"IZUKU!?" Inko rushed in just as the couple was going back to being intimate, panic evident on her face. She was still wearing house clothes and her hair was disheveled. "I was getting worried about you. I woke up and knew you needed me. But I called you, but there was no answer. So I called Makoto-chan. You remember Makoto-chan, right? She's an older kid you...oh, nevermind. Anyway, I asked her for help and she had a Hero to bring me here."
"Wait, you had her call a Hero for a ride, Mom?"
"Yeah, apparently, there was this documentary of...who was it again? C.C., she called him? And they were in Japan about his time here. But he seemed to be in a hurry because he was trying to go to lunch with his ex-wife."
Izuku was sure he would hear about the documentary of the former America's number one hero being filmed, despite his busy schedule. He quickly pulled out his phone and checked the website he frequented when these types of announcement were made. And sure enough, there were promotional materials shared from a few weeks ago.
'Did she...warp reality just to get here faster? And created a reason to dismiss him too?' he thought. Ever since knowing about her Sorcery, he couldn't help but think things were pretty convenient whenever she wants to. 'But why wasn't I affected? Because I'm also a Sorcerer?'
He wasn't sure how to feel about that. One on hand, he was relieved that his mother would probably be fine not regardless of the situation, because those situations likely won't occur near her anyway. On the other, she was casually rewriting events and memories like nothing. 'Could I do that too? Should I?'
Before he could go further into his thoughts, his mother continued, "Oh, I'm sorry, Ochaco. I didn't notice you there. Izuku, you should let your girlfriend sit on a chair, not on a bar table."
Remembering their position, he held Ochaco's hand as she jumped down the table. Izuku noticed her calling Ochaco his 'girlfriend', then remembered she didn't know. He then cleared his throat, "Hi...uh...Mom. I would like you to meet my wife."
"Your what?!"
"We had a small, last-minute ceremony a couple of weeks ago. It was just important to us to formalize our love."
"Not that I'm not happy for you two. But...but why? You're both so young."
"Well, there's just been a lot of things going on in our lives recently. And that made us realize we couldn't live without each other."
Ochaco stepped up, "The dream was to have a more elaborate ceremony once things have calmed down; it has been quite hectic in the last few weeks. Now that you are here, it would be wonderful for you to join us."
"That's certainly one way to put it," Izuku added.
"Married? But...Izuku, you're both still students. How would you ever afford to start a family?
"Trust me, Mom...I've got 99 problems, but money ain't one."
"Well...that's good, at least. And Nemuri did mention you were quite diligent in working here, so maybe you have saved some up."
"Wait, you've been keeping track of me?"
"Of course? Why wouldn't I? She told me things were going well between you two, but she never mentioned anything about you getting married," she told him, sounding a little miffed about being left in the dark.
"She was there at the audience. I'm sure she knew. It really was a last-minute thing."
"Well, I'm going to have words with her. I can't believe she never told me this."
"I'm sure she wanted to find the right time to tell you."
"I'm sure. So, Ochaco? How are you, hun? You're looking a little...stressed from the last time I saw you. I hope my son's not causing you trouble?"
"I'm doing great, Inko-san, especially with your son with me. But you were right, I was rather...stressed lately. Sadly, my Father passed away recently and I had to take over the family business."
"Oh no. Sweety, I'm sorry to hear that. It is always sad when a child loses their parents. And you said you're taking over your family's business? Do you need help? I have a few clients who knew about business, if you need them."
"It is okay, Inko-san. Thank you for the offer. At the moment, it is rather chaotic; some of my cousins believe me too young and unproven for the job, and they have caused us quite some problem. But it should be resolved soon."
"Nemuri's looking into it. Why she missed your call, Mom. She's not in town at the moment."
"Oh, that's her, alright. Always helpful and nice. I'm sure she'll help calm tempers and find a solution."
"Yes, Mom. I'm sure she'll help us find a solution to this," Izuku said with an edge on the 'solution,' but Inko didn't notice.
Ochaco held Izuku's hand and intertwined their fingers. "Izuku has been such a life-saver through all of this; I would not have known what to do without him at my side. It feels like we were meant to be together."
"Always," he smiled, kissing her hand in his.
"Izuku's always been such a kind, heroic child. I still remember him bringing me sick animals he'd found, asking me to heal them."
"And you always did. I don't think I fully understood how amazing that was, at the time."
"Any good vet could have done the same. There are very few things in life some care and love cannot fix. And I could see how important it was to you." She then smiled at Ochaco before hugging her. "And I can see how important you are to him too, Ochaco. Hopefully, we'll have a chance to sit down and talk more. I would like to know more about my daughter-in-law."
"Thank you, Inko-san."
"Ochaco, Love...Could I have a few words with my Mom?"
"Of course, My Heart. I shall see you upstairs."
"Thanks," he said as he walked to his mom.
Inko watched Ochaco head to the stairs and turned to her son. "I can see how you like her. But are you really sure?"
"Surer than I've ever been about anything in my life. It's like you and Dad: it feels like it's our Destiny. Like I was struck by a lightning bolt and woke up in her arms."
"Love hits us like that, sometimes. I just hope yours lasts longer than the short time I had with your Father before he disappeared."
"Who knows, Mom. Maybe he's still out there somewhere?"
