Chereads / Sunlit Heroine / Chapter 8 - Chapter 8

Chapter 8 - Chapter 8

Amelia's heart pounded as she rushed toward the commotion. The evening air buzzed with the restless murmurs of onlookers and the chaotic blur of heroes trying to manage the situation. She pushed her way through the crowd, eyes wide with anxiety, until she reached the forefront of the scene.

In the alleyway, the Sludge Villain was wreaking havoc, its grotesque, greenish mass enveloping its hostage. The air was thick with tension, and Amelia could see Bakugo's struggles as the villain attempted to suffocate him. He desperately needed help, his fiery eyes filled with terror and defiance.

Her gaze shifted to the crowd and settled on Izuku, who stood frozen with fear. She saw the moment his expression changed from one of helplessness to resolute courage. Without a second thought, he bolted toward the villain.

"Izuku, no!" Amelia cried out, her voice lost in the cacophony. Though in her heart, she shouted, "You can do it Izuku!"

The world seemed to slow as Izuku's small form hurtled toward the monster. His hands clutched his bag tightly, and he threw it with all his might, striking the villain's eye and momentarily distracting it. The action was reckless but fueled by an unyielding desire to save his friend.

Bakugo's eyes widened in shock, a brief moment of clarity breaking through his panic as Izuku's unexpected bravery created a crucial opening. The sludge loosened slightly, allowing Bakugo to gasp for air.

Amelia's breath caught in her throat, her body trembling with a mix of fear and admiration for Izuku's daring move. She wanted to leap in and help but knew this was Izuku's moment. How she wanted to help.

A powerful voice cut through the tension, commanding attention and sending a wave of relief through the crowd. "DETROIT SMASH!"

All Might, now in his mighty form, soared through the air and delivered a devastating punch. The impact shattered the villain, sending the sludge splattering across the street and freeing Bakugo from its grip. A gust of wind swept through the area, carrying with it a palpable sense of victory.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as the symbol of peace stood triumphantly over the defeated villain. Heroes rushed to contain the remnants of the Sludge Villain, their expressions a mix of admiration and frustration. Katsuki, though coughing and dishevelled, was safe, and the immediate danger had passed.

Izuku stood amid the aftermath, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Amelia's eyes were fixed on him, her heart swelling with pride and concern. The young boy who had always been overlooked had just displayed the heart of a true hero.

The heroes, now addressing the crowd, began their reprimands, directing most of their ire at Izuku for his reckless behaviour. "You could have been killed!" one hero scolded, his voice stern.

Another hero praised Katsuki for his resilience, though the young boy was still visibly shaken. As they dispersed, the crowd began to thin, leaving Izuku standing quietly, lost in his thoughts.

Amelia approached him slowly, her footsteps soft against the pavement. "Izuku," she said gently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay?"

Izuku nodded, though his eyes were distant. "Yeah, I'm okay."

She squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "You were amazing."

A faint blush tinged Izuku's cheeks, "Thanks, I just… I couldn't stand by and do nothing."

Amelia nodded as she guided him away from the now-empty street onto the route home. Silence surrounded them as Amelia allowed Izuku to relish in his big yet small victory. Making her wonder what All Might said to him on the top of the building. 

She wanted to know because this time she was not there to watch but maybe Izuku would be inclined to tell her later, when his ready. They started approaching a familiar area, a familiar figure loomed over them. All Might, now in his skeletal form, approached with a solemn expression. She paused her steps and grabbed Izuku's sleeve. 

This action brought Izuku back to the present. Glancing to her in question, but soon realised why when she pointed at the person before them. "All Might!" Izuku exclaimed, his voice filled with confusion. "Why are you here?"

All Might's frail form seemed even more poignant against the backdrop of the setting sun. His eyes were filled with admiration as he looked at Izuku. "Young man, what you did today was incredibly brave. Reckless, yes, but brave nonetheless."

Izuku's eyes shimmered with tears. "I just… I wanted to help. I couldn't just stand there."

Amelia's heart ached for him, knowing the weight of his dreams and the struggles he faced daily. She stepped back slightly, giving All Might and Izuku space. She was stopped however by Izuku, he shook his head silently telling her she could stay.

All Might's gaze softened as he continued, "You acted without thinking, driven by a desire to save someone else. That's the essence of what it means to be a hero. Even though you don't have a Quirk, you showed the spirit of a true hero today. I was wrong to think that you cannot be a hero without a quirk." He lowered his head a shame, "I was clouded by my own shortcomings and judgment."

Amelia looked between the two, the events played out just like the anime. 

The sun glowed brighter as All Might pointed at Izuku, "You too can be a hero!"

Izuku's tears spilled over, his emotions a turbulent mix of joy and disbelief. "Do you really think… I can be a hero?"

All Might smiled warmly, placing a hand on Izuku's shoulder. "Yes, young man. You have the potential to become a great hero. You just need the right guidance and training."

Amelia watched with bated breath as Izuku absorbed All Might's words, his face lighting up with a newfound hope. She knew this moment would shape the course of his life, and she felt a surge of electricity in the air.

"All Might," Izuku began hesitantly, glancing at Amelia before continuing, "I want you to meet Amelia. She's my friend and… she has been my pillar of hope."

All Might turned his gaze to Amelia, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Ah, so you're the one who's been supporting this young man?"

Amelia nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Sir. Izuku's got a heart of gold, and I know he's destined for greatness."

All Might's smile broadened. "It's good to have friends who believe in you. Together, you can achieve incredible things."