In the Crowley
"Is this your workplace?" Ochaco inquired, her gaze meandering around the pub, absorbing the ambiance and surroundings.
"That's correct. Midnight-sensei had a connection with my Mom way back, so she's letting me use one of the rooms for free," I informed her, casting a quick glance around the pub to see if Midnight-sensei was present. Even though she granted me permission to use the room, I still felt it necessary to ensure she was aware of our presence. "So long as I also help here with...things."
"Evoker things? I've mentioned this before, but I imagine running a public house in this world is no easier than in Elsewhere. However, having an Evoker bouncer might be a tad overkill," Ochaco remarked, her tone reflecting a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
"Ehh...someone I used to know has a saying that overkill is something only the other guy complains about. But he used to be in Special Forces, so that probably has something to do with it," I told her, recalling the saying with a hint of nostalgia.
"Hey, Izuku. I was going to order some...Oh. Greetings, Princess. May you ever be safe in my home," Midnight-sensei suddenly appeared, her unexpected arrival catching me off guard.
"Good morning, Midnight-sensei; this is Ochaco. I guess you two already knew each other?" I asked, feeling a mix of surprise and curiosity about their connection. Ochaco seemed uneasy, her gaze avoiding Midnight-sensei, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their relationship than met the eye.
"I...I have met her before. I think? It was a very long time ago," Ochaco replied hesitantly, her tone suggesting there might be more to the story. I decided not to push further, respecting her privacy and understanding that she might not be ready to share everything just yet.
I eyed Midnight-sensei, curious about her response. "I do travel the Paths in Elsewhere, Izuku. And I've been to the Court a few times. That's all," she explained. Her words were cryptic, but I trusted her. After all, with those glowing eyes, she couldn't tell a lie. Deciding to let it go for now, I turned my attention back to Ochaco.
"Want to head up to my room?" I proposed, gesturing towards the staircase. "It's just upstairs, last door on the left."
"That will be fine, I expect. Farewell, Lady Sorceress," Ochaco bid Midnight-sensei farewell with a polite nod.
"After you, My Lady," I said, gesturing for Ochaco to lead the way upstairs.
"Be very careful, Izuku. You're swimming in deep waters right now," Midnight-sensei cautioned me, her tone laced with concern and seriousness I haven't heard from her before. Her gaze lingered on the stairs where Ochaco had just been, her narrowed eyes hinting at hidden depths of worry.
"No worries, I swim like a fish," I reassured her, though a flicker of doubt danced in my mind. Do I really know what I'm doing? Yeah, there's nothing to worry about. I went upstairs to where my room was. While I hadn't spent a night in here before, I had made sure it was presentable, at the very least, for occasions such as this.
As the morning light filtered through the curtains, painting golden hues across the floor, I stood at the threshold of the room. With a gentle push, the door swung open, revealing a haven untouched by the chaos of the outside world.
Stepping inside, I was greeted by the soft warmth of the morning sun, casting long shadows that danced upon the walls. The bed, with its plump pillows and neatly tucked sheets, awaited its weary occupant, promising dreams woven from the fabric of peace. The chair, with its plush cushion and gentle curve, invited reflection, a sanctuary for introspection amidst the chaos of the world outside. And the table, with its polished surface and steady legs, held the promise of productivity, a platform for ideas to take flight under the gentle tap of fingertips on keys.
"So, this is your room. Would you believe it's the first time I've been in a stranger's bedroom?" Ochaco remarked, her eyes darting around the room, as if trying to memorize each detail.
"Hey, I'm no stranger," I replied, feigning offense.
"Of course not, Dear Knight. I misspoke; please forgive me," she replied graciously.
"Forgiven, of course," I assured her with a warm smile.
"So, should we... open this envelope?" she asked hesitantly, her fingers grasping the envelope with a hint of tension.
"You seem nervous about this," I observed, noting the tension in her actions. It felt strange, considering it was just an assignment.
"I've done some overdue research on Ceremonial Magic. I don't expect my father knows what I've been enrolled in," she confided in me.
"Were there no Ceremonial Mages at the Court?" I inquired, intrigued by her upbringing.
"Yes. For three simple reasons. First, Ceremonial Magic is designed to let people without the Spark harness Magic. Since most of our people have some degree of magical talent, it was never considered," she explains, her tone informative, as if guiding a novice through the intricacies of magic.
"I guess that makes sense," I replied, understanding her reasoning.
"Secondly, their Magical Circle works by joining Elsewhere and the Old World with an impermeable portal. It would not work from inside Elsewhere itself," she continued, her explanation shedding light on the technicalities of Ceremonial Magic's circle.
"I see," is all I could mutter. Despite my years as a Mage, my expertise lies more in combat and practical applications.
"And finally, the idea of whoring ourselves out to creatures like that Defiler goes against everything we believe in. We have witnessed firsthand the atrocities they commit against our people. If we encounter them, our duty is to eliminate them," she declared, her voice filled with righteous indignation.
