We Be Monsters

by bubbajack

AUish. In the oldest of myths, demons, gods, and all manner of monsters walked amongst mankind... Were they just creatures thought up by the human mind... or is there something more to it than that... One boy is making it his mission to find out. IzukuxHarem harem includes crossover characters.

4. Chapter 4

We Be Monsters

By: Bubbajack

Beta: IcySnowSage

Heliosion: Special Consultant

Disclaimer: We don't own shit.

Ch.4: Changes.

Izuku pushed open the door to his room and looked around. Posters, both steel and paper, action figures, a majority of them still in their original packaging, and even his bedsheets were all All Might themed. Yes, his room was like a museum to the number one hero. The only thing that wasn't directly correlating to him were all of his Hero Analysis books that sat tucked neatly into a shelf. Remembering Mina's suggestion, Izuku began searching up the prices of his unopened action figures on his computer. While reminding himself to change his All Might themed background to something else, Maybe a tasteful picture of Midnight? He thought as he began looking up the prices of his various items. Some of them, like his limited edition Silver Age All Might action figure, went for quite a bit. I didn't expect to get fifty-thousand yen just for that, and double that for the bronze age figure. He kept a tally of everything on his computer's calculator as he continued his search. Not for the first time, he considered his inability to get tired a boon, as this process took awhile. He leaned back in his computer chair and did the math. Taking away the ten percent Yebay charges for sales, I'm looking at about ¥106,554.73.

He decided to get up and go talk to his mother. A lot had happened in a small period of time and they hadn't really had time to clear the air between them. He found her sitting in the living room, nursing a cup of tea, the pot and an empty cup sitting next to her on the coffee table. When she saw him, she smiled. "Hey Izuku."

"Mom," Izuku said with a nod. "Can we talk?"

In response, Inko poured a second cup of tea and patted their overstuffed couch. Izuku readily took up the invitation. Izuku took a sip of tea. If he were still a normal human it likely would've burnt his tongue and throat, but he didn't really feel anything but a mild tingling sensation due to his new… status. He then turned to look at his mother who was looking at him in surprise. "That didn't… burn your mouth?"

Izuku shook his head, "No, just a mild tingling feeling and the echo of a feeling of warmth on my tongue."

"Wow… you seem like an entirely different person these days, Izuku. You dress differently, you have a girlfriend."

Izuku cut her off where the resemblance of a blush formed on his face. "Mina-chan and I aren't even dating yet mom!"

"Son, she stood up to her gun toting father who is the chief of police for you, I'm sorry but if you don't date her, you're an idiot," Inko said as she gave him a deadpan look.

"Fair point," Izuku conceded. "I just wanted to talk to you about… everything that's happened lately and make sure we're okay?"

Inko smiled weakly. "Well at first as you saw, I was distraught. I mean,you killed yourself! Instead of talking to me about any of this that took place over a decade you just said everything was fine after school day after day until it became too much!" By the time she stopped for breath, Inko had tears in her eyes. She wiped them away on the sleeve of her sweater. "Do you have any idea how useless that made me feel as a parent as your mother?! You… you should be able to tell me anything Izuku! no matter how bad it is. So, from now on, can we just be transparent with each other? I don't care how bad or weird it is, I want you to tell me, okay?"

Izuku nodded, "Okay mom… well in the spirit of our new transparent relationship, I'd like to tell you that I'm selling all of my All Might memorabilia on Yebay, unless a bidding war happens, I'm looking at ¥106,554.73."

"Oh wow, that's great son," Inko smiled happily for her son. "Speaking of money, when do you think the money from Beni-enma's verdict will come in?"

The Archlich shrugged. "I have no idea."

"Have you given any thought about what you'll do with the money?" Inko asked.

"Buy spell reagents," Izuku said immediately. "Spells require vocalization, hand movements, and sometimes specific catalysts to be enacted according to Nuari-san, the more powerful the spell, the more expensive the catalyst is. For example, legends tell that the most powerful healing spell, True Resurrection, requires five hundred thousand yen in diamonds to pull off."

Inko's violet eyes widened upon hearing that. "Oh my, that's quite a lot."

"It's even more complicated than that I'm afraid," Izuku replied. "From what I've looked up, it is magic that reaches the realm of gods, it would cost me a lot of energy to enact. We're talking almost a thousand human lives worth of energy here, or to put it more simply I'd need to eat nine whole packets of sakura seeds just to do it once."

Inko blinked. "Wow… still you can actually bring the dead back to life… that's something not many can boast about."

Izuku nodded. "Yes, but it's not something done casually. It costs a lot of energy. Same with the wish spell, which is what I assume my predecessors used to create the monster-human barriers, that or they did something even more insane and created Mythals."

"Mythal?" Inko questioned.

"It's a powerful enchantment or ward that usually costs the caster their life to create," Izuku said, pausing when he saw his mother wince. "When it's cast over an area, it hides it from view or prevents select people from finding it. If my predecessors were as powerful as I think they were, then they could've done this at the cost of their lives to separate the various monster realms from the human one. That's why monsters became a myth over time and certain places became things of myth, like Mount Ooe and such. T-That's my t-theory a-anyway," Izuku stuttered out when he saw his mother staring at him with her mouth slightly agape.

"That… makes a lot of sense actually," Inko said after a moment. "So putting that aside for now, you're going shopping today then?"

"For new things for my room, yes," Izuku nodded. He then saw his mother sending a text. "Who're you texting?"

"Nemuri-san," Inko replied, "She told me to let her know if either of us were leaving the house at all within the next week and she and Kumuru-chan would come around to guard us while we were out."

"You have Midnight's personal cell phone number? Do you have any idea how many men wish they were in your position right now mom?" Izuku stated his tone one of awe.

Inko let out a little chuckle. "She said she'll be by to pick her hubby up in twenty minutes…" She then looked at her son, "Do you think she's just joking or is she genuinely interested in you?"

"I…" Izuku blinked. "Don't know? Good question to ask her while I'm out all things considered," He then rubbed his mop of messy white hair. "Don't you think the age difference is a little weird?"

"Son, you're an immortal undead wizard," Inko pointed out. "Age restrictions don't really apply to you."

"Right… uhh, any advice for… my unique situation?" Izuku asked. He watched as his mother chewed her bottom lip for a moment before she replied.

"I think you should be very careful about who you let get close to you," Inko said at last. "Some people, like Mina, are genuine, but others? Others will want to date you simply because of what you are, not who you are. Be careful son. I'd hate for you to have to pay alimony to a gold digger."

Izuku took a breath just so he could cough into his hand. "Ahem, that's another thing… I'm not exactly sure if my gun still fires correctly if you take my meaning?"

"I've heard you go to the bathroom on occasion dear," Inko replied in blunt motherly fashion

Izuku shook his head. "Nonono… that's not what I-I mean! W-What I m-mean is… After my transformation I m-might be shooting b-blanks if I fire at all."

Inko blushed as she realized what her son was implying. "Oh! Um… should we get that checked do you think?"

"P-Probably at some point, if you ever want grandkids," Izuku mumbled, looking away.

"Well I certainly wouldn't mind being able to spoil a bunch of grandbabies… so yes, we should probably get that checked," Inko agreed.

Izuku finished off his tea and went to the closet where they kept spare boxes and wrapping paper for Christmas. Getting out several flattened boxes and taking them back to his room, he began organizing his All Might memorabilia. Putting everything into its own box, which he filled with packing peanuts before putting the item in. It was simple and in a way therapeutic doing this. It felt like, in a way, that he was letting go of who he used to be, almost like a snake shedding its skin. He was so consumed by his task that he didn't hear the knocking at the door. He did however hear his mother's shouting that came when she answered the door. "I-Izuku dear? C-Could you come h-here please?"

Curious as to what could have her acting this way, as she was quite used to being around Midnight by this point, Izuku came out of his room only to stop when he saw All Might himself standing in the doorway… and there was a rat in a suit on his shoulder.

"All Might… Principle Nezu, can I help you?" He asked after staring for a moment.

"Hello Young Midoriya..." All Might said awkwardly as Nezu waved cheerily from his perch on the Number One Heroes shoulder.

"Why hello, how do you do?" Nezu said chipperly. "Might we come in? I believe Toshinori has something to give to Midoriya-kun and I have something I'd like to discuss with him."

Inko looked back at her son. "Izuku? It's up to you."

Midnight's head appeared beneath All Might's shoulder suddenly. "I'm sorry! He followed me here, Midoriya-san."

"It's fine Midnight, don't worry about it," Izuku replied, "Won't you all come in?"

"Actually, I was talking to your mother Izuku-chan," She said, sending him a saucy wink, "But thanks for letting us in."

"You're welcome?" Izuku honestly didn't know how to take her teasing him sometimes. Their guests sat on the couch and Inko poured tea for them, even All Might as much as she disliked him at the moment.

"Thank you," Nezu said before taking a sip. "Excellently brewed!" He complimented before he turned to Izuku, "Now, before I start Midoriya-kun I believe Toshinori has something for you. Toshinori?"

The blonde man allowed himself to deflate, and even though it had only been an hour he already looked healthier. He looked less like a walking corpse and more like a human being. His face had filled out some, his eyes didn't look completely sunken into his skull like a corpse, and he hadn't coughed up any blood… yet.

"Thank you Principal-san," Toshinori said as he reached into the pocket of his olive drab pants and pulled out an envelope. Before holding it out to the Archlich. "Here you are, Young Midoriya. As ordered by Beni-Enma, three percent of one third of my liquified assets."

Izuku looked down at the envelope. "I didn't do this for the money All Might."

"I know you didn't, my boy. I know you didn't," The Number One Hero said with a sigh, "Still, I did some wrong by you and this is, in a small way, making amends."

Izuku took a breath so he could sigh. "You just don't get it All Might. I asked you if someone with no quirk could be a hero. You said no. But there were so many other things you could've pointed out besides that. My total lack of training and physical conditioning at the time, which in and of itself showed lack of drive to even try to become a hero, or that I could've become a support item hero, and yes I know there are such heroes. One's that rely on support items because their quirks are highly situational," Izuku said, cutting the blonde off before he could open his mouth. "Yet you didn't say any of that. You just said no I shouldn't be a hero. That… kinda sucked. No it did suck! It sucked a whole damn lot, being told something like that by my idol."

