Izuku woke up with Ochaco sleeping on top of him. A sense of calm washed over him, a new feeling he was grateful to share with her.

"This is a nice way to wake up," he said quietly. "But I need to use the bathroom." He carefully untangled himself from her, trying not to wake her.

After taking care of business, he thought about how good it was to have a normal date with Ochaco without worrying about the end of the world, All for One, or disapproving fathers-in-law.

"Though even the date had some unusual parts. Ochaco said she made enemies. I wonder what I can do to help," he mumbled.

Eternal Pause activated and X answered, "You could scare them silly, for starters."

"The Nobles and the Court? I doubt it. Aren't they trained in swordsmanship from childhood?"

"Some might be, even now. But most Nobles are political these days. The Knights come from lower-ranking nobility and yeomen. The Nobles Ochaco's been talking about have better things to do than sweat in the sun."

"A society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards, and its fighting by fools," Izuku quoted.

X laughed. "Thucydides, huh? Aristotle wouldn't shut up about him. Though I wouldn't let Ochaco hear you calling her knights fools, or you'll be sleeping on the couch for a while."

"Did you know Aristotle?"

"Sort of. He taught Alexander, when he could get him to listen. Which wasn't often. But I never spoke to him directly."

Izuku whistled. "Must be fascinating, having lived through all that. To remember these people. Kind of like knowing ALL MIGHT, I imagine. But they're everywhere."

X only groaned. "Great leaders attract great people. But Aristotle and Alexander were men before they were legends. Even that idol of yours. They had bad days, flaws, failures. Imagine if someone, two thousand years from now, asks about Midnight? Or Mina, gods forbid..."

"Unlikely to happen. We're just kids playing in someone else's treehouse. None of this would have happened without Merlin, or Arthur. Or my father, whoever he is."

"We all build on what came before, but you're responsible for what happens next. It's possible that our actions here will echo through history, just like Alexander's did."

"Or?"

"Or you end up stopping a hammer with your forehead. All my wielders were great people, but not always great successes. And most of them had more allies, or at least less vicious enemies than you do."

"That's a cheerful thought. Anyway, I better get going," Izuku sighed as X deactivated his power.

Returning to his room, he found Ochaco wide awake and undressed.

"Good morning, My Love," she said. "I was wondering when you would come back."

"Now that's a sight I could get used to," Izuku said, ready to join her.

"Come to bed with me, My Love."

"Your wish is my command, Princess."

A knock interrupted them. Midnight's voice came through the door. "Time to get up, Izuku. Kendo's with Shimura's brother at The Crowley. We need to rescue an Evoker from the Icebox."

"Damn. That's today?" Izuku had forgotten.

"Yes," Midnight confirmed.

Ochaco looked confused. "What are Kendo-san and Shimura-san's brother doing at The Crowley? And what's this about rescuing an Evoker? Were you planning to go after Shimura-san without telling me?"

"Yes, I forgot it was this morning. I'm sorry, Ochaco."

"Without me," she frowned, clearly unhappy about being left out. Especially with what happened the last time Izuku got involved with the Clan's shenanigans.

"This is Clan business. It could be dangerous for you."

"And not for you?" she countered.

"Itsuka and Nana's brother are Clan. And Midnight can..."

"...take care of myself," Midnight finished, still listening.

"Thanks, Nemuri. Could you give us some privacy?"

"Sure. See you downstairs."

Izuku turned back to Ochaco. "Look, the Clan hates the Court. They hate your father, and by extension, you. If they catch you there, I don't know what they'll do."

Ochaco wasn't backing down. "They already tried to kill you once. Let someone else go. Hakone no Kitsune might get along better with them, inbred homicidal idiots play well together."

"The Clan isn't Eindridi. I need to do this. Nana's locked up because she tried to defend me."

"You wouldn't have been there if it wasn't for her. She led you to him."

Izuku understood Ochaco's concern but stood firm. "Eindridi would've found another way to lure me in without her. I'd have agreed to some 'special training' like an idiot. But Nana chose to attack a god for my sake."

"And if they catch you?" Ochaco asked, still unconvinced.

"You know where I'm going. If we're not back by sunrise tomorrow, raise hell. Bring in the Hunt."

"I would," she said, already planning. The Fae are already in wary of them after what the lover of their matriarch did. She didn't like the option, but it's possible to rope in Cú, Lugh, and The Morrígan with it, so long as she can make her and Cú see past their issues temporarily.

"But you can't do that if you're caught with us, My Love."

But Ochaco can see his reasoning. "You are only saying that to keep me behind. To keep me safe. I am not made of porcelain, Izuku. I will not be put to shelf to collect dust."

