The next day... both stood perfectly still in the vacant UA hallway.
"Ready for this?" Izuku asked with an anxious brow, feeling like pins and needles crawled up his whole body as they stood outside their classroom. No one else was around, all too busy sleeping in or lounging around, some had even gone back to their families until the Summer Camp.
Ciana gave a confident nod and a bright smile, nervous but excited at the same time. "Ready as I'll ever be! Though… you think he'll still be sleeping in that sack of his? You know how grumpy Mr Aizawa gets when he's napping…" Ciana sweat dropped knowing him, still weird a teacher is even allowed to do that.
"That, among other things, I am nervous about..." With a heavy sigh, he mustered up as much confidence he could find. "Here goes..." Knocking, the two entered, excusing themselves as they found their teacher looking over a few notes by an actual desk set to the far corner near the front of the class, the sunlight hitting one half of his face. Aizawa wore dark clothes, his hair pulled back into a messy bun as he eyed the pair giving a quick bow.
"Right; Midoriya, Finley, morning," He replied in his ever-so-flat tone, setting his work down, two seats sat on the other end of his desk. "Sit down, faster this talk's over with the better,"
Ciana was actually stunned he was awake and doing his work from the amount of times he usually slacks off a little, well he is a pro hero so obviously he's not completely lazy at most times. "Morning Mr Aizawa! I hope we're not intruding on anything, Izuku and I were discussing about the villains that are targeting me… a-and we came up with something we believe will be helpful."
Knowing they will be a team will be exciting but also knowing they had to discuss the villain problem is probably what's important first, Ciana turned her gaze to Izuku. Gesturing for him to explain since he's a great strategy planner.
"I see... right, explain," He didn't hide his sigh but let them add to this meeting.
Sitting down, Izuku quickly cleared his throat. "U-um, well, given the fact Meru Zena has an associate by the codename of 'Rift' it stands that they could move at any point to try and seize Ciana for her quirk, so in that event, we could plan a bug to track her movements outside of UA, of course, it won't be much use if there are devices to tamper with locators but I felt it was better than nothing at all," He elaborated in a way his teacher would approve. Straight to the point and logical. "And that this tracker can be traced by people Ciana trusts completely to relay that information to Pros or staff,"
Izuku put a detailed page he had fixed up before going to bed on the desk for Aizawa to look over. "For our class; myself, Todoroki, Kacchan, Jiro, Kirishima, and Yaoyorozu," He had considered all pros and cons, and the most quick to act and with better efficiency out of those Ciana trusted were them. And it kept the circle tight. "-of course, I included yourself, All Might, and if he accepts Ciana's request, Edgeshot,"
Ciana nodded to confirm their plan and the people they knew would be a good team together in this, Ciana even pulled out her hairpin to gesture to it. "We were thinking if I ever do get kidnapped, my hairpin could have a tracker attached to it, I always wear it so it's unlikely they know a little accessory would have a little device in it."
The girl explains, knowing what Izuku came up with is a great idea from all the amount of times she's worn it even in hero wear.
The two students fell silent after that, Aizawa scanning the page before setting it down with his hand atop it. "Two trackers, ordinarily, this would be an effective strategy outside of school grounds, however, in dealing with villains, they'll likely see through something that significant, so two, one for the hairpin, another someplace else, I'll have you decide where," Aizawa replied, looking between the two. "You thought this through, so I'll speak with Power Loader later, using similar devices used for communication will do,"
"Thank you sir!" Happy they have something planned out now as she looked to Izuku with a smile of a job well done before looking back to their teacher. "Knowing how everyone is striving hard to be hero's too here, we believe our friends would provide a big help too even if we're not official yet." The idea of getting kidnapped again still frightens her, but is more relieved knowing her friends and especially Izuku is always watching over her.
While it was never said, Aizawa noted she took what he told her into consideration. Setting Izuku's note aside, he ran his hand over his hair for a moment. "Right; now to the main topic you requested about becoming a Hero Duo, explain,"
That's right, aside from the recent request for the tracking devices, the whole reason Izuku asked for Aizawa was to set in motion what he and Ciana agreed to. Izuku looked to his partner, again, she gave a consensual nod given Izuku had a better scope of what they were asking for. "W-well, we had discussed it yesterday, though nothing spontaneous, considering the implications are serious both for our future careers, and in light of recent events," Taking a breath to steady himself, Izuku kept his eyes to Aizawa's. "We do, not accounting for Ciana's upcoming exams as I've already passed mine, so it's likely I won't be her partner to make it fair,"
"Despite how much I missed… I'll work my hardest to be worthy as your partner." Ciana smiled proudly and raised her fist in confidence toward him, her expression turning a bit serious toward their teacher again. "Izuku and I had each other's back even before we started UA, I admit I might not be the strongest compared to Izuku, Shoto and Katsuki. But by discovering new ways I can use my power I can still provide good assistance."
