Izuku POV
I have a date with Ochaco tonight. Our first since the… incident in Elsewhere. Hopefully, this will go better. I just want things back to how they were.
Then there's Mina. How do I even begin to explain what happened? Do I just pretend it never existed? I can just imagine the awkward conversation:
"Oh Daddy, I've been dreaming of having your cock in my ass again. I am yours forever. The light of the universe shines out of your dick, Daddy."
No matter how understanding Ochaco might be, that would be a bombshell. And lately, Mina's behavior makes it so likely she'll say something.
Of course, they might have already spoken. Ochaco and Mina share a building.
"I suppose... confession is the only way," I mumbled, a knot twisting in my gut. "But explain what, exactly? I mean, yeah...I was there to get a free show and I would likely accept a lap dance to go along with it, I'd at least like to think I had a noble cause when I agreed to it. Having a sorceress, especially one with the disposition of a hero already, as an ally would greatly increase the chance us getting out of whatever's coming alive. But Ochaco might not see it that way. And the rest of it...I have no idea what happened."
I sighed and began dressing for the date, a nicer suit to set the mood before the difficult conversation. A high-quality green worsted wool suit. It's smooth, with a slight sheen and drapes elegantly with subtle woodsy fragrance with hints of leather and spice.
"'Possessed by my alternate self who slept with a stripper'... even if it's true, it sounds insane. How does anyone believe that?" I mumbled, a wave of nausea washing over me.
"This...thing inside me, it's stealing my life. I have to tell her, but will she even understand?"
Resolving myself, I then went out and commuted to the restaurant itself, where we decided to meet up.
A grim determination fueled my steps. The commute to the restaurant felt like walking into a trap. Chojiya, the scene of our first date, now seemed tainted by this violation.
At Chojiya
Arriving half an hour before the meeting time, I decided to enter the building. Walking inside, I went to our reserved table, which they thankfully let me occupy early, where I waited for Ochaco. After a few minutes, I caught glimpse of her walking toward the building.
I arrived at the restaurant a half-hour early, thankful they let me snag our table ahead of time. While I waited, I saw Ochaco approaching, and my heart hammered in my chest – excitement warring with dread.
Her dress, a symphony of serene blues in a delicate floral print, floated around her with each step. A simple leather belt accentuated her waist, adding a touch of whimsy. But my eyes lingered on the single accessory tucked into her chestnut hair – a testament to her natural beauty and quiet elegance. I was utterly charmed... and utterly terrified.
Suddenly, I'm not so sure anymore if the pounding of my chest was because of excitement at seeing her or dread of what I'm about to confess.
"Good evening, dearest Knight. How are you?" she asked.
"Hi, Ochaco," I managed, a wry smile masking my nerves.
Her brows furrowed at my strained expression. Clearly, Mina hadn't spilled the beans yet... or Ochaco was a better actress than I gave her credit for.
'Get a grip, Izuku,' I chided myself. 'This is the right way. She needs to hear it from you.'
"Nana always said I have the worst poker face. You've mentioned it too, right?" I asked, trying to gauge her mood.
"Yes! Your face is so wonderfully expressive," she gushed, "I love how open you are. It's so different from the guarded nobles back at Court."
Her words, filled with such warmth, made the guilt twist like a knife in my gut.
"Well, maybe that'll make this easier. Hopefully, you'll believe me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Her giggle cut through the silence, making me flinch. She still thought this was some silly misunderstanding. "What are you trying to tell me, Izuku?"
"I screwed up. With Mina... I'm so sorry," I finally blurted out.
The words hung in the air as her expression froze. Slowly, the same shattered look from earlier this week returned. "Sorry for... what, exactly?" Her voice was dangerously calm. "Are you saying you want to break up? That you'd rather be with Mina? Did the magic wear off and now you regret choosing me?" Her words, once playful, now dripped with the venom of her deepest fear. My stomach churned, she'd voiced her insecurity, and my betrayal seemed to prove her right all along.
"Never! I love you," I repeated, the words hollow against the weight of my actions. "But… something happened with Mina. Last night. I don't understand it, but I screwed up."
A flash of cold fury replaced the pain in her eyes. A part of me, a dark, self-destructive part, couldn't help but find her rage perversely beautiful. Then her voice cut through my twisted thoughts, sharp as a blade...
"So you had sex with her?" Her voice, saccharine-sweet, sent a shiver down my spine. I fought the instinct to recoil, forcing my legs to remain still.
"No. I mean, yes, technically, but…" My voice trailed off. This wasn't getting any better. With a steadying breath, I started again. "Let's backtrack. From the beginning."
"You probably should, yes. If you make this good, it is even possible I shall let you continue to the end," she said.
"I shouldn't tell you this, but Mina… she's a Sorceress." Ochaco's eyes widened, shock rippling across her face.
"A what...?"
"I found out during the homework assignment. You know, the one where you disappeared?"
