"Mmm-hm-hmm~" A new day had begun, and now the group of seven were leaving Blackrock behind for the canyon that led further up the mountain. Kiara was out in front, playing her lute as she hummed her song while Jiro and Izuku read over the map.
"So we're taking a pass that leads up over the canyon to reach your home... Stoneveil was it?" Izuku asked the purplette who bobbed her head.
"Yeah, less vines have grown to the top of the canyon so it's a safer route to avoid being snagged," Jiro explained, pointing up. "We have to head in first then take a small passage through the walls."
"Um, question?" Uraraka raised her hand beside Ciana. "Can Tenya even fit... you know, with all his armour?"
"Eh, a few scrapes on that polished suit's a good look for a knight, he'll be fine... probably," Kiara stuck her tongue out a little.
"'Probably'!?" Iida didn't feel all that confident now.
"Maybe it be more easier if you removed your armor to squeeze through when we get there…?" She suggests with a sheepish smile, arms behind her back as they walked. "Ether that or you have a spell that could make him more slippery to help?" She asked Uraraka in a joking manner.
"Uh... lemme think... I'd use a spell to reduce friction..." Then she tugged her hat down sheepishly. "But then he'd have no friction at all for... ten minutes... above a canyon, hehe,"
"I'm not scraping a corpse off the canyon floor," Kiara waved her hand high.
"I don't believe anyone wishes to do so," Shoto added quietly as Iida nodded rapidly, his helmet's eyes wide with fright.
"Don't worry Tenya I'm sure we can figure something out once we're there…" she tried to calm her friend, she rather not see him die anyways. "But anyways… these vines sound like they have a mind of their own to attack and move… I just hope none of us get sick from those plants."
While heading through the pass, more vines had crawled across the rocks, forcing Kiara to stop playing her lute in exchange for her actual weaponry, pulling two gloves off her miko outfit's belt, she slipped on a pair of claws with two long blades to hack away at any caught in their path. "Won't be an issue if we cut them down," The demon girl replied with a grunt. "Say, witch girl, if you got a fire spell, light 'em up."
"S-sure," Uraraka drew a small seal with her staff, casting a small fire bolt at a few vines hanging from the walls above.
"Allow me too," Shoto drew one with his left hand, casting a red aura over Kiara's claws, causing them to ignite the plants, much to her giddy reaction. "Fire Imbue, it should help,"
"A variant of Light Imbue..." Izuku awed, smiling back at Ciana a bit.
Ciana glanced at Izuku for a second and just gave him a little smile before turning her gaze back to Shoto, once again she was still keeping her distance as she eyed Shoto more. "Wow that's amazing how you combine your magic like that!" The girls eyes sparkled in amazement, now at Shotos side to as she admired his magic more.
"Looks like if you do that with others then it be powerful just combining your strength too, wonder if my light magic can even do something with your magic?" She had her hand on her chin just wondering about that possibility.
"Depends on how you apply it; you can do the Light variant of Imbue, but other elemental magics have a form similar," Uraraka explained with a smile as they detoured to the left where Jiro tapped her jacks to the wall, listening closely with Kiara tapping her claws to the walls. "Like them; see the seals around Kyoka's ear jack things?" She pointed as the boys and Ciana nodded. "Well, if I'm correct, that's a sound spell called Sonic Screech, normally, the spell is used as an attack, but here, Kyoka's using it to send pulses through the rock to check for any unstable segments, so it became a sub-spell, Sonar,"
"Wow..." Izuku marvelled.
"Very impressive," Iida agreed with Shoto nodding slowly.
"She's right, by the way," Jiro added as she removed her jacks with a huff.
"That's quite amazing, who knew magic can be used for other combinations too." Reminds her of UA again especially her old friends, frowning sadly just thinking about the others. Ciana really missed everyone, her heart felt empty even being with their counterparts. Here she wasn't Izukus best friend but a nuisance… she sighed sadly, taking out her phone to scroll through the pictures she took with her other friends.
Smiling at some funny photos as it brought a giggle come out of her, especially the time at the beach with Bakugo chasing around Ashido. Thankful she saved the battery to have some left.
Izuku noticed the light coming from Ciana's hand, eyeing her curiously. "What's that thing? Is that a... small painting?" It was very peculiar, maybe like a form of crystal ball?
"Hm?" Noticing Izuku peeked over her, she flinched and ended up putting it away. Keeping her gaze off him. "No it's just something from home… something you probably wouldn't understand…" there was no technology here so of course he wouldn't know what it is… probably be complicated for her to explain anyways.
"Then... what were those pictures of?" He asked instead as they walked.
"My friends…" she responded, still looking away. Ciana really missed her times in UA but knowing they are still working hard she knows she doesn't have much to worry about…
"Well, you'll certainly have a lot to show them when you return," Izuku encouraged, then smiled humorously. "Just so long as Kiara doesn't kill us before the end of the day,"
"Right…" she mumbled out sadly with her gaze looking down, wondering now if Izuku and Uraraka have gotten closer by now in UA. Her heart stung at the thought, sighing as she now looks into the sky. "Izuku… that sacred weapon you said you got from your teacher, does it hold some kind of power call One For All?" She now suddenly asks, still keeping her gaze away from him.
"Hm? I'm not sure... sounds like an interesting name for it though..." He drew his sword, simple as it may look, he stared at it in the light above. "One... For... All," Playing with the name, he smiled a bit. "Maybe so, but it also is a good name for it than 'Sacred Sword', don't you think?"
"Whatever works for you." She now looked to him with a little smile, surprised it didn't have anything to do with the name. "Well whatever power your sword has… be very careful and don't be too reckless with it…" she advised in a worried tone, knowing the power has harmed the Izuku she knew.
"I will, learned that the first time I used it to save Kiara and Kyoka, I... took up my mentor's weapon, and I swung it without even thinking about anything other than to save them," His right arm twitched a bit at the reminder. "I felt my arm compress by this... unbelievable power, then after I swung his sword I broke it entirely, thankfully I'm all better now; due to this, I've limited how much I can draw out at once,"
Just hearing the topic back on Kiara again brought her frown back, her heart cracking again. Her eyes became more sad, happy he used his skills to save people but it's still not easy for her to not be close to someone she knows anymore. "Well… good, don't keep doing it constantly then otherwise you'll cause people to worry more…" she responds, her gaze turning away again.
"I won't, I promise," He assured her, then a loud noise of a throat clearing drew them forward.
"I heard that, by the way, I'll have you know, no one's died on my watch, only seriously hurt!" She pointed back sharply. "...I also realize that doesn't help my case but... shut up!" She pouted, turning around to a crevasse in the canyon. "Alright, through here, this'll take us above the canyon across the mountain highlands," Kiara waved, dragging Iida over first with her tail, smirking to show her fangs. "In you go, shining armour,"
"U-um, may I take the time to-"
"Nah!" With a strong kick to his metal backside, Iida was shoved through horizontally, though he then became wedged, only for Kiara to frown and then kick him again as he yelled, falling through onto his back. "Ah, there we go, easy,"
"Y-you... are very... hands on," Iida groaned, his head flopping to the ground.
"Glad you noticed," She winked, dusting off her claws. "Next,"
"That was rough…" she responds, blinking her eyes in surprised what she did to poor Iida, sheesh this girl is something to pull that kind of move, sweat dropping. Might as well go next to see if Tenya is okay… sighing. "I'll go next…" she raised her hand in defeat. "But I'm gonna go in my own way!" The girl quickly clarify before she ends up stepping up to go through…
"Hey, less you gain several pounds, I'm not kicking," Kiara shrugged. Once everyone was through, they had to stand in a single file, so Kiara stood in front of Ciana who helped Iida to his feet again.
"Are you alright Tenya?" Ciana now asks in concern, she knew he be tough on his feet but this best to make sure he didn't sprain anything.
"Yes, I am well, thank you," He nodded to her, dusting off his breastplate. Then shook at fist at the demon ahead. "I would prefer you didn't do that again! This armour has been tended to carefully for generations,"
"You know, a knight in shining armour has never had his mettle tested," Kiara replied nonchalantly. "If you grow attached to weapons and armor, it'll kill you~"
"She's got a point…" she ends up agreeing, knowing how attached the other Izuku is of the power he inherited when it comes to the dangerous One For All. "But nothing wrong with treasuring something that's valuable to you." She did have her hairpin, but left it behind… Ciana sighed but kept smiling.
"Anyways we can do medical checkups later, we should keep moving." Ciana already gets on with the trek, wanting to get this done as soon as possible.
