The alley was dark and dingy, lit only by the glow of a nearby streetlamp.
Izuku glanced around as he set down, releasing his Black Whip. There was no one around, and his Danger Sense hadn't so much as peeped.
Perfect. Unseen, and unnoticed. .
"So, what now?" asked Yamato, taking off her goggles and stowing them in her backpack.
"We need to find this Justinian Lawson character," replied Izuku, doing likewise. "If we can't find him right away, keep a lookout for places that we can stay."
Izuku led the way out of the alley, Yamato following behind, who couldn't help but stare at the city. The street had stone pavements on either side, and cobblestones along the middle. It was reasonably well lit, but the yellow light was dimmer than what he was used to; and had a strange ambience to it.
It was certainly a sharp contrast from Wano.
Izuku paused for a moment, and looked up at the nearest lamp. An actual, old-style street lamp stared back at him, of a sort he had only seen in pictures. He could even see a flame flickering behind the glass.
He strode on, trying to act natural; and feeling all the more obvious for it. There were people around, walking alone or in pairs. Izuku had to force himself not to stare. The men he could see wore finely-tailored suits with long tails in the back, and big tall top hats. The women all wore long dresses, many of them elaborately decorated, some flaring out like ball gowns or wedding dresses.
Their attire only helped to show just how much both he and Yamato stood out, even without factoring Yamato's impressive height and horns.
Izuku could feel them glancing at him. In the corner of his eye, he could see a man and woman whispering to each other whilst glancing at the pair.
"Izuku! Look at this!"
Izuku jumped and glanced about. There was Yamato, standing in front of a shop window, face pressed against the glass. Izuku hurried over, wondering what could have caught her attention, while also hoping to avoid causing a scene.
Toys. The window was full of toys.
There were porcelain dolls, their faces delicately carved and painted, their hair almost real-looking, their clothes beautifully sewn. There were teddy bears of all shapes and sizes, and other soft toys too; even some shaped like Sea Kings. He saw model ships, with fine wire rigging and little metal cannon, and little sailor and pirate figures. There were toy soldiers of many kinds; knights in armor, men and women in white and blue sailor uniforms, and scary-looking pirates. There were construction kits, for bridges and buildings and any number of things.
Izuku was amazed. These toys were simple, primitive even compared to those of his own world. But they were still wonderful; if only for the craftsmanship. He glanced up at Yamato. She was staring down at the toys, eyes wide, a bright smile plastered over her face; like the great overgrown child that in so many ways she was.
He smiled wistfully.
"We can get something later, if you like," he said gently, his heart aching at having to spoil her fun. "But we really need to go."
"Okay," Yamato replied with a sigh, coming back to herself. "I've just never seen anything like this before."
"We'll come back again later, in the daytime," Izuku promised, grinning. "Get a better look at everything and the other stores."
"That sounds fun!"
They continued along the street, coming upon more shops as they went. Some were selling food, others were selling clothes, or household items. There was a cobbler, a locksmith, even a pharmacist of sorts, but it looked more like some kind of alchemical abode. Yamato stared into every window, taking in every detail, with the same enthusiasm as she had with the toy shop. It certainly helped to brighten the sometimes dingy atmosphere.
There were more people around here. They strode along the streets, shoulders hunched, heads lowered. Few of them took time to look in the shop windows, even the shops that still appeared to be open. Some glanced around, their gazes occasionally lighting on himself and Yamato, but rarely lingering long.
There was something unpleasant about their manner, as if they were angry about something. He thought it might be him, but they weren't doing anything about it; and his Danger Sense wasn't responding.
His nervousness faded, replaced by sorrow. This place, with its wonderful stone buildings, and its marvelous creations…now just felt gloomy. What was the use of such things if the people were unhappy? And what was causing that unhappiness?
Was that why Bay had sent them?
"Yamato?" He looked around, and found Yamato staring into another shop window. This one was much larger and grander than the toy shop, its frontage painted in pink and purple and decorated with elaborate carvings. There was a sign over the top, in elegant gold lettering.
Minelli Sisters Fine Dressmakers
Izuku almost laughed. A dressmaker, and an expensive-looking one at that. It seemed Yamato had a girly side after all. Not surprising, but still, strange enough to see out in the open.
"Izuku, we should really get a change of clothes." Yamato was fidgeting with her fingers, the way Uraraka used to do sometimes. "I mean…people are staring at us."
So she had noticed too.
"Well yeah, that's true," Izuku replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "But we're short on time."
"It's just that…I've never worn anything except clothes like this," Yamato said, plucking at her hakama. "Black Maria always had whatever clothes she wanted, and the geishas and courtesans were always so beautifully dressed. I mean, I could never be a geisha or a courtesan, but…I wondered sometimes."
Izuku's heart ached. How could he make her understand without crushing her dreams?
"We can come back and get some clothes," he said gently. "It's just that round here, it looks like they make the clothes by hand. We'll have to be properly measured,fitted and all that; so it'll take a while."
"Hmm, you might be right," mused Yamato, stroking her chin. "I remember Black Maria boasting about it. And it looks like it's getting late."
They continued along the street, and emerged onto a wide boulevard. Izuku looked around, and saw a street sign on a wall nearby.
GREGSON LANE.
He looked around some more. There were few people around, and all of them were hurrying along just like those before. Izuku thought of stopping someone and asking about Lawson, or maybe about somewhere to stay. But no one seemed inclined to pause for anything; let alone deal with a couple of strangely-dressed foreigners. The last thing he needed was hostility, or to cause a scene.
