The Golden Beacon

by LadyGamerGirl

Ciana Finley, a girl who unexpectedly warped into another world inhabited by superhuman people and shockingly finds out she holds a power within herself as well. Now must survive on her path to UA in order to make the person she loved and lost proud while gaining new friends along the way as well as to shine light to those who lost their ways. Writing partner - Silent Slender

43. Chapter 43 - Season 2

The next day was as tough as the last. Edgeshot wasted no time laying out Ciana's and Yuuki's plan to train, wanting to maximize their time with TCC. He had one of his female staff check up on them, and if they lost control of their breathing in their sleep she was instructed to wake them, of course, this was explained to the girls but they still woke up a little groggy from the multiple wake up calls.

Out in the training grounds, they exercised or focused on shattering gourds with their breath, progress was slow but steady. Using Total Concentration all day and night meant to expand the lungs capacity, so with every second their stamina, as well as their other senses grew. Of course, during points they could sit and meditate, Yuuki took the time to aid in Ciana's mastery over her senses.

It was the afternoon when they sat together again, Ciana with her eyes closed. "Your senses can be overloaded, so it's wise to learn how to dampen some senses when needed, like closing one eye and not the other, this, much like TCC will be tricky to master, even I haven't fully grasped this concept; so for now, let us focus on dampening one sense, your hearing, try to imagine plugging your ears with your fingers, having a solid visual will help,"

Ciana was sipping at her water bottle as she sat with Yuuki, so much to go over… it felt like she's been giving loads of homework, but more painful and complicated. "I wonder if this will make my hearing anything like Jiros super hearing sense… it's still so weird I'm smelling and hearing things from far away, it's almost giving me a headache…"

Ciana still felt so weird being part predator. "I didn't even think dragons could have such good hearings, they never looked to have any ears…"

"They rely more on sight and smell, but they have the ability to see in the dark like a cat, and while your hearing may not be at the same level as your classmate's, it is still far sharper than a standard human ear," Yuuki replied. "Now, focus, try to dial your hearing down, when you feel you have done so, tell me."

"You seem to know a how dragons work, did you know anyone who had dragon traits too?" Ciana stops talking now as she takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. Trying to relax her body to block out the sounds around her, so far a but difficult for her at first.

"I guess you could say that..." Yuuki looked off to the side briefly but waited a few minutes, spotting Edgeshot approaching but he stood still to wait until they were done, eyeing Ciana's training curiously. "In a technical way, Io is one, although he's more of a dog that should be put down, but I digress..."

Ciana giggled at this, opening one eye to look at her playfully. "Part dog? It's no wonder this guy gets under your skin, far as I know dogs and cats don't normally get along much."

"...don't remind me, but if you ever met him, you'll understand," Yuuki then tapped her water bottle off Ciana's head. "Focus."

"Right…" she closed her eyes again to get back to focusing, this time taking a while close her surroundings off. Wondering if she's even doing it right…

"Well, any change in volume?" Yuuki eventually asked.

"I think? So far I'm hearing a nice breeze, a waterfall running and wind chimes blowing. Who is pretty peaceful sounding…" Japanese gardens really are lovely enough to have sounds like this.

"Hm, try a little more, fully imagine your hearing becoming muffled or as if you hear those sounds from a distance instead," Yuuki tried, watching Ciana closely.

"Sounds hard…" She does at least try, trying to block out all the sounds. Blocking out her mind the best she could…

Then, gradually, those ambient noises began to quieten, enough that she no longer heard the small waterfall to the farthest corner of the grounds, the wind was quieter as well, even the faint chorus of voices indoors was gone. "Well?" Yuuki asked again.

"Better… I'm not hearing much of anything anymore." She answered so far, opening her eyes again. "So far it's like i gone back to my normal hearing almost."

"Good, you should be able to adjust that with a visual of plugging or unplugging your ears, it's how I handle my hearing," Yuuki nodded, unaware she had a tiny smile again with her mask down. "You've already shown improvements ahead of what I anticipated, you'll have control over your senses and instincts much faster in time," Then, she frowned again, eventually realizing what she was doing.

"Oh thank goodness…" she had her hand over her heart as she took a breather. "Hopefully this means I won't act aggressive… thanks again for helping me Yuuki." She smiled to her. "You know the way your helping me overcome my dangerous instincts actually makes you a hero so far."

"I wouldn't say I am one... but your welcome," Yuuki couldn't wrap her head around it, she just had to safe guard Ciana and ensure she develops her quirk, but this wasn't doing that, she adamantly refused to use Aura. All Yuuki had to do now was wait, but... seeing her genuinely relieved she had some semblance of control because of her actions, it was... strange, just like helping those waiting for her Warp quirk to evolve, it just came naturally to Yuuki. "Sir, you needed us?"

Edgeshot, finally stepping into view nodded. "Your training has gone smoothly from what I've been told, now, we will conduct what your nightly activities this week will include; night patrols, as crime becomes far more active in these hours, so, go ready your costumes, we shall leave shortly for Hosu,"

"Night time patrols? We will be doing actual crime fight?"Ciana knew they will be doing this eventually but was still kinda surprised she will be doing actual crime fighting like the hero's in the comics, wondering if her martial arts is improved enough to pull it off.

"I-I mean I'm aware we're supposed to do that, but… a-am I even prepared enough to fight villains without my quirk?" Thanks to Yuuki and Edgeshot she managed to level up her fighting skills, but worried if it's too soon for her to go out and fight.

"For the most part, you two will not be actively involved in any confrontations, that will be left to me, you will simply observe and aid in keeping any civilians clear of any threats," Edgeshot replied before holding up one finger. "However, if the situation arises, I'm certain of your capabilities to handle yourselves, so be sure to stick together if that ever happens, heroes that can work efficiently as a team are far stronger, after all,"

"Understood," Yuuki nodded sternly.

"Oh, I-I can do that at least." She nods in understanding of her teachers instructions, perking up hearing they will be watching which sounded so cool. "If that's the case then this will be so exciting to watch you in action! I haven't got to see much how the hero's fights besides All Might, Mr Aizawa and some of the other pro teachers. Will we be seeing the other hero's from the agency while we're there?"

Maybe it wasn't in the same area but Ciana was curious if she will run into any of her classmate friends.

"Just the three of us, though there will be other heroes in the area, due to the Hero Killer's presence, many have been brought to Hosu to investigate, who they are remains a mystery to me," Edgeshot rubbed his chin in thought. "Which reminds me, I have these for you both given your training,"

In a rush of wind, both girls felt their hands weigh themselves down, revealing a pair of blunt metal rods fashioned into the shape of katanas with a leather strap around the scabbard. "Part of your training as you know is to learn weapon proficiency, but, to carry a weapon means to handle its weight constantly, consider this a form of endurance training, but they can serve as a means of defence if the need arises,"

"I see," Yuuki unsheathed her own, swinging the weapon lightly as she noted the blunt edge. "A steel training sword, I suppose it will be useful," She quickly locked it back in place, slinging it over one shoulder.

Having a actual sword in hand, her eyes widen at this as she brings it out from the scabbard a little to view it. "Whoa… cool! An actual sword! If my dad ever saw me come home with one of these he would flip…" Ciana didn't even think she get to use one, now putting it over her shoulder. But looked kinda conflicted about it.

"I-it feels so out of character of me to use an actual weapon like this… I just hope I don't accidentally hurt myself or others." Swords are pretty dangerous, the idea of stabbing someone with it made her sick to her stomach…

"The most we'll inflict is blunt trauma, if you managed to cut someone, consider me impressed," Yuuki replied.

"Now, go and get ready, while this night may be mundane, patrols are a keystone to any Pro," Edgeshot reminded them.

"Yes sir!" Ciana saluted him, but then quickly recalled what ninjas did with their masters in the movies. "I-I mean yes, uh… Sensei?" She bowed in respect, still not very knowledgeable about Japan customs. But heads inside now to get into her hero costume.

Her costume, boots, gloves and her mask on as well as her hair tied back up, the girl is basically ready for action all over again. Coming back out with the sword hanging behind her, Ciana was nervous but also excited at the same time.

---

Arriving in Hosu on the other side of Tokyo left the sky in a darker shade of orange than before, nightfall was fast approaching as Edgeshot led his two students down the streets of the district. Nothing unassuming came to mind as they simply patrolled down the streets at the hero's back, a few waving at the popular hero who merely gave a nod or returned the wave, focused on his work.