"I… am sorry," All Might said after a moment thinking that was the only thing he could say as he continued. "I should've been paying more attention to your demeanor I suppose."

"Forget about that. Also, for the record, I don't hate you or anything I'm just… disappointed," Izuku said glumly.

The Number One Hero slumped slightly upon seeing the young boy look so defeated. Yet he soon perked up and then took the envelope from the Pro Hero, saying, "I'm just taking this because it's court ordered, that's all," He tore the top off and pulled out the check, staring at it for a moment before asking, "Umm, All Might? You know this was only supposed to be three percent out of one third of your total assets right?"

"How much is it Izuku?" Inko asked.

"¥99,000,000."

Inko did her best fish impression for a moment. "H-How much?"Izuku reiterated the number, and looked at the 'Symbol of Peace' questioningly. Even Midnight who was dressed in a dark pants suit and glasses and dare he even think it, looked like a 'sexy librarian' was looking at All Might like he was batshit insane.

"That is three percent! I am… very well off Young Midoriya… more well off then even I realized." Torshinori said, taking his muscled form for a brief moment.

"Don't you ever go to an ATM like a normal person, or you know, check your bank statements?" Midnight asked incredulously.

"They must've gotten lost in all my fanmail!" All Might declared before he shrunk down to normal size, and continued, "Also I automate all my bills. So I didn't really know how much I had to begin with."

"Taxes?" Inko said.

Toshinori coughed. "I've got a guy for that."

Midnight sighed airlily. "Wow, must be nice, having so much money you've lost track of how much you actually have."

"Indeed," Inko agreed with an annoyed sigh as both women sent the Number One Hero a glare.

It was then that Principal Nezu cleared his throat. "If you don't mind, I've a proposition for you Midoriya-kun?"

"Of course Principal N-Nezu. What kind of preposition?" Izuku asked as he stared up at the rat, bear… thing. Getting a sort of gut feeling, Izuku sent some life energy to his eyes and looked at the Principal. What he saw surprised him.

In the place of the dog-bear creature he saw a small blue dragon with butterfly wings bursting from its back, a crown of webbed horns coming from its head, and it looked at him in surprise before it chuckled. Faerie Dragon, his True Sight told him. One pulling a very long drawn out prank.

'Shh, keep this under your hat, okay Midoriya-kun?' the slightly childish timber of the Faerie Dragon said to him in his head. Izuku wasn't the only one capable of using telepathy it seemed.

'Fine, but I want answers,' Izuku replied.

The Principal began to speak. "I would like to offer you a full scholarship to Yuuei, Midoriya-kun paid in full."

Inko's face lit up. "Izuku isn't this wonderful?! You can finally follow your dream of becoming a hero!"

"Yeah… wonderful," He bowed at the waist, "Thank you sir, but I'm going to have to politely decline."

Inko looked at her son like he'd grown a second head. "Decline?! B-But Izuku, I thought you wanted to be a hero?"

Izuku nodded. "I did mom… before I realized how big a deal being an Archlich was. People out there are depending on me, just not as a hero. As… something else, something more than a hero. I can't let them down or give them anything less than my absolute best, right? And I can't do that if I'm attending Yuuei and trying to do… Archlich stuff at the same time."

Principal Nezu smiled. "You made a very mature decision Midoriya-kun. To put others before one's own desires shows wisdom far outstriping your youth."

"Could I m-maybe recommend someone else for my scholarship instead, sir? Izuku requested.

"If that is what you want, I don't see the harm," The ferret Izuku had decided to refer to him as a ferret replied, "What is the person's name?"

"Ashido Mina sir," Izuku quickly responded. "While I have no desire to become a hero she does."

"I'll send her an email and let her know as soon as I get back to my office," Nezu promised.

Izuku bowed politely. "Thank you sir," concentrating as hard as he could on the Faerie Dragon he sent a private thought. 'You might want to go meet her in person, you'd be pleasantly surprised.'

'Oh is that so? Well now you've piqued my interest young Archlich, thank you,' The Faerie dragon replied. 'Also telepathic communication is about intent; it depends on who you intend to receive your thoughts. So long as you keep that in mind, you shouldn't have too much trouble.'

'Thanks,' Izuku replied privately.

'No problem,' The dragon of the Feywild replied. He then spoke aloud. "Well, I do believe our business here is concluded. Come Toshinori, we should go."

The top Hero of Japan raised a single finger asking for just a moment. He then faced the boy he failed and asked. "What exactly did you do to me, Young Midoriya? It's only been three hours, almost four and I feel better than I've felt in about five years. Even Recovery Girls' quirk couldn't help so, what did you do?"

Izuku just smiled before he copied All Might's own gesture and got up before going into his room. He came back out carrying all of his memorabilia. "Sign all this stuff, and then I'll tell you, I'll get a better price for it on Yebay if it has your signature."

Toshinori's eyebrows shot up towards his hairline before he chuckled. "Alright," He pulled a sharpie out of his pants pocket and proceeded to sign everything in sight. "Thought you didn't care about money?" All Might said conversationally.

"I didn't want your money, that's not saying I don't need it for things. Magic is complicated… and expensive," Izuku replied. "In order for some spells to work you need specific reagents like five carrat diamonds for example."

Midnight whistled. "Wow, that's... magic is expensive."

"Yes, with all the money all Might just gave me… I'd be able to buy five, maybe six and have some money left over."

"Are you sure we can't interest you in joining Yuuei? Heroes get financing if their abilities require certain things to work, you see," Nezu explained.

"No, I'm good, thanks," Izuku replied. Once All Might finished signing everything he said, "I infected you with a symbiotic worm colony that is in the midst of giving your body a total tune up. Muscles, memory, flexibility, strength, all of it should be peak human if not slightly above that by the time they're done. Just leave them there and let them do their thing. They should be done giving you a full workup in twenty-four hours."

Toshinori's jaw dropped and he just stared at Izuku for a moment. Then he snapped his jaw shut with a snap. "I see… thank you very much Young Midoriya. I honestly feel as if I'm in your debt."

"No you're not. As I didn't do this for you, I was thinking of the people. You're the Symbol of Peace. Regardless of how I feel personally, symbols are powerful things. Once word gets out that I helped you the hate towards me by the quirk populace might lessen somewhat," He then looked to the heroine. "Ready to go Midnight?"

The older woman smiled impishly. "I've asked you to call me Nemuri when I'm off duty, Izuku you know that."

"Are you ready to go, Kayama-san?" Izuku replied his tone was neutral and respectful.

"Sure," She grabbed her black leather purse that she discreetly hid in the arm of the couch and smiled at Inko. "Seeya soon Inko."

"Have fun you two'' the Midoriya Matriarch replied with a smile and a cheery wave before she turned to All Might and Principle Nezu and gave them a deadpan glare. "Get out of my apartment. I put up with you because my son allowed it, but I personally want nothing to do with you All Might. My son died however briefly because of your words. I know you were being honest, but as they say, sometimes the truth hurts, and it did hurt my son...Right now, I can't even begin to forgive you for that."

"I… see. I completely understand Midoriya-san," Toshinori bowed low in apology.

Nezu laughed. "For someone who doesn't want to be a hero or even a politician as far as I know, he's got innate skill at both," He tapped the Number One Hero on the shoulder. "Come my friend, it's time we made our way to Chiba and had a talk with Ashido-chan."

---

The moment Izuku and Nemuri exited the building they were surrounded by a dozen undead. Ten were Izuku's personal bodyguards which were led by Takahiro and the remaining two were Nemuri's own bodyguards. Izuku could tell which was which immediately as Midnights had a number of handcuffs hanging from their rib cages. Seeing his curious gaze the heroine explained "They help me with hero work by handcuffing villains after I knock them out with my quirk. Saito and Ren are the most useful men I've met in a long time," She sent Izuku a wink, "You notwithstanding of course."

"T-Thank you Kayama-san… can I ask you a semi-serious question?"

The older woman shot him a sideways glance. "Shoot."

"Are you actually interested in me, or do you just like teasing me?" Izuku said pointblank, not bothering to beat around the bush.

Much to his surprise she didn't answer right away in a teasing tone like he expected but looked up at the sky. "Well, I think Midoriya-kun is cute in a way. His mannerisms show, despite being undead which some would find off putting plus combined with the way he dresses, one would think he's a delinquent. Yet his personality completely destroys that notion the moment he opens his mouth. He stutters and acts shy. Yet at the same time, when the chips are down and someone is in danger he is willing to step up and fight. Even against a god. That was really cool by the way," The Pro Hero complimented. "So to answer your question, yes, I could certainly see myself dating Midoriya-kun… is he okay with dating me though? I am quite a bit older than him, immortal or not." She huffed angrily and muttered, "Some have even called me a Christmas Cake."

"I-I don't really c-care about your age!" Izuku sputtered out, "I think you look pretty regardless… an-and besides as you pointed out I'm immortal so… it doesn't really matter to me? Also… who doesn't like cake?"

The woman burst out into laughter at that. "Hahahah! Are you trying to get lucky today Izu-chan?" She asked, fluttering her eyes at him sulturily.

"N-No! I mean to be honest I'd be an idiot to turn you down but we haven't even gone on a date yet and I promised Mina first and…" He went into rapid mumble mode.

The Pro gently embraced him. "Easy Izuku, easy, I was just teasing. I know nothing like that is going to happen for quite awhile yet," She said gently as she stroked his hair, adding"I also know damn well Mina-chan is at the head of the pecking order."

Izuku's thoughts stopped going a mile a minute. "Sorry you just caught me by surprise."

Nemuri laughed again, "I could tell! So, where are we going?"

He pointed down an alleyway, "We're gonna cut through here, get to the mall on Gangnam street and go shopping for clothes and I need to remodel my room."

