Chapter 17 - The Roar of the Alpha

With a furious gaze fixed upon Shigaraki, you instinctively draw back with the intention of delivering a powerful blow to his head. However, as Aizawa's firm grasp wraps around your tail, you find yourself unable to move, the fiery rage within you momentarily extinguished. Looking into his eyes, you notice the pain and the pleading behind his shattered façade. His voice, strained and weary, reaches your ears, "Don't—don't kill him, we are not the same as them." His words resonate within you, a stark reminder of the moral line you refuse to cross.

Aizawa's hand remains steadfast on your tail, and his broken visage, marred by blood clinging to his hair, serves as a poignant visual of the battle's toll. He repeats his command, this time with a quiet firmness, "Let him go." You feel the tension in your body dissipate as you consider his words, allowing your anger to subside and be replaced with a newfound sense of resolve. You release the breath you didn't realize you were holding and slowly deflate your cheeks, acknowledging the truth in his statement with a begrudging nod.

Shigaraki, anticipating the fiery assault, has his hand held up protectively, his eyes wide with shock when it fails to materialize. As you pivot away, spreading your wings to ride the air current across the fountain, his gaze follows you, bewildered. Kurogiri emerges from the chaos, standing beside the cowering villain, inquiring with a cold, calculated tone, "Shall we eliminate them now?" Yet, Shigaraki's gaze lingers on your retreating form, and as he watches you tenderly care for Aizawa, his expression softens, a flicker of something unfamiliar stirring within him.

You glide over to the gate where Thirteen and the remaining heroes who have not been dispersed by the battle are regrouping. Your teacher's injuries are severe, but you are determined to assist him in any way you can, even using your tongue to carefully clean the blood from his wounds. The sight of your compassionate act does not go unnoticed by Shigaraki, who feels a sudden, inexplicable pang in his chest.

As you finish, you address Thirteen, who nods solemnly in understanding, "Ensure his safety." With that, you pivot and launch yourself at the Nomu that had begun to regain its footing. The creature's roars of anger and agony fill the air, but it offers no resistance as you mercilessly rip its head from its body. The force of the action propels it into the night sky, where it crashes through the USJ's roof before disappearing into the vastness of the cosmos.

Once the Nomu is dealt with, you lift your head skyward and release a triumphant roar, your wings outstretched in a display of power and dominance. The sound echoes through the damaged theme park, a declaration that the alpha has returned to claim its place. The sky above seems to acknowledge your victory, the stars shimmering down like approving glances. With your task completed, you descend back to the platform, the weight of the battle slowly lifting from your shoulders. The surviving heroes, including Thirteen, gather around Aizawa, who remains steadfast despite his grievous injuries, a testament to his unyielding spirit.

The battle has ended, but the night is far from over. As you land, you notice the other heroes looking at you with a mix of admiration and relief. The air is thick with the promise of future engagements, as Shigaraki and his companions vanish from the scene. Yet, for now, you stand tall, a beacon of hope amidst the ruins of the once-cheerful amusement park. The war between good and evil continues to rage, but tonight, you have earned a brief reprieve. And as the echoes of your roar fade into the night, you are reminded that though the path ahead is fraught with danger, you will not walk it alone.