"A few key rules while on patrol; awareness of your surroundings, keep the public safe, and in the altercation of a villain, keep property damage to a minimum." Edgeshot listed with his fingers. "The first rule is by far the most important, if you are able to process multiple tasks at once you increase the efficiency of your other tasks,"

Ciana gazed around as they go but made sure to pay her full attention on the pro hero, nodding at his words to show she's listening. "Understood, doing less damage though sounds kinda tough… but I'll keep that in mind whenever I fight someone."

It is a pretty big honor still to be working with a famous hero, this really almost felt like she is at a comic convention. "But if the hero killer is around… isn't it kinda risky to fight him alone? I mean if he ever turns up and if he's very strong you would need more strength in numbers, right?" She asked, Ciana wasn't sure if the hero killer will turn up but if he does, she was concerned for their teachers safety even if she can handle himself fine.

"You raise a valid question; this is why I say heroes that work together are imperative, if we were to spot this villain, I shall scout his location from a distance, while you both alert other Pros as well as I, our combined intel will aid in keeping a constant eye on our target," Edgeshot was smart enough not to engage until he knew Stain's quirk and patterns. The man is responsible for many injuries and deaths of heroes, he will not take risks.

"Alright, sounds pretty wise." Knowing her moms favorite word in her song All for One and One for All, it's always better to have more people by your side that makes you stronger when facing a powerful foe. "How are we supposed to alert the other pros though? Do we just call them from our phones?" Usually in comics people sent out light signals to alert a hero's help… Ciana wasn't sure how to do things here unless you just actually call the authorities to reach them.

"With these," Edgeshot held out his right palm, revealing an extremely tiny device. "Place one in your ear, this will connect you to mine, and anything you receive, tell me by simply applying pressure to your ear and I'll send the message forward,"

"A tiny device like this..." Yuuki didn't question it, however, and stuck hers in her right ear with ease, barely noticing it was there at all.

Looking down at the device, Ciana remembered these they used during the battle test with Bakugo. "Oh I know these things! I used this when I did a combat test a while back." She goes to stick it in her ear, they are pretty cool.

"This way we can alert us what's going on when we split up, since you helped me work on my sense of hearing Yuuki, I should be able to hear any commotions that go on anywhere in the city close by." It felt like she was doing another test again, Ciana dreaded coming across the hero killer… but knew she had nothing to be afraid of when she has her friends and hero's with her.

"Yes, if the need arises," Yuuki nodded curtly.

"Now, let us continue, training of both the mind and body tonight," Edgeshot ushered them on down the many streets of Hosu as night steadily approached.

It was a bit spooky wandering the city at night… back at home this is the likely time people get jumped and mugged, Ciana has never done night time patrols… anything could pop out at them. "I feel like someone will jump out at us any second… I really hope this hero killer isn't out roaming around… can't imagine what he's like in person."

"Stain was a vigilante turned villain, committing a string of murders on many pro heroes, some that survived were forced to retire, his quirk is unknown but reports say it may have the ability to paralyze others," Edgeshot replied, moving to pat Ciana's shoulder. "Worry not, he does not fight in the open, and with our numbers we will be safer,"

Just by hearing more information on this guy still had the girl shaken up a little. "S-sounds like he's quite a pro killer if he managed to kill many pro hero's… I-I just hope he won't also aim to kill hero's in training too." Ciana is a worried about her friends running into him also, remembering how upset Iida was what happened with his family… he might be set out for revenge.

"I just hope one of my friends won't be foolish enough to try and confront him himself…" Her expression now became concerned and worried of this possibility.

"Ingenium, I had heard, he was a proud hero, one who saw more to saving others than personal gain," Edgeshot replied solemnly. "He was fortunate to still live, but his forced retirement has shaken him, I have seen it first hand, it is how I know of the affect of Stain's quirk,"

"So, your classmate Iida may be out for blood; well, I certainly wouldn't blame him, an eye for an eye, however..." Yuuki looked up at the sky briefly with a face full of darkness. "A man as vicious as Stain... will not hold back on an enemy,"

"I-I was afraid of this…" Ciana fiddled with her hands and turned her gaze down very fearfully for her class rep friend. "I-ida never seem like the type to go that far… seeking revenge isn't what hero's do, if he's really set on facing this pro killer then I have to find him to stop him from getting himself killed…"

Ciana wasn't sure which hero Iida is working with, but hopefully he's wise enough to try and stop Iida from doing something foolish.

"While I would normally say to stay our course, if a life can be saved before such an incident... then let's us expand on our patrol," Edgeshot stopped at a crossing, turning to the pair. "We shall take routes that lead us down choke points within alleyways. There is alot of ground to cover, but with the three of us watching one another, our search efforts will be efficient and safe,"

Ciana is thankful their teacher feels the same way, but knowing she still needs to be focused on others then she won't ignore that, nodding in response and in determination. "Sounds good! I'll make sure to alert you both if I see or come across anyone." Ciana really wanted to make sure Iida doesn't storm into danger, last thing she wants is to witness someone else she's close to die…

---

Their efforts, while effective at covering ground with total concentration yielded no fruit, and before long, nightfall had settled. Thankfully, their patrol led to no incidences, at least not yet. Ciana kept her senses on high alert constantly, feeling this new sharp hearing to be handy in keeping a good level on her surroundings. Yuuki moved like a cat, whether she realized it or not, over obstacles and around corners with almost the same level of swiftness as their teacher.

But, that was when a new sense came to life, and Ciana had to stop as her nose crinkled in disgust. Ash. Even from a distance, she turned in the opposite direction, spotting the rising black smog above the buildings. Even her nose caught wind before her eyes could.

"So you smelt it too?" Yuuki asked quietly, now all three turned in the direction of the now growing glow.

"A fire... now, move quickly, do not hesitate!" Edgeshot announced, bounding over a railing to zip across the street.

"R-right!" With that Ciana runs along toward the direction knowing fire means big trouble… as she kept moving her brows narrowed in a lot of concern. "Please don't let this be the hero killer… what's even going on out there?" She asked herself, maybe it's just a normal fire set by accident… ether way this is still concerning.

The closer they got, the louder the chaos and commotion spread, cars were either abandoned or bumper to bumper trying to escape the large blaze in a wide plaza junction in Hosu. People ran screaming as the trio slipped by, finally coming to view what caused such a panic. All of them slid to stop, more so Ciana and Yuuki at what truly caused the blaze with a demolished bus and a burning trees.

Nomu. Two Nomu were in Hosu. One a sickly pale colour with wings, another with blacker skin and everything but its lower jaw a brain. They were sweeping the heroes present with ease as chaos reined. "Just like what was reported at the USJ..." Edgeshot narrowed his gaze, throwing an arm back. "You both steer clear, if you see civilians get them out of the area!"

Ciana was already shaken up seeing the commotion around her, especially the villains that's causing this damage. Ciana does want to be there for anyone in danger so she doesn't protest her teachers request. "Got it! I-I probably don't need to say this but still please be careful Edgeshot." Ciana wasn't too concerned knowing the pro ninja can handle himself, but still hoped he doesn't come out too hurt.

With that Ciana takes off to aid whoever needs them, making sure to stay close enough to see how Edgeshot is doing. At least her hearing is helpful enough to know if he needs their help or not.

Yuuki was already ahead, drawing from her costume, which happened to be the same outfit Ciana first saw her in outside her old apartment. The shinobi girl lunged down with wires flung from her hands, binding a tree to swing herself forward and land atop a stationary car. "Everyone, move away from the fire! The villains are distracted so you have no reason to panic, now go!" She yelled demandingly to get her point across, to which any that lingered quickly dispersed. "Chrysalis, ensure any injured are aided in the event any of the battle spreads this way,"

Seeing Yuuki in action like this, Ciana was pretty amazed how heroic and personal she's being. She had no idea why she wouldn't call herself a hero before since she's doing very well at it. "I'm on it!" She replied, helping to lead the other where Yuuki is pointing, but also aiding those who are hurt.

A few times Ciana stopped to quickly bandage someone who were hurt by the commotion and the fire, glad to be carrying gauze in her pouch on her belt. Some people were a bit burned up and can see the fear in everyone's eyes… this was just nuts, does this actually happen every night here?

If things couldn't get more hectic, after taking a step back to assess her surroundings, both hers and Yuuki's phones went off with a text notification. Taking a split second look, it... was from Izuku? He had sent a general location of coordinates... in Hosu? Both girls looked at each other, with the silverette furrowing her brow under her hood.

Ciana was very stunned by the sudden message, if Izuku was sending this then it must be important… though is it even a good idea to take off when they could still be needed here? "Oh no… what could this mean?" Ciana stared down at her phone looking conflicted, lifting her gaze up around her before looking to Yuuki.

"Yuuki… do you wanna stay here to make sure the others are aided while I go check this out? Or… should we go together?" Ciana figured one of them should stay to make sure they don't leave their post if Edgeshot might need ether of them.

