The Shadow Kingdom
Author's Note: Good news for those interested in my lemon chapters. I've uploaded the ones I've completed onto Archive of Our Own so that they're easier to find and read. My Username is the same so it should be easy enough to find my page. The Lemon chapters are listed under one fic titled "Various Lemon Chapters" So original, right?
Main reason I put them up on Archive is to make it easier for my readers to find, and so that I can receive feedback. If you guys still have trouble finding it, let me know and I can properly direct you.
Thanks for your continued support!
Chapter 2: Bakugo's Lament
The lake stretched out across the horizon, its reflective surface glittering blue like the sky. Fluffy clouds formed in patches creating interesting shapes. Ducks, geese, and swans flew and congregated across the water occasionally diving down for a feast.
Izumi thought that this small piece of paradise was the perfect place to relax and do some work. She brought Ochaco with her, mainly because she felt bad leaving her alone at the house, and decided to teach her to fish.
"Is this really necessary, Midori?" Ochaco squirmed and watched Izumi strip to her long undergarments. Izumi had tied up her hair into a bun to keep it out of her face and had instructed Ochaco to do the same. "Can't we just toss a line out like I've seen other fisherman do?"
"We could… if you wanna do it the boring way." Izumi grinned at her and waded into the cool water. She waited for Ochaco to join her and then took a deep breath lifting her arms up over her head and then down. "First thing to do is breathe… find some calm, and just take everything in around you… the rippling waves, the sound of nature, the scent of the damp air…"
"You're really into this…" Ochaco whispered, but followed Izumi's example and mirrored her movements. She hadn't known how tense she was until she took a moment to breathe. Almost instantly she felt herself relax… did as she was instructed and just listened to the pulse of nature.
She let out a small gasp when out of nowhere Izumi whipped her hand down into the water and slapped a fish up and out, it's body wriggling on dry land where it had flopped.
"How did you…" Ochaco looked at the fish and then at Izumi who stayed poised, eyes closed and lips slightly curved.
"My magic abilities… I found I can use the aura I emmit in various different ways. It can be used both as an offense weapon, and a strong defense. Also by using it as an extension of my body I can see all forms of energy around me without the use of my eyes."
"Really?" Ochaco's eyes went bright and curious. "That's so cool… how did you figure that out?"
"I got a glimpse of it during my fight with Shoto. I was curious so I started reading all the journals of the previous holders." She slowly opened her eyes and dropped into casual stance. " I'm trying to better understand my magic, get a sense of what I can do. I've learned more about myself in these last few months than the whole of my life." She looked down at her hands. "Before now I'd only known what people told me, or what they expected me to be…" Her eyes went hard and she clenched her fists. "...but now I've found my gumption, and grit. I won't be that timid woman everyone saw me as before."
"By everyone you mean Prince Bakugo?" Ochaco asked her eyes sad and sympathetic. At the quick jerk of Izumi's head, and the surprising glare in her eyes Ochaco felt herself cower back.
"It wasn't just Kacchan, even though it may seem that way to everyone else. No, almost everyone around me held me in the same light. I was a woman… I'd only ever amount to so much. I could see when people looked at me they only saw a young unmarried woman who had delusions of grandeur. Even a majority of the knights I trained with thought I was crazy."
Ochaco frowned and held her heart and lowered her head. She couldn't deny she'd heard some of the bad talk from others on Izumi's participation in the games. Even after she'd won there had been people who'd believed she'd lucked into the win.
"Prince Shoto never did." she whispered, and had Izumi smiling.
"That's true enough… Shoto always believed in me and it's one of the many reasons I'm so fond of him. The only thing is… even though Shoto supports me, has always supported me… I felt he also had his own vision of what I should become. It was like he was expecting me to one day just fall into step, and until that day happened he'd be patient with me." She fidgeted as if she had an itch between her shoulder blades.
"I guess that makes sense." Ochaco admitted and wanting to try the fish trick she snapped her hand in the water but only came up with a handful of algae. Her face went a bit green and she quickly shook it off.
"Maybe I'm just looking too much into it. Shoto truly is a kind person and I'm grateful for his support and his friendship." Izumi sent another fish flying onto the shoreline.
"So why does it feel forced?"
"I dunno… maybe because I honestly never expected anyone to treat me like this. The only person who really treated me differently was Kacchan and even he…" she trailed off holding her heart as the memories swam back. "When we were kids Kacchan always saw me as a cowering rabbit, and he'd tease me for it... but he was also the one who taught me to stand up for myself. In a way he forced me to put my back up and pushed me to find that grit. I wanted to be more like him, to be brave and strong and just… powerful."