"Then I would give him a darned good smacking for ditching the two of us like that. But your Grandfather made quite a few inquiries, back when it was clear I was pregnant. He was certain your father passed away. Some kind of hunting accident, I believe. We mustn't cling to unrealistic hopes, Izuku," she smiled sadly at him.
"Who knows. The Paths lead all places."
"What a strange saying, Izuku. 'The path leads to where we were meant to go, as always.' That's what your great-grandmother used to say to me. In this case, it led me here. To find my handsome son married to a gorgeous young lady. Without. Telling. Me."
"I really am sorry, Mom. It happened in the heat of the moment. I promise we'll have a proper wedding while you're here. Both Ochaco and you deserved it."
"I am looking forward to it. Now, you should probably go up to your young bride. I'm sure you'll have lots to talk about. I'll be busy getting the Pub ready for opening."
"You'll what?!"
"Yes, dear? Of course, with Nemuri helping your wife, it makes sense for us three to help her in return. Right?"
"Yeah, but..."
"I'm sure she would have wanted you to take care of the Pub, right?"
Izuku froze, remembering Midnight's exact wording. 'That woman knew this would happen...'
"She did mention that, yes. But Mom, I've got..."
She started going over the place, checking what needed to be cleaned. "That's settled then. I'll get stuff all ready," she pulled up her sleeves. "It'll be like when I was helping out your Uncle's pub. Except less bikers, I guess."
"The crowd can be kinda rough, Mom," he asked, worried. "I'm not sure..."
"Oh, don't be silly. I used to deal with bikers when I was fifteen. They're actually pretty nice. I've found that if I'm friendly with people, they'll always be friendly back," she explained, her voice matter of fact.
Though Izuku guessed whoever wasn't planning to be 'friendly' got run over by a truck several times over without her knowing.
"And this pub is fancy. There's not even a glory-hole in the bathroom."
"Thankfully. I shudder to think what would happen to anyone sticking their junk through a hole at The Crowley. Look, Mom. I've got stuff to do and schoolwork."
"Of course, dear. I know how it is. We'll just do the Night shift. You've got time in the mornings until evening for school and get rest. Or meet your friends to have fun."
"That's not what I meant, Mom."
"Young man, Nemuri has been an enormous help to you, ever since you started in UA. And now she's gone, helping your wife with her legal problems, you're planning to just neglect your responsibilities so you can have fun playing with your friends? Is that how I raised you?"
Izuku flinched at his mother's words. "No. But Mom, I need you to understand. Some of the things that drink here are not friendly."
"Anything you can't handle?"
"Likely not. I...I just don't want you to get hurt, Mom. You don't know this world."
She chuckled hearing this. "Sweetie, every child believes they've outgrown their parents."
"I'm pretty sure I don't fall under that."
"This will be fine. And I really do owe Nemuri for taking care of you. The least we could do is keep the bar open for her. And with you to keep peace and your lovely wife to help serve drinks, I'm sure we'll be a success."
'What a pub. The barmaid is the Queen-in-Exile, the bouncer is The Winter King, and the Blessed by The Voices is pouring drinks. What could go wrong?'
"What was that, hun?"
"Nothing, Mom," he stammered, realizing he may be talking out loud again.
"See you soon."
"See you later. And...Mom?"
"Yes?"
"I love you. Thanks for rushing here when you thought I needed you."
"Always, dear," she smiled. "Now, go talk to your wife."
Izuku headed upstairs. His mind was going back to the conversation and how to explain to Ochaco she's been assigned as the barmaid. While he didn't mind looking after that Pub, he didn't expect to run it.
"I mean...I could tell Mom I've got more important things to do...Couldn't I?" he muttered. "Except that feels wrong. Is this The Voices telling me or just myself? I feel like I'll go crazy double-guessing this."
He stood in front of the door, letting out a sigh.
The second Ochaco saw him, her expression turned to worry. "Welcome back, dearest. What has disturbed you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Your face is easier to read than a book, My Heart. Something has given you cause to worry; what is it?"
"Mom wants to keep the Pub open while Nemuri's away. She feels she owes her for helping us."
"A fair sentiment. Why does that make you upset?"
He started removing his armor and took a black shirt and pants to change into. "This is a pub that gets everything from bog trolls to púca assassins and Fae Ladies. What if something happens?"
"You will be there to back her up, My Love. But you've always been more than capable of keeping the peace here. Even before you received the Mantle. So what is truly bothering you?"
"She was expecting you to help out in the pub."
"Why not? The two of us can work side-by-side; it sounds quite delightful, in fact. A breath of normal life after the insanity of the Court."
"But you're the Queen-in-Exile."
"And at the moment even in exile from that Exile," she giggled. "Did you think me too proud to serve drinks alongside my Husband? You are the Winter King, an actual God, yet you are still serving drinks here at The Crowley. How could I do less?"
"And what do you think Mom will say when the first Orc or Troll wanders in for a round of beers?"
"Hopefully she will ask them what they would like to drink? That seems to be the correct thing to say for a bartender."
Izuku moved to sit on the bed. "Ochaco, she doesn't know the world of magic. She'll freak out."
"I did notice you dancing around the facts, yes. And yet she was quite intimately familiar with both the Oldest God alive and a slightly less ancient Sorceress. One assumes she will take the occasional bog troll in stride."
