Warning ‼️
The following has some very strong sexual activity, definitely skip if thats too sensitive for some readers.
Over time when everyone split up to do their own thing. Ciana ended up going for a walk along the beach, not wanting her injured leg to get in the way of doing things… As she walked along the shore, she came close to a group of rocks and boulders, seeing that it looked like a nice private place to collect her thoughts. Ciana slid down a large boulder to be on the other side of the sand.
Now sitting back to watch the waves crash where she is. "Glad we finally had a really fun day to enjoy ourselves before stressing out again tomorrow… Though it should be exciting too what we will experience with the other pro hero's here, didn't Mr Aizawa say during the festival we might get noticed to work with the top heros?"
Her head tilted with a wondrous expression recalling that. "I haven't even given it any thought of me being noticed… for all I know, that hothead could have given me a bad name to the other pros… I sure hope that's not the case." That idea made her worry a little as she still stared out at the sea more to think it over more.
"I wouldn't worry too much about that-" Her head perked up when she craned her neck to spot Izuku sitting atop the boulder before hopping down next to her to stare at the sea. "-Pros work together often, sure, but they're very mindful of their standing, and Endeavor isn't one to make idle threats to high school students that bad mouth him," Smiling, he added. "Sorry for following you, but Yaoyorozu asked me just to keep an eye on you for your injury - to which I know you can handle, but more to put her mind at ease,"
Despite being surprised by Izuku's sudden appearance, she playfully smiled at him from all he said. "Are you sure she's the reason or you just couldn't stand the idea without me by your side?" She asked teasingly, but once again feeling warm inside that her hero is still looking out for her.
He stared at the sea, then at her, trying not to smile and appear as aloof as Jiro to no avail, "...perhaps,"
Ciana chuckled hearing this, but also blushed a little that he was honest about it. "I figured…" Ciana now leaned her head onto his shoulder happily. "I wonder how you would be if we ended up being away from each other for a day…"
"Depending on our internships, a week," Izuku replied as one slosh of waves hit the sand gently. "...I'm so screwed."
Ciana was actually pretty surprised to hear this as she perked up a bit worryingly. "Huh? Y-you mean we will actually be away from each other for a while?" Ciana didn't exactly expect that.
Now looking at one another, he pursed his lips a bit. "Yeah... though we'll be going over that probably tomorrow, when we're taken to an internship we're given accommodations at the agency we'll be staying at or at a local hotel for free, and depending on our choices, we'll either be solo or with other classmates, it really depends on how many interns they take,"
Ciana was actually saddened when she heard this… she never expected they would be separated, looking back out to the sea very sadly. "Oh… I see…" Ciana never has been separated from Izuku for more than a day… The idea without him being by her side actually frightened the girl. Ciana not only enjoyed his company but felt so safe and confident with his presence. "If that's the case… I'm really going to miss you." She responds very sadly.
"...same," He shared in her view of the sea but found his eyes down to her forlorn expression as he took her hand tightly. "If it helps, we can just call everyday when we're not busy,"
Feeling the warmth of his hand, she interlocks with his hand and squeezes it tight. "That helps at least… not hearing your voice would probably drive me crazy." She jokes with a little giggle, showing a sad smile now. "But I know you will do fine without me, you're really strong and never give up."
Turning to look at her fully, he replied just as honestly, "You're just as capable yourself. Your affinity for adapting in a fight, as well as your own indomitable will are recognizable traits I'm certain Pros have seen, so you'll do fine."
She nodded and smiled at his kind words. "I'm a bit more confident now after my experience from the festival, I know I rely on you sometimes but that's because I admire you as my hero here like you do All Might. Believe it or not… you're a huge inspiration to me Izuku." Ciana smiled more warmly saying this, but still had some sadness in her smile.
"R-really? Compared to All Might, a-and other heroes, I'm... not really sure I-I can compare," He admitted bashfully, rubbing his nose a bit.
"You kidding? Izuku, when we met and trained together your admirable in so many ways, you want to do good in helping people and push forward toward your dreams no matter what dangers lie ahead…" she squeezed his hand more. "Even the people who become so harsh toward you, you don't let your anger or hatred get the better of you and still step up to want to help them… I can see you have a pure heart, and because of those qualities I know you'll become a pro and have many others out there that will look up to you too."
Ciana expresses honestly with all her heart, out of every hero she's met in this world. Izuku is the one she looks up to the most. "You not only saved my life a few times but you also saved me from being alone…"
Hearing this brought a great deal of comfort to his mind, to know that she thought as much about him as he did for her. He squeezed her hand, smiling sadly for a moment. "No... you saved me; spending years isolated for something I never had, then you came along, you changed so much of my life, and enhanced everything I did have, you've done the same for so many others. You always claimed you shouldn't be a part of this world, and yet, you enhance the people around you, you... never cease to amaze me," Every word was without lies.
Her heart once again fluttered from his kind praises, especially what she was able to do for him, even if she knew Izuku would have done fine without her… but still hearing what he said warmed her heart as she leaned closer towards him. "All Might was really the one who saved you… but I'm really happy I got to be your friend to help bring you towards your path… you really light up my life." She replied softly with a pun… giving her words toward her hero more meaning than a joke.
He held her hands tightly, expression tender as he ran his free hand to brush some strands of hair from her face. "You're right, All Might saved my dream of becoming a hero, but you saved me from falling into that same state of despair again, I can confide in you, and because of that, I feel more confident in my abilities," Closing his eyes, he gave her a bright smile. "It's one of the many things I love about you,"
Very touched by his loving words toward her, Ciana stared up at him for a few seconds with tears starting to appear in her eyes. Chuckling now as her head leaned right against his chest now. "I-I feel the same way… you always gave me so much hope and made me happy each day I spent with you…" she replied happily, feeling like her heart might burst any moment.
Alone now, Izuku wrapped his arms around her tightly, enveloped in her warmth as the soothing sound of the waves struck the rock wall, the distant chatter and noise muffled by the water. Izuku rubbed her back, tucking his head into her shoulder. Being close to her put his heart at ease, any and all worries for tomorrow washed away at her touch.
After witnessing how attractive Izuku was during their time in the water before, Cianas happy to finally be given the opportunity to hold him. Knowing that had Ciana snuggle more in his embrace, smiling the whole time she's in his hold. "I'm really going to miss this…" she whispered out into his chest, knowing she won't get to hold him for an entire week…
"Me too..." Izuku whispered back, stroking her back in soothing streaks, feeling down her back while prolonging their embrace. Her normal, sweet scent mingling with the salt from the sea.
