Archive of Our Own

“You’re going out?? Again??”

Fuyumi Todoroki, first princess of the kingdom, trailed after her little brother. Shouto Todoroki, third prince of the kingdom and heir apparent, didn’t slow his pace as he walked. He did however, turn over his shoulder to face her as he spoke.

“I need to get out of here. I’ll be back before nightfall.”

“Shouldn’t you ask father?” Fuyumi wrung her hands nervously. “He doesn’t like you going out so often, you know.”

“I know,” Shouto headed down the stairs to the main hall, “He’s in a meeting, so I have an excuse to not ‘bother’ him about it. I left a note with his servants.” He paused, then turned back to face her. “I’ll be fine, Fuyumi, don’t worry. I’m bringing Iida.”

“I know you’ll be fine, probably...” She answered, “It’s just, you’re the heir! If someone heard the heir was going out with only a single knight, even his best...” She led off, still looking concerned.

“I’m not exactly helpless, either.” Shouto raised his palm, and ice grew out from his fingertips. At 18, he was strong enough to beat almost any mage in the kingdom. The sages were saying he was a prodigy that one only saw once every millennium.

Even knowing this, Fuyumi still looked hesitant. Shouto offered her a wan smile, just to try to relax her.

“I’ll be fine, Fuyumi. I’ll bring you back something, ok?”

He turned and left before she could answer. He just had to cut across the hall to the stables and he was home free for the rest of the day.

His fast pace came to a stop as he turned the corner. The hallway was blocked, by a particular giant of a man, with flaming red hair and a cloak in royal purple resting around his shoulders. He glared down at Shouto, arms crossed.

“Going somewhere, Shouto?” He growled.

“Out,” Shouto answered shortly as he resumed his stride. He kept his gaze straight ahead, not looking at his father. “For a ride in the forest. I already told Iida to go prepare the horses.” If the king wanted to stop him now, the servants would have to be notified that Enji Todoroki, the one ruler of the entire kingdom, was pulling his son back inside like a petulant child. Hopefully the idea was embarrassing enough that Enji would let it go.

“I’ll be back before nightfall,” Shouto offered as came closer. He just needed to get past him, just need to get past him...

“You’ll be back for dinner,” Enji growled, “And by that, I mean you will be back in time to be presentable for dinner. The Yaoyorozu family will be there, and you will not appear as a disgrace to your fiancée.”

“Fine,” Shouto answered quickly. He would take it. He just wanted to go-

Enji’s hand snapped forward to grab his arm as he passed him. Shouto froze.

“This behavior needs to end, Shouto.” Enji’s voice was hard as iron. “You will be king someday. You cannot squander your time-”

“Your Highness!”

Enji paused, then turned to scowl down the hall. Shouto yanked his hand free and took a step back, turning to look as well.

“Ah!” Tenya came to a stop and bowed deeply. “Your Majesty! My apologies, I did not expect to see you here!”

“What is it, Iida?” Shouto asked before Enji could answer. If he could get Tenya talking, there was no way the conversation would continue.

“I was just coming to inform you!” Tenya stood up straight and began to gesture wildly. Not even his armor could stop him from his trademark movements. “The horses have been prepared! Also, I deeply apologize, but Strawberry¹ has come down with something, and it was recommended that we not take her out. I assumed you would want Snowflake² in this case, but if that is unsatisfactory I can have another horse ready in-”

“That’s fine.” Shouto moved forward, away from his father. “Let’s go. We have to be back in time for dinner so there’s no time to waste.”

“Understood!” Tenya flashed a sharp salute as he turned to go after him.

Shouto had dearly hoped that had been the end of that, but Enji called out to him once more.

“Shouto, if you’re going out, you need someone better than a single knight,” Enji grimaced as he gestured to Tenya, “For God’s sake, at least take a knight with some magical skill. This one is worthless.”

“I like having Iida escort me,” Shouto answered in a hard tone, “And you should know best, I don’t need any support on a magical level. I could handle myself on my own.”

“That may be true,” Enji scowled and crossed his arms, “But it’s unsightly.”

“No one’s going to see us, anyways. This isn’t a parade.” Shouto jerked his head forward. “Iida, let’s go.”