"So you're saying I should just...go along with this?"
Ochaco sat beside him, her hand holding his. "You already seem to have made that decision, dearest. Now you are merely grumbling about the fact. Who knows; it might be good for you both.
"In what way?"
"Both your Destiny and our marriage ties you to the magical realm; you cannot keep her in the dark indefinitely. It is not a child's responsibility to shield their parents from life's realities."
"Damnit. I was planning to crawl to bed with you, not work a late shift at a night pub."
"Duty is ever heavier than a mountain, My Love. And at least we get to wake up together; that alone is enough. But for now, we are overdue downstairs. Cucumbers will have to wait another day." She hugged his arm and stayed there for a minute before kissing his cheek. "Let us go."
Izuku smiled, putting an arm around her shoulder. "As you wish I'll just go send a text we'll be late tonight."
And he did, to Kinoko and were sent a picture of Eri eating a candy apple one of her classmates gave the little girl. When the two of them arrived at the pub, Inko was busy cleaning the floor. She turned to see them. "There you two are. Ochaco, you're looking radiant, dear."
"She always does. But especially this last month."
"Thank you, Inko-san. Your son takes good care of me. If I ever need anything, I just know he will drop everything to rush to my side," she smiled at him.
"Of course. Anyone would do the same." He then helped his mother move some of the tables displaced from yesterday. "So, we're opening, Mom. I don't want you to be surprised if we have some...unusual...guests."
"Hun, I'm used to odd folks. And I'm sure there's nothing you can't handle. You're looking really fit; have you been to the gym a lot?"
"Yeah, I figured I needed to be strong for what's to come."
"And I'm sure your girl appreciates it, right?"
"Yeah, the girls all do-I mean, let's get ready."
"Let's get to work," Inko said.
Izuku flipped the CLOSED sign to OPEN on the window, and opened the doors. The usual patrons were around. Thankfully, his mother wasn't driven to panic or anything like that. 'At best, she might just be thinking we have a lot of heteromorph clients,' he sighed.
It was a few minutes before closing time when the crowd near the bar separated like water as a familiar figure approached. Her blonde ponytail swished back and forth with indignation.
Valery approached Izuku. "You little bastard."
"You'll have to take that up with my parents, I'm afraid. Mom's busy in the kitchen now; why don't you try talking to Dad?" he jokingly told her as he gestured for her to sit down.
Ignoring his gesture, the Valkyrie continued. "I was up at the University today, looking for Booker."
"He's absent at the moment. Paladin business."
"Yeah, no shit. But I did run into the Principal, who mentioned Eindridi had been teaching a pair of Evokers while staying here. Nana Shimura. And you."
"The world is full of coincidences, isn't it?"
"I don't believe in coincidences. So, you've known more about this than I have from the start. I do not appreciate being played for a fool, Izuku," she glared at him.
The patrons focused on the two. Some were amused by the possible altercation between an Evoker and a Valkyrie. Others were listening in, hoping to find information they could sell. While others were frozen, afraid that moving could get the pair's attention and put them in trouble, unsure whether to take their chance to book it or stay where they were.
"And I don't appreciate my teacher trying to kill me, yet here we are. Trust is a very fragile thing, Val, and...Eindridi...broke any trust I might have in the Æsir quite thoroughly. Why don't you ask Nana?"
"I tried. Andrew got to me first, saying he'd set me on fire if I ever set foot in their territory again. Which is goddamned strange; the Clan and the Æsir have been more than friendly for a long past."
"Trust takes a lifetime to build, and a mere lightning bolt to destroy. Next time, keep a leash on your loose cannons. What can I get ya? A glass of Laphroaig?"
Val narrowed her eyes on him, before dropping to the chair with a thump.
"Make it double. I've been going about this all wrong, haven't I?"
"Possibly? That's ¥3000."
She pulled out her wallet and gave the exact amount. "There you go. No tip today. I still haven't forgiven you. I was assuming that pissing off Booker was the worst fucking screwup Eindridi could have achieved on his holiday in Japan."
"Which it could still be. Hard to say with Booker. Ever heard about the Slavs?"
She paused. Her expression showed she was unsure if that was some kind of veiled threat, with what Booker did to Chernobog and a few of the Slavic Gods. But she eventually relaxed, dismissing the thought due to his age and how much Booker was guarded about that particular memory.
"Point. But I thought I could ignore why he came here until I'd extinguish that fire. Yet...Thor's got as much interest in Academia as I do for interpretive dancing. But he stuck around for the two of you for weeks."
Izuku shrugged. "In fairness, he was a pretty crappy professor."
"Before trying to kill you and angering Andrew enough that it jeopardizes our alliances with the Clan. Is Nana Shimura okay?"
"A bit zinged, and extremely angry, but otherwise fine. He wouldn't kill his own granddaughter."
"So James was his. And Andy. Fuck," she cursed, making a facepalm. "All I needed in my life was more mini-Thors running around. And I'm going to have serious words with the one-eyed asshole; this was information I needed to have when he sent me here."
"Well. Now you know. Good luck," he decided to go back and get her drinks before she stopped him.
"Not so fast. Sarah Renier."
"Who?"
"Don't play dumb. Your Ceremonial Magic professor. I'm going to assume you knew she broke out of Montrose?"
"Yeah, sure."