Just feeling the way Izuku was stroking her not only made her heart rate pick up but reminded her of their morning together before, especially that she's in her swimwear… really made her cheeks heat up. Ciana really wanted to kiss him right now but was afraid her quirk would make them repeat that morning…
Ciana wasn't sure how she would be able to survive without Izuku's embrace, hopefully she can stay strong until then.
"You won't scare me away," Her head lifted hearing this, eyeing Izuku who pulled back to look at her without any semblance of fear or worry. "Your quirk doesn't have control over either of us, it's your power, if you want to contain it, you can, just focus on it and suppress it," He didn't want moments like this to be ruined by her fear of her quirk manipulating them, even if harmless as proven. He wanted Ciana to be free to dictate her own choices.
Ciana was surprised he knew what she was thinking, blinking her eyes in a stunned manner. "H-how'd you know I was just worrying about that?" She asked in curiosity as she now looked up to eye him, wondering if he hoped she would show affection first.
"When you worry your eyes quake ever so slightly, and the corner of your lips twitch as if struggling on whether to smile or not," Izuku had seen these tells of her often and learned to spot them instantly if needed. His own smile warped slightly. "Sorry if that sounds weird,"
"You really do over analyze people…" she chuckled, but smiled more now. "I-I guess I'm kinda fighting back on kissing you… I couldn't help but be a little afraid I put you in a sensitive position again." She admits while using her free hand to rub her neck bashfully while averting her gaze with a red face.
"I've never felt awkward though, maybe the first and second time around since I... well, I d-didn't know if I... w-was good enough to any of w-what we've done," Izuku hung his head a bit, embarrassed himself. "This is all new to me, a-and I wanted you to enjoy i-it too but I've been a-afraid me feeling inadequate made you feel sensitive to the subject,"
Forcing his head upright again, he managed to make eye contact with her. "But if you e-ever wanted to kiss me, y-you shouldn't be afraid to, n-nothing you do makes me uncomfortable to be around you,"
"I-I know that at least…" her face became even redder just hearing he's fine what they do, once again the steam comes right at her head just talking about this. "I-it's new for me too and I-I don't hate it… I-I just don't want to take the chance of someone hearing us or even Mr Aizawa finding out…" now pressing her fingers together bashful, her gaze on that at the moment.
"L-last thing I want to do is get you expelled or give you an embarrassing reputation…" Ciana was more concerned over him than herself.
That was a logical assumption, Izuku could think of one that would be an issue. He did order for soundproof tiles for his walls, primarily if he and Ciana were to discuss One For All, they'd have a secure place to openly discuss it. "The sound issue I've got covered soon, as for Mr Aizawa finding out... you're right," Until the first aspect was covered, it was far too risky. He bit his cheek, knowing that she was right. "We... can stop those very intimate moments, if that's what you want? To avoid either of us being found out,"
Ciana looked down her lap as she thought this over, she wasn't sure what to decide. But she never would forgive herself if their teacher found out… "We can worry about that if the time ever comes again… w-wait hold on!" She was now in a panic as her face stays red. "Y-your walls aren't soundproof? D-did someone hear us on the other side?!" Predicting that possibly if someone next door heard really got her work up and embarrassed.
"No-no, believe me, I really checked!" He quickly replied. Turns out, he... really did just frighten Mineta for no reason. Something he felt bad about but considering the context he needed a solid lie to get by. "Our walls are solid but you can never be too careful, and if we were to ever speak about my quirk and other private issues, I wanted it to be as secure as possible,"
"Oh." Ciana became relieved now as she let her worries sighed out, her cheeks dimming down to being pink. "T-that's a relief to hear… though I didn't know we were allowed to ask to improve our rooms for privacy, are you mostly doing that for our sake…?" She raised her brow in a playful manner, now wondering if he was preparing for what they would do again…
"...perhaps?" He repeated. His first priority was to give them privacy to talk, the second? Well, he wasn't complaining. "I-I mean, would you complain?" Returning the teasing manner slightly.
If her face wasn't red before then it certainly had her entire face beat red as an apple, looking back down at her lap now with a very very shy smile. This guy really has grown up. "Well… no… I, uh… heh…" her words were a mess right now, sounding like he hoped they would do that again. "Y-your starting to become a rebel now…" she ended up joking with a chuckle.
"Th-think so?" Izuku laughed a little too, his cheeks equally as red. Then he looked completely shocked. "Oh wow, I actually said that..."
"Yeah… you did…" she laughed more now, they didn't even kiss and he still seems straightforward. "You really do keep managing to surprise me…" she giggled more at his amusing yet adorable shy rebel side.
"I aim to please, ehehe," He scratched his head a bit, unsure what he should say now. "Ciana, I... erm..."
"Hm?" Now her gaze looking back to her hero, giving off her usual smile and a tilt of her head in wonder what he wanted to say. "Yes? Something on your mind now…?" She ended teasing further with a whisper as her face started to lean closer to his a little, basically becoming flirty now.
Heat crawled up his next at her close proximity; he smiled, laughing hesitantly. "W-well, nothing, just... n-nice spot and e-everything, really glad we g-got to talk about how to better h-handle our relationship going f-forward, that's all," But he couldn't take his eyes off those deep green orbs, her hair framed to the sides of her face, it was all too alluring that it made his throat dry.
"Your right… we should hide here more often when we want to be by ourselves…" She whispered more with her teasing smile and face close up to his still, Ciana doesn't lean forward yet. Probably wanting to get him going, her eyes began to slowly close halfway. "You look a little red… are you feeling alright?" Her hand was placed back on his own, finding him so cute right now.
[‼️] Hell with it. Izuku held her biceps tightly before bridging the gap between them, melting into the tender kiss before his hands relaxed to her waist again, completely blank to the world as they made out against the boulder against his back. They were certainly far from prying eyes now, no one would even notice, and if they did, Izuku couldn't care less.
Ciana was once again surprised how eager he became as she thought he just became more bashful, but again she wasn't complaining… her eyes immediately fell shut as Ciana now melted into their kiss, her hands going up behind his neck as she pulled him in to deepen it further. She herself forgot the world around her as all her focus stayed on him.
