"Dad, what's going on?" Eri asked for the third time while Aizawa rushed around the apartment trying to find his coat. She was still in hers from venturing to the dining hall and fiddled nervously with the zipper as she shifted from foot to foot anxiously in the middle of the living room.
"I don't know, Eri," he replied as calmly as he could once he found the coat discarded halfway under his bed. "I'm heading to the hospital now." He looped one arm into the jacket while he grabbed his bedroom door handle with the other and shut it.
"I want to come to." Aizawa glanced at Eri as a firm 'no' lingered on the tip of his tongue. "Please?" she pressed before he could reconsider his initial answer. "I need to know that Uncle Might is okay and also I feel better and you need to take care of me anyway, right? So I might as well come with you!"
"I said to rest," her father countered, though there was no trace of an argument in his words. Sighing, he grabbed the keys to the car he hardly ever used and waved Eri towards the door. "Fine, come on then."
Eri hurried after him, not wanting to give him the chance to change his mind. Now that she had at least gotten out the door, she could focus her attention on worrying over All Might. This wouldn't be the first time in the years she'd known him that All Might ended up in the hospital. He usually spent a few weeks in the winter battling some sort of cough or flu, but the urgency in her dad's voice told her this was not the case now.
It was no secret that All Might was sickly. Eri knew he used to be a hero, the number one hero in fact, and that before she met him, he had used up the last of his power. She knew what the general public knew about All Might, plus a few extra tidbits gathered from years of being a close family friend of him and Izuku. Still, every time he ended up in the hospital, it scared her, because she had never been sheltered from the fact that All Might was going to die at some point.
"Do you think he'll be okay?" Eri asked about ten minutes into the car ride. As Aizawa slowed down for a light, he turned to look at her wide scared eyes. Part of him wished he'd left her at home, but he knew it would have been cruel to leave her behind with no way of knowing how things were.
"I don't know," he replied, opting for an honest answer. Eri was too old now to be shielded from this reality and it would be better for her to be there to process. "We'll find out when we get there."
Eri just nodded, falling silent once more as she watched the city pass by. She hated car rides to the hospital and she hated that there was now a certain feeling that went along with them. Whether it was her dad, Deku, All Might, and even once Present Mic, she couldn't stand the sinking feeling of dread that pooled in her stomach the closer they got.
After what felt like an eternity but was actually just a few short minutes later, the car pulled into the parking garage of the hospital. Aizawa navigated to an open space and parked before he and Eri stepped out. Eri bundled her jacket around her, suddenly feeling much colder. Aizawa took notice of the shiver that went up her spine but didn't say anything, instead deciding to silently wrap an arm around her shoulder as he guided her into the hospital.
He stopped at a reception desk who told him to take the elevator the third floor. After getting off the elevator, they were escorted to a waiting room on the floor, just across from the nurse's desk, but away from any of the other rooms. As they rounded the corner, Eri immediately spotted Present Mic with his bright gold hair set up as tall as usual. He was talking to Midnight, who appeared to be quite sad as she tucked a strand of black hair from her face. Izuku was on the other side of the waiting room, eyes rimmed red as he talked to Uravity and Froppy. Eri couldn't see the expressions on the girls' faces since their back was to them, but she could hear the low somber tone they were speaking in.
When Aizawa and Eri walked in, everyone seemed to stop. Present Mic smiled widely, while Midnight offered a sullen half smile. Uravity and Froppy turned around with their lips turned upwards at the pair, but calling their expressions "smiles" would be a long shot. The only person who showed any sign of another emotion was Izuku who looked both shocked and thrilled that Aizawa and Eri were there.
"I didn't think you'd come," he said, walking over. Izuku's green mop of hair was as messy as ever and in his civilian clothes, he looked quite young. The white long-sleeved shirt he wore showed the outline of the muscles underneath, but he had retained his baby face through the years.
"Of course we came," Aizawa replied, meeting him halfway and placing a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder. "How is he doing?"
"Good," Izuku replied, unconsciously glancing in the direction of All Might's hospital room. "A doctor is in there now with him. I think I might have freaked out a little. We were at lunch and he just collapsed. I thought for sure this was…" He shook his head, allowing himself to let go of the thought. "Anyway, he should be alright. The doctor said it was the perfect storm of a cold, low blood pressure, and an already weak heart."
"Well, he always is one for dramatics," Aizawa said dryly, though he offered his old student a kind look. Izuku beamed at the joke, nodding eagerly.
