94

Chapter 94: Shell

A/N: And… this should be the last chapter to take place in the hospital, methinks. Next comes the planning stage for our intrepid Izuku. Just what will he be up to next?

He could feel them all. Scuttling between the pipes, crawling within the walls, buzzing down the halls. He'd only awoken but a moment ago and his eyes weren't even open. But Izuku instinctively understood what was happening. His sixth sense — his connections to his bugs — was back.

From the past week of being deprived of his ability, Izuku could argue that the loss was akin to losing a limb. And thus it was a comforting notion, knowing he'd finally regained something he'd grown so accustomed to in his life.

Izuku sighed in relief. "Finally."

"You're welcome. Just don't go squandering it all at once, you here?"

"And there goes the moment," Izuku sighed, this time in resignation. "And what the heck is that even supposed to mean?" he asked Taylor as he sat up in his bed.

"Well— Oh. Izuku, the Do— Hmm."

"What?"

"Erm... Hospital staffer incoming. And come on, Izuku. What; a couple days without your bugs and you're already this rusty?"

Izuku let out a puff of air. "For all I know you purposely left this guy out from my noti—

The door to his room opened, revealing one of the many doctors of the hospital, clipboard at hand and looking jovially at Izuku.

"Ah! Midoriya-kun! Glad to finally see you awake!" the man exclaimed, moving to Izuku bedside. "I've been trying to get you alone for awhile now you know? But someone seems to be 'Mister Popular.'"

"Really?" Izuku asked, rubbing the back of his head. "I wouldn't really say so. What makes you say that?"

"Well," the man held a hand out, raising a finger. "There's your friend with the sprained arm for one. Your mother — though that one's a given. The police commissioner for whatever reason. And then there's that crazy principal of yours."

"Well, when you say it like that…"

"Don't mistake my amusement for something to cheer over, of course," the man proclaimed. "As much as it warms my heart to know you have such people in your lives, the truth is that I think you should be resting."

The doctor made a sideways glance at the door. "Now, if only some certain individuals would leave you alone, I wouldn't be begrudging you about this." The man rolled his eyes. "Alas, I'm not in charge of all that. So the best I can do is suggest resting it up after your meeting. And before you know it we'll be able to discharge you in no time!"

The man nodded, moving towards the door. But not before sending a nod in Izuku's direction. Take care kid, you hear?"

Izuku nodded in return. "Thank you, sir."

The doctor smiled back — an expression that disappeared when he opened the door. "Don't rile him up too much, you hear? That principal of yours already spent way too much time keeping the boy awake than I would have liked."

The doctor walked out, signifying the incoming entrance of another individual. Even without his bugs Izuku could already tell who it was before they came in. He could almost feel the oppressive and calculating gaze before it was ever beyond him.

But that didn't distress Izuku, not in the slightest. If anything, it only gave way to the reassuring reassurance that a possible casualty he feared was not in the slightest a factor. Though, there was one thing — a couple things, really — that caught Izuku's attention rather quickly.

"You're… missing a leg," Izuku faltered.

"That's obvious, yes," Aizawa said as he drew near to Izuku's bed, his movement supported with the help of a pair of crutches. "I tossed it aside during the battle. It's unlikely to be reattached, since I'm willing to believe it lost to the battlefield."

Izuku gazed upon his teacher's face. "And your eye?"

Aizawa hummed. "Not completely lost. In a sense, anyways. I'll be fine."

Izuku grinned. "Glad to hear it, pirate-sensei."

Aizawa's uncovered eye twitched in response. "You're a pain in the ass, you know that?"

Izuku chuckled. "Thanks, you are too."

Aizawa sighed. "Looks like you're doing alright. Seems as if I had no reason to worry."

"Ehh… I wouldn't say so. He might end up being a bit too twitchy the next coming weeks."

Aizawa blinked, realizing that his student hadn't opened his mouth. He turned his head towards the new voice, only to find a swarm of bugs making up a feminine figure and leaning against the wall.

Aizawa turned his gaze back to the boy in the bed. "And what's with you speaking in the third person, exactly?"

"Oh, he isn't. I am the one talking, after all."

Aizawa looked back at the swarm, and then back to his student. Izuku merely looked on amusedly at the mass of bugs.

"What?" the bugs asked. "Nezu was going to ask you to tell him anyways. Something about having more people in your corner, or something. And besides, I'm 99% sure you would have gone along with it anyways. I'm just speeding the process along, is all."

