Hosu had survived its siege from the Nomus, and several teens could rest easy knowing a notorious murderer was defeated by their hands. Despite the consequences to come, and the uncertainty of moving forward, none of that bothered them in the slightest. Before long, they had been taken to Hosu General Hospital to be healed, and soon enough, daybreak had come as Ciana sat in a room shared with Yuuki, the two were expected to have visitors so it left them time to relax.
"I wonder who is speaking with the others, we were informed it was important," Yuuki wondered, staring up at the ceiling in thought. "Still, are your injuries doing better?"
"Better than before when I had a knife in my shoulder." She replied a bit playfully, laying back on the bed as her thoughts drift again. "How about you? How are you doing?" Ciana now asks, concerned for her injuries still.
Yuuki raised her left arm, seeing it tremble, much to her annoyance. "I can move my arm again, but not much else, my quirk can't heal me faster so I'm stuck in this sling for a day or two, and my foot can handle my weight now, but again, not too much strain," Her ears flicked at her bitterness. "I wish someone had provided me with my equipment so I can cover my ears... but that's not a glaring issue, I suppose,"
"Your ears are fine compared to how I looked…" her gaze went to her hands again as she remembered how she looked before. "My hair changed and grew horns… the way everyone was eyeing me besides that hero killer… I probably looked like a ferocious monster to everyone…"
"That woman, Scout, didn't seem to think so, nor did anyone around us seem to say anything but how 'impressive' your quirk was," Yuuki air quoted. "As I said, worrying what others will think won't help you, but Midoriya is correct on his assumption that is a long road, I too realized that when I was forced to live with... this," She gestured to her ears and tail.
"I actually don't understand why you find your look so repulsive, i have a friend who literally has a head of a bird. And he doesn't mind walking around how he looked." She chuckled at the mention of Tokoyami. "Plus, another who can stretch his body parts… and I secretly find that so creepy. But for you, you still look very human. And your animal traits just make you so cute and actually how a cat usually is, very swift and fierce."
Her face, due to not being covered, tensed up, and a faint pinkness caught Yuuki's cheeks as she grabbed her tail to stop it swaying. "...all it does is cause me problems. It's a mutation that should never have happened, now, when I see myself entirely through a mirror I feel these... waves of pressure in my head, like I'm forgetting something, that alone is annoying, then there's what I've shown you, learning to tamper with your senses to deal with situations, I'm still learning that,"
"But you... despite how you appear in dragon form, you can simply revert back to how you've always looked... I envy that, to be able to hide away your mutations; of course, I've seen how much of a curse it is for you, but despite our similarities, I can't... hide this," She let her tail go, breathing heavily for a moment to calm herself. "I suffer from mood swings time to time, meditation helps me keep that in check, and that ability of Io's I performed on you, it is still difficult nonetheless,"
"You say I can revert back to how I am, but that's not entirely true…" she smiled sadly towards her, pulling her legs up to hug her knees. "It's getting harder for me to keep myself under control… I'm even having mood swings myself, how I reacted to the hero killer when he had Izuku pinned… I didn't recognize myself how I talked. I can't even sing anymore without becoming like that…"
Her face lowered halfway in her knees. "I'm starting to question if I'm really cut out to be a hero…"
That surprised Yuuki briefly. Was... was this her chance? Would Ciana even accept her offer? But that small speck of hope died, not because there was the chance Ciana would refuse, no, Yuuki... didn't want to abuse her emotions like that. Kendo was right... she had changed, more than Yuuki wanted to admit. "...I've done things... that I can never forgive myself for doing... I don't just hate heroes for not saving my parents... rather, I know I have no right to call myself a hero, simply based on what I've done to get here,"
"...but you, despite having every opportunity to run away, you don't, you've stood your ground against villains, against me, against Stain. Maybe you don't have control over your quirk, maybe you never will, but you have never stopped trying to find ways to succeed; your greatest strength? It's your own tenacity," Yuuki admitted truthfully. "Don't fear your quirk, don't let it control your life, accept it, learn from it, and move on from it if that's your wish,"
She frowned at this, still not very accepting how her quirk makes her look. From how aggressive she acted towards the hero killer… Ciana wondered if there's a chance she will do something she will always regret. "I always hated the authorities for not coming to save my mom in time when she got shot by criminals… when that day happened I always thought there wasn't much justice in the world after that… I even hated the people who held me back to stopped me from aiding my mom."