"If Midoriya sent the same message, it's an S.O.S alert..." She then eyed Ciana firmly. "I think we have a to see to this, personally, we should alert Edgeshot of this quickly, everyone has been evacuated from the immediate area, news will have spread to avoid this sector."

She nodded with an firm expression. "Right, though right now I can't use my quirk so I can't be quick enough to alert him… since your pretty swift how about you tell him quickly, I'll go on ahead… if this involves the hero killer and Iida is out there charging toward him then I have to be there!"

Ciana says and before Yuuki could say anything else she started to take off running, eyeing her phone to make sure she's going in the right direction. "Izuku… Iida… whatever's happening don't do anything reckless!" Ciana says to herself while still dashing.

While on route to Izuku's location, copying the coordinates down onto a map on her phone, she managed to work her way through Hosu with ease, so much so that while running in her haste, she came neck and neck with a familiar boy in a navy blue and white costume, his distinct white and red split hair catching her eye.

"So, you too, huh?" Shoto asked as they ran full tilt.

While Ciana was a bit surprised Izuku alerted Shoto too, she was happy to see him again as she gave him a quick smile and a nod. "Yeah, glad to see you again even when we're about to enter the danger zone… I admit though I'm kinda surprised your dad is letting you go of to find the source, is he nearby?"

She asks as she kept her eyes forward, making sure to stay focused as they now ran together. Though Ciana was a bit concerned still what his dads putting Shoto through.

"I didn't really give him much reason to say otherwise, I'm more worried on how Midoriya thinks his specific location was enough intel, but then if he sent something like this, it must be bad," Shoto replied quickly, the pair nearing an alleyway on their maps with the icon. "This is it, are you ready for whatever's next?"

She eyes her friend with her expression going serious now while giving another nod to show she's ready. "I am, whatever this is I can tell it's something we can't cower and run from. I just hope Izuku is okay if he went as far to send us the location…" her eyes went forward to the alleyway, this… almost reminded her of how she first arrived in this world, taking a turn in a alleyway and running through a dark corner… Ciana remembered how scared she was when she was stopped by those thugs before.

"This sure takes me back…" she murmured out, scanning her eyes around.

Down the long alleyway, several figures came into view immediately. One was a hero up against the wall, clearly unable to move, another was Izuku, he too stuck on his stomach, forced to watch as a man loomed over who Ciana feared to see in this situation, Iida. He too was paralyzed, a long, chipped katana raised above his nape, ready to land a single blow.

The man with the blade was an intimidating, muscular person who walks with a distinct hunch, and has a flat, somewhat-triangular face without a nose. He had long, black hair, which he wears in a messy fashion; it would drape over his face if not for his headband and mask, and small red eyes with tiny irises.

He sports a dark combat suit, plated with metal armor across his body to holster his weapons. The torso is sleeveless, arms bound in yellow bandages, all the way from just below his shoulders to his wrists. He also wears long black wristbands and a watch on his left arm, and his knees are protected with metal pads, the costume completed by black boots with steel armor. And a signature blood-red scarf and matching headband, as well as the tattered cloth he wears around his face as a mask.

The Hero Killer, Stain.

"Get away!" Izuku yelled at the man but before the strike could land, a column of scorching flames lit up the alleyway, forcing the man backward as something shiny swept through the blades in an arc, a blunt katana clanging against his own blade as Shoto and Ciana stood in view.

"Another pair of pests to get in my way... today is full of distractions," Stain grumbled at his failed finishing blow.

"Midoriya, you need to give more details in times like this, we were almost too late to stop this guy," Shoto spoke up as Ciana backed away to his side, clutching her weapon tightly.

Ciana was scared especially coming across the very guy she dreaded running into, the look in this monsters eyes and how he shown no hesitation harming high school kids… this is exactly the kind of people Ciana is familiar with who she ended up confronting back home when it came to thugs and gangs… her teeth clenched and her eyes once again shown little fear.

Like then, no matter how scared she was for her life, Ciana never would turn a blind eye away when someone is in danger. Ciana pointer her weapon toward the man showing she is not hesitantly to fight him if she has to. "What kind of sick twisted person are you?! Going as far to harm a couple of high school kids like us, harming and killing pro hero's is bad enough but threatening to kill even hero's in training? Your disgusting!"

Her eyes narrowed more as she says this, hoping to distract him long enough for her other friends to make a move. "If you want to fight, fight someone who matches your own weapon!" Referring to her own katana, Ciana wasn't an expert in swordplay but she's practiced using a sword long enough to know how to use it when it comes to another with the same weapon.

"You too, Todoroki, Finley!?" Iida's voice shook.

"Hold on, you're... using your left side!" Izuku was pleasantly surprised to see that.

"Your message took me some time to figure out, next time share more than just your specific location," His fire went out, and he leaned forward with his right foot. "But you're not one to send cryptic messages without a reason, are you?" From his foot, a massive wave of ice cleared the ground, stretching to encase a small section of the walls in rime as it raised the downed pro and even Izuku and Iida. "So I figured you were in trouble, everything will be okay, the pro heroes will be here any moment!" But that was a bluff as he shot another blast of fire, to force Stain backward.

His ice had thrown the trio behind the pair now, both standing their ground against the villain. "They're just like what they said you are, but you won't be taking anymore lives, Hero Killer," Shoto assured him of that.

"You claim that I'm a monster, I have no reason to kill a few children, but this one... has no right to call himself a hero," He aimed his blade toward Iida, narrowing his eyes at the pair. "Your weapon is a blunt training weapon, you must either be stupid or underestimating me,"

"Both of you, you can't let that guy get your blood, I... I think he controls his enemies actions by swallowing it, that's how he got us!" Izuku yelled to them.

Hearing this, Ciana flinched at the news she heard from Izuku. That's going to be tough… she wasn't indestructible, but this guy is even more sickening if his quirk involves tasting blood, Ciana stood in front of Iida. Not letting this guy harm him any more as her eyes still shown no fear while glaring at this creep. "Your one to talk! You think your being anything heroic yourself just by killing pros? I don't know your reasons but this is the worse and stupidest way to prove anything!"

Not like Ciana hasn't dealt with people with weapons before, especially when the people she confronted usually had knives with them. "Your harming those who want to aid and help those in need, you really think wiping them off the streets makes the world better without them? Your wrong! Your no better than any villains I know who go as far to kill!"

"How I handle wringing out the unworthy, and greedy heroes from this world is not your concern, but I admire your tenacity, just like the one in green, despite the obvious disadvantage," Stain replied coldly.

"So, he ingests blood to keep people from moving, that explains the blades," Shoto noted, prepping for a fight with a sharp stance next to Ciana. But he made the fatal mistake of looking away for split second. "So all we have to do is keep our distance - ngh!"

A dagger sliced across his cheek, Stain rushing them full tilt. "You have good friends, Ingenium! Or you did!" The second his blade swung down, a spike of ice shielded the pair, but not before they realized Stain had tossed his sword high as a feint.

He shoved Ciana with his boot, drawing his long tongue toward Shoto's cheek only for flames to force Stain back as he held up his forearm, blocking Ciana's vertical swipe, since it was dull, it didn't make even a small cut as she tried again only to have the wind taken from her as his boot slammed into her gut. He grabbed his katana mid-air, swiping down at her head only for a wall of ice to take the blow, the top half severed as more pushed Stain back.

"Just stop it... why are you both... doing this?" Iida strained himself, his pride, his whole person shaken with what he watched. "His fight is... with me... I inherited my brother's name, I'm the one who should stop him! The Hero Killer is mine!" Iida was absorbed with hatred and revenge, so much so he still failed to acknowledge how powerless he was right now.

More flames soaked up the area for Ciana to flee behind as Shoto scoffed. "So you're Ingenium now? Strange," His fires died, and a glacier warded off the whole alleyway in a blast of cold. "The Ingenium I knew before never had that look on his face. You've got a dark side, guess my family isn't the only one,"

It wasn't hard for Ciana to figure out this creep is pretty dark, despite what she endured the girl still shown no fear, what she fears more than anything… is losing the people she becomes so close to. "Iida how do you think your family would feel if they found out you foolishly put yourself in danger for their sake? If you end up dead then there's no way they ever forgive themselves! Is that what you want?"

She yelled, still keeping her weapon pointed at the pro killer. "There's no way we're going to let you fight this battle alone whether you like it or not, true hero's don't take revenge like this. If you take this man's life then your no better than this guy whether he's evil or not, and I'm especially not ever going to risk losing one of first friends I come to make in UA!"

