Chapter Text
But like all dreams and fantasies, tragedy and angst were bound to strike. It hit Kurogiri harder than the splitting headaches from refusing the doctor’s occasional meds.
The raid on the training camp was a complete success. The entire site has been destroyed and the student was captured. Even though they lost Muscular, Mustard , and Moonfish, it was only a way to ‘trim the fat’ as Tomura said.
-« We don’t need weaklings in our quest. » That is what he described their loss.
It was quite a victory for their team and Shouta was quite impressed by the success. He even congratulated Tomura for his careful planning.
However, the ex-hero wasn’t wrong in the end. He was absolutely right and Kurogiri loathed him for it.
The kid declined the offer to join, viciously attacking Dabi and Tomura in the process; then the heroes showed up with All Might in tow.
Their hideout was pillaged and they were all captured by Kamui Wood. Edgeshot almost had him knocked out cold if it weren’t for Shouta’s quick reflexes and Erasure, getting to the hero first, blocking Kamui’s quirk, and allowing the League time to strike back and call the N oumu .
Kurogiri saw the moment All Might’s eyes widened with sheer astonishment and then hardened in determination. The boy wasn’t their only rescue now. He immediately transported them to the factory.
The carnage that followed was ridiculous, Sensei has awoken and fought All Might in a vicious battle to the death. A bunch of kids broke into the battleground and rescued the explosion boy, one of them (The green-haired one from USJ . ) called for Eraser and the hero froze in place for some time before Toga aimed her blade at the students, breaking everyone out of the trance.
All Might and Sensei clashed in a battle of Behemoths, the mere ground trembling at the impact of their fists. As things began to escalate, Sensei gave him one last order :
-« Kurogiri, take Tomura away and help him grow. »He spoke, a grin splitting his face. He knew what he had to do.
Shouta grabbed Tomura and Dabi immediately and ran his way in full speed as he opened his portal. Amidst the thrashing and the grievous screams of Tomura, Kurogiri looked at his master one last time.
That all-knowing smile terrified him.
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-« NO ! »
-« It isn’t a choice, Tomura. Sensei had told me about him; the Monster in the mountain. When we are stranded, we will make contact. I beg of you Tomura, this is my duty.
-« Are you insane? » His charge grits out. The League has reached rock bottom, they have lost Magne to the Shie Hassaikai, and they are short of all supplies and provisions.
They were in a bad place, and that is why Kurogiri decided it was time.
-« Sensei said when we lose him, we will have to contact the Doctor and find the Power: Gigantomachia. I will have to go search for him, it is my duty. »
-« We have already lost Magne. Are you aware of how important you are to the integrity of the League? We can’t afford to lose such a powerful tool. »
Kurogiri winced at the comparison but it barely showed on his misty face: « It isn’t much of a choice as it is a truth. Tomura, this is for your growth. »
He watched as the young man froze , then his shoulders relaxed in an unnatural manner. He looked up at him, eyes blank as he stared into his yellow irises.
It seemed like a silent agreement.
-« You really think that is our better option. » A voice came from the opposite side of the room, Tomura’s hand-launched only to be masterfully dodged by Shouta.
-« Eraser… Since when were you… ? »
-« the very beginning actually. » He answered coolly, taking a glance at Kurogiri.
He looked angry beyond belief. ..a nd at him apparently.
-« When I saw you two have retreated on your own , I knew you were plotting something stupid. » he clicked his tongue. « What is this about Kurogiri leaving the League. »
-« Sho – Eraser, I am following Sensei’s instructions for the times of crisis. He has alerted me to give Tomura the Power he needs if the worst comes to be. »
-« And you? You are probably one of the League's strongest members. Without you , the League has no means of transport or stealth. They will be stuck in one place at all times and with the threat of the Yakuza… »
-« I have no choice. It is my duty, I need to find the Power… »
-« Can go bring it to you. » Kurogiri’s breath hitches, he looked up at the other man in front of him.
Tomura had sat back watching the interaction with careful wonder.