"I swear I won't. But bringing you adds risks, leaving you behind gives us advantages. You can see that, right?" When she didn't rebut right away, he knew she's begrudgingly agreeing with him so he dealt the finishing blow. "I love you."

She sighed. "Why could I not have fallen for someone normal? Some boring noble whose biggest worry was his vineyard or his horse?"

"None of them were worthy you."

Knowing she was beaten, Ochaco nodded. "Only you. So come back to me, Evoker. Or I will bring in the Hunt, pull down their hovel, brick by brick, and stack them on their graves."

"I will. Don't worry. We'll be back by dinner. With Nana."

Ochaco hugged him tight. "Stay safe, My Heart."

Izuku kissed Ochaco's forehead. "I'll see you soon. Now I've got to free a Companion."

He put on his armor and headed downstairs and walked to the Crowley, where the sight of Midnight, Itsuka, and a man short red hair with a high fade and longer top swept upwards and to one side greeted him. The man's facial features are angular and defined. He's wearing the standard military camo, just like the one Izuku used before, only it has a rank. Captain. Izuku's not sure he believes he's Nana's brother.

"Domestic squabbles all sorted out?" Midnight asked.

"Next time we rescue Nana from prison, let's not do it after date night," Izuku sighed, then turned to the man. "So, you're Nana's brother?" He'd thought finding someone was just an excuse.

As if reading his mind, Itsuka said, "It is. But he insisted on coming with us. Also, he's her half-brother."

"I'll really need to practice my poker face. So, you're helping us rescue her?"

"Can't have my baby sister imprisoned and not do anything. I'm Keith, by the way."

"Midoriya Izuku."

"So, you're together last night, huh?" Itsuka said, blushing. "You really need to put some sound-dampeners in your rooms. She's not coming, right?"

"No. I figured she wouldn't be the best person to bring to the Farm. The Shimuras have issues with the Court."

Keith interjected, "The relationship soured after Dad passed away. He was close to them, but then he was close to a lot of people. That was when Eila was Queen, though. These days... there's little love lost between us now. Erec is hard to like."

"Nobody seems to like him much," Izuku noted.

Keith scoffed, "Erec is a bigot and an asshole, weak on big issues and a tyrant on small ones. Lady Eila made him a better man than he deserved to be."

"Did you know her? Ochaco's mother, I mean."

"Some. I traveled with Dad sometimes. Before I signed up. I thought I had all the time in the world to wander and grow up just like him."

"And then?"

"And then he died. Alone, without the support he needed. 'Friends at every Court and seat at every campfire,' my ass. I pushed myself to finish my education 4 years early and signed up to become a Hunter. The army never had enough Evokers, and this way, I get the help I need to protect people properly."

"Ever considered becoming a hero?"

"Not what I'm looking for. The heroes are either only concerned about fame and fortune."

"Not all, but a few barely take in money and donate what they have to those in need."

"I'm not trying to be broke. I'm trying to have people around to support me without the self-aggrandizing that comes from many heroes. Which brings me here. I'm glad to hear Nana has people standing by her. Someone who's got her back."

"Speaking of which..."

"We've got a friend to rescue. Let's go," Itsuka said as they moved to The Crowley's basement.

Shortly after, Ochaco followed them, dressed in formal clothing.

"I will be waiting for you to return, My Love," Ochaco said again, giving Izuku a kiss.

"We'll be back in no time."

"I'll take good care of him, Your Highness," Keith said, bowing.

"I shall hold you to that, Captain. Bring him home safely. Or may the heavens have mercy on the Clan, for I will have none."

Keith felt sweat form on his brow at the pressure emanating from the Princess. He'd fought Ogres, Daemons, and Eyeless Ones before, but none exerted the pressure she was now.

"We'll be fine," Izuku said, trying to lighten the mood.

"We'll bring him back unharmed, Your Highness. On my oath, and my life," Itsuka vowed. "Don't worry."

"Look, we're going to pick up our friend. It'll be fine. Ochaco, I love you. We'll be home soon," Izuku said.

"See that you are, My Love. I will see you back here soon," she said as the group crossed the Portal.

After several steps and making sure Ochaco was no longer listening, Keith let out the breath he hadn't noticed he'd been holding. "Your girlfriend's somewhat scary, man."

"Sometimes. Mostly, she's really sweet."

Midnight then said, "She was raised to rule, Izuku. You would be wise to remember that in the days to come."

"As if I'd ever forget."