Ciana stepped forward, she didn't realize it but the twinkling glint in her eyes shown just from how determined and unafraid she is of the man. "No matter what, I'm not going to let him hurt or kill ether of you!"

Despite the wall of ice to shield them, silver slashes rendered the wall to crumbling rime as Stain fell from the sky, eyeing them both as he twisted his arm back. "You blocked your own vision from an opponent who's faster than you, a rookie mistake!" Stain yelled.

"Come get me then!" Shoto dared, unaware of the several throwing picks hidden by the falling ice.

Behind them all, Yuuki had arrived to see them battling the Hero Killer when she felt her body freeze in place. "This is it... with them all distracted, I could simply open a rift beneath Finley's feet, none would be the wiser, I can act as though I had just arrived on scene to see her disappear," Her thoughts echoed, two fingers bending to flick but the tension remained as her eye trembled slightly. "Why... am I hesitating? She's right there, I can make up for my mistakes, I can do better, I..."

She saw them, the throwing picks were aimed for both her target and... Shoto. Yuuki didn't understand it, in that moment, without even thinking about the impact or consequences, her body... simply moved on its own. Blood flew into the air, Shoto and Ciana shoved to the sides as three blades punctured Yuuki's left forearm and bicep, her face creased in pain.

"Yuuki!?" Shoto was surprised to see her here as the girl stumbled back, clutching her wounded arm before drawing her blunt katana.

Ciana immediately gasped seeing the state Yuuki was in when coming to their aid, her eyes showing so much worry for the girl. "Yuuki! Your arm! A-are you okay?!" Ciana knew how painful that looked, glaring daggers at the man in front who jabbed her.

"I'm fine, I've had worse! Listen, Edgeshot has given us permission to use our quirks and engage whatever threat we come across, Finley! So, if we must break this man's body, so be it!" Yuuki hissed, wrenching her bow off as her tail swung out and her nails sharpened. "Don't hold anything back now!"

"Why did you jump in front of me?" Shoto asked, thankful but now worried about Yuuki's state.

"I... don't know - doesn't matter, focus," She warned them.

Ciana flinched at her advice to use her quirk, the idea of her body growing scales again… Ciana was still too scared to use it. Shaken up at the idea as she clutched her weapon tighter. "Y-Yuuki don't let him get anywhere near your blood! He will paralyzed you if he tastes it."

The idea is still major gross and sickening… but her fierce glare stayed on the man, determined to still fight him without her cursed power.

"That was quick thinking, kid, unlike him!" Above, Stain took advantage of the distraction to plunge his blade down toward his original target, the wounded hero.

"Watch out!" Shoto tried to move with the girls only for streaks of emerald to sweep over their heads. Izuku caught Stain by surprise, dragging his heels across the building to his right and away from the others. "Midoriya!" Shoto called up.

"I'm not sure why but I'm able to move now!" He yelled back.

Shoto looked surprised to hear this too, "So he has a time limit?"

"No... that kid should've been the last one to be freed," Native managed to spit out, drawing their attention. "I still can't move a muscle,"

Just then, Stain attempted to jab Izuku but on reflex, he bent his head forward, throwing them into a spin before Stain kicked off Izuku's grasp, the two landing apart. "Midoriya, dodge!" A second later, more ice filled the alleyway, giving the greenette ample time to return to their sides.

Coughing a bit from the kick, Izuku stood up slowly. "He licks someone's blood to freeze them, but I was the one freed first. I got three different guesses why; his quirk may be less effective the more people he uses it on. The amount ingested compared to how long it works. Or it can be a difference based on a person's blood type," Izuku's third theory made Stain's frown deepen. He had figured it out.

"If it's the last one, my blood type is B," Native muttered.

"I'm... type A," Iida groaned out.

"Type O," Yuuki replied curtly, keeping her weapon facing forward in one arm.

Stain then gave them a sinister grin. "So you figured it out? Bravo, very impressive,"

"Don't ever underestimate us, you may get the upper hand but we're a lot tougher and smarter than we look." Ciana retorts with a proud and confident smile on her face as her eyes stayed on the man to not lose focus.

Ciana had a lot of faith in Izuku and knew he will always pull through, though she worried for his well-being. But right now she can't focus on his pain when there's a killer in front of them. "I suggest you back down now if you know what's good for you!"

"Don't underestimate him," Yuuki warned, eye narrowed at the killer analysing them, prodding for weaknesses. "He has slain many, and despite a support quirk, his strength and speed are on par, perhaps even beyond our own,"

"It also really doesn't help us that much to know how his quirk works though," Izuku frowned, even if he and Yuuki may be the least affected by the Hero Killer's quirk, they would still end up paralyzed for a good period of time.

"I thought with the four of us we could carry those two to safety, but it's no good, he's too fast, he can dodge ice and fire," Shoto scowled a little at despite their odds, they were still on the losing side.

"At best, myself and Finley can guard you but I'm not sure how effective I am now down an arm," Yuuki added quietly, a frown etched behind her mask.

"Then our best chance is to hold and avoid close combat until the Pros arrive," Shoto agreed.

"Maybe I can help a bit…" Ciana goes to approach Yuuki with her hand on her arm gently in concerned for her well-being. "Izuku, Shoto, do you think you can hold this guy off long enough for me to bandaged up Yuuki and Iida? It might not be much but stopping the bleeding gives us a better advantage not to reach you two so easily to taste it, I believe you both are strong enough to handle him long enough to buy me some time."

Ciana still had some gauze left over and didn't want to leave both Yuuki and Iida in a painful and bloody state, already she starts taking it out to prepare.

But Izuku... he didn't see any other way but one. "She's right, Yuuki's lost too much blood, and your body's going to start feeling the withdrawal from constantly using your quirk, Todoroki," Izuku explained plainly as his body became charged with light again, only this time, there was a shimmer of purple in his eyes briefly. "Once they're patched up, Ciana back me up, we'll then distract him together, Yuuki will guard you Todoroki who will support us from the back, sound like a plan?"

Shoto stared at them, specifically Izuku, for a moment longer, then rested his gaze forward. "You want us to take a pretty big risk... okay, we can protect them!"

"Four against one, this fight won't be easy," Stain had to pull out every inch of strength and skill he had to win. Despite one of them being injured, and the other losing stamina, all four held a dangerous force together, one he'd have liked to avoid.

"After witnessing how powerful you both are from the festival, I know you both will be unstoppable. But still be careful… don't go breaking another arm Izuku!" Ciana warned with a serious but a tad bit of a playful glare, already Ciana starts getting to work. Starting off with Yuuki as she gently bandaged her arm enough for the bleeding to stop leaking, this should help hold her off long enough before getting professional help.

Once that was done, Ciana then moved on to Iida. Really not wanting him to lose his life over revenge, but could understand why he was determined to do this. "Iida… where's the pro hero you were supposed to work with? Did he really give you permission to go off to pull this rash stunt?" Ciana asked him in a serious and concerned tone while helping him.

"..." Iida didn't respond, he was far too fixated on the two standing to confront the Hero Killer, the man he swore to defeat himself for his brother. His wounds didn't even hurt at all, yet he trembled with frustration.

Izuku clocked in at five percent this time, comfortable as he lunged forward, putting all his new training to good use as he zipped and bound across the walls of the alleyway, rubber banding similar to Gran Torino. He got behind Stain, striking with his fist but the killer's instincts helped him to evade as his katana swung down only for Izuku to perform a handstand, sweeping wide to knock the blade back as ice covered his escape. Stain hopped onto a pipe then leapt again, avoiding Shoto's flames.

Stain swept the flames aside, striking down into the concrete, narrowly missing Izuku who seemingly moved before the strikes could land, retreating high when ice showered the whole path, followed by columns of flames when Stain shattered the ice. But Shoto winced, moving to guard Yuuki and Ciana as a dagger dug into his left shoulder, but he refused to relent, gritting his teeth as he swept the sky in a horizontal wave of embers, Stain's scarf catching fire at the end before Yuuki leapt high, her sword ringing against Stain's as she drove their blades high just when Izuku slammed a fist into the man's shoulder, throwing him away from the others.

Despite their numbers, Izuku's head throbbed too much for him to properly pinpoint what Stain would do next, and as a result, he had his ankle slashed, knocking him to the ground while Stain flung several more picks and knives toward Shoto, forcing Yuuki to narrowly deflect them, unable to aid Izuku from a distance.

"Midoriya!" Shoto fired off another torrent of flames, keeping Stain at bay. "Ciana, get ready, he's coming!"

"I'm on it!" She quickly responded, now back on her feet with her weapon in hand again, seeing how both Izuku and Shoto got struck had her panic a bit seeing them get hurt, but Ciana can't stop knowing this man is still standing.

