I do not own BNHA or its characters.

Enjoy Chapter Five of "Canvas"

Cowritten and proofread by aoimikans on Tumblr.


Borrowed Time

The room was empty and silent again. Toshinori's skin itched. Dried blood pulled at the skin on his arm and fell away like flakes of rust. He wasn't sure how long ago Nurse Tetsumi had pushed the door open and retreated, leaving a scarlet mark on the plain surface, but her metallic scent lingered.

Toshinori ran his clean hand through his hair, claws pulling at the knots in the unruly locks. His other arm hung at his side, a bloodied claw absently traced the grout around a floor tile. He glanced at it, turning his palm up. He frowned and furrowed his brows at the sight.

It wasn't the first time he'd had blood on his hands … but never, never like this. Never without careful consideration. Never outside a life or death situation that called for it. His gut twisted painfully and he pressed his forehead against his knees. Claws pricked his palms as he curled his hands into half-formed fists.

Breathe. He thought, fighting against the fog that crept up on him. He forced himself to take a slow breath and pushed the mental fog to the back of his mind. Just breathe, Toshinori.

He felt his shoulders relax and the pain behind his eyes ease.

Fatigue weighed heavily on his eyelids and sweat coated his brow. The hospital gown and ridged mane along his spine were damp with it and stuck to his skin. He cringed at the familiar, feverish smell. When was the last time he showered?

He shivered against the room's chill and rubbed at his eyes, letting his hand run down his face. His palm brushed over straggly, blonde stubble and his head fell back against the wall with a grunt. He carefully scratched at the side of his jaw.

Wish I could shave.

"Interesting."

Toshinori snapped to attention, hackles raised and teeth bared in a snarl. Blood rushed loud in his ears as his heart hammered and the edge of his vision blurred.

All for One leaned slightly back against the counter, contemplative and silent.

Toshinori's breath rattled and he suppressed a wet cough, gritting his teeth as the throbbing behind his eyes returned with a vengeance. His body ached. Toshinori wiped blood from his lips and remained seated and bent, his stamina at its limit.

All for One hummed thoughtfully, canting his head to the side.

"Are you still fighting against your body's nature, noumu? Such a waste of energy. Although, it appears you are making good progress." He turned and ran his fingertips over the dried blood smeared across the door, "This is promising."

Shut up. A low rumbling came from Toshinori's throat and he swallowed it down. He glared despite his exhaustion. I'm not a noumu.

"Of course, you have always been violent," All for One continued, "but who knew a simple lapse in control was all you needed to lash out?"

You're one to talk, Toshinori grimaced, but held his head high in defiance.

All for One strolled forward, pausing when Toshinori's shoulders tensed and claws twitched, "So hostile."

There was a light tapping at the door.

Toshinori tensed, glancing between it and All for One. Dread knotted his insides.

The villain turned slightly and placed his hands behind his back, "Oh? A visitor?"

The lock clicked softly and the door swung partly open.

Isamu pushed at the door with his foot as he struggled to balance cleaning supplies under one arm and a tray of food in his hands. He gave Toshinori a small smile.

"I brought some more food," he let his gaze drop to the floor, to the trail of dried blood, and he bit his lip, "I saw what happened to Tetsumi and thought you might need something."

Toshinori gaped at him and shook his head in warning -

Isamu pushed through the door and stepped inside, "It's not your fau-" He froze and blanched.

"Nurse." All for One greeted neutrally.

"S-Sensei," Isamu swallowed roughly and shook.

"By all means," All for One waved him in, "don't let me interrupt."

Isamu nodded stiffly, carefully dropping his cleaning supplies on the counter, and hastily crossed the room. He placed the tray of food on the ground in front of Toshinori.

"O-oh, um," Isamu stared at Toshinori's bloodied arm, "I'll … I'll clean that off."

He retreated to the counter, giving All for One a wide berth, and grabbed a washcloth. He wet it in the counter's small sink and poured something from a brown bottle onto it.

Toshinori nudged the food tray aside as Isamu returned and knelt.

Isamu's hands shook as he lifted Toshinori's arm. They steadied marginally when Toshinori gave his wrist a discreet, reassuring squeeze. Isamu bit his lower lip and began to gently scrub off the dried blood. The smell of hydrogen peroxide cut through the lingering scent of rust.

All for One canted his head, observing for a moment.

"Strange. This noumu attacked your senior but seems to have taken a liking to you," All for One said with mock curiosity. "Perhaps it is the food."

Isamu tensed and nodded stiffly.

"The… the food … I thought he may need something more calorie dense w-with more protein considering..." Isamu trailed off, sweat beading at his brow as he brushed the blood away. "It's convenient really. I just pick it up on my way to work. It's no trouble a-and no one questions it."

All for One hummed and stepped closer, his polished shoes tapping against the tiles with each step.

Toshinori felt his hackles raise and the low rumble in his throat. The fog at the back of his mind suddenly roiled, and he grit his teeth.

Threat! The fog overwhelmed him as his pulse spiked.

There was a surprised yelp.

"A-All Might?"

Toshinori blinked, panting. When did I-?

He had moved.