"Hold on!" Jiro yelled, and everyone froze as the canyon rumbled all around them, the purplette's eyes wide as she cupped her ears tightly. "Gah... what's with that roar!?"
"This is a roar!?" Uraraka shivered, hiding under her hat as a deep roar followed the quakes for a second more before the earth settled down again.
"W-what was t-that?" Izuku gulped, looking to the two bard siblings that shared a fearful look.
"Kyo...?" Kiara asked softly as Jiro rubbed her ears, shaking off the shock.
"That... wasn't an earth elemental... it's bigger," She replied.
"What?" Ciana looked back in confusion what she meant… narrowing her eyes in thought while trying to figure out the noice… but then her eyes shot wide open when theorizing something. "D-do you mean… it's some kind of monster or dragon…?" She asks, could it be what they think it is?
"Not sure... never been a dragon on Black Talon," Kiara narrowed her eyes. "Prince, with me, everyone else, stay back, and I mean it this time," She warned them with a firm glare as Shoto moved forward.
Both then scaled up the steep incline, Kiara led the way like a mountain goat for Shoto to mirror, the two climbed quickly until they reached the top. Kiara drew out her instrument while Shoto summoned two glyphs on either arm. Both looked around, the highlands were covered in massive boulders and cracks with the mountain to the left, they were now up on a steep cliff face too.
"What are we looking for? And why did you require my aid?" He inquired as they remained back to back.
"If there is a dragon up here, you're the strongest caster, and my other reason is because I'm not putting Ciana up here, she's desperate to find a dragon, no way am I letting her get herself killed to run after one," Shoto eyed Kiara, seeing the worry in her burning eyes, then he steeled himself as another earthquake shook the highlands, causing a rockslide further beyond.
Ciana of course didn't like that she's staying back, she glanced at her friends behind her. Especially towards Izuku… this could be her chance to finally find who she's looking for so she can go back and make things right… her fists clenched as she ended up going to follow. "Risky or not… I'm not gonna let this chance slide!" Ciana doesn't want to put anyone in danger so she wanted to go alone.
Already she jumps and climbs, determined to follow. "I'm not a weakling, and I'm not going to sit back when they could need help anyways!"
"Wait, don't go up there!" Uraraka tried to grab her, but Ciana was already out of reach, forcing them to climb after her.
"Would you wait - dammit!" Jiro hissed, climbing up too with the boys behind her.
When Ciana reached the top, she saw that the skies were clear, and that Kiara was looking back at her. "Huh? I said to wait down there you - crap!" Holding her lute in her left, she drew her claw gauntlet to her right and swung at Ciana's side.
She yelped but found the two prongs had severed a black vine with a set of plant-like jaws on the end from snapping at her shoulder, causing the vine to wiggle and retreat beneath the rocks. With a sigh of relief, she was then yanked from the canyon by Kiara's irked expression facing her. "Are you kidding me!? Are you that brain dead you'd risk coming up here to cure a curse that was never there!?"
"Hey I didn't just follow just to find the possible dragon that's up ahead!" The girl retorts with her hands on her hips with a serious glare. "I also followed to mostly make sure the both of you are alright! I may be desperate but not desperate enough to not think about you two." Ciana jabbed her thumb to her chest to gesture to herself and her pride.
"I'm not just some emotional unstable girl but I happen to have the power to replenish strength, also I'm not as weak as I might look so like it or not. I'm coming with!" Ciana is very firm about that, knowing they will need their strengths.
"...fine!" Throwing her aside, Kiara shook her head and put away her claws for her lute. "Want your 'possible' dragon so bad, it's ahead, over that ridge," Her tail jabbed toward the elevated land beyond the canyon cracks. "But if it burns you, I'm not responsible,"
"Kiara.../That's a little harsh, even for you," Izuku and Jiro tagged in, but Kiara just marched on ahead, plucking a few strings on her instrument.
"Are you well?" Iida asked, helping Ciana in return.
"I'm fine." The girl responds, brushing off the dirt from her clothes and then gives a nod of thanks towards her friends. "Like I said I'm not weak so I can handle myself, I may want to see the dragon so bad but I'm not leaving anyone behind who might need my power." Now looking ahead of her, Ciana was used to people telling her off, she has been scolded a lot before for her safety back in her world after all.
"But if that roar is as bad as how Jiro made it sound… who knows what's up ahead." Ciana pulls out her weapon, lighting up the way if she needs to. "Also I'm not afraid of a few burns, got my way to cover that if it ever happens." The girl confidently stated with a proud smile as she still looked ahead, already she gets moving.
While they followed Kiara, Jiro rubbed the back of her head as they crossed the fissures in the ground. "Hey, um... sorry about that. Kiara... b-before she was adopted, she only relied on herself... it's something she does without thinking, and when there's a chance people get hurt, she tries to do all... this, alone," Behind her, even Izuku looked surprised by this. "Kiara fakes it a lot, smiling that is... I don't think she's ever smiled once that was genuine... I-I don't think she knows how to,"
"What happened to her before?" Uraraka asked, feeling pity for the demon ahead.
"...I can't say, it's something she has to tell you on her own - a-and bringing it always makes her silent," Jiro shrugged, shaking her head. "Being a traveling performer is her way of trying to feel... anything genuine,"
"I already know how she's feelings…" she ends up responding, her eyes staying forward while keeping her weapon up. "I have the power to sense people emotions, I do the same she does when it comes to masking your emotions… but even if I didn't have that power I can still see how they feel in their eyes."
Her brows narrowed in a serious manner. "I known people who wanted to handle things alone before, that's why I chased along. No matter how much they push you away, it's never good to handle everything yourself…"
"Speaking from experience?" Shoto inquired.
"Shoto..." Izuku murmured, trying to get him to not bring that up.
But before anyone could speak next, they climbed the ridge to see Kiara on her knees, peering over with a paled face as she grabbed Izuku's shoulder. "Izuku... tell me I'm... just so angry I'm seeing things?"
All of them heard and felt the earth and sky roar as the sound grew louder than before. Down on a plateau, dozens of large black vines, thick as tree trunks, some with smaller vines and thorns, jaws like a Venus Flytrap snapping at those present on the ground. Two people fought on the ground, one with his bare hands as he tore the vines apart with ease.
He wore thick leather boots with padding for the knees and trousers tucked into them. He was shirtless say for the thin animal skin lined with a thick pelt of white fur around the collar, shoulders, and down half his back. A black tattoo on his left bicep, orange sleeves with leather padding on his forearms. Lastly, a collection of talismans and necklaces around his neck. His scruffy ash blonde hair and crimson eyes, not to mention the toothy snarl he wore was unmistakable to Ciana; It was Katsuki.
The one using a rapier to his right wore a far sharper attire. A black and white cavalier hat with a white feathery attachment on the top. A white dress shirt tucked into braces on his forearms and black gloves. He wore a red tie with a tan, sleeveless overcoat with a belt over a leather pauldron across his torso carrying knives, a pair of black trousers tucked into shin-high boots. His electric blonde hair with a black bolt across the locks, and golden eyes. Kaminari.
But by far the most distinct of the group was bound by dozens of Leeching Vines. Vermillion scales covered the body with a long, spiny tail and muscly arms with black claws. A pair of powerful wings bound to its sides as the maw remained clamped by the vines, the thorns refusing the pierce its underbelly but their grip remained firm over the head as it snarled with deep red eyes, thrashing its horns only for more vines to hold it down. A dragon!
"I... don't think you are," Izuku breathed, trembling next to her.
"I can not believe this... they are real..." Iida's voice was hollow with disbelief.
"Such a powerful creature... my father was correct, they are far bigger in person," The one thing Shoto could agree with his father on.
"Katsuki! Kaminari!" The girl shouted with clear joy in her voice as well as her smile, immediately recognizing them and not even afraid of the awesome fighting display they were showing. Ciana was overjoyed to see one of her other counterpart friends and didn't pay any mind to how she reacted around her friends.
But what really stunned her was seeing a real live dragon and they were in the presence of it, already Ciana saw some hope for her. There's no reason for her to be afraid since she knows them, well they don't know her… but Ciana understood them enough knowing how they might react, especially Bakugo…
But that wasn't what concerned her, it was that not only they looked to be in trouble but the dragon too… it looked like they were defending it, Ciana could clearly see it was struggling. Causing her to frown in pity for the creature. "Oh no… it looks like it's in trouble." She says in worry of it, she wasn't sure what they were doing with a dragon… but there must be a good reason knowing those two. Ciana knitted her brows in a fearless and determined manner, looking back to her friends. "I know what I'm doing, stay back and don't approach until I give you the okay."
