***Hi everyone! I'm sorry it's been so long since the last update! However, I made up for it by making this one longer than the others! There's a lot going on in this chapter, and some parts may seem slow, but it's needed for the build up. So, bear with me, lol!
***Warnings: Language, drama, suspense, dialogue heavy, tense moments, secrets reveled
***Please read and enjoy!
Chapter 14: Two Different Meetings
All Keigo saw was a blue flame of betrayal flying towards him, and he had no time to react. The shock of seeing Dabi as someone other than himself struck Keigo to the core. He waited for the moment of impact, but it never came, and he opened his eyes to see that Enji had blocked it with a shield. Keigo could only watch as Enji then countered Dabi's fire with his own waves of searing orange flames. Rarely did Enji ever call forth his flames, but his might, age, and experience with it were able to repel and disperse Dabi's flames.
"DABI! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? STOP THIS!" Keigo shouts to him again and jumps off his horse. He proceeded to run to Dabi, but a large hand grabbed the back of his shirt, holding him back. "LET ME GO, ENJI!"
"DON'T BE FOOLISH!" Enji quickly lifts Keigo up and throws him over his lap. "EVERYONE! FALL BACK!"
"DABI!" Keigo called for him again, but the alpha was not hearing or listening to him. He struggled to escape Enji's hold as the horse turned, and they started to ride away. The last thing Keigo saw was Dabi standing hunched over and glowing with blue energy. Dabi grew smaller and smaller as he finally faded from view. "Damn it! DAMN IT!"
Dabi was prepared to go after them, but Kai dropped a hand on his shoulder.
"Let them go," Kai tells him. "We have a stronghold now. Save your power. Let me wander the villages and towns,"
"And what do you plan to do?"
Kai smirked behind his mask, his eyes glowing gold. "Persuade more people to our side," he looks over his shoulder at the hundreds of people, completely brainwashed and walking around like the living dead. "We don't have nearly enough cattle."
Izuku looks down at the baby asleep in his arms and starts to wonder what his own child with Bakugo will look like. Would it look just like Bakugo? Would it look like him? What color eyes would they have? Would they have wild hair or curly hair? Would they have freckles like him? Izuku somehow pictured Bakugo taking makeup and covering up the baby's freckles, though he didn't know why.
Shinso was still sitting beside him, still silent after the kiss they shared. Izuku was flattered by Shinso's show of affection as well as his confession. Things would be so much easier if it were Shinso and not Bakugo. But just because it would be easier doesn't make it true. His heart and his bond belong with Bakugo. He's sure that Shinso is suffering from heartache at the rejection. Izuku wanted to make conversation to ease the silence when the door opened, and Bakugo came out. Izuku stood up and went over to him.
"How is everything?"
"Fine for now," Bakugo says. "We'll talk more in bed tonight. Shoto has some more work for you to do."
Izuku couldn't hide the smile on his lips. "I get to spend the night with you?"
"Yeah,"
Izuku noticed that Bakugo looked and appeared distant all of a sudden. "What's wrong?"
"Things are suddenly fucking complicated," Bakugo tells him. "I don't want to talk about it now."
"Kacchan?" But Bakugo moved past him without another word. Izuku wanted to go after him, yet bugging his mate while he's cranky would be like poking a bear. So it was best to let him go and wait until tonight.
Izuku thanked Shinso for his company and returned to Shoto's chamber with the still sleeping baby. He kept side-glancing towards Shoto as he placed and tucked the baby into the crib. Shoto was standing by the fire, arms crossed and silent. Izuku didn't know what he should do or what to say. It doesn't help that he is unaware of what transpired between Bakugo and Shoto while he wasn't here. He had made a complete fool of himself by losing his temper and revealing part of himself to Shoto. A bolt of fear rushed through him at the thought of being taken to the dungeon because of his screw-up. Could that be what has Bakugo so angry and distant?
'Is something going to happen to me?'
"Izuku,"
"Yes, my lord?" Izuku noticed that Shoto's tense shoulders slowly slumped.
"Bakugo thinks very highly of you,"
Izuku smiles softly. "That's nice to know…"
"He also thinks very highly of me,"
Izuku's smile faded into a frown. "Bakugo has respect for those who think like him,"
Shoto turns around to face Izuku. "You may have won his bond, but I have his heart,"
Izuku's body tensed at that statement. "I'm…afraid I don't understand?"
