Enjoy.

The woodland has a completely different mood when the moon looms amidst a cloudy sky. It's as if wading through a thick bog, with utter blackness swarming about, plaguing thoughts. Strange voices reverberate in the travelers' minds, but they swear it's the trees whispering.

Both adults experience a panic. Their hearts pound in their chests so it's all they can distinguish. Was that a face? Is that a hand reaching for me? They've barely entered the nightmarish land, yet already both young men have their hands gripping their sword hilts so tightly, they could bleed if they weren't wearing gloves.

There's a rustle of the thicket over yonder, before a snap of a twig echoes behind them. Izuku gulps at the flash of red eyes he perceives in the distance. Tenya clenches his teeth so hard they ache. The knight took the lead since he has more protection and a sun stone that projects some of the sun's rays to light their path.

Izuku asks, "Where should we go, Iida-kun? We don't know where the mage is?"

Iida continues on the path, "There are probably caves closer to the mountains where someone could live without being noticed." Izuku nods in agreement and follows his lead.

Two hours into their walk, on an uphill climb and they both freeze, "Help... Help me..."

Izuku meets Iida's gaze as their hair stands on end. "Please, oh please... Save me." The voice is quiet, almost a whisper, and has a strange ominous tone. The men duck as a crow swoops on them, cawing madly before flying away. Izuku shivers when he hears in a more demanding tone, "Save me." He yelps at the hand on his shoulder and turns around to find nothing there. His sword is drawn as he frantically tries to find the source of the pressure.

"Midoriya-kun! What happened?" Tenya started at Izuku's yelp and quickly about-faces to find Izuku in a defensive stance with his sword glinting in the released sunlight. "Midoriya-"

"Sh." Izuku steadies his breathing before losing his posture. "I may have imagined it but I swear something was right behind me, Iida-kun." Before Tenya can even process his words, an earsplitting scream detonates their ear drums. Both flinch at the sound and find the source of the scream just at the edge of the sun stone's reach in front of Tenya. Some inhuman figure, shrouded in darkness, materializes and floats toward them with decaying hands reaching to grab. After a momentary heart attack, adrenaline kick-starts their limbs as they brandish their weapons at the ghastly creature.

It wheezes in a drawn out breath, "To hell." One ghostly finger points at Izuku and an agonizing pain resounds from his arm. He grunts with his arm shaking. His sword falls from his grasp as he feels the pain advance up his arm. He presses his other hand to his shoulder and takes a knee, breathing heavily at the agony. Spittle runs from his mouth as he grits his teeth, containing his groan. A cry builds in his throat, but he glares at the creature through it. Tenya stood in front of his friend, channeling magical energy into his precious artifact so it could glow brighter, because as it did, the being shrunk away from its light.

Izuku grits, "Let us pass!"

Despite it all, their antagonist appears sentient, "I've come to collect your soul." In its hand forms a long scythe, "You brought a demonic blight into my wood."

Tenya glances at Izuku only to notice the blight already on his freckled face. Izuku gasps at the pain but growls, "You're making it spread! I think you're a demon too!"

"You wish to pass?"

Izuku's vision fades in and out, "Where does the mage live? Can they cure it?"

The reaper begins to dissipate without a trace. Iida calls, "Hey!" Izuku struggles to stand, but Tenya steadies him, "You're amazing Midoriya-kun, but injured. Maybe you should rest."

"We don't," he pauses for breath, "...have time. The mage..." His grip tightens on his arm.

Tenya frowns beneath his helmet but concedes to helping his new friend make the journey. They reach the snowy landscape of the mountains after another hour and a half into the trek through the frigid night air; Izuku collapses into the snow. "Midoriya-kun! Hey, open your eyes! Aw, man!" Just as Tenya crouches beside his feverish and plagued fellow, another scream pierces the night. It has a different ring to it from the others and Tenya exasperates, "What now!?"

He sees the faintest of lights in the far distance before he hears the growls and yips of animals, probably a wolf pack, but then... "Take that! You mangy mutts!" Tenya shoots to a stand at the woman's voice. He hears the noises of a fight and he peers down at Izuku's troubled expression before he steps off the beaten path with his sword at the ready, moving to help the maiden.

