Wings of Awakening

Part 57

The next day at the Nighteye Agency, Sir Nighteye stood before Izuku, Mirio, and Bubble Girl, his usual stoic expression unwavering. "Today, we'll be conducting a patrol and reconnaissance mission," he began. "We'll split into two groups: Bubble Girl and myself, and you two—Lemillion and Aether."

Bubble Girl spoke up, her voice firm but serious. "The Nighteye Agency is currently conducting a secret investigation. We're gathering intel on a villain organization called the Shie Hassaikai."

Sir Nighteye elaborated, gesturing toward a picture of a man with a cold demeanor, wearing a mask. "Their leader, Kai Chisaki, known as Overhaul, has been making unusual moves recently. His generation of villains has been in decline, but it seems he's attempting to resurrect that era. We've also learned that he's made contact with the League of Villains. However, we currently lack solid evidence of criminal activity. Our goal is to observe and gather proof."

Izuku studied the picture, a chill running down his spine. "Villains like him... they're not as common these days," he murmured.

"Which makes his movements even more concerning," Bubble Girl added.

Before departing, Mirio turned to Izuku with a grin. "What made you choose your hero name?"

Izuku smiled back. "The word Aether in Greek mythology symbolizes someone who watches over others. It also reflects my aerial abilities and my resolve to rise above challenges."

"Nice! The meaning suits your abilities," Mirio said proudly. "Mine is because I aim to save a million people in my carrier as a hero."

Izuku nodded. "That's admirable."

As they patrolled the streets, Izuku and Mirio kept up a lighthearted conversation to ease the tension. However, the mood quickly shifted when they passed an alley. A young girl wearing a hospital gown and bandages came sprinting out, colliding with Izuku. She stumbled back, trembling, her wide eyes filled with fear. A small horn protruded from the side of her head.

"Sorry about that," Izuku said gently, crouching to her level. Before she could respond, a voice echoed from the alley.

"Eri," the man called out, stepping into view. His presence was chilling, his calm yet commanding tone masking something far more sinister. It was Overhaul.

Izuku's body stiffened as he instinctively spread his green wings, shielding the girl behind him. She clung tightly to his leg, trembling. "You'll be okay," he whispered softly to her. "I'll protect you."

Mirio, startled by Izuku's sudden reaction, asked, "What's wrong, Aether?"

Overhaul stepped closer, his calm demeanor unshaken. "I apologize for my daughter's behavior. She tends to get carried away during her little games."

Izuku narrowed his eyes. "Your daughter seems terrified."

Overhaul tensed ever so slightly, his expression hidden behind his mask. "She's just upset because I scolded her earlier."

Izuku glanced at Eri, still trembling against him. Her bandages, her fearful eyes, her tiny frame—everything about the situation screamed danger. "She seem scared of more than a scolding," Izuku said sharply. "What are you doing to her?"

Overhaul's tone darkened as he replied, "Don't impose your ideas of family dynamics on others, hero."

Mirio stepped forward, trying to de-escalate. "Aether, let's not jump to conclusions. People have different ways of raising their kids..."

But Izuku's instincts screamed otherwise. "My instincts are telling me to protect her," he muttered, his wings glowing faintly. "Why don't we take her to a hospital to get checked out? She's covered in bandages—she might need healing."

Overhaul's calm façade cracked ever so slightly, his tone laced with venom. "Why must heroes meddle in others' business? Especially you. I was warned about you," he said, retreating a step into the alley.

Izuku's eyes widened in realization. If villains are talking about me, it must be Shigaraki. So it's true—they're working together.

Overhaul began removing his gloves. Does he have a similar quirk to Shigaraki? Izuku thought.

Overhaul's body language shifted, and he called out, "Eri." The girl flinched and tried to let go of Izuku, but he placed a reassuring hand on her head.

"Don't be scared," Izuku said softly. "Everything's going to be okay."

Izuku gave her a blinding smile, and in Eri's eyes, he was glowing, his wings emitting a green light. "An angel," she thought.

Mirio sighed, sensing they were about to cross a line. "We're going to get in so much trouble for this," he muttered.

Izuku smirked. "Not if we handle this quickly and cleanly." Handing Eri to Mirio, he whispered, "Take her and run."

"I'm not leaving you alone," Mirio replied.

"I'll be fine. If things get bad, I'll fly. Just go get backup."

Reluctantly, Mirio nodded. "Don't die," he said before bolting down the street with Eri in his arms.

Overhaul's expression darkened. "Give her back," he growled, touching the ground as a wave of jagged spikes shot toward them.

Izuku launched into action, flapping his wings to take to the air. Using his telekinesis, he shattered the spikes mid-flight. Overhaul attempted to manipulate the terrain further, but Izuku didn't let up. He fired debris from the spikes at Overhaul like missiles, keeping him on the defensive.

Overhaul's composure began to crack as the relentless barrage continued. Dust filled the air from the destruction, and when it cleared, he stood battered and bruised, his mask knocked askew. His glare was venomous as he pulled out a concealed gun, aiming it at Izuku.

The shot rang out, but Izuku's telekinetic shield deflected the bullet, sending it harmlessly into the rubble. Without giving Overhaul a moment to recover, Izuku dove toward him, surrounded by a green glow, using his special move: Burst Maneuver. Overhaul touched the walls, sending another wave of spikes, but Izuku's shield plowed through them effortlessly.

With a powerful impact, Izuku slammed into Overhaul, sending him crashing into a wall and knocking him unconscious. Not taking any chances, Izuku encased Overhaul in a spherical shield of telekinetic energy, hovering him above the ground to prevent him from touching anything.

Moments later, Mirio arrived with Sir Nighteye, Bubble Girl, and several police officers. They froze, stunned by the sight of Overhaul's unconscious body floating in a glowing green sphere.

Mirio blinked. "You really went all out, huh?"

Izuku, panting but triumphant, landed softly. "Couldn't exactly let him hurt anyone else."

Sir Nighteye adjusted his glasses, his expression a mix of surprise and disapproval. "We are having a chat afterward."