I was given permission to colour this drawing of Izuku Midoriya trapped inside a green Lignum.
Lignum are gelatinous beings that live inside trees. The goo-like creatures get their nutrients through bodily fluids like sweat and tears.
In order to survive, Lignum must capture living creatures and extract their fluids through any means.
Young Modoriya had been contacted by herbalist researcher living out in the forest. In the message, she'd asked Midoriya to arrive as quickly as possible because she needed his help to save the forest.
Being a noble hero who never turned away someone in need, Midoriya traveled as quickly as possible to the forest. Once he arrived, he was quickly led through the trees to the location in need of saving. Midoriya was sure there was some sort of fire or animal on a rampage, but was surprised to see how peaceful things were in the forest.
Finally, they arrived in a clearing to trees and Deku was especially surprised to find nothing was here except for a few tree stumps littered around the area. Maybe the stumps had been cut down by something? Deku got closer to one and peered inside. As he was investigating the stump, the researcher snuck up behind him and pushed him into the stump.
"Thank you so much for this, you have no idea how badly you were needed here." The researcher explained.
Deku quickly realized there was a slimy substance inside the trunk the began to grapple his body. Deku tried breaking free, but his strength was not enough to escape. The boy was helpless as the goo took hold of his limbs and started to bend and fold his body into an uncomfortable, and totally immobile pose. The goo also stole his shoes.
"What is this?! What's happening to me?!!" Deku cried.
"This is a rare species of goo that I discovered that lives inside trees. There are several in this area, and I've been studying them for quite some time." The researcher explained.
"What is it doing? Why did it take my shoes?!" Deku asked again as he fruitlessly tried to straighten out his back.
"These creatures require nutrients from living creatures to sustain themselves. In my studies, I learned that these specific specimens have not been fed for a very long time and are in desperate need of food as soon as possible. That is why I called you. I need you to save these creatures by allowing them to extract your sweat and other fluids." She continued.
"B-but, why did they take my shoes...?" Deku asked, more nervous this time.
"Well, how else will they get you to start sweating and crying? The most effective method these creatures have to get their food is Tickling. That's the other reason I called you, specifically. You're the only hero I know of who has the endurance needed to feed this entire collection of creatures." She answered.
"A-and exactly how long will that take....?" Deku whimpered.
"These things haven't been fed in a long time... so about 6 hours each. The whole thing should take about 7 days." The researcher said, passively stroking Deku's exposed foot.
The researcher then left and promised to return in a week. The Lignum knew what to do with Deku and could take care of him on their own. All they needed to do was begin the tickling. A brush raised out of the first Lignum's trunk and reached for Deku's soles.
Midoriya watched the young woman leave him in this forest, not looking behind her. They were several hours away from the edge of the forest, and no one would be able to hear Deku call for help. He knew he couldn't escape on his own, so the only thing to do was to accept his fate and make the most of it.
Deku sighed and braced himself for a week of non-stop tickling
