Wings of Awakening

Part 11

As the dust settled, Izuku looked down at the girl he had just saved, offering a warm smile. "Are you okay?" he asked gently.

The girl nodded, wincing as she tried to sit up. "Yeah, I think I just sprained my ankle," she said, rubbing her leg. Then she looked back at him, curiosity lighting up her face. "Are you okay? That was... intense. And your wings! Where did they go?"

"Oh, they retract," Izuku explained, chuckling a little despite his exhaustion. "I can use them when I need them and tuck them away to save energy. I also have telekinesis, so I can push things away—but that's really exhausting too." He was catching his breath, still processing how close they'd come to real danger, but felt a little lighter sharing this part of himself.

"That's so cool!" She smiled, her face lighting up with genuine excitement. "Oh, my quirk is Zero Gravity! I can make things weightless just by touching them, but... I guess I was too worn out to even think about using it on the rubble."

Just then, Recovery Girl arrived, her eyes sweeping the area for injuries. She quickly noticed the girl's ankle and bent down, giving it a soft kiss. Instantly, the girl's face relaxed as her ankle began to heal. Recovery Girl turned to Izuku next, her eyes sharp and experienced. "And what about you, young man? Any injuries?"

Izuku shook his head, his body feeling heavier with each passing second. "No injuries, ma'am. I'm just... really, really exhausted."

With a warm chuckle, she handed him a small packet of gummies. "Eat up, then! These will help restore some of your energy."

Gratefully, Izuku popped one into his mouth, the sweetness bringing a bit of life back into him. Turning back to the girl, he extended a hand. "By the way, I'm Izuku Midoriya. Thanks for, uh... letting me practice some hero work."

The girl laughed, shaking his hand warmly. "I'm Ochako Uraraka. Thanks for saving me—and the hero work was pretty impressive!"

They exchanged phone numbers, both of them tired but smiling, glad for the connection they'd made. As Izuku headed home after the exams, he felt his heart swell with excitement. He'd not only given his all today, but he'd also made a new friend, and the dream of becoming a hero felt a little closer.

The teachers leaned forward as the Zero Pointer closed in on Izuku and the girl trapped beneath the rubble. The hulking machine towered over them, its massive frame casting a dark, imposing shadow that made even the seasoned heroes tense up.

"Should we stop it?" Midnight asked urgently, glancing at Nezu. "That robot's far too close—it could crush them both in an instant!"

"I agree," Cementoss added. "At this distance, it's too dangerous to leave it unchecked. They don't stand a chance."

Nezu raised a paw, a small but confident smile playing on his face. "Let's give him a moment. I think something interesting is about to happen."

The teachers exchanged doubtful glances but held back, trusting Nezu's judgment even as the Zero Pointer loomed perilously close. In the observation booth, they watched the green-haired boy grit his teeth, steeling himself as he spread his wings wide, their span catching everyone's attention.

Izuku took to the air, hovering close to the Zero Pointer. Summoning every ounce of strength left, he extended his hands and released a focused burst of telekinetic force. The energy collided with the Zero Pointer, its wheels grinding against the ground as it was pushed back, just far enough for him and the girl to escape.

"He's... he's actually doing it!" Present Mic's voice was almost a whisper, filled with awe.

With one final surge, Izuku managed to repel the Zero Pointer, creating a safe space. His wings folded as he landed near the girl, who thanked him with teary relief. Izuku, visibly exhausted, retracted his wings, catching his breath.

In the observation room, a hush fell, broken only by a few stunned murmurs. All Might blinked, genuinely surprised. His wings... they can retract?

Nezu's chuckle drew everyone's attention, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "A fascinating young man, wouldn't you say?"

Aizawa nodded, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "He didn't hesitate for a second. That's the kind of instinct we want to see in future heroes."

"That's the essence of a true hero," Nezu said, watching the screens as Izuku helped the girl to her feet. "To stand firm when others might flee. I think we've found someone very special."

The teachers watched in thoughtful silence as the green-haired boy, wings now hidden, finished helping the girl. The image of his determined face and unwavering spirit lingered in their minds, marking him as a promising new force among future heroes.