Chapter 2

After an exhausting walk there, Dabi was finally able to put her down. He had begun to get annoyed by her loud remarks and blunt attitude. It would help her if she was to be a villain, but for the time being...it was mostly just irritating.

Dabi could only spot Toga in the room. The others were probably close by doing other things.

Toga was lying down on the couch with one hand raised over her head. She had an almost thoughtful smile as she hummed to herself. "Hey. You." He got her attention. He pointed to the angry Satoko at his side. "Got anything we can use to tie her up with?"

"Oooh, yeah!" Toga's face lit up. Her nose twitched a bit. "I smell blood." Her face became so flushed at the scent of it.

Her smile became creepier. "Is this someone to play with? I have ropes with thorns on them!" She wiggled her hands around in excitement. "It would make her bleed even more!! Heehee!"

"You're as crazy as ever." Dabi rolled his eyes. "I don't want to torture her yet. I just need to be sure she doesn't try to get away. Get Shigaraki while you're at it."

"Aww, that's no fun!" Toga giggled. "But okay! I'll get a rope to bind her!" She cheerfully skipped away.

Satoko cringed at that. How can such a young girl talk like that? It was disturbing.

"Hey," Satoko snarled. "You said I would get treated."

Getting treated would be helpful to help regain back her momentum. Her injuries are definitely crippling her.

"Do I look like a nurse to you?" Dabi asked. "There are supplies to treat wounds over by the table. Do it yourself before she comes back."

"I can't exactly move, idiot." She retorted. "You injured my leg and I have a bullet wound because of YOU."

"You're doing fine standing there with an injured leg. You can limp over there, I bet." His whole intimidating villain thing seemed a little ridiculous when he talked like that. The way he spoke to her was strangely casual despite his words being cruel.

Fury started to overwhelm her. She knows she can't move in her condition. So she decided to lie a bit more.

"If you want me to consider your offer, bring it to me." Of course, she wasn't considering anything. Just need to keep trying to bribe him.

"How about you do it yourself and I don't burn a hole through your face?" He asked threateningly.

"Do you welcome all new recruits this way? They sure must feel soooo welcomed." She sarcastically responded.

(I want to punch that friggin face.)

She took a step forward, and pain shooting up her leg. She didn't even bother limping. If she did, she'd fall over.

Five minutes go by and she hasn't got to the supplies yet. It was taking her forever to get over there.

(This must be amusing to him just watching me struggle.)

Finally, she got over there and grabbed a bottle of pain killers. Not bothering asking for water, she takes the maximum dosage without it. (Guess I'll just get an ulcer while I'm at it.)

"What is all this about?" A man stood in the hallway. He had messy light blue hair and was wearing a black shirt. He had what appeared to be hands resting on his arms, shoulders, neck, and head. His red eyes were barely visible around the hand on his face.

"Ah, Shigaraki." Dabi smiled as he walked over to him. "I think I found us a new recruit."

Shigaraki lowered his voice some, but Satoko managed to hear anyway. He was clearly irritated. "Haven't you figured out that the whole kidnapping thing doesn't work? It's useless to try kidnapping people again after our last attempt."

Funny how he automatically knew that she was kidnapped.

"YOUR plan is what failed. It was stupid to try to take that Bakugo kid anyway," Dabi stated matter-of-factly. "You only wanted him because he was aggressive. This one actually has the abilities of someone better suited to be a villain. She doesn't like heroes either. The other one wanted to become one."

Shigaraki hissed through his teeth as though he was in pain. He brought his hand up to his neck and started to scratch with two fingers. "You went along with my plan just fine back then. You wanted the brat. Why are you saying this now?"

"It was an opportunity, that's all." He shrugged. "I wouldn't have cared if you wanted to murder the guy. This woman, though...we actually have a chance with her."

While those two were discussing, Toga had come back with a rope. She was humming happily as she tied Satoko up in mid conversation.

Satoko kept tuning out all the weird things Toga was saying as she eavesdropped on the other two men.

So far, she knows names. Dabi. Shigaraki and...

Well, Toga said her name too while tying Satoko up.

(I need to bide my time...) The pain killers should be kicking in a bit. She wanted to make more use of her time with gathering more information.

So far, Bakugo was their first failed attempt at kidnapping. That means Satoko is the second.

(I need to say something.) Her mind buzzes around with thoughts. (I do need to tread carefully and make best of this situation. It wouldn't be wise for me to fight just yet.)

It needed to be when they were all off guard and relaxed.

"I'm assuming this 'Bakugo' kid wasn't swayed?" She finally spoke up.

"'Course not," Dabi stated. "He had no reason to want to become one."

