Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A flower.
A lonesome golden flower that outshone even the darkest of nights.
It was a flower blessed by the heavens and would appear for each generation, blessing one person it wished to benefit those around them.
However, those whom it refused to bless still could benefit from the flower. For many years, there was one man who took advantage of the blessing, hiding it away from all those who were to come. Yet, it wasn’t until long till others would find out.
The man had hidden the flower for hundreds of years. It was so long that everyone began to question its existence, until one day when the flower had become desperately needed.
The queen of a proud people was pregnant with her firstborn child, but had fallen greatly ill. The people set out for the mythological flower that could deem her a blessing in hopes to save her and the future prince. It took a large amount of men to scavenge the land, but their efforts proved fruitful for they found the flower within a few days.
Thanks to the blessing of the flower, the queen was able to safely birth her firstborn son. He was a boy with pale, curly green hair and bright emerald green eyes. Freckles scattered across his cheeks and his laugh was music to the ears that heard it.
“My queen.”
“Now now Mitsuki, you know you don’t have to call me that now. We’re alone my dear friend.”, the queen responded gently.
“Right. Sorry Inko, force of habit.”, Mitsuki said while coming over to sit with her on the bed and admire the infant in her arms. “He’s so precious! I hope he and Katsuki will be able to be good friends in the future.”
“Me too. I’m lucky enough to have you and I’m sure Izuku will be more than grateful to have Katsuki as well.”
“To think they’re so close in age too! We can have them train together!”
“And while they run around in the yard we can have tea.”
“We have some great days coming up, don’t we Inko?”
“We do...Thank you Mitsuki.”
“For what?”
Inko leaned her head on her shoulder and she watched Izuku’s sleeping face. “For being my friend.”
The hours went on as they chatted and eventually Izuku awakened and Katsuki was brought to join them.
“Izuku, this is Katsuki.”, Inko said while holding her son in her arms, enough so he could see Katsuki in Mitsuki’s.
“Katsuki, this is Izuku. The future of our kingdom and your first friend. As a future pupil of this kingdom, you are to devote yourself to him and his being. In the name of loyalty and trust, you two will be a light to this world.”
“Mitsuki...Aren’t those words too big for the babies?”, Inko said with a sweatdrop at her friend's passion.
“Nonsense. He’s gonna get used to hearing it for the rest of his light so I may as well start now.”, she said with a smile.
Their time had passed and their time together had come to an end. Before they knew it, it was time for everyone to retire for the night.
“My sweet Izuku.”, Inko said lovingly as she rested him in his crib, under his mobile with the emblem of the country and miscellaneous animals. “Sweet dreams. Mommy will see you tomorrow.” She kissed his head and retreated for the night, leaving her son to rest in his quarters.
However, little did she know, he was not the only one left in the room. A dark shadow had made his way to the child with locks of hair that glistened in the dark room. He began to lightly sing to the child, moving his hands and a large pair of scissors to a lock of hair. He admired the warm glow as it met the mouth of the scissors. Then in a swift movement, he cut the lock of hair, only to watch the shimmer disappear and the color grow dark. That one strand was no longer a pale mint green but instead a dark Jade color instead. The figure gasped in surprise and began to hear movement around the castle charge towards the room he was in, so he had made his choice: he kidnapped the baby.
They hid away far from civilization and deep within a forest, in a tall abandoned tower that now became their home.
"Father?", the young child asked, now of age five. "Can't we play outside today?"
"No son, the world outside is dangerous and you are too frail.", his kidnapper explained. Over the years of raising the child, they had established a father and son relationship. "Now won't you sing your song for me?"
"...Yes father.", Izuku said before beginning his little tune.
Years passed and the questions persisted, but it seems that his attempts were all futile. He just wanted to see the world with his own eyes, even if it was dangerous. He had to know the truth of why the ground was so green, how tall were trees really, could he pick the fruit himself if he tried, and what were other people like. Even if there were bad people, surely there was someone like him and his father.
"IZUKU! LET DOWN YOUR HAIR!", A voice called out from below his tower.
"Coming father!", Izuku called back before draping his hair below for his father to climb up. When he reached the top they hugged and pulled his yards of hair back up together.
"How was your day son?", his father asked.
"Pretty okay, just the usual: painting, cleaning, cooking, sewing, reading and y'know, brushing all this hair.", Izuku said. "How was your day father?", he asked.
"Tiring I must admit! But I brought you one of your favorite snacks!", his father said while pulling out a pretzel from his basket.
"Oh! A pretzel!", Izuku said while happily accepting it, even though he already perfected his technique for making them and he didn't necessarily have a particular adoration for them. "Thank you Father!"
"Anything for my Izuku. Now come have a seat and let's sing your song."
"Right! Right away!", Izuku said while hurriedly setting up at their usual spot by the fireplace. Though it currently had no use for it was summer.
"So father I was wondering… my birthday is coming up…"
"Is it now? To think you're already turning 15."
"Well actually, I'm turning 18."
"Nonsense, you just turned 14."
"Father, I'm turning-... No wait, not the point. The point is I'm becoming an adult. As an adult, I was hoping to make a request."
"Yes yes, now let's sing your song my little flower.", his father said, not really listening as he began to brush Izuku's hair.
"But you know I thought-"
"Flower."
"Okay…", Izuku sighed before taking a deep breath and singing the song as quick as he could, startling his father, causing him to impatiently rush as a wave of energy shot at him.
"Goodness Izuku! What has gotten into you?!", his father demanded.
"I'm sorry!", Izuku apologized while turning to face his father on his small step. "But I've been waiting to make my request all day, yet you haven't given me a moment of your time to ask… it's like you don't even care…" Izuku sulked while looking away and crossing his arms. His father stared down and him before letting out a sigh before kneeling to Izuku's side. "Okay son, you have my full attention. What did you want to request?"
"Well, it's my 18th birthday soon. I want you to take me to town and see the stars! Please father?"
His father's face grew grim but Izuku didn't stop his insistent stare. His father got up and made his way across the room to the window he entered from and Izuku hesitantly followed. "My dear son.", his father said softly. "If you could only understand why I keep you in here. It's not because I don't want you to see the world...but there was an awful incident when you were a child."
"Incident?"
"You were an infant when it happened, so it's no surprise that you don't remember." His father closed the curtains to the window before facing him. "You were kidnapped. Multiple groups of bandits were after your hair… when one of them succeeded and tried to decapitate you ...your mother...your mother, she…"
"Father?" Izuku couldn't raise his voice above a whisper. He carefully stepped forward and let his father take him into his arms.
"...Your mother… she risked her life for yours Izuku…", his father explained. "Knowing that...can you understand why I can't let you go?"
"...But that was the past. I'm not a baby anymore, and mother-"
"Would want you safe and alive no matter the cost."
"..."
"Please understand Izuku. It torments me to see you like this but what can I do. I do my best to give you happiness in the tower…", his father said before giving him a subtle squeeze closer. "But perhaps you don't love your father as much as he loves you…"
"No no no! I'm sorry father! I really do love you, please don't die!", Izuku cried out while hugging his father tightly. "I'll be good! I won't leave the tower!"
"That's my boy. Such an understanding boy.", his father said before releasing him. "Father knows best, right Izuku."
"Right father.", Izuku said while wiping away tears that had started to form. "But then can I at least ask for a gift since I can't go see the stars?"
"Of course, anything for you flower."
"Remember those oil paints you got me for my last birthday? The really nice ones that came with the limited edition gold?"
"But Izuku, that's a five day trip!"
"Oh… I didn't realize it was too big of a request... considering I can't even step foot outside this tower myself…" Izuku began to pout.
"...oh okay, how can I say no to such a face.", his father said in defeat. "If I hurry, I can make it four and return by your birthday."
"That would be great!", Izuku said happily as he hugged his father once again.'But my birthday is in 3 days.' "Thank you so much father!"
"You're welcome.", his father said while patting his head. "I'll be off then. Four days okay?"
"Four days! I'll be waiting! Shall I bake an apple crumbler?"
"Whatever you choose. It'll be your birthday.", his father said before getting ready to go down. "I love you, be good."
"I love you too father. Have a safe trip."
With that, his father had left the tower and Izuku was all alone to do what he pleased. In this case, that was plotting his rendezvous without his father. He was determined to leave and get back before his father could ever get back, no matter what. He just had to figure out a safe way to do it.
But how?
It only took fate less than an hour to answer that as a strange and unknown figure entered the tower. Without a second thought, Izuku took the nearest object he could find and used it to attack, but he was stopped by a wall of ice, causing him to scream in shock.
"Who's there?", the figure asked from behind the wall.
"Shouldn't I ask that?", Izuku questioned. "You invaded my tower."
"This is your tower?", the voice asked. It stayed silent for a moment but then the wall of ice began to rapidly melt. "My apologies." It was a boy, probably around his own age. He had heterochromatic hair and eyes and a large scar over the left one. The boy wore a royal blue jacket with a cape fixed to it. On the jacket were shiny silver buttons with some type of emblem that was unfamiliar to Izuku. He wore black bottoms and tall black boots as well. "My name is Shouto Todoroki, Prince of Egnit. I stumbled upon your tower while I was in search for refuge."
"Refuge?"
"I'm currently being hunted by my father to return home, but I have no intention to do so at the moment."
"Why? He doesn't want you outside your castle?"
"Nope. If I have time to wander about outside of the castle then I should be training even more. That is his motto."
"...so is this your first time escaping?"
"Nope, just the first time I've done it longer than a day.", Shouto explained. "And gotten caught while at it."
"I see...Say, that ice wall...what was that?", Izuku asked curiously.
"It's my quirk. The right side of my body produces ice and the left produces flames. What's yours?", Shouto asked.
"Uhhhhh…what's a quirk?", Izuku asked.
"You don't know what a quirk is? Did you live in this tower your whole life?", Shouto asked.
