『it's the end of an era.』

"Eri?" A voice whispers. "Eri darling?" The girl doesn't stir.

The teen boy laughs. He loves Eri so much. The ways she smiles in her sleep. He soft curly hair. Her gorgeous red eyes. The fact she cares about Izuku. She'll ask him questions, she'll learn from him. Eri is the best sister he could ask for.

"Hay baby." Izuku coos gently, one hand running through light messy curls. The girls face scrunches up before two red eyes tiredly open. Izuku sighs, he doesn't want to do this.

"Brother? What's wrong?" Eri says rubbing her eyes to wake up more. She always seems to know when Izuku is hiding something, or when somethings wrong. Izuku believes it's because she's observant, she notices small changes and picks up on them quickly. If given the chance Eri will go farther than Izuku ever dream he himself could. She'll do fine in this world.

Izuku smiles and helps her sit up before sitting down next to her on the bed. Man this is harder than he thought it would be. All night he's been going through this plan, what he'll say, how she'll react. He thought he was ready. He's gone through every scenario he could possible dream up in his restless night. 3 hours of sleep is a surprisingly long time for the brain to think up worst case scenarios.

"Brother?" Eri repeats gathering his attention once more. Izuku turns to face her and sighs sadly. He hates what's about to happen. But there's no backing out. He's doing this for her. For them.

"Eri, you know how much I feel the need to fix things?" He starts. The girl nods her head. "Yes, it's one of the sacrifices you make for us daily." She replies sounding so much like an adult Izuku may just cry.

"Yes, well I need to go fix some," he pauses. "Some bad things." Eri furrows her eyebrows. "Bad things?" She echoes. It's clear her brains ticking down to connecting the dots.

Izuku nods. "Yes darling, some very bad things. If I don't fix it, I fear that they'll hurt us." Izuku talks slowly so she'll understand. Eri is incredibly smart for her age, she's hidden it well so their father wouldn't abuse it. However she is still a child. "Is it the bad people?" She asks. "Yes." Izuku answers nodding his head. "Yes it is."

Eri frowns. "Oh." She says looking down. "Did father do something wrong again? Why does it fall to you too fix it? Father isn't supposed to be your resp- raspon- responce-" She scowls questioning the word. "Responsibility?" Izuku whispers. "Yes you're supposed to be fathers responsibility not the other way around." Izuku tears up. "You're a beautiful young woman Eri. You'll go so far in this world."

"Brother dont-" Eri whines sensing the worst that's about to come. "It's not your fault. You didn't make the problem." She argues.

"I'm the only one who can solve them tho." Izuku laughs ruffling the white haired girl. "Don't let anyone tell you, you're not smart. You are an amazing young lady and I'm so proud." He exclaimed. "By your side." The girl whispers. " I want to be by your side."

Izuku ignores the pain in his chest at his sisters words. "Remember what I told you yesterday, about my plan?" Izuku questions. Eri shakes her head wide eyed. "No." She whispered. "No Izuku please." Her voice raised.

"It's the only way to protect you from him. He's nothing without it. I'll take it for good and he will disappear." Eri whines. "No!" She shouts. "Let the heroes do it! They want him dead so let them do it!" She argues. "They can't Eri, I'm the only one." Izuku says calmly. "No brother! No!" Eris panics. "He'll take you too!"

"It's okay Eri, I'll make him vanish without the death. He won't take me to since he won't die. It's okay, just," Izuku boops eri's nose. "Poof!" He chuckles. "But brother," Eri pleads. "What will happen to you? It will hurt you! I don't want you to get hurt! When we were home and you were sick- father said you were okay- but, but, you looked so bad! I had to check you were alive because... because you looked so damaged."

Izuku sighs. He brings the girl into an embrace cradling the back of her head and back. "I'm so sorry. No child should have to do that. No child should have to mature and understand like you do. I wish you didn't have to be dragged into this but I can't go without knowing you'll be okay. I've been sick for a long time, and father has kept me suffering since. He's being selfish and possessive of me and it's not fair to anyone. I'll stop him for us. I'll make a world where you'll be safe and can do whatever you dream." Izuku says softly. His smile never breaking yet the pain it holds is immeasurable. He would never want to leave Eri alone. But if it's to protect her? Then without question.

He really has no choice. His hands are tied. He has to help Eri and Aizawa. And maybe just maybe along the way he'll become free. He'll be able to let it all go, and walk away with no baggage.