"Indeed I was!" Nezu exclaimed as he climbed up to the foot of the bed.

"Must you really use the vents to get around?" Aizawa asked with his usual flat look. "You nearly gave Hizashi a heart attack when you did that in my room, you know."

"Oh, it's fine," Nezu said, waving his paw to dispel worry. "I've already popped in, so Midoriya here knows what to expect. And besides, how else would I supplant my information gathering? The acoustics are better within the ventilation, after all."

"Oh! And Miss Taylor." Nezu nodded towards the bugs. "I thank you for going ahead with the early introduction. Saves me the trouble."

"No problem," Taylor said. "Now if you don't mind, I'd like to check on some things before we get into the thick of things. I'll be right back, alright?" And with that the bugs dispersed, leaving through a separate vent up on the ceiling.

Nezu then turned over to Izuku, pulling out his tea as he did so. "You understand why I'd ask you such, don't you?"

Izuku sighed. "I do. I'd actually been doing something similar for a while now. Because honestly, if anyone deserves to know it should be him. He's been dealing with all the trouble I cause for a while. And now might be as good a time as any."

"And what exactly, do you want me to know?" Aizawa interrupted. He pointed his thumb towards the bugs. "And what does it have to do with your Snitch persona? And it better not have to do with anything like a split personality. You're already a nuisance by yourself."

Before Izuku could respond, Nezu replied in his steed. "Oh, we'll get to that later, Shota-kun. Best to wait until everyone else is here, after all. The explanation gets a bit… tedious, otherwise."

Aizawa was a bit miffed at that, but understood what the two meant by waiting. It was the more logical choice, all things considered.

"Umm…" Izuku began. "Principal Ne—"

"Uh uh!" Nezu interrupted, a gleam in his eye. "None of that, Midoriya-kun. No need for titles between you and I. Just Nezu, should be fine. After all, we're the same now, remember?"

"Right…" Izuku breathed. "I suppose you could call me by my given name too, if you want. Just to make things fair."

Nezu paused, tilting his head in response. There was an eerie silence, the two other occupants in the room waiting for Nezu to speak.

Izuku eventually grew tired of the silence and began to speak up. "I—"

"Ufufufufu!" Nezu began to laugh. It wasn't long before Nezu himself began to mumble, his interest seemingly drawn away to his mind and away from the others in the room.

"And now there's two of them, wonderful." Aizawa wiped his face with his hand. "Don't think I've seen him do that since he and I were talking about my application for a teaching position." Aizawa paused, his face scrunching up for a second before the expression disappeared.

Aizawa sighed. "Right." He looked at Izuku. "We're going to cover situational awareness. Again."

"Co—"

"And then we're going to go over it a third time. This time with me participating in every aspect of the practical portion. You get me?"

Izuku frantically nodded.

"Good." Aizawa sat in the chair by the bedside, closing his eyes and crossing his arms. "If you don't mind, I'll rest a bit here for the others to get here and for Nezu to get his stuff together."

Izuku rested his head on his hands, which he promptly folded up in front of him. "Sounds good, Aizawa-sensei. But, umm…"

Aizawa raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"Pri… Nezu said something to some others joining us, right? Who are they?"

Aizawa closed his eyes back down. "Hmm… I'm not entirely all too sure since Nezu was just planning to brief me afterwards. But if I were to recall correctly… Hound Dog, Togata, and Kaniyashiki. Ashido you'll have to deal with on your own."

"Huh, Izuku huffed. "I… suppose I'm alright with that." He looked at his teacher. "And what do you mean you were supposed to get briefed afterwards?"

"SHOTA! YOU BETTER NOT BE IN THERE! THE DOCTOR SAID THAT YOU SHOULDN'T BE UP AND ABOUT WITH ALL THOSE INJURIES!"

"And there he goes," Aizawa sighed. He stood up from his chair with a groan. "I'll see to Mic, Midoriya. He'll be out of your hair in just a moment."

"Estimated time on when I'll be done here yet? It seems like I've been here forever. And I'd rather that I get away from all the… hospital equipment as soon as possible. Just unnerves me a little, you know?"

"Oh, it can't be that bad Izuku," Inko responded to her son.

Izuku internally frowned. Oh. But it is. "Still, they said I was due out soon, right?"

Inko nodded. "Mhm. They even said that you might be discharged tonight if things go well."