Isamu gripped Toshinori's forearm as it pressed him against the wall, shielded behind his crouched, emaciated form.

A wave of fatigue crashed against Toshinori. The room tilted and his knees hit the ground. His whole body shuddered.

A gentle grip pulled him back to lean against the wall.

"E-Easy…" Isamu muttered, feeling Toshinori's forehead and frowning at the heat.

Shit… Toshinori suppressed a shiver, glaring daggers at All for One as the villain loomed behind Isamu.

"It's awfully protective." There was a smile in All for One's voice, "Perhaps you can be of some assistance."

Isamu paled, his grip on the damp washcloth visibly tightening.

"Tell me, nurse. You've worked with children developing quirks," All for One leaned over Isamu as he resumed scrubbing the dried blood from Toshinori's arm. "What happens when the child comes from parents with multilimb or additional limb mutation quirks?"

Isamu tensed, shaking a little under All for One's shadow.

Toshinori managed to look at Isamu and frowned. Suspicion dropped into his gut like a stone.

"Generally, um," Isamu turned Toshinori's hand, working the cloth between his clawed fingers. He swallowed roughly, "Generally, when they begin to show signs of their quirk, their parents bring them to a clinic or hospital for monitoring."

"Why is that?" All for One asked, his mock innocent tone failed to disguise his morbid curiosity.

You know why, Toshinori thought with a tired glare.

"Various risks involved in growing mutation quirks," Isamu stated nervously, not daring to glance behind him, "It's just a precaution and most of the time kids' quirks come in fine under a watchful eye … But there are some cases in which a special diet is needed or - or fluids given intravenously to keep them hydrated. In extreme cases, usually small children whose quirks that add significant body mass develop quickly, blood transfusions are necessary. Hospitals generally have those kinds of supplies on hand for those cases."

"And how many of those supplies would you need for an adult?"

There it is, Toshinori bowed his head, his frown deepening.

"W-" Isamu turned and looked up at All for One, "What?"

"Allow me to clarify," All for One gestured to Toshinori, "For this noumu, how many supplies would be needed to ensure proper limb development?"

"I … don't understand." Isamu's voice shook, "He doesn't have -"

"Answer the question."

Toshinori gripped Isamu's arm in warning. It wasn't needed.

Isamu quickly nodded and cleared his throat.

"Based on his body mass and health, I believe he would need multiple supplements given intravenously, probably blood transfusions. No, definitely blood transfusions." A pleading look entered Isamu's downcast eyes, "Adults' bodies aren't as resilient as children's. An added limb might…"

"I am aware," All for One stated, his voice unhurried, "You will ensure it doesn't die."

"R-right," Isamu's voice was quiet and trembled. He sought out Toshinori's gaze, eyes wide and fearful.

Toshinori gave him a brave smile.

"I had planned on Nurse Tetsumi applying this quirk. She seemed rather eager," All for One lazily withdrew a vial from his suit jacket pocket, "but she is indisposed. Your timing could not be more convenient, nurse. If you would prepare a syringe." All for One held out the vial to Isamu.

The young nurse hesitantly took the vial, careful not to touch All for One's hand. He stood silently, glancing briefly at Toshinori before going to the counter and reaching up into the cabinet.

Toshinori shifted, pushing himself up straight against the wall. His gut churned with nausea but he held himself still.

Too soon, Isamu returned to Toshinori's side and knelt, the syringe filled.

The young nurse paused, tensing in his hesitation.

"Is there a problem?" All for One asked, his voice dangerously neutral.

Isamu shook his head. He sought out Toshinori's gaze.

"I-I can't …" he said in the barest of whispers. "Not to you. I c-"

Toshinori held out his arm and nodded at it. Go on.

Then he glared at All for One who silently retracted the bone spear jutting out from his hand.

"I'm sorry," Isamu whimpered quietly as he rubbed the area with a small alcohol wipe, "I'm sorry, All Might."

The pinch of the needle felt anticlimactic compared to the painful resignation that gripped at Toshinori's insides.

Isamu's hands trembled as he pulled the needle away and pressed a bandage to the spot.

That's not going to fix it, young man. Toshinori blinked at the sad, bitter thought and gave Isamu a reassuring smile. Ah well … It's the thought that counts.

"To think that self-sacrificing nature of yours could still be exploited," All for One said smugly, "So much for that strength." He bent and took Isamu's shoulder in his hand, "Take this lesson to heart."

"Y-yes, Sensei," Isamu stuttered, frozen under All for One's grip.

"Excellent." All for One pulled away, brushing his palm against his suit jacket. He turned to leave, stopping at the door, "Ah, about those supplies. See Miss Shiire on the second floor. She will provide what you need."

"A-Ayumi Shiire?" Isamu practically squawked, then clapped a hand over his mouth. "I mean, yes. Yes, Sensei."

All for One nodded and pulled open the door.

"This should not need saying, but," he paused in the open doorway, "Failure is not an option."


Toshinori rubbed the sore spot in his upper arm and cringed at the shudder that ran down his spine. They were becoming more frequent.

