The Shadow Kingdom
Chapter 11: Ground Zero
Shoto sat upon his mare riding across the ranks of men and eying them carefully. Soon they would march out of Tatooin and towards The Shadow Kingdom. He'd yet to receive word from any other kingdoms about the venture to the Shadowlands, but he expected and accepted that. Whether or not his father played it professionally or not, Shoto also knew his father was right about one thing. Most monarchies looked out for themselves and their own kingdoms, and rarely got involved in the affairs of others.
"We have to assume we're on our own. The knights of Tattooin, the warriors of Dagobah, and the protectors of the Shadowlands are the forces that will face against Nomu and the predators." He took a deep breath and looked to his brother. "Did you reach out to your mercenary crew?"
"I did, and as you requested offered up a boon for their participation, but it came back dry. Tomura holds the reins of that particular operation, and he can hold a grudge like no other. He's still pissed I stole your pretty fiancee out from under his nose. The likelihood of them showing up is slim to none." Touya told him up front, he was a shadow in contrast to his brother wearing all black including cloak and boots. Shoto in the meantime wore mostly white with a blue vest and shining gold cufflinks and the crown atop his head.
"Very well, oh speaking of which…" he pulled out coin from his bag and tossed it at him. "The reward as promised."
"Reward?" Touya lifted the bag his brow raised. "For what?"
"You promised my father you'd return me to Tattooin. You kept it, therefore the bounty is yours to split with the rest of the Vanguard squad." Shoto smiled. "Even if you don't want it, offer it to your teammates. It's a generous some and will treat you well should we all live past the war."
"You know something little brother…" Touya tied the pouch to his waist and smiled at him. "The Bookworm was right… you make a good king."
"Thanks, but I've seen how you lead your men. I think you would have made a decent one as well." Shoto commented with a small smile.
"Perhaps but that ship has sailed. I enjoy being a general though. It feels good to have a seat of power again." He takes off his glove and whistles between his fingers. "Listen up, zygotes! It's time to march! Let's shape up, form up, and ship out!"
He turned his horse and bowed a little to his brother.
"By your lead, your majesty!"
"Humph," Shoto smirked and then turned towards his men raising his sword. "Let's move out!"
~With the Dagobahs~
"Mrs. Midoriya, I can assure you-" Toshinori started to speak but Inko lifted her hand calling for silence. Beside him Master Torino, Iida, and the other men had their heads hung listening to the woman rant and lecture.
"I don't want to hear it! I let my daughter go off on her own once before, but not this time. I'm coming along to ensure you lot keep your promise and protect her and the baby! She's been through enough trauma as it is!" She wagged her finger.
"Mama, I think they get the picture." Izumi laughed softly, lounged back in the carriage and stroking her belly. "You've been nearly talking nonstop since we left, give them a break."
"I'm just worried, Izumi. This is your first child, and you've already been through a lot." She fluffed up some pillows she'd brought behind Izumi to make sure she was comfortable. "Giving birth is hard enough, without all the stress you're going to add to it. There could also be massive complications due to all the travelling you're doing."
"I'll be fine, Mama." She set the journal she'd been reading down and took both her hands. "I am glad you're coming with though. The birthing will easier knowing you're there to support me. Plus I'll need someone to watch the baby once its born, and I'll feel better knowing she's in your capable hands."
"She?" Inko blinked in surprise. "How do you know it's a girl?"
"A gut feeling, I guess." She glanced back at Bakugo and her cheeks flushed some. "Besides, if it is a girl I've got the perfect name already picked out for her." She stroked the belly and turned to eye the sword that was currently sheathed.
"Really?" Inko beamed, "what will you be calling her?"
"Hikari…" she lifted up bright eyes and smiled at her mother. "It's kanji for Light… and she is going to be the light of my life."
"Oh Izumi…" Inko teared up and plucked out her handkerchief to sniffle into it. "That's so beautiful!"
Izumi giggled and winced when the buggy bucked after going over a bump.
"Sorry about that, Izumi." Shinso glanced over his shoulder at her. "We're getting close to mountainous terrain so the road's gonna get a little rough."
