AN: Thanks for reading! If you're enjoying the story, please leave a review :)
When Izuku awoke the next morning, he saw Ochako's recovery was coming along nicely. The spots on her cheeks were now a faint pink and color had begun to return to her skin. Leaning forward, he placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Good morning Ochako."
"Good morning Izuku," Ochako replied, her eyes opening and looking at him. Leaning forward, her lips found his for a quick kiss. "Did you get enough sleep last night?"
"Yeah," Izuku said softly. "Melissa wasn't out too late. Himiko just wanted her help to put up the new curtains. After that, she settled into the living room."
"I am glad," Ochako closed her eyes and sighed. "And Melissa did not have any problem using my futon?"
"No," Izuku shook his head softly. "She appreciated having something soft to sleep on that wasn't my couch."
"Does she normally sleep on your couch when she visits?"
"Of course not!" Izuku protested. "Normally I let her use my bed and I sleep on the couch instead."
"I see," Ochako closed her eyes. "This explains why you were so insistent on purchasing the futon since I refused to take your bed."
"Y-yeah," Izuku said awkwardly. "Although you're using it now."
"Circumstances have changed," She replied. As if to emphasize her point she leaned forward, her cold lips finding his cheek as she gave him a faint kiss.
Izuku couldn't help but smile at her reply. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"More human," Ochako said as she finally separated from her boyfriend and pushed herself to a sitting position. She examined her hands before looking at Izuku. "I should be passable as a human without needing an explanation in another day, and fully recovered soon after."
"That's good news," Izuku pushed himself out of bed. "At least you've got a lot to look into while waiting?"
"Yes I do," Ochako admitted. "Shoto not knowing what he has gotten himself into makes him a danger to himself and others."
"Yeah…" Izuku sighed. "That sounds like him though."
"I believe the expression is 'you are one to talk'."
"Hu– what?!"
Ochako gave him a faint smile as she got out of bed. "In short order, you were attacked by a voidslime, met me, were threatened by a vampire, and finally discovered that one of your best friends has been practicing Magic for years."
"I guess you're right," Izuku said as he felt the heat creeping up the back of his neck. "I guess I'm just a magnet for weirdness, huh?"
"Yes. Not that I mind."
"Me neither," Izuku replied as he leaned down to kiss his girlfriend. "Come on, I'll make breakfast before I head to work."
Melissa found herself waking up to the smell of coffee. Rolling over, she began feeling around for her glasses. Once she found them she put them up and pushed herself upright.
"Morning Melissa," Izuku called from behind his island. "Manage to get any sleep?"
Blinking, Melissa grabbed her phone and checked the time. "Looks like I got four hours." She let out a loud sigh. "Hooray for jet lag? Or… portal lag I guess."
"If you're still tired you can nap while I'm at work," Izuku offered.
"I can't believe you made me drop everything to come to Japan while you're still casually going to work," Melissa snarked.
"In my defense, I kind of panicked last night," Izuku held up his hands, utensils still in them as he spoke.
Melissa giggled as she threw off the covers. She grabbed the corner of the couch and used it to pull herself upright. As she looked around the room she spotted Ochako sitting at the table, her pale face focused on the phone in her hands. "Ochako?"
"Yes?" Ochako asked, her head lifting to turn towards their guest.
"Could you give me a lift to Tokyo later?"
"A lift?" Ochako tilted her head in confusion.
"Your… rifts," Melissa began as she gestured towards her cousin. "Since Izuku's gonna be working for a while, I may as well take advantage of my time off and play tourist, right?"
"Oh," Ochako's face lit up in understanding. "I can do that." She looked down at her arms. "I do not know if you want me to join you or not."
"Sure!" Melissa said. "It'd be fun! Just say you're cosplaying or something."
"You're taking this surprisingly well," Izuku said from his position in the kitchen. "You're a lot calmer than I expected you to be."
Melissa laughed as she turned toward her cousin. "Oh no, I'm still screaming internally." She shook her head. "But I'm hoping the distraction helps?"
"Ehe," Izuku laughed nervously as he looked at her. "I hope so too."