Aizawa looked over his work, sighing. "I'm to assume this also plays into your relationship with each other?"
Both sat up straighter, Ciana blushing a bit alongside Izuku. Crap... "H-how did...?"
Their teacher blinked slowly, flicking through sheets on the desk without so much as a care for their flustered reactions. "You two aren't subtle, points for attempting to appear as 'close friends' but after a certain point it became noticeable, not to everyone but I've had my reasons to assume as much," He replied, rubbing his left ear a bit with a grunt. "Midnight wouldn't shut up about it..."
"I actually had a feeling most of you would suspect us…" Ciana was hiding her face in her hand as she was blushing incredibly red, they were suspected as a couple even when they weren't dating at the time. "I mean that's High school for ya…" Ciana tried to shrug and laugh it off while smiling sheepishly, Ciana knew Midnight is aware of their relationship as well as All Might. But still so embarrassed talking about this with the grown ups.
"I won't go into how to act both in public and in private, you two are old enough to distinguish right from wrong of your own volition," Aizawa really didn't have time to be a bunch of teenagers' counselor, that's Midnight's job and he really wanted to rest. "Now, normally... to approve this, you'll need parental signatures... but Finley's is currently out of the question," Moving a detailed form between them, he held a firm stare to them. "If you two are serious about this, let me be clear,"
"From the moment Summer Camp begins, both of you will be watched closely on your progress, academically and practically. When examinations or practical tests of any kind come up, both of you must excel, if one of you falls behind, it reflects on both of you, so it's your job to support the other and to bolster your strengths; eventually, if you still plan to pursue becoming a Hero Duo after UA, you'll be given a sizable support fund set aside for a small agency or whatever you intend to pursue, but that you can worry about in your final year,"
"But this is a serious contract, one that only you both can agree to make void, no one else, every action you make will have consequence and reward, if you two are certain you're up for it," He let the page go, setting his pen between them. "Now hurry up and decide, I haven't all day,"
This almost sounded like a marriage license… that idea had her blushing bashfully but shook her head before eyeing Izuku with a concerned expression, wanting to be sure that he was really sure about this since he could have someone better than her. "Do you… really want to do this with me Izuku?" Ciana first asks, after all she didn't want him to have any regrets.
"I was the one to suggest this to you, honestly, you could've refused or say to wait until we were into our third year," Izuku knew student stories of those that had committed to a Hero Duo in their first year, it was at times a fluke or didn't work out. However, those slim few that surpassed expectations made it to become amazing heroes. With just as serious of a look, he smiled with one hand to his locket. "...but I'm sure of it, we'll get stronger together, and learn to be the best heroes possible,"
Aizawa listened intensely to their discussion despite his eyes being to his own work. "Honestly, kids these days..." But those were thoughts best kept away from children, they seemed serious about this, good, far better than a few he had seen in his time.
Ciana smiled warmly as she felt so touched by his decision, nodding with a bright smile towards her partner. "Okay! But…" Ciana picked up her pen, but had one more question before signing. "What if one of our friends wanted to partner up with you too? I mean Shoto seems like he has been interested in working with you more, Izuku." Ciana wasn't sure if they became a hero duo in the future without her which is why she's concerned she screw that up between them as a perfect team.
"That ultimately comes down to us," Izuku replied before Aizawa did. "If we intend to have an agency after acquiring sufficient funding, there are dozens of examples of Pros from several agencies working as a public team; they commit to their own roles, but when the situation matters or they feel comfortable with participating in heroics often, they can do so regardless. There's far less legal involved in that stuff, only concern is what the public think but that's to be expected from notable heroes,"
"So, that means they are still able to work with you as partners?" Ciana blinked at this, she knew in comics they had hero squads with more than one person, thinking that's what he was referring to.
"Exactly, and the same goes for you, if you ever wanted to team up with others aside me, that's your call," Izuku nodded happily. "Though, as Mr Aizawa said, while it's good to have these things in mind, they aren't important until our third year, so there's plenty of time to be walked through the process,"
"Hmm…" Ciana thinks this over with her hand on her chin, sounds like Izuku will still be a team with others anyways even if they do become official. Doesn't sound like anything she needs to worry about, so with that, Ciana gave another bright eager smile as she went to sign her name in the contract. Assuring herself this is what she wanted to do to always be by Izuku's side.
