Izuku POV
After the Battle Trial, I went back to the classroom to finish homeroom. I'm now on my way to meet up with Itsuka and Kinoko at the gates. Ochaco has extra classes regarding synthesizing the magical gems, I heard. Sounds very interesting, to be honest, rather than the Ceremonial Mage classes we're supposed to take. I'm still unsure why I'm in that class considering I do not need to siphon magic from the disgusting dregs from Elsewhere nor would they pay to see my body. I guess the upside is at least my classmates for that's pretty cool to okay. I just hope neither Nana nor Ochaco starts fighting each other the second they meet. While Nana's hostile to the Royal family, I have a feeling Ochaco won't just sit down and look down when she's around.
*Sigh*
I heard footsteps behind me. *tap**tap**tap**tap*
Then the sound of a spray. *Psst*
Afterward, I felt someone's relatively small hands cover my eyes.
"G-guess who, shroom?"
"Someone as cute as they sound?" I answered.
"Wh-EH?"
"Haha! You make it so easy, Kinoko," I told her. I turned around to see her standing on one of her mushrooms to reach my height.
"Geez! Don't tease me, shroom," she replied.
"Well, I'm not. You are pretty cute," I told her plainly, which surprised her. "Anyway, any news from our tardy friend?" I asked her since Itsuka's nowhere near to be found.
"I think she's still finishing things up over there, shroom. Monoma's pretty persistent since we entered UA, shroom," she said while having the tip of her finger touch her chin, in a thinking pose.
"Persistent? How?" I asked, raising an eyebrow on what she meant.
"He's been suggesting for us as a class to have a showdown with 1-A to show our class' 'superiority' or so he says, shroom," she said with half-open eyes like she's also been getting tired of the things Monoma-kun's pulling. "She became the de-facto big sis of the class so it fell on her to curb his antics, shroom," she continued.
"I see. Yeah, I can see her as the big sis type. Well, while we're waiting for her, why don't we talk more about ourselves? How have you been finding it at UA so far?" I asked.
"It's fun, shroom. Everyone's so friendly everywhere, shroom," she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Though our homeroom teacher sounds a lot like Monoma, to be honest, so there's that, shroom," she continued with a sigh.
"That sounds both fun and an absolute headache, Hahaha!" I told her. "For me, my classmates and I get along mostly, we had a quirk apprehension test yesterday and almost had one of us kicked out," I continued.
"That's..."
"Yeah. Not sure if it's just because of the homeroom teacher being lazy like Ochaco said, or something else, but he threatened to expel the student placing last place. Thankfully, Ochaco talked some sense into him," I told her.
"Ochaco, shroom?" She asked.
"You know, the girl I talked to a bit on the morning of the entrance exam? That's her. You should meet her, you'll get along just fine," I told her.
"I...don't think that's a good idea right now, shroom," she said then with a worried-looking expression asked, "Is she your girlfriend?"
"Hmm, we've gone for a few dates but nothing official yet. I'd like to change that eventually but for now, the answer's no," I answered.
"Oh," she said, feeling down.
"Don't get yourself down. We can still hang out, just like always," I told her.
She then looked me in the eye, then as if gathering all her courage said, "Izuku...I..."
"Sorry for being late!" Itsuka said, which surprised both of us.
"That's fine. Just means you owe both of us drinks," I told Itsuka then turned to Kinoko, and with a gesture for her to continue, I said, "What were you saying again, Kinoko?"
I can't help but think she timed it there specifically.
"No, it's nothing, shroom," she said, her hands covering her red face.
"I...see."
Honestly, I'm not too sure how I'd respond if she did confess to me right now. She's, by no means, bad looking and I've known about that for years, but my heart belongs to someone else now. Neither of them is like Itsuka who could accept a casual physical-only relationship. As much as I'd hate it as well, I'll likely end up rejecting Kinoko.
"Well then, let's go," I told them. I decided to let it go for now.
Considering the limited options for evening activities, I wracked my brain for a place that would cater to both of their interests or at least allow enough time for each of them to enjoy themselves.
Leading the way through the bustling streets, I guided Itsuka and Kinoko to a quaint little park nestled within the heart of the city. The park was known for its serene atmosphere and diverse array of activities.