Ciana firmly advises as she grips her weapon, jumping over the ledge to be in view. "Whatever you do, don't provoke the shirtless guy if he sees you!" Ciana once again advises as she ends up going in towards the dragon carefully. The two looked busy handling the vines and the dragon looked to be having the most trouble… so she planned to aid it by cutting the vines off it. Ciana wanted to help no matter how risky this was, she had no fear in her eyes as she made sure to pay attention to her surroundings and how the creature might behave towards her.
"Izuku..." The boy flinched at Kiara's firm tone as all the boys froze up under the girl's scorching glare as she plucked on her lute sharply. "We're gonna have a serious talk about your choice in party allies when this is over,"
"Ye-yes ma'am," He gulped, already feeling he was on the chopping block. Deciding to focus on the area below, he looked to the two teens facing the onslaught of vines. "She called them by name, must be other counterparts from her world," He thought, drawing OFA as the others did the same with their weapons. "Come on, we need to get those vines away from them,"
"What about, t-the dragon, and C-Ciana?" Uraraka asked hesitantly, clutching her staff.
"Right... Kyoka-" The bard turned to Izuku. "-you and me will help Ciana with the dragon's bindings, the rest of you back the others up,"
"Always got a plan, love it," Kiara smirked again as she slid over the edge, the others doing the same as a sheet of ice created a rampart for them to slide down onto the battlegrounds while Jiro and Izuku wrapped around to aid Ciana.
Katsuki swing at the vines, grabbing a bunch for Kaminari to shred with several thrusts of his rapier, yelping as one slashed at his hip with its teeth. "Gaaah, where do they keep coming from!?"
"Shut up, and sever the heads dammit!" Katsuki roared, one set of jaws clamped around his left forearm, drawing blood as he grabbed it and snapped the vine, stomping down sharply before tossing the head aside. That's when he heard the sound of a string instrument playing, orange-yellow music notes surrounding him as a surge of energy flourished from within. "Huh?" He eyed the approaching adventurers, "Get the hell outta here, I didn't ask for your help!"
"Your welcome, spiky!" Kiara winked as she cast another chime with her lute, increasing the aura around them. "Less talk, more gardening!"
"T-thank you!" Kaminari sighed before he screamed, being bitten in the backside only for a silver sword to sweep by, severing it while a large array of ice covered the right flank, freezing several vines in place for a small magic blast to shatter them. "Ow..."
"Are you well?" Iida asked, keeping his sword and shield at the ready as another thick vine smashed into his shield, forcing him to a knee while Shoto swung his arm high, casting a geyser of rime to obliterate the large vine.
"Yeah, you guys came a the perfect time!" Kaminari tipped his hat to them, keeping his rapier high.
"Keep on guard," Shoto advised.
"Don't tell me what to do, you damn extras got in my way!" Katsuki yelled at them, grabbing and tearing a vine from its roots without even looking. But he was pissed to say the least.
Over by the dragon's right side, Ciana swung her glowing blade at the rising vines, cutting off the heads before they could take a bite out of her or the dragon. "Hold on - yah!" She tripped, losing her grip on her sword as a vine pulled her back toward a thicker one attempting to crush her. In a streak of explosive power, a single sword swing conjured an arc of silvery-emerald light, splitting the tree-sized vine in two while a blast of piercing sound blew the smaller ones apart.
"Ciana!/You dolt, you alright?" Izuku and Jiro asked, helping her up while Izuku swung at the snapping maws, cutting them down as silver light hissed from the hilt of his blade.
"Yeah, I'm fine!" She immediately responded as she was back up, eyeing the creature and the vines around her. Ciana looked to the creature then to Bakugo, shouting out to him while guarding the dragon.
"Hey Katsuki! Your dragon friend can breath fire right?!" She suddenly asked the shirtless guy where she was, having an idea that might help them all.
"Uh... how does she know your name - ah!" Kaminari yelped, avoiding the crack of a whip from another vine as a black whip caught it, and drew it down for Izuku to cut, the whip belonging to Jiro who gave the blonde a flat look.
"Really not the time, feather boy," She remarked.
"Shut up already!" Katsuki barked at them both, then glowered at Ciana. "Of course a dragon can breathe fire, idiot!"
"Actually, dragons can have-" That's when Jiro's jack plugged Izuku's mouth.
"Green, not the time," Jiro stopped him as she eyed the raven-brunette. "Ciana, whatever it is, just do it!"
Heeding her sharp, anxious tone, Ciana and Izuku ran around either side of the red dragon, slicing apart the thorny vines detaining it as it began to wiggle a bit, snorting a jet of black smoke from its nostrils as one deep red eye stared back at Ciana who passed its snout.
"Good! Ask him to fly up and burn the vines around us from above! If there's one thing I know is that they don't take the heat well!" Ciana advices, having her sword raised as she cuts out more the vines that are approaching.
"Everyone take cover when he does fly up and make sure to cut out the vines that are aiming toward the dragon!" Ciana was certain that will work, a creature that breathes a lot of fire she knows is enough that would burn a whole forest.
Once she cut the last of the vines around its horns, and Izuku freed the wings, the towering drake stood up on all fours, now with its snout an inch from Ciana's face as it snorted at her, watching her for some time before it opened its maw. A few gasped when it bit down on her collar, pulling her off the ground in time to avoid the ground bursting with more vines as they bounced off the drake's face. With a flick, Ciana yelped as she landed between its horns, watching the dragon turn to the lot as it growled, jerking its head for them to move.
"Move it already!" Katsuki warned, grabbing Kaminari by the back of his coat, throwing him over his shoulder as the whole group retreated for the ridge again.
Iida moved like a burst of wind, slashing a wide arc in jagged strikes through the vines while Izuku's sword curved like a river, carving through the ones to their sides with a wave of ice freezing a wall to their right, covering their retreat under its frozen wave. Uraraka tapped her staff off the ground, looking a little green as she threw several fire balls alongside Shoto, scorching the earth behind them to force the vines into recoiling.
Ciana, still atop the dragon, gripped the horns tightly as the dragon spread its wings, releasing a powerful thresh that blew the Leeching Vines away long enough for it to rise above the plateau. Letting out a low growl, it slit its gaze and drew back its head, heat immediately rising up the neck and under Ciana's legs as the teeth spewed a few embers. Whipping its head around, the dragon swung in a wide arc, releasing a wide torrent of brilliant orange flames, something no caster could hope to perform without years of training.
Despite the powerful display, Ciana was shook as she watched the dragon descend rapidly, sweeping low at the surviving vines the size of trees starting to rise again from ash and brimstone. It slammed its right forearm into the earth, the claws dug deep, causing the flames to etch... a spell circle into the ground! It was deep red, and with a twist, the fires suddenly wrapped around it into a circle, then caused the fissures in the ground to glow like hot magma, exploding and flinging cinders and hot rocks to obliterate the remaining vines into shredded stumps and ash.
With its head raised high, the injured dragon let out a triumphant roar, snorting a small flame almost smugly as the others pulled their heads out from hiding.
"Whoa, that was amazing!" Ciana beamed while still on the dragon, she could not believe she actually was allowed to ride one… it was incredible! She was almost speechless and her smile rose as bright as the sun once again. Though payed mind that it was still injured, her expression turn back into looking worried as she now scanned her eyes around him while still on top.
"Are you still injured? Where were you hurt the most?" Ciana wasn't sure if he understood her but wanted to see if she can aid it any more.
"Oi!" Looking down alongside the dragon, they sound the twitching brow on Katsuki's irked face. "Get the hell down! Who the hell are you!?"
"Your welcome once again!" Kiara rolled her eyes next to Izuku and Jiro. "Still though, not a dragon I'd expect to see... especially up close again,"
"This is truly a spectacular discovery!" Iida beamed beneath his helmet. "Although, it does appear quite in need of medical attention,"
"Ah, it'll be alright, he's pretty durable, ain't that right!?" Kaminari smirked as the dragon roared quieter this time, lowering its head for Ciana to hop off before bopping her lightly on the head. "Huh, think that's dragon speak for 'thanks' - seriously, all you guys really couldn't have timed that better,"
"Thank you for trusting me enough to assist you." Ciana gave a warm smile to the dragon and pet his head. Looking to Bakugo and Kaminari now with her smile still intact as she was happy to see then even if one of them hates her. "Glad we could do something to help, nice to meet you both!" Ciana greeted the two guys with a wave, glancing to Bakugo now with a apologetic smile.
