Notes:

***Okay, so, this part of the story I had to break up into two parts. It would be waaaay too long to put into one chapter. It was a very heavy chapter to write, and it might be the longest so far. Whew!

***Warnings: Language, dialogue-heavy, scheming

***Please read on and enjoy! Comments and kudos are welcomed! Thank you for continuing to read and support this story! XOXO


Chapter 17: The Black Moon Ball Part 1

Izuku looks at himself in his wedding attire from the ceremony, turning to the side to see the growing bulge of his belly. The outfit fit a bit more...snug since the last time he wore it. Since the Black Moon Ball is also counting as their wedding feast, Kacchan suggested that they wear their ceremonial attire. Izuku swears his stomach is bigger than it was two days ago. The child inside of him seemed to only be active when Izuku was trying to sleep at night. Inside his belly, he pictures a tiny Katsuki Bakugo bouncing around and growling, trying to get out and angry that he can't.

Izuku lets out a gasp and doubles forward in pain when something pokes him from the inside. Quickly, he unbuckles the belt and pulls up his tunic to look at the bulge. His eyes widen at the tiny peek of raised skin near his groin. With a trembling hand, he places the palm of his middle finger on the tip. Izuku yelps when it disappears, moving inside of him. The force of it nearly brought Izuku to his knees. The pain was intense, but then it was gone. The baby is settled. Panting and trying to get a hold of himself, Izuku finishes dressing. This was HIS child inside of his omega womb; so, why was he suddenly fearful of it? That point must have been the tip of a horn. Izuku asked himself if he is afraid of the demon side of the child inside of him, or if it's just the anxiety of the Black Moon Ball?

There's no way he can show any signs of illness or weakness tonight of all nights. This is the Black Moon Ball, his wedding feast, and the start of a grand plan to change the reigns of the worlds. Izuku goes to the balcony window of their chamber and opens the doors to look up at the half red sky with a sheet of black very slowly creeping across it. Izuku would need to ask why it is called the 'Black Moon' because it's not actually black on this day; it is red. The sky around it is black, so why not call it the Black Sky Ball? Izuku's eyes travel to the main castle road where nobles from all over are starting to arrive for the festivities.

'It's almost time,' Izuku says, taking a deep breath and letting it out. He looks up at a shadow passing overhead, then sees the large, multi-armed figure land on the railing of the balcony. "Oh, Shoji...um, what can I do for you?"

"Forgive me, Dom-Omega, for imposing on you at this time, but I need you to speak to Tokoyami on my behalf,"

Izuku ushers Shoji into the chambers. "I don't think I will have time to fit that in tonight, Shoji. There are more pressing matters at hand. I promise I will speak to him tomorrow. Can you express to me what your concerns are?"

"Surely, you know already?" Shoji gives him a look of surprise.

Izuku nods. "I didn't want to say anything to Tokoyami when I last spoke to him. If you are here to ask me to talk him into something he doesn't want to do...then I'm afraid I'll have to decline." He smiles sadly at Shoji.

"But, as a fellow omega-"

Izuku puts his hand up to silence him. "I understand where he is coming from. It's not your place nor mine to tell him what he can and cannot do with his life,"

"...Dom-Omega, you yourself are new to pregnancy, as am I. Tokoyami is my mate; we have been together for centuries and this is the first time our mating was successful,"

Izuku raises a brow, thinking back to the time when Tokoyami told him the 'red liquid' is what keeps him from becoming pregnant during a heat cycle. Does Shoji know that Tokoyami has been using herbs to prevent pregnancy? Tokoyami never mentioned it to him; did he? Izuku couldn't remember. He wasn't sure if it were safe to say anything right now.

"I know Tokoyami takes something to stop it from happening," Shoji says. "But this is the first time he forgot to bring it with him. When he remembered...I was too far gone in my alpha mating rut to respect his pleas to stop. Now he will barely speak to me, nor will he attempt to see me. I don't want him to make any decisions without speaking to me first. It's a child that he and I created together...I deserve a say in the matter. Please, Dom-Omega, I am asking for your aid," he gets down on one knee. "Before Tokoyami makes any brash decisions...please speak to him, omega to omega, to include me in this decision."

