Darren, often referred to as Doc, was the school nurse of Wellston Private High School. He was also the boyfriend of Seraphina's sister, Leilah, who unknowingly recruited him as a chemist for Spectre, before quitting. His current employment is unknown.
Appearance
Darren is a tall middle-aged man with Prussian blue hair and amber eyes. During his time at Wellston, he had some blue scruff on his chin and on the sides of his face (he shaved this off for date nights). He seldom smiles and is easily recognizable by his angry expression. He is always seen at work with a lab coat, brown pants and black shoes.
After quitting Wellston, he wears a more proper appearance, with his dark eyebags and stubble gone.
Darren's speech and thought bubbles are usually in blue. When using his Nightmare ability or when angry, the text in his speech bubbles become bold and are in all caps. Additionally, his eyes glow a bright yellow when using his ability.
Personality
Darren is not what one would consider a kind, gentle doctor. He is a brash, abrasive person with a bit of a temper, especially towards the more troublemaking students. Because of this, Darren is considered to be terrifying to most students (including students stronger than him like Blyke and Isen) and always has a grumpy expression on his face. Furthermore, he vehemently disliked his job as school nurse and only applied because it was a seemingly stress-free position. Despite this, he does care for the well-being of his patients, and feels guilty when he fails to help them.
History
It's sad. And he'll kill us for sharing it here.
Much of his early life his unknown. One certain thing about Darren what set him on the path to field of medicine. Somebody he cared about was left on life support. Back then, he was powerless to help this person. This tragedy made Darren determined never to let anybody's well-being depend on being tethered to a machine.[1] In university, Darren studied chemistry, and became one of the best in the field.[2]
Despite his noble side, Darren wasn't looking to work himself to death. He applied to be a nurse at Wellston Private High School in the hopes there would be "no weekend work, easy hours, and low stress." He would be sorely mistaken.[3] Darren's miserable work life has had a negative impact on his social life; several of his relationships have ended because he kept complaining about his job. His latest girlfriend, Leilah, doesn't seem to mind this habit of his (lucky him).[4]
Darren presumably treated most of John's injuries on the first day of school and has had to cure him every time he came into the infirmary since. However, this has not been proven.
Bonus Episodes
A Typical Day
After Crail falls through the roof, Darren thinks to himself that he needed a new job.[5]
Powers and Abilities
Nightmare: Darren was able to intimidate anybody he disliked (re: EVERYBODY) with his ability, making him one of the scariest people in Wellston. At full throttle, Darren can entrap unfortunate saps in make-believe worlds of pure horror. [6][7]
Intelligence
Chemistry knowledge
Darren has expert knowledge in Chemistry, given he studied it in university. This is shown by how he helped Kayden with his ORGO homework. His girlfriend, Leilah recruited him for the organization Spectre due to his expertise. It is implied that he created a vial that was able to negate the effects of the Ability Dampener, which was praised by Terrence.
Medical knowledge
Darren is an extremely proficient doctor, as he can make medicines potent enough to heal a broken arm in three hours,[8] and thanks to John visiting the infirmary almost every day, Darren has had ample time to practice and perfect his tonics.[9]
Quotes
- (To John after John broke his arm) "How many times do I have to tell you to watch yourself? DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO DIE BEFORE YOU UNDERSTAND?"[8]
- (Answering Isen's question about John) "JOHN? WHO THE F*CK IS THAT?"[10]
- (To John regarding his healing tonics) "THANKS TO A CERTAIN SOMEONE I GET TO PRACTICE MAKING THEM. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY."[6]
- (To Students who are bullying John) "I just want everyone to know that I have a date tonight. And if anyone makes me work overtime, I'll kill him." [6]
- (On Keene stating that an apple a day keeps the doctor away) "Then why the hell are you always in my office?!" [11]
- (To John's call about Seraphina's injury) "AKSHJFLSKAJF" [3]
- (Someone crashing through the ceiling) "I need a new job."
- (To Remi when she enters the infirmary) "THIS IS THE F*CKING INFIRMARY! KEEP YOUR VOICE DOWN! Your friend's in the back."
Relationships
- Leilah: As Darren's girlfriend, he holds her in high regard, finding her attractive. As of Chapter 59, the couple has only been on three dates. However later, they go on another date on screen at StarLight Restaurant. After Leilah told him of Spectre's true nature (and her role in it), they seemingly broke up, given Darren couldn't trust her anymore.[12] However, due to circumstances, they were forced to cooperate again.[13] They eventually made up and got together again, with Leilah convincing him that her feelings are genuine, irrespective of what she put him through.[1]
- John: Due to John's constant injuries, it is Darren's job to heal the "cripple" as has done so for over a year. While John serves as a source of irritation for him, Darren appears to legitimately care for him and knows that he is only pretending to be a cripple. In turn, John regards Darren well, as can be seen from the fact that he was disheartened not to have bid him goodbye before Darren quit his job.
- Blyke: Darren is not very fond of Blyke's and Isen's "horseplay." Much like with John, Darren keeps up with healing Blyke's injuries, especially in Season 2. Darren is not aware of Blyke's recent vigilante status, but nonetheless is annoyed that he keeps getting injured.
- Keene: Keene, the Head of Security, appears to be a good friend of the Doctor and is another staff member of Wellston Private High School. While seeming to find him somewhat irritating, he does seemingly enjoy his company. Sometimes, the Doctor likes to makes bets with him about the students.[9]
- Seraphina: As one of Wellston's students, Darren appears to legitimately care for Seraphina, just like he begrudgingly does so for other students. After she lost her ability due to an unknown drug, Darren has been constantly trying to produce a cure for over a month, eventually even turning to Leilah for help.
- Vaughn: Darren privately admits at having never really liked Vaughn, viewing him as shady. However, after learning the reason for his non-interventionist approach to student matters, even if it meant them getting injured, is "to teach them a lesson", any respect the doctor felt for the headmaster disappeared and he resigned his job not long after.
- Kayden: Both being members of Spectre, the two bond while Leilah and her sister are arguing. Darren helps Kayden with chemistry homework and he is very grateful.[12]
Notes & Trivia
- His real name wasn't revealed until 26 chapters after his debut.
- Like the other staff members, Doctor Darren knew about John's past.[14][15]
- His ability doesn't seem to work on John. However, it intimidated Blyke and Isen, two students with a higher level than his own[14]
- He had no clue that Seraphina and Leilah were sisters until Chapter 267.