Now in recovery girls office, Ciana sat on a bed to not only rest up but have her wounds bandaged and patched. Sighing in exhaustion after that intense exam. "That battle felt like I was almost reliving a horror movie… I don't get how I'm even able to survive those fights." Ciana chuckled but then winced from some of her pain. "Ow… I-I'm definitely not as durable as everyone else here… if it weren't for my dragon side then I probably be dead." Rubbing her sore shoulders now, despite her pain she was happy she ended up passing.
"Your new scales can take hits you wouldn't normally handle, even with all that training you go through," Recovery Girl noted. "You've gotten better at not taking risks like another we know of, but always remember, there's a limit to how much our bodies can take; quirks that rely on a constant supply of energy aren't suited for drawn out fights, you both did well to end your fight quickly so I won't scold you for being here again,"
The girl nodded in understanding of the nurses advice, grateful not to lectured like Izuku. Ciana smiled gratefully at the nurse. "Thank you miss, I know I'm not perfect like everyone here but I'll do my best to be more cautious." Ciana knew she's not like the superhuman people here completely so she knew she still had to be really careful who she fights.
"Being perfect is an impossible goal to begin with, Young Finley," At the doorway stepping inside was All Might in his skinny form. He appeared happy to see the pair. "How are you two doing then?"
"Feel exhausted by all good over here, sir," Kirishima held up an arm, patting his muscle with a small wince.
Ciana perked up seeing the pro hero come into view, surprised Izuku wasn't with him this time. "Hi Mr Yagi! Yeah same here, tired but otherwise still standing strong." The girl giggles. "How about Hound Dog? Is he doing alright himself?" Ciana now asks, concerned for her teachers well-being as well.
"He's already up and moving around again, so no need to worry, it takes alot to take him down the way you two had, even more to keep him still longer than he likes," All Might rolled his eyes. "If you two are wondering, everyone is back at the dorms, per Recovery Girl's strict instruction to keep from crowding her office,"
"That makes sense," Kirishima nodded, then blinked in thought. "So how did Ciana do?"
"Well, you certainly had them at the edges of their seats, mine too, but you both captured Hound Dog, so Young Finley passes her practical exam, and the results of her written exam are tomorrow so try to relax," The Symbol eased with a friendly look. "You've had an uphill battle since you've returned, and given how hard you've applied yourself, I'm certain you'll pass,"
"All right!" Ciana cheered with her arms in the air, wincing a bit but still happy they pulled it off. "Without Kirishima's help I knew I never pull this off alone, even if he didn't pass his last exam I hope he at least get a little bit of extra credit from this." Ciana believed he deserved as much of the credit than she, but even if he doesn't she will have to figure out a way to thank him for his help.
"Hey, even if I don't, I'm happy you passed, way to go!" He knuckled her shoulder a bit. "Glad I could help though,"
"Myself and Aizawa will speak with the Principle, so we'll see how things go from here, for now, if Recovery Girl lets you go, head back to the dorms and rest up, and consider your summer break well deserved, Young heroes," All Might gave a curt wave, leaving for the door once again.
"Your injuries will have to heal naturally as you both have used far too much energy today, they should be healed in a day or two," She then moved over to hand them both a candy each. "Now off you go and refrain from straining yourselves,"
"Y-yes ma'am thank you again!" Ciana once again thanked the women before heading out with her friend, she still doesn't get how candy is good for healing. Now walking back to the dorm, she was sore but still able to move.
"Finally I can take it easy!" The girl once again cheered, her work all done as well as her exam so Ciana was finally caught up. "Man, that was the most exhausting days of my life… I can't wait to take a bath when we're back…" Ciana stretched and moved her arms a bit to crack some joints.
"You and me both, I still feel damp after falling in that river," Kirishima chuckled a bit. "Say, back to what we were saying before, let's try to train sometime either during the camp or when classes are back, bet we can dish out some real manly fighting styles as a team, heck, stuff you and Midoriya can work on too!"
