After knocking on the staff door, Ciana stepped into a small office space where a sofa was placed before a coffee table and armchair, the latter claimed by the hero Midnight. She was a tall, curvaceous woman with sky blue eyes. She had long thick spiky dark purple hair. She also had a small beauty mark below her left eye, as well as red-painted nails. As for her costume, it was very similar to one of a traditional dominatrix.
She wore a pair of red-framed glasses, and smiled up from her notes at Ciana's entry. "Ah, just on time, Finley, come and sit, just got your file sorted," As her student did so, Midnight spoke up again. "How have you been? What with studies atop training for the Sports Festival?"
Ciana always thought this hero looked a bit punkish, it's funny how a pro hero is also a therapist unless they had their identity kept secret like hero's she's known from home in stories. Ciana smiled shyly as she took a seat on the sofa. "I've been doing alright, sure everything is a lot of hard work to get done and study but it has been a great learning experience for me."
She answers so far, training with Bakugo still has been rough but still very helpful. Ciana hates to have everyone worrying though when she's training… she never guessed they watch their whole sparring match.
"That's good, though, before I start, mind answering me something, just a small question?" Midnight squeezed her two fingers close together. "I wanted to know, what's your life like back before you were brought to this world?" Then she sat back, shaking her head with a small laugh. "Yep, never getting used to saying that line,"
Ciana chuckled at her question so far, she knew anyone would be curious enough to ask where she's from. "Well it's actually the opposite of this world, no one has any quirks or superheroes like you. So it's pretty much a normal world with no superpowers in anyone, probably sounds boring to you, huh?"
Ciana guessed that would be boring to most people here, especially if the world has no quirks or anything exciting happening other than just living a normal average life.
"Finley, the fact that there exists a separate reality to our own is already ground-breaking enough, but a world without quirks isn't as boring as you make it sound, our world wasn't always this unique, go back two centuries and you'd never tell our worlds apart," Midnight shrugged,
Ciana was a little surprised by the news as she perked up from hearing this. "Wait really? So, many years ago you all didn't have superpowers at the time?" Hearing that intrigued Ciana, unless she just misunderstood what she meant.
"Not a single one, y'know, given how often I see you glued to Midoriya's side I'm surprised you never knew," The pro teasingly smirked, then swooned. "Ah, teenage love is just so cute to see,"
Ciana blushed very red at the mention of her and Izuku… causing her to smile more shyly and playing with her hair flusteredly. "W-well Izuku has been there for me ever since I first arrived in this world… Thanks to him I managed to slowly adjust here. Izuku being around sure helps calm my nerves when I'm around people I'm not familiar with." She responds while averting her gaze, always embarrassed with the topic on them.
"B-but if you all didn't have quirks at the time… how did you all end up developing powers in the first place?" She now asks with her eyes back on the pro, wondering if it really was a chemical spill that mutated everyone…
"That, no one's sure about. The most likely cause is simply human evolution, as quirks develop biologically like any other part of your body, hence why quirks inherited with each generation tend to be more complex or stronger, though there are cases of mutations in which a quirk appears with no semblance to their parents, yours is also a unique case, seeing as you've been given a copy of another's by some unknown means," Midnight then cleared her throat. "While I'm happy enough to discuss this topic at a later date, I don't want to eat into our time today, nor yours any longer than necessary. Ready to begin?"
Ciana was pretty surprised the powers just developed over time with no real explanation, from how mutated everyone looks here, Ciana would of guessed it was some kind of chemical spill that spread in the air that could have done… Either way, it's pretty fascinating to learn their history so far. Ciana nodded, ready to discuss whatever the pro asks. "Ready, ask anything you like to know."
Nodding, Midnight, while dropping her smile, kept a gentle expression all the same. "Then what I'd like to know is how are you after everything at the USJ? Facing villains at your age can be a harrowing experience,"
Ciana took a moment to think about the question, staring up at the ceiling as she thought it over. "I admit it was terrifying… seeing all those villains that showed up, I wasn't sure what to think…" Her gaze went to her lap now. "When that happened I was scared of being in my mom's situation that cost her her own life… I didn't think I was ready, but after seeing how scared all my friends were too…" her gaze lifted back up. "It gave me the courage to want to stand up and defend my friends, I never would want to let any scary situation get the better of me and especially my friends."
"To adopt a strong mentality like that early on is quite a mature thing, I had heard from your classmate Kirishima that you didn't shy away from helping them either," Midnight praised before her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Now, as for that villain, Meru Zena, how has what he told you affected you?"
The topic now on the villain definitely still gave her the jitters… her expression showing some fear in her eyes at the mention of him. "It… made me feel like a mistake at first…" her gaze went back down on her lap, fidgeting with her hands. "Finding out he was using me was shocking enough but also hearing that he copied his powers in me made me feel so scared…" Now clenching her fists."