"So, Uncle Might is okay?" Eri piped up glancing from adult to adult.
"He will be, little listener," Mic replied, patting the top of her head. "What have you been up to? Your dad doesn't take you around the school anymore because he hates us." Eri laughed at the joke while Aizawa shot him a glare.
"She's twelve and has her own classes," Aizawa replied. "It's not like I can set her under my desk with crayons for the day."
"That would have been much better than finals," Eri reasoned with a giggle.
"I'm sure you did just fine on your finals," Midnight said. "You take after your Aunt Midnight, you know. You're beautiful and smart."
That was the break they needed to lighten the atmosphere in the room. They chatted amongst themselves about simple topics like Eri's schooling or the last semester of school at UA. Midnight jokingly complained about having to take over All Might's classes, but conceded that she'd do anything "for that idiot skeleton."
Uravity and Froppy talked about some of their recent adventures, dazzling Eri with some less violent hero stories. And, although Aizawa made no effort to show his feelings, he was quite pleased to hear how well his students were doing after graduation.
A buzz on Ochaco's phone stole away the attention of the room and she swiftly grabbed it and check the message. After reading it, she nudged Tsuyu and showed her what had been sent before turning to the rest of the group.
"We have to get going," Ochaco frowned. "Emergency meeting at our agency." Turning to Izuku, she wrapped him in a hug. "I'm glad All Might is doing well, but let us know if anything changes, okay? Anything at all."
"Of course," Izuku replied, exchanging the hug from Ochaco for one from Tsuyu. "Tell Iida I said hi."
"I will," Ochaco nodded. "He's really sorry he couldn't be here with you, but he'll stop by as soon as he gets back from his trip. He also said to call him when you get the chance."
"I think a few others will stop by in the next few days," Tsuyu added. "They'll be anxious to know that he's doing better."
"I'm sure it will all be good news from here," Izuku told them, plastering a smile across his face. It was obvious from the glint in his eyes that he wasn't entirely sure if that was the case, but he refused to believe anything different. "I really appreciate you guys coming so quick." He looked at the rest of the group. "All of you. Thank you."
"I think I need to get moving too," Midnight announced once the two young heroes had left the waiting room. "Classes on Monday and everything. I have some lesson plans to wrap up. Extra lessons now!"
"Same here," Present Mic said. "Hopefully we'll get to see the big dude awake when we stop by tomorrow."
"I'm sure you will." Izuku gave both of his old teachers a hug. "Thank you both."
"Of course!" Mic replied and turned to look at Eri and Aizawa. "Well, see you in school on Monday, and good luck on your last semester of primary school, little listener!"
"Thanks, Uncle Mic," Eri smiled back at him. "Hey, if my final grades are good, will you let me come onto your radio show again?"
"Oh, you still listen to that old thing?" Mic asked, clearly amused.
"Every Friday," Eri replied. "Even when Dad tells me to turn it down!"
"Well, thank you." Mic ruffled her hair. "I'll see what my schedule is for the next few weeks okay?"
Eri nodded and the two teachers disappeared around the corner. That just left her, Aizawa, and Izuku, who looked a little deflated since the company had gone. With a heavy sigh, the green-haired hero flopped onto a waiting room chair opposite the ones his former teacher and Eri were sitting on.
"Are you alright, Deku?" Eri asked, leaning forward in her seat. "You must be so tired."
"I'm fine, Eri!" Izuku's smile wobbled a bit, but he refused to let it slip. He had to keep it up for his friends and now especially for Eri. "Just a little worried is all. You guys don't have to stay, really. I don't want to put you out and, as I said, I think I might have overreacted a little."
"We'll stay until we can see him," Aizawa immediately replied. "If for no other reason than to make sure you don't go catatonic on us. I know that fake smile of yours, problem child. You're not fooling me."
Izuku stared at him for a long moment before letting out a puff of air that was somewhere between a laugh and a sigh. "I never could fool you, sensei," he said. He still maintained a soft expression, but his smile had slipped just a little and Eri was beginning to see the worry in his eyes.
They sat in comfortable silence for just a few minutes before a doctor stepped out into the waiting room. "Yagi?" he asked looking between the three that remained. Izuku immediately stood up.
"Yes, how is he?" he asked, unable to hide the nervousness in his voice.
"Resting," the doctor replied. "He's awake now, though and should be up for a short visit."
