Title: Eternal Salvation

Summary: "Suicide is not the answer. No... really, it's not. I've already tried that method more times than I can count." Shouta Aizawa didn't know what to make of her. The woman who stood across from him on the roof, with shattered blue eyes laden in anguish and defeat.

Pairing: Kagome/Shouta

Anime: My Hero Academia/InuYasha

Rated: M

Shouta peered out over the city of Musutafu; it was quiet. Quiet could be good, but it usually wasn't. Quiet meant plotting or silent participation. Very rarely did quiet ever mean repose. No, Shouta knew better than to underestimate the silence, even as it left him with time to think.

Speaking of having time to think...

Shota moved through the shadows, thinking about his conversation with Hitoshi before leaving earlier tonight.

"Mom said I had to ask you about getting a younger sister or brother."

He had been completely floored. Kagome had thrown him under a bus before he even knew there was a bus! No, he wasn't mad. Not at all. He was thrilled and...a bit amused. He had asked Hitoshi what he meant by a brother or sister, and Hitoshi explained it clearly.

"When mom saves someone, she brings them home, and our family gets bigger!"

"Is that how you think it works?"

Hitoshi shrugged, "that's how it works for mom. I want her to become a hero again; that way, I won't be the youngest forever."

Shouta smirked. He had no intention of correcting Hitoshi's way of thinking, but getting Kagome pregnant...sounded...mouth-watering. He would have to get to work soon, but first, first, he should do something about that last name of hers. Hizashi had been on his case about their open relationship not being open if the two of them were going to be domesticated lovers anyway. Not that Shouta had been going for domestication or anything, but shit, it was hard to find someone better than Kagome. She was beautiful, wild, and intelligent. There was a power inside of her that she kept hidden from the rest of the world. Did he love her? Did he?

The last time he threw the word love around was with his mom. His dad had been a bastard, someone who would have been better off dead for all the grief he made his mother feel. Shouta would have killed his father himself if he had been less of a man. His mother...was a kind and beautiful woman, who loved with her whole heart, until her last breath. She'd worked hard, day and night, to see to it that he was able to go to school and live a fairly normal life.

It was before he started at U.A... she ended up sick, weak, tired...too tired, and made him promise to do better than his father, better than her. He never could understand that last part, though. She was his light, the reason he never stopped moving forward, even when he didn't think he could become anything in the future. How could he do better than her? Of course, those truths would come out later in his adult life, but in his eyes, she was still his mother who did her best despite the cards in her hand. She did whatever she had to do... no matter the cost of her own happiness, she did it for him. Why? Because his mother loved him until her last breath. So when asked if he loved Kagome and if he was brave enough to use that word, he didn't want to use it lightly. Yes, he loved Kagome. He would do anything for her happiness. Her's, Toshi's, Ten's...even Zashi's, if the blonde could bring himself to believe it.

The night surrounding him seemed still before a scream pierced the veil. Running along the rooftop and slipping down a fire escape where he could see silhouettes in the distance.

"Please, please let me go!"

"She's cute. Let's quiet her down before she gets someone's attention."

Grabbing the scarf around his neck, he moved forward, and the scarf twisted alive and wrapped itself around the male. He flipped down and slammed his foot into the other guy who was talking. The girl they'd surrounded stumbled backward into the wall. She watched as the two barely had time to register what was happening when they ended up unconscious and tied up at the end of the alley. Shouta checked the girl over. She was quick to bow and thank him before turning and running home.

Once the police came for the two thugs, Shouta was back to patrolling. The night was once again quiet. Quiet was rarely good.

Morning - Six O'clock

Kagome pulled on a pair of skin-toned stockings. Adjusting her bra before her fingers traced the outlines of the bare arm laying closest to her. Souta was still asleep, always the type to wake up at the last possible moment. Reaching to the pencil skirt she'd laid out a few minutes ago. Slipping the skirt on, she zipped it up and turned it, so the zipper faced the back. Turning, she knelt on the mattress and pressed her body against Shouta's chest. "Hey, handsome, won't you wake up?"

"Is it that time already?"

Pressing her fingers into his muscles, she watched how they moved and flexed under her touch, tensing and relaxing. "It's that time."

Shouta rolled over and stared at Kagome, who was looking down at him. He reached up and took some of her cascading hair in his hand, "you've dolled yourself up, but don't you think you should put a top on?"

