Jian POV (Akira's Father)
This morning Jaykira's father had phoned to tell us that Akira had passed her exam, and I couldn't be prouder, although I was a bit worried when he mentioned she was still at school recovering. Right now I was on my way to a business breakfast, I'm supposed to meet Ingenium there at 9 a.m. However, when I arrive he's nowhere to be found. Ten minutes pass and I become worried if there's one thing that man is it's punctual. When I attempt to call him using my work cell, I get the message that comes on whenever he's doing hero work. That explains it, but what could hold up Ingenium for this long? It's been nearly half an hour, and so I call again to leave a message, telling him I'm going to see some sights and see if there are any design ideas from around the city, to call me when he's done for the day.
Shortly into my walk, I hear the distinct sound of Ingenium's engines down an alleyway, and with great caution, I creep closer. He's fighting against a man, one I recognize from the paper as 'The Hero Killer'. He's trying to use his blades on Ingenium, but both of their moves are too fast, until the moment that Ingenium isn't fast enough to evade him. It's difficult to imagine, knowing how quick and smart that man is, but it happens, the smallest flash of red staining his suit, and then the man licks the blade. Ingenium freezes, unable to move as the Hero Killer approaches him, driving a blade into him faster than I can blink.
Instinctually I find myself rushing forward before the next strike is able to land, this one aimed at his neck instead of his stomach. There's no time to call for help, and who knows who's able to stand against this man who's killed so many, and I find myself with a blade embedded in my arm. The Hero Killer's eyes are wide with shock, and he doesn't dodge my fist because of it. I might not be a hero, but Ingenium has been good to me- to my family- and I'll be damned if I let this man snuff him out.
"You better get lost before more pros show up, they're probably already on their way as we speak." He scowls.
"And who are you? Another wannabe hero... Only in it for the money and power-"
"I'm no hero, just a man trying to do the right thing. I don't even have a quirk, but I promised myself a long time ago- that I'd always help those in need." Scowling the Hero Killer steps closer, a terrifying look in his eyes.
"A quirkless man playing hero, step aside. I've no reason to harm you, it's only these false idol heroes that deserve my blades." Standing my ground, I shake my head and barely manage to dodge his next swing. It goes on like this for a minute or two, until suddenly he's darting past me to Ingenium, and once again- I put myself between his blade and the man who I now owe so much to. It pierces through the center of my chest, and the Hero Killer stumbles back. Shock colors his face as I struggle to stay standing, a small cough tainting my mouth with the taste of iron.
"Why... Why would you do this? You're only going to die, with nothing to show for it!" A soft smile crosses my face, as I think of my children.
"My children... They want to grow up to be heroes, to help people less fortunate or in danger. My eldest girl... just passed her provisional licensing exam," Another cough, and more blood. "She always says that I'm her biggest hero, and at a young age, her leg was damaged in an accident caused by villains, and so many people made so many excuses for the heroes that engaged those villains, but this man didn't. He was ashamed of them, and he's one of the few heroes that she respects and admires. Even so, even if he were someone I knew nothing about, I'd still be standing here. Not only because it's right, but because my children need to know that to my last breath I was the man they've always thought me to be." The Hero Killer steps closer, and I brace myself to try to defend Ingenium once again, but in contrast, he grasps my arms.
"You... Speak like him. Like the one true hero, All Might. I won't fight anymore today." He staggers off then, and I collapse to my knees in relief, at the same time that I hear Ingenium collapse behind me. I manage to dial for help before the blackness takes over.
Akira POV
I'd changed into my street clothes from my bag- Recovery Girl had sent my brace to the support class for some adjustments- apparently, it had caused some pretty bad chafing on my leg. I had tried to stay awake to watch the sports festival, but I was so exhausted I found myself dozing off before it had hardly begun. I'm sure someone will update me, and I know one of the girls is likely to be recording it anyway.
However, around eleven, I'm awoken by someone barging through the door, and the sound of Iida's voice vehemently apologizing to someone outside of it.
"Akira! I'm sorry if I've woken you, but it's urgent. I'll explain on the way, gather your things and come with me!" I blink slowly, but quickly gather my things, and stumble to my feet, forgetting for a moment that my brace is off, and nearly collapsing. Iida is there to catch me, and I give him an embarrassed smile.
"Apologies! I should have taken the fact that you are recovering into consideration, do you need any help?" I point to the wall, where Recovery Girl had left a crutch, as I swing my backpack onto my shoulders.