"When everyone heard I was from another world and he was using me, I was so scared I couldn't go back after that without everyone viewing me as a mistake and a sorry excuse for a hero… I'm really relieved none of my friends thought that, but now I'm scared that… if I keep using his powers that's within me then I'll become like him…" The thought of changing still terrified Ciana, not wanting to look like a beast.
"And you're afraid both the people around you, as well as those back home will see you as a monster, or that you could never fit in anymore given your potentially grizzly appearance?" Midnight pressed, watching every squirm and shift in Ciana's eyes. The subtle shake of her hands, even the way she breathed.
Very shaken by the mention of that… she nodded her head to confirm that. "Yeah… I know my world won't take a monstrous appearance well… it's not normal or natural to my people after all, but taking on an appearance like that is not who I am… even if everyone here accepts me like that, I can't…" she responds sadly as her expression became sadder. "I mean… I'm happy being who I am, not something I'm not…"
"She's terrified of mutating as her quirk grows stronger, but in refusing to accept that she may very well never progress in terms of her strength at all," It wasn't the first time Midnight had seen a student, or any person, wish to remain as human-looking as possible, discrimination was one thing, but personal bias was a deadly thing, even for a teenager.
Reaching toward the table, Midnight slowly poured a fresh cup of tea, pushing it toward her. "Drink, it'll help calm you down," Sitting up straight, Midnight continued. "Now, I may have a solution, not a permanent one but it may help. Find the threshold of your quirk. Since we know of Meru Zena's we have a better understanding of how yours works too. You grow stronger the more emotions you absorb, based on that assumption, if you can find that margin, you can prevent yourself from undergoing any significant mutations while still being able to grow as a hero,"
Then she raised a finger, "However, and I know another has told you something similar, but you must understand the risks in limiting your potential, there will be times you cannot contend with certain villains, or worse, safe lives. Every hero has their limits, this may very well be yours; Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Ciana listens to what the pro says as she sips her tea like she suggests, thinking over what she mentioned… so far she hasn't shown any mutations… her emotions weren't very dark compared to the villain and so far her powers showed a positive influence, Ciana nods in response. "I-I think so… now that you mention it, my powers have been showing a positive side rather than a dark side… I mean I found out my eyes glow when I feel really happy and emotional."
"It's important to take in mind that quirks, much like the rest of the human body, can change depending on our physical and mental health. By thinking of your quirk not as a mistake or curse but a real part of yourself, a part you can control, you could very well have any number of benefits; as you said, your eyes glow and yet, that affect isn't permanent, what's to say if you do grow similar traits to Meru Zena that they can't simply vanish soon after?" Midnight smiled again, reaching over to pat her on the head gingerly like a mother would. "So try to work on a positive attitude from now on, who knows, perhaps you may surprise yourself at the festival."
Hearing what she said did start to cheer her up, smiling more at the pros words as well as the cute comforting gesture to her head. Maybe she really didn't have much to worry about if she just keeps being herself. Cianas smile became brighter. "I will! Thank you so much Ms Midnight! Hearing all that really helped, I truly appreciate it." Ciana expresses gratefully, looking a bit more better now about her powers.
"It's what I'm here for, and remember you can come talk to me whenever you like, even just to get something off your chest, and what is said will remain confidential say for the likes of your homeroom teacher or the principal," Midnight assured her.
She nods in understanding, knowing where she can turn to now if she needs any wisdom. Her smile stayed intact. "I will, thank you again. I can already see what makes you a pro hero besides crime fighting." She cheerfully comments, admiring people who give helpful advice and encouragement. Reminding her a bit of her own mother.
Once the whole therapy session was over as well as her class, Ciana now is enjoying her relaxing time at lunch with her friends again. Once again packing a lunch and in the middle of eating a sandwich. Lately Ciana has been doing a lot of projects for the past week, focusing on school, training for the festival with Bakugo, writing what she's learned from her match with him and secretly working on something special… Ciana could tell everyone was still nervous for the festival but is still working pretty hard at it which she admires.
Ciana still kept her smile on to stay positive. "The festival is getting pretty close… Time sure moves by really fast. I noticed the other students at this school still keeping their eyes on us… one of them was actually stalking me and it's getting really annoying now…" she ended up commenting to the group, taking notice the UA students were still studying the competition which she found annoying…
Izuku coughed after his drink went down the wrong hole, turning to Ciana with surprise. "R-really!?" His face basically screamed, 'why didn't you tell me?'.
"Do you know who it is?" Uraraka asked, equally as worried.
She just shrugs, having no idea who the creep was. "No idea… it wasn't just one but someone different every time I walked the halls, I think the same thing happened with Bakugo and he blew up at them and scared some of them off when he realized they were watching." She chuckled. "What about you guys? Did the same happen to you during the past week?"