"Sorry if we got in the way of your fight… I can very well see you can handle yourself fine but I wanted to make sure your big fire breather friend got out alright." Ciana knew Bakugo wanted to handle himself, but figured she should explain coming to their aid in case he was mad.
"And you-" Katsuki pointed to Izuku next. "-what was that attack you did? That light you gave off, that wasn't a spell,"
"O-oh, well, i-it's the effect of my s-sword," Izuku gulped under the man's murderous glare. "I-It channels spiritual energy and r-releases it, but it also sustains i-it's own so my strikes a-are amplified,"
"So, we got part of your names, wanna introduce yourselves?" Jiro cut back to the chase.
"Name's Denki Kaminari, former fencer now alchemist," Kaminari tipped his hat to them, dropping his rapier in the process as he stumbled around to grab it with a chuckle.
"Katsuki Bakugo, now get lost, this is our investigation," He dismissed, turning sharply to pick away at any remaining pieces of Leeching Vines not burnt to ash. "Damn weeds are cropping up everywhere on this mountain, and our territory!"
"He's mad 'cause our home got smashed to splinters," Kaminari whispered to the lot as they nodded.
"W-we came up here to destroy the source so-" Izuku was then cut off when a firm hand gripped his throat, belonging to Katsuki.
"I said. Get. Lost. Extra." He worded darkly, throwing Izuku backward. "I don't need your help or that glowing sword of yours!"
"I think we do," Kaminari interjected.
"Go with them then for all I care!" Katsuki grunted as the dragon shoved his snout against Katsuki's shoulder. "You too, seriously!?"
Ciana stepped up to Bakugo, not showing any fear of his attitude. "Katsuki I understand you want to handle everything yourself, but you saw how your dragon friend was struggling while you were fighting… it looks like you need as much help as you can get." Ciana could tell the dragon was close to Bakugo… which was pretty surprising he be a lover of dragons.
"What I mean is we want to help because those vines are harming places and people we really care about like you do your friend, if we do this all together then we can get the job done faster." Ciana tried to word herself carefully knowing how much of a hothead he is…
"She's got a point, spiky~" Kiara chimed before shooting Ciana a glare. "Also, really, jumping straight into the fray without a plan? You are really testing my limits today,"
"I have to agree; while this encounter went smoothly, we need to make a solid plan before rushing into battle next time," Shoto nodded in agreement.
"At least the fire breathing plan worked pretty well." The girl perked up with a wider proud smile. "You didn't seem to have complained at the idea too." Ciana giggled cutely with her arms behind her back and a cute tilt of her head towards her explody fist counterpart friend.
"It's a dragon, of course I'm not standing in the middle of it," Katsuki looked over his shoulder, then pointed to the group. "How dumb is she?"
"That's really not a question anyone wants to answer, spiky," Jiro used the new nickname for him.
"Hey! If I was stupid then I wouldn't have already thought of something that clearly worked!" She crosses her arms with a annoyed glare now. "Also I happen to know your a hothead that prefers to handle fights himself and that you like to take on anyone you think would make a good challenge…"
She then points to Kaminari. "And as for your friend I can guess he has some electric magic? And that he has a habit of flirting with girls." Ciana smirked a little pointing out her knowledge of the two surprisingly…
"Only the second part, actually," Kaminari held up his finger at that, then it curled back. "Unsuccessful, but still..."
Before things escalated, Jiro then passed her gaze to Kaminari. "So you guys were up here looking into the vines?"
"Uh, ahem, y-yeah, have a secluded place north on the opposite side of Black Talon, then all these vines started invading the place so we've been tracking them for days until they swarmed us," Kaminari explained. "But if you guys know where the source is... come on, Katsuki, this could be our chance!"
"Tch," He rolled his eyes and returned to his investigation.
"What about you, big red? Want to tag along with them, could use the extra vote of confidence here," Kaminari nudged the drake's side as it passed its eyes to Katsuki, then to the girl that saved him, making a low rumble in its throat.
Rolling its eyes, the dragon started to glow a bit, then... slowly shrank as its large limbs disappeared in to red dust, the body forming into the shape of a human before the head shook off the particle effect, much to the slack-jawed crowd. "Ah, much better!" He stretched his human arms high. He now had spiky red hair and pointy teeth and ears, a pair of curved black horns jutting above his forehead.
He too wore only a silver jacket that appeared to be made of scales. His left forearm wrapped in a matching gauntlet with a fur trim and white glove. A pair of white trousers under a tattered red sash around his waist, and grey shin-high boots. Passing the shell-shocked group a kind wave, he smirked. "Thanks for that assist, uh, 'Ciana' and... 'Izuku'... and 'Kyoka', right?" He pointed to the three in particular.
"It's... human?" Jiro blinked widely.
"And... a dragon?" Izuku couldn't close his jaw in shock.
"Kirashima!?" The girls eyes widen and taken back in shock, very much recognizing her other friend from UA, he's a dragon? And a dragon shifter?! Blinking her eyes to process her discovery… Ciana thought back to Kirishima powers. "Right… Kirishima can turn all spikey and ferocious looking… that actually makes sense now." Ciana thinks to herself while staring at her red haired friend.
"Plus… he's one of the only other person who hangs out with Bakugo without being afraid of his attitude." She now smiled at him, happy to see him again as well.
"Huh? Yeah, that's right! Eijiro Kirishima, surprised you knew my name too!" He grinned brighter. "Man, I've wanted to talk to people for ages - thanks again, Denki!"
"What does he mean by that? And... you can turn into a dragon?" Uraraka blinked several times before grabbing the sides of her head. "Wow, my head's spinning..."
"Well, I said I do alchemy, more specifically, that and magic infused into one another," Kaminari explained, pulling out a vial of light blue liquid. "So one day I ended up meeting these two, Eijiro here was cursed into a dragon form so I researched how to give him the ability to move between the two forms, took me months to crack it, but... ta-da~"
"Huh, not bad, can't say I've heard of a potion granting shifter abilities," Kiara marvelled with a grin, prodding Kirishima's face and chest as he chuckled from her touching. "Not even a trace of dragon in you... impressive,"
Ciana giggled at this, she never guessed this guy would have a cursed dragon ability too. Funny turn around for here in this world but he doesn't seem like he's complaining much about his power. "I'll say! Looks like we both got something in common Eijiro…" Ciana smiled at the guy more, knowing now she finally found someone who can understand her better…
"Huh… maybe I should of asked Kirishima about his experience with his ability back in UA…" the girl thinks as she smiled sheepishly and sweat dropped that she didn't even consider thinking of him for help.
"You're cursed too?" Kirishima asked with a tilt of his head.
"Not a curse but that's what we're calling it," The demon girl bluntly put it before waving her arms high. "Well, we went looking for copper and found gold! Seems you get your wish..." Then she deadpanned. "This doesn't excuse the last two reckless stunts, for the record,"
"What matters-" Izuku pushed a little space between the two girls. "-is we not only have a dragon shifter but if you'd like, we'd be happy if you'd accompany us to removing this infestation,"
"Sure about that? Hate to say but one of us... well, doesn't like anyone," Kaminari prodded his thumb back at Katsuki standing over something silently.
"What's with him, he's just staring at the ground?" Uraraka asked.
"Perhaps he's found whatever he was looking for," Shoto suggested.
"The guys is rough and blunt but he actually means well deep down." The girl explains with a smile, though felt pretty insulted they thought she acted stupid… she knew what she was doing and they didn't even trust her enough to think she did, especially Izuku who is taking Kiaras word for it… secretly she was actually mad at him for that and still kept her gaze away from the guy.
"Let me try talking to him, I mean I don't expect we get along right away… or that he will agree. But I'm confident I understand him pretty well." Ciana offers to talk with him more, though is very aware how blunt he will be and probably will be rough… but still wanted to try and be there for the guy.
While the others conversed, primarily about Kirishima as he turned one arm into a scaly form with ease, blowing a flame atop his finger. Ciana approached the barbarian who stared at the ground for a moment. "...the vines were already here when they attacked us; they were trying to kill Eijiro, we weren't their priority," He spoke with a blunt but calm tone, kicking the ground lightly for some reason.
"Sure is quite a mystery where they suddenly came from, huh?" The girl speaks from behind, arms behind her back and peeking over with her usual kind smile. "I have a two theories what the cause might be… but I can guess you have some ideas too seeing how observant you are."
"Never heard of plants like this, so not much," He eyed her with a sharp look. "I don't know who you are, or why you know our names. But if you're so cleaver, tell me, what are they?"