"I've known him for much longer than you have. I match swords with him; I challenge his intelligence; I debate with him; I hunt, fish, and ride with him; we sat in classes with the same tutors," he walks over to Izuku, standing over him with their slight height difference as a way to remind Izuku of who is more powerful. "You really have nothing to offer him. I wish I knew what he sees in you other than the bond you share."
'Yet he ran away from his relationship with you,' Izuku says to himself, not wanting to dig his own grave deeper than it already was with Shoto.
"You're wise to remain silent," Shoto tells him.
"It's your rule," Izuku says, and Shoto frowns. "I want us to be friends. So why can't we be friends? Bakugo said so himself that we all share the same ideas for reform."
Shoto shakes his head. "I will only conduct business and thoughts with Bakugo, just like we always have," he points to the bed. "Prepare it for my sleep and then leave. I've seen enough of you for one day, Izuku Midoriya."
Izuku didn't want to hang around longer than he had to anyway, so he prepped the bed for Shoto, then bid the other omega a good night and left. He leaned against the door to let out a heavy sigh. So far, Shoto hasn't called the guards to arrest him, so that's a good thing. Shoto shouldn't have him arrested since it wouldn't please Bakugo. But on the flip side, just how deep do Shoto's feelings and omega jealousy go? How far will Shoto push this? Then he remembers the protection amulet Tokoyami gave him. He takes it out from his shirt and looks at it, hoping that it holds up to its power and keeps him safe.
He finally left Shoto's chambers and hurried to his own.
'Fuck this stupid leg and arm!' Bakugo hisses while waiting for Tokoyami to return. He didn't mind sitting in the dark chamber with Shoji, but the overly large alpha continued to stare him down. There's no reason for Shoji to view him as a threat, so he ignores the other alpha.
Tokoyami came inside and was surprised to see Bakugo sitting in the examination area with his injured leg propped up.
"Is something wrong?"
"Yeah, my fucking arm and leg, that's what's wrong," Bakugo spat out. "I don't have time to keep this shit healing! But, I know you have the magic to heal these bones, so I want you to do it."
"Bakugo, you know the consequences of a powerful spell like that,"
"I know. If I break them again, they will be broken three-fold, and chances of healing are longer and less likely," he glared at Tokoyami. "Am I right?" Tokoyami nodded. "Then get to it. I'll take the chances. There's too much shit going on right now, and I can't afford to be laid up."
"...I refuse,"
Bakugo's head did a double-take. "What the hell did you just say?"
"I said, 'I refuse.' Bakugo, you are one of the kingdoms' best warriors. Do you really want to take the chance of becoming forever broken and possibly immobile? I can help in speeding the healing process, but to do that kind of magic-"
"I'm telling you to do it!" Bakugo countered.
"Should I see him out, Yami?" Shoji offers.
"Yes. Please do. I apologize, Bakugo, but I cannot grant your request. I'll have a special salve made, and it will be delivered to you,"
Bakugo was furious but couldn't force Tokoyami to perform magic if the omega didn't want to, nor did he feel like tangling with Shoji. So, he saw HIMSELF out, giving both of them the finger and slamming the door. He would revisit tomorrow and attempt this again. Or, he could have Shoto demand that Tokoyami perform the spell; Tokoyami can't disobey Shoto's orders. But he wasn't in current 'good standing' with Shoto, so he wasn't sure how well that would go over.
As he approached his chambers, he wondered if Deku was back yet. They had a lot to talk about, and he was already growing tired with all the extra walking he had to do. But, inside, Deku was waiting for him in nightclothes and wearing a bright smile.
"Kacchan! I've been waiting for you! Let me help you get comfortable,"
Bakugo would normally snap at Deku and not accept help, but at the moment, he gave in and let his mate help him to the bed. Deku undressed and dressed him with care. Bakugo wanted to mention to Deku that they could have a servant do this for them, now that Deku held a title. Yet he knows Deku would not accept that sort of help, and he would prefer to do it himself, unlike Shoto, who is used to being waited on. Although, at this point, if Bakugo asked Shoto to prepare him for bed, the other omega would gladly do it to win his favor. But it wouldn't be the same.
"Pour us some wine and sit on the bed," Bakugo says. "We have a lot to talk about."