"That's okay, I kinda expect it." She laughed and let out a long easy breath. She picked up the journal again and started reading "I just hope we get there soon. I've been feeling anxious since that dream I had."
"You still reading that thing?" Inko frowned. "You've been through that same book at least five times."
"I know… but I can't help but feel like I'm missing something." She flipped the same two pages back and forth. "This was the same book dad was using when he died. Meaning it's the same one he had when he found the sword." She bit her thumbnail.
"What is it exactly you're looking for? I thought you said you already finished the purification spell." Sir Might inquired peering over at his pupil.
"I have, and I'm sure it will work… it's just… I dunno something's bugging me. There's all this emphasis on maintaining the balance, and sacrifice… but none of the purifications call for death or sacrifices. So what did the prophecy mean about willingly sacrificing my light?"
Inko's face went pale.
"Izumi you don't think they mean-" she motioned to the baby and Izumi had a moment of panic and fear come across her face before she quickly shook it off.
"No… no I don't believe that. The prophecy says Nomu will awaken to the sounds of new life. So this child has to live." Still that very thought shook her to the core and she cradled her belly in both hands. "It has to be something else… it has to be!"
Inko saw the fear in her daughter's eyes and wish she hadn't said anything. Hoping she could think of something else she takes the journal from her.
"Okay, okay, then calm down and let's think. It could be that the prophecy is just a bunch of baloney."
"I don't think so… it's been correct on a lot of things so far, such as the cry of new life, and the reluctant king." Izumi lay back and stare at the sky, tears welling up. "I just… I can't imagine why the gods would allow me to give birth only to take it away from me. I don't understand the logic in that."
"Logic doesn't apply to gods, Izumi." Sir Might said grimly but reached out and took her hand. "Still I too don't believe that your child is the sacrifice that's required. It could be you just need to give up your magic."
"That could be it… yeah I can imagine that." Izumi closed her eyes. She didn't want to admit it openly… but her mother's fear and theory made more sense. Giving up her child was a far greater sacrifice, more powerful and cruel… but it's also why she had her doubts. There was something she was missing… a piece of the puzzle she'd yet to collect.
If she was able to keep her child, and her magic, then what "sacrifice" could the prophecy be talking about? What could they possibly lose in order for the balance to-
"Wait a minute…" she suddenly shot up her eyes wide and staring out with an epiphany. "… the hero will be changed forever." She looked at the sword and realization hit her. "I wouldn't lose anything… I'd be gaining…. Holy shit that's it! KACCHAN!" She screamed and the entire caravan halted at her shout.
"What!? What is it!?" Bakugo raced back to her and jumped in the cart stroking a hand over the mound. "What's wrong?"
"We need to stop, find a camping spot and stop for the night! I need to-"
"What? It's only midday, and we've still got a full day's trek." He narrowed his eyes on her. "If you need to relieve yourself you can."
"No, baka!" she blushed and slapped his hand. "I need to test a theory! I need Lady Uraraka. It's important!"
"Alright, alright, alright, jeez…" He cursed and looked back to his father. "Father take the troops ahead and camp at the sight we scouted out before. I'm staying behind with Izumi and we'll catch up once she's done her business."
"Alright, if that's what you think is best, son." The chief nodded and turned back to his men calling for them to march on. Bakugo sighed heavily and plucked Izumi from the back of the wagon.
"Alright, Usagi, you win. Tell me what you need, we'll get it."
"Thanks Kacchan." She grinned at him.
"This had better be good If I wind up having to haul you all the way to the Shadowlands I'm going to be mighty pissed at you."
"You won't, but I need to do this now while it's still fresh in my mind. So let's hurry and find a place to set up camp. I need to get a fire going, and I'm gonna need to be isolated from everyone except for Lady Uraraka."
"What are we doing, Midori?" Uraraka asked curiously.
Izumi looked to her friend and gave her a confident smile.
"We're maintaining the balance."
~Later~
They'd found a cave that suited their needs. Izumi banished the group out, except for Uraraka who helped her light the fire and set up the ingredients she needed to complete the spell. She scrawled the proper Kanji symbol and wrapped it around the blade smiling.
"Here it goes…"
"I'm still confused on what we're doing." Uraraka added the last few ingredients into the boiling pot. "I thought you said the purification spell was finished."