Itsuka stepped forward. "I'll take point. Sensei, stay with Izuku. Keith, take the rear guard. I know a shortcut, and it's not far. Most things would prefer not to tangle with two Evokers, a Werewolf, and a Sorceress. Though Defilers aren't known for their brains, and one might mistake us for prey long enough to regret it."

"It's your show, Itsuka. Lead the way," Izuku said.

They walked for hours through Elsewhere's darker paths. Midnight occasionally produced strange objects to keep up to their endurance. Itsuka was right; anything with a working brain noticed two walking magical suns, one far larger than the other, and scurried away. Even mindless creatures instinctively avoided their path.

They soon arrived near their destination, finding a ripple in space. Unlike the surrounding area, it was less stable - similar to the Portal at The Crowley, but without the shimmering colors.

They passed through and found themselves in a different place. Behind them, Izuku saw Stone Circles. He recognized them as the Ōyu Stone Circles he'd read about.

"Where's the Farm?" Izuku asked.

"Down the hill. You can see the main house over there," Itsuka pointed.

Izuku saw the large log building surrounded by smaller structures. Fields of crops and livestock stretched beyond, with a stream nearby.

"How do we approach this?" he asked.

Itsuka suggested, "I could scout down? I know this place more than most living here. I used to visit with my parents when I was little."

"Sounds workable."

Keith offered, "I could just walk down and ask Gran to see her? I more or less grew up here. If Nana knew you're alive, she might calm down and let her out."

"Somewhat anticlimactic, but not a bad idea," Izuku said, considering the possibility of avoiding a confrontation.

"That's a terrible idea," Midnight interjected. "They're waiting for you."

"What makes you say that?"

Midnight scanned the area and pointed to an unremarkable patch of land. "Someone's set up new wards. A LOT of wards. This place is guarded tighter than the Tower of London. Can't you two sense it?"

"Nope," Izuku and Keith said in unison.

Midnight rolled her eyes. "Bloody Evokers."

"Sorry."

Time paused, and X laughed. "She's not wrong. This place is locked down harder than Helen of Troy's asshole. The wards are fresh, no more than a day or two old."

"Think someone told them we're coming? Keith, perhaps?" Izuku asked, wary of betrayal.

X quickly denied it. "Nah, if he'd told them, it would've been centered around where he'd lead us out. They're not. It's around that building on the edge, which I'd guess is the 'Icebox.'"

"Someone put a lot of effort into this. Think they're worried Nana will break out?"

"The wards are designed to detect those breaking in. My guess is they're waiting for you or Keith. Probably Keith, though they failed to account for Nemuri."

"Can you get us in?"

"Of course!" X said. Izuku was about to celebrate when the sword continued, "But not undetected. We'd ring all the alarms in the Farm. The wards are too many and too dense. Sorry."

As time resumed, Midnight noticed Izuku's expression and asked what was wrong. He explained X's assessment, confusing Keith about X's identity, but Keith decided to ask later.

Midnight proposed a plan. "Step exactly where I step. If I tell you to freeze, stay completely still. The ward is complex, but every ward has holes."

They then proceeded with that plan and halfway through, Izuku noticed she's humming an old song. Not folktale old, but old enough to not be out of place in a vinyl recording old.

"...Or would you like to swing on a star..." Midnight hummed.

"What are you humming, Sensei?"

"No idea," she shrugged. "But it's important. Freeze. Can't you feel it? The rhythm follows a pattern, a counterpoint to the ward. Go! '...all the monkeys aren't in the zoo, every day you see quite a few.' Stop and hold."

"This is insane."

"Sorcery often is. Okay, we've got a gap coming. When I say, sprint for that door," she pointed to an iron-bound door painted dark blue. "Wait. Wait. GO!"

They sprinted across the courtyard, reaching the door.

Izuku was surprised by the seemingly flimsy door. Itsuka looked at it in wonder. "This is some serious door."

"I'm pretty sure Nana could've blasted this door to the Pacific Ocean with one spell."

"Aye. But that would trigger half a dozen wards. We'd have the entire compound on us, and I'd rather not face off against Uncle. We're not equipped to fight one of the most powerful mortal Evokers alive," Keith said.

"Could you rip off the hinges, Itsuka?" Izuku asked.

She examined the door. "Probably not. It's enchanted. Even if I Change, it would likely hold. And I'd rather not...Change...if I can help it."

Izuku nodded, remembering what happened last time. "I'm assuming this is where X comes in, right, Sensei?"

"Indeed. I'll show you where to cut."

Izuku grinned as the legendary sword materialized. "It's showtime, X."

"Where did that sword come from?" Keith asked.

"Found it sticking out of a rock somewhere," Izuku replied casually.