Holy shit! He flinched, gasping through his teeth, as his back spasmed painfully. An ache lingered in his lower back as his muscles finally relaxed. He leaned heavily against the wall, gripping his chains to hold himself up.

Panting and gritting his teeth, he ran a hand down his back, kneading the cramping muscles with this knuckles. He brushed against -

Toshinori pulled his hand away as if it had been burned. A small, choked noise escaped him and he doubled over, head bowed. He dug his claws into his palm, driving away the mental fog, and he took a slow breath.

Come on, Toshinori… Face it head on! Plus Ult-!

Another spasm wracked him, pulling viciously at his scarred side, and he suppressed a pained shout. Blood bubbled up his throat and sprayed out from between his teeth as he coughed.

Toshinori bent further, pressing his forehead against the cool tile floor and let in a ragged breath. His heart labored in his chest, beating against his ribs like a bass drum. The chains slipped from his loose grip and he lowered himself to the floor, groaning as it cooled his fevered skin.

Hesitantly, careful not to strain his throbbing side, he reached around to his back. He ran his hand lower, following the soft line of hair. At the base of his spine, his skin rose in an unfamiliar mound in the center of his back. He pressed and hissed, it felt like a bruise and itched.

Toshinori's spine popped as it shifted under his palm and he shivered weakly. The bone deep ache spread across his pelvis. He pulled his hand away and pressed his palm against his forehead.

Think. Keep thinking. Toshinori swallowed roughly, Based on … Based on the location it's safe to assume it's a tail quirk of some kind. A tail… Not too complicated. Just an extension of the spine. Just take it in stride. There are worse things.

A odd stretching sensation pulled at the base of his back and Toshinori grimaced, pressing the heel of his hand against his eyes.

"Shh-kt…" Shit… His claws dug into his scalp.

The door opened suddenly.

Toshinori jerked upward, flinching and faltering when his back spasmed.

"All Might!" Nurse Isamu abandoned a medical cart in the hall and rushed in. He knelt and laid a hand on his back. "Easy… Can you show me where you're hurt?"

Toshinori nodded, grimacing as the spasm gripped at the edge of his scars. He gestured briskly to his back before letting his hand return to the floor.

He felt Isamu's hands brush aside the back of the hospital gown.

"O-oh. Okay, yeah." Isamu nodded, nervousness shifting to focus, "Early stage tail development. We actually had twins come in last week with developing tails. I'm going to do a quick examination. Tell me if anything hurts."

Isamu's hands pressed on both sides of Toshinori's spine, carefully feeling around the edge of the mound, over the top, then the sides of his hip bones. He frowned.

"You've got some bone shifting here," Isamu said, whether or not he was talking to himself Toshinori wasn't sure. "Where do you feel you're at on the pain scale?"

Toshinori flashed five then two claws.

"Seven?" Isamu nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. He yelped in alarm when Toshinori's back spasmed again, "H-hold on a moment, I've got something for this."

Isamu rushed back to the hall, pulling the medical cart inside. After only a moment of searching, he grabbed two long strips of thick cloth. He knelt and laid the strips on either side of Toshinori's spine, clicking something in the corners. Warmth radiated from the adhesive heating pads.

Toshinori relaxed marginally as the spasm eased and the heat drove the chill of the room away.

"Okay," Isamu double-checked the strips and nodded to himself, "I'm going to have you roll on your side. I need to remove your belt and adjust your pants or they're going to get in the way. Think you can do that?"

Toshinori pushed himself to his side in answer, cringing as jolts of pain raced down his legs.

"That's great," Isamu mumbled softly, "You're doing great."

He swiftly unbuckled the belt, set it aside, and let Toshinori return to laying on his stomach.

"Tap my leg if this hurts or is uncomfortable, alright?" Isamu then gently lowered the waistband of the pants to just below the tailbone. "Okay, that's set. Bright side: You won't have a hole in the back of your pants now."

Toshinori snorted quietly. That's good...

The nurse leaned back and drew a slow breath.

"I snagged a pillow from the clean laundry…" Isamu said and grabbed the pillow from the bottom of the medical cart, "Here. I'm going to put this under you. Can you lift yourself up a bit?"

Toshinori pushed his torso up, allowed Isamu to slide the thin pillow under his abdomen, and lowered himself onto it with a groan.

Isamu nodded, "Alright. I need to set up a few things. Are you comfortable?"

Toshinori winced at a shift in the deep ache but gave Isamu a thumbs up.


Toshinori stirred, slowly waking. He flinched at the sharp ache in his back and hips.

"It's okay," said a soft voice, "You just feel asleep."

A familiar beeping reached Toshinori's ears. He blinked blearily and scanned the room. He had to suppress a sigh.

Heart monitor. He glanced at the IV pole. Blood transfusion. Something else? Probably the supplements.

Toshinori shivered as his attention fixed on his left arm. One tube ended in the crook of his elbow and the other in the back of his hand. The IV fluids were still cool. He could feel them in his arm, sending chills through his veins. He forced his gaze away before the sight dredged up old, unwanted memories.

Nurse Isamu sat cross-legged on the floor at Toshinori's side. He gave Toshinori a tired smile. "How're you feeling?"

