My Hero Academia Symbol of Hope (DC x MHA)

Aftermath

The aftermath of the mission was a mix of relief and solemnity as the team regrouped at the hospital. The villains were all securely detained, and the streets were finally at peace. Inside the sterile halls, every hero was subjected to a thorough check-up. The wear and tear of the battle had left its mark, but they had done what they set out to do: save lives.

Sir Nighteye lay in a hospital bed, stable but missing his right arm. He was awake, quietly reflecting on everything that had happened. Beside him, a nurse finished adjusting his IV, while Mirio sat close by, his usual infectious smile dimmed but not extinguished. Despite the loss of his quirk, Mirio radiated a quiet determination that seemed to fill the room.

Most of the other heroes had fared better. Red Riot, Suneater, Green Guardian, and Fat Gum had sustained moderate injuries—bruises, cuts, and a few fractures—but nothing life-threatening. Rock Lock, though battered, avoided any serious harm. Even Nightwing, despite the numerous cuts across his body, was still on his feet, albeit with some reluctance to heed medical advice.

The same couldn't be said for Kai, though he wasn't injured in the conventional sense. He sat in his hospital room, perched on the bed with Eri still clinging tightly to him, her small hands fisted in his hospital gown. She hadn't let go of him since they arrived.

It was strange. Every time someone approached, she would tense, her grip tightening as if she feared being taken away. Only Kara and Izuku were allowed close enough without setting her on edge. It was clear the connection between her and Kai went deeper than anyone initially realized. Perhaps it was because he had helped her with her quirk, guiding her in a way no one else had.

For Eri, Kai wasn't just a hero. He was safety, warmth, and reassurance in a world that had only ever hurt her.

A soft knock on the door interrupted the quiet. A nurse stepped in, holding a tray of bandages and antiseptics. She paused when she saw Eri glued to Kai, her horn brushing against his chest as she curled up against him like a frightened kitten.

"Mr. Yagi," the nurse said gently, her eyes darting between him and the little girl. "We need to do a final check-up on her. Is that okay?"

Kai looked down at Eri, brushing a hand through her snowy-white hair. "Eri," he said softly, his voice calm and steady. "It's just a quick check-up. I'll be right here the whole time, okay?"

She looked up at him with wide, watery eyes and shook her head furiously. "No... I don't want to leave you."

Kai sighed, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You won't. I promise. I'm not going anywhere."

With his assurance, she finally nodded, though her grip didn't loosen. Kai adjusted her slightly, keeping her in his lap as he gestured for the nurse to proceed.

"I guess this is how we're doing it," the nurse said with a small laugh, approaching carefully. She worked quickly, taking Eri's vitals and checking her horn, all while Eri refused to break her hold on Kai. When it was done, the nurse nodded.

"She's healthy," the nurse said, relief in her tone. "But she's exhausted. She needs rest."

Kai nodded, watching as Eri nestled closer into his chest. Her breathing was slowing, the adrenaline finally leaving her system. "She'll sleep when she's ready," he said quietly.

As the nurse left, Kara and Izuku entered the room. They exchanged a glance, both smiling softly at the sight of Kai holding the little girl so protectively.

As the nurse finished giving Kai Yagi the results, she handed him a stack of papers, her expression softening as she gave him the details on Eri's health. Eri was certainly in a fragile state. The nurse pointed out that she had some malnutrition, her body lacking essential nutrients due to prolonged neglect and fear. There were scars across her small arms, remnants of her painful past, and a slight fever likely brought on by the stress and exhaustion from the events.