"Pretty much.", Izuku said with a shrug. "Oh! But I plan on going out to see the shining stars!"
"Stars?"
"Yeah! In a few days the stars will fill the sky and fill the air.", Izuku said while moving to his window to point. "I think it happens in town because I can barely see it from here but they fill from there to there."
"...could it be you're talking about the floating lantern ceremony?", Shouto asked.
"Lanterns?", Izuku asked before gleaming. "I knew they weren't stars!"
"... right, well I don't recommend you to go. Such a journey is unfit for someone who hasn't even left their home before.", Shouto said.
"Then!...then…", Izuku needed a solution; he couldn't give up now. Two people are already telling him it's a bad idea! "Then...can you take me?"
"Me?", Shouto asked. "Out of question."
"But why?", Izuku asked.
"If you didn't hear, I'm running away. That's why I'm in this tower, remember?", Shouto pointed out.
"Oh come on please! Say what, I can help you! You're empty handed right?", Izuku pointed out. From the amount of detail in his attire Izuku already knew that Shouto couldn't have lied about his lineage, and Shouto didn't show a need to lie. So the problem is, how can he convince him to take this deal. "I can make good meals and we can swap your clothes so they become less noticeable!"
"..."
"And… I'm an excellent mender! If you have any injuries you'd have a medic and someone to sew up your clothes."
"Hold on. Are you trying to take a trip or become my wife?", Shouto asked. "Look, I thought you were a man with really long hair so-"
"Oh! I am a guy! I promise!", Izuku said, creating a mass of doubt in Shouto. "I really do plan to just take the trip and come back! It's just… I realize I don't have a lot to offer but… if I don't go now I'm never going to go…"
"..." Shouto wasn't sure if he could trust this tower man but at the same time, something was compelling him to. Was it because he knew how it felt to be cooped up somewhere, unable to escape and freely get to know the world for what it was?
"You don't have to decide right away! How about a meal? I may have been cooped up in this tower for a while but I'm a pretty good cook!", Izuku said proudly.
"I really should-", Shouto was interrupted by his stomach growling, causing Izuku to chuckle.
"It's fine. I can't force you to say yes, but you really do seem hungry, so it's the least I can do for you after you found yourself up my tower.", Izuku said while walking off to his kitchen area, letting Shouto follow behind on his own accord. "Have a seat, it won't take long." Izuku began to grab miscellaneous ingredients and quickly got to work, filling the air with warm aromas. He quickly moved his things to a smaller pot and settled it to simmer above a fire, letting him prepare other things as well.
"...Your name.", Shouto suddenly said, causing Izuku to jump a bit.
"Sorry?", Izuku asked while turning around.
"You haven't told me your name.", Shouto pointed out.
"Oh! Sorry about that. My name is Izuku.", Izuku said.
"Izuku huh?", Shouto said. It was a familiar name but he couldn't put his finger on why. "Got a last name Izuku?"
"Nope."
So he was a commoner. Figures. There is no good reason for a noble to live in isolation… but how could a commoner afford a tower? Maybe it was made by his family?
"Got any family Izuku?"
"It's just me and my father your highness."
"You can call me Shouto."
"Isn't that rude though?", Izuku asked while setting a hot plate of food and a cool glass of water before him.
"I don't like my title as prince. It's just a reminder of my bastard father.", Shouto explained while silently thanking him for the food, taking a careful bite. Izuku watched carefully at his stoic expression before gleaming at the surprised expression he made.
"Is it okay?", Izuku asked while having his own portion in the seat across from him. Shouto nodded and continued to eat. Though his expression was blank, Izuku could see the enjoyment in his eyes.
"It's no castle food but I'm glad it's to your liking."
"...You...you could get a job as a castle cook if you wanted.", Shouto said.
"What an honorable praise, your-", he was cut off by a glare. "...Shouto.", he corrected himself.
"...You said you're also a good medic? Tell me about your knowledge of medical herbs.", Shouto asked.
Their discussion lasted the meal and Izuku grew nervous as he began to gulp down his water. He set down the cup and firmly stared into Izuku's eyes.
"I have come to a conclusion.", Shouto said.
"And?", Izuku asked.
"I will take you to see the lanterns on one condition.", Shouto said.
"That is?", he asked.
"You must mend my horse's wound.", Shouto said. "If you tend to him and leave him enough supply so he can manage on his own while we are away, I will take you to see the lanterns."
"Easy! Deal! Where is he?", Izuku asked while shooting out of his seat. He quickly packed things around the place and gave Shouto some new attire to change into.
"At the bottom of the tower.", Shouto said as they headed to the window he entered from. "You wouldn't happen to have a staircase down, would you?"
"Nope!", Izuku said while setting up his hair in it's usually position. "Here, you can go down first."
"...huh?"
"Down my hair duh."
"Uhm, I'm not so sure about this."
"Well would you rather climb the brick?"
"Well no but how do I know I can trust you?"
"Hmmmm good point…", Izuku said while he thought about it. "Well how did you get up here?"
"I used my quirk.", Shouto explained.
"Then just do that again.", he put simply. “And I will take my hair down. Sound good?”
“I suppose… but are you sure that is...safe?”, Shouto questioned as Izuku stepped onto the edge of the window sill.
“Sure it is! How do you think my dad gets up here?”, Izuku said with a laugh as he gave the hair one last good tug and taking a deep breath before jumping down and sliding down the hair like a pole.
“Holy sh-”, Shouto began but quickly jumped also, using his ice to create a slide down to the bottom. Once he reached the ground, he looked around quickly while preparing to catch a body, but realized Izuku was no longer in the air. ‘Fuck, did he fall into a tree?’
“THIS IS SO AMAZING!!!!”, Izuku yelled out while running around the tower. “I CAN’T BELIEVE I’M OUT!!”
Shouto watched Izuku blankly as he started to roll around in the ground. “...Have you never seen grass before?”
“Nope! Never!”, Izuku said while getting up and looking around before running to a tree and hugging it. “And this is what a tree actually looks like!”
“...You do that, I’ll bring my horse over.”, Shouto said before walking away. When he returned with his horse, he noticed Izuku was missing. ‘Now where did he-’
“You’re back?”, Izuku asked while hanging upside down from a tree branch.
“What are you doing up there?”, Shouto asked.
“You know, climbing trees. I’ve read about people climbing them so I had to try it for myself.”, Izuku said. “...But I’m not too sure how to climb down; they didn’t explain that part in the story.”
“I don’t have time for this, just get down.”, Shouto said with an annoyed sigh.
“Oh I got it! I can use my- WOAH!”, Izuku exclaimed as he lost balance and fell. Luckily Shouto caught him and set him on the ground safely. “Thank you.”
“Just heal my horse.”, Shouto said.
“Well what’s wrong with him?”, Izuku asked.
“An arrow wound on his left hind leg.”, Shouto said. “I tended to most of it, but it can be fatal without an herbalist's help. He moved with Izuku to take a look at the wound and Izuku gasped in shock that the horse was still able to move let alone stand before them.
“I can fix this...but you need to go grab me something.”, Izuku said. “On the other side of the tower there are a lot of boulders...Bring me one of the rocks from there.”
“What do you need a massive rock for?”, Shouto questioned.
“Just trust me.”, Izuku persisted. “You have nothing to lose right?”
“...Fine. But if I find you stole my horse, I’ll personally behead you myself.”, Shouto threatened.
“As you wish sir nobleman.”, Izuku said with a roll of his eyes as he made his way to face the horse, petting its head tenderly and comforting it.
Shouto watched for a second before leaving to the other side of the tower to fetch the boulder as requested. He took a second, trying to pick one he thought might fit the unknown job, before returning and seeing the horse livelier than before.
“...What did you do?”, Shouto asked as he set down the boulder before them.
“Oh nothing much. I guess you could say it has to do with a quirk.”, Izuku shrugged. “So now we can take him with us right?”, Izuku asked.
“Well…”, Shouto began, making way to his horse and feeling his expression soften at the lively steed before him. “Yeah. It’ll shorten our trip as well.” He mounted his horse first before extending his hand.
“You aren’t going to run away now?”, Izuku asked.
“You kept up your side of the deal. What type of man would I be if I didn’t keep up my side?”, Shouto asked. Izuku found himself grinning at those words and quickly grabbed his hand as he was pulled up along with his many yards of hair.
The ride was long and slow but Izuku sure didn't let it go to waste. He would ask questions about civilization and the people there. If they all were lively folk or was the town less eventful than he was hoping.
"The part of town I sneak off too is pretty lively. Though I must warn you, they aren't all the easiest to get along with.", Shouto explained.
"But they are your friends right?", Izuku asked.
"I guess most would consider them that…", Shouto said as they slowed down. "Let's set up camp for today, it's getting dark and we won't find good shelter at this rate." He got off first and then helped Izuku down, bringing them deeper within the trees before deciding a spot for them to settle.
"...So...are there many bandits?", Izuku asked as he helped set up a fire.
"Bandits?", Shouto asked. "Why? Are you scared?"
"Well...to say whether I am or not is a bit…"
"...Well, you've lived in a tower your whole life so I don't know what you've imagined them to be like." Shouto reached out and ignited the fire with his left hand. "But I've never faced them myself so I am in no place to judge. Most bandit gangs are handled by local guards of the town and their punishment is decided by the King. I can't say they have been too frequent as of lately...oh, but there has been unfortunate news."
"What happened?", Izuku asked.
"My crown...well no, technically it wasn't mine to begin with, but everyone says it's mine… well whatever, a prince crown was stolen.", Shouto explained.
"Wait, but you're the prince. What do you mean it technically wasn't yours?", Izuku asked with a bit of caution.
"Don't jump the gun, I'll explain." Shouto sighed. "Before we were the kingdom of Egnit we were the kingdom of Spergen under the rule of Queen Inko and King Hisashi Midoriya del Spergen. Their child was born not too long before I was, but was kidnapped. Queen Inko refused to birth another heir, so she stepped down and allowed the lady in waiting to take her place. That lady was my mother. When Queen Inko stepped down, all the royal possessions were passed down as well. So when I was born, the lost Prince's crown was given to me."
"You seem pretty upset it wasn't for you originally.", Izuku pointed it out.
"Don't get me wrong, I just don't want to be prince and that crown was one of the constant reminders of it.", Shouto said while laying back on the grass. "We should sleep, we have a long trip ahead of us."
"...right… good night Shouto.", Izuku said quietly, but when he didn't receive a response, he gave up and rested on the ground, hoping for a peaceful sleep to wash over.