"So you need to go full punk goth in both attire and decor basically?" The Heroine nodded. "I can help with that."

"Is that what this is?" He asked looking down at his jacket and other clothing, "I just thought it looked rebellious and cool."

Nemuri couldn't remember the last time she laughed so much. "Yes that's what it's called, you pull it off nicely too."

"Thanks," He replied as they stepped out of the alleyway onto Gangnam street. It was more of a thoroughfare than a street, and to the local quirked populace it was called Monster Way. It was called that because all of these shops were run by monsters. The whole street was lined with all manner of shops and cafes, some of which only had seating outside on wrought iron tables and chairs with heaters for the cold, and umbrellas for the hot days of summer. As always it was bustling with people, going to and fro. From a grocer getting mobbed by a group of lamia who loved their eggs, to a minotaur who was selling wooden furniture, there was even a shop run by a group of dwarves that sold jewelry that went by Ivaldi and Sons. There were other places too. A tailor's run by a group of Aranche, called Spinnerets. Izuku being the outcast that he was before his transformation found solace in this place. He treated the monsters kindly, asked various questions about their culture and crafts and helped out when and where he could. This often ended up getting him free sundaes at the Igloo Icecream Parlor that was run by a group of Yuuki-Onna.

Today was different though, for as he walked down the street flanked by his undead, the various monsters stopped whatever they were doing and fell to a knee in subservience or if they were incapable of that, into a low bow. Izuku just stared as the various monsters bowed to him like he was a king or a demigod of some kind. He projected his telepathy to everyone in range. "Umm, t-thank you everyone! P-Please go about your business."

Everyone got up and went back to what they were doing but they moved slower now, more carefully, and it wasn't nearly as loud as it was before Izuku had arrived. Everyone had at least one eye on him, watching, waiting to see what he was going to do. 'Might as well get on with my own business,' So thinking he made his first stop at the Kolbolt First National Bank which was run by Kobolds of all things. Funnily enough Kobolds ran all manner of businesses in the monster world including the banks.

The bank was a large marble structure. Dome topped and it had an iron statue of no less than seven skeletal wizards raising knotted staffs into the air, with water pooling around it forming a water fountain. He always avoided the metal statue finding it odd, only now did he realize it was a memorial for the fallen Archliches. He nodded respectfully to the statue as he passed it and entered the building through the revolving glass door, but not before ordering his guards to wait outside.

The interior was covered in marble just like the exterior, with cubicles made of stone lining the area 'Well from what Polt-chan has told me, Kobolds like tunnels so maybe this is as close as they can come to simulating their natural environment?' Izuku thought to himself as he walked up to the counter where a Kobold female who wasn't one of the few monsters he was familiar with, was filing her nails. "Hello, welcome to Kobolt First National. How may I help you?"

"Yes, hello is Polt available?" Izuku enquired.

Hearing the voice inside of her head the woman looked up, went slack jawed upon seeing Izuku, bowed so fast she smacked her head on the granite countertop. She rose, with a trickle of blood coming from her head, seemingly not noticing her wound, she replied in an awestruck tone. "A-Archlich-sama! Y-You're here! H-How may I assist you?!"

"Can you go get Teller Polt please? She manages my account?" Izuku politely requested.

"P-Polt? Polt Windguard?" The Kobold questioned.

"Yes that's her," The Archlich affirmed.

'Why would Archlich-sama want to see her? She only handles the most minor of accounts because she's new. Plus she's only a part timer because she also helps out at her parents' sports club,' She thought to herself even as she smiled and said, "Wait right here and I'll go see if she's available, Archlich-sama."

"One moment, before you go," Izuku reached forward with a single finger and a small green spark burst forth from his finger, closing the wound and burning away the blood that trickled down the woman's face.

The kobold blinked. "Ah thank you Archlich-sama, I didn't even notice. I'll be back shortly with Teller Polt. Just a moment please."

Once the woman walked away, a sashay in her strut which Izuku didn't notice because Nemuri put a hand on his shoulder and said, "Wow, you really are a big deal huh?"

"I...I guess so… I'm really not used to it. I don't suppose you can give me any pointers on how to deal with this? Being a famous hero and all?" Izuku asked hopefully.

"Hmm," Nemuri tapped her chin. "Well, I'm famous, yeah, but this… this is next level fame. This is closer to fanatic religious devotion than fame from what I've seen of it. Like if you asked the monsters would try to take over the world in your name…" she then paused before she deadpanned, "I didn't just give you a really dumb idea did I?"

"N-No, I have no plans of conquering the world at the moment… I'll keep it in my back pocket for a rainy day when I'm bored. It's what Alexander the Great did."

Nemuri blinked then laughed. "You've got a pretty good sense of humor Izu-kun. Little dark, but I don't hate that."

"EHH! Archlich-sama wants to see me!?" Polts voice was unmistakable.

"That's what I said so get yourself out there and look presentable you flea ridden mongrel!" The woman at the front desk snapped waspishly.

"Y-Yes ma'am!" A sudden hard footfall was heard and Polt was seen running down the hall all but jogging in her dark green pantsuit. "Stop running you idiot! At least try and look professional! The buxom blonde at the front desk yelled after her.

"Yes!" She all but slid into a stop in goza position with her head on the floor in front of Izuku. "Y-You asked to see me Archlich-sama?"

"Umm, Polt-san could you get up off the floor please?" Izuku requested, feeling awkward.

"Huh? But that sounded like…" She looked up suddenly. "Izuku-tan?! You're Archlich-sama?!"

"Um yo?!" He said with an awkward little wave.

Suddenly, Polt was on her feet with both her hands on Izuku's shoulders and a burning intensity was in her eyes. "For Izuku-tan to be Archlich-sama… that means Izuku-tan had to die! Izuku-tan what happened?! Were you hit by a bus, did that bakublow guy finally blast you one too many times, did you drown in a river! Did you fall out of a tree trying to save a cat! Vile creatures that they are, I could still see you trying to save one!" As she ranted and raved she kept shaking him.

"I think," Nemuri said as she put her hand on Polt's shoulder, "That we should move this discussion to your office."

Polt looked around seeing people staring. "Agreed, please follow me."

---

Polt's office, if it could be called that, was formerly the room where the physical copies of all records were stored. It was cluttered and cramped. Dominating the room was a small rickety desk that was piled high with paperwork. The room that was already small was made even smaller by the metal cabinets that took over a majority of the room and on what little space that wasn't taken over by files and paperwork. There was an old computer, like Windows 95 old. Something that should be in a museum. Sitting down in a chair that was likely fished out of a dumpster, or from a curbside, Izuku sat down on one side of the desk while Polt sat in a rocking chair that was held together by duct tape. She fixed her blue eyes on Izuku and said, "Explain."

'Polt-chan is scary when she's angry,' Izuku noted this was the first time he'd ever seen her upset, her tail laying down limp. Yet fur fluffed up in obvious agitation. "Well…" He told her the whole story once he got to the part about actually jumping off his school roof, he was promptly hit in the face with a metal stapler. He didn't feel it.

"Idiot!" She yelled at him. She then chucked a coffee mug full of pens at him, it broke on his skull. He didn't feel that either. "Moron!" Lastly she picked up her museum worthy computer and chucked it at his head. "Ouch I actually felt that… a little."

"It's probably just the fire, stupid boy," Polt huffed. "I can't believe you did that!"

"Me? You just hit me with a stapler, a coffee mug, and you're as old as dirt computer!" Izuku accused.

"You deserved it!" Polt fired back her tail now standing straight up. "Instead of calling me or anyone else you do something stupid, stupid!"

"I suppose…" Izuku admitted.

Crossing her arms, Polt glared and said, "Idiot! Don't you even remember? You're the reason I got this job."

Izuku looked lost for a moment, then it clicked. "Oh, yeah! Now I remember!"

He'd been coming to Monster Alley for awhile now and was sweeping out front of Kobolt when a dejected Polt walked out, holding open the door for a much older Kobold woman who said, not unkindly, "I'm sorry dear, we're just full up right now and even if we weren't you don't know a thing about banking which you yourself admit. So we'd have to start you out with small accounts you couldn't possibly mess up. To get your feet wet so to speak."

"I understand, thank you ma'am… it's just… My family's business is struggling. They need whatever money they can get."

The elderly Kobold nodded. "I understand, you can bring pamphlets into the lobby to advertise if you wish," She then noticed Izuku and smiled. They'd bumped into each other before. "Izuku-chan, always working so hard as usual I see," She opened up her purse and handed him a thousand yen note. He'd tried refusing her multiple times before but she was insistent so he'd learned just to accept her kindness.

The young man bowed. "Thank you Kenna-obachan… I have a question about banks or banking."

The elderly Kenna indungled him. "Oh what is it dearie?"

"How old does someone have to be to open an account at your bank?"

Kenna blinked, "Um if you can get your mothers permission you could open one right now."

Izuku nodded. "So if I opened an account could um… oneechan look after it for me?" he questioned, nodding to Polt whose name at the time he didn't know.

Kenna, the bank director, blinked then let out a bark of laughter. That sounded like a lot of yipping. If there was one thing Kobolds respected, it was cleverness, and Izuku was clever. "Alright, I don't see the problem with that, do you Polt-chan?"

"N-No ma'am!" Polt said just staring at this small human in awe.

Kenna nodded. "You can start tomorrow. Your first task will be making sure Izuku-chan and his mother open their account correctly. If you can do that… Well we'll see."

She walked to her car, a red jaguar, with a little wave, leaving the two alone. "Do you have a big sister Izuku-tan?" Polt asked her tail, a blur of motion behind her.

"No," Izuku replied, moments before he was pulled into a hug.

"Well you do now!"

"Oh… oh… Oh! Sorry oneechan." Izuku replied sheepishly.

"Sorry he says, sorry he says after he already jumped off the damn roof instead of calling his big sister! Hurmph!" Polt turned away in a huff, refusing to look at him.

"I really fucked up here didn't I?" Izuku said to Nemuri specifically.