The wolves take note of him quickly as he enters the scene with a battle cry, swinging his sword with trained control as he slices at any lunging wolves. He stabs at one, and swipes at another fending them off with ease. The young lady, who fell to her bum, watches with sparkling eyes as he defends her. Once the wolves are sent packing, Tenya sheathes his sword and offers a hand to the young lady. She smiles kindly at him and takes his helping hand. Patting the snow off, she remarks, "Thank you for the help. It was really heroic!" She searches around the floor for something.

Tenya replies, "It's what any knight would do, but if you don't mind, my friend is stricken with sickness on the path over there and I must get back. I suggest you join us, though we are searching for the mage who's said to live in these woods."

"Oh? Ah ha!" The woman picks up a wooden staff with a ruby gem embedded at the top. Once it's in her grip, the gem glows slightly. "Your friend is sick?"

Tenya nods, "Please, this way." His gestures are strange to the lady but she follows him back to the path.

"Why are you looking for the mage?"

Tenya stops beside a form in the snow, "Midoriya-kun." Said figure breathes with difficulty in an awkward heap of them self. The stranger notes the messy green hair and then Tenya turns over his friend so she gets a look at the familiar face. She gasps at the blight slowly crossing his face. A sense of urgency overcomes her as she crouches holding her staff near his face.

"This is from coming in contact with a demon?"

Tenya examines her for a moment, the strange staff, a pink hood over a white buckskin dress with a brown belt at her waist and brown boots. "Yes, there's a town just beyond this wood that's slowly dying from this illness. We came to find the mage to see if they could help."

The young woman stares at the young man she was stalking earlier that day, "Okay, I'll help." She stands as Tenya gapes at her. He gestures madly in his astonishment, before the mage offers a look of stern concentration holding the pulsating ruby in front of her core, one hand hovering over it as a strange light energy forms. It brightens as she breathes, a power emanates from her that funnels wind which removes her hood and rustles the barren trees. She breathes, "Ah," and directs her staff and such to the fallen traveler. It sinks into him before he curls in on himself reflexively before uncurling as he radiates momentarily. Tenya sits back as he watches the blight fizzle away on Izuku's skin before the victim sighs in contentment.

The mage falls to a sit, wiping her brow, "Phew." She clutches her stomach after a minute, letting out a huff, "I feel sick."

Tenya gapes at her, "You're the mage?" She smiles sweetly at him and he takes her hand shaking it fervently, "Thank you so much, but please, will you help us save the town!?"

She shrugs, brightly responding, "It sounds fun and I haven't left these woods in a long time anyway."

Tenya smiles and removes his helmet, with that she can canvas his features. He has neat blue hair and a tan complexion. His dark eyes hide behind glasses. He holds out a rigid hand, "I'm Iida Tenya."

She takes his hand to shake it, "Uraraka Ochako, nice to meet you."

"And this is Midoriya Izuku." Ochako pokes the resting man's cheek, offering a small lip smile.

"Well, we should rest for the night then we can set off. I'll take you guys to my home." She touches Izuku's shoulder so he begins floating off the ground, "Let's go, shall we Iida-kun?" Tenya replaces his helmet and nods, suddenly experiencing the tiredness tugging at his bones.

Sunlight began peeking through the cave's entrance, landing on Midoriya's serene expression. After a short while, he shifted, scrunching his face and squinting, blinking his eyes open. Once his vision returns to him, he notes the other sleeping forms and the homely state of the cavern. Sitting up with a yawn, he stretches. The blight and pain are a distant memory.

He grunts upon standing, finding his muscles stiff and sore. Still, he stands at the cave's entrance to admire the twinkling snow on the frosty trees. He appreciates the view until he hears the shifting behind him, and someone yawns, "Oh, you're awake? How do you feel?"

Izuku turns around to find a young woman with bed hair blinking at him. A light blush dawns on his cheeks as he grits, "I-I-I'm fine! T-Th-Thanks!" He wheels back around, clutching his heart amidst sweating and turning a bright red. He just slept in the same vicinity of a woman, how scandalous! What happened? He passed out while being helped by Iida but what happened after?

Uraraka greets, "I'm Uraraka Ochako by the way. I'm the mage you and Iida-kun were searching for."

Midoriya's eyes widen and he bows to her, "Nice to meet you, I'm Midoriya Izuku! Please help us!"