Upon arriving, I suggested we start with a stroll through the botanical gardens for Kinoko while Itsuka and I planned to explore the martial arts dojo together afterward.
"It's so beautiful here, shroom," Kinoko remarked, her eyes sparkling as she plucked a mushroom and examined it closely. "I bet I can find some really interesting ones, shroom!"
"I'm glad you like it," I replied, smiling at her enthusiasm. "I'm sure we'll find some fascinating specimens."
As we walked, Kinoko shared stories of her love for nature and music, her voice filling the air with warmth and melody.
"I've always loved coming to places like this, shroom," she confessed, a hint of shyness creeping into her voice. "It's like stepping into a whole new world, shroom."
"It really is," I agreed, enjoying her company. "You've got a real talent for finding beauty in the world, Kinoko." Kinoko blushed as she heard the words.
Meanwhile, Itsuka and I engaged in conversation about our shared interests in martial arts and vehicles.
"You know, I've been brushing up on my martial arts skills lately," I mentioned, scratching the back of my head sheepishly. "I've still got a lot to learn compared to you, Itsuka, but I'm getting there."
Itsuka grinned, a playful glint in her eye. "Well, if you ever want to spar sometime, just let me know. I could use a worthy opponent."
As we are having our conversation, I suddenly have a feeling that training fighting with swords would be a good idea.
After our botanical adventure, we reconvened and headed to the martial arts dojo. Itsuka eagerly immersed herself in her private lesson while I watched from the sidelines, occasionally offering pointers and encouragement. While it's true, being a werewolf, that if she really wanted to, nothing would stop her from wiping the floor with everyone, including the sensei, general martial arts skill would let her use her already strong body to its fullest.
As Itsuka performed her moves with grace and skill, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride.
"You're doing great, Itsuka!" I called out, offering her a thumbs-up of encouragement.
Beside me, Kinoko watched with wide-eyed fascination, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
Once Itsuka's lesson concluded, I suggested we all grab a bite to eat at a nearby café within the park.
"This was such a great idea, Izuku," Itsuka said, taking a sip of her drink. "I had a blast tonight."
"I'm really glad you enjoyed it," I replied, feeling a warm sense of satisfaction. "You're both such great friends, and I wanted to make sure we had a memorable evening together."
As we sat beneath a canopy of twinkling fairy lights, the conversation flowed easily between us.
"Izuku, do you remember that time we all went camping and you tried to cook mushrooms over the campfire, shroom?" Kinoko laughed, recalling the memory fondly.
I chuckled, a faint blush creeping into my cheeks. "Yeah, I remember. Let's just say it didn't quite go as planned."
Itsuka grinned mischievously. "Hey, at least you tried! It's the thought that counts, right?"
At one point, Kinoko glanced at me shyly from beneath her lashes. "Izuku, thank you for tonight, shroom. It means a lot to me, shroom."
I smiled warmly at her. "Of course, Kinoko. I'm just happy to spend time with both of you."
As the evening drew to a close and the stars began to twinkle overhead, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the bond we shared. Tonight had been a resounding success, filled with laughter, friendship, and shared experiences. As we bid farewell to the park and made our way to the gates together, I knew that this evening would be one we would cherish for years to come.
But still, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was weighing on my mind, something I needed to address before the night was over.
"There's somewhere I need to go first," I explained, trying to keep my tone casual despite the nervous flutter in my chest.
Curiosity flickered in Itsuka's eyes, but she nodded in understanding. "Sure, Izuku. Lead the way."
"Nah, you girls go ahead. I'll be fine from here," I told them, which made Itsuka give me a look. I tried to communicate using my eyes that it's not Normie business and I'll be fine. She sighed, before convincing Kinoko to return with her to the dorms. Thank goodness Kinoko's here because Itsuka would insist otherwise.
With a sense of determination, I made my way to the empty bar situated right in front of the school gate. The neon sign flickered faintly in the dimming light, casting an eerie glow over the deserted street. This bar was run by our teacher, Midnight, and it was known as a place where students could go to unwind after a long day of training.