At that, Aizawa and Eri stood and fell into step behind Izuku to be taken to the hospital room. Upon entry, Eri immediately noticed that the room was quite similar to the one her dad had been in a few weeks before. The bed was facing the same way and light filtered in through the window in the same manner.
All Might sat himself up when the guests arrived. He looked incredibly pale, almost as white as the sheets he was under. A tube ran around his face and rested under his nose and he was hooked up to quite a few different machines. Wires sprouted from around him as though they were built into his very skin and, if it were even possible, he looked skinnier than Eri last remembered. It was not a very pretty sight and she positioned herself just behind Aizawa.
"All Might, how are you feeling?" Izuku asked. He was a few steps ahead of Aizawa and took a place right next to the head of the hospital bed.
"Oh, I'm alright my boy," the man replied, waving him off. "You worry too much. I'm just fine."
"Yes, with all those wires coming off of you, you're the spitting image of 'just fine.'" Aizawa pointed out, coming up next to Izuku.
"Hello, my friend," All Might smiled. "Come to see me on my deathbed?"
"All Might!" Izuku exclaimed, his eyes going wide for a moment before slanting with disapproval at the joke. Eri clutched her dad's pant leg at the mention of death and looked between the adults for confirmation that All Might was not going to die.
"If I thought you were on your deathbed, I'd just wait for the funeral," Aizawa replied, a soft expression betraying his joking dryness.
"But you're going to be fine," Izuku insisted, looking right at Eri as he said it. He shot her a smile that she weakly returned. Aizawa looked down at Eri, as though he had forgotten she was there. He offered her a smile as well to further note the fact that he was just joking, which visibly eased her.
"So, how long will you be in for?" he asked, returning his attention to All Might.
"Oh, they're saying a week. Two at most," All Might replied, though Eri noticed the staleness in his voice, as though he had been rehearsing the response. She was sure her father caught it too, but he didn't comment.
"Good because Nemuri is taking over your classes," Aizawa smirked. "At least it's the beginning of the semester, so they won't be too far behind when you get back. Plenty of time to catch up."
All Might laughed. "I'm sure I'll be just fine. I don't know how many more years these old bones have teaching at UA anyway."
"You're going to leave UA?" Eri blurted out, her eyes wide with fear. She couldn't imagine the campus without All Might. Although he didn't teach combat courses, he was great with strategy and taught a course every year on hero diplomacy. He was also a friendly, constant face and she didn't want to think about what her home would be like without him.
All Might looked over at her, as though he had only just noticed she was in the room. With a smile that was partially hidden by his sunken face and hollow eyes, he reached over to weakly squeeze her hand. "Don't you worry, my dear," he said. "I'm not going anywhere any time soon."
"Good," she whispered back.
"How's school going?" All Might asked, guiding her closer to his bedside. "Or, how do you think it will go? I guess you haven't started back yet?"
"No, I start back Monday," Eri replied with a pout. "I can't wait until I'm an adult like you and don't have to go to school anymore."
All Might laughed weakly, though it was clear he was just restraining himself given the sorry state his lungs were in. Eri just smiled back, relaxing as his active conversation proved that he was doing well. She looked back at where her father had been standing to find him conferencing with Izuku and a doctor on the far side of the hospital room. She could barely hear their whispers, but she decided to chat with All Might rather than worry about what they could be talking about.
"Uncle Might, why do you end up in the hospital so often?" Eri asked, pulling up the chair next to All Might's bed.
"Well, my dear, I'm not what you would consider a very healthy person," All Might explained as the girl sat down. "You see, for generations, the Yagi's have always prided themselves on their ability to remain healthy. My mother and father weren't sick a day in their lives, nor were my siblings. But I didn't get my Quirk until I was a little older than you and up until then, I was sick pretty often. My Quirk masked my weak immune system until a few years ago when I used all of my power. Now I've been beaten down by battles and old injuries that won't go away." He lifted up the side of his thin hospital shirt and showed Eri the large purple and red bruise that blossomed across his stomach and into his lower chest. Eri swallowed thickly as she examined the wound and then looked back into All Might's hollow eyes.
"How did that happen?" Eri asked with wide eyes.
"Oh, there were many fights," All Might replied, lowering his shirt. "Kept getting hit in the same places. Being the number one hero has its drawbacks."
"Do you think," Eri started, then hesitated. For a moment, she chewed on the inside of her cheek before trying the question again in an even lower voice, "Do you think that could happen to Dad?"