"You bet!" The girl agreed with a cheerful nod. "I still could use more training to get my dragon side under control, sure would be a big help and be a lot of fun too in the process!" Now looking up in the sky with her arms around her back. "Say, out of curiosity. Did you ever feel scared about your quirk when your power first manifest?" Ciana wasn't sure if this Kirishima was afraid of his own power but guessed maybe not as he's pretty proud to have it.
"Eh... kinda?" Now, he dawned a more reminiscent expression, hardening just his hand. "When it first appeared, I accidently cut my eye, I think I complained a lot about it then, hating it when I had no real control over what I hardened or not, plus then, it wasn't half as durable as it was now," Then he smiled, looking a little sheepish, "Heh, then I heard about Crimson Riot, this super manly hero that charged headfirst into any danger to save people, and I wanted to be like him too; to have an indomitable spirit like his one day,"
"Whoa, y-you actually hurt yourself with your power?" Ciana wasn't sure if it effected him since his whole body looks cracked and right now he just looks just fine with no eye patch, just imagining the incident had her wince at the thought. "S-sounds painful… but I'm glad you found a bright side to your quirk from being inspired about your hero." Ciana remembered Kirishima talking about the Crimson Riot hero, sounding pretty cool too.
"At first, yeah, a lot of quirks can be scary, I mean, Mina's can melt almost anything, and she stands out a bunch with her appearance like Shoji or Tokoyami, but I think that's what makes them so cool to get to know, I get to meet all sorts of people as a result, so quirks are pretty awesome," He beamed, nudging her side. "After all, it's how we got to meet, so that's a positive too."
That caused her to chuckle, smiling a bit more at this. "Well if you put it that way… quirks seem to lead to some cool encounters." Her gaze goes to her injured hand. "Since I come from a quirkless world, I'm not very used to having a super power… let alone one that changes how I look into something scary, my people would find me terrifying if they saw me like that… I mostly find it scary thinking I'm not myself anymore."
Her hand went down, eyeing her friend again while keeping her smile. "The fierce new personality is what currently frightens me, I just hope I'll never lose sight of who I am." Ciana was still a bit scared her form would be permanent one day, after all she seen quirks that changed a human appearance like their principal, the police dog and that bat beast before that snatched Izuku and even Hound Dog himself.
Ciana didn't want to not look human anymore but is glad to be able to get used to her dragon side better to help those in need, she just prays she never accidentally ends up hurting anyone.
"Well, you seem pretty You right now, and I think more of that confidence when you are using your quirk's passed on to now, so it's not all bad," Kirishima reassured her. "And I have no doubts there will be tons of people who'd think what you do is cool, maybe it won't be safe considering some would see you as a threat or worse, but it doesn't mean you need to only see the negatives, right?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I'm usually not the kind of person to put myself down like this, but… like I said, not used to a whole new appearance and behavior." Ciana smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of her head after that. "Baby steps though… I'm slowly getting there."
"Then you're already miles ahead from when you started - not to sound mean, but you were a lot more shy when we first met," Kirishima chuckled a bit, but his eyes only gleamed with that friendly aura Ciana knew. "Then you, me, and Bakugo fought against real villains, and I could see it, that fierce confidence you had; even now, and outside of battle, so one day you'll definitely be such a manly hero!" His hand patted her back happily.
"I-I was just starting out as a flashlight then." Ciana chuckled, first time she ever even faced a villain too, well… super villains that is since she confronted thugs and gangs in the past. "That sure was an unexpected surprise though, back then I even almost got kidnapped which was more scary." Being caught up in the dragon guys tail was frightening especially when she thought she was going to be used as an evil tool as a battery.
"Now, we'll be more than ready next time, count on it," Kirishima clenched his fist, flashing a toothy grin. "The League and that Zena guy won't know what hit them!"
"You said it! We're not going to make it that easy for him next time!" The girl beamed with her flashy smile and raise of her fists, she's gotten stronger since last time so they should have a better advantage now.
Once back at the dorms, both were flanked by their friends, asking a dozen questions a second before Iida stepped in to give them space, giving Ciana the chance to ask them to wait until she and Kirishima had gotten washed up. Opting to do so in their own rooms, the two parted ways with a fist bump, and after an agonizing amount of time, Ciana happily had a hot bath ready to wash away both her mental and physical pain and fatigue for the day.