"Yeah, the Evokers I've met are never impressed by their practices. Can't say I disagree," I remarked to Ochaco, sharing her sentiments.
"Now you see my trepidation. Gods alone know what her coursework will be like," she confided, her palms pressed against her forehead as she imagined the daunting tasks ahead.
"Can't be that bad," I reassured her, hoping to alleviate some of her worries.
"Very well. I shall break the seal now," she said, her fingers hovering over the envelope, awaiting my assent before proceeding.
"Go ahead," I nodded, giving her the go-ahead to open the envelope.
"Ceremonial Magic, at its heart, is about intimacy and building connections. Today's exercise: you will each share an intimate moment that you have never disclosed to another person," she reads aloud from the paper, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty and discomfort.
"That doesn't seem so bad. Though I can't imagine that'll go smoothly for Nana and Ashido-san," I remarked to Ochaco, anticipating potential challenges for our classmates.
"There's more," she said, her tone dropping slightly."To better bring your connection, today's dress code is underwear only," she finished reading it, a hint of disbelief evident in her voice.
"Wait, what?" I said, incredulous. The absurdity of the instruction left me momentarily speechless. "That sounds... ridiculous," I added, struggling to comprehend the reasoning behind such a requirement.
"Here, take a look," Ochaco said, passing me the paper with a concerned expression.
"Wait. This is bullshit. How's she going to know if we just ignored this?" I expressed my disbelief.
"She will not know. But I will," Ochaco sighed, acknowledging the dilemma we faced.
"And?" I asked, my gaze fixed on her, uncertain of her intentions.
"Duty is heavier than a mountain; Death is lighter than a feather," Ochaco quoted, her voice carrying a sense of gravity and determination. The words resonated with a sense of familiarity, though I couldn't quite pinpoint their origin.
"Deep. Is it a Court saying?" I inquired, curious about the source of the quote.
"Hardly," she said with a light chuckle. "I read it in a book a traveller left at Court. But it fits. To be of Royal blood is to be bound by Duty," she told me.
'I have a feeling that while that saying would allow me to see her in her underwear right now, it's a sentiment that I'll come to dislike in the near future,' I mused, sensing an impending unease.
"Are you sure?" I asked her, searching for confirmation in her eyes.
"To undress in front of a man not my husband is...embarassing. But it shall pass. To lie, or deflect...that is a stain on my honour. And that will never be gone," she declared, her resolve firm as she weighed her principles against the uncomfortable situation.
"I'm sorry," I offered softly, acknowledging the discomfort she was experiencing in this unexpected circumstance.
"Please, do not worry," Ochaco comforted me with a gentle smile. "Being a Princess entails occasional discomforts. Compared to the alternative—being bound to an old fool in an unwanted engagement—this is a mere minor inconvenience. And, really, it is not your fault at all."
"Hopefully, not even in the top 10," I replied, trying to inject a bit of levity into the situation.
"Ahaha," she chuckled, a welcomed sign of levity. "Yes, indeed. I'm thankful it's you, Izuku. I'd dread facing this with a stranger or someone I didn't care for," she admitted with a genuine smile.
"Look at it this way, it's not any worse than what you'd wear on a beach," I offered, aiming to lighten the mood and ease any remaining discomfort she might feel.
"I would not go to the beach. Nor do I know how to swim. Things live in the waters of Elsewhere that you would really not want to meet. But I fear we are stalling," she admitted, acknowledging her discomfort but urging us to proceed with the task at hand.
'Right. I forgot she barely lived on this side.'
"If you're sure..." I confirmed with her once more, wanting to ensure she was fully prepared for what was to come.
"Yes. Yes, I am," she told me as she started undressing in front of me, beginning with her shirt. Her movements were fluid, yet devoid of being lewd, each action deliberate and precise. I couldn't deny the rush of excitement coursing through me as I observed her.
"My eyes are up here, Izuku," she teased, a playful smirk gracing her lips as she caught me stealing a glance.
"I'm sorry. You look beautiful though," I told her sincerely, offering a compliment to ease any lingering discomfort.
"You are not making this easier, Izuku," she murmured, her cheeks now flushed a deeper shade of crimson.
"Sorry. Look, I'll undress too, if that makes it easier," I offered, beginning to shed my own garments.
"I...I do not think it does. I have seen men without their shirts before, of course. Many of the knights train bare-chested. And there's that incident during Battle Trials, of course. But this feels...different," she confessed, her gaze lingering on me as I removed my clothes.
"Think of it as getting into cold water. Sometimes it's best to just take the plunge rather than standing there halfway," I advised her, offering a metaphorical push to ease her discomfort.
"Your people have an unhealthy fascination with water," she observed, her gaze glued to below my belt as I removed my pants.