"...I will see what I can do," Izuku promises him.

"Dom-Omega, are you well? You seem very pale," Shoji mentions.

Izuku carefully pats his belly. "It's this little one, I'm afraid. He or she is running me ragged! Sometimes it just...wears me out," Izuku yelps as strong, massive arms lift him up, cradling him upright as if sitting in a chair.

"Then allow me to carry you to the ballroom, Dom-Omega. Adorn your crown, and I will escort you to your husband. The guests are arriving."

"I can't ask you to carry me around like this!"

"I am your loyal servant, after all; I was in the past, so I feel no ill will serving you now. Do not be afraid to exercise your authority tonight, Dom-Omega."

'I'm not really afraid; I'm more uncertain about how things will play out, and if I can manage to make everything work out.'


Bakugo taps his foot and swishes his tail back and forth while waiting for Deku to arrive, so they can finally make their entrance. Before the meetings can take place, introductions and well-wishes for their wedding have to be done first. He peeks out at the gathering crowd on the floor, a mix of high and low ranking nobles and their mates. Bakugo specifically banned the presence of children, and yet he saw two or three running around. No one listens. Everyone is dressed in their finest, he notices, especially the omegas. Bakugo smirks as his eyes scan the omegas, knowing full well why they are so overly dressed; its to outshine the new Dom-Omega. To Bakugo, clothing and jewels didn't mean much when expressing himself. He'd rather show off with power, strength, and flames. Deku won't notice or care about the other omegas and how they are dressed. If these omegas are smart, they will want to befriend Deku, not threaten him with bobbles and silks.

"Kacchan?"

Bakugo sees Deku in Shoji's arms. "What's this all about?" He narrows his eyes at the pair.

"Shoji was just carrying me because I feel a little weak. It's the baby." Izuku carefully slides from Shoji's hold and goes to Bakugo. He looks his mate up and down, noting how handsome Kacchan is in the wedding attire. Izuku can't help but point out the number of rubies adorning Bakugo's body. "Who are you trying to impress with the rubies?" He teases.

"It's a fucking ball, Deku. I have to show off my wealth. Why the hell do you think I have you so decorated?" Bakugo's breath catches in his throat because he just realizes that he was mocking the omegas for showing off, and here he is prepared to grace the hall with an omega adorned with emeralds and gold. The crown is still a bit big on Deku's head. "Never mind. Let's just get this damned feast started so we can move on to the important matters."

Izuku links his arm with Bakugo's without telling the alpha that he was going to. Bakugo gives him a hard stare and Izuku leans up to kiss his cheek. The tender action has Bakugo blushes softly and it makes Izuku smile. "Kacchan, don't you think it's a smart idea to let the other demon couples see that we are happy together?"

"No, that's not a good idea,"

Izuku frowns. "Kacchan, I-"

"Listen, it's not for the reason you think," he interjects. "At this stage in the game, I can't trust anyone. You're going to meet a lot of noble demons tonight, and they are always looking for a weakness. If they see we are 'happy,' then that can be used against me. In other words, they might find a way to get at me through you. We need to show them that we are a power couple," he looks at Deku. "That means we always hold our heads high, keep calm and serious, and never wavier to possible threats. Do you understand?"

Izuku does understand, though he thinks it's ridiculous. He really just wants to sit down. "I do,"

"Then let's begin," Bakugo signals to Iida whose loud voice ceases the music and dancing. He announces their arrival, and Bakugo guides Deku across the ballroom floor of clapping guests.

Izuku walks in time with Bakugo's strides up the dais steps to the roar of cheers and applause. He couldn't begin to count the number of people that are present. Behind the dais is a pile of gifts, and on the table before them plates upon plates of food. Izuku felt dizzy at the sight of the table. Did Bakugo expect him to eat this much food? He's relieved to finally sit and rest his back.

All eyes are upon him, the human omega that fell from the sky and carries the top Blood Lord's baby in his womb. The Dom-Omega of Black Ram Hall. A human among demons. It's only natural that people's focus would be on him. Still, that doesn't make it any less uncomfortable to be stared at. Then, the introductions began, starting with the Blood Lords. They are more formal than before.

