Your first two months in the palace went by in a blur as you attempted to adjust to life in ancient Japan. It was quickly made obvious that your presence was unwanted by any who had importance within the palace, and every glance you received from the strangers was dark and filled with suspicion. The constant darkness that surrounded you was difficult to get used to at first, and you had preferred to just stay in your room until Tsuyu was able to persuade you to come out. You found that you very much enjoyed her company, even during the times that she merely stood by and watched you. There was more than one occasion that you almost spilled out that you were from the future, the wanting to alleviate the heaviness in your chest almost too much to bare. You found you valued your life more, however, so you kept up your facade.
In those first two months, you didn't see hide nor hair of Bakugou. You knew that he was still in the palace, as Tsuyu mentioned having to leave to report to him every day, but you didn't know exactly where she had gone. You did have to admit, you missed being around him and his officers. Sure, you hadn't exactly become friends with them, but just being in their presence gave you a comforting sense of familiarity, since they were the first people you stumbled upon. But, that wasn't the only thing that bothered you about not being able to see them. Because of their absence, you had yet to have a single change to make another prediction.
How could you stumble upon a conversation if you never saw them? You had no right to go searching for them, nor would Tsuyu probably allow you to do such a thing. She was lenient with you, but there were boundaries that you couldn't quite pass just yet. But it wouldn't hurt to at least ask, right?
"Could I go with you this morning?" You asked as Tsuyu prepped to deliver her report about your activities to Bakugou. Curious, she looked up at you, carefully folding the parchment in her hands. Pursing her lips in thought, she stared down at the document, tapping her fingers against it.
"I don't see why not. I'm not going directly to his quarters and that area is heavily guarded, so there's nothing that you could do to cause a scene. Sure!" She smiled, tucking the document into her clothing to keep it safe. "I don't think he'll mind. It will be good for you to go walking somewhere else in the palace, anyway. Have a bit of a… variety. I know you're getting very bored of the same old thing every day."
You gave a small shrug, unable to resist a smile at her approval. "It isn't all that bad. It's peaceful, and I enjoy reading what's available to me. Though I would like to see if it would be possible to get some parchment and paint so that I can… draw maybe? Or do some writing?"
"We will ask him today if that is acceptable to give you supplies. I know that we have plenty, but it's not my place to approve. Are you ready?" She took a moment to glance you over, making you feel a bit self conscious about your appearance. You weren't sure why, it wasn't as if you were trying to impress him with your looks, but you knew that you didn't look your best. It wasn't all your fault, you were given the lowest class quality of clothing that was only slightly better than that of a servant, so there wasn't much you could really do with yourself. You still hadn't quite gotten down any pretty hairstyles that were common, so you mostly just wore it loose where it was the most comfortable. You weren't allowed make-up of any kind, so all in all, you felt shabby.
"I-I suppose. I can't look any nicer than this with what I have." You took a moment to adjust your clothing a bit.
"Oh, that's not what I meant, Miss, your appearance is of little importance."
Cheeks flushing with embarrassment, you merely nodded, fiddling with your nails nervously. "Yes, of course. I am ready, then." With that, you both began to make your way down the halls. As you walked in silence, you wondered why it had been so important to you in that moment that you… looked decent. Did you want to make an impact on Bakugou with your looks? Did you feel like that would truly make a difference? It didn't matter, nothing could be done about it, but you felt embarrassed to see him when you weren't dressed to your best.
Man I wish I had my make up right now… or at least a way to do my hair. Even some simple eyeliner would make me feel better! You let out a small sigh, hanging your head a bit to avoid the eyes of others. He's already seen me at my worst… Ugh, why do I even care so much! He hates me, anyway, might as well let him think I'm ugly, too.
Eventually, you both walked through a guarded gateway with a wall that seemed to separate one side of the palace from the other. You assumed this was where the high ranking members of the clan lived and had their councils, as it was much more beautiful and elegantly crafted architecture wise. Even the garden you passed was more lavish, almost seeming like an entire little forest within the structure of the buildings. The birds singing from the trees made you feel more at peace, though your heart instantly began to race when you heard that unmistakable deep voice around the corner.
Tsuyu gave a small hum when she heard it as well, removing the document she had tucked away earlier from her clothing. "He's already outside today, that's good."
You could only hold your breath, returning to picking at your nails as you were unsure of what else to do with your hands. When you both rounded the corner, you first spotted Bakugou's fluffy ash blonde hair, his back to you both. He was standing with Kirishima, talking about something that seemed important just from the intent and focused look on the red heads face.
"They will be traveling through here, they have no other option." Bakugou was pointing to a map that he held on one side, Kirishima holding the other to keep it spread open. "This is the perfect chance to attack, if we come from the front and the back then they won't be able to escape."
"But neither will we. If it goes badly, we'd be just as trapped." Kirishima spoke with a wary expression, brows furrowed. "We'll have to work hard to not let that happen."
"You know damn well we wouldn't."
This is it, you thought, watching as Kirishima noticed Tsuyu and gave her a wave. This is my chance to make a prediction. I just have to somehow get more information out of them or at least look at the map so I know what area this is they're talking about. I think it's the skirmish at Pine Valley but I can't be sure without seeing the map.
Butterflies began to ravage your stomach as Bakugou looked back at you both, a bit of surprise flashing across his features before his brow furrowed back into his regular intense expression. How his stupid beautiful face hadn't been perminantly creased with wrinkles yet was surprising to you, as you had only seen his face relaxed when sleeping and after the murder of his horse. Still, it suited him, and your embarrassment of being in his presence returned tenfold as you bowed deeply in greeting.