They continued at this pace for a while, delving into French kissing as Izuku felt her arms grip his neck tightly as she nearly hugged him against the rock behind him. Their passionate moment broke with their lips parting for a second, panting heavily as they stared at one another. Ciana simply craned her neck a little, inviting Izuku's lips across her neck.
Once again Cianas eyes were glowing and twinkling from the love she was feeling for her hero, when Izuku started to plant his lips on her neck again the girl hummed pleasantly at the feeling. Ciana melted in his hold as her back slumped against the large boulder to support her.
Her skin tasted faintly like saltwater, but Izuku didn't mind while leaving a trail of kisses down her skin around her neck and collarbone while clutching her hips tightly. The large inclines of the boulders, as well as the constant tide masked their presence entirely, both could fully absorb themselves in one another. So, occasionally, he nipped her skin.
Ciana began to moan now when he did, her heart started beating fast against her chest. Her eyes closed to take in the loving affection Izuku was giving her, her hands slowly went around his back to hold him tight. Once again Ciana felt his strong toned muscles when she embraced him and just being able to touch them again picked up her heart rate.
Enjoying hearing her voice as Ciana enjoyed what he was doing reassured Izuku that it was okay for them to be doing this, that she was okay with him being the one to make her act this way, it put his heart at ease to know that. Moving up to capture her lips again, he leaned in further, instinctively wrapping his right arm around her waist while his left tenderly grabbed her right breast as they sank further into pleasure.
Feeling his lips that were now captured in hers again, Ciana returned it as the motive made her tighter her embrace. When Ciana felt Izuku's hand on her chest yet again she softly moaned in their kiss, her mind once again clouded in bliss as she forgot the world around her.
While their faces were on fire, Izuku decided to make it fair while Ciana's hands roamed his back and across his chest. Moving his hand, he pulled the string tied into a bow between her swim bra, the teal fabric hung to her sides while his hand squeezed her bare chest freely, his heart clenched tightly from how active they were becoming.
Ciana didn't even pay too much to mind that he was undoing her top swimwear but when he did she felt a cold breeze and then moaned a bit more loudly when Ciana felt the warmth of Izukus hand back on her chest, a red streak appeared across her face as the girl fallen more into his alluring affections. Having more of a hard time clinging to reality now.
Leaving her lips, he smiled slightly, "You're really beautiful," With a whisper, he leaned down to continue kissing down her body until he took her left breast in his mouth, while the other he rubbed with his thumb, massaging it. Selfishly wanting to hear more reactions from his lover, partially to as much affection as possible before they ultimately became tied up with preparing for internships and a week spent as said agencies.
Staring up into his eyes when they parted and hearing his loving words that enveloped her heart with more warmth, now when Izuku moved to her head leaned back against the rock for support as Ciana moaned and hummed more from the loving sensation of his lips and hand. Ciana breathed heavily while her eyes closed back in bliss. "Izuku…" Ciana once again softly murmured out his name, all she can think about is her handsome hero.
He continued to shower her in affection, pinching her nipple as his right arm ventured to her shorts to squeeze her backside as they both slid down to the sand, Ciana pressed to the rock behind her while Izuku's right hand moved around to stroke her thigh, leaning down to continue to fondle her chest, the shadows of the rock wall masking them from sight.
Ciana gasped and moaned more in bliss as her head leaned sideways as she fell limb to the new ways Izuku was making her feel good, Ciana became very addicted to Izukus loving affections toward her and didn't dare stop him. Right now she felt like she was in heaven not only from the blissful sensation her handsome hero is giving her but the beautiful sight around them the setting that just made this moment more perfect.
Shifting to hug her side, Izuku's half-lidded gaze fell to Ciana's for a moment while his right hand rested by her stomach, "We can stop now if you want? I don't mind..." Given her fear stated earlier, he wanted to hear her say it to be safe.
Again Ciana had a hard time clinging to reality from the trance Izuku put her in, opening her twinkling eyes halfway as she stares up to her handsome hero she's grown so attached to. Ciana managed to cling back to her senses a little but didn't dare move still. "W-what if someone sees us…?" She managed to ask, realizing a little that they are still out in the open.
"I've been keeping an ear to the ground, if I hear anything I have a plan," Izuku replied, confident in his last minute scheme to escape their hot and bothered predicament. "But I know you're worried about what we're doing, it's why I want to hear you say if we should or should not keep going a little longer - b-but I'm being biased I... can't help but want you," He whispered in a husky tone.
Cianas eyes widened a little, her gaze staring into his eyes with her twinkling gaze lingered on his for a minute as her heart rate continued to hammer. Ciana can't deny how much she has fallen in love with Izuku, if she had to be honest… She wanted him too.
Ciana soon smiled warmly and lovingly towards him as her hand reached up to stroke his cheek. "Okay… I trust you." She replied softly, her head tilted and her smile perked up more. "I love you Izuku…"
The glint in his eyes was brighter upon hearing that, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "...I love you too, Ciana,"
Not to waste their precious time, Izuku's hand pulled on the elastic of her shorts while leaving more kisses from her cheek to her lips as his fingers ran across her crotch like last time.
Ciana hummed pleasantly and her eyes fell shut again when his lips landed on her own all over again. Ciana wrapped her arms around his neck as they kissed and when his hand landed below her had Ciana gasp from the addictive sensation.
She moaned more between their lips and held onto Izuku tighter for support, already Ciana felt like she's melting as she felt her own heart heat up in more need of him.
A minute went by with neither stopping their constant affections, at one point, Izuku's hand down her shorts boldly did something that caused Ciana's breath to hitch. Two of his fingers curled inward, pushing inside of her as a shiver ran down her spine and her eyes widened from the significant contact.
Ciana was very surprised by the new motive as she let out another gasp, it was a new feeling to her that had Cianas leaned back against the rock at the sudden sensation. Her face became even more red and her eyes even twinkled more at the motive, Ciana could hardly believe Izuku would be bold enough to do that. He seems to always manage to find new ways to please her and fell more under his spell.
Ciana was completely at his mercy, breathing shallowly as his face was stained crimson while they made out, his fingers moving in and out of her slowly, exciting gasps and moans from her lips while a half-lidded gaze that set his heart ablaze just from looking at her. He felt her legs squirm in the sand while her arms pulled him down onto her lips in a rougher state.
Ciana eagerly kissed him more passionately as Izuku excited more moans out of her mouth, one hand held his neck while the other went to the back of his head. Izuku pushed her this far to cherish and love this boy before they had to be separated for a week… knowing how much she's going to miss him, Ciana never wanted to let her hero go and wanted to keep him close to her heart.
