Enjoy.
Last Train Home
Memory
"Hey Ryu…"
"Yes big sis?"
"You ever think, we will find someone like mom and dad found in one another?"
Ryuko gave her sister a quizzical look. "What do you mean?"
Inko chuckled. "Ohh, you may only be ten Ryu, but you must know what love is right?"
"Love?" Ryuko said aloud. "Oh! Isn't that what mommy and daddy tell us every night before we go to bed?!"
Inko smiled. "Yes little sis, but that kind of love is special. It's between family members, and it's a special bond of trust and happiness..." She paused. "What I am talking about though is 'love love'."
"'L-Love Love'?" Ryuko blushed.
"Yes~ What do you think of 'boys' baby sis?" Inko teased.
Ryuko scrunched her face. "Bleh! Ewww, they are icky…" She gagged.
Inko laughed loudly as she threw an arm around her sister's shoulder. "Ha! Ohh! Sweet little Ryu maybe one day you will understand."
"I just need you big sis Inko! Mommy and daddy too!"
Inko smiled warmly to her little sister. "I love you so much Ryu, thanks for being you…"
The two embraced.
"I love you to Inko!"
Happiness...
*Beep* *Beep**Beep*
*Beep* *Beep**Beep*
*Beep* *Beep**Beep*
"Auntie R-Ryu?"
*Beep* *Beep**Beep*
*Beep* *Beep**Beep*
"R-Ryu!"
*Beep* *Beep**Beep*
*Beep* *Beep**Beep*
*Beep* *Beep**Beep*
"P-Please...what's happening to m-mommy?"
Ryuko gasped as she felt a small pair of arms wrap around her thigh. Startled, she looked to the culprit, and gulped as she saw Izuku staring up at her tearily.
Ryuko steadily looked back to her sister who was now laying on a hospital bed. Both Izuku and herself had been hurriedly escorted out of the room while the doctor and nurses got to work. For now, only Ryuko could see into the small window that peeked into the room. Inko was hooked up to various machines, tubes inserted in her arms and one in her throat. Ryuko could hear the subtle beats of the heart monitor from just outside the door. The sound was maddening.
The grip on her thigh only got tighter as she felt sniffles and wet tears brush down her legs. Carefully, Ryuko picked up little Izuku from the floor, and sat him gently on her lap.
"Shhh, It's okay Izuku." She soothed, laying her chin on his green hair.
Izuku buried his small fragile body into her chest as he sobbed weakly.
"W-Why did mommy h-have all those tubes in h-her? Why d-did the ho-hospital people take h-her?"
Ryuko winced as she remembered the critical condition Inko was in. Her flight to the hospital was deserving of a medal. It took her roughly ten seconds to fly from the park, right into the doors of the hospital. Usually, if a dragon were to burst thru the doors of a hospital; there should have been mayhem at the possible violent intrusion. Fortunately, this was a hospital that had grown familiar to Ryuko, for she would bring so many of those that needed medical attention here. So when the horrified Ryuko could not get the words out as she held Inko gently, the doctors and nurses wasted no time and put the woman on a gurney. It was a literal living nightmare for Ryuko, all the while Izuku could not understand most of it.
Izuku was a crying mess as the hospital staff carried his mother away. Ryuko should have been there for the crying boy; from the start Ryuko should have just held Izuku and reassured him. However, she had seen it in Inko's eyes, and that 'look' was something she wished to never see on her families face. Ryuko tried her best to stay positive, but her inner instincts were screaming at her.
It was a peculiar feeling, she assumed it was due to her close connection with her big sister, that she had developed an almost second sense to her. Even little Izuku was synced to her, and the way he was feeling was driving her insane. She was not in the proper mental state to comfort her nephew, but she really did try her best even if she was not all there.
However, Ryuko had known something was up for the last three years or so, though never gathered the courage to question Inko on it. It was the way she walked, the way she would sometimes cough and wheeze that would set off red flags in Ryuko's head. It had only gotten worse as the years went, and Ryuko still ignored it.