The girl shrugs, not even flinching from his glare or attitude towards her. "Well at first I thought it was an old tree… but judging how these vines suddenly showed up and have a mind of its own… I think it's the work of a witch or a wizard?" She answered with her hand on her chin while looking at the remains.
"Also your kinda a legend where I'm from… so wasn't hard to guess who you are." She smile and giggled after that, knowing the Bakugo she knows wanted to be known as a top pro hero.
"Huh?" He looked surprised by that, then grinned a bit before it fell. "Hmph, well, whatever... if that is the cause, then we've got bigger issues then," He nodded down to the ground, rather, the large imprint they stood in front of. "An old track, half a day old, an Earth Elemental,"
"Say what now?" Jiro with her sharp hearing, turned to the barbarian with wide eyes. "How can you tell?"
"No, he's right, they smell like a mixture of sulphur and coal," Kirishima tapped his nose.
Katsuki rolled his eyes, motioning to the ground. "It was hard to tell with all the soot, but the vines were here before us, and there are signs of a battle prior... if these vines were smart enough to try and kill a dragon... then they've probably got the strength to take on an elemental,"
"If they did... then why?" Izuku asked him, or until his heart sank. "...Stoneveil..."
"What?" The bard siblings asked at once of the greenette who looked up in horror.
"You said the core is inside the old mines at your village... what if it needs a stronger vessel to protect itself outside of the underground?"
"Izuku, if that's true, then you're saying this elemental is on a direct path for their hometown?" Shoto asked, ensuring this was exactly what he meant.
"Yeah... I think that's why," Izuku answered grimly.
"Then we now know where we need to go next…" the girl placed her hands on her hips with a serious expression. "Whoever this guy is… it sounds like he's sick enough to spread his work to the whole capital." Her hand goes on her chin again.
"I'm not sure what he's exactly planning… but one of them could be to get his name out there to have people like us know how powerful he is and what he's capable of if we try messing with him."
"I don't know..." Uraraka hummed with a hand to her chin. "I mean, Leeching Vines are just plants right? But even at that... this seems far too smart for a plant to actively attack creatures specifically and control others,"
"I have a bad feeling this is much worse than we realize," Jiro rubbed her head, worry creeping into her heart more than usual. "Mom's looking after our old man, but there are also dozens of other sick people, none of them could be evacuated in time,"
"Then let's beat that thing to them," Kiara assured her with a pat of her tail. "Say, I know this is a big ask, but could you fly us there, Eijiro," Then, to their surprise, the demon girl bowed deeply. "Please, I'll pay you everything I can if you do, I don't care,"
"Kiara..." Izuku knew this feeling, to sacrifice everything to protect others. Ciana gave up the life she had to protect her friends and family. He nearly gave his life to protect people too. It was just natural to do so.
"Stop bowing already, demon," Katsuki snorted, shoving Kirishima forward. "Take us to their village,"
"Heh, already thought of that," Kirishima grinned, nodding to Kiara's surprised look. "No need to pay, you guys helped us out, so consider it a returning favour!"
"Besides, we're after this Leech vine nonsense too, so the more the merrier - and protecting people's part of the job, right?" Kaminari grinned, offering them his hand in acceptance.
Shoto, Iida, and Uraraka smiled at this while Jiro and Kiara looked genuinely relieved. Same for Ciana and Izuku, both nodding to each other.
"Hold on!" The girl had her hand up to stop them before they do anything, eyeing Kirishima in concern. "I noticed you were hurt when you were in your dragon form… your well-being comes first." She approaches the dragon boy, eyeing him with worry. "Where are you injured? I need to look you over…" Ciana didn't want him to push himself.
"I appreciate it, but I'm all good, it was more being grounded that got me, none of the thorns punctured my scales," Kirishima patted his chest, his form unscathed. "Strange too, they attacked Katsuki and Denki but refused to even tear into me in the slightest,"
"Leeching Vines can't handle high concentrations of spirit energy, so they likely were just trying to keep you pinned to strangle you," Izuku answered his curious face. "In a way, you were lucky to be in dragon form when they attacked,"
"Seeing how strong you were I can tell you can pull through fine… but better to be sure still." Ciana was pretty firm about that, keeping her gaze away from Izuku still as she was kinda too upset to look at him. "Just sit down and let my work my magic on you." The girl demanded with a playful smile.
"It's really impossible arguing with her when it comes to medical," Izuku chuckled a bit. "But she'll get your strength back to full,"
"Well, alright," Shrugging, Kirishima sat down to let Ciana do her work as her hands started to glow. "...you're cursed similar to me, right? So you can turn into a dragon too?" Kirishima asked while he waited.
She nodded while keeping her hands on his shoulders. "I can but not like the big fire breather you became…" Ciana responds, her eyes narrowing in worry of herself. "I'm mostly half dragon and human, but it's not something im very accepting of looking…" She explains, sighing knowing what others think of her.
"I was cursed with it by a warlock… I thought it was kinda blessing at first before I noticed what I'm becoming the more I use it, it's starting to be hard to control too…" Ciana still hated her dragon side, especially how others are still viewing her as stupid and reckless…
"Oh, the instincts, right?" Kirishima asked as he felt much more awake than before. "Yeah, that was annoying to get a hold off, I attacked Katsuki a few times before he got me back my senses, hahaha... but since then I got used to my form, and then Denki gave me the power to change back at will; the form terrified a lot of people, but now that I have control I hope I can help others more with what I've got, despite it being a curse, I think I can change it to something good,"
"Really?" She was a bit surprised by this, he actually makes it sound easy to control. "How were you able to get yourself under control? Especially when it comes to being aggressive?" She asks, Kirishima is one of the nicest guys she's ever met, he barely ever acts aggressive especially.
"Uh, not to sound ungrateful or anything but... could we please hurry," Kiara butted in, visibly anxious as she toyed with her tail. "I know, healing takes time, get that, just... really on edge now,"
"Don't get your tail in a twist, demon, we'll get there," Katsuki shot back at her, cracking his knuckles.
"I can show you if we got time later, but the short answer is pretty simple-" Kirishima continued with a certain smile. "-you can't fight them, but embracing them is the way to controlling them; um... how to make this compare...? Ah, so it's like if you refused to talk, eventually, you'd risk losing the ability to form proper words and such, so it's like that, treating your instincts like their against you only makes them harder to control, if that make sense?"
"Kinda… I mean embracing that side I feel I might end up a killer…" Ciana was kinda grateful Bakugo was backing her up of remaining patient, it's funny cuz he usually is pretty impatient himself… probably willing to hold that back for the sake of his friend, giggling realizing this.
"But I would really appreciate all the help I can get, I been trying to get used to my look too. But I admit I freak out when I see the change that's unfamiliar to me…" Ciana was a little embarrassed admitting that, always she hated being viewed as a weakling. "Anyways how you feeling? Think your feeling all big and strong again?" Ciana asked playfully with a smile.
"Yeah, much better, you really are a pretty cool dragon - uh, your powers that is, heh," Kirishima grinned sheepishly. "But yeah, I getcha, at first I was terrified what I was turning into, but now that I've lived in my dragon form, I got used to it, learned that I'm not defined by my looks but how I act with what I've got. And now I've found people who don't care what I look like, and that helped me gain control, so when this is over, I'll totally help you out, then you'll be a full-fledged shifter like me!"
"I think if anyone can help you, it's Eijiro, Ciana," Izuku offered. "This is what you've wanted after all,"
"Yeah, I'm well aware of that…" Ciana waved her hand in annoyance at his response, not even glancing at Izuku as he said this. Now just smiling and keeping her focus on Kirishima and his two other friends. "I'll totally pay you back for this! Truly I'm grateful." Ciana beamed happily now, sitting up now with her hands back on her hips.
"Alright! If your feeling better then we can fly off whenever you guys think your ready." Ciana beamed excitingly, especially that she got to be with her three other counterpart friends again.
"Alright, I'll step away to transform again, then we'll head straight for your village - if, uh, someone can point the way," The redhead grinned before jogging away to shift again as his tail already grew with scales crawling up his arms in seconds, his level of control surpassing Ciana's own.
While they waited, Izuku stood by with hurt expression, Jiro eyeing him for a moment. "I... did I say something wrong?"
"Not sure... seemed like she snapped out of nowhere," The purplette noted, making a noise between her pursed lips. "I'll ask once we've taken care of business, just... try not to say much, alright?"
"Y-yeah... I can do that," He nodded in thanks, afraid Ciana really did hate him now. She never talked to him, and when she did, it was always curt, like she had enough of him. "Is this seriously about Kiara? I know I look like him, but... that's not fair on me either," He put those thoughts aside as the large red dragon appeared, fanning its wings out as everyone moved to hop onto Kirishima's back, this time, Izuku sat at the back away from Kiara and Ciana, less he involuntarily angered the otherworlder further.