Laughing, Kagome brushed his hand from her hair, "I'm still getting dressed. I just wanted to wake you up too." Bringing his hand to her lips, she brought the tip of her tongue along his fingertips. Smirking when he sat up and pressed the digit further up the length of her tongue. "Mmn~" She pressed her hip in closer to his groan, feeling his hardening dick against her, his free hand pressing her skirt higher up her thigh until her black panties could be seen peeking out from beneath the skirt. Her eyes glistened as he pulled his finger from between her lips, leaving a thin trail of saliva connecting them. Trembling under his heated gaze, "Shouta, it's been a while since you've had your way with me. Wreck me, devastate my body, please!"

Shouta didn't need to hear another word. He flipped her over, pressing into her core, feeling the heat from beneath the thin fabric of her panties. He would make her scream!

Hizashi stretched as he climbed out of bed. He could vaguely hear something but was too tired to make heads or tales of whatever it was. He was pretty sure he knew what those noises were. Pulling his headset on, he put on some music to block out the now clear sounds of ecstasy. "If he doesn't put a ring on her finger soon, I might have to sweep in and steal her from him myself."

Today, from what he understood, Kagome would be joining them at U.A. for a job. He wasn't sure of what it would be like working with her or, for that matter, what she would be teaching? He'd seen her healing quirk at work; she was talented and well versed with it, so it would make sense if she were placed in the school nurse position. However, Chiyo already held that position and didn't look ready to retire anytime soon.

Turning the shower on, he only took his headset off when a surge of steam rose from over the curtain. He was sure he'd still hear them, despite the heavy pattering of the water. The kids were still asleep and would remain asleep for at least another hour. Thank God for that.

Warm water cascaded over his shoulders, and his hair fell along his back, weighed by the water. Washing his hair, he ran his fingers through the long blonde stands and tried to relax. He enjoyed the feeling of the power pulsing spray beating along his muscles. Forcing his mind to think about school. Classes didn't start for a few more weeks... even though they needed to go in for meetings and course prep work.

Pumping some of his body wash in his hand, bubbles formed with a lather as he messaged the aromatic wash across his muscles. Rubbing his hands across his chest and— 'Jesus fuck, those two are loud!' He was trying so hard to be the supportive best friend, but fucking hell was he jealous! Not just of Shouta but of Kagome too. Not that he was about to "self-insert" himself into their relationship... but seriously... he'd had feelings for Shouta since their second year. How was this fair?

Closing his eyes, he zeroed in on their moans. He could envision them in his mind, going at it without a care. The thought of Shou slamming his cock inside Kagome, her hands bracing her as she was pressed down against their bed. He could practically see the headboard rocking, knocking against the wall in rhythm to each thrust. The two disregarded everyone in the house as they latched on to their carnal desires.

"Ah!" His hair fell around his face, his hand gripping his hard-on, fisting the erection as he pumped his hand up along his length. He wondered whose name he'd cry out this time. Three fucking years, he was going insane. He needed more. So much more! "Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!" Hizashi leaned forward, his hand still pumping his thirsty cock, spreading his legs as he brought his other hand to his mouth, sucking on two of his fingers. He released a breathy moan as his tongue lapped the length of each digit until they were dripping with saliva. He brought his fingers back behind him. Hizashi closed his eyes and ran a finger along his puckering hole, whimpering as it quivered under his touch before he pressed his finger inside, followed by a second finger. Scissoring in and out as he worked the ring of muscles. Immediately he could feel the tight walls pulsating around his fingers. "More... Shou...Shou...I need more!" Mewling into each thrust of his finger inside, he moaned louder and louder, hips jerking as his fingers became slick in his ass. Hizashi's mouth was wide open, tongue hanging out. More brazen; desperately wanting, needing, something! "SHIT!" He came across the shower wall, groaning as he rubbed out every last spurt of cum, his dick twitching in his hand, ass tightening around his fingers. 'Fuck, I accidentally used my quirk...' He heaved a breath as he tried to come down from his high.

Hizashi knew better than to do shit like this, but he couldn't help the aroused mess those two left him in. Dropping his hand away from his ass, he stared down at his slick fingers. Turning his attention to the wall, he detached the shower head and washed away the evidence of his desires. "No one needs to know..."