Ciana took her hairpin out of her hair to stare down at it. "Right when the criminals ran away with the money… my mom didn't seem like she had any regrets for what she did, all she did was just smile at me before she passed…" she clutched her hair clip, almost becoming teary eyed. "If my mom saw me now she probably be disappointed how I behaved…"
"I..." Yuuki clenched the sheets at her side. "...I can't speak for any parent, I don't remember much what mine were like, but... no mother hates their child, even if I've forgotten her face, I know she had to have cared about me, I... only hope she still does, yours would feel the same, the things you've done, are deserving of praise, I think that is," Yuuki scratched her ear awkwardly. "Sorry, I'm... not good at this like Kendo,"
"Your perfectly fine, your words are comforting enough." Her gaze went back to her as her smile perked up a little. "You told me your mom used to sing to you when you were younger… maybe if you recall some of the words she sang you would remember more what your life was like with them, which is why I always like to sing my moms songs… it makes me feel like she's still here."
Though of course she and to stop doing that for a specific reason. "Since I can't sing them anymore I had to read the lyrics in my notebook I wrote down instead…"
"I've tried... but nothing comes back, just... humming," Yuuki closed her eye for a moment, trying to recall. "I've looked into it, but... there was nothing I could find, it was a lullaby, or something akin to one, gentle, and soothing," Exhaling, her cold stare returned. "Perhaps using that should be your goal to control your quirk. You wish to sing, then one day, if you learned to suppress your quirk, you may sing again, often having positive goals like that help, I've found,"
"I'm not sure… I'm still not comfortable with the sight, I mean I started thinking… you know that bat creature that looked basically inhumane? Why do you think it didn't say much and behaved like an actual beast?" Her gaze went back to her in concern of this.
"It was a Nomu, right?" Yuuki pointed out. "From what I've gathered before we were taken here, they are mindless drones with multiple quirks, at least, that's what I've heard. Comparing us to them is far too big of a stretch. You encountered one at the USJ, it wished to kill All Might, yes?"
"Yeah so I heard…" she nodded, that sure was a crazy and bazaar experience. She guessed All For One had something to do with that maybe. "Maybe they are like that due to someone, but… if not, there's a possibility I could even end up how he behaved… losing all of my humanity and becoming an actual beast from my quirk… I wanted to ask Izuku about that if I ever get to talk to him again, even if I'm wrong it's still pretty concerning about the possibility…
Ciana actually wondered how Izuku, Shoto and Iida are doing after that night, she hoped they didn't gain any nightmares. Remembering how shaken up they looked from the pro killer…
"Well-"
The door opened as soon as Yuuki spoke, revealing three individuals. One was Edgeshot, the second the sidekick Ciana had met, Scout. And last threw them both through a loop. A man with a sturdily built stature of a person and a head of a beagle stood before them. He wore a suit, consisting of a dress shirt, and waistcoat, over which he wears an unbuttoned black blazer and matching dress pants underneath. He has a belt with a large buckle and a black and white tie that resembles a dalmatian's coat.
"Morning, Yuuki, Finley, I trust you two are recovering well?" Edgeshot asked with a polite flick of his hand in greeting.
"Ah... yes, sir," Yuuki was puzzled, it was certainly an... odd mutation for a person.