Iida gets up at this point, politely greeting, "Good morning you two."

Ochako and Izuku return his salutations before Ochako smiles at Izuku, "I'll come along, but I can't cure everyone, I was telling Iida-kun it'd be easier to destroy the demon itself."

Izuku taps his fist to his other open palm, a light coming on for him, "I see..." He begins to mutter incoherently to himself as Ochako and Iida share a look. Izuku figures the demon must be nearby if the townsfolk are still being affected so strongly. He assumed it was an illness. They should ask Tsuyu if she knows where it might be.

The newly formed trio sets off without delay, making their way through the ominously quiet wood. It's a completely different experience compared to walking at night.

They reach the town where Izuku walks confidently to the house in which he left Tsuyu and Kouta. Tsuyu opens one eye at Izuku's soft knocks. He goes to her side where Ochako frowns in concern, but smiles kindly at the maid. "Are you her?"

Ochako takes her hand, giving strength in her words, "We're going to save this town." Izuku notes the gem in Ochako's staff begins to pulsate, and he sees Tsuyu and Kouta begin to breathe easier. Ochako continues, "Tsuyu-chan, do you know where the demon that did this may be?"

Tsuyu thinks for a moment, "Maybe the marshes not too far from here." She tells them the direction of the place and Izuku and Tenya rest their hands on their hilts.

Uraraka reassures, "Our new friends will be right back."

Setting any unnecessary items down, Izuku and Iida venture to find the demon and slay it so it may no longer have influence over the people. In an uncanny calm, the young men reach the marsh. Tall grasses span out across a field with water sparkling in the last sunlight of the day. As they enter the quiet water, shifting grass and wading through, an eerie silence envelops them. There shouldn't be any creature worthy of fear for two capable young men, yet their hairs stand on end. Eventually they stop as the water reaches their thighs and yellow grasses border a narrow river. Lily pads dot the waters, yet any sign of life is gone. There are no bugs, frogs, nor anything else they'd expect, yet they are not comforted when a light splash is heard on their far right.

They remain as stoic as statues when the condensed grasses move for something beneath the murky water. Fighting his nerves, Izuku sweats profusely and by chance looks at his submerged legs where a drop of his sweat just landed. He holds in a cry as he notes the murky water, which was brown before, is now a consuming black. He glances at Tenya, who appears distracted by the rustling of the grasses in front of them. Could it be a diversion?

His question is answered when he feels the slightest of pressures against his calf. Unsheathing his sword with the utmost care and raising it above his head, he directs the point downward. The glint of the blade from the sinking sun finally gets Tenya's attention. He sees Izuku's strained features before the green haired fellow plunges it into the depths of the marsh, seemingly stabbing the earth, until the earth itself seems to come out from under them.

They move to step back as a great body bursts from the water in front of them roaring as yellow blood gushes from its limb. It appears to be an arm, yet it has the texture of slime. Midoriya and Iida stand in awe as it takes form, dripping with slime and mud, before the two step back involuntarily at the yellow eyes that fixate on them. They struggle to move as it swipes a broad arm at them that also slings projectiles from its body. The water of the marsh slows their reaction times however, and Iida grunts at the impact to his shoulder. "Iida-kun!" Midoriya crouched into the water momentarily at the ball heading for his face.

They have to evade once more, and again, in succession before Iida growls, "We can't fight like this!" Izuku is drenched from the water and rolling around as the demon swings at them madly and tries to squash them.

Finally, he lets out a cry as he drags his sword along the creature's arm as it was bringing it down upon him. Yellow blood trails along the deep gash Izuku creates, and the creature screams at the pain and blood. It backs up, clutching its arm while Iida moves forward, yelling "Recipro Burst!" Magic ignites the air around his legs and he leaps from the water and flies through the air to cut through the beast's side. It releases a scream of utter agony being partially bisected by the knight. Flailing its arms widely as it starts to go down, Izuku splashes through the water, with his sword at the ready, he climbs as the beast goes down, and puts his entire weight into driving his sword straight through its chest.

The scream is cut off by a violent gurgle as yellow bursts from its wounds and cascades from its mouth. Izuku jumps away and lands with a heavy splash. Tenya lifts his face plate to return the grim expression of Midoriya for this is dirty work they have taken up.