Kagome had heard Hizashi, and she knew Shouta had heard him, but he hadn't made any show of slowing down. "Sh-Shou-ah ah! Shouta!"

"What is it, Kitten?"

He rasped in her ear, her eyes practically rolling back in her head at the husky tone. Being fucked from behind, arms tied behind her by Shou's favorite weapon, forced to arch into each thrust. Kagome loved it! She could practically see hearts with every forceful shove of his cock inside of her. "Hi-Hizashi! Y-yelling, he could-aaAH!"

Shouta sped his pace up, drilling harder into her as he pulled her further back against him, keeping her back in such a pretty crescent shape. Her breasts jutted out, and her nipples puckered at attention. Watching her gorgeous mounds bounce as he slammed his hips forward, he listened for Hizashi, having a pretty decent idea what that sound was about, but no proof.

He wasn't worried, though. Sure as hell, Shouta wasn't about to pull out of Kagome for anything less than a villain attack. Already he'd emptied two loads inside of her and was planning on going for a third. Reaching around, he let go of her arms and grabbed her breasts, closing his eyes as he drowned in her cries of pleasure. "Fuck yes! Kagome, you feel so fucking good!" Leaning in and whispering into her ear, murmurs of getting her pregnant, having a child with her, listening to her sweet purrs and mewls of rapture and bliss.

Tears swelled in her eyes. She couldn't help the overwhelming craving she felt. "Shouta, Shouta, do you mean it!?"

"Fuck, yes, I do." Pressing a kiss to her lips. She twisted in his arms; he could feel an unfamiliar warmth forming inside of her.

Kagome moaned against his lingering lips, and a pink glow touched all along her body before it faded. She pulled back, and her eyes locked with his. "Come inside, again! Please, do it again!"

Shouta was so far gone. Pouring his seed inside her womb for the third time, he placed a hand against the bed to keep himself from collapsing against Kagome. Eyes searching out the time as he moaned into labored breaths, "shit..." he gasped, pulling out as he set himself to the side of her. Snapping his weapon, Shouta watched it release its hold on her so she could fall into the bed.

Hizashi had coffee and tea made when the two came out of Shouta's room. He sat on a stool at the kitchen island, staring at the cup in his hand for a hard moment before taking a small drink of the steaming beverage.

The two were talking, but he couldn't hear them. It was easier if he drowned them both out. However, when Kagome stepped around the island and placed a hand on his shoulder, Hizashi couldn't block that out. His body tensed and seized up under her touch, almost as if jolted by electricity. He looked at her, his blue eyes clashing with hers. He could recognize a look of concern, and when Shouta turned his back to pull out a mug and pour himself some coffee, Hizashi leaned in. His lips pressed gently to hers before either he or Kagome knew what had happened.

"Whoa..."

Kagome stumbled back, turning wide eyes to Tenko, looking at her and Hizashi with mild intrigue. Kagome said nothing as she quickly slipped out of the kitchen without her tea. Grabbing her shoes, she pulled them on before running out the door.

There was an awkward silence that followed her departure. Tenko looked over at Hizashi, who stared at the door Kagome had just left through. When Shouta turned back, he glanced at the door and then back at Hizashi and Tenko, "where did Kagome go?"

"..."

"..."

Neither Tenko nor Hizashi felt like speaking up. Tenko excused himself first, going upstairs to wake Hitoshi up. Hizashi returned his attention to his drink, then looked up at Shouta.

"Zashi, what happened? What did I miss?"

He wished he could have just continued to ignore the two. He loved the kids. Being Uncle Zashi was great and made him happy. However, he loved Shouta and had feelings for Kagome, too... and those were a bit harder to dismiss. "Sorry."

"What are you apologizing for?"

Grabbing his keys, Hizashi headed towards the door, but he stopped before leaving and turned to face Shouta. "Kagome," he considered, not saying anything, but who knew what he might do next. Shou would probably kill him if he did anything else. "I kissed her. I don't regret it." Out of the house without another word, Hizashi made his way to his car.

When Tenko came downstairs for the second time, he had Hitoshi dressed and ready for the day. He would be staying home with Hitoshi today while the adults were at U.A... and oh, what a long day it was going to be for them. He considered saying something but didn't know what to say. Instead, he made cereal for himself and Hitoshi, and the two found spots on the floor before turning the T.V. on.