"Yeah, we're doing-…" when her gaze turned to the group, her eyes widen in shock what she is seeing. "Whoa!" seeing a walking animal with clothes on, now she wondered if she is dreaming as Ciana pinched herself. "Okay, am I seeing things… or is there an actual dog in a suit in the room…? I-I must be still asleep…"
Ciana had her hand on her head, basically wondering if she's hallucinating… she never seen anyone with a head of a dog, not thinking he is actually a person.
"Pfft!" Scout coughed into her hand, while Edgeshot raised a curious brow, though the third man didn't seem at all phased. "Ahem, this here's the Hosu Chief of police, Kenji Tsuragamae, actually," She added with a small wince.
Head of the police? Ciana is aware that police men have dogs as partners but she never imagined the head of the police would be an actual dog himself… hopefully this appearance doesn't rile Yuuki up, Ciana still stared at the dog man with wide eyes. Clearly not ever familiar with him. "Oh, uh… I-I'm so sorry!" Ciana quickly apologize while waving her hands, sweat dripping realizing she just insulted an actual cop.
"F-forgive me! I-I'm… not very familiar with animal appearances…" Ciana felt very awkward now, this is still so freaky for her…
"I take no offense, it happens often," The Chief nodded to her. "Now, you two were part of the group of UA students that took down the Hero Killer, am I correct, woof?"
"We are," Yuuki answered for them.
"Stain had suffered serious injuries, severe burns and several broken bones, one rib having punctured a lung which brought him to a stop as you've seen," Tsuragamae explained to their serious expressions. "While I do not wish to repeat myself, I will give you both the bottom line for why I am here; our job is to maintain the status quo in a superhuman society, it is why heroes are trained to be given licences to use their quirks, to abolish violent acts with quirks unregulated, hence why vigilantes and villains exist,"
"You two were given permission by a licensed hero and top hero at that to engage with quirks, something that isn't taken lightly, so you avoided any punishment. The three that were with you, however, had no authority to physically harm the Hero Killer, they, along with their supervisors would be due to receive harsh punishment for their actions,"
"What?!" Ciana perked up in shock at this, knowing that Izuku, Shoto and Iida are in trouble… what did he mean by punishment? Ciana hoped this didn't mean jail time, she immediately stood up out of her bed as she became worried for her friends. "W-what kind of punishment are you talking about? I-I know what they did wasn't too smart but Izuku and Shoto only did what they did because they were trying to help our friend Iida! If they didn't show up then he would have been killed."
Ciana knew it was reckless of Iida to face him… but she didn't want him be punished badly for this. "They been punished enough for what happened… please don't take what they did personally!"
Tsuragamae didn't seem at all phased by her words. "I see, so as long as it was with the intent to stop another from directly harming the Hero Killer, everything was justified?" He asked her quite sternly.
"They would've died," Yuuki spoke up too in protest to this, her face warped with bewilderment. How can this be worthy of punishment? Didn't they save lives? "If we hadn't had shown up... two people would've been killed,"
"As I've said to them, this is clear proof that you have a long way to go in your teachings," The Chief's retort only seemed to anger Yuuki further.
"They did what any hero would of done! I know we're not official hero's yet but they did the right thing, unlike you people who don't even show up in time to help! If we just let you handle everything then my friends would probably be dead by then, and it really would be all your fault!" Cianas hands clenched in anger as well as her teeth gritted… she clearly still hated the police.
"I-I would have lost more people I cared about… Shoto and Izuku don't deserve to be punished for this! Nether does Iida… he already realized his mistake… he did what his brother couldn't do though and that's stand up for people he cared about… they are heros…" Ciana was almost at the verge of crying again, this is exactly what the people told her.., have the cops handle everything only to lose someone in the process…
"At ease, Finley, Yuuki," Edgeshot stepped in with his hand out. "Your convictions are just, but let the man finish."