"My eyes are up here, Ochaco," I teased, returning the playful banter.
"I...I am sorry. It is...all of this is strange," she admitted, attempting to avert her gaze from my lower half.
"Don't worry. You can look all you want. I was just teasing you. See? It's not so bad," I reassured her with a gentle smile.
"You don't appear to be bothered by this. Why?" she inquired, noting the lack of flush on my cheeks.
"Well, I'm hardly a blushing virgin," I stated matter-of-factly, which seemed to surprise her. A fleeting sadness flashed across her eyes for a moment as she looked away.
"Sorry, that came out way wrong. But my point is that this isn't my first time. You know, getting undressed with a girl," I explained, attempting to soften the bluntness of my previous statement.
"Did you ever...do anything else?" she asked. Normally, it would be rude to ask someone about their relationship history, but I'm the one who brought it up. Plus, considering her limited time on this side, I can't blame her curiosity, regardless of whether it's the case or not.
"I've had a couple of steady girlfriends. We had sex. Not really a big deal here," I told her, trying to convey a sense of nonchalance.
"And now?" she inquired, her tone laced with curiosity.
"Well, there's one. The girl of my dreams..." I began, meeting Ochaco's gaze directly.
"Izuku...we cannot..." Ochaco's voice faltered, her eyes betraying a hint of sadness as she realized who I was referring to.
"Anyway, let's proceed with the homework, shall we?" I suggested, deciding to steer the conversation away from the sensitive topic.
"Close your eyes and think of the Court, Ochaco. You can do this," she said as she started removing her skirt and tights.
"No rush," I reassured her, wanting to alleviate any pressure she might be feeling.
"There. Not so bad. It is fine. Fine," she repeated, her voice a mantra to dispel her anxiety.
"You look great," I complimented her. And just to be clear, anyone who dared to disagree would face the wrath of my fiery Royal Flush.
"I assume you tell that to all half-naked girls you find yourself with, right?" she asked, raising a skeptical brow.
"Usually, yes. Doesn't make it untrue. You look stunning," I remarked, internally celebrating the sight before me.
I sat on the bed while she sat on the chair as we did this.
"Thank you. I think?" She said, a little unsure how to feel about that. "Either way, we have gotten the hard part over. Hopefully," she told me, her tone tinged with a mix of relief and uncertainty.
"Now the next question was... something we've never told anyone else," I said to her, pondering over what it could possibly be I could share to her.
"Who goes first? You or me?" she asked, the question lingering in the air as we both hesitated, unsure of where to begin.
"You, I think... I'm still trying to work out what to say," I admitted to her, my words tinged with a hint of uncertainty as I grappled with the weight of revealing something I had kept hidden for so long.
"Me too. Sitting here, almost naked, with a man I had only gotten to know so recently. About to describe a moment I've never told anyone..." she said, her voice trailing off as she contemplated the significance of what she was about to share.
"Well, they did want intimacy. It could be worse, I guess," I offered, trying to inject a bit of levity into the tense moment.
"Indeed. But this is after all only the first study session. I fear worse is all too likely," she remarked with a hint of resignation, anticipating more challenging tasks ahead.
"This time at least, it should be simple. Any idea what you want to talk about?" I inquired, curious about her thoughts on the matter.
"Yes. I think so. H-Here we go. The last time I ever cried was when I was 8. A Princess of the Blood does not cry. But that night my mother died, I curled up in my bed and cried for hours," she began, her voice carrying the weight of a heavy memory.
"I'm sorry," I tell her. Sympathy flooded through me; I couldn't fathom losing my own mother.
"The next day, I put on my makeup, straightened my shoulders, and went back out. A Princess must always set an example. I never told anyone about that night, before now," she continued, her voice carrying a mix of vulnerability and resolve.
"What happened?" I asked, my curiosity piqued by the revelation of such a personal moment from Ochaco's past.
"A Dragon. There are many things of power in Elsewhere, but short of an angry God, there are few more terrible than a Dragon. It had destroyed one of the Glades of the Court, and my Father called for a Hunt for it," she explained, her voice carrying the weight of the memory.
A Glade—a stable piece of chaos in Elsewhere. Most are constructed by Powers and Gods over centuries for the inhabitants there to dwell in. Unless you opt for a nomadic lifestyle, living within one is essentially the only way to permanently settle in Elsewhere.
"A Hunt?" I inquired, unfamiliar with the term, given my limited encounters with sentient inhabitants of Elsewhere, let alone someone from Camelot, aside from Ochaco.
"Also known as The Wild Hunt. We call upon our allies, assemble a band, and ride the Paths. The Court's Hunt is one of the Powers that safeguard Elsewhere itself. Without it, human life could not endure there," she elucidated.
"And did they find a Dragon?" I inquired, returning to the sequence of events.
