AN: After being sick for nearly 3 weeks, I'm finally feeling like my writing quality is back to normal. Thanks for being patient. Enjoy.

9: Hope and Despair

Shouto sighed as he sat up in his chair to stretch his back, grunting at the satisfying 'pop' his vertebrae gave from the effort. Three books in and he wasn't much closer to finding anything helpful. He was also out of tea and needed to have someone bring some more because it was the only thing keeping him going at this point.

A gentle rapping at the door made him turn his head, and he winced at the way his vision swam for a moment. Perhaps squinting at tiny calligraphy all morning was a poor choice for a new hobby. "Come in," He called, massaging his fingers against his temple.

The door swung open and his sister stepped in, her shoes clicking softly on the floor. She smiled pleasantly, eyes moving over the stacks of books on the desk in front of him. "So here you are! This is a… peculiar way to spend your morning, my little brother. Whatever are you doing?"

"Ah…" Shouto paused, glancing down. "...Research." He didn't want to elaborate, because elaborating meant he had to lie to her, and he didn't like lying to Fuyumi. Even if half of his life was a lie.

Fuyumi lifted a silver brow, tilting her head in a way that sent her long earrings swinging along with the curls pinned atop of her head. "Hm, well, I hope it's something for you and not …because you feel you have to."

Shouto swallowed, eyeing his sister. She didn't need to elaborate on that statement at all for him to understand the meaning behind her words. It was at least nice to have her on his side, even if she had no idea on the specific details of why he was so strongly against his father's wishes. Still, no one had been ever able to convince his father that–

He paused his thoughts, eyes falling to the letter in her hands. "What's that?"

Fuyumi's smile turned from mild and polite to warmly sincere as she held out the sealed envelope for him to take. "A letter for you. From Natsuo."

Shouto perked up at that, lips pulling upward as he took the parchment from her fingers. "Did he send you one, too?"

"Oh, yes. I've already read mine. I think… I think you'll find what he has to say very interesting."

Shouto stilled, fingers hovering over the seal as his eyes lifted to his older sister curiously. She gave a tiny shrug, not elaborating. "Anyway, I'll request the servants to bring more tea and some snacks for you. Try not to spend all day in here, okay?"

Bowing her head, she gave one last smile and walked off, leaving him alone with his letter. Mismatched eyes fell back to the seal, and curiously, he broke it to peruse the letters contents, eyebrows lifting as he read through the fine calligraphy.

"Oh…"

XX

A gentle rocking pulled Ochako from unconsciousness, successful only because the sensation was too foreign to ignore. Her eyelids felt as though they were held down by weights, and it took way too much effort to lift them so she could see what was jostling her. After several slow, heavy blinks, blurred vision came into focus and she found herself staring up at the blue sky just past a head full of familiar green curls that bobbed gently in rhythm with her body.

The swaying movement of Izuku's hair was lulling, if not distracting, and it took her several seconds to realize he was carrying her. The realization brought a small modicum of clarity to her fuzzy thoughts, although the soft hum that escaped her was anything but articulate. The noise startled him, and she felt her whole body jerk as he came to a sudden stop. She grimaced as the abrupt motion made her head swim, squeezing her eyes shut and pressing her cheek against his shoulder. A soft wash of warm air against her other cheek made her realize he was looking down at her, and the way that breath quivered warned that Izuku was upset.

That knowledge was enough to drag her out of the daze she was in. Pulling in a slow breath, Ochako scraped together every ounce of willpower she had and forced open her eyes to look up at him. She found him staring at her intently, worry written on his face but coupled with something else she couldn't place. Muddled thoughts tried to find the word she wanted to describe his expression, but she came up empty. Too tired to keep chasing the thought, she sighed, eyelids fluttering.

Izuku was silent for several seconds, and Ochako watched him through thick lashes with detached focus. After a moment, he squeezed her closer to his chest and resumed his walk towards the cottage. As Ochako became aware of the scenery moving past her, a thought began to crystalize, nagging her as it formed because something was wrong with this arrangement. Something she didn't like. It took her more than a moment to realize what it was, but when she did, she hummed a noise of disapproval that caught his attention.