"Actually," Shigaraki interrupted. "It seemed like he was being suppressed by the heroes. He couldn't express how he was feeling without being told to be quiet. If he understood what that feeling was like, there was a chance that he would have a change of heart."

Dabi scoffed. "He didn't feel suppressed, moron. He was obviously happy there. He's corrupt like the rest of them."

Satoko laughed in mockery. "Like YOU aren't corrupt either? Such a hypocrite. I took a gunshot for you and you wouldn't even help treat me."

Toga moved her hands in a girly manner. "That is so cute! Too bad you didn't bleed more."

This girl must be on drugs or something. Or is just mentally unstable.

There were footsteps heard from the hallway. A man entered the room in a black and gray outfit and mask that covered his face. The features of the mask changed enough to see what kind of facial expression he had. "Woah, there's a person here!"

"We're all people!" He responded.

The man seemed to have two different personalities.

"So you finally decided to join us." Shigaraki seemed to smile behind his hand. "We were just about to dispose of this lady that Dabi brought in."

"No, we weren't. Don't listen to him," Dabi argued. "We were asking her to join us."

The man got a good look at Satoko. "She's cute!"

"She's ugly."

Satoko scoffed. She didn't care to be called ugly. Not like she could dress up or have the luxury to 'look good'.

But whatever. That's not the issue at hand right now.

There's no way she can trust these psychotic people. She didn't take a hit for Dabi for anything in return, really. She doesn't want any recognition for her actions like heroes and villains want.

It goes against what she believes for her own sense of justice.

"Why would you waste your time on someone quirkless like me?" She challenged.

"Quirkless?" Shigaraki's smile faded. "You didn't say she was quirkless."

"I think we should try to recruit her!" Twice said excitedly. He did a little pose.

"We need another female on the team!" Toga agreed with glee. "Her blood's aroma smells like sweet iron!"

"It seems like everybody is in agreement except for our leader." Dabi turned his head towards Shigaraki. "Better be careful. You don't want to get overthrown."

Dabi's eyes shone with something threatening. Whether he actually meant it as a threat or not was difficult to tell with him. Regardless of his intentions, he clearly wasn't happy with Shigaraki.

"I didn't agree to join, you hypocrites!" Satoko spat. "Why would I join you when you talk like that? You all are no different than heroes with what they do behind closed doors."

"What they do behind closed doors, eh?" Dabi repeated. "Interesting."

"We need to get her to join," Twice stated. "Shigaraki, you gotta let us keep her!"

Shigaraki growled. "We aren't 'keeping' her. We're killing her like sensible people would."

"'Sensible?'" Satoko repeated scornfully. "Go ahead and prove my point even further. See where it gets you." She threatened in anger.

The painkillers was definitely doing its job. Finally. They're kicking in.

"I don't want to kill her!" Toga pouted while waving her arms. "Maybe just have some blood samples, but not enough to kill her. That would make our friendship start!"

"I think friendship usually comes first?" Twice said like it was a question. He was unsure himself how that worked.

"No, she's right!"

Dabi took a step towards Shigaraki. "Why don't you let us do what we want? It could benefit you if it works out. You had your pick of recruits. Now it's our turn."

"You're supposed to do what I say!" Shigaraki argued. "I'm the one in charge here!"

Dabi smirked. "Who decided that? Now that there are more members, the leadership policy can change. Not like we really had a policy to begin with."

Shigaraki glared at him for a moment before something in his demeanor changed. His shoulders tensed. His arms reached forward. Before anyone could stop him, Shigaraki had pushed Dabi onto the floor.

"Shut up." Shigaraki laughed in an insane manner. "Shut up! Shut up!"

Dabi grabbed Shigaraki's wrist. "Get off of me. You're making us look bad."

"Who cares?" Shigaraki smiled wildly. "We're going to kill her anyway. It's not like we have a good reputation to uphold!"

Shigaraki didn't touch all of his fingers against Dabi. He was obviously holding back because he didn't want to kill him. He just wanted to intimidate him.

Dabi brought his knee up against Shigaraki's stomach and kicked him aside. He stood up. "I'll work with you on league matters. I'll even help you. Just don't get on the way of what I want."

"Awww, why did you stop?" Toga smiled creepily while tilting her head. She kept playing with her knife.

While they were arguing, Satoko was already working on untying herself from the ropes. She was just waiting for an opening while glaring.

"You're supposed to be on the same side and yet, you're at each other's throats." Satoko's tone was bold and fearless. "Whatever 'goal' you're trying to achieve is just meaningless. Think what you want, but let me say this slowly so you can understand it better."

Her voice became harsher. She was talking to them like they were a bunch of morons. "I. WON'T. JOIN. YOU." Then she spat towards them. "You're trash."

