Hero's Kingdom
A/N: CITRUS CONTENT! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Chapter 7: Teach Me, Sensei!
Izumi had decided to take a break from training after cutting her palm during sword practice. She'd applied some balm and wrapped it tight, and hopefully the fast acting healing agent would have her up and ready tomorrow morning Until then she decided to give her body some rest and work on her mind power a bit.
The Castle library was huge and she was in book heaven. She could spend hours just piling through all the source material… but wished she could read the older scripts with the kanji, like in Sir Might's journal.
His spirit had been quiet today, and she wondered why. Normally he'd be lingering with her, giving her advice and asking her about the common world. She'd only seen him once, and that was this morning when he'd woken her up for early practice.
"Hmmm do spirits need rest I wonder… he's been trapped in that journal for centuries I imagine he'd be anxious to get out… but then again I don't know how spectral power works." She tapped her lips looking through the materials she'd collected already. "Either way… he deserves a break as much as I do. Hmmm…" she picked up a book flipping through… "this is the second volume… where's the first?" She set the book down and eyed the shelves again. She pouted when she spotted it on the top shelf. "Oh well that figures."
She stood up on her tiptoes stretching out as much as she could. She whimpered a little her fingers touching the binding… and then were covered by a large warm hand.
"Let me…" Shoto told her, getting in close, his chest brushing on her back as he pulled the book down for her. She turned in, her head looking up and eyes wide with awe.
"Your Highness!"
He winced at the title and hands her the book.
"I'd hoped we'd worked past titles." He took her bandaged hand eying it with a frown. "You're injured?"
"Just a little," she let out quickly her face flushing red and her eyes cast downwards. "M-My uniform was torn too so one of the maids is mending it for me. I apologize for my state of dress." She fidgeted in her simple green frock. "I have nothing else to wear."
"I don't especially mind… but if you're that concerned about it I can have some things brought to you." He tilted his head and pulled some of her loose hair in between his fingers admiring their softness and fragrance. "Mmmm roses?"
"Eh?" She jumped a little clutching the book to her chest. "What?"
"Your scent… you smell like roses." He leaned in close nuzzling into her hair. "Have you been wandering the gardens?"
"N-N-No…" god could her face be any redder? He was so close! "B-B-Bath… Bath oils… I helped Lady Ochaco make bath oils from rose petals." Her back hit the bookcase and she found herself trapped between him and the dusty shelves. "Y-Your highness please-"
"Shoto…"
"Eh?" She looked up, and instantly felt her heart stop. The intensity of his stare, the serious in his expression, had her losing all her breath. Only Kacchan had ever looked at her like that.
"When we're alone… when my father isn't here to ridicule… I'd very much appreciate it, if you called me Shoto." He touched her cheek. "Is that okay?"
"Sh-Sh…" she inhaled deep "Sho...to…" God she could die! Her head felt so fuzzy, her heart suddenly beating again and pouncing in her chest. "Shoto."
He smiled at her
"Thank You...Izumi." He pulled back from her and walked to the pile of books she'd collected. Izumi felt her legs buckling and she had to let out a long heavy sigh of relief. "This is quite a collection of reading materials. Do you intend to read all of this?"
"Huh? Oh yes…" she smiled and walked to the table sitting down and opening the volume in her hands and then opened her journal. "The castle library is the largest source of worldly materials I've ever come across. I don't know how long I'm gonna be here so I'm going to take in as much information as I can."
"No matter the results of the games, you're more than welcome to come back and use it again. I'll insist upon it." He took a seat across from her and leaned in to watch her write. She had beautiful handwriting.
"The thought is appreciated, Your… uhm.. Shoto." She paused her writing as the heat crept in her cheeks again. "You've done more for me than I'm deserving of."
"Not at all… I think you're an amazing person." Shoto told her simply and had her hand jerking a little in surprise.
"You flatter me."
"Flattery is wasted when it's true. You're not a noble and yet you're well read and have beautiful penmanship. You absorb tons of information like a sponge, and are clever with your hands, even if you are a bit clumsy. You have strength, determination, and a hunger for life. Your talents, your abilities, would all be wasted if left hidden from the world. I'm hoping the games will earn you exposure. Even if you can't remain in the palace, there are still knights, lords, and other nobles looking for squires, assistants... potential marriage partners." He finished with a grimace.