Sparing Shouta a curious glance, Tenko took a spoonful of cereal and turned his eyes to the show Hitoshi was watching. It felt weird in the house. Thinking about Uncle Hizashi, he wondered if he'd ever shown any such feelings towards his mom, he couldn't recall. Maybe he did; maybe he'd been too young to recognize those feelings. Or maybe that was just him.

"Ten, you know the deal." Shouta called as he finished his coffee and placed the cup in the sink, "If you plan on going somewhere, text or call one of us."

Tenko nodded, "um... is everything going to be alright?"

"Of course. Don't worry about it, Tenko."

He nodded, "right, if you say so. I mean, technically, neither of you ever came out that you were in a relationship, so Uncle Hizashi had every right to go after her if he's interested. Not like you're in a hurry to marry her."

"Kid, remind me to quote you when you're in my place."

"No worries there," Tenko laughed, "I'm never going to fall in love. The idea of getting married and having a family honestly disturbs me. This quirk..." He lifted his hand, "ends with me."

Shouta stepped over to Tenko and crouched beside him, "We'll see, kid." Ruffling his snowy blue-tinted locks before pressing a kiss to Hitoshi's head, "be good for your brother."

-35 YEARS AGO-

Blood splattered across the ground, more blood, and unnecessary death. Across from her, Takeshi laughed cruelly as he stared down at his hand, coated in red. Nana Shimura was dead. Nana Shimura was the holder of One for All and the old holder of One for All.

The old man who'd trained Nana...the student she'd taken in... Kagome listened to the screams of anguish and heartache that followed her death. They would be safe, though. Kagome brought up a barrier as they passed her; no longer would Takeshi be able to chase after them. It was all that she could do to preserve Yoichi's flame. '...gomen, seven...' Shaking her head, Kagome turned and walked away. In her heart, she knew Takeshi couldn't last forever. That one day, he would need to die. He just had to. Even Naraku only lasted a few years, so why...what made Takeshi so hard to kill. The shimmer of her barrier glistened in the chaos left behind by Nana and Takeshi's fight, nothing like the carnage around her. He tried to tear her barrier down, unaware that she'd brought it up, that she could do something outside of healing. He didn't need to know. These gifts were hers to keep safe. Just as she had hidden the Jewel all those years ago, she would continue to hide her strengths.

Takeshi found her a bit away from the explosion. He'd take her away from the wreckage. If only to avoid losing her to his chaos, yet he never left her out of it. The number of times she'd tried to stay away and talk him into leaving her behind at their hideout, he wouldn't. She had front row seats to the fall of One for All's hosts. Every scream, every tear, every last breath...she'd heard and seen them all. "Looks like my work here is done. Shall we go?"

She couldn't respond. Standing by and watching Takeshi kill Nana, Kagome felt that she might as well have been the one to kill the hero herself. 'Toshinori, Yagi...will you be the one to put an end to Takeshi. Will you be the one to do what no other before you could?'

PRESENT-DAY

Kagome stared at the magazine on the desk in front of her. Having arrived at U.A. about ten minutes ago, she was standing in Nezu's office waiting on him to finish making tea. During that time, she looked around the office at the books, the cameras, and finally, the magazine he'd been invested in before she'd arrived. It was an American magazine that she'd recognize anywhere. TIME magazine; she guessed some things could last through time. The cover had All Might in his Bronze Age outfit, holding what appeared to be his Silver Age outfit in his hand. His ever-present smile on his face, what a fake smile. She'd seen it so many times, covering all the pain and suffering with a blinding grin. All for the fans. Always for the fans. Never for him. She couldn't recall the last time she'd seen him genuinely smile. The last time she'd seen him was years before he'd left for America.

"You're quiet, Kagome."

She was. Before her thoughts had traveled to All Might, they'd been completely monopolized by Hizashi, a kiss, and guilt. Why did she feel guilty? Oh, haha, where to start. For one, she felt bad for not being upset with Hizashi. Like, he'd kissed her without permission, and it hadn't bothered her? Couple that with the fact that she was in a "relationship" with Shouta. Shouta, who...from Kagome's understanding, was Hizashi's best friend? Her thoughts were beating her down. How was she supposed to feel? There were protocols for when your boyfriend's best friend kissed you, right? No. During her walk to U.A., she'd searched the web for anything that might help her through her thoughts. Nothing. Nothing helpful, at least. Shit, the last time she'd dealt with this kind of drama, she'd been fifteen, like...a hundred and so years ago. Inuyasha was messing around with her and Kikyou, but she'd been on the receiving end of those hurtful emotions, never in Inuyasha's place. Was it even fair to compare these two situations?

