Midori the Queen
Chapter 29: Runaway Bride
"Karma…" Kai sat on the couch in the meeting room, folding his hands together as he stare ahead at the figures in front of him. "Why the hell are these two here?"
"Apparently they're a wedding gift from Tomura…" She answered him, reading the letter that was sent with the gift.
"It'll be a pleasure to serve you once again my queen." Twice gestured elaborately and then flipped her off. "Go to hell!"
"Tomura-kun wants us all to be friends," Toga said with a creepy smile. "Despite everything he still loves you, Queeny. He wants to help you in your venture. So he sent us as we're not pertinent to his own plans."
"It says as much in the letter," She passes the letter to Kai who takes it and reads it for himself. She stands and walks up to them. "Still, I find it hard to believe he would just GIVE you to me. What's in it for him, I wonder?"
"My thoughts exactly…" He glances over his shoulder. "Shin."
"Yes Master Overhaul." Shin stepped forward.
"You know what to do." Kai leaned his head on his hands.
"Yes, sir." He extends his hand. "You will answer my questions." Activating his quirk he spoke loud and clear. "Why have you two come?"
"I came to be a part of Karma's plans" Twice spoke and blinked in confusion.
"I came because I wanted to be with Queeny!" Toga said ecstatically, and also had the same dumbfounded look. "Eh?"
Izumi's eyes lit with surprise as did Kai's.
"I wasn't supposed to say that." Toga held her mouth blushing. "How embarrassing."
"Kuso, we were supposed to feign ignorance." Twice covered his face. "Shigaraki's gonna be pissed."
"No, this is better." Izumi smiled and walked up Twice taking his hands off his face and holding them. "You really came to help me, Twice?"
"Ah…" teary eyed Twice pulled up his mask to show off his real face. "Tomura told us to help you so he can rebuild the trust between you… but the truth is I wanted to leave with you the moment All for One came into the picture. I'm sorry for betraying you, Karma."
"Jin…" Izumi's eyes went wet, she hadn't expected such an honest reply.
"I like Tomura-kun…" Toga spoke up and then hugged Izumi tightly from behind. Knowing Toga, zumi braced to be bit… but instead Toga just held her tighter. "...but I love you, Queeny."
"Toga-chan…" She turned into Toga's embrace and hugged her back. "Thank you, both. You're more than welcome to stay." She looked to Kai. "Yes?"
"Yes, they can stay." Kai stood, the emotional embrace making him uncomfortable. "So long as they can be useful."
"Just one more question," Shin spoke, unsatisfied with the current results. Once Karma was out of the way he activated his quirk once again. "Did Tomura mention anything about betrayal?"
Both Twice and Toga tensed a little from having the quirk activated on them…
~Flashback~
"You want us to join the Hassaikai?" Twice blinked. "I'm all for helping Karma out, but I don't like that Chisaki guy she's with. The man is totally using her."
"I agree…" Tomura scratched his neck eyeing the invitation, and the secret code Karma placed there.
The Queen of Villains cordially invites
Toga Himiko, and Jin Bugaiwara.
To participate in the nuptials of Kai Chisaki and Karma Karson.
On the morning of XX/XX/20XX
No children under the age of 8 are allowed to attend.
There will be food, drinks, and other services provided
The event is a black tie affair so please look your best.
Please RSVP at your earliest convenience.
We look forward to seeing you.
He understood most of what the code was describing, and now understood why Karma and Dabi chose to tie themselves to the Yakuza. It had nothing to do with this so called "Plan" of Overhaul's. Karma was making plans of her own, formulating a strategy to liberate something, or someone from the sounds of it.
"I agree he's using him… but Karma's not stupid. She's there for a reason, and won't leave until her objective is complete." He folded the invitation again and looked at the two. "Her little game in the warehouse was a wake-up call for us all. I, more than anyone, lost sight of what we truly wanted to accomplish." He holds out his hands. "I want to destroy the current world we all live in… and Karma wants to rebuild it into the vision or her liking. We may no longer be together, but our goals still coincide."
"That may be but are we just going to ignore the fact that she nearly killed me?" Magne complained.
"Nearly… but didn't." Tomura pointed out that distinct difference. "With the power she has now she could have easily killed us all, but she chose not to. Why do you think that is?"
"To use us?" Mr. Compress suggested nonchalantly.
