Protection

Estelle compelled her wings to keep going in the darkness of the night. Nabu Island was quite a far distance from UA since it was on the outskirts of Japan. It was surrounded by water, which just meant more space she would need to cover. It was nearing the morning before Estelle set off into the air. Dawning her gear and leaving a note for Mr Aizawa just in case, Estelle coursed through the air as the city lights beamed beneath her.

She wouldn't reach them until later in the day - if not the evening. Cursing herself, Estelle realised she had taken too long to come to a decision. Her own personal doubts had gotten in the way of leaving sooner. A protective feeling began to bubble up within her that she tried to shoo away; she just had to get there in time.

"The villains are as good as dead!" Bakugo stated as he thrust his fist into his palm with determination.

"We'll save everyone on this island!" Izuku acquiesced enthusiastically.

"I agree with both of you; I'll help however I can," Shoto expressed.

"Me too! I'll help with everything I've got! We have to fight!" Ochako added seriously.

"Heck yeah!" Kaminari joined in after the class shouted their agreement to help the island. He was finally back from his fried brain from overusing his quirk so much. Suddenly, his eyes widened as he shuffled to his back pocket; the class watched on in confusion as his movements became more frantic. Taking out the spirit monitor that he had from patrols, the student's hearts dropped at the potential implications.

"This beeped before the attack. I couldn't mention it because we got so caught up with everything, and I was fried."

"Huh!? We cant deal with the villains and the spirits! We're as good as dead!" Mineta cried, a far distance for the cheer the class had just made.

"Nobody has seen any spirits have they?" Momo worried out, her fingers twirling in her hands consciously.

"What's that?" The little boy next to Izuku wondered, but he was ignored as the class responded that no spirits had been sighted.

"Then it's settled. We can't do anything about it anyway. I suggest we keep out of the spirit's way if any are sighted. Once we've handled the villains, we'll let Estelle know."

"Tch. Looks like she should have come after all," The blonde grunted, his arms folded.

"Who is it?" The petite girl asked.

"A classmate. Honestly, we could do with her help right about now! She could have kicked some serious ass!" Kirishima started.

"We can't rely on her to do our job. That makes us shitty heroes," Bakugo muttered out, internally agreeing with the red-haired male.

As Estelle continued to dash through the air, she was greeted by a call. Answering in the hope that it was the feisty blonde. Estelle was welcomed with a voice she did not expect.

"Estelle. We have some intel for you."

"Dabi? I'll ignore the fact you have my number. What is it?"

"We're on Nabu Island. Stuff's going down that we aren't a part of. But that isn't why I'm calling. The man you're so interested in is here too."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because if this is as serious as you say. We can't have the world end before we execute our big plans. Let's just say...we're looking at the bigger picture. Good day, darling."

The cut line hung for a moment before Estelle forced her flames even harder. Her assumption was correct, and it must have been even worse for the league to be there. Why would they be there if they weren't a part of this? Something just didn't add up.

Grunting at her hyperactive mind, Estelle kept pushing onwards.

Hours passed, and time ticked away. Finally, Estelle reached her destination once it had turned dark once again. It was the evening, and Estelle was a little burnt out from all the flying she did, but that never mattered in the face of adversity. Scanning the area, Estelle came to a halt when she found a few of her classmates at a hill. Flying down to check on them, the otherworldy female discovered that they were injured.

"Estelle! What are you doing here?" Sero shouted, a grin of relief on his face.

"That doesn't matter. Are you guys okay?"

"We'll be fine, but Deku and Bakugo are out there fighting the villain!" Ochako responded in worry.

Concern rose up within her, and Estelle opened her mouth to further interrogate where they could be. Unfortunately, Estelle felt a deep stare on her back before she could ask. Staying still, she gazed at the students with a seriousness that broadened their eyes. "Guys, you have to trust me right now. You need to slowly back away and keep doing it until your completely out of sight."

"Estelle?"

"Do it, please. You have fought enough tonight."

"We trust you."

As Momo, Ochako, Sero, Aoyama and Mineta backed away. They watched from a distance as Estelle turned in a blink of an eye to stop an attack a few inches away from her face. Their eyes strained to gather details, but all they could find was red opposite her.

Following their instructions, they kept moving away until they were secure. But they held anxiety about the two males and Estelle, all fighting their own battles.

Estelle scanned the mask with irritation. Frowning in disapproval, she muttered, "The hell are you doing here?"

Surprisingly, he responded. Estelle's glare only heightened when she realised he was using a type of machine to hide his voice. He was really working hard to keep his identity concealed. "I had assumed you would be with your beloved friends. Imagine how disappointed I was when I realised that you hadn't joined them. Never mind that. You are here now."

"And what do you want with me?"

"That depends on you."

"How?"