"Kagome?"

'Wait, he's talking to me? What was the question?' Kagome looked up at Nezu. Frowning, she looked down at the cup in her hand. When had he handed her a cup of tea? "Sir," Kagome placed the cup on the saucer and slid it onto his desk. She pushed her thoughts back and smiled at the principal. "What was it you needed? You sent a job application, but I'm feeling a bit blindsided. What position are you looking for me to fill, Nezu?"

"There was an incident last night, and while I invited you here intending to sit down and blackmail you into a position properly, I am remiss to say your attention is needed elsewhere at the moment."

Blackmail aside, Kagome keyed in on whatever incident occurred the night before. She hadn't heard about anything going down, so Kagome couldn't say she knew what Nezu was talking about. "An incident, sir?"

"You recall where the infirmary is, right?"

Well, that should at least distract her from her earlier drama. Kagome bowed and excused herself, not staying any longer as she redirected herself down the hall and to a different floor. She made her way to the nurse's room, where she could hear a pained groan from inside. Sliding the door open, Kagome stared in shock at the hero lying on the bed, bleeding out of his side where...a good portion of his stomach was gone.

"Who are you, dearie? What are you doing in my office this early? You look too old to be a student; how did you get in?"

Kagome recognized the woman after having read a documentary on her years ago. She slipped past her before she could shut the door in her face. Not answering questions, she moved over to All Might, who was going in and out of consciousness. There was someone else in the room too. She didn't get a good look, though. No, she lifted the baggy, bloody fabric that was semi-covering his injury, just not well enough to conceal it. Finally, Kagome turned an annoyed look to the woman when she started nudging her with her cane. "Nezu sent me in here; please stop." Removing the fabric when the woman stilled and stepped away, she eyed the injury critically, and her eyes widened a bit in realization. "He went after Takeshi."

"I'm sorry?"

She trailed her eyes back to the man standing on the other side of the bed. There was a much smaller, shorter man next to him. The man looked as if he were in just as bad a predicament, all wrapped and wounded.

"..." no answers. She didn't know him. She definitely didn't owe him answers. All Might, perhaps, but not some stranger. "What have you done, healing-wise?" She really hoped that the woman hadn't started yet. Surely, this couldn't be all that she could do. On the other hand, maybe he'd been in a worse state than this before Kagome arrived.

"I'm not sure who you think you are, miss, but this room is off limits at th-"

"Chiyo, go ahead and answer her questions."

From the doorway, Nezu stood looking at the three with an unnerving smile in place.

"...I've healed him to the best of my ability. All that we can do now is wait."

Shaking her head, Kagome looked pointedly at Nezu, "get everyone out; I'll do what I can."

"Yes, thank you."

A lot went on in the academy. A lot went unseen by the teachers on site. Most wouldn't be at the school yet, but for two teachers, they were oblivious to the hero lying in pain in the infirmary or Kagome, who was breaking the laws of medicine to mend his body.

"Are we really going to do this?"

Hizashi crossed his arms almost indignantly, glaring at Shouta while not actually meaning it. It was a confusing mess of I'm-jealous-of-you-angry-with-you-and-frustratingly-attracted-to-you all rolled into one loud blonde. This was a complicated situation that neither knew really how to move past.

With that being said... Shouta wasn't "mad." He was worried. Worried for Hizashi and worried for Kagome. However, between the two, Kagome had a hundred years of emotional maturity on both himself and Hizashi. His friend was currently throwing a tantrum, proving the thought right. Hopefully, he'd made the right choice when going after the blonde first. "Can we talk?"

"Talk; I'm not stopping you."

"If you are attracted to Kagome, why didn't you just say something?" Maybe he should have started with something different. Hizashi looked like his brain might implode with that one question. "Listen, Zashi. I've known you since we were fifteen. Now, unless I've completely missed the last ten years, you and I are friends. You aren't in the neighborhood of hurting someone just to hurt them."