Nemuri nodded.

Izuku took a breath so he could sigh. It was something he found himself doing a lot. "I'll be right back, please wait here."

The young undead left the room, leaving the two women alone. Polt broke the awkward silence first. "So, who're you? Besides being Midnight I mean?"

The Pro Heroine shrugged casually. "Just one of the mistresses I guess?"

"EH?! Really, really?! He moves fast!" Polt said mostly to herself.

Nemuri chuckled a little, "It has more to do with random hijinks than anything. He's too helpful and kind by half."

"True, true… he should've called me stupid boy," She sighed heatedly.

"Don't be so hard on him," Nemuri advised, "He just got done with the trial that punished the people who put him in that position earlier today."

"All Might and Bakugo Katsuki," The Kobold half growled to herself, wanting more than anything to sink her claws into Bakugo's throat at the moment.

The Pro Heroine nodded. "The very same. All Might's bank account took a hit, and Bakugo… well… He's where he needs to be."

Polt nodded fiercely a couple of times. "Good, good!"

Izuku came back shortly afterwards carrying a bag of seeds in his hands. "Right, with this I should be able to do what I need no problem. I didn't expect her to just give it to me though."

"Izuku-tan," Polt said flatly, "You're an Archlich. We'd go to war against humanity if you ordered it. So don't be surprised if monsters just give you things, but what're the seeds for?"

"Well I don't want that," Izuku said as he consumed the entire bag of seeds in one go. "As for what the seeds are for," He pointed his hand at either wall and said "Enlarge."

The walls on either side expanded by twice the length. He then proceeded to shove the cabinets up against the newly enlarged walls. Not done, he pointed at the wall directly behind her and said, "Permanent Image."

Nothing happened at first then an open window appeared that had sunlight streaming through it, along with a nice breeze that carried the scent of fresh rain and sunlight that she could feel beginning to warm her fur. Izuku then cast another spell. "Permanency!"

The Enlargement spell was now permanent. He then walked around to her chair and began mumbling "Repair" over and over until it no longer required duct tape to be held together. He then stood up and said, "Sorry, but I don't think I can do anything about your desk-AHH!"

He was glomped by the Kobold girl who pulled him to her. "Izuku-tan is so kind!" She proceeded to nuzzle her nose into his cheek, a form of affection among Kobolds. "I have a window now and everything!" She'd graduated from nuzzling to peppering his cheek with light kisses and rubbing her cheek against his every now and again.

"Y-You're welcome Polt-oneechan," Izuku said nervously. She'd never acted like this before so he wasn't sure what this was all about.

Nemuri for her part giggled at the display unless she was mistaken and she might well be as she didn't know much about monster culture much less individual monster culture, but she was pretty sure Izuku just bagged another one by being all nice. She could be wrong though so she decided to hold her tongue and see how things played out over time.

Hearing herself get called oneechan snapped Polt out of her cuddling mode. She coughed and let Izuku go. "Sorry about that, I was just excited about having an actual office and… yeah. So thanks Izu-tan."

"You're welcome Polt,"

"Right," Polt slapped her cheeks, "Time to get serious!" She then smiled and leaned over her desk as she asked professionally, "How may I help you today, valued customer?"

'It's a little late for that,' both Izuku and Nemuri thought to themselves, though they didn't say anything. Instead, Izuku pulled the check All Might gave him out of his pants pocket and slid it across the desk and said, "I'd like to make a rather large deposit please."

"Okay, let's see what we've got here," Polt picked up the check and looked at it. In the distance the sound of glass breaking could be heard the moment she looked at the check, and her smile seemed to freeze on her face as she said, "What the hell is with this obscenely huge number Izuku-tan?"

"That's the settlement money All Might had to pay me."

Polt whistled. "Damn that's a lot of zeros. Y-You'll have to excuse me. I-I don't think I'm authorized to handle this much money. I'll need to go speak with the manager."

Polt got up and left her new enlarged office. Izuku turned to Nemuri. "Did I break her?"

"Before or after you gave her the check?" The Pro replied with a smirk. "I'm almost sure she wouldn't mind being broken by you though hubby."

Izuku's mind blanked out at the thought of dating Polt… 'Yeah right she's probably too busy to even think of dating anyone. Even if she wasn't it would be weird right? Would she just be doing it because I'm an Archlich now or..? Arg, this is too confusing to think about right now.'

So he decided not to think about it right now. "You just like to stir up trouble don't you Nemuri?" He accused.

She had the audacity to look offended, putting one hand on her breastbone as she used the other to point at herself. "Me? Cause trouble? Never. Why I just point out connections where I see them. It's clear Polt-chan wants to play wrestling with you," She smirked. "I'm sure you'll both get all hot and sweaty with all manner of bodily fluids getting everywhere during the act. Especially once you pin her down and force her to submit."

"Stop that," Izuku deadpanned.

The shit eating grin never left her face as she asked innocently. "Stop what?"

"The double entendre, please stop," Izuku asked, "Whether we will or we won't is very much up in the air at the moment," The Archlich replied, "Your word choice isn't helping."

Nemuri raised an eyebrow. "So the fur and the tail doesn't bother you?"

"No more than Mina being pink with horns or you being more than twice my current age," Izuku said with a shrug.

"Hmm…" The Heroine said as she stared up at the ceiling.

Izuku sighed, "I feel I'm going to regret asking this but what is it?"

"I'm just wondering if you can use that enlarge spell on yourself… or more specifically a certain part of your anatomy."

"And there's that regret I knew I'd be feeling!" Izuku said in faux-cheer.

Nemuri cocked her head to the side. "But can you though?"

Izuku met her curious gaze with a deadpan one. "Probably but you'll forgive me if I'm in no hurry to find out."

Nemuri shook her head. "Nonono! I don't mean for you to use it on yourself. I doubt a young virile boy like yourself needs anything like that," Nemuri said with a lascivious grin on her face. "No, I was wondering if you could enchant objects with the spell temporarily.

"So like viagra?" Izuku question

"Only better. Think about it, you buy placebo pills, enchant them to act for an hour upon consumption, and bam!" She grinned, "You've got yourself a product that outdoes the competition."

She meant it as a joke but much to her surprise Izuku was actually thinking it over. "That… could actually work."

Nemuri laughed, "You're actually considering it."

"If there's one thing I'm certain of, it's that people will always consider themselves inadequate to others due to something they lack," Izuku rubbed his arm uncomfortably as he thought about his own feelings of inadequacy when compared to others..

Nemuri quickly caught on to what he was referring to and got up and put her hands on his shoulders. "Hey just because you don't have a quirk doesn't make you any less of a man. If anything, the fact you went so long still wanting to be a hero despite not having one is admirable. I'm not saying this to try and get you to join Yuuei either, I'm just saying how I see it. You're ten times the man All Might or Bakugo could ever be Izuku."

"I… thanks Nemuri."

She winked at him with her sky blue eyes. "No problem, and if you wanna prove that manliness of yours…" She sat on the desk with her legs spread invitingly, "We could have a bit of fun before Polt-chan comes back?"

"We're not having sex on Polt-chan's desk Nemuri," Izuku deadpanned. "Now get up please."

She laughed again, and stood up, "I knew you'd turn me down. You've got some willpower to do so Izu-kun," She raised an eyebrow again as she questioned knowingly, "Also, Polt-chan?"

The boy didn't get a chance to reply as the door suddenly opened and Kanna-san, the kindly director who ran the bank entered the room with Polt, following on her heels. She looked around, seeing how spacious the room now was, before her eyes landed on Izuku, she bowed at the waist. "Izuku-dono!"

Izuku bowed in return. "Kanna-obasan. How're you doing?"

"Well, thank you. I must say when I heard you were the Archlich from Polt-chan I didn't believe it at first, then she showed me the check and… well, I'm not sure Polt-chan has enough experience to handle an account this large. Not on top of all the other accounts she manages."

Izuku tapped his chin for a moment. "Would it be possible for her to only handle my account? Izuku asked after a moment's thought.

"Y-You want me," Polt pointed at herself incredulously, her voice coming out like she'd consumed a tank of helium. "To be your personal account manager?"

"Yes? Is that a big deal?" The young Archlich inquired.

Kanna just laughed. "Izuku-dono, when it comes to personal managers the true prestige comes from whose accounts you manage. I myself manage the accounts of three dragons who keep their hoards with us and deign to part with point zero one percent of their treasure every vicennial, or twenty years if you prefer in return for using their magics to protect our bank from thievery. If Polt-chan were to go from managing the few human accounts we have to the personal account of the Archlich well… I suppose that would unseat Katsura and make Polt-chan my personal protege."

"Really?" Polt had tears of joy in her eyes as her tail wagged uncontrollably.

"That's fine," Izuku replied. "I only really trust Polt with my money… also, by Katsura-san would she happen to be the blonde out front?"

Kanna nodded. "Yes that's her, as my protege it's her job to act as greeter to people in the bank."

"I see," Izuku said.

Hearing his tone Kanna sighed, "What did she do, Izuku-dono?"

This time Nemuri spoke up. "She was a bit more into filing her nails then greeting us when we first arrived. Once she realized who Izuku was she shaped right up though."

Kanna's tail fell flat behind her. "That girl… I'm sorry Izuku-dono," she bowed in apology before addressing the other woman in the room, "Pro Hero Midnight unless I missed my guess?"

"That's me, I'm just acting as Izuku's guard while he goes shopping. Though I'm actually considering transferring some of my assets here as well, the more I hear about this place the more I like it. I mean magic to protect from thievery? That would likely stop any quirk, and I'd like to not worry about my own money being stolen."

"Indeed, nothing short of an Archlich, Ancient Vampire, or Ithilid could get past dragon magics, and the Ancient Vampires and Ithlids are extinct."

Nemuri nudged Izuku playfully. "Not planning on robbing banks anytime soon, are you Izu-kun?"

"No, it's far down on my agenda. I'm far too busy between studying the occult and planning the weekly orgy," Izuku's tone was so flat, it was two dimensional by that point.