"It is… but there's one other element we need in order for my plan to work." Izumi explained and she placed the blade out in both hands over the pot.
"Which is…" Uraraka questioned as Izumi lowered the blade into the cauldron. The inky black substance covered it from hilt to tip and Izumi lay her hands out over the cauldron her eyes going serious with concentration.
"I call upon the gods of creation and destruction… bestow upon this blade, the power I seek to maintain the balance, and bring about peace! Anata no hikari de watashi o shukufuku shi, anata no yami de watashi o norou!"
A crash of thunder made Uraraka jump and a thin shroud of mist erupted from the pot, the air static with power and causing Izumi's hair to float. Her skin seemed to glow, and for a moment her pupils disappeared as she stayed focused on the cauldron. Then suddenly the wind kicked up and all the smoke sank back into the pot leaving nothing but the sword that hummed with power.
"It's done!" Izumi removed the sword from the pot and on one side the words "Hikari" were etched, but as Izumi flipped it to the opposing side, etched in black lettering was the word "Kurai."
"I don't get it… What does that symbol mean, Midori-chan?" Uraraka leaned in afraid to touch the shining blade.
"It means Dark. The sword represents a balance of both powers, the light and the dark. Don't you see?" She turned to Uraraka her eyes lit brilliantly. "This HAS to be the reason why I was chosen. I'm an apothecary… a healer! I've been using the light magic Sir Might gave to me as an enhancer. It supports and improves my natural abilities, and allows me to purify dark creatures like the predator that attacked Kacchan. Nomu is a creature of pure destruction, it's dark magic is used to kill and destroy things. It is not death that defeats Nomu, and it is not power that strengthens the hero… it's the opposite. I'm giving Nomu light to purify his soul, but I'll still have my magic, the power given by the god of creation. In order for there to be a balance I have to also possess the power of destruction… wielding both in equality."
"The hero will be forever changed… Midori-chan!" Uraraka shook her gently beaming from ear to ear. "You're a genius!"
"Thanks…" she laughed and pat Uraraka's shoulders. "I'm a little wary on this whole wielding destruction magic. Usually dark power like that comes with some kind of deformity, but if it means I get to keep my magic and my child, then I'd be more than willing to take any backlash that comes with it."
"I agree, and don't worry no matter what the backlash is I'll back you up, and I'm sure the King and Bakugo will as well." Uraraka assured.
"Somebody wanna tell me what the hell is going on in here?!" Unable to stand still any longer Bakugo stepped into the cave and sneered at the two giggling women. "The hell are you two doing in here? What was with that freaky light show just now?"
"Just finishing up a spell, Kacchan…" She beamed at him and walked over hugging him tightly. "We're gonna win… we're gonna defeat Nomu and bring about peace. I'm ready Kacchan, I'm ready to stare destiny in the face!"
"Humph…" Bakugo smirked and lifted her chin up and stare into the eyes of a very determined and confident woman. "Glad to hear it, Usagi."
~The Next Day~
Because they were a full day behind, Izumi and the small caravan ended up meeting Shoto and the rest of the Tattooins right on the outskirts of the Shadow Kingdom. The entire army was camped out on the outskirts, setting up tents and readying their weapons for the oncoming battle that was to take place.
"Izumi!" Shoto ran up as she and Inko got out of the wagon with Bakugo's help. He pulled her into his arms and Izumi hugged him back, much to Bakugo's irritation. "Everything alright?"
"Yeah, everything's ready. It's only a matter of time." She lifted her head and gently touched the gold around his brow with a smile. "King Shoto."
"Heh, I'm still getting used to it…" he took her hand and kissed it, then looked to Bakugo and motioned him to follow. "Come on, from the top of the hill you can see the entire valley, and there's something you all should see."
He walked them up the path to the top of the rising hill. The sky was dark, clouds looming over the entire mountain range and valley that made up the kingdom itself. Izumi felt a stirring inside her, a sort of cold tingle along her spine.
"See that mountain in the distance?" Shoto pointed straight out and Izumi's eyes cast out to the far distant mountain.
"That shape… it's Nomu."