Chapter Text

"Say Shouto, what is this place?", Izuku asked as they got off the horse once again.
"A place we can eat for free.", Shouto said, tying his horses reigns before entering with Izuku following behind. He looked around and saw many people making scary expressions at him, until someone finally broke the silence.
"AYE TODO IS BACK!", a blonde haired boy yelled in excitement.
"Todo?""Todo!""No way, Todo brought a chick?""Guys, it's rude to use unwanted nicknames.""It's been so long!"
"YOUR HIGHNESS TODOROKI-SAMA-"
"Iida please shut up, my head hurts.", Shouto said while holding his head.
"If you told me I could have helped!" The room grew silent as Izuku spoke. "Give me a second let me find you something."
"You're a boy?"
Izuku turned and faced the pink haired girl who stared at him curiously.
"Are you?"
"I am."
"Wow! I've never met a guy with such long hair!", she squealed. She gently took his hands in her own and held them up. "I'm Mina, it's nice to meet you, pretty stranger."
"My name is Izuku.", Izuku replied.
"Izuku?", Mina asked, a bit in surprise. "...Say Izuku, do you know what gypsies are?"
"Not really. I don't think I've read about those before.", Izuku said.
"That's because people don't like to write about them.", a dark haired girl said as she approached the two. "Just like us traveling musicians." The girl extended her hand and Izuku gladly took it as she gave him a firm shake. "I'm Kyoka. Nice to meet you Izuku."
"Nice to meet you too. So what are gypsies?", he asked as they brought him to a table.
"Me, I am a gypsy.", Mina explained as she set out a deck of cards. "To most, my traditions seem magical. So I wander and travel sharing my ability with others." She began to spread the cards across the table. "Pick as many as you like and format them as you wish, just don't flip them until I say so."
Izuku began to do as he was told. "You say to most you are magical...so what about the others?"
"I'm a loon who spits acid from her body.", she said while grabbing a napkin and using her acid to disintegrate it. "But that's just what living with a quirk is like." She waited for Izuku to finish before flipping the cards, only to confuse him because they were blank.
"...They're blank?", Izuku asked.
"Hm? No they aren't.", Kyoka said. Mina simply smiled before flipping them over and returning them to her deck.
"That was enough answers for me. I'm wishing you the best, Izuku.", Mina said while packing up.
"Leaving already Mina?", Kyoka asked.
"Nope, just getting ready for the next thing to happen.", Mina said while moving away from the table.
"...Is she really a gypsy?", Izuku asked.
"Of course. Why do you ask?", Kyoka asked.
"I don't know...but from what happened just now… more than magic traditions it was like…", he began to mumble, trying to figure it out. Kyoka rolled her eyes before slapping his back, telling him not to think too hard.
"So why were you with prince Todo?", she asked him.
"Oh! He and I made a deal, so he's guiding me to the floating lanterns!"
"What?! But he's wanted in Egnit! Why are you guys going back?"
"...because we made a deal?"
"Ugh if Kastuki finds you guys…", she said while holding her head.
"Katsuki?", Izuku asked.
"He's head of the imperial knights and one of our friends.", she explained. "And right now he's on track to getting Todo back."
"But isn't he your friend? Doesn't he want Shouto free?"
"His job comes before friendship. Honestly he could care less about what happens to Shouto but the King is threatening to do something to Queen Inko if he doesn't act." She let out a long sigh at that. "Honestly, our poor queen has been through so much."
"I noticed you guys still call her Queen, but didn't she fall from power?"
"She did but the people of Egnit are still loyal to her. To be fair, no one likes King Enji Todoroki du Egnit."
"So he's using Queen Inko's life as a tool?"
"Sadly so.", Kyoka shrugged. "Now that I think of it, you kinda remind me of her?"
"I do?", Izuku asked.
"Yeah, your expressions are similar.", she said with a smile. "Even though I haven't seen her in a while."
"GUYS ITS BAD!!", a boy with shoulder length black hair and big elbows yelled out as he barged in the room. "BAKUGO AND HIS SQUADRON ARE HERE!"
Everyone froze for a moment before beginning to panic, attempting to hide Shouto and Izuku.
"Guys quick, the trap door.", Iida whispered as the squadron began to barge in. He let Todoroki down first and helped Izuku gather his hair.
"Thank you for your help.", Izuku whispered.
"Anything for a fellow friend of a friend.", he said with a nod but was stopped by Izuku hugging him and quickly dashing away into the hidden passage.
"WHERE IS HE?!", Katsuki yelled. Iida sighed and got up after securing the door.
"Sir Bakugo, I've told you many times to keep your voice down in the establishment.", Iida said while setting up a few glasses.
"Shut up four eyes I know he was here. His horse is outside and I can still smell him.", Katsuki said as he looked around.
"And who would that be?", Iida asked.
"THE STUPID ASS FUCKING PRINCE THAT RAN AWAY.", Katsuki yelled out as he roughly surveyed the area, his men doing the same. "If that bitch just sucked it up and came home already, then that even bigger fucker of a King would let Inko free. She's been held captive on the charge of forcing the prince to run away and has been refusing to eat! Then they stopped her visitors so she is alone and suffering herself! If she fucking dies because of that icyhot bastard so be it I'll…. You let him out the tunnel."
"..."
"YOU FUCKERS ARE ALL IN ON IT!", Katsuki growled.
"Katsuki, listen-"
"Zip it ears!"
"You don't understand, he's not alone!"
"So he has backup? Even better, I'll fuck both of them up." He began to storm out of the building with his team, but was stopped as he approached his horse. "What do you want Pinky?"
"Just...take this.", she said while handing him a card from her deck.
"The Chariot?", he read aloud.
"Take it with you and you'll understand soon enough.", Mina said with a smile before heading back into the building. He watched her retreat before clicking his tongue and shoving the card into his jacket. He didn't have time for fortunes with Shouto on the loose, and he knew just where to get him.

"So that Katsuki guy sure seems nice.", Izuku sarcastically remarked. He could still hear Katsuki's screams echo behind them.
"He's a good guy, don't get him wrong. I'm the one at fault here.", Shouto explained as they ventured further into the cave, using his left hand as a torch.
"Why are you at fault?"
"Because someone dear to him might be hurt because of me."
"..."
"Surprising right? The prince of the kingdom is actually the bad guy in this situation.", Shouto said while tapping the stones.
"...Why did you leave the castle?", Izuku asked.
"I told you, to escape my father.", Shouto stated plainly.
"Yes, but why? I mean I've been confined my whole life too but I never wanted to permanently run away from father.", Izuku explained.
"...It's a long story…"
"Well, we have a long trip considering we left your horse behind.", Izuku pointed out but jumped when water spurted out the wall. Luckily Shouto stopped it with his ice.
"The cavern isn't stable, we need to hurry.", Shouto said while guiding them further down the path.
"...Hey do you hear that?", Izuku asked.
"What?", Shouto asked without much care.
"It sounds like the water is still runn-" Izuku was cut off my a mass amount of water washing towards them. Shouto pushed Izuku back and tried to barricade the path behind them with ice, but it was too late, the water crashed straight into them, only allowing for a small amount of space above their heads when they floated to the top.
"Are you okay?!", Shouto asked as Izuku coughed and nodded friskly. Shouto took a deep breath and tried to go under, but he couldn't see anything so he swam to the surface.
"I can't see anything! My fire can't work under water!", Shouto exclaimed before diving back under. Izuku this time decided to join him but went back to the surface, realizing it really was too dark to see, but then he remembered something. As the water rose and rose he quickly sang at lightning speed before holding his breath and diving back in, illuminating the scene underwater, causing Shouto to stare in shock. They began to swim around and finally found that the water was exiting a small hole. Together, they broke the wall of boulders and washed away with the current, freeing themselves into a stream and pulling themselves into land, coughing in fits as they tried to regain their composure.
"We made it out alive!", Izuku said in relief.
"Glowing hair?", Shouto asked in confusion.
"I can't believe we survived that… that was awesome!", Izuku said proudly.
"Glowing hair?"
"Shouto?"
"You fixed my horse with glowing hair?", Shouto questioned, coughing a bit more.
"Well...not exactly…", Izuku said a bit hesitantly.
"Then what-", Shouto cut himself off with a sharp inhale as he looked to his right palm. Izuku moved to him quickly before looking in shock.
"You're hurt."
"I'm fine. I'll just rinse it off and wrap it again. Do you still have all your supplies?", Shouto asked while taking his hand back.
"Most of it I think so… but I owe you one since you got injured helping me. Let me tend to it.", Izuku offered.
"...Okay."
"...But not here. Come with me.", Izuku said as they moved into the trees. The sky had already grown dim so they set up a small fire and settled themselves on an old log.
"Ow!"
"Does it still hurt?", Izuku asked.
"Well wrapping hair on a cut doesn't feel pleasant.", Shouto pointed out.
"Right, sorry. Just bear with it for a bit, it'll be over soon.", Izuku reassured, holding the hand wrapped in hair carefully before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
"Flower gleam and glow,"
Izuku's hair began to glow starting from the roots and approaching the ends slowly.
"Let your powers shine,
Make the clock reverse,
Bring back what once was mine."
The light had finally reached Shouto's hand and he felt a warm sensation fill the air.
"Heal what has been hurt,
Change the fate's design,
Save what has been lost,
Bring back what once was mine..."
Nothing felt the same anymore, he was entranced by Izuku's light and voice.
"What once was mine."
A wave of energy washed over Shouto as the light faded away, leaving behind the usual pale green. Izuku slowly opened his eyes, looking up at Shouto before bringing his attention to his hand, carefully unwrapping it and revealing a scarless palm.
"...So this is your quirk?", Shouto asked as he admired his palm. "Magic healing hair?"
"I don't know if it could be considered a quirk, especially when it can easily be taken away.", Izuku said while rubbing the back of his head.
"What do you mean?", Shouto asked.
"You see, if my hair gets cut, then it becomes a dark green and doesn't react to my incantation anymore.", Izuku said while pulling out the dark green curl that hid in his hair. "I guess you could say I would become quirkless without my hair."
"...Being quirkless doesn't sound so bad. If I was quirkless, I might not have had this scar.", Shouto admitted.
"What do you mean?", Izuku asked.
That was when Shouto began to explain the whole story behind his family. How his father abused not only the rest of his family but also his mother. How the marriage of his mother and father was a quirk marriage. How his eldest brother had gone missing long ago. How the scar on his face was a result of his mother losing her sanity after seeing the constant reminder of her father in him.
"And that's why I often refuse to use his power that is channeled through my left side.", Shouto concluded.
"Wait? His power?", Izuku asked.
"Well yeah."
"But this power that is coming out of you… isn't it yours?" He held up Shouto's left hand. "Your father is only responsible for making part of you being alive possible. But this power in your hand is up to you to decide how, when, where and for what you will use it. It's your power Shouto."
"...oh…"
"...the scar on your face… I might be able to heal it if you'd like."
"...No, it's okay."
"Are you sure?"
"For now, yeah.", Shouto reassured. "I think I'm a little more resolved living with it now than before… Thanks."
"I didn't do anything though?"
"You did more than anyone else could… thank you."