"Ohh an orgy! I can help with planning that?!" Midnight volunteered excitedly.

"Can I come? This job is really stressful," Polt said with tears in her eyes.

Izuku sighed and ran a hand down his face. "Kami-sama I'd ask you to kill me but well… it's a little late for that."

---

They left the bank shortly after that, with Polt now happily apprenticed under Kanna-san with promises to get together soon and Polt's final words of warning ringing in Izuku's head. 'If you thought I was mad, wait till Graham-chan get's her hands on you.'

So with trepidation in his thoughts he pushed open the door to Ivaldi and Sons, wincing when the little bell tinkled announcing his arrival. Glass cases were all over the shop filled with all manner of jewelry, loose stones, and worked stones into the shape of tasteful statues. Even wooden figurines in the shape of animals with their eyes set with precious gemstones.

"Just a moment an' I'll be right wit ya, aye?" A voice called from the back.

"Take your time, Brokk-san," Izuku called in reply. Seconds later a loud clang was heard.

Moments later there was the sound of two pairs of running feet heading towards the front of the shop. Seconds later a cloth curtain was pushed aside and a Dwarf with his dark brown beard done up in twisting plaits and a busty short girl with a pair of Kobold grey ears sticking up on her head and a matching bushy tail came bustling out of the back room. Both were wearing thick leather smithing aprons.

They both stared for a moment and then the girl spoke up, uncertainly, "Izuku?"

"Um, yo Sasara. How've you been?" Izuku greeted her awkwardly.

In response, a kris knife came flying at his head from the pockets of her apron. It bounced off his leathery hide, but before he could open his mouth to say anything the half-dwarf maiden had flung herself over the glass counter and threw all of her 4'3/129cm 176/80kg self at him. She had all the impact of a pool floatie. Izuku easily caught her in his arms and held her there even as she punched him repeatedly and ineffectually in the face. While yelling.

"Idiot! Stipid! Dumbass! Moron!"

"Umm Izuku doesn't that hurt?" Nemuri asked as she punched him in the eye over and over again.

"No I can't even feel it honestly," He replied while turning to look at the Pro Heroine before addressing the half dwarven maiden in his arms. "Sasara-san…"

"Dummy! Nimrod! Asinine nincompoop!"

Deciding he'd had enough of her yelling, he paralyzed her since she was in his arms. She went stiff immediately. "There. Now I'm fairly certain you can still hear me, Sasara-san. So now, I'm going to talk and you're going to listen. Did I do something stupid? Yes. Do I deserve to be berated for it? Certainly. However, I will only put up with so much before I get annoyed. I do hope we understand each other, I'm going to unparalyze you now. Remove Curse."

She went limp in his arms, with her own arms wrapped around his neck, but she glared up at him, mumbling, "You're still an idiot."

"Fair enough," Izuku had no problem accepting he did something dumb. It was dumb, what he did. The dumbest part? Not realizing until after he did it that he had people who actually gave a damn about him besides his mother like Polt and Sasara seemed to.

"Izuku lad, ya think ya could put ma' daughter down?" The thick brough of Brokk called jovially as he lit his pipe.

"Pa!" Sasara complained, flushing as Izuku hurriedly set her on her feet.

Brokk waved his pipe at her, "Don't you Pa, me lass! What would your poor mother think if she saw you in a boy's arms like that?!"

"Pa… mom went to visit gran for a week, she's not dead," Sasara said flatly. "As for how she'd react, she'd probably say she told you so and then demand you pay her the money from some stupid bet you two have going on about my lovelife that I don't know about."

"We would never do that sweetheart," Brokk said nervously before he took a puff on his pipe. "Anyway lad, since yer an archlich an all I'm assumin' yer here for spell reagents an' the like?"

"Yes Brokk-san, sir," Izuku said, approaching the counter.

The dwarf didn't even ask what he wanted; he just went over to his best largest diamonds and started putting them in a leather bag. Once he put the dozenth one on he put it on a scale. It weighed forty-eight carats.

"H-How much do I owe you?" Izuku asked, dreading the answer.

"Free o' charge. Come on back once you need more an' I'll refill the bag yeah?" Brokk told him.

Izuku shook his head. "I can't and won't accept that Brokk. I have money I should be able to pay for… most of those."

"Lad…" Brokk said, taking a puff off his pipe. "You dun seem to understand yer position. So lemme enlightin' ya a bit. Yer a fookin' Archlich. That means we are to provide whatever we can ta aid ya in any way we can. From diamonds, ta cloth, to corpses fer yer experiments. In the past it was considered a high honor to be chosen fer an archlich's experiments, whether the person in question was alive or not. In return for loyal service, Archliches protected the people via offering guidance, helped grow food and solved clan disputes like arguments of succession and land borders usually by contacting the recently deceased. If ya must lad, consider this a… Hey Sasa, what's that thing human's do at their shrines to their gods again?"

"Tithing dad!" Sasara called from the back room.

"Aye, that! Call it tithing. Besides, if these diamonds'll keep people alive, then I'm fine with it. Especially since one of those people you end up savin' might just be me daughter, seeing as she graduates from Yuuei in about a year," He pushed the leather satchel across the counter. "Go on, take it lad."

Izuku put a hand on the bag for a moment, in silent contemplation, before saying, "I propose we barter Brokk-san."

"Barter eh? What'chu got in mind yer Holiness?" Brokk said leaning on the counter with one arm.

"Sasara, could you come out here, and bring your blades please?" Izuku called.

"Sure thing!" She called back, coming back out with no less than twelve swords in her arms. She had four katana, three greatswords, a halberd, and a spear. She was also wearing her hero attire which consisted of a white open topped kimono that showed off her cleavage and ended around her shoulders, a red and blue obi that kept it closed, black tights and bronze greaves on her legs, and thick bangles on her arms.

"Now Sasara, if I recall correctly you inherited a quirk from your mother that your grandfather had. One that lets you telekinetically extend the range of bladed weaponry, correct?"

"Yep but it doesn't add extra weight to the weapon so regardless of the distance a knife will still only do so much damage. If I want to hack through bone I'd need something thick like a cleaver so that's why I carry multiple weapons on me in combat. So I have something for every situation."

"One of your katanas please," Izuku requested.

Sasara didn't even blink; she took one out of its sheath that she had pressed into her obi and flipped it over so it was facing Izuku, handle first. He took it and examined it for a moment. "This is your work if I'm not mistaken Brokk-san?"

"O' course it is!" Brokk said with pride. "Did ya think I'd send ma baby girl out there with anyone elses potentially shoddy craftsmanship?"

"Pa! Stop embarassin' me!" Sasara said. Before she took a swing at her old man who just leaned back to avoid the blow. "Yer a bit too young yet to be takin' yer ole man in a scrap yet lass."

"Bury you upside down in a planter if'n ya keep it up," Sasara muttered under breath. Before she asked, Izuku, "What'chu doin' Zuzu?"

"Since I don't feel right just taking your dad's things I've decided to barter for them. This is how I intend to do it," Holding the blade flat in front of him he ran his hand over it causing a red magic circle to appear just behind his hand following him slowly as he said, "Enchant Weapon: Fireball."

The blade took on a reddish hue where the magic circle passed it by, and after Izuku was finished from the wavy hamon line to its edge it had golden orange hue like a sunset, while the back edge was as red as a ruby, or a cooked lobster shell. He then flipped it back over and presented it to Sasara hilt first. She dropped all the other weapons she was holding and reverently reached out and took the blade."It's beautiful Zuzu."

He then ran a hand down it again and said. "Enchant Weapon: Detect Evil."

This time a golden magic circle enveloped the blade, it left behind golden filigree on the weapon in the form of multiple interconnected sunbursts.

"It needs a name lass," Brokk said, "So fine a blade deserves one."

"Amaterasu," Sasara decided. "I'll name it Amaterasu."

"Sun goddess aye?" Brokk asked for he was a born monster while his wife was a first gen Kobold and clung to her human beliefs. When his daughter nodded, he said, "A good name."

Sasara silently agreed as she reverently returned the blade to its sheathe. Then she reached above her head, grabbed Izuku's collar, and pulled him down so she could smooch him, and smooch him she did so long that her father had to audibly had to clear his throat after a moment or two.

"I umm, what was that for?" Izuku asked in a daze after a moment.

"That was a thank you for the sword and… I've been wanting to do that for a while now and you just gave me a very good reason to do it," The half dwarven-maiden replied.

"I see… so sword making makes you horny… good to know." Izuku said.

Sasara punched him in the arm. "I-It does not!"

"It's probably a kink she picked up from her mother, though for her it's the enchanting of swords," Brokk stage whispered.

"Pa, Ah swear! Ah'll bury ya in a planter upside down, Ah swear Ah will!" She said slipping into her own dwarvish brough due to becoming upset.

"Calm down, calm down," Izuku placated getting between the two before a fight could break out, "It's fine really… I'm never going to be upset over being kissed by a pretty girl."

Sasara's grey fluffy tail wrapped around her as she flushed, "Pretty, you really think so?"

"Of course you're pretty! You own a mirror right?" Izuku asked for clarification.

In response Sasara took a half-hearted swing at him, "Of course I do, dummy! I just don't think I'm very feminine.

"I disagree."

The Kobold-Dwarf rolled her eyes, "Yes I can only imagine why you think I look feminine," She cupped her arms under her bust causing them to jiggle. "It has nothing to do with my boobs right?"

"Umm," He glanced at Brokk, who was just smoking his pipe, looking amused as he watched the scene play out. "While those are… uh, certainly nice, it wasn't what I was talking about."

The swordswoman gave him a challenging glare. "Oh? What then?"

"Remember when I'd watch you practice with your sword after school sometimes?"

