Down in the tavern, Izuku ordered a small meal for Ciana and one for himself while sitting at the bar stand. Zorah and Echo were already gone, so were the guys that harassed Ciana so they were probably busy dealing with them. This left Izuku to pick his thoughts, fiddling with his tunic, he pulled out the letter from KJ, he was probably two days away from meeting her again. He wondered what her problem was that she requested him and not another, high-ranking adventurer? "Guess I'll find out..."
"Hey, Izuku, we're back," Uraraka waved with Iida behind her. "Say, you look much better, but... where's Ciana?"
"Resting, she... used her magic to heal me but at the cost of using more mana, so she's resting instead while I grab us food," Izuku explained, turning on his stool to them. "How'd your search go?"
"We've restocked and are ready once Ciana feels better," Iida chopped with his arm. "I must admit, her curse is quite concerning, is she doing alright with this?"
"Erm... yes and no; she has control over the transformation, as we've said, but not so much the instincts, and a good portion of her hates it, and feels like she's losing her humanity because of it," Izuku relayed what he knew, eyes downcast. "I'm trying to help, but sometimes it's... hard trying to convince her she is herself,"
"I wish I could help, but my magic, as you know, isn't up to scratch anymore, sorry," Uraraka apologized before Izuku waved his hand.
"That's not your fault, I know one day she'll overcome her fear, and you'll find your magic again, it's all just a step at a time," The greenette reassured her, seeing her smile again with Iida nodding. Just then, the silent barkeep set two wooden plates down. "Oh, thank you, sir," He gave a nod, and Izuku took the plates. "Let's go check on her, once we're all back to full we can head out,"
"Agreed, if we can reach the capital before nightfall it'll be much better," Iida agreed.
Meanwhile while Ciana was sleeping, her expression looked sad and concerned for some reason. "Izuku…" she murmured.
In her dream… she was at the old pros place where her Izuku was training. The week wasn't up yet so it makes sense he still be there.
"Is another premonition happening? I didn't think it would happen since I'm not even in the hero world…" Ciana was confused, but she noticed her Izuku was still training with the old pro. But his expression looked kinda sad… but also angry and determined? It was hard for her to read how he was feeling.
She saw Gran Torino bouncing off the walls like a rubber ball, so that must've been his quirk... only Izuku was evading him almost without any issue, like he could tell where the old pro was attacking from. He really improved alot since the Stain fight... but his expression was fixed in a frown, and his eyes looked tired, bags had formed too.
Ciana didn't understand why he looked exhausted, but guessed it was because of the old pro training him too hard. She really hoped he wasn't bouncing off walls again… "Wow, he's really doing incredible with his One For All power!" Ciana beamed a bit, though was still concerned for how he was doing.
"He looks almost exhausted… did this guy work him all night or something? Izuku did say Gran Torino has been rough on him…" Some expression say hero's never sleep… or never die? Ciana never could figure which is it.
That's when her vision shifted, she tried to catch it but then the scene threw her into another familiar scene, Edgeshot's agency. It was the training grounds but only one person was present, Yuuki. She looked stressed, her ears and tail weren't hidden this time as she swung her training sword in a series of vicious swings until she collapsed to a knee, wiping the sweat off her face before her eye hesitated, pulling out her phone before she scowled and threw it across the ground, slamming the weapon into the ground, panting heavily before mouthing something to herself, something along the lines of 'why'.
Ciana gasped at what she witnessed, was her mentor pressuring her again? Had to be… why else would she react that way towards her phone. "Yuuki looks worked up… why was she acting this way? Just what is this guy putting her through?" She tilted her head in wonder at this, she wasn't understanding why she is seeing these visions.
When she focused on the vision, she finally heard something, it was hard at first, but her enhanced hearing paid off yet again. "-failed, I get that, I get it already... I'm sorry, I did this..." Yuuki rasped, punching her own head. "What now? She's gone, and there's nothing left... am I useless now? What does Midoriya think? My master? ...Io?" She hissed the last one, lifting her weapon as her hands trembled, her palms were bleeding from overworking herself. "Has to be a way... mom, dad... I'm doing the right thing, aren't I?"
It became so clear now, how confused Yuuki was. She didn't have any real direction outside of what she was told. So much so she's exhausted from doing nothing but training.
"Failed? What she could have failed at? From the looks of it… she should be doing great especially since she took down the hero killer… " Ciana eyes became worried for Yuuki, but now her vision shifted again but this time to… Shoto? Blinking in a little in surprise she's seeing him next, of course he's still with his dad…
"I wonder how he's doing controlling his fire side so far?" Her brows narrowed, this didn't look like a premonition…
He appeared far less distraught compared to the last two, but he was in a large white room as his flames remained ignited, standing by was a woman with bright green hair like fire, and a toothy smile to rival All Might's. She seemed to be instructing him as Shoto nodded, concentrating his flames outward toward a few dummies at the other end of the room, he was sweating but then a cool mist expelled from his body to regulate himself.
Looks normal enough… Shoto doesn't even show his emotions too much. "At least he seems to be doing okay… as long as his dads not pressuring him again." Ciana smiled sadly toward Shoto, she missed her friends but knew she's becoming too much of a problem.
"I'm glad to see your doing the same at least… especially that your not hurt anymore from the hero killer." Ciana approached Shoto more, he couldn't see her but was curious to see how he's doing closer. "Not the kind of training I expect him to do… I'm relived your dads not abusing you again."
As his flames quelled, he paused, looking around for a second like he heard something, then shrugged and raised his left arm again, or until the woman stopped him, pointing to himself then to the burnt dummies. Shoto nodded slowly, glancing in the direction Ciana stood by though he couldn't see her. Then his gaze fell back to the room ahead.
She tilted her head at this, Shoto seemed to be doing just fine… maybe he never found out she was gone, ether that or he didn't care. "Your training looks fair and not so rough as I expected… glad that hotheads not being rough, but this is at least a relief to see…" Ciana placed her hand on her heart, happy to see everyone doing okay and still working hard.