"Could be… but she's not the use them and lose them type. She's the kind of person who builds relationships with those she works with, and brings out the best of their innate abilities. She will use those abilities to their advantage, to be sure, but she cherishes and values those she aligns with. That's why I'm choosing to trust her with you two." He holds out his hands. "Toga, Twice… you voiced your opinions the most when we all chose to betray her and flee."
"I didn't like mommy and daddy fighting." Twice pouted poking his fingers together in a dejected manner. "It didn't feel right."
"I do miss Queeny…" Toga admitted jumping off the crate she sat on and did a little dance. "She understood me best. She knows how painful the world is, and gave me a home where I can be myself and be comfortable."
"The two of you have a close relationship with her." Tomura spoke surprisingly somber and serious. "She considers you family, and I want to keep that relationship going even if Karma and I can't be together." He stroked the invitation again, recalling the post signature note on the bottom.
P.S. Don't let the world defeat you.
"Don't let the world defeat you… Defeat the world, by ruling it." He recalled Karma's words out loud and lifted his head. It was Karma's way of saying "Stop being a coward, and keep fighting." Was it any wonder that he was still in love with her? "Karma gave me the wakeup call I needed, and is still supporting me even after I left her to die. What kind of king would I be if I didn't return the favor?"
~End of Flashback~
"Did Tomura mention anything about betrayal?"
"No." Both spoke in unison and sealed their place with the Hassakai.
~Sometime Later~
Karma stood out in the gardens, the bare bones for the wedding ceremony in place. Their team was on standby for full decorations until the morning of the event which left the night quiet and tranquil. It was the calm before the storm.
Everything was nearly in place, but Izumi still couldn't get rid of this aching in her chest. She'd spoken secretly with Ace, confirming the well being of Eri and Kota and making sure the plans on their side were going smoothly. He informed her that Eri and Kota were taken across seas as per her request and Touya with them. It gave her some relief that even if things took a turn, at the very least Touya and her charges would be safe.
He also informed her that Sir Nighteye, and All Might were working together with a small team of heroes and interns. It explained why Kacchan and Shoto were with Mirio, and why they were in the area when Kota and Eri had fled. It made her so mad at how easily Mirio and the others were fooled into just walking away from the situation. It was a testament to Touya's charisma, and an insult to any hero.
Afterall, what kind of hero walked away from a couple of kids who were clearly scared and in villain custody?
"Karma?"
Kai's voice broke her out of her thoughts and she turned to face him. She held one of Eri's dolls, a rabbit of all things, and was gently petting it between the ears.
"Yes, Kai?"
"You should get some sleep, there's only two days left and you don't want to look sallow in the pictures do you?" He lifted a gloved finger, gently stroking it over her cheek. There was the smallest hint of a flinch and it made him frown. "Nervous?"
"A little… I'm actually feeling kinda intimidated." She laughed a little and clutched the bunny to her chest. "I never planned to get married, especially this young."
"You're not that young, Karma. Twenty One is-"
"Cut the act, Overhaul!" She shoved the rabbit at him. "I'm sixteen not twenty one. My name's not Karma, or Usagi, or Midori, or any other stupid nickname people call me." She shook and clenched her fists at her side. "My name is Izumi Midoriya, a villain. Why hide behind a mask when the whole world knows who I am?"
"I'm not sure what brought on this tantrum. I thought you'd be happy now that you have the support of your family here." He bounced the rabbit in his hands, wondering why his stomach suddenly burned with guilt.
"Family… right…" she laughed bitterly. "I am happy to see Toga and Twice. I'm happy they chose to be here and help me… but how long will they stay this time? Villains are fickle, in the end we only ever care about ourselves and our goals." She looked at Eri's rabbit, tears slipping down her cheek. "...and I'm no better."
Kai eyed the rabbit again. So, that's what was bothering her. She still felt guilty for abandoning Eri.
The burning in his gut finally made sense now. He'd been sitting on Eri's secret for a long time… and it was eating away at him. He knew how to manipulate a person's emotions through logic and basic human reaction… but feeling and reacting to those emotions himself had been something he'd always struggled with even as a kid.
Sighing heavily, Kai snagged her wrist and pulled her back towards the house.
"Come on, there's something I wanna show you." He led her back inside, walked around the main rooms and to the end of the hall where one of the master bedrooms were. "Pardon the intrusion." He spoke aloud and opened the door. He let Izumi's wrist go long enough for him to light a few candles.
Izumi stepped inside, immediately smelled the scents of a hospital, and tensed up. The figure on the bed was an older gentleman. He wore nice robes and his hair was neatly groomed despite being bedridden. The tubes and wires that sustained him were connected to various machines that made little beeps and boops that took the edge off the silence.