"Someone's gotta look out for you when you're overusing your power still, and believe me I'll be keeping a close watch on you Izuku…" With a playful glare towards her hero, basically saying you're stuck with me now.
"A-and someone needs to keep a record of your power to better help you understand it to excel," Izuku chuckled, taking the offered pen, eyeing her signature next to a blank space. Despite the confirmation, Izuku was still highly nervous. He had to make Ciana proud now, to help her excel as much as his own abilities; and more-so, he wanted to prove he was a capable partner. This is it, once signed, they'd have harder results to meet in future tests, and who knows what else. His expression hardened regardless, "We've gotten through worse before," With that firm belief in mind, he signed the sheet, nodding to Aizawa, handing the pen over. "T-thank you for this, s-sir,"
Taking the sheet, he put it down on one pile, his hands together to cover his mouth, leaving only that fierce stare that locked to them both. "The otherworlder and the problem child, this won't end well... but it's signed, I expect results come the camp, your examination this Friday won't count towards this given circumstances, but don't expect us to take it easy on you either," He narrowed his eyes. "Do not make me regret this decision, understand?"
"Understood, I'll do my best to work my hardest." Ciana responded with a serious gaze and a nod, though… What did he mean about them being a team won't end well? Already that had her concerned, was it because of her bold stunt she pulled before? Ciana fiddled with her hands anxiously from what Mr Aizawa said, then again he did judge Izuku back when they did that first test… Ciana still couldn't tell if he was just trying to motivate him or really did judge him at first glance.
"Right, you've both improved since the start, although, I have yet to see what you've learned, Finley," Aizawa stated, now gazing toward Izuku. "Midoriya, you're smart, so I suspect you have been helping her tutor since her return?"
"Ye-yes sir, if she asks for my help that is, but..." His timid state subsided for an honest look. "She's been handling her coursework alone everyday bar Sunday, she's committed, you'll see,"
"I'll be the judge of that," With this, he nodded to them. "Very well, that'll conclude this talk, head back to your dorms, how you apply yourself from now until the day of your exams is up to you, Finley. Midoriya, take this time to rest, days like this aren't given to heroes often, so take it as a luxury,"
"I will, sir, thank you," Izuku bowed his head.
"Yes, thank you!" Glancing at Izuku to copy his bow knowing she had to keep up with his culture still. "Maybe I should have signed after I completed the exam…" she thinks to herself, thinking that would of been better to prove herself first… well she knows she's just gonna have to work her hardest, once they stepped out the door, Ciana glanced up at Izuku with a concerning expression still.
"Hey Izuku… what do you think Mr Aizawa meant that our partnership wouldn't end well?" She asks, their teacher sure can be pretty blunt when he wants to be for a pro hero.
"Sarcasm," He answered plainly with a finger raised to her. "Mr Aizawa comes off cold but he's a genuinely nice person, he's one of the first teachers aside from All Might to talk to me after you went to the Crescent Shores; so you haven't got anything to worry about, I think due to our reputations he was... making a joke? Or what passes for his form of humor, though I'm not one to judge,"
Ciana straightens up at this with a shy blush. "Oh! I-I guess I was overthinking it again…" now smiling sheepishly while scratching her cheek. "Back when he talked down on you during the test I couldn't tell if he really meant what he said or to motivate you… if what you say is true, then it sounds like his way of being blunt is to prove him wrong." Ciana now smiled after that.
"I'll admit, I had that impression of him too, but after I showed what I was capable of, he didn't come off as hostile anymore, I guess bad first impressions all around," Izuku admitted, offering his hand to her at their sides. "I'm surprised... I honestly thought you'd want to wait to sign the form until after your exam."
"Honestly I probably should have…" laughing sheepishly now as she felt a bit dumb. "I should have proved myself first before making it official, I guess I got too excited." Ciana squeezed his hand in hers, bending a bit as she eyed him cheerfully. "But now that it's signed anyways, that just means I'll have to work even harder to be worthy enough to be the next symbol of peace's partner in crime." The girl beamed with a tilt of her head and a happy pink blush.
"Crime's what we're trying to face, y'know," He joked back, his own heart racing, giving her a warm smile. "Well, this new piece to our partnership won't apply until after your exams, so this Friday, do the best you can for yourself, show everyone and Mr Aizawa what Ciana Finley can do!" Encouraging her was all he could do now, whoever her partner came to be, she had to show she was an effective teammate and hero on her own feet.
