***Hi everyone! Sorry for the late update! Things got a little busy! This is a more lighthearted chapter. Thank you for the continuous support!

***Warnings: Language, mentions of abuse, pregnancy talk, scheming, secrets, humor, suspense

***Please read and review!


Chapter 14: Secrets Reveled

Izuku is excited for his first day as a Dom-Omega and leader. He gets to sit in a smaller throne next to Bakugo on the dais. His mate already looks bored, swishing his tail and drumming his claws on the armrests. Izuku feels something tapping at his boots and looks down to see a goblin. The goblin asks Izuku if he would like something to eat or drink and Izuku politely declines. His brows furrowed when the goblin flinches, as if expecting to be hit. Izuku turns to Bakugo, who isn't looking at them. Then, the goblin crawls to Bakugo, asking the same question, only to be pushed away with the alpha's foot.

"There's no reason to do that," Izuku tells him.

"It's a goblin," Bakugo reminds him. "They're subservient to all demons."

"But the goblin hasn't done anything wrong, not that making a mistake warrants a punishment."

Bakugo rolls his eyes. His mate really is the successor. "Fine. Goblin, bring me wine!" Bakugo orders and, instead of kicking the goblin, he roughly nudged it with his boot. "There. Satisfied?" he asks Deku.

Izuku has to rub his forehead in mild frustration. 'Baby steps,' he tells himself. 'If I try to make him see things differently all at once, he'll get more defensive. One must keep rubbing the jagged rock to make its surface smooth.' "Yes. Thank you."

The first audience is a farmland dispute between two alpha demons. Bakugo tells them to get over it and figure out a solution without his help. Izuku wasn't satisfied with Bakugo's reply, and, going against what his mate told him, he offers his OWN reply. Izuku suggests that the two alphas share the land and make up for it by taking turns helping the other with the crops. The alpha demons seemed to like this idea and they bow to Izuku, thanking him. Izuku counters Bakugo sneer with a smile.

The next audience is two alpha females and one omega female. They are sisters coming to ask that Lord Bakugo take their omega sister in as a castle servant, so she wouldn't have to marry an alpha picked out by their father. Bakugo tells them that he has no need for another servant. Izuku tries to interject, but Bakugo stops him. Bakugo then asks the girls for the alpha's name, and they tell him. Bakugo nods, knowing who they speak of and knew what the male was capable of. He glances at Deku who is wearing the obvious 'don't you dare' face and, before he lets Deku take over again, he gives a suitable answer. Bakugo tells the sisters that the omega can be a servant in the castle as they requested. The girls were overjoyed, as was Deku.

"You're fucking annoying," Bakugo tells Deku after the girls leave.

"That was a very kind thing you did for her," Izuku tells him. "She'll remember it forever."

"Whatever. NEXT!"

The next case is an alpha accusing his beta servant of stealing food from the kitchen. The servant counters with the testimony that he and his family are hungry. The alpha demands that he be allowed to punish the servant by cutting off a hand. Izuku looks at Bakugo with horror, hoping that his mate will not allow that to happen. To Izuku, the punishment doesn't fit the crime, and that is what he whispers. Bakugo holds his hand up to Izuku, then says the alpha,

"Let me see his teeth," referring to the beta.

Izuku's confusion turns to curiosity when the beta starts to panic and tries to get away. Why would Bakugo want to see the teeth? The other alpha wrestles the beta's mouth and lips open to reveal dark green teeth. Bakugo smirks and says,

"Nice try with that lie, beta. You had my mate convinced there, for a moment. Punish him as you see fit." The beta begs and pleads with Bakugo but he ignores it. He turns to Deku to explain. "He doesn't really have a family, Deku. He was stealing food not because he has a hungry family, but for bargaining."

"Bargaining for what?"

"It's a type of herbal plant that is outlawed in all territories, as well as in this castle. The beta's teeth are green, meaning he's a frequent user of it, and it has turned into an addiction. It's very expensive and hard to find."

"But...what does it do to make it so bad?"

"Remember those monsters we fought? The ones with Tomura?" Deku nods. "It messes the brain up like that," he flicks Deku's forehead. "It's makes one feral and stupid, but it also feels very, very good. My point in all this is, you shouldn't just accept what story others tell you."