"AHA! I FINALLY FOUND YOU BASTARD!"
Izuku sat up from his resting spot at the noise, only to see a blonde haired knight pinning down Shouto.
"Hey!", Izuku yelled out while running over, grabbing his hair and swinging it like a lasso. "Get away from him!"
"You picked up a chick? God half and half, I never would have thought."
"He's a boy Sir Bakugo.", Shouto sighed. "And-"
He was cut off by the hair that wrapped Katsuki and pulled him away. They both turned to see Izuku on a tree branch. Izuku jumped down from the branch, successfully hanging Katsuki from the tree.
"But me down you long haired bitch!", Katsuki yelled as his hands began to spark.
"Look! I don't want any trouble but Shouto and I have a promise!", Izuku exclaimed.
"Okay well I have a job retard!"
"You don't understand! This is the one time in my life I will ever get to leave and go see the lanterns! I'm finally going to come face to face with my dream! Don't you have a dream?"
"LIKE I'D TELL YOU!"
"Which means you do have one!", Izuku pointed out. "Can't you just let him keep our promise and then resume whatever is going on between you two?", Izuku bargained.
"Like I could trust that.", Katsuki scoffed.
"Can't we just drop him in the stream?", Shouto suggested.
"Shouto!"
"FUCKING ICYHOT LIKE HELL I'D LET YOU-"
"You can come with us!" The prince and knight gave Izuku a bewildered expression as the words left his lips. Izuku turned to Shouto first. "I'm not asking you to give yourself up," then he turned to Katsuki, "and I am not asking you to give up! I just need you both to help me this once."
"..."
"I'm begging with my entire existence.", Izuku said.
"...I have to fulfill this deal Bakugo. He already did his part.", Shouto said.
"...fine! I get it! But you better not expect me to let you go after! Now put me down already!", Katsuki yelled while struggling. Izuku did as he was told, carefully letting him down to the ground and letting the hair loosen itself before collecting it again.
"Say Bakugo, where is your squadron?", Shouto asked.
"We got seperated somehow. Now it's just me and my horse.", Katsuki said as they began to make way to his horse that was resting in its place. "...stupid, no wonder you didn't help me back there." He went over and began to brush the horse's face with his hand.
"He's magnificent.", Izuku commented. "What's his name?"
"...Max.", Katsuki said.
"So we can all ride Max to the town.", Shouto suggested.
"Like hell I'm letting you on the horse. You might escape again.", Katsuki said with a glare before taking a look at Izuku up and down. "...Do you not wear shoes?"
"Huh? Oh!... I guess it's because I never left the tower… so no.", Izuku said sheepishly as the horse woke up and cuddled into Izuku's pets.
"...We'll go on foot but you can ride Max.", Katsuki said.
"Huh? That's okay! I can-"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP AND DO IT DUMBASS.", Katsuki ordered.
"You're better off listening to him.", Shouto sighed. He then whispered to him. "Besides, he's probably just worried." Izuku was surprised from the note but complied and let them sit him on the horse.
After a while, they'd set up camp once again and by tomorrow they'd arrive at town for the festival. But for now, it was dark so they built a fire and sat around it. Katsuki and his horse remained aside and while Shouto and Izuku sat close to talk.
"Are you sure it was a good idea bringing him?", Shouto asked, motioning towards the fast fallen asleep Katsuki.
"It's what was needed to be done. I'm sorry if I'm inconveniencing you."
"You are… but I'm a man of my word, so it's my fault for agreeing to this deal."
"You're a good guy Shouto. You're going to make a great King someday."
"In all honesty, I don't know if I want to be King.", Shouto looked back at the fire. "Sometimes I wish Queen Inko's lost child would appear again and take the throne."
"Well I'm sure wherever that child is, he'd be more than glad that someone so trustworthy would take his place."
"You flatter me too much."
"I'm just being honest.", Izuku smiled. "I'm really grateful to you for doing this for me."
"..."
"Ah! But I'm not saying I think you should go back and become King! I just meant-"
"It's fine.", Shouto said. "Thank you."