"No. It was old and cunning. While the Hunt searched for it, it snuck back to the Court itself. My mother had remained behind to guard the civilians," she explained, her voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and reverence for her mother's sacrifice.
"I... I think I see," I muttered, trying to process the weight of her words.
"A lone Evoker was with them. He had been too late to join the Hunt, and was lounging around drinking, waiting for them to return. When the Dragon came, he met it outside Camelot, and stopped it," she recounted, as I quickly pieced together the information.
"Wait...What the..."
"For half an hour, Dragon Flame met Evoker Lightning. I have never seen pure Magic force unleashed like that before or since, and I live at a Court visited by Gods and Powers on a regular basis," she recounted, her voice carrying the weight of that extraordinary encounter. "My mother was an Enchanter of the Council, and a Lady of the Fae. Almost as strong as my Father. While the Evoker bought her time, she built defenses around the City, layer upon layer of shields to protect the innocent," she continued, her tone reflecting both admiration and sorrow for her mother's valiant efforts.
I'm taken aback by the revelations she's sharing with me. Given what I've learned, it's also becoming clearer why Nana harbors such resentment towards the Court.
"In the end, the Dragon won. I do not know what changed, but one moment they were battling...the next moment, flame engulfed him. And then...my Mother...I watched from inside the shields as she turned to ash before me," she said, her voice heavy with the weight of grief as she recounted the final moments of her mother.
"You do not need to continue if you don't want to," I said to her, offering comfort in the form of a hug, but she declined, preferring to finish the story.
"I never...I never told anyone about this. In some ways, it feels like it is lifting a weight from my heart," she confessed, her voice quivering but holding strong.
"What happened next?" I inquired gently, giving her space to continue if she wished.
"The Dragon directed its fire at the shields. I could feel them weakening, I do not know if the Hunt would have returned in time. All I remember was standing there, staring at it as the shields my Mother had built failed around us piece by piece. Knowing she'd failed. And then..." Ochaco's voice wavered as she recounted the events, her words heavy with the weight of the memories.
"And then?" I prompted, urging her to continue her narrative.
"Its head exploded," she said sharply, her gaze momentarily directed downwards. If I didn't know any better, I'd think she was glaring at Midnight-sensei.
"But still, what do you mean its head exploded?" I asked her, utterly flabbergasted by her statement.
"There was a woman, dragging the biggest rifle I have ever seen. You could feel the enchantments on it, and the powerful magic radiating from the magazines she carried. Normal bullets do nothing to a dragon, but... whatever that gun was, it was not normal," she recounted to me.
"Wait...that woman...Midnight-sensei?!" I exclaimed in sudden recognition.
"She saved me. She saved all of us. But if she had been an hour earlier, my Mother would still be with me," she lamented as she's nearing the end of her story.
"You sound as if you think she did it on purpose," I noted, sensing the undercurrent of suspicion in her tone.
"I think nobody ever fully relaxes around Sorcerers. Their power is too fickle, and far too often their gifts come with sharp edges," she reflected, revealing the wariness of those wielding their strange powers.
"And since then, your father raised you alone?" I inquired sympathetically, recognizing the challenges of being raised by a single parent, a situation I could empathize with.
"No. It is mostly tutors who have raised me, truth be told. My Father blamed himself. Blamed the Court. Blamed me, for surviving, I think. Something vital in him died with my Mother, and he turned all his energy into the politics of the Court," she revealed, her tone carrying sorrow and resignation.
I honestly don't know what to say. She has been through so much, but to think that her father would ever blame her for her mother's death...
"I'm so sorry, Ochaco," I murmured softly, my heart heavy with empathy for her pain. After all she had endured, it seemed like the only appropriate response.
"It is the nature of things, and cannot be changed. So...now I have bared my skin, and bared my soul. Of the two, I think the story may have been harder. But I am glad I told it," Ochaco concluded, her voice carrying a sense of closure and relief.
"I guess it means it's my turn," I told her.
"So. What tale do you want to tell? How you have lost your virginity?" she asked, clearly trying to lighten up the mood. I'd like to do the same, but at the same time, I felt like doing so would be an insult to her story.
"That's hardly a big deal. Some fumbling around in the dark, it was confusing, and scary, and fun. Later it got less confusing, and more fun," I said, reminiscing about my first time with Itsuka. "But no...I think your story probably deserves something more," I told her, acknowledging the depth and gravity of her experience.
"I want to tell the story of how I found my Magic. I've never told anyone this before," I confessed to her, feeling a sense of vulnerability in sharing this deeply personal experience.
"It happened years ago. I hung out with a friend of mine, and since it was late, I walked her to her house to make sure she was safe. After dropping her off, I started walking back home. I was a big guy, even then, and thought I had what I thought to be Super Strength, so I wasn't particularly wary. But I noticed this weird old man following me. He stank of booze and sleeping rough," I recounted to her, the memories of that night still vivid in my mind. Ochaco simply listened.