Ciana then had another shift in scenery, only, this one puzzled her. She was in what appeared to be a large medical tent. Most of the beds were empty say a few, one held a young girl who looked sickly, and knelt at her bed was... Meru Zena! He held the girl's hand in both of his, emitting a red glow as her pale features began to look healthy again, and she cracked her eyes open a bit before they shut, relaxing into her bed as Meru let her hand rest as she slept.
He stood up only to hold a hand to his chest, Meru looked exhausted but shook off the feeling quickly.
Ciana was very surprised at this, it's… surprising seeing that the the guy that plagued her dreams was being… humble? Especially when he healed a young girl, her brows narrowed at this. "The villain is being a hero? This is… unexpected…"
Meru stepped out from the tent into what appeared to be ruins of a rundown city block, but disconnected from any major skyline. As he did, he closed his hand against his chest, coughing up red mist as a result before straightening up again. He almost appeared... sickly, but he still helped someone regardless of that, leaving Ciana speechless.
"I don't get it… if your really such a nice guy, why be known as a criminal and scared me so much in the beginning?" Ciana was very confused, maybe he's one of those villains that are misunderstood… it doesn't really seem like Ciana needed to be afraid of him anymore now, but there's still the other two villains to worry about, she sighed. "I don't know why I'm seeing this… I already knew my friends would be fine without me… I mean they looked tired and stressed but what does this have to do with me…?"
That was when one person stepped into view, standing directly in front of Ciana, their face was covered up say for two, deep blue eyes. They dug into exactly where Ciana stood, like... she was visible. Then they narrowed a bit, their shoulders jittery as if they were laughing. Meru turned back to them, probably to ask why while Ciana felt like she was in icy water under the person's gaze. They shrugged, turning their head to reply before glancing back at Ciana, then, they waved a finger to tell her off.
"-Ciana?" That was when she instantly woke up to the Crescent Shores Izuku, Uraraka, and Iida again. In a snap, her vision was gone again. Was that the distortion Chaser talked about? And... did that last guy... see her?
Ciana blinked her eyes tiredly a few times, yawning as she now sat up. Rubbing her eyes to get the tiredness out. "Oh, hey guys…" looking out the window she could see it's still light out, guess she took a power nap. That dream she had was confusing… but didn't seem like much was going on besides being stressed. "Sorry, I guess I must have dozed off…"
Ciana stretched her arms before giving them her usual sweet smile. "Did I end up missing anything?" She now asks, hoping she didn't take up too much of their time.
"Not at all, we have just returned when Izuku planned to bring you up food," Iida explained with Uraraka nodding along.
"Here, it's just a bowl of vegetable soup and bread but it'll probably do you a lot better than just fruit alone," Izuku held out the bowl for her, his own set on a table to the side.
Seeing that, Ciana gave him a thankful nod. "Thank you Izuku." She smiled and accepted the meal, now eating to replenish her energy. "How's Zorah and Echo doing? They still downstairs?"
"They were gone when I went downstairs," Izuku replied then Uraraka pipped up.
"I actually saw them just on the outskirts of Hunter's Seclude, they had the guys that harassed you tied up and suspended upside down, I think Echo was using them like a punch bag," She sweat dropped slightly.
"I can't say I feel remorse for them given how they strong-armed this small village for their services; the unprofessionalism of some adventurers," Iida crossed his arms, not pleased in the slightest.
"They are a disgrace to the rank of a knight… was humiliating getting snagged by him too." Cianas eyes narrowed in frustration at the sick motive, but also blushing a little how embarrassing that was. "Oh by the way… I never got the chance to thank you Izuku for stepping in like that…"
She glanced at her hero and smiled thankfully towards him. "I could tell that was scary for you, but what you displayed shows you're the bigger and better person. You were my hero in that moment." Ciana happily expressed, reminding her when the other saved her from the thugs… he really is a hero.
"I'm just glad you're okay, and that those two showed up to help us," Izuku did wonder why they came here, but nevertheless, he was thankful for their aid. Despite the blonde's awful personality, he was a Gold rank, and had the skills to back it which was a dangerous combination. Eating some of his soup, he sighed at the warm sensation. "For now, let's gather our strength,"
"I'm sure we will get stronger the more we adventure along, I'm looking forward to seeing what the town is like." Since they ran into Iida and Uraraka… would that mean they will find the other counterpart friends too? Ciana looked up at the ceiling in thought of this. "So far I not only met Izuku but Iida and Uraraka… but what about Shoto and Bakugo? Who could they be?"
Thinking about them made her feel sad as she missed the others, but Shoto didn't really seem like he cared she was gone… and Bakugo, he's probably glad to be rid of her if he knew she was gone… Ciana sighed, best not to focus on the negative again.
Once everyone was rested and fed, they packed up their things and headed for the exit to the opposite side of the hamlet. Leaving for the forest again, they spent a good bit of their time traveling through the widening valley, crossed the occasional bridge, and generally admired whatever caught their eye, be it the fauna or flora. The whole time, Uraraka walked further back with Ciana, showing the otherworlder her spell book and breaking down the fundamentals of how spell craft works despite her own lack of control sometimes.
Eventually, the edges of the woods broke away into orange light of the afternoon, the sun forced their eyes to adjust, feeling the wind pick up as they approached a large lake feeding in several wide rivers, the massive expanse of meadows and occasional patch of trees across the countryside paled in comparison to what lay a kilometre away. One that made Izuku, Ciana, and Uraraka gasp in wonder while Iida stepped forward, gesturing ahead with his arm wide and a smile.
"You both haven't been this far before; allow me to welcome you three to the Capital of the Yuei Kingdom," Iida announced.
A massive castle sat atop a large plateau of land, surrounded by high walls at the edges of the cliff, several large spires separate from the main building itself. And across the base of the raised land was a city teeming with life behind pale white walls, bearing a blue and white flag with a burning flame on its crests, or at least, that's what Ciana could see compared to the others.
"Whoa this is magnificent!" Ciana beamed, on the edge of the hill to take in the large castle at the edge of the lake. Her eyes sparkled in amazement as she stared at the beautiful structure and the new sights around her. "I can't believe I'm seeing a real royal castle! This is truly out of a fairytale but better!"
Ciana giggled to herself, knowing she's living her inner child. She's always had a love for fantasy, remembering how much she even liked to pretend to be a princess when she was a kid.