Toshinori grunted neutrally, shrugging. He started to push himself up when Isamu put his hand on his shoulder.

"That's not a good idea right now." Isamu murmured, "You're between stages and can hurt your tail if you move around too much."

My -? Right… Toshinori ran his hand down his face, trying to ignore the odd, nervous flutter in his chest. The incessant beeping of the monitor denied him that luxury, speeding to match his every heartbeat. Right…

Something slid over the back of his thigh.

"Shit!" Toshinori jumped in surprise.

"It's okay!" Isamu grabbed Toshinori's arm and put a hand on his back, rubbing circles against his shoulder blade, "That's you. That's just you. You need to lie back down. The bone structure is still mostly cartilage and needs time to harden."

Toshinori's heart hammered in his chest, but he complied. He pointedly looked away from the strange weight against his leg. He wasn't … He wasn't ready for that.

"And hey! That was your first clear word!" Isamu said cheerfully, but there was an edge of fatigue in his voice.

Toshinori glanced at the nurse, his expression softening.

Isamu's scrubs were wrinkled. His black hair was disheveled, one side stuck up with a cowlick. Faint shadows darkened the skin under his eyes like bruises, and he slouched in obvious exhaustion.

Toshinori swallowed, "H...ow l-ng?" Speaking felt like rubbing sandpaper in his throat, but it was easier than before.

Isamu reached behind him and brought out a clipboard. He flipped through a couple papers and tapped the middle of the page, "Last I measured, it was about seventy-six centimeters long. It's developing faster than a usual case, but I guess usual can't be-"

Toshinori patted Isamu's leg and shook his head.

"How… l-long'd I sl… eep?" How long have you been sitting there?

"Oh," Isamu quieted, "You were asleep for about nine hours." At Toshinori's wide eyed look, he smiled, "You really needed it. Your body can't handle the changes without rest. And it must be helping because you sound much better. Do you think you can answer some questions? I need to know how well your nerves are developing."

Toshinori nodded tiredly.

"Okay, I'll talk you through it. Um," Isamu smiled awkwardly, "Usually this is exciting for kids and their parents but if you feel uncomfortable, you can take a break."

"Al..r-right," Toshinori replied quietly, mentally bracing himself for… he wasn't sure.

"I'm going to do a few measurements first," Isamu explained, pulling a tape measure from his breast pocket.

Toshinori turned away, fixing his gaze on the crease where the wall met the floor.

His back twitched and the heart monitor skipped.

"Everything okay?" Isamu asked, his gloved hand stilled against Toshinori's back.

"F-fi..ne. Just o-odd." Toshinori muttered. "Pins a-and … needles."

"That's normal." Isamu replied, his relief palpable. "Your nervous system is branching out but it'll take a while for it to fully function. Let me know if you start to feel hot or cold sensations in your tail. That's a good sign of healing."

Isamu pressed against Toshinori's hip bones, "It feels like your pelvis has settled on a pretty standard shape for people with tail quirks. Does it still ache?"

"Fe-els… bruised." The ache was dull and deep, hurting more where his hips pressed against the floor. "I-it's fi...ne."

Isamu nodded, "I'm going to measure the length now."

Pins and needles raced up Toshinori's spine as the weight on the back of his thigh lifted. He heard Isamu hum thoughtfully.

"Eighty-six point five centimeters," the nurse muttered, noting it on the clipboard. "It's making good progress. Given that you are an adult," Isamu furrowed his brow and tapped the page with his pen, "and as tall as you are, it may be safe to assume your tail would be about the same length as your height."

Toshinori's brows rose. Oh.

Isamu looked up, lost in thought, "Your tail should be fully developed, nerves and all, within a week or so."

Toshinori gagged and tasted blood. A week?!

Isamu started, "Are you-? Oh, no. I shouldn't have said that. I really shouldn't ha-"

Toshinori thumped Isamu's knee with the back of his hand, stopping his frightened rambling, and wiped the blood from his chin.

What's done is done, young man. He huffed and glanced at the nurse's disheveled appearance again.

Toshinori sighed, "Rest."

"I'm sorry?" Isamu blinked in surprise, still trembling at his mistake.

"G-go.. rest." Toshinori rested his chin on his folded arms, " 'm fine."

Isamu's brows furrowed in concern, but his refusal stopped before it reached his lips. He quickly covered his mouth as he yawned.

Toshinori smiled softly and gestured with his hand. Go on.

Isamu gave a weak smile in return and checked his watch, "Alright. You've been stable for a while now. Just don't move around too much, alright? I'll be back soon," He stood up and stretched, rubbing at his lower back and groaning as it popped, "I'll bring some food for the both of us when I get back."

Toshinori nodded and watched Isamu leave the room.

His smile crumbled. The beeping heart monitor filled the silence Isamu left behind.

A week...

Resolve flared in his chest and he shook his head.

I can't wait that long.

Toshinori forced himself up, gritting his teeth as pins and needles raced up his back. He gasped through his teeth as the weight of the tail shifted off his thigh. He paused and waited for the feeling to pass.

Enough rest. I've rested too long.