"Shouldn't… carry me," She murmured. She couldn't ever remember feeling so exhausted that speaking was too difficult. Still, she forced herself to elaborate when he looked down at her in confusion. "Your arm."

In response, Izuku slowly lifted the arm in question, the injured limb clearly not responsible for holding her up. Ochako's confusion mounted until a black tendril reached out and gently poked her nose, mimicking how she would poke him when he was fretting too hard. She blinked as the inky appendage pulled back, realizing that he was using magic to hold her up along with his good arm.

He stepped inside the cottage, crossing the space towards her bed. A tendril of green-black magic swept the blankets back, moving them aside so that he could gently lay her down. She exhaled softly as her head hit her pillows, the fatigue washing over her with renewed vigor.

Despite that, jumbled memories of what had happened were starting to resurface, and she made a soft noise of protest. "Wait… your core…"

Izuku shook his head, pulling the blankets over her and up to her shoulders gently, as if afraid he might hurt her. He lifted his gaze to her, and in the low light of the room, his eyes shone ever so brightly. "What I want…" He said softly, voice barely a whisper, "Is for you to rest now. …Please."

She sighed, a hint of frustration managing to show despite how tired she felt. She wanted to rest, but everything that had happened left her with too many questions and so much concern. It must have showed on her face because he shook his head again. "I… I'm okay. I promise. More than okay, and–and I'm not going anywhere…" He furrowed his brow, trying to find the right words to reassure her. "L-Let…" He hesitated, chewing on his lip, before he finally found the courage to reach up and smooth her hair away from her forehead like she had done for him during his low points. "Let me take care of you today."

Any resistance she had gave way to that, and she exhaled softly, eyes falling closed as his fingers ghosted over her skin in their attempt to push her hair away. She managed to form a half thought before sleep took her again, the idea floating in her mind as she slipped from consciousness:

'I wish you weren't so selfless…'

XX

Izuku quietly pulled the cottage door closed, eyes lifting to look at Ochako's core through the heavy wood. She lay unmoving, practically asleep before he had left her bedside. He hated seeing her look so weak, and he hated knowing it was because she was helping him. The guilt and anxiety gnawed at his insides, but Requiem's assurance that she would be fine after a long rest took the edge off of the brewing emotions. Still, it was a scary thing to see her like this because it made him realize he didn't know the best way to care for her. That bothered him most of all, because not only was she exhausting herself to guide and protect him, but he couldn't even properly ensure she recovered like she needed to.

He resolved himself to change that, but admittedly he had no idea where to start. Perhaps his core could help with that as well? Either way, he needed to find out what his next steps were. Sighing softly, he crossed the mossy ground, coming to a stop in the middle of the clearing where he had been sitting before. Taking a seat, he crossed his legs and put his hands on his knees, eyes falling closed. When he opened them again, he found himself standing in the center of his core beneath the green aurora vortex.

"I'm back," he said softly. The response was almost instantaneous, like a gentle embrace as the energy brushed up against him from all directions.

Good. You have much to do.

Izuku nodded softly, eyes lingering on the dozens of unlocked cores around him. The moment Ochako had stood up from shielding him she had collapsed, and Requiem ushered them both out, telling Izuku to return after tending to her. The clear instruction was a stark contrast from the hints and whispers he had been used to over the years. Names had power, and he felt ashamed that he did not realize knowing the name of his core would change so much.

Do not be ashamed. Our previous holders had knowledge of our existence. The world remembered. The veil used by the Blackened Core hid our name along with everything else. There is no shame in not knowing what was stolen from you.

Izuku paused, teeth plucking at his bottom lip as he considered that piece of information. He hadn't realized that the veil was also a direct attack against his core.

Yes. Hiding our name crippled our ability to protect your kind.

"So…" He hesitated, trying to find out the words he wanted to say. "Now that I know your name… what does this change?"

Everything. With our name known to you, we can form a proper connection and work together in protecting this world. You see us, and you see what we offer. All the magic we have accumulated through every holder lies within us and is a part of you. You just have to learn us. Know us.

