Heroes of Tomorrow

Part 35~Recovery

Akiko smiled as she put down the weights. "Hey, girls, don't forget to hydrate."

Jiro lowered the speed of the treadmill, smiling as she nodded. "Just let's do a cool down, and we should stretch after."

Momo nodded as she finished her pushups. She picked up her bottle before standing. "I'm getting a refill. Do you two need any?"

Jiro nodded. "Thanks, Momo. You're the best!" Jiro held out her bottle as Momo left, walking to the fountain when she stopped, hearing Akiko's phone buzzing. "Akiko?" Momo pulled out the phone as she smiled. "It's Ava."

"Ava?" Akiko jumped up, taking the phone, but did not arrive in time to pick it up. She paused, a frown forming on her face.

"Is everything alright?" Jiro glanced in worry as she shook her head.

"It's a message from Tokoyami. Uzu's in the hospital."

Momo and Jiro gasped, jumping up. "What?!"

~~~

Akiko hushed towards the cage, holding her phone against her ear. It went to voicemail. "Hey Ava. Sorry. Uzu is in the hospital. Running. Just had a workout. So tired." Akiko took a deep breath. "Talk to you later." Akiko turned the phone off as she slid through the gate. She screamed as she almost crashed into Ava. "Ava!"

Akiko paused, panting as she leaned against the wall.

"Ava- I thought- you were- give me a moment." Akiko panted, taking a large breath as Ava helped her stabilise.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I've been running. What are you doing here? I thought you left for China."

Ava blushed softly before she pulled Akiko up. "Yeah, well, I chose to stay."

"Who's looking after the Maigo?"

"Dante."

"You let Dante look after it?!" Akiko placed a hand on her heart as she reeled back in horror.

"No, of course not. I left Haven in charge. Now, what's going on?"

"Right, Uzu's in the hospital."

"What? Is he okay?"

"Not sure. Tokoyami said he had minor injuries, but for all we know, Tokoyami's minor injuries could be stabbed."

"We're heading to the train station to get to him," Jiro piped up as she leaned up, still breathing heavily.

"A car will be faster. I've got one around the corner." Ava waved for the group to follow her as Jiro blinked.

"You have a car?"

Ava hummed. "Well, I drove it here." Ava jumped into the front seat.

Momo gasped, stepping back as Jiro pushed her into the back row. Momo glanced at Ava in worry. "Are you even old enough to have a licence?"

Ava shrugged. "I have a sailing licence."

"Those are not the same thing," Jiro gaped as Ava chuckled.

"I suggest you put on your seatbelt." Ava pulled the car into gear as she hit the accelerator.

Momo screamed as Jiro grabbed her, holding her tightly and trying to try and calm her. Akiko stared in awe as Ava drove through the Japanese roads.

~~~

Ava pulled up in front of the hospital, letting the girls out. "I'll catch you up when I've found somewhere to park."

"Thank you. You're really the best." Akiko grinned before she turned to Momo, who was shaking and latched onto Jiro.

"It's okay. It's over."