"Is this about what happened today with Shoto?" Deku asked, bringing over the wine but chose tea for himself.
Bakugo takes a sip of wine. "Yeah. It doesn't look like Shoto is going to let up on me," he looks at Deku. "I don't like seeing you as a slave to him, and now he knows you're at least a sympathizer of the rebellion." Deku's eyes widened.
"Am I…going to be arrested?"
"No, you don't have to worry about that, for I won't let it happen, and Shoto fucking knows better than to attempt it. Anyway, the way I see things now is we have two options. The first option is to go off on our own with what earnings I have and continue to be a high-ranking officer. The second option is to marry Shoto for all the benefits, and you continue to be my mate. Still, you'll have the title of 'lover,' equivalent to 'mistress.'"
"Option number one, of course," Izuku tells him.
Did Bakugo really think that he and Shoto could be 'brother omegas' in a relationship? Of course, such an idea is fine for Bakugo since he's an alpha. Besides, Shoto would still hold all the power as Bakugo's main omega. He'd still only be viewed as a secondary omega.
"I agree, but option one comes with a LOT of disadvantages," Bakugo says. "For one, we won't have as much influence over the kingdom to change its ways. We need to be closer to the crown if we want to see reform. The Todorokis are second only to the king."
"Kacchan…I know what you are saying…but…that is asking a lot of not just me, but of Shoto as well. It's easy for you with option two because you're an alpha. Shoto will always view me as a threat and…and neither he nor I should have to constantly battle for your affections."
Bakugo scoffed. "But we'll all get what we want."
"But at what cost? Do you honestly think that Shoto will accept marrying you just for convenience? I doubt he would share,"
"What about you?"
"...I don't…want to share you either," Izuku admitted, looking down at his tea and clutching the cup in his hands. "That is selfish of me, I know, but…what I feel in my heart and my bond with you is greater than what is morally right. Of course, option two would end a multitude of problems, but it's not fair to the omegas."
Bakugo took a heavy gulp of the wine and asked, "Then what do you suggest we do?"
"It's still too early to tell, honestly," Izuku tells him. "I still want to make friends with Shoto, but that is proving harder and harder. I intend to keep trying, though."
There was a knock on the door, and Bakugo told them to go away, but it opened anyway. Someone lets Kirishima inside, most likely a servant, and the large dog runs over to them, tail wagging.
Izuku laughs as Kirishima puts that large head in his lap, nearly knocking over the tea. "Kiri! You're so happy to see us!"
"Down, you mutt!" Bakugo shouts at the dog, but Kirishima doesn't obey and simply lays on his back, bearing his belly. Bakugo grumbles, putting the wine cup down and using his good hand to scratch Kiri's belly. "What made you so excited?" He asks the dog.
"We did," Izuku answered. "He's just happy to see us. I can't get over how friendly he is for a war dog!"
Bakugo smirks. "This mutt sends enemies running with a snarl alone. When I put that spiked collar on him, he might as well be dubbed a werewolf!"
"I don't doubt it! But getting back to what we were talking about…give me some more time to try and make friends with Shoto. I know I screwed up tonight, but I will work hard not to do that again. So, can we hold out a little bit longer?"
Bakugo sighed. "Fine. A little bit longer, then we have to figure out what to do," he settles himself on the bed, admitting to himself that it felt good to finally be off his ankle and rest his arm.
"Thanks, Kacchan." Izuku finished his tea and offered Bakugo more wine, but the other refused.
"I don't want you sitting over there," Bakugo tells him. "I want you sitting here," he smirks and points to his groin. He was never 'too tired' for this act. Deku obeys and straddles his lap. Bakugo feels the pressure and heat from Deku's lower region that he becomes hard. Deku lets out a soft gasp and blushes. "I can't believe you still blush when we do this!"
"I can't help it," Izuku says while bashfully covering his face. "You make me feel…"
"Like a horny omega begging for alpha cock," Bakugo finished for him. Yet, he knew that wasn't really what Deku was trying to say. However, he did enjoy how red Deku's face became at the vulgar words. "But it's true," he added. "Your omega slick has started to seep through my nightclothes."
Izuku became too embarrassed and lay on Bakugo to hide his face in the alpha's neck.