"...I see." Izuku understands, but still doesn't believe the beta deserves to lose a hand.

The rest of the audiences were short and simple, but the last one would prove to be more complicated. Izuku's head was spinning after hearing so many cases. But when he saw the small, timid demon omega standing before them, his mind was refreshed. He couldn't tell if it was a male or female due to their androgynous feature and clothing. Regardless, the omega had been through a tough time judging by the bruises on their skin and face.

"You want to handle this one?" Bakugo asks.

Izuku nods. "Yes, I do."

Bakugo looks at the demon omega and says, "Speak only to the Dom-Omega, got it?"

He would get up to leave but didn't feel comfortable leaving Deku alone to make decisions. His mate might give away the entire castle after hearing a sob story. When he hears the omega's issue, Bakugo already knows what Izuku's answer will be. The omega is asking to split from the forced marriage and to marry someone they love. While his and Deku's arranged marriage was a different story, this omega dealt with the traditional one. The omega claims that the alpha is abusive, which was obvious. Deku was a fast learner, for Deku asked who the alpha husband was, and then looked to Bakugo for clarification. The alpha was no one of great importance, so Bakugo waves his hand to let Deku continue. Deku, of course, offers to have the separation documents written up and signed by both of them. That part surprised Bakugo a bit, and he raises his brow at Deku. The pleading omega is delighted and overly thanks Deku for his 'kindness' and promises to tell everyone that they have a wonderful, considerate, and understanding Dom-Omega. Bakugo rolls his eyes.

Izuku's chest swells with pride as Bakugo gives orders for the paper to be written. He kept in mind about people lying, as the beta had done earlier. But this omega was not lying. Not with the bruises, wavering voice, and trembling limbs. Izuku has, sadly, seen this in omegas before back in his village growing up. It was difficult to fake such reactions. Knowing that he has saved someone with the power of just a signature and a word made him proud. 'This must be what Kacchan feels all the time,' he thinks to himself. Having such power is helpful, but Izuku can see how it can easily go to someone's head; and his husband Katsuki Bakugo is the perfect example of someone who feeds off power.

'I guess I should let him win at Conquest tonight. Or rather, he would hate that. I guess I'll beat him, but he won't have to abide by the bet. It would nice, though' he flushes at the image. His thoughts are interrupted by an ache in his lower stomach. Izuku can sense it has something to do with the baby. Suddenly, he felt very tired. Exhausted, even. But all he did was sit on this throne and listen to people talk yet it feels like he's been mining in the tunnels all day.

"You okay?" Bakugo asks.

"Yes. I'm just really, really tired all of a sudden,"

Bakugo grumbles and reaches out to place his hand on Izuku's belly. "That's most likely the baby pulling energy from you," he says. "I can only assume it's harder on you because you're human. You should probably rest."

Izuku groans. "I'm tired of resting, though."

"Well, you have no choice," Bakugo says. "Try to stand up. Go ahead." Deku does so but stumbles and falls back in the chair. "Yeah, that's what I thought," Bakugo calls for a kobold to call for Kirishima.

"You're not coming with me?" Izuku asks.

"I have more work to do, and we have our challenge tonight," he reminds Deku. "I want you to give it all you got,"

Izuku chuckles and can feel himself nodding off to sleep. Soon, he's lifted into strong arms by an alpha that is not his mate. He relaxes when he smells Kirishima. He couldn't open his eyes, but Kirishima, like Kacchan, feels very familiar to him. Kirishima's aura was not the same as Bakugo's. Bakugo is his mate; Kirishima is someone special if only he knew what that 'special' could be. Kirishima is his friend, and Izuku knows he can trust him.


Iida's glasses slip down the bridge of his nose when Shoto speaks those few words. How could Shoto know? It seemed that, to him, Shoto knew before the rest of them. Iida also cannot reveal Bakugo's plans, nor of the possible history they all share at once being human. Shoto's mismatched eyes turn to slits as he becomes impatient. Iida quickly decides to turn the question back on Shoto, to first, learn what Shoto already knows, and two, gather information before telling Shoto anything.