Ciana kinda wanted space from Izuku anyways as she was now on Kirishimas back, her gaze averted as her fists clenched. "I don't know why I even saw him like the Izuku I knew from UA… he only views me as a stupid unstable emotional girl who can't trust my own judgments and agree with whenever that girl thinks of me…" Ciana gritted her teeth, having enough with this Izuku now.
"I don't know if I'm wrong or not, but I don't need to be so concerned over him anymore especially that he has someone else he rather have looking out for him… right now I just want to focus on taking out the source and save those people out there!" Ciana angrily thinks to herself, deciding she will not be taking orders anymore and just focus on herself.
"Okay, is everyone ready?" Kiara asked as she sat at the front to help direct Kirishima with Katsuki. Everyone bar Ciana gave a reply. The demon girl smiled at them. "Good... and thanks... from both of us," Jiro nodded in agreement. Now the girl flashed her fangs, patting Kirishima's neck. "Now then, big guy, where we're facing, head straight!"
With a roar of acknowledgement, Kirishima took flight, causing those new to this experience to grip tighter to their partner and yell a bit before they were jerked back by a single sweep of the wings. In seconds, the canyon below was passed with ease, the wind whistling in their ears while Kirishima flew at a steady pace, already leaps and bounds compared to walking.
"This is so cool~!" Uraraka gushed, squeezing Jiro tighter. "How are you feeling guys!?"
"Like my ears want to tear themselves apart," Jiro winced a small smile, still her heart pounded with fear and excitement as the world became so much bigger up high.
"This feeling is both new and terrifying!" Iida managed to yell, gripping the witch tightly as his eyes remained wide beneath his helmet. "Such an experience not many could achieve!"
"It's... colder than I imagined!" Shoto noted as he held Ciana's shoulders. "What about you!?"
Ciana glanced at Shoto over her shoulders, having a big smile on her face. "Are you kidding? This is so awesome!" Ciana shouted with her arms in the air looking peppy. "It's not everyday you ride an actual dragon, this is even better than reading about it in the fairytales!" Ciana laughs a bit, holding on again as she then glances back at Shoto with an amusing smile.
"Funny how you complain about the cold since you being cold is pretty much a part of you." Ciana teases with another giggle. "Figured you be used to it more than anyone here."
"I regulate my body temperature from time to time but I could run out of mana if I do so for too long!" He answered over the howling winds.
"W-Wish that w-was possible n-now!" Kaminari's teeth chattered. "I-I'll never get u-used to this cold!"
"Quit complaining already, we've handled worse!" Katsuki snapped from the front with Kiara, making her rub her ear with her tail.
Ciana couldn't help but giggle from Katsuki attitude, she never thought she miss his blunt nature. "You sound like you travel a lot, any interesting stories to tell Katsuki?" She now asks the hothead, leaning to the side a little to eye him curiously, turns out she was right that he's a barbarian, though…. does he still have any explosive powers in his hands?
"Apart from these two idiots nearly killing themselves everyday with experiments!" He jabbed a thumb back at Kaminari while Kirishima whined apologetically, Katsuki grinned to himself. "I only care about becoming the strongest adventurer there is... then I can take back what's rightfully mine!"
"That totally doesn't sound ominous!" Kyoka yelled back.
"No one asked you, Longears!" The ash blonde waved his fist back at her, nearly strangling Kiara.
"Yep… that's Katsuki alright…" she giggled to herself, recognizing his pride and determination anywhere. "Oh so are you by any chance a gold adventurer already? I mean seeing how strong you were back there I guessed you moved up some ranks by now."
That made Kaminari snort a bit as Katsuki's body trembled but not from the cold air. "That's the thing, he's still-!"
"Graaaah!" Despite the narrow seating arrangement, that didn't stop Katsuki from tossing what appeared to be a large rock that forced Ciana and Shoto to duck as it nearly smacked the blonde square on the forehead. "W-where did you get that!? And besides h-he's still only bronze - woah!" Another rock flew by,
"Shut up, dammit! I still haven't had the chance to get off this stupid mountain thanks to you both wanting to experiment every single day! If not for that I'd have made it to Silver by now!" Katsuki fumed.
"Someone's clearly got... every problem," Uraraka winced a little.
"I'm sorry to hear that Katsuki… but! I'm sure you'll move up very soon, from how strong and smart you were before when we met while fighting and taking out the vines, I could tell that shows your an expert enough." Ciana praises with her usual smile. "And besides, with a fire breathing dragon by your side… I'm sure you be the talk of the whole capital one of these days." Ciana patted Kirishimas back as she refers to them both.
"Please don't increase his ego!" Kaminari begged but Katsuki was already laughing triumphantly.
"Damn right I will!" He hollered.
In the back, Kyoka leaned back a bit to see Izuku's crestfallen expression, clearly mulling over a lot. "Well, she's getting along at least..." He muttered to her as the bard sighed, patting his hand with her jack.
"It'll be fine, Izuku, promise," That was all she could hope for anyway.
Thanks to Kirishima, a new destination had quickly come into view after only ten minutes of constant flight. Through the clouds they descended slowly, seeing the land rise into a hilltop town. Stoneveil was similar in structure to Blackrock, only the town had a more circular wall made of stone, akin to an old fortress that was surrounded by a river that meandered on both sides from the mountains. At the base of the hill was the same rocky terrain, and to the far left, the earth was mined away into several levels with abandoned rail carts and mineshafts.
However, from both the old mines and the earth itself, black vines bundled into dangerous bushes of thorns, tearing up the road and land as if to ensnare the surroundings of Stoneveil. The two siblings had the same, pensive appearance. "It looks worse than the canyon..." Uraraka murmured.
"Such destruction by mere plants," Iida breathed.
"Just like the story I read back home…" Ciana commented while scanning her surroundings, shivering seeing the sight of these plants. "This is definitely a problem… let's just hope none of us gets pricked by the thorns while we're here exploring."
"No sign of that supposed 'golem' either," Shoto noted.
Kiara leaned forward, patting Kirishima's neck. "Alright, take us down outside town, if they see a dragon it could cause a panic, tensions were high already before we left," Heeding her words, Kirishima swooped down at the base of the hilltop, landing in a safe spot the vines hadn't grown.
Once on the ground, everyone moved aside for Kirishima to shift back into a human form, shaking his head and cracking his back with a sigh. "Never carried that many before, but nothing beats a workout! So, this is Stoneveil?"
"Yeah... only the vines have gotten worse," Kyoka twirled her jack anxiously. "Let's go, we need to check if everyone's okay?"
"Don't need to tell me twice," Kiara nodded, drawing her claws to slash away the vines in their way with greater haste.
"So the mines are where they've come from?" Katsuki grunted, glaring up at the distance entrances where the vines poured out.
"That's right, there's one entrance we can take to bypass the vines but first we've got a golem to prepare for, seeing as we've probably bought ourselves time to do so," Kiara replied, clearing the path straight to the gatehouse. "Let's move!"
"Aya aye!" The girl playfully saluted to the girl, she could tell she made herself the leader of the group. "Whatever you say your highness…" Ciana whispered in a bit of annoyance too, taking her weapon out again in case they get snagged by the vines again as they moved. Ciana ended up staying by to be more closer to Katsuki, Kaminari and Kirishima. Right now feeling most comfortable with them.
"So Kaminari… you say your a scientist? How did you come up with that cool way to have Eijiros change forms?" She asked the bond, pretty interested to hear about his knowledge compared to the other she knew.
"Oh, uh, well, it's a mix of alchemy and magic - see, it's a lot of pages, and... lightning strikes, ugh," He tapped where the black streak was in his hair. "B-but after numerous attempts, I managed to make a potion that I dub as a Shift potion given what it does and all, so drinking it can stabilize the curse that turned Eijiro into a dragon into a shifter type, it's... very complex but that's the short of it I guess, pretty neat, right?" He grinned, attempting to sound cool in front of Ciana.
"I'll say!" The girl beamed brightly with her hands clapped together and looking wowed by the results. "The fact you were able to help someone shift forms is quite amazing and so very impressive! Sounds to me your quite a smart guy to figure that out." Ciana commented with her arms around her back, wondering if Kaminari in UA ever did a chemistry set for fun… or did chemistry in a class in middle school before.
The blonde blushed a bit, grinning brightly. "Thanks, t-that means a lot... since I was meant to be a fighter," He tapped his rapier. "Just feels better with alchemy, y'know?"