Sasara nodded. Of course she remembered Izuku was always underfoot asking questions about her quirk or helping Pa or Ma with the shop in any way he could more often than not prattling her ear off asking questions about Yuuei once she got in. He was cute in a lot of ways. At first it was like having a little brother. Then as time passed he showed her more and more of his notebooks and how he still had the determination to become a hero despite being quirkless. She saw him less as a little brother and more as a man. She didn't know how to tell him, and there were a lot of reasons why she didn't. The primary one was, she knew she would likely far outlive him being of dwarven blood. She would outlive him by centuries, four if not five. She couldn't bear that so she buried her feelings deep, simply enjoying the days she could with him. He didn't show up for a week and she was just about to go out looking for him when he walked into the shop today… As an undead immortal archlich. 'Now who's going to outlive who?' She wondered silently.

"Well I always thought when I saw you doing that, that you were dancing. It was always amazing to watch honestly. You practically floated sometimes."

She grinned at him happily, her ears twitching in mirth. "You really think so?"

"Yeah it was really flowy," Izuku complimented, "Is that what you were going for?"

Sasara nodded, "Yep, I wanted to be capable of switching between fighting styles on the fly."

"In case you needed to swap to a different weapon in the middle of a fight. Smart girl."

"Nemuri-sensei?" Having just noticed the pro Heroine since she was not only out of uniform but also her attention had been focused on Izuku. "What're you doing here?"

"Guarding Midoriya-kun as he goes shopping though I admit I'm surprised you know him, Graham-chan. Also if you don't mind my asking why don't you have your father's surname?"

Brokk answered that one. "Dwarven tradition, a child when born if a lad takes the father's last name. If a lass, it takes their mothers."

Nemuri nodded. "I see, thank you Brokk-san."

"Think nothin' of it lass, did sumthin' the case catch yer eye? You been over there a while." Brokk said as he toddled over. He noticed Nemuri was looking at a silver chain pendant that had a square cut one carat piece of aquamarine on the end along with a teardrop shaped piece of bloodstone set into it. "Yer born in March Ah take it?"

"Yes," Nemuri said with a slight nod.

Izuku took a look at it. "How much for the pendant?"

"I told you already, if ya need something, just take it lad," Brokk said before he sighed. "We both know yer not gonna do that though."

"A-Are you and sensei d-dating?" Sasara asked, a blush staining her face as she pointed at the two.

"Not exactly Sasara-chan. I am in Izu-kun's harem though," Nemuri purred.

"Harem… harem!? Why was I not told there was a harem? Zuzu, when were you going to invite me into said harem? In fact, why have I not received my invitation yet?!" Sasara said as she slowly began to unsheath Amatarasu, a dark gleam in her eyes as she sported a grin that looked like it was carved with a knife on her face.

"Umm, it's not really up to me who joins, it's up to Mina-chan?" Izuku said.

"Whose Mina-chan?" Sasara said with her hands on her hips.

"My best friend," Izuku replied as he picked up the locket.

Sasara pouted, and muttered under her breath. "Just what am I, chopped liver?"

"Don't be like that Sasara-chan. I consider you a friend, but until you kissed me, I didn't even know you… liked me like that. Mina-chan and I just… clicked. This was during the weirdest week of my life."

The Kobold-Dwarf pouted, her arms crossed, but she nodded. "Fine I'll talk to her at some point I guess..."

Izuku picked up the necklace and held it in his palm before looking at Nemuri for a moment and saying, "Enchant item: Grand Mage Armor, Masochism, Message, Sadism, Word of Recall."

The magic circle glowed all manner of colors beneath his palm before fading away. He then held it out to Nemuri who because she was half a head taller than him bent down and pulled her hair aside before she asked, "Put it on me?"

"Sure," He gently clasped it around the Pro Heroine's neck and she could feel it thrum slightly as if it was charged with electricity, once it sat against her skin.

"It grants you invisible armor, the ability to send me short messages, if you are hurt or hurt someone else you get… lucky while in the fight, and should you get knocked out, you'll be sent to Mustafu General Hospital," He then scanned the jewelry, asking, "I'm going to need several more necklaces also, Sasara, what's your ring size?"

"I'm a three."

"Aries right so march… means Aquamarine for you too. Mina-chan told me her birthday was at the end of July, though I can't remember the exact date either way I'd need something with a ruby… I don't even know what Ai-chan, Beni-chan, or any of the others would like… does that include Miaa-chan and Papi too? My life is confusing."

"Easy loverboy," Nemuri said, patting his back. "You don't need to go buying everyone jewelry all at once."

"I just don't want it to look like I'm showing anyone preferential treatment?" Izuku saw how good the necklace actually looked on her. "That looks good on you by the way."

The heroine beamed. "Why thank you. How about this? You take some jewelry home with you, you enchant it for Brokk-san, give it back to him to sell, then come back with the other girls another time and get something nice for each of them? That way, you feel like you're helping and you get something to practice on."

"A fine idea there lass!" Brokk said picking out trinkets, rings, necklaces, earrings, and the like but not before he wrote down the price of each item. The total came to ¥300,000. And before he left the store he picked up a Pisces shaped size three ring that had a diamond for one fish and obsidian for another as he enchanted it. "Enchant item: Resurrection."

Izuku took a knee this time but it was rather ironic as he felt the bag of diamonds lighten ever so slightly "Sasara, come here please."

The swordswoman slowly approached, "Zuzu, are you alright?" she asked worriedly.

He smiled, "I'll be alright don't worry I just need to go get more seeds from Mrs Pollenia. The nice Dryad down the street."

"I'll go right now!" She almost raced out of the room only for Izuku to grab her hand.

"Wait! Wait just a moment Sasara-chan!" Izuku begged.

She stopped dead when she heard the suffix he added to her name. "Okay," she said in a small soft voice but inside her head she was squealing.

Daintily taking her hand he slipped the ring onto her ring finger. "You can't go without this."

Darting forward, she captured Izuku's lips for the second time that day, then she was a blur of motion as she ran out the front door.

"You have a way with women Izu-chan," Nemuri said with a chuckle in her tone.

---

Nemuri glanced at him sideways as they walked down Monster Alley. "Are you sure you don't need help carrying any of that?"

"No, I've got it, it just looks heavy," Izuku assured the Pro Hero as he carried three large cardboard boxes, all of which were full of packets of sakura tree seeds. With one hundred bags to a box, with a hundred seeds to a bag, Izuku figured he had 37,500 years worth of life energy at his disposal. He had to buy out everything the nice dryad woman Mrs Pollenia had in stock for the month, but it would get him far. He paid her back by healing her personal tree that grew behind her shop. It was an ancient fullmoon maple that looked sickly. He infused it with life energy, bringing it back to vibrant bloom; its leaves a deep bloody crimson.

Mrs Pollenia who had rough wrinkled skin that looked like bark, her hair like a cascade of flowering vines akin to morning glories as she thanked him profusely. "I promise to save all my sakura seeds for you from now on Izuku-sama!" She told him in thanks.

"That was nice of you to do," Nemuri commented as she sent a text on her phone.

Izuku did his best to shrug with the boxes in his arms. "It's my job as an Archlich to help monsters in trouble. It's hardly different from your own hero work." Seeing the egg seller from earlier was still being overburdened by lamia he decided to step in for their sake. "Speaking of… Okay ladies, let's form an orderly line please!"

The Lamia turned as one and bowed doing as ordered one looked up and waved bashfully. "Hey Izuku-sama!"

'Miia-san? Ah, that is you!" He said happily. "I haven't seen you in awhile, how've you been?"

The red scaled snake-woman made her way over, a reed woven basket in hand. "I'm well thank you!" Seeing Nemuri and the boxes in his hands she asked, "Shopping yourself? Hello Midnight."

"Yes, I needed to pick up some reagents and other things."

The Pro Heroine sent her a wink. "It's just Nemuri when I'm not in costume kiddo."

Miia nodded. "Nemuri-san then, how're you?" Miia said with a smile as she wrapped her tail around her.

"Can't complain," Nemuri said with a smile.

Miia then got wide-eyed over the necklace laying against her neck. "Ohh, where did you get that? Your boyfriend?"

"I dunno, are we dating Izu-kun?" Midnight said as she nudged him playfully in the shoulder.

Due to suddenly being put on the spot, the archlich muttered. "I-I guess so?"

His mumbling caused the girls to laugh. "He's so shy!" Miia commented.

"He is, but it's cute." Midnight commented before she smiled as she fingered her necklace and added. "He talked about wanting to get you something like this sometime."

Miia flushed a bit before she looked at Izuku nervously. "Did he now? I-I wouldn't mind that."

Even though Izuku didn't need to breathe, he managed to cough a little bit and say, "A-Anyway, we should be going Miia, it was nice seeing you."

The Lamia waved at him. "You too Izuku-sama. We should all get together again sometime, that was fun wasn't it?"

Izuku nodded. "It was. I'll talk with Mina about another get together."

Miia smiled widely. "Great! I'll see you around Izuku-sama."

The two departed, and Nemuri nudged Izuku in the side as they walked. "She's interested."

"Y-You think so?" Izuku questioned.

Nemuri nodded. "I know so, she's just being cautious. Call it women's intuition but I know she has a thing for you." She said as the two made their way into Spinnerets.

The Arachne run shop was filled with all manner of clothing, every piece crafted out of spider silk. Whole outfits stood on manikins and the interior of the shop was neither too hot nor too cold, as Arachne were sensitive to changes in temperature. The Arachne behind the counter was wearing a green kimono covered in spider web designs. She bowed politely to her customers. "Welcome to spinnerets honored customers," She bowed lower when she noticed Izuku. "Archlich-sama, how may this one assist you?"

"I'm here for new clothes, Penelope-san." Izuku said, introducing himself with a bow.

"Izu-chan?! The Arachne said, surprised. "By the great Weaver Anasie it is you dear boy!" the shop owner said as she made her way over, her feet clicking on the wooden floor as she marveled over Izuku's transformation. All eight of her eyes on her head looked him up and down. She then placed her clawed hands upon his shoulders. "You foolish boy! Doing something so reckless. Why I've half a mind to tie you up and prevent you from leaving just so I know you'll be safe."

"Please don't ma'am, that would make my job amusing, but difficult," Midnight said with a chuckle.

"Pro Hero Midnight, " Penelope bowed. "Welcome to my humble shop."