~*~Edited for the site. Available on AO3~*~
"You certainly made a mess of our clothes," Bakugo snickered at Deku's blushing face.
"I'll…get us fresh cloth-" Izuku paused in mid-removal of himself on Bakugo's cock when Kiri's large head lay on the bed, watching them, with his tail wagging. "Um…?"
Bakugo sees Kirishima and bops the dog on the snout. "OUT!" He demanded.
Kirishima gave a little whimper, flicking his ears back and forth.
"I said, OUT! OUT!" The dog finally listened and walked into the other room. "I forgot he was here..."
"I know he's just a dog, but it's weird that he was watching us,"
"He thought we were playing, I'm sure. Be grateful he didn't jump on the bed with us! Bring an extra towel,"
While Izuku was cleaning himself in the bathing chamber, Bakugo was lounging in the afterglow of their mating. But outside, they heard the army's horn blaring through the air. Izuku got to the window first, with Kirishima second and Bakugo last. Izuku opened the window, and they looked to the courtyard where Enji, Keigo, and Natsuo were returning.
"They shouldn't be returning this late," Bakugo says, narrowing his brows. "Something must have gone wrong,"
"What do you think happened?"
"I don't know, but I'm going to go find out. Stay here with Kiri, and help me get dressed."
"Please, can't I come with you?" Izuku asks while helping Bakugo into his pants and jerkin.
"No! I said to stay here with the dog! I'll tell you about it when I get back,"
Izuku knelt on the floor with Kirishima beside him, watching as Bakugo left the chamber. Izuku had hoped to spend the entire night in Bakugo's arms, but it looks like that wasn't going to happen.
He tried to fall asleep with Kiri as Bakugo's stand-in, but it wasn't the same. He wanted to know what was going on and what he could do to help. Also, as he was lying silent, he heard someone calling (or rather shouting) for an emergency meeting of the council. That made Izuku get up quickly from the bed and put on his clothes. If he can't be with Bakugo, he will go to Shoto. If anyone could figure out what was happening, it was young Lord Shoto.
Izuku hurries to Shoto's chambers with Kirishima following at his heels. The doors are still so large that Izuku wondered if Shoto would hear his knocks through sleep. He knocked first with his knuckles, no answer. Then he tried with his fist, still no response. Finally, Kirishima let out three barks, and from inside, Izuku heard Shoto calling that he would 'be right there.'
Shoto opens the door in his night robe, hair messy from sleep and keeping his eyes narrowed at Izuku.
"Why are you here?"
"Your father has come back, and someone called an emergency meeting of the council. Bakugo left already, which means something must have happened at the south port."
Shoto fixes his hair by pressing it flat. "Why wasn't I summoned?"
"I'm not sure; Bakugo told me to stay in the room, but I thought I should come and let you know what is going on."
Shoto nods. "I will dress and go to the council room. I appreciate you coming to alert me about this,"
Izuku smiled at the praise. "You're welcome."
"Return to your room, as Bakugo previously instructed, and await until further notice."
"Alright..." Izuku felt a little defeated, but he had to obey. So he goes back to his chambers with Kirishima. "You get ignored too, don't you?" He says to the dog, patting Kirishima's furry head.
Kirishima rests his head in Izuku's lap, enjoying the pets until he senses something again. Then, growling, he goes to the window and starts to bark.
Izuku goes and opens the window, trying to see what Kirishima is barking at, but nothing is out of the ordinary. Not expecting an answer, he asks Kirishima what's wrong. This is the second time Kirishima has acted strangely to the window. Did the dog sense something that they couldn't?
"Easy, boy, easy," Izuku tries to calm him by rubbing his back. Then, he noticed that it was starting to snow. "Look, Kiri! It's snow!" Anything to try and distract the dog from barking and growling.
Finally, Kirishima settled down and took Izuku's tunic in his mouth, ushering him to the bed.
"Are you sure you're not part human?" Izuku asks the large red dog, allowing himself to be led, and sits on the bed. Kirishima jumps to sit next to him, growling softly towards the window. "What do you sense out there?"
Izuku changed into a fresh pair of nightclothes and returned to the bed where Kiri was waiting. The dog lays beside him, on top of the covers, refusing to leave his side. Izuku strokes Kirishima's red fur, thanking the dog for keeping him company. He lay in bed, staring up and hoping to fall asleep.