Wiping his precious blade, Izuku stows it in its sheathe. "Is that it? Are the townspeople saved? ... Did we do it?"

The young traveler looks to his friend, "We should burn the body, and purge its existence. Then we can be sure."

They get to work collecting dry grasses and covering the demon before setting it aflame. Strangely, they watch the creature catch fire with ease and even the parts where water touches burns swiftly away, leaving very little ash.

The only explanation the two knights can come up with is that the water of the marshes became toxic for consumption due to the demon's presence. That's how the townspeople must've been affected, by drinking contaminated water that was infused with the demon's slime. Now that the source is gone, the effects should also die away.

The two head back to the town just as the sun's rays finally abandon them. It's not a long walk, but long enough. They clutch on to each other, helping each other in some strange way just as lights from the town reach their pupils. They smile earnestly at the cheering coming from the townsfolk. There's more than they thought as older men step forward to pat their backs, younger women press kisses to their cheeks, and children jump at their sides, all offer their thanks and admiration for the young men. Midoriya and Iida find themselves forgetting the trial and smiling at the present, with life blossoming in the quaint town once more.

Kouta steps forward with Tsuyu behind him. Izuku crouches with a light smile for the boy, "Thank you for saving my life, and the town." Izuku nods, and Kouta blushes slightly, "You're my hero!" The child presses a kiss to the older's cheek and Izuku pats the young boy's hatted head. He grins as he takes a stand, holding Kouta's hand and returning a hug from Tsuyu.

She whispers, "You're my hero too, Midoriya-chan."

Izuku is so profoundly touched, he's at a loss for words. He's also extremely tired. Meanwhile, Tenya denies any greatness, insisting it was what any knight would do. Still, he gazes at Izuku occasionally, finding admiration for his friend, because it was by his example that Tenya saw the right choice is to help whenever and wherever one is able. Though it would benefit everyone if the demon power rising in the far lands was vanquished, it also wouldn't do to ignore cries for help on the way to accomplish that mission.

The heroes are guided inside as music and dancing begin for the celebration. Uraraka waves at them from a large fire pit in the middle of the town. Food is passed around as laughing and merrymaking ensue. Izuku smiles listlessly, eating as it's offered. Women dance with their husbands and children dance with each other. Some sing, some cry, but all feel the inherent joy of the moment. Uraraka finally sits down between her companions, "So, what are we doing after this?"

Iida answers, "I'm going to challenge the demon horde, I suppose we par-"

"Me too," Izuku nods, "It's what I was trained for."

Iida smiles at the revelation, "I'd expect no less from you, Midoriya-kun."

Izuku smiles and Uraraka grins, "Let's all travel together! I want an adventure!"

The friends laugh and Iida gapes, "It'll be dangerous! This isn't for amusement!"

Uraraka nudges him, "It'll be fun if we do it together! Let's defeat them, those demons will never know what hit them!" She stands and turns to face the two, sticking an arm out, "What do you say?"

Iida shares a small smile with Izuku, before standing, "All for one..."

Izuku finishes, standing as well, "And one for all."

Uraraka cheers, "Yay, it's official! We're partners!" They all laugh and toast to their new group.

The festivities soon die down, and the exhausted saviors sleep deeply before they embark on their journey in the morning. They're refreshed from water the villagers drew, and well provisioned. Any misgivings are drowned out by the faith in each other.

In a not so distant land, a certain young man with a raven's head on a much larger avian descends from the high clouds. The wind whistles past him as they penetrate the canopy of the forest. Dodging multiple trunks and branches, they come upon a large rocky outcropping where the rider finally dismounts his feathery steed.

The drying or dead leaves crunch beneath his boots and he enters a small sliver in the rocks and descends into the manufactured tunnels. He makes a few knowing turns and arrives in the first cave. The sight that greets him are a mismatched band of people. At one table there is the red haired leader of the rogues talking seriously with a blond haired fellow with a black lighting bolt etched into his hair. A black hat with white fur protruding to the back rests beside the blond.

