The morning sun filtered through the leaves, dappling Izuku's face as he slumbered peacefully. His head rested on Ochaco's lap, their bare skin still warm from the night's passion. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the scent of wildflowers and the soft lapping of the lake water against the shore.
Izuku stirred, his eyelids fluttering open to reveal emerald eyes filled with a sleepy warmth. A smile tugged at his lips as he took in the sight of Ochaco's face, her rosy cheeks flushed with a lingering blush.
"Well, this is a nice way to wake up," he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep. "Your lap makes for a pretty comfy pillow, Ochaco."
Ochaco chuckled, her fingers gently combing through his tousled hair. "Good morning, My Love. You slept through most of the day. How do you feel?"
Izuku stretched, flexing his arms and savoring the return of his strength. "I feel great. My energy is completely back."
Ochaco's gaze drifted, a playful glint in her eyes. "As is your...enthusiasm, I see."
"Well, you can't blame a guy. And it's not like we have to protect your virginity anymore," he replied, a roguish grin spreading across his face.
"Indeed," Ochaco replied, a smile playing on her lips. "I suppose we've cast aside all notions of it."
Izuku's smile softened as he reached up to cup her cheek. "Do you regret it, Ochaco?" he asked, his voice hushed and sincere.
She leaned down, her lips brushing against his. "Not for a second, my love. I almost lost you...forever."
His heart swelled with warmth. "We're here now," he whispered, his fingers tracing the curve of her spine. "Alone. Together." His gaze drifted meaningfully over her naked form. "...maybe we could pick up where we left off?"
Ochaco's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of crimson, her eyes sparkling with desire. She was about to answer when a metallic voice echoed in Izuku's mind, causing the world around them to slow to a crawl.
"Boss, I hate to interrupt this tender moment..."
Izuku sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice. "X, what is it?"
"Just a heads up, someone is approaching the Glade. Someone you'll want to meet. I thought it best to warn you now, rather than mid-coitus, as it were."
Izuku groaned. "Do we at least have time for a few more kisses?" he asked, his voice muffled.
"Sadly, no. If you hurry, you might have time to dress before they reach the Gate."
Time snapped back to its normal pace, and Izuku sat up, a sheepish grin on his face. "Damn, Ochaco, love. Could you hold that thought for a moment? It seems we have a visitor."
"A visitor?"
"Yeah. Someone or something is at the Gate."
She let out a disappointed sigh as she donned her clothes and armor, the metal plates clinking together. As she looked over to Izuku's direction and saw he was shirtless, she said, "Not that I am complaining, My Heart, but should you not be wearing the rest of your armour?"
Izuku, still shirtless, looked around for his own armor. "I can't recall where I left it," he admitted with a chuckle. "Perhaps Nemuri has it..."
X's voice chimed in, amusement evident in its tone. "Your visitor is at the gate, Izuku. I suppose you'll have to greet them Chippendale-style!"
"Very funny, X," he deadpanned. "Are you ready, Ochaco?"
"Of course, My Heart," she replied, her armored form gleaming in the sunlight.
He nodded as they went to the Gate and were greeted by a short figure with what seemed to be goblin-like features with obsidian skin, though based on what Izuku knew, there was no such thing as a goblin of that color. Its elongated face bore fangs and piercing yellow eyes that seemed to glare outward. The creature was garbed in an elaborate studded outfit resembling archaic leather garments, with straps, buckles, and intricately sculpted textures adorning its form.
It then addressed him, its voice grating, "Izuku, I assume? I've got a delivery for you."
Confused by that statement, Izuku echoed back, "For...me?"
"Yes. That's what I said. Order for one set of custom spec Plate, to be delivered here, today. Order date is 18 years, 109 days ago. We don't usually do rush orders like that, but...well, Himself is a very important customer," it said as it handed over a box to him, its long, clawed fingers gripping the package tightly.
Surprised by what he heard, "18 years is a rush order? Who the fu..."
But he was interrupted by X, subtly pausing time, "BOSS! No! Be...very careful!"
"Why?" Izuku asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"That's a Schwartalf Master Crafter."
"And?"
