw it, Ochaco banging on a glass door inside a spaceship. In the glass chamber Izuku was violently spasming with pain. Once it was over, the little girl had passed out with all the crying she had done.
Izuku managed to get up, faint yellow wisps of energy coming from his hands as he went to pick her up and bring her to the TARDIS. He dropped her off in bed, then went back to the tree house...to die alone. Nejire felt the emotions as he regenerated, how he feared that Ochaco wouldn't like his new body or believe him. When he finally visited with his new face, dark green messy hair with eyes to match it, Ochaco didn't recognize him. When he started explaining that he was Izuku just with a new face, she couldn't remember who Izuku was. It broke the boy immensely, but he knew something had happened to her memories.
He tried to investigate with his technology, he travelled to all sorts of places, studied many different areas to try and understand what happened. In the end, all he could do was watch from afar, check in on her, make sure she was ok without him. It made him slightly sad, seeing her easily move on from him without batting an eye. Even if he knew the circumstances and was glad she moved on...it hurt. He was alone for nearly a hundred years….waiting...
Then the fateful day came, where by chance they met again, they became friends again all those years later. It even felt great to be able to fight alongside her, just like how they used to work together. But they still weren't as close as they were, her memories were still gone, even if bits of it came to her they vanished just as fast, and it made it so much harder for him.
Before Nejire knew it Izuku's hands let go of her head. It took a second for her to remember where she was and even who she was. Most importantly, she remembered what Izuku had just shown her. He gave her all the memories he had of his time with Ochaco and what he was trying to figure out.
"She was your best friend."
"...Yeah."
Nejire got up from her chair and hugged Izuku directly. His arms were stretched out to the side as she squeezed his body. He gently set the drink he had in his hand down before slowly bringing his arms around Nejire's comfort. They stayed like that, letting Izuku get the relief he needed from someone understanding his circumstance. Between his origins, struggles, and now, all his seemingly unrealistic goals of finding his family and restoring Ochaco's memories.
"You don't have to do it alone Izuku, not anymore." She pulled back but still kept her hands on his shoulders. He held onto her forearms as she gently talked to him.
"I'll stay with you, everywhere you go I'll be there."
"Why….why me?" He was genuinely curious, there was always danger around him and she could risk losing her memories because of it. Izuku Midoriya got his answer why, when she gave him a brief kiss making the both of them blush.
"Because I love you."
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, it's about time to have another big adventure in the TARDIS! This story was very vague until details suddenly hit like a dump truck. So what are some of the predictions y'all have for the story? I'm curious, totally not gonna use a cheap shot and use your answers because I don't have anything planned.
Actually, I am just curious, I already have a rough draft for just about everything that's gonna happen up until just before the summer camp story arc.
If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, feel free to send them!
I don't own anything except a cute, old dog