Izumi's eyes took on a look of admiration and nostalgia. Ochaco saw it and her mouth turned down in a pout.
"The Price is stronger…"
"Maybe… but Kacchan's strength and grit were traits I'd always admired and envied… I knew that if I wanted my dreams to come true I had to be more like him...step out of my comfort zone, and face my fears. Both he and Shoto helped me with that, and I'll always love them for it" She turned those wistful eyes onto Ochaco and smiled. "No matter what."
Ochaco gave a wistful sigh and held her cheeks.
"You're such a romantic Midori-chan."
"You think so?" Izumi scratched her cheek blushing. "I never really considered myself to be one."
"Trust me, you've got a real romantic heart." She took both her hands clasping them with hers. "Bakugo may not understand, but I know Prince Shoto will. You've been distancing yourself from him since that day in the glen." Ochaco watched Izumi fidget some and the blush get brighter. "Don't shut him out Izumi… he's here because he wants to be, and he deserves to know how you feel."
"Mmm…" Izumi thought of the child growing inside her… a child that may or may not be Shotos. "I know… when he and the others return I'll speak with him."
"Good… now then let's see if I can get the hang of this fishing thing." Ochaco mocked rolling up her sleeves and slapped at the water again… she squealed when she pulled out an eel and sent it flying. Izumi could only laugh.
~Dagobah~
Kirishima had seen his share of Bakugo's tantrums...but never had he seen his Prince sulk to the point of depression. For the past two months Bakugo had taken out his frustration, anger, and heartbreak by spending all his time hunting, training, and giving everyone the silent treatment.
"What the hell are you staring at Kirishima?" Bakugo grunted gnawing his teeth into a thick ham leg.
Okay so maybe not the complete silent treatment.
"Nothing… I wanted to ask you about Midor-" he jolted as an explosion caught him in the face and he coughed up smoke. He was grateful for his strong hide or that would have seriously hurt.
"What have I told you about mentioning that woman?!" Bakugo snapped his arm smoking from the recent use of his magic. "Do I need to kill you?"
"No...I just thought...you know since you've been going to see her mom that you-" he started to explain and got a sneer of disgust.
"So you've been spying on me?" Bakugo waved the ham bone around ready to bash him over the head with it. "Why the hell are you bringing that up anyway? What could you possibly want to know about that stupid rabbit?"
"I'm concerned alright… You haven't been yourself since Midoriya left. You banished her from the tribe, swore you wanted nothing to do with her and yet it's clear whenever you go on these long hunting trips that you're actually hoping to bump into her. You've gone down to see her mom on more than one occasion hoping she'd be there. So why not just ask her mom where she is and go after her?"
"Like hell I'd go crawling to her…" Bakugo sneered. "The only reason I'd want to see that stupid rabbit again is to make her beg for forgiveness and eat dirt." He tossed the rest of the ham bone into the fire. The look on his face went from irritated to pained almost instantly. "Besides that's not why I go see Inko."
"Inko?" Kirishima blinked at the use of her name. It was rare for Bakugo to use anyone's true name unless he held them on his level. It showed Bakugo had some manner of respect for Izumi's mother.
"She's been teaching me to read." Bakugo admitted pulling a knee up to rest his elbow on. His eyes stared into the fire. "When we were kids Usagi wrote me a letter… but I didn't know how to read their use of script so I just tucked it away. I want to put that rabbit and everything that's happened between us in the past… but I need to know what that letter says before I can do that… so Inko's been teaching me."
"I see… so it does involve Izumi…" Kirishima gave a small smile and got a quick death glare.
"Don't read too much into it. I'm just curious what she wrote, that's all." Bakugo flushed and laid down rolling onto his side to turn his back to him. "I've made up my mind. I'm giving up on that good for nothing rabbit, and not you, my mother, or even Usagi is going to change that."
That's right, Bakugo told himself in a lecture, you will not give in this time.
...not a goddamn thing is gonna change my mind.
~Shoto~
Shoto sent his horse to a gallop as they neared the house. The errand into the nearby town took a lot longer than he'd anticipated and he was anxious to get home.
"Wait! Your highness! I know you're in a hurry to get back but remember the cargo we carry." Iida pleaded and pat the satchel on his horse "We cannot afford to drop any of the supplies we acquired for Lady Midoriya."
"You're right… it would be a moot point if that were to happen." He slowed his horse. "Still I wonder if it was alright that all three of us went."
"I agree...We should have left someone behind to look after the women. Master Torino is talented but he is an elderly gentleman."
"Speaking of which, I wonder where Sir Might wandered off to…" Shoto turned his horse around in a circle and Iida followed suit. They heard the strong gallop and looked in the direction from where they just came in time to see Toshinori breach the trees.