Ciana had a long bath due to the mud and, hoping to make her hair more neat and shiny again. Washing her wounds was literally a pain but best not to get an infection. Once she was more cleaner now, Ciana came out of the bathroom with her nightclothes on, her light green tank top and light green striped pjs pants including her slippers. A towel was wrapped around her neck and let out a tired sigh.
"What a day… now I can relax until the summer camp comes up, maybe we could all go to the beach again soon, I we wait for that!" Ciana thought to herself with a smile, looking forward to the fun activities she will do with everyone as she wondered what else they could do until that day came comes up.
Ciana chose to take some quality time to relax before dinner, then she could answer all their burning questions about her match and quirk upgrade since they last saw it in action. Laying on her bed with her phone out, watching whatever caught her interest. That's when a knock at her door drew her gaze for a moment. "It's open," She called, hearing the light footsteps approach her.
Giving a small wave, Izuku stepped into her view. "Hey; Kirishima told us a bunch of what happened in your exam, you guys pulled off that last fight really well," He sat down in front of her, eyeing her body a bit. "How're your injuries?"
"I'm very sore all over… but otherwise fine." She answered with her usual smile, now sitting up. "Hound Dog was exactly how you described him… he really is a beast." Ciana chuckled. "I can see him making a great role for a horror movie."
"He got really riled up at the end there, and the way he hunted you both down was intense," It had him almost biting his nails from the anxiety of simply watching, let alone going against the hero. "Still, glad you're somewhat okay, I had a feeling you'd stand and fight regardless of what would've happened,"
"I have both you and Shoto to thank for that for helping me improve on my moves." Ciana had a feeling Izuku would worry, always concerned for her wellbeing just like she is for him. "But now that that's all over we can finally catch up more together! Until the summer camp comes up we can do whatever we want, I was thinking we could go to the beach again soon if your up for it." Already Ciana was planning out ideas and wanted to spend time with Izuku as much as possible.
"That would be great, we could - oh?" Izuku blinked, pulling out his vibrating phone to see it was ringing. "From All Might?" Strange, he glanced to Ciana who looked equally curious. Hitting the speaker option, Izuku answered. "Hello, All Might? Did you need me for something?"
~Yeah, kinda forgot to bring this up, what with Young Finley's exam and all - hm, actually, is she there with you? This involves her too unless you want to pass along the message?~ All Might asked, and again, both teens were confused to what this was about.
"Huh? Is there a problem Mr Yagi?" She asks in concern, wondering it has anything to do with her and the villains who are after her.
~Oh, you are here, good, you'll be happy to hear this, more-so Young Midoriya I bet~ The hero chuckled on his end. ~Tell me, my boy, have you heard of I-Island?~
The name alone made Izuku's face light up instantly, "Y-yeah! It's the home to some of the greatest minds in our present day, where hundreds work to create new technologies and advancements for the world, it's almost impossible for anyone who isn't a big-shot hero or a similar career to set foot on the island!" He gushed, his face reddening a bit as he calmed down. "W-why are you asking?"
~I figured you'd know about it, well, it's been a week into your summer vacation, and while UA's prepping to take your class and 1B to the summer camp; how'd you and Finley like to tag along with me to an event on the island? The invite I got let's me bring along two guests, so why not my students?~ He offered with a slight chuckle in his voice.
"Wait what?!" Ciana blinked at the information and the invite they were given, looking to Izuku and down to the phone again in surprise. "Y-you want to invite us to an island? R-really?" This sounded cool and too good to be true even if she had no idea what the island is all about, but knew Izuku fill her in more from how excited he looked. "I-I mean… s-sure! B-but is it really okay for me to come? I-I mean since Izuku is your successor, wouldn't he be more important by your side?"
