Over the next few months, Aiden's training with Cathleen transformed into a rigorous yet exhilarating journey. Each session in the royal gym was filled with sweat, laughter, and breakthroughs, as they delved deeper into the intricacies of his quirk, which he had proudly named Royal Reality. [A/N: Got any other suggestions?]
Que the montage~
Day 1:
Cathleen began their first session with a clear goal. "Today, we're going to lay the foundation," she said, her voice steady and encouraging. She explained that Royal Reality was about intention and clarity of thought.
Aiden learned to visualize changes in his surroundings—shaping objects, altering their properties, and even creating new ones.
They started with a simple exercise: making a small ball of energy float. Aiden closed his eyes, concentrating hard, feeling the pulse of his quirk. After several tries, he succeeded, the ball hovering just inches above his palm.
"Great job! That's just the beginning!" Cathleen cheered, and Aiden beamed with pride.
Day 15:
As the weeks rolled on, Aiden's control over his quirk improved drastically. They set up a course in the gym filled with various obstacles: hoops to jump through, targets to hit, and barriers to create.
Cathleen encouraged him to manipulate small objects with precision. "Think of each movement as an extension of yourself," she advised.
Aiden practiced altering the trajectory of a spinning disc, changing its path mid-air. With each successful attempt, his confidence soared.
"You're mastering the fundamentals!" Cathleen clapped, genuinely impressed by his adaptability.
Month 2:
Aiden's training intensified as they began incorporating combat scenarios. Cathleen guided him through simulations where he had to protect himself and create weapons in real-time.
"In battle, things move fast. You need to be ready for anything!" she urged. Aiden created shields from energy to block strikes and formed spears from the air, testing out their durability.
During one sparring match, he dodged a practice attack and countered with a shimmering blade.
"Fantastic!" Cathleen shouted, her eyes lighting up. "You're beginning to think strategically!"
Month 3:
By the third month, Aiden focused on manipulating physical space itself. Cathleen introduced exercises that involved altering gravity. "Let's see how high you can jump!" she challenged.
Aiden visualized the change and felt the weight lift off his body as he soared to the ceiling. "Awesome! Now, try to control your descent," she called out. Aiden focused again, managing to float down gently.
With each session, he not only honed his skills but also started to revel in the sheer joy of moving through the air.
Month 4:
Aiden geared up in the royal gym, ready for another intense training session. This time, Cathleen had arranged for a different kind of challenge—a team exercise.
Aiden's guards, loyal and ready, stood beside him: Seraphine, a master of speed and close-quarters combat; Kaela, known for her precision with ranged attacks; and Alaric, the stalwart captain of the royal guard.
They were going to face Cathleen herself in a mock battle.
Cathleen grinned, arms folded as she surveyed the team. "Alright, Aiden. Show me how well you can work with your people, not just what you can do alone. Ready?"
Aiden smirked, feeling the rush of excitement. "More than ready."
As soon as Cathleen gave the signal, the guards leapt into action. Seraphine closed the distance with lightning speed, her movements agile and fluid.
Meanwhile, Kaela took position, readying her energy projectiles from afar, while Alaric stood near Aiden as his anchor, his eyes locked on Cathleen for any sign of attack.
Cathleen took a defensive stance as Seraphine approached, easily dodging her first strikes but keeping her focus on Aiden. Aiden saw his chance and activated Royal Reality, shifting the ground beneath Cathleen's feet to disrupt her balance.
She stumbled for just a second, enough time for Seraphine to land a quick hit to Cathleen's side before darting back.
"Not bad!" Cathleen said, clearly pleased.
"Now!" Aiden called, gesturing to Kaela. She sent a flurry of energy bolts toward Cathleen, who spun out of the way, deflecting one with her hand. Her gaze shifted to Aiden, anticipating his next move.
But before she could react, Aiden used Royal Reality to slightly distort her depth perception. To Cathleen, it appeared that Aiden was closer than he really was.
She threw a counterattack, only to realise she'd miscalculated by just enough.
Alaric took this moment to charge, slamming his shield forward to force her back. Cathleen stumbled but quickly regained her footing, her eyes glinting with determination.
"New Order: My body withstands any impact!" she declared, immediately solidifying her defences.
Aiden realised that going head-to-head with Cathleen's enhanced defence wouldn't work. He turned to his team. "Seraphine, circle around to her right. Kaela, fire a volley to her left. I'll destabilise her from below."
With precision, his team executed the plan. As Cathleen dodged Kaela's energy blasts, Seraphine moved in from the right, while Aiden caused the floor beneath her to shift slightly, making her footing uneven.
Cathleen stumbled, just for a moment, giving Seraphine an opening to land a critical blow, while Alaric charged from the front to block any retreat.
Cathleen laughed, impressed. "You all move like a unit," she said, "but can you keep up?"