"Presenting Blood Lord Shoto Todoroki accompanied by his brother Dabi and sister Lady Fuyumi!"

Shoto, adorning the helmet made from his father's skull, never ceases to attract attention. Izuku shivered at the sight of it, knowing that, at one time, that skull belonged to a living being. He is still amazed at the perfect symmetrical coloring of Shoto's features from his horns to his wings and twin tails. Shoto bows to them, as does Dabi and Fuyumi.

"Thank you for having us on this special night," Shoto says. "My sister, Lady Fuyumi, offers a wedding gift on behalf of the Todoroki family,"

Fuyumi smiles at Izuku as she steps up onto the dais and holds out a red box. "Please, accept this gift as a token of friendship and eternal happiness from our family."

"Thank you," Izuku takes the box and looks to Bakugo, silently asking if he should open it. Bakugo nods, and Izuku lifts the lid to reveal a set of curved blade daggers. The hilts and sheaths are encrusted with white gems on black. 'Why daggers?' He watches as Bakugo takes one, sliding it from the sheath to gaze upon the blade.

"A fine blade," Bakugo tells her, then glances at Shoto, pointing the blade at him. "We accept your wedding gift." 'And I will use this to stab you in the throat if you cross me,' He secretly adds.

Shoto gives a little knowing smile and bows. As they step to the side, Iida announces the next pair.

"Presenting Blood Lord Togata Mirio accompanied by Amajiki Tamaki of LeMillion Castle!"

Izuku appreciates the bright smile of Mirio as both he and Tamaki bow to them. Amusingly, Tamaki is hiding behind one of Mirio's demon wings and dressed fairly plain for a ball. Mirio's colors of red, white, and gold help him to shine like the sun from the human world.

"Thank you for having us, Blood Lord Bakugo and Dom-Omega Izuku!" Mirio says and then congratulates them on their marriage. "I come with a gift for you both!" He whispers to Tamaki who just trembles and shakes his head. Mirio smiles and takes out a small white statue from the box Tamaki held. He goes up to the dais and offers it to Izuku. "A finely carved statue of a white dragon mother and its child!"

Izuku traces his finger along the fine detail of the dragon scales tinted gold. "It's very pretty, Lord Mirio. Thank you."

"Pfft. It'll collect dust," Bakugo says with a snort.

Mirio isn't bothered by Bakugo's insult. "I hope I can get a dance with you tonight, Dom-Omega, if you're feeling up to it?"

"D-Dance? Oh...I'm not sure. I don't actually know how to dance."

Mirio laughs and says, "Everyone can dance! Even if you're not good at it, it's still fun to try! Just think about it, okay? Promise me?"

Izuku nods. "Alright, I will consider it. Thank you again, Lord Mirio."

Bakugo glares at Mirio as the alpha exits the dais.

"I'm surprised after all the centuries, your face hasn't stayed like that," Izuku tells him.

"Who says it hasn't?"

"Because I've seen you make softer faces, though I can count on one hand how many times." He covers Bakugo's hand with his own. "Will you dance with me?"

Bakugo rolls his eyes. "You just said you don't know how to dance,"

"I don't, but I would like to dance with my alpha mate?"

"Do I look like the type that wants to dance?"

Izuku sighs, sliding his hand away. "No, you don't," he had a little trick up his sleeve and adds, "It takes a lot of skill and talent to dance. If it's hard for you, then I don't stand a chance,"

"Hey! I can fucking dance without any issue! I don't have to practice or learn! I just don't want to!"

'Hook, line, and sinker,' Izuku smiles to himself. 'Kacchan, you're so predictable and so easily tricked. Are you sure you're the number one Blood Lord?'

"Introducing the King of the Gargoyles, Lord Hawks!"

Izuku didn't know what he was expecting but Lord Hawks seemed so young to be considered a king. He was handsome, with wheat-colored hair and hazel eyes. Lord Hawks bows to them, but did not bring a gift like the others hand. In fact, after the bow, Lord Hawks leaves to head to one of the food tables. Izuku followed him with his eyes, wondering what that was all about, then gives up to continue with the introductions.

