The Cursed Kingdom

Summary: Four years have passed since Izumi defeated Nomu. Having spent all her time improving her magic, combat skills, and training her protege, she feels confident she would be able to return home to her daughter and the man she'd kept waiting long enough.

Chapter 1: One Final Goodbye

She'd never get tired of that view, Izumi thought as she stood atop the hill looking out at the farmlands. Acres of open land with crop, wild flowers, and a long winding river. She'd spent all her life surrounded by it and it felt good to just soak it all in again.

This, she thought with a smile, would always be home.

"Good to be back, eh Max?" She pet her horse, a strong and proud stallion she'd bonded with over the years. He had a whipping black mane, a wide sturdy back and bambi brown eyes. Max let out a low winney of agreement, his feet shifting showing he was anxious to move.

"All right, all right, let's go big guy." She kicked her heels into his side and Max galloped forward. The beautiful scenery rushed by, wind blowing her long curly hair and thick cloak. Under the cloak she wore a simple peasant blouse and black pants, her boots calf length with hilt straps for two daggers. On her hip was her sword with the kanji symbols for light and darkness etched in.

She saw the cottage and her excitement increased when she spotted the small figure in the front garden.

"Mama!"

Small, cute and with a smile brighter than the sun, little Hikari rushed out arms first to her mother. Izumi immediately dismounted from Max and enveloped her daughter tightly, and just breathing her in.

"Hello baby. Oh I've missed you so much." She rained kisses over the sweet face and pulled back to smile and admire her. The girl had grown so much in only a span of a few months and it made her heart ache. "You've gotten so big."

"Uh huh! Nana and Papa Might say I'm gonna be an Amazon when I grow up!" She grinned big and toothy. All her primary teeth shown bright but soon they'd have to make room for the permanent ones. Izumi felt another twinge in her heart.

"I just bet you will." She picked up the girl and looked around. "Speaking of your Nana and Papa Might where are they and Shinso at?"

"Shinso and Papa Might are out on the fields and Nana is baking!" Hikari snuggled right in and presented her mother with a flower.

"We'll have to-" Izumi paused at the flower. Hesitating only a moment she took the flower in her left hand. She'd wrapped it tight in bandages and wore charms to prevent the dark energy from spreading throughout her body. Still the disfigurement was more than apparent under the cloth and she often worried it would frighten Hikari.

"I planted those myself mama, Nana taught me how. Do you like it?" Hikari asked, paying the disfigured arm no mind. She only smiled sweetly and innocently, waiting for approval.

"I love it. Thank you, baby girl." Izumi kissed her temple, eyes shut tight to stop the tears. This sweet and gentle heart… how had she deserved such a beautiful little girl? "Let's go find your Nana."

~A few minutes later~

"You don't look well Izumi." Inko said offering tea to her daughter. The house Izumi had grown up in hadn't changed at all and it was a comfort to her. The reliable wood and brick home was both warm and inviting and always smelled of her mother's cooking. Forever the worrier, Inko Midoriya or Inko Yagi as she married Toshinori just the year before, wrung her hands together. "Is the magic still taking its toll?"

"Yes, but it's nothing I can't handle. When I first started I could barely get through a day without periodic rest and herbal remedies. The deformity causes a lot of discomfort," She held up her left hand as Inko took a seat. "I found out it's a lot easier to keep in check than I initially worried about. The more I use it the less it hurts. So I do demolitions and executions once a month to alleviate the pain."

"Executions!?" Inko fumbled with her own tea. "You're joking?"

"Its fine, mama." Izumi assured patting her mother's hand with her good one. "They're high priority criminals who've done misdeeds against the kingdom and the crown. Murderers, rapists, people who commit serious and unforgiving crimes. The queen's half brother is the judge and he's a fair and forgiving man. This is why executions are only held once a month."

"Still Izumi, that's…" Her face turned green at the very thought. "For you to be involved in something like this... its…"

"Necessary…" she lifted her hand up again, the charms dangling along her wrist. "We all know what could have happened if I hadn't taken the sacrifice."

"I suppose you're right." Inko bowed her head.

"Don't fret mama," She gave her a comforting smile. "I'm doing all I can to keep it under control, and it's not as taxing as many would think. There are many things that make me uncomfortable and lay heavily on my heart, but I've learned so much about magic over these four years. It's made me a better scholar, and a better fighter… and since I've been tutoring young Prince Kai he's progressed quite well himself."

