Heroes of Today

Epilogue~New Dawn

Akiko stared at the ship, not saying anything. She took Ava’s hand, offering the small amount of comfort she could.

Gael nodded at his brother as Dante took in a deep breath. “Alfie Marvin Brown was indescribable in life as he will be in death. His legacy will never be forgotten as he rides the seas of the next life.”

Together, the group raised their bows and shot the flaming arrows at the boat.

“Sail on my love.” Dante stayed, watching the boat burn. It would have had more meaning if Alfie’s body was on there but due to legal reasons, it could only hold the ashes. Still better than nothing and it was strangely beautiful.

Haven held onto Liz with zir good hand. According to the doctors, Haven’s wrist won’t likely ever be fully healed. Zie will never be able to pick up a sword again.

Akiko gulped, whipping her tears angrily. “This is my fault.”

“No. He chose to come.” Ava tried to comfort Akiko but Akiko only growled.

“No, it is! If I still had my berries I could have done this without anyone getting hurt!”

“Aki? What happened to your berries?”

Akiko opened and closed her mouth, unable to answer the question.

Stupid Salt.

~~~

“Hey, Aki. How was it?” Uzu gave a brave smile as Akiko entered the hospital room.

“Beautiful. Right for Alfie.” Akiko didn’t meet Uzu’s gaze, staring out the window. “Has Naka come by yet?”

“No. I think he’s still processing. I think most of us are.”

Akiko nodded, turning slightly as her expression softened. “What about you? How are you doing?”

Uzu hesitated for a second, fidgeting with his hands. “I don’t want to be useless. All through that whole thing, from being taken to being rescued, I was useless. I never want to be useless again.”

Smirking, Akiko jumped up. “Then don’t be. We won’t let this ever happen again. Deal?” Akiko offered out her hand as Uzu nodded.

“Deal.”

Light tapping on the door brought their attention away from each other. Naka shuffled at the door, clearly afraid to enter. Akiko shook her head, dragging him in.

“Listen before you say anything, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for everything.” Naka bowed deeply as Uzu shook his head.

“It’s fine. Did I spot Kirishima going into your room the other day?” Uzu grinned evilly as Naka blushed heavily. “I wonder what you two were doing.”

“Oh shut up! I’m not the one who flew hundreds of feet in the air to hold a girl’s hand!”

“Firstly, that was a rescue and secondly her name is Jiro.”

Akiko groaned, leaning over. “How are you both gay disasters?”

Naka was not having that. “Excuse me? You’re one too! Seriously! Why didn’t you tell us about your little crush!”

Akiko blushed, jumping up. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Uzu looked between the duo, his eyes wide. “Wait, Aki got a crush?! This is groundbreaking everyone!”

“Please shut up.”

“No,” Naka and Uzu said together as they started asking hundreds of questions.

“Oh my god, you two will be the death of me.” Akiko leaned on her hand but there was a small shimmer of fondness in her eyes.

As the sun set, all injuries and mental dilemmas faded to the background. At that moment, it was just them. The heroes of today.

Fin