Izuku looked around, the wind tousling his hair as it brought the ancient whispers of his magic to his ears. His eyes swept over every core that made up Requiem, watching the way each one moved, unique in its own way. Some buzzed and some swirled. Others danced. Some felt familiar, and others were complete strangers. It was… overwhelming. So much magic to learn, but would he have enough time? So much had already been lost, and he had no idea what he was doing.

His eyes fell to his own core beside him. It spun softly in its constantly shifting colors, twinkling like starry eyes that saw everything in all directions. Quietly, he asked, "Where do… How do I begin? There's so many, and… I..." He sighed. "I feel so lost."

You are more found now than you have ever been, Izuku. We are here with you now, and we will guide you. It is not unexpected that you feel overwhelmed. Much has happened quickly, and you have been forced out of the darkness suddenly. But you have a strong advantage. You are a Hollow.

The word came across like thunder, confident and empowering. Izuku shuddered, exhaling softly through his lips, feeling static crawl over his arms at the implication. "That…makes a difference?"

Yes. Of all the holders before you, the ones that were born as Hollows mastered our magic the fastest.

Izuku's brows lifted, gaze searching the magic around him. "But… I don't see another Hollow core here. Just mine."

Correct. Those cores are no longer with us.

The words sent an icy chill across his skin, and he found his next breath hard to take in. "Why?"

The Blackened Core needs the Echo to steal Requiem. However, even without the Echo, it can still take from us and weaken us. We have passed through over a hundred holders, Izuku. What you see before you is what has not been taken from us.

Izuku swallowed thickly, his voice cracking in disbelief. "...A hundred?"

Yes. The fight against our fated counterpart is soaked in the blood of our holders. It is why we worked so hard to protect you while you did not know our Name.

Izuku whimpered, sliding down to his knees. "Is… is this just some fated battle with no end? How can you fight back against it if it can just break you apart?" His brow furrowed, chest heaving as he stared off into nothing and struggled with the mortality of his situation. Danger had been a constant for him, and he had accepted that throughout the years, however the unknown had left him in a cage of ignorance that things could turn out okay. Now, with it being laid before him, he felt the hope in him die, not like a mighty beast, but like a wounded lamb separated from its mother.

His next words came out a thready whisper, voice weak with despair. "I'm going to die, aren't I? Another holder to add to the hundred…"

No, Izuku.

A flash of anger tore across his features, foreign on his face that was accustomed to docility. "Don't lie!" He hissed, tears rolling down his cheeks as he stared off into the lavender weeds surrounding him. "What can I do when a hundred before me have failed? Me, who didn't even know your name?"

It is not on you alone. You have found an Echo, Izuku. One who is awakened, and one who desires to help you. That is the difference. As a Hollow, you can master what we offer with haste. With a Hollow as part of us once again, we have the advantage in battle. And with an Echo by your side, you can carve the path to stop the Blackened Core and end this fight.

At the mention of Echo, Izuku closed his eyes, retreating to the memories he had burned in his mind several times over. The way her magic felt. The way it tasted. The way it was so uniquely her. He found the mere recollection of her essence grounding, and he took in a deep, shuddering breath, lingering on what was said as he tried to figure out what it all meant. He felt confused and scared, but the reminder that Ochako was there brought a drop of hope in the raging storm in his heart.

"You said… we have the advantage because I'm a Hollow. How? If it can just… take our cores, what good does a Hollow do?"

For as much as it has stolen from us, we have taken from it tenfold, time and time again. And with a Hollow's ability to see what magic the Blackened Core possesses, what we take back is no longer random.

Izuku's eyes snapped open, and he looked up towards the undulating green vortex above him. "What? We… you can take cores?"

The Blackened Core steals what does not belong to it. We, the Requiem, take back what it steals and return that magic to the world. That is our purpose, and that is how we protect the world from the destruction it wishes to bring. And to stop it permanently, we must steal back every core it possesses.