"Who is that?" She asked, her voice trembling a little.
"He's the Hassaikai's true Boss." Kai spoke calmly motioning her forward. "He took me in when I was just a kid. Ever since then I've been doing what I can to repay him. I remained loyal to the clan, protecting the honor and integrity of the Hassaikai from anyone who discriminated against us. The old man didn't care for it."
So, Izumi thought with sad eyes. It wasn't Eri who was the other person he cared for. It was this man.
"He didn't?"
"No… he didn't." Kai sulked and stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jacket. "He always said that the Yakuza are like knights, and should have a sense of Chivalry and honor. I thought he meant that we should protect our own, defeat enemies that stand against us… but you've brought a different perspective to light for me."
"I did?" She lifted her head up.
"Yes, you named Touya and Kota your knights. I didn't understand it. One was quirkless, the other was a child, and you were far more powerful than either of them. So why would you call them your knights?"
"I didn't make them my knights so that they'd protect me." She whispered it, tears forming in her eyes. "I made them my knights-"
"-so that they'd stay with you." He finished for her and brushed the tear that fell away. "You wanted their companionship, their loyalty, and their trust… and they both broke it."
No, they didn't… but the epiphany of his words were enough to move her to tears.
"Why are you telling me all this, Kai?" She looked up at him. "Why did you bring me here?"
"I told you from the beginning that I wanted your trust… and I hope this will be enough to earn it." He removed his glove and placed it over the old man's head. Quick and messy Kai used his quirk to restore the old man who jolted out of bed, sweaty and shaken up.
"Welcome back, Boss." Kai knelt and motioned Karma to do the same. Izumi hesitated but knelt beside him.
"Kai…" Memories of what had happened flashed back to him and he scowled. "What have you done?"
"Not as much as you think, or that I originally wanted." He fisted his hand on his legs and bowed his head. "I owe you the deepest of apologies."
"I think we both know it's a little too late for that." He eyed Izumi who sat there quiet and still. "Who's this?"
"Izumi Midoriya… but she goes by the name Karma Karson for reasons I will divulge to you later." Kai lifted his head. "I restored you, not only to apologize, but to receive your blessing on our marriage."
"What?" The Boss' eyes widened and he eyed Izumi again. She too looked just as surprised as he. Who was this girl?
"Eri is in hero custody, and is better off for it." Kai told him. "What I've done to her, what I had planned to do further, was wrong and I see that now. I got lost in my desires, focused solely on my goal and ignored everything else. Karma helped me see past it."
"Kai?" Izumi's voice shook. No… he was confessing? This wasn't part of the plan! "What are you…"
"I still intend to bring the Yakuza back into power… but this time I will do it the right way. In order to do so I need this woman by my side." Kai bowed his head. "Please give us your blessing."
"I will not…" The boss told him firmly and had Kai's head shooting up. Before Kai could retort the Boss spoke again. "I will only bless this marriage, if the feelings and goals are mutual." He looked to Izumi again. "Karma was it?"
"Yes sir?" She bowed politely still shaken up by Kai's sudden confession.
"Do you want to marry the man beside you? What are your intentions?" He tapped his fingers, and though she didn't know if this man had a quirk or what it was, his presence was severely intimidating.
"My intentions…" She swallowed hard, wondering what she should say. The truth? A lie? What would be the best course of action at this point in the game?
"Yes?" He asked impatiently.
"My intentions… are selfish." She spoke truthfully and lifted her head. "I… am a villain, sir. I don't know how long you've been comatose, but I'm a villain who seeks to change the world and help others by any means necessary."
"I see… and?"
",,,I was betrayed by my comrades, and left for dead. Kai saved me, and I've been helping him with his plan to bring about the new era of the yakuza." She fisted her hands on her knees. "Still it was all for selfish reasons. In truth I wanted the serum he was using to turn people quirkless, so that I could destroy the current hero society and start the world over from scratch."
"I see… if that's the case-"
"...but my goal has changed!" She spoke up again. "I want to marry Chisaki, not for my benefit but for his!"
"Hmmm?" The Boss raised a brow. "How so?"
