Chapter 61 - Wings of Friendship

It's been a week, and you're back on your feet again. Your wings are healing well, though your tail fin is far from recovered. It doesn't bother you too much right now; you've learned to adapt to the pain. Today marks an important milestone for you and your classmates—you're preparing to create your ultimate moves, a key step in your development as heroes.

Unlike the others, you've already wielded the full force of your power during the battle against All For One, so relying on your sonic abilities as a fallback doesn't feel like a fresh approach. You're deep in thought as the morning sun filters through the training grounds, the warm light catching the glint of your slowly mending scales.

Your classmates are abuzz with ideas, energy palpable in the air as they discuss and experiment with their quirks. Each person is pushing their limits, trying to carve out something uniquely theirs. Aizawa-sensei watches silently, offering pointed critiques where needed.

You take a breath, letting your gaze sweep over the training field. "Time to think outside the box," you mutter to yourself, flexing your claws and fanning out your damaged wings just slightly, ignoring the pangs of discomfort. Your mind races with possibilities. If not your sonic roar, then what?

A sharp crack of ice from Todoroki's training area draws your attention momentarily. Shoto meets your eyes across the field, offering a small nod of encouragement before returning to his icy constructs. You can't help but smile faintly, the gesture giving you a boost of determination.

Turning back to your space, you close your eyes and focus. If the battle against All For One taught you anything, it's that resilience and creativity often trump raw power. You're determined to create something new, something that doesn't just rely on brute strength but embodies the finesse of a true hero.

"Do you need help?" Shoto's calm voice cuts through your thoughts like a blade. You jolt, realizing he's suddenly standing right in front of you. His heterochromatic eyes bore into yours, equal parts curiosity and quiet determination.

You blink at him, startled not only by his sudden presence but by the fact that he noticed your struggle. "Uh, well... what do you have in mind?" you stammer, your tail twitching slightly behind you.

Shoto tilts his head, his usual serious demeanor giving way to a faint, almost teasing smile. "That depends. You've got a lot of power, but maybe we can refine it? Combine it with something you haven't tried before?" His gaze briefly flickers to your wings, now partially outstretched. "I noticed how you used your roar against All For One. Have you thought about channeling that force into something more... targeted?"

You cross your arms, considering his suggestion. "Targeted, huh?" You look down at your claws, curling and uncurling them thoughtfully. "I've always gone big. You know, destruction and all that. But smaller, more precise?"

He nods. "Think about it like ice. Sometimes, it's better to freeze a single spot than to create an entire wall." He lifts one hand, forming a small, crystalline shard of ice between his fingers to demonstrate. "Precision can be just as effective as power."

Your lips twitch into a smirk. "Alright, Todoroki. Show me how to work with precision, and I'll show you how to take down a target before they even see it coming."

Shoto's smirk mirrors yours. "Deal."

The two of you move to an open area, and as he begins to walk you through the basics of refining your energy, you can't help but feel a spark of excitement. Maybe this ultimate move won't just be about power after all—it'll be about mastery.

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The afternoon blurs into a whirlwind of training, with Shoto guiding you step by step. His calm instructions blend seamlessly with his demonstrations, and despite his usual stoicism, you can tell he's genuinely invested in helping you refine your ultimate move.

Every so often, Aizawa strolls by, his sharp eyes taking in your progress. He doesn't say much—just the occasional nod or grunt of approval—but his presence alone is grounding. His silent confidence in you pushes you to focus harder.

By the time the sun dips lower on the horizon, you've honed your move to something truly formidable. The surge of raw power you usually unleash now courses through you in a way that feels both controlled and devastating.

You land on your feet after a particularly intense attempt, wings fanned out as electric energy crackles in the air around you. "I think I've got it," you say, panting slightly.

Shoto steps closer, his hair damp from exertion. "It looks impressive. What are you going to call it?"

You pause, the name forming on your lips like a declaration. "Lightning Dragon Rage," you say, the words vibrating with the power you've come to command.

Shoto tilts his head. "It fits. But what about that other one you tried earlier?"

You grin, remembering the roar that had sent waves of energy rippling outward, stunning even Shoto for a moment. "That's 'Alpha's Roar.' It's for when I really want to let loose."

"Both are strong moves," Shoto says, nodding his approval. "You'll make good use of them."

Aizawa approaches just then, his hands stuffed into his pockets. "Not bad, L/N," he says, his voice tinged with something that might be pride. "Looks like you've figured out how to make that power of yours count."

You smile at him, the ache in your wings and the exhaustion in your body worth it. "Thanks, Sensei. And thanks to you, too, Shoto."

Shoto offers a rare, faint smile. "You did the work."

As the day winds to a close, you feel stronger, more focused. For the first time in a long time, you feel like you're finally mastering the dragon within.

As you sling your bag over your shoulder and gulp down water to cool off, a cheerful voice cuts through the air. "Hey, Y/N!"

You turn to see Uraraka jogging towards you, her bright smile practically lighting up her face. Her energy is infectious, and you can't help but grin back. "Oh hey, Uraraka. How are you?"

She halts in front of you, blushing slightly at the unexpected question. "I-I'm fine!" she stammers, shifting her weight nervously from foot to foot.

You chuckle softly at her flustered demeanor and reach out to pat her head affectionately. "Good to hear."

Her face turns an even deeper shade of red at the gesture, and she looks away, trying to recover. "Um, do you... do you wanna hang out this weekend?" she asks shyly, her voice wavering just a bit.

The offer makes you laugh warmly. "Oh yeah, I could use a break. Sure, sounds fun!"

Before the plan can solidify, Mina's voice bursts into the conversation. "We're having a girls' night out this weekend!" she declares with her usual enthusiasm, practically bounding over to join you two.

Momo isn't far behind, nodding in agreement as she adds, "That's right. It'll be nice for all of us to relax together."

Uraraka's face falls ever so slightly, clearly disappointed that she won't have you to herself. But she quickly masks it with a nod and a small, somewhat forced smile.

You notice her hesitation and wrap your wings around the three of them in a protective, comforting gesture. "That'll be fun," you say, your voice gentle but full of sincerity. "I'm looking forward to it."

The warmth of your wings and your words seem to lift Uraraka's spirits, her smile becoming more genuine as she looks at you. "Me too," she says quietly.

Mina grins wide, clearly excited. "This is gonna be awesome!"

As the group chatters about potential plans, you feel a sense of camaraderie building among you. Even after all you've been through, moments like these remind you of the strength and joy that comes from having friends by your side.