She always assumed her sister was strong and mighty, and that whatever was affecting her was just a passing thing...even though it had been three years. That's probably why her instincts were so bothered right now. She felt like all of this was her fault, if Ryuko had just been brave enough to ask her sister what was wrong, maybe things could have been different?
"Ms. Midoriya?"
Ryuko looked to the sudden feminine voice in minor shock. The doctor was standing by the doorway, looking to the two calmly. Ryuko made to stand up, but from what she could tell, Izuku fell asleep on her lap. This act managed to bring a tiny smile to her face in this otherwise grim situation.
"Ms. Midoriya, please don't panic; but your sister Inko Midoriya is stable..."
Ryuko's eyes widened as she made way to stand again, but the doctor held a small hand in her direction.
"Ryuko, we've known each other for a few years now; due to you bringing me those you save and whatnot." The doctor sighed sadly. "We've been honest with one another every single time when it came to a patient's chance at survival...since this is your family, I will ask you this. Do you want the harsh truth? Or would you rather see for yourself?"
Ryuko's voice hitched in her throat. Little Izuku stirred in her arms as she held him tightly.
"W-What happened." She growled weakly.
"Ryuko, I need you to be truthful and honest with me. You are a dear friend to me, even if you might not see me as such, but do you want the truth? Or would you rather see for yourself?"
"W-What does that even mean?!" She whispered harshly, closing her eyes as her mind went crazy with thoughts.
"S-Sorry, would you rather me tell you, or just walk into the room and see for yourself?"
"B-But Izuku…"
"Don't worry, I'll carry him over to my office, I have a bed in there for when I have to stay for extra long shifts." The doctor explained.
Ryuko looked to the doctor hesitantly, before looking to the small 'wyrmling' in her lap. With a grumble, Ryuko carefully carried him over, and placed him into the doctor's waiting arms.
"P-Please doctor, I need him to be safe." Her inner dragon poked out.
The doctor offered her a reassuring smile. "Ryuko, you're in a hospital, if anything this is the safest place he could ever be in." She nodded to the door. "Take as much time as you need Ryuko, it'll just be you and her in the room. Little Izuku here won't be waking up for awhile, judging by the calm touch you provided him."
Ryuko laid one last hand on the boy's cheek to feel his warmth. She calmed as her body took in the warmth he provided, the warmth a part of her hoard could only give. Being a literal dragon, albeit being a quirk, was a weird thing to live with.
Ryuko took a few hesitant steps towards the room that housed her sister. Gently, the hero cracked open the door letting one of her golden Irises peak through the crack.
"R-Ryu?" A weak voice called out.
"Sis!" The hero shouted as she rushed inside the room.
Her golden eyes scanned the semi dark room till they landed on the figure of her sister laying on the bed still.
*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*
*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*
*Beep* *Beep**Beep*
Ryuko immediately broke into sobs as she rushed to her sister's bedside. It took the dragon all of her willpower to not just grab her sister like a lifeline.
Putting it simply, Inko did not look good. She had two Iv's inserted in her arms, a heartbeat sensor on her finger, and her whole body looked like literal death. In just a few hours, Inko's once bright eyes lacked all their color, her hair looked black, and the woman's skin was paler than anything she had every seen.
"S-S-Sis!" Ryuko wailed as she laid her head on her bed. She sobbed loudly as Inko laid a small cold hand to the girl's head.
"I-I'm so sorry Ryuko…" Inko said weakly.
"P-Please sis, you need to s-save your strength." Ryuko affirmed.
Inko chuckled, shaking her head.
"Ryu...I have not been honest with you."
"Shhh." Ryuko soothed through her choked cries.
"Baby sis, I don't have a lot of time, you and I both know that."
"N-No...please no…" Ryuko pleaded.
Inko smiled sadly. "I'm glad you chose to find out for yourself rather than the doctor telling you. You're strong baby sister, so much more than I could ever be."
"Inko! S-Stop talking please...you ne-" Ryuko was interrupted as Inko placed a cold finger to her lips.
"I'm dying sis, plain and simple. It's been a long time coming."
"W-What?"
"I know you are a smart girl Ryuko, to be the number twenty hero in all of Japan, proves that." Inko wiped a tear from her sister's cheek. "I know you could 'feel' that something was up with me for awhile now."