The sword let out what seemed to be a laugh, the metallic sound echoing strangely, "Crap. You weren't kidding about being stuck with the runt, huh? You do not want to piss off the Schwartalf, and insulting a Master is a good place to start."
"They're smiths, right? Ochaco mentioned her armor was Schwartalf Plate?"
"They're weaponsmiths and armorers of Gods, Izuku. Or anyone who can afford their fees and can wait around a century or two until their work is complete. Their creations make what Hephaestus' look like a cheap trinket bought from a flea market."
"So, their customers are basically Gods and Powers, then," Izuku surmised, understanding dawning on his features.
"Yes, and they will take issue with you being the reason their order was canceled. Schwartalfs are also grouchy, and have a mean streak a mile wide and two deep, if that's not enough."
"Okay, I get it. I'll be the soul of politeness," he assured the sword, the normal flow of time continuing once more.
"You were saying, mister Izuku?" The creature asked, its yellow eyes boring into him.
"No, I was just very thankful for the expedited order. Who placed it, if I may ask?" Izuku inquired, his tone as polite as he could manage.
"Himself," was all it said, its fangs gleaming in the sunlight.
"Which is? I mean, if you don't mind the question," Izuku pressed, trying to keep his tone respectful.
"I do mind. Our customer confidentiality is paramount. If you don't know something, I certainly have no intention of telling you," the creature snapped.
Disappointed with the lack of an answer, Izuku could only say, "Of course. I understand."
"Now on that other order, we are still on track for delivery. Always a pleasure to work with customers that understand the need for lead time to ensure quality. Though receiving the final component only 150 years ago complicated final assembly, of course," the creature drawled.
"What other delivery?" He asked, but was only met with silence, the creature's piercing yellow eyes staring back at him impassively. "I...see."
"The design offers up some fascinating applications, actually. Perhaps when you have taken the delivery, as the assignee of the Trade Patents, it is possible we should have a discussion about licensing opportunities," it continued, seemingly oblivious to Izuku's confusion.
This creature reminds him a bit of Mei, actually, with its single-minded focus on design and innovation. "I...well...maybe? I mean, I could be happy to have that discussion when the time comes. When should I expect the delivery?"
He was met with silence again. He sighed, scratching the brief idea of it reminding him of the inventor. "Goddam..." He muttered under his breath before catching himself, "I mean...Thank you for the update. I look forward to the delivery."
"The suit would fit, of course. Always a pleasure working with real connoisseurs like Himself, where you can be certain there are no last minute modifications due to the receiver suddenly putting on weight or some other nonsense. Unlike some of these young upstart gods," it scoffed, its fangs glinting.
"Thanks, I guess," Izuku replied, feeling distinctly out of his depth.
"And with that, we're done. Enjoy your armor. Remember that you never truly own a Schwartalf piece, you merely look after it for the next generation," it said with a small bow, its sales tagline delivered with utmost gravity.
"You're not sticking around to make sure it fits, that everything is okay?" Izuku asked, hoping for a little more guidance. When he was met with more silence, he said, "I guess that's a no. Okay, goodbye." He watched as the creature turned and walked away, its studded leather garments creaking with each step.
He's liking this less and less. Especially when he got no explanation about this "Himself" who had apparently placed the order.
"Is that what I think it is, Izuku?" Ochaco's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Based on what it said, it looks like someone ordered me an armor. What I don't get is how whoever did it knew I'd be here," he replied, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
"Not just armor, Izuku. Schwartalf Plate. Made for you, especially."
"Still doesn't answer how they knew to deliver it here," he pointed out, his brow furrowing in frustration.
With a low tone, she suggested, "Sorcery?"
"I hate that answer. But it's likely right," he sighed and looked at the Gate, its imposing structure looming before them. "You knew about this, right, Gate?"
"It is a construct, My Love. It is incapable of answering you," Ochaco told him gently.
"I'm not all certain about that. Gate?" he called out, defiance lacing his voice.
"Yes?" It answered, its tone echoing eerily.
"You knew I'd be here. Today. Didn't you?"
"It was a...possiblity. The desired possibility."
"And did you know Ochaco would be here?"
"If she was not, neither would you be."
Irritation rose inside him, but he controlled himself. "The sword would still be stuck in that damned rock, and I would be dead. Right?"