Opening his eyes as they parted, Izuku stared down at Ciana, his hand wet below as he continued to move his fingers inside her while his left held her shoulder but gently moved to her cheek, rubbing it with his thumb. "I'll find a way... a permanent way... so that you can always have the choice... to move between our worlds," He promised her. "No matter how long it takes..."
Hearing what he said warmed her heart as it brought a loving smile to her face, knowing he wanted them to stay together as much as she does… it touched her greatly. "I have faith in you…" Ciana whispered out into his ear and kissed his cheek after saying that. Ciana held him tighter, Izuku is the smartest guy she ever knew in this world and had no worries or doubts he would fail.
Using only his left arm, Izuku then lifted Ciana up onto his lap, making the angle of his hand push a little further inside her while his left groped her chest again, sharing a tender kiss between the cool boulders with the warmth of the sand beneath them as the young couple continued to lather the other with love and affection, Izuku's hand moving faster as he tugged more of her shorts down, almost leaving her completely exposed, his heart hammering against his chest.
Ciana was almost speechless. Izuku seemed to know how to please her more, her mind became more cloudy and fuzzy enough not to notice the world around them. Her mouth cried out with pleasant hums and moans as Ciana started to slump against his chest while falling in deeper to Izuku's affections toward her, the more her hero pleased her the more she wanted him.
Her grip continued to tightened around his waist as her hands felt up his back and sides.
Their session persisted, both growing increasingly frisky as Izuku unconsciously began to pull more at Ciana's shorts as she felt her hands roam lower. Despite this heated lust, Izuku immediately snapped to attention, pulling his hand away from Ciana's shorts and helping to tug them back upright before holding a finger to his lips to keep her heavy breaths quiet. Someone was coming.
"Here," He helped her tie back her bra piece before pointing to the water nearby. "Quietly, follow my lead, don't panic, okay?"
When Izuku began to pull away, her eyes had to blink a few times to adjust back to reality, that's when the light in her eyes dimmed down. Seeing they got carried away again had her blushing furiously and bashfully at the realization, especially when Izuku pointed out someone was coming.
But she stayed quiet like he advised and once her bra was tied back on, Ciana couldn't even speak as she just nodded along with his plan. "O-okay!" She replied in a whisper, taking her hero's hand as she followed along with him into the water.
"Ah, you two were here," To their relief, it was the antisocial Shoto that stood atop the rock wall.
Izuku was now in the water on his knees, his hands cleaned in the water as he found one of the many things he spotted when he came here to check up on Ciana, seashells. Thus, his brilliant plan was to say they were hanging around the boulders looking for seashells. Meanwhile, Ciana sat by the edge, keeping her bandaged foot clear of the tide. "H-hi, Todoroki, did you need something?" Izuku put on his best poker face as he turned to look at their friend.
"Yaoyorozu asked for someone to look for you two after you wandered off to keep an eye on Finley; she wanted to know if you wanted to join them for a handful of activities before we return to UA?" Shoto explained, nodding his head back the way he came.
"Why not? Whatever you guys have in mind would be fun to do with everyone again." She replied while sitting where she was with her usual sweet smile, Ciana was grateful towards Izuku he had come up with a very smart plan to hide their intimate moment, which isn't too much of a surprise knowing how incredibly smart this guy was.
Ciana would have been so humiliated if the class prince caught on to what they were really doing, now standing up. "Well I think that's enough shell finding for now… at least we have a nice souvenir after our time at the beach." Even if it was a setup, Izuku found some really nice shells to take back. "I'm actually glad you're here Shoto, I've been wanting to talk to you again real quick about something."
She surprisingly brings up now, Ciana had been meaning to talk to him. It wasn't private so she wasn't worried about keeping anything from Izuku who's still with them.
His brow rose a bit as he offered his hand for Ciana to climb up and over with Izuku watching her as her foot came out from under her. "What is it?" He asked.
Now by her friend's side along with her hero, Ciana now had her attention on the prince while holding some shells she picked out to bring back. "I'm not sure if the others told you already but were you informed about someone named Chaser that's been visiting us lately Todoroki?"
Ciana knew Todoroki wasn't around when he made his appearance to her whole class so she thought she let him in on the info too if he hadn't heard.
Tilting his head a bit, Shoto's eyes lit up very slightly in recollection, "I overheard some talking about that; you had made a trade with him, though that's all I'm aware of,"
"Oh really?" She was a little surprised that the others didn't tell him about the world travel more and what he does. "Well this guy introduced himself to me and Izuku during the festival and apparently he's a literal world traveler." Ciana ends up telling him as they all walked together now, being careful about her leg.
"I just made a little deal if he would pass on a letter to my dad in my world, turns out he has quite a sweet tooth." She chuckled recalling that. "He's actually been showing himself a lot lately and he's a bit odd… but he's very knowledgeable about our worlds and what goes on."
"I see," He paused, considering what he was told. "It's strange how common the reality of other worlds is to others, before you, the idea was fictional, but with several examples of the opposite, it can be a little jarring to think about,"
"I agree, even though I've known Ciana for over half a year it still blows my mind, as well as Chaser, are from other worlds, and that there's a near infinite number out there," Izuku marvelled at the sky. Their universe was vast and unknown, but that barely even registered to a whole multiverse of possibilities.
"The universe is a very big place so anything is possible what's out there compared to here and mine." Ciana always knew the universe probably had other worlds other than her own, but she never thought she appeared into another, especially from turning a corner from the ally.
"The guy even informed us about these special stones called Gatestones that basically appeared anywhere in the world, and Izuku and I found one in the ocean when we were swimming in the water. What they can do is open a gateway to another world, but only can be used once when using it." Remembering well Izuku helped her fish it out from the coral, which is incredible they managed to find one already.
"Then you have a way back home," Shoto concluded with a nod, eyeing them both, specifically, Izuku who appeared slightly tense for a second. "If you do, Zena wouldn't have any way of reaching you, although, without a second you couldn't return either,"
"Yeah… right." Ciana frowned at being told this, now that he mentions it… if she goes back home then she won't have to worry about not only being caught by the villain but also prevent her friends from being in danger… which is what she wants but now left some concerning questions in her mind. "I-I'm not focused on leaving yet, though is it actually bad if I stick around…?"