Izuku returned his attention to breakfast while the two women got ready for the day. Once it was ready the three of them sat down, and he was pleasantly surprised to see his cousin already showing Ochako things to do in Tokyo. While a part of him was still worried about how Melissa would take everything, he couldn't help but feel relief at her quick acceptance of his girlfriend. In a small way, it put him at ease.
After breakfast and a quick shower, Izuku said goodbye to the pair before he rushed out the door. He wasn't looking forward to work, but the sooner he was done, the sooner he could return home and - hopefully! - have a fun evening ahead of him.
Or at least one with less world-shattering revelations.
"Let me guess," Melissa said as they pushed a trio of large flat carts out of the department store. "We don't have a van to take these back to the apartment."
"I offered," Shoto shrugged as he placed his credit card back in his wallet. "But Izuku said it wasn't a concern."
"Ehe," Izuku laughed awkwardly as he looked around and pointed his cart toward an alleyway. "Let's go that way."
"Of course," Himiko said as she pushed her cart stacked high with boxes.
Thanks to Shoto, Himiko now had more than enough furniture to fill her apartment. Sure it will be a little sparse, but now she's got bookshelves, a table, chairs, a futon and dresser, and even a small couch and television!
And unlike where she lived the last few years, these were hers. She made sure to pick out the cutest furniture and even grabbed some basic paints and brushes to decorate them with later.
It didn't take long for the group to push the carts through the alley and emerge into an empty lot behind a department store. Looking around to confirm they were alone, Ochako turned toward the group. "Are you ready?"
"Yep!" Himiko chirped as she leaned forward on the bar of her cart.
Nodding, Ochako turned toward a wall and the group heard the sound of glass shattering as a portal opened into the currently-dark apartment.
Without wasting any time Izuku began to push the cart through, followed by Himiko and finally Melissa.
"Ok, I can see how this is more convenient," Melissa said as she rolled the cart over the starscape and into the empty apartment. "Just drop off the boxes and return the carts, no fuss!"
"Yeah…" Izuku said with a hint of guilt in his voice.
"I told you I do not mind," Ochako reminded her boyfriend. "It does not take much effort."
"It doesn't take much effort to create a wormhole bridging two points in space," Melissa deadpanned. "I'm never going to get used to that."
"Sorry," Izuku said softly.
"Don't apologize!" Melissa glared at her cousin.
Himiko just rolled her eyes and grabbed a heavy carton, lifting it like it weighed nothing. "Come on, let's get these unloaded, then you can worry about us violating any so-called rules of how things work while we're assembling it all!"
Everyone agreed, and a few minutes later Izuku and Ochako temporarily disappeared as they returned the carts to the department store. When they returned they saw Himiko and Melissa had already disappeared into the bedroom, while Shoto sat on the floor assembling a dining room chair. Ochako tilted her head curiously at Izuku, who simply gave her a nervous smile as he pointed at the box holding a dining room table.
"Guess it's time to show you the ancient human tradition of 'helping a friend move.'"
With five people working together, the furniture came together quickly. It only took a couple of hours for them to assemble everything, and soon they were standing in Himiko's newly furnished living room.
"This is great!" Himiko exclaimed as she looked around the room.
"Even with the pile of packaging that's taken over your kitchen?" Melissa asked.
"Who cares? Not like I'm using it," Himiko giggled.
"I'm glad we could help," Izuku said softly.
"Me too," Shoto added. "I know it's only a small payment for the information you're giving us but–"
"Small payment?" Himiko asked incredulously as she spun around to face the man. "This is…"
This is the most I've ever had in my entire life. Himiko thought, biting the inside of her lip to prevent herself from blurting it out.
"This is…?" Shoto raised an eyebrow curiously.
"This…" Himiko turned around to take in the sight. "...is the perfect cover!"
"And much more comfortable to live in than a… warehouse?" Melissa asked.
"That too," Himiko smirked.
"I'm glad," Izuku said before turning towards Shoto. "Thank you."
"It was nothing," his friend waved a hand dismissively. "You don't know how long I've been waiting for this."
Nearby Himiko made some grumbling sounds. However she didn't openly threaten Shoto, so Izuku saw it as an improvement. Turning toward his friend, he offered him a wobbly smile. "I can imagine."
"Unfortunately it's too late to show off my Magic," Shoto said as he looked down at his watch. "So maybe tomorrow? Or later today, to be precise."