Ryuko shut her eyes and shook her head stubbornly.
"N-Nothings wrong with you!" Ryuko lied to herself.
"It's a hereditary gene that both mom and dad had, they did not know they even had it...it was by pure unfortunate luck I got the full brunt of it."
"P-Please…"
"Essentially it gave me a higher risk for Lung Cancer; or any cancer for that matter. Remember how grandma on dad's side, and grandpa on mom's side died from such a thing?" Inko looked to the window by her bedside in guilt. "I've been in stage IV for the last three years or so, and by now it's already spread to my brain and bones."
"W-Why?" Ryuko said weakly.
"Why?" Inko said confusedly.
Suddenly, Ryuko shouted in rage as she transformed into her small dragon form.
"WHY!?" She growled in anguish.
Inko was not afraid, she figured Ryuko would act in such a way. In any case, Inko looked to her sister in understanding as the dragon hero clutched her head roughly, piercing her scales drawing small specks of blood.
"WHY WOULD YOU KEEP THIS FROM ME?! WHY NOT ASK FOR HELP?!"
Ryuko's mind was on fire, she was furious, heartbroken, confused, lost, and fearful to name a few emotions. She rarely ever got this upset, or deep in her feelings. She did not like how it made her dragon instincts run full control; she did not like how it made the migraine growing in her head unbearable.
Inko shakily sat up on the hospital bed. Painfully, she moved to get off the bed, hoping to reach her sister to comfort her. This had only happened once before, it was when their parents were killed by an unnamed villain long ago. It was a time in both of their lives that ripped a hole in their hearts, sent their lives on a downward spiral. It was by Inko's determined attitude and willingness to care for Ryuko that both of them did not fall into madness.
So just like before, albeit literally wincing in pain as every painful step led her to her sister. Inko slowly made her way to Ryuko, that same determination from all those years ago in her eyes.
Ryuko was still clutching her head fiercely, her sharp teeth pressed against each other as the feelings within her were becoming unbearable.
"Shhhh, baby sis, big sis is here, and I will always be here…"
Ryuko shivered at the touch Inko gave, the embrace she found herself in calmed her. Yet, the cold touch that now replaced Inko's usual warmth was alarming.
"I'm so freaking bitter! Bitter! BITTER! I-I—there's n-nothing I c-can do…" Ryuko said through her clenched teeth.
"By the time I figured out how deep the cancer had set in, it was already to late baby sis..."
Her eyes widened in panic. "W-Wait! You shouldn't be s-standing!"
Ryuko tried lifting Inko up, but the woman would not budge from the hug.
"Inko this is serious!"
Inko hugged her tighter, crying softly as she held her baby sister.
"I-I need y-you to…" Ryuko weakly stuttered, he words lost to the abyss that was her sore throat.
"Just hug me you scaly teddy bear."
Ryuko did just that.
It was around an hour later before Inko allowed Ryuko to gently put her back in the bed. They embraced one another for that full hour, and selfishly, to the both of them; they were the last two human beings on the planet. However, Ryuko was on her way to the doctors office to bring Izuku over to see his dying mother.
It was a sickening feeling, knowing that no matter what, Inko was going to be dead by the end of today. Inko had explained that the fluids that built up in her lungs became too much, and some of it leaked into her other organs. By some miracle, Inko had stayed alive, but that did not matter, by now she had tumors in her brain, and spinal column. How she was not writhing in agony, Ryuko could not guess, but she was grateful she did not have to bear witness to that.
Ryuko gently opened the doctors door, and peaked inside.
The doctor was typing away on a computer, while little Izuku was snuggled up in a bunch of soft blankets. Ryuko could not help the smile that broke on her face, as she looked to the boy.
"I take it you're here for Izuku?" The doctor questioned.
Ryuko nodded as she gently scooped up the boy in her arms.
"His mother is waiting for him…" She simply said.
"I understand." The doctor said sadly. "Ryuko, he won't truly understand what's going on to his mother, but as per the way these things work, who's going to be the new guardian of the child?"
"Me."
The doctor smiled sadly. "I see. So she made you the legal guardian then?"
