I do not own BNHA or its characters.

Enjoy Chapter Six of "Canvas"

Cowritten and proofread by aoimikans on Tumblr.

Breaking Point

Toshinori distantly felt hands grip his shoulders, lifting him off the floor and gently laying his head on something soft. The back of his head and neck throbbed and sent spikes of nausea into his gut. A noise, high and loud, rang in his ears.

"-ight? All M-ht? C- you -en your eyes for me?"

Toshinori winced away from the too loud voice, head pressing back against the soft surface. Another throb pressed like a vice against his skull and forced a groan from his lips.

Hurts! Claws gripped at tile and air.

Blood surged up his throat, and he choked.

The gentle grip pulled Toshinori's shoulder up and rolled him on his side. He coughed, body shaking under the force of his hacking until his lung was clear of the bloody congestion. He gasped miserably, waves of fatigue crashing through him and leaving him trembling.

"That's it. Get that out of your system," the voice above him was soft, as was the hand that rubbed circles on his back. "I need you to open your eyes for me, alright?"

Toshinori managed to crack one eye open, wincing at the too bright light that waved in front of it. His eyes watered and he squeezed them shut.

Moments later - or minutes? Had he dozed off? - something warm and damp brushed at the back of his head. A jagged, swollen line stung and itched before numbing. The warm cloth dampened his hair and brushed down his neck, cleaning the clumps of hair that stuck together and smelled of copper and rust.

"What happened? Do you remember where you are?"

Toshinori carefully opened his eyes. Light sent another spike of dizzying nausea through him, and he forcefully swallowed it down.

Nurse Isamu bent over him, blocking the majority of the ceiling light. His brows were drawn with worry as he examined Toshinori's face.

Toshinori's gaze shifted slowly to focus on the wall and the large, rounded dent in the cracked tile. A dark smudge marred the tile and grout, and streaks of crimson dripped from its center.

A small, pained smile pushed past Toshinori's grimace.

I made him mad. His laugh sounded more like a weak cough. Pain lanced through his skull at the small movement. He shut his eyes and held himself still until it passed.

Ah, still worth it.

Suddenly, there was a loud click, and Isamu turned toward the door.

"N-nurse Tetsumi?" the warm cloth pulled away, "What -?"

The sound of chains dragging loudly across the tile crashed against Toshinori's sensitive ears. He winced, riding out the throbbing pain, and willed himself not to vomit.

"Move." The older nurse stood over Isamu, her voice cold as she commanded her junior.

Isamu moved only slightly, carefully positioning himself behind Toshinori's head.

Toshinori grit his teeth as Nurse Tetsumi abruptly pushed his legs to the side. A cold and heavy shackle clamped around the middle of his tail and sent a chill across his fevered skin. Two more clamped tightly around his ankles.

"That's… that's really not necessary…" Isamu muttered.

"It is," was Tetsumi's clipped reply. She lifted her arm, bandaged and in a sling, "You want the noumu to attack you too? It's only a matter of time."

Toshinori's brows furrowed, watching as Tetsumi gingerly pressed her arm back to her chest. She pointedly avoided looking him in the face.

She's afraid of me, he realized. Pity and anger collided in his chest, unresolved.

I feel sorry for you, said one.

Villains can wear pink scrubs, said the other. If it were anyone else in my place-

Isamu shook his head, "He wouldn't."

"Oh?" Toshinori heard the venom that dripped from Tetsumi's voice, "And how do you know that won't change? He's fading."

Isamu's hands, still gently washing away blood on Toshinori's shoulders, slowed to a stop.

Toshinori scoffed, startling both nurses.

" 'm still he..re," he said with a shaky grin and gave Tetsumi a cheeky wink.

The nurse looked petrified before she schooled her expression and scowled.

"Not for long," she stated. With a swift wave of her uninjured hand, the new chains snaked up the wall and secured themselves to the bases. "You're already showing advanced stages. You are a noumu, a danger to everyone around you until the rest of you is gone."

Toshinori shook his head, grimacing when his migraine worsened.

"Try not to move too much," Isamu said softly, holding his head still between his hands. "You have a concussion."

Toshinori hummed neutrally, "W-wouldn't be... the fi-irst time."

Isamu cracked a small smile above him.

Tetsumi abruptly stood, not quite able to hide her contempt.

"Nurse Isamu, let me remind you this is a noumu, not a patient." She glared and gestured at the damage in the wall around the chains' bases. "That should be evidence enough."

"That's because patients aren't prisoners," Isamu muttered darkly.

"What did you say?" Tetsumi glared down at the young nurse.

Isamu didn't meet her gaze, but his expression hardened.

Toshinori recognized that expression, and pride stirred in his chest.

Stubborn. Good man. Then worry flared behind his migraine. Isamu was not a professional hero trained for fighting. He was a nurse, meant for healing. Toshinori nodded back against Isamu's hands and gave him a cautious frown. Be careful…

A shudder suddenly ran down Toshinori's spine and he tensed. It was a far too familiar feeling.

Shit… Another quirk? When-?

He flinched as his migraine spiked and the fog reared its ugly head, swiftly eating away at his consciousness.

"See?" Toshinori heard, "It's only a matter of time."

Consciousness and pain roared back with a vengeance. Toshinori gasped and and his back arched. Clawed hands shot up to cradle his head. Agony.

He heard a wordless, inhuman moan. Too close. Too loud. It tore at his throat.

Toshinori shuddered as the ache marginally eased and carefully opened his eyes.

An electric pain hammered against his retina and through his skull. He squeezed them shut again and rolled away from the too bright light.

He couldn't see.

Couldn't think.

Hurts…

Toshinori tasted metal. He'd bit his tongue.

Curling in on himself, he covered his face. Nausea clenched in his gut as his chest burned. His arms and hands shook as they pressed against his eyes. Wet streaks lined his hollow cheeks.

"F-" Fuck! Holy shit!

His tail thrashed and legs kicked out fitfully, and his chains crashed against the floor. The noise drove pain like nails into the sides of his skull.

Stop!

Please! Just hold still.

Don't move.

Claws dug into his scalp. They felt sharp again.

There was a pinch in his arm.

A voice.

A hand pulled at Toshinori's clawed grip on his scalp.

He shuddered as he was pulled into fitful sleep.

Wrong.

Toshinori woke slowly. His head throbbed, dull and fading, just a lasting echo of the pain. He shivered and rolled onto his stomach, the muscles around his scar twitching at the tiles' touch. The floor was cold beneath him and he felt stiff.

Cautiously, he cracked open his eyes. It was dark.

"All Might?"

Toshinori's ears perked.

"All Might," Isamu's voice was quiet, "Are you there?"