"Who are you, Estelle? Are you a hero? Or a villain?" He voiced out as he moved to land another hit.

Obstructing the blow with her right arm, Estelle hissed out, "Neither."

"Someone is indecisive. Does that mean you can be easily swayed to a side?" He questioned as he shifted to place a kick to her side.

"No. But why does it matter to you?" She challenged whilst she backflipped out of the way.

"Oh, it matters a great deal. More than you know."

"Who the hell are you?"

"I am your worst nightmare."

'How many times have I been told that in my lifetime?' Estelle considered as a cold feeling struck her. No matter how many times she had heard it, it always put her on edge because someone would be correct one day. Frowning, Estelle jabbed her right hand into his stomach with such intensity that the male flew into the mud with a choked grunt. She could tell he was pissed as he immediately flew right back to strike another blow.

Landing a gruelling back and forth without any abilities, Estelle remained at his front as she flicked off the blood on her hands. Shifting back to continue the fight, Estelle was startled to find that he was already at a far distance from her. She watched as he raised his hands into the air, like asking the gods for guidance.

It was at that moment Estelle's heart dropped into her stomach.

Dark spirits seemed to pour out from nothingness when his finger pointed to her. It was like mini bridges of teleportation that led straight to her. Slowly turning around to see the full scope of this, Estelle watched as hundreds of creatures barreled out of midair and ran straight for her.

Snarling, Estelle went into full battle mode as she fought the creatures off. The masked man remained in the air, keeping his fingers pointed as if purposefully watching her dance to the beat of his drum.

They just kept coming.

Striking down lightning, raising harsh winds to spread her fire. Estelle put the most strength into her battle than she's had to in a while. Time carried on, and the man continued to stay, watching her like she was entertaining him.

'They're under his banner.'

Estelle didn't even have the time to think, her body moving before she could fathom what was going on. It was like her body was on replay, going through the motions of what she had already done before. Slicing them with her katana, raising hellfire on their bodies, Estelle was surrounded by thousands of beasts as they salivated at the sight of her.

They hurdled towards her in waves, and all Estelle could do was play along. Because if she stopped for a second, a claw or a jaw would kill her instantly. There was no other option right now but to fight and kill. As she continued in her warpath, her katana in one hand and a sword made of Ice in the other, Estelle felt like she was where she was born to be. On the battlefield.

As much as she despised the thought, Estelle's frantic mind finally slowed as the guts covered her body. She hoped one day she would find something else that would fill the hole in her heart, but so far, war was the only thing that temporarily filled the gap. It was like a cycle of momentary reprieve that would worsen her state every time she got out of it. The pieces of meat were replaced with new ones as soon as they disintegrated; the only thing on her mind was annihilating the beasts.

Eventually. Finally. It came to a stop many hours later. Estelle panted for breath as she glowered up at the man. Wiping the sweat off her lip, she scowled at his chuckle. "I needed to see if your skills were up to par. Join me."

Spitting out her saliva to show her disgust. Estelle dismissed his question as she yelled out, "Only a dark spirit could direct other dark spirits. How are you sane right now?!"

"I'll forgive your transgressions, every single one. Lend me your power."

"Fuck you. Answer the question."

Chuckling, he gave one final riposte before disappearing from her eyes. "I love seeing you clueless. I am sure you can figure it out. But, be prepared because if you're not with me, then you're against me. Honestly, I know I'll love tearing you to shreds. I'll see you soon."

Dashing up into the air in hopes of catching up with him, Estelle realised he was already gone. He was fast, incredibly fast. Estelle furiously gazed at her bloody knuckles in frustration. She couldn't do jack shit now. But, she was at least given something to work on. He was dark. But how? There was only one known instance of a dark spirit with some sanity, and Estelle practically killed that asshole. So, who was he?

Realising that she hadn't done anything in terms of the reason she came here, Estelle immediately flew higher to try to locate some of Class 1A. She didn't have to look long, as she realised backup was already there. It seemed like the army had come along for this. Feeling remorseful she hadn't reached them in time, Estelle slowly floated to the field covered with people.

She hadn't even realised when they arrived with helicopters as she was so wrapped in the battle she had partaken in. Slowly dropping herself onto the field, Estelle scanned the various classmates aided by the others. They looked exhausted, worn out. Like the students had put their all into the fight and came out undefeated. But, they were still hurt. A sacrifice they had to make for the greater good.

'They truly are good people,' Estelle sighed in her head as she unhurriedly walked forward. She was so tired. The number of spirits she had fought within that time was endless; the flying she did, didn't help. Estelle could conk out at any moment.

Pushing her feet forward, Estelle reminded herself to start training more. She had gotten weaker in this world due to its tame-like nature. But, Estelle couldn't afford to remain weak. Not if she would fight against another dark spirit who had control over his kind.