"Thought as much. 'The Doors will be Opened. What was Promised will be Given. The World will end, in Fire and Ice.' Ragnarök was coming, isn't it?"
"Yeah. Sooner than you'd think."
"Given any thoughts about my offer? There will be worse places to face Ragnarök than among the Einherjar."
Izuku brushed the very edge of the Mantle, letting it fill him with Power. Time stopped, except for the two. The sound felt like it was drained by a vacuum, the people froze in place. A couple at the far end, mid-toast, held their glasses aloft, smiles frozen on their faces. Inko, at the bar, caught mid-pour as the stream of amber liquid suspended in mid-air.
Valery was surprised as his eyes glowed like searchlights, peering deeply into her Soul. At that moment, what she saw was not the student. And not even a God, but Something Else. Yet the Power she felt inside him rivaled even the Allfather, if not more.
Izuku talked to her, his words shaking her Soul from its tether to her mortal body. "I'd offer you the same...but we both know Chosen don't stray. When battle is joined, the Knights of the Lake will be there."
Then, time resumed as everything returned to normal, Valery was snapped back, gasping. "Who the hell are you, Izuku?" She wasn't looking at him as a mere young student anymore. He knew too much and the Power was too much for anyone to possess for her not to panic. Even Japan's Firstborn, Amaterasu Ōmikami, didn't possess that kind of Power.
"The Sword of Mankind has been reforged. The Outsiders are returning, and the Mantle of the Once and Future King has been assumed. Valery Reine; Chosen of Freya...tell your Mistress to prepare for War. The armies of Life will stand together against the Darkness. Or all will fall."
"Hell's balls," she cursed, walking to the exit.
"I assume you'd know. And Val?"
"I'm kind of in a hurry to get back. What is it?"
"Tell Thor...this isn't over. I trusted him, and he betrayed me. There will be a reckoning," he said with a grim tone before immediately smiling at the Valkyrie. "Safe travels, Val...we'll meet again."
"Who was that?" Inko called from beside him.
"Just one of the regulars. Wanted to chat about a mutual acquaintance. Anything I can help with, Mom?"
"Oh, I just wanted to tell you it's closing time. Ochaco and I have already gotten everything ready behind the counter...once you get rid of the stragglers. Why don't the two of you go to bed?"
"Where are you staying the night, Mom?"
"Oh, I'll be taking Nemuri's room. I found her keys under the rug. I hope she won't mind me staying while she's away. What about you two?"
"I'm sure she won't. You go on ahead. I'll shut this place down. As for me and Ochaco, we can't sleep upstairs. Our friends were helping, but we do need to take care of our daughter."
"Oh. That's ni-WAIT! YOUR WHAT?!"
It took the couple several minutes to explain Eri. About her history and why Izuku adopted her. "How could you have never told me, Izuku? You visited me without ever telling me I had a granddaughter?"
"I was just about to introduce Ochaco to you and I didn't want to overwhelm you."
"And you're gonna let me see her?" Inko asked excitedly.
"Well, she's at Kinoko and the others. She's probably asleep by now. Want to meet her tomorrow?"
"Oh, please. Of course, I want to meet her. My first granddaughter. Is she a little angel? What's her name again?"
"Eri. And yeah, she's adorable. A bit shy at first, but once you get her going, she can be hard to stop, at times. You'll love her."
"I'm sure I will, sweetie. What's she like? Oh, nevermind, we'll be here all night if I keep asking and you two need your rest. Just bring her here tomorrow morning."
"We will, Inko-san. Thank you, and good night."
"Goodnight, Ochaco. Don't stay up too late."
Ochaco bowed slightly, her hands holding each other. "Of course, Inko-san."
"Let us go, My Heart? I would like to borrow your shower, if you do not mind."
"Sure, wanna go together?"
"While that is tempting, My Love. I am tired, sweaty, and smelled of pissed beer, and whatever cologne Bog trolls wear. All I really wish right now is to be clean and rest in the bed with you and Eri."
To say Izuku was disappointed was a big understatement, but he respected her wishes. "That's fine. Go ahead and take a shower. I'll take care of these stragglers."
Ochaco gave him a hug, wanting to ease his disappointment. "Thank you, dearest. I will be with you shortly." She kissed him and went upstairs.
"Hey, can't we order some more rounds, man?!" one of the customers asked, raising his mug.
"Nope, closing time. We open in nighttime, come back then."
They were about to protest but one look at Izuku told them how bad the idea was. The patrons quickly shuffled out, afraid of further provoking the green-haired giant.
They left their pay and the pub was quiet. He flipped the sign to CLOSED, and waited for Ochaco by the door. When she finished, he locked the pub and went back to UA dorms.
Eri, surprisingly still hadn't slept, was ecstatic to see Ochaco, who was even happier and hugged the girl tight. The three of them went to the room and fell asleep quickly. Izuku wore a smile he hadn't for some time, seeing the two most important girls in his life, sleeping side-by-side. Safe.
Tomorrow morning, they were greeted by Nana's voice. "Rise and shine, Izuku. Morning, Princess, Eri."
"Nana? What are you doing here so early?" Izuku rubbed his eyes, looking at his watch. He saw Nana wearing her tactical gear.
"It's 10 am, lover boy. What, you stayed up 'til dawn doing you-know-what or something?"
