A Hero's Resolve (Part 4)

Chris knocked on Jason's door. "Hey dude. I'm… I'm not going to bother asking you to open up. I just wanted to talk to you real quick. Today's the day. We're finally confronting the League once and for all." Chris sighed as he sat against his best friend's door. "Momo is a genius, but I really wish we had your strategic mind on this one. I mean, this is the final battle." Chris took a deep breath. "None of this is looking good. The League has had a full day to prepare for us. And…" Chris turned his head to look at the door. "...we're a man down." Chris forced a smile. "But don't worry: we have the element of surprise on our side. The League captured mom and expects me to come alone. You know that I wouldn't put her in danger." Chris stood up. "And as I fall into their trap, Momo will lead Mina, Kirishima, Shoto, Denki, Tokoyami, Itsuka, and I'm pretty sure Kyoko and Iida are coming too. Either way, the odds are against us without you." Chris put his hand on the door, starting to tear up. "...I wish you were coming with us… I know you're quirkless, but you're a great planner, and a great martial artist, and…" Chris sighed. "...I just… I just feel better knowing that you're fighting alongside us…" Chris's phone buzzed. It was the signal. Chris wiped away his tears. "...I gotta go get my hero suit on. In case this is it… thanks for everything… brother…" Chris walked back to the elevator.

Jason had a hand over his mouth, not trying to hold back his tears but trying to keep his sobs silent. Jason had let himself wallow in his own self pity- no, his own depression for so long that he had completely forgotten about his friends and family. They were going into battle without him. Jason had no idea how long he sat there. Minutes? Hours? He just sat there on the floor, staring at his costume. Then Jason finally stood up, wiping away his tears. He forced a smile on his face as he grabbed the costume from its hanger. "One last ride."

Kirishima sighed as he hung up the phone. "...love you too, dad…" Mina looked over. "...the call was only a minute…" Kirishima put the cellphone away. "He was just as lovely as ever. Pretty sure he was sober enough to understand what I said, but I can never tell." Chris, now dressed in his grey and black costume, walked up. "I assume Momo is at the Endeavor Agency laying out the final plans, but where's Shoto?" Mina forced a smile. "Hospital." Chris nodded, not bothering to ask why she was there. They all knew. "Well… let's do this…"

Shoto, already in her hero costume, sat next to her father. "...this is it… we're going after the League of Villains… I… I know you would've wanted to be here for this, but we were forced into this confrontation way too early. Momo has a plan, but I seriously don't know if we can do this without-" Shoto took a deep breath. "...we… we aren't at full strength… I wish you were with us… I wish Aizawa was coming… I wish Jason could be here… but you always said wishing was stupid anyways." Shoto stood up. "I… I hope I can make you proud today." Shoto kissed her father's forehead. "...I love you, dad…" Shoto slowly left the room.

Then Endeavor's eyes opened.