"I know Jiro and Hagakure said something similar," Uraraka pointed out.
"Mineta and Ojiro too," Iida added in, rubbing his chin with a grim expression. "Midoriya, you don't think...?"
"That they're specifically looking into what they believe to be the 'weakest' in our class? Yes," Izuku frowned deeply at this insulting and worrying news. "Though, I wonder if 1B have any issues like that themselves?"
"It's possible, there's always gotta be someone in a group that stands out to them." Ciana definitely didn't like that they were spying just to know who's strong and whose not… It was a huge invasion of personal space.
"Didn't think everyone would go to extreme measures just to win a sports festival… I was hoping at least most would be more mature about it, plus it's creepy…" she groaned while slumping in her seat a bit. "I think that purple haired jerk is still eyeing us too… cuz whenever I walk past him down the halls he just keeps glaring at me…"
Ciana could tell that guy is very serious about his goals too, there was also Yuuki who has been eyeing her scary like but she rather not mention her…
Izuku, to everyone's surprise, stood up for a moment, "I'll be right back..." He murmured, then shuffled out from his seat to make his way over the cafeteria a little anxiously. The trio followed his movements to nearly the other end of the busy food court until he was spotted speaking with someone from 1B. That person made Ciana's stomach plummet into a void.
"Uh... oh hey, that's her, isn't it?" Uraraka squinted for a better look.
Ciana was surprised that he suddenly got up like that, causing her to perk up in confusion and concern of the motive as she watched him talk to someone from class 1B… which was even more surprising, her eyes widened when noticing that. "I-I think it is… w-what's Izuku doing talking to her all of a sudden?"
Ciana was very confused as she kept eyeing him from a distance, wondering what made Izuku suddenly want to get up and talk to Yuuki? Should she get up to find out…?
Approaching one of three people Izuku recognized from 1B was very nerve-wracking. "I've had only two talks with her, both of which weren't even classified as 'talks', no problem..." There was also the stuff Hagakure had heard about that only made his brain beat his curiosity with a stick less he angered the often silent girl. "U-um, Yuuki?"
She stopped picking at her lunch, but didn't look up from it. "..."
Her silence again was making him really nervous, "I-I'm sorry for bothering you, i-it's just that, um, h-has anyone from your class b-been stalked l-lately?"
"..." Now, her cold white eyes stared back at him, lips formed into a bemused frown that only made Izuku sweat further.
"I-it's starting to worry a-and annoy some in my class, i-if you know who they c-could be I-"
"General Education are our primary threat, some seek to demoralize us, some to claim a spot in the hero course," Yuuki listed off, eye scanning the cafeteria, pointing her fork for Izuku to follow and briefly catch a glimpse of two pairs of eyes watching them. They vanished quite quickly. "Support are analysing our quirks, either to construct support gear tailored to our quirks or to counter us," Again, Izuku followed her razor-like perception to find more eyes looking the other way. "Last, Management, they simply observe, their motives are to simply see future investments, nothing more, they are the least concerning," The last set of eyes didn't shy away unlike the others.
Now, Izuku blinked at Yuuki, "Wow, you spotted them in seconds with a single observation..."
"Relying on a quirk will get you killed, I don't need one to hone my other strengths," She replied, gazing down towards her food. "You may speak with the staff but remember, we are also aiming to beat you, what you've told me only tells me you are nervous, unfocused, and that-" She pointed her utensil up at him with a cold stare. "-will be your downfall,"
Swallowing a lump in his throat, Izuku nodded crookedly, "I-I'll keep that in mind, b-but I also think you're a little on edge t-too," Her body locked up as he spoke. "Y-you said we're nervous, b-but you've been watching them too, you're cautious of those around you,"
"..." She said nothing but that answered Izuku's point.
"Right, I'll... go now, t-thanks again, s-sorta," He bowed quickly and turned right back around to return to his table, but he felt Yuuki's gaze locked to the back of his head. "Don't look back, don't look back..."
Ciana was watching the whole time and even from a distance Izuku looked shaken up… that girl is scary so it makes sense, as soon as she noticed Izuku was coming back her eyes became concerned again. "What was that all about Izuku?" She now asks, still very curious why he talked to Yuuki.
Once he sat down again, he slumped in his seat with a heavy breath. "I wanted to see if the same way for them, turns out I was correct, almost every department's watching us, General Studies are those most likely out to take us down while the others are more neutral, but... I may have... accidentally given Yuuki the heads up that some of us... may be on edge, to which she said makes us a better target," He pinched the bridge of his nose. "In hindsight, it was obvious that I just gave our worst enemy more to work with, great..."
"That's... bad," Uraraka cringed a bit.
"You couldn't have known, your actions were not misplaced," Iida assured him with a pat to the shoulder.