"It's not that simple."

"Why?" Hizashi looked jaded. Shouta wanted to reach out and brush away that look of a wounded animal but hesitated.

"It's not just Kagome."

"What?" Maybe he was just oblivious, or more oblivious than he thought, at least. Hopefully, only with feelings, as this level of unawares would be quite unhelpful to him while working. "What do you mean?"

"You, Shouta!" Clenched fists began shaking from next to Hizashi, angry and scared blue eyes pleading with Shouta to understand him, but Hizashi made no move to clarify his words.

"Me..." Shouta stared at his hand before turning his eyes back to the blonde. It suddenly started to click in his head, "you like me. You've never once said anything-"

"And how am I supposed to start that conversation?" He threw his arms out wildly in his exasperation, "I'm not like you, Shou. I can't just come out and say what's on my mind without fear of being abandoned or left behind. I thought I could just ignore it, that I could be satisfied being by your side just as friends, helping you take care of your chaotic family and, yeah, possibly a child of your own, but shit! I can't do it! I- I don't want to sit by and hurt while the people I care about the most move on without me. I know I'm being selfish, I know...but I don't know what I'm supposed to do when I feel like this." He dropped to his knees, staring lost at his shadow as he wondered where he'd gone wrong. "What do I do?"

Shouta was conflicted. He loved Kagome. He also loved Hizashi and would never dream of hurting him. Were those feelings of love the same, though? Stepping up to Hizashi, he brought a hand to the back of his neck and wondered why he hadn't seen anyone. So far, it was just himself and Zashi, which was weird. The camera pointing toward them told him Nezu was probably watching them too. The nosy rat that he was. No, he wasn't going to think about that. He already had a lot on his hands; Nezu would only complicate things. He crouched down in front of Hizashi, looking at his lost friend.

He wondered what he should do. His next move? Should he even have a "next" move? Shouta considered his options before heaving a sigh, not out of exhaustion but because he felt the overwhelming feeling in his chest pushing for him to do things he might later regret if he wasn't careful with how he approached the situation. So, he placed a hand on Hizashi's shoulder and leaned down for a kiss. This would make things better...right? No, a little voice in his head told him this was just the start of brewing drama. However, feeling Hizashi's shoulder relax under his hand, he couldn't bring himself to care about whatever drama he might be inviting. He'd deal with it as it came.

Kagome fisted her hand in the cloth she'd been using to wipe the blood away from the hero. He had passed out a good while ago, actually. Sleeping peacefully under the ebb and flow of her purification and healing abilities, she used her quirk where needed. She was pleased to see the obvious signs of his body's reconstruction. It was taking a bit out of her, but her quirk worked to replenish herself, too. Never allowing Kagome to feel too exhausted by the events. Walking away from Toshinori, she approached the door and threw it open, looking at the group as they turned to face her. In the background, if they were to peer past her, she was sure they'd see the still-glowing hero on the bed. "Visiting hours are from now until whenever. I don't care. Just don't be too loud." Moving out of their way, she watched Chiyo move to the man's side, her mouth morphing into surprise as she took in the healing body.

"You managed to restore his body. How?"

Kagome shrugged, not feeling like answering. "It was easier than regrowing a limb."

No one bothered to comment on the absolute absurdity of that comment. After all, they could hardly refute it.

Nezu climbed onto a chair and looked at Toshinori with a smile before looking at Kagome, who leaned against the wall next to the tall and small men for whom she still didn't have names. "You did very well, Kagome. Do you need to remain close for your quirk to continue the healing process?"

"I need to be close enough to monitor his reciprocation, but I don't need to touch him or anything. What I've done so far has already seen the most severe of his injuries healed, and his respiratory system is back up and running properly. Had to reconstruct most of his stomach, and those shattered ribs have been rebuilt, stronger and more durable. I want to advise everyone here, assuming you know his quirk and how it works..." That had eyes fully on her. She couldn't be bothered to care. "He needs to start actively searching out a successor."

"What do you know?"

Looking up at the tallest of the group, Kagome smirked, "more than you, beanstalk."

"No name-calling," Nezu scolded her lightly, though the smile he wore didn't fade in the slightest. "How long would you give him?"