"Izuku look up there!" Yamato was pointing at something in the near distance. Izuku looked, and saw a very tall and impressive-looking clock tower, just beyond a large building a block or so away. The very one he saw while flying in.
Huh, a large, old fashioned clock tower in the middle of a city. Why did that give him a strange sense of deja vu?
"I've never seen a clock that big!" exclaimed Yamato. "Maybe they'll let us see inside!"
"Yeah, maybe."
Izuku fixed his eyes on the clock itself. It was showing thirty-four minutes past eight.
They needed to get moving. He looked around again, looking for someone to ask. Maybe he should try in one of the shops?
Then he saw someone. A man atop a ladder, next to one of the streetlamps. Steeling himself, Izuku strode up to the ladder, Yamato trotting along behind him.
"Excuse me, sir!?"
The man paused, and turned his head to look down at him. He looked to be in about middle age, with the calloused hands and weather-beaten face of a man who made his living outdoors. His clothes were plainer than the suits Izuku had seen earlier; suitable for hard, dirty work. He had a cigar between his teeth, and a sour look on his face.
"What's the matter?" he demanded, gruffly.
"Uh…" Izuku faltered, unsettled. "Do you know where we can find Justinian Lawson?"
Now it was the man's turn to falter. He stood where he was, staring at Izuku as if he had his underwear on his head.
"Is that supposed to be a joke?" he asked, looking less than amused. "Where are you from?"
"We're…uh…from the mountains!" babbled Izuku, feeling a complete fool. "Also…sorry, but, do you have to have your cigar lit like that? Isn't that dangerous?"
The man took his cigar from his mouth, and thrust it into the lamp. The lamp flickered and flame, and he drew the cigar out; its tip glowing. He put it back in his mouth, and then closed and locked the little glass door.
"Ten years I've been doing this," he said. "Ten years longer than a mountain man who doesn't know where the Prime Minister lives."
"Well, could you tell us?" asked Izuku, his heart sinking with embarrassment, as the man clambered down his ladder. "We're not from around here, and we need to see him. It's important."
The man looked them over, paying particular attention to Yamato.
"Well…you'll find the Prime Minister at his residence," he went on, in a deliberately slow tone; having clearly written Izuku off as a fool. "Watson Place, just down there."
He pointed down the boulevard. Izuku looked, and saw the plateau with the palace on it.
"Is that where the King lives?" he asked, unable to contain himself. "I mean, this is a kingdom, and kingdoms have Kings, right?"
The man took a long draw on his cigar.
"Yes, that is indeed Holmes Hall," he said, in that same tone. "But you're not getting in there unless they want entertainment…or new chambermaids, maybe."
He blew his cigar smoke in Izuku's face, then took his ladder and stalked off, laughing at his own joke.
"What an unpleasant man!" complained Yamato, as Izuku coughed and spluttered.
"Don't worry about it," replied Izuku, as the coughing stopped. "He's not worth it. And we know where to go now."
He led the way down Gregson Lane. There were fewer and fewer people, and shopkeepers were at work, closing the shutters over their windows, preparing to lock up for the night.
"Izuku, look there!"
Yamato was pointing at one of the shops, bouncing up and down in excitement. Izuku looked, and took in the sign.
GAUNT BOOKSELLERS AND PURVEYORS
"It's a bookshop!" proclaimed Yamato. "They'll have journals, right!? I can start writing!"
Before Izuku could stop her, she darted across the street towards the shop. Outside, an old woman had finished locking the shutters, and was heading for the door as she saw Yamato approaching, eyes wide.
"We're closed!" she rasped, as Yamato drew up before her.
"Oh please ma'am!" pleaded Yamato. "We'll be quick!"
"No means no!" snapped the old woman. She was angry, but there was something under the anger, something Izuku couldn't quite make out. "Now sod off! You rattle my brain worse than Tall Toby! Ya pajama-wearing freak!"
She slammed the door shut behind her, turning the sign on the door to CLOSED.
Yamato stood where she was. She looked like a child who had just been slapped. Izuku's temper flared.
"You don't have to be so rude you know!" he yelled towards the shop. "What've we done to deserve this!?"
The lights turned off. Izuku stared at the door, stunned at his own anger. Part of him almost wanted to pull a Kacchan and flip the store off, but opted to take the high road. He glanced at Yamato, who was still standing there, looking hurt.
"Hey, don't worry about it," he said, wondering if he should take her hand. "We'll try somewhere else. When they open tomorrow, we just won't use this bookstore when we get the chance to go shopping."
"It's all right," she said, seeming to come back to herself. "It's late. We should go. She seemed agitated anyway…"
Yamato fell in beside Izuku, as they continued along the street, her prior excitement having fizzled out.
"Is this how it's going to be?" she wondered aloud. "Will people always be this rude?"
"No, of course not!" insisted Izuku. "Ludeterin was nothing like this bad. Something seems wrong."
"I agree," said Yamato. "These people don't seem very happy."
"It's like they're…depressed somehow," mused Izuku. "Even that old woman, it seemed like she was tired, worn down."
"More like on edge. I've seen this before," said the Second User. "During the Dark Age. In the places where the Dark Lords ruled."
"It was like this under All for One," added Yoichi. "I saw it in their eyes, this fear."
"They are afraid," whispered En. "And they can find no escape from their fear. It drains away at their very souls. They can't fight it, or protect themselves from it; and no one is protecting them from it."