Chapter Text

"We're here!!!", Izuku said excitedly while running around the town.
"Stop running like a child!", Katsuki scolded.
"Let him be. He hasn't seen civilization before.", Shouto said while tugging on his own good. He had to stay as hidden as possible.
"Never seen civilization, doesn't wear shoes… just who is this brat?", Katsuki asked, but Shouto ignored him, going over to a group of girls that were braiding hair. He offered them the challenge of braiding Izuku's hair and were they up for it. One of them had a quirk that enlarged her hands so that sure helped.
When they finished, Izuku's hair no longer dragged in the ground and was now covered in flowers from the girls. Somehow they managed to put them in Katsuki's hair as well.
"We match!", Izuku said happily.
They then went further into the town where people handed out treats and goodies. Izuku had received many gifts, including a flag with a flame embroidered onto it. "This is…?"
"It's the flag of Egnit.", Katsuki said while rolling his eyes.
Izuku then turned it over and saw a sun. "And this?", Izuku asked.
"...That's the emblem of Spergen.", Katsuki said a bit grimly.
"Spergen?"
"Before the Todoroki family took over we were the kingdom of Spergen." He stopped and looked over at the mural on the wall. It was of Queen Inko, King Hisashi and their lost son.
"Who's that?", Izuku asked.
"It's Queen Inko and her family… that's the lost prince.", Katsuki said grimly.
Izuku gazed at the image, finding himself lost in it for a reason he couldn't unfold. "She's quite beautiful… the past queen."
"She still is.", Katsuki scoffed before walking away.
Izuku quickly followed. "Uhm…say, I haven't been told how to call you yet."
"Whatever you want, I don't care.", Katsuki said as he continued to walk.
"Then...Kacchan?", Izuku asked.
"Again, like I care, but where the fuck did you get that of all things."
"Because you're Katsuki, but I heard at the pub they called you things like Baku or Katsu or Tsuki-"
"So you just had to invent a new one?"
"You don't like it?", Izuku asked.
"I don't care.", Bakugo said while walking off, hearing a yelp and immediately turning to see Izuku had disappeared. He looked around and sighed in relief when he realized he was just pulled into the dance circle. He watched Izuku energetically dance and somehow managed to pull Shouto in too. He watched the two and didn't realize it but was smiling at the scene. Before he knew it, he got dragged in too, but it wasn't against his will. He was genuinely enjoying it.
Towards the end of the dance they somehow ended up in their own little triangle, dancing around each other before the song came to sharp close and they pointed finger guns to their center. Izuku cheered in happiness and the other two couldn't help but watch content.
"You...what's your name.", Katsuki asked.
"Shou-"
"Not you retard!"
"..."
"What's your name greenhead?", Katsuki asked.
"...Izuku."
The world froze. Never met civilization, spent his life inside a shelter, needed a guide… it was all coming together.
"Izu-"
"Izuku.", Shouto cut Katsuki off. "Let's get a boat for a better view of the lanterns, it will start soon." He said while bringing him to a boat. "Katsuki, you can stay."
"Like hell I am-"
But it was too late, they were already in the center of the pond. Before they got too far, Shouto tossed him a bag of apples as a token of apology, so he sat and grumbled as he ate them at the dock. He just had a groundbreaking discovery but no one to share it with. Now he could only wait for them to return as he watched the sun set.
Meanwhile Izuku and Shouto had met the middle of the body of water as the sky grew dark.
"To think this festival happens every year on my birthday and I'm finally going to see it!", Izuku said excitedly.
"It's your birthday?", Shouto asked.
"Oh? I didn't tell you? Today I turn 18!", Izuku said excitedly.
"...I didn't prepare a gift.", Shouto said.
"You brought me here didn't you?", Izuku asked. "That's the greatest gift I could receive."
"...You know, this lantern festival is held by Queen Inko. It's her signal and prayer that her son may return home.", Shouto explained. "It's his birthday too."
"What a coincidence! I'm surprised the king honors this tradition to this day.", Izuku said.
"It's not because of him but because of the people who love Queen Inko."
"...Was she special to you too?"
"Yeah…"
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!", a booming voice announced. "WE SHALL NOW BEGIN THE CEREMONY! PRESENTING, QUEEN INKO!"
They couldn't see anything from where they were, but they did see the first lantern fly from the castle. Then one by one more and more followed until a swarm filled the sky. People around the pond also began to light their lanterns and set them afloat in the air and all Izuku could do is look around in awe.
Shouto then cleared his throat and showed Izuku two in his own hands.
"It's not much, but can this suffice as a gift?", Shouto asked.
"It's more than I could ask for! Thank you.", Izuku said as he accepted one of the lanterns. They carefully set them afloat in the air together, watching them drift away.
"...You know Shouto… I really had fun getting to know you.", Izuku said.
"...I did too."
"...If you'd like, I can talk to my father… you know my secret and I'm sure he'd really like you too. You could come live with us in the tower!", Izuku offered, bringing his hand forward. "You don't have to go back and we...we can stick together some more…"
"..."
"...Sorry, it was a dumb idea…", Izuku said while shying away, but Shouto grabbed his hands before he could go too far.
"I'd really like that.", Shouto said, causing Izuku to beam. The radiance being emitted from this one person and the soft lights floating around them, even Shouto couldn't help but smile back.
"You know Izuku...I…", Shouto was going to begin but his thoughts stopped at a familiar figure in the shadows. He glared out before sighing.
"Izuku, there's something I have to do.", he said while pulling them ashore to the other side of the lake. "Just give me a second. I'll be right back, I promise."
"Okay…", Izuku said as Shouto disappeared.
"...Izuku?!" The familiar voice made him alarmed. He turned his head and almost shrieked. "Father?!"
"Oh my sweet flower! There you've been!", His father said while running over to embrace him. "Quick, we must make haste and get you home! It's not safe here!"
"Wait but father! We can't go back just yet! There's someone you must meet first!"
"Please Izuku, whoever they are they're probably just trying to take advantage of you.", his father said.
"But father, he's a really good guy! And he...he cares about me!"
"Izuku, that's what he wants you to think! Can't you see? He's going to use you.", his father said. "Now let's get you back to the tower where it's safe and you can forget all about-"
"No.", Izuku said while getting up.
"...I'm sorry what?", his father asked.
"No! I won't go back yet! Shouto cares about me and I care about him. I'm not going to abandon him."
"...you dare say no to your father?", his father questioned. "Oh yes because Izuku knows best."
"I didn't-"
"Izuku knows best, so he doesn't need his fool of a father to guide him.", his father mocked. "Fine! You want to stay? Stay! Don't come crying to your father later!"
"Wait father listen-"
"I don't want to hear it. Just know you will regret your choices.", his father said. "Because father knows best!" With that, his father stormed off and Izuku felt a peace of himself shatter. He heard ruffling behind him so he turned around slowly with a sigh.
"Finally you're back, you won't believe-", Izuku froze at the sight of an older gentleman covered in scars and burns and a young lady holding a dagger.
"Well well well, magical hair and a lot of it too. I wonder how much we can make off this Toga.", the man pondered aloud.
"Tons Dabi! Tons! Especially if we sell his blood along with it! Ooooo I bet it tastes scrumptious!", the girl said.
"Shouto?, Izuku called out, backing away slowly.
"He's not coming.", Toga said with a smile as they stepped forward.
"SHOUTO!", Izuku screamed.
"He's not coming. Who do you think sold you out for his own freedom?", Dabi said. "Now come with us and we won't have any trouble." He ignited blue flames in his right hand, and though Izuku was in disbelief, he started to run. Had Shouto really abandoned him after all they've gone through? Was he nothing more than a scapegoat after all?"
"...Dad?!", Izuku yelled as he ran, hoping his father was near. "DAD?!" He ran and ran but his hair got stuck from jumping over a log, but a large bang caused him to freeze. He peaked over the log and somehow untangled himself before sighing in relief.
"DAD!!", Izuku cried out, running to his father with tears in his eyes.
"Izuku!", his father exclaimed, taking him into his arms as he threw the gangsters aside. "Thank goodness you're okay!"
"Father, I'm so sorry. I should have listened to you, I-"
"It's okay flower. It's okay.", his father reassured. "Let's go home."

"Nnng…", Shouto grumbled as his eyes adjusted to the light. He took a minute to adjust before turning to his side and seeing his nightstand with a tray of tea and biscuits sitting on it.
...his nightstand?
He shot up and looked around. Without a doubt, he was in his bedroom once again, but how? He got up and looked at himself in the mirror, taking in the sight of his pajamas before pinching his cheek. The sensation of pain letting him understand that this definitely was not a dream. 'When did I-?'
"YOUR MAJESTY PRINCE SHOUTO TODOROKI DU EGNIT! I ASK YOU TO OPEN YOUR CHAMBERS!", an angered voice demanded as his door trembled from being banged into. The voice was clearly Katsuki, but why was he addressing him so formally? Why were they in the castle? Did Katsuki turn him in? But then where is Izuku?
Shouto needed answers so he hurried to the door and unlocked it, seeing a worn out and obviously exhausted Katsuki standing at his doorway.
"...Enter.", Shouto put simply, making way for Katsuki to storm in before he locked the door behind him. This ought to be good.
"Look, I got a lot of shit to say to you.", Katsuki stated. "Because whatever that shit was that led you to this-! That was pure bullshit. Now where the hell is the long haired brat?!"
"Wait, you're telling me you don't know?", Shouto asked.
"How the hell would I know?!"
"But you're the reason I fell unconscious and was brought back right?"
"Fucker do I look like someone who was even in the castle last night?! I've been searching the entire town for you two!"
"..."
Katsuki sighed. "I need answers too, so I want you to tell me everything that happened after you guys got on that boat."
Shouto began to think, his head hurting slightly. "Well, we talked and lit the lanterns and let them fly...but then I saw someone across the pond. It was the guy who kinda assisted my getaway. He looked like he had something to say so I pulled the boat over and told Izuku to wait, but when I was far from Izuku...what happened…" It was hard to recall anything but his throbbing head reminded him fiercely. "I was striked on the head and knocked out. When I woke up, I was in bed."
"So they were after returning you for a prize? But they helped you escape.", Katsuki questioned.
"Well...the truth is they were bandits. I thought they got caught when we got split up after the guards came after me."
"Wait, was it a guy covered in scars and a girl with blonde hair and looks like she might bite you?", Katsuki questioned.
"How'd you know?", Shouto asked.
"They were locked up last night. I saw them moving to the east prison on my way here."
"So they were caught...was Izuku taken away too?"
"Nope, I checked but they didn't have anyone that matched his profile; but wherever he is, we have to find him."
"You seem awfully concerned. I would have thought you'd want rid of him as soon as you could."
"I did! Until I figured something out."
"That is?", Shouto asked. Katsuki looked around before taking a step closer.
"Izuku is the lost prince."
"...huh?"
"I know it sounds a bit outrageous but hear me out. He's never seen civilization till this day, he has never left his home so he never needed to wear shoes, pale green hair and dark green eyes-HECK HIS NAME IS LITERALLY IZUKU!"
"...Now that you mention it… it was his birthday…"
"AND HIS BIRTHDAY IS THE SAME AS THE LOST PRINCE! We have to fucking find him!"
"But how? We don't have any clue as to what happened to him.", Shouto sat on his bed and began to think. If Izuku really was the prince, he deserved the crown and to be with Inko and live his life happily in civilization instead of with his father in the tower… the tower...his father? "I think I know where he is."
"Well spit it out then!" Katsuki was growing anxious to move.
"Izuku lives in a tower deep in the woods. It's where his 'father' has made him a home.", Shouto explained.
"Father? It must be his fucking kidnapper!", Katsuki exclaimed. "Well what are we waiting for?"
"We?", Shouto questioned in surprise as Katsuki went to his closet.
"You aren't going to sit back and watch are you?" Katsuki handed him a fresh pair of slacks and a clean shirt, along with his formal coat and cape.
"Well no but...you're gonna just let me out? I'm being punished aren't I?", Shouto said.
"No shit. That's why you're coming in uniform. This is now official business. Meet me at the stables in 15.", Katsuki said simply before heading for the door.
"I'll be there in 10.", Shouto replied firmly. 'We're coming soon, Izuku.'

