Episode 12 - In Each of Our Hearts

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❛ HELLFIRE ❜

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The sun's rays, soft and golden, filtered through the dense canopy of the ancient forest, casting dappled shadows upon the mossy ground. The air was thick with the earthy scent of pine and wildflowers, a sharp contrast to the chaos she had left behind. Y/n, draped in the regal splendor of her dragon form, lay amongst the thick underbrush, her wings resting on the forest floor, slightly curled to shield herself from the world. The golden tips of her wings shimmered faintly, their divine beauty illuminated by the sunlight that pierced through the trees.

Her tail, powerful and long, swayed with a quiet, almost mournful grace, brushing against the dirt like a queen's mantle sweeping across her castle floors. It was an almost ethereal sight—this dragonic figure amidst the quiet of the forest, draped in the soft whispers of nature. The occasional sound of birds and the rustle of leaves was the only company she had, and for the first time in days, she welcomed it.

Her mind, however, was far from peaceful. It had only been a day since the destruction at U.S.J., and the weight of the battle still clung to her like the remnants of a storm. She was tired—not just physically, but mentally. The power she wielded, the authority her dragon instincts commanded, all felt like too much at times. She had always been aware of her strength, but now, in the quiet solitude of the forest, she was reminded of its danger. Her very presence had the potential to cause destruction—a force of nature that could either save or destroy.

With a deep, silent sigh, Y/n curled her tail around her body protectively, her golden eyes glimmering with unspoken emotions. She thought of U.A., her friends, and the role she was meant to play, but her heart wasn't ready to face it all again. Not yet. The overwhelming desire to run from the expectations, from the looming pressures of heroism, surged within her. But despite her need for respite, a flicker of determination burned deep within. She knew, even if it took a little longer, she would return to U.A. The question remained, though—what kind of hero would she be? Could she balance the ferocity of the beast inside her with the humanity that connected her to others?

The wind shifted gently through the trees, brushing against her scales and pulling at her hair, which fell in fiery waves around her face. For a moment, everything felt still, as if the world itself had paused to give her this fleeting moment of peace. The golden tips of her wings fluttered slightly as she laid her head down, closing her eyes.

But even as she rested, the subtle thrum of power still coursed through her veins—power that was both her burden and her blessing. The forest whispered around her, as though the trees themselves understood her struggle. It was clear that Y/n's path, though filled with uncertainty, would lead her back into the world of heroes. But for now, in the quiet of the forest, she allowed herself to be nothing more than a creature of nature, embracing the calm before the storm of what would come next.

The sound of footsteps crunching through the underbrush was soft at first, faint and distant, but soon, the steady rhythm grew closer. Y/n's large golden eyes flicked up, her sharp senses drawing in the faint scents on the wind—her friends. The unmistakable smell of Izuku's determination, Tenya's discipline, and Ochaco's warm cheeriness reached her first. They were here.

As she slowly lifted her colossal head, her ruby-red scales shimmered like a vast ocean of fire beneath the sunlight, casting a vibrant glow that painted the forest with hues of red and gold. Her wings fluttered slightly as she arched her neck, revealing a majestic, almost regal figure, the undeniable aura of a queen in her full splendor. The weight of her presence, the sheer power and elegance radiating from her, was enough to leave anyone in awe.

Izuku, Tenya, and Ochaco stopped dead in their tracks, staring in awe at the dragon before them. Even though they had seen glimpses of her strength before, nothing had prepared them for this—Y/n in all her glorious dragonborn form. The majestic sight of her was overwhelming, but beneath the scale-clad exterior, they knew the same Y/n still lived.

Y/n smiled gently, the corners of her mouth curling upwards in a manner that seemed to soften her intimidating features. Her voice, when it came, was soft as the winter winds, carrying with it a warmth that cut through the tension in the air.

"What can I help you with?" she murmured, her words a soothing lull in the otherwise still forest. She lowered her head closer to Izuku, her golden eyes full of care, as she gently sniffed at his form to check for any injuries. The same gesture was repeated for Tenya and Ochaco, her dragon instincts ensuring their safety before she would allow them any closer.

Izuku's heart fluttered in his chest. He had been searching for the right words, but the moment he was face to face with Y/n—the towering, beautiful creature who had become more than just a classmate—his nerves got the best of him. Without thinking, he blurted out, "We want you back."

Y/n blinked slowly, the air around her shifting with the weight of the words, and then her golden eyes flicked toward Izuku. "Back how?" she asked softly, her voice lilting, as if she were unsure of what he meant.

Izuku stood there for a moment, mouth agape, realizing just how much emotion and uncertainty was hidden in that simple statement. He cleared his throat, unsure how to continue. Tenya stepped forward, his usual formality creeping back into his voice as he addressed Y/n.

"Y/n, you've been gone for days now. We understand you needed time," Tenya started, glancing at Izuku before continuing, "but you belong with us, with U.A. We're a team. And we need you back. All of us need you."

Ochaco nodded beside him, her voice gentle but firm. "You don't have to face all of this alone. We're here, Y/n. All of us want you with us, just as you were before."

Y/n's golden eyes softened as she listened to their words, the warmth in their voices tugging at her heart. She was touched, but the weight of her past—the strength and power that often felt too heavy to bear—made her hesitate. She let out a soft, almost imperceptible sigh, as her wings folded closer to her body, a brief sign of her internal struggle.

"I..." she started, but paused, the words feeling heavier than they should. "I don't know if I can go back. My power... it scares me sometimes. If I lose control, I could hurt someone. I don't want to put you all in danger again."

Izuku stepped closer, his usual determination shining through despite the vulnerability he felt in this moment. "We know you're strong, Y/n. We also know that you're more than your power. You're our friend. And we believe in you. No matter what, we'll face it together."

For a long moment, Y/n said nothing, only watching them, her gaze softening as she took in their words. Her tail flicked back and forth with quiet thought, the weight of their care and trust sinking deep into her heart. The fire that always burned within her seemed to quiet, as though the warmth of their bond had reached her.

"You're right," she finally murmured, her voice gentle but steady. "I can't run away forever."

Izuku smiled, relieved, as Tenya gave a small nod of approval. Ochaco grinned, her eyes sparkling with warmth. The three of them were here for her—just as she had been there for them, even when her own doubts had threatened to swallow her whole.

And for the first time in days, Y/n felt a flicker of peace. Maybe it was time to return. But she knew, deep down, that whatever came next, she would not be facing it alone. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

With a final glance at her friends, Y/n's wings stretched out fully, the vast expanse of her golden feathers catching the light of the sun. The beauty of her form, her strength, and her grace was undeniable. And yet, it was her heart, her connection to her friends, that made her truly magnificent.

As they began walking back toward U.A., Y/n's steps were lighter, her heart a little less burdened. She was ready to face what came next—not as the queen of dragons, but as a member of a team that accepted her, power and all.