~Of course - you may not be my successor but I can choose who I want to come with me, so why split the two kids that've been together since the start, so to speak~ All Might replied. ~And besides, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the other side of heroics, plus, the three days spent there, you'll be able to see all sorts of attractions and even a manmade beach too~
"Ciana, let's go!" Izuku was practically buzzing. "To set foot in a place only opened for the Expo is amazing! T-t-the sheer scope is beyond words!"
~Guess Young Midoriya's on board, haha, what about you, Young Finley?~ All Might inquired.
"All my work is done and including my exam, I could use a vacation!" Ciana squealed at this, an island both her and Izuku will spend time at? That also sounded so romantic and her smile brightens with a pink blush to her cheeks just imagining. "Sounds like it be a great experience for me too to learn more about this world and what hero's are all about." Ciana adored Izuku's excitement, giggling at his cute excited fanboy behavior.
~Then you've got quite the busy week ahead. We leave first thing on Sunday, and by the time we're back, you'll have one day left before you head off to camp, no rest for the wicked, they say~ All Might replied to their eagerness. ~I'd have told you in person but neither of you were together at the time, plus I wanted Young Finley to have her head in her exams, so apologizes for the late announcement~
"T-that's okay, All Might! I... we can't thank you enough, really!" Izuku couldn't have been more excited at the prospect of the coming Sunday. And time to spend with Ciana on an island filled with attractions? It was perfect!
"I agree! Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity! I already can't wait to see what that place holds." Ciana glanced back to Izuku with a bigger smile, excited to spend more time with him. It's also the perfect way for them to make up for lost times since her month absence.
~Think nothing of it, I'll speak to you on the day, be ready to leave around nine on Sunday, I'll leave you both now, goodbye~ After that, he hung up, leaving the two thrilled at the opportunity presented to them.
"I-I can't believe I get to see I-Island, I've always wanted to go there, a-and I get to go with you and All Might, this day has to be a fever dream," Izuku chuckled slightly, pinching his arm but it was hardly a dream.
"I-I thought I might of been dreaming myself just getting a opportunity like this with you, I can't believe you and I will be going to an island together… I can probably guess it's not a resort but knowing I get to go to a place that's so big here is such an honor, especially with you." Ciana giggled happily and squealed a bit more, she wondered if this meant they be staying in the same hotel room together…
"It's a moving island city that has security comparable to Tartarus, so most if not everyone that works there with their families lives on that island, I honestly couldn't begin to describe it in scale, it's something pictures I don't think will do it justice when we see it in person," Izuku explained a bit.
"A moving island? Seriously?" That really stunned her, an island that actually moves? Almost sounds like a cruise ship. "I-I'll take your word for it that's it's incredible, I can't imagine what we see but I'm so excited to get to see it with you, really sounds like it's going to be fun and kinda romantic too…" Ciana teased a little as she leaned forward inches to Izukus face with a flirty smile.
"O-Oh, so not just me?" Izuku replied, a little flustered with a small smile toward her sweet expression, moving his head forward a bit to meet her emerald gaze. "I mean, we'll have all the time we want a-after the Expo and during it, so I don't see why not,"
Ciana was kinda surprised by the same flirty motive back, causing her to blush more pink but narrowed her eyes as her smile became more loving towards his eyes. "I did say I want to catch up on as much time we ended up losing together, that includes now…" She giggled with a cute tilt of her head, her hand placed on Izukus. "I don't want to be anywhere without you with me…"
"Well, I'd have thought you'd want some time to yourself here and there, but I understand," He joked a bit, rubbing her hand in his. Izuku would like to always give her space whenever she wanted it, he'd hate to ever become a crutch to her.
"I-I normally do when it comes to certain problems I want to figure out myself, but not like I don't enjoy all our times together." Ciana leaned back and used her free hand to scratch her cheek flusteredly. "A-are you saying you prefer to have some space from me sometimes…?"
"Only if you ever needed it, or vice versa," He offered, looking bashful himself. "Right now, I-I'd rather stay right here,"
Izuku silently nodded, wrapping his arms around her tightly to sit and enjoy the silence. Dinner would still be a while, so they didn't have to worry about moving any time soon as he pressed his face to her head, smelling the fruity scent in her hair.
