Wings of Awakening

Part 38

As Izuku, now Aether, and Hawks landed on a rooftop overlooking the chaos below, they took in the frantic scene of heroes struggling against the Nomus and others evacuating citizens. Before they could join, a shout caught Izuku's attention—a pro hero calling out Iida's name. Izuku squinted, recognizing Manual, Iida's internship hero. A sudden realization struck him, and dread filled his stomach: Iida must have slipped away in search of the Hero Killer.

Izuku turned toward Hawks, his determination evident. Hawks nodded in understanding. "Go. You're permitted to use your quirk in self-defense," he said before diving off to assist the other heroes.

Izuku launched into the air, searching the dark alleys for any trace of Iida or the Hero Killer. After several tense minutes, he caught a glimmer of metal below—a figure lay slumped in armor, unmoving, while another dark figure loomed over him, a blade raised to strike. Without hesitation, Izuku dived, landing a powerful kick to the figure's side and sending him crashing into a nearby wall.

Iida blinked in surprise, recognizing the green wings. "Midoriya! What are you doing here?"

"You should be asking yourself that, and call me Aether in the field," Izuku responded sharply. "Why did you leave Manual? Did you seriously come here alone to take on the Hero Killer?"

"He hurt my brother...this is my fight!" Iida insisted, trying to get up but failing.

Izuku's patience snapped. "How can you fight if you're already down? You didn't even notice Native lying there unconscious!" He gestured to the pro hero, sprawled nearby. "Instead of calling for backup, you had to be reckless enough to run off alone. I get that you're angry, but being a hero isn't about revenge, Iida. Ingenium is alive, and if he knew you'd risked your life for revenge, do you think he'd be proud of you?"

A voice cut through the alley, low and menacing. "It seems one of you has the heart of a true hero."

Izuku turned to see Stain rising to his feet, bloodthirsty eyes focused on him. "Kid, leave now, and I won't kill you."

"Not a chance, Stain," Izuku replied, his voice steady. "He may have made a mistake, but that doesn't mean he can't make up for it."

Stain narrowed his eyes. "You're defending these fakes? The ones who chase after revenge instead of saving civilians?"

"He'll learn," Izuku said, standing firm. "And if you want him, you'll have to get through me first."

A growl of frustration escaped Iida. "Aether, just take Native and leave me here! I inherited Ingenium's name, and I have to defeat him myself!"

Izuku threw an exasperated glance his way. "You—be quiet and sit down," he said, his eyes never leaving Stain. "I'll deal with you later."

With a sudden lunge, Stain closed the distance, and Izuku sprang forward, meeting him head-on.

Izuku's instincts kicked in as Stain lunged , katana flashing in the dim alley light. With a swift mental command, Izuku extended his telekinesis, pushing Stain back with enough force to knock the wind out of him momentarily.

"Don't let him cut you!" Iida called out, still on the ground.

Izuku took the warning seriously. Stain was back on his feet in seconds, flinging a volley of knives that Izuku expertly dodged midair, thanks to Hawks' rigorous training in evading airborne attacks. Stain moved with terrifying speed, his every step calculated as he ricocheted off walls and rushed Izuku with his blade poised to strike.

Just as the blade was about to make contact, Izuku activated his wing shield, a barrier formed by his telekinesis reinforcing his wings. The katana clanged off the shield, sending a sharp shockwave through the air and staggering Stain slightly.

Seizing the brief opening, Izuku focused, letting his telekinesis surround Stain and lift him effortlessly. "Sorry about this," he muttered, raising Stain high before slamming him against the alley wall. He repeated the move until Stain slumped, unconscious, and Izuku released his hold, letting the Hero Killer drop to the ground.

Iida, still in shock, stared with his mouth slightly open. Native groaned nearby, slowly regaining consciousness. Izuku spotted a bundle of rope in a nearby trash bin, grateful for the unexpected find as he tied up Stain. While securing him, Izuku removed each knife from Stain's pockets, mumbling, "How many does this guy even carry?"

Iida, clutching his injured arm, stepped closer with a serious expression. Izuku shot him a stern look. "Don't even think about it," he warned. "Our job is to bring criminals in—not to kill them."

Reluctantly, Iida nodded and helped Native to his feet. Izuku instructed, "Support him out of the alley. I'll bring Stain to the heroes."

Izuku used his telekinesis to lift the Hero Killer securely as they exited the narrow alley and joined the fray outside.