"There are a lot of Heroes who help with relief efforts, so there aren't a lot of them from the neighborhood where I'm from. But even then, I understand that some people simply lose their footing. I was going to give him some cash to get a meal, just leaving me with enough to get back home," I continued. "But when he came close...I realized he was muttering. And he was saying my name. Again and again," I revealed to her, the eerie realization still sending shivers down my spine.
"What did he say?" Ochaco inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Nonsense. Or at least I thought it was nonsense. Now...now I'm not so sure," I told her. "He was muttering about the Blood of Arthur. That's you, I think. He said The End must never meet The Beginning. That the Sword that was Lost must never be Found," I relayed to her, the memory still vivid in my mind.
"Excalibur!" she exclaimed, recognizing one of its Names, her eyes widening with realization.
"Then he started ranting about Them. He said They were coming. That gods and men would die. That the world would end, in Ice or Fire. That before that happened, I needed to die, and they had finally found me," I recounted to her. "Then he pulled out a knife and charged me. I remember the knife. It wasn't a glowing sword, not carved with runes. It was just a normal kitchen knife. About as long as my forearm. Pointed to the front," I continued.
"I don't think he was some powerful Cultist or assassin. I think he was just some poor dude whose mind broke and left the door open for something else to come through. As he rushed me, it felt like time slowed down around me. The world dimmed, and I saw cards," I explained to Ochaco, trying to make sense of the surreal experience.
"That would be how you visualized your power, I assume?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued by my description.
"Yeah. I play this weird poker hybrid. Different hands correspond to different gems. But I didn't know it back then," I confessed, scratching my head, reflecting on my past ignorance of my own abilities.
"Wait, you're saying that you didn't have an idea about your abilities and the gems beforehand?" she asked, shocked at what I said. Though I'm not sure why that is.
"Wait, you're saying that you didn't have an idea about your abilities and the gems beforehand?" she asked, her voice tinged with genuine surprise. It was clear that my revelation had taken her aback, though the reason for her astonishment remained elusive to me. As her eyes searched mine for answers, I couldn't help but wonder what had sparked such a reaction.
"Yeah, that's right. If I hadn't met a friend back then, I wouldn't have known about it 'til now," I told her, my tone casual as I recounted the events that had led to my discovery of my abilities.
She then looked me straight in the eye, hers searching for every nook and cranny, and asked, "Izuku. Who are your parents?" Her question caught me off guard, the intensity of her gaze unsettling me.
"I...I don't know. Not really. My Mom is just...you know...a Mom. She works as a Vet at a local animal clinic. She has no magic, she's a complete normie," I told her, my voice tinged with uncertainty as I recounted what little I knew about my mother. Despite her ordinary profession and lack of magical abilities, she had always been a source of unwavering support and love in my life. Yet, the absence of any information about my father remained a glaring void, a question mark that lingered at the edges of my consciousness, taunting me with its elusive nature.
"And your father?" Ochaco asked, her curiosity palpable as she awaited my response. The mention of my father sent a shiver down my spine, stirring memories of unanswered questions and unresolved mysteries. For as long as I could remember, his identity had remained a closely guarded secret, a puzzle that I had yet to unravel. With a heavy heart, I shook my head, unable to provide any more insight into the enigma of my paternal lineage.
"I don't know. He left after I was conceived. He, my Mom, and Midnight-sensei spent a month on some farm in Shirakawago," I replied, my voice steady, though tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
'Would've been nice to have some answers though. I still can't get that Black Sun thing out of my head.'
"The Sorceress again. What did I say about gifts with sharp edges?" Ochaco said, her tone sharp. It was clear that her disdain for sorceresses ran deep, her words dripping with frustration and distrust.
"You think she knows more about this than she lets on?" I asked, curiosity lacing my tone as I considered the possibility.
"Possible. Sorceresses have an uncanny knack for finding the things they need for whatever they wish to do," she answered, her voice tinged with a hint of wariness.
"Like an Eldritch rifle," I offered, providing an example to illustrate the point.
"Yes. So...it is possible. In any case, we will have a grand challenge if we foolishly think we shall be able to extract information out of a Sorceress," she told me, her voice tinged with a note of skepticism. "But it still leaves your father's identity a mystery," she mused, assuming a thoughtful pose for a moment before continuing. "Demi-gods differ by the strength of the God that sired them."
"What do you mean? Gods are gods, right?" I said. There shouldn't be any reason for the discrepancy of power between them.
"All Gods are Powers. But some are more. Zeus. Jupiter and Atlas. Odin and Thor. Amaterasu. The Horned Lord. The Gods mortals still remember. Others are more secretive. The Tuatha De Danann are powerful, but stay aloof from humans most of the time," she explained, her voice carrying a tone of knowledge and wisdom.