"X...don't fucking tell me that's Excalibur?"

"Indeed. And he's been boasting he can cut anything. Here's a chance to test it."

"The Sword that was Lost has Returned. And your girlfriend is the next heir to the Throne in Exile. That's not good news, is it? The Yaoyorozu Seers nosing around and pulling in favors suddenly makes more sense. Is the world actually ending?"

"Not if we can help it. But for that, I need my right-hand woman. Time to break her out of prison," Izuku said, but Keith stopped him.

"Let me check if she's here first before we start cutting random doors," he said, turning to the door. "Sis? Are you in there?!"

"Probably a good idea."

"Aniki?! Yer Uncle's latest messenger boy, ye scumsucking fecking turncoat!? Feck you! FECK HIM! And tell THOR I'm gonna SHOVE HIS FECKIN' HAMMER UP HIS ARSE. SIDEWAYS!" Nana shouted.

Keith turned to the group. "You know, it's not too late. We could just leave her in there. Just saying."

"Evokers never shy away from danger. Let's get her out," Izuku said, taking his stance.

"We're here to break you out, Sis. Stand clear of the door!" Keith warned.

"Okay, X. Time to do your thing."

Midnight instructed him how to cut the lock without tripping the alarm.

"Boar stance, huh? Let's do this," he said. The sword cut through it like a red-hot knife through butter. "I think that's it. Nana, are you okay?"

Nana rushed out, scowling. "That fecking sword came about half an inch from stabbing me in the face. Which one of ye feckfaces did th...Izuku? But how?!"

"He did tell you to stand clear of the door," Izuku replied.

Nana didn't register his words. Shocked, she jumped on Izuku, legs locked around his hips. After a moment, tears flooded her eyes. "But I saw that fecker break yer magic. How..." She felt around his body and face. "You're real."

Izuku chuckled and quoted with a grin, "When he struck me down, I have become more powerful than he can imagine."

Nana laughed through her tears. "You're a fecking dork, y'know?"

"I aim to please. Ready to bust out of here?"

"Feckin yes. What's our plan? And when do I get to kill Thor?"

"Join the queue. We're training for it; when we're ready, it's time to make Eindridi pay. You in?"

With a savage smile, she said, "Oh, yes."

Izuku nodded, happy to rescue his friend. "Okay, let's head out. Sensei, can you get us out again? Without being detected?"

"Of course, come along."

Izuku instructed Nana how to follow Midnight. Like him, Nana wondered about Midnight's singing.

"Sorcery. Don't ask. I have no idea. Let's move faster. I'd prefer to be in Elsewhere before anyone notices you're out."

"Aye. But once there, I need some answers."

After crossing the circle, they found themselves in Elsewhere. Nana began, "How are you still alive? I saw him kill you...I'm sorry. I couldn't stop him."

"He's a God of War, Nana. We need to get stronger before we take him on."

Nana shook her head. "You wouldn't be there if it wasnae for me. Shit, I'm tearing up. I...I screwed up. I'm sorry," she repeated, clearly burdened.

Izuku placed his hand on her shoulders. "Nothing to apologize for. We're in this together. Now let's get back to UA."

After Nana calmed down and let out a chuckle, embarassed for breaking down like that, they started to move back. You would think that having an extra Evoker would've made every monster in the city to run away, but one not only appeared but approached them. A Daemon Prince stood before them. Its intimidating red flesh with six batlike wings and taller than the surrounding trees filled their vision. Stronger than what Izuku fought yesterday, but not "two extra Evokers plus a Werewolf and a Sorceress" stronger.

They engaged the creature, with Izuku letting Nana take the lead to vent some stress. The fight was intense.

While Izuku usually balanced elements, leaning towards Fire and Force combined with his quirk, Nana went all in, raining fireballs from a safe distance in the air. Her raging roar matching the creatures'.

Keith concentrated on Lightning-based attacks, without using quirks. Whether it's because he's born quirkless like Izuku, he doesn't share.

Itsuka parried attacks with her machete or absorbed ones she couldn't, utilizing her tough, regenerative body. Midnight used her powers to help the Evokers control their magic.

Brimstones flied all over the place the group faced off the Daemon Prince, terraforming the very land. The earth is scorched, the air tainted with a sulfurous smell, and the ground is shattered by their clash. Sounds of their conflict could be heard for miles upon miles of land. Toxic gases spread in the air as the Daemon Prince tried to escape, but it was too late. They had him cornered.

