As the warm lights of the shopping mall glowed in the early evening, Class 1-A scattered throughout the complex, chatting and browsing for sleeping bags, snacks, and other camping gear. It was a rare moment of peace laughter filled the air as students teased each other over taste in fashion, gadgets, and food.
In the middle of it all, Nyxia walked quietly, a looming but gentle presence. While still feared by some of the public, many of the U.A. students now smiled and waved at him. Some even asked him for help reaching high shelves or carrying heavy items.
But then Nyxia stopped.
His nostrils flared.
A sharp metallic scent cut through the aroma of food stalls and synthetic perfume.
Blood.
He turned his massive head slowly.
No one noticed as he silently slipped away from the group, his hulking form blending into the shadows between the pillars and signage. His many golden eyes narrowed as he moved toward a side exit. The scent led him outside, into the narrow back alleys behind the mall.
And there he saw her.
A small girl with white hair and a single curved horn was running. Her bandaged arms trembled as she looked over her shoulder. She didn't see Nyxia at first, but the moment she did, she froze.
Her crimson eyes widened in terror at the sight of the massive, monstrous form.
She took a step back.
Then a familiar, cold, arrogant voice echoed down the alley.
"Come back, Eri. You know running only makes it worse."
The sound of Overhaul's footsteps came closer.
Panicking, Eri looked between the alley's walls, trying to hide.
Nyxia didn't move. He didn't growl. He didn't threaten.
He simply extended one massive tentacle slowly.
She hesitated.
But as Overhaul's footsteps grew louder, her fear overcame her doubt.She ran forward and grabbed Nyxia's arm.
"P-Please… d-don't let him take me back…"
She buried her face into the cold surface of his skin.
Something ancient stirred in Nyxia.
He didn't understand what she was, or who she was.
But he understood one thing: She was afraid.
And she had asked him for safety.
Overhaul stepped into the alley
his long coat brushing against the dirty walls, his plague mask glinting under the flickering
light of a buzzing lamppost.
He paused.
Standing between him and Eri was a monster
towering, hulking, covered in writhing tendrils and hundreds of golden eyes, some blinking
out of sync, others locked directly onto him.
Nyxia.
A low, guttural growl reverberated from Nyxia's throat, deep enough to rattle nearby windows.
The shadows shifted unnaturally around him.
And behind the wall of twitching tendrils and obsidian limbs, Eri hid, her tiny form tucked safely behind Nyxia's body.
One massive, obsidian-black tentacle curled protectively over her like a sheltering wing.
Overhaul's gaze narrowed beneath his mask.
"Step aside. That girl doesn't belong to you."
Nyxia didn't move.
Instead, he lowered his body, hind limbs crouched like a predator about to leap, the tips of his claws carving slow, glowing gashes into the concrete.
Another growl.
The kind of growl that animals recognize.
The kind that speaks not with words, but ancient instinct.
A threat. A warning.
Overhaul's gloved fingers twitched.
"Don't test me. I don't know what you are, but I will reduce you to ash if you don't move"
He didn't get to finish the sentence.
Nyxia lunged.
The alley detonated with fury as Nyxia lunged, his monstrous form a blur of blackened muscle and glistening gold-tipped tendrils. The very air crackled with the force of his movement. A roar like splintering glass erupted from his throat as his void-born tentacles lashed forward, tearing through the darkness.
Overhaul barely managed to dodge, vaulting sideways with a spin, his coat fluttering like a torn banner. A split-second later, a tentacle obliterated the brick wall where he had just been, pulverizing it into a storm of red dust and shattered stone. The impact reverberated through the ground, rattling loose windows and shaking overhead fire escapes.
Nyxia's assault was relentless surgical in rage. The alley became a dance of destruction, tentacles snaking and spiraling, leaving molten gouges in the ground as they struck with inhuman rhythm. Each hit wasn't meant to kill not yet but to break, to punish, to remind Overhaul that this was his last mistake.
Overhaul gritted his teeth, summoning his plague-wrought Quirk. His right arm began to writhe and mutate jagged bone and diseased sinew erupting in grotesque spikes, blade-like growths forming a gnarled weapon of alchemical flesh.
He surged forward and slashed, managing to carve through one of Nyxia's tentacles. It fell to the ground with a steaming hiss, splattering golden ichor. The street shuddered beneath them.
But Nyxia didn't even flinch.
With a snarl, two more tendrils whipped around, one clamping around Overhaul's mutated arm. The other slammed into his gut, pinning him to the alley wall with enough force to leave a human-shaped crater. The wind was knocked clean from his lungs.
Then came the twist.