"Right! I've got to up my game now!" Ciana cheered with her fist raised and smiled wider, probably good for her to do some training once they are back at the dorm. "I gotta admit I'm a bit excited and nervous at the same time, hopefully my exam won't involve anything disastrous like what you went through…" She sweat dropped, now walking by his side out the door.
"Say, is Shoto still around by any chance or has he gone to visit his mom again?" Knowing he's seeing his family more warmed her heart knowing things are looking up for the class prince, really happy for Shoto.
"He'll likely be gone to visit his family in the afternoon for a few days, but he'll still be here, why?" He had an idea what she might want to ask him, but refrained until she said so.
"Well I was thinking maybe I could ask him to train a bit, my dragon side is still something I need to control besides the instincts. I figured if anyone knows how to handle dangerous powers it's him." Though there's also Kirishima too, she figured she would ask him later. "If you want you can even be there to analyze my new attacks."
"That would be great!" He perked up, then quickly cleared his throat to calm down. "R-right, I can help, Todoroki's a great choice too, his commination of fire and ice can help you see if your scales help not only resist intense heat but insulate your body; there's also the applications of durability" Once more, he devolved into muttering on their way back down the red brick road.
Seeing that Izuku was becoming an overload computer again had her laugh during their walk, as usual the girl finds his habit both amusing and cute. "I-Izuku y-your too much sometimes…!" Ciana said while letting out more giggles, her hand going over her mouth as she couldn't help but adore his habit.
That drew his back to reality with a blank face. "Eh? O-oh, haha, funny..." He smiled a little, rubbing the back of his head as his lips twitched, seeing her hide her snickering. "Your laugh is too cute to be annoyed by..."
"A-and your overthinking is too adorable to find annoying." Ciana giggled a bit more and then tapped his nose playfully with a bright teasing smile. Ciana might be the only person in this world not to be weirded out by Izuku's muttering, Next thing he knows it she even pecked his cheek and then ran ahead of Izuku while giggling, stopping in a short distances as the girl cheerfully spun on her heal to look back at Izuku.
"We have a lot of work to do if we're going to be partners in crime! So we better get started soon if I'm gonna be your official partner, maybe we can even tell Shoto our strategy when we talk to him, I just hope he's not too busy." Cocking her head with her eyes closed cutely towards Izuku's direction, already pumped to train hard for Izuku.
He felt at ease, knowing not only was their partnership official, but that her bubbly energy had returned tenfold given his most recent blunders. Now, he had to follow that example and try harder when it counts. She had five days before her exams, they had a lot of work ahead of them both. "Right, let's go talk to him then before you get back to work!" Catching up with her, the two quickly made their way to their home.
Returning to UA's Gym Gamma, a large indoor building meant to train quirks, after a talk with All Might, he gave them permission to use it as they see fit with him in his skinny form to watch over them. Currently, Izuku and Ciana caught Shoto at a good time to request his help in improving Ciana's quirk. So Izuku stood with his teacher while the class Prince and Drake took the stage of earth.
"What is it you want me to do?" Shoto inquired as he did a few stretches.
Now in her gym wear with her hair up in a ponytail, Ciana eyed both Shoto and Izuku for some ideas. "Well I was hoping when I power up then maybe you can help me find a use what to do with my form during any attacks." Ciana lifts up hand to gesture to it. "I can do some pretty sharp claw attacks… and when I light up in my dragon form my light becomes pretty hot like your flames."
Ciana explains and then scratches her cheek anxiously. "I-I know my form can be dangerous and I'm worried a slip up will cause me to accidentally hurt someone like what I did to Yuuki when I last panicked about my form…"
"I see," Shoto glanced over to All Might, or Mr Yagi as he was told, unaware of the truth, then to Izuku ready with his notebook, the fanboy nodding for them to start. "Then I'll start with my ice. I'll create projectiles to test your strength and durability,"
The girl nodded at his suggestion in understanding. "Okay, sounds good." Taking a step back, Ciana first takes a couple of deep breaths to calm herself knowing she still gets a bit jittery when changing. With her eyes closed, Ciana lights up as she felt the wind rushing past her hair when she changes from human to a dragon hybrid.
Opening her eyes again to reveal her beastly irises, now with her dragon traits back she tried not to focus too much on her looks as Ciana kept her eyes on her icy hot friend. "O-okay! Ready whenever you are." She declares with her fists raised in determination.
