My Hero Academia
Chapter 13: Sacrifice and Balance
Izumi strapped on her belt adjusting the scabbard of her sword with nervous fingers. She couldn't seem to get rid of the tremors inside her heart at witnessing Nomu's brief show of power.
Even as she dressed she could feel the aftershocks and she wanted to curl up from it. That dark power was so frightening… and what was more frightening than facing it.. Was knowing she'd have to wield it herself.
Was something like that possible? Could she maintain who she was, what she stood for, if she took on this tainted destructive power.
"Ask her, ask her…" Izumi heard a small voice behind her and glanced over her shoulder. In the doorway of the armory was a little boy with dark hair and eyes, his hand gripping the skirt of a maid and tugging on it.
"Yes, yes, my lord." The maid laughs and bows to Izumi. "My apologies for the intrusion, Lady Izumi."
"It's alright… is there something wrong?" Izumi turned giving the boy a soft smile before lifting her eyes up to the maid.
"No, my master just wishes to speak with you a moment." She motioned to the little boy who stay clung to her skirts.
"Of course." She knelt down extending a hand to the boy. "How may I be of service, little lord?"
The boy pouted at the title but stepped forward standing in front of the maid now.
"You can wield magic, right? I heard you talking with some people about spells."
"Yes, I have magic," she tilted her head her smile never fading. "Why do you ask?"
"Can you teach me?" He stepped forward, hands bunched into fists and his eyes serious. "I want to use all kinds of magic, not just my own. I want to be a wizard, a powerful one."
"A wizard huh? You'll need to study hard if you want to be fluent in all types of magic and not just your inherited gifts." She slid down so she knelt on both of her knees now and she held out her palms. "Let me see your hands."
He hesitated a moment but stepped closer and held his hands out to her. She turned them over admiring the skin and palms.
"Mmmm as I thought… too smooth… you're going to have to work much harder, My Lord." She clasped both her hands over his. "Both of us are. I'm learning to wield all kind of magic too, and I can tell you it's not easy."
"I can do it… I'll work really hard and study and train, so just tell me what to do and I'll do it." He nodded his head feverently and had her laughing softly.
"You're very spirited, and that's good. I can't guarantee I'll be able to teach you, because I need to go fight a war… my knowledge of magic is the only thing I have to protect me and I hope it'll be enough."
"It will be, I can see it!" The boy stare into her eyes, and her breath hitched when she saw those black orbs swirl as if there was a cloud of mist foaming over the irises. "I see you unleashing a spell with such tremendous power that you lay waste to your enemies. The gifts you will possess is a blend of power no true mortal has ever seen before, and you will wield it with strength, and confidence."
"Kai!" A powerful voice called from the doorway, the maid bowing as Queen Kayama stood in the frame now scowling at him. "What have I said about telling such stories to others."
"I'm sorry, Mother." Kai bowed his head, an already stunned Izumi thrown for a loop.
"Eh? Mother?" She blinked wide eyed.
"Mandalay…" she glanced to the maid who stayed bowed. "Please take my son back to his chambers. He'll be safest there. The war is reaching it's climax and things will get far more dangerous."
"Yes, My Lady," Mandalay held out her hand. "This way please, Prince Kai."
Kai nodded and walked away from Izumi his head high again, but there was a tension Izumi recognized from watching Shoto… a sort of sadness and regret.
"Prince Kai…" She waited until he turned to face her and she smiled warmly at him. "I just gave birth to a little girl named Hikari. She'll be staying here as the battle goes on. If you promise to look after her while I'm gone, then when I return I will give you your first magic lesson."
Kai's eyes went bright as onyx gems and he smiled genuinely at her and had her new mother's heart warming.
"I will! Thank you, Lady Midoriya!" He bowed to her and took his leave with the maid.
"You've a soft heart, dear lady." Kayama said with a soft sigh as Izumi rose to her feet.
"I'm sorry, should I not have promised such a thing?" She turned to Kayama bowing her head apologetically.
"Not necessarily… I planned to hire a magic tutor to help him, but his... gift complicates matters."
"He's able to see the future?" Izumi inquired and Kayama looked down and held her heart.
"No… not in the way you mean. He's only able to see visions of the future, violent and horrific acts that usually end in death or despair. It's caused him to have so many nightmares it's a wonder how he sleeps at night."
"The poor thing… he should really look to expanding his knowledge on magic. The right kind of mind block spell could lessen his visions and give him peace of mind." She explained but Kayama shook her head.
"Perhaps, but I doubt it would give him much help." She crossed her arms facing her fully. "Izumi, do you know why this kingdom is called The Shadow Kingdom?"
"Because of the constant cloud cover… and the ties the people here have with shadow magics." Izumi concluded but Kayama shook her head.
"No… It is called the Shadow Kingdom… because a dark secret lingers in our past that has affected every generation of our family."