"Oh, it's that late already?" Melissa pulled her phone out to confirm. "This isn't doing anything to help my jet lag."
"I am ready for bed as well," Ochako admitted. "Perhaps tomorrow I will be strong enough to push my body again."
"I guess we should call it a night, huh?" Izuku turned toward Himiko. "Do you need anything else from us?"
"Nope!" Himiko chirped. "I'll be heading out in a bit. Gotta find a twenty-four-hour laundromat!"
"I guess you'd need that, huh," Melissa asked rhetorically.
Calling it a night, the group said their goodbyes before exiting the apartment, once again leaving Himiko alone. Upon hearing the door close, she danced over to the couch and dropped onto it, adjusting herself until she was draped sideways over it. Once she got herself comfortable, she began examining the apartment.
Sure there was a literal mountain of cardboard and foam in her kitchen, but otherwise… this was the first time in a long while that she felt like she was home.
"I just hope the vampires of the city have an opening," Himiko said softly.
The next two days were relatively calm, and Izuku could almost pretend things were normal. That Melissa was actually visiting him for a vacation and to meet his new girlfriend, and that he wasn't neck-deep in supernatural weirdness and desperately clinging to his cousin for some shred of normalcy.
Unfortunately, all good things were bound to end, and Izuku's illusion of normalcy was once again about to be shattered as Shoto drove him and the others through an industrial park.
"I still can't believe you're dragging me along to this," Himiko complained from the back.
"Do not worry, I already assured you I would protect everyone if something goes wrong," Ochako replied.
"And I've done this before," Shoto reminded everyone. "These will be some of my more powerful effects, but I've got a good grasp on them."
"Including their variations?" Melissa asked.
"Including their variations," Shoto replied.
"Fine," Himiko huffed. "Don't say I didn't warn you if anything happens."
Eventually, Shoto turned off of the main road and pulled up to a security gate, flashing a badge to the reader and speaking to someone through a speaker. The other four remained quiet and listened as Shoto spoke to the security guard on the other end. It was obvious that they were familiar with each other, and the guard even seemed partially aware of Shoto's eccentricities, even if he didn't know the full extent.
Soon enough, the gate opened and Shoto thanked the guard before he drove through and continued to a quiet corner of the complex where a squat, drab building awaited them.
"This is my training facility," Shoto explained as he stopped the car in front of the entrance and parked it.
"No wonder you could just rent me an apartment," Himiko said as she opened the back of the van. "If you've just got access to a building like this you really are rich."
"Yes but money can only buy you so much," Shoto closed his eyes and touched the scars on his arm. "You and Ochako prove that."
"It certainly helps though," Himiko muttered as she hopped out of the van.
"I can see why this would be a good place to practice," Melissa said as she examined the building. "Especially if you come at strange hours."
"Indeed," Shoto exited the van and walked to the door. He took a moment to play with his keychain before he inserted a key into the lock, turning it and the handle to open the door. "After you."
The five entered the dark warehouse, although it was only a problem for three of them. As Shoto finally entered the building he walked with a familiarity borne of practice to where the light box was and began flipping switches, flooding the area with light and revealing the layout. The group was in a small hallway with two doors on either side, and beyond the hallway the area opened up into the main warehouse – large and empty.
"Years ago this place used to store oil and coal for the plant before my grandfather decided to switch over to nuclear reactors," Shoto explained. "This place was earmarked to eventually store nuclear waste before it was sent for reprocessing, but unfortunately the work to repurpose the warehouse so that it would be safe for storage has never been done."
"You–" Himiko stared at him in disbelief. "Are you sure you haven't met a Magus yet?"
"Positive." Shoto sighed. "Well then, shall we begin?"
Shoto took a few steps forward until he was several meters ahead of the group. Not trusting him fully, Himiko backed off, placing Ochako between herself and the Magic user for the demonstration. He didn't seem to notice or care as he stopped and turned around to face his companions.
The man closed his eyes and took a deep breath before he began speaking in some strange tongue. A moment later he opened his eyes, and his right eye glowed a blazing red as flames appeared on his fingertips. Not pausing to gloat or smirk the way Izuku expected him to, he continued chanting in a low steady voice as the fire converged into a ball of fire hovering over his palm.