"Every… core…" Izuku echoed softly, realizing the weight of that statement. In light of everything, it sounded almost impossible. Who knew how many cores the Blackened Core had accumulated all these years…

Wait.

"If… If I can find the Blackened Core, then I can see the cores it's stolen. And you're saying I can steal them back? And… I can pick the ones I steal?" If so, then he just had to aim for the deadliest cores first, and then survive. And repeat… and repeat. And keep Ochako safe while he did that. But he also needed her help, because apparently she was needed to help end this cycle and…

A gentle push from nowhere snapped him out of his thoughts, and he realized his breathing had become quick and shallow.

To run, you must first walk. As you are now, you can barely stand.

Izuku took in a deep breath, trying to calm down. Despite his efforts, there was a faint tremble in his limbs he just couldn't shake, because the fear was far from gone. "R-right. Okay."

It still felt overwhelming. He still wasn't sure he could succeed. However, the one thing he knew is that if he didn't try, Ochako would die, and that terrified him most of all. He let that fear drive him, push him forward, and with a voice that sounded far more confident than he felt, he spoke. "B-back to my first question, then. How… How do I begin?"

Connect with us. Start with the magic your body is most accustomed to. The magic we were able to call upon to keep you safe all these years. This is the magic easiest for you to control, and as you gain that control, your connection to the other cores within us will open, and our bond will strengthen.

"The magic I'm most used to…" He echoed the advice softly, shakily pushing himself to his feet and ignoring the heaviness in his limbs. His eyes flickered over the cores closest to him – the ones that felt familiar. There were four, and he studied them carefully.

One was a pulsating pocket of deep black wrapped in a soft, green glow. He approached it, reaching out to run his fingers through it, feeling it shift around him like warm water. This was the magic that he could access the easiest. He recognized it as the tendrils that appeared like extensions of his body or extra limbs, and as the thin cloak of energy that wrapped around him in a weak offering of protection. It was the magic that gave him such an unsightly appearance to most, as when it surged, he looked like a creature engulfed in black flames and green smoke.

Despite its appearance and the reputation it gave him, Izuku liked the magic. It was comforting, like clothes with his own scent. Like his bed in Ochako's home. He smiled fondly at the core and moved to the next.

This core was an orb of energy that crackled and bucked, as if trying to burst free of its own constraints. Izuku reached out to the quivering ball of swirling teal and angry red, hesitating when the magic popped like embers from a campfire. Swallowing thickly, he touched the orb and immediately recognized it as the augmentation magic that almost always surfaced with the black tendrils. It granted him speed and strength, as well as endurance, and numbed him to pain while fighting. Izuku smiled slightly, letting the magic pop against his fingers like discharging static.

The third one he recognized hovered next to him in a small thundercloud with green lightning rolling across its exterior. He tilted his head, considering it. This had the same taste on his tongue as when he used lightning to strike Nomu, or cause a rolling fog to erupt around him to allow him to escape. He could tell that was not the full extent of this magic's scope, and it bubbled in agreement.

Although they were three different pools of magic, they often appeared together, intermingling to the point that Izuku had not truly realized they were each separate cores inside of him.

And the last one… He turned, looking back to his own core, gently oscillating, reflecting all the colors in the world.

Start with these most familiar to you. Learn to use them like breathing. The rest shall follow.

With a slow, deep breath, Izuku swallowed all the fear still churning inside him and stepped forward, dropping to his knees in front of his core. With only a moment's hesitation, he reached forward and embraced the shimmering Hollow, inviting the magic to flow through him.

XX

When Katsuki had returned from his short visit to the forest, he found the usual waiting for him. Orders to give, people to yell at, tasks to delegate. It took till mid afternoon before he finally found time to break away from his administrative work and head to the castle. However, once inside the royal halls, he discovered Shouto was not in any of his usual haunts. The captain scowled, and after ten minutes of wandering up and down the lavish hallways to no avail, he finally asked a servant for insight on where the prince had absconded to.

He hadn't expected the answer to be the royal archives, and he wondered just what ridiculous campaign Shouto had started. Staring at the ornate wooden doors, he curled his lip and pushed them open without knocking. Bitch didn't deserve the formality.