With an animalistic growl, Nyxia twisted his body, and the tentacle holding Overhaul's arm wrenched violently. The sound was a sickening snap-hiss, like wet wood being torn apart. Overhaul's arm was ripped clean off, blood spraying in a wide arc as the remains tumbled lifelessly to the concrete.
Overhaul screamed a sound raw with agony and disbelief.
"You're... nothing but a monster!"
He dropped to a knee, hand clutching the stump. But desperation ignited something else. With a trembling snarl, he activated his Quirk again, causing the very mortar and bricks of the alley to dissolve into black sludge. The ooze surged like living tar, reaching toward Nyxia in a tide of corruption.
But Nyxia despite his size was swift. He vaulted upward, landing on a fire escape with a thunderous clang, metal groaning beneath his weight. From above, he dove again, eyes glowing like miniature suns, tail of fractured code screaming through the air as it trailed behind him.
The sludge crashed against the wall where Nyxia had been, sizzling and seeping into the cracks.
Nyxia landed in front of Overhaul with a seismic slam, the ground cratering beneath his claws.
But before the finishing blow could be delivered
"Nyxia!"
A chorus of voices broke through the chaos. Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, Momo Yaoyorozu, and several others from Class 1-A rushed into view, their expressions hardened, ready for battle. Eraserhead and Mirio Togata were right behind them, eyes sharp, bodies already moving.
The entire alley was bathed in the glow of quirks activating.
Overhaul's eyes darted across the scene. His breath ragged. Outnumbered. Bleeding. Cornered.
He snarled beneath his mask, clutching the wound as he began to retreat into the alley's shadows, using his crumbling environment as cover.
"You'll regret this… all of you…!"
He vanished into the gloom, his footsteps fading like a disease retreating before a cure.
Nyxia remained still, tendrils flickering. He scanned the alley not for Overhaul, but for something else. A soft whimper drew his attention.
Eri.
She peeked out from behind a pile of debris, her eyes wide with terror. Blood and dust stained her oversized sleeves. She stepped forward hesitantly, trembling, her gaze fixed on Nyxia's monstrous form.
But then, slowly… she moved closer.
Nyxia's form began to shift muscles retracting, tendrils calming, the glow in his eyes dimming to a soft, warm gold. He knelt low and extended a clawed hand, open and patient.
Eri stared at him. Then, with a shaky breath, she ran forward and hugged him.
Eraserhead approached Nyxia with measured steps, eyes wary but respectful.
"Good job holding your ground. Let's get out of here before he comes back with reinforcements."
The group quickly moved out of the alley, the tension still thick in the air, knowing the battle was only just beginning.
As they made their way back to U.A., Nyxia moved with surprising gentleness despite his monstrous frame. His massive tentacles curled protectively around Eri, forming a soft, cocoon-like pouch that cradled her as she whimpered softly before finally succumbing to sleep.
Class 1-A walked alongside them, the atmosphere quiet but filled with a shared sense of relief. Aizawa walked close to Nyxia, eyes scanning their surroundings but also glancing occasionally at the gentle giant carrying the fragile girl.
Izuka leaned in slightly, whispering to Momo, "He's... really different when it comes to protecting others."
Momo nodded, her usual calm demeanor softening. "Despite everything, he cares. You can see it."
Nyxia's steps were slow but steady, each movement careful not to disturb the sleeping Eri. The usually intimidating shadow soldier now looked almost like a guardian, a living shield against the darkness she'd endured.
As they crossed back into the familiar grounds of U.A., the students and teachers alike stole glances at Nyxia some wary, some admiring, but all respectful. Aizawa gave a rare nod of approval.
"Let's get Eri to the medical team," he said quietly. "And Nyxia, you did good today."
Nyxia only gave a low hum in response, the silent language of a warrior who had found a moment of peace in his chaotic world.
Nyxia carefully approached the U.A. infirmary, his enormous form casting a long shadow over the corridor, yet his movements remained measured and tender. Inside, the familiar scent of antiseptics mixed with a quiet hum of medical equipment.
He gently laid Eri down on one of the hospital beds, his tentacles unfolding like soft blankets to ease her onto the mattress. Recovery Girl looked up from her station, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of Nyxia's monstrous figure but quickly softening as she saw the care in his movements.
Without a word, Nyxia stepped back, watching intently as Recovery Girl began her assessment. The room felt calm, a safe haven amid the chaos of the day.
Recovery Girl gave a reassuring smile, speaking softly, "She's safe now. We'll take good care of her."
Nyxia's dark eyes locked onto hers briefly a silent understanding passing between them before he turned to leave, ready to face whatever came next.
Nyxia stirred groggily as Nezu's calm yet insistent voice pulled him from sleep. He rose, towering over the halls as they made their way swiftly to the infirmary.
