The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light across the lush countryside as Izuku pushed his family's cart along the dirt road. Hisashi walked ahead, his weathered hands clutching a walking stick, while his wife Inku lingered by the cart, watching their son with a fond smile.

At sixteen, Izuku had grown tall and strong, his emerald eyes reflecting a curious blend of innocence and determination. Though he worked hard to help his adoptive parents, his heart often yearned for something more—something he couldn't quite name.

As they reached the outskirts of a bustling market, Hisashi turned to his son. "Izuku, remember… you need to stay by the cart," he said firmly.

Izuku nodded, though his restless gaze wandered beyond the crowded stalls and vibrant colors. "Yes, Father, I know."

But as the cart stopped near the riverbank, something caught Izuku's eye—a figure moving gracefully among the reeds. A girl, about his age, was kneeling by the water, her dark hair gleaming in the sunlight. She seemed out of place in the rustic village, her posture regal, her simple robes unable to hide her ethereal beauty.

Unable to stop himself, Izuku stepped away from the cart. He felt as though he were being drawn to her by some unseen force. "Can I help you?" he asked, his voice tinged with both curiosity and concern. "I haven't seen you around here before."

The girl turned, her piercing blue eyes locking onto his. For a moment, her expression softened, as though she were surprised by his kindness. "I'm—" she began, but before she could finish, a harsh voice cut through the air.

"My young acolyte!"

Izuku turned to see an imposing priest striding toward them. His robes were dark, and his face bore an expression of stern disapproval. The girl straightened, her demeanor changing instantly, becoming cold and guarded.

"You won't become a good Priestess by consorting with the likes of him," the priest snapped, glaring at Izuku. "Can't you tell he's loyal to Zeus? Look at the way he carries himself—so self-assured, so radiant. A son of Zeus, no doubt."

Izuku blinked in confusion, but before he could respond, the girl's eyes narrowed. Her gaze flicked toward the priest, and with an unseen force, he was thrown backward as though struck by an invisible hand.

The priest stumbled to his feet, his face pale with shock.

"I give you leave to go," the girl said coolly. "I will speak to whomever I wish. I will return to the temple when I have finished." Her voice was steady, commanding—a sharp contrast to the warmth Izuku had glimpsed moments before. "Leave, Ponos."

The priest hesitated, his lips curling into a sneer. "Very well," he muttered, dusting himself off. "But Panikos and I will be reporting this to your master."

The girl's expression did not waver. "So report it," she said, her voice laced with defiance. With a flick of her hand, she forced him back toward the temple, the air around her shimmering with latent power.

As the priest disappeared, Izuku stared at the girl in awe. "You… you're like me," he said quietly, his voice filled with wonder.

The girl's icy demeanor softened again as she turned to face him. "My name is Kristál," she said, her voice gentle now. "Priestess of the Damned. Priestess to Hades. What do you mean, I'm like you?"

Izuku hesitated for a moment, then clenched his fist and punched into the ground with incredible force. "SMASH!" The earth trembled, and a crater formed beneath his hand.

Kristál's eyes widened in recognition. "You… you truly are the son of Zeus."

Izuku nodded, his gaze fixed on her. "And you… you're so powerful. Why do you serve Hades? You don't seem like…" He trailed off, unsure how to phrase his thoughts without offending her.

Her expression darkened. "You must leave now, Izuku," she said, stepping back. "Before my master finds you. If he senses your presence, he'll stop at nothing to destroy you."

"But—" Izuku began, taking a step closer, his heart pounding.

Kristál's gaze softened, and for a brief moment, the cold, hardened Priestess of Hades was gone, replaced by a girl who seemed just as lost as he felt. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his cheek.

"Stay far from me, Izuku," she whispered, her voice trembling. "For both our sakes."

Before he could say another word, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Her lips were soft and warm, leaving a tingling sensation that lingered long after she pulled away.

As she turned and walked back toward the temple, Izuku stood frozen, his hand pressed to his cheek. His heart raced, and a deep blush spread across his face.

"Kristál," he murmured, her name lingering on his lips like a prayer.

From the shadows, unseen by either of them, Hades watched with narrowed eyes. His lips curled into a sinister smile.

"Ah, young love," he muttered darkly. "So pure, so fragile. It will make breaking him all the more delicious."

The god of the dead turned away, his dark robes billowing as he vanished into the shadows, leaving Izuku and Kristál to their fated paths.