"No. Mom made us run the pub 'til late last night. Let's go give Ochaco some privacy." He quickly put on a black shirt and pants before they left the room.
"Yer Mom? Ain't she a Normie? Why would she make you run a pub that almost exclusively serve magical customers."
"Probably thought they were Quirked or something. It'd still be weird having groups of 5 or 6 people in the same building having almost identical 'Quirks' but I guess she never question things around her much."
"Why would she be here?"
"When I called you, I accidentally called Mom too. A Hero brought her to Crowley."
Izuku explained to Nana about why his mother was there and why they were running the pub. When he asked if she heard the title of 'Blessed by The Voices,' she simply shrugged. Sorcery was still one of the most mysterious branch of magic, with nobody knowing why it appeared some two thousand years ago. Like the Spark, it was bloodline based but was unreliable, skipping over generations at a time.
Eventually, Itsuka arrived as well as Ochaco and Eri.
"Should you not wear something more protective, My Love? Look at Shimura and Kendo."
"I figured it'll look too conspicuous if I walked around in plate. It's fine for standard Hero activity, but it'll stand out too much for anyone who knew what it is, especially with what we're about to do."
"That is true. And your old costume would not really help out much, with how durable you are now."
Izuku crouched to Eri's level. "Hey, little Snowball. Do you want to meet your grandmother?"
"What's a grandma?"
"She's like a Mama...for your parents," Nana explained.
"So, she's a Mama too? So, will she teach me like Mama did?"
"No. She's going to be the Grandma, who gives you candies and hugs."
"Oh, okay," the child smiled, nodding.
"We'll introduce you to her. She's really nice," Izuku assured her as he held her hand. The group exited the dorm and headed toward The Crowley. There weren't many people, thankfully.
They arrived at The Crowley, where Inko was busy cleaning. "Hey, Mom."
"Morning, Izuku. And oh my god, who is this cute little thing?"
"Hi. I'm Eri."
"Oh, you are so adorable. Come here, Eri," she crouched, opening her arms for a hug.
Eri slowly walked towards her, almost cautious. But Inko didn't rush her. She kept her smile, welcoming. Eri approached her and leaned forward, hugging the woman.
"Don't hug her too tight, Mom," Izuku joked.
Inko ignored her son's remark and hugged the little girl back, patting her head. "I'm your Grandma. But you can call me Granny if you want."
"You're the Mama of Papa?"
"That's right."
"I like hugs," the little girl smiled.
"Well, you'll get lots of them, dear." She looked at Izuku and others. "Oh, where were my manners? Good morning, everyone. I don't think we've met, I like your hair," she complimented Nana.
"Thanks, Mrs. Midoriya. I'm Shimura Nana, I'm Izuku classmate in a special course in UA."
"It's nice to meet you."
"Hey, Mom. Would it be okay if we leave Eri in your care today?"
"Oh, that's fine, dear," she told him before turning to Eri. "Would you like candy apples?" At that moment, someone selling candy apples passed by the front of the pub.
Eri's eyes almost twinkled at the sight. "Candy apples."
"See, that's all you need. She's just so adorable," she said, smiling as Eri looked at the vendor, eyes shining in wonder. "What are the four of you going to do, anyway? Some shopping?"
"Actually, Ochaco needs to get something from her old room. We'll be back by lunch."
"Well, then, don't let me stop you. I'll keep Eri company until then."
"Thank you very much for this, Inko-san."
"Thank you, Granny," the child also bowed, imitating her mother.
Inko's heart almost melted seeing her granddaughter's politeness.
They headed to The Embassy. It wasn't a large building, at least compared to most government buildings you would normally see.
The structure was divided into three sections. The military attaché occupied the left wing, while the Embassy itself took up the right side. Ochaco's former residence made up the final section - at least until she moved to UA dorms.
After Ochaco explained it, Izuku stepped up, drawing his cards. "So we take out the house on the left, then move on."
Ochaco grabbed Izuku's arm to stop him. "Not so bloodthirsty, My Love. Those are our citizens. If the security forces interfere, we will deal with them...but we do not start blowing up buildings pre-emptively. Let me see if the wards still answer to me."
He shrugged. "Let's hope."
She turned to the building, her voice mixed with magic. "This is Ochaco Uraraka Pendragon. In the name of Excalibur, open up."
They waited for a few moments, but nothing happened.
Ochaco's gaze fell. "Sadly, my access appears to have been disabled. It is something the Ambassador could do, but a rather damning sign of where his loyalties lie. We shall have to do this the hard way."
Izuku rubbed his chin. "I really should learn to do that with the Glade. Nana?" he turned to her.
"Aye. Let's have some of the house standing. Clear for breach."
"Itsuka, you're going in once Nana opens the door. Ochaco, you keep out of the fight."
"But..."
"No buts, Love. You're unarmed and unarmored. We'll deal with whatever was hiding in there. Nana, blow it."
She raised her left hand and fireball launched out of it. Briefly, the wards resisted, but it was no match for an Evoker's might. The street shook and smoke filled the air. The wards were broken.
As if responding to the disturbance, a House Guardian with golden tint jumped from the building. Its design was more intricate than the one Izuku fought before in Deep Elsewhere, but was half the size of it.
"Intruder!" it shouted, manifesting an axe wreathed in royal purple light. The Guardian swung at Izuku, but the weapon merely stopped upon contact with his forearm without leaving a mark - or if it did, the Mantle healed it instantly.