"Extended from what he had before I went in and fixed his internal setup, firstly, he should take precautions with his hero work. His body isn't in any immediate trouble, but from what I could feel while playing around inside, his quirk is starting to reach out for its next holder. I give him as many as ten years at the most, but I suggest starting his search now rather than later. Waiting will limit his options to those convenient, not necessarily chosen."

"If only it were that easy,"

Looking down, Kagome frowned at the now awake Toshinori, "I have a candidate for you if you're willing to meet him. I think you would like him, but I also think he's too young now."

Toshinori looked at Kagome, "a candidate?"

"Mm, but don't worry about that right now. Sleep, rest, and let all the bad wash away in your dreams. I'm sure your friend could use a bit of rest too." She looked at the little old man, "did you want me to look your injuries over as well?"

"No worries here, kid. I may be old, but these bones don't need coddling."

"I wasn't asking to coddle you. I was asking if you wanted me to ensure nothing was wrong internally that would cause you to have a system failure later on in your old life." He stuttered back into a chair as Kagome pushed him down and held a hand out, "thinking I care about how old you are; I want to make sure I do what I can for the injuries that can be reached with my abilities. Now, if you have nothing else to add, sit and don't talk."

"You have a horrible bedside manner, dear."

Kagome nodded, "I'm not a doctor. I'm a mom."

For what it was worth, that seemed to answer all of their questions while simultaneously digging up another handful of inquiries they weren't sure how to ask. Toshinori was back asleep before Kagome finished working on the little old man, her eyes meeting his with a smile as he thanked her.

Chiyo yammered on about her quirk's extraordinary potential and poor execution and use of it. "You should stick around," she prodded Kagome with her cane. "I'm old and tired, and while I'm confident I can continue for a few more years...well..." she looked pointedly at her cane. "I think I'd like to retire one day and enjoy the rest of my life relaxing."

"Retiring, huh?" Kagome loved the way that word felt on her lips. Note that she hadn't worked as more than a personal healer her whole life, but she was still tired. Tired of living a life with no control over her choices. No, that wasn't it. No energy to make a choice. She needed to be more assertive with her choices. Kagome could make them and forge a brighter future for herself and her family. Her family... she still needed to deal with that. What was she supposed to do? Hizashi had kissed her, and while Shouta hadn't seen it, she felt he might know by now. Tenko definitely saw. Would he say something about it?

"Kagome, you're lost in your thoughts again. I am sincerely curious about what's happening in your head."

"I might regale you with the tale of a young girl's swaying heart later, Nezu. For the sake of amusement, of course." She looked at Chiyo and shook her head, "Sorry, lady, but you're still a few years too early to ask for retirement." Her attention turned to the old man, "I assume you have no way of confirming that Takeshi is dead?"

"Takeshi?" Again, the little old man spoke. The taller of the two men hadn't spoken a word throughout the entire time Kagome had been there.

"...All for One, that's what you call him? I always thought that silly, giving him a name that only served to empower him. A name that he chose. All for One, tch, no thanks." Waving it off like a bug, "His name is Takeshi Shigaraki, and if you can't provide me a body, he's still alive. The thing about Takeshi is if you beat him down to an inch of his life, he'll only come back stronger. You either kill him or don't fuck with him."

Blanching at the way she spoke to them, the little old man growled, "if you knew that much, why not say something?"

"Who would I tell? The police? Heroes? Out of sight, out of mind, unless you have direct dealings with Takeshi, no one will respond to him as the threat that he is unless they see it first hand. Heroes these days are too cocky and too arrogant. They'll throw themselves headfirst into a fray they have no business in and only get themselves killed. There is only one kind of here who can beat Takeshi... and he hasn't been discovered," glancing at Toshinori, she could see the controlled breathing and knew he was listening, "by the right guy, yet." The old man leaned against the chair next to him, looking more tired than when Kagome arrived. "If you plan to go after him again, know you have time. At a minimum, he'll go into hiding for a few years, so now is the time to consider our options."

"I agree," Nezu grinned wildly, "and Kagome, I would like for you to assist Toshinori with the steps to defeating All for One or...Takeshi. After all, you know him best."

Me: Here is chapter eight of Eternal Salvation! I can't wait to see where this goes. Oh, yeah, if you think I have any idea of what I'm doing, you're dead wrong!