The first to take note of the yellow beaked newcomer is a young woman with black hair styled with bangs, long sideburns, and a type of bob cut. She wears armor to protect her neck, chest and shoulders. Armor also wraps around her stomach above a purple corset. A belt holds more armor and a whip is strapped to her waist. She exclaims, "Tokoyami!" Previously she was conversing with another rogue with black hair. The man wears a brown vest over a white shirt with tucked sleeves. He has the friendlier expression of the two.

The young man who was sitting beside her smiles at the arrival, "What brings you to our neck of the woods?"

Their guest nods at both, "Sero-san, Jirou-san, how do you do?"

The redhead at the other table stands while offering a sharp toothed grin, "Tokoyami, what can I do for you? We were just about to head out." A dark look passes over the rogues' faces.

Tokoyami meets the red eyes of the toned young man, "I came to tell of a traveler I came across the other day. He's heading in the direction of the horde not far from here, but if you don't have time, I understand, Kirishima-san."

Kirishima narrows his eyes at his associate, "Mina and Mashirao haven't come back from traveling to the town nearby. We think the demons have something to do with it. You think this traveler might be a good addition to the group?"

Tokoyami smiles, "Maybe. Were you all going to challenge the horde?"

Kirishima shrugs, "I was thinking about it, maybe we'll go after it, after all, it would be manly to take it on." He grins, "Will you see us off then?"

Tokoyami nods, "Sure, I'll be outside."

The group of rogues move to their living spaces to pick up their supplies before heading outside to part company with their colleague. The other three begin walking while Kirishima calls, "Maybe we'll meet this interesting traveler, see you!" He sees the birdman wave in the distance.

The land slowly appears less and less vegetative with more shrubbery and dry grasses giving way to hard rocks and gravel. They ascend up a short hill and Uraraka beams, "Look at that!"

Her companions notice the stone building at the height of this hill overlooking a vast expanse of wild field. Once they reach the top, the trio finds a long caravan. Iida voices, "They're probably families from the towns near where the demons took over. I've heard a platoon is slowly advancing toward the village up ahead."

Midoriya frowns and suddenly realizes two pairs of eyes are trained on him. He takes a step back as he rubs his head sheepishly, "Want to go there and make a stand?" His companions agree wholeheartedly after witnessing Midoriya's troubled thoughts and obvious desire to aide the people.

They decide to rest in the stone building and what shelter it affords. They'll camp for the rest of the day and get to the town in the morning.

That night, despite the exhaustion from traveling, Izuku is restless with a certain dream plaguing his sleep. His subconscious concocts a terrifying reality where he watches his new friends be slain, he cries for people he doesn't even know, especially one mysterious barbarian. When this barbarian dies, it's as if an intense sorrow and rage surge in his chest thus summoning an explosion of power.

Izuku awakes with a gasp, clutching his heart like a part of it just died. Why!? What was that? He lays on his side, calming his breath, and reassuring himself that it was only a dream. The images of the people fade away with each passing moment before Izuku gets up to stroll about the building outside. He admires the moonlight before taking out his sword. Upon its exit of the sheathe, Izuku drops it away from him with a grunt as he saw fire flare about it, but as soon as it left his grip, the fire extinguished. He stares at the blade in the grass for a moment before cautiously picking it up with no similar effect. He slumps slightly, "Am I losing my mind?"

He trains for a few hours before heading back to sleep, all tuckered out.

In the early morning, the group heads to the endangered village. It's quiet though a light breeze sends chilling notes down the way. The sky is dark and in the distance they see the black clouds on the horizon. It's daunting but a glance at their friends is all the relief they need. Uraraka checks the hovels for signs of people while Izuku and Iida venture through to the other side. They examine the fields where the demons will come from. The coast is just beyond with more forest bordering the beach.

"Hey guys!" The men follow the sound of her voice and find her helping an old woman outside. "They left without her!"

The hag shakily responds, "I won't leave! Not until my Eri-chan comes back!"

Midoriya takes her withered hands, "Who's Eri?"

The old woman takes in his features for one moment before smiling and gently patting his cheek, "You have kind eyes young man, what's your name?"

"Midoriya Izuku, who's Eri, can we help?"

"Eri is an orphan I took in. She's just a child, even if she has some demon in her."

Iida asks, "Where'd she go?"

The crone spits on the dirt, "Some blasted demon bird took her away. Nobody did anything for her, poor girl. The least I can do is not leave without her."