"I don't understand…" Izumi narrowed her eyes.
"This kingdom is still young in comparison to others, such as Tatooin and Courscant. When Sir Might stepped onto our lands, it was only three generations old. Back then the land was a bright and brilliant valley, filled with rich soil that allowed for healthy crop. However when the first King passed away the crown fell onto the head of his son. Unlike his kindhearted father the second King abused his power and hoarded the goods of this land all for himself. He was cruel, selfish, and often lied or cheated to get his way. It's said that one of his lovers was a witch who was scorned by his hideous behavior, and placed a curse upon him and his future kin."
"A curse?"
"Yes… every child born into this family would be cursed upon taking its first breath… some children were cursed with deformation, others cursed with the lack of a sense making them blind, or deaf, or even mute…"
"Oh my gods…" Izumi held her heart. "That's horrible. Is there no way to break the curse?"
Kayama shook her head.
"Not to my knowledge and I searched desperately for a cure in my younger days. When I was born I was cursed with the sleeping plague. Any and all who touch my skin will be put to sleep, and the longer they're exposed to it, the longer they sleep."
Izumi gasped holding her mouth and Kayama sighed and held her heart.
"I only ever took two lovers in my lifetime… both died from starvation after falling into a blissful sleep. I cannot hold my son, for fear of putting him to sleep as well."
"I'm so sorry, Queen Kayama."
"It's alright, Dear Izumi… it is a curse I've had since birth and I shall continue to live with it, because life is precious." She touched her heart her face going soft and sweet. "I have found peace and contentment in my life. We may not be able to touch or be close as a mother and son, but we still have love for each other, and a bond that no curse can break."
"A bond that no curse can break…" Izumi felt her heart swell and her back went straight. If the Queen could face her own curse, and be strong… then Izumi would follow her example and burden her own no matter what changed in her. "Thank you, Queen Kayama."
"For what?" Kayama looked at her curiously.
"For showing me the way…" she unsheathed her sword, Izumi staring at the light symbol and then turned to the blade to face the dark. "It's time."
~On the Battlefield~
Shoto panted, kneeling on the ground and using his sword to brace himself up. His mare had long run away unable to withstand the darkness vibrating from Nomu's aura.
"It's no use… we can't even get close to that thing without feeling the pressure of its aura." He coughed and wiped blood from his lip. That last hit had thrown him hard and he could feel every muscle in his body sing with pain.
"We can't just give up…" Bakugo struggled to even get to his feet after being beaten down so many times.
His breath shuddered out as Nomu's dead eyes stare blankly at him...the permanent grin on its face spreading showing off rows of sharp teeth under its beak.
"Bakugo!" Shoto stumbled over to him and lifted him up. "We gotta move!"
"Forget about me, you idiot, move!" Bakugo shoved Shoto out of the way as Nomu's fist came down and sent him flying into a nearby boulder. He coughed up blood and collapsed again, his arms and legs shaking as he tried to stand again. His vision was blurring, and he could barely hear Shoto calling out his name and racing over.
"Damn… it… run Icy Hot…" He wheezed gripping the front of Shoto's shirt when he prince knelt in front of him to heft him to his feet. "Get out of here."
"No way… I'd never forgive myself for running and letting you die."
"And Izumi would never forgive me for you getting killed to save me." He grit his teeth. "Someone has to stay with her, support her and the kid."
"Stop talking as if you're already dead." Shoto lifted him up and managed to drag him to the opposite side of the boulder to avoid the next attack. He panted and wince, blood trickling down the side of his face and the cut on his lip. "We're both still alive, and we gotta stay that way. We promised, remember. We promised Izumi we'd stay alive!"
"Tch… easier said than done when facing death straight on…" Bakugo laughed leaning back against the boulder. "Shit listen to me… I'm pathetic. Who'd have thought I'd die here fight side by side with the guy I swore I'd hate for the rest of my life."
"Heh…" Shoto let out a short laugh and lean his head back against the boulder to stare at the dark cloudy sky. "Same here… but I guess after spending time with you I can see why Izumi is so fond of you."
"Tch… and I guess you're not as annoying and full of yourself as I thought." Bakugo returned the sentiment. "Damn it this sucks."
"I agree, dying sucks." Shoto concurred shutting his eyes and trying not to wince at the cries of the other warriors.
"That too… but what really sucks…" Bakugo looked out at the castle. "Is that I never got to find out if the child was mine."
"Ah… that does suck… but does it really matter?" Shoto opened his eyes again a tear sliding down his cheek. "Both of us love that kid… doesn't matter who the father is… because Izumi is the mother."
"Kuso…" Bakugo bowed his head to hide the tears. "Baka Usagi… is she going to be able to face this after giving birth? What if she doesn't have enough energy to take it on?"