She now asks in concern towards the two boys, wondering now if this is the right decision to make…
Before Izuku to outright tell her 'no', Shoto spoke up, staring ahead without even a change in his pitch. "From a rational standpoint, it would remove a key variable for the villains after you," Ciana slumped slightly at the honest truth. "But, in doing so, it would be no different than if you were to be taken, leaving behind those you've connected with, the relationships you've made, and the lives you've helped change, like with mine,"
Shoto stared at his right hand for a moment, lowering it soon after, "There will always be consequences to our choices, it's something we live with, and grow from to survive the backlash that follows. At least, that's how I see it."
"I see…" she replied while her gaze went down, Ciana always knew now that if she never arrived then everyone would be okay and still pursued their dreams… even Shoto would probably still be fine since Izuku was there for him. "You make a very good point… I'll have to think about that while I'm still here." It sounded like a major sacrifice, but if it would prevent her friends and their world from a terrible fate… it would be hard but it's what Ciana would do if it was for the best. Her gaze turned up to the sky as she processed Shotos' wise words.
"Even then, there's no real way of knowing if Zena couldn't follow you," Izuku spoke up, reaching over to hold Ciana's hand tightly. "It would be easier to just return home, but then, would you really want to? Wouldn't you rather face this threat with others instead of on your own? And besides, I said we'd find a permanent solution, so... you're not going anywhere, got it?" He smiled playfully but also comfortingly with a squeeze of his hand.
"You're not one to run away from a problem either, at least, that's what I've seen too," Shoto offered shortly after.
Hearing both their words as well as Izukus comforting hand brought some hope to the girl, perking her smile back as she nodded in response. "Right, no matter how scary the situation becomes I'll always stand up and face my battles." Ciana replied confidently with her free hand raised determinedly. Repeating her mothers words she always advised her to do.
Ciana didn't want to cower and run like she used to, wanting to stand up for herself and for others.
The challenge would be difficult, and plans were bound to go wrong at every turn, but worrying over what could've been is exactly what Chaser warned Ciana and Izuku about, it wouldn't be easy to overcome, but in gradual steps with time. Their futures were uncertain now, relying on one another to stand their ground is all that mattered.
[Transition]
During the last stretch of fun at the beach; the girls were competing with the boys in constructing a sand castle. It went from a fun game to now a battle of egos on who can build the best, either on detail or scale. The girls was smaller but taller with simple details that came together for the towers and walls. The boys went for sheer scale. As they worked, some would occasionally go out to grab a bucket of water to help with the creation or gather shells in the water.
"I've got the water, you want to grab white shells?" Uraraka asked Ciana as they walked until the water was up to their knees.
"Sure! What we picked out should put the guys work to shame." She replied playfully as she now had her hands full with the shells they picked out, which Ciana thought looked really pretty. "Too bad we couldn't find a pearl along with those shells, otherwise we could really make the sight captivating."
Pearls would have been too difficult to find in oysters, but would have brought a great beautiful theme to their sandcastle if they actually came across one.
While putting the shells in a separate pouch on her bag, Ciana swore she saw something move below the water at her legs. Before she could call to Uraraka, who was handling four buckets of water at once. Something brushed against Ciana's leg, causing her to let out a yell of fright, and Uraraka threw her buckets on reflex, dousing the pair in salt water again. Ciana backed away, kicking her good leg forward as she made contact with something.
Said 'something' slowly rose above the water, revealing the distinct purple balls atop their head, it was Mineta as he rubbed his jaw with his back to them. "Swore that was Ashido's thighs... uh..." He slowly turned to look at the two girls still present, one with a fury lit in her eyes, her aura bursting to life like a raging golden blaze. The sight alone was enough to drain the colour from his face.
Seeing it was the little weirdo up to his disgusting schemes again, her teeth gritted together and her fist clenched for a few seconds. "You little…" Ciana felt so violated right now as she began to pull something out of her purse… which was pepper spray as she eyed the little creep now as she unleashed a stinging spray aimed right to his face…
It didn't immediately take effect, but the spray itself did startle him back as he rubbed his face. "What the hell was - ah! Ow-ow-ow, why is it burning so much!?" He wailed, furiously rubbing his eyes as they started to water.
"Pepper spray?" Uraraka asked as she refilled her buckets while Mineta cried out in agony, dunking his head into the water to try and ease the burning sensation but the saltwater didn't help at all.
"God, why is it always me!?" He cried, half swimming and half tripping through the shallow water back to dry land like a blind man.
"Yeah try eying any of us now with your eyes all messed up you little leach!" She playfully but threateningly shouted out to him with a smirk and her hands on her hips with a hmph sound. Now eyeing her gravity friend with an amusing smile.
"Had to be prepared someway with this little weirdo around, how'd you think I managed to get by in a rough part of the city where I lived?" Ciana replied with a proud smile on her face as her gaze went back to the ball boy crying in agony.
"I wasn't even looking for you, you're not even-"
"I'd really start choosing what you say next carefully, Mineta," Uraraka scolded, displeased by the boy's actions. Turning back to Ciana with a smile, Uraraka held up her four buckets. "Let's get back to the girls, this castle's gonna be the best one ever by the end of the day!"
"You said it!" The girl replied cheerfully and innocently like nothing happened as she had her back turned away from the leach now. "Oh and I'll be warning Ashido to be on the lookout for you Mineta…" She turned her gaze back for a moment to smirk at him before leaving alongside Uraraka.
All Mineta did was stumble around trying to soothe his eyes now by the time the pair returned to their group. First thing they saw was Jiro on her back, clutching her stomach as she doubled over in laughter, rubbing a tear from her eye. "Th-That was freakin' p-p-priceless~!" She wheezed, sitting upright with giggles as she patted Ciana's leg. "Y-you're the best, hahaha!"
"You saw that, huh?" Uraraka giggled a bit.
"And heard all of it, little rat got what's coming to him!" Jiro grinned ear to ear.
"So that's why Jiro started laughing so hard..." Yaoyorozu realized with astonishment at the sight of Mineta trying to walk straight. "Hmph, well, he gets what he deserves,"
Noticing her punk rock friend who also found her self defense move amusing also had Ciana giggle, knowing Jiros good hearing would catch on what happened. She placed down the shells then straightened up with a proud smile. "I don't think that guy will ever learn to be more respectful towards women… he had it coming though for being a creep." She replied with another giggle after that, her gaze going back to ball boy still trying to ease his pain.