Toshinori groaned, his voice rough and throat raw. He managed a small nod before pressing his face to the soothing cool tile.

He paused. A dark cloth covered his eyes.

Before he could reach up for it, he felt a hand on his wrist.

"You should leave that on for now," Isamu said, subdued.

Wrong.

Toshinori frowned, confusion tensing his gut.

"Wh..y?" Toshinori cracked a weak smile, " 's it my face tha-at changed this time?"

"No!" Isamu said quickly. "Your face is the same as before!"

Toshinori chuckled and coughed, "J-joking."

"O-oh," Isamu stuttered. He paused and sighed, "The blindfold is there to block the light. It hurts your eyes."

Toshinori nodded, vaguely remembering the burning pain. His eyes still ached.

"Here," Toshinori heard Isamu stand and walk away, "Now that you're awake I can -" There was a sharp click, "Okay, you can take it off."

After giving the blindfold a quick tug and ignoring the way it brushed past the pointed tips of his ears, Toshinori blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light in the room.

"The li-ight's not s-so bad," he said, pushing his torso up a little and glancing around. He frowned a little at the subdued, almost gray surroundings, "Exc..ept I might be co-olorblind now."

Isamu shifted in his spot by the door, blinking rapidly and squinting a little. Then the nurse met his gaze and tensed.

Toshinori furrowed his brow, "Everyth..ing alright?"

"Your, um, your eyes," Isamu shifted, still staring nervously at Toshinori, "They're reflecting… I'm pretty sure you have night vision."

Night -? Toshinori glanced up at the ceiling light. It was off. He looked at Isamu again, who was carefully making his way across the room. "It's dark?"

Isamu lower himself to the floor nearby, "Yeah."

"Oh."

Toshinori shifted, pushing himself up to sit and -

Wrong!

He froze, hackles rising.

Toshinori's arms and legs felt wrong.

"All Might?" Isamu leaned forward, cautiously reaching out. "Are you alright?"

"I-it's not just my eyes." Toshinori stated, awkwardly pulling his legs in front of him. They were the wrong shape.

Isamu shifted and looked blindly at the ground. He was quiet, then he sighed, "No. It's not."

Toshinori held out his arms, turning them. They were slightly longer and he could feel new, lean muscle under his skin.

He turned his attention lower and paused. Since when were his pants torn at the knee? He sighed and shook his head. Hardly matters now…

Gingerly, Toshinori ran his hands down his legs. His thighs and calves felt nearly the same, though his knees felt odd. Then he reached his ankles, or what had been his ankles. The bone structure had completely shifted. His feet were equally changed, longer and broader at the base of his clawed toes.

Toshinori jolted.

One, two, three, four, f-?

He swallowed and ran a hand back up the inside of his mutated foot. Halfway up, he brushed against the last claw.

There it is… he sighed.

"Are you okay?" Isamu asked.

Toshinori nodded absently, forgetting Isamu was nearly blind in the dark.

"I thi-ink so," he shifted, getting the balls of his feet under him, "Can y..ou help me stand?"

"Yeah," Isamu moved to his side, and Toshinori gripped the nurse's shoulder. "Easy. Take it slow." Isamu wrapped his arm around Toshinori's back.

Toshinori's legs trembled and claws scraped loudly against the floor as he pushed himself up. He winced, free hand pressing against his hip. A dull pinch flared in the joints where his legs met his pelvis.

"Nearly there. You've got this," Isamu said, straightening slowly.

Wait. Hold on… The pain worsened and his legs shook, claws curling and gripping at the tile.

Toshinori flinched, hand slipping from Isamu's shoulder, and stumbled forward. He threw out his hands, arms jarring at the impact against the floor.

"All Might! What's-?" Isamu reached forward, but stopped when Toshinori held up a hand.

"Just.. a moment."

Toshinori's scar twinged, and he took a steadying breath, stifling the cough in his throat. His hand return to the floor, slowly flexing his claws in time with his breathing. Without a thought, his legs bent softly and relaxed.

He stilled.

Toshinori's hips didn't ache.

He felt lighter. Balanced.

Oh. Holy shit...

Toshinori stared at his hands, then took a hesitant step forward, brows furrowing as the next steps followed naturally. Right arm, left leg, left arm… His chains rattled as they dragged across the floor.

Toshinori's breath shook, and he shuddered. He moved his right leg forward, and it caught, chain pulled taut. His tail drooped, curling under his legs.

Wrong.

It wasn't just his legs. His whole body felt wrong. Eyes, jaw, spine, organs, limbs, claws, tail ... They were his but they weren't his. They felt foreign.

The shackles bit into his skin.

He was trapped and chained like a caged -

Animal…

"-ight? You're hyperventilating."

Toshinori's focus wavered. The fog returned, easily rolling over his attempts at control.

He closed his eyes and shivered.

"All Might? What's wrong? Please..."

Toshinori looked up at Isamu, gaze lingering on the worried lines in Isamu's brow. He slowly sat down, hair covering his face for a moment. He smiled weakly.

"It's a-alright. I'll be…"

He felt it, the creeping fog lulling him into unconsciousness.

No, wait. There was someone I...

Was there something I forgot?

"All Might, please."

A pause.

"Don't leave me here alone…"

Leave? No, I-...

Rest.

Just rest.

The alarm was shrill and loud on Isamu's nightstand. Its face displayed the time: 5:50AM. Isamu rubbed his eyes and got up from his desk. With a defeated sigh he silenced the alarm.

His shower was hot and too short, but he didn't have time to stand in the steam. He briskly got out, wrapped a towel around himself, and wiped the fog from the mirror.

Noumu! Isamu jerked backward, heart pounding, and he slipped, falling onto his side with a breathless grunt.

He groaned, rubbing at his back and checking the short spikes along his spine to ensure none were knocked loose. They weren't supposed to shed for another month. When they checked out fine, he sat up and ran a hand through his hair.

Still there. Still human.

His nightmares were becoming too vivid and far too frequent. They all ended with Sensei standing over him and holding a mirror. A noumu was always there, staring mindlessly back at him.

He woke up screaming every time.

Isamu stood and wiped the rest of the fog away, trying to ignore the bruise-like shadows under his eyes. A cold compress would do wonders for it, but he didn't have the time. He settled for splashing his face with cold water.

He stepped back into the bedroom of his small apartment and changed into fresh scrubs.

His last clean set.

"Crap," he ran a hand down his face, fatigue already weighing heavily on his mind. He'd gotten so behind on laundry and … practically everything else.

I'm so fucking tired…

Coffee helped.

At his usual bus stop, Isamu clung to his thermos like a lifeline and pressed his face into his scarf. The early morning was cold and crisp, and an autumn wind nipped at his ears. He sighed, breath puffing out in a little cloud.

