The Shadow Kingdom
Chapter 9: Training and Research
"You are a disgrace!" Endeavor screamed in fury. "After everything I've taught you, everything I've done for you, you're gonna drive this country into the ground over some woman!"
"I'm not doing this for Midoriya, I'm doing this for everyone. This is a problem that revolves around no only us but every kingdom in the world." Shoto told him adjusting his gloves. "I'm addressing the issue at hand and taking action, as you've taught me to."
"So says the King…" Touya said with a cocky smile to his old man.
"I don't know where Shoto dug you up but if you think I'll…" Endeavor started to retort but choked on air when Dabi's sword pressed to his neck.
"I just saved your life and that's how you're gonna talk to me? If you're that eager to die I can kill you myself. I'm a mercenary now, it's what I do." Touya's eyes glinted with murderous intent. "After everything you put me and mother through I should string you up in the town square… but I've plenty of time to exact my revenge on you, you washed up fool."
"Shoto are you gonna let him.." Endeavor looked at his son with wide eyed fury.
"Silence." Shoto scowled. "I was willing to grant your request to die… but in light of Touya's wise judgement I've decided to let you live. You're not banished, nor are you stripped of any title." He held his hand out spreading his fingers as if to cover his whole face. "Instead you'll be one of my messengers. Take a small party of guards with you and travel to the various other kingdoms and tell them of the upcoming threat. We need to rally more people to the battlefield in the Shadowlands."
"You're making me your delivery boy?" Endeavor sneered. "Just who do you think you you're talking to? I've ruled this kingdom for over thirty years!"
"Not anymore. I am King now, and unless you do as I ask you can spend the rest of your days on the farmlands wrists deep in dirt and actually doing good for a change." Shoto let ice form in his palm threatening to freeze him solid. "I'm sure Mrs. Midoriya would appreciate the extra set of hands."
"Tch…" He stood up shaking off the guards who flanked him. "If you're so anxious to ride our troops to their death fine… but if you expect any of the other kingdoms to fall in line, you put too much faith in their cooperation. I lead this kingdom by example and I can assure you these monarchies put themselves first."
"That may be, but unless you ask for help you'll never receive it. At least this way they'll be aware of the dangers and can prepare themselves for the effects of what's to come." Shoto turned his back on his father. "Now go… you've only a few months before the battle begins. I suggest you ride swiftly."
Endeavor clicked his tongue and he whirled out the room storming through the doors.
"Are you sure we should be entrusting him with this? He may just make matters worse." Touya pointed out. He watched Shoto approach the throne, stroking fingers along the old wood. "He may downsize the problem to make you look bad."
"Those kingdoms he spoke of know exactly who and how he is. If they want to believe him then they're as short sighted as he claims they are." He took a seat and felt both conflicted and empowered. "Touya, my hands are going to be tied here for a time so I've a request of you, if you're willing."
"Not gonna behead me for returning against my banishment?" He asked teasingly.
"No, I'm removing your banishment, and asking you to take charge of the training as the General of my troops." He told him soberly never missing a beat. Everyone in the room looked at him with surprise.
"That's a lofty offer your highness, but isn't Iida here your general?" Touya motioned to the proud knight.
"He is, but you are my brother and a prince of Tattooin. I'm in need of your worldly experience and impressive battle skills. As for Iida I'm charging him with a far more important task." He looked to Iida.
"Your Highness?" Iida took a knee and placed a hand over his heart.
"I want you to go to the Dagohban tribe and look after Izumi for me. I have to prepare everyone for the upcoming war and I'm afraid I won't be able to do much myself. Take care of whatever she needs, look out for her, and protect her and the child she carries with your life. Can you do this for me?"
"Of course!" Iida bowed graciously. "I will look out for Miss Midoriya. No harm will come to her, I promise."
"Thank you…" His eyes go to Kaminari who stood straight and tense as a statue. "Uraraka, Kaminari, I'll need you two to work between both the tribe and the castle. Kaminari I realize I have no jurisdiction over you as you are a member of the Dagohban, But I ask that you be my arms and legs and carry messages from here to the Dagohban's so I can keep them updated of our progress,"
"Sure I can handle that." Kaminari laughed it off and saluted. "You can count on me!"
"Thank you. Uraraka, I've asked Iida to protect Izumi and provide her with whatever she needs, but from what I understand this task she's taken on requires a lot of spell work and magic. I ask that you help her in this struggle and provide her with any and all of your knowledge in this field."