The out of costume heroine nodded. "It's a pleasure to be here, Do you make all of this yourself?" Nemuri inquired.

"Most of the time, the girls who apprentice under me also help," Penelope added.

"Penelope is a master weaver of silk. Her kimono's sell for a lot." Izuku added.

The Arachne bowed, "You honor me, Izuku-sama. We do more than just kimono's here as you well know." She motioned to the side. "My shop specializes in clothes for monsters and we also sell excess silk to certain hero companies that use it to create support items."

"Interesting," Nemuri commented. "So say I wanted a whip made out of your silk?"

"Fufufu," Penelope chuckled. "I think I like you Midnight-san," Turning to Izuku she said, "But, you're here for clothes, yes?"

Izuku suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, despite being undead. He gave a nervous jerky nod. "Yes?"

Penelope smirked, which did nothing to ease Izuku's trepidation as she stretched out a strand of silk. "Well then, first we need to… take some measurements…"

---

'I knew I had a bad feeling about this for a reason,' Izuku thought to himself as he tried on the thirteenth outfit for Nemuri-san since Penelope took his measurements which he was fairley certain didn't involve being tied up so much. Releasing a mental sigh, he stepped out of the dressing room wearing a chain studded shirt, with torn charcoal washed pants, and steel toed boots with spikes coming out the top. He kept his favorite jacket as it was a gift from the Ashido's.

"I like it, it suits you, hon," Nemyuri said, licking her lips a little as she looked him up and down.

Penelope gave a curt nod of approval. "Indeed it suits your taste Izuku-sama and, like all the garments made in this shop, have been crafted from Arachne silk. With bits of metal coming from Ivaldi & Son's across the way."

"It's nice to hear people working together like this," Izuku smiled his grin rictius-like yet his tone conveying warmth.

"We have to Izuku-sama, few humans will buy our wares, and those that do will tax us heavily," Penelope informed him, her face dour. "It's why all the monster run shops are crammed into this one alley as well? We are stronger, safer together than we are separately."

Izuku stroked his nonexistent beard in thought. "Will I have to speak to someone in the government about this Penelope-san?"

The Arachne seemed down. "I doubt it would do any good Izuku-sama, the government does not look on us favorably with few exceptions."

"We ran into a satyr who was running a record store earlier…" Izuku muttered to himself.

"He is likely either from a well off family, to get a permit to somehow own a business outside of Monster Alley, or doubles as an informant for the Public Safety Commision. Those types of people usually do."

Public Safety Commision huh?"

Midnight had her own question, "What about people like Allure?"

Penelope sighed in resignation as if she knew this question was coming. "She's trying as is Sasara-chan, but there are too few Monster Heroes and they get pushback from the general populace even so." She then paused before bowing eighteen plus only Heroines' direction, "It helps greatly that you took her on as your partner Midnight-san. It shows that we can be accepted if a famous heroine like yourself does so and it does much to change people's opinions of us if a heroine of your status is willing to take one of our people as your partner in heroics," She bowed respectfully to the heroine who looked abashed, "It means so much to us, thank you."

"I… you don't need to thank me, I took her on based on her own merits. She had great compatibility with me, it wasn't about her being a monster or not," Nemuri denied waving her hands in front of herself. She didn't mention how the girl was suffering from a broken heart and she felt Kurumu needed a helping hand. One she was all too happy to provide.

Izuku silently appreciated Nemuri Kamaya all the more in this moment. 'She's such a good person. She didn't even think twice about taking a monster into her agency. Nemuri-san really is a kind sweet woman.'

"Love you too hon," Nemuri replied, blowing him a kiss, while letting him know he had thought aloud again.

"Damnit," Izuku cursed to himself. The tinkling of the doorbell at the front of the shop drew everyone's attention. The man who entered the shop was slim and tall with narrow regal features and long straight blonde hair and golden eyes that could hardly be seen due to his squinting giving him a fox like appearance. He wore an all black formal business suit that was personalized with golden flames around the cuffs on the suit jacket.

Something about this man immediately put Nemuri on edge and she instinctively stepped in front of Izuku to protect him from harm, preparing to lift the sleeve of her suit jacket in case she needed to use her quirk.

Instead however, the man stopped in front of Izuku and bowed low at the waist. "Greetings Archlich-dono, it is an honor for this lowly one to make your acquaintance."

"Rise, and introduce yourself properly," Izuku said after getting over the surprise at this sudden turn of events.

Doing so the man put one hand on his chest and spoke again, "This one's name is Kuyo. It is an honor to meet your illustrious self Archlich-dono."

"And you as well Kuyo-san, can I help you with something?" Izuku asked, silently wondering what this… he forced some life energy into his eyes and looked at this new person surprised to find himself looking at a seven tailed kitsune of all things.

"I came across some information I thought might be of use to you Archlich-dono."

"What kind of information?" Nemuri asked, her finely honed senses as a heroine were now abuzz.

The blonde man glared at her. "I was not speaking to you human, but Archlich-dono, this is a problem of monsters, and thus should be handled by the Lord of Monsters."

"Silence," Izuku spoke one word, his voice awash with power and the world obeyed. Kuyo suddenly found his tongue stuck to the roof off his mouth as Izuku continued, "Kyuyo-san, you have no right to speak to her or any human in such a manner. Also for the record, though she is off duty and out of costume at the moment, Nemuri-san is a renown Heroine, I expect you to treat her respectfully in the future. That said, speak and tell me this information. If I deem it necessary, I shall involve the proper authorities."

Nemuri was silently impressed at how seamlessly Izuku had woven a spell into his little speech just then and touched at how he'd stood up for her, yet she pushed that into the back of her mind when the man began to speak.

"Yes Archlich-dono my apologies. As to the information, if you truly wish to know what happened five years ago, with the advent of all of the monsters, It all leads back to one individual and his inability to properly balance and maintain his affections between his wives. You may wish to speak to Issa Shuzen."

"Issa Shuzen? Any relation to Kahlua Shuzen?" Izuku inquired, his mind briefly flicking to the bronze-skinned vampiress.

"His eldest daughter, m'lord." Kyou bowed.

Izuku nodded while digesting this information. "I see, is there anything else?"

"Just that should you confront him, you should be careful. In the absence of the Archliches like yourself, the vampires have become haughty thinking themselves superior to any other yokai. You may need to remind Issa Shuzen why the Archliches are the God Kings of Youkai's."

"I see. You've given me much to think about Kyou-san, thank you," Izuku honored the kitsune by giving him a bow of his own, not that he realized it at the time.

"The honor is mine Archlich-dono, if it pleases you I shall take my leave now."

"Go Kyuyo and pleasant travels." Izuku replied, before the kitsune disappeared in a flash of blue fire.

"Izu, what're you going to do about this? Do you even trust that guy at his word?" Nemuri asked. "He seemed, well, forgive the pun, sly and cunning like a fox."

"That is typical of a kitsune. They always seem like they're planning something even when they're not," Penelope noted, crossing her arms. "I'd take his news with at least a grain of salt Izu-chan."

Crossing his arms Izuku silently took in their council, before he spoke. "He could be lying," He admitted, "At the very least he's not telling the whole truth, but he wasn't completely lying either," Izuku took an actual breath just so he could sigh, "Which means I'll need to talk to Kokoa and Kahlu-chan's father to get to the bottom of this." Turning to the Arachne he said, "Can you ring up our things Penelope-san, I've had my fill of shopping for today." Seeing the master weaver open her mouth to protest he continued in a resigned tone, "If you're just going to say you'll give it to me, then allow me to barter for it. Send some extra clothes or bolts of silk home with me and allow me to enchant it."

The owner snapped her mouth shut for a moment before bowing, "That is most kind of you Izu-chan… I mean Archlich-dono."

"Penelope-san, could you please keep calling me Izu-chan?" he requested. "I'd like it if at least my friends were familiar with me."

In response, the Arachne reached out and ruffled his hair. "Okay, Izu-chan, but no more dying ne? Or I'll have you tied up in shiburi style for a week."

The scary part was, Izuku couldn't tell if she was kidding or not. So he nodded in fear, causing Penelope to smile. "Good now can I get you anything else, honored customer?"

Scanning the store, Izuku saw something he just had to get. Pointing at it, he said, "I'll take that, and can I have it gift wrapped please?"

"Can do, who's the lucky girl?" Penelope asked as she moved to wrap his purchase.

The Archlich's bashful silence made both of the older women laugh.

---

Both Izuku and Nemuri's arms were full of parcels when they entered the Midoriya residence. The moment he entered he felt it. Bloodlust and it was being directed at him. He stood stock still for a moment, surprised to feel such a thing in his own home, especially since it was directed at him. Looking out from behind a small mountain of bags and boxes he found his mother serving tea to the last person he expected to see so soon.

"Son, look who came to see you!" Inko said, a smile on her face.

"M-Mina?!" He mumbled unsure why she was giving him such a knife-edged grin.

"Hey Midori, we need to talk, privately. Can we go to your room?" Mina didn't even really bother with a hello to him and seemed to completely ignore Midnight who was in her civvies.

"S-Sure," the undead teen quickly replied, unsure as to what he'd done to upset Mina. "I need to get this stuff to my room anyway."

"I'll help you," Mina hopped off the couch and grabbed half the boxes in his hands allowing him to more easily make his way to his room. It seemed that whatever had made her mad hadn't diminished her helpful nature.

'What'd I do?' Izuku wondered as he led the way to his room, which was feeling more like a deathmarch with every passing second.

---

The slam of his door sounded like a death knell to his ears as he placed the parcels on his now empty desk. He then slowly turned to see Mina glaring at him, her arms crossed.

"Umm, what did I do to upset you Mina-chan?"

"IDIOT!" She suddenly whacked him on top of her head with her fist.

"What was that for?" Izuku asked, unfazed by the blow. Sasara hit a lot harder than she did, hell, getting hit with a prehistoric computer hurt more.