"Sato?"

Isamu jumped at the sound of his last name and nearly dropped his thermos.

"Isamu Sato?" A middle-aged woman clapped her hands together and smiled, "I haven't seen you in the neighborhood for a while! I thought you might have changed shifts on me."

"G-Good morning, Mrs. Shimizu," Isamu mumbled, trying his best to give his friendly neighbor a convincing smile. He failed.

"You look exhausted!" Mrs. Shimizu's brows raised in motherly worry, "They aren't overworking you at Rishi Gen, are they?"

"No… no, I'm alright," Isamu jokingly held up his thermos, "I've got my pick-me-up."

Mrs. Shimizu clicked her tongue. She shook her head and dug through her large bag.

"Make sure you're eating properly, young man." She pulled out and shoved a small paper bag at him, "Here. I've had one too many muffins, and you look like you need it more than I do."

Isamu spluttered and held out a gloved hand, "I c-couldn't-!"

She waved away his refusal and insisted, "Of course you can, here."

Isamu rushed to catch the bag before it dropped to the ground and mumbled a quick thank you as his bus pulled up to the curb.

"Have a good day!" Mrs. Shimizu called to him as the bus doors closed, "Save some lives!"

"Yeah…" Isamu slumped into his usual seat.

The morning was long and draining. A villain attacked a group of students in the nearby shopping district. Thankfully, none were badly wounded, and they were only brought in for patching up and counselling. A brightly colored trio of support heroes stayed with them. They spoke with Isamu briefly, exchanging pleasantries and thanks for each other's help.

It took everything to act normal.

But is it worth it?

Before he could decide on the answer, his chance slipped away. The heroes departed with their signature farewell and well wishes, leaving Isamu with the question sitting in his throat like a cold, heavy stone.

Around 11AM, Isamu went on his break. His stomach grumbled loudly as he made his way toward the break room, remembering the muffin he left in his locker. He cringed slightly when he spotted Ayumi Shiire exiting the room, a book and dishes in hand. She glanced up, meeting his eye and gave him a knowing look. She smiled.

Turning quickly to avoid her, Isamu decided the muffin could wait. He needed to pick up something for All Might anyway.

He swiftly made his way out of the building and walked to the convenience store nearby. The cool, fresh air cleared his thoughts, and he allowed himself a small smile.

Maybe he would like something warm…

Isamu went with steamed pork buns and canned green tea. As an afterthought, he picked up taiyaki on his way back. Bags in hand, he went around the main building of the hospital, toward the old wings and quickly found the basement door.

Dread twisted in his stomach as he descended the short set of stairs and stepped into the chilling shadow of the old wing. Dead leaves had gathered at the bottom of the stairwell, twitching as a breeze curled around Isamu's legs. He shivered.

I should be used to this… he thought, frowning and swiping his key card through the mechanical lock.

Isamu stepped into the darkened hallway and briefly looked over his shoulder as the doors shut behind him with a loud click. His shoulders sagged when no one followed him in - from relief or disappointment, he wasn't sure.

There was only one more door, fifth down and on the right. The only door with light shining from beneath it, barely illuminating the hall floor.

Isamu knocked softly before twisting the deadbolt and pushing the heavy door open. He frowned and sighed when he looked to the opposite side of the small room.

All Might hadn't moved. He sat where Isamu left him, slouched against the wall and facing away from the IV pole. His ears twitched when the door shut behind Isamu, but his eyes were closed tight.

Tetsumi… Isamu thought bitterly, glancing at the new IV bag.

"Sorry," Isamu sighed, turning the light off, "That's better, isn't it?"

Isamu paused a moment while he got used to the low light, then crossed the room. He sat beside All Might, placing his plastic bag of foodstuffs between them.

"Hey, you can open your eyes. It won't hurt." Isamu said softly.

After a long moment, All Might visibly relaxed, clouded eyes slowly opening.

"Can you understand me? Or.. or talk today?" Isamu asked, leaning slightly forward and dipping his head to see behind All Might's bangs.

The silence was deafening.

Isamu laughed awkwardly, the sound quiet even in the silence, "Was it something I said?" Then his shoulders sagged and he fidgeted with the convenience store plastic bag.

"I brought some food from outside the hospital again. I know Tetsumi said I shouldn't but…" Isamu shrugged, "Doesn't really matter. You shouldn't be on a liquid diet anyway."

He split the food, carefully pulling All Might's hand out and placing a pork bun on his palm. He pressed All Might's claws closed over it and waited. It took a moment, but All Might finally lifted the bun and nibbled at it.

Isamu sighed in relief, "There we go."

Isamu made quick work of his own lunch; he had been hungrier than he thought. He smiled when he noticed All Might finished the bun.

"Here, let me get this for you," he said while cracking open the can of tea. He placed it in front of All Might and guided his hand to the can.

"I got the usual. I hope that's alright."

Isamu relaxed against the wall when All Might started to drink. He was grateful he didn't have to force feed him. There had been others that - He closed his eyes and pushed the frightful memories away with a shake of his head. All Might wasn't like the others.

Crunch.

Isamu jumped and looked over to All Might. His brows rose in shock, "No, no no! You can't eat that! Get that out-!" He reached for the half-eaten can, and All Might's hackles rose. A low growl came from his chest, and Isamu backed off.

"Okay, okay. It's alright. You can have it." Isamu watched in mild horror as the rest of the can disappeared, bit by bit. "I really hope that Devour quirk works on aluminum…"

Isamu turned and hugged his knees, nibbling at his taiyaki and staring at the door across the room. The dark and quiet was surprisingly peaceful, and soon his eyelids drifted shut. A weight leaned against his shoulder, and Isamu blinked. All Might had moved closer, mirroring Isamu's posture. His eyes were glazed over and sightless as he watched the door. As Isamu watched, All Might's head bobbed slightly and his eyelids fluttered.

Isamu shook his head and nudged All Might's shoulder with his own.

"You can sleep, you know," Isamu said with a tired smile.

All Might frowned in confusion, shaking his head ever so slightly. He shifted, his tail wrapping protectively in front Isamu.

The nurse stifled a laugh.

"It's alright," Isamu said, nudging the thick tail away. An idea came to him. It was silly, but worth a shot, "I'll take first watch while you sleep. I'll wake you if I think danger is nearby. How about that?"

For a moment, All Might didn't move. Then, slowly, he nodded and lowered himself to the ground, back to the wall and facing the door. With his arm pillowing his head, it didn't take long for All Might's breathing to even out and slow.

"At least one of us can rest today," Isamu mumbled, watching All Might's chest rise and fall beneath the hospital gown. He bowed his head, biting his lip, and rubbed his hands together. The brushing noise was loud in the silence.