Shouto looked up from the book he was reading, lifting a brow at the lack of decorum that Katsuki was once again demonstrating. "Good morning," He said, a touch of exasperation in his voice that one might miss if one didn't know him well.

Katsuki knew him well.

Lifting a blond brow in return, the Dragon of Yuuei let the doors swing shut behind him with more dramatic flare than was necessary. The echoing boom as they closed was punctuated by the sound of his boots as he crossed the lacquered floor. It was only when he got to the desk the prince sat at that Katsuki bothered to reply.

"It's afternoon, you twit."

Shouto paused, looking up to the windows that clearly demonstrated the position of the sun. He frowned. "Huh, so it is."

As the prince contemplated the passing of time, Katsuki grabbed one of the many opened books on the desk and spun it around, inspecting the contents. "Record of Births?"

Shouto hummed, turning his attention back to the captain. "Among other things. I thought back to what Izuku said about the veil. What if… we found someone who could undo it?"

Katsuki paused, crimson eyes lifting to look into mismatched ones. "Don't you think if there was someone with that kind of powerful magic, we'd know of it?"

"No, actually, I don't think that," Shouto replied, pursing his lips. "Those who you hear about are those with access to learn how to control their magic. Nobility, mostly. A select few from the common houses, and some who are simply geniuses in their own right. Magic is a muscle, and without proper training, most don't realize their true potential." He inhaled, stretching from his place in his chair. "And… with Izuku's explanation of cores, I wonder… if people have a lot more potential than they realize. Think, if we could communicate with the magic within us…"

He shook his head. "I digress. But… My suspicion is that if someone with the right kind of magic exists, they're not nobility. They may not even realize what they can do."

"So… why check the Record of Births? Wouldn't the Registry of Magic be a better start?"

Shouto nodded, and to demonstrate, he flipped to the cover of the book closest to him, showing the gold lettering that indicated it was one of the more recent registries. "The Registry of Magic is better for this particular quest, yes. However, I have another theory I'm researching as well, so I requested the Record of Births for the last seventy years. Some things Izuku said has left me with more questions than answers."

Katsuki shrugged, flipping to another page in the book. " That's kinda Deku's thing, Shouto. If you think about the things he says too hard, you get a headache and regret talking to him."

The prince lifted a brow at Katsuki's explanation, although he didn't contest it. "...Right. So, he said that the veil happened before we were born, but he seemed to imply it happened while the All Mighty Mage was alive, because he said 'he remembered'."

"Yeah, so?" Katsuki squinted at an ink blot in scrutiny.

"So… I wondered if there was a change in how we recorded births before and after that veil took place. And, the answer is yes." Shouto leaned forward, flipping back to an earlier point in the book. "Here, about forty years ago. There is a blank line under each birth and each parent up until this point, and then it disappears. I think that line listed what core they had before the veil happened. If the royal magistrate had employed Hollow core holders, then they would be able to easily see a baby's magic at birth. Possibly before…"

He trailed off, and Katsuki could tell he wasn't done with where this was going. Narrowing his eyes, he prodded the prince to continue. "Yeah, so we know now when it happened. Why does it warrant research? It's not like you to do it for shits and giggles."

Shouto sighed, reaching forward for a folded piece of paper. "Originally… I was just… exploring hypotheses. Trying to gain answers for the outstanding questions so we could strategize. For example, did the veil leave a trace that we could investigate? We see evidence of knowledge disappearing in these books, but is there any lingering magic we could identify to undo? But then… as I read through these, I received a letter… from my brother."

Katsuki paused, searching the prince's expression. Shouto pursed his lips and held out the paper for the other to take. "Go on. Read it."

The captain took the parchment and unfolded it, eyes falling to the fine calligraphy within.

My dear brother,

I hope you are keeping well and shining bright. The Western Fortress is cold as always, and the blizzard never yields, but I appreciate its strength. I suppose my affinity for the cold plays into that.