-« I know the location of the doctor from our previous sessions for my headaches. I assume whatever this Power is, it’s in the same place. » He explained in a neutral tone, unbothered by the sudden shifting in Kurogiri’s mist. « I have no role on the League other than to dispel Quirks. My Erasure is useful but it is not all-encompassing and I am far better equipped for sneaking around. »
-« But… you can’t… » Kurogir interjected , his voice breaking in a deep sensation within his score. It was fear. « You are a primary target for the enemy because of your quirk. If they take you, we will lose a great ally and… and… »
-« Kurogiri… » The man before him spoke in a soft tone. His eyes relaxed as he sighed calmly.
He was resolved : « It is Tomura’s decision in the end. I know that you are an integral part to the League, and Tomura growing without you is for naught. I am fully ready to dedicate myself to Tomura’s growth. » He looked at the young leader beside them .
This seemed to shake Tomura out of a state of stupor, he fumbled with his words for a few seconds and then looked up at the pair of them: « Whatever, Kurogiri we need you for our transport, and as Eraser said, he is a better fit for a stealth mission. Even if they catch him, I seriously doubt they will get much out of him. »
-« But Tomura… » Kurogiri was practically begging right now, which earned him a glare from his charge. He deflated as he watched Shouta softly smile in relief.
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The next day, he left for his quest. Not a word was shared between them on the night prior.
Tomura winced at the crack from beside his head. Kurogiri had yet again smashed someone's head against the hard wall.
He had been vicious lately, well he is aware as to why that is but he preferred not to put much thought into the connotations of said realization.
They had just taken over some random cult hideouts and resources, which were a total fucking joke considering how big they spoke of themselves just 5 minutes ago.
The League was at its brink of collapse . They lost contact with Giran, Dabi was strolling the streets in search of new recruits, and their supports were destroyed or crumbling down. They were desperate for resources.
The capture of Eraserhead at the hands of Gran Torino was a fatal blow to their group. Now , they also lost their teacher and comrade.
As soon as the information reached them, Kurogiri offered that they all move in bulk in the Doctor’s location.
-« With Eraser now captured, they will focus more on him. We will have free leeway to move freely around without much fear. » He explained in a placid cold tone. One Tomura hadn’t heard in months.
They began migrating closer and closer to the location known by Kurogiri, a mountain somewhere desolate. They pillage random minor villain groups from time to time to make ends meet, but that is it.
They have lost their flair as the LoV.
-« For a cult, they sure have nothing on them. » Mister commented , throwing an empty chest to the side.
They only found some trinkets and a few bills. The group was in an even worse state than theirs apparently.
Tomura drew Father off his face and glanced at Kurogiri by his side. His caretaker stared blankly in the distance as he schooled the usual professional poise.
His suit and pants were tattered though, so that broke the image.
-« How long are we gonna have to live like this? » Spinner inquired after their ambush.
-« U ntil it’s all over. » Tomura responded , keeping an eye on the silent Kurogiri standing behind him.
-« If we had worked with the Hassaiki, we would be eating sushi right now. To think that the group that put the whole country in disarray would be in such a state. I can’t bear to face all the people who looked up to us. » Mister ranted , the squeaking of the gears in his prosthetics slowly getting to Tomura’s nerves.
Toga and Twice were modeling some of the junk that they looted off the cult, and Dabi just sauntered like he owned the place.
This was their pitiful every day.
He remembered the conversation he had with Eraser and Kurogiri prior to his departure and the level of disapproval that Kurogiri didn’t express until after they got the news that Eraser was captured.
He knew that Kurogiri was pissed off. He didn’t hold back anymore against their enemies, dropping and crushing people through his portals like grapes, no care for his look or etiquette anymore.
Now , he stood silently by his side, not talking any more than asked to.
He wasn’t the only one who had expressed the shift, Toga was more outspoken about it than he was. She had teared up at the news of Eraser getting caught and even sought some comfort from Kurogiri.
He didn’t respond to her.
