Of Wings and Flames - Dabi x OC x Hawks

Fleeting Mortality [22]

"...Number four hero... Edgeshot!" the crowd cheered as he walked on to the stage. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath

If the first time I make it to top ten is in the third spot, then you'd bet your ass I'd make it flashy. I hissed in effort as I manipulated the light around me, forcing it to bend away as my fingers daintily curled. Hawks raised his eyebrows as he watched, his mouth turning into a grim line. I silently slipped around the curtain before I was called, and my breath was swept away.

Good lord, that was a lot of people watching.

"Now, the woman you've all been waiting for," the announcer built suspense, his hands splayed wide. "She brought down Leviathan in a blazing, flashy glory, she rescued desperate orphans from a devious trickster matron, bringing down a decades-old operation. She never fails to bring the light of the sun where it's needed, becoming a burning beacon of the future." He raised his hands, shouting into the mic with a grand gesture. "Give it up for our Third Ranked Phoenix Hero, Sun Keeper!"

I brought the fire to my feet and spun around, a circle of fire rising up from the floor. People gasped in shock, and I grinned. I brought out my wings and covered my body with them, ripping away the veil of light. I expanded my wings, blowing away the flames as I floated in the air. I grinned confidently, which turned into a bright smile as I graced the floor, bringing in my wings. A huge roar of applause and whistles and praise rang up from the crowd, and I blushed shyly, forcefully keeping my arms down by my sides. "This is new," I admitted.

Hawks appeared from the curtain next, and my eyes widened at the response. He smiled brightly at their kind words and support, scratching the back of his head. I kept my head forward, although the temptation to look towards him was really strong. He whistled lowly, catching my attention. I turned to him and he winked, and I swallowed, a faint blush creeping on my cheeks.

"I saw the feed, nicely done Sunny," he complimented, stuffing his hands in his pockets. His posture was easy and relaxed, clearly having done this before. I glanced at the floor and shuffled slightly. Just because I made a memorable appearance, doesn't mean I know what I'm doing. Especially when Endeavor came out in his own fiery fashion. I looked away, not wanting him to recognize me. He groaned as he looked beside him, and Hawks smiled. "How does it feel being Number 1?"

His blue eyes - which were shockingly familiar, but I couldn't place where I had seen them before - stared at Hawks with simmering rage, before glancing at me. He scowled, and my heart constricted tightly in my chest. "Great, now I'm stuck with two birds." Hawks laughed earning a glare from the Flame Hero. He quickly straightened and zipped his mouth, to which Endeavor rolled his eyes.

The announcer had now started taking individual comments from the top ten, starting with Ryuku. After her words, Keigo looked a little grumpy, his eyes holding an annoyed glint. He was about to absolutely lose it when I took the microphone. I took in a shuddering breath, curling my wings around me.

"Like Ryuku, I also feeling undeserving of this spot," I began, my eyes downcast. "I felt as though I had let you all down especially during a time where, like the president said, we are experiencing a turning point. Our Symbol of Peace is gone," I stated, raising my head. "All Might was as consistent as the sun, we always knew that he would rise again. And now, since his retirement, we have seen an increase in criminal activity. Things cannot and will not continue down this path." Fire pooled and spread from my heart, and my right fist began to glow. My wings spread out wide, and Edgeshot and Hawks backed away to avoid being hit. "It is times like these that I exist for," I cried, and people's eyes widened as they listened to my words. "When the sun cannot shine through the darkness that has clouded our minds and souls, it is up to me to be that guiding light. From this day forward, come rain or shine, look up and see me. I'll show you the Sun!" I promised, and the audience roared. I swiped my hand and dispersed the flames, tucking in my wings and handing the mic to Hawks.

His scowl was completely gone, and instead, he held a soft, warm, appreciative smile. He flexed his wings and placed his hand on his chin, a smirk crawling across his face. "See, now, I've never been one to hide what I'm thinking," he began and slowly lifted himself off of the ground.

Oh no.

"Aside from Sun Keeper here, I have to say, I'm pretty disappointed." Confused mumbled and words began to slip out of the crowd, and he grinned. "This is claimed to be a turning point, correct? If so, have our goals really stayed the same? Is our strength the only thing that matters?" He tutted, shaking his head. He continued to speak, and many of the people took his words to heart, agreeing with the sentiment. "One of the biggest parts about being a hero is to put the people at ease. Sun Keeper was the only one who made an effort to do that, to show that she meant business." He slowly lowered, handing the phone to Endeavor, who's jaw was taut with annoyance. Hawks grinned. "Your turn, hero with the lower approval rating than me," he taunted, and Endeavor took the microphone from him, his flames at an all-time high. He stepped forward, and everyone held their breath.

"There isn't much to say after that, but..." He closed his eyes, and his face morphed into a determined expression. My eyes widened as I gazed at my favourite hero, taking his first steps into filling the massive role that was left behind. Before he even spoke, I raised my hands to my chest and clasped them tightly. He was so cool...

"Just watch me," he vowed. The crowd went absolutely silent, their faces all varying shades of shock. I smiled warmly at him, while Hawks clapped, looking up at him with adoration.