Izuku's brow furrowed. He knew what they meant. He had seen those looks in Japan; when Stain was on the run, and after the Tartarus Riot. People hunkering down, keeping to themselves, just trying to survive. Trying to pretend that the nightmare wasn't real; that All for One, the last of the Dark Lords, hadn't returned.
But then, what was causing it? Was the kingdom under siege? Or was the King some kind of dreadful tyrant? Or was it Prime Minister Lawson?
Or was it something else? Something their leaders could not protect them from? Something they could not see or hear, until it was too late?
Izuku felt his stomach twinge. He stopped and took off his backpack, pulling out some of the biscuits Whitey Bay had given them. He took one, and offered them to Yamato, who took one in turn.
"The Users think something's wrong," he said, glancing up and down the street. "There's something frightening these people, and it's been going on a while."
"I suppose so," replied Yamato, between bites of her biscuit. "But I've never seen it quite like this. On Onigashima, everyone was afraid all the time. The pirates just forgot about it, or got used to it when they drank or took hard drugs, and I suppose the slaves got used to it too. Not like this though."
"They're not used to it," mused Izuku, furrowing his brow. "They're afraid now, but they're used to being safe, to being protected."
"You think so?"
"I saw it." Izuku narrowed his eyes as he remembered. "Being afraid is like starving to death. First it wears you down, then you lose control and lash out, then just fall down and wither away. These people are still in the first stage."
Yamato gave him a worried look. Izuku offered her another biscuit, and she took it.
"Was it like this in Japan?" she asked. "In the times you told me about?"
"Yes, when All for One was on the loose. And in the Dark Age of Quirks, when people like him tried to take over the world."
He felt that old feeling, the resolve he felt when he saw people in trouble. These people needed a Hero, and the least he could do was figure out what was troubling them.
They came to the end of Gregson Lane. The boulevard opened out onto a grand plaza, at the foot of the steps leading up to the palace. The plaza was lined with large, impressive-looking buildings; each one a small palace in its own right, protected from the street by high brick walls and elegant wrought-iron gates. Izuku stepped up to the nearest gate, and leant in to read the brass nameplate.
Watson Place
"Well, this is it," Izuku said. "And the lights are on, at least."
He paused by the gate, staring through the bars in awe.
Watson Place was a grand mansion, three stories tall, with tall windows set in arched frames; their light spilling out onto the street. The gap between the house and the outer wall contained a small garden, with neatly-trimmed grass and small, decorative trees and bushes. The double-door ahead of him was flanked by stone columns, and topped by a carved frieze; showing a design that looked like a heraldic crest.
Izuku peered through the gate. But there was no sign of anyone, and no obvious way to draw attention. The lights on the ground floor were dimmed, but the upper floors were fully lit; the windows covered with blinds.
"I can't see any way in," he said. "We might have to come back tomorrow."
"I can jump up and look," said Yamato, all too eagerly. Before Izuku could stop her, she jumped straight up, glancing in through the windows. She fell back down, and jumped up again, and again.
"Um…Yamato…" Izuku blushed, embarrassed. "Someone might see us."
"There's people inside," Yamato called back, jumping again. "It looks like they're…"
"Ello ello ello! What's all this then!?"
Izuku's stomach churned as he turned to face the voice. It was a tall, heavy-set man with a thick mustache, and narrow, suspicious eyes. He wore a dark blue uniform, and a large black helmet; that put Izuku vaguely in mind of an old-time kabuto, but with no neck guard; rather some kind of chin strap.
"Um…good evening, officer…" he stammered. There was little doubt of who or what the man was.
"May I ask what you two are doing outside the Prime Minister's office at this time of night?" asked the police officer, in a rather stiff tone.
"Um…we were just hoping…to meet the Prime Minister."
"You and everybody else," retorted the officer. "Also, your friend here is making a scene, jumping up and down like that, with a very large offensive weapon on her back. Can you perhaps account for this?"
"Offensive?" Yamato looked hurt. "What's offensive about my Takeru?"
"Well…I don't think we're actually breaking the law, officer," Izuku said nervously. "We're just out in the street, and she was only jumping up and down. That's not illegal, right?"
Already he could feel things get more complicated.
(X)
Justinian Lawson was feeling very, very tired.
He sat in the great, high-backed chair, at the head of the cabinet table; as was his proper place as Prime Minister. Along the table sat the cabinet ministers of the Kingdom of Doyle; the King's closest advisors. He could tell that they were tired too, and not just tired.
"It is as we all feared, your excellency," said Johnston Openshaw, Minister of Finance. "The Heavenly Tribute payment last month has all but cleared us out. The new development in Adlerport is a continual drain on the treasury, to say nothing of the G-12 Marine base. The tax relief and business donations cannot continue much longer at current levels."
Lawson gave him a sour look. He was perfectly aware of everything Openshaw had just told him. He had been aware of it long before Openshaw had started admitting anything was wrong.
"Minister, as you say, we are all very aware of the kingdom's financial situation," he said, doing his best to be gracious. "I must ask this council to consider a more immediate matter; the upcoming meeting of the House of Commons two days from now."
"We know what that will involve," interjected Eduardo Lucas, the Home Secretary. "The Midsummer Knight's Festival, the one Lord Jenner is so bent on preserving."
Lawson forced himself not to sigh. Lord Jernigan Jenner, leader of the Traditionalist Party, and constant thorn in his side. Only two months ago, Jenner had tried - and only narrowly failed - to oust him as Prime Minister. His consolation prize, it seemed, was a grand opportunity to make him look like an unpatriotic, penny-pinching killjoy.