Izumi went blue at that last bit and a cloud floated above her head.
"Kacchan's proposed to me more than enough times for a lifetime. Then again he may get his wish if he wins."
"What?" His attention piqued. "What do you mean by that."
"Well…" She set her pen down and squirmed a bit in her seat. "I may have shoved my foot in my mouth when I saw him in the woods the other day." She rubbed the back of her neck. "We argued about my training here… and I told him to enter the tournament. If I win he has to respect me as a fellow warrior… and if he wins… I'd accept his marriage proposal."
Shoto's eyes suddenly went hard and he stood up.
"Well that was foolish."
"You don't have to tell me that." She fidgeted again. "I was beating myself up all the way home… I don't know what possessed me to say something like that. I guess… it's because it's the only deal he'd listen to." she looked down at her hands. "I want Kacchan to see I'm not weak, that he doesn't need to protect me anymore." She crossed her arms and lay her head on them. "I don't know why… but it's important to me."
Shoto's hands clenched at his sides and he jerked away from the table walking around it.
"You shouldn't waste your time on him. Even if you beat him, Dagohban's aren't known for admitting they're wrong."
"You've a point… but they're good at keeping promises." She stood up when he came around to her and she looked up. "Kacchan promised me he'd participate, that he accepted my terms. So I have to do whatever it takes to show him." She takes Shoto's hands her big green eyes looking pleadingly into his. "I know you've already given me a lot… but I'm selfishly asking… help me get through to him, Your hi- Shoto!"
Shoto, taken aback by the passion in her expression. Something came over him… he wrapped his arms around her bringing her tight to his chest and burying her face in her hair.
"Sh-Shoto?"
"Leave it to me." he whispered to her softly and ran a hand down the length of her hair. "I'll help you get through to him. No matter what it takes."
Izumi let out a breath of relief, and found herself laying her head on his chest and closing her eyes.
"Thank you. You don't know what this means to me… having you for a friend."
"A friend…" His eyes narrowed and he gently pulls her back. "Is that what I am?"
"Hmmm? Oh… I guess that is pretty bold of me to say that." She lowered her head. "Forgive me-"
"No… that's not what I mean." He tilted her face up. "Are these feelings that I'm harboring… are they just friendship?" He stroked the skin of her cheek and ran a thumb over the soft bud of her lips.
"Shoto?"
"I'm not used to socializing with others… so things like friendship are a bit lost on me. Still I find it hard to believe that these sensations… my heart beating fast, my chest tightening, my head spinning and skin heating…" he leaned down. "I find it hard to believe that I'd feel this way about anyone but you." His mouth came down on hers.
Izumi's eyes went wide and her hands instinctively went to his chest pressing through the vest and tunic. It was true… she could feel the rapid beat of his heart against her palm… feel it match the erratic pace of her own. His lips were so soft, and gentle… and when she inhaled deep to catch her breath… she could smell the husky fragrance of a strong man.
Her eyes slowly closed and she felt herself falling into the kiss… her arms hooking around his neck now, and she just lost herself. The kiss deepened, tongues entangling, mouths pressing and sliding over each other, teeth nibbling and breath panting out. Shoto's hands got lost in her hair stroking through it before lifting her up so she sat on the edge of the table.
Izumi felt her skirt hike up over her thighs, Shoto's hands finding the hot skin and stroking it with gentle fingers. Her own fingers dug into his back and claw through the fabric as that familiar heat overpowered her senses. It was just like in the cave… when Kacchan had his hands on her, driving her close to insanity. She didn't know you could experience such exhilaration with more than one person.
"Shoto…" she breathed through the hot kiss, her body trembling as his curious fingers wandered higher, wanting to explore, wanting to touch soft hot flesh.
"Izumi…" He whispered her name like a prayer as he found her soft breast and hardened nipple under the frock. She let out a shocked cry from the intimate touch. "Let me…" He pulled the top down to free the skin and he pulled it to his mouth tasting her.
"I… we…" she panted and clung to him, her face flushed, eyes wet with arousal. She leaned into him her mouth opening to let out another short cry… but it cut short to a gasp when she heard footsteps. "Wait.. wait, wait, wait!" She pulled him back panic on her face. "Someone's coming, they'll see."