While Shoto applied his flames against his fatigue, Yuuki and Ciana at his sides waiting pensively, a voice trembled behind them. "You have to run..." Yuuki was the only one who didn't glance back, the others seeing his anger and pain trembling on his face, tears creeping into the corners of his eyes. "I can't... watch this,"

That finally made Shoto snap, his eyes on the enemy. "You want to make your brother proud!?" As he said this, Izuku was again paralyzed, Stain was coming for them now. "Then stand up and be Ingenium!" An ice front washed over the ground, a single cleave of a blade shattering their tops, the monster looming over them with a manic smile and a blood red glare. "Become the hero he wanted you to be!" In his own passion, Shoto's flames burst even hotter, the two girls swinging their blades at once to lock with Stain's katana and dagger, holding them at bay.

More flames engulfed the area but Stain avoided it, using Shoto's ice against them. "Watch your right!" Izuku called out in time for a crescent of ice to form, blocking Stain while Ciana swung in a rising slant, her weapon ringing out as it bounced off the Hero Killer's, he threw two picks in that frame, both plunging straight into her left forearm as she recoiled from the pain slightly, Shoto placing a barrier of rime between her and Stain.

Even with Shoto holding the line, Stain's movements got faster, rather, he was adapting. "Ice and fire! Didn't anyone ever tell you, you rely on your quirk too much! Makes you a careless fighter!" In a flash, he closed the gap, bending low to avoid the flames, a dagger thrown at Yuuki to recoil off her sword as Stain's rose, aiming to sever Shoto's left arm by the shoulder, neither of the girls could react, not even Shoto had time to evade.

"He's a monster!" Shoto panicked, bracing himself for what could possibly be a killing blow.

"Todoroki!" Izuku and Yuuki yelled out in horror.

From behind, a roar of jet fire resounded. "Recipro... Burst!" Iida had finally managed to stand, spinning in an ax-kick that severed Stain's katana in half. With his forward momentum, he charged once more and swung his right leg across Stain's arms, slamming the villain into the wall with an audible smack.

Cianas eyes widen in horror the way Stain was about to possibly kill Shoto, but was so relieved when Iida stepped up… no one here is faster than Iida, smiling proudly at her class rep friend. Iida looked amazing the way he came in for the save, Ciana immediately rushed over to Shoto as she was concerned after that almost sudden attack.

"Shoto… are you alright?" She asked but still made sure to keep her eyes forward, especially to rush in and do anything to help Iida if he needs it.

"Yeah, I am now..." Shoto assured her. "You're free too? Guess his quirk isn't a great as I thought it was," Shoto noted, but Iida was anything but fine at the moment, panting heavily from overtaxing his body.

"Todoroki, Midoriya, Finley, Yuuki, this has nothing to do with you, I apologize," Iida finally spoke again, clenching his fists, but his eyes, they were far from okay, they were dark, forcing back so many thoughts and feelings given their issue. "I'm okay, but I won't let any of you shed anymore blood over me!"

"There's no use trying to pretend you're a hero now, a person's nature doesn't change in only a few minutes," Stain wasn't pleased, his eyes shedding no tears or sympathy at all for Iida's resolve, even if shattered and held together by threads. "You'll never be more than a fraud who prioritizes his own desires, you're the sickness that's infected society and ruined the name, 'Hero'! Someone must teach you a lesson!"

"You're a fundamentalist lunatic, Iida, don't listen to this murderer's nonsense," Shoto spat back, his hands tense for any moments.

"He's right! This guy doesn't know what he's talking about!" Ciana also shouted, not believing a word this monster views Iida. "Your the real sick person here! Killing people you don't deem worthy? Who gave you the right to even decide that!? Hurting people does not prove anything but only that your a monster that should be locked up for driving fear into everyone!" Ciana once again stood her ground, not afraid to even speak up towards a killer.

"Thank you, Todoroki. I will fight, with or without my arms!" Iida mentally praised as he used his teeth to tear the knife from his hand, freeing his body to stand again. "Respro... EXTEND!" With a massive wave of air pressure, the ice below was shattered into thousands of pieces, leaving behind several halos as Iida shot up like a bullet.

Across the alleyway, Izuku had found his strength to stand, his body overcharged with emerald light. "One For All, Full Cowling...!" His hair was rippled by the heat and air force applied as he resisted the pain in his injured leg, leaping as far as possible. Cranking the last of his energy up to ten percent as the remaining ice was pulverized.

Stain was caught on his descent between them both, enough to make Shoto smirk. "Get him, guys,"

With their combined might, Izuku's fist slammed straight into Stain's cheek while Iida's leg bent across his lower back, knocking the Hero Killer out in a single blow. Or so they thought as his eyes shot wide, grabbing his spare blade to swing and nearly slit Iida's throat but only managed to snare a few strands of hair. "I will defeat you Stain! No one else will suffer, no one else will have to endure the heartaches you leave them with, you criminal!"

"Don't let him get away!" Shoto roared, his flames exploding in one final accumulation of heat.

"And I am a hero!" Iida yelled at the top of his lungs, striking with one last turn straight to Stain's gut, taking the wind out of him as Shoto's flames engulfed the monster's face, burning him slightly as he gagged and coughed up smoke.

Yuuki and Ciana moved as quickly as possible, Yuuki grunting but managing to catch Iida as the boys slid down an ice ramp while Ciana hugged Izuku as her back hit the wall to stop their sliding. "Stand up, keep fighting... ah?" Shoto paused, all eyes peering up at the glacier to find Stain's torso encased in ice, unmoving.

"He's gotta be knocked out after all that, right?" Izuku breathed heavily, staring up anxiously.

"I hope so… but I feel he wouldn't get knocked out that easily unless he's exhausted." She replied while staring at the guy, Ciana didn't think he would be knocked out already… it was surprising but relieving, now eyeing Izuku as well as her other friends in concern. Ciana was happy that Iida and everyone else came out okay, but they must be still exhausted and hurt.

"That sure was intense… are you guys alright?" The girl asks her friends, scanning her eyes to them and especially Izuku who she has in her arms. "You got pretty beat up yourself… you didn't break any bones again did you Izuku…?"

"No, but that was too close for my liking," Izuku winced from his leg injury but managed to stand.

Shoto exhaled shakily too, "Let's restrain him and get him to the street, there might be something around here to use,"

"Yeah, and we should take all his weapons too," Izuku agreed, helping Ciana stand again, seeing her wounds and the blades still dug into her flesh. "But what about you? Can you move alright with those?" He worryingly asked.

"I'm fine, might leave a scar but better than having it chopped off." She replied with a little smile, not wanting her hero to worry. Now eyeing Iida, a little worried how he is after all that. "You were really amazing Iida… are you okay?" She asks her class rep friend, not just his well-being she's worried about but his mental state too.

"I... I'm alright, thank you, Finley," Iida stared at her, unsure of what else to say, rather, he had so much unsaid to his friends for brushing off their feelings before. He's apologize later once this was over.

"How about you, are you okay?" Shoto asked Yuuki who leaned against his ice given her foot injury.

"I... can managed, and you?" She asked softly.

"Compared to the rest of you, me and Midoriya got off lightly," He replied, fishing around in a dumpster to pull out a line of rope. "Huh? Who throws something like this away?" But there wasn't use complaining as he went to grab the Hero Killer alongside Izuku.

"I have to say, it was really hot seeing you use your fire side Shoto! It looks like your finally accepted that part of you. The way you unleashed both fire and ice was incredible!" Ciana commented with her eyes sparkled with amazement, very dazzled by more of Shotos fighting techniques with both his sides.

"W-what?" Yuuki blinked a bit, her cat ears perked up at Ciana's wording while Izuku's head zipped between the pair in bewilderment, even Native and Iida looked a bit surprised by her claim.

Shoto tested the strength of the rope while he replied. "I have you and Midoriya to thank for that, though I need alot more training to control and harness it like my ice - but that's a conversation for another time, Midoriya, can you help me?"

"A-ah, sure," Izuku now realized both were really quite clueless to what one another says, which was a little funny.

Once all of Stain's weapons were removed, and he had quite the collection, they bound his arms behind his back with Shoto dragging him along. Native, in turn, helped Izuku onto his back since walking was out of the question, while Ciana wrapped an arm around Yuuki's waist as she limped, much to her embarrassment but she didn't refuse. All came the agreement; Stain was an enemy even with five of them was almost impossible to beat. His tenacity, and skills were unparalleled, like he had mastery over TCC, they only won because he got reckless.

Now out in the open again, Native looked around. "Right, let's get him to the nearest station,"

"Ah, what are you doing here, boy!?" From across the street came an angry voice form a very short, elderly man in a white and yellow costume.