"You didn't have to go up there, I actually rather you didn't get involved with her Izuku…" she eyed him worryingly after hearing this, Ciana still was on the edge around Yuuki. "I-I mean… probably best we don't give them more to work with…" her gaze went to her lap, very anxious now when it comes to Yuuki…
"Y-yeah, got it," He nodded as anxious as Ciana was. Or until a hand tapped his shoulder causing him to yelp in fright and nearly fall from his seat. When he looked up he found that same, white eye staring down at him. "Y-Yuuki!?"
"..." Her mouth was covered again, and she took a second to sigh slowly. "...I was informed to... make amends for putting you on edge... for that... I apologize,"
A hand lightly chopped the silverette's head. "Was that so hard?" The class Rep of 1B, Kendo smiled playfully as Yuuki looked the other way... almost embarrassed? "Sorry about her, she's not used to social cues,"
Ciana was pretty taken back herself when Yuuki came into view, staring up at the two girls who came by brought her confusion of the sudden apology. It was at least thoughtful… Despite how anxious Ciana was she tried to smile the best she could. "D-don't worry about it, we all understand you guys want to take this competition seriously. We all are in our own ways."
She tried to be polite and understanding, at least Yuuki's friend doesn't seem so scary or threatening.
"Monoma is worse, he has already conceived a plot to dismantle 1A," Yuuki stated, looking back to Kendo. "I say this because is endless whining is like sandpaper in my ears,"
"Seriously, again?" Kendo shook her head. "Sorry, if anyone from my class gives you guys a hard time, don't dwell on it, some just take competition too seriously,"
"Ah, thank you; while I agree some students have taken this a little too far so long as it's all in good sports at the end of the day," Iida agreed with the tall girl.
"I'm leaving now," Then, as quickly as Yuuki came, she turned back on her heel to return to her table, now with a few from her class sitting by as Kendo rolled her eyes.
"Well, at least she apologized..." Kendo sounded almost defeated a bit.
"Is she always like that?" Uraraka asked.
"Pretty much, but believe it or not she's a pretty good instructor on hand-to-hand combat," Kendo remarked proudly. "She pretty much wiped the floor with all the guys without breaking a sweat.
"What the heck is she!?" They all thought in alarm.
That was quite a schlock for her to hear as well, blinking her eyes a few times just process what she's been told. "Whoa… she sounds almost as brutal as Bakugo, glad I wanted to train with him…" Though if he heard this then he definitely would be eager to fight her, Yuuki sounds like she will be quite a challenge.
"She sounds quite amazing…" then something perked up in her mind with her eyes widening a bit. "Say, did Yuuki by any chance ever mention why she wanted to be a hero?" Ciana now asks, wanting to know what her motives might be here at UA.
"Hm? Good question, um..." Kendo squinted for a moment, cupping her chin with her free hand before answering. "I... hrm, I really don't want to say too much, the fact she told me I think is why she trusts me, so I'll say this, she comes off very cold and harsh but her convictions are definitely fitting for a hero, but Yuuki is... complicated, shall we say?" Kendo smiled sadly after that. "Sorry, but that's all I can say,"
"No, no, it's alright, i-it's not really fair to talk about it b-behind her back I guess," Izuku quickly waved his hands.
The way Izuku said that made her feel like it was wrong of her to pry like he was critiquing her… slumping in her seat again. "S-sorry to have asked… she seems really cool at least." Ciana at least commented with a small smile, maybe she was just being paranoid…
"I'll let her know you said that then, 'cause, fun fact-" Kendo chuckled nervously, pointing toward their table where the one eye stared back at the ginger suspiciously. "-her hearing is, like, really good, hehe." With a wave, she held her tray tightly. "Well, good luck tomorrow in the festival you guys,"
Ciana blushed embarrassingly just hearing this new news of her… watching as the girl went back to her table, looking back to her friends. Ciana felt dumb to have made it sound like she was judging… surprisingly she got up from her seat as she grabbed her bag, smiling awkwardly. "Um… I-I gotta go do something, I'll see you guys in a bit."
She suddenly says as she now goes to take off, planning to make her way to the roof… having her notebook in hand again…
Leaving her friends to sit alone with her thoughts, primarily on her newest encounter with both Kendo and the mysterious and cold Yuuki. Ciana had a few thoughts running through her head already, drifting into a daydream to carefully sort through her paranoia about the aberrant girl. So much so she almost didn't realize who she nearly ran into. Only when that person moved sharply did she snap back to reality. "...that's twice now," The stoic voice replied, a hint of irritation under their breath.
Ciana was startled when she ran into the class prince again, lifting her gaze to see him and that he was irritated now… straight in up quickly. "Oh, sorry Todoroki… didn't mean to lose focus like that. I don't think I'm really doing anything right today honestly… I'm kinda on the edge." she ends up sharing a bit with her gaze back down, though she expected he wouldn't really care.