"Sorry I fell behind. I saw these wonderful flowers," He held up the bouquet. "I thought they might perk Young Midoriya up as she's been feeling under the weather the past few days."
Shoto smiled at the gesture and wished he'd thought of it.
"I'm sure she'll love them."
"You take them, your highness, she'll love them even more coming from you." He offered it to him but Shoto waved a hand.
"No you thought of them and picked them. It'll mean more to her that way. I've my own gift I picked up in town." He turned his horse back towards the house and set it into a slow canter. Iida and Toshinori lagged behind exchanging prying looks for the young prince.
"He's hurting…" Toshinori murmured. "I hadn't realized how deep his feelings ran for young Midoriya."
"Ah...she's very special to him. He's given up his throne and privileged life to be with her...but she continues to pine for the Dagobahn Prince. I wish there was some way to bring the two of them together. To have her heart sway in his direction."
"Hmmm...perhaps there is." Toshinori winked in Iida direction. "Leave it to me."
"Should we really interfere?"
"I wouldn't call it interfering...more like giving them a little nudge." He motioned with the flowers again. A few moments later they reach the stables and Master Torino was waiting for them.
"Ah took you zygotes long enough...I hope it was worth the trip." He scolded.
"Yes, it was very productive." Shoto discounted and pat his horse's white mane affectionately. "Where's Izumi? We've brought her gifts."
"Oh her and lady Ochaco went out to the lake for some sun and quiet. They left a little late this morning so they may yet be awhile."
"They're on their own?" Toshinori in mock shock.
"Midoriya is a big girl she can handle anything these woods have to dish out." Torino waved it off but had to hold in a smirk when he saw Shoto's face go tense. "Only thing out in these woods are harmless bucks...and so long as she doesn't wander too far into the water she can avoid the dangerous animals there."
"Hmm I suppose you're right." The two older men exchanged knowing glances.
"Dangerous?" Alarmed Shoto glanced in the direction of the lake. "How dangerous."
"Ah just your usual," Toshinori picked up rubbing his chin. "Snakes, crocodiles, large predator fish, electric eels…"
Saddled back onto his steed Shoto kicked into high gear heading off in the direction of the lake. Torino chuckled and glanced up at Toshinori who have a thumbs up in approval.
"Young love...so naive."
"See young Iida?" Toshinori waved his hand as if to push the air. "Just a little nudge."
~Meanwhile~
Shoto raced through the trees and down the path heading for the lake. He paused his horse when he spotted Ochaco walking down the path alone.
"Oh! Your highness! You're back!" She turned to him smiling, her hair damp and the fish gathered in a bucket.
"Where's Izumi?" He hastily asked giving her only a nod at her comment.
"Oh she's still by the lake." Ochaco mentioned down the path. "She was gonna read the journals for a little while and then she said she wanted to take a swim. Say could you- Ah, hey!" She held out a hand when he gallopped in the direction pointed. Ochaco puffed out her cheeks. "Geez you could have at least taken the bucket off my hands." She grunted and hefted the pail up the path.
At the lake, Izumi sat curled with the first holder's journal in her lap and her own notebook sitting within reach so she could jot down notes. Her brows furrowed over a notation that rang a bell but she couldn't figure out where from.
~ I do not have long before the last dregs of my power completely wane. Whilst I was unable to kill the beast as the god of gods wished of me, I have passed my power onto future generations as instructed, and hope that the next to take on The Nomu will be able to defeat it's darkness. With my light I also passed on the final words the god of gods passed to me.
"It is not death that defeats him."
It is my belief that the god of gods means for us to finish the beast, whereas Death, it's creator, cannot. It will be us the guardians of light that shall end him. ~
It is not death… Where had she seen this passage before? Izumi scowled over the page her eyes glaring hard and rereading it over and over hoping it would trigger something.
"Izumi!"
Izumi jolted and her head shot up. She barely got a look at Shoto's face before she found herself being thoroughly hugged. She blushed and nearly fell backward from the force.
"Shoto! You're back… is everything alright? Why do you sound-"
"You haven't been bitten have you?" He pulled back admiring her hands and arms his eyes scanning for any damage.
"No, I'm fine… Shoto what's-"
"Don't go swimming. Sir Might told me of the dangerous wildlife lurkin in the lake. You're safest here. If you want to cool down we can-"
"Shoto." Izumi raised a brow. "What dangerous wildlife? The only thing in these waters are fish… big fish, sure, but just fish nonetheless."
"What about the Crocodiles, and snakes, and electric eels?"
Izumi smiled and then couldn't help but laugh. She was beginning to put the picture together in her mind that had sent him here in such a panic.