"Prince Kai? Oh that little boy you met at Queen Kayama's palace. I'd nearly forgotten." Happy to switch subjects Inko brightened. "How is he?"

"Mmm he's such a curious little boy, and so adventurous." She smiled. "Having him around really helps the ache of not being able to stay with Hikari… he asks about her you know… all the time."

"That's adorable… one of these days you should take Hikari with you back to The Shadow Kingdom, or ask Queen Kayama if you can bring him here with you."

"Mmm I might just do that… especially since I think I its time I came home for good."

"Really?" Relief came over Inko's face. "That's wonderful!"

"I need to find a replacement tutor for Kai, and let Queen Kayama know of my plans, but once I return I shouldn't be gone no more than a month at most."

"Hikari will be so happy to hear that. Not to mention her father" Inko giggled with a sly look only a mother could pull off.

"Yes…" Izumi blushed and smiled. " I sent a messenger letting him know I was home so he should be here soon." The sound of a whining horse interrupted her. The women looked to each other, smiled, and Izumi was up and running out the door.

Shoto trot over the wide green hill and up the lane to Inko's pretty cottage. His mare, Yukina, tossed her long mane as she came to a halt right in front of the fenced yard. The moment he dismounted from her, he had his arms full of Izumi and was kissing her lavishly.

"I hurried over as soon as I heard you were in town." He told her stroking her face, his eyes so full of love and happiness. "I've missed you, Izumi."

"I've missed you too, Shoto." She hugged him tight just breathing him in. "I'm sorry I've been away so long. My responsibilities in the Shadow Kingdom have kept me busy… but it's good to finally be back with my family... And my King."

They stare into each other's eyes a good long moment just enjoying the moment. The sounds of laughter turn their attention.

"Oh look who it is!" Toshinori called out, rounding the barn with Hikari on his hip. "Good afternoon your highness!"

"Papa!" Hikari squealed with delight and wiggled free from Toshinori's arms. She came barreling down the path and Shoto let go of Izumi only long enough to pick their daughter up and set her on his hip.

"Hello Princess," he kissed her cheek and pulled something out of his pouch. "I brought both of my girls a gift."

"Oooh it's so pretty!" Hikari held out her hands and took the pretty sword shaped necklace made of gold and a single bright red ruby. Shoto then turned and presented Izumi with a book

"Oh Shoto!" Izumi admired the ancient text. "Is this…"

"Ah, Uraraka tracked it down for me. It's the oldest script on shadow magic we could find. I hope it helps."

"Even if it doesn't just the book alone is a treasure." She kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

"Now that the happy family has been reunited…" Toshinori rubbed Inko's arm. "Let's go in and enjoy some of the sweets Inko has slaved away to cook."

"Sounds good…"Shoto set Hikari down but kept her hand firmly in his and wrapped his free arm around Izumi.

They gathered around the table adjusting sweets and stories. Hikari was cuddled between her parents happily munching on a cookie while she revelled in her mother's stories about her work as a shadow knight and mage. Inko too had stories of her own, not of battles and magic, but of local gossip.

"Really Kacchan's engaged?!" Izumi's eyes went wide. "To who?"

"I'm not sure what her name is. She the daughter of another chief, and Katsuki made arrangements with said chief to marry her and expand their lands."

"Oh," Izumi's face fell. "So it's and arranged marriage?"

"Don't worry, Izumi." Shoto rubbed her back. "I had the same thoughts as well when I first heard the news. I worried he was rebounding… but he told me that wasn't the case."

"If I wanted a rebound woman I could have chosen any of the swooning females in my own tribe. I'm not that stupid. I waited years for that damn rabbit and she went and chose you, so I did the smart thing and found myself a better woman. She's smarter, stronger, and way more attractive than that damn rabbit… I wouldn't settle for anyone less than perfect for my queen."

Izumi had to laugh a little, picturing Kacchan saying exactly that. While there was a little ache in her chest at the thought of him finding someone else… in the end she knew both of them would be happy. He'd chosen his true future mate… and she had Shoto.

"Good, I'm glad he's happy. I'll have to stop by sometime and visit. I also want to say hi to Ochaco and Iida."

"I'll take you over to the castle tomorrow and we can do just that. I've also found some research material in the library I think you'd enjoy. It's a long detailed history of the castle mages."

"That sounds great and a perfect educational source for Kai's next lesson. It's really incredible what could be possible through knowledge. I'd always considered Lady Uraraka to be one of the best mages around because she's able to use different varieties of magic, but since I got the chance to meet and learn from others I found that even her knowledge is just dipping the pen in the inkwell. There's so much you can do with magic and a person's capabilities are endless if they're willing to put in the hard work."