Word has made it to the fortress that you have joined the Royal Guard in the fight against the Nomu. I am proud of you, but please be careful. The rumors of those monsters are the talk of my men, so I can only imagine how they are in person. Our people need protection, but they also need the crown prince alive and well. Fight, but choose your battles. It is wise decisions that help make a good King. I… know you do not want the throne, and I wish things were different, but as they are I can only advise you from afar, my dear sibling.

I would like to ensure this letter finds you with good news as well, so I wish to tell you my wife is with child. She is due in three months' time, predicted to give birth to a boy on the Autumn Equinox. We waited to send the news until we were certain she and the baby were in good health. The pregnancy has been hard on her, and the healers suspect the baby's magic could be the cause. I have told Fuyumi in my letter as I have told you, and I hope you both will welcome my child with open arms. I know Father will not recognize this baby as a true Todoroki, but I hope you will be happy to be an Uncle.

I miss you, dear brother. I know it is much to ask with you on the frontlines against the Nomu, but if you are ever able to visit the Western Fortress, I would be delighted to receive you.

May your fire keep you warm on the coldest nights,

Natsuo

Katsuki licked his lips, eyes lingering on the ink on the paper. "Your dad ain't going to suddenly change his mind because your brother's got a kid on the way. Natsuo lacks the magic to carry on the Todoroki legacy, and even if his wife comes from a reputable family, it wasn't enough for His Majesty. He thinks any child your brother sires will be weak. It's why you're the heir, dipshit."

Shouto reached forward, plucking the letter out of his hands. "I disagree. I think if we undo the veil, he might change his mind."

Katsuki snapped his eyes up to regard the prince seated before him. "Why would he do that?"

Shouto folded the paper, placing it back down on the corner of the desk. Picking up his abandoned cup of tea, he cradled it as a warm glow erupted from his palms, sending the cooling liquid back to a steaming temperature. "Because I think the existence of cores means that magic is not necessarily hereditary. And if we can prove that, then it changes things. My father is not foolish, but misinformed. We just need to show him."

Katsuki furrowed his brow, eyes dropping to the floor in thought. "There has to be something else though. Even if cores choose us, fire cores keep choosing people with your bloodline. There's gotta be a fuckin' reason for that."

"Yes," Shouto agreed, turning his attention to the view out the window, and the sprawling city of Ultra below the castle grounds. "I wonder what my core would say if we asked it."

"Who the fuck knows? It's not like we can –" Katsuki sucked in air through his teeth, revelation crossing his face. "Shit… You want Deku to talk to your core, don't you? The idiot can barely talk to us without stuttering. Not sure he can manage a conversation with the magic inside you without fainting or some shit."

Shouto hummed. "My hope is that as he learns to control his magic, his ability to communicate with cores improves as well. I certainly would like to satisfy the curiosity nagging me. However… for now we can only move forward with trying to undo this veil. I still think that is our strongest bet."

"Well, I don't fucking gamble, but fuck if I have a better idea," Katsuki grunted, reaching out to grab a nearby chair and pull it over, ignoring the stuttering sound its feet made as he dragged it across the floor. In fact, one could probably guess he did it on purpose as Shouto winced at the noise. "Gimme one of the registries. I got an hour before I need to relieve my lieutenant from cadet training."

"You plan to actually relieve him on time? You're being generous today," Shouto commented lightly as he held out one of the books he'd yet to dive into.

"Look," Katsuki started, aggressively yanking the text from the prince's hand. "I have spent this morning wanting to pull my fucking hair out because our forest witch and her pet monster are a match of stupidity made in heaven. I am looking forward to beating the shit out of a bunch of snot-nosed brats wanting to be soldiers as therapy for babysitting those two dirt clods."

"Ah, right. Did Izuku find the clothes suitable?" Shouto asked, as if that were the most important takeaway from Katsuki's statement.

The blond gave him a withering look. "I know I just said I don't gamble, but I'll fucking put money on him destroying them in a week." He paused, curling his lip before begrudgingly adding, "They fit him fine. Idiot looks almost civilized now. You were smart to not order anything complicated though. He couldn't remember how to tie a belt so the witch had to fucking do it for him."