"What makes you believe that the Dom-Omega is the successor?"

"I simply figured it out, and by your reaction, my hunch is right,"

Iida swallows hard.

"Listen, I am more interested in what Bakugo has planned. We all know that a half-breed child will break the barrier into the human realm. And, I have very little doubt that Bakugo is going to use and manipulate Izuku's power to do something. Surely, it doesn't have to do with my or the other Blood Lords' demise, does it?"

Iida quickly clears his throat. "Under order of my Bloodlord, I am not permitted to answer such questions."

Shoto, calmly, swishes his tail and says, "Then I'll ask him myself. It will make for good conversation at the Black Moon Ball." Shoto turns away, then stops. "Oh. Since you did tell me the truth, let us go to my library, as I promised."

"I think I should be heading back to the castle. The Dom-Omega will need assistance while Tokoyami is away and-"

"Your Dom-Omega is quite well, I'm sure. However, since I know what you know, I'll look through the archives first."

Iida takes a sharp intake of breath. He can't allow Shoto to know more than him! "V-Very well! Perhaps we can learn of this matter together."

Shoto nods. "Good. Let's be off."

The library in Shoto's castle was, in the Bloodlord's word, deep in the bowels of the castle. Iida had no idea that any of the castles could go so deep. Shoto stops outside a large door, reveals a large black key, and unlocks it. Iida covers his mouth with the corner of his elbow to cough as the dust and smell of moldy paper overwhelm his senses. The shelves weren't built high or against the walls. They were lined up, one behind the other, each on its on a set of wheels. Iida, amazed by the sight of the books and the knowledge they could hold, goes to one and drags his finger down the spine.

"Why would your father want to hide such a great thing?"

"My honest guess is to keep people stupid," Shoto says. "The less they know, the easier they are to control." He carefully takes a book from its dusty place on a shelf. "Please be careful when pulling on the books, for many of them are stuck together and the pages are brittle."

Iida stands at attention and replies, "I will be more than careful with this great treasure trove of knowledge and learning!"

Shoto can't hide the little smile that pulls his lips. "My sister should return soon. I left word with my brother to bring her down here when she arrives. I'll leave you alone for a bit while I have some blood tea made for us, then I'll join you in research."

"Thank you kindly, Bloodlord Todoroki!"

Shoto exits the old library and flies to the top of the ancient stairs where he finds his brother waiting for him. "Hello, Dabi. Fuyumi back yet?"

"No. Though you might like to know that she is out with a demon male,"

Shoto's brows raise slightly. "Oh? She told me she was going to see some friends. How did you learn of this?"

Dabi smirks. "I have my ways."

"Hm. Find out who he is, then, if you have such 'powers'," Shoto flatly mocks. "We can't trust any male at first glance. Our sister is a prize to be won, and any male would say and do anything for her to get a place here in our home."

"Consider it done, baby brother," He smirks at Shoto's disapproving frown of the nickname. "So, did you learn anything from four eyes? Is our hunch true?"

Shoto nods. "Yes. Izuku IS the successor reborn, and Bakugo knows it," he says. "We need to figure out what Bakugo plans to do with this knowledge. He already has mated and married Izuku with a child on the way. Izuku is his to control. We need to keep Bakugo from using Izuku's omega successor power and emotions to take over the human realm. We all know what Bakugo is like; I was hoping that Iida could confirm it for me. I don't like to be wrong or make assumptions,"

Dabi yanks Shoto tail and says, "Have you forgotten who our special friend is?"

Shoto whips his tail from Dabi's grasp. "I haven't. Has Lord Hawks been in contact with your recently?"

Dabi holds up a small paper, wiggles it, then uses a blue flame to turn it to ash. "He did. Hawks said he was summoned to All For One and ordered to extract any information the omega gargoyle Tokoyami knows about the situation. That one confides in Hawks, and All For One knows it."