Tsuragamae then rubbed his snout, "Well, again, as I said to your friends, that was the official stance of my department, but so long as this does not go public, there will be no need for punishment. True, your deeds would have been applauded by many, however, your friends would certainly take a fall not meant for young heroes in training, you two would have to be kept in the dark to the public as well to avoid any miscommunication, woof,"
"Instead, stating Endeavor was the one to take the villain down would support the burns Stain sustained. If you choose to accept these terms, no one will know of your deeds, you will receive nothing as a result, where I stand remains unchanged," The man then put up a thumb proudly to them. "I wouldn't want to tarnish any children's futures,"
"Sucks too, you guys were certainly amazing," Scout sighed in dismay, but tapped a finger to her lips with a playful wink. "Guess that'll remain our little secret,"
"I was not there to witness it all, but you both have done well, the makings of true heroes, well done," Edgeshot bowed his head proudly to his students.
Yuuki relaxed a little, eventually bowing her head slightly. "...I apologize for my words before, and... thank you,"
"I guess I'm sorry too…" Ciana averted her gaze, she actually didn't like the idea of Endeavor getting credit for what he didn't do especially knowing what he's like… no doubt his ego would be boosted by the praise he doesn't deserve, she sighed in frustration. "Fine… as long as it doesn't effect my friends which all that matters…"
Ciana was still worried about her friends though, her gaze looking up in much concern for them. "W-where are Shoto and Izuku? Are they still in the hospital?" Right now Ciana really wanted to see them, she is worried and wanted to know if they are okay even if they are fixed up.
"They are the room to our left, however..." Scout then glanced to the Chief as he had one last thing to say.
"Now, I know it may not be fair, so at the very least..." Tsuragamae then bowed once more to the heroes that put an end to the Hero Killer's infamy. "...accept the utmost gratitude from the Hosu Chief of Police,"
The girls looked to one another, feeling fulfilment despite the choppy situation. Edgeshot nodded to them, stepping aside as the Chief went to take his leave. "You may go visit them, if the hospital discharges you within a day or two, I shall come collect you, but rest well, you've earned it,"
Ciana stepped forward first, her expression became a bit remorseful. "Thank you sir, and… I'm sorry for what I said. I admit… I'm not very friendly with the police sometimes due to a situation what happened to someone I was close to who lost her life…" it probably wasn't necessary to tell him this but figured she should explain her behavior as she tells the dog man this before he completely walked out.
"I appreciate all your doing for us… especially for not charging our friends for what they did." Ciana managed to smile a little to show her gratitude even if he couldn't see it.
"I am sorry for what you must've gone through. As for your friends, think nothing of it, you've done more than enough, even if no one will know, woof" He thanked her. "But listen to Edgeshot, recover and continue to learn, then maybe one day I will see you as licensed heroes," With a nod, Tsuragamae took his leave.
For a guy with a dog face… he sure seems like he means well, but also that he doesn't seem to think too highly of high schoolers rush into actions. But Ciana doesn't take that too personally as she nodded toward him and then look to Edgeshot. "Um… Edgeshot, is it alright if I go see my friends real quick? I promise not to take too long."
Ciana really wanted to see her friends, not being around them was almost driving her crazy especially that she can't do anything to help boost them if they need it.
"You are free to do as you wish, I only came to check up on you both myself, Scout had filled me in on everything," Edgeshot motioned for them to proceed with Ciana holding out the crutch given to Yuuki to walk.
"Th-thank you," She murmured, propping herself up properly again to walk with Ciana.
"See you guys in a day or two," Scout waved, leaving with Edgeshot.
"Thank you so much!" She thanked her with a smile, now already walking out the door as she is very eager to see the boys. Ciana really hoped Iida doesn't feel anything like his brother felt… but by how he declared himself a hero toward the pro killer… maybe she won't have much to worry about.
"Oh, Ciana, Yuuki, hey," Standing just down the hall before another door was Izuku, he too wearing a hospital gown, but bandages were visible around his left leg and right forearm, much like the girls. "How are you two holding up?"
Ciana was happy to see Izuku and was actually going to hug him, but actually stopped herself when she recalled not only his injuries but how dangerous she possibly is… Ciana stopped at a few feet of him as she smiled a little. "We're doing fine… what about you, Shoto and Iida? How you guys holding up?" Ciana was kinda surprised Izuku is already up and moving, he still should be resting himself.
