The Wise Child (Hiatus!!)

37. Not There

Shoto was hurt. Bad. That's all my father would say. A simple message to go to the hospital.

My stomach dropped at his words. I searched my contacts and dialed my youngest brother's number. Straight to voicemail.

My mind went to images of dead bodies. Empty heartbeats. Gray skin and open eyes.

I bit back the vile in my throat at the thought of that being Shoto. It couldn't be. No. I didn't want to allow it. I couldn't.

My fingers flinched as I dialed my father's number this time. It took several rings before he answered, voice gruff. "Are you at the hospital?"

"No-no, not yet. I'm sorry I was busy I was-"

"Don't waste time. His room number is 211. He'll likely be asleep. He's in stable condition. But you need to be there."

I gulped harshly. I knew that. I was always there for him, or- or I tried to be. Was I not? God I had left him hadn't I. I thought I was escaping my father, my past, my failure. Shoto was part of all of those things so the answer was yes. I had abandoned him.

"I'm coming. I'm sorry."

He didn't answer, a beep signalling the call had ended. I shoved the phone into my pocket, having only just changed out of my hero attire, and rushed down the hallways of Uwabami's agency.

My footsteps were fast on the ground and I stumbled towards the exit, only to be stopped by a familiar face. "Yae? What's going on? Why do you look so scared?"

"Shoto- it's Shoto he-" I could feel tears brimming my eyes. What had he done? I didn't know what hurt him, just that he was. And I wasn't there to help.

"Shh, It's okay. Where are we going?" Her hair was still a mess, a towel in her hand, it was clear she was going to take a shower. Rinse off the ashes of the day. I wanted to tell her this wasn't her responsibility. But I was a coward.

"The hospital back in Hosu." I choked out, practically bouncing on my feet ready to leave.

"Okay, lead the way, I'll follow."

I nodded and continued on nearly sprinting to leave. I had to be there. I had left him. What if that was all he could remember. That I was supposed to be there, supposed to train with him, be the tool to form his image, a guard to save him from cruelties. And I failed. Because I was selfish and forgot my purpose.

"Yae, slow down, please," I heard Momo gasp a little. Her skin was nearly translucent and her breathing haggard. Guilt bit at me.

"I'm sorry, you don't need to come. Rest. I just need to see my brother."

She shook her head, "No- Yae you're bleeding."

I blinked but looked over to see red dotting the sleeve of my white shirt. I couldn't help but blink, I couldn't even recall when I had gotten injured. Likely during the rescue we had provided earlier.

"It doesn't matter. I'll handle it later."

She looked conflicted before nodding her head and allowing me to continue running. The rest of the hour we spent sprinting to get there barely registered in my mind. All I could imagine was Shoto. Cold. Alone.

I didn't want to think about what hurt him. I didn't want to think about the monsters I'd seen wrecking havoc. The image of one getting to him. All Might himself could barely withstand an attack. But my brother? The same boy who would cry when I stepped on an ant?

My stomach was more than knotted by the time I sprung the door of the hospital open. I could barely stand waiting in the line of family members, all looking just as scared as I felt. It was clear the hospital was more than overrun at the moment. But my patience had long since wavered.