"The festival is tomorrow," He answered. "Losing focus now would be pointless,"
"Your right…" she responds with a nod, not lifting her gaze up yet. "I am doing my best to take things seriously, though maybe too seriously…" Ciana could tell the guy sounds pretty serious too about the festival, now lifting her gaze back up in wonder of his own motives. "Hey, Todoroki…? This might be a little sudden to ask, but… have you ever had a really bad feeling about someone who seems like they are not as bad as others think of them? I-I mean…" she rubs the back of her head anxiously just asking him this especially since they don't talk often. "I don't know… like I'm taking their strange actions too seriously maybe?"
He stared for a moment, "That sounds like something you should figure out on your own," His reply was rather curt and almost apathetic.
"I guess so…" she smiled more sheepishly as she continued rubbing her head anxiously, feeling like she's making a bad impression of herself again, maybe it's best she change the topic. "Say… I-I actually heard you have more than one power like mine by the way, that's really cool! How come you don't show off the other side too?" She now asks, not realizing how sensitive that topic might possibly be for the prince…
This question brought his left hand a little, "I use the heat from my left side to regulate my cold, but... I'll never use this fire, it's a vow I made to myself," For the first time since meeting Todoroki, his aura shifted, its orange pigment flickering with... sorrow, and hatred.
Hearing that actually perked her up in surprise a bit as she noticed his painful and irritated expression, causing her to frown in concern again for him. "Oh… I-I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to bring something so sensitive up." She quickly apologized. "I… I really don't mean to pry but I promise I won't say anything to the others if it's too much to talk about, but… is it your power that made you injure yourself?" She looked to him in wonder of this, her eyes softening more. "I know someone that's actually in the same boat if that's true… I-I'm sorry to suddenly ask that out of the blue but I admit I couldn't help but worry about you…"
"You pry into people's feelings a lot, you're never afraid to speak what's on your mind," He narrowed his gaze more. "It's irritating," He turned to move past her, slowly moving away to continue back to their classroom.
That… actually stung her and felt really stupid for bringing that up so suddenly… though Ciana was still worried about Todoroki as she looked back at him in concern. "Todoroki! I-I know we barely know each other, but… if you ever need someone to talk to I'll lend a ear anytime, it's not good to keep everything inside if you're ever bothered… I'm not saying this out of pity but as a friend." She tells him even when he's walking off, staying right where she is. Knowing she shouldn't press further.
"I didn't come here to make friends," He replied, leaving her alone with her thoughts once more.
Ciana eyed him sadly as he went off, staying where she was as she eyed his direction. "Something must have affected him to be like this… I can't leave him like that." She says to herself with her eyes narrowing more sadly. "Maybe… I'll try talking to him again when the time seems more right…" Ciana sighs now, glancing at her watch. "I wasted my opportunity to head to the roof… I better get back to class too." Now changing her direction to head back to her class, though still feeling pretty stupid today for prying to much…
The night before the Sports Festival had everyone excited and almost unable to relax. Izuku was nervously tapping his foot as he scanned his notes, having been practicing on his own and with Ciana's help for a short period of time in the afternoon, he felt more comfortable moving around with Full Cowling, though eight percent was still a stretch for him. But today was different, Ciana said she didn't feel like it after her spar with Katsuki.
"Oi, Deku," He jumped, turning sharply to the blonde in mind.
"W-what's up, Kacchan?" He gulped.
"What the hell's up with that Blank?" He accused, causing Izuku's brow to furrow.
"Huh?"
"Her movements were shit and sloppy, like she wasn't paying attention at all, if she damn croaks before I get the chance to beat the two of you tomorrow I'll kill you both!" He warned, walking away with a scowl. But he had only given more for Izuku to be concerned with.
"What's up with her this afternoon?" Closing his notebook, he quickly made himself scarce, hopping up the stairs to the second floor to find her room. Immediately he knocked. "Ciana?"
After her match with Bakugo, Ciana was slumped at her desk in her room just staring down at her notes in her notebook while holding her face up with her hand. Sighing sadly to herself, perking up a bit when she heard Izuku. Ciana didn't even get up from her seat or even look at the door. "It's open!" She called out, she didn't even bother locking her door or getting up to answer it…
Entering quickly, Izuku saw her brooding at her desk, clearly bothered by something. "Hey," Moving over, Izuku didn't hesitate to move behind her and wrap his arms around her stomach, resting his chin on her shoulder. "You okay?"
Ciana was a little surprised and startled by the loving embrace, causing her to be flushed shyly as her gaze turned away. Her heart was pounding in her chest already. "I-I'm fine! J-just really tired after working a lot is all…" she responds, already she was coming up with excuses to hide herself.