"Right, okay... here goes..." To cut the conversation short was Kiara, her tail curled around her waist as she stared at the open archway into Stoneveil. "...please be okay..." With that whisper, she led them inside. No guards were stationed, and the interior of the village was just as bad.
The streets were abandoned, windows boarded up with a few poking their heads out to move around from building to building with food, water, anything that was useful. None really noticed the group as they followed the two sisters down the main road of the hollow town.
"It's so quiet here," Izuku breathed, feeling sorry for them as he saw people watch them only to disappear into their homes. "How many were bed ridden when you left?"
"Ten... probably more now," Jiro replied in a downcast tone. "I-It's only been a week but it's gotten worse, I-I don't know how many are..." Kiara hugged her side, taking her hand to lead her on with a firm glare forward.
"Let's just get home, then we can worry about the vines," It was Kiara's way of ignoring the pain in her chest too.
"How horrible…" the girl pitied and felt worried for the people that are sick. "I wonder if recovery girl is here somewhere… this feels like a job she could do." Ciana scanned her eyes around the empty town, almost like a ghost town. "To bad there's not much I can do to help with my ability… I'm only one person after all." Ciana knew she can recover peoples stamina, but wasn't sure if she could replenish the whole town to help without getting sick…
Traversing the town until they reached the east side nearest the wall again, someone stepped out with a heavy stomp from around the corner, coated in thick steel plating that not an inch of skin was visible, standing clearly six foot tall. The others stepped back a bit from the sudden appearance while Kiara and Kyoka sighed. "Hey there, big guy, we're back," Kiara shrugged with a faint smile.
"That guy's huge...!" Kirishima blinked in wonder.
"I thought we were about to be trampled..." Kaminari breathed, clutching his chest.
"That armour... I've never seen it before," Shoto noted with Iida nodding.
"Agreed, it appears to be foreign or perhaps hand-made?"
"No, that's definitely from overseas," It was Izuku who pulled the boys' heads back. "From the style and shape of the metalwork, it doesn't match any known armour seen in the other kingdoms, so it's likely from across the ocean,"
"He looks almost like a mechanical steel robot or one of those knight display decorations you find in castles…" Ciana commented playfully, everyone here sure has some interesting and unique fantasy fashion trends for adventurers.
"This is Horace, best guard there is, retired to work at Stoneveil years back," Kiara answered for them with a smile. "He's a gentle giant so no need to worry - ain't that right, big guy?"
Horace raised his hands, moving them in a series of patterns in front of the girls. Kyoka responded. "These guys? Back up, finally gonna cut this infestation at its source, how's you?" He made signs again as the purplette nodded. "That's good, but you sure you're okay?" This time, he nodded.
The armoured man then pointed to a lone house, and a large one at that, then made a few more gestures as the girls gasped slightly, their lighter expression drained from their faces. "...are you sure?" Kiara's voice cracked a bit, and unfortunately, the knight nodded once. "...crap,"
"W-we need to get there, now," Kyoka enforced, looking to the rest. "He said... our Dad's condition has worsened, I-I thought we had more time, b-but..." She bit her lip, supressing her feelings.
"Oh no..." Uraraka covered her mouth.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Shoto spoke up, given their group, maybe one of them could provide some aid now?
"I... I don't know," Kiara muttered, pulling at the back of her hair. "These vines drain spiritual energy, a-and there's no bard spell that can siphon that into another, haven't even heard of a necromancer in the kingdom!"
"If that's the case… maybe I can help?" The girl stepped in with her hand raised. "Remember I can replenish peoples stamina, so maybe I can help get him back on his feet or give more time until we find the source?" The girl kindly offered, not wanting even them to lose a loved one.
"Right... right, yeah, that's it!" Kiara beamed, grabbing Ciana's shoulders. "Please, anything, I don't care, just... help him,"
"Denki-" The electric blonde stood up straight at Kyoka's firm tone. "-you too, you said you're an alchemist, right? Got anything like healing potions?"
"Um, yeah, a few, I can make a stronger one in-" She grabbed his wrist tightly, her eyes betraying her worry.
"Then you too, please," She asked, and he looked to Ciana before nodding to her, losing his nervousness.
"I'll do what I can, Kyoka, promise," She lightened her grip and soon, the group moved on with Horace following them slowly, eyeing Izuku in particular, but more specifically, his sword.
Once at their home, the four stepped toward the door with Kiara putting her hand out. "You guys mind waiting for a bit? Too many people at once will be too much to explain,"
"Sure, your father's health comes first," Izuku offered, the group stepping back as the siblings nodded to them, then knocked on the door quickly.
The door was answered quickly, revealing the woman of the house. To Ciana, it was the spitting image of Kyoka. Same hair colour and style, though she lacked the triangular eyes but her own ears formed the same headphone jacks like her daughter. She blinked in surprise behind a pair of glasses at the two with their friends. "Kiara, Kyoka, you're back, thank goodness," She hugged them both tightly as the siblings relaxed and returned it.
"Sorry we took so long, mom," Kyoka whispered.
"Yeah, we... brought help, heh," Kiara chuckled slightly before pulling away. "Horace told us, i-is dad...?" She didn't want to finish her sentence.
"He's worsened, but he's stubborn, so if you have what you've been searching for, by all means, come in," Their mother looked to Kaminari and Ciana. "Are you two healers by chance? No offense, but most spells have failed to help anyone here, but I won't say no to any aid you offer,"
"N-no, ma'am, but I'm a-an alchemist," Kaminari replied quickly, standing straighter than before.
"I'm kinda a healer…" Ciana fiddled with her hands shyly, the only healing method she could was with a kiss, but no way she's doing that with random strangers… "But I have the ability to replenish stamina! So, even if it doesn't fully work it could buy him some time." She then looks to Kaminari. "Hey! Maybe we can both combine our skills and make this a permanent cure Kaminari!"
She suddenly perked up by the idea she gives him, thinking he could do something with her magical quirk.
"That could work," Kaminari nodded slowly. Then looked to the girls' mother. "We'll do what we can, um..."
"Mika Jiro, but please, come in," She stepped aside to them through while Kyoka and Kiara made a b-line for the stairs across what appeared to be a living room. "Follow us," Mika led for them as Kaminari fiddled with his backpack filled with all sorts of materials and vials of liquids.
"Hey... think this could really work? I-I made the Shift potion, sure, b-but that took months of work, and I've never seen an illness that drains your soul energy," Kaminari asked Ciana as they headed upstairs.
"We can only hope and try, but I have faith in your skills Kaminari." She smiled reassuringly to him as they walked. "If you can managed to figure out a way to shift a form to human and dragon then I have no doubts you can create other cures as well! No matter what I have a lot of confidence in your skills." She smiled more brighter to show she believes in her blond friend.
"Thanks, that helps," He nodded to her as they came to an open door to their right. Inside, the girls were already standing at the bedside of a man with long curled blonde hair as even from the door they could tell his breathing was raspy.
Kiara stood beside Kyoka, staring at the floor while Kyoka sat on a chair, rubbing her dad's hand in worry while Mika moved beside her daughters. "How long has he been like this?" The taller sibling asked.
"Two days, he's fighting, that much will never change, but you can tell he's gotten colder, and his breathing's worse," Mika replied, placing her hand on Kyoka's head as she hid her face by bending her head down, but she was shaking. Kiara was no different, forcing back her emotions into a glare at her feet, biting her lip tightly.
"Let's see..." Kaminari set his stuff down on an empty table, pulling out red vials and other ingredients to look over, staring at the man in bed before pushing what he needed to one side. "Have to strengthen a regular healing elixir... if we can somehow apply your magic to it, then it may be enough to help replenish his spiritual energy... in theory that is,"
"Would that mean you have to take a sample of my blood or something…?" Ciana was never fond of needles… but not like she can every object to blood work when it comes to the doctors.
"Hrm... no, this is the issue," Kaminari pulled out a notebook lined with all forms of notes and formulas, taking a blank page to draw what he was thinking. "These Leeching Vines are draining spirit energy from people, so we need a healing elixir that can replenish it, like a mana potion," He drew a flame around an outline of a person's chest. Then shaded it in like filling a meter. "So, if you can pour your spirit energy into a special type of healing potion, the effect should alter how it works, and given their father's condition, I think we're out of options otherwise,"
She stared at the trick he did in awe, it's funny listening to his whole science talk. "Huh… well better than needles I guess." The girl comments amusingly, then does as she's told as she focus her magic into the magical vile Kaminari instructed, thinking how similar it is to the crystal from before.