"I find it fascinating that we're sitting here in our underwear discussing forgotten gods," I remarked, a wry grin tugging at the corners of my lips as I noted the irony of our conversation.
"Thank you, Izuku. I had completely forgotten," she said, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Her eyes narrow as she looks at me. I may have done goofed.
"Until now?"
"Yes. Until now," she said.
"You're gorgeous when you blush, did you know that?" I remarked, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips as I attempted to lighten the mood.
"I...I. This is a terrible idea, Izuku. My Father will find me a Consort, and while you may be the bastard of a God, you are hardly the political match he needs to seal the Court," she said with a sad tone mixed with fear. Her words carried apprehension, a fear of the consequences of allowing herself to fall even deeper into this forbidden affection.
"You're jumping quite far ahead," I reassured her gently, sensing her apprehension and the need to address her fears.
"And you are fishing around for my heartstrings, getting uncomfortably close," she replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of vulnerability and defensiveness as she struggled to maintain her composure.
"Do I at least get a kiss? It is our fourth date, after all," I told her, trying to inject a note of lightness into the tense atmosphere.
"This isn't a date. It's homework," she retorted, her tone firm as she attempted to maintain boundaries amidst the swirling emotions between us.
"You're in this world, now. And this, is what we call a study date," I replied with a hint of playfulness.
"If you say so," she said, her tone suggesting a mixture of resignation and amusement. It seemed she was still unconvinced, but willing to humor me for the sake of keeping the peace.
"Come on, you may like it," I urged, my tone gentle as I attempted to convince her to take a chance on the idea of sharing a kiss with me.
"That is exactly what I am afraid of. When I am done here, I will go back to the Court to marry some inbred fool. Doing so will not be any easier if my heart already belongs to another," she confessed, her voice carrying internal conflict and the harsh realities of her royal duties.
"We could elope?" I suggested to her, my voice tinged with a hint of desperation as I floated the idea, knowing it was a reckless proposition but feeling compelled to offer it as a potential solution to our dilemma.
"'Duty is heavier than a mountain; Death is lighter than a feather.' Always remember that," she said, with a sigh.
"How about we try for another date? Our last one got canceled because you were still recovering so what do you say we go on Friday?" I suggested, hoping to redirect our conversation towards a more lighthearted topic and provide a welcome distraction from the weighty issues we had been discussing.
"I...Izuku...Yes. My heart wants to, though my head knows it for a bad idea," she assented, her voice laced with uncertainty and a hint of longing. "Anyway, it is probably time for us to get dressed back," she continued.
"Too bad," I replied with a playful smirk, acknowledging the fleeting moment of intimacy before returning to the present reality.
As we dressed from our underwear, there was an unspoken intimacy that hung in the air, a gentle closeness that felt both familiar and reassuring. Each garment we slipped into seemed to carry with it a quiet acknowledgment of the trust we had shared, the unspoken secrets and vulnerabilities laid bare in the safety of our bond.
"Getting dressed together feels almost as weird as taking it off was," she started, her tone lightening as she attempted to diffuse the tension with a touch of humor. "Why are you staring at me?" she asked, her cheeks flushing slightly as she noticed my gaze lingering on her.
"Because you look beautiful as you move. Smooth movements, clean lines. You move like a dancer," I told her, my words sincere as I admired her grace and elegance even in the simple act of getting dressed.
"I train for hours a day. Sword, dagger, or unarmed. A sword that sits idle grows rusty," she told me in a matter-of-fact way, her dedication to her training evident in her words. "It's something you'll need to understand once we start our lessons," she added, a hint of anticipation in her voice as she looked forward to sharing her knowledge and skills with me.
"So I should add deadly to the list," I told her with a grin, acknowledging the seriousness of her training and the formidable skills she possessed.
"Yes. And you can stop ogling now, I am fully dressed," she told me, her tone playful yet firm as she teased me about my lingering gaze.
"I'll always have my memories," I replied with a mischievous grin, my tone laced with playful innuendo as I teased her about the lingering images in my mind.
"Pervert," she called me, her tone a playful accusation laced with affection.
"Guilty as charged," I responded with a playful wink, embracing the label she had bestowed upon me with good-natured amusement.
"You are incorrigible," she started, a fond smile gracing her lips. "Thank you for today, dearest Knight. I...this could have been a very difficult thing, yet you made time pass like an eyeblink. I look forward to our date," she told me, her words filled with gratitude and a hint of anticipation for the future. Lastly, she said, "I'll wait for you at the entrance."
As Ochaco made her way downstairs, her footsteps echoing softly against the wooden floors, I took a moment to finish dressing, savoring the lingering warmth of our conversation. With each garment I donned, I felt a renewed sense of connection to her, a deeper understanding born from the intimacy we had shared.
"This Court stuff. It's not making things easier," I muttered to myself, a frustrated sigh escaping my lips. "I'll just have to work through it," I resolved, steeling myself for the challenges that lay ahead.