Nana launched a fireball at the Guardian, skillfully directing the blast to the sky, easily clearing the clouds across this side of the continent as it exited to space. But the Guardian was unscathed.
"Fire's not going to work on this one," Izuku called out.
He grabbed the Guardian's weapon arm and delivered a devastating punch, the shockwave permanently bending the steel support around the buildings in the area.
The Construct rocketed backward - straight toward Itsuka, who was ready.
Her enlarged fist met the Guardian with devastating force. The impact shattered every window in the building, the shockwave sending the magical Construct hurtling skyward until it vanished from sight.
Ochaco looked sadly at the sky where it disappeared. "Poor thing. It served the Pendragons faithfully for hundreds of years, and that was its reward."
"Shit happens. Any other Golems around?"
"No, that is...was...the only one in Japan."
"Itsuka, go with her, in case anything bad's hiding inside. If you see anything, draw from me. Nana and I will keep a lookout."
"No worries, Master. I'll keep her safe."
"I know."
He looked at Ochaco cast a Shield on herself and Itsuka as they disappeared inside.
"So we're just gonna stand here waiting?" Nana asked. "Doesn't this look suspicious?"
"I don't want anyone to trap us inside the building. If they want to mess with us, better they meet us here on the street."
"Unless they brought A LOT of additional muscle recently, there ain't nothing in the city stupid enough to attack us."
"How would you know?"
"They're allies, Izuku. It's not like the local security forces here are a secret. There's four Knights stationed here; mid-tier Enchanters specializing in combat."
"Like Ochaco?"
"Maybe half as good as her three months ago, before ye started dragging her along in yer slipstream. These days, she could lend them all a legendary sword each and take them apart with a butter knife."
"Let's hope that means they'd decide guarding the barracks isn't worth it."
A few minutes later, onlookers started to gather. It didn't take long for many to start recognizing Izuku and creating a commotion. He raised his hands, gathering everyone's attention. "Please step back. We are here to secure the building, but everything is under control."
His commanding voice combined with his reputation made the crowd calm down and give them room.
Eventually, Ochaco returned, looking unharmed, as she held a couple of bags with her. "Well done, dearest. Since the place was empty, I took advantage to pick up some necessities."
"Empty, are you sure?" Izuku held out his hand, silently offering to carry some of the bag. Ochaco decided to entrust him with her armour.
"Yes, Master," Itsuka confirmed. My hearing's gotten...quite good, since you made me Chosen. There ain't a heartbeat in either of the buildings next to us."
"Did you get everything you need, Ochaco?"
"We are good for now. I have recovered my armour. And Secace."
"Okay, unless there's any more mechanical golems around, we should be good."
They started heading back to The Crowley. It didn't take as long as they expected.
"Wondering where the rest of the embassy is?" Nana asked Izuku.
"Holed up in a mansion somewhere having their Berlin Conference, drawing up how Ochaco's kingdom will be divided amongst themselves, likely," Izuku answered, his voice was a monotone, but there was a glint in his eyes. "Once Mina and Nemuri return, we'll know enough to find and deal with them. Permanently."
"Are ye sure ye trust Sorcery that far?"
"I'd trust Mina to my grave and back; Chosen don't stray. Nemuri...I trust that she wants me primed and ready to fight the Outsiders, whenever they show up. I just can't trust her to care if my feathers get singed along the way."
"Tough love."
"Trust me. You'll be better off without it."
"I'll find my own destiny. Though I'll always be yer mate, if ye'll have me."
"Ain't nobody I'd be happier to call a friend, Nana."
"Okay, enough soppiness. Let's get out of here before the Squad makes it down and I have to explain to aniki why I'm blowing up allied embassies."
"Probably a good idea."
As they walked back to The Crowley, Izuku's mind couldn't help but wonder about the empty embassy and its implications. Ochaco, noticing the change in him, squeezed her hand in his reassuringly. He smiled, feeling blessed to have her with him.
They then arrived at the pub, where Inko and Eri were chatting while eating a candy apple. Eri immediately hugged Izuku and Ochaco when they came in.
"Hey, little Snowball. Had fun with your Grandma?"
"I did."
"Ochaco, dear. Would you like to prepare lunch with me?" Inko asked.
"Of course, Inko-san."
"I'm your mother-in-law. You're too polite. And please, call me 'Mom' or just 'Inko'. No need to be so formal."
"Thank you, 'Inko.'"
The two of them went to the kitchen and Inko taught Ochaco her recipes. Ochaco never cooked for herself but she already was dexterous and clever enough to fill in the gaps, and her perfect memory of an Enchanter helped her master them quickly.
Itsuka and Nana excused themselves, not wanting to intrude on the four. They ate lunch, talked, and even watched some movies. 'Which of course Mom brought with her,' Izuku thought.
Eventually, it was time for the pub to open, and both Kota, who passed by with a still-recovering Mandalay, and Eri were upstairs, using the recently-built guest room.
The Crowley usually gets the occasional Fae or half-Fae, visitors. Most gave Ochaco a quick glance before deciding to politely ignore her serving tables. The Fae are the Elites of Elsewhere; what disaster has prompted a clearly noble-born mostly Fae to serve tables at a pub wasn't a question for polite company.