With a nod, Toshinori glared at the chain base in the wall. The deep gouges in the grout around the tiles were subtle, hidden against the metal base, but he had memorized every groove. He wedged his claw between two tiles and continued his work. Dust littered the floor, falling away under his claws.

A thought made him pause. Isamu… Toshinori shook himself. He would find a way to save the young man, but only after he rescued himself. He couldn't help him chained to a wall.

I'm sorry, young man. I will make this up to you.

Toshinori felt a tile loosen as his nail scraped away at the grout. His brows rose, and his pace quickened. He forced his claw under the loose tile and it popped off the wall with a loud crack!

Yes! Toshinori laughed.

Encouraged, Toshinori grinned fiercely.

He tore away tile after tile, his progress made easier with each removed. In his haste a tile snapped and he slipped, slicing the palm of his right hand.

"Shit!" Toshinori spat.

He slammed his hand against the wall leaving a bloody mark. The healing quirk sent a slow wave of fatigue through him as it mended the wound.

Toshinori groaned in frustration. I can't afford this right now.

He blinked and shook his head to clear his thoughts. Sweat soaked his hair and ran down his forehead. His breath rattled wetly. The urge to lie down threatened to overwhelm him.

No! Toshinori grit his teeth, a low frustrated noise rumbled from his throat. He dug at the wall with renewed motivation, claws scraping at the drywall behind the tiles. Come on!

I need to get out.

His heart pounded in his ears.

I need to get back.

Sweat dripped onto the floor.

I need to- Oh!

The drywall peeled away under his claws. He gripped the new edges and tore it down. Debris littered the floor around him. He didn't care. His claws scraped against something hard behind the drywall, and he tugged a larger portion off the wall.

… Shit.

The air around him stilled, dust held suspended. The incessant noise from the medical equipment and his own exhausted panting filled the small prison.

Concrete.

Toshinori stared numbly at the solid, gray slab and looked down at his claws. Their sharp edges were already dulled. The shadows under his eyes deepened.

All Might could take care of this concrete in a second. But as he was now…

I can't stop. Not yet.

Toshinori's back ached. The fog in his mind roiled as another wave of fatigue coursed through him. He faltered, slumping forward. He abruptly shook his head. No! Not this time! I'm stronger...

Toshinori slapped his hollowed cheeks. He dug his claws under the chain base, its screws exposed, and pulled.

Nothing. The screws were firmly buried into the solid concrete.

"Damn it!" Toshinori pressed his forehead against the wall. His chest tightened and he coughed. "God damn it!"

I promised.

Blood flecked against the wall, and pain flared in his chest. The chains smacked his arms and legs as he dug at the wall and metal base, tangible enemies he could face.

I can't lose here. I can't.

He shouted, voice raw with frustration.

The concrete and thick metal screws held, unmoved.

Exhaustion weighed against his body and mind. He sagged, stretched beyond his limits.

Toshinori struck the wall, gripping at the tile and drywall.

Come on! Toshinori's breath rushed out in uneven gasps. I need to be All Might one more time. Just this once!

He grit his teeth and tried to summon his strength. Strength to fight. Strength to win.

Plus! Ultra! Damnit!

His back jerked, and he heard tiles shatter behind him.

He froze.

A shudder ran up Toshinori's thin frame. He felt… splinters of tile, the floor stretched out beneath him, the chill of the air against his skin. A sharp shard cut into his skin and he flinched, curling back towards himself until he brushed against his ankle. He glanced down.

Tail.

"I decided to stock up on supplies before I l-! All Might!"

Toshinori looked over his shoulder.

Ah. The room tilted. He fell.

"No no no no," Isamu's voice pierced the fog. He appeared above Toshinori, tears in his eyes as he examined him. "No, why did you -? You can't!" His expression froze in terror and he looked away, toward the heart monitor.

Toshinori vaguely recognized the long, unbroken tone. Pain shot down his left arm and his breath shuddered.

His heart was still.

Tired.

No, I promised. I'm not … I'm not done.

Toshinori wheezed. Too shallow.

"No no no!" Isamu pressed against the center his chest, "You aren't going anywhere. I'm. Not. Going. To let. You. Die. Okay?"

Something cracked loudly.

"You're All Might!" Isamu was yelling. His voice growing distant and muddled, "You're All Might! You aren't going to die!"

Toshinori's heart finally stuttered, its labored rhythm echoed by the beeping of the monitor. His eyelids fluttered and his vision cleared.

"That's it! Can you look at me?" Isamu beamed. Tears streamed down his flushed face.

Toshinori groaned. He raised a hand to place on the young man's shoulder, but it fell weakly on his chest.

Isamu gripped the fallen hand, "Stay with me. It's alright now."

Toshinori tried to smile, but grimaced as his lungs burned and heart hammered against his ribs.

"Easy. That was too close. I told you not to move. You need to rest." Isamu glanced downward, brows rose in shock. He squeezed Toshinori's trembling hand, "Yeah, you need to rest. Your heart needs to adjust to-," He paused, biting his lower lip, "You're All Might. You can do it. I'll be right here."

Toshinori managed a weak laugh, exhaustion overwhelming him as his ribs mended.