Shoto nodded, taking a cool breath before shifting his foot, creating a small wave of ice like what he used against Izuku in the Festival. As the oncoming element drew near, Ciana cracked her knuckles and swung down with her right, shattering the first chunks of ice, then again with her left, sweeping in succession until the ice stopped flowing, leaving shards all around her and stumps at her feet. Lifting her hands, not a scratch to be seen as her hands shimmered a little, seeing water droplets fall.
With a stomp, Shoto erected a large mound of thick ice. "Try to melt this instead of attacking it," Ciana walked over as instructed, pressing her palms to the ice as the sheer cold on her skin was met with a rise in temperature, her body glowing harshly as steam rose from her palms, although melting the ice in this state proved to be slower. "Okay, before we continue with training, I need gauge your defence, so stand firm, block with your arms, and I'll aim a wave of ice for them."
Once again, she stood several yards away, raising her arms with some hesitance. Then came that sharp pang of ice popping in the air, and the sudden force that sent Ciana flying onto her back as a large shard of ice jutted outward from the streak, leaving her to cough a bit as her arms twitched, seeing that the attack only bruised her forearms, but again, her recovery was slowly mending that injury.
"Are you okay?" Shoto asked, heating himself up again.
Ciana lifted her gaze to show a fearless and confident smile, once again showing she's not willing to back down. "Yeah! You don't have to worry about me." Ciana reassures her friend as she didn't want to disappoint him like before, now raising herself back on her feet as a fierce glint showed in her eyes.
Her fists clenched and got back in her fighting stance to show she's ready to try again.
"Then I'm going to go all out, ready?" Again, she nodded so Shoto took that as a sign to do so, not questioning it further. Raising his right hand, he brought it down hard on the earth, causing it to split open into a large glacier similar to the one that he encased Katsuki in before. Ciana put one foot back, raising her claws as her body's output expanded sharply, carving away the ice that came into contact first as the whole work darkened around her in a deep shade of blue, her arms burning as she swung frantically with a yell until the ice stopped coming.
"Holy crap, that's a little overkill, Young Todoroki!?" All Might gawked, spitting blood in the process as Izuku's stomach dropped.
"I...is Ciana okay in there!?" Izuku yelled anxiously.
Shoto blinked, keeping his hands at the ready as he listened close to the low grinding of crystals within the smaller glacier. After about a minute, a small hole burst from the surface, followed by two hands prying Ciana out of the ice as she spat out a glob of water, flopping onto the ground, panting as her body glowed to regulate her temperature again.
"Sorry, I think I went overboard," He scratched his cheek, looking the other way.
Ciana sat up a bit, blinking a few times to process that intense attack. She seen Shoto go all out with other opponents but never this up close in person against him, funny enough this caused the girl to laugh as she was smiling. "I-I never thought I would be so glad not to have been the one to face you during the festival when I was just starting out as a flashlight!" Ciana jokes with another giggle, turning her gaze to her friend with a cheerful look despite some bruises and scratches.
"I never expected any less from you Shoto, you really have trained hard during the internship, I'm just so impressed seeing how much you improved more with your skills." Ciana ended up complimenting him, very wowed by his creative and unique attacks.
"Young Midoriya?" All Might asked in stunned silence.
"Yeah?" He replied.
"You have quite the partner," Seeing how much Ciana had grown since her timid months training, she had truly come far.
"She is..." Izuku smiled.
Back over with Shoto and Ciana, the heterochromia teen nodded slowly, surprised she was taking this so lightly given how ferocious his power was, and in how she was just buried under hundred of pounds of ice, "I've had years of training with my ice, hence the control and output are vastly superior to my fire side; speaking of which, want to test your body's durability to flames next?"
"From how hard and determined you fought both during the league of villains and festival I could tell, especially from how much you wanted to prove your dad wrong about achieving victory without your flames." Standing up, Ciana brushed some of the dirt and ice chunks off her clothes before eyeing her friend again with a nod.
"Sure! I'm not sure how my body will take to flames when I'm a dragon but what better way to find out with your fire power." Her smile kept shining to show she's not afraid of a few possible burns.
"Then I'll start with heat resistance," Moving closer, he set his left arm ablaze while a white mist formed around his left for emergencies. Casting his flames over her own arms, Ciana flinched when the embers consumed her arms. She felt much warmer now under the heatwave and pressure, but then wiggled her fingers as she swept her arms through the flames, not feeling her skin burn or peel. "This was expected, your scales aren't normal but act as though they were dragon hide,"
"It's due to the fact her aura hardens into this scale-like form!" Izuku called over, flicking back through his notes. "Ciana's aura emits heat so it has a naturally high heat resistance, effectively giving her a tolerance like yours, Todoroki!"