"You should watch out for yourself more Ashido cuz that leach was trying to target you." Ciana warns her pink friend while still finding Mineta's dramatic display funny, though… catching on before that he almost called her unattractive again had her secretly feel insulted as she mentally frowned inside.
Ciana knew Izuku found her beautiful which she really appreciates, but knowing not many people see her like her beautiful gal friends made her feel a bit left out and judged again… in a way it probably is a good thing to avoid worrying over guys being like Mineta… but he didn't have to be so straightforward about how she looked. "I better not tell Izuku about this, who knows how he would react if I told him what Mineta did and said…" Ciana mentally advises herself, knowing Izuku probably give the creep a hard time again and she doesn't want him to worry or be mad.
"That so? Well, I'd like to see him try, hehehe," Ashido grinned ear to ear, secreting some acid from her fingertips. "Just the right amount and it'll just like pepper spray, only his skin instead that's on fire,"
"Putting Mineta's torture aside - let's hurry up and finish this!" Hagakure waved frantically, or that's what the floating bikini told them as she held up some of the shells Ciana gathered. "Time's nearly up!"
"Toru is right, we've only got five minutes left, ribbit," Tsu replied, pointing toward the boys. "And their empire seems to have grown again."
"Oh uh, we better get back to work before they crush our own empire!" Ciana playfully replied as she already gets back to work, forgetting Minetas insult for the time being. Ciana helped by placing the seashells in certain places to make it look more pretty. Ciana was having fun again doing this activity with her friends, knowing Izuku though he probably came up with a strategy to make their own castle grow.
Glancing over at the boys, she could see they were having fun themselves. "You know it's funny, with Todoroki being included in this contest he really looks like the prince of his castle. All he just needs now is a crown." Ciana jokes with a giggle, seeing that he really does look like a prince now.
The others laughed at the remark. "Dunno how Bakugo would take to being considered his underling, could have an uprising on their hands," Hagakure snickered.
"Indeed - oh, now add the water, this should hopefully retain the water," Yaoyorozu instructed, being their 'chief' in a way.
By the time the stopwatch ran out, both sides stepped back to admire their work. The girls kept it small but with details for the towers of the main keep and even added shells to the wall walk on the exterior wall to act as the defensive line. The archway led to a sand bridge surrounded by a moat. Overall, it wasn't half bad. As for the boys...
"No offense, but what the hell are we looking at?" Jiro questioned, trying to piece it together.
"That's what I'm thinking," Ashido murmured, her arms crossed while everyone tried to understand what happened.
"Well, you see, some of us had various ideas, so Kirishima said to combine them, and, uh, well..." Izuku smiled sheepishly.
"I told you to keep to your own side!" Katsuki grumbled, pointing at the mound of sand meant to be a wall. "That's what the wall is for!"
"Hey, I was trying to improve on it, you're the one who was flinging sand everywhere like it was a warzone," Kaminari defended his side.
There were roughly five squares separated by walls of various levels of detail. Some had buildings... kind of, and a central castle... that was falling apart at one side next to the 'warzone' created by Katsuki. Overall, it was like several timelines collided at once.
"Wow… you guys really decided to be creative…" Ciana again chuckled at Bakugos way of adding to their castle, she was kinda surprised he wanted to be in this activity but she wasn't complaining. Ciana was glad to see he's participating in their fun events.
"Interesting fortress… though it kinda looks like somebody tried to take action and charge toward your castle to take it down." Ciana playfully replied with an amusing smile, even if it was different it still adds some charm to it… sorta.
"Bakugo was in the middle of adding modifications when we ran out of time, though, he was also arguing with Kaminari over borders," Shoto replied, hardly phased as he merely followed the instructions of those around him.
"Aside from Bakugo's siege on our side, how do we vote which is better?" Sero asked, ignoring the glare shot at his back from the ash blonde.
"Simple; everyone stand on the side that believes their the winner, and whoever has the most people wins, and the others get to watch as their precious creation is obliterated like any good war mongering nation would," Ashido patted her hips with a bright smile.
"W-wait, sure that's necessary?" Kirishima tried to persuade. "I mean, tide's almost up to our work anyway,"
"Nope, no other options!" Ashido's eyes were like flames, eager for destruction.
"It is a little excessive," Izuku pinched his fingers close.
"No use trying to put the breaks on this, it's happening!" The pinkette refused to back down.
That's when Jiro sighed into her hand. "She's been like this since we started, best to just suck it up,"
"Very well; now, everyone take their side," Yaoyorozu clapped, their time at the beach was coming to a close so it was best not to dwell on the anarchy in Ashido's head.
"Oh boy… this should be interesting…" Ciana sweatdropped with a sheepish smile, going along with the plan as Ciana just did as instructed. When she did she looked to her gal friends again in a little confusion.
"So… what are we supposed to do again? Just stand here and declare war?" Ciana asks, scratching her cheek in an uncertain manner as she does.
"We each now go to the side we think deserves to win, the side with the least amount of people will have that castle curb stopped back into the sand," Jiro summed up bluntly, much to a few of the guys' dismay at their creation's possible demise as some moved to either side.
"Sounds extreme but… alright?" She shrugged, knowing Bakugo he be eager to cause some destruction, hoping he doesn't cause too much of a scene. Either way it sounded like it would probably be fun, Ashido sure looks confident they might win.
Before long, a verdict was made. With sixteen against five. The girls castle was the winner; much to the anguish of the boys, but still, some simply knew this was the outcome given the sheer level of detail when comparing the two. Kaminari, Kirishima, Mineta who was still blind, Katsuki, and Shoto, all stood at the losing side. The latter due to him not being a good judge.
"You traitors, you all abandoned ship for them!?" Kaminari gawked, appalled at the betrayal.
"S-sorry, but... well..." Izuku scratched his cheek, smiling warily.
"Yeah, we totally botched this - though, that was more Bakugo's fault," Sero added.
"You idiots just kept getting in my way!" Katsuki yelled back.
"Today is a sad day, as a kingdom is to be washed back into the sand from whence it came," Ashido looked saddened... for about two seconds. "Now, step aside, I'm ready to tear down these walls!"
"Grah, how the hell did we lose!?" Katsuki roared loudly, blocking Ashido's way. "No way, Raccoon Eyes, back off!"
"You can't stop all of us!" She challenged, trying to run past as Katsuki grabbed her arm, pulling her away. "Go, destroy the enemy, reduce it to atoms!"