Izuku didn't want to mention Katsuki for fear he'd chew him out again but he squeezed a little more, "Kacchan yelled at me that you weren't paying attention and that your heart wasn't in it - t-that's me making what he said PG - Is something bothering you about tomorrow?" He wondered, it couldn't be Yuuki. Ciana didn't look troubled when she left the cafeteria.
Ciana slumped a little at her sloppy moves she displayed today against him. "Oh… I-I guess I was off my game today, I still can't do anything right…" She ended up plopping her face on her desk, hiding her face further. "I-it's not about the festival… let's just say my motives today is what's making me a mistake to everyone lately…" Ciana was starting to doubt herself again… not feeling like her determined cheerful self as that's drained at the moment.
Moving around to her side, Izuku knelt down at her head's level, rubbing her back slowly. "What made you think that?"
She sighed again, keeping her face where it was. "Figured you know… Especially that you thought I was being ridiculous at lunch before…" she ended up saying. "Plus, I didn't make a good impression of myself with Todoroki either…" Her fists clench just mentioning her mistake… groaning a little now.
"S-sorry, I was m-more saying that out of habit, t-that wasn't directed at you, again, sorry," Now Izuku felt like the idiot here. Keeping his expression light, he took her fists and slowly wormed his fingers in to pull them apart, eventually tugging Ciana around in her office chair to look at him, though she kept her head down regardless. "And what did you say to him that made you believe you didn't make a good impression?"
She felt the familiar warm feeling in her hand that caused her to perk up just a little, now being turned to face him but kept her gaze down sadly. "I… I asked him about his power and his eye… I can tell I really ticked him off when I brought that up… my curiosity got the best of me and instead of trying to help I just made myself a nuisance…" Her eyes shut tightly to avoid any possible tears coming.
"Ciana, you made one mistake, sure, to him it was clearly a touchy subject, but you meant nothing bad about it," Izuku squeezed her hands. "I... you dug into my own feelings before, stuff I... still have a hard time coming to terms with before I met you, i-it hurt but I can safely say getting past that first hurdle has made me feel a lot better about myself, maybe not entirely, but it's a start," He smiled fondly at how she comforted him when he let a wall down. "Todoroki... he probably has walls of his own, just give him time, I guess, who knows, maybe he'll come around someday."
"Well… maybe…" She still felt pretty dumb of herself, Ciana wasn't sure if she should apologize or just leave him alone like he wanted. "Not like I can really help everyone anyways… he probably hates me now for all I know…" She replies sadly, her goal of wanting to be friends with him began to crack at her chances of that.
Izuku smiled a bit, "No, pretty sure Kacchan hates me, but Todoroki doesn't sound like the kind of person to hate people after a small mistake like that," Moving one hand to cup her cheek, he lifted her face to see his innocent smile. "Don't let it get to you, it's better to accept you made a mistake and learn to do better from it, right?"
Her gaze at least stayed on him as her eyes now eyed Izukus, she didn't smile yet but nodded at his words. "Yeah… you're right about that at least." Ciana knew she wasn't perfect, but wasn't sure how to fix it. "I'll just leave him be for now… but I can tell something really affected him that probably had to do with his flame quirk…"
"Then when the time comes you'll be there to try again, I'll be honest, I'm curious too so who knows what'll happen," Shrugging, he cocked his head a bit. "You feeling a little better now?"
She nodded, but still didn't smile completely. "I guess so… I probably should go apologize to Bakugo at least and ask if he wants to do a redo of our match today to make up for it." She gets up, knowing he still wanted to work hard for the festival and she needed to stay in the game too.
A thought occurred. "We... could spar?" Izuku perked up, staring off into space. "I mean, considering you've been fighting Kacchan, he'll know all your moves, and vice-versa so it may be best to fight against someone different to test just how far you've come."
The sudden offer to spar really took her by surprise as she looked back at Izuku before stepping out. "Wait, you… want to spar with me?" Ciana didn't expect Izuku to want to challenge her, now wondering what made him want to do that besides for the festival the next day? "Not that I'm against it but I didn't think you like the idea of laying a hand on me." She ends up teasing with her smile finally perking up playfully a little.
"Never had that problem before..." He said under his breath without thinking, then coughed into his hand as his face went a little red from the 'other' way he's laid a hand on her. "Well, granted, I wouldn't want to hurt you b-but there's the possibility we may end up confronting each other depending on the challenges, and it's not as if I'm actively trying to seriously hurt you,"
Cianas head tilted while thinking about what he said, "He's right… we might have to face each other during the festival…" Cianas eyes narrowed worryingly after realizing that. "Right… h-honestly I really don't like the idea of fighting you… especially our other friends." Ciana had worried about that lately, even if they are aiming to be the best, she hated the idea of fighting them.