"And there.", Izuku's father said as he pulled the last flower from Izuku's hair. "Finally got rid of the last of those weeds! Now it's like it never even happened."
"Yeah...great…", Izuku said sadly as he brought his knees up to his chest. His father sighed and sat next to him on the bed, wrapping an arm around him and giving him a squeeze.
"I know it hurts to have been fooled, but it's hard to know who you can trust in this world Izuku." His father pet his head tenderly. "But at least we'll always have each other."
"Yeah… thanks father." Izuku said with a small smile. His father smiled back before releasing him to stand.
"I'll get our food ready. How does beef stew sound?"
"Just perfect."
His father smiled at that before leaving the room with the basket full of flowers from Izuku's hair. Once he left, Izuku sighed and flopped onto his back, staring up at his ceiling. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out the small flag from before, holding it out and up to stare at it.
He first stared at the symbol of Egnit, remembering Shouto and their time together. Was Shouto alright? Izuku still wanted to believe that he didn't leave without a reason… but it hurt him knowing he wasn't there when he needed him most.
Trying to distract himself, he flipped the flag and stared at the other symbol: the emblem of Spergen. It was a golden sun with 8 rays drawn around it, making it resemble a flower. There was something strange about this flag; why was it so familiar?
In the corner of his eye, Izuku then noticed he had drawn the same symbol on his ceiling. It was quite the coincidence, considering how identical it seemed. That was, until he noticed another one. Then another one. Then another one. The cycle continued until he realized he accidentally covered his room in them, but why?
That's when the memory of a mobile washed over him. A mobile, a crib, a mother, and a crown.
Izuku felt himself jolt up and grab the sheets as he slightly found difficulty breathing.
"Holy-"
"Izuku! Food is ready!", his father called from downstairs. Izuku froze in terror at the sound of the voice. Just who was this man. "Izuku?", the voice called out. It was getting closer. Izuku quickly stormed out of his room and stood at the entrance.
"There you are!", his father said. "Come down, the food will get cold."
"I'm the lost prince.", Izuku said bluntly.
"...what?"
"I'm the lost prince of Spergen."
"Izuku stop being silly. Spergen isn't even a kingdom nor country. The nearest one is-"
"Egnit.", Izuku said. "I know, but before that it was Spergen until the lost prince was taken away… that's me… so who are you really?"
Izuku's eyes didn't waver, so his father glared back before sighing. "You just can't make things simple can you? I wanted to keep things nice and happy, don't you know?"
"So it's true. I'm the lost prince and you're my kidnapper… I can't believe this!"
"Izuku I really do care for you, else I wouldn't have raised you so well. Aren't you happy with me?"
"...No, not anymore. You kept me from all the things that bring me happiness… like Shouto! I'd rather just leave!", Izuku said, starting to storm off but was stopped by long and slimy like tentacles.
"I don't think so, flower."

Chapter Text

"This is it?", Katsuki asked as the men approached the tower.  "Circle it." He commanded the men. "We can risk an escape.”

"On it boss man.", a blonde with a lightning bolt streak in his hair replied.

"Denki! Make sure not to lose your head too early!", Mina called out.

"Why are you nerds here again?", Katsuki questioned.

"Because we needed extra support.", Shouto reminded. "Uraraka. Asui.", Shouto called out.

"You can call us Tsuyu and Ochako kero.", Tsuyu corrected.

"Right, pardon me Tsuyu and Ochako. I need help getting in and the only entrance is the window. Can you assist me?", Shouto asked.

"Of course, leave it to us!", Ochako said.

"Tie me too.", Katsuki said but was stopped by Shouto.

"I need to head up alone first. We don't want the culprit to escape. There could be an emergency exit underground."

"Then I'll go first-"

"This is something I have to do… this is an order Katsuki, you are to follow only shortly after." Katsuki knew the request was ridiculous but he had to be understanding. It was an order, and disobeying an order was a crime to the royal family.

"...Don't get killed before I get up there.", Katsuki said with a sigh. "Cheeks, get him up."

"Stop calling me cheeks!", Ochako complained as he rolled his eyes. She made her way to Shouto before wrapping her arms around him. "Be safe okay?"

"Don't worry. We're the heroes today, aren't we?", Shouto said firmly. She nodded and pat his back with her hands before slowly pulling away, allowing him to begin to float into the air.

"Reel him up Tsu.", she said while bringing her hands closer together.

"On it kero.", Tsuyu replied as she wrapped her tongue around Shouto, using it as a rope to help him up. When he reached the window sill, Ochako released her quirk and Tsuyu removed her tongue, letting him freely go inside.

It was dark and things were a mess compared to the last time he saw the place. Something was definitely off…

"Mmmf!", Izuku sounded under his taped mouth.

"Izuku!", Shouto called out, starting to run over. He quickly helped Izuku sit up but Izuku began to panic and struggle. "Clench your teeth.", he instructed before ripping off the tape.

"Look out!", Izuku yelled, but it was too late. Before he could recognize the pain, Izuku's kidnapper had smashed a pane of glass over his head, causing him to collapse.

"Shouto!", Izuku screamed as Shouto was picked up and slammed across the room.

"So this was the boy you were so worried about? Pathetic. Look, he couldn't even withstand a simple dagger to his side."

"Dagger?!", Izuku questioned, finally noticing the bleeding wound at Shouto's side and the blood covered dagger in the hand of his kidnapper.

"You...You're All for One.", Shouto said weakly as he tried to support himself up, unsheathing his sword and using it as a cane as he tried to stand.

"So you've heard of me, prince.", AFO said with a smirk, extending what looked like a tentacle to knock over Shouto.

"Stop it! He's hurt!", Izuku cried out.

"Hm?", AFO looked back, his eyes making Izuku tremble. Even more so when the knife came up again and stabbed Shouto once more in the stomach. Shouto screamed and Izuku called out his name.

"Stop!"

"Oh flower, if only you had never disobeyed me.", AFO sighed. "Then maybe your poor Shouto would have lived."

"Stop! Please!"

"You won't... get away with this.", Shouto said weakly, hacking up blood at the end of his statement.

"Still alive huh?", AFO asked. "Let's end this."

"LET'S MAKE A DEAL!", Izuku screached. AFO turned to him in curiosity. "If you let me heal Shouto, I promise to do whatever you say. I will go with you without complaint, I will never leave and we can do things the way you want."

"...You promise do you?", AFO asked with a smirk.

"And I never break a promise.", Izuku said firmly.

"...Okay flower, go ahead. But we will leave right after.", AFO said while cutting the ropes around Izuku's hands and feet. He let Izuku run over as he sat across the room, watching.

"Shouto!", Izuku called while running over to Shouto's body. "It's going to be okay, you'll be alright soon." Izuku carefully lifted Shouto's head as he gathered his hair.

"Izuku...no, stop.", Shouto said.

"Please Shouto, just let me-"

"Izuku, you can't-"

"Shouto!", Izuku scolded, tears running down his face. "You know… before my dream came true, I was scared of what would happen next...but then I found a new dream… that was you. So you have to live on! Please let me do this for you."

"Izuku…", Shouto said. Bringing his hand up to caress Izuku's face. Izuku snuggled into the hand but his eyes shot open when he felt Shouto reach around him and roughly tug of his hair, taking a large amount of weight away and startling Izuku. Izuku looked down and saw the pale green hair was becoming a dark Jade color as it was tossed aside, no longer attached to his head. AFO began to scream, running towards them but was in too much pain as he began to rapidly decay, stumbling over his own two feet as he jumped out the window.

"Shouto! Why would you do that?!", Izuku screamed.

"Because...you are my dream come true.", Shouto said with a small smile before closing his eyes.

"Shouto! Shouto answer me!", Izuku cried out, gathering the hair that was removed and holding it to Shouto's chest. "Flower gleam and glow! Let your power shine!" It wouldn't glow. "Save what has been lost!" It wouldn't glow. "Bring back what once was...mine." Izuku's voice broke as it failed to work. He began to sob, holding Shouto's head to his chest, refusing to let him go. Little did he realize that a droplet had fallen on Shouto's scar, and a new light had formed around them. A magic circle appeared on the scar and began to appear all around them. It wasn't till the light was gone and Shouto opened his eyes again did he finally open his own.

"Izuku?", Shouto asked, running a hand into the curly green hair before him.

"Shouto?", Izuku asked, still sobbing.

"Dark green is a nice color for you.", Shouto commented, causing Izuku to laugh a bit before continuing to sob in Shouto's arms.

Eventually everyone made it up the tower and after the remains of AFO were detained they decided to look around and investigate the scene in case there was more than just the kidnapping done. The actual body however had vanished to dust, leaving behind only his wardrobe and weaponry. After everyone had scouted the situation, they had returned to the castle where not only the king and queen of Egnit were waiting, but the emperor, former Queen Inko and former King Hisashi as well.

Everyone had taken a knee before them so Izuku followed and did the same, but Izuku was brought to rise by the emperor.

"Child. You may not know me, but how long have we known of you, young Midoriya.", the emperor said. "I'm sorry it took so long to find you."

"...", Izuku didn't know what to say as he stared up at the man with shining gold hair, as bright as the sun itself. "I am the Emperor of the kingdom you see before you, and I welcome you home Izuku Midoriya del Spergen." The man then turned to the teary Inko who was taking comfort from her husband's arm around her.

"Lady Inko.", the emperor said as he took Izuku's hand, holding it up in his right before extending his left to Inko. "If I may reintroduce you to your son." Inko quickly nodded, almost scurrying to take the emperor's hand. The emperor slowly placed the Queen's hand in Izuku's and watched as the two teared up before each other.

"Yup, that's definitely my child.", Hisashi had laughed as Inko pulled her son into her arms.

"You've grown up so much! Oh my baby Izuku, I'm so glad you're safe and returned."

"Me too… mom.", Izuku managed to choke out, not wanting to leave the loving arms of his mom.

"Emperor All Might.", the man with a flaming beard asked.

"King Endeavor.", All Might acknowledged.

"You can't possibly believe this random beggar is the lost prince.", Endeavor pointed out as his wife trembled beside him.

"But it is.", All Might reassured.

"But how can we be so sure?", Endeavor questioned. All Might sighed, knowing Endeavor wouldn't go down without a fight.

"Your majesty the emperor.", Katsuki interrupted.

"Yes Young Bakugo?", All Might asked.