"Yes, though I am confident that the House will vote to cancel," he replied. "It's unfortunate, but we must make all possible…"
He trailed off, as something flickered in the corner of his eye. He glanced to the window, but there was nothing there.
"Prime Minister?"
"Ah, yes. All possible economies must be made. To that effect, we must ensure that the house votes to cancel. We simply cannot afford to…"
There it was again. A human shape, briefly rising above the wall, then dropping back down again.
"I doubt there will be much trouble," replied Ronaldo Carstairs, Leader of the House of Commons. "It won't be popular, but the members understand the financial situation. They will vote to cancel."
And again. This time he saw it clearly. A young woman, with white hair and…horns.
"Very well, thank you Carstairs." He stood up. "Gentlemen, it is an ungodly hour. With your permission, we will reconvene tomorrow morning."
The ministers stood up, and bowed as Lawson strode out, and headed for the grand staircase. Time to see who that was outside, and maybe spice up a very dull day.
(X)
Izuku was getting very close to a panic attack.
"I promise you officer, we're not up to anything illegal!" he babbled, waving his hands in front of him. "We just want to see the Prime Minister!"
His Danger Sense was flickering. The policeman wasn't obviously malicious, but he was of a mind to fight. He could sense Yamato behind him, ready to throw down in turn.
"You're loitering with intent!" retorted the policeman. He pulled a whistle from around his neck. "Now don't you resist, or so help me it'll be Lestrade Prison for the both of you! It'll be hard labor and…!"
"What seems to be the problem, officer?"
It was a male voice; somewhat soft, but rich and cultured. The policeman froze, and then snapped to attention as a figure emerged from the now-open gate. Izuku spun to face him, almost overwhelmed with relief.
And then it was his turn to freeze, as he saw just what was stepping out into the street.
"Officer Seamus, isn't it?"
"Yes sir! At your service!"
The newcomer was an anthropomorphic mouse; with red-brown fur and big round ears. He wore a dark red banyan, open at the front to reveal black suit-trousers, a white shirt with a black necktie, and a black vest.
"A mink, according to this world." Hikage mused in his head. Izuku knew it, but could not help but stare. He'd never actually seen any while in Onigashima, but Oden had mentioned them quite extensively in his journal, not including his two retainers Dogstorm and Cat Viper. This one was surprisingly elegant and sophisticated, in both appearance and manners.
"I'm terribly to disturb you, officer," the mouse went on. "But I couldn't help but notice the commotion. Might I be of help?"
"Absolutely nothing to worry about sir!" replied Seamus. "Just caught this pair loitering outside your residence sir!"
"Oh really?" The mouse turned his gaze upon Izuku and Yamato, looking them up and down. There was something warm and pleasant about his manner as he smiled. In spite of everything, Izuku couldn't help but feel reassured. It almost like seeing Principal Nezu again.
"Officer, I'm terribly sorry about this," he said suddenly. "These two are here to see me on official business. Alas, being somewhat occupied, I neglected to inform the doorman."
For a moment, Seamus looked like he might object.
"Absolutely no trouble, sir." He snapped his heels together. "I thought these two might be foreigners, if you'll allow me sir. Perhaps somewhat ignorant of our laws, sir."
"Nevertheless, I'm sure no malice was intended, officer."
"Oh, none at all sir!" Seamus was smiling behind his big bushy mustache. "Understandable mistake sir! Best not to come down too heavy sir!" he added.
"Sycophant…" sighed En, in the back of Izuku's mind.
"Thank you, officer. I trust all has been well otherwise?" He asked, hand on the officer's shoulder.
"About as well as can be expected sir."
There was something in his tone that set Izuku's teeth on edge.
"Yes, things have been difficult recently," agreed the rat. "Officer, please accept this token of my appreciation."
The mouse-man reached into his pocket, and drew out a wad of banknotes.
"Oh, uh, thank you sir, most kind." Seamus pocketed the banknotes in one smooth motion.
"Is this… bribery?" Nana asked in Izuku's ear.
"Doesn't look like it to me," replied Daigoro. "I've seen corrupt cops in my day. This Seamus guy doesn't seem one of 'em."
"You should get yourself a warm meal, officer," the mouseman went on, smiling. "It's a cold night tonight."
"With all respect sir, I need to watch my waistline these days." Seamus patted his considerable girth. "And if it's all the same sir, I should put it into my little Maria's college fund."
"By all means, officer." The mink's smile widened. "Would that be Moriarty College?"
"Yes sir!" Seamus beamed with obvious pride. "I wasn't able to go, being a simple lad from Morantown. But my little Maria's so clever sir, and I'd love for her to have the chance." He said, his smile big and warm towards the mink.
"Why, I went there myself!" The mouse chuckled, beaming before patting the taller and wider man on the back. "Take it then, with my blessing, Officer Seamus. And do be careful."
"Fear nothing sir." He said with a nod of his helmet. "Twenty years I've patrolled these streets. They won't get me tonight."
He strode off down the plaza, humming a cheerful tune towards the fog. The mink watched him go, still smiling with his hands in his pockets.
"Such a good fellow," he mused before turning to the duo. "And now, sir and madame, how might I be of help to you this evening?"
"Uh…" Izuku paused, caught off-guard by his politeness. "Sir, respectfully, are you Justinian Lawson?" The mink brightened up, chuckling.