"I understand, but again, there are several Pros on standby every year to prevent serious accidents, and if it comes to be a problem you can forfeit at any time," Izuku reassured her, holding her hands tightly. "Plus, we've seen each other spar in the last two weeks with the others so it's just that on a bigger scale."
Ciana stared at him in a concerning manner, squeezing his hands in hers as she took a moment to think it over. It did sound really dangerous but it probably be bad for her to back out like a coward, plus that's probably what the purple haired jerk expects out of her… narrowing her eyes more seriously at the thought of him, Ciana nodded her head in understanding. "Alright… no matter what I'll give it my all."
"I'd expect nothing less from you," Izuku smiled brightly, pecking her lips quickly before standing up. "Want to get started before dinner's called?"
She blushed flusteredly from the quick kiss, perking up her smile a bit more. "Y-yeah sure! Do you want to head outside from the balcony again?" She asks playfully as she jabbed her thumb behind her to gesture to it.
"It is a fast way down to the grass..." He murmured, looking back. "At this point, we should just install a ladder,"
Shaking his head with Ciana giggling at the comment, Izuku once more charged to mere two percent, picked Ciana up and hopped down to the ground below. Since they were only sparring, Izuku saw no reason to hide this training but they were still out of sight from the common area windows, standing on the grass outside some of the balconies.
Now on her feet again on the grass, Ciana pulled an elastic from her pocket as she begun to tie her hair up again. Now spinning around to face him. "Alright! So, you think your ready to fight a girl this time?" She asks playfully as Ciana starts to get into position from a short distance.
"Being a girl isn't really the issue, more so I'm fighting the one girl that knows me better than me sometimes," Izuku cracked a smile. raising his percentage to five again. "I'll stick to five percent but let me know if you think that's too much, since we're not certain how durable your Aura makes you," Now in the dusk of night, Izuku's sparks and glowing eyes became prominent.
Ciana was a little nervous facing Izuku during his One for All stage, but that's also what's to be expected during the festival… since he was powering up, Ciana powered herself up with her usual glow too, even her own eyes lit up determinedly. "I don't except any less from you." Ciana responds before already charging forward towards him, using her skills Bakugo taught her…
Izuku had to consider his moves carefully, Ciana has been training with Katsuki of all people. She made the first move, this time using her quirk made her movements faster but not impossible to track. Izuku blocked her right jab with his forearm, swinging for her stomach only for her hand to yank his blocking arm down, throwing his aim off and smacking him across the chin with the heel of her palm. Pushing back, Ciana raised her knee to strike his abdomen only for her grip to slip as Izuku pulled back in time, moving around her to wrap an arm around her stomach, tossing her backward with much greater force than her.
Ciana tumbled and rolled to kneel, lunging low, evading his left hook, moving under it to strike his stomach as Izuku grunted, but she hissed, jabbed on the back of the neck as two strong hands gripped her shoulders, throwing her upright again and straight into Izuku's right jab to her own stomach, making her stumble back too. Now, both stared each other down.
Ciana clearly took her lessons from Bakugo to heart, mentally thanking him as she faced off with Izuku. Izuku is incredibly strong himself which was no surprise to her, it amazed Ciana how quick he even is but that's what to be expected from his superpower. Ciana doesn't hold back while fighting but of course makes sure not to kill him.
She smiled proudly as she went at him and even when she took her own hit it didn't make Ciana back out, even if she's not powerful compared to her friends she had the heart to fight and get back on her feet. "Had enough yet?!" She asks playfully while still jabbing at Izuku.
He kept moving his body back, avoiding her persistent strikes. Funnily enough, he was smirking too, "Hardly!"
When she missed, Izuku would throw his own strike only for her arms to retract and guard her face, her Aura held up against five percent pretty well, not a bruise to be seen while gold and emerald danced and intertwined in the dark, neither quite landing that finishing blow.
Then, in a swift move, Izuku swatted her left hook away, causing Ciana to swing a right hook in retaliation but he caught her fist, then, in a surprising sense of Deja Vu. Pressed his back to her chest, and in a single twist, threw her up and over his own body, slamming her down onto the ground to pin her legs and grabbing her arms. "You've been fighting similar to Kacchan, you also keep using big hooks too, but incorporating jabs was a smart tactic, as well as keeping your arms up to block my own fists."
Normally Ciana would be very flustered with the position she's in with Izuku… but her focus wasn't on that, even when he has her down, Ciana smirked up at him. "I may have picked up a few things from him but that doesn't mean I don't have my own tricks up my sleeve…" she suddenly says, even when Izuku had her legs pinned… when Izuku had his guard down, her legs quickly pushed up using her aura to give her enough strength to use them both to kick him off her…
Landing on his back, Izuku shook his head before rolling to avoid her own pin. He moved around her, attempting to grapple her from behind but she spun around and struck his left forearm, but he caught her left fist at the last second, twisting her right arm with him to hold it against her back tightly. Despite the hold immobilizing one arm, she tried to strike with her elbow or take Izuku's feet out from under him. But, much like what he said about her knowing all about him, the same could be said about her. Izuku had seen the two spar a few times himself.