"Correct."
"Why?"
"Power without control is corruption. Without her to guard your heart, what you would become was unacceptable," the Gate intoned, its voice reverberating through the air.
"Cheerful thought," he said sarcastically, running a hand over his face. "Are you sentient?"
"No. But I have some answers. And some possible actions."
"Like shutting down the door on Nemuri. And other things?"
"Yes."
"Which you have no intention of telling me."
"Correct," it curtly said.
"Why do I feel like a tenant at a boarding house, instead of the owner of this place?" Izuku said with a sigh, his shoulders slumping in resignation. When the Gate didn't respond, he said, "Oh, I give up. Let's just head back to the Glade, Ochaco."
They then made their way back inside, the tranquil waters of the Lake shimmering in the sunlight as they settled beside it, the weight of unanswered questions hanging heavy in the air.
"So, My Heart. Let me see you in your finery," she said, her voice brimming with excited glee.
"I thought we could continue where we left off?" He suggested, a roguish grin tugging at his lips. He had been barely awake when they had made love yesterday, but he was far from being fully sated. Now that his injuries were gone and his strength had returned like never before, he had aspirations to show Ochaco just how much stamina he possessed.
"Don't tempt me, My Love. After seeing you without anything on your upper body, my body aches to touch your skin once more," she said in a seductive voice that she did not know she had. "But first, let us see what you have here."
With a sigh, he said, "Okay. Sure," as he opened the box with X's help and pulled out a shining Plate armor, the metal gleaming in the sunlight.
"Hey! You're using me as a literal box cutter?" X's metallic voice rang out in protest.
"Come on, now. It's not like it'll chip your blade," Izuku countered, rolling his eyes.
"Yeah! But it's the principle of it, you know?"
Ignoring the sword's complaints, Izuku turned to Ochaco, "I think I'll need your help getting dressed. This thing has so many pieces."
"Of course, Love. I do have some experience with this," she said with a warm smile, her fingers deftly sorting through the armor components.
He handed her the pieces one by one as she attached them to his body with practiced ease. "It really is an excellent fit. A lot more comfortable than I expected," he told her as she secured another plate in place. "It's almost like wearing the regular suit. Just far more sturdy."
"No comment about it being constricting at all? Heavy? Difficult to move in?" she asked, her brow arched quizzically as she fastened another piece.
"Not at all. If anything, I feel like I can do...anything in this. It's almost like a second skin," he marveled, flexing his arms and twisting his torso to test the armor's flexibility.
"A very strong second skin," she commented, her gaze lingering on his form.
After putting on the entire armor, she stepped back to admire him, a blush coloring her cheeks as he posed with X in hand, "Wow, you look..."
"Handsome?" he asked with a cocky grin.
He cuts an imposing, majestic figure - clad in a noble suit of armor. Gleaming steel plates are expertly crafted with intricate detailing, forming protective coverings over his torso and limbs that evoke the aesthetic of a valiant knight or a king. Broad pauldrons adorn his shoulders, edged with intricate embellishments befitting one of regal bearing.
The armor's breastplate is a masterwork of metalsmithing - the chased surfaces capturing the dappled light like a polished mirror. Around his waist, a deep crimson belt cinched with a buckle of exquisite design draws the eye, providing regal contrast against the cool, burnished steel. Potent greaves sheathe his legs, plated to deflect brutal blows. Though clearly built for combat, this is no mere soldier's garb - it carries the unmistakable aura of majesty and lineage. His striking verdant locks and piercing emerald gaze complete the striking, imperious visage of one born to rule through courage and might.
With an even brighter blush and a radiant smile, she answered, "That, too. But I was going to say, you look like a King."
"Hardly," he scoffed, though his chest swelled with pride at her words. "Wow, this really is more comfortable than I thought it would be."
"My father has a similar set, originally made for Arthur. They were recovered from the battlefield. Of Arthur himself, there was nothing left," she explained, a touch of sadness in her voice.
"So, the armor will survive even things that vaporize me. Cheerful thought," he deadpanned, remembering the weird sales pitch the Schwartalf had given.