"I can't leave without saying goodbye to you. You're my most precious thing in my life." Izuku says green eyes dulled. Eri pulls back shaking. "Goodbye? I knew it. Where are you going? Why would you go?" She asks panicking.

Izuku does his best to sooth her. Taking her shaking hands in his own. He holds them together and presses them against his chest.

"I'm going to fix everything."

Eri tries to understand. She really does. She tries to use everything she's learnt to understand what her brother is saying but she's still only child. Only seven years old at that. And there are things she just won't understand until she's older. But that doesn't mean she wouldn't give anything to understand it now. She wants to know- needs to know where her brother is going. Then, maybe then she could stop him.

"I'll have to leave you here where you're safe. I'll send Tomura to you when I find him okay? He will protect you. I have to take Mr. Aizawa with me for a bit, but I promise you'll be safe here. Aizawa will come back with big brother."

"But what about my other brother?" Eri asks sniffing.

Izuku places a hand to the girls cheek and smiles warmly. "Eri, listen to your brother okay, he and I love you very much, he was hurt by father like us. He will protect you and keep you safe. He can do what I can't. He can explain to you why I can't be here."

"Izu-nii!" Eri cries clutching onto the boy. "I love you eri, I love you so much. You are going to help so many people with your quirk. I'll make sure you can grow up in a world where you are safe."

Eri's face falls and Izuku can feel the affect on his heart. He really hates this. But he's running out of time. As much as he wants to stay here with Eri forever, to forget the outside world and just hide, he can't.

"Don't be sad okay?" Izuku says bringing the girl into a tight hug. He rubs a soothing hand up and down the girls back. The way he has so many nights. "I need you to be brave for me." He whispers. "Can you be brave?"

Izuku pulls back to see Eri nodding. Her red eyes are glossy and her cheeks are tinted pink. "I can brother, but your eyes seem so scared. You don't want to leave I can see it. Is it because it's hard to fix this problem? Why dose it sound like you won't come back?" Izuku shivers at the words. Eri really hit the nail in the head. "Oh my baby..." Izuku smiles kindly holding back all other emotions. He can't crumble in front of Eri. He can't show a strong emotion, not yet. "Can you promise you won't leave here? Remember what I said, there might come a time where you need to run and I won't be able to follow you?"

Eri nods grabbing at Izuku again. Her actions seem frantic and scared. It's clear she's been holding back, but a damn that is destined will always break.

"But- but- you said yesterday!" She shouts. "You said you'll never leave me! You said we can be together!" Eri pleads. "Please, take me or stay here! I don't want you to leave!" She cries. "Please brother please!"

Izuku shakes his head. Not yet. He can't let his emotions free yet. Even when his heart is breaking, and his eyes are stinging. He can't cut what little time he has left short.

Eri screws her eyes closed letting out a loud sob. "I DONT WANT TO BE ALONE!" The girl screams full on sobbing.

Izuku's breath hitches, oh no. His carefully built walls crumble down and lay in a pile of rubble. It seems a damn that's destined really will always break.

Izuku's emotions flow free, crashing in waves all around him. He can feel it. There's a shift. Something is triggered and he hears it.

"It's okay," Izuku ushers letting his own tears fall. "Hush now it's all alright," a sob escapes him. Izuku takes a painful breath in and sings.

"Hush now my baby, be still love, don't cry. Sleep as you're rocked by me. Sleep and remember my last lullaby, and I'll be with you when you dream." Izuku sniffs watching as Eri slips her eyes closed. "World, oh world be gentle for me. Such precious cargo you hold. Do you know somewhere she will be free? Destiny deliver her there."

Eri fought hard to stay awake but a soothing song will always work on her. Especially one that holds Izuku's plea.

"When you wake The world will be safe. I hope you won't hate me. I love you." He says leaning down kisses her forehead. "I'm sorry my darling, but I'll do what I must to protect you." Izuku whispers.

Eri whimpers but relaxes back into sleep. Izukus glad she didn't say anything. He hasn't explained to her what's going on. He didn't have time. His emotions are sky high. But one things for sure, he will protect Eri. He will always protect Eri.

Izuku my doll what's wrong why are you not at home?

"She doesn't deserve abandonment Izuku." Aizawa says greeting the boy at the door. Izuku sighs rolling his eyes at the man. "Tomura will do what I can't." He replies coldly.