The rest of the night passed slowly, and Izuku never fell asleep. The clock in the room read six. Izuku got up and went to the window, opening it to see that it was still snowing. The rooftops of the city were covered in white. He smiled at the beauty of the winter snow even though it was cold. After closing the window, Kirishima was up and at the door, scratching the bottom. Izuku lets him out of the room.
Since Bakugo wasn't back, he needed to go to Shoto's chambers and wait for the other omega. Izuku assumed they were all still in the emergency meeting, and he yearned to know what was going on. But when he entered Shoto's chambers, he found the omega there, still dressed and watching the snow from the window.
"My lord?" Izuku announces himself.
"I wasn't permitted to attend the meeting," Shoto says with bitterness in his voice. "For whatever reason, my father decided that this matter did not concern omegas and called an alpha-only meeting."
Izuku understands Shoto's frustration; it annoyed him, too. He went over to the baby's crib to see the boy still sleeping.
"Do we have any idea of what's going on?"
"Keigo should be coming soon," Shoto answered. "He'll at least let us know what happened out there at the south port,"
As if on cue, Keigo enters the room looking frazzled, exhausted, and utterly defeated. Both Izuku and Shoto were surprised at his expression and silence. Keigo was always smiling and merry, but he looked like a hollow shell right now. Keigo went straight to the crib and picked up the baby, holding the boy to his chest. Shoto spoke first.
"Keigo? Is everything alright? What has happened?"
"It was...a horror show out there," Keigo responded. "The entire port has been taken over by the rebels, and the gentry have joined them,"
Izuku shrinks away from Shoto's narrowing gaze at the mention of rebels.
"But that's not all," Keigo adds, stroking the baby's back. "There's something...something's not right about the situation. Touya- I mean, Dabi was there, and he attacked us."
Shoto's eyes widened. "My brother? He...attacked you?"
Keigo nodded. "But I don't think it's him. Someone or something must be controlling him! I know Touya would NEVER turn against our child and me! And what's worse-" he clenched his eyes shut and grit his teeth. "Your father now knows about your brother and me...and our baby together."
Shoto swallows hard and asks, "What did he say?"
"He said that he will 'speak to me' about this matter after the meeting."
"Keigo, were you not allowed in the meeting, either?" Izuku asks. He wasn't entirely sure what the story was between Keigo and Shoto's brother, but he wouldn't ask about it since it wasn't any of his business. But he was curious to know.
"I was told no omegas; and also, Enji doesn't wish to even see me right now,"
"I was told the same," Shoto added. "No omegas allowed," he scoffs. "Ridiculous."
"Then, let's conduct our OWN meeting about this issue!" Izuku offers. "Omegas and any others who want to join us in this matter!"
Both Keigo and Shoto stared at him.
"Think about it! We may be omegas, but our ideas and suggestions are just as important as any alpha!" He wore a smile of determination. "If anything, it's more important to hear from the omegas since we have our children to think about." He placed his hand on his belly and looked at Keigo's baby. "Don't you agree?"
Keigo gave a silent nod.
"You know what, Izuku? That's a fine idea," Shoto says. "Yes, we will have a meeting of just the omegas. I'll summon my sister and Tokoyami to join us,"
"And don't forget Shoji and Shinso!" Izuku added. "They're alphas, but they aren't on the same rank as Bakugo."
Shoto nodded. "Very well. Izuku, have the servants bring wine and food for the meeting. Then, I'll summon the others and Keigo? I want you to just rest with your son for now. You've been through a lot."
Izuku was pleased with himself for offering the idea for this meeting. He wasn't sure if Shoto would accept it, but the omega was on his side! This is an excellent start to winning back some (if any) of Shoto's trust- or at least gaining the omega's respect.
Everyone met in Shoto's chambers for the meeting. Shoto sits at the head of the table and Keigo at the opposite end, with Shoji standing behind Tokoyami's seat. Shinso took his place behind Izuku's chair without requesting. Natsuo came with Fuyumi, surprising the others with his presence. He said that he had left the meeting early and would rather share in this one. So, the meeting holds 4 omegas and 3 alphas.
"Thank you all for coming," Shoto says flatly. "As most of you are aware, there is trouble in the kingdom, and it has started at the south port. Keigo? Please share what you know and saw there. Then we'll hear from you, Natsuo."