Then once again, time slowed to a halt. "OH YES! It's been far too long since I had a fitting armor to go with my awesomeness!" X exclaimed, its excitement palpable.
"Glad you're happy," Izuku replied dryly.
"No, boss. Look, it's custom built for us. You, and me. It's even got a real scabbard for me. I ain't had one of those since...well, 1600 years ago. When Arthur fell," the sword enthused.
"That's nice," Izuku said, unable to match X's enthusiasm.
"No, it's more than nice. It's fucking awesome! Look, with this scabbard I can do more than just attack. I can protect you as well!"
This got Izuku's attention. "Okay, now I'm listening."
The sword let out a metallic laugh, "Impressive. You're not even married yet, but you've already mastered the art of pretending to pay attention. I predict a bright future for you, young Padawan."
"Very funny. So what do you mean by 'you can protect me'?" Izuku pressed.
"The scabbard allows me to cast Barrier. We gotta time it very carefully, but for a single moment I can block absolutely anything."
"That sounds useful."
"Right?! Normally, I can only do it once a day."
"Less useful," Izuku countered, his brow furrowing skeptically.
"But it just so happens I recently got my hands on a whole lot power."
"That would be my power, I assume."
"Mine, yours, why quibble? You and I are stuck together, until death do us part," X said with a metallic chuckle.
"Which at current rate is likely to be next Wednesday," Izuku deadpanned.
"Well, let's try to extend that runway, shall we? With access to an Evoker's power, I should be able to recharge Barrier a lot faster. Even several times a battle."
"Sounds cool. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to see if I can talk my girlfriend out of her armor," Izuku said, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Not happening. You've got more guests incoming," X warned.
"Is it too late to throw you back into the Lake?" Izuku asked, only half-joking.
"Hey, it's not my fault you're such a popular guy. Looks like a Sorceress and some kind of Were-creature. A wolf, maybe?" X commented as the flow of time started to resume.
"Likely Mina and Itsuka. Damn, I really do need to deal with them. So much for spending time with Ochaco," Izuku sighed.
"Daddy! DaddyDaddyDaddyDaddy! You're alive!" Mina exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug. She gave Izuku another look, "And looking fancy."
"Hi, Mina. It's good to see you too," he said, returning her embrace.
Then the Sorceress broke down in tears, "I wasn't certain. The Voices were screaming at me and I just knew Ochaco had to get here. I'm so happy she got here in time," she sobbed, clinging to Izuku as if her life depended on it.
Then Itsuka showed up, her expression one of bewilderment. "She said I need to get here as soon as possible without telling me why," she said, pointing at Mina. "Wait. Is that what I think it is?" she asked, her gaze fixed on Izuku's new armor.
"The Schwartalf that delivered it said it was a custom-made Plate. Whatever that means," Izuku replied with a shrug.
"Means it costs more than the GDP of multiple countries combined," she said, her eyes widening in realization. "But that can't be right, custom Plate takes time to make. Centuries, at least. Are you sure it's a Schwartalf?"
"Small, dark, golden eyes and needle-sharp teeth?" he described. "X called it a Schwartalf Master Crafter."
"A Master Crafter? That's like the Prime Minister delivering your mail for you," Itsuka said. "And what's 'X'?"
Mina then chimed in, tears still staining her cheeks, "You're kinda confusing me, Daddy. Like, that's a nice look and all, but what the heck happened yesterday?"
"Eindridi. He's actually Thor," he stated, steeling himself for their reactions. Before either of them could voice the obvious question, he plowed ahead, "Yes, that Thor. And Nana's grandfather."
Itsuka's brow furrowed in bewilderment. "Okay...?" she drawled, the crease deepening. "He told you that himself?"
"Yeah. Right before he tried to fry me," Izuku said flatly, the memory replaying in vivid sparks behind his eyes.
Itsuka's face scrunched in disbelief. "Wait. Kill you?! That can't be, right?" She shook her head adamantly. "If a God of War wants someone dead, they don't usually walk away."
Izuku's mouth twisted wryly. "Plausible deniability is a bitch, I guess. He snapped my link to Magic then left me bleeding in a ditch. After electrocuting Nana," he spat, jaw clenching at the acrid tang of ozone that still clung to his nostrils.