But the new visitor didn't. A Fae with striking, long crimson hair.
When he saw Ochaco, he responded with unconcealed shock, quickly reaching for his pocket for something.
"I don't think so, buddy," Izuku muttered across the room. He took three steps toward him, intentionally bumping the rock-troll off balance in passing.
The rock troll stumbled onto a nearby table of orcs, scattering pint-glasses of Kentucky Gentleman of the table and all over them. The whole room froze for a heartbeat as a variety of weapons were pulled out of concealment.
"Take it outside," Izuku commanded.
The irritated rock troll and half a dozen whooping orcs headed into the back-alley behind The Crowley. Izuku counted around ten weapons, mostly of the stabbing variety. 'It will likely be worse for the blade than the rock troll.'
Izuku used the scene to close the distance to half-Fae, closing a vice-grip around his biceps, cutting off the blood to his arm, and dragged him to the basement floor.
"What in damnation are you doing, peasant?" The half-Fae protested, trying to pull his arms away unsuccessfully and accidentally dropped the phone he was holding.
'Spotter, not an assassin. Useful to know,' Izuku ignored the Fae and continued to drag him.
"Unhand me, now. I shall have you flogged."
Izuku let out a mirthful laugh. "Good luck with that. Who were you going to call?"
"That is none of your business, commoner. I was merely calling my...stockbroker. Something interesting came up."
"We both know you saw...the Queen. So, I'm going to give you ten seconds to talk, and if I don't like what you have to say...then I guess a Defiler will be having his dinner tonight."
Izuku let him go and he straightened up, dusting something imagined off his shoulder with face full of distain. Izuku sensed the redhead's center of gravity shifted, his rear leg sliding out to set up an attack stance.
The Evoker remained unflinching, his brow rising, unimpressed. "Last warning, buddy."
He reached for something else inside his waistcoat. Once upon a time, the movement would've been unfathomably fast for Izuku but the last few months gaining Power and the training he got accustomed him to fighters stronger and faster.
"Sadly, not a quick learner."
Izuku used his left knuckles to strike the man's forearm, dropping the hunting knife he was pulling out before hitting him in his solar plexus, driving the air out of his lungs. Izuku lifted and slammed him to the wall, causing everything to shake.
"Who. Did. You. Try. Calling?" Izuku growled, the lightness gone from his voice.
"Go to hell, Evoker."
"After you, I believe. Say hi to the Defilers from me."
Steps echoed from the staircase as Ochaco called out, "There is commotion outside, My Lo...Sir Tomas!" she exclaimed as she saw the half-Fae turning purple. "What appears to be the problem, Izuku?"
"I found this guy spying on you. When confronted, he pulled a knife, of all things."
"Your Highness, please...escape! I have the situation under control!" he gasped at Ochaco.
"That's one way of looking at it," Izuku deadpanned.
Ochaco then looked at the two before leaning on Izuku's side. "Oh, but brave Sir Knight, you must put poor Sir Tomas down. He is part of the protective contingent at the Embassy, and a very strong and loyal Knight."
Izuku felt weird how she was talking, as if she were sweetening him. "I'm not...quite...sure."
"You Highness, after the unrest at Court, and the explosion at the embassy, we feared the worst for you. Please, you must come with me."
"Yeah, not happening."
"It has been terrible. There has been a coup, Sir Tomas. They stole me away to an abandoned castle, guarded by mercenaries. It was...it was awful. But then brave Sir Izuku rescued me, all on his own."
Now Izuku felt confused. She was acting like a damsel in distress.
"He is an Evoker, you know. A real hero, despite his lowly birth. He saved me from those terrible thugs and brought me here to keep me safe," Ochaco then clasped her hands together. "You must promise not to tell anyone about it." She turned to Izuku and said, "Now, put him down, brave Sir Knight."
Izuku's gaze alternated between her and Tomas before acquiescing. "If you say so, Ochaco."
"Oh, my Queen; that is terrible news. Are you certain you would not be more comfortable at the Embassy? We would all happily protect you with our lives," Tomas offered as soon as he caught his breath.
"Not happening, buddy," Izuku positioned himself between the two, making sure he wouldn't be able to try anything unwise.
"I must tell you a secret, Sir Tomas; We have allies with knowledge of the traitors; they are helping us plan an attack. Even though he is still a student, brave Sir Izuku's certain that together, we can overcome those terrible traitors. But we need more warriors. Brave souls, not afraid to sacrifice their lives for the Queen!"
Tomas smiled. "Of course, your Highness. My fellow Knights and I would be proud to serve you in restoring the rightful ruler of Camelot to her Throne. Let us know where you need us to be, and I will gather those stout heart and strong arm."
"I'm sure, yeah," Izuku muttered.
"Oh, thank you, thank you ever so much, Sir Tomas! But now you must leave, before someone sees us together. Once we know where to strike, I shall send for you."
"Of course, your highness. Call for me, and we shall respond. I will take my leave, my queen."
The two of them watched as Tomas made his way upstairs, to the exit.
"It will be good to have strong allies, do you not think so, my dear Knight?" Ochaco smiled sweetly at him.
"What are you playing at?"
"I am waiting for him to leave the building, of course. What did you think I was doing?"
"I don't trust that little weasel."