"Alright so far, I'm just getting back from talking on the phone," He opened the door and let the girls in first, refraining from holding Ciana's hand since she liked to keep things secret as long as possible, and because she looked a little reluctant, probably from how she previously acted in her dragon form last night.
Inside, Shoto was staring at Iida who kept his forlorn gaze to his bandaged arms in slings. "Hey, Iida, I just got off the phone with Uraraka, she was worried about you so-"
"Midoriya... Iida, just got his test results back," Shoto brought the mood down instantly, the group staring at the bluette worryingly.
"My left hand might have damage that's permanent," Iida revealed, the impact of their battle with Stain rearing its ugly face.
Wait Uraraka called him? Ciana wasn't aware Izuku had her number… for some reason the idea effected her a little… but doesn't want to think too much about that now as she now sees Shoto and Iida. Though hearing that Iidas arm is damaged permanently possibly… that took her back in surprise. "What? W-what does that mean…?" Ciana guessed that might mean he can't use it anymore which she is afraid of.
"T-that shouldn't be an issue… I'm sure recovery girl can fix the damage, she can fix Izuku when he breaks his bones after all…" Ciana tried to lighten the mood, thinking she could aid Iida better in this state.
"Recovery Girl's quirk accelerates a person's healing abilities, hence the stamina loss, so repairing nerve damage is almost impossible," Izuku swallowed that pill, it was a limit Iida surely knew already.
"Both my arms were really torn up, but the damage to my left arm was extremely severe," He ran his hand gingerly over its cast. "The damage was to my brachial plexus, which just means I'll just have trouble moving my fingers, and my hand might have some numbness," Iida smiled a little, trying to ease their concerns. "Apparently, there's a chance it might be healed with neural transplant surgery."
Even his optimism faded, staring down at his arms in reflection of what happened. "When I came across the Hero Killer, I stopped thinking rationally, the first thing I should've done was call Manuel, but I got lost in my own anger," He raised his head. "I hate him so much, but I can't deny he spoke the truth, that's why, until I am able to call myself a real hero, I will leave my left hand as it is,"
"Are you sure?" Shoto asked.
"Iida… sure what you did was reckless, but in a way… if you hadn't did what you did then the hero killer wouldn't have been captured and possibly have killed another hero." Ciana tried to lighten the mood as she approached. "I'm not saying you should do it often… but what made you so heroic in that moment is when you stuck up for us when we were fighting for you, I understand how you feel… but that's why we learn from these mistakes."
Ciana looked at her hand, clutching it before looking back up toward them. "I'm not sure if it will be enough… but if it helps, I be happy to boost as much stamina you need to recover."
"Thank you, I understand what you're saying, but there is no denying my intensions were misplaced," He offered a tiny smile to her. "I wish to recover from my mistakes, you needn't do anymore for me now,"
Izuku looked especially worried by this, but he didn't say what he was thinking, Ciana could see he was blaming himself but didn't want to twist the situation on him. Instead, he stepped forward, closing his fist toward his friend. Izuku should've been a better friend back then, but feeling sorry for himself wasn't going to change that. Giving Iida a confident look, their eyes met. "Iida, I feel the same way, let's get stronger, together,"
The two nodded, able to move forward together with the scars they bear. Yuuki stared at Ciana for a moment, then eyed her own bandaged arm from her stab wounds. She too had much left to learn, something she wasn't certain Meru Zena could teach her. These people, they were unlike any heroes she had seen, their convictions... they were pure.
Shoto, on the other hand, looked pensive, staring at his hand with a sweaty face as his anxiety built. "I feel... kinda bad."
"About what?" Izuku asked.
"Whenever I'm involved someone's hand gets all messed up," He brought it closer to his face, as though his very palm was mocking him. "Is something wrong with me?"