"Oh my god! Estelle is here!" Kirishima hollered out tiredly, a beaming grin on his face as the classmates nearby turned to face her.

Waving her hand slightly in greeting, Estelle's view of the students was cut off by an army member. The female grabbed onto Estelle's shoulder, forcing her to a stop as she scanned over her body. "We need first aid here!"

Grimacing at the older woman, Estelle batted her hand away. "Don't touch me."

"Please, let us help you. You're bleeding."

Estelle had no tolerance for this shit. She was tired, mentally exhausted, and furious that the man she was looking for slipped through her fingers. The last thing she needed right now was a doctor. "I said, I'm fine! I can heal myself!"

"Estelle," Mr Aizawa forewarned from behind her, the classmates surrounding the field watching the confrontational scene with unease.

Sighing deeply, Estelle felt guilt that she had taken her frustrations out on a woman trying to help. "Apologies. I have an aversion to doctors. I will heal myself now; leave me be, please."

Giving up, the soldier nodded before leaving.

Letting herself fall onto her butt, Estelle's hand glowed green as she used the last of her energy to heal the bleeding wounds. Feeling someone sit by her on the floor, Estelle gazed up at a concerned Mr Aizawa. "I don't know why you're here. But I won't ask for all the details just yet since you're exhausted. You could've let them help."

Shaking her head stubbornly, Estelle answered, "Doctors can take just as much as they give. I hold no trust in them. I'll heal myself."

"Hmm, fair enough. At least let me help you to a hospital bed. No doctors. But, you can get some rest."

Thankful for his offer of compromise, Estelle bobbed her head in agreement. Standing back up with the help of her teacher, Estelle nodded to the students again to reassure them that she was okay. Turning around, Mr Aizawa led her by the shoulders to their destination.

Heading into the hospital room where Recovery girl was treating Izuku and Bakugo. Estelle took a deep breath when she discovered they were okay. Regardless of their injuries, which looked oddly identical, Estelle laid on the bed opposite them, her hand in Mr Aizawa's as he helped her on the mattress.

"Could recovery girl help?" He murmured, hoping she would say yes as he gazed at the stab wounds on her side.

Shaking her head with a small smile, Estelle assured him. "It's alright. I've survived worse. I'll be fine once I get some rest."

"Unfortunately, that doesn't make me feel better. But, I trust your word."

Gratefulness swirled within her as she gazed at Mr Aizawa with a gentle look. Estelle's lips titled up as she voiced, "Thank you."

"It always feels weird when you talk like that. Stop it."

"It feels weird for me too, y'know?" Estelle chortled as she lay on the bed, her eyes immediately closing in alleviation.

'What the hell happened?' Mr Aizawa wondered as he left the hospital room. His head curved back to gaze at the sleeping female on the bed through the door window. He was just glad she was safe and alive. But, he couldn't help but worry about the future for her. Internally, he prayed that it would all work out, and the child would find the serenity she needed.

"Ow! That Hurts! What in the hell happened to me!?" Estelle heard someone cry out from across the room.

Groaning in irritation, Estelle yelled out behind the curtain Recovery Girl put around her bed. "Shut the fuck up! I'm sleeping over here!"

"Lioness?! Oww!"

Groaning, Estelle's eyes slowly opened as the blinds whipped back with fervour. Hearing the hitch in someone's breath, Estelle rotated her head to face the new arrival. It was Bakugo. She was so exhausted that she didn't even recognise that the voice belonged to him.

Smirking slightly at his wide eyes, Estelle chuckled to him. "You look like you've been through hell."

The words seemed to have brought the belligerent male out of his stupor since he shook his head and growled. Walking up to her bed with a glare, he snarled. "What are you doing here? You look like shit yourself."

Slowly sitting up, Estelle grumbled back defensively. "I'm fine. I just needed some sleep. I'll tell you about it later."

"Hell no! Tell me now!"

Glaring at him, she mumbled, "I'm not going anywhere yet, be patient."

Grumbling in aggravation, the blonde moved back to his own bed to continue his recuperation. Now that she wasn't occupied, Estelle went back to healing the wounds on her side. Ignoring flaming eyes as Bakugo watched her, Estelle was nearing the end of her recovery when she noticed a child mending Izuku.

Before she could raise her voice in query, Estelle was cut off by a knock on the door. Everyone's heads turned to the entrance as Mr Aizawa ambled into the room. Immediately turning to Estelle, he monotoned. "We're flying back in two hours. You well enough to leave?"

"Of course."

"Great, I'll pick you up. You can tell me what happened then."

"Okay."

Hearing the door click shut after he shared some words with the two teenage boys. Estelle stood up to stretch as Bakugo furiously mumbled behind her, "Not going anywhere yet, my ass."

Estelle stepped forward with a scoff and poked the blonde's cheek. "Shush. I didn't know we were leaving so soon. No need to get your panties in a twist."