"Oh, Gran Torino! I was only - ack!" The pro took one leap and managed to cross the street and slam his foot straight into Izuku's face.

Ciana gasped when she suddenly saw the little man kicked Izuku so suddenly. "Izuku!" Ciana shouted in worry, even if it wasn't severe it still had her worry, back to his side again to see if he's okay. "I sure didn't expect that to happen…

"I thought I told you to stay on the bullet train!?" He yelled up at Izuku.

"Who's this?" Native asked, a little shocked the man would attack the injured boy.

"Gran Torino, the hero I'm interning with..." Izuku exhaustedly sighed.

Eying the short old guy when hearing this is the man Izuku was talking about before… raising her brow at him as she did, Ciana could see why All Might and Izuku meant by how rough he can be. "So your the hero Gran Torino… It's an honor to meet you! I think…" sweat dropped recalling the kick he did. "Izuku has already been punished enough so i beg you go easy on him…"

"Huh?" He stared up at Ciana, narrowing his eyes a little skeptically. "So you're the kid this brat doesn't shut up about? Seems you both have a reckless tendency," Their injures spoke volumes of that, it was almost frightening how similar they were.

"I don't get it, how'd you find us?" Izuku continued to the fuming hero.

"I was told to come here by someone else," Then the old man eased up his glare. "I have no idea what's going on, but I'm glad you're not dead at least."

"Me too, and I'm sorry," The greenette slumped a bit as Gran Torino scoffed.

Ciana blushed with wide eyes hearing that Izuku talked a lot about her to his teacher, now becoming bashful with a shy smile. "Izukus heart is in the right place… if he hadn't went off then one of our friends would probably have been killed, I can vouch he is very considerate and heroic if you saw him in battle with his power."

She once again praised her hero with a wider smile. "But also our other friends who came to our aid too he called up, this wasn't the kind of battle you can fight alone here and he made the right call to have us help out." Ciana was kinda surprised Izuku didn't call up Bakugo too unless he wasn't nearby, but that's something she can question later.

"That still doesn't excuse running off to get yourselves killed..." Gran Torino grunted, but lessened his glare. "But, you did good, brat, but you listen to everything I say from now on, she had permission to engage but not you,"

"Right, I will," Izuku managed a nod, ever so grateful for Ciana's encouraging words.

"Around the corner!" Someone yelled, and soon enough, several heroes came bursting onto the scene.

"Endeavor told us there was a request for help here, but..." One of them trailed off after they realized who they came to aid.

"Children?" "Those injuries look bad, I'll call an Ambulance right away." "Hey, look!"

The female of the group gasped, and all eyes were on the man bound by rope behind Shoto. "Is that... the Hero Killer!?"

"What? I-I'll get the police on the line!" They quickly got to work in ensuring the area, as well as Stain, were secure as the teens could finally rest easy.

Izuku was helped to stand beside Ciana, but he basically leaned on her for support. Neither of the young couple could find the strength to talk, in only a day and a half they had missed each others company, and were relieved to see the other alive after this ordeal. Izuku found the strength to hold her hand that brushed between them, breathing a sigh of relief.

"You guys," All four turned to Iida who bowed to them, arms hanging limp from their stab wounds, his voice fighting back so much guilt as he teared up. "You four were hurt because of me... I'm truly sorry, I was... just so angry, I couldn't see anything else..."

Izuku watched his friend show his true feelings again, the pain he had carried as Izuku fell ignorant to it, "I'm sorry too, Iida, you were going through so much by yourself, and even though we had a feeling, I chose not to do more to give you space, even though I'm your friend,"

"I understand how you feel Iida… when my mom died I felt a lot of rage toward the person who killed her… I didn't want to leave you in the same state I did." She smiled warmly toward her friend. "I'm just grateful your still alive, listen… even if your brother went into retirement because of this man, I know you will encourage him to get him out of it. If he saw you right now I'm sure he be so proud how you stood up to him when he couldn't."

She didn't mean the part when he sought vengeance, but more standing up for the people he cared about. That's something Ciana really admired in hero's like him.

"...I don't deserve... any of your words, but... thank you," Iida gulped shakily, a few tears dripping down to the pavement.

"Hey, pull yourself together, you're the Class Rep," Shoto added with his own strange way of consoling their beaten and bleeding friend as he rubbed his eyes against his shoulder.

"You've learned the value of what it means to protect lives for only the purpose of others," Yuuki knew that was what she followed, not as a 'hero' but as a person wanting to do better for others, no matter what.

"Right," He sniffed, composing himself as best he could.

But all good things can be so easily snuffed out.

"Get Down!" Gran Torino yelled as loud as possible. No one had any reaction at all, only a gust of wind that rippled and threw off their balance as Ciana felt Izuku's hand being pulled from her own. A Nomu with sickly yellow skin and a bleeding eye socket had snatched the greenette in its talons, flapping its wings hard to hoist him away from the others.

"H-hey, let go!" Izuku didn't know what had happened before he was already several feet off the ground.

"Midoriya!/No!" The boys and Yuuki gasped, the feline collapsing to her knees as her injured foot gave out.

"No... not now!" She rasped, unable to stand. "Todoroki, your ice!"

"Move, quickly!" Shoto tried to push past, with all the people around him, he didn't have a clear shot, nor did he know if he had the strength to conjure a large enough shelf.

"Izuku!" She shouted in much worry and fear seeing he suddenly snatched away by this monstrous creature, Ciana had no idea what just happened but it looked like he planned to ether kidnap or kill Izuku. There wasn't much she could do since all she has is a sword and can just glow from her quirk.

The only thing Ciana could do is yell out to the monster in hope to have him target her instead. "Put him down you! Let him go!"

Her heart pounded in her chest, threatening to burst as that distance crawled, the shouting and panic was completely void as her breathing became frantic for a second.

She was about to lose Izuku.

She was going to lose someone else she loved.

It... was happening all over again.

Something inside her finally snapped, and her breathing was drawn back in one, long breath, heating her body up as her eyes became sharper, her rage palpable in her gaze as a furious golden aura erupted from her body. Ciana only took one step, but it shattered a small segment of the path beneath her, she drew her right hand forward, golden scales splitting skin as her fingertips crackled with lightning, coursing over her arm into a shimmering current. One horn curved upright above her right eye.

"Let. Him. GO!" She roared up at the Nomu, releasing a single, jagged arrow of light that clapped in the air, throwing her back slightly as the piercing light severed one of the Nomu's wings, evaporating the blood in an instant, causing the monster to lose altitude quickly.

In that frame, a body rushed past her, bindings frayed and snapped as a body slammed into the Nomu, pinning it to the ground alongside Izuku. "The word 'Hero' has lost all meaning in this society! The world is overrun with fakes and criminals like you who dream petty dreams!" Stain had awakened, plunging his hidden knife through the Nomu's brain, causing it to spasm and eventually grow still. "You must all be purged!"

"Grah, everything that I do-!" He tore his knife free, spewing blood from its corpse while keeping Izuku pinned. "Is to create a stronger society!"

Seeing that this man broke free and took down the beast was shocking enough, but now seeing the knife in this man's hand with Izuku pinned… the way he looked and the way the pro killer talked… it looked like he planned to kill Izuku next which had her eyes widen in horror, Cianas beastly eyes shown so much fear in them. But then… her glare came back as her body glowed brighter.

The elastic in her hair burned off as it hung down but not only that… her hair color changed into a very bright yellow, even horns grew on each side of her head. Ciana didn't even realize the change that was happening as her focus was more on the killer in front. "Let him go! Right now! Ciana shouted as she took a step forward, her fists even clenching…

"Did he just save that kid?" "Took him hostage, idiot!" "He killed that guy with no hesitation..." "Everyone be on guard, we've got a fight on our hands!"

"Why are you all standing around here like fools!? The villain must've flown this way, right?" On the street, approaching the scene last was the Flame Hero, Endeavor. Unaware of what had just transpired.

"You took care of the rest?" One hero asked, watching Endeavor, then Ciana carefully.

"Mostly, things got a little rough at the end," Endeavor trailed off, then noticing the familiar girl standing ahead of the rest, her eyes burning with raw hatred like nothing he had witnessed the last time he crossed paths with the brat that warped his son's mind into rebelling. "Hold on, don't tell me that man is..."

Stain turned his head, his mask falling off as he glowered back at the hero that arrived. "Endeavor..."

"Hmph, Hero Killer!" Endeavor was ready to unleash a spear of fire when Gran Torino swung his arm wide in a panic.

"Wait, Todoroki!" That at least got Endeavor to stop. All eyes now on Ciana who stood another two steps forward, her anger was burning into her aura.