Shoto lets out a small sigh. "Tokoyami will not break so easily. Not for something crucial as this,"

"But All For One believes that Hawks is only doing HIS bidding," Dabi smirks and pats Shoto's shoulder. "Now, this is where it gets GOOD,"

The mischievous smile on his brother's face piqued his interest. "...I'm listening,"

Dabi wraps his wings around them for ultimate privacy. "Do not tell Fuyumi, and mention this to no one. All For One plans to have all of us killed when the human world is dominated,"

Shoto's eyes slowly widen.

"He plans to have Tomura rule the human realm and harness Izuku's successor powers for Himself, and even promises to make Izuku become Tomura's mate. The child of Izuku and Bakugo will be raised by All For One and Tomura as the perfect weapon to keep control and to shield them from a new successor being reborn."

"Armed with this knowledge, what should we do?"

"Before we make any decision, let's wait to hear what Hawks pulls from that gargoyle. In my opinion, I say we start planning the demise of All For One and Tomura,"

"...You're speaking of mutiny of the highest degree," Shoto says. "All For One has always been...we can't just simply kill him,"

"Oh, it will be more than a challenge," Dabi replies.

"And then, say, we do defeat All For One, where does that leave the Bloodlords?"

Dabi smirks. "You know the answer to that already."

"...in honor of our mother, let us bring pride and dignity back to the Todoroki name. We will wipe out the others."

"My thoughts exactly, little brother. We will take All For One's plan and bend it a little…"


'Master! What are you doing away from the court? Where are you going?'

'I'm going for a walk, that's all.'

'Master...are you sneaking off to see that alpha? He's dangerous! If you're going, I should go with you!'

'You're a good friend, but I'll be alright by myself. I won't be gone long,'

'Please Master...he isn't the right alpha for you!'

'I think I'm the one who would know whose heart is right for me. Have you forgotten I am the successor to the Symbol of Peace? I can handle one alpha,'

'Forgive me, Master. I only care about your welfare! It's my duty as your friend and champion to ensure you're safe at all times!'

Kirishima snorts awake after having fallen asleep in the chair after helping Izuku to bed. He didn't want to leave the omega alone. But that wasn't just a dream he had; that was a memory, a very REAL memory. Little did he know that Izuku was having one as well.

'Who's there?'

'Only a poor traveler,' the other responds, dressed all in black with a hood covering his head. He lowers the hood. 'You're not startled by my appearance?'

'Why would I be? We're all different in our own way. Who are you, stranger? Where do you come from?'

'...far away...where it's very dark. Not like here. Um...I fear I may have hit my head and..things are foggy.'

'Hm. Allow me to help you, then. I'll guide you to the main road. That will take you through villages and you may find what you're looking for. Right now, you're just wandering.'

'Oh. Thank you...what a kind omega you are. Pretty eyes, too. What color is that?'

'My eyes? Hm. You must have hit your head pretty hard if you don't remember colors! They are green. Green eyes.'

'...green eyes…'

Izuku's eyes open and he gasps awake. He sits up in the bed, panting.

"Dom-Omega? Are you alright?"

Izuku turns to see Kirishima in the chair. "Yes...I'm alright. I just had a...weird dream." he hunches over for a moment at the jabbing pain in his stomach. It goes as quickly as it came.

"I had a dream too," Kirishima tells him. "Um...can I ask what yours was about?"

"...it felt more like a memory," he runs his fingers through his hair. "It felt so real, Kiri…"

Kirishima nods. "Mine did too."

"What does it mean?"

"I don't know. But...well...it's happening to all of us…"

Izuku's eyes widened. "All of us? You mean, you and the others-?"

"We don't know what's going on," Kirishima lies. "I just want you to know that you're not crazy and...and I will be here if you need to talk about anything. Anything that you feel you can't speak to Bakugo about. Okay?"

Izuku smiles fondly at Kirishima and nods. "Okay. And please, feel free to do the same."

"Can we start right now?" Kirishima asks.

"Of course. I don't think I'm going back to sleep any time soon anyway."

Kirishima stares at Izuku for a few moments, knowing he is making the omega uncomfortable. He makes a decision that could very well cost him his tail, or even his head. After that memory, Kirishima felt that keeping Izuku in a lie wasn't fair to the omega, and he couldn't stand it any longer. "Izuku...what I am about to tell you...you must swear that you will NOT let anyone know! Most of all Bakugo."