Cianas heart fluttered just being close to her beloved hero's warm embrace, her smile becoming more warm and happy as she put her own arms around him. "Wait… if we're going to an island together, does that mean we're gonna share a hotel room together too…?" She suddenly asked as she raised her gaze and her brow rose in curiosity of that.
"Um, I'm not sure... m-maybe? Unless you'd rather have your own, w-which is understandable," Izuku replied, that would probably be discussed on their arrival but it was still an interesting thought to have.
"I'm not complaining…" She giggled and smiled more playful. "But if All Might is with us then it be kinda awkward to ask for a private room together don't you think?" Not like she want to embarrass Izuku, or give them naughty ideas what they could do if they did stay in a room together…
"I guess we'll see, I mean, all we'd have to do is ask if it ends up being a problem," But Izuku murmured off to the side. "T-though I'm with you, no complaints, not the first time we've shared a room,"
"True… but this be the first time sharing a hotel room…" Ciana chuckled again and then kissed his cheek. "Would be nice, but I could guess you'll be staying with All Might since he's a guy." Ciana knew hotel rooms had connected rooms too so maybe it be like a separate gender thing like that baths in Crescent Shores.
"Probably, but we can worry about that on the day," He then kissed her own cheek. "For now, just relax; your exams are over, you've finished all your work from a month absence, and we're going away to an Expo at the end of the week," It was strange though, it felt like the first time since summer break began that Izuku could relax too, with Ciana being cooped up in her room, he only ever saw her when she took breaks or late at night.
Her heart fluttered more from his own kiss, causing her smile to turn more wider and her cheeks pinker. "Ether way I'm so excited to go there with you, we got some packing to do later but also maybe you can help me analyze my form again before then." There's some things about her power she needed to be aware of and still trusted Izuku to help her.
"I can do that, and for real this time," He made that absolutely clear to not break her trust. "What did you have in mind? Just the usual practice or something else?"
"Um… yeah part of that, but there's also my aquatic form." Ciana didn't do much with her aquatic form, figuring she needed to know more about that. "So far I shown you how I look from the bath, but I-I don't know what that forms capable of…" Ciana looked down bashfully, her tail was still so weird for her but at least Izuku didn't see her funny with it.
"That's true... can you breathe underwater? What about your light, does it have water-based attributes too? I guess since we're still recording everything with your base drake form that the idea of investigating a new form already piles a ton of experimentation on us," This is why Izuku had a notebook just for Aura and Life Force. Drawing comparisons and the like from what he uncovers.
"I'm not sure but maybe? I did notice the gills on my neck… unless I can just hold my breath longer." Another thing came to mind as her hand went to her chin in thought. "Back when I was in Crescent Shores, I used my dragon form to heat up a pond to make the water more warmer when I bathed. Turned out that became pretty handy." She chuckles, knowing the other Izuku enjoyed the heat from the cave pond.
"You naturally increase your body temperature with Aura, so it's likely you had amplified your body enough to heat a body of water, that in of itself is impressive," While the practical uses were limited, it was still another example of how hot her core temperature can rise. "The significant addition of a tail would indicate it's to help improve your movements and speed in water, plus, an extra appendage can come in handy,"
"I-I don't get how a long tail can do that, it's so strange having another limb grown out of my backside…" the girl laughed sheepishly with her fingers pressed together. "I-I have yet to test out how I swim so I figured going to the beach or pool could test that ability." Ciana has yet to see what the UA pool was like, wondering if they will ever get to use it for training.
"If possible, you may get that chance either next semester or at the camp if you asked, there's bound to be a lake nearby," Izuku suggested, now sitting back a bit to rub her shoulders to loosen them up thanks to some videos he had seen to help crack his limbs and back during or after training, knowing her body must've been tense.
Ciana was surprised by the sweet gesture but she appreciated it with a thankful smile towards him, closing her eyes and humming pleasantly how good his strong hands felt on her shoulders. "I-it's funny to imagine me training in a lake but still be useful." Ciana felt like the lochness monster just imagining her sea dragon form practicing in a lake… chuckling at the idea.