"I'm glad to say I am," replied Lawson, smiling indulgently. "The RIght Honourable Justinian Lawson, leader of the Visionist Party and Prime Minister to his Majesty King Reichen Bach of the Kingdom of Doyle, at your service."
Izuku almost cried out in panic as the Prime Minister bowed gracefully.
"I-I-I am Midoriya Izuku, at your service sir!" He bowed frantically. "This is my friend Yamato!" Lawson rose up, an amused smile upon his face as he gazed at the boy and the much taller girl.
"O-Oh! Right. Sorry." Yamato took the hint and bowed. "I am Yamato! And I am Kozuuuuu…"
The name became a drawl, as Izuku turned his head towards her and Lawson cocked an eyebrow, clearly amused. Thankfully she caught Izuku's gaze.
"...sin!" Yes, I am the cousin of…somebody! Haha! Haha!'
She grinned awkwardly, Izuku cringing. If Lawson was upset or offended, he made no show of it.
"Well, we are all the cousins of somebody indeed," he replied, still smiling. "That said, it is rather chilly tonight. Won't you please come inside? We can discuss our business in greater comfort."
(X)
Lawson led the way into the residence. Izuku followed on, while Yamato brought.
Beyond the double-door was a long entrance hall, leading to a wide foyer with doors set into the walls on either side, and a grand staircase directly opposite. The walls were covered with carved panels of a rich dark wood he didn't know the name of; and hung with paintings. The floors were made of the same wood, and covered in expensive-looking carpets.
"Welcome to Watson Place," Lawson said, turning to face them. "My home for the better part of ten years, and will be for another five years more."
"Thank you for your hospitality, sir!" replied Izuku, bowing again. Yamato had never seen him so nervous. "We didn't mean to cause you such trouble!"
"It is of no consequence," Lawson replied. He seemed genuinely pleased to have them there. "I imagine you have much to tell me. Shall we withdraw to my office?"
"Yes sir, as you wish," replied Izuku, bowing again.
Lawson led the way up the stairs, and down a corridor to the right. The corridor was just as wide as the entrance hall, and just as well-decorated. There were yet more paintings on the walls, and vases standing on plinths.
Yamato had to force herself to keep up with Izuku. There was so much she wanted to see, to examine more closely. But they were guests in this man's house, and Izuku was upset enough already.
No thanks to her. What had she been thinking, bringing up Oden like that?
It was hard not to though… just don't say she is Oden. Don't make any more trouble than they are already.
Eventually they came across a double-door to their right, with a uniformed servant standing beside it. The servant bowed as Lawson led the way inside, not before raising a curious eyebrow as they passed.
The office was large and well-appointed; oblong in shape, with a tall window dominating the narrow wall opposite the door. There was a big desk in the middle of the floor; big enough for her to lie down on. Behind it was a high-backed chair, and before it were two sofas. The walls were hung with paintings, and below them stood various cabinets and sideboards, covered with an array of carefully-arranged nick-nacks.
"Now we can talk freely," Lawson said, as the servant pulled the doors shut behind them. "This is my private office. The desk came with the residence, but the decor is otherwise all mine."
"Sir…did you know we were coming?" asked Izuku. His nervousness had receded, replaced with caution.
"Heavens no!" Lawson chuckled. "I merely needed an escape from my work; and who should appear but the two of you, fine and unique characters. It must have been fate."
"I see." Izuku's brow furrowed, as if he didn't quite understand.
Yamato's attention was drawn to the paintings. These were not like the ink paintings popular in Wano. They used paints of many colors, carefully-blended to create wondrously lifelike images; so lifelike that she almost took them to be photos. Most of them were of natural scenes; spread-winged eagles, prowling wolves, well-dressed men and women on horseback. All with a level of detail she didn't believe was possible with a brush.
But one in particular caught her eye. It showed a white-haired man and a blue-haired woman, dressed in elegant clothes and fancy golden-tipped items like some rod and a cane, and both wearing crowns. A King and Queen perhaps? Beside them stood a young girl, also with blue hair, and wearing a silver tiara. The princess?
And opposite the princess, there was a younger version of Justinian Lawson, standing with his hands behind his back. He looked to be about Izuku's age or thereabouts.
Directly below the painting, on a carved wooden sideboard, was a small decorated box. Yamato could not help but stare at it, wondering what it could be. It was standing on its own, right under the painting. Were they connected somehow?
Unable to stop herself, Yamato reached over to the box, and touched it. The lid flipped open, almost giving Yamato a fright, and music began to play, a soft, tinkling tune. Yamato stared, amazed, as the tiny figure of a woman in a short skirt rose up, and began to spin in time with the music.
She had never seen anything quite like it. Nor had she heard anything quite like it. This music wasn't like the twanging of a shamisen, or the roaring cacophony of one of Queen's consorts. It was soft and gentle, and somehow sad.
"Is that the first music box you've ever seen?" asked Lawson, walking over and looking up to the taller woman.
"Oh, uh, yes sir, it is?" replied Yamato, turning to face him. Lawson was still smiling, but there was wistfulness in his countenance that hadn't been there before. Behind him, Izuku looked like he was about to have apoplexy, wincing.
"It is a rare item…and of particular value to me," Lawson went on. He laid a hand on the box, and slowly closed it. Yamato felt a surge of guilt, and not just because she had managed to upset Izuku again. She felt a sense of wrongness, as if she had intruded somewhere she wasn't welcome.