As I was lost in my thoughts, I failed to notice Midnight standing by the door, her presence unexpected.
"Hey, Izuku. Do you have a minute?" Midnight asked, her tone serious and somber, betraying the weight of whatever news or conversation she was about to broach.
"I guess asking you to knock is a waste of time, right?" I asked her, my tone casual yet questioning.
"Yes. Anyway. I need you to be careful. I doubt you understand much of what is going on," she cautioned.
"Look, I'm just doing homework with Ochaco. No big deal," I reassured her, trying to downplay the significance of the situation.
"You're doing Ceremonial Magic homework with the Heiress to the Court in Exile. Don't assume I'm dumb, just because of what you see of me on TV, Izuku, or I will hurt you," she told me, her words sharp and pointed, her glowing blue eyes flickering with intensity.
"Nothing happened," I told her plainly, my tone straightforward as I sought to reassure Midnight of the innocence of the situation.
"...Yet. But Sarah will keep turning the screws, she enjoys this far too much," she told me, her voice tinged with resignation as she acknowledged the manipulative nature of Sarah's actions.
"You know Professor Sarah?" I asked her, surprised by the mention of the professor's name and curious about Midnight's connection to her.
"I know of her, at least," she said with a hint of disdain, her distaste for Sarah evident in her tone.
"Anything good?" I asked her.
"No, not really. She's a 95-year-old professional virgin, lap dancing for inhuman monsters to stay young. That kind of thing affects a person. Think of her as a well-preserved maiden aunt," she said, her words dripping with sarcasm as she painted a vividly unflattering picture of Professor Sarah.
'Damn, she's younger than I thought. But I guess it's expected, considering what little Magic they may get from the bottom-of-the-barrel Elsewhere beings, like that Defiler.'
"Understand, she likes to play games. She could have grouped you together with that other Evoker, and the two of you could have harmlessly screwed each other's brains out without anyone knowing or caring," she continued, her words blunt and matter-of-fact as she warned me about Professor Sarah's scheming tendencies.
"Doesn't sound so bad, when you put it like that," I said, acknowledging Midnight's point while still maintaining my preference for being grouped with Ochaco. Nonetheless, the alternative she presented didn't seem entirely undesirable either.
"Instead, she zeroes in on your interaction with Ochaco and decided to fuck with your head. I'm sure pairing that thot and the other Evoker was a nice bonus for her," she told me, her words laced with bitterness and disdain.
"What's the worst that can happen, anyway?" I asked Midnight, my tone tinged with curiosity and a hint of apprehension as I sought to gauge the potential consequences of Professor Sarah's meddling.
"Worse than she thinks. Way worse. But anyone making a living as a professional cocktease for inhuman magical fiends, using a portal that works most of the time, has a rather skewed risk assessment," she said with a cynical tone.
"Wait. 'Most of the time'?"
"They're getting better, but summoning portals do occasionally fail. Usually halfway through the ritual. At which point, you're naked and alone in a basement with a sex-crazed monster that can level a city block or two from Elsewhere," Midnight explained, her tone grim as she highlighted the grave dangers associated with summoning rituals gone awry.
I grimaced, "Yeah, I could see that would suck. Neither Nana nor Ochaco plan to do any rituals though. And I pity the monster that will try to rape Nana," I told her, a touch of determination in my voice as I expressed my confidence in Nana's ability to defend herself against any potential threat. She is an Evoker as well, after all.
"No. Your risks are all associated with the course itself," Midnight told me.
"Like what?" I asked her, my tone tinged with uncertainty as I sought clarification on the specific risks associated with the course.
"You fucking the Heir to the Court, leaving her unfit for marriage to Fae Lord or Court Noble, and her Father calling the Wild Hunt for you. Oh, and your Evoker friend setting the thot on fire and ditching the corpse in Elsewhere," she bluntly explained, listing the potential ramifications of our actions.
"Nana may not like Ashido-san, but I doubt she'd actually hurt her," I conveyed, placing my faith in Nana's ability to handle the situation with maturity and composure.
"The Shimuras had always had...anger issues. And while Nana's Grandfather added a lot of brute power to the bloodline, it clearly came with neither common sense nor constraint," she shed light on the turbulent history of Nana's family.
"Anyway...Ochaco and I. We're both adults. If it's something we both want, why the hell is her father butting in?" I told her, I myself am indignant about a father who'd control his daughter in such a manner.
"The Court lives by different times, and different rules. Fuck this up, or fuck her in general, and you'll start a fight you cannot win. The Wild Hunt is a bad enemy for a God, nevermind a fledgling Evoker," she warned me solemnly, emphasizing the serious consequences that could arise from any misstep in our situation.
"There's something...genuinely special about her. Like an echo I can't shake. I refuse to just give up, and let her go back to some asshole noble that would never appreciate her," I told Nemuri earnestly, meeting her gaze with determination and conviction as I expressed my feelings about Ochaco and my resolve to fight for our relationship.