Even at a distance, Izuku felt the heat from the flames, but Shoto was unphased. He continued by placing his left hand over the fire. Shoto then curled his fingers as if he was gripping the ball of fire before he stretched it. To the observers, he looked as if he was facing some sort of resistance, but the ball of fire reacted to his touch and quickly expanded until it was the size of a soccer ball.
Turning around, he raised his hand and hurled the ball of fire down the length of the warehouse. The group of four watched as it sailed through the air…
…and as it flew, it suddenly froze, turning into a ball of ice about three-quarters of the way through its journey.
The now ball of ice continued traveling forward until it hit the ground, exploding as if it were a grenade and showering the nearby area in a hail of frozen splinters.
"You… that's really Magic." Melissa breathed.
"I told you," Shoto said as he turned back toward the group with a satisfied smile on his face.
"And the ice," Izuku asked. "That's what you meant by it not working properly?"
"Yes." Shoto let out a frustrated sigh. "Most of the time it actually remains a fireball, but sometimes…"
"Did you do that intentionally?" Himiko asked accusingly.
"No," Shoto promised. "I did hope it happened, but was not trying to make it happen." He paused and swallowed before he continued. "After your… warning… I have begun to rethink my approach."
"At least that's something," Himiko grumbled.
"Ochako," Izuku turned toward his girlfriend. "Did you notice anything different?"
"I did." Ochako closed her eyes. "There is this background energy around Shoto that I have missed before. Perhaps because I never had a chance to examine him properly before. When he cast the spell, the energy in the air seemed to coalesce around him." Opening them, she examined Shoto with renewed interest. "While you are not casting, the effect is faint, but it still lingers. I wonder if it is more prominent on a trained Magus who uses their power regularly?"
"Well, hopefully, we will find out," Shoto said with a faint smile.
"As much as it pains me to say, he's right," Himiko sighed. "So what else did you want to show us?"
"I'm glad you asked," Shoto replied. Hooking his thumb around his chin, he began to think out loud. "Unfortunately I don't know how my mist cover spell would affect you if it acts up so perhaps… ah. Yes."
Closing his eyes he began to chant again. This time his left eye flared blue, and the group felt a sudden chill as the temperature around Shoto began dropping rapidly. This time, ice coalesced around his hands, slowly spreading up his arms and around his body until he was fully encased in a suit of frozen armor, his head the only part of him that was uncovered.
"I'm just gonna continue watching the laws of thermodynamics getting broken tonight, aren't I?" Melissa remarked.
"I'm still not sure how useful this one is," Shoto explained as he examined himself slowly. "It offers some protection, but it's impractical compared to modern technology."
"You're making a hell of an assumption," Himiko remarked. "Some of these guys are old. And they don't like modern things." She scoffed. "A lot like a few of the elders I knew."
"Still," Shoto closed his eyes and dismissed the spell. As everyone watched the ice quickly melted, turning into a pool of water at his feet. "It gave me something to practice with."
"Shoto," Izuku exclaimed. "Your hands!"
"Hmm?" Shoto turned his attention to his fingers, where frost lingered on the tips. "What about them?"
"Isn't that– couldn't you get frostbite?"
"I don't think so," Shoto shook his head. "Usually it builds up over a few hours, but it's gone by the next morning."
Izuku gave his friend a hard stare, but Shoto seemed more interested in the frost on his fingertips. Finally relenting, his eyes drifted over to Ochako's. She seemed to understand his concern and nodded, before turning her attention back to Shoto. "I wonder how you would appear to me after one of these more extensive training sessions."
"I'd be happy to show you," Shoto replied, his words laced with excitement. "I've never had an audience before."
"Maybe another time," Izuku said quickly. "I think you've proven your point and Himiko would rather be…"
"-Anywhere but here when it happens," The vampire helpfully replied.
"You're right," Shoto closed his eyes and sighed. "Alright, one more spell then and we'll call it a day."
Turning around, Shoto threw his arms wide and began chanting. From his vantage point, Izuku saw his right eye flare red again. They were answered by sparks dancing about ten meters in front of his friend. Those sparks rapidly increased in size and intensity until they burst into flames. The fire continued to grow until it turned into a literal wall of flame, separating the group from the back half of the warehouse.