"Of course…" Uraraka pumped her fists and bowed respectively. "What about you, your highness? Will you accompany us back to Dagobah once you've finished your tasks here?"
"It may take a few days before I can free myself from the castle, but tell Izumi I'll visit when I can and to take care of herself." Shoto explained slowly closing a fist over the arm of his throne. "I'm counting on all of your to be my eyes and ears on her. She's important to me, see that no harm comes to her."
"Yes sir!" All three bowed in agreeance.
~A Few Months Later~
Izumi was sick of being pregnant. Now that she was in the middle of her second trimester she could feel every little change in her body. She ached in areas she never had before, she felt her emotions swimming all over the place, and she couldn't go anywhere without Bakugo, Iida or even Uraraka tagging along. It was fine for the most part as they helped her do tasks that tired her out, and allowed her to concentrate on studying, and practicing her magics… but they wouldn't even let her take a nap without someone there to supervise.
She knew somehow Shoto was behind Iida and Uraraka's constant need to hover. The man was too busy to visit but he made his mark by making sure his subordinates did all his worrying and fretting for him. She'd give anything to have five blissful moments to herself.
Not that she was ever alone, she reminded herself by stroking her now swollen belly. That was another irritation. She could no longer wear the pants and tunics she'd become accustomed to and had to resort to wearing frocks, skirts, or tribal wraps. Because she was getting bigger she could only sleep on her side but even then she had a hard time finding a comfortable position.
"Miss Midoriya I've returned with some fresh water and food." Iida offered the clay pot and some fruits for her. "You must stay hydrated, and you've been looking a little peaky as of late."
"Gee thanks." She forced a smile but took the offerings obediently. "Iida you don't have to hover me all day. I'm going to be reading books and studying up on purification, I'll honestly just bore you."
"Not at all… I'm more than happy to help you study up." Iida sat cross legged on the ground. He'd become accustomed to walking around without his armor and wore simple tunic and pants, but always kept his weapons at close reach. He grabbed a book at random and buried his face in it. "Hmm, Hmmm, Hmmm…"
"Do you even know what you're looking for Iida?" She asked him with a pitying look.
"Not a clue…" he said honestly. "However that doesn't mean I shouldn't read what you have here. The more knowledge I have of this subject the more I can be of assistance to you. Sir Might and Master Torino have been spending most of their time assisting your mother and Shinso on the farm and Lady Uraraka is out gathering herbs and supplies, so it is up to me to help with the reading materials."
"Appreciate it Iida, but really they're just some of my dad's old journals. There's not much in there that would be very interesting to you." She admitted.
"Your father eh?" Iida closed the book and admired the leather. "I never had the pleasure of meeting him. Was he a good man?"
"I like to think so." Izumi smiled warmly and genuinely. "I have very few memories of him, but the ones I do are very precious to me." She laughed some rubbing her nose. "There was this one time he came home completely covered in dirt, and scratch marks. My mom fret and panicked thinking he was attacked but he just laughed and admitted he'd fallen down a hole while taking notes."
"Sounds like you admire him."
"Mmmm I guess I do." She stroked the binding of the journal and held it up to her face inhaling the scent. "Mmmm my dad taught me to read… a little anyway, and after he died I begged and pleaded for mom to teach me more so I could read all his notes and journals and have a piece of him with me always." She set her book down to stroke her belly. "You know, I was feeling pretty cranky about my pregnancy a little bit ago. I kept telling myself I'll be glad when this is all over… but now I know I need to revel in the time I have with this experience. This may be the only time I'll get to spend with my child. If things go wrong I could very well perish."
"We won't let that happen," Iida assured and set down the book to take her hands. "His Highness, myself, Lady Uraraka, and the young chief will do everything in our power to keep you safe and ensure your victory, my lady."
"It's appreciated Iida…" her eyes took on a saddened look. "I know you guys will try to protect me, but I'm just trying to think logically here. Even if I live, the prophecy says the balance must be maintained, so something has to change. I'm just mentally preparing myself for it."
"Lady Midoriya-" Iida started to protest again but Bakugo strut in and glowered.
"The hell do you think you're doing Tin Can? Hands off my mate." He slaps the hands away and hauls Izumi up. "You've done enough reading for the day, take a break!"