"Sure, Kiri. What is it?"

"Izuku, you're not baring the successor. You ARE the successor."


"From Black Ram Hall, The Great Mage Fumikage Tokoyami, and Legion General Mezo Shoji!"

Tokoyami walks into the grand ballroom of Hawks' castle with Shoji by his side. Just getting through the introductions of all the important gargoyles was enough to make anyone snooze. Since they are in association with Black Ram Hall, he and Shoji are one of the first pairings introduced, publicly, to the other gargoyles as well as Lord Hawks. They bow before Lord Hawks who acknowledges them with a grand smile. After the introductions, there was the feast, and it is during this feast that Hawks summons Tokoyami.

"You know not to say anything, right?" Shoji whispers to him as Tokoyami gets up from the table.

"I need his advice, Shoji," Tokoyami explains. "I won't give every detail, only the basics. I promise."

Shoji shakes his head. "I think you should keep that beak closed," he pokes the breast pocket of Tokoyami's ceremonial cloak. "You have the signed documents, right?"

"Yes, I have them."

"Yami, before you go, don't you think it's a bit strange that now, of all times, during the mating season, that Hawks is summoning you? He's had any other time before this to call on you. Why now? What do you think?"

Tokoyami carefully pulls his hand out of Shoji's. "I don't know. I'm sure he has questions about Izuku. It's no secret that a human is here in the demon realm. I know what I'm doing."

Shoji sighs. "Alright. Don't be long, or I'll come looking for you."

Tokoyami runs his beak through Shoji's hair before leaving the feasting hall and following a servant to Hawks' private meeting chambers. He knocks on the door and announces himself. Hawks calls for him to enter. Tokoyami closes the door behind him, bows low to Hawks, and waits for permission to stand again.

"You may rise," Hawks says, flicking a berry into the air to land in his mouth. "So, do you know why I privately summoned you here?"

Tokoyami takes a few steps closer to Hawks's desk. "I have an idea…"

"We've always been very close, you and I," Hawks reminds him. "I was the one who trained you, all those years ago."

"And I am grateful for that, Lord Hawks," Tokoyami bows his head.

"Now then. What can you tell me about our dear little human, the successor?"

Tokoyami's eyes widen and even Dark Shadow appears behind him, equally as perplexed.

"He...he is not the successor, my lord. He is bearing the successor!"

Hawks sighs heavily and runs a hand through his hair. "Honestly, Fumikage, do you think me that dumb? You're lying, clear as day. Besides, you're not revealing anything to me that I don't already know."

"What do you mean by that?"

Hawks rises from his desk and stands before Tokoyami, offering him a black apple. "I mean, not all things are what they seem," he drops the apple from his hand and Tokoyami catches it in both of his. "All For One is well aware of who Izuku really is, and He has known it long before you and your alpha Bloodlord figured it out."

"If that is true...then what does the Master of All Evil plan to do?"

Hawks smirks. "I may or may not know the answer,"

Tokoyami and Dark Shadow both glare at Hawks. "My lord, do not throw riddles at me. I also came here to seek your advice and guidance on this matter! But now, I do not feel comfortable baring my thoughts to you. Good evening, Lord Hawks."

"Hold it," Hawks raises a gloved finger. "I never said I wasn't going to tell you what I know,"

'Stop playing games!' Dark Shadow looms over Tokoyami. 'You're making ME mad now!'

"Call off your shadow fiend, Fumikage."

Tokoyami whispers to Dark Shadow, who shrinks down to a smaller size. "Then tell me now. Why are you holding back information when I have come to seeking council?"

"You have a mating frenzy to go through," Hawks points out to him.

Tokoyami swallows hard and replies, "I have the signed document from Lord Bakugo...but...if what you're getting at is to-" Hawks cuts him off.

"No, no, keep your document. I'm not such a fiend that I would make you PAY for information," he flies up to lounge on a rafter on his belly, looking down at Tokoyami. "I just want you in a right frame of mind. There is a lot we have to discuss, and it's information that I do not want YOUR alpha lord to know. Good evening to YOU, Fumikage. Dismissed."

TBC