"Get away from him or I'll burn the rest of you!" She snarled, another static charge coursing down her right arm. She would tear him limb from limb if he even so much as scratched Izuku!

"I have no reason to kill this one... he has the heart of a true hero... your own will... is a testament to that to!" Stain rasped to the furious dragon who's eyes lost some of its glare for curiosity on what the killer meant. When he finally looked back at Ciana, and all those present, her fury was drowned under something unlike any aura she had felt before.

An Indomitable Will.

Conviction was carved into the killer's face, his fanatical eyes twitching and erratic, blood and spit dripping from his chin. "I'll make this right!" He snarled under a strained breath, his crocodile grin etched into his cheeks as his eyes cast a scarlet shade over the heroes. "These streets must run with the blood of hypocrites!"

His foot burrowed into the footpath, a breath ragged and seething with blood. "'HERO' I will reclaim that word!" His voice thundered as an indisputable decree to those that observed, unable to lift the shackles from their bones, some falling over under the oppressing wave of unutterable, paralyzing conviction. "Come on! Just try and stop me you fakes!"

"There is only one man I'll let kill me, he is a true hero!" His shadow grew, and his eyes jagged in the ocean of torrential rage as it pressed firmly to the would-be heroes he despised, his breath still jagged with each step. "ALL MIGHT IS WORTHY!"

Ciana saw how twisted this man is the way he looked and how he declared he would let All Might kill him, she was confused by his intentions but still clearly insane, but the way the pro killer commenting All Might in a twisted way still had the girl mad as she continued to glare at him with no fear, shielding her eyes from the sudden wind blast and the crazy eye he was giving.

Ciana clenched her fists as she was prepared to fight this man to get him away from Izuku…

That murderous aura, the sheer overwhelming darkness that froze everyone in place, even Ciana, despite having the strength to speak, found her legs buckling, her nerve on by a thread but her aura did lessen as she stared back at Stain. His eyes had rolled up into his head, and from what she could hear... he had fallen unconscious standing in place.

Letting out a shaky breath of her own, she found her legs inching forward, gaining traction again as she steadily approached the Hero Killer. Endeavor speaking up. "I... think he's out cold," Even he was at a loss for words.

Once she was close enough, it was obvious the Hero Killer wasn't moving anymore. She grabbed his knife that had landed on the ground and tossed it far away. Shivering at his frozen features, she moved around to Izuku, his face contorted with pure terror as he shivered in place, unable to move a muscle. He hadn't even seen Ciana move, utterly fixed on the villain above.

Ciana hasn't powered down yet completely as she worryingly went to Izuku side as she tried to get him up and away from the creep that just passed out… he might be stunned by her sudden change when it comes to her hair, scales and horns… Ciana had a hold of Izukus shoulders while eyeing him in concern. "Izuku… are you okay?"

"...h-huh? C-ciana?" He stuttered, finally broken from his trance as his gaze fell to her radiant form, literally. That familiar warmth of her quirk soothed his anxiety and fear, feeling her concern and kindness overlap. "I-I am... a-are you? I-I mean, y-you're... in c-control?" Came his murmur to her, did she even realize she was using her quirk? "You d-did it so n-naturally..."

She blinked, confused by what he meant. "Huh? What are you talking abou-" as she now saw her hand in view of her nails and scales… Ciana gasped when she saw her change, standing up. Ciana looked behind her to see not just the pro killer the hero's and her friends eyed but also herself in shock… her eyes widen at this and looked over herself to see her hair was down and a different color… and the horns she felt on the side of her head… Ciana stepped back from Izuku and the others realizing this.

Ciana stared at her hands as she begun to shake, realizing she's turning back to a monster. She tried to keep it together but thinking how terrified everyone was eyeing her… Cianas eyes shut tightly as she clutched her head as she hyperventilated. "Noooo! Not again!" As soon as she begun to panic… her glow became bright and fiery looking, a gust of wind shot out around her.

Cianas eyes leaked fearful tears knowing how her body just changed more to look scary, she collapsed on her knees while still clutching and shaking her head. Terrified of her form…

"Cian-" But Izuku was cut off when... Yuuki knelt before her, wincing from the hot wind but she kept her eye on the frightened girl.

"Listen to me, this is no different from what I showed you before, imagine plugging your ears to muffled the sound, only its your whole body, you've done this many times," Yuuki spoke clear and calmly, holding Ciana's shoulders. "Look at me," Ciana raised her head, her tear evaporating in her aura. "Supress it, you can do this, you are not a monster, you are human, you..." She closed her eyes, opening them after a breath, "...are more than I can ever be,"

Ciana didn't understand what she meant, her eyes held a lot of fear seeing the change that's happening to her. Ciana closed her eyes again to try and listen… but she didn't think she was human anymore… this was too hard to think logically from what's happening… Ciana continued to cry as she broke down.

"S-stay away! I-I'm a freak!" She yelled, the more she panicked, Ciana unleashed another strong gust of wind enough to blow Yuuki away from her figure, her body becoming so hot as her hands went to her face as she sobbed. "I-I'm not human anymore!"

"I got you," Izuku managed to hold Yuuki forward, looking at her worryingly. "Please, help her," He begged.

Yuuki stared at him as the wind whipped her hood down, her good eye and blind one watching Izuku carefully. "...okay," Using his body, she pushed forward, knocking Izuku down as she breeched the aura around Ciana again, digging her claws into the ravenette turned blonde's shoulders tightly.

"Maybe what I say now... will mean nothing in the future, when... I have nothing left to show but a rotten person underneath... I am not like you, I... can't ever walk the path you do," Yuuki's head lowered, her eye... it was bleeding guilt and shame, the likes of which Ciana had never seen before. "...you have people that will walk that path with you, who will withstand any abuse or criticism you may face, you won't ever away from who you are... that... is what I envy most about you," Their eyes met. "You're the person I can never hope to be."

"There are monsters in this world... but you... you will never be one of them, Midoriya entrusts me to save you... because he is trying to reach you too..." Yuuki held tighter, almost drawing blood. "So... cut the crap already. If you're a monster, then rip me to pieces, drink my blood and leave this city in ruins. Abandon your humanity like the coward you are; become a murderer with no sense of self - or stop pitying yourself for once and Take! Control!"

From how hot her body was becoming, it was enough for Cianas mask to burn off… as well as half her boots and her sleeves, Cianas opened her eyes again to see Yuuki and how her eyes and expression looked, her eyes widened at this as she stared for a few moments to not only process her words but her feelings. Ciana again didn't understand what she was talking about, her blunt words hurt and made her feel pathetic. But that was probably the point… Ciana still can't handle her form, especially now that the others saw a different side to her. Ciana didn't want to be a monster… she didn't want to hurt anyone and yet she could see she was hurting Yuuki…

Surprisingly, her power began to dim down slowly. The wind let up and her eyes formed back to their human state, her hair changed back to her natural brunette color and very slowly her horns sank back and away. Even when they are now gone Ciana still cried and wailed out as her tears streamed down her eyes. Yuuki seemed to have gotten through to her enough to stop panicking, but knowing she's more different now still scared the poor girl. Now she wasn't expressing fear anymore at the moment but sadness.

Right now Ciana wanted to run and hide herself away from how everyone saw her weak and pathetic self, especially how scary the others eyed her looking… her hands went to her face to hide her sobbing state. Luckily her hair pin blew off her head so it didn't end up getting destroyed as it laid down towards Izuku's feet, though now half her clothes were burned off… at least not enough to show her chest and lower part.

Seeing her in this distraught state, Yuuki strangely felt relief as she nodded subtlety to those watching, a few releasing a breath they had been holding. "You idiot..." Yuuki murmured, her own clothing singed a little but otherwise fine as she softened her hold on Ciana, letting the girl's head rest on her shoulder. "...you are fine now,"

Izuku had managed to pull himself toward the pair, moving his hands over Ciana's hair before lowering them with a small smile of gratitude to Yuuki. "There, much better," He spoke softly, the girl's hairpin back in its rightful place, brushing a few strands of her hair back.

Ciana continued to sob from not only how scary her change was but how everyone saw her this way, Ciana is very grateful towards Yuuki for being there for her. Feeling Izukus hand had her flinch a little, lifting her gaze to eye Izuku with her teary eyes. Ciana sniffled a few times and managed to smile but only a little.

"I-I really looked pathetic to everyone… didn't I…?" She was aware they were still watching, averting her gaze thinking how spooked or stupid she behaved.

"If Todoroki and Iida could move, they'd have rushed over by now," Izuku noted, then stared back at her with genuine relief in his eyes. "No one would ever think that of you, the people that know you or saw what you did; showing weakness isn't pathetic, you taught me that, remember?"