"Ah. But what about what you can? Can he love her like you do?" Izuku stiffens. "I'll do what I can by protecting her. If I don't return that's on me not her. And don't assume things about my family. Tomura is a perfect big brother. And that's to both of us." Izuku snaps.

Aizawa walks along side the boy, keeping pace. "She'll blame herself fully Izuku. She's been through this before. That brother of yours can't love her like you do." He says simply.

"Shota-" Izuku says. A warning. "Midoriya." Aizawa says back. A challenge. "Don't you ever call me that!" Izuku snaps harshly. "I thought I told you, back off my family!"

Aizawa raises an eyebrow. Almost laughing. "Oh? Why not it's your name is it not? Am I just supposed to not address you? Call you a thing a tool. Like you're being used?"

Izuku scoffs. "Might as well. You did just used me for your own advantage." Aizawa huffs.

"Aww don't like the truth hero?" Izuku teases. "Come on tell me. What did bringing me in get you? some extra cash? A promotion? You wanting to claim a victory?" He questions.

"God." Izuku says fed up. "You're pathetic. Heroes like you should just die. I'm shigaraki, thats, Izuku Shigaraki. You'll do right to remember that. Now take me out of here or I will personally call for my father." Then adds "and you don't want that I'm sure. Too much paperwork. I have a stop to make before I leave, you can escort me."

The two fall quiet walking in circles around the wing. Then after a tense silence.

Izuku falters immediately, collapsing to the floor in a heap. Aizawa rushes to his aid. Izuku's pale and sweaty but he's smiling. That smile makes Aizawa uncomfortable. Just what is this boy putting himself through for the sake of Japan?

It scares the hero. Izuku with his dull green eyes open a crake can see it. That's a first. And maybe it should worry Izuku, but it doesn't. Izuku huff a smile. Shota cares. Shota cares a lot.

"Is it over?" The hero mouths dropping down to support Izuku. The man places a hand to izuku's forehead. No fever luckily. The other hand goes to his back keeping Izuku sitting up.

Izuku notes he doesn't flinch at the touch. It's so light and gentle. It reminds him of a memory midoriya showed him, one from when he was alive.

It's nothing like his fathers hold. Possessive, obsessive, manipulative. No this is warm, and comforting and just perfect. It's a kind gesture and Izuku feels his worry melt away. So he stays like that. Leaning into Aizawa and listening to the hero breathing steadily.

After a moment the white haired boy nods gaining his breath back. He smiles tiredly your at the hero. "He's taken the bait." Izuku sighs. His green eyes have dulled significantly from the feral toxic green they were a few days ago. They have deep bags hanging under them rivalling Aizawa's own. This was definitely his kid.

"I'm so sorry Mr. Aizawa. I didn't mean anything I said." Izuku panics speaking quickly. "You're the kindest hero I met. You're genuine and generous and strong. You care about people and don't care about fame. You do the dirty work and that's so admirable. You teach people and you teach me. You cared about me and you listened to me even when I just appeared in your house."

Aizawa smiles letting the boy cling onto him in a panic ramble.

"It's all right problem child. I put two and two together. It had to be believable right. Although I didn't find any of it believable, your face showed too much fear. But more than that, I know you. You're nothing less than kind. And it's sad to hear your voice lost of life." He spoke raking a hand through white curls. Izuku snorts. "I guess you could argue that I've lost my life." He giggles. "Izuku." Aizawa warns. "Sorry sorry." The boy laughs. "It's my dark humour."

Izuku nuzzles his face into Aizawa's scarf. "Mr. Aizawa?" Izuku asks. "Call me shota, problem child, he'll call me hobo sir or therapist, just not a name that makes us sound like strangers." Izuku blushes at the unexpected moment. "A-ah thank you shota. I know I used to call you all those things- but that was before A-and now everything is messy and I'm about to go out to battle my biggest fear- and- and..." he trails off. The floor has never been so damn interesting.

Aizawa sees it. Here we go. "What's wrong Izuku?" The hero asks in a low voice. "I'm so scared." Izuku confessed. The hero nods. It was an answer he expected. And in a moment of transparency he smiles. "I'm scared too," he admits. "You won't tell me your plan, you asked me to play along while I assume your father was listening in. You say a farewell to Eri. You have a trick up your sleeve that I'm positive won't end well for you. What am I supposed to think? You worry me. I'm practically a mess." Izuku giggles. "When are you not Mr. Hobo sir? You do own a lot of cats."