"What did you say?" Shigaraki got up and made his way over to her. He pressed some of his fingers against her throat. When he felt her try to move away, he tightened his grip. "My quirk is decay. If I touch anything with all five fingers...you can probably guess what happens."

"Tomura!" Toga stomped her foot.

"Did I say you can touch me?" Satoko felt pain, but not much. She was still able to speak as subtly loosened the ropes without anyone noticing.

She was using her aggression to hide her fear. She always used this method as a reverse psychology mechanism. "Get your hand off me or you'll be sorry!"

His hand fell away.

The rest of the group watched in shock as Shigaraki stepped away from her. He was completely silent as he did so, not speaking a word to anyone.

(This is the second time she has done something like this,) Dabi noted. (Something is definitely weird about her.)

(Now!) Satoko broke loose and didn't take any chances. Her foot relentlessly smashed into Shigaraki's face with full force.

The force sent his body flying towards the others. She makes a break for it and leaves the room at full speed. Everyone stood around in surprise to what just occurred.

Toga looked down at Shigaraki and up towards Dabi. "I smell a hint of anxiety from her, but it was hard to catch her scent. She's so good at hiding it. Sooo mysterious! That's adorable!"

Shigaraki slowly stood up. He had to regain his balance after hitting his head onto the floor with such force. (What was that...? It was like I couldn't think for myself...)

Toga giggled. "She really got you good, Tomura!" She looked at Dabi. "Oh! Could I chase after her? This is fun!!"

Dabi shook his head. "I'll go after her. You and Twice make sure that he doesn't have one of his moments again." He smiled in a way that was almost teasing before walking out the door.

Twice looked around frantically. "What now?"

Shigaraki sighed. He walked over to the first aid kit that was already open. As he reached down to grab something, he felt another flash of rage at what had happened. He accidentally caused the supplies to decay.

...

Satoko jetted forward as she kept up her fast pace. There was no way she could return back to her 'home.' There was a pang of sadness thinking about her grandpa's urn being left behind.

She doubts anyone else would go live there anyway since it was a trash heap.

She was running, but she doesn't know where to go. Her stomach was killing her again at this point. Her feet were slowing down and she came to a quick halt, puking her brains out basically.

The stench of her vomit was overwhelming, that made her throw up again. She was so dehydrated and her throat felt like it was on fire.

Despite this malnourishment, she had to keep going. Pressing onward, she ran again.

...

Hawks was strolling on his way to the League of Villains' Headquarters. (Time to spend time with my "friends.")

Hawks has been spying on them occasionally and has been trying to get them to trust him. While he was leisurely walking, he noticed someone sprinting forward.

(That familiar hair color-)

It was Satoko. She stopped ever so abruptly in front of Hawks, since he was blocking the way.

"Woah." Hawks smiled. "Didn't think I'd see you again twice in the same day-" He joked.

"Move out of my way." Satoko hissed as she tried to push pass him. (Great. Just what I need. A "hero.")

Hawks's eyes followed her and noticed her exposed shoulder from her jacket falling off. It was wrapped, but it looked like the wound was hemorrhaging out.

"Hey, hold on a moment." He stepped in front of her. "You don't look like you're in the best condition to keep moving like that."

"I'm fine." She declined as she kept trying to move passed him.

He noticed that beads of sweat was pouring from her face. Her face was rather flushed. He put his hand on her forehead. "No, you're not. Your head is burning up through my glove. Now, that's something, don't you think?"

She smacked his hand away. "Keep your hand to yourself. Don't you know personal space?"

Dabi had been watching from the distance. He slowed down as he noticed that Satoko was talking to Hawks. He stood against a wall to listen in.

"Aw shucks, I was just trying to-" Hawks tried to speak.

"Trying to help me?" Her tone was mocking. "For your own recognition? Thanks, but no thanks. You don't really care. You're just in it for the fame and money. You have a title."

Hawks frowned at that. He was actually a little surprised at the statement. "That's not the reason I'm doing that."

"Oh really? You sure know how to act." She snorted. "I'm not like you though."

"Assume what you want," Hawks had a serious expression. "But that injury of yours can be life threatening. I will call the hospital for you."

"There's no need. My problem isn't a concern to you!" She argued.

(I wonder why she's this way... It's like she doesn't trust anyone but herself.) Hawks thought. Any sane person would want to receive assistance in their condition. Never had he met such a stubborn woman before like this one. Those eyes of her were like daggers of hatred to him to the point he doesn't comprehend why.

But he didn't want to leave her. She wouldn't make it and probably would die. That would just make him feel guilty.

"Well, I'll feel pretty crappy to just leave you in this condition. I'm surprised you're even standing right now." He replied and his wings spread out a little bit. "I can even fly you over there."