The group's eyes dilated, unable to properly answer his expression as dreaded confusion like a velvet wave swirled around his distraught face. "Am I cursed?" That did it, sending them over the edge as what felt like an eternity since they laughed, Yuuki made a coughing noise, hiding her mouth behind her hand as she shivered slightly.
"T-Todoroki I didn't know you had a sense of humor!?" Izuku replied between fits of laughter.
Ciana couldn't help but chuckle ether, she had a hard time telling if he is serious or not. "If anyone here is cursed it's me!" She stopped laughing now as she smiled sadly. "What you guys witnessed before seeing how I acted… I can't blame any of you at all if I scared you…"
Her gaze looked down as she felt so embarrassed and frighten of their response, fiddling with her fingers. "I'm clearly losing my humanity… and I could see my changed took you all back as well…"
"Huh, r-really?" Iida stifled his chuckling to give her a silly smile. "While I was aware your quirk could enhance your body, the transformation was quite the surprise, but I hardly see the problem."
"Ciana's... not comfortable with that, at all," Izuku explained delicately. "She's been trying to find new ways to fight without relying on it as it's not who she is, r-right?" He snapped his head to her for confirmation.
She nodded in response, lifting her gaze up to look scared. "I'm… not used the changes that are happening… I'm basically becoming a different person when I'm like that." Ciana really hated her beastly side, very afraid how far she will go and look.
"You discussed it with me before... now that I've seen it, I suppose if any of us were in your position we'd be apprehensive," Shoto added too, still staring at his hand for a moment.
"The Breathing Technique has been her best route forward in this regard, but, she cannot reject her quirk forever, otherwise, she'll suffer from other drawbacks eventually, last night helped to release a good portion of that energy at least," Yuuki was ever the realist in Ciana's situation.
"My father seemed surprised by it as well, though I think it was more he wasn't expecting a quirk meant for a supportive role to be so powerful," Shoto noted as well, somewhat enjoying that fact a little, knowing Ciana still got under his old man's skin.
"I see, I apologize for never realizing this was troubling you all this time, Finley," Iida frowned a bit. "How has your training gone?"
"Alright… I mean you saw the way I fought with that hero killer, if I'm not dead then goes to show me and Yuuki are doing pretty awesome." Ciana giggled at little, then turns her gaze to Shoto. A little surprised by his response.
"Your dad was surprised? I actually thought he scoff and probably laugh how pathetic I looked when I panicked… I wanted to show him I can be heroic without so much power but I think I might have blew that goal…" she rubbed her neck anxiously with a sheepish smile, did he actually talked about her with Shoto?
"Don't bother, but seeing how irritated he was really made that fight worth it," Shoto admitted, shrugging slightly.
"Endeavor's a prick," Yuuki scoffed. "Self-centered asshole who's better of a corpse..."
"Yuuki..." Shoto sighed a little.
"I know, just angry..." She muttered back, scratching her twitching ear.
"I don't like the guy either, but I never would wish for his death. He may be cruel but he's still Shoto's dad." She smiled a little when she said this, but Ciana was actually kinda surprised Yuuki knew what Endeavor is like unless Shoto also told her. Endeavor is a terrible guy but he didn't seem heartless enough to kill… at least she hoped he wouldn't be, Ciana does hope that guy will see where his actions lead one day.
"Oh! That reminds me…" Ciana goes to take out her phone, now looking up to Shoto with a bit of a shy smile. "I never got the chance to ask for your number… is it alright we keep in touch?" After being separated for a few days, Ciana actually hoped to have Shoto's contact so they could still talk. Especially if he ever needed someone to talk to when he's still bothered.
"I admit I'm surprised you and Izuku have each other's numbers, do you guys talk when I'm not around?" Ciana asks both the boys with a playful smile, she could tell these two bonded more as friends if they have each other's contact and especially to signal Shoto for help.