"You give - ah!" Her elbow smacked his cheek, drawing back again to dig into his side but Izuku didn't let up. So he tightened his hold on her arm, making her wince.
Ciana ended up laughing amusingly as they fought and getting the upper hand a few times, Izuku sure doesn't play around as she can tell he's taking this fight seriously. Ciana knew Izuku always kept studying her quirk so it makes sense he worked on strategies against her. "Not even close!" She responds confidently but playfully. Even when Izuku had a hold of her arm, she used the other to try and elbow him in the stomach…
Her constant jabs to his stomach was starting to hurt so Izuku sucked in a breath, and with One For All, swept Ciana's feet and pinned her to the ground on her stomach, grabbing her other arm to hold against her back. "Not to dampen your mood, but I got you," To emphasize this, his right leg moved over the backs of her knees, keeping her from potential smacking his back with her heels. Aura and the breathing style combined would probably give him a back ache if he let her.
Then suddenly, to Ciana's surprise, he let her go to kneel beside her, his face a little green as he gasped. "...why did you have to aim for my stomach..." He shivered, swallowing something, much to his disgust. "If anything, your s-strategy worked, ugh..."
Ciana immediately felt bad when she noticed he started to look sickly… sitting up a bit to rub his back, smiling sympathetically as they ended up pausing now. "I'm so sorry… I shouldn't have kept relying on that move, are you alright?" She now asks in concern for his well-being, Ciana wasn't sure if it helped but as she was rubbing his back she replenished some of his stamina in hopes it would make him feel more better.
"Yep, all good, lunch just... ugh," He shivered again, clearing his throat. "I-it was a smart move, a-a little unsettling, b-but I think that's a bit of a draw," Showing a tiny smile, he silently thanked her for the small soothing feeling over his body, that passive healing of hers starting to shine.
"I think that's enough for today… if we face each other during the festival then I promise to ease up on the stomach jab next time." Ciana felt guilty for making him feel sick, frowning in guilt as she tried to help him stand up. "How about we head inside and get you some water to drink, the last thing I want is to make you sick when the sports festival comes tomorrow."
"I forever appreciate your kindness to not punch my stomach," He gulped, managing to stand on his own well enough to walk again, though a little queasy.
Unable to use his quirk to simply take the alternative route inside, they opted to go through the main entrance instead. Once inside, Izuku slumped on a stool at the kitchen bar, slumping slightly to slowly work off the small remnants of nausea.
Ciana hated seeing him like this, never realizing how bad that move can make a person sick… as Izuku was slumping on the stool, Ciana grabbed a water bottle from the fridge to give to him. Standing across from him behind the counter as she also pulled out some meds from her bag. "Here take these, this should help make your stomach feel more better."
She now offered, being well prepared since Bakugo also used those moves on her… "Note to self, always ease up on the stomach jabs unless it's toward an enemy…'' She tells herself mentally, her hand now holding her face up with her elbow supporting her weight on the counter while sitting across from Izuku.
"You're the best," Izuku murmured, taking the meds and a gulp of water all in one with a sigh. "Suffice to say, I think we'll manage tomorrow,"
"You okay, Midoriya?" The one cooking alongside Uraraka was Yaoyorozu, the ravenette being the one to speak. "You look a little pale."
"I'm okay, small spar before dinner," He replied meekly, feeling his stomach settle.
She raised her hand in guilt of this as she ended up confessing her crime while smiling sheepishly toward her friends. "It's my fault… I was too hard on him during our spar, I may have took Bakugo's lessons too much at heart." Ciana ended up admitting, now just trying her best to care of poor Izuku.
"Youch, well, at least it works?" Uraraka chuckled nervously.
"Works very well, I can attest," Izuku raised his hand a bit.
"Hopefully our meal helps you feel better, it's nothing heavy and quite a healthy meal with plenty of greens," Yaoyorozu reassured him and his stomach of this.
"All of you are too nice..." Izuku said with a content sigh, head down on the bar in relief.
Ciana couldn't help but giggle at Izukus slumped behavior, now going back around to rub his back again. "At least we're well prepared for the big games tomorrow, I think I have enough fighting spirit to take on anyone now. Well, I still have some ways to go but I know Izuku here got this in the bag."
Ciana was pretty impressed with Izukus own moves as well, especially that he didn't end up breaking any bones this time while powering up.
"And with Ciana's gut punch I'm certain she'll pull through just as well," Izuku quipped, earning a few laughs from the girls as he resigned to resting his head until he felt okay to sit properly.