"I'm sorry," she said, with all the sincerity she could muster as she rubbed her left arm with her right hand. "I didn't mean to upset you. I was just curious."
"I'm not upset at all, Miss Yamato," insisted Lawson. "And I'm flattered that my things interest you. These are from my private collection, and I confess I am rather proud of them."
He walked back towards the desk. Yamato took the hint, and moved to join Izuku; who seemed to have calmed down a little.
"Perhaps we should get down to business," Lawson said. "You said you had come to see me. Why is that?"
"Because of this, sir." Izuku drew the ring from his pocket, and held it out. "This was given to us by a Whitey Bay. She asked us to come here and help you."
Then, and only then, did Lawson's bonhomie quiver. He took the ring from Izuku and held it close to his eyes, staring at it in what might have been disbelief; his smile fading.
"You know her?" he asked, with a sudden intensity that set Yamato's teeth on edge.
"Barely, sir. We met her on the island of Ludeterin, and she asked us to help you."
Lawson stared again at the ring, and seemed to be thinking. Then he sighed, and relaxed.
"What a relief. The message got through."
He stepped around his desk, and pressed a concealed button. A moment later the doors clunked open, and a tall, elderly man in a black suit strode in.
"You rang, sir?"
"Poole, I must go to the palace immediately," said Lawson, his tone suddenly businesslike. "My guests will be accompanying me."
"At once sir." Poole, clearly the butler, bowed and left the way he had come, closing the doors behind him.
"I fear our evening has taken a turn for the urgent," Lawson explained. "Suffice to say, you have become involved in a matter of the utmost gravity. It would be easier and quicker to explain everything in his Majesty's presence."
"His…majesty?" Izuku was shaking again. "You're…you're taking us to see…the King?"
"Yes. I understand that this is sudden, but time is of the essence. Do not worry, his Majesty understands the situation."
A loud, liquid gurgling echoed around the room. Yamato blushed, as she realized that it had come from her stomach.
"And food will be provided too," Lawson added, apparently unperturbed.
There was a knock, and the doors clunked open. Poole the butler returned, accompanied by three younger men in servant uniforms. One was carrying a black jacket, the second a long coat, the third a top hat and cane.
"Your carriage is waiting, sir," said Poole, as the three servants helped Lawson out of his robe and on with his jacket. "Would your guests care to change, sir? I'm sure we can find something befitting them both."
Izuku was shaking like a leaf. Yamato looked down at her own garb, and wondered what was wrong with it.
Then she saw the frayed hems of her hakama, and her sleeves. This was the only outfit she owned, and it had not been washed in some time; apart from that brief dip in the rock pool back on Onigashima. And even if it had been clean and brand new, it wasn't much compared to the formal kimonos she had seen; the ones that geisha and upper-ranking courtesans wore, the sort of kimono one ought to wear when meeting royalty.
What was more, it made her stick out like a sore thumb.
She thought of that dress in the window. Yes it was a wedding dress, but maybe something similar? Like what those ladies in the street had been wearing?
"Would that there was time, Poole," replied Lawson, as the servants helped him don his coat. "Besides, his Majesty understands the severity of the situation. I will make any necessary excuses."
"Very good, sir." Something in the butler's tone suggested that he was not impressed.
"His Majesty…" babbled Izuku, his eyes blank. For all his achievements, he had never mentioned ever meeting a King, or a ruler of any kind from his travels, Yamato recalled.
"Come then!" declared Lawson, donning his top hat and snatching up his cane. "Let us be off! There's no time to waste!"
He strode out of the office, the three servants bowing as he left.
"His Majesty…" whimpered Izuku. Yamato sighed, picked him up, tossed him over her shoulder, and strode after Lawson, ignoring the looks from the bewildered servants.
(X)
"I trust you are feeling better, Mister Izuku?"
"Yes, thank you sir."
Izuku sighed. The carriage ride had helped him to calm down somewhat. But the prospect of meeting an actual, honest-to-goodness King, was almost more than he could take.
"I understand completely," Lawson said, smiling gently. "I was just as nervous when I first met his late Majesty, what feels like a lifetime ago. But I've gotten used to being around royalty, and so will you both."
Izuku remembered that painting in Lawson's office; the one that had so fascinated Yamato. So that really was Lawson in his youth.
"Forgive me for asking, sir," he began, cautiously. "How did you come to know Whitey Bay?"
"That's a long story," replied Lawson with a nostalgic tone. "Longer than we have time for. Suffice to say, we grew up together here in Doyle."
"Oh, so this is her homeland." Izuku nodded, understanding. "So that's why she wants to help."
"I confess I feared she had forgotten this kingdom," admitted Lawson. "A pirate's life rarely allows for such sentiment. But your mere presence is proof that she hasn't."
"I'm sure that she never would, sir," said Izuku. "She may be a pirate, but she's not the kind of person to just forget about her homeland. At least, that's what I believe."
"You do?"
Izuku paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully.
"We met her on the island of Ludeterin," he said. "It's a small island with one port town, but she still put her life on the line to protect them. She doesn't even take protection money from them. I never imagined that a pirate could be like that, but that's who she is."
Lawson regarded him in silence for a few moments, then smiled.
"Yes, that is the Bay I know. Even when we were young, she had a noble spirit that always inspired me. She never minded that I am a mink, either."
He looked from Izuku to Yamato, and back again.
"Also, you don't seem to mind that fact yourselves."
Izuku was taken aback. What did he mean? Did he expect to be stared at? To be discriminated against?