Ochako nods, "We'll help you get her back. Those demons won't step foot in here, right guys?" She grins at her friends.

"Right!" They both respond vehemently.

Without further ado, Ochako gets to making the ancient comfortable while Iida and Izuku spar, lightly tapping their blades.

"We'll have a better chance without the water sucking us in this time," Izuku comments.

"They'll have numbers though," Iida observes.

Ochako puffs out her chest, "You'll have my magic too!"

They chatter continuously until they notice it. At first, Izuku observes, "Snow?" Then as it lands on his glove does he recognize it. The flurries fall all around them choking the air.

Ochako murmurs, "It's ash."

Iida nods, "They're coming, a platoon will be here soon."

Suddenly, the weight of the world is on their shoulders as they stand in silence. The ash begins to coat the ground around them, falling steadily. Without word, the warriors head to the exit and see the black mass coming closer. "They're probably twenty to fifty demons heading this way."

Izuku grips his sword so tightly, "We've got this guys. We can do this." They don't have much choice. It's do or die. Nothing will change if they don't try.

They laugh when they first catch sight of the three scrawny humans. One of the shorter demons gurgles, "Are they sacrifices?"

Another taller, more muscular demon calls, "Have a death wish? Come to beg for your lives?"

A gruff demon beside their Captain in the back voices, "Three young humans, two little men, and one scrawny female at their rear, not much of a threat."

The Captain monotonously orders, "Another round of fire and we'll just squash them if they get in our way."

It's at this point that Izuku is close enough to distinguish forms and features of their enemy when he notes the two demons walking on fours. He stops when they both open their mouths just as the platoon reaches the edge of the crisped ground. Fire pours out of their gaping mouths. Everything within their range burns as they literally forge their path ensuring everything's demise.

Izuku brandishes his sword, allowing the gleam of the hilt to catch the eyes of such otherworldly beings. Iida matches his movement beside him while Uraraka steels herself from the rear. She's a few feet behind them as her role is mostly support.

Izuku and Tenya then stop while the monsters march on, Izuku informs them sternly, "You won't be going any farther, we're here to stop you."

There's an uproar of laughter from the brutes, before their Captain rolls his black eyes then waves his hand flippantly. Two in the middle of seven, which make up the first row, pull out their battle axes stained with blood before they run ahead with frightening speed. The two young men are ready for them however. Izuku parries the thick blade amidst dodging before one quick step and he thrusts the point of his blade through the demon's throat. Iida performed a similar feat but he swung his blade and lopped off his opponent's head. The two great bodies fall and the comrades of the fallen are frozen at the sight. These are not the typical human. Iida stares at the separated head then moves his gaze to glare at the horde, "My father taught me that demons deserve no more than a beheading."

Izuku remembers All Might's strict teaching, "Demons are the greatest evil you can ever encounter in your life." In the past, Izuku never thought that halflings were an occurrence, but All Might never said anything, so Izuku assumes that he only meant purebloods. Eri is a child too. She deserves a chance.

Stepping forward with lightning speed, Izuku fells many more demons, stopping in their midst as they look on with utter shock. He wears an expression of grim tenacity. The Captain growls, "Kill the humans!"

Like a light switch had been turned on, the demons spring into action. Izuku is surrounded and soon Iida is too, while Ochako runs about firing energy blasts before raising her staff to defend herself from the advancing demons, picking them up off the ground before using their bodies as her personal weapons. All three are enveloped in battle, dodging the demons' quirks and such.

Izuku mutters, "We can't keep this up... Think. Think!"

The solution is never drawn up because of a sudden drop in temperature what with most of the demons becoming enveloped in ice. The three onlookers stand in awe at the shivering creatures before the bellow of a horse neighing draws their attention. Izuku gazes at a white horse on a hill yards away, beside it stands the figure of a young man in blue noblemen attire. The demons shatter and Izuku, the closest to their savior, begins walking toward the man. He shouts, "Wait!" The man had mounted his horse and seemed to be leaving, but he refrained at Izuku's voice.

Tenya and Ochako catch up so they can all meet him together. "Hello, nice to meet you sir."

All of them can see the expensive taste of the young man's tunic. He has a burn scar over his left eye, heterochromatic eyes, and half red as well as half white hair. He truly is a sight to behold.