Alright, young man. Sorry I didn't listen.


Toshinori lay on his right side, curled slightly. His heart thumped steadily in his chest, sending tremors across his whole body. His sweat soaked skin was cool, fever long since broken.

Just breathe. Toshinori thought, exhausted. He hadn't moved in hours; regardless, he felt like he had just fought a battle, adrenaline fading and leaving him trembling and weak.

His eyelids drifted shut before he blinked. He couldn't sleep yet.

The fog was still too close.

The fluorescent light had gone dark. The emergency light and medical equipment cast a soft glow on the room. Isamu slouched in the nearby corner, head bowed in sleep, and clipboard still in hand. He had swept away the debris, removed the blood transfusion IV, and given Toshinori an extra pillow to lay on. He had tried valiantly to stay awake, but the day's events had obviously taken their toll.

Toshinori frowned slightly at the sight. The poor young man deserved so much better. Certainly not this.

A soft noise pulled at Toshinori's attention. Rather, a noise and a sensation. He shivered as he recognized the texture of the floor tiles slide against his bare skin. Right. The tail...

Curiosity got the better of him, and he tried to feel with his new limb. His brows furrowed. How do I move this- Oh.

His tail twitched and slid across the cool tile, sending a chill up his spine. That is not eighty-six centimeters…

Toshinori closed his eyes tightly and sighed as another wave of fatigue crashed against him. His tail thumped loudly against the floor at his agitation. He jumped and cracked one eye open as Isamu shifted in his sleep. The nurse's expression darkened and he shuddered but did not wake.

Toshinori huffed, A nightmare?

Isamu's arm jerked, knocking the clipboard from his lap. He curled in on himself, gripping the hem of his scrubs.

Toshinori longed to reach out toward him, to tell him It's alright.

His tail suddenly shifted toward the young nurse.

Hey, hey, hey. No. Not you.

Toshinori froze as his tail reached a dip in the floor. What's -? He concentrated and pressed down, exploring the space further. His tail fit almost… neatly into the dent.

Oh… He blinked, brows raising. I did this.

He pulled the tail away, paying special attention to the way the muscles in the limb moved. He recognized that feeling. It's strong.

Toshinori stilled, and his eyelids fluttered. He dozed briefly and jerked when his tail touched Isamu's foot. Isamu quieted at his touch.

Toshinori sighed and tried to get more comfortable. It has a mind of its own, I swear.

His breathing slowly settled, and his eyes closed, exhaustion pressing down on his body.

Maybe I'll just… rest.

Something buzzed at the back of Toshinori's mind. He shifted in irritation, too tired to think. Go away.

The lock clicked.

Toshinori mentally groaned as the fog rolled in. All for One's familiar footsteps entered the room, halting at the room's center.

Not now. Not like this.

Toshinori couldn't move.

"Quite the progress, Noumu." All for One's voice rolled like molasses, thick and suffocating.

Shut up. Sweat beaded on Toshinori's forehead as the fog pushed against the back of his eyes, threatening to engulf him. He vaguely registered his tail twitching with agitation.

All for One stepped closer, "Ah, you're awake."

No shit. Toshinori longed to press the heel of his hand to his forehead as he fought for control. He beat the fog before, and he could do it again.

"Noumu. Look at me."

A spike of pain lanced through Toshinori's mind, and his hackles rose. He had just enough strength to resist. He glared at his weakly shaking fists, dulled claws pressing into his palms.

All for One hummed and tapped his foot, "Your body is warped, strength lost, yet your mind still resists.

"Surely you've noticed your control slipping. You don't have much time left. You've lost. Accept it."

Toshinori suppressed a groan. The monitor echoed his pounding heart, and his vision clouded.

No.

Something brushed against the middle of his tail.

All for One chuckled, "So close. What would Nana Shimura think if she saw you now? Or your successor?

"Powerless," the heel of All for One's shoe dug into Toshinori's tail, "Broken."

Toshinori didn't - couldn't - respond. He could only grimace at the pain in his new limb.

When All for One lifted his heel, Toshinori's tail slowly scraped across the floor and curled around his body. He saw the blonde tufted end of it through half-lidded eyes.

A smug aura oozed from his sworn enemy, "Almost there."

Then All for One was gone.

Toshinori released a shuddering sigh. He looked toward Isamu, still sleeping in the corner, thankful the young nurse was beneath All for One's notice.

If anything had happened… He shook this head.

The fog in his mind settled, losing traction without All for One's presence. The void of sleep crept up on him instead.

Toshinori shivered, cold settling into his bones. He felt small.

Master… Lend me your strength.


Toshinori dreamt. Early morning fog suspended low and still in the dips of a wide, rolling field. The violet glow of predawn illuminated a sea of yellow flowers. He felt a strong hand on his shoulder, and a warm spring wind drove the fog away.

"Um… All Might?"

Toshinori stirred. He wasn't ready to leave yet.

"Are you … awake? I can't move."

Toshinori groaned and blearily opened his eyes. The room was still dark, dimly lit by the medical equipment and emergency lights. He furrowed his brow. He was already sitting up?

"All Might?"