While Iida and Shoto gave their numbers to Ciana, the latter of which apologized for his negligence on that part, Shoto replied simply. "Midoriya asked for it during our time off for the rest of the Sports Festival, I didn't see any reason not to,"
"Huh, glad your opening up more. You know you two are actually looking like a cool unstoppable team, maybe you should start forming a team name…" she teases with a playful smile, but the two boys really look pretty awesome together.
"Strength enhancement mixed with fire and ice creation... normally that wouldn't make a great combination, but the power of long range and close range styles really compliment each other," Izuku rubbed his chin, his muttering spilling out.
"You can factor in the synergy between yours and Iida's high mobility, as well as the supportive capabilities of myself and Finley," Yuuki seemed to be doing her own variation of Izuku's ramblings without noticing it.
"Yeah, exactly, with several agility based quirks, centered around a single long ranged quirk is a pretty effective combination!" Izuku pointed back to her with glee, the silverette nodding along in agreement.
Seems like they are pretty interested in the idea… chuckling happily at this, Izuku is always so cute when he's excited. "What about you Shoto? Would you ever consider the idea of forming a team?" Ciana asks the class prince, curious what his response would be.
"In most situations, team-ups are normal between heroes in the field so maybe," Shoto replied, looking to Yuuki. "What about you?"
"...I'm better alone, less chance for mistakes," Yuuki almost sounded reluctant to do so, running her hand under her bangs where her scarred eye remained hidden. "Or... that's how I've been taught; before UA I would do everything alone, I believe that to be a significantly smarter approach, but now... I've seen the strength of real unity, not because it's convenient,"
"Well maybe one day you'll change your mind, I can see you and Kendo also being a good team together as well as your other friends in your class." She replied while eyeing Yuuki now, noticing she's getting better and being open with people.
"Izuku and I usually work together when it comes to our quirks, though… things might be different now due to how it's changing me…" Ciana became conflicted again as her gaze goes down looking almost sad, Ciana wasn't sure if she's safe around people anymore…
"Which is why I've been writing down designs and ideas on how to help you develop without it, or until you're ready, whichever," Izuku shrugged, scratching his cheek nervously. "I haven't had much time to do that though, obviously, but with what you've learned with Edgeshot so far I'm sure it'll help tremendously,"
"Midoriya does have a prominent analytical side, if anyone can help you see new ways to grow into a proper hero, it's him," Iida reinforced.
"W-well, I do my best, that's all," Izuku smiled sheepishly, taking the time to send a hidden text to Ciana, simply reading, 'we can talk later if you want?'
Listening to her friends and looking down at her phone at the text Izuku sent her, her eyes narrowed wondering if they should talk. But she puts her phone away since they are in the room with her. "I hope so, I mean while I'm getting better at fighting without a quirk… I seem to lose control anyways, I mean I didn't even know my quirk was activated when Izuku got snatched away…"
"It's a natural instinct, its already become second nature to you to use it, long before you ever grew fearful of it," Yuuki answered her questioning tone. "Your aggression against Stain was simply an act of protectiveness, again, something in time you can control,"
"No it isn't… I mean yes I wanted to help Izuku, but I threatened to rip the guy apart when he had Izuku pinned… I-I didn't even recognize myself what that happened…" she hugged herself, her mood swings are obviously getting worse. Her eyes now on Shoto in concern for herself. "Shoto… did your dad ever mentioned anything about me to you? I mean… did he ever comment about my behavior?" Ciana did confront Endeavor a while back, but also how he witnessed how she was changing… she was curious if he said anything.
He didn't seem at all phased, blinking once. "No, nothing. Again, he was more infuriated that a person he mocked for being what he called 'weak' and 'immature' was anything but,"
"...I get the feeling this may take longer than I originally estimated..." Yuuki murmured to herself but said nothing more.