An uncharacteristic calm settled over Itsuka, her stillness at odds with the turmoil rippling beneath. Usually, she'd be ranting by now about his solo Elsewhere trip. Not that backup would've helped - if even he struggled to react, their friends wouldn't have fared better.
But Izuku knew just how much she's holding. But before Izuku can say anything, she continued,
"And is she okay?" Itsuka's question cut through the weighted silence.
"No idea. I just woke up. We need to find out, though. And then I'll need to get medieval on that fucking asshole."
Concern furrowed Itsuka's brow. "Izuku. If he severed your magic, how will you fight him? The armor's badass and all, but...well, metal's not the best defense against a lightning-wielding God."
A feral grin split his face as he dramatically whipped out the sword, its ethereal glow casting flickering shadows. "I got a new link to Magic. I'm stronger, faster, better than ever. Say hello to X," he declared, striking a few dynamic poses.
"Oooohh. Very pretty, Daddy," Mina cooed, her eyes shimmering with the sword's radiance. "And The Voices really like it. It's like they're singing to it."
Izuku paused, suspicion clouding his features at her words. "Are they, now? X?"
The sword seemed to hum, its light pulsing in time with an unheard melody. "Are you asking if Mina's Voices are telling me to betray you?"
Izuku's grip tightened on the hilt. "You'll forgive a touch of paranoia on my part, I'm having a goddamn terrible day."
"No. Nothing like that," it soothed, the luminescence dimming. "They're just...happy. Doesn't make much more sense to me than to Mina. But they keep talking about some Prophecy. And The Promised One."
He scoffed, the sword's reassurance doing little to ease his wariness. "So, they kinda expected me to kick it as well. Nice to know people had such faith in me."
Itsuka eyed the legendary blade warily. "What is X? And where did that come from?"
Pride rang in Izuku's voice. "Say hello to Excalibur, Itsuka. Or 'X,' as I prefer to call him."
"Excalibur. As in The Excalibur?" She exhaled heavily. "Well, that fits with the knightly getup, at least."
A wistful look ghosted his features. "That's about it."
Mina piped up, "Daddy?"
"Yes, Mina?"
"Why do The Voices keep calling you the Winter King? And what's a Mantle?"
He hesitated, then shrugged - they deserved to know. "Oh, what the hell. You two deserve the truth. Remember when we formed the Knights of The Lake last week?"
"Yeah! It's so cool~!" Mina cheered, bouncing on her toes.
"Well. Turns out, there's a prophecy. From Merlin. That the Outsiders would return, to destroy the Court."
"Who're the Outsiders?" Mina's brow crinkled in confusion.
A chill slithered down Izuku's spine. "Something out of our reality, I think."
"Cthulhu's ugly step-brother. Nasty fucking things, these Outsiders," X interjected, the world slowing to a glacial crawl around them once again.
Izuku blinked, "Wait, how do you know this?"
The legendary blade, glowing faintly in his grasp, vibrated with restrained energy. "I've tangled with them before. Many times, actually. You have no idea how satisfying it was to finally beat them, almost enough to make me forgive Arthur for his litany of sins. Almost. That man was a force on the battlefield."
A thoughtful frown creased Izuku's features. "So you were there when the Coven and the Knights had their last stand?"
"Pretty much, yeah." X's ghostly luminescence pulsed, casting ethereal shadows that danced across Izuku's face.
He worried his lip, a persistent niggle surfacing amidst the whirlwind of revelations. "I thought these were all Powers. And fucking Merlin. How on Earth will we succeed where they failed?"
X's sardonic chuckle drifted like icy mist. "They didn't fail. But I will say, Arthur never had anything like your power. Even with the Mantle," X continued, "I wasn't kidding, you're a freak of fucking nature."
A ghost of a smile played across his lips. "More like Kwisatz Haderach."
"Oh?" X's interest piqued, its incandescence flaring brighter. "Why would you say that?"
Izuku's gaze grew distant, memories resurfacing. "That rock they stuck you in was the key. Without Ochaco to... cool me down, I think they'd rather have me dead. I'm some kind of breeding experiment, one that deeply terrifies them."