"Oh, but I do, I trust him completely...to go running straight to the Ambassador, and for word to be with Lord Yarkow tonight, tomorrow at latest."
Izuku sighed. "Okay, I can still catch him. It would have been a little easier to ditch his corpse to Elsewhere, but..."
"You will do no such thing, My Love. Things are proceeding satisfactorily."
"Why?"
"I do not intend to spend the next year or decade hunting down individual traitors, Izuku. The way to deal with a vermin infestation is to lure the vermin into a trap, then set the entire cage on fire. Dear Sir Tomas here just volunteered for bait."
"So you want him to rat on you?"
"Get the rat to rat you to other rats. Its seems quite poetic. I want them together, with their mercenaries and their turncoats. I want them to see a weak Evoker and a foolish little Princess, and gather to laugh at us, and to seal their takeover for good."
"Wait. What do you mean weak?"
Ochaco tilted her head in confusion. "Your Spark was tamped down as low as it was when we first met. To Tomas, you would look like a harmless borderline Evoker. I assumed you know?"
Izuku's jaw hanged, "What the hell? X?!" he called out to the sword.
'Not me, Boss. Far as I could see, you did it yourself. Except you and I knew you've got as much control as a fourteen-year-old virgin on his first night in a brothel.'
'Wait, so something reached out and made me weaker? I really don't like the sound of that.'
'It's nothing external, like I said. And it didn't make you weak, just seem weak. Tomas would never have tried his luck against your normal strength, even with me shielding it. Even without the Mantle.'
'Well, crap,' he cursed before turning to Ochaco. "X agrees. Something caused me to shield my Spark. But I didn't do it."
"Sorcery? Or Destiny. Either way, it presents a tempting setup. They expect the doe eyed and foolish princess, and her incompetent bodyguard, to walk into an ambush. What they will receive...is something else entirely."
"So we help them setup an ambush, so we can turn it on them? Sounds...what was it? Machiavellian."
"I would have preferred both fear and love from my nobles. Since I cannot have that, I will gladly settle for love from you...and fear from them. We will gather that vermin together and exterminate them. Once Mina returns, we shall gather the Knights of the Lake and ride for war," she declared.
Izuku chuckled. "Remind me not to upset you, Love."
"I will. Now, you have started an Orc-Troll skirmish behind our Pub; I believe as the resident bouncer it is your job to stop it as well."
"Yes, miss."
Izuku went upstairs, outside The Crowley and found a scene where orcs were haphazardly strewn around the area. Though he noticed that there now were far more Orcs than the half-dozen they started with.
The last orc was a massive specimen, easily ten feet tall. But he somehow managed to crawl up on the rock-troll's back and fastened his legs around its neck.
When the two noticed the Evoker, they both froze and looked at him with a guilty expression more akin to children who were caught with their hands on a cookie jar.
Izuku sighed. "Okay, enough for now. All of you fought well; you deserve a round of drinks. One the house," he declared.
A loud cheer erupted from the crowd, even the Orcs he wrote off as dead suddenly sat up straight with wide smiles at the promise of free booze. The rest of them stumbled back to the Pub, the rock troll towering over them like a Great Dane among chihuahuas.
The shift continued as usual, as Ochaco glided through the crowd as if she was born to serve drinks; a quick smile for a patron here, followed by a swordsman's dancing sidestep to avoid an oni trying to cop a feel.
Izuku appeared behind the oni fast beyond perception as he gripped his shoulder muscle. Tight. The muscles beneath the flesh were suddenly squeezed like a lemon. Izuku covered the creature's mouth to muffle his scream. Its companions, a bugbear and a kappa, were shaking in their boots. "Is everything okay, Ochaco?"
"Of course, My Love. There is always a refreshingly straightforwardness to this work. People's motives are clear, my goals are achievable, and even the predators are both clumsy and largely harmless."
Izuku went closer to the oni's ear. "If it tries a stunt like that, it will become permanently harmless." He then smiled at the creature, looking at him like a kicked puppy. "Enjoy your drinks," he patted its shoulder, almost shattering its collarbone.
"I am certain no harm was meant of it, My Love. Merely youthful high spirits and cheer. Is that not right, Mister Oni?"
Its eyes nodded hopefully, not daring to make eye contact.
"See, My Heart. You win more friends with honey than with vinegar. Or firebolts, as it may be."
"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."
"Of course, My Love. And we both know what a big...stick...you carry."
Izuku grinned, hugging Ochaco with his hand firmly planted on her lower waist. "Maybe I could show it to you sometime?"
"I would love that, dearest," she told him as her index fingers playfully poked his chest. "But right now we are working. While I would not mind leaving Midnight-sensei on her own, I fear we cannot just leave your mother to fend off the Orcs on her own."
"Speaking of which, she's coming over here," he said, looking past her and saw Inko was walking toward them. "Hi, Mom. You need anything?"
"I just wanted to tell you two it's closing time. Eri is already sleeping. Why don't the three of us go have some dinner? It's getting late and the four of us haven't had a family dinner together."
"Sounds like a great idea, Mom."
And so they did, shortly after Izuku ordered the last stragglers to go home. Few wanted to antagonize him, for various reasons. Especially tonight.
Thanks for reading this chapter!
As always, if you have feedback or suggestions, don't hesitate to reach out!
Next up: Kayama Nemuri: Origin