"It's bigger than my entire village!" Uraraka laughed hysterically before collapsing in shock.
"Ochaco!?" Iida panicked to help her up again while Izuku laughed a little himself.
"We should get there before nightfall, then in the morning we can take a look around since it's our first time here, aside from Tenya," Izuku explained, looking down the winding dirt road with a long inhale. "Still quite the walk too..."
"Sure it's a long walk but who knows what could lie ahead." She brings the light into the group with a big smile. "Still I wonder who lives there? Wonder if it's anyone I know?" Ciana stared at the castle more with her hand on her chin, then scoffed as she waved it off. "Nah… but whoever lived there is really living the dream of any little girls fantasy."
She giggled, though the only person she considers a prince is Shoto due to his nickname… but that probably be too obvious.
"Well, I don't know if you've met this person or not in your world-" Izuku whispered to Ciana as Iida and Uraraka now walked a few paces back while the brunette recovered from her slight heart attack. "-but the royal family of Yuei is called the Todoroki family, even the King is considered the most powerful pyromancer on the continent," Izuku marvelled.
At that point… Ciana was taken back by this news as her eyes widen at this, she stared at Izuku in shock. "Wait what?!" Ciana was prettt stunned, blinking her eyes. "Shoto is really a prince?" Ciana knew he came from a rich family but thought he be an adventure or a duke… but an actual prince?
"Whoa…" her hand goes to her forehead to process this new info. "S-so that nickname was more convenient than I thought…" Ciana ended up giggling now, wondering how the Shoto she knew would react if she told him this…
Her companion's face lit up a bit with surprise, "So you know their youngest son? That's... wow, even I'm surprised," He copied her, placing a hand to his forehead. Then his head shot back at her. "Wait, 'nickname'? What did you call the prince?"
"That basically…" she answered, giggling more. "Back at home Shoto comes from a rich family and from how handsome he looked compared to all the boys we knew… he was nicknamed the class prince, but he's unaware what we call him…" Prince Shoto… in a way it has a nice ring to it, though that would mean Endeavor is a king… Ciana scoffed at this, wondering if he's just as bad here then in the superhuman world…
"I... see... dunno how to respond to that," Izuku clapped his hands awkwardly before laughing slightly. "It's crazy how surreal this all sounds, well, he'll have quite the story from you then in the future; but we've got a lot more left to do, don't we?" He smiled back at her, his journal in hand with the very basic lines drawn to scale the kingdom's frame.
"I'm not sure if I'll tell him or not, Shoto doesn't really care much about me anymore…" her hands went behind her back, looking down sadly for a moment before looking back up at Izuku in wonder. "Now that I think about it… Izuku, does the name Katsuki Bakugo ring any bells to you?" Ciana now asked, knowing Izuku and Bakugo were former childhood friends, is it the same for them here?
That first part was a bit of a red flag for him, frowning a bit. "I doubt he feels that way if you're friends... but as for this Katsuki person... erm, no... no one I've met has that name," With a shrug, he kept his gaze to his work again.
Ciana looked surprised at this, so he didn't know Bakugo? If they weren't childhood friends… what is here and where is he? Ciana looked up at the sky as she wondered this. "I see… if he aimed to be a hero like Izuku then he has to be a traveling adventurer too to aim to be a top knight… if that's the case, what kind of warrior is he here? A barbarian maybe?" Ciana had her hand on her chin in thought of this.
"Bakugo is pretty hotheaded so he might be known to be ruthless… wonder if he's just as scary here then in the world I came to." Ciana stared off into space as she kept wondering about fantasy Katsuki. "Hope he's doing better with that Jean hero guy…" now giggling, almost dreading how he will react when he comes back from that internship.
Just then, Uraraka pushed the two by the backs with a giddy smile. "Come on, if we get there before dark we can have a quick look around! I'm so excited for this!"
"And you need not worry about an inn, I have several in mind that would prove both accommodating and affordable," Iida assured them, chopping the air.
Ciana clapped her hands together in a cheery manner. "I'll take your word for it!" The bright shining girl beamed, already looking excited again. "I was hoping to do a little shopping before resting up for the night, I wanted to buy a nightgown to be comfortable for bed anyways." There's also possibly looking for a spell shop somewhere… Ciana hoped to find something magical to have erase Izukus memories of her by the time she leaves…
Knowing how much she made him feel awkward especially when there's a girl he likes, she believed it was something she could do to make it up to him… but who knows, maybe she won't need to use it.
By the time they reached the gatehouse, they thankfully could enter without issue after a small line behind some traders, once a small questioning was done, the guards invited them through. Inside couldn't compare to the look from afar. With the massive castle to the far left, rows upon rows of streets and buildings with red tiled roofs decorated the slate roads. The buildings were painted white with wood frames and boxy styled construction like most medieval settings.
Dozens wandered the streets, chatting in small groups or heading for the indoors, the scent of food, drink, and other attracting smells filled Ciana's sharp nose. Other casters performed street magic for some children nearby, others ran around or helped to unload carts for small businesses, overall, it felt much brighter and was much louder than the last few days on the road.
"Th-this is... wow, s-so many people...!" Izuku breathed heavily, his jaw slack like Uraraka's as she chuckled.
"So many people...!" Then she fell to the ground again in front of Iida.
"Not again!" He panicked, helping her stand.
"Oh boy… guess she's not used to this." Ciana giggled amusingly from her cute reaction, standing behind to try and help the dizzy girl get back on her feet. Just like the Uraraka she knows… they both are just so cute. Gazing around to see what's going on around her has made Ciana starstruck, already there's so many places she wanted to see and explore.
"Look at this place! I don't even know where to stop to see first!" The girl beamed, having the urge to run around right now… Ciana had a strong sense of adventure.
"Yes, I can see you three are excited, but first, let me show you to where we shall stay for the night," Iida took the lead, ushering them along in a marching stride. "Keep to the left-hand side of the streets to avoid hitting people along the way!"
"He's certainly formal..." Izuku noted with a light-hearted smile.