Ryuko opened the door gently as she paused under the frame.
"She did not….yet. But, I will go thru hell for my nephew. Anyone who would dare try and take him from me." She snarled. "I pray for their souls."
"Well best be on your way then. My condolences from myself and the nurses. May you two always be blessed with nothing but happiness. Its not much since we can not understand what you both are feeling, just take of yourself Ryuko..."
With the doctors final words, Ryuko walked back to her sister's room. Izuku barely even moved as he was still sound asleep, his little nose made a funny whistling sound. She gazed at his face lovingly, his freckles were his cutest feature. Four on each cheek, and the green mop on his head that he called hair. She loved burying her face in it and taking in his warmth. It was a guilty pleasure of hers, and only her nephew could bring such joy.
Again, Ryuko carefully opened the door and walked inside the room.
"Izuku…" Inko said breathlessly. Her eyes shone bright once more as she looked to her son.
Ryuko laid the still sleeping child by her side as she took a few steps back.
Inko weakly turned over to face her sleeping son. She ran her hand up and down his hair and cheek.
"Oh my little Izuku…" She cooed.
Ryuko watched on silently.
"Hey?" She shook him slightly. "Izuku? Can you wake up dear?"
He grumbled as he opened his eyes. "W-Where am I?" He sleepily said. "Ryuko?"
He was facing her when he awoke, and she offered him a tired smile and a wave.
"Hey kiddo."
"Who's touching me?" Izuku said somewhat worriedly as he flipped over to his other side.
As he turned and saw the face of his mom, he could not help but smile. "Mom!" He said when he realized who it was.
He immediately cuddled against her as he laughed joyfully.
"You're okay!" He said happily.
Ryuko had to hold a hand to her mouth as she almost let out a choked sob. Inko looked to her son sadly, but gave him a genuine smile.
"Izuku, you're a strong boy right?"
"Of course!" He exclaimed.
"Oh? Tell me why then?"
"Oh! That's easy! Because when I get your quirk mommy I'll be super strong! And when I do get my quirk, I can work with auntie Ryu and help take down the bad guys!"
Inko smiled and hugged the boy right against her chest.
"You're already on the right track sweetie. What do you think Ryu?"
Ryuko had to wipe the tears from her eyes, and clear her throat before answering.
"Y-Yup! You're gonna be my one and only sidekick!"
Izuku beamed brightly as he giggled like any child would.
"And if mommy were not here to see such a thing happen honey?" Inko said gently.
"Huh?"
Inko tried her best to control her tears for now. She tried her best to not let the immense pain she was feeling show on her face. They had given her morphine in small doses, but it could only do so much.
"Izuku mommy is going to be going away soon okay?" She scratched his head calmly.
"Like a trip?" He said innocently.
"O-Oh, something like that love...but on this trip…" Inko paused. How does one actually explain death to a kid? Let alone their own child?
"Mom?" Izuku said worriedly.
"I-I-I…" She stuttered, the words not being able to leave her lips.
"Where are you going?" He asked confusedly.
"O-On this trip h-honey, mommy won't be coming b-b-back." She finally let out. The sobs she held now coming out in full swing.
She clutched her son strongly as she sobbed like a newborn baby. Like he did when he had been born.
Izuku was confused by what his mother said, but he could not help but cry along with her. Another set of arms joined them as Ryuko protectively joined in on the hug. She too was crying as the three Midoriya's held each other strongly.
"I-I'm so sorry you two…" Inko weeped.
"W-Why aren't y-you coming b-back?" Izuku choked out.
"Shhh, it's okay Izuku, don't worry…" Ryuko soothed.
"A-Auntie Ryu?" He said whimsically.
As Izuku looked up from being smothered by the two, he saw his aunt and mother staring into one another's eyes. An unknown conversation was going unspoken between the two, and Ryuko seemed to barely be holding anything together.
"B-But sis...I'm not strong enough." She suddenly said.
"You are the strongest person I know Ryu. I'm sorry to ask for such a thing, it's selfish of me. I hope you will forgive me one day."
"H-He needs you...I need you…" She weakly begged.