When he speaks, his voice is soft, "I'm just passing through..." He's unsure.

Izuku grins, "Thank you for the help with those demons, we were protecting a town. Where're you headed, traveler?"

The regal traveler answers, "I'm looking for someone, heading to the coast."

Iida removes his helmet to openly stare at the strange one, "You seem familiar. What's your name?"

His gold embroidery twinkles in the beaming sun, he averts his eyes, "I'm Prince Todoroki, the youngest son of the Todoroki household."

The trio gape at him, and Izuku recovers, "It's a pleasure meeting you, your highness. Well, we shouldn't keep you from your task, although if you'd like to rest at the town, you're welcome to."

Ochako occupied herself with petting the horse. She gave him some water as the boys talk. Eventually the prince concedes and directs the horse to walk beside the small group as they get to talking.

Ochako gripes, "Eri-chan wasn't with them, she must've been moved deeper into the demon's territory."

Izuku mutters incoherently to himself, to the amusement of his companions and slight discomfort. Iida reasons, "We have to go deeper too, she's the priority but taking back our land wouldn't be a bad thing either."

Ochako clenches her fist, "I'll tell Grandma Tessa, we're not giving up!"

Izuku agrees, "We'll find her." Todoroki remains silent for the entirety of their walk, curiosity bubbles inside him, but he contains himself. It's not his business, though he watches the interactions with a keen interest.

The older woman is swiftly reassured of the child's eventual return and the safety of the village. Their next destination is the demon horde. The crone has tears in her eyes at the kindness of those in front of her, then her eyes land on Shouto.

The young prince shifts at her gaze, but stands firm as she shuffles up to him, she whispers, "Will you journey with them also, young man? In these dark times, it pays to have friends."

He replies sullenly, "I'm on my way to search for my mother, I can make no detours."

The hag gently touches his velvet cheek, "That is a valiant cause, my boy. You three, keep close to this gentleman as long as you can. There is safety in numbers."

With that, she limps away for her bedtime. Izuku smiles, "Why don't we set off together? We're all headed east to start with tomorrow."

"That sounds fine."

Ochako grins, "You can always join us later if you'd like, after you find who you're looking for."

It is decided that Shouto will join them for a portion of their travel before they get to truly introducing themselves and getting acquainted around a fire.

Izuku chuckles to himself suddenly, shaking his head. He remembers quiet nights spent in the fields outside the citadel. All Might would tell him stories of his heroic adventures. The people he met along the way were always such characters.

"What're you laughing about?" Ochako rests her chin on fist.

Izuku shakes his head, "I didn't think I'd have so many interesting encounters so soon after leaving home."

Iida asks, "Where do you hail from?"

"His lordship Bakugou's residence, a citadel with great stone walls surrounding a town and the castle at its heart. My mother is a maid to Lady Bakugou, and I learned masonry while taking up the sword... Where are you from Iida?"

"I'm from a noble family not far from the Todoroki palace. I've been to many balls at the palace, it's why I recognized his royal highness." Iida offers a small smile to the prince. The guy always seems like the weight of the world is on his shoulders.

The prince nods, "Though I didn't recognize you with your helmet on, Sir Iida."

"Oh, just Iida is fine, your highness."

The prince concedes, "Only if you stop addressing me formally too."

"Ah," Iida waves for a moment before he deflates, "Right."

Izuku stokes the fire they sit around, watching all the interactions and feeling at peace. He murmurs, "My master told me that it was the quiet moments, the peaceful nights, that kept him going back in the day. You need to feel peace so you know what you're protecting. Your fatigue washes away in moments like these so you can keep going."

Ochako chimes in, "He might have been on to something. Does your master have a name?"

"Not a name that you've probably ever heard." Izuku pauses and glances at all the expectant faces. He continues, "Yagi Toshinori."

The group is silent. Iida concurs, "Yeah, that doesn't ring any bells."

"That's strange, I would've thought you'd had a reputed master," Ochako hums.

Izuku finds himself chuckling, "I'm sorry to disappoint."

The prince is content watching the three converse. He doesn't have much to add. He's strangely happy and his timorous heart seems to quiet in their presence. Is this what it's like to have companions?

A/N: Hope y'all enjoyed.