"I know you're still in there. I know it. You have to be." Isamu forced a smile, "I don't mind if you take your time, but come back soon? Okay?"

Isamu's smile twisted and his breath caught painfully in his chest. His throat constricted, and he pressed his hand hard against his mouth as a choked, gasping sob escaped him. Tears streamed down his cheeks and seeped between his fingers. He tasted salt.

"Wh..what'd I s-say about crying, m'boy?"

Isamu's sobbing cut short. His eyes widened as he looked down.

All Might lay still, but his brows were furrowed in sleep. His tail twitched, the fluffy tip falling against Isamu's foot and snaked loosely around his ankle.

A small smile grew behind Isamu's hand and a watery laugh bubble up from his chest.

"Saving people even in your sleep," Isamu hiccuped, wiping the tears from his face with his sleeve, "You really are the Number One, All Might."

I wish I could -

Isamu's watched beeped softly, and he sighed, resigned. Slowly, he pulled All Might's tail from around his ankle and stood.

"I'll be back," Isamu quietly promised, setting All Might's taiyaki on a napkin by his head, "Get some rest and … wake up soon, All Might."

The rest of the day went by smoothly. Isamu made his rounds without incident, though he was certain he spotted Nurse Tetsumi speaking with another nurse and pointing him out.

Don't be paranoid. Isamu scolded himself, refocusing on the young, female patient who was in the middle of a rambling, drug-induced story. She soon nodded off again. He tucked her in and moved on to his other patients.

A hand landed roughly on Isamu's shoulder, and he spun around, heart racing.

His coworker blinked owlishly at him, his smile going lopsided with confusion.

"Oh!" Isamu absently patted at his chest, "Hey there, Ken. You, uh, startled me a bit."

Ken Sarubami was a big, broad man with arms like a gorilla. Just looking at him, one would never assume he worked with kids, but the child patients adored him.

He smiled wide, showing off his long fangs.

"A bit too much coffee this morning?" Ken laughed at his own question, patting Isamu's shoulder and nearly crushing the smaller man, "The guys and I are going out to grab some drinks after our shift. You want to join us? You've been looking a little glum and we thought you could use a break."

Ken's booming voice attracted glances from patients and a few nurses.

Isamu shifted nervously under their gazes.

"Sorry," he said with a cautious smile, "Not this time, I'm afraid. Could I get a rain check?"

Ken's grin faded, growing into a concerned frown. He bent, raising his hand to the side of his mouth as he spoke in a lowered voice, "Do you need any help? You seem really stressed."

Isamu paled, and dread coiled in his gut.

Help? Help with what exactly?

Surely, Ken couldn't mean… He was always so friendly, great with kids, and always patient. Isamu considered Ken a friend. Then again, he had considered Ayumi a friend too.

"I'm, um, I'm fine," Isamu backed up a little, smiling apologetically. "I've just been tired. Staying up too late. My fault, really. Thanks for the offer though."

Ken nodded, crossing his massive arms and obviously unconvinced, but he smiled regardless, "Gotcha. Just don't overwork yourself. You won't be young forever." He turned to leave, flashing a quick grin, "I'll hold you to that rain check. Just let me know when and where!"

"S-sure," Isamu called after him despite his suspicion. "Thanks."

Isamu let his hand fall and he glanced around. At least three other nurses were looking his way, gazes lingering a moment before turning away.

Isamu bowed his head and quickly busied himself with his last patient. If his hands shook, he could blame his fatigue.

Sorry, Ken. I can't trust you. I don't think I can…

I can't trust anyone.

Clouds hung low and heavy with rain in the sky as Isamu walked to the old wings of the hospital.

"Oppressive weather," he mumbled, glancing up. A drop splashed against his forehead and Isamu wrinkled his nose at its chill. He ducked into the basement hall, cursing when the cold wind blew leaves through the open door.

Isamu huffed irritably, setting his bag of take-out aside and sweeping the loose leaves into a small pile. They scratched and crunched in his arms as he carefully pushed the door back open. He dumped the pile of leaves outside, frantically keeping anymore from blowing in with his leg. With a sigh, he pulled the door shut.

The dry, scratching noise hadn't stopped.

Isamu twisted, eyes fixing on the fifth door on the right. He scooped up the bag and quickly made his way down the hall. The scratching noise grew louder as Isamu neared the room.

"All Might?" Isamu called gently as he knocked on the door. "I'm coming in."

Cautiously, he unlocked and opened the door.

The room was still dark, barely lit by diffused gray light of the door down the hall and the emergency lights inside. Across the room, All Might stilled, his shadow hunched low and close to the wall. Two spots of light glanced at Isamu before turning away again.

The scratching resumed.

Isamu sighed, and his shoulders sagged.

"You can't keep tearing at the wall," Isamu muttered, crossing the room. He set the bag of take-out on the floor by the IV pole and grabbed the broom from the corner. Stepping carefully over All Might's tail, Isamu swept the debris away.

All Might managed to claw away the tile and drywall around the other of the two bases, exposing the screws anchored deep into the cement. An impressive but ultimately useless feat.

Isamu knelt beside All Might, carefully pulling his hands away from the wall and examined them. "Look at this… You pulled out your IV," he muttered softly.

Then Isamu gently brushed the dulled tips of the claws. His frown deepened when he felt something warm and damp. All Might flinched. He'd filed the claws down to the quick, "You're not going to have fingers left if you keep doing this."

At least the healing quirk worked quickly. All Might shuddered, eyes half-lidded, and pulled his hands to his chest as his claws reformed.

Isamu took advantage of the time All Might would be still and grabbed the take-out, "Here, I brought something hardy. Nothing too fancy, but it's got beef."

All Might huffed and nudged the offered bento box away. He reached up to the wall again and pulled at the metal base.

Isamu frowned, "No, you have to stop. You're going to hurt yourself."

All Might shook his head, brows furrowing and baring his teeth in a pained expression. He pulled harder, bracing his legs against the wall.

"Hey," Isamu gripped at All Might's wrist, "Come on, you need to let go. I know you want out but -"

All Might's tail slammed into Isamu's stomach, knocked the air from his lungs, and pushed him to the ground. Isamu coughed and gasped, eyes wide in surprise. He rolled, gripping his stomach. Tears pricked at his eyes as he caught his breath.

A loud, frustrated roar chilled the blood in Isamu's veins. Slowly, he twisted and sat up.

"A-All Might?" Isamu stared.

All Might's back arched as he pulled at the base. An animalistic moan rumbled from his throat. Isamu's breath caught as he saw a dark trail of liquid drip from his hands and down his arms. His claws slipped and All Might collapsed, sliding across the floor, his chains crashing against the tile loudly. The tattered hospital gown came loose and fell away.

