A Twisted Influence

What Lurks in Shadows

A purple portal briefly opened and laid Shigaraki as carefully as it could onto the hard wood floor of Kurogiri's bar.

"Oww..." He groaned out as he laid still, trying to collect his thoughts and anger. "They shot me... We were annihilated... Even Nomu was done for!" Shigaraki snarled out. "My men were beaten down like trash... Even those damn students were strong...."

The young and angry teen glared up at a monitor screen situated on the bar counter. "You were wrong, Master.... The Symbol of Peace wasn't weakened at all!"

A voice with the tone of authority spoke out. "No, I wasn't. I was simply too optimistic. Hmmm." The voice sounded as if it was giving thought to the outcome. "You know, it seems as though they have underestimated us. I'm glad the 'Villain Alliance' name is still so cheap. But more importantly..." It paused for a moment.

"What has become of the Nomu? Has it not been retrieved?"

Kurogiri stepped in with a sigh, "I'm afraid he was sent flying. And we don't know of his whereabouts. I would not be able to search for him no matter how many times I warped. We didn't have time."

"And what of your newest addition?"

"She retreated like a coward!" Shigaraki snarled as he glared down at the floor. "She's just some two-bit wannabe, that's all. Attacked my own men and disregarded our plan!"

"Hmmm, is this true, Kurogiri?"

Kurogiri nodded. "I'm afraid so. We last saw Makima trying to go after a few of the students for an unknown reason. From there on, we were too preoccupied trying to defeat All-Might to notice her gone. It is safe to say that she has either retreated, like young Tomura says, or she's been defeated by the heroes. It's hard to say which."

Shigaraki spat. "I hope she was beaten. We don't need a useless member like her around. But that reminds me.... She was after some kids and one of them.... There was one whose speed was like All-Might's...."

The voice on the monitor sounded intrigued. "Oh?"

"It was that kid.... If he hadn't interfered, we could've killed All-Might!"

"There's no use crying over spilt milk. After all, it's not as though today was entirely in vain. With the eyes of Musutafu glued closely on our missing friend's-controlled suicides, we have a slight veil on ourselves. It wouldn't be a surprise if she gets partial blame for what happened there. Besides, those children you speak of saw her, did they not?"

Shigaraki grunted his answer. "Yeah...."

"Then all's well ends well. We'll gather a new group that's hand-picked for efficient teamwork. We'll take all the time we need. And Kurogiri," The misty villain looked over to the monitor. "See to it that you and young Tomura here avoid our new friend's goals if she is still out there."

"But-" Shigaraki was about to protest.

"Do not worry, Young Tomura. This is merely a precaution. Besides, we will deal with her desertion on our operations later. Let her wreak havoc for now. We'll slither in the shadows until it is our time."

Shigaraki glared up at the monitor, hell-bent on exacting revenge on the world and those who have wronged him.

/-/

Toshinori was the first to wake up after finally his long overdue nap from enduring hell at USJ. He looked to his left to see young Midoriya resting peacefully. The weary hero let his protégé enjoy his rest as he reflected on the battle.

I feel so stupid.... If I hadn't pushed myself earlier, I could've prevented this.

Everything from the intrusion of the villains to allowing them to hurt Aizawa and Thirteen. All of that, Toshinori considered, was his fault for not being there.