Turning his palms upside down, Izuku watched as Shoto's other eye flared blue. The fire froze immediately, turning into a giant sculpture of ice instead. His work complete, he turned back to the group, giving them a satisfied grin. "Unlike my fireball, for this spell I've figured out how to freeze the flames on purpose."
Melissa was asking a question, but the words fell on deaf ears as Izuku's gaze drifted to his friend's hands. The frost had increased. Its icy grip drifted on the tips of his fingers and, Izuku noted, it spread further on his pinky fingers, almost reaching the knuckles.
"Is Shoto suffering the same effects as Ochako and Himiko?"
When they were done with their demonstration, Shoto dropped the group off back at Izuku's apartment before saying his goodbyes. With an icy wave, Shoto pulled out of the parking lot, leaving the group alone.
After watching him leave, Himiko turned her attention to the others.
"Well, guess it's my time to go. I've already burned plenty of nighttime watching that."
"You really don't like Magic, do you?" Melissa asked.
"Nope!" Himiko shook her head vigorously. "It's dangerous and risky and I've yet to meet a Magus I like."
"Well…" Izuku rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "I'm glad you came with us."
"Don't think too much into it," Himiko said dismissively as she turned away. Without another word she started skipping off, wrapping herself in the illusion of a middle-schooler as she left the parking lot to continue her own search.
"Do you think she is as uncaring as she acts?" Ochako asked her boyfriend.
"No," Izuku shook his head. "But after everything she's been through, I can't blame her."
"I agree," Melissa said. "I'm sure she'll come around eventually."
"Sometimes humanity is so confusing," Ochako shook her head. "I do not think I will ever understand why your species hurts each other."
"I don't get it either," Izuku admits with a weary sigh. "But there's only so much I can do."
"I think you are doing a good job," Ochako said as she wrapped her arms around her boyfriend and pressed her face into his back. "Even if most will never know how you helped them."
"Thanks, Ocha," Izuku said softly as he placed his hands on hers.
"I'd say get a room, but I'm staying with you," Melissa teased before her smile faltered. "But more seriously, I think I'm ready to call it a night."
"Me too," Izuku agreed. Gently tugging on Ochako's hands, he felt his girlfriend release him from her grasp. "Why don't we go inside?"
"Here's your hot chocolate Melissa," Izuku offered his cousin the beverage.
"Thanks," Melissa smiled as she took the warm mug in her hands, holding the handle carefully.
Stepping around the table, Izuku placed the tray containing the remaining two mugs down before he sat down next to his girlfriend. Ochako fearlessly picked up the mug and settled into her boyfriend's side as she blew on the contents in the mug to cool the liquid.
"I think I finally understand how you were feeling that first night," Melissa said as she stared at the contents of her mug. "Tonight was… Actually seeing it in person was a lot."
"Yeah…" Izuku said softly. "I was in a panic the first couple of times I saw Ochako, too."
"But you were in a life or death situation," Ochako replied. Taking her mug of hot chocolate, she carefully lifted it to her lips and took a sip, only to recoil at the temperature. She glared at the mug as if it offended her before she turned her attention to her companions. "This was a much more controlled test. In theory at least."
"Controlled or not," Melissa exhaled. "He still completely violated the laws of thermodynamics. Laws that I've studied and should not be broken."
"Are you gonna be okay?" Izuku asked softly.
"I will be." Melissa nodded. "It's all part of the process. I just might need to scream a bit first." She gave her cousin a wobbly smile.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be!" Melissa sat up straight, holding her mug with a practiced ease. "Even though I'm… overwhelmed, I've been having a lot of fun!"
"Really?" Izuku perked up.
"Mhm!" Melissa nodded vigorously. "It's been fun getting to know Ochako, and I can't say the surprise visit to Japan was bad. And even if this is overwhelming, it's been exciting!"
"Even if we're trying to save the world?"
"Ehehe," Melissa laughed nervously. "I'm not looking forward to that part, no."
"Do not worry, I will be more than capable of handling it," Ochako assured the American girl.
"I still want to help!" Melissa insisted. "I just… don't know how yet."
"I'm sure you'll think of something," Izuku assured her.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence. And thanks for bringing me in."
"Of course!" Izuku smiled at his cousin.