"God, that's an old reference," Jiro rolled her eyes, smirking as she casually sauntered toward the sand castle only for Kaminari to do the same, attempting to save it. "Ya know this'll only make the loss that much harder,"
"Defend the fort!" The blonde yelled as several attempted to surround the castle, a full siege breaking out as Ciana and Izuku shared a look, then burst out laughing with a few others observing the chaos with light chuckles or a smile.
"Sorry about your fort…" Ciana apologies amusingly while still letting out some giggles as she eyed her hero. "Aren't you gonna try and defend it?" She asked with a playful smile, noticing he's just standing back and watching like her. Watching the way Bakugo was trying to be defensive was just so entertaining… she actually pulled out her phone to film this hilarious battle.
"I've learned there's some battles that can't be won," He shook his head slowly, leaning against her side as he eyed her recording. He smiled to himself, enjoying the chaos a little. "Today was definitely worth it,"
"I totally agree." Ciana giggled as she continued to film with a wide smile. "This certainly perked me back up after Minetas dirty scheme he pulled a while ago… this is so much fun." Ciana ended up revealing without realizing it, still focusing on the funny display in front of her.
"Yeah... wait, what?" Izuku snapped his head around to her, then frowned. "What did he do this time?" The greenette sounded more annoyed it happened again than angry, which was a good sign.
"Hm?" Looking back at him and now stiffening up realizing what she just said, Ciana mentally scolded herself. Now trying to play it off as it was nothing as she eyed back to the chaos nervously. "N-nothing much, he was just looking for Ashido while we were gathering water and shells… don't worry about it…"
Ciana tried to wave it off, Ciana was glad to see he wasn't too angered but still rather avoid another possible scare to the little runt, even after what he said hurt her a little.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Izuku knew Ciana was trying to deflect his question, probably to avoid him losing his temper. "Let me guess, he was trying to harass her but ended up annoying you instead? I can tell, he kept rubbing his eyes and they were all red, you used pepper spray on him, didn't you?" The way he spoke was unnaturally calm.
Ciana was stunned he figured all that out already, looking back at him with a very surprised expression. "Whoa, he really is the smartest guy in this world…" She thinks to herself, but then tries to ease up his annoyance with her smile perked back. "Wow… you really connect the dots all too well…" she replied, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. "But yeah that pretty much summons it up… he's already punished though for his crime so no need to be upset about it, Jiro sure found what I did amusing…"
"Ngh," Izuku jerked a bit, covering his mouth as he tried to suppress a laugh at having realized how badly Mineta messed up. "Nice s-shot, hehe..." He really shouldn't be laughing but oh was it sweet justice in his eyes.
She sure wasn't expecting a laugh… but Ciana sure felt relieved seeing how Izuku was reacting as she began to laugh too how he perked up. "T-thanks! I-I admit I feel a little bad but he had to pay for his crime somehow…"
She responded while trying to surpass her laugh with her free hand. "I'm pretty sure though that he won't be targeting me much so you wouldn't need to worry anyways."
"Good... if he wants to be ignorant to your looks then fine by me," Izuku nodded with a firm huff. The less perverted comments about Ciana the better in his eyes,
"That's a relief at least…" Ciana ended up replying kinda painfully strangely… her gaze looking back to her friends with a sad smile. Ciana is very much glad Mineta won't target her but his insult before still pained her inside.
"People like him never realize what they say can hurt, especially about how you look. 'Bland', 'Plain', 'Unattractive', I can't begin to count how many times I've heard those words, over and over, it still hurts... but then you came along and accept me, both my personality and how I look, you aren't disgusted around me or find me unappealing, and when I recall how others viewed me, just knowing someone sees the opposite reassures me," With a smile, he tapped her tense hand for her to take it. "And I feel the same way for you; maybe you don't have the same appeal as the rest of the girls, but you're beautiful in your own way, you know?" He used his free hand to scratch his nape, unsure if that was right, but he felt it was this time.
Looking back at her hero after hearing his sweet, comforting and touching words had her smile warmly at her hero as well as her pink blush appeared back on her cheeks. "That means a lot… thank you Izuku." She smiled more towards him. "But honestly I don't get why you think anyone would find you unattractive, to me what makes you so appealing is the way you smile and look so fierce when you stand up for yourself and others."
Ciana expresses honestly, blushing a little more just saying this. "Not to mention how cute you are when you're so shy and mutter, maybe All Might finds that creepy but to me I find your habit so adorable and kinda cool seeing how really smart you are when you overthink." She giggled recalling his habit she first noticed back at the hospital, she never gets tired of what he does.
"Re-really?" Now his face mirrored her own. "I-I guess that's one way t-to look at it, that means a lot, r-really, thank you," He built her up, and she would do the same, a perfect exchange.
"Ya know, you both are really not all that good at this whole 'secret relationship' thing," Jiro pointed out in front of them, covering the view of their expressions of love toward one another, to which the rocker gladly shattered with a hammer. "But hey, I'm not here to judge, that was pretty smooth of you, by the way, Parsley, cheesiness is what I'd expect from you," Jiro smirked a bit.
"I-I can't honestly tell i-if that was a compliment or an insult," He stuttered a bit, thankful for her cover.
Ciana actually had a feeling Jiro would overhear them knowing her hearing, playfully rolling her eyes now but still blushed more from her comment. "Can you focus on anything other than us Jiro?!" Ciana playfully shouted out to her rocker friend.
This girl really has a habit of eavesdropping, they don't seem to ever be safe with her around funny enough.
"What? You seriously want that gossip, love-crazed demon to blurt out your love to the world?" She jabbed a jack behind her where the trio saw her laughing maniacally atop the now collapsed mound of sand that used to be the castle for the boys, Kirishima wiping his comedic tears in despair.
"That's... honestly just sad to watch," Izuku stared, pitying the guys a little.
"As I was saying, sure, I'd overhear you guys talking in public like this, but I don't go a mouth off to everyone around me, having grown up with sensitive hearing that drove me mad I've learned to adjust my hearing to tune out a lot of noise to reduce headaches, not always, but it helps, plus the soundproofing for my room," She explained, shrugging a bit. "Thing is, I'd be in the same boat as you guys, less people butting in on my love life the better, but I won't bug ya about it,"
"You sure find what we say pretty entertaining though, didn't realize we were becoming a soap opera now." She replied with a few more giggles, especially seeing the way Ashido took victory by crushing the boys castle which is more amusing.