"All M-!" Isamu flinched as All Might groaned.

All Might rolled and sat up. He gagged, shoulders heaving, and blood dripped onto the ground. Slowly, he rose on shaky arms and legs and paced.

Isamu's brows furrowed sadly as he watched All Might pace on all fours, his eyes staring sightless. His tail dragged along the tile, only occasionally raising as he reared up on his back legs. He managed to make a few unsteady steps before falling forward onto his arms again, panting.

Isamu bowed his head.

"I can't." He shook his head and clasped his hands in his lap. A tear dripped onto the back of his hand and he roughly scrubbed at it. "I can't do this anymore… I just can't. I can't help you. I can't do anything."

Isamu's shoulders shook under the force of his silent sobs, "Pathetic. I'm so fucking tired. I'm going to die like this."

His breath hitched when a weight landed softly on his head, slowly ruffling his hair. He didn't need to look up.

Isamu hunched forward and gripped his shaking shoulders, "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"

"…'m… 're…"

"W-what…?" Isamu's head shot up.

All Might's eyes were pained and fading again, but far clearer than they had been in days.

As Isamu stared, All Might shuddered and backed away. With a groan, his eyes clouded and he lowered himself to the floor, his energy spent.

"Wait…" Isamu scrambled forward, lifting and patting the back of All Might's hand, "Wait, don't go. You were doing so good. Come on, stay awake. Stay…"

All Might's breathing was even and slow.

Isamu slowly laid his hand back down.

"Screw this," he suddenly stood and strode to the door, "All Might… I think I'm going to do something really stupid…"

The phone rang twice.

"Koharu Sato. Who's this?" Isamu's mother answered on the other line.

"Hi Mom," Isamu greeted, his smile growing as his mother yelped with delight.

"Oh Isamu~!" Koharu's voice rang out happily, "Honey! Honey! Isamu is on the phone! Hon- Oh! I forgot, your father went to pick up groceries. I'll have him call you back later."

Isamu laughed lightly as he passed another aisle.

"So, how are you?" his mother asked, excitement bubbling in her voice, "You haven't called in a while. Your poor mother misses you! And so does your father, though he probably wouldn't admit it. You know how he is."

Isamu laughed and shook his head, "I'm alright, Mom. Work has been keeping me pretty busy. The weeks have just flown by," he brushed the back of his neck, fingertips tracing around the base of his short spikes. His steps slowed. "Tell me about you. I called to hear how you and Dad are doing."

"Oh, we're not up to much," his mother laughed. It sounded like bells and Isamu's smile widened. "It snowed here the other day. Just a dusting and it melted by midday but, oh, it was lovely."

Isamu smiled softly as he listened to his mother go from one topic to the next: his father's work, their dog, a new hero in their neighborhood watch, her plans to garden in the spring, then she paused.

"Isamu, is something wrong?"

Isamu jolted, nearly dropping the phone. He forced a grin and laughed.

"Everything's fine! Do I sound strange?"

"Hmm," his mother sounded concerned.

Isamu swallowed.

"Did you catch a cold? What about rest?" Isamu's mother clicked her tongue, "Your spikes haven't shed early, have they? You always catch a cold if they shed too so-"

"Mom!" Isamu blushed, glancing around the store aisle though there was no one close enough to overhear, "I'm fine. My spikes are fine."

"Alright, alright. No need to be so defensive," he could hear the pout in his mother's voice, "Honestly, you and your father are so particular about your spikes."

Isamu huffed and laughed.

"Love you, Mom," he said, "Tell Dad I love him too."

"Love you too, sweetheart," his mother cheerily, "Are you going to visit soon?"

Isamu's smile slipped a little, "I'll try to get away from work. Sorry, I can't make any promises though."

"Remember it's okay to take time for yourself, alright?"

"Yes, Mom," Isamu said. He stopped. He found what he was looking for, "I've got to go. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Okay. Love you, Isamu."

"Love you," Isamu ended the call. With a shaky sigh, he stuffed his phone in his pocket.

Isamu reached out and unhooked the tool from the wall. He gave the bolt cutters an experimental snip, gripping the rubbery handles until his hands grew still.

Okay.

Cold.

Toshinori shivered and curled in on himself.

He knew this place, this bed of ash and snow. There was no warmth left to protect him. Seven flames burned brightly, but he pulled away from them. They were wrong.

Unwelcome.

Snow piled on his weakened body, and the world around him trembled.

He felt numb. Even with his eyes squeezed shut, he saw the snow, blindingly white and burning. The flakes danced in front of his eyes and stung his skin.

Something itched at the back of his mind - a thought, no, a color. Green.

Who?

Someone… important.

Midoriya!

My boy!

Toshinori jerked awake. He gasped for air, his breath ragged and too loud. Heart hammering, he frantically looked around.

The room was as he remembered it… mostly.

Toshinori furrowed his brows when he spotted the wall around the chains' bases. Deep, darkly stained gouges marred the solid concrete. He ran a clawed hand over the marks.

"Di- ?" Toshinori cringed and rubbed his throat. It hurt.

A chill danced across his skin and Toshinori realized his hospital gown was gone, as were the majority of his pant legs. He frowned at the change.

How long since -?

SLAM!

Toshinori jolted, hackles bristling and tail smacking against the floor in surprise.

"Easy! Easy! It's just me," Isamu held up his hands, "It's just…" The nurse's eyes widened in shock, "Y-you're awake! You're actually awake!"

Isamu ran a hand through his hair and laughed. He rushed across the room and dropped a gym bag to the floor. It hit the ground with a metallic thunk.

"Th-this is fantastic. I wasn't sure - I didn't have a plan for …" Isamu unzipped the bag and rummaged through it, "But that doesn't matter. You're awake." He suddenly looked up, "Can you talk today?"

Toshinori blinked owlishly at Isamu, surprised by his erratic behavior but he shook his head, rubbing his throat.

"Okay, but you can understand me?" Isamu's gaze was piercing and hopeful.

Toshinori shook the surprise off and grinned wide, throwing up a thumbs up.

"Good." Isamu pulled out a pair of bolt cutters and tossed the bag to the side, "We're leaving."

Toshinori gaped at the bolt cutters, looking between them and Isamu's flushed face. Then he grabbed the first chain and held it taut between his hands. He nodded at Isamu.

Go.

The bolt cutters clamped around the first link, and Isamu's whole body shuddered. Toshinori could almost hear the young man's heart pounding.

"Is… Is this what it feels like?" Isamu asked, his hands slowly growing steady, "When you save people?"

Toshinori grinned wide.