"Let them see…" he whispered hotly and started loosening the strings on his pants, but Izumi shoved him away. "Izumi?"
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry I can't do this after all." she fixed her dress as she jumped down. Her legs were shaky but she managed to snag up her books and journal and make a dash for the exit.
"Wait!" He grabbed her arm but he saw the tears in her eyes. Her words wouldn't have stopped him… but her tears did. He let her go… watching nearly run into Iida as he approached from the opposite direction.
"Miss Midoriya?" Iida glanced back then looked to Shoto. "Did something happen your highness?"
"Ah…"Shoto continued to watch after her, his expression pained and conflicted. He looked down at his hands, the feel of her still fresh in his mind. "Something did happen."
Izumi didn't stop running until she was in her room. She tossed her books on the desk and collapsed onto the bed and curled into a ball where she proceeded to hyperventilate. Every inch of her body was on fire, and tingled with erotic sensations. What the hell had she just done?
"I nearly… I nearly made love with the prince. Oh my god what have I done?" She covered her face heaving panicked breaths til she thought she'd pass out. The knock on her door had her choking on air and she tried to collect herself. "Who… who is it?"
"Toshinori Yagi, My Lady… may I have a word?" The male voice muffled and Izumi slowly sat up, her brow raising curiously.
"Toshinori?" Who was that? A servant? She wiped her tears and got to her feet opening the door. The man who stood on the other side wore a simple white tunic, brown vest, and pants. His blonde hair was mussed and he was very thin and sickly looking. "Can I help you?"
"May I come in… It's a private conversation." He bowed. "It won't take long I promise."
"I…" she glanced back and around before stepping aside and letting him. She supposed he was too frail to make any kind of weird movements. "Of course, come in."
Once the door was closed he suddenly beamed and gave her a thumbs up.
"Success!" He laughed. "I wasn't sure if this possession thing would work…"
"Possession… I'm sorry but who-" she narrowed her eyes a minute staring into the sharp blue eyes and gasping. "GAH! SIR MIGHT!?"
"Bingo!" He laughed again rubbing the back of his head. "I saw this man while you were using a healing agent to fix your hand. He was brain dead, which meant the body is functioning but the soul has already left the vessel… so I'm using some of my power to sustain the body."
"Just when I thought I couldn't take anymore surprises." She held her chest groaning. "I was wondering why I hadn't seen you since training… and this explains it."
"I thought this would be a better way for me to teach you. You were distracted and worried with me lingering around as a ghost which is what caused your accident. This way I can mentor you without people thinking you've gone crazy." He smiled. "Right?"
"I guess you're right." She gave a gentle smile. "Still, it's a bit weird. This isn't exactly the image you're used to portraying."
"It's not the vessel that matters, but the heart and spirit." He tapped his chest. "I've told you so before, haven't I?"
"Mmm… but won't people expect you to act like Toshinori Yagi?"
"Perhaps… but Toshinori Yagi is squire… so it's his job to tend to the knights. It won't be too strange that I'm seen lingering around you."
"I suppose not… and this way." She came up and hugged him. "I can thank you properly."
Toshinori tensed up some from the embrace, but smiled and pat her hair.
"Your thanks is appreciated, Young Midoriya. Now then… what's with the tears." He pulled back and lifted her face. "When I walked in you looked miserable. What happened?"
She pulled back all the way fidgeting and holding her cheeks.
"Well… you see…" she confessed it all.
"YOU WHAT!?" He spat up some blood and pulled out his handkerchief wiping it from his lip. "You gotta be kidding me… after the warnings I gave you about becoming too friendly with him?"
"I know, i know… I didn't realize that his feelings ran that way for me. I thought he was just being kind… needing a friend." She groaned and covered her face. "Oh god I can't get the image out of my head."
"You do realize what could have happened if his father had found out right?" Toshinori pointed out and had her feeling low again. "You could have easily wound up in the dungeon, or banished, or worse. A prince can only marry noble blood, and unless you're given a title and land to govern there's no way you and Prince Shoto can have intimate relations."
"I know… I know… I KNOW!" She sighed heavily and pulled her legs to her chest. "I wish someone would tell him that though. It's hard saying no to a prince… especially when he looks at you like that." She recalled the intensity in his eyes. "I thought only Kacchan could stir things up inside me… but Prince Shoto…" She fell into the bed covering her face with her pillow. "I don't know how to approach him anymore."