The introductions went on for what seemed like forever to Izuku. Bakugo chose to eat while other demons were congratulating or thanking them, which Izuku found impolite but wasn't at all surprised. Izuku smiled and thanked those for their gifts and for introducing themselves. There's no way he would remember every alpha and omega demon noble he's met tonight. When he does get a chance to eat, he looks around the ballroom at others feasting and dancing. He notices that Kirishima, Kaminari, Sero, and Iida are mingling with the guests. He doesn't see Tokoyami or Shoji.

Izuku just finishes his plate (of questionable food) when Shoto approaches them.

"Shall we hold our meeting now?" Shoto asks them.

Bakugo sucks the marrow from the bone and tosses it. "About damn time. It's just the three of us, right?"

"Yes, but first, I would like just for us to talk," Shoto says to Bakugo. "Alpha Prime to Alpha Prime," he looks to Izuku. "Then we'll call for you. Is that alright?"

Izuku nods. "I guess so, sure."

"Fine, let's go," Bakugo says and gets up from his chair, waving Shoto to follow him. "I don't want to be in your presence for any longer than I have to," Bakugo leads him to one of the small conference rooms where minor business issues are conducted. "So, speak."

Shoto takes a seat and doesn't waste any time getting to the point. "I know you plan to kill myself and the others the second All For One is taken down.

"Oh shoot, is it THAT obvious?" Bakugo mocks, his voice laced with sarcasm. He smirks at Shoto and then laughs, resting his feet up on the table. "In case you haven't realized, half-and-half bastard, I'm married to the successor; in both past and present time. That puts me first for everything. I won't have to kill you losers so long as you just accept the fact that I will be the new Alpha Supreme."

Shoto, very calmly, folds his hands on the table. "Bakugo, no one here doubts your strength and power. However, despite how you view yourself, you are not a full-blooded demon,"

Bakugo narrows his eyes. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"You were once human. You all were. Only a true born alpha demon can become Alpha Supreme. And Izuku hasn't shown any sort of power that can lock us away."

Bakugo scoffs. "That's all bullshit. The title of Alpha Supreme belongs to the strongest, and that alpha is ME. All For One made me His top Blood Lord, you half-and-half bastard. Why do you think that is?"

Shoto shrugs his shoulders. "It would seem to me, that the only half-and-half bastard here is actually you. Half-Breed."

"Eat shit and die!" Bakugo hisses and bears his teeth.

"Half demon, Half human."

"Is that all you have to say, asshole?"

Shoto shakes his head. "No, there is more. I already know what the answer is, but I will ask anyway. Are you willing to split the human world and demon realm between us four Blood Lords?"

"Ha! Yeah, right! You three can divide up amongst yourselves what's leftover, but you're looking at the new Alpha Supreme of both worlds!"

"I cannot speak for Mirio, but Inasa and I are certain that you will try to kill us after we dethrone All For One."

"And? I won't have to if you all just accept that I am the Alpha Supreme and married to the successor. Let me ask you this, Todoroki. Why do you want to be the Alpha Supreme?"

"My family is the oldest bloodline in the demon realm. My grandparents of generations past have sullied the Todoroki name. I plan to change that and rule differently, in the name of my mother. You're not a good ruler, Bakugo. You're strong, yes, and you can lead an army, but you're not a ruler."

"I don't take kindly to your insults, bastard," Bakugo growls out.

Shoto sits back in the chair and says, "You've had All For One behind you all this time, but soon He will be gone, and you will not have that support any longer. If anything, you would do well to remember that Izuku has the power to defeat All For One. You, on the other hand, do not wield the same power as All For One. None of us do. Your omega mate and child will be stronger than you. And yet, we can agree that an omega cannot actually rule alone. As an equal, yes, but not as an individual."

Bakugo wanted to drag his claws along the wood of the armrests as Shoto rambles on about issues he himself had not thought of before. He would never admit to Shoto that the demon is right, and Bakugo wanted to flip the table over in pure fury and aggravation. However, before he could lash out at Shoto, the door opens and Deku comes into the room with them. Both of them turn to look at Deku.