Ochaco's expression hardened, a flicker of resentment clouding her features. I hurried on. "The thing is, she's untrained. Thought the voices meant she was going mad. They kept saying she needed to use me in a Ceremonial Magic rite. Otherwise, something terrible would happen to her."
"So...the voices in her head told you to sleep with her? Well, that's a novel excuse, at least." The skepticism in Ochaco's tone was sharp.
"Not like that! But we found out… the circle, the way monsters contract Ceremonial Magicians – it works with Evokers too. Better, actually."
Ochaco considered this for a moment. "Hmm, that is rather unsurprising. Your power is quite similar to the creatures of Elsewhere," she mused, her eyes urging me to continue.
"Right, so I thought, bringing a Sorceress like Mina into Elsewhere... it could help her, and it would boost our whole team."
Ochaco let out a sigh, her expression softening slightly. "Perhaps. Though one must be cautious in relying on the gifts of a Sorceress. They often have their own agendas."
Midnight-sensei's words came back to me – even she wasn't sure of the meaning behind the voices' instructions. Yet, there was always a goal. Despite a prickle of worry, I pressed on. "Anyway, I figured she'd be down. Apparently, Evoker magic tastes different. Sweeter, stronger than what Ceremonial Magicians usually work with."
"An Evoker Spark ties closest to the divine. I can certainly imagine it feeling better than something derived from a Defiler," Ochaco concluded. "So that's when...?"
"I'm not entirely sure," I admitted, a sour taste in my mouth. "It's all a blur."
"Poor Izuku. You finally take her virginity, and can't even remember it. My sympathies." Ochaco's voice dripped with playful sarcasm, but a sharp edge lingered beneath the surface.
"It wasn't exactly her virginity..." I started.
Ochaco's eyebrows shot up. "Then what...?" A flicker of understanding crossed her face, followed by a flash of concern. "Oh. Oh my. Does that not hurt?"
"A little, first time, I guess? Don't ask me. But something happened during that ritual. Something took over."
Her eyes narrowed. "Something what?"
"She was only supposed to do her Ceremonial Magic routine. Which, obviously, doesn't involve any touching, since it's some kind of lecherous monster on the inside of the circle. Heck I even told her we won't be touching each other," I tried to explain.
"Clearly there was a lecherous monster inside the circle this time too. Now spit it out," she demanded, patience fraying.
"Something possessed me. I saw everything, felt it, but couldn't move. A haze in my mind, memories still trickling in. But it took over, and everything spiraled..." I trailed off, unable to finish the thought.
"Was it something from Elsewhere? A Wraith? No, at your current power, it will burn its own soul if it touched yours. Was the portal open?"
"I think it was...me. But harsher. Stronger. Cockier." A chill ran through me as the memory surfaced. "He recognized her. The circle. He called her...my Chosen."
Ochaco paled. "You're scaring me, Izuku."
"He knew names. Mina, for one. Others...I don't recognize. Ailidh. Conwenna. Keitha. Nimue." Each name fell heavy in the silence, and Ochaco flinched with the last. "Ochaco?"
"The Ladies of the Coven. And Nimue, their greatest student. What is going on, Izuku? Who are you?" Her voice held a tremor.
"I don't know...Ochaco, I need you. I need you to help me," A wave of vulnerability washed over me. But I can't let this destroy what we have. What we will have.
"Something...powerful...possessed you, had its way with Mina, using your body. Something linked to the Coven." She sighed, resignation settling over her. "Horned God save us. Is that all?" "No," I choked out. "It gets worse."
"Of course it does," she said, burying her face in her hands. "Honestly, I think I preferred our last date."
"I've got some kind of...bond with Mina. He called her my Chosen. And she's acting weird. Like she's had some sort of religious epiphany."
"It is quite possible she found a God. Is the bond draining your power right now?" she asked.
"I can feel it, but it's faint. Like the tiniest of tugs every hour or so."
"It sounds like a spirit link, yes. And it also sounds like whichever God did this was once master of the Coven. That they were his Chosen," she told me.
"Is that...bad? You say 'the Coven' like they were a bunch of devil worshippers."
"People have certainly called them that. And worse. Three Sorceresses who, together, were said to rival Merlin himself, his dark reflection. Nimue was their student, and later his lover. But she betrayed him in the end – when the Knights rode for their last battle, she was nowhere to be found."
"So...Mina is now the Chosen of this other me?" I asked.
"No. Her bond is to you, if you can still sense it," she said. Then she...giggled? "Congratulations, your Divine Highness, on your first Follower."
"This isn't funny, Ochaco."
"I laugh, because otherwise I will cry. You come to beg forgiveness for straying, and end up accidentally letting me know you have been ridden by a God, and acquired a Chosen? What am I to do with you?"
"Stay with me? I can't do this without you. You are my anchor...without you, I'm adrift. Alone," I pleaded.
"Izuku..." Her voice was soft, laced with concern.
"Please, Ochaco? I'm sorry! Just...don't go. Don't run away like last time." My voice cracked with desperation.