"Perhaps it's all political? Something to tie you to the Courts, both Human and Fae?" X suggested. Izuku shook his head vehemently, emerald eyes blazing with conviction.
"No. I'm pretty sure it's Ochaco that's the key. For some reason, they're terrified of me without her."
X fell silent for a moment, its radiance dimming to a soft glow. "...And are they right? How's your temperament? Any recent outbursts?"
Izuku's jaw clenched as a flood of memories assailed him – confrontations, threats, violence simmering just beneath the surface. As much as he wanted to deny it, he knew it would be a lie.
When he didn't respond, X prodded gently, "Well, try to be honest with yourself, at least."
He sighed, raking a hand through tousled curls. "Look, I don't go around being a raving asshole all the time. But if you push me, I'll push back. Hard."
X's light sharpened, casting Izuku's features in stark relief. "And if someone killed Ochaco, to get to you?"
Silence stretched, charged and oppressive, broken only by Izuku's ragged breaths. The mere thought ignited a searing rage he didn't know was possible, scorching through his veins like lava. It felt both alien and natural at the same time.
"I asked you a question, Soldier," X snapped, its authoritative tone brooking no argument.
Finally, Izuku rasped, "I'd find them. And kill them. And if that took setting the whole world on fire, I'd happily use my own soul for kindling. Happy?" There was a slight tremor in his voice and an unmistakable glint in his eyes.
X hummed contemplatively. "We're all fucked, aren't we?"
A rueful smirk tugged at the corner of Izuku's mouth. "'Why quibble? You and I are stuck together, until death do us part...'"
Exasperation tinged X's retort. "I really wish you wouldn't quote my words back at me. Do we even have the power to set the world ablaze?"
Emerald eyes glinted with dark promise. "No idea. How far can I get with a Mana Pool of Three Trillion gallons?"
X fell into stunned silence before uttering a hushed, "Oh gods, we're all soooooo fucked."
Izuku shrugged, unconcerned. "Or, you know, we just stop them from hurting Ochaco. Works for me." His brow furrowed thoughtfully. "Anyway, the Power is tied to the Mantle. Which requires Erec to relinquish his throne. From what I've heard, I don't see him doing that voluntarily."
"So you've got to kill your girlfriend's dad to claim your throne?" X's words dripped with sardonic dismay. "They really went out of their way to fuck with you, didn't they?"
"Erec's an asshole, but I'm not going to kill him," Izuku stated flatly. "That's hardly a crime, let alone punishable by death. And even if it were, I still wouldn't. That would...complicate...my relationship with Ochaco."
Sensing the conversation had reached its conclusion, X resumed the world's steady march forward.
Mina's eyes widened with childlike curiosity. "Daddy? Who are the Outsiders?"
Izuku's expression grew somber, a flicker of dread dancing in his emerald eyes. "The end of the world, I think. And we are destined to stop it."
Itsuka tilted her head quizzically. "And the Winter King bit?"
Izuku hesitated, struggling to find the words to explain the cosmic weight pressing down upon his shoulders. Itsuka's unwavering gaze demanded answers.
Sensing his turmoil, Ochaco's gentle voice cut through the weighted silence. "The Winter King is The End, as Arthur's Summer King is The Beginning. The Once and Future King."
A rueful smile tugged at the corner of Izuku's mouth. "Pretty much."
Itsuka fixed Ochaco with a pointed look. "And did your dad know about this? Because that's gonna make Izuku less than popular with the Court."
Izuku grimaced, fingers tightening around Excalibur's reassuring hilt. "That is one of... many... things I'm kinda hoping Erec never finds out," he admitted, the words tasting like ash on his tongue.
The heavy silence shattered as Mina's voice rang out, laced with impish glee. "Wait? Like... you did it, didn't you?"
Izuku's gaze skittered away, his cheeks flushing. "Er... what do you mean? Nothing happened, nothing at all."
Mina fixed him with a knowing look, no illusion fooling her intuition. "Oh yes, Daddy. You totally did it! Oooh, Ochaco-chan, I'm so jelly. You've got to promise to tell me everything."
A groan escaped Izuku's lips. "As if my life wasn't complicated enough," he muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Ochaco laughed, the musical sound lifting the tension. "I believe My Love would prefer to avoid that. Or at least avoid knowing about them, Mina. Perhaps we should discuss it later?"