"Yep, that's Tenya... he comes from a noble family so it's in his blood, he just takes order and politeness to a new level sometimes," Uraraka giggled a bit, clutching her staff tightly. "Let's get a move on then,"
"Right behind you," Izuku nodded. "Let's go, then we can maybe explore for a bit,"
"Just like our class rep…" Ciana giggled, maybe she can turn this into a camp fire story when she gets back to UA eventually. "I already can't wait to see what this place has in store!" Cianas arms go in the air excitingly, following along.
"Wonder what living in a castle would be like?" Ciana couldn't help but wonder, head tilted as she was curious what royal life is like compared to staying in common inns. Though will her and Izuku end up sharing a room? Ciana now glanced at Izuku with a pink blush on her cheeks wondering this. "I mean it would mean spending less… wonder if he want to be separate this time?"
"Hm, you say something?" Izuku perked up, looking away from Iida for a second as he led them through the city with ease, avoiding any major traffic of people in the way.
"Uh, well…" Ciana lowered her gaze shyly, her blush becoming pinker. "I-I was just wondering if you wanted to share a room again? O-or have separate rooms this time! E-ether is fine with me whatever your most comfortable with…"Now smiling sheepishly with her hand on her neck anxiously.
"O-oh, um... well, if it's c-cheaper, I don't mind, but let's see what Tenya shows us," Izuku copied her reaction, though not feeling as awkward as before.
In ten minutes, Iida showed them a corner building as large as the one in Hunter's Seclude with a matching structure as the buildings around it say for two chimneys and an open restaurant on an elevated deck atop a closed off, unused archway of a bridge. A separate staircase was to the left leading up to this open seating area, the right led to the main entrance of the inn.
Tenya grinned at his find. "This here is the Rusty Boar, it is affordable and offers cosy accommodations; though that may mean sharing rooms due to space but not to offend yourselves, Ciana, Izuku, but you both don't strike me as the wealthiest adventurers,"
"No-no, you're pretty on the mark with that assessment," Izuku rubbed his nape, he knew this would happen, thankfully, Iida was their saving grace, otherwise, they'd be wandering around until nightfall. "Should we book ahead?"
"No need, I can arrange that," The silver knight stated proudly. "In the meantime, take a look around the city for a bit, then meet back here by nightfall, we can see more of the city tomorrow before we part ways,"
"You're the best, Tenya!" Uraraka cheered.
"We will definitely owe you for all your doing for us!" Ciana expresses thankfully, but blushes knowing her and Izuku will be sharing a room… having a small smile at this secretly, but then Ciana takes hold of Izukus arm excitingly.
"We won't have all day so let's make the most of it! Come on, we got so much to see!" Ciana was getting excited as she ended up pulling Izuku along with her, wanting to explore as much as she could with the guy and also Uraraka of course.
While the group of four split into two, Iida to book them, and Ciana leading Izuku and Uraraka toward what she smelt and heard gave the indications of a market, none realized the person perched atop the archway overlooking the street. But even as Uraraka looked up at said archway, that person in black was gone, having leapt over the witch's view to the next building, leaping away silently.
The central market, or that's what the signs they followed said, was a large courtyard reserved for small vendors and stalls set up in lines under colourful fabrics. The place a multicoloured expanse of just about everything a person could want to buy. Magic items, clothes, food, etc. There was even two bards providing music nearby with a wind flute and lute.
"I'll see about selling the mana crystals we have, you two want to go on ahead?" Izuku prodded a thumb at a caster trading gemstones similar in make to the ones around the mana stream they encountered, the large one still in Izuku's backpack.
"Sure, I have to buy something comfortable to wear anyways when we go to bed later. Sleeping in your day clothes is not fun…" she sweat-dropped, though knew Izuku can take care of himself. "Don't go tripping up again anywhere in the mean time." Ciana teases, giggling after her remark.
"Haha..." He deadpanned as the two girls laughed and wandered off.
Once out of range and sight of Izuku, the girls looked around for anything of interest as Uraraka popped the question. "So, not that it's any of my business, but um... are you and Izuku, like... courted or anything? Just from how you two act, I just figured,"
Ciana flinched and blushed very red at this. "I had a feeling one of them was going to ask…" The girl sighed sadly. "No, we're not… Izuku already has his heart set on someone, guys not really interested in me even if I was…" She shrugs, after how her dragon side has been messing with him… she can't blame this Izuku for finding her annoying. "We just met a few days ago so we don't have anything serious going on other than being friends."
"Ah, right, gotcha - heh, sorry for that, just you two seem to click is all," Uraraka apologizes shyly, tugging at her hat. "I guess we're in the same boat; Tenya's been helping me since we met, he never really gets bothered by my constant pessimism given my situation, so I really appreciate his help, just like how you appreciate Izuku's."
"I would think we do since he's set on helping me." She smiles, though hoped she won't make things more awkward for Izuku one day. "Tenya really seems like a kind and noble knight to help you in need, he really is the exact definition of a knight in shining armor." She giggled, looking at the sights around as they walk.
"Though I can't help but feel I'm becoming a bit of a nuisance to Izuku, he's aiming hard to be a knight and I kinda been getting in his way due to my problem…" now looking down with an awkward rub to her neck.
"What, really? But an adventurer's or knight's job is to help people, so in a way, he's doing exactly what he wants to be - and heck, even though you don't like your power's downsides, you've helped him too," Uraraka nudged her staff against Ciana's hip. "I think you two make a great team - oh, imagine all of us as a team, we'd be really strong."
"S-sure my magic has been helpful during some occasions, but it's my instincts and the appearance is the problem…" now pressing her fingers together in a shy manner. "When I go into dragon mode I act kinda aggressive… I been having a hard time keeping that under control, I mean my only hope is if I run into someone who is like me."
She shrugs, but dares not mention her intimate mating side. "But also I'm just trying not to freak out so much when I see my body grow scales… it's becoming too much for my liking."
Uraraka put a finger to her chin in deep though, then snapped her fingers. "Why not try to focus your mutations to a single point? You let off a glow when you cast magic, so try maybe to only form scales and stuff around a selected area instead of your whole body,"
"I… guess that could work maybe." Ciana remembered Izuku suggestion this before, would be a good start. "Would be a good start as long as my instincts don't go wild when starting out small, I just hope it doesn't become permanent…"
"I mean, has it ever left any impressions on your body?" Uraraka pointed out.