Isamu laughed nervously, "I see why you do it." And the first chain split in two with a metallic crunch.

Toshinori tossed the chain aside and picked up the next.

One down, four to go.

Isamu strained, gritting his teeth.

"Come on!" he grunted and the second chain split.

Three.

Toshinori jolted and turned slightly, hooking his elbow around his tail and pulling at the chain there.

Isamu clamped the bolt cutters on the link closest to the tail. The cutters briefly slipped, and Toshinori tensed.

Maybe further down… he lifted his tail higher, and Isamu adjusted the bolt cutters.

"Sorry," Isamu muttered then pressed at the handles. The chain groaned and finally gave way with a snap!

Two.

Toshinori's heart pounded in his chest, and he couldn't be bothered by the way his tail thumped happily against the ground as he grabbed the second-to-last chain.

"Almost there, almost there," Isamu mumbled as he lined up the bolt cutter. Sweat was breaking out on his forehead and his breath puffed out, "Jeez, there are no weak links are there?"

Toshinori chuckled, pride blooming in his chest.

You're doing great.

The link broke.

One.

A shadow caught Toshinori's eye, and his blood ran cold.

His legs tensed to lunge forward, to pull Isamu out of the way.

Too late.

Isamu slammed into the wall by the door. The bolt cutters slipped from his hands and clattered across the floor, out of Toshinori's reach.

NO! A wordless yell tore from Toshinori's chest as his claws dug into the floor. He leapt forward -

The shackle on his right wrist snagged and yanked his arm back. His shoulder dislocated with a loud pop and Toshinori fell in a pile of twisted limbs.

No no no no no no no -

Toshinori scrambled up and turned.

"Isa-!"

Shhk.

Isamu's eyes went wide -

No… Don't look down, young man. Don't look.

- and he looked down.

A long, twisted bone pierced through Isamu's shirt just below the left side of his ribcage.

Isamu looked back at Toshinori.

"A-All Migh-," his eyes widened, and his face paled. He seized and gagged. Blood dribbled out the side of his mouth. He brushed his lips with trembling fingers and stared down at them. Tears welled in his eyes.

Toshinori's heart dropped.

"There." All for One sneered darkly, anger boiling below the surface. He lowered his hand splattered in red specks, "Now you match."

Isamu gripped the bone, his face twisted in pain and fear.

"When I said to take that lesson to heart, I meant it, nurse. This is the reward for foolish heroics," All for One made a show of wiping his hands on a handkerchief and turned to Toshinori, "And you… "

Toshinori ignored the man and reached out towards Isamu, his shoulder popping back in place as the healing quirk took effect.

I'm here. I'm awake. Just look at me! His claws slipped and scraped against the floor.

"How unsightly," All for One hissed, "You are still struggling? What else -"

"L-leave All Might…" Isamu groaned in pain and shuddered, his breath hitching.

All for One paused and considered Isamu for a moment, "Of course. I was too lenient."

The masked villain grabbed the bone spear, twisting it slowly, "I left you alone with the barest glimmer of hope, a naive child's kindness. Temporary allowances I accounted for. I had expected Tetsumi to teach this runt…" He gestured at the broken chains with disgust, "She failed."

Toshinori snarled, "St -" Stop!

All for One pulled at the bone spear and Isamu let out a broken, pained shout, desperately holding onto the spear slick with his blood and trying to keep it still. The dark red stain bubbled and spread.

"I thought perhaps fear would turn to loyalty given time. I overestimated his cowardice…" All for One canted his head, and his grip on the spear tightened.

"It's time to extinguish that hope."

The villain yanked the bone spear from Isamu's side.

It came away red.

Isamu grunted, arms falling to his sides, and slowly slid down the wall.

All for One tossed the bone spear away and bent toward Isamu.

Toshinori growled and swiped at All for One's feet, unable to reach.

Young man! No! Don't touch him!

All for One grabbed Isamu's shirt, lifted him up, and pressed his palm against the wound. Isamu's mouth opened in a silent protest, and his eyes rolled back with a pained shiver. All for One withdrew his hand and dropped him.

"No more coddling," All for One towered over Toshinori's crouched form, "I'll take my healing quirk back, Noumu." He bent and reached out.

Toshinori ducked away from All for One's hand. The chains groaned and shackle bit into his skin, drawing blood. Toshinori dug his back claws into the tile and stretched his arm further, reaching out toward Isamu.

"ENOUGH."

Toshinori shuddered as the fog crashed against his consciousness. He blinked, dazed and lightheaded, and grunted as All for One grabbed his jaw.

"My patience is spent," All for One struck Toshinori's side, where he had all those years ago.

Toshinori's vision flashed white, and he coughed into the hand on his face, tasting blood. The grip tightened.

Dots spun in Toshinori's eyes as he clung to consciousness. He shuddered as he felt something slip away like a sigh. A flame went out in his chest and left a gaping void.

He knew this feeling.

Toshinori's focus snapped back into place and he yelled against the unyielding grip. He clawed at All for One's arms as he was forced onto his knees. His claws sliced into the villain's skin, and blood ran down from the gashes.

Toshinori realized his mistake too late.

Blood seeped through All for One's grip and into Toshinori's mouth. He choked and gagged.

Without a word, All for One shoved Toshinori aside.

Toshinori grit his teeth, What's one more! I'm not done!

He shot back up and lunged toward Isamu.

Toshinori strained, reaching. His claws were so close. They just grazed against the side of Isamu's shoe. The smell of rust grew stronger. Toshinori's chest burned.

Come on. Look at me, young man. Stay with me. It's alright. I'm here. I'm here.

Isamu pressed weakly against the wound, his stained fingers trembling. The light in his eyes dulled. His breathing stuttered.

All for One stood to the side and watched.

Warmth seeped beneath Toshinori's claws. He yelped as he slipped.

Blood.

Toshinori scrambled off the floor. Iron, rust, copper, blood, the scent was overwhelming. It stuck to his skin. His efforts slowed as he gasped for breath.

"He's right there," All for One taunted, gesturing to Isamu, "Can't you reach?"

A low whine escaped from Toshinori's lips unbidden. He reached, stretching, pulling against the chain.

Nearly...

"You're here, aren't you?" All for One's voice was low. "He will die and you will have done nothing."

Toshinori barely hooked his claw against the rubber sole of Isamu's shoe.

It slipped. Toshinori loosed a frustrated, mournful roar, and -

Something snapped.

His arm fell.

His vision blurred.

Wh- ? I… ? His breath was ragged, but his body slowly relaxed.

A weight brushed over the top of T-shinori's head.

"There. That's it, Noumu," said a voice above.

His hackles rose, but he stilled under the weight of the hand and the voice.

Where -?