"Which naturally you are." Toshinori said with a smile rubbing his skinny fingers over his warm ceramic mug of tea.

"Oh yes, but it's not just me." She pat her daughter's head smiling down at the sweet face smudged with little smears of chocolate along the lip and chin. "Prince Kai is only 8 and at the rate he's learning he may outdo me by the time he's 13."

"I wanna learn too mama!" Hikari looked up with bright eyes and tried not to pout when Izumi rubbed at her mouth with a napkin. "Tell me how! Please, please, please!"

"If that's really what you want, baby girl, then of course I'll teach you." She rubbed her hair and looked up a Shoto who nodded.

"I can have Uraraka continue to give her lessons as well when you return to the Shadow Kingdom." He said with some flicker of hurt at the thought of her going back.

"I'd appreciate that…"

"How come you have to leave?" Hikari said, her eyes taking on a glimmer of tears. "How come you have to live in the dark place and not with me and Papa?"

"Hikari," Izumi picked her up setting her on her lap. Around the able everyone else had gone quiet and sober.

"If you were here, we could live in the castle together, and you would be a queen. You could still learn magic and help people, and then we could be together all the time."

Izumi's heart broke a little, but she smiled and nuzzled her close.

"I know, baby, and one day that will come true. I won't stay away forever. Soon we'll be together as a family, and live in the castle. You'll be a princess, and be loved by everyone." She eyed Shoto above Hikari's head who said nothing but looked her straight in the eyes. "I just have responsibilities to see to. Once I've finished, then everything you wish will come true."

"You promise?" Hikari's eyes look up wet and teary.

"I promise." She tapped Hikari's nose smiling. "Now then, cookie face, go wash up and get ready for bed, okay?"

"Okay…" She said with a small pout and jumped down hurrying to go wash. Shoto took her hand in his so she'd look at him.

"Did you mean that?" He kissed her knuckles. "About it being soon?"

"Yes…" She squeezed his hand and let go to pull out the necklace she still wore. Bakugo's tooth still dangled, framed by the brilliant white diamond engagement ring. "The next time I come back, this will be on my hand, and not around my neck. Though…" she looked at her left hand. "I wish I could wear it on the proper hand."

"That's alright…" He took her right hand kissing the ring finger there. "I'll just have to wear mine on the right as well. We'll start a new tradition, one catered to us."

"Shoto…" Izumi's heart warmed as did her eyes. Was it a wonder why she loved this man? In the moment she leaned in brushing her lips over his and sighing happily with it. Across the table Toshinori and Inko held hands and leaned into each other.

"I'm so happy for you both." Toshinori said with a tear. "The day when you two marry will have been a long time coming. The kingdom will surely celebrate with joyous cheers."

"I agree…" Shoto started and then paused. "Though I think in the act of fairness we should do this properly. I never really got a proper answer from you, Izumi." Shoto pushed back from his seat and knelt by her cupping her hand in his. "Four years ago Izumi you told me you knew who Hikari's father was. When I looked into her eyes and saw one green and blue staring back at me, I was both overjoyed and filled with grief. I was the one you'd chosen, I was the father of your child… but my life was still complete. Without you Izumi I'm half the man I could be… I need you, I love you… Marry me, come back to me and be my queen."

Izumi's eyes sprung tears of joy and slipped down her cheeks one by one. She gripped the hand that held hers and sighed with relief and happiness when she finally said what she'd wanted to say from the first time he'd asked her.

"Yes, I will marry you."

~That Night~

The morning had been for family...but as night settled in both Izumi and Shoto took the time to catch up in a way only lovers and betrothed could.

Shoto collapsed onto his side beside Izumi. His breath panted out and sweat soaked him from head to toe.

"How many times was that?" He asked between pants. Izumi laughed breathlessly beside him and rolled onto her side to face him, their mouths and noses nuzzling.

"I stopped counting after five. You must have been quite pent up, My King."

"You could say that, My Queen." He stroked her hair and face just taking his time to look at her. "You get more beautiful every time I see you."

"Your flattery is wasted on me, your highness, you're already in my bed, and my heart, so there's no further need to charm me." She smirked and he laughed pulling her atop of him so she straddled his lap. He then contented himself by sitting up and nuzzling the soft swell of her breasts.

He felt her stroke his hair and he turned his gaze to admire the bindings she'd placed over the black skin and the charm woven in.