"I grow scaled, horns, my nails grow, I grow fangs and my hair changes color… oh yeah and my eyes form into a shape of an animal…" Ciana shivered at the memory, hating how different she ended up looking. "Recently I even found out I grow a tail and fins when I'm in the water now…"
"Definitely a dragon shifter... okay, so you can also adapt to your environment; this is more speculative given it is extremely rare, but this is just another aspect of control. You shifted into an aquatic form because you felt it necessary in the water while triggering your magic, so the same concept applies to limiting your output to only certain parts; as for your instincts, that's due to too much saturation of magic in the air, all of it accumulates around your body and senses, so you naturally heighten to that of your animal counterpart... in theory, that is," She coughed, playing with her hat again.
"Huh… I see." She nodded at this as she listened, are quirks even the same as magic? Superhero Izuku said it's a mutation so it made her wonder if they are really the same here compared to magic. "Well so far when I'm calm I don't shift, but during certain times my dragon side comes out when I sense danger. I think…"
"Yeah, that's your fight or flight, some types of magic react differently depending on our moods, so it's just a matter of controlling your fear I guess," Uraraka then paused in their browsing to point with a smile. "There, I think that stall has what you're looking for," Clothing sat in stacks under a purple and blue fabric, the woman sitting on a stool as she silently checked over a list.
Seeing where she pointed, Ciana smiled when reaching where she's looking for. "Great! Let's see what they have to offer." Now approaching the stall while browsing the clothes, they are so old fashioned but very stylish and pretty in different styles and looks. Ciana held out a few night gowns that are white and lightish pink, one was sleeveless and the other had long sleeves. Thinking the longer sleeve would keep her the most warm.
"These look pretty comfortable to wear… something I can even wear when I go back home too." She smiled at this, plus they look pretty too.
"I've got my own packed so I'm set," Uraraka replied, then frowned a bit. "Wait, you... have money, right? I never saw you pull out a coin purse or anything?"
"I do, wouldn't have come here if I was completely broke." She smiled more, taking out some coins from her pouch, mentally thanking Chaser for the lend. "I'll have to bring him back something sweet as thanks…" Holding the frilly long lightish pink night gown with the long sleeves, Ciana walked up to the counter to pay for it.
Once the exchange was dealt with, the woman nodding in thanks with a small smile, the two girls went about looking at the stalls, some beginning to close down as some opened for the night hours, mainly food and drink stalls. When the two turned to enter the next isle of stalls, Ciana quickly backed up in time from hitting someone thanks to Total Concentration, something she wasn't aware she was still performing.
"Woah, sorry 'bout that-" It was a girl around their age, and a beautiful girl at that. She had long raven-brown hair tied with a white ribbon by her nape, bangs parted to reveal her deep vermillion eyes with pupils shaped like jagged crosses. She wore a dark grey and white miko outfit with a gold fabric tied around her waist into two loops on her hips. Wearing white socks and sandals, a black corset with a white shirt underneath, and a navy crop jacket atop them with a white hem. Her forearms were covered by black bracers and fingerless gloves, and a black headband with a silver plate.
What was most distinct about her appearance were the two deep red horns protruding from her temples pointed down slightly toward her cheeks, and the black tail with a jagged point, almost like a demon. Even her cool but apologetic smile displayed her fangs. "-Got lost in the music again,"
"Jiro!?" Ciana was taken back seeing her musical friend she just bumped into, blinking but then she narrowed her eyes when seeing her other features… she didn't have long earlobes and her eyes are purple. "Wait, no… this isn't her." Realizing she was staring, Ciana quickly straightening up with an awkward but polite smile. "Oh no problem! Sorry about that…"
"Huh, you know my sis? That's new..." The demon girl blinked, waving her tail between Ciana and Uraraka. "Not a problem, like I said, lost in the music, capital attracts some colorful culture so exposure's nice to have for inspiration," She threw her hands up in wonder but her aloof expression said otherwise.
"Huh? I didn't know she had a sister…" But Ciana was surprised to know she's also here. "Oh, well, I-I wouldn't say I know her… just heard of her." She shrugged, though the tail and horns kinda threw her off.
"Sweet, told her she had fans but she's always 'yeah, sure, whatever you say'," The girl did a... pretty accurate pitch of Jiro's tone before she grinned, tapping one of her horns. "Nice feature, right? I know, adds to my awesome appearance, doesn't it?" That dripped with sarcasm but light hearted nonetheless.
"Are you a demon?" Uraraka asked with a slight wince.
"On the dot; sis got lucky with only ear mutations, I got the whole deal," The girl gestured to all of her.
"Whoa… that's so cool." Ciana blinked at this, though aren't demons usually evil? Ciana never heard of a demon whose more friendly. "Guess I'm not the only one with a mutations here…"
"That's ominous," Her tail prodded at Ciana's nose, then lowered. "Well, gotta go, music to hear, people to entertain, you know how it is - oh, and name's Kiara Jiro, just to avoid confusion, bye~" She waved with her tail. "Oh-oh, one last thing, if you see... I dunno, a few... guards heading this way... I wasn't here," Then she ran off in a hurry.
"Wait… Kiara Jiro?" Ciana eyes narrowed at the direction she ran off to, KJ… is, this the girl Izuku was talking about? Ciana felt the twinch in her heart again, that girl was beautiful… if her theory is right, it's no wonder he fell for a face as lovely as that…
"Huh, what a strange girl, she was pretty nice though," Uraraka didn't understand what Ciana had been thinking but shook her out of her hard stare. "You okay?"
"Hm?" Oh! Y-yeah… I-I'm alright…" she looked away, rubbing the back of her head. "Just was surprising running into someone whose part demon is all…"
"It's a little strange at first, but a lot of people from the demon race are allies with the Yuei Kingdom, say for small pockets here and there, she must've been a hybrid given her mostly human appearance," Uraraka noted with a smile as the two went on the hunt for Izuku and whatever else was still available to browse.
That's when three guards ran past them, true to Kiara's word.
Seeing that, Ciana guessed this girl must be a trouble maker. "Well that explains the devil side…" Ciana giggled a bit at this, though wondered what she even did? "I never thought Izuku would fall for that type of girl… but he knows her better than me so can't really judge…" the girl frowns more at this.