"I don't understand you, sir," he admitted awkwardly, thinking of the correct terms to use while relaying the truth. "Where I'm from, a dog mink became the Chief of Police for an entire city."
"And I'd heard of two that'd become retainers to the ruler of an entire country," Yamato cut in. Izuku remembered. Dogstorm and Cat Viper no doubt.
For a few moments, Lawson did not reply. There was something behind his smile, something in his aura that Izuku could not quite place. Almost an…ambivalence.
"I am very happy to hear that," he said, his old bonhomie returning. "When I was young, minks were quite rare here. But more and more have been settling in our kingdom since then, and even more after I was first elected. They mostly reside in Minktown, and have been spreading out around the city and into the mountains.."
"But don't minks have a homeland?" asked Yamato.
"They do, but it isn't always of help to them," replied Lawson, looking out the window to the city as it passed them by. "The great elephant of Zou is hard to leave, and even harder to return to. For most minks in the world outside, home is where we can make it. Doyle is my home, and by the grace of good men and women I have prospered with. To serve it in return is the least I can do, and if other minks can flourish here, then Doyle is the better for it."
Izuku found himself smiling. There was something about this man that impressed him, almost the way All Might had, back in the day.
"I do wonder though," Lawson said. "How did you manage to enter this country? Adlerport is unaccesable at the moment, and the shoals and mists render the coasts impassible."
Izuku's stomach clenched, and he glanced at Yamato. Something made him want to trust Lawson, but telling him about Float was risky all the same.
Then again, the question was likely to come up again later; and from far less sympathetic characters than Lawson.
"Like this, sir."
Izuku activated Float, and rose into the air, hovering above his seat.
"Marvelous!" proclaimed Lawson, in genuine amazement. "Simply marvelous! I've never seen the like!"
"It's my power," Izuku said, grinning as he settled back onto the seat. "Yamato and I used it to fly from Ludeterin."
"I'm impressed," declared Lawson, looking at him with apparent respect. "Though I doubt the Ministry of War will be pleased about this. We are nigh-invulnerable to attack from the sea, as you will have noted on your way in. But the power of flight…that complicates things."
Izuku understood what he meant. Even if an attacking fleet could pass through the mists without crashing into each other, or dashing themselves on the rocks, there was no way in but up the sides of the plateau. If there were any ports, then they would no doubt be well-guarded.
"But do not worry about it," Lawson went on. "We'll keep that to ourselves for now. And I shall have to thank Bay for sending me two such fine champions."
Yamato beamed, and Izuku felt his cheeks redden a little.
"In the meantime, we are about to arrive."
Izuku turned to look out of the window, Yamato leaning around him. They had emerged from the city streets, and were now hurrying along a wide boulevard that rounded the foot of the plateau upon which the palace stood. Beyond the boulevard were a series of public parks, divided by side streets leading to another boulevard rounding the very base of the plateau. Above them the plateau rose, carved with stone friezes showing heroic warriors and mythical beasts; which in this world might not have been mythical. Above them in turn, stood the stone towers and outer walls of Holmes Hall; looming over the city like some latter-day Asgard.
For all that it amazed him, Izuku could see the logic of it. Anyone trying to climb the plateau would be an easy target for anyone up on the walls. And that open space, with those elegant parks and streets, would be no-man's land. This wasn't just a palace, but a king's fortress; his place of refuge, and of power.
The carriage rounded a corner onto another wide boulevard; this one leading straight in towards the plateau. Their destination was an enormous gatehouse emerging from the plateau wall; its walls decorated with columns and stone carvings. Three enormous doors sat side-by-side, though only the center door was open.
Directly in front was a circular plaza. The carriage rolled gently around the outer edge, and pulled up in front of the door. Two richly-uniformed pages hurried out, pulling down the carriage step and opening the door. Lawson stepped down, touching the brim of his hat to the bowing pages. Izuku followed, and then faltered as he wasn't wearing a hat, and didn't know the proper greeting for that situation.
He heard a scuffling behind him, and turned to see Yamato struggling to squeeze out of the carriage, stuck thanks to her wide hips. On impulse, he held out a hand. Yamato took it, and with his help eased her way out.
"Thank you," she said, giving a smile that made Izuku feel squiffy.
"You have the instincts of a gentleman, Mister Izuku," said Lawson, with clear approval.
"Ah, it's nothing!" Izuku blushed, and rubbed the back of his neck. He could hear Yamato and some of the Vestiges giggling.
Lawson led the way towards the open door. It was very tall, enough so that even Yamato could walk through without ducking. Flanking it were a pair of soldiers in crimson tunics, black, trousers, and tall black boots; along with gleaming white helmets and webbing. They snapped to attention as Lawson approached, bringing their muskets to present arms. Lawson smiled, and touched the brim of his hat once again as they strode past.
The entrance hall was enormous; big enough for two trains to pass side-by-side. The walls and floors were of polished marble; the former decorated with yet more friezes. Yet more guards lined the corridor, snapping to attention as they passed.
All at once they came to a wide, square foyer; dominated by a grand staircase directly opposite. At the foot of the staircase was a woman, clad in a puffy black dress and a frilly white apron; her blonde hair bound up under a matching cap. She looked to be in her late thirties to early forties. She courtseyed gracefully as Lawson approached.
"Good evening, Miss Judith," he greeted her with a smile. "I trust this is not an inconvenience."
"No service for you is an inconvenience, Prime Minister."
The woman straightened up. She was a large,wide-hipped and bottom heavy, pleasant-looking woman with a motherly air about her. She seemed very pleased to see Lawson.