"Figured he say something like that…" she chuckled a little, but kinda surprised he didn't make any comments about her quirk. "I have a lot to think about for my future… I can't go home anymore, my people would never accept me like this… and that Meru Zena guy might come back to snatch me soon if he knows my quirk is evolving, I'm actually… kinda wondering if I'm even cut out to remain in UA…"
The tone in the room shifted at that. Everyone was taken back that Ciana would ever consider that, more so Izuku among all of them. They knew her mentality was bad, but this was starting to turn into a venomous pit she created. If Ciana kept this up, her entire life would be completely shattered by her own fear.
"..." Yuuki didn't say a word, her eye hardened a glare before she adjusted her crutch to walk for the door. "I think I need some air... before I say something worse..." This girl frustrated Yuuki, one moment she felt content around her, the next, Ciana said something that only sought to antagonize her.
"Yuuki-" Shoto spoke but she had already left the room, leaving him to release a breath he held in disappointment. "I'll admit, I don't understand most of what's going through your head, but leaving UA won't solve your problems, Finley," He offered her calmly.
Watching how Yuuki walked out and how her friends around her looked after what she said, she could tell Ciana became a major disappointment… but that didn't matter right now as her eyes began to tear up. "You don't understand… I mean you saw how that bat beast behaved, he didn't seem like he had any humanity left. I could end up the same thing! I-I'm actually… starting to see now why Meru even wanted to leave this world behind…" Ciana started to shake up and even feel her tears coming out, because of this she ended up trying to walk out…
"How is that even a comparison?" Izuku asked, holding her biceps gingerly to keep her steady. "That Nomu and you are too far apart to compare, don't ever think like that... and... we can't understand if you don't let us help you, please," He wanted to help her but her stubbornness and fear were keeping any of that from reaching.
"You said that despite my own mistakes, you still view me as heroic, how is it fair not to treat you the same?" Iida spoke up next. "Why should it be you who suffers alone?"
"And nothing about Meru Zena is worth comparing to you, terrorizing people, kidnapping them, that's not something a person wanting to escape would do," Shoto wasn't about to agree to that.
Her tears swelled up now and since Izuku stopped her she couldn't hide herself, Ciana lowered her gaze as she begun to shake. "I-I don't know… b-but one thing I know for sure is that I'm becoming aggressive, I-I thought if I didn't have any dark thoughts like Meru then I wouldn't turn into a beast… b-but no matter how I feel I'm ending up like a monster anyways…" she covered her face now, Ciana always hated showing her pathetic side.
Izuku pulled her head to his chest, holding her softly. "Having negative thoughts is unavoidable, you know that, but you've never had control over your quirk when it first awakened, but didn't stop you from trying, sure, then and now are vastly different, things have changed, but living in constant fear will only drag you back, you'll never know what you can do if you let yourself run away from every obstacle," He squeezed her arms tighter. "I'm not asking you to dive headfirst into this, but take every moment in stride, learn from it bit by bit, that's what makes you human,"
Ciana hid her face in his chest, his embrace still made her feel warm and safe but her tears still fell. "B-but…" she hiccuped a few times, Ciana is still not used to having a power that changes her. "W-what if I-I end up hurting or killing someone? T-that doesn't qualify myself as a hero…"
"If all you ever do is fear what may happen, it'll only cause you doubt every move you make," Shoto pipped up, closing his fist against his lap.
"And we'll be there to keep your fears at bay, just as you have done for us," Iida assured her.
Ciana lifted her gaze a bit to eye her friends, once again their support made her heart feel so warm, her eyes wet from the tears that leaked out but managed to smile a little. "I-I'm still not used to the idea of even having a quirk that changes me… I-it won't be easy b-but I'll keep trying… t-thank you everyone…" Ciana was still afraid of her change will be permanent or that she will become like Nomu, but hopefully she will keep herself under control…
Izuku smiled with relief, wiping her tears away with his hand. "What are heroes for, right?" The others shared his sentiment, smiling too.
Outside the room, however, Yuuki kept her back against the door, staring at her feet with a firm frown. She grabbed her hair with a frustrated grunt before making her way back to her room. Her head and heart so far apart now.