"Is that so," Shouto asked with amusement. Taking a sip of his warmed tea, he smiled. "They seem… rather adorable together, don't they? I'm happy for her."

The book fell out of Katsuki's hands, the heavy leather hitting the desk with a thud. "What?"

Shouto looked at him. "What?"

Katsuki placed both hands on the desk, as if trying to center himself. "What do you mean, 'adorable together'?"

The prince lifted a thin brow. "Exactly that. It's very clear Izuku adores her. I could tell that in the short time I was there. And as for Och–her," He corrected himself, mindful of what could linger in the castle walls, "I know her as a fierce, passionate woman. Yesterday, I saw a side of her I've never seen. It was… tender, and it was directed solely at him. Need I remind you, she hit both of us."

"You don't need to remind me," Katsuki growled, glowering. "Pretty sure violence is her love language."

"No, that's yours. She's just communicating in the only way you know how," Shouto replied dryly, taking another sip of his tea.

The middle finger he got in response was milder than he expected, which meant something was on Katsuki's mind. Placing his teacup down, Shouto tilted his head. "Something's bothering you. What is it?"

The captain sighed, curling his lip and leaning back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "She… did something. …Something dangerous. For Deku. So… hearing you say shit like this makes me worry it was a rash decision."

Shouto paused, considering Ochako's penchant for monumental feats of magic that had drastic outcomes, and the words left him before he had time to think. "...You don't say."

Katsuki grunted, looking away. "Listen. She made a contract that day that resulted in most of her magic being locked away, but it gave her the ability to hide from the shitheads wanting to steal her magic. But now she's undone that contract to take her powers back so she can help Deku fight these guys."

Shouto frowned. "Is more power bad?"

"It is when it's so strong it hurts you to use it. She was told if she wasn't careful it'd fuck her up. And if she's… if they're…" He scowled. "If she's that stupid, she'll throw everything she's got to keep the idiot safe, her own life be damned."

Growling, the Dragon of Yuuei dug his fingers into his biceps. "And if that wasn't fucking bad enough, apparently once her connection is fully restored, she won't be able to hide from the fuckers pursuing her."

Shouto inhaled softly, mismatched eyes searching Katsuki's face. The other man didn't look at him, angrily staring at a point on the floor. "I dunno what we're supposed to fucking do, Shouto. We went from our biggest problems being shitty monsters attacking the kingdom at night and your dad being a pain in the ass to finding out some great evil wiped all our memories on how magic works so it could go around stealing cores, and it's now hunting her down because she's the missing piece it needs to steal Deku's powers and end the fucking world. Oh, and Deku is actually alive and inherited the All Mighty Mage's magic, which somehow turned him into the fucking Monster of Yuuei, and… I just don't get fucking paid enough to deal with all this bullshit."

Shouto snorted softly at the last part of Katsuki's rant, eyes lowering to the book in front of him. "Well… we are now participants, whether we like it or not."

He heard the other man exhale in frustration, though he knew it was a cover for the anxiety he felt underneath. It wasn't like he was faring any better. This news had brought a chill that he couldn't shake from his bones. Sighing, he reached forward and turned to the next page of the registry, noting he was nearing the end. "We move forward, Katsuki. We train our men, we find our allies, we prepare for what we know is coming…"

He trailed off as he paused at an entry on the page, eyes lingering on the printed text from last year. His eyes widened.

Without flourish, he flipped the book around, sliding it in the captain's direction. Katsuki's brow furrowed as he leaned forward to read what Shouto was pointing to. After a moment, his mouth fell open, and he gave a dumbfounded huff. "I'll be damned, Shouto. You fuckin' found it."

Crimson eyes lifted to meet the mismatched gaze of the prince, and Shouto gave Katsuki a rare grin. "...And we fight back, Katsuki."

Sitting in bold ink in the middle of the page was an entry for adoption, including the date, the family, and the reason the entry was in the registry:

"Child possesses magic that undoes non-curse spells."