"Then don't…" Toshinori cleared his throat. "Unless it's for training you avoid any kind of social interaction with him. You can't afford to get distracted by these feelings. If you want to prove yourself at the games you need to focus on harnessing my power, and improving your skills."
"You're right…" Izumi took a deep breath. "Of course you're right." She sat up again. "I can't let this distract me. Shoto promised he'd help me… but I can't keep relying on him. I need to do this myself."
"That's the spirit! Now then, until your hand is healed I believe you said you wanted to learn Kanji?"
"Hmm?" Her eyes suddenly went bright and happy. "Yes! Will you teach me?"
"Of course!" He pat his chest. "What better source than the original. Come, take a seat." He pulled out the chair and Izumi stood up then immediately took a seat at the desk. "Just call me, Might Sensei!"
Izumi laughed at the name but became the ever eager student. They spent the rest of the day buried in books and notes. Little by little Izumi was grasping the basics… and getting enough of the language to read it.
Writing kanji and figuring out the differences in strokes and shapes was hard… but Izumi found it easier to decipher the differences when she read it, by seeing what characters best fit the script.
When Toshinori finally called it a day and returned to his own room, Izumi continued to burn the lantern, pouring over books, reading with avid interest about the worlds of old. Many of the stories she read felt like fiction novels, speaking of darkness, and the root of all evil.
The Nomu
If she was translating correctly, The Nomu was created by the God of Death. It was supposed to be a form of shinigami, taking the lives of people the God of Death commanded him to… but the god lost all control over it, and in the end had to seal him away.
It was fascinating and exciting to read about. She lost all sense of time and ended up falling asleep at her desk. In sleep she dreamed… and in those dreams came the fear.
~Dream Sequence~
Izumi rode through the sky atop a great green dragon her hands lifting high as she cried out with the freedom of it. Her hair whipped around her face and she laughed when the dragon roared in response to her excitement.
Another dragon roared and she looked to the side spotting Kacchan atop his own dragon, this one red as blood and fierce just like its rider. She smiled at him and the two dragons gilded closer together. Kacchan looked at her, smirking wide and challenging as he crouched in low ordering his dragon to go faster.
"You can't beat me, Usagi!"
"Watch me, Kacchan!" She mimicked him and the two dragons raced across the sky, diving and spinning through clouds and mist. A sudden sharp turn had Izumi losing her seat and she let out a gasp as she found herself free falling… but a hand clasped hers… and she looked up to see Shoto atop his own dragon, this one pure white and shining like a diamond.
"I've got you, Izumi."
"Shoto…"
"Hey! Hands off! That's my woman!" Kacchan shouted his face going furious.
"Not anymore." Shoto replied and pulled Izumi to share his seat atop the dragon. "Now she's mine."
"Usagi! Tell this frilly shiny pin cushion that you belong to me!"
"She doesn't belong to you," Shoto took out his sword pointing it at Kacchan. "She belongs to me. I've given her everything her heart desires."
"Usagi!"
"Izumi!"
"USAGI!"
"IZUMI!"
"SHUT UP!" Izumi held her ears shaking her head. The bright happy surroundings suddenly warped from the chaos. The sky went dark with night, and a shadow loomed over the kingdom in the shape of a large black bird with razor sharp teeth and lifeless eyes.
Izumi stared up at it with pale fear. The dragons vanished, and she suddenly stood between Shoto and Kacchan on a battlefield, her hands shaking as they clasped a sword staring down an army of dark creatures and the scent of blood in the air.
All life will vanish from this world… all that shines bright will become tainted with blood!
The sound of the bird's cry was like nails on a chalkboard and Izumi dropped her sword to cover her ears again… and screamed.
~End~
Izumi jerked upright, sweat pouring down her face and her heart galloping in her chest as she looked around the room. Her candle had turned to a pool of wax, and the first rays of run trickled through her window.
"A dream?" She sighed with relief and held her pounding head. "Just a dream."
~Ask Briry~
Briry: I may have gotten a little carried away there in the middle, but I couldn't help myself. I hope you guys enjoyed it nonetheless. Anyway Izumi's feeling the stress of having two men vy for her attention… question is which one will she choose… or will she choose neither? Gonna have to keep reading to see.
Next Chapter: The Yueii Games