Twice got really fidgety around him and Compress would always try to start a pleasant conversation with him in hopes of getting him to talk, for naught.
It must be very odd for them, considering they only knew the snarky, witty-spoken Kurogiri.
They weren’t aware that Kurogiri wasn’t what Tomura grew up with, that Kurogiri came and went with Eraserhead.
Tomura won’t comment on it. After all, he was too weak to have such authority.
Not yet.
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The Doctor seemed exceptionally amused that Kurogiri was with them.
-« Interesting. Interesting outcome. You have my interest , Shigaraki Tomura. Show me more. »
He doesn’t trust him at all.
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Of course, the Liberation army would get Kurogiri first to cut their escape route.
Some dart hit his neck and sent him into a state of coma.
He didn't wake up until Machia was bulldozing through Deika city as he took the LoV members away from the monster’s rage.
He didn’t seem rejoiced by his early defeat of the battle, especially as he sees the state Tomura ended up in.
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The League became more powerful and influential than it has ever been. With the wealth and support of Good Feel Inc. and Detrenat co. Their group and allies have grown in number.
Tomura right now had frequent sessions with Doctor Ujiko, in preparation for his coronation as the new Symbol of Fear.
Kurogiri still didn’t speak much to him still, he wouldn’t stand behind him either.
-« What is wrong with you, Kurogiri ? » he whispered one night when he found the man standing silently in the hallway.
He doesn’t get a reaction.
-« How long are you gonna stay pathetic like this? My allies… No… My troops aren’t pathetic like this. » He clicked his tongue, a wave of disgust bubbling inside him.
A vile taste in his mouth as he said : « You disgust me, Kurogiri. » With one last spit, he disdainfully shouldered him out of the way.
If he had to face his trauma and demons, then Kurogiri better faces his own to be allowed to stand by him in their new world.
He won’t allow less than that.
Kurogiri… was… going through some things.
Ever since Shouta left, he felt immensely underwhelmed. It was like someone had dug a hole in his chest and cored its content out leaving him with a hollow gap that festered…
And festered…
And grew centrifugally until…
Until he got the news…
And then nothing was left to stitch back up.
He felt lost. A turmoil of ‘things’ wrestled in his chest.
It wasn’t the usual sense of duty he felt towards Tomura, or the sense of responsibility he had over the League.
Not even the elation to have Shouta in his grasp.
No… this… wasn’t kind.
It was ugly. It sat on his chest like a leaden weight and plagued his thoughts like his fog in battle.
He wanted to destroy everything that got in his way and break everyone who stood against him.
Crushing skulls and dismembering people became his new hobby, all his previous grace down the drain.
He was conflicted for being taken out first in Deika city. He was worried that he wasn’t there to assist Tomura. He was lost when Tomura scolded him for the first time ever.
As the League and PLF became a full unit Kurogiri took a step back for a little bit.
It felt weird for him to leave things unattended as such. He was used to never leaving things alone, always in service.
Always ready to help.
But why couldn’t he now? Why wasn’t he just acting on his instincts like always?
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Clarity didn’t come to him until way too late. When their union was under attack by the heroes.
He wasn’t aware of the ambush at first.
Still stuck in that weird headspace that he couldn’t get out of, when he heard the screams outside his wards.
It was odd considering how secluded he chose to reside, refusing to interact with anyone.
He perked up when his door started slamming on its hinges and creaking.
He hastily opened his doors only to be thrown back by the force of the pushing mob of people rushing inside and in the hallways.
He pushed through the crowd, warping one of his eyes around to spot one of the Lieutenant that Mister had been so kind to inform him.
He doesn’t see any of them. That is alarming.
He looked around for faces he recognized , he saw the flash of a cream cap in the far east wing, rounding to the west one. However, he spotted another person behind them.
Hot on their tails, a hero took chase.
What were heroes doing here? How did they find them? When?
He immediately warped to the west wing and landed amidst a scuffle between Toga, Compress , and a hero.
He warped his allies behind him and threw the hero off the rails in one instant.