"Good Morning," Tsuyu addressed them both as she bowed along with you, before standing and handing the parchment in her hands to her leader. "Here is your report for yesterday."
Allowing Kirishima to take the map, Bakugou accepted the document, his crimson glare moving to you. "What does it say today, Demon? That you sat out in the garden all day?"
Trying desperately to control the heat wanting to rush into your cheeks, you gave a simple nod. "I assume… That's really all that I did. It's peaceful. After all this time of it being the same thing over and over I'm surprised you still read them."
"Of course I read them. Though I have considered changing it to just a weekly report." His gaze moved back to Tsuyu, who nodded in agreement. "I've gotten tired of reading the stupid conversations you have with the fish in the pond."
Heat immediately rushed to your cheeks and you nearly choked on air, giving a small cough behind your sleeve to clear your throat. "W-what? My entire conversations?" You looked down at Tsuyu, who merely nodded again and made you cover your face.
"I don't leave out anything, Miss. I'm trained to have a very fine memory, you see, so I can recall every word you say. I quite like listening to you talk to them," Tsuyu smiled. "You've made an interesting bond with the white fish there. He even lets you touch him, it's very intriguing."
Giving a groan in embarrassed agony, you shook your head, peeking out over your sleeve at Bakugou as he opened the document in his hands to read it. As his eyes scanned across the characters on the parchment, he scoffed, giving you an annoyed glance. "You even named it. Sushi?"
"I-It's not his name, I was just… I needed something to call it, so-"
"Then that is it's name. That white fish is very old… I am not surprised a Demon such as yourself has built a relationship with an animal like that." He folded up the document and tucked it away into his clothes before he turned his attention back to the map, effectively shutting you out. In that moment, you got a peek at it under his arm, noticing that the area around Pine Valley was circled with arrows and notes scribbled about around it. This was your chance.
"W-wait,-" You cut in, stepping a bit closer to make sure you got their attention. At first, Bakugou looked like he might just snap at you, though he quickly stopped when he noticed how intently you were staring at the map.
"What is it, Demon?"
"This…" You wedged yourself between the two men, placing your finger delicately on the area that was circled. Judging from what you had heard and now the notes on the paper, you could see that what they were planning wasn't what had been recorded in history. You knew that they did win this battle, but it wasn't like this at all. "This isn't right…"
"What do you mean?" Bakugou snarled, though he still didn't try to push you away. "We have been planning this for weeks, there are no faults."
"No, you can't go from the front and the back! They will have backup, and you will get pinned in. No, you need to attack from here." You ran your finger along the sides of the valley. "Using arrows, traps and rocks. Keep the high ground, with some troops here and here to catch anyone that tries to flee. Only then will you win." Looking up at him, it took every ounce of your courage to not crumble beneath his glare.
"Who do you think you are, to undermine my strategy in place of your own! You stupid woman, you don't know anything about war."
"That's not what I'm saying! What I told you is how you will win. If you do it any other way, you will lose. You have to believe me." Desperate for your plan to work, you shot a worried glance up at Kirishima, who rubbed the back of his neck.
"I don't know, Sir," He pointed at the valley, tapping one of the hill sides lightly. "We would have a better advantage point… It's your call."
Bakugou kept his glare on you, observing you for any signs or hints that you were trying to trick him. Still, you stood your guard, knowing that you weren't lying. You knew exactly what was going to happen, and even if you did have some mission to sabotage their cause, you wouldn't be able to go through with such a thing. You wanted them to survive, as long as you could manage. Not only because you did feel some sort of kinship with them, but because your life hung in the balance. If he died, what would become of you? That was a scary thought.
"Fine, Demon. You were right before, I'll listen to you again." Bakugou took the map, folding it back up. "If things go as you say, then perhaps we can discuss loosening your leash a bit."
You couldn't resist the small, relieved smile that crossed your lips. "Thank you for believing me… And all I would really want is maybe some supplies… Paper and paints? So I can do some art?"
"You're an artist?"
"A-ah, well, no but I figured that with all my free time I could learn."
"What a waste of resources. I'll consider it." With that, he gave a dismissive wave of his hand, silently demanding your leave. With a small touch on your arm from Tsuyu, you followed her, giving a small bow even though he wasn't paying any attention to you.
As you walked alongside your guide, you gave a sigh, reaching up to pat your own cheeks. "Damn, that was scary."
"That was very bold of you." Tsuyu looked up at you with a wary glance. "You're very lucky he took it so well. But I will say that you had better hope that what you said is true. If something happens to him or any of his officers due to your misguidance, Lord Yagi won't tolerate your presence or the fact that you still breathe air."
You nodded, eyes on the wood beneath your feet as you walked. "Yes… I know. But I had to speak up and… say what I know. They would have been screwed if they went with their plan…"
"'Screwed', huh? And that is…?"
"They would be in really big trouble."
"Ah!" Tsuyu smiled. "I like these new words you always say, I always look forward to the next one."
You smiled as well, happy that she didn't judge you for your oddities that came with a modern slang. "I'll teach you words any time! Do you… tell Bakugou any of the words I let slip?"
"I do. He particularly likes the one… 'fuck'. And you confused him when you said 'stupid cunt'." How calmly she said these words without knowing the meaning made you nearly instantly burst into laughter, covering your lips with your fingers.
"Oh no! Well, I suppose I'll have to teach him what they mean."
"Me as well! I hope I'm not using inappropriate words."
"Aw well, Tsu… You're going to be surprised for sure."