"You fought a murderer with only a blunt weapon, taking stab wounds and despite that you endured, I see no reason to call you such either," Yuuki reinforced, refusing to pass out from her injuries yet, she had to ensure Ciana's safety first...

Ciana could see Yuuki looked pretty exhausted herself, lowering her gaze sadly… Ciana had her hand placed on Yuukis shoulder as she ended up boosting her stamina as her hand glowed. She closed her eyes tightly to avoid seeing the scales that might appear just from doing that.

"B-but I… I know all the hero's won't think that…" Ciana knew Endeavor is still here and knowing him… he probably is thinking how monstrous and pathetic she acted, Ciana wanted to prove she was strong to him her own way, but instead… he probably sees her as a weakling, maybe even Shoto thought she behaved ridiculous too…

"Who gives a crap what they think?" Yuuki let out a sigh of relief, feeling her fatigue fade a little. "If you continue to feel the world judging you, you will only succeed in proving them right, that... my master taught me," He knew what Ciana was going through more than anyone else, and what it meant to truly appear like a monster.

"It isn't an easy thought to accept, saying it is easier, but, nothing about who you are will ever change, Ciana, not if you don't want it to," Izuku moved close enough to grab her hand tightly, feeling her body shaking. "It hurts, it must hurt so much... but I'll be here, waiting for you,"

Ciana looked to her hero as she listened, her eyes still went but managed to smile more. Squeezing his hand a little he placed in hers. "As long… as I don't end up hurting or scaring any of you away… I-I might take me a while to even deal with this…"

Despite how she felt, Ciana felt so warm with their presence as her smile still stayed. A few more tears leaded out from her eyes, but now eyed the pro killer again who just passed out moments ago. "He saved you… w-what exactly happened to him?"

"I think... his injuries finally took their toll... but that raw conviction, his ideals were so powerful I... I couldn't move at all," Izuku gulped a little from being so close to that dark aura. "Meru Zena's aura pales compared to what we've seen; Stain... was the only one with any fight left,"

"Be it insanity or bark, I felt my bones freeze too," Even Yuuki felt in that moment, her master was far less scary than that beast.

"I-I would of felt the same but… I-I barely felt any fear when I turned into a beast, I-I felt so different when I was like that… I-I mean looking back on what happened is already scaring me." Remembering how he looked when he declared on wiping hero's away and only letting certain ones lived was… horrifying, Ciana didn't understand why she wasn't scared then.

"I-I can't blame you for how you felt…" though remembering Izuku was almost taken, she perked up as her eyes whipped back toward him. "Oh Izuku! A-are you hurt more? T-that creature just came in and took you…"

"Other than my leg, and a few other cuts, I'm okay," Then his brow furrowed. "But you're still hurt, those throwing picks are still stuck in your arms," He hated seeing how banged up she was, as well as Yuuki who seemed to be taking her injuries well as the bandages around her left arm were stained red. "Hopefully, paramedics are here soon,"

Gazing to her arm that was injured, it surprised her not to have noticed before. "It barley hurts… I'm fine…" her pain is not what concerned her, but now her gaze goes to the hero's and her other friends. Wondering what they are thinking or saying right now…

"You alright, kid?" Gran Torino approached, eyeing the trio. "That fall didn't break anything?"

"N-no, sir, I'm... well, as fine as I was before being grabbed," Izuku sighed, looking over at the other heroes and their friends. "Is everyone else okay?"

"Aside from the Hero Killer's frightening visage, no one's hurt, so quit stressing about it," The older man replied, seeing the boy relax again as his eyes narrowed at Ciana who still looked shaken up in their hands. "What about you... Finely, was it? That stunt you pulled was quick thinking,"

"Huh?" She blinked a few time in confusion at the old pro, not recalling much of what she just did. "What stunt? The hero killer was the one to take that creature down… speaking of that thing, was it even human at all…?" The bat creature that took Izuku was barely human looking… it was hard to tell if it was a quirk person or not.

"When you engaged to save Midoriya, you conjured an arrowhead of light and tore its right wing apart to bring it down, the Hero Killer then took that chance to lunge and deliver the killing blow," Yuuki elaborated further.

"That thing was like a weaker variation of the Nomu from the USJ, what it was doing here in Hosu... I have a bad feeling the League were behind this again," Izuku frowned at the thought. The Hero Killer and League active at the same time, that couldn't be a coincidence, or they had horrid luck. "But now that you mention it, Yuuki, when the Nomu started falling, a brief but thin barrier of light surrounded me before I hit the ground... maybe it only harms those Ciana saw as her enemy while safe guarding me? Then again, there's alot we don't understand about Aura..." He started to mutter.

"How the hell do you put up with him like this?" Gran Torino pointed while giving Ciana a deadpan stare.

Ciana only giggled at the old pros question and reaction, giving off a bigger smile now. "What? I honestly find his habit really cute… I don't get why everyone gets so weirded out by it." Ciana chuckled more with her cheeks turning pink at Izukus adorable nerdy muttering, clearly having no problem with it.

"Goes go show how really smart he is after all." Ciana actually admired his really smart side, it just shows Izuku is very good about analyzing things and people.

"His smarts set in apart from Toshinori at the very least, that horrible excuse for a teacher just brute forces his problems," Gran Torino smirked a laugh.

Izuku soon snapped out of his muttering, "Huh, what? What were you two talking about?"

Yuuki pinched the bridge of her nose, "For all your strengths, awareness is not one of them..."

This light-hearted atmosphere helped to ease off the tension of battle. Two of the Pros on scene, the blonde woman and the one with a red helmet, ran over to help. "Hey, need help moving back onto the path?" The woman asked.

"Your foot's still bleeding, here, I'll help you up," The red-helmed man carefully hoisted Yuuki on her good foot.

"I thank you..." She murmured slightly, still uncomfortable receiving help like this.

Ciana begun to stand up, but this is when she looked down to notice her clothes were all burned up… staring at her outfit in silence for a few moments as she blinked. Redness immediately rose to her cheek enough to make her face look like a apple, Ciana squealed as she covered herself. "W-why didn't anyone tell me my outfit was destroyed?!"

Steam came right out of her head, feeling so exposed and incredibly embarrassed… almost debating on running and hiding.

"I didn't see an issue," Yuuki shrugged, completely unphased by the fact, even her own costume had a few rips and burns so some skin was exposed along her torso and legs. The silverette sighed, stopping the hero helping her to grab her still intact black vest shirt before pulling it off, leaving her with only a matching sports bra beneath before tossing it at Ciana's face. "Honestly, not the worst thing that can happen," With that, she let the Pro aid her back to the sidewalk.

"S-sorry, given what you were going t-through, I didn't w-want to embarrass you further," Izuku squeaked a little, though thankful Ciana only had minor visible spots through her tattered costume.

"Here, you can stand behind me if you want, I don't mind?" The female hero suggested as she helped Izuku to his feet, staring at Ciana patiently.

"I-I think I'll do that, thanks…" she immediately put the shirt on Yuuki gave her, nodding a thanks to her before standing behind the female hero. Really not wanting Iida and Shoto to see her like this… "God… this is the most embarrassing thing that's probably happened to me…" Ciana had no idea why her clothes were ruined, but she really really hoped the boys didn't stare at her figure too much…

"Heh, well, I've seen worse, and there was usually alot more people around to see it, so you're alright," The blonde woman chuckled.

"T-that's easy for you to say, your not half exposed to your guy friends who are still here…" referring to Iida and Shoto, as well as Izuku… even if he saw her naked before it was still humiliating.

"Fair enough, but from where I was standing, couldn't tell, so you're alright; besides, something tells me the one behind us is the exception," She smirked back at Ciana with a wink, watching the girl's face redden more as the woman laughed. "Kidding, kidding, once the ambulances are here, we'll getcha covered, literally,"

"I-I have no idea what you mean by that…" she laughs sheepishly, wondering if she meant Izuku is staring at her… normally he would blush crazy seeing a girl naked after all. If Ciana wasn't so embarrassed by her look, she would have talked to Shoto about something. But speaking of him…

Ciana actually glanced over to him as she wondered how he and his father are doing together lately.

"Y'know-" The woman spoke again. "-Edgeshot's mentioned you wanting to train without using your quirk, guess I can see why, that's alot of power to try and handle, and you didn't seem all that happy about it either," She frowned a little. "Sure you're alright? Ah, right, you've never met me, one of his side-kicks, just call me Scout - simple enough,"

"Nice to meet you." She responds, now hugging herself while rubbing her arms. Frowning in worry now. "Yeah it's… not something I'm comfortable with…" Ciana had more things to think about, knowing her body now changed to look more monstrous….