"Thanks for the rub down by the way… it's just what I needed." She was still so sore, Izuku is just so sweet and thoughtful.
"I've done it for some of the others before, it really helps, actually, before we head down for dinner, I'll use one other technique that'll help your upper back," Izuku offered as he ran his hands to her neck to press across her shoulders and nape, running his hands to her back too. "I'm not the best but a little eased off tension works wonders,"
Ciana actually blushed red at the motive and felt goosebumps the way he ran his hands, but otherwise helpful and felt nice… "I-I don't know where you learn this stuff but your a miracle worker…" Ciana praised Izuku for his skills and giggled after her remark, turning her head to eye him. "I bet this was just an excuse to touch me again wasn't it…?" Ciana teased with a playful smirk.
He made a face like trying to supress how he actually felt, but a coy smirk slipped through. "I don't see you complaining," In saying that, his hands massaged her lower back. "But thank you, it was Shoji that taught me how to do this properly,"
Ciana hummed more pleasantly from the massage, perking up hearing where he learned these techniques. "Really? Shoji showed you how to do this?" That was a surprise, a guy who stretches his body parts would be cable of knowing how to help with stiff muscles. "I-I didn't know he was an expert at that kind of thing, what made you want to learn?"
"Mainly he knew how to help loosen muscles for yourself, but the same can be applied to another, so it was a helpful skill seeing as it's worked so far," He answered simply while moving his hands low, pressing the heels of his palms into her back gently, rubbing her shirt against her skin, somewhat focused on his work as he helped to relieve some of that pain as Ciana sighed from certain points.
"Remind me to return the favor then whenever your stiff…" She turned her head and smiled thankfully at him again. "I don't know how I got to be so lucky having someone as amazing as you to care for me like this." Ciana still had a lot of love for Izuku.
"Unlikely circumstances that led to positive outcomes?" He hazard a guess with a chuckle, removing his hands from her. "There, feel better now?"
"Much…" She replied happily, stretching her arms. "Oh yeah… definitely better than before." To thank him, Ciana turned around and immediately planted her lips to his. Her hand on his cheek as she expressed her gratitude.
His eyes remained open for a time before quickly closing, pressing into the grateful kiss happily as his body trembled with delight until they broke away quietly. "Happy t-to help," That was a sufficient reward in his eyes.
Ciana chuckled and then smiled brighter again. "There will be more than that once we're at the island… shall we head down for dinner now? Afterwards I'll have to start packing." Ciana was excited for their trip, she can't imagine what they will see.
It should be close to ready now, so once they were standing, Izuku placed his hands against his nape. "Before we do, copy me, then have your elbows touching and facing down towards your chest," Ciana did so as Izuku moved behind her. Before she could ask what next, Izuku wrapped his arms around her forearms, pressing her back to his chest, lifting her with a quick tug, causing a ripple of cracks to pop from between her shoulder blades, forcing out a groan of relief from her lips as she stumbled forward a bit from the sudden release of tension she didn't know was there.
"For a second there I thought you were trying to wrestle me…" Ciana jokes with a little laugh, eyeing her hero with another thankful smile. "You really are full of so many talents, once again you managed to surprise me." Ciana is truly a guy with many talents and knowledge, even if he still didn't have superpower he sure is super in other unique ways.
"You can put me down now you know…" seeing that her hero still has a hold of her, but she wasn't complaining as she always liked being in his arms.
"Oh, um, right," He set her down, watching her roll her shoulders to loosen those last few spots with a sigh. "Anytime you need it, let me know, I'll even teach you if you ever wanted to return the favour."
"Sure sounds pretty useful!" Ciana beamed at the idea, planting another thank you kiss to his cheek. "If your ever roughed up then I sure like to treat you to feel better next." Ciana still looks out for Izuku and wants to help anyway she can.
"Thanks," Taking her hand, he pulled her towards the door slightly. "Let's go have dinner, we've got all the time in the world to relax now." And he sure wasn't going to waste it.
Although, that Sunday, the two young heroes would come to face their toughest trial yet…