"You're young, and in lust. Go fuck your Evoker friend, it'll pass," she replied bluntly, dismissing my feelings and urging me to consider a more fleeting, physical connection instead.
"No, it won't," I asserted firmly, rejecting her suggestion and standing by my conviction that my feelings for Ochaco are genuine and enduring.
"Anyway, you're only half our problem. Your father could make a woman drop her soaked panties from thirty meters away with a single look. As you come into Power, I worry how much of that will manifest. And how that will affect your lessons," she confided.
"That sounds like a useful skill to have. Sadly, I doubt I'm suddenly turning into some sort of sex god," I remarked wryly, acknowledging the absurdity.
"You're growing. Fast. Even just arriving last week, I can feel your Power growing. Heck, I feel your Power growing just within this conversation," she informed me, noting the rapid development of my abilities and the palpable increase in my power.
"So, is it working for you?" I asked.
"Perhaps. But you're hardly the first demi-god to try something like this on me. So far it is a long way from your father's glamour. Ochaco, though, is young. Innocent. I worry what it will do to her," she told me.
"I would never do anything to hurt her. And Ochaco would never do anything that went against her duty. Sadly," I said with a sigh, my gaze turning to the window as I pondered the complexities of our situation.
"Ochaco is also smart enough to see all her father's games will do is stave off the collapse for another generation or two. The Round Table sits empty, and as Council Mages retire, nobody steps forward to fill their seats," she explained
"Why is that?"
"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Which brings us to where the Court is now. Weak men create hard times," Midnight-sensei intoned, her voice reflecting a deep understanding of the historical patterns of power and decline.
"How poetic."
"Ochaco's duty to her father is clear. Support his plans to prop up alliances with his factitious nobles. Marry whatever faction leader screams the loudest. But her duty to the Court...that is something different." she elucidated.
"In what way?"
"The original Companions of the Round Table weren't selected for their noble connections, Izuku. They were selected for bravery. Strength. Power. People like you, or Nana, could become in time," Midnight emphasized, drawing parallels between the historical significance of the Round Table and the potential for a new generation of heroes. She paused for a moment before continuing, "It's an easy jump, especially if her heart urges her toward it, that her duty to the Court would be better served by rebuilding the Companions. Recruit Battle Mages. Evokers. Battle Healers. Knights. Fill the Round Table again."
"It's certainly a compelling vision," I admitted, considering the possibilities. "But how feasible is it, realistically speaking?"
"Well, it could have worked. Would have worked, if her father and mother had succeeded in their plans. Sure, the clans would have bitched, but they wouldn't have had the might to oppose the united front presented by the two of them, alongside a complete Round Table of Companions," she stated matter-of-factly.
"What went wrong?" I asked her.
"Since her death, Erec has squandered the power of the throne in a thousand petty squabbles and political manoeuvres." Midnight explained with a heavy sigh. "But Ochaco might not see that; children rarely perceive the true flaws of their parents."
"That Evoker. The one who died with Ochaco's mother. That's Nana's dad, wasn't it? That's why she hates the royals so much?" I've been thinking about it since hearing the tale Ochaco shared.
"Yeah. He was supposed to have been the first Companion. Lancelot to Erec's Arthur. All those dreams scattered in a single busy afternoon," she recounted, her voice conveying the lost potential and shattered aspirations.
"Is it a coincidence? That we're all gathering here 10 years later?" I asked, turning to Midnight with a look of curiosity. If anyone possessed the insight to discern the deeper significance behind our reunion, it was her.
"There are no coincidences when dealing with Powers, Izuku. Tread very carefully. And for the love of all the Gods, keep your dick in your pants. Or at least away from her pussy."
"It would help if a certain R-rated hero helped with my needs," I remarked with a casual shrug, flashing a smirk in Midnight's direction.
"Rascal. Anyway, I've said what I needed to say. I can't believe I'm here preaching about abstinence until marriage. Me, of all people. I need a stiff drink or five after this."
"See you, Midnight-sensei," I told her as I walked down the stairs, meeting up with Ochaco at the entrance. After returning to the school premises, I went to the dorms alone because Ochaco still had her Enchanter classes. I have some free time so I decided to explore the area.
Basically, the homework. Though we learned a whole lot of things about our characters.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter! I'm planning to have the next few chapters be less hectic for our heroes-in-training. Some character introductions here and there. A few lessons more. A date with Izuku and Ochaco at the planetarium. You know, those kinds of stuff. Sports Fes will happen a little later than usual, mostly because it doesn't make sense to have it happen that early in the story. It'll still be soon, but not within the first month of enrollment. Thankfully, they have things to do during this downtime.
Thanks again for reading my story. Do let me know if you have any questions about the story or feedback.