"I think I've waited long enough," Izuku says to them as he invites himself in and takes a seat at the table. "I sensed a lot of tension through our bond. So, what are we discussing?"

"He wants to overthrow us after we do the same to All For One," Bakugo answers with a sneer and hiss.

Izuku turns to Shoto. "Is that true?"

"It is," Shoto answers.

"And by overthrow, you mean to use violence," Izuku's brows furrow. He became skeptical of Shoto right before he entered this room. While at the table, Izuku observed Hawks and Dabi talking in secret, far from the guests and listening ears. Izuku then came to the conclusion that it is Dabi who relays information to Shoto through Hawks, who is associated closely with All For One.

Shoto shrugs his shoulders again. "I don't want any violence or bloodshed if it can be avoided. However, your husband is quite the hot-head and likes nothing more than killing and spilling blood. Unless you can get him to agree to some sort of truce or equal standing, then I'm afraid we'll have to use force. I will not allow your husband to seize control over the world simply because he is your mate."

"I'll fucking kill you right here and now you-" Bakugo didn't expect Deku to suddenly grab his wrist, stopping him from going further.

"I wish to speak to Shoto alone," Izuku tells him. "When I am done with him, I will then speak to Hawks, followed by Mirio. I will be away from the festivities for a while."

"Oh, fuck no! I need to be here when you-" Bakugo stops on his own when he sees the strange look in Deku's green eyes. Something inside of him waivers and, with a growl in Shoto's direction, he storms out of the room, slamming the door.

Izuku waits a moment to make sure Bakugo is gone before turning his full attention to Shoto. "I don't want to see bloodshed either, but I am not going to allow humans to suffer under the darkness that is the demons and their realms. The human world first, and foremost, belongs to me. I was and I am the successor with the power to bring all of you to submission. I would like for us to come to an agreement before we go ahead with plotting to dethrone All For One."

"You speak of power, and yet you have none," Shoto points out. "You are still only a human, Izuku. Successor or not, you have not shown us any signs of power strong enough to banish demons."

Izuku knows that Shoto is right. But what Shoto doesn't know is that he holds that pearl-shaped item he is supposed to eat. Why would the White Mist give it to him if it doesn't hold some significance to his power? "Shoto, I will work on Bakugo to try and find a way that everyone can be content. I have my own desires I want to see happen when I return to the human world. For now, I would like it if all talk of war and bloodshed be kept OFF the table until All For One and Tomura are taken care of. Is that acceptable?"

"It is, but you cannot control Bakugo," Shoto says. "He will do what he wants,"

"We'll see about that. There is one more thing that I want to bring to your attention,"

"And what is that?"

"Your brother, Dabi. He is your informant between Hawks and All For One, correct?" Izuku can tell by the look of surprise on Shoto's face that he was correct. "If we are going to join forces to overthrow All For One, then it is in our best interest that your brother, Dabi, shares his findings with all of us. And just so you are aware, I have a private meeting with Lord Hawks tonight. He wants to discuss something with me. I have a few questions for him myself. I want you to know that, okay?"

Shoto suddenly has a look of dread on his face as he stands up from the chair and bows to Izuku before he leaves without a word. Izuku stares at the door, wondering why Shoto would leave so quickly. The Blood Lord looked scared of him, but why? Izuku had noticed that Shoto before he became frightened, was looking past him rather than at him. Izuku looks behind him, searching for something, anything, that would make an alpha demon like Shoto Todoroki turn tail and run. But that, he will have to leave for a different time. He still has a very long night of negotiations to get through.

He once looked at Shoto as a friend and ally, but now he is not so sure. After he speaks with Lord Hawks, maybe the gargoyle can shed some light on what the Todoroki's plan is as a family. It seems that Lord Hawks has his own agenda, and Izuku can only hope that he will share it.

'First, I'll speak with Lord Hawks, and then I will discuss my knowledge with Mirio,' he rubs soothing circles on his belly as he feels the baby start to move around. 'Kacchan and I are going to need allies that aren't just Kirishima and the others. Mirio is our only chance at hope should Shoto and Inasa turn against us in the end.'


