Stuck Between Realities-Remastered

Part 56~Nomus

The bar was quiet. Kurogiri cleaned a glass as Toga twirled a knife between her fingers, and Spinner took a nap.

"I'm bored," Toga wined, hitting her head against the bar.

"Well, if you had managed to bring me one of the students, we would have stuff to do," Shigaraki grumbled, playing a game on the TV.

"But we brought you one- the blond one."

"Bakugo Katsuki was not one of Tomoura's targets," Kurogiri explained. "Our Patreon requested his capture alongside Izuku Midoriya in addition to the mission."

"I wanted the girl," Shigaraki snapped as Toga scoffed.

"Isn't that sexist?"

"She was powerful but didn't realise it. Her Quirk could be used for a lot more than she demonstrates. She could make bombs and sneak weapons into restricted areas. Her Quirk is calling out to be a villain, but those heroes don't understand her potential."

"Huh, not sexist."

"We can try again. Besides, UA panicked enough from the boy's capture. Even if it's not what you wanted, it's doing wonders," Dabi laughed as Twice nodded.

"There's always a next time- no, it's pointless. We failed."

"Next time," Shigaraki agreed before the bar went silent. Someone was knocking at the door. "Hello? I gotta pizza delivery here."

The group remained quiet, unsure how to respond.

And then All Might punched his way through their wall. "Smash!"

Shigaraki called for Kurogiri as Kamui Woods appeared behind All Might. "Pre-emptive Binding Lacquered Chain Prison!" He wrapped the wood around each of the villains, pinning them to the nearest surface.

Dabi frowned, glaring at the wood. "Heh. That's it?" The flames started to build up when Gran Torino shot at him, kicking him in the face.

"Don't do anything foolish. It's in your best interest to cooperate with us."

Dabi coughed, his body going limp as All Might grinned. "Just what I'd expect from a competent new hero. And a veteran pro who moves faster than the eye can see. You can't run anymore, League of Villains. Understand? Because we are here now! So where is Bakugo?"

Mr Compress struggled against the bindings. "Right after the press conference? They had this ruse planned the whole time!"

"Tree man! You're hugging me too tight," Twice complained as Toga struggled.

"One tends to neglect defence when they're on the offence," Edgeshot announced as he slid through the door. "But we didn't come alone. Take a look." He threw the door open, revealing the police on the other side. "You're surrounded by the police. Not to mention powerful heroes like Endeavour."

"You have nowhere to run," All Might growled out. "So tell us where Bakugo is."

None of the villains said anything as the police pushed in. "Search the building," one shouted as they spread out.

Shigaraki laughed. "After I went through all the trouble of preparing this, the final boss went and showed up on my doorstep. So, they've got backup, huh? Well, we do, too. Kurogiri! Warp over as many as you can." Shigaraki paused, turning to Kurogiri in confusion. "What are you waiting for, dammit?"

"I'm sorry, Tomura Shigaraki. The Nomus were supposed to be in a fixed location, but they're gone."

"It seems you have a lot to learn, Shigaraki. You're still green. Your little League underestimated all of us. The police's diligent investigations and our righteous fury. Enough is enough. Your game has come to an end, Tomura Shigaraki." All Might glared at the villains. "Now, tell me where Bakugo is!"

Spinner screamed in horror. "All Might, please! You're the only hero Stain respected. You are worthy!"

"You think it's over? Don't be stupid. I've only just begun to play." Shigaraki struggled against the wood, getting to his feet. "Justice. Peace. You created a garbage society by lifting up such ridiculous ideals. That's why I target you, All Might. That's why I started gathering people for my cause. You think this is the end? Then you've lost. Kurogiri!"

Kurogiri began to swirl before he stopped, slumping onto the bar.

"What just happened?" Big Sis Mag struggled wildly. "I couldn't see anything. Did they kill him?"

"I played around with his insides and made him fall unconscious," Edgeshot explained as he appeared before Big Sis Mag. "He was such a nuisance. He had to sleep."

"Weren't you listening earlier? You'll all be better off if you take us seriously," Gran Torino announced before he looked at Big Sister Mag. "Kenji Hikiishi. Atsuhiro Sako." Mr Compress gasped before Gran Torino turned to Spinner. "Chichi Iguchi. Himiko Toga. Jin Bubaigawara." Twice gritted his teeth. "Though they had little time and information, the police worked through the night to discover your true identities. Do you understand? There's nowhere left for any of you to run. So, Shigaraki. Two questions, where is your boss hiding, and where is Bakugo?"

Shigaraki didn't do anything for a moment. "No. This isn't over. Just you wait. The game is still mine."

"You'll tell us where he is right now," All Might demanded as Shigaraki's eyes began twitching wildly.

"Go away. Disappear. This is your fault. I hate you!" Suddenly, grey pools of liquid appeared around the bar.

"Nomu! How'd they get here?" Kamui Woods gasped as Gran Torino turned around.

"Damn it, Edgeshot. Stop Kurogiri."

But it wasn't Kurogiri who was doing this.

~~~

A few minutes earlier, Kirishima glanced up before he turned back to Izuku. "Hey! Is that?"

From the tiny bat, they could see the truck being picked up. Mt. Lady kicked down with the truck on her foot, smashing the building open.

Izuku pulled himself up on the wall, his eyes widening as he spotted Best Jeanist neutralising all the nomus.

Izuku wasn't looking at the heroes, though, his eyes spotting a specific nomu. It was just amongst the others; it was leaner and had blue fur. "Charlie, please tell me I'm being paranoid."

Emiko and Charlie shared a concerned look before Emiko lifted Charlie up. She narrowed her eyes on the Nomu Izuku saw. "Shit."

"Charlie. I'm being paranoid, right?"

"What is it? What do you see?" Kirishima looked at the two in panic as Charlie rubbed her face.

"Guess I was right. Fuck."

"Charlie," Izuku's voice wabbled, looking at her in terror. "It can reversed again, right?"

Charlie didn't answer.