Wings of Awakening

Part 47

Everything had been progressing normally for the Test of Courage—until it all went terribly wrong. Black smoke began to spread through the forest, and screams echoed as villains launched a surprise attack on the students.

Inside the forest, Ochaco and Tsuyu were trying to find their way when they felt something unsettling lurking behind them. Before they could react, Himiko Toga appeared, ready to strike. Elsewhere, Juzo and Kendo praised Yui for her effective scare tactics—until thick, dark smoke began to fill the area. Juzo suddenly collapsed, and Kendo quickly realized the smoke was dangerous. She covered her mouth and shielded Yui with her Quirk, instructing her not to inhale.

Back at the camp, the rest of Class 1-A noticed the ominous smoke rising and realized something was wrong. Izuku's heart raced as he remembered Kota, who was likely still at his secret hideout, alone and completely defenseless. Without a second thought, Izuku unfurled his wings, determination blazing in his eyes as he launched into the air. The powerful green feathers glinted against the darkening sky as he soared over the treetops, his mind focused solely on reaching Kota in time.

The forest stretched below him, cloaked in smoke and shadows, but his wings cut through the air with purpose. The events of the past few days flashed through his mind—Kota's cold demeanor, his mistrust of heroes, the guarded way he looked at Izuku each time he brought him food. But none of that mattered now. All Izuku cared about was reaching the young boy before it was too late.

Meanwhile, Mr. Aizawa had taken Denki, Mina, Eijiro, Sato, and Sero back to the facility for supplementary lessons, hoping to teach them crisis management. Inside, they found Neito Monoma from Class 1-B, also in need of extra lessons. Just as the lessons were about to begin, Mandalay's voice reached them through her Telepathy. She warned Mr. Aizawa, Vlad King, and the remedial students of the villain attack.

Mr. Aizawa immediately took charge, ordering Vlad King to protect the remedial students as he rushed outside to help the others. As he assessed the chaotic situation outside, he felt a sudden, scorching heat beside him. Dabi emerged, unleashing a wave of flames, engulfing Aizawa in fire. "You heroes aren't even our target," Dabi sneered, smothering Aizawa in flames.

Meanwhile, a sword-wielding villain, Spinner, introduced himself to the students and remaining Pussycats, taunting Tiger by holding Pixie-Bob's life hostage. Spinner claimed to be the torchbearer of Stain's ideology, drawing Tenya's attention. Recognizing Tenya as the one who had confronted Stain, Spinner declared his intention to carry out Stain's dream. Tiger criticized Spinner's twisted beliefs, readying himself for a fight alongside Mandalay. As they prepared to engage, Mandalay used her Telepathy to inform Tenya and the other students of the villains' intent and ordered Tenya to lead the others to safety.

Inside the smoke-filled forest, Kendo carried the unconscious Juzo, while Yui followed closely. They eventually stumbled upon Tetsutetsu and Ibara, who were wearing masks crafted by Momo Yaoyorozu. Tetsutetsu informed them that Yosetsu was leading some Class 1-A students toward a safer area. He handed Kendo and Yui masks, and after Kendo helped Yui fit one onto the unconscious Juzo, she urged Tetsutetsu to retreat to the facility.

But Tetsutetsu was resolute, clenching his fists as he turned back to face the smoke. "I can't run now, Kendo. True heroes have to face danger if they want to save others. If I don't fight now, I'll never be ready to fight real villains." He gave her a firm look. "Take care of Ibara. I'll handle the villains."

Kendo felt torn but nodded, understanding Tetsutetsu's resolve. "Stay safe," she said, guiding Yui and Juzo back as Tetsutetsu prepared himself for battle.

Kota was lost in thought, sitting by his secret hideout on the cliff, when a figure in a mask approached him. The stranger's voice was light, almost mocking, as he gestured toward Kota's hat. "Nice hat, kid. Wanna trade it for something a bit more... haunting?" The figure peeled off his mask, revealing a broad, scarred grin that sent chills down Kota's spine.

A flood of recognition hit Kota as the man's face registered. It was him—the villain from the news. The one who had brutally murdered his parents, the hero duo Water Hose. Kota stumbled back, his heart racing in terror, as he tried to flee. But in one swift motion, Muscular leaped and landed directly in his path, a wicked gleam in his eye.

Just then, Izuku descended like a comet from above, his telekinetic shield forming a barrier around him. He slammed into Muscular, sending the villain crashing into the rocky cliff wall. Izuku turned to Kota, his face etched with concern. "Are you okay, Kota?"

Kota's voice was barely a whisper, his gaze locked on the crater where Muscular lay sprawled. "Mom... Dad..." he choked out, memories of his parents flashing before his eyes.

With a groan, Muscular pulled himself up, shaking off the dust as his cloak fell away, revealing his bulging, sinewy muscles, pulsating with each movement. "Nice try, kid," he sneered as muscle fibers expanded over his body, enhancing his size and strength. He took a menacing step forward, eyeing Izuku. "Hey, are you Bakugo, by any chance?"

Izuku bristled. "What do you want with Kacchan?"

A twisted smile spread across Muscular's face. "So you're the kid on Shigaraki's list... Seems luck's on my side tonight!"

Without hesitation, Muscular charged at them. Izuku reacted swiftly, scooping Kota up and dodging Muscular's strike. The ground where Muscular's fist landed caved into a crater, sending debris and dust into the air. Seizing the moment, Izuku launched into the sky, wings beating hard as he flew toward the camp. But Muscular was relentless, tearing after them through the forest.

Meanwhile, back at the facility, Shota Aizawa engaged in a fierce battle with Dabi, the blue-flamed villain. The two clashed, but Shota quickly took the upper hand, using his Capturing Weapon to ensnare Dabi. With a swift maneuver, he twisted the bindings tight, demanding answers. Dabi merely smirked, refusing to comply.

Just as Shota was about to press him further, Dabi's body suddenly began to melt, slipping through the Capturing Weapon and dissolving into a puddle. A realization hit Shota—this Dabi was just a clone, likely created by Twice. Before Shota could react further, Tenya, Mashirao, Minoru, and Koji arrived at the facility. Shota ordered them inside, then turned back toward the forest, determined to protect his students.

Deep in the forest, the real Dabi, standing beside Twice, watched the scene unfold through his clone's perspective. He turned to Twice, a wicked grin on his face. "Make me two more clones. Let's give them a real show." Twice chuckled, complying as he created two more duplicates of Dabi, ready to plunge the forest deeper into chaos.