"I need the both of you...more than you could ever imagine. Ryuko, I love you. Izuku my beautiful baby boy, I love you. Please forgive me."
"I-I love you too mommy…" Izuku said sadly. He still did not understand what exactly was happening, but he wanted his mother to know he would be strong. He wanted her to know he would be fine, it was like something took over as he suddenly spoke out.
"I promise mom! I will be the greatest hero to ever exist, I will make sure auntie Ryu and I reach the number one spots together! I promise I will take care of Ryu, like you've always said I should! I-I am still confused on where you're g-going and why y-you c-can't come back, but I love you mom. I forgive you already!"
The two women looked to him in shock, at a loss for words. Inko stared into the green eyes he got from her, the way they shone proudly and confidently warmed her heart.
"I love you Izuku, thank you…"
Gently, Inko brought the boy to her chest, and laid her chin on his head. She took a deep breath as she smelled his familiar scent for what would most likely be the last time.
"Sweetie? Can I ask for a small favor?"
"Y-Yes mommy?"
"Can you fall asleep in my arms?"
Izuku smiled. "You know I will mommy!"
Ryuko had broken away from the hug a while ago, and watched as her sister and nephew hugged one another. The boy slowly fell asleep, while Inko continually stared to her.
"Ryuko, there's enough room for you too here, can you join us?"
Ryuko nodded dumbly as she set herself on the other side of her nephew. Ryuko was careful to not pull on any of the IV's in Inko's arms as she wrapped her arm around the two.
Izuku sighed as he laid in between the two, he clutched onto his mother tightly before sleepily saying one last thing.
"Don't worry mommy, I will take care of Ryuko…"
Ryuko hugged the boy tighter as she closed her eyes herself. Inko looked to the two happily as Izuku rapidly dozed off; she still had many regrets and things to say, but she was glad she was spending these last few moments with them. Inko was ready to let go, this whole time it was by pure willpower that she had stayed alive this long. She wanted to explain as best she could to her son that she won't be coming home, and Inko felt satisfied in knowing the boy had some understanding of it. She wanted to ensure Ryuko would be okay, and that hopefully she would be forgiven by her little sister. It may not be today, tomorrow, next week, a month, or even years from now. Inko just hoped her baby sister could one day bring herself to forgive her foolish and selfish sister.
"Ryu, thank you. There is still so much more I wanted to say…" Inko paused, interlocking her hand with Ryuko's own. "I am happy I get to spend these last moments with you two, when 'it' does happen, can you make sure Izuku does not…" She could not bring herself to finish.
"D-Dont worry Inko, I-I'll take care of him."
Inko closed her own eyes.
"S-Sis, can you s-sing that l-lullaby? T-The one f-from when I was l-little?"
Inko weakly squeezed her sister's hand.
"For you my dear sister? I'll do anything..."
Ryuko clutched the two tightly as she closed her eyes. She felt like such a child, as her sister listened to her request.
"Hush little dragon cry no more,"
"Sister's forever part of your hoard~"
"Even if one day we may part,"
"Just know sister I am in your heart~"
"And if you ever have doubts fill your soul,"
"Little dragon your sister hears your woes~"
"Make sure to think of one important thing,"
"Big sister loves you with her very b-b-being~"
On the final note, Ryuko and Inko looked into one another's eyes as Inko's final bits of life left her. She squeezed Ryuko's hand one last time before kissing her son on the head.
"T-Take care of him R-R-Ryu, be a m-mother to h-h-him" She forced through the pain. "I l-love you t-two so much."
Inko gave her sister one last smile. "Pl-Please Ryuko, t-take care of yourself..."
*Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep*
Izuku woke up startled as he heard the odd sound. Quickly, Ryuko snatched the boy into her chest and covered his ears. She had her own eyes shut as her tears fell hotly, her sister was gone. Another piece of her hoard, torn away from her. It never got any easier, just like her parents when they had die; Ryuko had her sister to comfort her during that time. Inko was gone, and all she had left was her little three year old nephew to hopefully keep her sane as the paramount individual in her life was now dead. "I still have my little wyrmling..." She internally thought.