Aizawa smiles at the old nickname. "I have two. Three if you count yourself." He grins. Then turns serious. "Will you be okay?" He asks. Izuku shrugs. "It's a 50/50 really. But either way it will be a better outcome."

"Will you get injured?" Izuku shrugs again. "That's about 80/20."

"Could it be fatal?" Aizawa presses. Izuku just looks down.

"Kid." Aizawa pushes. "I'm... I'm not sure. It depends." He explains. "If I'm alive now because of a quirk then I won't die... probably. Let's say that's 5%" he huffs. "But if I'm being kept alive because of a quirk then I will almost definitely die. A solid 95% I'd say." Then pauses. Shivers. And looks away. Izuku seems ashamed almost. Well Aizawa can't have that can he?

"That's not what I wanted to hear problem child." Shota says exasperated. Izuku laughs. "Sorry, sorry. But I want to tell you the truth even if I can't tell you my plan. I want you to know the risks. You already know why I'm taking them: I will protect the ones I love from him and I'll do anything to do that, even lay my own life down." He says happily as if it's as easy to die as it is to boil water.

The hero ruffles Izuku's hair. "And people still argue that you're not a hero." Shota muttered.

"I don't really do talking feelings, but I think that I'll make an exception for you. I care about you problem child that won't change. No matter what you say to me, no matter how you act towards me, no matter what you do to me, I will never stop caring about you. You'll always be that scared kid standing in my kitchen counter."

Izuku, overjoyed at the only father figure he's ever had words, squeals hugging the man tightly.

"You sound like a dad!" He giggles too happy to care he almost called shota dad. "You know Shota, I class you as one of my family members, one of my closest family member. I love you like I do Eri." Izuku hints.

Aizawa grins at the boy. He connected the dots and would happily admit he basically adopted Izuku the moment he saw him. I mean he calls him problem child! You try argue that Aizawa is not attached to this kid. His kid. "I should hope so kid."

"Okay I can do this! Come on Izuku pull yourself together." Izuku says pacing.

Aizawa chuckles amused by the boy. "Getting cold feet?" He teases. Izuku pouts. "No way I just need to open that door." He says glaring at the door. Izuku deflates, "but shota." He says softly leaning against the wall. His eyes flash gray and Aizawa noticed the boys demeanour changed.

"I'm not their Izuku. They knew my alive self. I don't have the memories they do. I only know what he's seen. Midoriya was very kind to me once he new I wasn't on my fathers side. He showed me memories. He told me stories. He helped me remember you! But no matter how hard I try, I'm not him. I didn't live his life."

Behind the door stand two boys. The same two boys Midoriya was in love with.

"It will be hard for them to accept you don't love them like he did. But if they loved him they'll let you go." Aizawa says in a moment of wisdom.

"As true as that may be, you've only known me like this shota." Izuku says laughing sweetly. "Like what kid?" Izuku's face softens "how'd you know?" He asks. Aizawa smirks. "Your emotions have always given you away. Your eyes flash gray, your hair is white and you sometimes flicker."

Izuku nods. "This body was never ment to house me. It's dying, was dying when father tried to stop it. I think that's why fathers so desperate. He can't do it all much to his dismay. But after today, after what I have planned it will finally be over. I'll be free to move on. The world will be safe. You and Eri will be safe."

"Then that's all the more results for them to let you go."

That's right. Aizawa is right like always. They are two boys that Izuku has put way to much strain on. But dead or alive if they loved Midoriya they'll accept the fact Izuku is not him or theirs anymore.

"Okay." He breaths shaking his head. Tufts of white streak and turn green. Gray eyes open to be back to green. It's still dull but it's green nonetheless.

"I'm going in." Izuku's hand reaches out for the handle his fingers shaking and for a second he thinks he'll phase right through.

But the handle twists and the door opens. Izuku keeps his head down stepping in and closing the door behind him.

There's shuffling in front of him before he's engulfed in a hug. The greenett feels the familiar sensation of tears welling up in his eyes. For Midoriya. He's here for Midoriya.

"O-oh." Izuku croaks out. "Ha ha you two remember then." Izuku sniffs feeling the memories he's watched come to life. "I can't believe how long it been." He closes watery eyes. "How are you darlings?"