"Does it hurt?" He asked grimly lacing their fingers together. She squeezed his hand once and immediately pulled it back from his touch.

"Only when I think about it." She murmured. "Let's not speak of it tonight. I'm with the man I love, and that's all that matters to me right now."

"Ah...tonight is a time for the light." He pulled her down for a kiss, and rolled her over to have her moaning for him once more.

When they finally settled down to sleep Izumi curled up to him, content with listening to the strong beats of his heart. She eyed her bandaged hand with a speculative glance, eyes cool and studious.

I know how to control you now… you can't hurt what I love… I won't let you.

As if to respond to her words, the muscles in her left arm clenched and cramped making her bite back a curse.

Not tonight you don't… You'll not spoil this night for me…

Sitting up in bed she slowly pulled from shoto and walked to the open window. Standing naked in the moonlight she removed the mandages, the black skin marred from shoulder to fingertip. The leathery black texture, pulsing muscle, and sharpened fingernails reminded Izumi of a talon. It was as if her left arm was possessed by Nomu himself.

Her eyes went black as the dark energy pulsed around her hand and she held it out, palm open. Clouds formed in the sky, thunder rolling and rain began to pour in thick heavy drops. With a flick of her wrist lightning crashed from the clouds and split a great big tree in two, the rain halting the fire, but the damage had already been done.

Izumi glanced back at Shoto. The storm had woken him, and he'd watched every movement and moment. For a moment she worried he'd back away from her, worried he'd take back his words of love after realizing just what she was capable of.

"You've finally gained control of it." He said simply and had her eyes softening with surprise. "Your hard work and patience has paid off, Izumi. I'm proud of you."

"Shoto…" tears found their way to her eyes again when he stood up and joined her at the window. He held out his hand for hers and she reached out with her right.

"No…" he reached for her left and she flinched back.

"Shoto, don't-"

"I trust you…" he whispered to her and took the left hand. He felt the cold of it… the dark ominous power that lingered, but she kept it at bay. "I know what it's like to be afraid of yourself and what you're capable of. You taught me that it was alright to embrace the bitter parts of my soul. The parts I wished weren't there were still a part of me and I shouldn't have to cut them out. Neither should you."

"Shoto…" She stepped into him, fully exposed and completely accepted by the man she loved. "I love you."

"I love you, too Izumi. Every part, every inch…" he kissed her and as the squall died down and the moon came back out they stood in its light embraced by each other.

~Several Days Later~

"Don't cry baby…" Izumi held her child close tears of her own threatening to spill. "I'll be back soon. When I do you, your father and I will be together as a family. This time for good."

"You promise?" She sniffed wiping at her tears and Izumi kissed the ones on her cheek.

"I promise… here." She set her down and gently touched her fingertips to the necklace. A small golden glow appeared and resonated within the ruby. "I've put a bit of my magic in your necklace. That way you can carry a lil piece of me with you. It'll protect you from nightmares and the darkness of this world."

"Wow, thank you Mama!" Hikari held her necklace. "I promise I'll keep practicing magic real hard… and I'll get better at the bow, and my reading and writing."

"That's my girl." Izumi smiled and stood up straight so she could kiss Shoto long and deep. She murmured his name, her body just melting into his arms.

"Mmmmm how I will miss that." she murmured.

"I could go with you…" he playfully nipped her lip. "Then you won't have to."

"Mmmm as much as I would enjoy that, you've your own responsibilities my king." She stroked his chest. "Fear not, it shouldn't take me too long to find a replacement tutor for Kai. Queen Kayama knew my position with her is temporary so I'm sure she won't keep me away too long."

"Then I pray you find someone soon." He kissed her again. "Safe travels, My Queen."

"Sweet dreams, my beloved King." She stroked his cheek and picked up Hikari kissing her cheek and squeezing her one last time before setting her down and mounting her horse. She waved to her family, her heart breaking just a little at having to leave the comforts of home once again. "See you all soon.

She sent Max into a strong gallop down the lane. Hikari started to sniff and wail, Shoto immediately picking her up to hold her to him.

"No worries Hikari. Your mama will come back." He watched her disappear behind the thicket and sighed heavily. "She always does."

~Ask Briry~

Briry: First chapter of the third installment. So as you all found out TodoDeku won the battle. Sorry BakuDeku fans. I originally planned to split the third installment into two different arcs like I did with the Midori Series… but that all depends on you guys. Let me know if you'd like me to work on a BakuDeku arc for the Kingdom Series.

Next Chapter: Eclipse