Toshinori turned.

Isamu was huddled in the corner. He smiled awkwardly and gestured downward. Toshinori's tail was wrapped around the nurses legs, trapping him in place.

Toshinori's brows rose, his gaze following the long limb. Isamu had been right, it must be as long as he was tall and at least as wide as his thigh. The ridged mane extended halfway down its length and curled back around toward- Toshinori twisted, careful of his scars, and glanced downward. The tail extended seamlessly from the base of his back.

I'm not sure what else I expected, Toshinori thought, running the back of a claw from his back to his tail.

Toshinori jumped when Isamu patted his tail. The nurse smiled apologetically, "I, uh, I can't feel my toes."

"S-" Toshinori's throat hitched and he coughed. A dizzy spell rolled through him and he pressed his palm to his forehead. "Sorry."

"It's alright," Isamu said as he pulled his legs from Toshinori's loosened grip. "It gave me a chance to do a quick examination. It's, uh, fully grown and healthy, which considering its accelerated development is pretty fantastic. It has some impressive muscle mass too... All Might?"

Toshinori shuddered and blinked, refocusing on Isamu, " 'm sorry…" He forced a breathy laugh, "Guess I'm st..ill tired."

Isamu frowned and nodded, then flashed a smile, "How about I go and get us some food? I'm sure you could use something more than IV fluids."

Toshinori opened his mouth to respond and realized how parched he felt.

At the thought of food, Toshinori's insides twisted and his throat burned. The tip of his tail twitched as he grimaced, and the involuntary movement grabbed his attention.

He frowned. A tuft of long, unruly, blonde hair covered the tip of the tail. The color was familiar, but the placement was wrong. His brows furrowed as his tail swept lazily across the tile.

An odd feeling pulled at the back of his mind.

Am I forgetting something?

A hand waved in front of his line of sight.

"-t, can you hear me?"

Toshinori blinked. He looked up and tried to focus on Isamu's face, "Hmm?"

The lights were back on. Isamu was kneeling in front of him.

The nurse smiled uncertainly, "I said I need you to move around a bit. Just some stretches to work your muscles. It'll help with the soreness. You've been lying on the floor for a while. Then… then I'll go get some food."

"O-okay." Toshinori shook off the mental fatigue, dismissing his short lapse of attention.

Just tired. That's all.

Isamu sighed in relief, "Great! Would you like to try and stand?"

Toshinori nodded. He shifted his weight to stand only to falter and fall back.

"Woah! You're alright, I got you," Isamu helped Toshinori right himself, wrapping his arm around Toshinori's thin back, "Your balance is going to be off. Just… You can lean on me, if you want."

Toshinori sent Isamu an apologetic glance and focused on his feet as Isamu pulled him upright. He paused while the room tilted then took a shaky step forward. His knees buckled. He started and grabbed the IV pole, trying not to fall.

"Easy, I'm right-!" Air whooshed from Isamu's lungs, and Toshinori looked back.

His tail had wrapped itself firmly around Isamu's stomach, and Isamu pulled backwards to brace himself so that they both wouldn't fall over. Toshinori's eyes widened with alarm as he struggled to loosen his grip.

When his tail dropped to the ground, Isamu grabbed his stomach and doubled over, shaking.

Young man! Are you-?!

Peals of laughter escaped from Isamu's lips. He held out a hand, "Hold-! Hold on!"

Toshinori stood, stunned, as Isamu laughed hysterically.

"I'm sorry! I was not expecting that! Wow!" Isamu rubbed at his back, "What a grip!"

Isamu wiped tears from his face and tried to stifle his giggles, "Hey! Look at you! You're standing!"

Isamu's mirth was infectious. Toshinori snorted and smiled, his tail swishing energetically. He closed his eyes and took a calming breath. His heart felt lighter.

Isamu took a deep breath and sighed, "Okay, okay. I'm good."

He wiped away one last tear and held out his hands, motioning for Toshinori to move forward, "If you feel stable enough, can you try walking around a bit?"

Toshinori hesitated, taking a moment to feel out his balance which shifted as his tail lazily swung from one side to the other.

You aren't helping, he glared at the long tail. It twitched and suddenly swung to his left and he stumbled. His shoulder roughly hit the wall and his tail tangled in the chains. A hand grabbed his right arm. Annoyance flared in his chest and Toshinori growled.

"A...All Might?"

Toshinori tensed. He swallowed roughly, silencing the low growl, and rubbed at his throat.

Isamu moved in front of him, gently holding Toshinori's arms. The nurse examined his face, brows furrowed, "Are you okay? Can you hear me?"

"I… Yes?" Toshinori shook his head. He pushed off the wall and gestured at his tail, still wrapped loosely in the chains. "I just ha-ave to get u..sed to this."

Isamu nodded but still looked uncertain.

"Here," He bent and quickly untangled the chains from around Toshinori's tail.

Toshinori cracked a tired smile and clumsily swatted Isamu's face with the tufted end, earning an indignant splutter from the nurse.

Isamu looked up, "You did that on purpose."

Toshinori's smile grew, not remotely guilty.