"Kacchan, stop it, I've barely made a dent." Izumi protested and wriggled. "I keep getting interrupted and told to do something else. How am I supposed to work with you guys hovering over me like this? Put me down!"
"Hey Midoriya I've got the next shipment from the palace." Kaminari walked in hauling a bag over his shoulder. "His Kingliness thought you could use these reference materials and he scent you some really great smelling food from his cook."
"That's nice Kaminari, just set it all there and I'll-" She told him still trying to wriggle free from Bakugo.
"Midori-chan!" Uraraka jumped in behind Kaminari holding up two different plants. "I'm confused, which one is the right plant you need they both look the same to me."
"The right one, the difference is the coloring in the leaves, just let me-" She finally go to her feet but Bakugo refused to let go, keeping his arms around her.
"Oi Midoriya do you have any-" Kirishima started to ask, poking his head in behind Uraraka and Izumi had had enough.
"UGH THAT'S ENOUGH! EVERYBODY OUT! OUT! LEAVE!" She shouted and the tent quieted. "You all are crowding me and stressing me out which isn't good for my condition. If you want to help me than for pity's sake leave me alone. I don't want to see anyone in this tent for a solid hour is that understood!?" She huffed and puffed, flushed and aggravated. Kirishima held up his hands defensively nodding his agreement before leaving. Kaminari immediately set the bag down and quietly backed out. Uraraka followed suit leaving both plants on the rock she was using as a work table.
Iida bowed apologetically to her and stepped out of the tent, but she knew he'd be standing right at the entrance. Last but not least she turned irritated eyes to Bakugo.
"You too…"
"No."
"Kacchan…" she growled in warning. "I'm in no mood to deal with your overprotective hovering. Go away."
"I said no… I've left you alone all day, it's not my fault the rest of these idiots can't take a hint." Bakugo defended crossing his arms refusing to move. Izumi let out a long sigh of aggravation.
"Apparently neither can you." She picked up the book Iida had been reading and skimmed through it. She grunted when he yanked the book out of her hand. "Hey!"
"Read this instead…" he handed her a hastily folded piece of paper. She took it with a grunt.
"What is it…" She made a face at the barely legible penmanship on the front of the folded paper. "To Izumi… a letter?" She looked back at him. "Who is this from?"
"From me… it's a response to the one you gave me." He explained and crossed his arms still holding the other book hostage.
"From when… oh my god you still have that?" She blushed bright red. "Kacchan we were just kids."
"Yeah and it took me forever to learn how to read your crappy beginners handwriting." Bakugo complained. "Why the hell did you give me that letter anyway? All it was, was a complicated way of saying thank you. You could have told me that in person."
"Well it was right after we first met, I didn't think I'd ever get to see you again." She defended waving his letter in his face. "Plus I was still learning to write and I wanted the practice. I didn't know you couldn't read."
"Well I can now, I read the stupid letter so there's your stupid response. Now read it!"
"Ugh you can be so-" she started to insult and unfolded the letter ready to make fun of him in return. Though she could barely make out the chicken scratch he called handwriting, the words themselves were easy enough to decipher.
Dear Usagi,
You're Welcome.
Love, Katsuki Bakugo.
Blunt, straight forward, and probably the most romantic and sentimental thing he'd ever done for her. Izumi's eyes watered and tears spilled down her cheeks.
"What's wrong? Why the hell are you crying?"
"I'm not crying." She denied even as she sniffled and wiped at the tears.
"Liar, there's water on your face." He pointed accusingly.
"I just got just stuff in my eyes, and I'm pregnant so my moods are all over. It's got nothing to do with you or this stupid poorly written letter you gave me." She wailed.
"Oh for crying out loud, come here." He pulled her to him patting her head. "There, there."
"What are you doing?" She lifted her chin, tears still coming down but she frowned at him.
"I'm comforting you, what does it look like?" His temple throbbed with annoyance.
"Well you suck at it."
"Hah!?" Bakugo glared. "Of all the MMMPH!" His eyes widened a moment when Izumi suddenly kissed him from nowhere, her arms hook around his neck and fingers through his hair. He slowly slid into her rhythm closing his eyes and deepening the kiss. He pulled her as close as he could, the swell of her belly pressed on his abdomen and he protectively stroked, and cupped the sides of her belly.
When the kiss broke Izumi looked into his eyes her face calm but damp.