The voice above hummed, "I will need to dispose of this body. Perhaps I'll make that your first task."

T-ino-i's chest burned. He swallowed.

He shuddered, shoulders sagging and head bowing.

"Good," the voice was pleased, smug.

-no-'s head felt odd. Fuzzy.

Footsteps faded.

A door closed.

He sat.

He waited.

The door opened.

He glanced up.

"Damn you, you stupid boy," the woman in the doorway spat.

Click!

Pain split through his skull, and he flinched away, claws scrabbling against the tile and eyes squeezing shut.

"And damn you," the woman's voice seethed. She struck his side.

He blindly swiped the air. Something cold caught and held his wrist still.

"No!" her voice was loud and angry, "No! Damn you! Damn you for putting your ideals in the poor boy's head. This is your fault!"

Something stirred at the back of his mind.

He frowned.

His ears perked at the sound of something dragging.

Someone moaned in pain.

No. Wrong. Very wrong.

He crouched down and twisted, tail striking outward and hitting its mark. Something crumpled to the ground.

T-shi-ri panted, staring wide-eyed at the tiles between his hands despite the blinding light.

I'm… Yagi… Toshinori Yagi. Toshinori shuddered and gagged. Nausea made his mouth water, and he spat. I'm not… I'm not …

He shook, sick with the sudden, overwhelming sense of self.

There was a moan.

Toshinori spun, stinging eyes fixing on the dark smudge on the floor and the figure lying beside it.

Isamu…

A mournful sound reverberated in his throat. His shackle bit into his wrist and his tail slumped. Toshinori couldn't reach. He couldn't -

It clicked. Toshinori whirled around. His hackles bristled excitedly and his long tail swung back and forth. He had a tail.

Hold on, young man. Toshinori squinted against the blinding light, searching for - There!

The bolt cutters were well beyond his arms' reach, but his tail?

Sloppy, All for One.

Toshinori shuffled around, brows furrowed in concentration. His tail swept across the floor slowly. It bumped against the metal and rubber of the handles.

Ah! Come here, Toshinori curled his tail inward, dragging the bolt cutters close. Once they were in arms reach, he pounced on them and clumsily clamped the blades on the last chain.

The link broke with a resounding snap!

The chain fell away and clattered onto the floor.

Toshinori's hands trembled, and he dropped the bolt cutters.

He let out a shaky breath.

Then he leapt into action.

With a quick slap, he turned off the light. He blinked as his vision returned and he crouched beside Isamu.

"Y-" Damn throat! Toshinori grit his teeth and shook off his frustration.

He put his ear to Isamu's chest. A brief flash of relief filled him when he heard the telltale beat of the nurse's heart and the sound of his breathing. No whistling. His lung hadn't been pierced.

Good.

Toshinori scrambled to the stocked counter, leaping over Tetsumi's unconscious form. He only spared her a glance. There was a bruise at her temple and her bun had come undone. She would have a nasty headache, but she would live.

Toshinori dug through the bottom cabinets and found nothing useful. He reared up, balancing with his tail held out. Rifling through the upper cabinets, he found gauze and bandages. There wasn't much, but they would have to do.

He returned to Isamu's side, gently tore away his shirt, and pressed a folded wad of gauze to the wound.

Isamu hissed and whined in pain, eyes shut tight and sweat beading on his brow.

You'll be alright. Toshinori kept the pressure on the wound in front and gently rolled him. Blood seeped from his back and Toshinori pressed another wad of gauze to the exit wound. His tail patted against Isamu's shoulder.

Come on. I need you conscious. Worry creased Toshinori's forehead.

Isamu only winced.

Toshinori frowned and returned his attention to the wounds. The bleeding slowed. He quickly replaced the old gauze with fresh gauze and wrapped bandages tightly around Isamu's waist.

That'll have to do… Toshinori grimaced at the hasty work. He picked up and squeezed Isamu's hand. I'm not leaving you here.

Toshinori steadied himself in a crouch and gently lifted Isamu to sit and lean against his chest. A broken cry slipped from Isamu.

"S-shhh," Toshinori adjusted his grip, " 'm … h-h're."

Isamu quieted.

Toshinori turned and pulled Isamu's arm over his shoulder.

I apologize in advance, Toshinori shifted and hoisted Isamu onto his back.

"Ah!" Isamu cried out, his voice devolving to a whimper.

Toshinori furrowed his brows. He pulled Isamu's arms around his neck, tying his wrists together with excess bandages, and supported one of his legs with a hand. Once secure, he pushed himself to stand. His back legs shook under Isamu's added weight and he lowered his free hand to the ground.

Toshinori took a readying breath, glancing over his shoulder to Isamu. He was quiet, and his face twisted in a grimace. Toshinori could feel his pained breathing and steady heartbeat on his back.

Stay strong. We're leaving.

Toshinori poked his head out into the hall. It was cold and unlit, and dust gathered in the untouched corners. He had been right. He was in an unused wing. He looked left and his brows rose in shock. An exit sign glowed dully above the double doors at the end of the hall.

Was it really so close all this time?

A moan behind him made Toshinori jump in surprise.

Nurse Tetsumi was waking.

Toshinori was suddenly very aware of the metal shackles and broken chains attached to his limbs.

Shit! His claws scraped against the tile floor as he leapt into the hall.

Toshinori turned, tail clumsily slamming into the opposite wall, and pulled the door shut. He locked the deadbolt with a twist of his wrist and left the room behind.

He ran, his gait uneven but quick. Rearing up, he threw the double door open and stumbled outside. Sunlight blinded him. The cold air bit into his bare, damp skin and seized his lung in an icy grip.

Toshinori shivered and grinned.

Adrenaline and emotion rushed through his veins as he leapt up the stairs, chains clattering loudly as they dragged behind him. He squinted against the light and ran along the road parallel to the old wing. He looked around.

Landmark… landmark… landmark… There!

A large sign sat on the corner. "Rishi General Hospital Parking" the sign read in bold lettering.

Toshinori's heart hammered in his chest, and his tail thumped the ground.

He knew where he was.

U.A. wasn't far away.

Toshinori tensed as Isamu groaned. Urgency coiled in his gut, his heart pumping more adrenaline through him.

Hold on. Toshinori took one last look at the hospital and bolted away.

West, four blocks. North, seven blocks. Toshinori mentally recited, loping down another street. He paused, squinting at the squat buildings and baring his teeth in frustration, Or eight blocks? Where?

He shook his head. The midmorning sun sent a steady ache burrowing into his skull. Street and shop names blurred in the light. He reared up beside a street corner sign, carefully supporting Isamu, and he peered at the names.

Someone screamed.