"Shoto, these mountain rivers are too cold for that kind of wildlife. And it's not the right environment for them. Crocodiles prefer murky shallow waters where they can blend into the plant life. Snakes need warmer water to swim in or they go into hibernation like any true reptile. And the only kind of eels in these waters are harmless and don't shock you. Ochaco proved that by catching one earlier."
Shoto felt the blood rush to his face and he fell back on his butt sighing heavily.
"I've been… I believe the expression is, duped."
"Fraid so…" Izumi laughed again and then pat the patch of grass next to her. "Well since you're here, you might as well keep me company."
Shoto looked at the spot a bit warily then at the books she had scattered around her.
"You're busy… I don't want to disturb you anymore than I already have."
"You won't, please sit with me." She gave him a warm smile. "I've missed you."
"Have you?" He scooted closer but kept his distance. The distance made Izumi feel the familiar guilt. She played with the edge of the journal her eyes lowered to the page but she didn't read.
"I have… I've taken for granted having you close by. I'm sorry I've been keeping you at arms length, and for how I acted after we…" She blushed and closed the book in her lap then opened it.
"...made love?" Shoto finished and had her running nervous fingers through her hair.
"That would be an apt expression of what we did." She closed her eyes. "I took that for granted too. I'm truly sorry for that, Shoto."
"I don't blame you, Izumi. I blame him." He looked her directly in the eyes when her head shot up. "Yeah you lied to him, you hurt him… but he should have heard you out. It's left you with doubts and regrets and hurts of your own. It's gonna take time for you to get over it. I understand, believe me."
Tears welled up in her eyes and she lowered her head again to hide them. Shoto closed the distance now lifting her chin with his knuckle.
"Don't hide them from me." He kissed the teardrops away. "I don't care how long it takes. I'll always be here for you… so let me in. Let me heal you, Izumi."
"Shoto…" She let out a small sob and she curled into him her arms coming around to hold him close. "I really have missed you."
He smiled and held her close burying his face in her hair and just breathed her in.
"I've missed you too… I'm sorry I was gone so long. I had business in town that I wanted to finish right away."
She sniffed and lifted her head.
"Business?"
"Mmm I sold some of my belongings that I didn't want anymore. When we finally make our way to the Shadowlands we'll need money for inns and such for the long journey."
"Oh, Shoto, you didn't have to-" Izumi looked distress but he waved it off.
"It was expensive garbage… silk clothes, jeweled cufflinks and chains, that kind of thing. Really gaudy stuff I don't have business wearing anymore."
"Are you really declining all rights to the throne, Shoto?" Izumi's eyes went serious. "Doesn't the throne now go to your half brother who is a rogue?"
"It does, and while I haven't met him he can't be any worse than my idiot father." Shoto said with animosity.
"Shoto…" Izumi said with disapproval.
"It's fine…" He pulled her into the crook of his arm trying to keep the mood light. "I've never wanted to be king anyway. I prefer having freedom, travelling with you, Iida, and the others."
"I think you would be a great king." Izumi tilted her head up and smiled at him. "King Shoto, kind, fair, and brave. The great hero that helped defeat the great darkness. You'll go in history."
"Hmmm…" he smiled back at her and stroked her face. "I've missed that smile. You need to do it more often."
He was trying to change the subject, she noticed, and couldn't fault him for it. She should leave it alone… it was his choice… but wished he could see the good he could do under his rule.
"You always know how to make me smile." She complimented and lifted a hand to stroke his cheek. "If it's what you want, I promise to smile as often as I can."
"It's not just about what I want… it's about whether or not you're happy Izumi. You deserve to be happy, Izumi."
She thought of the baby… of the life growing inside and how she felt about that little surprise. He deserved to know… he NEEDED to know.
"Do you know what would make me happy, Shoto?"
"No, what?" genuinely curious he kept his face on hers, his fingers absentmindedly stroking through her hair.
"I will be happy when the darkness is defeated and peace returns. I will be happy when everyone can return home feeling safe…" she lay a hand on her belly. "I'll be happy just to live… and give birth to the child growing inside me… to see it's face when I bring it into the world."
Shoto's hand stilled in her hair and his eyes went wide and face pale. Izumi let out a shaky breath as she sat up to look at him properly. Tears threatened to spill over again but she managed a smile.
"Shoto… I'm pregnant."
~Ask Briry~
Briry: Okay… so I meant to update If it Never Happened and Twisted Fate before this, but there was a TINY little error with my computer's autosave and the bulk of my data got erased. So I'm having to start from scratch… -_-
Luckily I had this chapter presaved on a different computer so i thought I'd update here to keep from going completely idle. Sorry about this!
Next Chapter: Inko's Favor