Shoto retreats to a quiet space out of sight and covers his mouth with one hand, thinking back on what he saw. Looming behind Izuku, as Dark Shadow looms behind Tokoyami, was a massive, hulking figure of a man. It was white instead of black, and parts of the image glowed. Such power radiated from that white shadow, and it was coming from Izuku. Whether or not that power is inside Izuku, the sheer force of it can turn any demon, even All For One, into dust.

'Is this the light and power of the Symbol of Peace?' Shoto wonders. 'I have to tell this to Dabi and Hawks before Izuku meets with him!'

But when Shoto returns to the ball, he sees Lord Hawks walking away with Izuku into the private meeting room.

'Damn it! I'm too late!'


"I have to say, Dom-Omega Izuku, it is very kind of you to accept this meeting during such a joyous occasion," Hawks says to Izuku as he takes a seat at the table. "How are you feeling in your condition?"

Izuku feels the baby move again as if it was responding to Hawks' question. "I'm doing well, thank you for asking. Now, Tokoyami tells me that you wish to have a private meeting with me? May I ask what it is about?"

Hawks leans back with a calm, smug smile and says, "Why, it has to do with the overthrow of All For One, of course."

Izuku nods, thinking for a moment, then says, "Before we go further into your requests, Lord Hawks, may I ask something?"

"Of course, Dom-Omega. I will answer it as best I can,"

"All For One has the hearts of Lord Bakugo and the others, doesn't He?" Hawks looks a tad bit surprised. "I came to this conclusion on my own based on what I've witnessed being a mate of Bakugo and a friend to the others in his court. I would like clarification. Is this true?"

"Hm. What's in it for me if I confirm your conclusion?"

Izuku lifts his chin slightly to show Hawks that he wasn't afraid nor would he back down from anything. "Tokoyami says you want to be a part of the, I guess I can call it, New World Order? You will help us take down All For One, as long as you get something in return. I promise that I will give you what you want, so long as it is within my power to do so,"

Hawks threads his fingers together and crosses his legs. "Your first mistake as a male of power is that you offered to give me what I want before asking me what it is that I want. Always ask for the demands first before making such promises,"

Izuku realizes what Hawks means and he nods. The gargoyle king was right. "Let's start over, then. What is it that you want?"

"I want to rule the Demon Realm. Let Bakugo and the other Blood Lords mingle about up above in the human world, but I want full control of the Demon Realm."

Izuku swallows hard at Hawks' demand. "I...I don't think my husband will approve of that, Lord Hawks. He will want to be the king of both realms because I am the successor."

"Then, that makes you the supreme ruler," Hawks tells him. "However, you can't be in two worlds at once, yes? You are a human in the end; living in the human world will be the best for you. In this realm, you will need someone to guide and rule the inhabitants living here. Not every demon, goblin, kobold or troll wants to live in the human world. We gargoyles are fortunate enough to have wings, so we can fly to and from as we wish, same with demons. So, what do you say, Dom-Omega? A place in power for the information that you seek?"

Izuku needs to get the hearts away from All For One as soon as he can, preferably before the baby is born. This is a task that he will need help from Hawks, as well as Dabi for that matter. If Hawks and Dabi are working together, then he will need to have Dabi on their side as well. In that aspect, Hawks may be able to persuade Shoto from acting against him and Bakugo. Besides, Hawks seems to have a direct line of connection to All For One's castle. Izuku knows what to say, and how to say it to get the result that he wants.

"As it stands now, I have very little control over my demon alpha husband. However, if I am to gain any type of full control, I need to have their hearts returned to them. That way, I can have control over Bakugo, and in turn, will make it easier to grant you your request. Even if you don't wish to help in the overthrow of All For One, saving their hearts will be more than enough for me. Do you think you can get their hearts?"

Hawks slowly claps his hands. "Good job, Dom-Omega. That's a perfect display of diplomacy that just so happens to fall into my 'can do' attitude. I know where All For One keeps their hearts, and I will bring them to you."

"Lord Hawks, thank you so much!" Izuku feels like crying but he holds back his tears. "There is still much we have to plan, but getting their hearts back will be the first step into gaining a foothold over All For One! Thank you so much, Lord Hawks!"