"I really hate you sometimes, Kacchan."
"I seriously doubt that," he murmured with a confident smirk and stroked a thumb over the tears. His face went serious after a moment. "Marry me, Izumi."
"Don't ask me that now, please Kacchan, that's not fair." She started to fret again the tears falling more.
"I'll ask however many times it takes for you to say yes." He kissed her again, gentler this time and full with such emotion it made Izumi weak in the knees. "I made the mistake of letting you go once, don't ask me to do it again. I'm not giving you up to High and Mighty without a fight."
"Kacchan…" She lay her hands on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart. "Now's not the time for this. I've got too much going on in my head and my heart, it would be unfair to you and Shoto if I made this decision negligently." She saw his face start to twist up and she cupped his cheeks in her hands. "I love you both so much… I wouldn't be here with you now if I wasn't at least thinking about sharing this life with you. I chose to come back, to live here in Dagobah until it was time so I can see if this is what I want, if this is the life I want for myself and my baby."
There was a glint in his eyes and his face suddenly softened and he took her hands in his.
"If that's the case, then you're doing it all wrong."
"What?" She looked at him confused.
"You want to see what life would be like if we were married, then let me show you." He lifted her up into his arms. "You're wearing tribal wraps today, so you can feel right in character for this."
"Right in character? Kacchan where are we- KYA!" She yelped when he suddenly darted out of the tent. She heard Iida let out a sound of distress and called out for them.
"Lady Midoriya! Lord Bakugo just where do you think you're taking her!?" Iida called out already in hot pursuit.
"You stay here, tin can!" Bakugo shouted back at him. "This is a learning experience! No Tattooin dogs allowed!" He smirked and picked up speed.
"You're really gonna have to do some fancy dancing if you wanna lose, Iida." Izumi told him clinging to him for dear life. "Iida's extremely fast."
"Yeah, well so am I. Hold onto me, Usagi." He told her and let go just long enough to send blasts through both his hands and sending them sky high above the trees. Izumi squealed and kicked her legs trying to keep them up.
"Kacchan this isn't safe for-" She felt his arms cup her protectively again and he cushioned their fall by landing on branches and brush, his thick hide boots protecting his feet from the harshness.
"No worries, Usagi, I'm not gonna let anything happen to my mate or future spawn." He assured her and continued to run. Izumi wasn't sure how this would help the scenario. When he finally stopped and set her down she shivered a little at the high winds and rubbed her arms.
"Kacchan it's cold up here, you could have at least let me… oh!" She paused her lecture and walked closer to the edge of the high cliff he'd brought her to. Her eyes went wide and face dazzled at the scenery. The cliff looked over the entire village and out past at the great plains that made up their land.
"If you and I were to marry…" Bakugo suddenly spoke up walking beside her and setting his hands on his hips to look out at the plains. "We'd seal our promise here, overlooking our entire land in which we'd govern. You'd be dressed in traditional garb and carried out here by the guardians chosen by me. It's a symbol of loyalty, and trust between myself and those I've chosen to carry what's precious to me."
"That's so romantic…" Izumi sighed. "...and not at all like you." She turned her head up giggling and he blushed and crossed his arms irritably.
"Can't be helped, it's tradition…" he grumbled and lifted his chin. "At any rate I know exactly who'd I choose."
"Really?" Izumi giggled. "Who?"
"Kirishima for one… he's an idiot but he's loyal to me without a fault and does what's right. Kaminari's an idiot, but he works hard and I respect a hard worker. Sero's a dunce, but competent enough to get the job done…" He started to list a forth but trailed off and stared at the final finger. Izumi raised a brow at his silence.
"Anyone else?"
"When it comes to protecting what they care about… the person I trust the most is your mom."
"Kacchan…" Izumi looked at him genuinely surprised.
"She's not physically strong, she can't fight, and she frightens easily… but when she found out what kind of trouble you were in, and the predicament you put yourself in she was ready to jump in a wagon herself and drag you back home. I could tell by the look on her face that no monster, or thief, or what have you was gonna stop her from protecting you. I respect that and admire that, so she'd be included… plus I know you'd want her to be there."
Izumi held her heart feeling it thump wildly in her chest. Before he'd given her that letter in the tent she'd been ready to pick Shoto who had been by her side when she needed him most, and cared for her unconditionally. When she'd seen the young prince ride off into the sunset she'd believed her heart had settled, and her mind made up.