"She will… Izumi won't give up… and neither will we." Shoto sat up straight and struggled to get to his feet. "We're not dead yet… and we promised to buy Izumi time."
"Shit, you're right." Bakugo grit his teeth in a grin. "It ain't over til your dead."
"We've come this far together." Shoto finally stood up and held out his hand for Bakugo's. " Let's finish this... Katsuki."
"Tch… hell." Bakugo slapped his palm into Shoto's and stood up. He wavered some but managed to stay on his feet. He took up his saber again and slapped it against Todoroki's. "First one to die loses."
"You're on!" Shoto grinned back at him and the two darted from the other side of the boulder shouting as they charged Nomu.
"BURN!" Shoto unleashed his flame in a massive wave that shot from shoulder to fingertips and out.
"DIE!" Bakugo in tandem unleashed a massive explosion, their combined power creating a wall of flame and smoke that engulfed Nomu and made him shriek out in pain.
"Don't let up!" Shoto yelled pushing his magic to its utmost limit.
"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO ICY HOT!" Bakugo yelled back and released blast after blast until his arms ached and his skin started to burn from the kick backs.
The warriors left in the army all looked out in awe as their leaders took the beast head on throwing everything they had at it.
Touya saw this and he clenched his teeth and pointed his sword out.
"Now's the time! EVERYONE ATTACK!" Racing forward atop his steed he raced through the valley, and let go of the reins to engulf both his arms in blue flame and shoot it out at the mass behind the smoke. Warriors and mages alike aimed their arrows, catapults, magicks, and threw everything at the beast in one massive attack.
Shoto fell to a knee as the heat got too much and he felt the fatigue of the overuse of his power. Bakugo in turn went on his hands and knees panting and huffing. He was spent, both of them were… they had to have done some damage… hurt it… and given Izumi a chance.
As the attacks died down, a stillness grew over the valley. There was no movement but for the smoke. For a moment, just a solid moment, there was hope that the beast was dead… that the powers of mortals had beaten back the god of death…
...but it was a fool's hope.
Nomu's cry wailed and echoed piercing through the valley. Shoto held his ears shouting as the sound rattled his brain. Through one eye he barely saw Nomu's figure step through the smoke like a massive titan and it's massive fists slam down onto the ground right in front of himself and Bakugo.
Both men shouted as their bodies flew back, skidded across rock, carcass and discarded ammunition. Bakugo vomited blood and lay twitching on the ground, his eyes staring at Nomu in pure disbelief.
"N-Nothing… we did… nothing to it."
"Not even a scratch…" Shoto sat with his back braced up on the gutted body of a dragon. His arms were broken, his left leg bent at an impossible angle and he could no longer move. It was over, it was all over… all his hope just drained from him as he closed his eyes and braced for death.
"PROTECTION!"
Izumi's voice echoed from the sky, Nomu's aura attack blocked by a shining gold bubble that covered the survivors.
Head's shot up to the sky as the roar of a dragon came flying through the crowd, atop its back was Ochaco, Iida, and Izumi. Izumi's sword glowed with the power of her magic and pulsed through her like a beacon.
"I don' believe it…" Shoto let out a little laugh and his smile was warm and affectionate. "She made it."
Izumi spotted both of her lovers on the front line and her heart twisted with a quick jolt of panic. She bent over the green dragon calling out to it.
"Hurry my friend, take us down before Nomu retaliates!"
The dragon crooned in response and immediately went into a dive. Ochaco let out a sharp squeal and clung to Iida for dear life. Izumi raised her sword, the glow still humming around her and keeping the protection spell in tact.
As they landed she quickly dismounted and ran to Bakugo who was closest and knel beside him.
"Kacchan…"
"You're late.. Baka Usagi…" he wheezed but smiled at her. She smiled back at him and looked to Ochaco.
"Lady Uraraka, toss me two elixirs." She held out her hands and caught the one Ochaco tossed her way and lifted Bakugo's head to make him drink. He gulped it down thirstily and let out a gasp when it started to do its work and crack his muscles and bones back into place.
"That shit tastes awful but it sure works wonders." He stumbled to his feet and Izumi quickly ran to Shoto to do the same o him. She held his head to her breast and fed him the liquid.
"Izumi…" he gasped her name after swallowing. "I'm sorry… we couldn't wear him down at all. He's too strong."
"It's okay, Shoto." She pressed her forehead to his. "You've all fought so bravely. Now you can rest and leave the rest to me."
"Like hell we're gonna let you face that thing alone!" Bakugo shouted at her and streched out his still aching muscles. "We're not dead yet."
"Katsuki's right…"Shoto grunted when Iida helped him pop his leg back into place and get him to his feet. "...we'll fight with you."
