Wings of Awakening

Part 4

Hawks perched on a rooftop overlooking a quiet alley in Musutafu, his eyes scanning the streets below. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city. He'd been tailing All Might for days now, observing the former Symbol of Peace. His mission from the Hero Public Commission had been straightforward: keep an eye on All Might and report on his activities.

But this day had turned chaotic in an instant. The sludge villain had emerged, a chaotic mess of goo that threatened the citizens. Hawks watched as All Might launched into action, the sheer force of his presence commanding respect and attention. The legendary hero fought fiercely, drawing the attention of the crowd around him.

Hawks stayed above, using his controlled wings to maneuver through the air and keep an eye on the unfolding scene. He didn't intervene; instead, he watched, assessing the situation from a distance. The sludge villain proved elusive, slipping into a nearby sewer just as All Might pursued.

The legendary hero fought fiercely, but the villain proved elusive, slipping into a nearby sewer just as All Might pursued.

Frustration bubbled beneath Hawks' calm exterior. He needed a better vantage point to see where All Might would emerge. He soared up into the sky, the wind ruffling his feathers, searching for any sign of the hero. After what felt like an eternity, Hawks finally spotted All Might leaping through the sky, and his heart raced as he realized there was someone clinging to his leg.

Who's that kid? Hawks thought, a mix of disbelief and concern flooding his thoughts. What is he doing up there?

The two soared high above the streets, All Might's strength and resolve evident even in this unexpected predicament. As Hawks glide effortlessly in the air, he felt a twinge of admiration for the boy.

As they landed on a nearby rooftop, Hawks carefully maneuvered himself into a position where he could listen in without being seen. He activated one of his controlled wings, allowing it to stretch discreetly closer to the pair.

Listening intently, he heard Izuku's hopeful question about being a hero, followed by All Might's crushing response. Hawks felt a pang in his chest. He could see the disappointment wash over Izuku's face, a reflection of the struggles that many aspiring heroes faced.

After All Might departed, leaving Izuku alone on the rooftop, Hawks felt a strong pull toward the boy. Should I go after All Might? Or stay and watch over the kid?

He chose to remain hidden, sensing that something significant was about to unfold. As Izuku stood at the edge, lost in thought, Hawks held his breath. Don't do it, kid!

In that moment, Izuku seemed to awaken from his stupor. He stepped back, then—without warning—jumped off the rooftop.

Hawks' heart raced as he instinctively prepared to dive after him, but he stopped, mesmerized as wings erupted from Izuku's back. The transformation was nothing short of breathtaking. The kid was flying!

"Fly, little bird!" Hawks shouted, even though Izuku couldn't hear him. He couldn't help but smile, feeling a surge of pride for the boy. The moment was a revelation, and the promise of potential crackled in the air.

As he watched Izuku struggle to navigate the skies, the weight of his earlier doubts seemed to lift. Hawks felt a surge of purpose. He'd help this kid become a hero—not just any hero, but one who was free, untethered by the burdens of the past.

With renewed determination, Hawks made his decision. He would train Izuku in secret, guiding him as he harnessed his newfound powers. This was the beginning of something extraordinary, and Hawks was more than ready to be a part of it.

Izuku soared through the sky, the exhilaration of flight filling his senses as he reveled in the freedom that came with his newly discovered quirk. The city sprawled beneath him, a patchwork of buildings and streets, but his joy was short-lived. As he navigated through the air, a sudden realization struck him: he had no idea how to control his flight. Panic surged as he struggled to keep his balance, veering off course and darting toward a nearby alleyway.

Just as he thought he might crash, a sharp whistle cut through the air, and a familiar figure swooped in beside him. With feathered wings that glimmered in the sunlight, Hawks glided effortlessly, his playful demeanor contrasting with the seriousness of the situation.

"Hey there, little bird!" he called out, flashing a confident grin. "Looks like you've got some impressive wings. But maybe you should practice flying a bit more before trying to do stunts!"

Izuku blinked, wide-eyed with awe as he steadied himself beside the hero. "H-Hawks! You're—"

"Yep, that's me!" Hawks said, adjusting his goggles as he effortlessly matched Izuku's altitude. "Nice to meet a fellow flyer! I've been keeping an eye on you since I saw you leap off that roof. Pretty gutsy move."

"I—thank you! I just—I didn't know what I was doing," Izuku admitted, embarrassment flushing his cheeks. "I just wanted to... I thought I could fly."

"And you can! But you might want to work on your landing, too," Hawks chuckled, his voice friendly and encouraging. "So, what's your quirk?"

"I just... I don't have a name for it yet," Izuku stammered, glancing down at the streets below. "I only discovered it today. My mom and I just found out that I have a dormant quirk that was supposed to show eventually, but I didn't expect... this." He gestured to his wings, still awestruck.

Hawks nodded, his expression turning more serious. "It's not uncommon for quirks to manifest suddenly, especially with a lot of emotion behind it. You're lucky to have such a powerful ability. But it's also a huge responsibility." He paused, his tone shifting. "You need to learn how to control it. Flying is all about balance."

"I want to be a hero," Izuku confessed, his determination shining through the uncertainty. "I want to help people, just like All Might."

"I get that," Hawks replied, his gaze steady. "But being a hero isn't just about power; it's about how you use it. If you want to train, I can help you out. Keep it under wraps for now, though; we don't want the public to know about your quirk just yet."

Izuku's heart raced at the prospect. "You'd help me?"

"Of course! I see potential in you, kid," Hawks said with a wink. "But this is going to be a secret. Just promise me you'll put in the effort."

"I promise!" Izuku replied, a smile breaking across his face. For the first time in a while, hope bloomed in his chest.

"Alright, then!" Hawks said, taking a step back. "Let's see what you can do. First lesson: practice landings. Ready?"

"Ready!" Izuku shouted, the thrill of adventure washing over him as they began their training high above the city.