"How about you leave her to me?" Dabi stepped out from behind where he was at. "Hawks."

Hawks looked towards Dabi's direction. "What do you need her for? I don't suppose you'd be the one taking her to the hospital. I can clearly take care of this situation."

"We were just trying to recruit her." Dabi held his hands out as he explained with a smug look. "Wouldn't you like to have a new league member to work with?"

"Recruit her?" Hawks questioned.

"I'm not interested." Satoko sighed angrily.

"I guess you have your answer." Hawks shrugged. "But did you... injure her?" His eyes flickered for a second kind of aggressively. Just for a moment.

"Not badly." Dabi's shoes tapped against the concrete as he put less distance between them. "The dislocated ankle was me. She tried to kick me. The gunshot wound was someone else."

"And how on earth would you be able to take care of her?" Hawks shook his head. "I don't think I trust that you won't hurt her anymore."

Hawks, of course, didn't trust everything Dabi had said. He subtly eyed Satoko from the side. She wasn't talking much. It was obvious she was zoning out due to her condition.

"Hurting her won't be necessary as long as she listens. You know what, Hawks?" Dabi asked. "For a villain, you sure do show a lot of concern for others. Oh well. I guess you're just too kind for your own good, even though you are one of us."

Dabi's hands lit up with blue flames. He kicked off of the ground and rushed at Hawks. "We'll just have to see which one of us is more determined, huh?!"

(What... Did I hear that right?) Satoko thought as she leaned her weight into a building wall.

Hawks's smile faded as he took his feathers like they were duo blades. "You're wasting time if you want her properly treated."

His legs dash ahead towards Dabi, with the support of his wings. With enhanced speed, he slashes towards Dabi, dodging flames that come his way.

Dabi was able to create a burst of flames that burnt up the feather in Hawks's hand. However, he was unable to dodge when Hawk's other arm swung around. He felt a sharp pain in his arm and stepped back, pressing his opposite hand against the wound.

Blood slowly rolled down his arm from in between his fingers. He tapped his fingers gently on the wound as he cursed. Despite his harsh words, his tone remained calm.

Satoko couldn't stand any longer. Her fever and vision was worsening.

Hawks kept looking towards her as Dabi and he fought. He took Dabi's wound as an advantage to leave quickly.

Throwing a slash towards Dabi's wound as a distraction, Hawks hastily moved towards Satoko. She was falling forward. With that, he caught her and went flying at an excessive swiftness into the sky.

Before leaving Dabi's sight, he called down a warning towards him. "If you throw flames towards me, it would be fatal for this lady. Bye!"

Dabi looked up towards the sky as they disappeared from view. The skin on his arm where he was cut was definitely a weak point. The amount of blood that he was losing was more than he usually should with that type of injury. (I hate to admit it, but my time is running out soon...) His smile returned as he forced down any negative emotions. He forced himself to feel numb to the thought. (Better hurry up and get rid of Endeavor.)

Satoko was barely awake. As much as she was trying to struggle and yell that she didn't need help, nothing came out. The sun was setting as Hawks flew towards the hospital.

...

Checking into the hospital, people were gushing and murmuring about Hawks being there. While checking in, they needed Satoko's name.

There wasn't any point to fight it, so she was able to barely state it.

(They could have asked her later.) Hawks felt a twinge of annoyance. "Hurry and take her." He gently set her onto a bed that was strolled out. A doctor walked up to Hawks.

"Hawks." The doctor had a serious expression. He spoke in a hushed tone. "We don't have any medical records of this girl. The entire situation of her family is still mysterious as of right now, and I don't think that conspiracy theories are enough to go off of. We have been personally asked by the Hero Public Safety Commission not to do an investigation yet. Because of that, however, there are some issues regarding payment for her treatment."

Hawks raised his eyebrow at that statement. But it's none of his business to look into that right now. Such a bother that someone is in critical condition. Were they just going to reject her and let her die?

No wonder she didn't want to go.

"I have a lot of money due to my hero work." He had a forced smile. "Finances should be not an issue. I can cover it all."

The doctor did a small bow. "Thank you very much, sir. You're a real hero."

He had clearly approached Hawks with the intention of getting money from him. Whether or not the doctor was the selfish type...he couldn't tell. Maybe he was just doing his job. But what would they have done if Hawks refused to pay for it?

Hawks had an obvious fake smile to hide his irritation. He wonders how many other cases they rejected other patients in need.

He looked towards Satoko being strolled away. He didn't want to just leave yet. There was that sense of mistrusting the hospital.

"I'd like to go to the waiting room to hear about her condition." He decided.

"You can do that." The doctor had a small smile. "You can't go to her hospital room though. If there is a change in her condition, we can let you know."

Hawks gave a nod and went to go wait.

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