"I'm not sure that's as reassuring as you think it is," he said.
Itsuka sighed, unable to mask the envious glint in her eyes. "About time. But more importantly, what's our plan? 'Eindridi' has gone rogue and we're missing Nana."
Izuku nodded grimly. "And the world's ending."
"That too," Itsuka agreed. "So, what are we doing about it?"
"First, we need to find Nana. Leave no one behind." Resolve hardened his emerald gaze.
"Then?"
Darkness clouded his features. "Then I track down Eindridi and decapitate him." Even if he could sympathize with the god's motives, Izuku couldn't forgive the harm done to Nana and himself. He had been training diligently with wooden swords, but real combat was another matter entirely.
Itsuka arched a skeptical brow. "You might want to improve your swordsmanship then. He's got thousands of years of experience on you."
Ochaco laid a gentle hand on Izuku's arm. "What else do we do, My Heart?"
His gaze found Mina. "Mina?"
"Yes, Daddy?"
"Time for us to get structured about this. I need you to work with Midnight-sensei. She knows things you don't – things you need to learn." His tone brooked no argument. "Even if Sorcery itself can't be taught, there are knowledge you could apply from how she handles hers."
Mina blinked owlishly. "Me? But...yes, Daddy."
Itsuka spoke up. "And the rest of us?"
"Itsuka, I want you to get in touch with the Clan. Discreetly. Find out if they know where Nana is. Make sure she's safe. First priority."
The Shimura Clan was one of the few places where Weres were welcomed with open arms and weren't just considered as disposable pawns. Itsuka has several contacts among them.
She nodded sharply. "Can do."
"Let's meet back here Monday, assuming Sarah has learned her lesson." Izuku's mouth twisted in a wry grimace. "I'll keep everyone posted."
Ochaco's brow furrowed. "Wait. What happened with Sarah?"
Realization struck – he had never told them the story. Bracing himself, Izuku recounted the tale of what happened with Sarah at DGN1.
To say that they were furious is an understatement.
Rage burned in Mina's eyes. "WHAT?! That would require me to go against you, Daddy. And that would never happen!"
Ochaco's knuckles whitened. "I may need to visit Sarah if this is how she'll play it."
Itsuka's hand dropped to her machete, the steel whispering as it cleared the scabbard. "Just give me the signal, Master. I'll separate her head from her shoulders."
Izuku held up a placating hand. "Okay, calm down. All of you." He leveled a stern look at the would-be executioner. "No, Itsuka. If I wanted her dead, I'd have incinerated her myself. I won't let you kill her if I'm not willing to take that step."
'Possibly aggravated by the fact that she just learned I almost died,' Izuku mused. He had spent enough time with Itsuka to read her subtle tells. To an outsider, her composure might have seemed intact, but Izuku caught the micro-expressions flitting across her features – the tightening of her jaw, the unconscious nail-biting, the faint grind of her toes against her sandals, the twitching corners of her lips betraying her turbulent emotions.
"So what do we do with her?!" Itsuka demanded, simmering anger crackling in her tone.
Izuku leveled her with a firm look. "We leave her be, and if she causes further trouble, I'll handle it. Understood?"
She nodded stiffly, clearly dissatisfied but yielding to his judgment.
"Good girl," he soothed, ruffling her hair affectionately. A furious blush stained her cheeks at the tender gesture. Once satisfied she had regained some of her equilibrium, he continued, "Meanwhile, I'll work on mastering these new abilities."
"I'll help, My Love," Ochaco offered, squeezing his hand reassuringly.
"Thanks, Ochaco."
Her expression hardened with resolve. "But first, the Æsir, or at least Thor, are conspiring against us. I cannot allow that. I shall travel to the Court tonight and warn my Father. The Court must prepare for war." Her emerald eyes glinted with determination. "And our Allies must be told."
Izuku blinked, taken aback by her sudden shift in plans. "Wait, you're leaving?"
A sly smile curved her lips as she sidled closer, her fingers trailing along his chest. "Fear not, My Heart. I'll return in a few days. And who knows, perhaps we'll have time left for... private lessons after our swordsmanship training?" She punctuated the suggestion with a sultry wink.