All Might spared a glance at the back of Aizawa's head. He was still talking with Izuku in low voices and neither had noticed that the others in the room had shifted their gaze to them. Once he was looking back into Eri's earnest red eyes, he shook his head. "No, your dad's much smarter than me," All Might told her with a laugh. "And much less reckless. That's something he reminds me of quite often."
Eri nodded, satisfied with the answer she was given, but not comfortable at all with the condition All Might was in. "So, you're going to die?" she found herself blurting out before she could stop the intrusive thought at her lips.
All Might, to his credit, never wanted to scare a child, but he found himself nodding in answer to her question. Eri pressed her lips together as All Might grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "But I won't be going anywhere for a long while if I have anything to say about it."
"I wish I could help," Eri whispered, looking down at her lap. She felt pressure on her hand again and knew that All Might was trying to help her see the bright side of a sad situation.
"Oh, Eri, even if I could go back in time and redo those battles, I wouldn't," All Might explained. "I've gotten hurt, yes, but I saved a lot of people. I've gotten to do great things. And," He glanced to the back of Izuku's head, "I have a wonderful student who is well on his way to being a hero as great as I once was."
"I guess without you, Deku wouldn't have been able to save me, huh? Without your training?"
All Might smiled, a wide boney grin that managed to light up his hollow and pale face. "You're absolutely right, young lady. Though, you can't train someone to have a heart as big as his. That comes naturally."
Eri managed a smile back, though it was hard for her to find anything to be particularly happy about. Uncle Might was alive, but only for now. There was no telling how much time he really had left. It didn't seem like All Might himself even had any idea, but judging by how Deku was acting, he could go at any moment.
If I could go back and redo those battles.
Her head snapped up and she sucked in a sharp breath. Before All Might could ask what was on her mind, she blurted, "I have an idea! It's dangerous, though. Let me explain"
Aizawa heard the gasp from Eri and spared a quick glance over his shoulder towards the bed. Seeing everything was fine, he turned his attention back to Izuku. "You should get some rest," he told the other hero, who immediately shook his head. The doctor, who had left moments prior, had said the same thing.
"No, as I said, I'm going to stay here tonight," Izuku replied. "They're usually pretty good about letting me take the chair after visiting hours are up. I don't know if he put me down as family or something on his records, but no one ever gives me any trouble."
"You just told me this whole thing has made you exhausted," Aizawa pointed out. "You've gone on for the past ten minutes about how worried you are. And, I know you have patrol tomorrow." Izuku shrugged, but he looked away from his older teacher like he was a guilty student once again. "More importantly, I don't need to be up all night worrying about two problem kids."
"Two?" Izuku asked, looking up once again. The man sighed and gestured over to Eri.
"I'm teaching Eri to control her Quirk, but she pushed herself a little too far yesterday and collapsed," he explained. "Once again I've made it clear to my student that you can't push yourself too far in training, and once again I'm not listened to. Remind you of anyone?"
Izuku laughed and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. "To be honest, sensei, that was our entire class to an extent. I guess I was the worst of it huh?" He looked to the back of Eri's head with a soft expression on his face. "But I think that's great, that you're teaching her how to use her Quirk. And her pushing herself just means she really wants it."
"She's a great student," Aizawa conceded. "But her Quirk is wild and untrained and incredibly dangerous. I have her picking leaves off a bush like some sort of deranged gardener. I don't know how I'll be able to train her on an actual person or animal."
"You'll get there," Izuku replied. "She's strong and smart. If anyone has to have that Quirk of her's, I'm glad it's Eri. You've done a great job raising her."
Aizawa hid his grateful smile behind a lock of hair that had fallen to the side of his face. "I still mean what I said, though," he replied, hardening his tone. "I will make you leave this hospital, Midoriya, even if I have to drag you out with my capture weapon."
Izuku sighed and opened his mouth to respond, but a shriek from across the room caught their attention. At the same time, the pair whirled around to find Eri standing over All Might's bed, golden light surrounding both of them. Her hands were laid on All Might's side, right where his unhealed wound was. Even from a few feet away, they could clearly see the struggle on Eri's face to control her untamed Quirk.
As Izuku ran forward, Aizawa blinked quickly to activate his own Quirk. His hair immediately stood up on end as the glowing in the room ceased and the regular fading sunlight was able to stream back in. He extended his capture weapon just next to Eri's swaying form and caught her when she collapsed to the floor in a dead faint.