Isamu pushed the last chain out of the way and stood, his expression relaxed.

"How about you stay close to the wall for now," the nurse said with a smile, "At least, until you get more control over your balance."

There was a low gurgling and both Isamu and Toshinori looked down. Isamu blushed and pressed a hand to his stomach.

Toshinori huffed a laugh and gave Isamu a playfully stern look.

"When d-id you la...st eat?"

Isamu's blush deepened and he shrugged.

Toshinori shook his head and nudged Isamu toward the door, "Go get so-me fresh air and food." He carefully sat back on the floor, adjusting his chains, "I'll be here."

Isamu's smile faded, "Right… Um, I'll bring some food back."

Toshinori flashed him a thumbs up before carefully stretching his sore limbs.

"Right…" Isamu mumbled as he locked the door behind him.

Toshinori smiled crookedly at the door then continued to stretch, groaning at the knots he'd neglected. He should have known not to try to move much before stretching. He'd told young Midoriya much the same…

His hands dropped back into his lap.

Midoriya…

Toshinori missed him. The poor boy was probably beside himself with worry… It was in his nature.

He sighed, his tail curling around himself and over his crossed legs. Hesitantly, he rested his hands on it, absently running his fingers into the line of unruly hair.

What would Nana Shimura think if she saw you now? Or your successor?

Toshinori frowned and pushed the thought away, claws pressing into the flesh of his tail.

Your body is warped, strength lost...

"Stop i-it," Toshinori scolded himself. Midoriya wouldn't -

Something knocked against the door and Toshinori looked up.

Isamu pushed the door open, two plastic bags in hand.

"Back al..ready?" Toshinori asked, glancing curiously at the puffy coat and the convenience store bags. He grinned when he recognized the logo, "You di..dn't have to rush."

Isamu closed the door and glanced back at Toshinori, "Rush?"

"You we-ere only gone for a f..ew minutes." Toshinori said, brows furrowing in confusion at Isamu's serious expression.

"A few-?" Isamu bit his lower lip, "All Might, I was gone for over an hour."


They ate in silence, the quiet broken only by the rattling of chains.

Toshinori lost time twice, awareness slipping away and back again without his notice. He only lost minutes, Isamu promised him, but the nurse couldn't hide his haunted expression behind false smiles.

Each time Toshinori came back to himself, Isamu was more subdued.

The nurse had said to rest, that Toshinori's mind was just under stress. The physical changes were bound to put a great amount of strain on him. He'd done better than others…

Isamu stared down at his half-eaten meal, absently poking at it as it grew cold, "It'll probably improve with sleep."

Toshinori offered him a small smile and nod.

You're a bad liar, young man...

The fog pressed closer, and Toshinori shuddered under its suffocating weight.

When he opened his eyes, he had moved and Isamu was gone.

Toshinori jolted, glancing around as he quickly stood. Too quickly. His legs and balance failed him.

Shit! He tumbled onto his side, his elbow slamming into the unforgiving tile and his scarred side clenching painfully. He rolled and, groaning, gingerly pressed his hand against his scars. Blood seeped between his teeth and he spat. Frustration flared painfully in his chest and Toshinori ground his teeth, unable to silence the gurgling growl in his throat. Damn it.

The hair on the back of his neck suddenly stood on end. Toshinori whipped around and flinched away.

All for One stooped over him, too close.

Toshinori's tail slammed against the floor and a wordless snarl ripped from his chest as he backed away, heart hammering.

All for One straightened, watching as Toshinori's eyes cleared slightly.

Holy shit. Toshinori suppressed a shudder, breath rasping. He swallowed at the burning in his chest. He hadn't meant to react like that… He shouldn't have… That was -

"Ah, he returns," All for One paused, thoughtfully canting his head to the side, "But for how long this time? I can see you fading already."

Toshinori's hair bristled, and his tail swept back and forth angrily. His sworn enemy's voice grated on his nerves.

All for One chuckled, "Threat displays already? How much of you is left in that husk?"

Toshinori's brows furrowed, and he glanced back at his tail. Threat... dis-?

"You didn't even realize?" All for One brought his hands together with a clap, "How delightful!"

Toshinori bit back an irritated snarl as the fog pressed against his consciousness. His claws scratched at the tile floor as he moved away from the masked villain.

No.

All for One took a step towards him, "Not long now."

Toshinori's vision clouded. He shook his head roughly, raising a clawed hand and pressing it to his forehead.

No! Back off! Think!

All for One continued, ignoring him, "You will simply cease to exist, and I will have my Noumu."

A shadow passed over Toshinori. He crouched lower, growling.

A hand reached towards him, inching closer and closer.

Too close!

CRACK!

All for One stumbled to the side, bent under the forceful impact. Slowly, he brought up his hand and felt along the jagged edge of the hole left in the side of his mask. Ventilation tubes hung loose and hissed.

Toshinori's jaw dropped, eyes wide as he watched his sore tail curl back toward himself.

Strong…

Toshinori smiled wide and laughed. His mind was clear and his eyes bright as he glared triumphantly at All for One.

"Sm..ash."


Thank you for reading! Send me a review or PM if you have any questions or comments.