Inside, the atmosphere was tense. Eri sat curled in a corner, small and fragile, eyes wide with fear and guarded suspicion. She shrank back whenever anyone tried to approach.
But the moment Nyxia entered, everything shifted.
Her eyes locked onto his massive, monstrous form and instead of fear, relief flooded her face. She scrambled up and darted toward him, slipping behind his towering frame as if he was the only shield she trusted.
Nyxia lowered his head gently toward her, letting out a soft, comforting rumble that seemed to say, I'm here. You're safe.
The room quieted as the others gave them space.
Recovery Girl stepped forward, her expression growing serious as she carefully examined Eri's battered body. Nyxia gently nudged Eri closer with one of his tentacles, his massive form shielding her from sudden movements or overwhelming sights.
At first, Eri hesitated, her small frame trembling with fear. But Nyxia's calm presence and reassuring rumble coaxed her forward, and slowly, she allowed herself to be guided toward Recovery Girl.
As Recovery Girl prepared her medical instruments, she noticed the fresh bandages, bruises, and signs of trauma far worse than what was first visible. Her usual warm smile faded into a somber, professional focus.
Then, she pulled out a needle.
Eri's eyes widened in terror. She recoiled, instinctively shaking her head and clutching Nyxia's tentacle pouch like a lifeline.
Nyxia immediately lowered his head, emitting a soft, soothing growl a gentle warning to stay calm. He carefully encircled Eri with another tentacle, creating a protective barrier.
Recovery Girl sighed softly, realizing they needed a gentler approach. She put away the needle for now, whispering kindly, "We'll take it slow, little one. You're safe here."
After a while, the tests finally concluded. Recovery Girl gave a reassuring smile, signaling the end of the examination. Nyxia gently began to rise, intending to leave, but Eri clung tightly to one of his tentacles, her small hands grasping the rough, yet comforting, texture.
Nezu, observing from the doorway, nodded thoughtfully. Understanding Eri's fear and her need for comfort, he spoke calmly, "Very well, Nyxia. You may take her to your room. She needs a safe place right now."
Nyxia's massive form shifted carefully as he gathered Eri close, his tentacles forming a cozy, protective cradle around her. With Nezu's permission, he silently led her down the quiet corridors back toward his room, the faint sounds of U.A. fading behind them.
As Vidarath stumbled out of the rift with his usual dramatic flair, he spun around theatrically, cradling something in his arms.
"Dr. Wagner!" he declared with mock grandeur. "I present to you " he whirled in place " Veo the Seal!"
He held up a small, baby spotted seal, its tiny tongue lolling out as it blinked lazily at the world. The creature gave a soft squeak, seemingly oblivious to the chaos it had just been brought from.
Dr. Wagner stared at the animal, unimpressed and mildly alarmed. "Nein. Your cold side I trust. This… manic version of you? Dangerous." He narrowed his eyes. "Where did you even get that?"
Vidarath pouted dramatically. "Oh, come on! You and Zalthorion get hyper-intelligent and borderline cosmic pets. I want one too! Do you know how many waves of female heroes I had to fight just to get this little guy?" He gently booped the seal's nose. "His Quirk gives him the intelligence of an 8-year-old! Look at him, he's adorable!"
Veo squeaked proudly and flopped down to the floor, curiously waddling toward Zalthorion's desk, where a glowing crystal pulsed softly.
Vidarath quickly scooped him up before he could lick the crystal. "No, no, no. That's probably multiversal-grade sentience or a trapped god or some weird Zalthorion soul anchor. You don't lick things like that."
Still holding Veo securely, Vidarath turned to Wagner again. "Also, what happened to Nyxia's Orowyrm?"
Dr. Wagner raised an eyebrow, finally cracking a small smile. "Ve gave it to Yariam."
Cut to
The wide open meadows of Evolto City.
Laughter echoed across the fields as Yariam, towering like a mountain of joy, sprinted slowly through the tall grass with a dozen kids clambering over him, their giggles ringing out into the warm afternoon air.
Above them floated Nyxia's Orowyrm, happily spinning in loops and dancing through the air like a ribbon in the wind. One of the kids, riding on Yariam's shoulder, pointed up excitedly. "Look! It's doing spirals!"
Yariam chuckled, his deep voice full of warmth. "He likes you all. That means you're good kids."
The Orowyrm gave a delighted chirp, playfully zooming after a group of squealing children as the sun dipped lower over the glowing skyline of Evolto.
Back in the lab, Vidarath crossed his arms smugly. "See? Even Nyxia gets cool stuff. I just want something cute that won't try to erase my soul."
Veo the seal let out a victorious "Mrrrrr!" as if to say mission accomplished.