"If we may, we have found the crown.", Katsuki said as he rose and let Denki come forward with the crown.

"The crown of the lost prince?!", Endeavor asked in shock, but All Might smiled. The stone on the crown was infused with the hair left behind when the prince was kidnapped. It would react if the true prince were to wear it.

"Please! That won't work! Who knows if the stone is still good.", Endeavor reasoned. "Watch, Shouto put it on."

"..."

"Put on the crown Shouto!"

"Young Prince.", All Might said. "If it works, the stone will only react to Young Midoriya. If you'd be so kind as to test it first, we would appreciate it kindly."

"...Yes Emperor All Might.", Shouto said before going over to Denki and taking the crown, placing it on his own head. It didn't react, causing most to sigh in relief. Shouto looked around at their reactions before making his way up to Izuku and Inko who were still holding each other's arms.

"Prince Shouto...Are you sure about this?", Inko asked.

"I've never been more sure, my queen.", Shouto said with a smile before taking the crown off his head and placing it on Izuku's, causing it to shine tremendously for a moment, before somewhat dying down.

"May we be blessed by the truth.", All Might said happily. "Then, as the humble emperor of this holy land, I proclaim the lost prince Izuku Midoriya found. Now as of your title…"

"Emperor All Might, you can't possibly be thinking of giving him the title of crowned prince? Then you'd have to force Queen Inko and King Hisashi back into power!", Endeavor complained.

"King Endeavor.", All Might said firmly, causing Endeavor to stop. Had he stepped out of line? Endeavor didn't fear the emperor but refused to get on his bad side for the sake of maintaining power. "As to what will happen to Egnit is up to the people to accept, but I wouldn't be giving him anything.", All Might explained. "Besides, I could never give him something that rightfully belonged to him."

"Excuse me, your holiness?", Izuku asked.

"He's the emperor not a priest!", Katsuki corrected.

"Ah, your majesty?", Izuku corrected, hoping he was right.

"Yes my boy?"

"It's just...the ground is kinda hot…", Izuku began and they all looked down at his feet, some in shock, the others with a sigh and the rest slapping their foreheads.

"Oh! Well that won't do at all.", All Might said with a smile. "Young Bakugo?"

"Yes emperor."

"Escort Young Midoriya inside. We still have much to discuss here."

"Yes Emperor All Might."

Chapter Text

"KACCHAN IT HURTS!", Izuku said in shock.

"Deal with it! How the fuck do you get injuries like this on your feet anyway?!", Katsuki questioned.

"My feet were tied up and he placed sharp things around.", Izuku explained, wincing as Katsuki continued to apply the medicine to his feet. Izuku had just finished bathing and already changed into a pair of pajamas as they sat in the temporary quarters fixed for him. Once Bakugo finished, he cleaned up and was about to head out but Izuku stopped him.

"Before you go...what will happen tomorrow?", Izuku asked.

"...We'll find out what they decided about the positions now that you are included once again.", Katsuki explained. "It's very likely that you will regain the title of crown prince and the Midoriya family will rule again."

"And Shouto?"

Knock knock knock.

"You'll find out tomorrow.", Katsuki said. "I'll be taking my leave."

"...Oh okay… good night Kacchan.", Izuku said while lowering his head, obviously anxious of what's to come. Katsuki stared at him for a moment before sighing, reaching into his jacket and pulling out the tarot card Mina had given him before. He grabbed Izuku's hand before placing the card in his hand and taking his leave, letting the person at the door into the room.

"Hello.", Inko greeted at the door. "I'm sorry to bother you like this."

"Oh!", Izuku went in surprise, becoming a bit flustered before bowing his head.

"Ah, you don't have to bow before me.", she reassured, while going over to have him rise. "I was hoping to have some of your time if you are well enough." Izuku noticed she was nervous and hesitant, but who wouldn't be. She probably didn't know how to act.

"Uhm, is it alright for me to call you mom?", Izuku asked.

"You can, but wouldn't you prefer 'mother'?", Inko asked. "You are the prince after all."

"If it's alright with you, I prefer mom… my kidnapper used to have me call him father and I'd rather not use the same name I used for that man to my actual dad, but it would be strange for me to call him dad and you mother.", Izuku tried to explain. "But if you don't like that I don't mind-"

"Izuku.", Inko called out to him. Her voice was soft and though she smiled, Izuku could sense her pain. "You can call me mom, it's fine."

Izuku bit his lip, nodding slowly.

"Shall we go for a walk son? Your dad is waiting in the garden."

"Sure mom. I'd like that alot."

"Your highness Izuku?", a voice asked. Izuku groaned before slowly sitting up, rubbing his eyes. "Good morning your highness. My name is Mitsuki Bakugo.", the woman said with a smile.

"...Bakugo?", Izuku questioned as he carefully looked up at the woman. Her short blonde hair and sharp red eyes definitely reminded him of Katsuki. "Could you be related to Kacchan?"

"Kacchan?", she asked in surprise before holding back a laugh. "Ah! Have you nicknamed my son Katsuki? What an honor!"

"So you are Kacchan's mom?", Izuku asked.

"And your mother's lady in waiting.", she said with a smile. "You can call me Mitsuki or Auntie if you'd like. But putting introductions aside, I'm here to help you ready. We have a long day ahead young prince."

"We do?", Izuku asked as she pulled him up by the hands.

"Well of course! Finding the lost prince isn't a light matter you know." Mitsuki whistled as a storm of butlers marched in, some with toiletries and others with wardrobes. "Let's begin, shall we?"

"Finally his reign will be over.", Shouto said as he placed a crown on his head. "I won't have to worry about wearing one of these anymore."

"I wouldn't say that Shouto. You seem to be forgetting something.", a girl with while hair with red streaks said, going over to fix his collar.

"What do you mean, big sister Fuyumi?", he asked.

"You're in line for the throne of the emperor no matter what happens next."

"I don't want it."

"Father wants you to have it."

"I don't want it."

"If something were to happen to Izuku-"

"Fuyumi!", Shouto yelled, causing her to silence. She sighed and brought him into her arms, petting his head delicately.

"I'm sorry. I'm just warning you. There's no telling what the future holds."

"...Fuyumi, you're on my side… aren't you?"

"I always will be and always am."

"...I want to be by Izuku's side, not as someone in line for the throne but as someone who can support him.", Shouto confessed as he released himself. "I hope you can support my decision."

"I know I can.", a voice echoed from the entrance of the room. The two turned their heads in surprise.

"Mother?", Fuyumi questioned.

"Children, it's time to hear the emperor's decision.", their mother said.

“Mother.”, Shouto said before slowly approaching her. The mother smiled kindly, watching his conflicted expression.

“Yes Shouto?”, she asked.

“...I’m sorry.”, he managed to let out. Her smile didn’t fade and she reached out to him, taking his left hand in both of hers.

“Let's go out there proudly, shall we?”, she asked, wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye. Shouto nodded firmly and extended his arm for her to take. “Fuyumi, can you get Natsuo?”

“Of course mother! Right away!”, Fuyumi said while happily hurrying out.

“Let’s go Shouto. It’s time to face destiny.”, his mother said as they made their way out.

“Which one do I wear Hisashi? It’s been so long since I’ve made an appearance!”, Inko asked nervously.

“Inko, the jewels you wear don’t matter.”, Hisashi tried to reassure her. “The people want to see you, not just because of what you’re wearing.”

Knock knock knock.

“My Lord and Lady?”, the butler called from behind the door. “His Highness the found prince wishes to see you. May he enter?”

“I was just about to go see him.”, Hisashi said. “Let him in!”

The door slowly opened and the couple stared in amazement at the sight of their son. His curly green hair was pulled back neatly and exposing his face for the world to take in. He wore a full suit including a white shirt, black vest, and a long burgundy coat. His hands were gloved in black along with his legs and feet. On his back was also a black cape trimmed with fur, the emblem of Spergen on the back.

“Hey mom,dad…”, Izuku greeted but then realized something and bowed. “I-I-I MEAN- IT’S AN HONOR TO-”

“Izuku, son.”,Hisashi said with a sigh. “We told you already that that is unnecessary. Raise your head.”

“Right, sorry!”, Izuku apologized while straightening himself. Hisashi chuckled.

“He really takes after you Inko.”, Hisashi chuckled to himself.

“Hm?”, Inko asked, in the middle of pinning a brooch to Izuku’s jacket.

“Inko! Enough with the jewelry!”, Hisashi scolded.

“But it looks so good on him!”, Inko argued, showing off the brooch. “Say Izuku, help me pick out my jewelry. I’ve been pondering so long without a decision!”

“Oh uh...Well, I’m not sure if I can be much help...I’ve never seen jewels much before.”, Izuku said, scratching the back of his head.

“Nonsense. I care for your opinion so I am sure you will make a wonderful choice.”, she said while pulling him over to the jewelry laid out across her vanity table. Izuku frantically looked between the jewelry and Inko before thinking hard. So hard, the two parents could have sworn there was steam releasing from his head.

“Inko cut the boy some slack.”, Hisashi said.

“Izuku, if it is too difficult then-”

“Actually mom… I don't want you to take offense at me saying this but… may I make a bit of a… judgement based on opinion?”, Izuku asked.

“Of course! You don’t need to hold back.”, she reassured him.

“Well…”

“You think they’ll be okay?”, Ochako asked as she and Tsuyu walked to the ceremonial area where the emperor All Might would be making his announcement to the townspeople. Many were anxious to know what truth the emperor would hold out of the blue, but Ochako was simply concerned about how her friends were feeling over the matter.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine Ochako.”, Asui reassured her as they found a good spot to stand within the crowd of people. They were offered a place closer with the knight’s faction, but the two decided to blend in for the day and take it easy. However, taking it easy didn’t seem like an option when the crowd grew noisier at the sight of the emperor entering, the Todoroki family following to stand at his right and the Midoriya family to his left. Katsuki then entered the scene, guarding the entrance.