"That's right… reports from Tokoyami state that several cracks have formed and from those cracks hordes of predators are coming out in small droves, more everyday. Also that thundering sound you hear in the distance is no storm… it's Nomu's heartbeat."
"Creepy…" Uraraka went blue and held her stomach.
"The land is already soaked with blood and decay from the soldiers and predators that have been killed in battle." Bakugo held his nose. "I can smell the blood from here."
"Why do people live here? It's so dreary and dangerous, why protect a kingdom like this?" Uraraka held her heart.
"This land is filled with pride and history, Lady Uraraka… the knights that linger here are sworn to protect the citizens from darkness, and the citizens stay because this land holds the history of their people." Iida explained.
"There's also financial and educational gain. The archaeology of this land is home to some of the oldest records of mankind, including the various types of magic and alchemy discovered. On top of that the mountains are filled with rare gems and minerals that miners cultivate and sell all across Yueii." Izumi added and held her her back as it ached.
"Are you alright?" Shoto asked seeing the pain on her face.
"Hmm? Oh, yeah, it's just been a really long and arduous trip, especially those last few miles." She took a deep breath and winced. "I think I need to…. MMNNG!" She collapsed to her knees suddenly and both Bakugo and Shoto were at her side immediately.
"Izumi!"
"Usagi!"
"Little Midori!" Sir Might, having seen Izumi collapsed rushed up the hill panting and he pat her back. Behind him Torino, Shinso, and Inko hurried to catch up. "What is it?"
"I… I think I'm in labor!" she gasped as the pain shot all the way through, her eyes went wide and frightened as the sound of cracked rock pulsed and there was a low screeching sound in the distance. The sky filled with bird like predators which soared out and attacked.
"What in the…" Bakugo looked out at the predators. "I've never seen so many of those beasts in one sitting."
"Looks like the battle's already starting." Shoto narrowed his eyes, and looked back down at Izumi. "If Izumi's in labor that means…"
"It's time… Nomu will be awakened soon." She clenched both Shoto's and Bakugo's hands. "You guys need to help Tokoyami… it's only going to get worse from here."
"I don't like leaving you alone." Shoto looked down at her, torn between his duty and his heart.
"She won't be alone…" Toshinori promised and with Shinso's help got Izumi to her feet. "We'll get her to the castle and prep her for the birth. Leave little Midori to her mother and I… the rest of you should do what you can to help Lord Tokoyami."
"String bean is right… we're not gonna do Izumi any good by sitting by and holding her hand. We belong on the battlefield, Icy Hot." Bakugo stood toe to toe with him. "Let's clear the way for her."
Shoto looked into Bakugo's eyes, the two of them sharing a moment before he nodded in agreement.
"Alright… Iida, Uraraka, stay with Izumi. When she's ready to join the battle you do your best to help protect her and give her a clear shot."
"You got it, your majesty!" Uraraka nodded and clenched her fists.
"Iida, I'm counting on you to protect Izumi." Shoto placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm leaving her in your hands."
"You can count on me, your highness." Iida bowed and picked up Izumi himself. "Get the wagon, we need to hurry and get her inside!"
He lay Izumi back down in the wagon, Inko covering her up with the blanket and Sir Might letting her hold his hand. Shinso took the reins with Uraraka beside him and Iida getting in the back ready to protect from any oncoming predators.
"Usagi!" Bakugo clamped a hand on the edge of the wagon looking at her pained face. "Don't you dare die on me."
"Make that double." Shoto agreed. "We'll buy you time… but don't do anything reckless."
"No promises…" Izumi managed with a smile but she waved a hand at them both. "Same goes for both of you though… don't you dare die, or I'll never forgive either of you."
The two smirked at her and Izumi felt a swell of relief and let herself drift off as Shinso sent the wagon gallopping into the Shadowland territory. Both leaders turned to their armies and raised their voices for all to hear.
"PREPARE FOR BATTLE!"
~Ask Briry~
Briry: Oooh we're getting close! *rubs hands together* I punched this chapter out pretty fast and impatiently so hopefully there's not too many errors or confusion. Next chapter is the great battle you all have been waiting for and I hope I can do it justice.
Next Chapter: Light gives birth to Dark