He was glad he brought her in, too.
"What do you mean by 'act like you pulled an all-nighter'?" Ochako asked Melissa, tilting her head curiously.
Melissa paused in packing her bag to look at the eldritch being. "You're aware of the time difference between here and where I live, right?"
"Yes. Due to the way the Earth rotates, we are currently fifteen hours ahead of the time you are used to."
"Exactly! So if you send me back tonight, it'll be early morning. Since my body's adjusted to Japan's schedule, I'll want to sleep. Instead, I'm gonna use a lot of coffee to stay up until when I normally go to bed - then I'm gonna crash hard and when I wake up I'll be back to my regular sleep schedule!"
Ochako frowned as she listened to the explanation. "I still do not get it."
Melissa let out a flustered huff and shot a glance at her cousin, while Himiko laughed at the being's plight.
"I can't believe this is the thing tripping up Ochako."
"While this body needs rest, if I were in my true form I need no such thing," Ochako pointed out.
"That must be nice," Shoto said. "More time for research and study."
"It is," Ochako agreed. She opened her mouth to continue when she suddenly froze.
"Ocha?" Izuku asked. "Is everything okay?"
"No," Ochako said quickly as she turned toward her boyfriend. "Something is happening in one of the graveyards at the edge of town."
"Graveyard?" Himiko perked up. Everyone heard her shifting, and Izuku saw her kneeling on the chair, peering over the top. "What's going on?"
"I am feeling a strange energy from the area," Ochako began. "It appears vampiric in origin but also not. Also, there are corpses rising out of the ground."
Himiko wasted no time as she jumped and caused the chair she was in to fall over. Scrambling over it, she glared at the offending piece of furniture before she returned her attention to Ochako. "We need to go!" Pausing, she looked down at her cute pink halter top and torn black jean shorts. "Actually, give me a minute!"
One arm hooking around her bag, Himiko dashed out of the apartment, leaving the other four alone.
"I want to go too," Shoto said as he closed the book he was reading and stood up from the couch.
"While I can protect Izuku and Melissa, I do not believe I can protect all of you," Ochako replied. "At least, I cannot guarantee the safety of everyone."
"You saw what I can do," Shoto explained. "I am more than capable of protecting myself." He clenched his fist as he looked down at the scars on his arms. "I will not become a victim again."
"I'm back!" Himiko said, appearing just as quickly as she left. She was now dressed in a crimson-red trench coat that ended just above her knee-high combat boots, the look completely concealing her casual appearance. "Now I'm ready to meet a vampire!"
"Are you sure someone's gonna come?" Izuku asked.
"Positive!" Himiko chirped as she held up a pair of runed daggers. They both gave the effect of glowing menacingly as they reflected the crimson of her coat. "Remember, this was gonna be my job if I didn't run away. Gotta clean up before any unwanted attention shows up."
"Ehe…" Izuku turned toward his cousin and gave her a rueful smile. "Well, this might not be end-of-the-world stuff, but do you want to see what vampires have to deal with?"
"I guess I spoke too soon yesterday," Melissa rubbed the back of her head. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath, before opening them to reveal a fiery determination. "What do I need to do?"
"Just stay close to me," Izuku instructed. "And keep a lookout for ways to help."
"Okay," Melissa nodded.
Ochako looked at the four other individuals, before nodding her head in satisfaction. "I cannot wait to see how the rest of you handle yourselves."
Turning toward an empty wall, the group heard the sound of glass shattering as she opened a rift, the darkness of the graveyard awaiting beyond. The group, led by Himiko, wasted no time stepping through.
As they emerged from the portal, the group immediately knew something was wrong as they felt the sickly energy that filled the air. A thin black mist filled the area, the color occasionally broken by a patch of light gray, as if lightning was passing through, but there was no thunder to follow.
Melissa gasped and pointed, and the group watched as a patch of mist coalesced over a gravestone before it plunged into the ground. Moments later, they saw an emaciated hand push out of the dirt, the skin a swirling patchwork of grays.
"Oh my, guests!" A voice called out from near the center of the graveyard. There they saw a lanky man, partially hunched over and holding a small box in the palm of his hand. "Or should I say, new recruits to my army?"
AN: What better time to update my eldritch Ochako fic than on Halloween :D