The press began to yell out questions, demanding the truth and only the truth. They also questioned why the former royal Midoriya family was on the scene. All Might watched them excite themselves before raising a hand, earning their silence.

“I’m sorry for urging many of you on short notice to attend.", All Might began. "However, fate has blessed us once again. As you know, Sir Hisashi and Lady Inko had onced lost their son 18 years ago due to a kidnapping that took place. However, finally after 18 years, the kidnapper was caught and our current prince Shouto had returned the lost prince home with the help of Sir Bakugo and the Imperial Knights."

The crowd was in shock, whispers spreading like wildfire once again.

"Therefore, I would like to introduce you, people of Egnit, to Izuku Midoriya del Spergen.", All Might said, moving his body to show the entrance way as Katsuki did the same, holding the curtain to reveal some of Izuku's body. Katsuki bowed, nudging his head to the side to let Izuku know to move forward. As he did, he heard the crowd gasp.

"Please, join me here Young Midoriya.", All Might said, motioning to the spot by his side. Izuku nodded firmly before joining him, taking in the crowd below him carefully. They were in shock, he could tell. It was hard for him to decide what to do, but a single clap reassured him. He followed the sound and noticed it came from the imperial guards. Soon they all were clapping and the people had followed as well. Finally, some tension was removed from him.

"Now, because the rightful heir of the throne has returned, decisions must be made.", All Might explained. "So after discussion with the royal council, we have decided the best course of action."

The audience was on edge from anticipation. Even Ochako and Tsuyu who already had an idea of how this would go were tense, but how the people would react made them even more nervous.

"Due to Queen Rei's illness and the return of the lost crown, it has been decided that Lady Inko and Sir Hisashi will return as Queen and King of the kingdom. King Endeavor will step down and become chancellor. Izuku Midoriya will be placed as Crown Prince in line to the throne and the others of the Todoroki family will choose whichever roles they may wish to foretake. This was by decision of the council, however if there is objection you may speak now or forever hold your peace."

The crowd was silent. Was it a good silent or bad silent, he couldn't tell.

"Nothing? Then let us have a few words from the young prince Shouto Todoroki.`` All Might said as he stepped back, letting Todoroki come up front adjacent to Izuku. The crowd clapped till Shouto raised his hand.

"My people of Egnit, I apologize if I have ever been lacking as prince but now I am grateful to know you will be in the hands of those with hearts greater than gold and wills stronger than steel.", Shouto recited as if he had a card in front of him. "I had stumbled on Izuku by chance on a journey I chose to take, only for him to end up being my reason to come home. I can promise in his stead that he will care for all of you as his own as he did for me. This child who had nothing and knows nothing on selfishness shall be the selfless force to support this kingdom." Shouto then turned to Izuku, so Izuku did the same. "Izuku Midoriya del Spergen, can you promise to me that as prince of this country, you will serve them selflessly with your body and soul, till your time comes to an end and an eternal slumber falls upon you?"

Izuku was surprised by the question but didn't hesitate. "I understand. I accept with all my heart and soul that as long as this body is even capable of limping, I will use all of it to act selflessly for the people of our country till I reach an eternal slumber."

Everyone was surprised by his firm answer. Where had the shy and nervous Izuku gone?

But to Shouto, he wasn't shocked. Instead, he smiled. It was a small smile but nonetheless it was the biggest smile not even his mother had seen in the longest time. Shouto reached to his own head, taking off his crown before taking a step forward to place it on Izuku's. Izuku's eyes were absorbing everything and Shouto could see it. "I am proud to be the first to publicly say this.", Shouto began before kneeling down. "I will forever be loyal to you as a person of your kingdom. May the Lord above send his blessings, the future of our hope, my prince."

Izuku watched as the sea of people slowly did the same, as if a wave of impulse washed over him. He then looked around him and saw the men take a knee as the women curtsied deeply.

"Please, all of you rise.", Izuku requested. "I have yet to prove to you that I am worthy of being bowed before." Everyone slowly rose in surprise. "But I promise not to let you down. I will become a prince worthy of being bowed before."

"Well said Young Midoriya.", All Might said while resting a hand on his shoulder. "May the kingdom prosper, once again under the name of Spergen! Let's reach beyond infinity! Plus Ultra!"

"Plus Ultra!", the crowd yelled in return.

Chapter Text

"Izuku! Congrats on your debut!", Ochako said while handing him the flowers.
"Oh! Thank you!", Izuku replied while carefully wrapping his arms around the bouquet.
"You look great kero. We almost didn't recognize you.", Tsuyu admitted, causing Izuku to slightly redden.
"O-oh… is it weird?", Izuku asked.
"No way! It's just new! I think it has a good impact, especially for your debut.", Ochako insisted.
"Thanks… uhm, this may seem rude of me but have either of you seen Shouto? I really want to talk to him about something.", Izuku asked.
"Hey hey, don't be so formal! We're friends aren't we?", Ochako said.
"...we are?"
"We aren't?"
"That's not what I meant, I-"
"Izuku kero.", Tsuyu interrupted. "She's messing with you kero." At this point, Izuku was flustered beyond relief. Tsuyu sighed and let him be, pointing to a pair of doors that led to a balcony. "He should be there. I saw the guys drag him there kero."
"Thanks… and sorry.", Izuku said, making them confused. "I've never really had friends before, being locked in a tower and all...but if you are willing to be my friends it would mean a lot to me."
"Oh Izuku! Of course!", Ochako said while taking his hands in hers. "Right Tsu?"
"Mhm!", Tsuyu said while joining the pile of hands. "Please look after us well kero."
"Same here. I'll be in your guidance.", Izuku said with a smile. "Now do excuse me, I should go find Shouto." With that, he began to walk off.
"Good luck!", Ochako called out as he walked away.
Once he met the slightly opened balcony doors, he peeked out to see if anyone was there. There didn't seem to be a notable person so he walked further in and looked around. 'I guess he isn't here..' He went to the edge of the balcony and looked up at the sky.
"Hey."
Izuku whipped his head to the voice to see it was Shouto with two glasses of wine.
"Wine?", he offered Izuku. "It's virgin, so don't worry about not handling it. I'm sure AFO didn't leave alcohol for you to accidentally sip laying around."
"Say why do you call him that?", Izuku asked while accepting one of the glasses.
"It's how he is known here. What did he tell you his name was?"
"Winston."
"No last name?"
"Most commoners didn't have one.", Izuku pointed out before sipping at his drink. "...It's bitter." His face contorted, making Shouto chuckle.
"Sorry, I forget most people don't enjoy this blend.", Shouto apologized.
"...Shouto… are you sure this is right?", Izuku asked. "I mean, I understand this whole crowned prince thing is my birth right but I still think you'd be better in this role than me."
"I'm sure.", Shouto said. "If I wasn't, I wouldn't have let you take the role."
"It's just...we haven't even known each other for a week if you think about it.", Izuku pointed out. "Don't get me wrong, we've been through so much in a short time that it's unbelievable, but don't you think your faith is a little too much to be safe?"
"Maybe. I might be considered a fool for this.", Shouto said. "But I still have faith in you. I was the first to pledge my loyalty and intend to stick by it."
"...So what do you plan to do now that you aren't a prince?", Izuku asked.
"Well, we've been given part of the west wing for our living but mother will be staying in the east wing where the royal doctor that has been attending her is.", Shouto began to explain, setting down his glass on the balcony railing. "Ah, but Natsuo plans to continue his studies so it'll be only me, Fuyumi and my father. Fuyumi plans on going into business before beginning marriage meetings."
"And what about you?", Izuku asked.
"The best option would be for me to work in the knights faction.", Shouto said.
"Is that what you want to do?", Izuku asked. Shouto looked to him for further elaboration but Izuku flinched. "Oh uh-! I just meant because you did want to leave the castle and all. I would have thought you'd want to travel again or something."
"I did want to leave the castle.", Shouto admitted. "But that was because I didn't want to follow the footsteps of that tyrant known as my father. Now, I'm choosing the person I want to be…with your blessing of course."
"My blessing?" Izuku was about to ask for clarification, but Shouto kneeling before him had thrown him off guard. "Shouto? Why are you-"
"Prince Izuku Midoriya del Spergen, I ask for your blessing to join the imperial knights and serve as a vessel dedicated to not only you but the kingdom we reside." Shouto was a bit too serious and Izuku was starting to grow tired of all the kneeling. Izuku sighed and dropped on his knees, causing Shouto to feel a bit of alarm, but he felt a whole new set of emotions when he felt arms wrap around him and a chin at his shoulder.
"Shouto please stop.", Izuku said. "I'm exhausted at this point with the prince stuff. If you want to be a knight you have my 'blessing' but please, I just want to go back to being the person you knew before I was the prince."
"My apologies-"
"And can you cut out the formal talk? At least when we're alone?", Izuku asked.
"...Sorry."
"It's fine… just… can we stay like this for a bit?", Izuku asked.
"No."
Well that stung.
"We should move."
"Ah right sor-" Izuku was cut off by being lifted up and brought over to a bench that was on the balcony. Shouto sat down next to him, reaching his arm around Izuku's shoulder. "Uh?"
"You shouldn't be on the floor. It's dirty, hard and cold."
Izuku took in what he said before chuckling, taking off his crown and resting his head on Shouto's shoulder. "Hey."
"Yeah?"
"Thanks."
"Isn't that my line?"
"Nope, it's definitely mine."
"..."
"I'll look forward to seeing you with the knights Shouto."
"I'll make you proud."
"You already have."