"W-well it would also make sense since dragons shoot flames out of their mouths so it be likely their scaled bodies would be heat resistant, at least I think so…" The girl commented with her gaze going to her hero with a shy smile. "It would be weird if I could do that out of my mouth…" Now looking at her scales around her body, still so weird to have them.
"Well at least I won't have to worry about burning into a crisp if I ever had to enter a burning building." The girl chuckles after that while rubbing the back of her head sheepishly.
"Let's focus on your physical capabilities today, Young Finley," All Might suggested, smiling with surprise. "You've gotten adept at utilizing your stronger form, while not as powerful as most emitter types, given the ample amount of energy you've exhibited already you are more than ready for your practical exam," His glowing eyes shot wide with pride, holding a thumb up. "Great work so far,"
"That means a lot coming from you sir!" Ciana beamed happily from her teacher's praise, glad not to have disappointed. Now her fist raised in confidence. "Alright! Looks like I'm starting to be a bit of a challenge for you Shoto so you better watch out!." Ciana playfully said toward her class prince friend, looking eager to get strong and prove herself of her own capabilities. But prays she doesn't grow another tail…
Shoto formed a small smile, "I look forward to seeing as much of you..." Slowly, he paused as a presence appeared right behind Ciana like the cold embrace of death.
"I see you're examining your abilities since your otherworldly travels," Yuuki spoke up, frightening Ciana to stumble forward as the silent girl bowed her head a bit. "I was nearby when I felt a sudden drop in temperature come from inside,"
Blinking from the sudden surprise ninja greeting, this caused the girl to chuckle. "Yuuki! What a surprise to see you here, Shoto and I were just testing out my new moves." Ciana thought Yuuki was spending time with her class b friends, she never guessed she would be in the area. "Are you here looking to train too?"
"No, walking, where I can get peace and quiet," Her right cat ear twitched. "I realized one other benefit to wearing a bow, it muffled the sound slightly, and my class are... loud," She sighed, her eyes the only visible expression aside from her tail and ears. "I simply came to satisfy my curiosity, pardon me," She moved by the pair to make haste for the door again, then paused, glancing over to Ciana. "...did you receive my offering yesterday?"
"I did." She answered, pulling up her track jacket sleeve to reveal the bracelet Yuuki gave her, smiling warmly from the beautiful gift. "Right i never got a chance to thank you for this… this didn't happen to belong to anyone close to you is it? Because I hate to take something that might be precious to you." Ciana still wanted to be sure it didn't belong to a beloved relative since she was never greedy enough to take something meaningful from a friend.
"No, I have nothing of my past, my master said there was nothing but ash," Her eye briefly filled with confusion and grief before it was drowned beneath a cold front. "I have helped people wishing for a better life prior to UA, as a result, some parted with items they did not need as gratitude; I simply took them as they were persistent, so now it is yours," Yuuki explained, her tail swaying a little. "It appears my hunch was correct, it suits you better,"
This is definitely very sweet and generous of her, she's surprised she was ever even afraid of her at first. Ciana didn't feel worthy of the gift but willing to keep it close to her heart as she smiled more in the cat girl's direction. "If that's the case then I'll always treasure this, and it'll be a good reminder to me too to always stay true to myself." That is the reason Ciana wore it during training, knowing Yuuki wants her to stay strong about herself like she does for the cat girl too.
"...that is something only you can do," Yuuki muttered beneath her breath, taking her leave as her tail continued to sway, giving away her happiness. All Might and Izuku gave her a wave as she bowed to them in passing, returning to her walk away from everything, her master included. "Someone like me does not deserve such precious things," She added to herself as the sun struck her face, her heart feeling... light, a strange pull in her chest.
"She really must have learned a lot with Edgeshot during the week with him, she's becoming more ninja-like." Ciana chuckles, when class comes around again she will have to make sure to greet her class B friends even if that momo guy might not like it. Now eyeing Shoto again. "So! You wanna keep going or do you have to get going to see your mom again soon?"
Ciana hoped she wasn't taking up too much of Shotos' time knowing he's seeing her later.
"We can continue for ten minutes, how do you want to continue these tests?" Shoto inquired, given she was the one asking for this experimental training.
"Hm…" Ciana placed her hand on her chin in thought, thinking the work out over. "Maybe melting and punching your icebergs more might be good for me to keep my strength up." Ciana then turned her gaze to Izuku. "Unless you have any ideas yourself Izuku just from watching us?"