"I'm not going to be very quick though, my brace needs some work to perfect it for combat and long term wear. What's going on?" Iida pales, face darkening as he hands me the crutch. A small tremble running through his body.
"My mother called me, my brother was involved in an altercation with a villain and was injured. Your father was passing by and saved his life, I don't have any other details at the moment I apologize. I was told that the rest of your family was contacted and my parents are paying for their transport to the Tokyo hospital, and however long they choose to stay as well. I was instructed to escort you there as well. However, the last train to Hosu City, Tokyo for the day leaves in twenty-five minutes." I drop my head, details and worry swimming in my mind.
"Iida... I know it's a lot to ask, but the only way we'd make it there in time with me in this state is if you carried me-" Iida nods vigorously, throwing a hand over chest and bowing deeply.
"I would be honored to do so! Please, let us make haste!" It takes a moment of maneuvering to get me on Iida's back, but we manage, and Iida races off through the halls, using his quirk to his advantage in a situation like this. We make it to the station with little time to spare, and Iida purchases our tickets. The train is larger than the ones we use in town, and the car we're in is sparsely populated. Despite my nerves being on edge, I know it's not likely I'll be able to remain awake.
"Akira?" Jerking a little I turn to Iida.
"What is it?" Iida is rigid, holding himself tensely and with utmost seriousness- fists clenched in his lap and eyes focused intently on the floor.
"I want you to know that my brother spoke very highly of your father, and of your mother. He spoke highly of you as well, he told me often how proud your parents are of you. I don't know for sure what the situation is, but I promise you I'll do my best to help however I can!" I nod, suppressing a yawn- which causes Iida to turn to me quickly, a look of concern on his face.
"Oh! You're probably still very exhausted, Mr. Aizawa had told us you would be out of commission for several days. Please, I know you're very worried, but try to rest, I'll wake you when we get there- or if there's any news at all." I nod, and within minutes I find myself falling asleep.
Iida wakes me when we reach Tokyo so that I'll be ready when we reach Hosu City. This time, I simply use my brace as we maneuver our way to the cab that's waiting for us. Iida lending me a hand in the areas where the crown is densest. The ride to the hospital is tense, Iida and I both bundles of nerves. Once we're inside, my sister is immediately there, arms around far too tightly, while Iida apologizes and rushes off to find his own family. Pushing my sister away gently I take in her tear-stained face, looking over to the waiting area to see my mother being held by my brother as they both cry. My grandfather and grandmother both looking grim.
"Kaharo, what happened?" My sister wraps her arms around me once again, and between her sobs, I manage to make out one thing. Our father has died. I nearly collapse when it hits me what she's said. I just barely have the presence of mind to tug her over to the couch next to the rest of our family. I don't move for a quite a while, mind blank and numb, as though time has stopped around me.
Iida POV
My brother and I had spoken for as long as he was able, his injuries so severe it was unfathomable. He'd never walk again, but he'd said one last thing to me before the nurses had ushered me out.
"It's not going to be in the news, for obvious reasons, but Jian saved my life. He stood toe to toe against the Hero Killer for just as long as I did, and he did it to save my life. I'm ashamed that I couldn't defend him, it was my job as a hero to protect him, and I failed. He wasn't as lucky as me, he died in surgery not long after mother called you. Please, look after Akira for him, and for me. Do the right thing."
Akira POV
Iida's mother was speaking to mine, and I could make out what she was saying- barely.
"I know it doesn't change anything, and I wish there was more we could do, but Tenya wishes for us to take care of all the expenses from the hospital and for the funeral. We're also arranging for your husband's salary for the project to be paid out despite this. We're in agreeance, of course, your husband saved my son's life. I can't tell you how much that means to us, please let me know if you need anything else." My mother smiled at her gratefully, I know she's likely been thinking about what this would mean for us. We barely make it by on what we have now, without Papa we'll be harder pressed, but with this help... Things will be okay for a while.
At some point, I'm dragged to my feet by my sister, and we go to the hotel. She's still crying, and Kaito has moved on to being like me- lost. We all end up huddled together on the same bed, and mother comes in some time later, stroking Kaharo's hair and singing us the song she and Papa used to sing us when we were upset that they spent so much time away, or frightened of the silly things all children are.
Just cause I'm leaving, it don't mean I won't be right by your side. When you need me and you can't see me, in the middle of the night, just close your eyes and say a prayer. It's okay I know you're scared. When I'm not here, but I'll always be right there. Even though I'm leaving, I ain't going nowhere.