As her Imbue spell worked, Kaminari put a small amount of purple powder into the vial, like glitter as it started to glow too. Ciana lowered her hands as Kaminari whisked the vial slowly to test it before grabbing what looked like an eye drop, allowing three drops of water to mingle with the dust into a deep purple paste the more he swung the vial in his hand. "Okay... let's see... uh," He flicked through his notes, then grabbed a small fragment of amethyst, much to Ciana's surprise as he dumped it into the glass tube. "Now to add it to the healing potion,"
Grabbing both, he poured the purple putty and shard of crystal into the faint red liquid in a round bottle. He put the cork on and vigorously shook it. "Apply your spell again," He asked as Ciana did so as he shook the bottle, gradually, the red texture was starting to turn a pale purplish-blue pigment the longer they applied alchemy and magic. "Stop... that should be it... I think," They were left with a lilac potion with a shimmering tint to it.
"Whoa, that's pretty amazing…" the girl awed again as she stared at his work, blinking her eyes when staring at the colors of the viles." You must be at least a silver or gold rank if you can do this kind of stuff Kaminari." Ciana praised, bending down to check out all the stuff he had set out and working on.
"I am, but it's more for convenience for my alchemy, then I met Eijiro and Katsuki, and that was... fun," He chuckled, turning to the Jiro family. "Alright, this should help, that's at least our hope," Then he eyed Ciana. "Just to be sure, can you apply your ability to people, right?"
"Of course!" She nodded to confirm his question. "You saw me replenishing Eijiro before didn't you? Through contact I can boost people up." Ciana explains, knowing a bit how her power works thanks to UA Izuku.
"That's great, once I've given him the potion, do that, it should resonate with the liquid and help the healing process," Kaminari nodded, moving beside Kyoka as she looked to him with fear in her eyes.
"Will... this really work?" She asked desperately.
Kaminari knew it was a gamble, but he held a firm look to hers. "It will," Kyoka nodded to him, sitting back as he popped the cork off to feed it to their father with Mika's help. "Start when you're ready, Ciana,"
She did so silently, holding the man's arm as a glow covered her arms and the man's own with a soothing gold aura. The potion was drunk and they waited. The man's face tightened up, clearly the effect of the potion was something unknown to his body. In his discomfort, a jack tapped to his forehead, coming from Mika as the jack seemed to put his body at ease again while Ciana continued her work slowly, releasing her hands after applying enough aura to the man.
Seconds passed by with no reactions, the room caught in an eerie silence as the family waited anxiously for any sign the potion had worked. Kiara stopped looking at the ground, staring at her adoptive father with a hand pulling at her shoulder tightly. Then, his breathing became clearer, far more relaxed than it was moments ago as his eyes flinched, he was beginning to stir.
"The hell... is that... awful taste?" His throat was dry as he looked at the mixture of overjoyed and relieved faces. He couldn't move a muscle, but he was awake, to him, it felt like he had blinked.
"It worked, hah..." Kaminari sat back with a heavy sigh as Kyoka leaned her head onto his shoulder, chuckling as tears fell down her face with a warm smile.
"Morning... dad," Kyoka sniffed as Kiara laughed a bit too, rubbing her eyes quickly while Mika knelt down to run her hand over her husband's head, clearing her own tears.
"I'll get you something to drink, don't worry about moving," She replied softly, looking to the pair that just saved his life. "...thank you both so very much,"
Ciana smiled at the heartwarming display in front of her, very happy to see they ended up saving a life and especially the family from losing a loved one. "It was our pleasure… I'm so glad he's okay." Ciana almost felt like shedding some tears herself, wishing her mother could of had a miracle… but was so glad to be able to save someone towards possible death.
"...Ciana?" Kiara was now in front of the raven-brunette again, giving her a fierce look. Then, it fell away as she pulled her into a tight hug, Ciana could feel her trembling. "Thank you..." Her voice cracked a little. "...sorry for... everything I said..."
Ciana was a bit surprised by the apology, blinking but then smiled warmly as she return the hug. "Don't worry about it… I'm happy I was able to do something useful to help." Ciana kept smiling while rubbing her back for comfort.
"Later... can we... talk? Just... something I..." Kiara couldn't find the words, not right now as she pulled away to rub her eyes. "Gods, I'm a mess... heh, not like this, y'know?" She eyed Kyoka smiling as her father tried to put everything together since he was left bed-ridden with Mika helping him drink and Kaminari looking grateful that he was looking far better.
"Sure we can, but for now spend this time you have with your family. I'll step out so you can some privacy." Ciana then eyed Kaminari playfully. "That goes for you too Kaminari…" she suddenly demanded as she dragged his arm and lead them out of the room playfully with a amusing smile.
"Tell the rest, uh..." Kiara's face was a little red as she rubbed her neck with her tail, a smile still on her lips. "...thanks, f-for coming all this way, for both of us,"
She nodded a smile towards her direction. "I will, but I'm sure they already know your grateful enough." She says before shutting the door to give them family time, now her attention on Kaminari. "I say you pretty much upgraded as a gold rank by now Kaminari…" Ciana once again praises his skills with a proud smile.
"I think we both deserve one," He joked as they walked back down the hall, but Kaminari looked genuinely glad as he spoke. "But I'm just glad it worked, whatever your power or curse is, it saved his life, you were a great help!"
"Well… I-in some angles it's pretty handy…" she says bashfully while picking her cheek with her finger. "Other times it causes me some trouble… but I'm happy I was able to do some real good with it." Ciana smiled a little more at this, but still wish she stuck to glowing.
"Eijiro said he'd help you, so then you can help more people and have a more normal life, so that's even better news, right?" He encouraged, nudging her shoulder with his fist. "But right now, we've got that golem Katsuki said was heading this way to deal with, I've seen earth elementals before so it shouldn't be too tricky,"
"Right… that sounds really scary." Ciana shivered just imagining the monster, pressing her fingers together nervously. "Still sounds rough though to handle… but knowing Katsuki and Izuku, I'm sure those two will be unstoppable if they work together…" Ciana knew both Bakugo and Izuku are powerful, if they could combine their strength here she's sure they be amazing.
"Not to mention that guy with the ice and fire magic, what a combo!" Kaminari beamed as they exited the house to see the group sitting around pensively with the silent Horace who stood motionless enough for a bird to land on his helmet. "Yo, we're all done!"
"How did it go?" Izuku was the first to ask.
"Is their father okay?" Kirishima asked next.
Ciana smiled brighter with a nod which shows hope. "Everything went perfectly! He's okay now." Ciana mostly had her attention on Kirishima while still smiling. "Right now they are having a family reunion, oh! And before I forget… Kiara says thank you all for agreeing to help her."
The news brought a cheer from the group aside from Katsuki and Shoto, but the latter let out a breath he had been holding. Kaminari held up his fist to Ciana, which he happily bumped at their job well done before Kaminari flopped to the ground with a wary sigh, thankful that stress was over and past them. Uraraka held Ciana's hands, jumping with joy while Kirishima patted her shoulder with a toothy grin. Izuku smiled at her, nodding gratefully to her.
Ciana was pretty happy to have done something to help as she cheered along with the rest of them, maybe they can even do the same for the whole town. "We got hope lighting up for this town! That creep who's starting this infestation has no idea what's coming to him!" The girl beamed as she pumped her fist.
"But first-" At the doorway coming out with a bold grin and stride, Kiara played a few strings on her lute. "-we're gonna kick this infestation where it hurts, and take down that damn golem!"
"RIGHT!" The group roared.
"Ciana, Izuku, a word," The demon girl waved off to the opposite side of her home. Her expression was still light as she spoke. "We need to talk,"
Ciana was surprised the girl came back so fast, when she suddenly asked to speak with both her and Izuku she flinched, not very comfortable with the idea of being in the same room as those two… Ciana was still frustrated with him, glancing at him for a moment then looking away with her arms crossed. Her brow twitched in aggravation. "Can we take a rain check? I was hoping to speak with Katsuki group a little more…"
She tries to back out from talking with this Izuku around… Ciana didn't want to be around him since she felt so neglected by him.
"Much as I'd love to give everyone some space, I mean, my Dad's back to being... him, which I can't thank you enough for - we're... really running thin on time, you know, big scary golem controlled by vines coming straight for us and all," Kiara see-sawed with her hands awkwardly. "It'll only take a few minutes, just over here, I swear,"
Ciana just sighs, but knows its best to not to cause a scene. "Alright… if I must." She complies now but she wasn't liking this so far, wondering what Kiara wanted to talk about with the both of them…?