Now eyeing the class prince playfully as she shouted towards him next. "Sorry we brought down your castle Todoroki! Hope you don't take it too personally that Ashido became queen of your kingdom now!" Ciana tells the class prince with a few more giggles, knowing how the other girls viewed him still.
"Huh?" He blinked, looking to Ashido, then back to Ciana, clearly confused.
"I'm not sharing!" Ashido yelled over.
"Get the hell back here, Raccoon Eyes!" Katsuki then proceeded to chase her from the destroyed sand castle as she made a break for the water.
Suffice to say, their day at the beach wasn't going to be forgotten.
Ciana just laughed more at everyone's behavior, her cheeks became so pink from how much laughing she had been doing. This day has become unforgettable and Ciana was sure never to forget this moment.
Eventually the sun was finally beginning to set, seeing it was about time for everyone to head back, Ciana was even nice enough to give Mineta a water bottle to help his stinging eyes to not be completely cruel. Ciana was now in the middle of packing her stuff, putting her sundress back on. "It's a bummer the day had to end so quickly… time sure does fly when we have too much fun."
She comments to her friends who were also packing up, wishing they could have stayed out a little longer. But it was probably best to head back and rest up her leg anyways.
"Ready to go?" Izuku asked after swinging his bag over one shoulder, the others beginning the walk back up to the streets and eventually to the train station.
She smiled and nodded in response with her bag hung on her shoulder and her mom's hair clip back in her hair. "Yep, today sure was a blast. I can't wait to come back in the summertime." Knowing it will be just as fun then, the girl now starts walking by Izuku's side.
"We'll probably be busy then too but we'll work around our school work," Izuku agreed, today was a great day, especially one part that got his heart beating faster. "It's strange, hanging out around Kacchan again, even though we're not on good terms, it felt oddly like before he got his quirk," It felt nice and his aura reflected that.
"I'm glad to see he perked up more being here with us, especially Shoto too. He deserves to have a fun day out with everyone." Ciana is very glad to see both boys are doing a bit better, especially in the activities they all participated in.
"Though the guys still on edge with you so I still watch out for him…" Ciana now warns with a sheepish smile and a rub to her neck awkwardly.
"Duly noted," He replied, still not wanting to tick Katsuki off anymore than usual. While they walked, Izuku thought about something concerning the gatestone they acquired from the sea. "Chaser seems to appear frequently due to his contractor in this world too, I'm wondering... maybe we could ask him to gather information on Zena? The thought just came to me when he suddenly appeared before,"
Perking up at the mention of Chaser, having a feeling the topic of him would come back. "We could, but… I don't know, I have a feeling he might have a connection to Zena…" Ciana gazed up to the sky as they walked. "I had some suspicions about Chaser lately, I don't think he's really bad but when you think about it… how else would I appear here if he didn't have the world travelers help?" She shrugged, not entirely certain.
Izuku thought as much himself, crossing his arms with a tense look. "That's true, Chaser is the only other traveller between worlds that's consistent, but you mentioned how Zena told you about his other ally, the one that would gain the ability to open rifts to other worlds using his and your power combined; maybe they're responsible but they require a massive amount of energy to do it again?" It wasn't a good theory but it was a possible reason.
"Maybe…" her head tilted as she wondered about what Izuku said. "Sure is a scary thought… I doubt he will reveal anything more yet, it will be tough to figure out. Though I'm a little worried when we go off for a week during our internship then the guy will probably take another chance to kidnap me…"
Knowing Izuku won't be with her frightened her again, remembering she feared each night Zena would appear to take her back when she had her own apartment. Her fear would probably repeat itself when she's away…
"You'll be with a Pro hero, and most would have employee accommodations at their agency, so there's dozens of side-kicks and security," He patted her shoulder to ease her worries. "And from how you've described him the last time, he's more-so trying to persuade you than to take you by force,"
"Well yes that's what he's currently doing but he did try and take me by force when I refused to go with him…" she eyed him with a raised brow. "He also said he had other helpers so he might be coming up with a plan to ambush everyone…" Ciana could tell the guy is terrifyingly smart, the villains always come up with schemes to pull something off.
"Plus… the pros weren't able to stop him when he almost kidnapped me…" her gaze looking down recalling that scary memory, he probably is the most feared villain because he's so scary strong…
Her constant shooting down of his optimism left Izuku with nothing. The fact of the matter is, he couldn't stop a villain as powerful as Meru Zena, if half a dozen pros and students couldn't, he had no chance. Looking down slightly, he sighed. "...you're right, and I don't have a solution, in every thought I've had there's not one that'll help," He felt frustrated about it. "I can't... I don't know..."
It terrified him, all it would take is an assault like the last time, and that was it, Ciana could very well be taken this time, and what could he do? His quirk would destroy him going above ten percent at the most, and even then, what's to say a maxed-out punch would do anything to Zena? It really was a terrifying thought.
Doesn't really help her fears as her expression began to look more fearful now with her gaze staying down. "I'll probably take the Gatestone with me just in case…" tightening her grip on her bag now mentioning this. "Just to make sure I can make a getaway to avoid him using me to do something bad…" It was a major sacrifice but Ciana did not want to doom their world.
Stopping to face her, he grabbed her shoulders to look her in the eye. "Just... promise me, if... it comes to that, you'll... you'll come back," It would be smarter to just return Ciana to her world, but a strong part of Izuku couldn't accept her leaving and never coming back.
A little surprised by the sudden grab, Ciana stared into his eyes painfully to see Izuku dreaded her leaving as well. Ciana never wanted to leave him forever, she didn't think she could live without him, her smile became warm but sad at the same time. Nodding as her gaze stayed on him. "If I have a way to come back then I will…"
She responds, tears almost appearing in her eyes. "I don't want to leave you either." Her hand now went up to his as she gripped it tightly.
He shuttered a tight breath, smiling a little before they joined hands moved to their sides, walking quickly to catch up with the group just ahead of them, all unaware of the thorny path they walked. However, neither saw the hooded creature sat atop one of the shop buildings, happily cleaning a large handcannon in his hands, Chaser grinned at the two souls, their fates woven into a new form, not a thread out of place.
"Aza, Aza, you've certainly picked the wrong souls to contend with, hehehe..." With a fall, Chaser delved into the shadows, gone without a trace.