Snarling, Bakugo moved to bite Estelle's hand. Dodging his movements, Estelle bonked his head in disapproval before turning to Izuku, who sweatdropped from the scene. "It's good to see you well, Izuku."

"And what am I? Chopped liver?!" Bakugo cut in with a scowl.

Smirking, Estelle found it humorous to rile the boy up. Shaking her head, she grunted, "Yeah, sure. You too."

"Why, you little-"

"No fighting in the hospital room!" Recovery Girl reprimanded before leaving the room. The two children followed after, waving their goodbyes to the males as they went. Estelle smiled at the looks on the kid's faces, and her heart warmed from the scene.

"Those were the two kids that pranked you? Seem like good kids to me," Estelle commented once she witnessed the soft glance on the blonde's face.

"Tch, whatever", He groused back.

Sighing, Estelle moved to leave in hopes of removing the dried blood from her body. She was pretty much healed now, so she was ready to head back to work.

Jolting when she was tugged back, Estelle gave Bakugo a glower when she realised it was his sweaty hand. "You still haven't explained why you're here."

Sighing in defeat, Estelle wasn't even sure how to explain. She couldn't mention that the league of villains gave her intel, it would just put her mission in jeopardy, and she couldn't have that. Staying silent as she tried to think of an answer, Bakugo prodded further as Izuku calmly watched from his chair. "Well?! Spit it out!"

"I had an altercation with the mystery man from the league of villains. He was on the island, looking for me."

"And?"

"We fought," she bluntly replied.

"That's it?"

"Yeah."

Growling in aggravation, Bakugo could always see right through her. She was holding back something; he just didn't know what it was. "What else?"

Raising her brow, Estelle voiced, "And I got some new leads. I'll be chasing them up when I get back."

Knowing that wasn't it, Bakugo growled as he tried to rattle his brain for the gap in her story. Izuku seemed to have reached it before he did, and he scowled at the All for One user with annoyance.

"How did you even learn he was on the island? There's no way you could have known he would be here."

Cursing Izuku's smart brain, Estelle winced as the two males observed her expectantly. Titling her head away from the duo, Estelle tried to keep a composed expression as she muttered her following words. "You didn't call."

"Hah?!" The ruby eyed male smartly reacted, the red in his eyes becoming more prominent as he widened them.

Feeling widely uncomfortable, Estelle snapped back. The bloom showed on her face as she sternly repeated, "You didn't call."

"I...didn't call?" Bakugo regurgitated back with a dumbstruck expression. The frazzled face was clear as day, and Estelle felt the urge to run. Izuku stayed silent as he watched on with growing humour.

"You have an insistent persistence of being an annoying asshole every day. I knew something was wrong when you didn't call. My gut instincts weren't wrong considering what happened." Estelle sharply explained, her body turned away from the two watching her with bewilderment.

A slow but wide grin gradually dawned on the blonde's face when he realised what she was trying to say. Reaching his arm out to stop her from leaving, his attempt failed as Estelle quickly made her way to the exit, a furnace on her face like she had never experienced before.

"I have to go get cleaned up," she rushed out with her hand on the door.

"Wait!-"

The hospital door clicked shut behind Estelle as she quickly made her way out of the exit. Izuku, who had watched the whole scene with a beam on his face, gazed up at Bakugo. Stunned from what he saw, Izuku rubbed his eyes to ensure they were working correctly.

Bakugo kept his sights on the entrance the stubborn girl had just exited from with a huge grin. His ruby eyes danced from the words Estelle had just uttered. He turned his head down to gaze at his fingertips, the grin he couldn't get off his face remaining there as he drowned in his thoughts. Bakugo couldn't believe that she had come all this way because of him. It hugely contradicted every word Estelle had ever said, and he understood why she bolted as soon as she could.

She was embarrassed.

Bakugo's heart skipped a beat as he played the image of Estelle on repeat in his head. The red flush on her cheeks was rare.

'I wonder how far it goes.'

Snapping himself out of his intrusive thoughts, Bakugo shook the sentiment from his brain as giddiness, and a spark of hope took over him. He was doing something right, and it relieved him more than he expected it to. He didn't know his final goal; honestly, he was winging it with Estelle. But, whatever it was, he knew he was a step closer to getting it.

Grinning himself, Izuku sat in astonishment from what he had just heard. Estelle was a person who was adamant about staying away from them all. This was the same Estelle who travelled a whole day on a gut instinct. Because of a missed phone call from Bakugo of all people.

He couldn't believe it. But, it was true.

"The hell are you smiling about!" Bakugo barked, his own smile still lingering on his lips.

"Wahh! Nothing!" Izuku cried before easing his eyes onto the floor. "It just seems like a big step for her to admit that."

"Yeah..."