"I'm the kind of villain who gets satisfaction from helping others, especially the kind of people heroes choose to ignore, like you did with Kai." She shifted her head giving Kai the smallest of glances. "So when he requested that I take care of Eri, my perspective shifted. I saw how timid and frightened she was and I wanted to give her a home where she could smile and be herself. I did what I could to strengthen the bond between the two of them. I helped secure funds for the Clan's security in order to make this home feel more relaxed and peaceful. I wanted everyone in the Hassaikai to feel like a family."
She started to cry as emotions that she didn't know were there came to light. Where had all this come from? Why was she just now realizing how much this place meant to her, and how much she was attached to it? This REALLY wasn't part of the plan.
"I'd been betrayed by my previous family… and I was desperate for the closeness and trust that came with family. Kai gave me a new start here, a place to make a family of my own." She lifted her head up high now and looked pleadingly into the Boss' eyes. "I want to marry Kai, so that I can become his family… and he can become mine! So please give us your blessing, please let me marry your son!"
The boss said nothing, but paid close attention to the girl and the words she spoke. None of these words were lies that he could tell. Her voice and tears were so sincere it was hard to believe that she had any kind of ulterior motive. Still…
"You speak the truth, but not the whole truth, Izumi Midoriya." He grunted and watched her expression hardened. "There are other goals in your mind… but it's clear that your intentions are good." He sighed heavily and looked to Kai. "Very well… it would seem you've reflected on your past mistakes. If this is the path you've chosen, then I will do what I can to protect it and you."
"Thank you, Ouyaji." Kai bowed again and then stood up, Karma joining him. "Would you be willing to hold off on my punishment until after the nuptials on Saturday."
The boss smiled warmly and in an old gesture they were both familiar with he pat Kai on the head ruffling his hair.
"I think I'd be willing to hold off for something like that."
~Later~
While the rest of the clan awoke and rejoiced at having their boss return, Kai and Izumi retired to his room. She stripped down into her sleeping garbs and turned to watch Kai do the same. Her head that had been a jumbled mess during the confessions had calmed… but still left her with this tug of war inside her heart.
"So… it was Eri's quirk that was the source?" She asked, breaking the silence between them.
"Yes…" He admitted calmly, bracing for backlash. "Are you angry?"
"I should be… I should be infuriated with you, and kill you where you stand." She waited a beat, waited for him to turn to her and look her in the eye. "I can't seem to bring myself to."
"Why not?" He asked, genuinely curious.
"I'm not sure." She admitted and sighed sadly. "I guess it's because I still need and want you."
"I see…" He folded the yukata over himself watching her expression. "Has your quirk returned?"
"Almost… I was able to light someone's cigarette, and levitate an apple… but I may need another day to completely heal." She stepped up to him and adjusted the flap on his chest. He took her hand lifting it to his mouth and placing a kiss there. The gesture warmed her heart. "It still feels odd seeing you so calm when you touch me."
"I still detest filth… but I no longer consider you amongst the filthy." He laced their fingers. "I have a gift for you. I'll leave it up to you to decide what you want to do with it."
"It's a little early for gifts, but I won't complain." She offered a small smile. "What is it?"
He reached over to his desk and held up a box. He opened it, and inside were five red bullets, and one blue one.
"These are all that's left of my research. Everything Eri went through before you saved her was all for this." He closed the case and placed it in her hand folding her fingers over it. "It's yours now."
"Kai… I don't..." She shook her head trying to hand them back but he pushed it more forcefully into her palm.
"My plans won't work without Eri, and even if she were still here I no longer have the stomach to keep doing it. Instead I'm gonna be selfish and ask that you help me come up with a new plan… one that'll make both our dreams a reality."
Izumi sighed and she accepted the box. Opening it again she pulled out the blue bullet.
"Is this..?"
"Yes. I don't know how you intend to pull that particular plan off… but I look forward to seeing it come to fruition."
"If you knew what I was planning you'd think I was crazy." She smirked up at him. "Do you still want to be involved?"
"Absolutely." He spoke confidently. "I want to see you come into your power again. I think it'd be thrilling."
"Oh it will be." She opened her robe and tugged the belt off his Yukata."So if you're still in… then I've got just the job for you." She let the sly smile spread across her lips and kissed him with deep fervor. She pulled him onto the bed pinning him under her meeting little resistance. As he took pleasure in the feast she offered to him, Izumi slipped back into the mindset of puppeteer, all doubts and guilts shoved aside.
I shall show you your place in my game… you pawn.