"For turning down Nezu sensei's offer to join Yuuei you idiot! Then not only do you turn him down but you have him offer me your scholarship?!" Mina was blushing green in embarrassment at this point. "Did you forget how bad my grades were dummy?! He can't just offer anyone a scholarship, especially not an idiot like me."

"Mina, you are not an idiot," Izuku said forcefully.

"You're right I'm not… you are for turning him down! What were you thinking?!" Mina asked, while giving her not-quite-boyfriend a shove.

"I figured I'd be too busy doing Archlich stuff to also do heroics?" Izuku replied honestly.

Drawing a hand down her face, Mina said, "Idiot, there's a reason Hero Agencies exist. You can sign up for the Hero course and also take business classes."

"Okay?" He didn't see the connection.

"Okay~y… so in order to do the business part, you need to, well, run a business. For you, doing archlich stuff could be the business."

Meaning I could do both!" Izuku said, finally catching on… "But I'd need more than just me, I'd need other things like a secretary…"

"Ahem…" Mina cleared her throat and sent him a mild glare.

"You? You're kidding right?" That earned him a punch in the shoulder. "Okay… but you know that means you'll have to take the business course on top of the Hero Course too right?"

"Midori, my dad is the chief of police in Chiba. I know how things like a company structure, reports, and chain of command are supposed to work."

"I guess but I think this is a bit more complicated than you realize Mina-chan."

She suddenly wrapped her hand in his, smiling before softly saying, "We'll figure it out, together. Right Midori?"

He looked down at their connected hands, then back up into her smiling face, before he returned her smile with a rictus grin of his own. "Yeah, we will," What was coming next made him nervous. "W-While I h-have you h-here Mina-chan I n-need to a-ask you something?"

"Okay go for it Midori," Seeing how jittery he was she advised, "Take a breath and calm down first.

Izuku took a breath he didn't need and let it out before he continued, still staring in her eyes, "Would you like to go out with me?"

Mina smiled so wide her eyes closed and cocking her head to the side she said, "As in a date?"

"Yes," He replied in the most serious tone he could muster.

Mina threw her arms around him as she laughed. "I thought you'd never ask. I'd love to!"

He happily returned the hug, and even spun her around once or twice before setting her back on her feet where she seemed to bounce from foot to foot in her excitement. "I met with some old friends who chewed me out for the whole dying thing today…"

Mina's bumblee colored eyes widened when she heard that. "Oh? Well good! You deserve it."

He sheepishly ducked his head before he started unpacking his things making sure his back was to her before he continued. "Yeah, I guess. One of them expressed interest in this whole… harem thing…"

"Ah… Cool. I can't be the only one who has to put up with all your crazy," Mina laughed. "I could use some backup beating commonsense into you Midori."

Izuku spun on his heel staring at the pink alien. "So you're really okay with it?"

"Dude, you're a monster, pologamy is a commonly accepted practice. As long as they know I'm the legal wife, it's fine," Mina growled at the end.

"L-Legal wife?! Mina-chan?!" Izuku was thrown for a loop.

Putting her hands on her hips she half glared at him. "I stood up to my dad for us Midori. If that doesn't tell you I'm into you, I don't know what will. We just kinda click, you know? I'm not willing to let you go now that I decided I like you." She gave him a sexy malicious smirk, "You're mine now loverboy. Now forever and always whether you like it or not dude."

Izuku gulped yet he didn't seem to mind that too much. "Well, since we're going to be dating…" He went through the packages he got today until he came out with a gift wrapped box from Penelope's. "This is for you."

"Not even been on one date and you already got me a present?" Mina said to herself looking down at the yellow silk bow wrapped black box that she held in her hands. "You're too kind Midori."

"Don't say that till you open it. Go on," He urged.

Gently pulling off the bow, Mina did just that, and pulling off the lid, she let out a scream of glee. For in the box was a pink silk kimono, embroidered with purple butterflies. "It's beautiful Midori… This must've cost you a fortune! I can't accept this!" Mina tried pushing it away only for the lich to force it onto her chest.

"Mina-chan you, without needing to, helped me in my darkest hour. When it seemed like no one cared about me, you, a total stranger, helped me see that people can and do care about me. I… this is nothing but a token of the love and appreciation I feel for you… because I… I feel like I can't express it properly."

The box hit the floor with an almost silent clatter as Mina cupped Midoriya's face with both hands before she kissed him. It was long, slow, and lingering. When she finally pulled away, it was because she needed to breathe.

"Why're you crying Mina-chan, was it something I said?" Izuku asked worriedly as he gently wiped away her tears with a swipe of his finger, afraid he'd somehow screwed this up.

"Midori, what happened to you was horrible and shouldn't have happened. You're amazingly loving, courageous, and kind. It pisses me off just thinking about it. Yet I also think, if it didn't we never wouldn't have met, and then I feel guilty and selfish. Am I a bad person?"

"No, you're my Mina and that's all I could ask for," Izuku said gently.

Mina rested her head on his shoulder, the tips of her horns pressing into his collarbone. "I could get used to being called that."

"By your given name? I do that all the time."

Looking up at him and giving him a love filled look Mina replied, "Being called yours dummy."

"Oh well, if you're okay with it."

She laughed and tackled him onto his futon which was just a bare mattress as he forgot to put it away earlier. Laying on top of him she said quietly, "Yeah, I think I'm fine with it." Tilting her head up to look at him, she inquired, "So we're agreed you're going to Yuuei then?"

"I'll do both the Hero and Business Course if you will," Izuku relented at last, knowing there was no point in arguing with his Empress.

"It's a deal, Midori," Mina promised, burying her head into his chest so she couldn't see her victorious smile.

The sound of the door opening made both of the teens freeze. "Mina-chan what were you yelling abou…" Inko Midoriya paused in the doorway for a moment, looked at the scene before her before she called out into the hallway, "Nemuri do you happen to have a condom? I think my son might need it?"

"MOM!" Izuku yelled.

"Ohhoo?" Nemuri popped her head in the room with a sly cat smile on her face before she gave Izuku a thumbs up, with a twinkle in her eye. "You move fast. Nice going Izu, but remember…" She tossed him a small plastic square. "Safety first."

"W-We weren't d-doing anything l-like…" Izuku began only for Mina to cut him off.

"Got any bigger one's Nemuri-sensei? I don't think any of these'll fit Midori." Mina asked with a cheshire grin of her own.

"Mina, not helping."

The Heroine rummaged through her purse, "I've only got human sized ones, I hear they have monster sized ones starting at Orc and ending at Dragon size but I never had the need to buy any…"

"Damn," Mina sighed, before getting off her beau. "Looks like we'll have to wait Midori till you can get some proper protection."

"You're both evil enough to be Villians I hope you know this," The Lich deadpanned before glancing at his mother who was looking like she was somewhere between passing out from embarrassment and laughter at his expense. "Et Tu Mother?"

"I'm sorry son, for a moment there I thought I walked in on something then I remembered our earlier conversation and figured if anyone would have protection on hand, it would be the Eighteen Plus Only Heroine,"

"She was right too," Nemuri added.

Inko continued as if she hadn't been interrupted. "I didn't expect her and Mina to turn it into a boke and tsukkomi routine."

Mina bowed. "Thank you, thank you, we'll be here all week… wait am I the boku or the tsukkomi?"

"I have good news Mina agreed to go on a date with me."

"That's great son!" Inko teared up as she gave her undead son a hug.

"What he meant to say is I'm his girlfriend." Mina corrected, elbowing her boyfriend in the ribs and giving him a sideways look.

The waterworks were in full effect now. "E-Even better! T-This calls for Katsudon! I'll get started right away!" she said before she rushed out of the room.

"You know," Nemuri began leaning provocatively against the doorframe. "You're not the only one who wants a piece of him."

"Duh sensei," Mina rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "I know you want him, hell he called you two vampires, and Mia-sempai his concubines. I'm just the legal wife so we're clear."

"Crystal. You've got moxie for one so young Mina. I look forward to being your teacher next year," She walked away with a sashay in her hips before she turned back and winked at Izuku, "I had fun today Izu, thanks again for the necklace. I think I'll go help your mother with dinner."

'The women in my life will be the death of me,' Izuku thought.

"But what a way to go huh?" Mina replied, giving him a smirk.

Sigh at his continued failure to control his thought projection, Izuku continued, "I guess. Anyway since you're serious about this company thing, I think I got a lead on our first case."

"Really? Sweet dude, tell me over dinner. But we also need a name for our business." Mina thought aloud.

"Umm if it isn't too presumptuous how about Archlich Investigations?" Izuku offered bashfully.

"Midori…" Mina began making him flinch thinking she was going to tell him his idea was dumb much like Bakugo always did. Now, he knew Mina wasn't Bakugo, but a decade of ingrained behaviour couldn't be unlearned overnight. "That's perfect!" Mina cheered. "It rolls off the tongue and everything and lets people know exactly what they're getting with two simple words! Nice one!"

"T-Thanks… Do you really like it?" He asked, making sure she wasn't just humoring him.

"Totally dude. Say why don't we get your room together while we wait for dinner?" Mina suggested.

"That'd be great!"

That's exactly what they did. The two friends, now becoming even more than that, and having dreams for the future, were prepared to walk down the long path called life together… but that path was fraught with peril, and was long and winding… This case was just the first bump in the long long road.

---

Word Count: 16,228 Page Count: 38 Date Completed: 6/18/2021

---

AN: Hello one and all and welcome back to We Be Monsters. As you may or may not know, my health has been in the toilet lately so I've only just recently been able to put the finishing touches on some of my latest works. I do hope you all enjoy them. If you feel like you can leave me a tip at both Sub-Scribe Star or Pat Reon under my pen name of Bubbajack. Now, I'm going to hand the mic over to Snowy, take it away you Korean polar bear.

Oi oi oi don't give away I hide in the arctic. I swear Jesus. Anyways great ch. We are doing good and best of all we got something cooking for you all so wait in anticipation.

Yeah, well anyway everyone this has been a Bubbajack, Heliosion, and Icysnowsage Production! Till next time everyone, Peace!