"What's with that face?" Uraraka tensed up a bit at the scowl on Ciana.
"I-it's nothing! D-don't worry about it." She quickly waved her hands, looking down at her outfit in hand. "I'm getting kinda tired… I should probably go back to the inn to rest up…"
At that, the witch beside her yawned a bit with a chuckle. "All that walking may have drained me more than I thought, hehe," With a stretch, Uraraka slapped her cheeks to stay awake. "Right, dinner and then off to bed - first, let's track down Izuku,"
Finding the greenette again browsing and exploring himself, the trio headed back for the Rusty Boar, heading inside to see Tenya waving them over, still decked out in his armor say for the upper half, wearing a navy tunic instead. Izuku waved to him too as they headed over to their table though Ciana stopped at the edge, drawing their gazes.
"Ciana?" Uraraka asked, noting that strange look she had since the market remained.
"Hm? Oh, yeah… hey." She smiled, now just sitting down to stare at her food laid on the table, might as well eat then go to bed… becoming quiet with a dazed frown.
While the others discussed what they'd do tomorrow, and ultimately their parting, something Izuku looked a little sad about, Ciana was in a world of her own. She couldn't get Kiara out of her head, if she was the person Izuku had as a friend and spoke with in letters, and that 'if' was probably a certainty, then why did it bother Ciana so much? Maybe she really was feeling jealous like with her own Uraraka concerning her role with her Izuku before she was pulled into another world.
"-are you okay? You've been quiet this whole time," Iida asked her, grabbing her arm gingerly to shake her back to reality.
"Yeah I'm just exhausted…" she responded, not lifting her gaze. Ciana was finished with her food soon enough, now just sipping her drink, but lifted her gaze with a little smile. "Sorry… what were you saying Tenya?"
"We were simply discussing our plan of action tomorrow, Izuku here has offered to allow us to accompany you both," Iida replied with a bright expression. "But we'd rather ask you on your opinion, if you would allow us,"
"It's been fun getting to know you guys for the day, and hey, we're all going for the same goal, in a way, so the more the merrier, right?" Uraraka winked, playing with her hat again.
"Sure! It would be more fun traveling together, I can't see any reason to object." She responded with her smile rose a little more, her hand holding her face up now. "I know he's not my Izuku… but it still hurts knowing he likes someone's else… though I'm pretty stunned it's not Uraraka this time… guess not every world is the same." She thought, sighing now.
"It's not any of my business and if she makes him happy then that's what truly matters, last thing I want is to ever ruin that for any Izuku." She scowled at herself, basically scolding herself to back off.
"Thank you, truly," Iida placed a hand to his chest while Uraraka hugged Ciana from the side.
"Thank you so much, you guys!" She grinned ear to ear, happy to have more people to rely on, and hopefully, help her improve her magic overtime.
"W-well, welcome aboard, hehe," Izuku replied bashfully as Iida patted his shoulder in gratitude.
"Exactly," Izuku smiled before a small yawn caught through him. "...guess today's taken it out me again already, we walked for hours to make it here before nightfall,"
"Agreed, we should wrap this up until tomorrow," Iida concurred, cleaning up their dishes for the waitress to collect.
"Yeah I definitely could use another good bed to sleep in after sleeping on the ground for a few nights…" already Ciana yawns. "I'll see you both in the morning then." Ciana bids them good night with a wave, then heads upstairs. Happy to have bought that nightgown…
The inn was cheap but cosy, the room was small but thankfully the beds were separate just pressed against one another. Izuku let her use the bathroom to change, something she was grateful for. To her relief, bathrooms do exist, how a plumbing system worked in a medieval realm was beyond her but she'd rather not think about the inner workings now. Once she felt ready, she stepped out to see Izuku wearing a pair of shorts and just his white tunic, flicking through a book.
Ciana was now dressed in her pretty nightgown when she stepped out, her hair down from her pony tail. Blinking when she noticed he was looking through a book, reminds her a bit of her other Izuku… she smiled sadly at this as she goes to lay down on her side of the bed, opening the covers for herself. "Today sure was fun, we ended up getting two new friends to travel with. Looks like your forming quite a team Izuku…"
His eyes remained on his book, but his lips curled up. "A knight, a healer, a witch, and... whatever my class is in this situation, but yeah, it's honestly amazing how accepting they are to join us when we've only known them a day," He was eternally grateful.
Seeing that he didn't take his eyes off his book, Ciana frowned more at this… she didn't have his attention as much as the other. Figured he might of commented on the new outfit she got… the girl sighed sadly to herself. "Sure is, I'm happy for you to have more people supporting you."
Her gaze went down to her lap, thinking about her other friends at home… Ciana was still conflicted about her relationship with everyone and especially Izuku. "I wonder if Uraraka is still talking to him by phone… she should have his back better than I could give." She mumbles.
"...it's nice having people to support us, just like how you're certain there's people to support your Partner back home," His book sat on his lap now, showing that it was a detailed book on magic as he met her gaze. "If he's anything like me, and not just because he is me, then I have no doubts he'll work hard for you, just... have to have faith," After a small shrug, he scratched his cheek. "Nice nightgown, by the way, must be much better than your regular clothes."
Ciana perked up with a blush hearing this, looking at him a little in surprise. "Oh, y-yeah! T-thanks." Her smile rose, she didn't expect that… but sure made Ciana happy to hear the praise from him, now sitting up a bit more as she crossed her legs and faced his direction. "Izuku, the girl you mentioned you wrote to… did she happen to have demon traits by any chance?" Ciana now asks with a curious tilt of her head.
He raised a brow. "...random question... but yeah, red horns on the sides of her head pointed down, and a black tail - oh, and her eyes had these unique pupils too," Then he clamped his mouth shut. "...I observe too much sometimes,"
"So my hunch was right…" judging how he knew her details well, he must of really liked her… her eyes becoming sad again. "Well if that's the case, I happened to have bumped into her when Uraraka and I were coming back…" hand now holding her face up with her elbow laying on her leg for support.