The Daemon Prince roared in frustration, knowing that his fate was sealed. He had no choice but to fight back with all his might. But it was no use. Izuku and his companions were simply too powerful. They kept attacking with a barrage of spells, making it impossible for the Daemon Prince to strike back.

The Daemon Prince's wings were torn to shreds, his body covered in wounds and scars. His skin was burnt and charred, and his eyes were filled with fear. He knew that he was fighting a losing battle, and there was no way to escape.

The Daemon Prince's last stand was futile as he was consumed by the flames of a raging inferno. His body turned to ashes. At the end of it all, miles from the center was reduced to an area of white-hot sea of magma. But it will heal, as Elsewhere always does.

"Well, that was fun," Izuku said with a smirk. "Guess he didn't realize who he was messing with."

"Foolish creature," Midnight scoffed. "It seems even daemons can be blinded by their own arrogance."

"Yeah, you'd expect this from Defilers or something like that," Keith said, looking at where it was.

Itsuka chuckled, wiping the sweat from her brow. "Good warmup, though. I needed that."

Nana, her anger seemingly subsided, let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks for letting me take the lead, Izuku. I needed to let off some steam."

"Anytime, Nana," Izuku replied with a warm smile. "We're in this together, remember?"

With the threat neutralized and their bonds strengthened, the group continued their journey back to UA, with Itsuka leading the way.

"How did you survive, Izuku? I saw him break your staff," Nana said with a smile after venting her frustration.

"I found another focus, X."

"The sword. It's that damned sword, isn't it?"

"Yes. Say hi to Excalibur," he said, bringing out the sword. "Ochaco helped me pull it from the stone."

"Well. Shit. So, this is real, huh? You really are the Winter King. And all of us are bit-part actors in some fucked up Arthurian romance."

"Hardly bit-parts. More like stars. The new Knights of the Round Table."

"Didn't work out so great for Arthur's bunch, they all got wiped out," she said as they stepped into lighter Paths.

"Ask not an easy life..."

"...ask for power to destroy who stands against you. So, does that make me Lancelot?"

"Lancelot was your father, I think. At least that's what everyone's been saying. Which makes you Galahad."

"Sounds good. Greatest Knight, that's me," she cheered.

"But before we get there, I need you to focus. We'll nail Eindridi. But no going off half-cocked," he said seriously. "When we go for him, we go for the kill. The fucker electrocuted you, left me for dead. We need to build strength. Then we teach him the errors of his ways."

"Aye. You're speaking my language. Dun worry. I'll tamp the flame down to embers. But the fire still burns."

He smiled, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Wouldn't want it any other way, Nana. It's good to have you back."

Soon, they reached The Crowley's basement, where Ochaco waited.

"Izuku, My Love! You're safe," she said, hugging him.

"Of course. We brought Nana back."

"Any problems? Did you have to fight?"

"If you mean the Clan, no. Just some Daemon Prince that bit off more than he could chew." He grinned. "So, shall we continue where we left off?"

Ochaco shook her head. "I wish, My Love. But something strange is happening at the embassy. Since I have been sent here in disgrace, I worry they may not tell me. But I know the military attaché has been recalled."

"Crap. Too many things happening. Do you want me to come with you?"

"No. Too many questions if you do. Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself."

"All right. Message me if anything happens."

Ochaco kissed Izuku before heading to the embassy, taking an alternate route to avoid attention.

Meanwhile, Nana said, "I'm gonna head out too. Get some new clothes and a nice, hot shower. A bottle of whisky to take the edge off."

"Going back to the Gym?"

"Nah, I'll lie low for a while, let Keith sort shit out with the Clan," she said, slapping Keith's back. "Gimme until next week and it'll be business as usual."

"Sounds good. Itsuka?" he said as she pulled out a pager.

"Someone's calling me from the Hunters. Sorry, Master," she said apologetically.

"It's fine. Be careful," he said, seeing her off with a kiss.

"And now that they're gone, I can get back to opening my pub. It is a Saturday night, after all," Midnight said.

Checking the clock, Izuku saw it was quarter to 10 PM. Suddenly, he felt faint emotions not his own. Joy. He guessed it was from Mina. 'Must've been something big, for me to actually sense it,' he thought as he headed to Heights Alliance. It was past curfew, but he decided to sneak in rather than stay at The Crowley. He wanted to see how everyone was doing.

Thanks for reading!

Changed Keith's relationship from full brother to half-brother rather than switching him to being Japanese. Their dad's an Evoker. It's still gonna be lore-accurate. The Uncle's already the son of Thor so there's no need for an adjustment there.

As always, if you have questions or feedback, don't hesitate to let me know.

Next up: Questions, Quirks, and Maybe a Kiss