Pushing open the door, I was greeted by the familiar scent of alcohol and the sound of soft jazz music drifting through the air. Midnight looked up from behind the bar, her glowing eyes glinting mischievously as she spotted me.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" she purred, her voice dripping with amusement. "Midoriya Izuku, gracing us with his presence. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
I steeled myself for what I was about to ask. "Midnight-sensei, I need to talk to you about something important. It's about my father."
"I'd love to help you, Izuku, but I'm swamped," she told me as she started sorting out the bottles of her bar, trying to act as busy as possible.
"The bar's empty, Midnight-sensei. It's empty in the morning, evening, and night," I told her while gesturing at the bar without a single customer.
"Well. Yes. We need to fix that. People are still suffering from irrational worries from that unfortunate incident," she told me, still trying to avoid the question.
"My father. Please."
"I can't really help you, Izuku. You want answers I don't have," she said.
"Can you at least give me his name?" I asked.
"No idea," she simply answered.
"You slept with a man, and you didn't even ask his name?" I asked incredulously.
"Oh, yes. Quite a few times, actually," she told me.
"You're making my head hurt, Midnight-sensei."
"I could make you a Bloody Mary? Wonderful hangover cure, that one. Let me see, I've got the ingredients here somewhere..." she said as she started rummaging through drawers below the shelves.
"Stop stalling, Midnight," I told her without the honorifics to signify I was done joking around.
Midnight's expression softened, and she motioned for me to take a seat at the bar. "Of course, Izuku. I'm all ears. What's on your mind?"
Taking a deep breath, I launched into the story of my mysterious father, recounting everything I knew or rather, everything I didn't know about him. Midnight listened attentively, her gaze never wavering as I spoke.
When I finally finished, there was a moment of silence as Midnight processed my words. Then, she leaned forward, her expression serious.
"Why don't you ask Inko? She'd know," she told me.
"No, she wouldn't. You're a mage, right? What... an Enchanter? You don't feel like an Evoker..." I asked her. She doesn't feel like any of those. Not even like a Ceremonial Mage. Shit as my senses are.
"Hah. A mere two days at the University, and you're already busy trying to divide the ineffable into neat little boxes. There's no one teaching my kind about how to use our gifts. Not at UA. Not anywhere. Not that they haven't tried."
"Why?"
"Because Sorcerers are impossible to teach, hard to con, and tend to walk off with the silverware when they discovered you tried. So, after a while, they just gave up."
"Eindridi said something...he said that Sorcerers provide the guile," I said, recalling what he said earlier.
"He would say that. It's not quite like that. We just...know. Snippets. Knowledge or ideas or...things. That we're not supposed to have," she told me.
"Sounds useful," I told her, plainly.
"It's a bloody pain in the ass. Have you ever found yourself hauling an eldritch recoilless anti-tank rifle down the Paths, knowing it's critically important that you get somewhere, but have fuck all of an idea why it's important?" she told, agitated.
"So, it's like a message? From the Gods?"
"Not from any of the ones I've asked, no. They think it's something uniquely human. In some ways, Evokers and Sorcerers form the two extremes of Magic. Evokers are, by far, the closest to Elsewhere, the least human," she says while pointedly looking at me. "Sorcerers don't share much, if anything, with the creatures beyond. Ours is purely human magic."
"But I've seen you use real magic, like whatever one you're casting right now, causing your eyes to glow like a Power's," I told her while looking at her eyes. I haven't met any Powers, thankfully, in the short time I've been part of this world. But her glowing eyes are a clear sign of magic beyond the flesh are capable of conducting being constantly drawn and used, leaking to the outside world.
"Magic can be begged, borrowed, or stolen. Sorcerers know things, find things...it's easy enough to find some spare power or a gem of feline transform someone carelessly left lying around," she told me as she purred.
'Wait. She can turn into a literal catgirl?! No, relax Izuku. She's just trying to distract you again.'
"And how is this relevant to you, my mom, and my dad?" I asked her.
"Izuku, I'm a city girl. Why on earth would I find myself in a threesome with a wholesome virgin and a creature from another dimension? In Shirakawago, of all places?"
"You...knew?"
"Indeed. It was a nudge so strong I was already aboard the bullet train before I realized it. A few hours later, I was sitting in a dive bar, smoking weed with this gorgeous green-haired girl, when your father walked in,"
"Did you know he wasn't...human?"