"Ha! Finally!" Izuku exclaimed as he leaned back in his bed.

In contrast to Izuku's relief, however, grew Inko's concern. After looking at her son's relieved expression for a few moments, she decided to voice the question that had been bugging her in the back of her mind.

"You aren't just… antsy to get back into everything, are you?" Inko gulped. "I mean, I know that the Commissioner said that you agreed to the whole helping out thing willingly. But I'm still worried, you know? I mean, I have a police escort now! He's supposed to follow me indiscreetly at all times now. And if what you're doing is dangerous enough to warrant something like that…"

Izuku grimaced. "I… I know what you mean," Izuku admitted. "I mean, sometimes I'm out there asking myself, 'What am I even doing out here?!' But then I remind myself that, well, I need to help people. You know?"

"I know baby," Inko exclaimed, moving to hug Izuku tight. "You've been saying the same thing since you were four, you know? It's just… Just be safe, okay? I'm putting my trust in you to know when a situation is too much for you. Promise me that you'll get yourself away from anything you know you have no chance against, okay?"

"I..." Izuku gulped. "I promise, mom."

Inko smiled, nodding her head as she backed away. "Good. That's probably the best that I'll get out of you, hmm?"

A sudden knock at the door had mother and son jerking the heads towards the door. Though, before either of the two could call out the door unceremoniously slammed open.

( T口T )

"IZUKU!" Manga exclaimed with his arms in the air and ready to run straight at his friend. He was stopped, however. Setsuna's arm shot out, stopping Manga's advance and pulling him back to where Setsuna could smack him over the head.

"Idiot! He's with his mom right now!"

"Oh, I don't mind," Inko said. "Fukidashi-kun's been quite a force that I've gotten used to over the years, It's nothing new."

Setsuna immediately straightened up afterwards, sending a quick and bright smile right at Inko.

"Hi!" she exclaimed, her body stiffening a bit. "Midoriya-san, I assume? We haven't met before, but I'm Setsuna Tokage! Nice to meet you!" She sent her arm out again, disconnecting at the shoulder and moving towards Inko in an offered handshake.

Inko stifled a laugh before taking the handshake. "No need to be so formal dear. I won't bite; especially with as lovely as a lady with you. Izuku's mentioned you quite a few times after all, and he knows how to make a good impression with his descriptions."

Inko shook her head. "Oh, look at me rambling me leave you three be. I've been hogging Izuku all afternoon after all. I'm sure he needs some cheering up from his friends now."

Inko turned around and leaned down to Izuku, leaving a kiss on his forehead. "I'll be back later, okay Izuku?" Inko said as she made way for the door. "Don't get into any trouble now, you here?"

"Yes mom."

"Great!" she exclaimed just as she reached and opened the door. "Love you!"

With Inko gone, all that left was Manga and Setsuna turning their attention back to their bedridden friend.

"Oh, right," Manga muttered. "IZUKU!" Manga sped over to his friend and grappled Izuku into a tight hug. "Do you know how worried I was?!"

Izuku coughed. "Manga, please. Air. And my ribs."

"Oh!" Manga backed away. "Sorry."

However, almost immediately after Manga let go Izuku felt a hard smack right over his head.

"Manga may be sorry, but I'm not!" Setsuna yelled. "I'm still not done with you, you know! You may have blacked out before, but now I have you right where I want you!"

"Ufufufufu!"

Both Manga and Setsuna paused.

"Umm…" Manga began, "Was it just me? Or was that Principal Nezu I just heard?"

"He's hiding in the vents," Izuku deadpanned. "Don't ask."

"Right…" Setsuna cleared her throat. "Anyways—!"

"Not now, Setsuna," Izuku interrupted. "Please. Another time, perhaps? My head's still hurting a bit from the past week and you just smacked it just a second ago."

Setsuna scoffed, crossing her arms. "That's just an excuse! I can see it in your eyes, Izuku. But… I suppose I'll go along with it. For now."

Izuku let out a nervous laugh before clearing his throat. "Ehehe… So… Just you two then?"

"What?" Setsuna smirked. "We aren't good enough for you?"

"Gah!" Manga exclaimed. "You wound me, Izuku! But, in all seriousness, yep. Todoroki's still in his own hospital bed — and he's fine by the way, before you ask. Yaoyorozu overworked herself in the cafeteria and she's currently resting in the staff lounge… Mei's still at UA — staff wouldn't allow her to leave, so get ready for that."