~Day of the Wedding~
The white gown she'd chosen amongst the hundreds offered to her was both conservative and a show stopper. The full skirt was soft and flowy with lace and other vintage details that gave it a classic feel. Pearl buttons came up from mid back to the neck, covering her sleeves and shoulder with sheer sparkling fabric. She'd paired it with some white lace gloves which she'd remove during the ring service, but until then it made her look regal and divine.
"So pretty…" Toga, in the guise of a pretty brunette, admired the dress with pure delight. Her own blue strapless gown was cute but she ogled the white number with pure girlish delight. "Do you know what would make it even prettier?"
"You get blood on this gown, I'm liable to kill you Toga." Izumi pat her cheek affectionately and gave a single spin. "It's way more comfortable than I thought it would be."
"I made all the adjustments you wanted." Twice snapped scissors, wearing a plague mask instead of his own to keep from being recognized, and a tux for the occasion. "You're good to go, my queen."
"Thanks, and thank you for helping me with my hair Toga." She smiled liking the elegant braid Toga had twisted her hair into.
"My pleasure, Queeny." She looked at the clock. "It's time."
"We should go then, Toga-chan." He put his equipment away and saluted. "Good Luck, My Queen."
"Thank you both… and I promise to reward you once this is all over." She watched them leave and take their places, mixing in with the crowd of guests outside. She took a deep breath, putting a hand over her nervous stomach. Slowly she opened her eyes and picked up the box Kai had given her opening to admire the contents.
"This is it…" She shut it tight and slipped it into the pocket Twice had altered for her. "There's no turning back now."
A few minutes later music filled the air, and Karma walked down the aisle holding a pretty bouquet of roses. Kai stood at he altar, holding his hand out to her. She took it, smiling happily up at him as they spoke their vows, and exchanged rings.
"Karma Karson, Kai Chisaki, you have vowed and pledge yourself to each other in holy matrimony. If anyone wishes to object to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace!"
"Yeah, I object!" The chief of police stood at the end of the aisle holding up a warrant. Behind him a battalion of police officers, Eraserhead, Nighteye, Mirio, Bakugo, Todoroki and several other heroes stood behind him. "Izumi Midoriya you are under arrest!"
"Oh?" Karma's eyes lit up and she fisted her hand around the bouquet as the excitement stirred her up. "I'm sorry officer, but I think you're confused. There is no Izumi Midoriya at this venue."
"Enough games, Karma, we know it's you." The chief spoke boldly.
"Be careful," Eraser warned everyone. "She may be young, but she's a tricky kid."
"I know," The chief stood firm. "We have testimonies from reliable sources that you are indeed Izumi Midoriya. You, your comrade Dabi, and the young boy Kota are to come with us,"
"Who may I ask gave such a testimony?" The Boss stepped up ready to protect his new inlaw. "I can assure you none of my people did… and who are these other two you speak of?"
"The testimonies are from All Might who was her teacher, Mirio Togata who was her sparring partner, Katsuki Bakugo and Shoto Todoroki who were her classmates."
"That's an impressive lineup but it's far from accurate." Karma turned still holding her bouquet. "Every single person here," she gestured to her guests, "Can vouch that my name is Karma Karson. I'm an American citizen, and the wife of Kai Chisaki. Now I've had enough of this nonsense… unless you can provide substantial proof that my identity is false, we're done here. You're only going to further upset me, and my guests, so get lost!"
"You heard my wife," Chisaki stepped beside her and set his gloved hand on her shoulder. "It's time you all left."
"I'm sorry, but no. You're coming with us, Miss Midoriya." He motioned his men to group behind him.
"Tch…typical hero behavior, just jumping in without really considering the consequences." Karma's eyes darted around assessing each position. "If I'm really who you say I am. Then what could possibly make you think…" her eyes go slitted and her lips smile wickedly. "...that I'd come along quietly?"
Eraserhead jolted and he clenched his teeth erasing her quirk.
"GET HER!"
"AHHHHH!" Voices screamed behind him and the blood of each hero ran cold as half of the police force was set ablaze by a powerful blast of blue fire ignited from behind them. Karma laughed as her double at the altar melted away into mud, shocking all the guests… and Chisaki.
"By all means, Eraserhead…" Karma called out, the white wedding dress she'd worn burning to ash and revealing the sleeveless leather-like material underneath. Knives and other projectiles were strapped to her arms and calves. Blue flames danced in the curls of her braid, and her eyes showed such intensity in them. "Come and get me."
~Ask Briry~
Briry: Only one chapter and an epilogue to go! Hope you guys are excited for it!
Next Chapter: A Last Ditch Effort.