"Miss Judith, these are my guests; Mister Midoriya Izuku, and Miss Yamato," Lawson introduced them. "My friends, I have the honor to present Miss Willow Judith, the Housekeeper."
"Good evening, Miss Judith," Izuku greeted her, bowing. Housekeeper…that probably meant she was in charge of the maids.
"Welcome, Mister Izuku and Miss Yamato," Judith greeted them in turn. "Sir, I fear the Lord Chamberlain is indisposed at the moment. He is in conference with his Majesty regarding the recent changes."
"It is of no consequence, Miss Judith. "But my friends and I must see the King right away. It's regarding that matter."
"I thought so, Prime Minister." Judith beamed. "Will you go by the stairs, or the elevator?"
"The elevator, I think."
Judith curtseyed again, turned, and led the way up the grand staircase. At the top they headed down another corridor; ending in a large square chamber with a pair of doors set into the opposite wall. This must have been the elevator, for Izuku could see a brass panel by the door, with an array of control buttons. Judith stepped up to the panel, pressed a button, and then stood where she was as the door clunked open. Lawson led the way inside, and Judith brought up the rear, the door clunking shut behind her.
Izuku was impressed. The elevator car was very large, the largest he had ever seen; and as richly decorated as the corridor outside. He could imagine the King himself standing inside it, with his entire entourage.
"You stand amazed, my friends," commented Lawson. Yamato was looking around in obvious delight, taking in every detail.
"We are!" declared Izuku. "This palace is wonderful! It's like nothing I've ever seen!"
"And there's plenty more to see," replied Lawson, grinning. "In better times, I could have given you the grand tour."
Izuku faltered, as he noticed the edge to Lawson's tone; and remembered the faces of the people on the streets. Better times…
All at once, the elevator stopped, and the doors opened. Izuku followed Judith and Lawson out into another grand foyer. This one was more baroque in its style; with white walls decorated with gold leaf, and elaborate, brightly-colored frescoes. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, the lights turned down.
"This wing is the Royal residence," Lawson explained, as Judith led the way. "His Majesty is here, in the Royal apartments above us."
"There aren't many people about," commented Yamato, looking around at the rich decor. "Surely this would need many servants to manage."
"His Majesty has reduced the domestic staff," Judith said, without looking back. "The royal finances are stretched these days."
Now she had an edge in her tone. She sounded worried; whether for the King, or her maids, or her own future, Izuku could not quite tell.
Their route took them up a grand staircase, and then another, until they reached yet another grand foyer. This one was dominated by a pair of double doors; decorated with elaborate carvings and covered with gold leaf. Two guards flanked the doors, and a richly-uniformed servant stood in front. The guards snapped to attention, and the servant bowed, as they approached.
"This is the entrance to the Royal apartments," Lawson explained, as Judith took his hat and coat. "Thank you, Miss Judith."
"What's that sound?" Yamato asked. All paused, and Izuku could hear it. It was the sound of a violin, playing a slow and mournful tune. It was coming from beyond the golden doors.
"That'll be his Majesty," said Judith proudly. "He always plays it when he's in a mood. It helps him think, or so he says."
"It's really good," said Izuku. And it was.
"His Majesty is most accomplished," added Lawson. "Incidentally, Miss Judith. Would you mind sending up some refreshments? In our haste, I was unable to offer my guests anything."
"Don't worry sir." Judith beamed. "I'll send up some of those crumpets you've always enjoyed."
"Ah, don't remind me!" laughed Lawson. "You make me feel old, Miss Judith!"
"That's because you are old, Prime Minister," retorted Judith with a grin. "As old as I am."
"Well, you don't look it, Miss Judith." The mousemink had a sly look to his eye, one which the maid returned in kind.
"Neither do you, Prime Minister."
Izuku blinked. Were they…flirting?
Fortunately, Judith took her leave before their exchange could unsettle him any further. Lawson looked back at her, seeing her walk and smiling lightly before he nodded to the servant, who turned and opened the doors, then led the way into the Royal apartments.
The decoration inside was even more lavish than on the outside. Just about everything was gleaming with gold leaf, or hung with silk. Izuku steeled himself as he followed Lawson into a single large room, which seemed to be the central room of the complex. There were several chairs and sofas, and a fire burning merrily in a marble-collonaded fireplace.
But Izuku's attention was on the room's sole occupant. It was a young man, clad in black trousers with golden stripes, and a white dress shirt with the collar undone. He had light blue hair, of the same shade as Whitey Bay. He stood with his back to them, playing a violin with masterful skill.
"The Prime Minister and two guests, your Majesty," proclaimed the servant. The man stopped playing, and set his violin and bow down on a side table. Only then did he turn to face them, revealing a finely-formed face with deep brown eyes, and an expression of regal solemnity.
This was Reichen Bach, King of Doyle.
And there we have it. Another absolute banger by Juubi-K , with big editing help from IKnowNothing and WildJoker000
Here we get to explore Doyle around in greater detail, and meet the famous Lawson himself, complete with the Housekeeper of Holmes Hall and the King of Doyle himself, Reichen Bach. Along with more of Izuku and Yamato exploring around and learning and growing, and some comedic stuff inbetween. I hope we captured good ole Victorian London well!
We hope you enjoy this one, as we will be in Doyle for a nice while! Hope you can pick up on what's happening. We are leaving clues here and there... try and figure it out as best you can!
That said, see you all in the next one.