"Don't thank me just yet," he gives Izuku a lazy wink. "I don't have the hearts in my possession. And, just how certain are you that giving their hearts back will help you regain control over them?"

"Let's just say, it's an omega instinct,"


Bakugo weaves his way through the dancing crowd, ignoring greetings and bows while looking for anyone from his council members, mainly Kirishima and Tokoyami. He notices Kaminari first, but the beta demon is so drunk on blood wine and flirting with young females that he wouldn't be of any use. Iida would be a good one to talk to, but that beta demon was making small talk with a few big titled demon lords. For a moment, he stops to look for Shoji, who is tall enough to pick out amongst the crowd. He doesn't see the gargoyle and curses. A pitch of black does catch his eye, and sure enough, he spots Tokoyami lurking at the end of a buffet table.

"Fucking FINALLY!" He approaches the gargoyle. "Hey, where have you been all this time? Why aren't you with Deku?"

"Forgive me, my Lord, but the Dom-Omega understands that I am not up to the task of shadowing him this evening during the ball. I have him in my line of vision, though."

"You look like shit," Bakugo tells him. "Pull yourself together! You're a member of Black Ram Hall, and you represent this place and my name!"

Tokoyami won't look at him. "I'm here, aren't I? That's good enough."

"Whatever. Look, do you have any inkling of what Hawks wants to talk about with Deku?"

"I do not,"

"Did Hawks tell you anything during the mating gathering?"

"...nothing that we don't already know. If anything, Hawks is seeking something in return for his assistance. I'm afraid that is all I can tell you."

Bakugo leans down and sniffs at Tokoyami. "Yeah, I thought that was the case. And, is this what has you out of sorts? You fucked up this time while mating?" When Tokoyami doesn't respond, Bakugo continues. "You'd better figure something out between you and Shoji. I don't want any tension or trouble when it comes time for the birth of my son or the uprising. Understand?" When Tokoyami silently turns away from him, Bakugo sighs inwardly and adds. "Do whatever you want. If you're afraid of Shoji, then let me handle him. Something to keep in mind, though, if you're battling with your decision; every young prince needs a betrothed, or even a good friend to confide in, and I'd rather it be someone with whom we can trust."

With that, Bakugo walks away and begins to look for Kirishima but instead sees Deku return to the dais. He returns to the table to sit beside his mate.

"So, what did you find out from Hawks? Anything?"

"Yes. He's going to help get your hearts back, so long as we give him a place in power after All For One and Tomura are taken care of,"

Bakugo growls softly. "Deku, that's a big decision to make without consulting me first,"

Izuku knew that would be Bakugo's reaction, but he had an answer already prepared, using Bakugo's own trick. "Depending on how things go, nothing says we have to actually GIVE him that position," Izuku can, and will, give Hawks what he asked for, but Bakugo doesn't need to know that.

Bakugo smirks, showing his fangs and chuckling deep in the back of his throat. "Now you're learning the right way of doing things! Good work, Deku!"

Izuku opened his mouth to say something but a massive gust of wind suddenly blows open the ballroom doors. The entire ballroom is engulfed in a dark mist of heavy wind that nearly shakes and blows the decorations from their place. Izuku folds his arms over his face and peeks through, seeing the guests shielding themselves and others with wings or capes. Izuku then senses Kirishima and Tokoyami beside him. Whatever it was, the two were ready to protect him.

And then, the worse feeling of sorrow and dread wash over him. It clings to his entire body, trying, it seemed, to squeeze the breath and life out of him. The baby moves in a panic sensing the dark force, flip-flopping in his womb. Izuku wasn't sure if the baby made him feel as if he would throw up or the dark presence slowly filling the room. Izuku thought he could feel the eons of pain, suffering, and dread. There's a low, groaning hum followed by the rhythmic sound of drums. Izuku's body tenses with fear; his arms lower and his eyes draw wide. He feels stuck to the throne. His arms move to cover his belly and protect the baby from the sight before them.

A large dark form begins to appear from the black mist, and though Izuku has never seen Him, he knew that All For One had just arrived.

TBC