"Overall-" The greenette replied, writing stuff down. "-everything is as I'd have expected, your only real hurdle is your instincts, the rest is best suited, as you say, to improving your core abilities like any other quirk."
"Young Midoriya is right, with the time we have left with Young Todoroki, please, continue," All Might had no reasons to halt their work, allowing them to proceed with their training.
"Then here," With a heavy exhale, Shoto slammed the ground with his heel, flicking it into a spiral of ice that formed a jagged cyclone of frost and rime around them, the twinkling and pop of the sudden temperature shift striking everyone. "I'll keep creating ice, you use whatever methods you have to shatter it all in the next ten minutes,"
Ciana took a moment to eye the ice storm attack Shoto did, it's almost like magic rather than a superpower. With her fists clenched, Ciana gave off a serious expression as she stood ready for the incoming hail storm, or that's how she likes to call it in her head. "Right!" With her body glowing brighter, Ciana prepared to strike as much as she could. This feeling a bit like what happened with the vines, Ciana never even pictured doing this kind of stuff like the superheroes in the stories.
Like with the vines, the ice surrounded her like a cage, drifting closer as the first arc of rime sawed across her right forearm, tearing across her scales as she swiped down to shatter it. Using the crumbling ice to vault over another arc she drew her heel down in an ax-kick, shattering the ground below, the shockwave blowing away the weaker arcs as she slammed her fist forward, breaking through every wave in her wake toward Shoto.
He slid back on his ice, conjuring more waves, quite literally too. Ciana cracked her neck, grinning sharply with a lunge forward as her primal personality took to the attacks with a confident swagger. Slashing through the ice, she let parts of her body absorb the damage, cutting parts of her clothes but her scales held up to the onslaught, sweeping away the rime with rising heat, twisting off her left foot into a spiral, bringing a wide kick to topple a wave over at the base, the large chunks blown apart with ease as she laughed a bit at the rush to her heart, the cold wind whipping her hair back.
Izuku stared at her, completely enthralled to this... badass side to Ciana, like he was seeing that small part of her soul that finally came bursting to the surface in her drake form. It was enough to keep him grinning, silently rooting for her to touch Shoto to effectively call her the victor.
"Whoa did I seriously just do that?!" The girl stunned with her own new attack, pausing for a second before punching another chunk flying her way. Ciana was pretty stunned with herself; she had the strength to do these kinds of attacks like Izuku, Shoto and Katsuki. Ciana guessed it had to do with her dragon personality, she felt almost as fierce as how Kirishima even looks when he gets all sharp.
Before she had time to contemplate, like a voice in her head, it screamed at her to move as ice surrounded the earth, encasing her legs in ice as more blades of ice were cast toward her. "Grrrr...!" Growling in frustration, she twisted sharply, breaking free in time to raise her hands, catching the barrage of ice in her palms, wincing when she saw them draw blood. But her claws dug in, breaking off a piece to swing it in a horizontal slash, shattering the oncoming arc of ice. With a bloodied grip, she charged, sweeping her 'sword' in rapid succession, smashing down every strike until her weapon crumbled away.
Shoto raised his left side, sending a sudden torrent of fire to consume her upper half, but he grunted, feeling her knuckle crease into his side, throwing him into an erected wall of rime to catch his form, skating to the side only for a hand to twist around his shirt through the cinders, Ciana smirking back at him. Shoto didn't give in, kicking the ice wall to launch over her form while simultaneously causing a block of ice to propel from the wall into her gut, forcing her grip to loosen enough, planting both feet on her shoulders before flipping off, blasting her with a combination of frost and flame.
"Imbue!" A glyph surrounded her wrist, flashing Shoto with a blinding light that made his combination attack fail, now, he raised a blade of ice to Ciana's chest, herself standing over him with her fist pulling at his shirt, both panting heavily while staring each other down.
Blinking away the spots in his vision, Shoto allowed the ice blade to crumble while Ciana pulled him up onto his feet, grinning sheepishly at getting carried away, she was like a whole different person there. "I guess it's a tie,"
"I-I guess so." Ciana was pretty stunned with herself, catching her breath as she gave off another smile before powering down, her hair turning back to her original color and her form rid of dragon traits, staring down at her hands now as she blinked. "That… was kinda scary." Despite being impressed with her attacks, part of her still felt shaken up with her fierce side to her dragon personality.
"H-honestly I'm surprised I can even keep up with you, but didn't think I feel such a rush when fighting, are you okay?" Ciana asks in a bit of concern in hopes she didn't hurt him too much, Ciana knew he would be fine but she still worried a little anyways.