"Yeah, she travels alot around the kingdom, so it's - w-wait, she was here!?" Izuku practically jumped at the answer. "B-but she said she was at a town half a day north... unless something happened, she'd never leave otherwise..." Now his brow was furrowed before he groaned into his hands. "Ugh, she's probably gone by now - she's by far the best bard I've heard of, but that aside, she's also really good at slipping away unseen, chances are she's already on her way back,"
"She seemed like a trouble maker by the looks of it, but I can tell she means well. What's more surprising is that girl is related to another friend I know from home." She giggled, but then smiled sadly. "I could see why you taken a liking to her, she's…. very beautiful…" her gaze went down again, already her heart clenched…
Izuku was about to comment when he realized this was what had Ciana so hung up since they came back. Relaxing his shoulders, he moved over to pull her head to lay on his shoulder. "It's not easy, is it? Because of who I am and who your Partner is, I'm sorry if it bothers you, I know you don't actually think badly about me and KJ, but your heart won't accept that, is that about right?"
Ciana was very surprised by the gesture as it caused her heart to race and her cheeks heat up, but it made her smile a bit as she ended up laying more in the crook of his neck. "Yeah… it hurts… but I never want to get in the way of your love life, especially not cause you anymore problems… it's none of my business how I feel, but I appreciate your comfort a lot…"
"After all you've done for me and in trying to improve yourself, I understand," He murmured to her, letting her ease up for a bit.
Ciana enjoyed the comfort and the warmth of his hold a lot, she didn't dare move as her eyes closed to savor the feeling. "I didn't really do much at all… I just brought so much trouble due to what I been doing to you… it's you I owe for what you done for me." Her eyes opened back up slightly.
"I guess seeing the girl you like caused me to feel not very special compared to her… I'm not saying I dislike her or anything, just that I wish I could make either of you happy…" her gaze lowers a bit. "I rather I had a more normal impression with you when we met… and Izuku back home I just began to act pathetic when my dragon side came out… I think some of my friends don't even care that I left because of how I've been acting…" Ciana began to lean closer to him unconditionally, seeking more of the hero's warmth.
"I admit… I even lashed out at the other you once when I thought he liked the other side of me better… which I know sounds stupid but this curse is making me so afraid how everyone is viewing me… I just hope I don't eventually ever drive you away out of fear of me…" her sad gaze buries into his chest, Ciana always felt she can be honest and open to Izuku… especially when his hold makes her feel there's hope for what she fears. "Being alone is always what I feared most, but now I'm scared I'm losing my mind…"
Her darkest fears were on display. She was trapped in her own cycle of despair by this power she never asked for, all to be used like a pawn. Izuku ran his hand down her hair, letting her get all that off her chest. "I can't speak for anyone I've never met, but if those people are your friends, then they will be worried. I can understand why they think the way they do, wanting you to feel there's no real reason to be wary around them, they want you to feel normal in their own ways, that's all,"
"I've seen how much you care for them, you sobbed over the people you abandoned to try and protect them, there's no shame in that; I will help you control or abolish your instincts, then you can hear the truth from them, hear their honest feelings on your own terms. I think when that happens, you'll see how important you are to them," He offered to the best of his abilities.
Ciana smiled a little from the gentle strokes of her hair as well as his soothing words towards her. "I guess the way they were being harsh what I was complaining about just overwhelmed me more… but I kinda saw they seemed okay after I left, though they seemed stressed… but other than that they are pursuing their goals still."
What did she mean she saw them? Izuku thought that was strange but didn't ask as he kept soothing her nerves. "People mask their emotions, sometimes for others around them or for themselves, it's why I said when you ask them yourself, you'll get what they truly feel. Some people... are just better at masking emotions than others," He had seen it a few times personally, it can be difficult to tell what's real and what's fake.
"Maybe…" she lowered her gaze sadly again. "But I'm not sure… they did get angry with me when I started to talk so depressing… I just felt like I wasn't fitting in anymore with them… I mean I may have something unique that makes me just like them, but it's not what I was ever born with and easy for me to accept…"
"Why, what is it that makes you think they hate you?" Izuku asked.
"It's like I told you… I panic, I fear my new power and just causing more problems… there's this girl I think I'm friends with… when I said I thought I wasn't fitting in anymore she got furious and turned away…" Ciana glanced up at his face now. "They are dealing with other issues going on and I'm just adding to that…"
"Ciana, if you want to know the truth, your only way is to confront them, I know, it's scary to consider, everything in your head will want you to run away from that problem, but then you won't ever be happy, my mentor said it better to me before... 'the single quality that is common across every living creature on this planet is fear', and I think they're afraid to lose you to your own thoughts, and you're afraid your power will destroy your life," Holding her close, he added with a smile. "It's why I know you can overcome it, just like how I overcame my own weakness to make it this far,"
Ciana closed her eyes as she felt her tears coming, at this point she put her arms around him. "I-I know… I-I just think it's best I got away for a while to try and avoid what I'm doing to them… even they deserve a break from me…" Ciana hid her face in his chest now. "If it weren't for you… I probably would have lost my mind by now…"
"I know... just take your time - and I'm glad I could help," He chuckled slightly, patting her back slowly.
"Me too…" her smile came back, but she didn't want to move where she is. "You say there are other dragon shifters though… where are dragons usually settle?" Now curious of the other shifters, wondering where they go or live.
"Shifters are really rare so I'm not sure, but dragons could be anywhere depending on the type and ecology," Izuku explained.
"Well don't dragons usually live in big rocky climates?" She lifted her gaze more to eye him in wonder of this. "The dragons I read in stories are usually said to live in ether hot and warm places and even big caves."
"Not entirely; it is common for dragons that naturally prefer hot climates, but there are subterranean, water, forest, sky, and many other kinds but they're rare in of themselves, not jus shifters," He pointed out to her. "I-I have a book about them if you ever wanted to look at it,"
She nodded, thinking this be a good place for her to turn as she reached her arm out to grab the book. "I was thinking maybe I could journey to one of those places to try and seek help from them… though one thing I'm worried about… is it dangerous…?" Her brows knitted in concern of this while flipping through the pages.