"It's my understanding that dark magic is involved," Keigo starts. "For the rebels and the gentry and even the soldiers stationed there have all turned against the kingdom. But, I don't believe they did it willingly. I think they're being controlled." Keigo turns to Natsuo. "What have you heard in the meeting?"
Natsuo shrugs his shoulders. "Like I said, I didn't stay for long, but what Keigo says is what we can safely assume. There's black magic of some kind involved in this, and it's taking control of the people."
"So, you're saying that the gentry and the soldiers there have joined with the rebels?" Shoji clarifies. "The rebels who they are supposed to stop?"
"That's why Father called an emergency meeting," Natsuo says. "We need to combat this before that black magic brainwashing spreads throughout the city. Of course, it's still too early to know exactly what's going on, but you can be sure the king will gather the armies from the other gentries."
"So, as of now, the south port is acting as a base?" Izuku asks.
"And the riflemen couldn't put an end to the rebels and arrest the gentry?" Shoto questions.
"We had to retreat," Keigo tells Shoto. "The Dark Mage Dabi was there, and we couldn't stand against his magic since we had no magic users of our own."
Fuyumi looks to Tokoyami and asks, "Yami, do you have any input on this type of magic they could be using?"
"While I am familiar with the dark arts, I don't tend to practice or use them because of the consequences they may carry." He holds his chin in his hand. "However, I'm not aware of any black magic spell that can take control of the brain like that in mass numbers. If there were, it would take an immense amount of power and multiple dark magic users to pull it off."
"That won't go over well with the kingdom," Shinso says. "The mages and magicians are already persecuted; the people don't need another reason to want to punish them."
"Tokoyami, it's best if you continue to stay within these walls," Shoto tells him.
"We're going to need help from magic users, though," Natsuo added. "Tokoyami will be expected to help since he is under the protection of us,"
"I'll work on that," Shoto tells his brother. "Of course, it will be your choice in the end, Yami." Tokoyami nodded at him. "Now then, how should we proceed in this matter?"
Izuku raised his hand, ignoring Shoto's slight eye-roll, and spoke.
"We should start by sending out scouts to spy on the south port," Izuku offers. "It's better to gain knowledge of the enemy instead of blindly charging into the issue. Especially if magic is being used,"
"I second Izuku's idea and offer to take the job," Shinso says.
"I agree," adds Shoji. "And I volunteer for the job as well," Tokoyami's head whips up to look at his mate, his eyes widen with surprise. "They accepted the rebels, so they must be trying to gather the support of the common people, right? I'm a freed slave; I'm actually one of them. It would be easier for me to get inside than Shinso since he's a soldier."
"I'm not sure that will do much good," Keigo spoke up, keeping his eyes cast down at the table. "We run the risk of you possibly falling under the magic spell. We don't want to lose any of our friends or family to that...mess."
Shoto thought for a moment, then says, "What if we were to avoid the south port for now and focus on the people in the city and villages? We don't want the rebels and traitors coming into the royal city."
"But it's the magic users we have to watch out for," Natsuo reminds him.
Tokoyami stands from his seat and says, "I will go and speak to some of my fellow magic users in the city about this; I'll be heading out now."
"Yami, wait," Fuyumi stops him. "Do you think it's wise to ask them right now? Shouldn't we wait a bit? At least until we know what was discussed in the other meeting?"
"Don't worry, they have already sensed the magic," Tokoyami tells them. "I have as well, but I didn't know where it was coming from, and now I do. Perhaps, less of my people will be persecuted if I can get them to join our army. We can win the people's respect, as well as the kings'."
Shoto nods. "As you wish," he tells Tokoyami. "Let's wait to hear what Tokoyami's group says about the dark magic."
"That's right!" Izuku says. "If we can find out the source, then maybe we can stop it before it gets out of control!"
"Yami, don't forget my letter of pardon," Shoto reminded him. Shoto gave him the letter a while ago to keep Tokoyami safe from radicals in the city who may want to do him harm.
"I won't forget," Tokoyami says. "I shall return before nightfall," Shoji walks out of the room with Tokoyami.
Shoto looks at the others at the table. "Anyone else have any suggestions?" No one did, so Shoto dismissed all of them except for Izuku. "...well done today, Izuku."
"Thank you, my lord."