A rakish grin spread across Izuku's face. "I'll hold you to that. I'll miss you, my love."
Ochaco leaned in, her warm breath fanning across his cheek as she murmured, "And my heart will long for yours." Her expression sobered. "But I must do this for the Court's sake. Farewell, Izuku. We shall reunite soon." She sealed her vow with a searing kiss before turning on her heel and striding away, her swaying hips promising many delights upon her return.
Itsuka looped her arm through his in a vice-like grip, her hand trembling faintly despite her firm stance. "We're not letting you out of our sight until you're back at The Crowley," she stated, matching his stride as Mina flanked his other side.
"Look, I'm quite capable of taking care of myself," Izuku protested, though his bravado rang hollow after his recent defeat.
Itsuka arched an incredulous brow. "Sounds to me like Eindridi one-punched you."
He winced at the blunt assessment. "He caught me from behind."
"And without that, you could've taken him?" she challenged, already knowing the answer.
Izuku sighed, shoulders slumping in reluctant admission. "Honestly? Probably not. He swatted Nana aside like she was nothing."
They passed through the shimmering portal, the sights and sounds of their realm fading to the basement. "I hope she's alright," Itsuka murmured. "So where does that leave us?"
Resolve hardened Izuku's features. "As always, we need to get stronger. Much stronger."
Mina's eyes sparkled with determination. "Yes, Daddy! I'll talk to Sensei. And then maybe you can...help give me some private lessons?" Her hopeful gaze held a world of unspoken promises.
He nodded. "I'll discuss it with Ochaco. She did say we owed you."
Mina beamed, practically vibrating with giddy excitement. "Thank you, Daddy! I can't wait!"
Then she paused, enveloping him in a fierce hug. "I'm so glad you're okay. It would drive me crazy if anything happened to you." She punctuated the heartfelt declaration with a lingering kiss before scampering off upstairs, leaving Izuku and Itsuka alone.
Sensing Itsuka's barely restrained turmoil, Izuku pulled her into a searing kiss, rough and carnal yet brimming with desperate passion. He deepened the embrace, backing her against the cold stone wall as his calloused hands roamed her curves. When they finally broke apart, gasping for air, tears streaked Itsuka's flushed cheeks. She clung to him, her fingers digging into his back, as if afraid he might vanish if she let go. A shudder wracked her body, a primal sound of grief escaping her lips.
The thought of Izuku's life being ripped away, of going days or weeks oblivious to his demise, paralyzed her with primal terror. She'd always accepted her own mortality—thirty years, give or take, was the cruel consequence of her werewolf genes—but the idea of outliving him, of attending his funeral, shattered her world. It was supposed to be her first, her last. She had always imagined herself fading away in his arms, not the other way around.
Reading the anguish etched across her features, Izuku knew platitudes would ring hollow. Words could never salve this wound. Instead, he brushed his lips across her brow in a tender caress before enveloping her in a protective embrace. "I'm not going anywhere," he murmured, the steely conviction in his tone at odds with the soothing motions as he stroked her hair and trailed his fingers along her trembling spine. A shiver ran down her back, a wave of heat replacing the chill that had gripped her moments before.
Itsuka's mind raced with conflicting thoughts. How could she protect him when he was the one always stepping into danger? How could she reconcile her own dwindling time with the fear of losing him too soon? Her breath hitched as she buried her face in his shoulder, the scent of him grounding her amidst the chaos within.
They stood there for a long moment, lost in the silent language of touch and shared understanding. Finally, Izuku whispered against the crown of her head, "Let's go somewhere more comfortable."
She nodded mutely, her throat too tight with emotion to speak. Izuku gently guided her away from the cold, unforgiving stone, each step a testament to his promise. As they moved, she clung to him like a lifeline, her anchor against the raging tempest threatening to sweep her away.
Thanks for reading! Hope you guys liked it!
These past few chapters have been lore-heavy so I'm taking a little time to show some love to some of the girls in the harem. Starting with the one Izuku has had the longest relationship with: Itsuka. So I'm giving a full chapter to her next.
Next up: Soothing the Savage Heart