-« Kurogiri!!! » Toga beamed in relief, Compress dipped his hat at him.
-« What is happening, Toga Himiko? »
-« It seems that the heroes have found us out. There must’ve been a mole in our midst. » Kurogiri took the information in, his mind zeroing on a single implication behind the Magician’s words.
-« Tomura , … If they are attacking the mansion then they must be targeting Shigaraki Tomura and the Doctor too. We need to teleport there immediately and help protect Tomura before - »
-« WATCH OUT, KUROGIRI. » The magician suddenly interrupted his rapid tirade, just as Kurogiri flew across the floor.
The hero had recovered from the fall and grabbed Kurogiri by his neck brace in his distraction and attacked him.
He fell right on his head and a distinct spot on his right eye stung exceptionally.
Kurogiri phased between consciousness and darkness. That spot hurts a lot. His vision doubled and the lines blur.
He saw the two dots of his allies struggling against the flailing white of the hero, his vision went dark again.
When he came again, there is another dot this time, joined the others. The white of the hero is unmoving in a sea of red.
It’s then that Kurogiri caught it: The silhouette's cleared and he saw the frame of Twice slowly dissolve in Toga’s hold, dripping to her feet until there is nothing left.
But what struck him was the expression on Toga’s face. He knew that face, he felt it every day he moves his facial muscles.
That blank stare and the twitching cheeks when the emotions get too confusing to express or to feel. When you are at a loss of what to think or speak so you brace in the silence.
His brain immediately supplied that what Toga is feeling is grief.
Grief.
Grief is what he has been feeling for a while.
Grief that he couldn’t do much to help the League. Grief over his inability to guide Tomura further. Grief over his charge’s wounding words.
Grief over losing Shouta and being so powerless as to help him.
In that fraction of a second, felt like an epiphany .
He breathed out. So that was it. He was grieving his loss.
His fog settles into a calm blanket around his form. He warped near his comrades once again.
They were screaming something around him. Small drops of water falling down Toga’s chin.
Ah, he wished he could cry too, but alas.
He walked up to her and embraced her from behind in a grounding hold.
The girl was startled a little.
-« It’s going to be alright. » he whispered into her ears.
His voice was different than usual. Lower an octave and less scratchy than his own. Maybe it’s Shirakumo’s.
Who is that? Ah… Who cares?
-« Twice, Tomura, Eraser… it’s our round to avenge them. Our chance. » He felt the ground shake under him. Machia was on the move.
Perfect.
He could sense the way the girl in his hold tensed and how her shoulders squared in a fighting stance.
-« Now… how about we join our leader? »
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Seems that sensei had planned this all along. The destruction, the raid , and the subsequent confusion. ..
It was all part of his elaborate plan to be freed from Tartarus.
It isn’t like that affects Kurogiri that much, since Tomura was his priority over anything.
He warped the remainder of the League members and the N oumus upon sensei’s order to the Tartarus isle, prisoners , and detainees roaming around manically in their freedom.
Sensei moved to the next prison to continue to wreak havoc, but Kurogiri stayed . Warping around the ruins of the center in search of that familiar head of raven fleece.
He halts when he catches a glow of red in his periphery.
Three villains lay unconscious on the rubble as a man stands to their side, a rope twisted in his hands.
Kurogiri doesn’t contain himself as he embraced his lover from behind and turned him around.
The man winced and the rope soon looped around his neck brace and pulled him to Shouta’s face.
The shock changed into delight as soon as he recognized him.
-« Kurogiri , you really made it. I always knew Tomura and you could make it. » He softly caressed his cheeks, his palms disappearing into his mist.
Kurogiri solidified his body and leaned in to kiss him deeply.
Ah… he missed this warmth.
Shouta’s blissful warmth.
-« Shouta,… » he sighs into his lips.
Shouta looked so beautiful with that smile and that faint indignant blush.
Kurogiri wanted this. He wanted to devote himself to this.
Kurogiri was nothing but a man of service, and his duties were to protect Shigaraki Tomura and love Aizawa Shouta till death does them part.