And Pony got picked up by her father. A no-compromise sort of deal; makes me wonder how your own mother was so composed just a second ago. I mean… I would've thought she was making up a storm with Aizawa or… something considering the… past week."

"Oh, well it's true that you'd usually be right," Izuku said. "But she wasn't like that since she doesn't actually know."

Setsuna raised an eyebrow. "Know…?"

"That the League took me," Izuku said nonchalantly. "Or, well, I guess it's the Paranormal Liberation Army now. But hey, it was still Togawho did it so I don't see a difference… What?"

Manga and Setsuna both looked at Izuku unbelievingly. "WHAT?! She doesn't—"

"Shh!" Izuku hushed, floating some hornets in front of his friends' faces. "Don't yell please."

Setsuna narrowed her eyes. "But you mean to say that she doesn't know? How? Are you telling me that neither the police or UA told her about it?"

Izuku shook his head. "Nope."

"That's… sort of messed up," Manga muttered.

"...Yeah," Izuku said. "But it's better this way. I haven't told her about Snitch, and I won't tell her about this. I don't want to needlessly worry her, after all. It'd just hurt her more, knowing that she couldn't stop me from going out."

Setsuna tilted her head in thought. "I suppose that's… one way of putting it?"

Izuku sighed. "I know. I know. It's just—"

A loud boom echoed off in the distance, startling the trio within the room.

Izuku immediately sent out all his bugs in alert. He near instantly caught a glimpse of the fiery explosion in the far distance, smoke and debris billowing in the air.

"What the heck was that!?" Manga exclaimed. "I swear to all that is high and mighty that if we're actually getting attacked here…"

"Well… it's an explosion," Izuku added. "It's a little ways away though. I'm a bit surprised that we could hear it at this distance though. It's somewhere in the outskirts of town… a factory? Hard to tell from here."

As Izuku continued to mumble off whilst staring off in the general direction of the explosion, Setsuna and Manga shared a knowing look. Manga went to speak, though Setsuna interrupted him with a gesture of her hand.

"I can see you two, you know. My bugs are back," Izuku said, turning towards his friends. "What do you know?"

"Erm…" Setsuna rubbed the back of her head. "You mean you don't know? But I would've thought— I'm assuming that Principal Nezu tried to keep informing on everything on the downlow?"

Izuku nodded.

Setsuna hummed, averting her eyes. "Well… I can't say I don't see the merit in that. Withholding info until you're better, that is.

"But—"

"Hey! It's just like keeping stuff from your mom!" Manga exclaimed. "But at least this one's on a shorter time scale!"

"And you expect to not try to look into it?" Izuku asked. "I could try to listen in with my bugs you know. Look at television screens—"

Not if I stop the bugs from responding first!

Izuku groaned. "Really, Taylor?"

"See!" Setsuna exclaimed. "Even the disembodied voice is agreeing with us!:

"Yeah!" Manga said. "In fact, think of it like this: It's just Wash!"

Izuku blinked. "Wash. Really."

"Yep!" Manga cheered. "He was… erm."

Setsuna shot a finger up. "He's— No wait, that doesn't work…"

"Umm… He's made about the casualties of the raid, so he's letting out his anger in soap factories?" Manga said reluctantly.

Izuku sighed, leaning back in his bed. "Fine. Be that way."

"It's for your own good~" Setsuna sing-songed.

Izuku grabbed his pillow and planted it over his face in irritation.

"Yeah, I guess," came his muffled voice. "I just want to get out of here and finally do something. You know?"

"Bro. What you need is some rest. And no outside vigilante activities for a while."

Izuku took the pillow of his head, looking straight at Manga. "You're telling me to not launch a counter offensive against the overly-powered and highly dangerous threat to society?"

Manga sweatdropped. "Umm… yeah?"

"Well too bad," Izuku said flippantly.

Setsuna leaned forward. "Izuku—"

"Don't worry," Izuku interrupted with a smirk. "I've had some time to think in this bed. And… I have the beginnings of a plan. And with it, we'll be able to hit two birds with one stone. It's all just a matter of timing…"

A/N: More Nezu! Yay! Aizawa, yay! Taylor's presence being known by even more people— Yay? I may have skipped over the scene, but it's effects will show later on down the line. As for next time? Like I said before; you're all in for something… different.