Eraserhead and Scribe V

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The downside of going anywhere together in their hero uniforms was how recognizable they were. Normally Scribe didn't mind it, but today she would have preferred to travel more circumspectly. Still, she had to smile when a little boy asked Eraser to sign his scarf. What really amused her, though, was that the child was wearing a scarf on a spring day that was much too warm for scarves. The team of Scribe and Eraserhead was too low-key to rate merchandise, but it was kind of fun to see that wasn't preventing them from having a few young fans.

Still, it was with a small sigh of relief that they finally made it into Tsukauchi's office. The young policeman handed them both a cup of tea without even asking. "You look like you could use this." He bowed a little. "I'm glad you were able to come so quickly."

"All Might says you have information about the girl. Hina?" Aizawa blew on his tea to cool it and took a sip.

"Not her directly, actually, but I think we're getting closer. One of my officers brought in a guy today. He's been on our radar for a while. Just small-time stuff, but recently we've had intelligence that puts him in the Paranormal Liberation Front."

Scribe sat up straighter, a shock of recognition going through her. "Who is it?"

"Like I said, just small-time." Tsukauchi waved dismissively. "He's not anybody who knows anything, really, but..." He hesitated, then continued, "but he says he works directly with Spinner. And he claims he knows you, Scribe."

"Why would he tell you that?" Scribe's hands shook and she quickly set down the tea. She felt Aizawa's hand on her arm. She glanced at him, then back at Tsukauchi. "I mean, I still can't remember much about that...that day, so I can't swear I didn't see other members of Shigaraki's force while I was there, but what does he have to gain by mentioning me?"

Tsukauchi shrugged. "He claims he doesn't know anything, not even where the headquarters is. We were actually hoping he could tell us something about what's happening with Shigaraki right now. He's dropped off the radar. Off the face of the planet, actually. We thought maybe if you," he glanced at Scribe, "were willing to question him, something useful might shake loose. Since he's been throwing your name around since he came in."

Scribe nodded. "I can see that. But where does the girl, Hina, come into it?"

"He mentioned seeing a child with Shigaraki right after Shigaraki turned you over to Eraser. So we think Shigaraki figured out what happened to you and went after the girl himself. He obviously brought her in, but what happened to her after that is what we need to figure out." Tsukauchi paused. "If you'd rather not do this, I totally understand." He bowed his head. "I was hesitant to even ask, considering what you've already been through."

Scribe swallowed and looked at Aizawa. A frown of concern crinkled his brow. "I don't like it."

She squeezed his hand. "You don't like anything that has to do with Shigaraki, love. But you must admit, this is one of my tamer missions."

He shrugged acknowledgement. "True."

"If it makes you feel any better, we can be watching from the observation room right next door." Tsukauchi stood. "I can make the arrangements now."

Scribe nodded. "Do it."

***

Aizawa held her back just a second outside the door to the interrogation room. When she turned to him, he pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. Scribe couldn't help thinking it was completely irrational for him to do something like that. But maybe not, either. She felt stronger somehow. She slid one hand under his capture scarf to feel the beat of his heart against her fingers. "I'll be fine, my love."

"Yeah." He nodded. "You will. And I'll be right next door."

She smiled and stepped back, grasping the doorknob decisively and walking in. The man sitting at the table with his hands cuffed to a middle ring looked up, then uttered a soft curse and actually tried to stand. Scribe raised her eyebrows and made a waving motion at him. "Relax. We're best buds, right? At least, that's what you've been telling the cops."

She walked around to stand in his direct field of vision, giving him a narrow look. "Though I have to admit, I don't recall seeing you around."

"I'm sorry! I swear. I thought if I mentioned your name they'd take it easy on me. Don't tell him, huh? Please?" The guy's voice trembled.

"Who? Spinner?" Scribe worked to keep her puzzlement out of her voice.

"Yeah! Spinner or..." The man looked around as if to make sure no one else was near and lowered his voice, "Or Shigaraki."

Shigaraki. This guy must have seen me with him. Scribe grinned. "Funny that you're worried about those guys when I'm standing right here in front of you all pissed off." She leaned forward, placing both hands on the table in front of the terrified man. "Seems to me you might want to take that into consideration."

"Yeah...yeah, sorry." The man looked over his shoulder at the mirror, obviously wondering if anyone was watching.

"Don't worry, I've arranged for our meeting to be private. Perks of being a hero, you know. Now tell me why you claim to know me."

"Yeah, well..." He hesitated. "I mean, that was a...an exaggeration. But I did bring you in."

Scribe straightened. "Bring me in?"

"Yeah, I was with Spinner when we found you. You were all unconscious and muddy. Spinner said we should take you right up to Shigaraki's room. I figured..." He glanced over his shoulder again. "I figured your cover was blown with the heroes and that was why..." He stopped. "But it wasn't? You're still playing hero?"

"Sure am." Scribe plopped down in the chair across from him, folding her arms. "I'm surprised Spinner had you take me up to Tomura's bedroom, though. That's kind of high up in the command center for you, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I'm not usually allowed out of the basement. But Spinner, he trusts me. He calls on me when he needs somebody he can trust on patrol." The man looked down at his cuffed wrists. "I'm kinda sorry I told those cops what I did. I mean, Spinner's a good guy."

"Yeah, well, I'll put in a good word for you when I see him." Scribe considered him. "But our next meeting isn't for a while. I do have some intel for him, too. And with Tomura out of the picture for the moment—"

"Yeah, no kidding. What's up with that, anyway?"

Scribe gave him a superior, quelling look. "Far above your pay grade, my friend. But maybe not for long. I can tell you have ambitions. How does Spinner get in touch with you when he needs you?"

The man didn't even hesitate. "There's a bar. I'll give you the address. He's not there, usually, but if there's something I need to know, the bartender will tell me."

"Perfect." Scribe looked at the handcuffs and one of them loosened. She handed the man her pad of paper and pencil. "Address?"

The man rubbed his wrist. "Wow. I'd heard you could do stuff like that. Now I understand why Shigaraki—"

Scribe held up a hand. "I don't have long before somebody gets suspicious. Get me the address. I'll make sure Spinner knows you're loyal. In spite of everything you've told the police."

"Sure. Yeah." The man scribbled something on the paper and handed it back. "Listen, if you can just loosen the other handcuff, though, maybe—"

Scribe interrupted him by seizing his free arm and slamming it back to the table, the handcuff suddenly reappearing. She smiled, still holding his arm down. "That would be above my pay grade, friend."