In an instant, she was gone, using a powerful burst of speed to reposition herself. She reappeared behind them, calling out, "New Order: Everyone freezes in place!" They all felt a momentary resistance, their bodies stiffening.
But Aiden fought it with Royal Reality, breaking the hold and helping his guards free themselves, too.
Cathleen grinned as she saw him dispel her hold. "Now that's what I call teamwork, Aiden! You're not just using your power—you're using your people to amplify it. Well done."
Breathless but grinning, Aiden shared a look with his team.
Month 5: Limit Testing
Cathleen encouraged Aiden to push his limits, challenging him to alter multiple objects simultaneously. "Let's see how far you can go," she said, her tone serious yet excited. Aiden took a deep breath and focused hard, envisioning a series of floating platforms, each one slightly different.
As he conjured them into existence, he felt the strain on his mind. "Keep going! You can do it!" Cathleen encouraged, but as the last platform materialized, Aiden faltered, collapsing to the floor, panting.
Cathleen quickly stepped in, placing a hand on his shoulder. "New Order: Aiden is relieved of all fatigue" she declared.
Instantly, Aiden felt a wave of relief wash over him. He laughed, albeit breathlessly.
Final Day:
As their training neared its conclusion, Aiden took a moment to reflect on the journey.
"Thank you, Cathleen. I couldn't have done this without you," he said, sincerity in his voice. Cathleen smiled warmly, pride evident in her eyes.
"You've grown tremendously, Aiden. Remember, the true power of Royal Reality lies not just in what you can do but in how you use it." Aiden nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
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As Aiden finished his final training session with Cathleen, she looked at him with a mix of seriousness and curiosity. "So, Aiden," she began, brushing a few stray hairs from her face, "have you ever thought about becoming a hero? I mean, really considered it?"
Aiden paused, the weight of her question hanging in the air. "You mean like a professional hero?" he asked, his brow furrowing in thought. "But I'm a prince. I have responsibilities."
Cathleen nodded, her expression encouraging. "I know. But there's a place called U.A. Academy in Japan. It's one of the top hero schools, and my mentor, All Might, teaches there. You'd get to learn from the best and train with other aspiring heroes. It could be an incredible experience."
Aiden's heart raced at the thought. He had always admired heroes, but the idea of becoming one himself felt daunting.
He was the second born, yet he was next in line for the throne since Sera had no interest in ruling.
The pressure of his royal duties clashed with the desire to satisfy his curiosity(more like plot).
After bidding Cathleen farewell, Aiden wandered through the palace gardens, his mind racing. The vibrant flowers and chirping birds contrasted sharply with the storm of thoughts inside him.
Could he balance being a prince and a hero? Would his parents support such a decision?
Taking a deep breath, he headed to his father's study. King Max was seated at his desk, poring over some documents.
Aiden knocked lightly and stepped inside. "Dad?" he started, his voice steady but his heart pounding.
Max looked up, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Ah, Aiden! What's on your mind?"
"Can we talk?" Aiden asked, taking a seat across from him. "It's about… my future."
Max leaned back, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "Go on."
"I was talking to Cathleen, and she suggested I consider becoming a hero. She mentioned U.A. Academy in Japan, where All Might teaches." Aiden paused, gauging his father's reaction. "I know I have responsibilities as a prince, but I've been thinking about it a lot."
King Max's expression softened. "It's a big decision, son. Being a hero is a noble path, but it comes with its own challenges. You must consider how it fits with your duties here."
"I know, but I love training, and I want to explore the world," Aiden replied, his voice earnest. "I feel like I could do so much good out there than here"
Max nodded, his demeanor thoughtful. "Your mother and I always wanted you to follow your heart. But remember, being a prince means making sacrifices too. Your sister may not want the throne, but you carry the weight of our kingdom on your shoulders."
"I get that," Aiden said, his determination growing. "But I think I could do both. If I train hard at U.A., I could bring back knowledge and skills that could benefit Paradis."
Just then, Eleanor entered the room, sensing the serious discussion. "What's going on?" she asked, her maternal instincts kicking in.
Aiden looked between his parents, ready to voice his aspirations. "I'm thinking about going to U.A. Academy to train as a hero."
Eleanor exchanged a glance with Max, her expression thoughtful. "It sounds exciting, Aiden. But it's important to consider how it aligns with your responsibilities. How do you feel about it?"
"I feel ready," Aiden admitted. "I want to explore this path, learn everything I can, and see how I can use my powers for the kingdom."
Max leaned forward, his voice firm yet kind. "If this is truly what you want, then we will support you. But remember, being a hero isn't just about the glory. It's about service and sacrifice."
Aiden nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "Thank you, Father. I promise I won't let you down."
With the discussion concluded, Aiden felt a weight lift from his shoulders. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to embrace it—both as a prince and a hero in training.
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