"How can I run away when you're always in my heart?" A bittersweet smile touched her lips. "Oh, Izuku, you truly do not make things easy for me."
"'Pray not for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one,'" I murmured, the words a lifeline. "I'll always be here to share the burden with you."
"Then I shall find a God and pray for strength. For both of us. We'll surely need it," she said, determination in her eyes.
"So you forgive me?" I asked, my heart pounding, waiting for her answer.
Her expression softened. "There is nothing to forgive. A mortal's understanding of right and wrong hardly applies to a God. The good ones do what they must, the evil ones what they will."
A chill ran down my spine. "I'm not a god... am I?" The question hung heavy in the air.
She shook her head, her brown hair swaying gently. "Not yet, no. I just pray that if you do become one, you'll still remember the man I fell in love with."
Unsure how to take her answer, I blurted out, "Look, I'm a student training to be a hero. I've got some magic, sure, but I'm no Power, much less a god. And while I didn't exactly sign up to fuck Mina in the ass, I did go along with it knowing she'd...put on a show for me." My voice trailed off, denial warring with the sinking suspicion I'd made things worse.
"Yes, I'm aware." Her tone was clipped, a stark contrast to her earlier words.
"I am sorry. I never wanted to hurt you," I said, my sincerity cutting through the awkwardness. "Are you angry with me?"
"Am I angry? Perhaps a little. But it won't change anything, and dwelling on it will only bring me heartache. Whatever force is behind this has a...disturbing sexual undercurrent. Or did you think most Chosen are initiated that way?"
"Yeah, well..."
She giggled, the sound forced. "So, not only do I have a perverted boyfriend, but I'm caught up in a perverted destiny as well."
"The two could be connected?" I offered.
"Astute observation. I believe..." She hesitated, then shook her head. "Let's order dinner. The waitstaff is starting to give us disapproving looks."
"You seem to be taking this remarkably well."
"'That which cannot be avoided must be endured.' Though I will say, life is never boring with you, My Love."
"I'll let you order."
"Certainly. I took the liberty of getting us a bottle of wine. I suspect we both need it, even if for different reasons. Sadly, their cellar is a bit lacking, but it should be tolerable."
"What shall we drink to?" I asked.
"That's for you to decide."
The words came unbidden: "To growing old together, surrounded by children and grandchildren. Together. Always."
Her smile was genuine. "I'll drink to that. Cheers, My Love. To our future, whatever it holds."
"Let's eat."
"Indeed. And, Izuku?" She squeezed my hand across the table. "Thank you for telling me. For being honest. It's something I'll always love about you."
Speechless, I managed, "I... uh. Thanks. For being so understanding. And what do we do now?"
"I go back to the dorms and try not to dwell on you doing things with Mina that I've denied myself."
"I'm sorry, Ochaco. I never wanted to hurt you."
"I know. And Izuku?"
"Yes?"
"It will be fine, in the end. We will manage this, together."
"Together. Good night, my love. I will see you soon."
The walk back to Heights Alliance with Ochaco was filled with warm conversation. When we reached the door, she gave me a gentle kiss before heading inside – a tactical maneuver, I suspected, to avoid witnesses to such a scandalous act. All things considered, this had gone as well as I could have hoped. I let out a sigh as I made my way to the Crowley. What a week, a month, an eternity... all crammed into such a short span of time.
Through all the chaos, I'd finally found a girl I could truly see myself with. Smart, beautiful, brave, with an absolutely stellar rack. Ochaco checked all the dream-girl boxes. The whole princess thing was a bit of a curveball, but I could roll with it.
After some minor bumps in the road, we've finally found our way back together again. we were finally back together. Then that Ghost of Christmas Future wannabe hijacked my body, violated the principles of hospitality during a highly dubious striptease, and left the girl behind as my Chosen Champion. She's kind of like Heracles with less impressive biceps and a significantly higher risk of lingering STDs. Not that it'll affect me.
So, to sum things up: my girlfriend is the heir to King Arthur, my Chosen is a trans-dimensional sex worker, my stalker's an endling vampire, my pet's a werewolf, my new best buddy is a flying alcoholic pyromaniac, and my landlady is a batty cat lady with an oversized magic sniper rifle. Welcome to life as a tinpot god in Japan!
Thanks so much for reading this chapter!
Ochaco has a far bigger heart than most. She's definitely hurt here. However she's also aware that you sometimes can't fight destiny or you'll only end up triggering it yourself. She'll be sleeping while wearing the T-shirt he bought her for strength and comfort tonight, for sure. Izuku's far more guilty with what happened with Mina than with Itsuka. He and Nana has yet to take any step there, though they interact quite a bit off-screen. Something I probably should add. Sarah and Eindridi will have a bigger impact on the story moving forward. Stain will make an appearance soon. And AFO isn't just sitting on his thumbs all this time.
We accelerated a bit, now finishing up the equivalent of Act 2 of LOM. Hopefully, it doesn't feel rushed but please do let me know if it did.
As always, if you have questions or feedback, just let me know.
Next up: Sports Festival