"I will present our suggestions to my father and Bakugo."
Izuku looks at him and says, "I'll talk to Bakugo while you talk to your father."
The pair of omegas sat in silence with a heated stare.
Tokoyami was correct that the other magic users in the royal city knew about the south port. When he entered the secret door hidden behind a bakery, he saw seven of the ten mages were present. He was the youngest of them and the only omega, but they respected his opinions. However, when the group started to talk, the conversation went from helping the kingdom to joining the rebellion.
"I say there hasn't been a better time for our kind to really strike fear in the hearts of the kingdom!" Says one of the older mages. "Soldiers AND the gentry taking sides? You know word will spread, and more people will rally to that side."
"I agree!" Says another. "It's time to help the rebels and use our magic to force the king to respect us!"
Tokoyami steps forward to speak. "Am I hearing this correctly? Are we speaking of betraying the kingdom?"
"And what do you suggest, little blackbird?" That was the nickname they gave him.
"We all know that the magic at the south port is the use of the dark arts! No one here approves of dark magic...unless you have all decided to turn your backs on that pledge? Our magic has dark elements to it, yes, but we don't use those powers for evil!"
The eldest mage waved his wrinkled hand dismissively at Tokoyami.
"You of all people should be for this idea," he says in a raspy voice. "Aren't you the one hiding your daughter from the clutches of the kingdom? I would think you'd like to see her free, and both of you wouldn't have to keep living in fear of prejudice to our kind."
Tokoyami swallowed hard at the nerve the old mage hit at the mention of his daughter. Not even Shoji, Keigo, or Shoto knew about her. She was Bakugo's daughter from that time a little over a year ago when they were together. He couldn't risk losing his position at the Todoroki household or face Bakugo's rejection. So, he had gone on a 'mages' mission' to hide the truth. He was staying with a trusted friend to have her in secret. Then, regrettably, he had to give her over to a childless farmer and wife to raise.
Enji Todoroki wouldn't allow an unmated, unmarried omega with a child to live under his roof, being the traditionalist he is. It would be an embarrassment. He has already asked so much of Shoto, and he couldn't hurt Shoto further by revealing that he has a child with Bakugo. And now that Izuku is pregnant and involved, there really isn't any room for his daughter in that mess of drama. Almost all of his wages go to her care, and when he can, he visits the farm to watch from a distance.
He thought about passing her on as NOT Bakugo's daughter. But, she mirrors the alpha in all forms, from the pale blonde spikey hair to the wild personality. Besides, Bakugo would sense that the child was his. He had no other choice and hoped that, in time, he could make it up to her. Like Keigo, he didn't give her a name and didn't want to know her name in fear of it hurting too much.
"I understand," Tokoyami tells him. "Yes, I hide her for many reasons that are my own, and not just for fear of her being punished because of me. A child can be considered 'guilty by association.'"
"Then don't fight us on this," says one of the mages. "Don't let your friendship for Lord Shoto Todoroki keep you from doing what's best! This is our chance!"
"Hm...let's not jump on poor Fumikage yet," says another mage. "Tell us, what do the Todorokis plan to handle this?"
"I'm not sure yet. They are still having a meeting about it. I ask all of you not to go against the kingdom like this. Lord Shoto will be the next in power, and he will help to change all these ridiculous laws! Shouldn't we show the king and the people that we are righteous people and not traitors?"
"Too many of our kind have been executed, burned, tortured, and exiled," says the first mage. "Just how much longer can we wait for Shoto to 'change' these rules if he even can? We can't go on waiting with bated breath! Now is our chance to act for our benefit!"
"Please, think things over before you act," Tokoyami pleas with them. "Let me find out more first, and then I will get right back to you! I just need a little more time."
The mages looked at each other and muttered, thinking it over. Then, the eldest mage said,
"Very well. We will wait a little longer."
Tokoyami thanked them and left in a puff of smoke, appearing outside the bakery. He wasted no time heading back to the castle. He would have to report this to Shoto and Bakugo right away, but in a way that doesn't reveal what the mages have planned. That cabal knows of his daughter, and he doesn't want to risk betraying them; they'll retaliate against her.
Kai looks up at the sign that reads 'Shady Village' and puts his plague mask back on.
"This is the first stop on my little journey," he removes his right glove, and his hand starts to glow.
TBC