"Katsuki?" She blinked in surprise by the use of Bakugo's real name and she had to smile seeing the two of them stand side by side with shared determination. "You two…" she lifted her hands and touched each of their cheeks. "I love you both so much… but this is my duty."
"Izumi…" Shoto leaned into her cheek and Bakugo snagged her hand refusing to let her go.
"Usagi don't be an idiot."
"I'm not… I'm happy to have you all standing tall a my back, with your faith and trust in me. That'll give me more strength than you know." She kissed Shoto and then Bakugo, a brief touch of lips that expressed her emotions clearer than any words. She stepped back from them and turned towards Nomu.
The protection spell faded and Izumi strolled toward him, eyes hard and her hands grabbing hold of her blade once more to unsheath it. Her magic pulsed around her and infused into the blade. She felt Nomu's eyes on her, the cold chill of death trying to shake her down but she stood tall and strong against the dark, no longer afraid of it.
"Little Midori…"
The voice startled Izumi, as did the warm feeling on her shoulders. She glanced back only a moment to see Sir Might's ghost hovering around her, merging with her aura.
"Sir Might… what are you doing?"
"Giving you the last remnants of my magic. Use it well, my protege. I've faith in you." He said and vanished into the gold… but Izumi could still feel his presence inside her heart. A stray tear fell down her cheek as she knew what this meant.
"Sir Might…" The grip on her sword started to waver, Nomu's dark magic gearing up for another attack and adding to her distress.
"It is not death…" his voice whispered to her in a hush of comfort. "I shall always be with you… My Hero."
The sob choked out of her and Izumi's head rose up. Her eyes were filled with tears, but a smile spread on her lips.
"Ah… Thank you, Sir Might…" She wiped the tears away and shook off the grief and her smile spread to a grin. "Right… that's enough! You've unleashed enough death and destruction today Nomu…" When she spoke its name it wailed at her, bracing on all fours as if ready to pounce like a cat. Izumi held up her blade in front of her face. "It's time for you to sleep again… this time for good."
It roared at her, it's four limbs bunching with tight muscles and it charged at her, its gaping mouth snapping with sharp teeth.
"USAGI!" Bakugo shouted to her.
"IZUMI!" Shoto shouted with him and behind them echoed the voices of her friends and allies.
"MIDORIYA! DO IT!"
Izumi's magic glowed with the brilliance of the sun. Nomu's charge halted and skidded as the brigh light seared him and he wailed, batting wildly as the light blinded him.
In her mind's eyes Izumi could picture the predecessors standing behind her. The culmination of the power mixed with her own adding even more brilliance to her light. She raised her sword up calling forth the spell she'd prepared.
"I call upon the god of creation! Use my light, pierce through the hide of this undead creature and give its soul everlasting sleep. I call upon the god of destruction, I sacrifice half of my soul so I may wield powers of light and darkness and keep the world in balance!"
She twisted the blade sideways, the kanji symbols on both side of the sword pulsing as she rushed forward, the light beating against Nomu's darkness. For the first time since it awoken, Nomu felt true fear and started to scurry back, but the light pulled him in, its skin already disintegrating from the brilliance.
"It's is not death that defeats you, but light!" Izumi waved the blade in a cutting motion a ripple of power lashing out as sharp as a blade and cutting Nomu in half. It wailed and shriveled, it's cold dead eyes wide and going gray in defeat. "It is not power that strengthens the hero… but sacrifice!" She held out her left hand palm out, the remaining darkness form inside Nomu swirling into a beam and wrapping around her fingers and arm like vine on a branch. "The hero will be forever changed… no longer am I a warrior of the light… but instead a protector of the balance!"
Pain shot through her as the dark powers took hold. Izumi cried out from it her legs shaking as she struggled to remain upright. She could feel the magic take hold, feel the strain and weight of death on her heart and felt her magic nearly splitting her into two.
"I accept it… I accept the pain, I accept the duty and responsibility… so please…" she prayed to the gods and looked up at the remaining decar of Nomu's corpse. "END THIS WAR!" '
At her plea the light and darkness swirled together in a raging tornado that kicked back all onlookers from he front lines. Shoto and Bakugo struggled to keep their feet, both planting their swords into the ground trying to stay rooted to the scene.
Izumi glanced back at them, her eyes filled with pain and tears. Her body was already changing, the skin on her left arm going bloody and black as the dark power tore at her.
"I'm sorry…" She spoke, her voice somehow carrying over he roar of the wind. "It was the only way."
The power engulfed her and both men shouted as the light and darkness swallowed her up and an explosion rippled across the valley.
~Ask Briry~
Briry: And so we've come to the end of our journey… only one chapter left but what has become of Izumi? Will she survive this new power and if so how will it affect her future? I know you all have more questions so feel free to ask. Voting for the father of Hikari is now closed and will be revealed in due time so stay tuned for the final chapter!
Final Chapter: The Chosen Path