The sound grated harshly against Toshinori's growing migraine, and he fell back on all fours, stumbling away from the noise. He slipped off the curb and roughly dropped onto his side.

Shit! Toshinori pushed himself up, wincing at the new scrapes stinging his cold skin.

Isamu's arms jerked around Toshinori's neck.

Toshinori looked back, dread coiling in his gut. Even in the blinding light he could see the red seeping through Isamu's bandages.

Toshinori's ears perked. Footsteps came closer from around the corner.

His hackles rose, and he turned toward them.

"Oh shit! Is that guy bleeding?!" exclaimed a masculine voice.

"Don't get too close! The other one looks dangerous," the woman who'd screamed ducked behind her friend.

More footsteps approached. Silhouettes blending together, Toshinori couldn't see how many surrounded him.

Toshinori shifted uneasily and furrowed his brows, I'm not dangerou-

"Oh my god! He's covered in blood!"

"Is it one of those things that attacked Hosu?"

Hosu? No! I'm not a Nou- Toshinori shuddered, and the fog stirred at the thought of that damned word. I'm not trapped there anymore! So why? He shook his head, growling in frustration.

"Someone call a hero and the police!"

"It's going to attack!"

Some of those in the group backed away, and a couple fled altogether.

Toshinori stilled, distraught. They were scared…

Isamu shivered, and Toshinori swallowed his shame.

No time.

Toshinori took a step back, carefully shifting Isamu more securely on his back. Then he bolted across the street and down an alley.

He wracked his brain and tried to push away the growing fog and migraine.

North… five more blocks then… west a while. Not far… not far now.

Toshinori rounded a corner into a shopping district and kept running. He cringed at a shriek and the commotion that followed. His chains crashed loudly against the asphalt, and he couldn't suppress the loud growl in his chest.

Where is the damn turn? Where -?

"What is that thing?!"

"Are those chains?!"

"Somebody help!"

Toshinori crashed against someone, stumbling. His tail swung wide and slammed against the ground. He reared up, towering over the people in the crowded street. They scattered with panicked screams.

"Where's Kamui Woods when you need him?!"

Isamu groaned, breath suddenly growing shallow.

Toshinori frantically looked around. His mind raced, his nerves shot.

No time. No time. Where -? He panted, breath clouding in the cold air.

There! The edge of a familiar roof was just visible behind a short shop. It belonged to a staff building on the edge of the U.A. campus. There was a faculty gate…

Toshinori dropped to all fours and ran. He weaved around panicked shoppers and ducked around a corner.

Only a few blocks. Hold on. I'll get you somewhere safe, young man. We're almost there. His chest burned and his scar ached, but Toshinori pushed on, picking up speed as he turned the last corner.

The eastern faculty gate was closed, but there was a keypad just to the right of the opening. Toshinori stumbled to a stop, reared up, and clumsily pawed at the cover. With an irritated growl, he tore the cover from the wall and flung it away. The touch screen lit up and he tapped in his pass-

Shit… Shit!

His claws tapped uselessly against the screen. He swung his tail in anger. The fog coiled around his panic.

Isamu tensed and went limp.

Toshinori froze. He took a deep breath and pressed his feverish forehead against the cold gate. An idea occurred to him. He tapped his knuckle on the screen. It lit back up.

Ha! He quickly typed in his password. The keypad beeped cheerily, and the faculty gate door slid away.

Toshinori rushed inside and released a sigh as he heard the gate shut behind him. Putting some distance between himself and the gate, he ran toward the main building.

The familiar surroundings brought a calm, tired smile to his face. His pulse slowed, adrenaline fading. He slowed, legs shaking and eyes aching. He adjusted his hold on Isamu, briefly checking on his breathing. It was shallow but still steady.

It was the growing red stain that worried him.

Recovery Girl will kno -!

Something snagged Toshinori's foot and violently yanked it from under him. He fell, crying out as he felt Isamu tumble off his back and roll away. Toshinori's tail thrashed, and he reached out to grab him.

More bindings whipped through the air, wrapping themselves around his arm and pulling it behind him.

Isamu was beyond his reach.

Not again!

A mournful keen tore from his throat, eyes fixed on the young nurse. Claws digging in the turf, he struggled against the bindings dragging him backwards. He turned and glared at the blurred silhouette of his attacker, hackles bristling and snarling loudly.

Toshinori kicked at the bindings, wrapping his tail around them and roughly tugging them forward. The attacker stumbled, and Toshinori got his legs underneath himself. He lunged toward Isamu.

Shit! His back legs and tail snapped together, suddenly bound. Toshinori crashed to the ground, his breath knocked out of him.

Bindings ensnared his wrists and pulled tight.

Toshinori rolled on his side, struggling against the unyielding hold.

"Midoriya! Stay back!"

Toshinori froze.

Red sneakers skid to a stop beside Toshinori. Shaking hands reached out over his scar and his head. A green mop of hair blocked the sun, shading Toshinori's eyes.

"What are you doing to All Might!" Izuku Midoriya cried out, voice cracking.

Then he turned to Toshinori with tears in his eyes, smiling. One for All flared across his skin, and he tore at the bindings.

"It's alright. It's alright," he whispered, voice growing stronger and more confident with each repetition, "All Might. You're here! You're alright!"

Izuku freed Toshinori's arms -

"Midoriya! Watch out!"

- and Toshinori threw his arms around his student. He buried his face in Izuku's shoulder, savouring the dark and the warmth.

Izuku pulled Toshinori up, holding him tight. Tears dripped onto Toshinori's back as Izuku's breathing turned to sobs.

Toshinori laughed softly and carded his claws through Izuku's hair, gently giving the boy another squeeze before pulling away.

"He-" Toshinori cringed and settled for pointing toward Isamu. Help. He needs help.

Izuku tensed - Smart boy. - and turned.

"Aizawa-sensei!"

"I've got him," Aizawa said seriously, already releasing the bindings and rushing to Isamu's side.

Toshinori shuddered in relief as Aizawa gently lifted Isamu.

Good, he relaxed. You're safe. We made it.

His vision blurred and he fell to the side, barely catching himself with an outstretched arm.

"All Might!" Izuku wrapped a supporting arm around Toshinori's shoulder.

Toshinori panted as his fatigue caught up with him. Just- just give me...

"Midoriya, help him up and follow me." Aizawa ordered briskly, turning toward the main building.

"It's okay, All Might," Izuku wrapped Toshinori's arm over his shoulders, "Let me help you. We'll get you both to Recovery Girl, okay?"

Toshinori shivered, too tired to argue and not wanting to.

Okay, my boy.

Okay.

Thank you for reading! "Canvas" is complete. The sequel is Catalyst which is now complete. Followed by Control.

Send me a review or PM if you have any questions or comments.