"Shhhh, it's okay Izuku, go back to sleep." She lifted his face to look into his confused eyes. "I promise you, no harm will ever come to you. This I swear on my very soul, Izuku Midoriya. You're a part of my hoard, and as part of it, it is for eternity…"
Izuku nodded dumbly as the words Ryuko said to him confused him, yet filled him with warmth. Also, the strange steady sound happening behind him was alarming, but no matter how hard he tried to turn around and see his mom. Ryuko would shove his face in her chest protectively.
The rest was like a blur to the pro hero. The doctors and nurses rushed into the room, as the two were escorted out of the room once more. The doctor and Ryuko looked to one another, as the hero shook her head solemnly. The doctor nodded knowingly, and called off her team. They had no reason to resuscitate Inko when the last sole adult survivor of the Midoriya household said other wise.
Inko Midoriya was dead, and Ryuko knew a part of her went along with her sister that day.
Two Weeks Later
Three lone figure's stood by a tombstone as the steady sun shined down upon them. It was a rather serene day out this afternoon in Japan, and Ryuko was thankful for it. She had come by to visit Inko's grave with her beloved nephew Izuku, and the off duty pro hero Rumi Usagiyama, other wise known as the Rabbit Hero: Mirko. The two adults had graduated together at U.A, and since their first years at the school they were the closest of friends. They would regularly take on missions together, albeit Rumi's strong opinion on such a thing. Ryuko had been one of the lucky few to gain the heroes respect as Rumi had a strong dislike of hero groups. The only other acceptation were the Wild Wild Pussycats group, whom Rumi deemed the truest hero group that was out there. They each had their own strengths, and complimented each other swimmingly, they had no need to rely on one another like she had seen other groups do.
In any case, Rumi had joined the two out today as they visited the grave for the first time since Inko's burial. The funeral was kept a small private affair, to the likes of only Ryuko, Izuku, and Rumi included. Rumi had barely known the woman, but offered support for her dearest friend. The little boy, that was her nephew, was an interesting character. Not once did the boy cry during the funeral, nor was he tearing up now. If anything, Ryuko was the one crying and wallowing in her depression. Understandable, but it broke the heroes heart.
"Hey, mom..." Izuku said calmly. "I brought your favorite flower!"
The two women watched in silence.
"Its almost my birthday! I will have my quirk soon, and then I will continue being strong for you and auntie Ryu." Izuku looked to the grave longingly as he laid a 'green carnation' in front of the grave.
Izuku sighed. "I wish you would come home one day...but I know you really are gone huh?"
Ryuko laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.
He smiled up at his aunt, now turned guardian.
"We both miss you, and I know one day we will see you again. But we are okay mom! We are strong!"
Ryuko lifted the small boy into her arms. "That we are sis, little Izuku here has been nothing but help for me."
Izuku giggled childishly as Ryuko lifted him up in the air. The two for the last week had been inseparable, and neither of them had any complaints. She turned to her friend.
"Rumi, I wanted to let you know first, but I am going to be taking a small break. I need time to...figure things out with my nephew here."
The hero smiled as she offered her friend a thumbs up. "Ryu, please. Take all the time you need. I won't tell anyone, your privacy is yours and yours only. Also..." Rumi paused, pointing teasingly to the boy in her arms. "If you ever need help watching that cute ball there, I'll gladly help where I can! Not to mention Mandalay would not mind either!"
"Thanks Rumi, I'll hold you girls to that."
"I sure hope you ask for help girl, because you know me and I am honest. But you look like literal s-"
Ryuko growled loudly as Rumi said a cuss word around her little nephew. Luckily, Ryuko was quick enough to cover Izuku's small fragile ears from hearing the word.
Rumi smiled cheekily as she held her hands up in defense. "Hehe, sorry there 'mighty dragon', forgot to keep my language PG!"
"WHY ARE YOU COVERING MY EARS RYU!" Izuku said loudly. The sudden blockage of sound made him talk in a voice he himself could hear.
The two women winced at the volume but chuckled none the less.
Ryuko had a long and troubling road ahead of her; with Izuku's birthday around the corner, and her own feelings to deal with. Was Ryuko up to the task?
Have a wonderful day, evening, or night.