"Instantly. He hid it well, but...he was like a passing black hole; so powerful, that you couldn't help but be dragged along. We all piled into his car, and drove out to a farm he said he owned. Then fucked like bunnies throughout the night."
"And the morning, he was gone?" I asked, thinking about the cliche ending to such a scenario.
"You'd think so. That's how it usually goes. But your father was strange, even by Elsewhere standards. We stayed in that place for a month. Screwing, talking, and learning. I learned more about magic that month than anything before, or after."
"And in all this, you never asked his name?"
"Oh, I did. And he gave me a name. Dubh. Means Black. I knew it was fake, he knew I knew. But the Powers don't hand out their true names easily. The name is Celtic, so...possibly one of the Tuatha De Danann? Or he gave me that name just to fuck with me. Greater Powers have an odd sense of humour."
"So he's something called a 'Greater Power'? What does that even mean? I know about Powers, but..."
"Most of us, stumbling around the chessboard of life, are pawns. Some, a very few, are officers. Bishops and Rooks and Knights. Those are the Powers. And above them..."
"Are the King and Queen? Those are the Greater Powers?"
"No. A King is just a king. More important than a peasant perhaps, but still just a piece in the game. The Greater Powers are the Players," she told me.
"And my father? Itsuka and Yui told me might have been a Greater Power. That he's still...alive?"
"I don't know who or what he was. Could've been. I've asked about him many times. With people or Gods that should know. Some don't know. Most avoid it. Which could mean anything. He's not one of the Powers who interact with the people a lot. That much is certain."
"And afterward?
"Then. One day, he was gone. We decided to leave the farm before whoever actually owned it came looking. Inko was pregnant with you. I could sense your raging wildfire Spark, even then. Indisputably an Evoker. So I stole her weed, got her a train ticket back to her parents, wished her good luck, and jumped on the first flight outside the country."
"And that's all?"
"That's all until I got a terrible headache and you entered the premises not half a minute later,"
"Is all of this...The Crowley...You being here...is that something else you knew?
"Sometimes the knowing is a geas, like a compulsion. But sometimes I wonder if there are knowings so strong, and yet so subtle, that they carry you through life without you ever noticing."
"Well...shit. And where do we go from here?"
"Work hard. Become Strong. Become Wise. Make strong allies. Whatever happens...it will happen soon. Don't waste your time. I know this."
"I will. Thank you, Midnight-sensei," I told her as I walked back out of the bar, trying to digest all the information I was given.
3rd Person POV
As Izuku returned to his dorm room, the familiar comfort of his bed beckoned him, promising respite from the events of the evening. With a heavy sigh, he sank into the soft mattress, his eyelids growing heavy with exhaustion. The events of the day played over in my mind like a film reel, each moment etched into his memory with startling clarity.
He drifted into a state of blissful oblivion, the weight of his worries momentarily lifted from his shoulders. Unbeknownst to him, however, someone was watching from the shadows, their gaze fixed upon him with an intensity that would send shivers down anyone's spine.
Midnight stood silently in the corner of the room, her form barely visible in the dim moonlight filtering through the curtains. Her eyes gleamed with an otherworldly luminescence as she observed me with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
Despite the eerie sensation of being watched, Izuku remained blissfully unaware, lost in the depths of his dreams. But even in the realm of sleep, Izuku couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air, a silent reminder of the mysteries that surrounded him.
"Sweet dreams, Izuku. You've got a great destiny to find. Or die trying," Midnight said those ominous words and disappeared out of his room.
Hi, thank you again for reading through this part.
Anyway, for this chapter, we were able to give some time for both Itsuka and Kinoko and I want Izuku to hang out with them rather than ignore them entirely until the Sports Festival. These girls have been with Izuku for the past 6 years, after all. I was going to have just covered them hanging out, but it's too short.
Also, good job for Itsuka interrupting the confession because that would've been awkward, to say the least.
We've also learned a bit about Greater Powers and a few things about Izuku's dad. Some hints here and there, but unless you know your Celtic myth, it'll be pretty hard to know with just what we have.
Lastly, what the heck's Midnight doing in Izuku's room?
As always, if you have questions or feedback about the story, don't hesitate to let me know.
Next part, we'll approach USJ!