"Your punch was good, other than that, I've contended with worse," He replied, noting her still bleeding hands. Digging into his pocket, he pulled out a small roll of bandages. "I had a feeling these might be needed," Taking her right hand first, Shoto tightly wrapped her palms to stop the bleeding, already moving onto her left. "The cuts weren't deep at least,"
"Are you okay, Young Finley, Todoroki?" All Might came over to inspect the two, seeing the red stains on Ciana's bandaged hands. "Hm, best go see Recovery Girl before heading back,"
"Yeah, better not push Aura too much after training either," Izuku was glad it was only cuts and bruises but still wanted to ensure they were okay.
"Nothing I can't take at least, thanks for helping me fight and mending me Shoto. I really appreciate you helping me out." Ciana gave him a thankful smile, still standing strong no matter how bad her pain might be.
"Sorry to have worried you two, I'll try to take it a bit easier next time." Ciana just hoped she wouldn't get scolded by the nurse like how she does with Izuku… suddenly she perked up. "Oh! Before I forget, before you head out I actually have something for you Shoto!" The girl suddenly says knowing he will be heading out, Ciana ran to the bench and she sets her stuff down as she digs in her bag looking for something…
"What is it?" Shoto asked, at a loss for what she wanted to give in return considering what yesterday was for her.
Ciana lifted something from her bag, smiling in relief of its condition. "Oh good! It's still in bloom." Ciana was afraid it ended up wilting quick but had it placed carefully in a position to avoid it getting ruined, standing up and walking back to Shoto, Ciana had a few small flowers wrapped in a clear paper wrapping with a ribbon tied around them, the flowers were white Azaleas and lavender.
"Since you're seeing your mom again, I thought these would bring a smile to her face more when she sees you." Ciana smiled as she offered the gift to her friend for his mom.
Shoto was pleasantly surprised by this offering, giving her at first a bewildered expression, then it morphed back to his passive, gentle look as he stared at the flowers. His mother did know of Ciana through his letters when he couldn't visit, and she had expressed wanting to hear more about the two friends he made that changed his life's direction. Taking the flowers, he made sure to keep them secure in one arm. "I'm sure she'll appreciate this, given how she's asked about you, thank you, Ciana,"
Ciana was surprised and flustered hearing that his mom asked about her, blushing shly as she scratched her cheek with a pleasant warm smile. "Your welcome! I did some research and I wasn't sure what your mom would like but I read that azaleas mean to brighten a person's day and wishing them well, and lavender also symbolizes happiness and peace. If those meanings are true then I hope it will all do that for your mom."
Ciana rubbed her neck more flusterdly and shyly. "M-my mom also worked at a flower shop in the past and she would always fill me in on the knowledge of plants she worked with."
"She was a florist? Sounds like a peaceful job," Izuku smiled, seeing how Ciana had a trend of butterflies that may also stem from both her mother's name and her past job.
"Then I'll trust your judgment," Shoto thanked as All Might clapped his hands lightly.
"A touching gift, Young Finley, you are very kind," The Pro praised. "Now, let us vacate the gym, I believe our time here is up for the day, and you have studying to attend to, Finley,"
"Right, there's no way I can ever forget about that." The girl sweat-dropped, the amount of left over work and studying is a pain but she dared not to fall behind. Stretching her arms before they start to move, even blushed more pink at the praises she received from her thoughtful gesture. "Today sure was one heck of a thrill but glad to have still kept my fighting spirit!" The girl cheered with her fist raised in the air proudly and cheerfully.
"Yes, I do hope you continue to display this new-found confidence in your upcoming exams," All Might smirked a bit. "You've got yourself a hurdle before Summer Camp, and perhaps something even closer," But All Might didn't elaborate further, keeping that bit of information as a surprise for later.
That was right, in just five days, Ciana would have to contend with not only a written examination, but a practical one against a teacher she's never dealt with, one that rivaled her own quirk's animalistic attitude. That last part concerned her more, but whether or not she liked it, this wasn't a fight she would turn away from. She had so much to prove to everyone, that she was not weak and helpless anymore.
"Sounds pretty exciting when you put it that way, can't imagine what that trip will be like." Ciana smiled toward her teacher as she was looking forward to the summer camp coming up, still wondering what it's all about compared to fun activities but hopefully they still squeeze in some fun during more hero training.
Ciana looked up to the sky as she looked back on her fierce personality, she didn't like how different it made her behave and hoped her violent side didn't wind up causing serious injuries to others without meaning to… "I hope I will always keep staying true to myself…" The girl prayed as she didn't want to forget who she was.