Izuku sat up straighter as she leaned against him to look through the pages curiously. "Dragons are territorial but they rarely attack people less they feel provoked, as for shifters... I'm not sure of any, sorry, guess that's a dead lead,"
"I see…" her brows narrowed more to think this over more while looking at the pictures. "Maybe seeking a real dragon is my best lead… who knows if they are shifters close by to real big ones." Now Ciana wondered if there's a tribe… though she wasn't sure since nobody mentioned that possibility.
"Guess we'll figure things out as we go," Izuku shrugged, relaxing into the bed a bit more. "...are you feeling a little better?"
"Yeah… a bit." She smiled warmly down at her hero she loves and adores. "What about you? I hope having to comfort me like this isn't too much for you to bear… I know you were just doing this for the sake of my feelings but I wouldn't want to push this on you…"
"It's no bother to me, I'm kinda used to it, the whole being close to someone that is," He replied, looking up at her. "Plus, this time, the beds are much more comfortable than dirt and sand."
"You can say that again." The girl giggles as she continues to gaze down at him with a playful smile. "You know, the other Izuku couldn't stand being so close to a girl at first, he usually gets too flustered and shaky whenever he's too close to one. Even the idea of sharing a bed with a girl would of made him faint." Ciana laughs a bit recalling how cutely bashful Izuku got in the beginning, he's still flustered around girls at times but back when he was more shy around them was just so adorable.
"I-I wouldn't blame myself, we aren't exactly social people," Izuku defended himself with a sweat drop. "But I'm glad some aspect of us amuses you,"
That comment had her blush happily, deciding to tease him a little as she bend down slightly to be close to his face with an obvious teasing smile. "Do you mean me? Or my dragon side…?"
He gulped a little, chuckling nervously. "W-well... you, really. The dragon side just adds extra, t-that's all, hehe..."
Ciana giggled at this, leaned back now as she just lays next to him now to let him breath. Laying her head down and still faced Izuku with a cute smile now. "I hope so… I would think you prefer regular me especially how I scared you when I'm a dragon… I'm sorry again for what it's been doing to you." Now her smile turns apologetic, feeling guilty.
"I don't hold it against you, really, this is something out of your control, it hasn't been easy, but we'll manage," Izuku knew it was eating away at her too, so the least he could do is shoulder some of the blame.
"Though I gotta admit… the setting in the grove was kinda romantic…" Ciana chuckled sheepishly, her gaze looking down with a shy smile and turns pinker from the memory.
"Mmhm, y-yeah... I can't deny that..." He rubbed his cheek a bit, just the faint reminder was... so many things to take in at once. Would he ever do that stuff to someone else? That alone was enough to make his heart race.
"N-next time I promise I'll wear a blindfold, but maybe you can take Kiara to the cave when you meet up again…" her gaze turns sad again, but wanted to bring some encouragement towards his love life with someone else.
"P-perhaps, but you never know," Izuku looked around, avoiding Ciana's gaze. The idea of any of what happened between him and Ciana being with... that's when he gave a surprised look, his thoughts echoing the same thing. "So Kiara's her name..." Then he passed Ciana a warm smile. "I think whatever happens, I'm glad I had someone like you to boost my confidence."
Ciana lifted her gaze and smiles back toward him despite the sadness behind her eyes. "It's the least I can do after everything, if you can make me happy then I'm sure you can do the same towards the one you love…"
"And same to you," Bending his arm behind him, Izuku tampered with the dial on the strange lamp, causing the room to be bathed in darkness say for some moonlight leaking through the curtains to their left. "Well, have a... better night, than sleeping on the ground."
Izuku stared at her for a moment, leaning over to pull her side's covers over her a little more before doing the same for himself. Today was tiresome and eventful, tomorrow, they'd look around some more, then head for the village where Kiara was waiting for them. But why was she here? Maybe he'd find out later, instead, he closed his eyes to let his body rest comfortable for the first time in days.
That night once the girl fell deeper into her sleep… Ciana groaned a little in her sleep, feeling a little restless. Unconsciously leaning more towards Izuku, she sought out his comfort as she sudd to put her arm around him… gripping onto him as she did.
The feeling surprised him a bit, enough to crack his eyes open slightly, but didn't protest as he shut his eyes again, placing one hand on her arm to comfort her if she was still plagued by her negative thoughts.
Ciana laid her head onto his chest and tightened her grip around Izuku, humming in her sleep as she begun to look sad. "Izuku…" Ciana whispered out his name, though her expression and her tone sounded very sad.
He in turn rested his hand on her head, "You'll be okay, this won't take away your humanity," He whispered to her. There had to be a way, maybe Kiara could help Ciana, hopefully.
"I'm sorry…" her expression become guilty and more sad, enough for tears to appear and leak down from her face. Knowing she still left him and might hate her now. "I'm sorry…" Ciana repeated.
"...you can still reach him again, you can make this right, work hard to achieve that," Izuku had his eyes open now, petting her head while she silently wept against his shirt.
Ciana stayed where she is as her tears still fell, her hold became more tight around Izuku to keep him with her. His comfort and warmth had Ciana slowly settle down but still didn't dare let go.
No person deserved all this turmoil at once. Izuku knew he'd fall asleep eventually, until then, he stayed awake to help her settle, running his hand down her hair with one arm at her waist. Resting his head against his pillow again, he moved the covers a little so Ciana was still covered up as well, now their legs were intertwined.
Being closer was enough to slowly bring a small smile on her, especially feeling the way Izuku ran his hands in her hair. Ciana hummed at the gesture and even nuzzles herself against his chest. "…love you…" Ciana murmured in a happier tone.
That he didn't expect to hear, no doubt she really wanted her Partner with her now, not his counterpart. Given the state she was in, he just kept his eyes to the ceiling, speaking softly. "I know..." He wouldn't say it, that wasn't his place, but for the sake of her illusion right now, he'd let her withered heart have this.
Ciana finally settled down more, loosening her grip on him with a more peaceful expression. In her heart she knew they were still separated but so close at the same time, she longed for Izuku dearly, but no matter where she went, he was still watching over her… knowing this, Ciana smiled a little more. "Thank you…" Ciana whispered to the young knight.
Closing his eyes with a short breath, Izuku smiled a little. "Anytime," Tonight would be the most peaceful night in days.