Now though… after what he'd said, after seeing the side of Bakugo he'd never shown her before… she was back at square one, her heart divided into two. She looked down at the village seeing the tribe members all scurrying about their day to day activities.
"So… after we exchange vows, or promises as you put it… then what? What comes next?" She asked genuinely curious.
"Well, there's a feast, and those invited will present us with gifts as a token for our union. After which the bedding ceremony will take place, and we spend our first night together as true mates." He watched Izumi blush bright red at that and had to smirk. He reached out and tucked hair behind her ear. "In most cases that ceremony can take a few days… but I say we could stay in that tent for weeks."
"Kacchan stop it…" she was bright red holding her cheeks. "God how embarrassing."
"It's tradition…" he stepped in close and slid a hand over her belly. "We'll already have one child… but the whole point of the bedding ceremony is to ensure we create another, preferably a son as I'm sure this one is going to be a girl."
"Eh?" She looked up her face still red. "How can you tell?"
"Just a feeling… when I dream of our first born… I see a girl, and she favors you entirely."
"Really?" She smiled, her eyes closing from how big the grin stretched. "Doesn't that bother you?"
"Yes…" he stroked her hair and admired her stunning face with his deep serious crimson ones. Those beautiful green eyes opened and his entire world just came together. "...because I want you to look at our child and know in an instant just who the father is. I don't want there to be any doubt in your mind."
"What if I look at the child and see Shoto?" She said with a saddened expression. She saw the hitch in his confidence and felt his grip on her tighten just slightly.
"If you see Icy Hot… then at least I know for sure the child isn't mine… but if it favors you entirely, if there's no distinction between myself or him then I'll never stop wondering. No matter who you choose in the end it'll drive me crazy."
"That we can agree on…" She stepped from him and turned towards the setting sun, the wide open plains of the Dagobahn country, and the castle town of Tattooin that lay just beyond it. The picture Kacchan had put in her head was beautiful and so real she could feel it… however she could see herself with Shoto as well.
She could see herself in royal garb, side by side with Shoto, helping him and giving him support as he makes decisions for his people. She could see a little girl resembling much of herself running through the halls with books and excitedly talking about the rich history of the castle, and the world and wanting to see it someday.
She could see both futures so perfectly and couldn't possibly choose on her own. It was as if all her hopes and decisions rest within her womb. She gasped as she felt movement inside, a quick flutter that had tears springing to her eyes. She lay her hands over the flutter and prayed deep in her heart.
"To any god that's listening…" She whispered reverently. "This child can have my face, my hair, my mannerisms… but please let the child have their father's eyes. Let me look into them and see my heart reflected there."
"Usagi…" Bakugo had heard her prayer and he gently touched her shoulder. "Don't put your fate into the god's hands. It's your choice, your decision."
"I know… but it never hurts to ask." She turned back towards him her smile teary. "It's cold up here… let's go back."
"Alright…" He picked her up and his heart did a slow roll when she cuddled into him. "Usagi."
"Hmm? What?"
"Even if the child isn't mine… I'll still claim it." He told her simply.
"What?" Her eyes showed surprise.
"I want you both… so even if the kid is his, I'll accept it."
"Really?" Izumi's eyes went wide and happy. "You'd accept them?"
"Yes, so long as you choose me, it doesn't matter who the father of your child is. I'll wait as long as I need to for you to make your decision. If you choose me then the kid will be mine, end of story."
"Oh Kacchan!" She hugged him tightly. "You really do fight dirty!"
"Hey loosen up you're choking me!" He grunted and butt heads with her trying to get her to loosen her grip. "I'm not running so ease up, Baka Usagi!"
"Okay..." She giggled and loosened her grip. She sighed happily and lay her head on his chest. "Thank you, Kacchan."
"I'm not writing another letter…" He grunted at her but sighed and held her closer. "...but you're welcome."
~Ask Briry~
Briry: Awww BakuDeku Fluff… So at this point you can see how torn I am with the pairings which is why my plan is to do two endings, one BakuDeku, one TodoDeku. HOWEVER, unlike with the Midori timeline I'm only gonna have time to do one at a time so we're back to voting to see which pairing gets to be completed first. Please leave your votes in the reviews, or leave them in a comment on my facebook page.
Next Chapter: Spells and Incantations