“Yes, your Highness!” Tenya chirped back. Enji closed his eyes and sighed, then opened them again.

“Knight.” Tenya stopped, then spun around and gave Enji another salute.

“Yes, your Majesty!”

“Watch him,” Enji flicked a finger at Shouto’s turned back, “Make sure he doesn’t get into anything stupid or dangerous.”

“Of course, your majesty!” Tenya beat his fist against his chest, producing a loud clanging noise. “As his Highness’s personal knight, it is my highest priority to keep him safe!”

“I should hope so,” Enji muttered, “You’re useless with magic. Your only boon is your ability to follow orders. Get him back by dinner.”

“Understood, your Majesty!”

“Dismissed,” Enji waved him off. Tenya bowed before hurrying off after Shouto.

Shouto was waiting for him right outside the doorway. “You didn’t have to run over to intercede like that,” Shouto told him as they walked together to where the horses were waiting. “You could have gotten in trouble.” Tenya shook his head and waved him off.

“I simply acted in the best way I could, while remaining proper to my station!” Shouto’s mouth twitched up as he watched Tenya’s hands move. They bounced and jerked with each word, illustrating his emotions and fervor.

Those same hands could slay beasts that towered over the castle walls, and beat any warrior in the castle in a match of swords or raw strength. Tenya was far from useless, and hearing his father say those things had made Shouto’s blood boil.

Tenya never seemed bothered by it, though. Shouto suspected he knew why. They knew what Enji didn’t, and it was probably best that it stayed that way.

“I want to go to the usual place.” Shouto spoke as he climbed onto his horse. Tenya gave a quick nod.

“Understood!” He mounted his horse in a single smooth motion. Tenya’s main legend was that he was known as the best rider in the kingdom, even at such a young age. There wasn’t a horse too unruly for him to ride, and beat any race with. It was that talent that had caught Shouto’s eye at first. That and Tenya’s bright smiles, his eager energy, his genuine kindness.

They rode out down the forest path, leaving the castle behind for the shelter of the trees.

“...Tenya,” Shouto spoke up suddenly. Tenya turned to look at him.

“Yes?”

“Nothing,” Shouto glanced over at the passing trees, “I just like being able to call you that, when no one else is around.” He didn’t have to be looking at Tenya to imagine his expression, but he turned to look anyways, just to see that gentle smile and those warm eyes.

“I enjoy it too,” He answered, “Shouto.”

Shouto guided his horse a little closer. He wanted to lean on Tenya’s shoulder, or maybe even ride with him, holding onto his waist and pressed against his back. But Tenya would get concerned over the horses, or the danger if they were attacked, and God forbid anyone see them like that.

Soon enough though, in a few minutes, they could be themselves.

A small cabin peaked out through the trees. Nestled deep in the forest, a bit of a walk from town. It was a haven of seclusion and peace.

A young man was out in the garden. His greenish black hair stuck to his face as he gathered a variety of vegetables and herbs into his basket. He looked up at the sound of hooves, and his face burst into a wide grin.

“Tenya!” He dropped his basket and hopped the fence to go jogging toward them. “Shouto!”

“Izuku!” Tenya jerked one hand up in greeting. “Hello! How are you?”

“I’m great!” Izuku grinned up at them. His smile was so utterly infectious, Shouto’s thoughts of his father vanished from his mind as he found himself answering with a soft smile of his own.

Before he had met Izuku or Tenya, he never smiled. Now he could at least manage it to a passing dignitary, or to comfort his sister. Only here though, did he find himself smiling genuinely.

“You guys go on in!” Izuku waved a hand at the door and grabbed at the reins. “Ocha’s been working on something! You should check it out!”

“Does it smell weird?” Shouto asked as he dismounted. He handed Izuku the reins, while Tenya insisted on taking care of his own horse. Izuku shook his head.

“Nope! Not like last time at all!” He tried to snatch the reins away from Tenya as well. “Just go on in! She’ll want to see you!”

Tenya looked unsure, but eventually he surrendered the reins to him. He knew Izuku would take good care of the horses, and he did desperately want to see Ochako.

So he followed Shouto to the door. Shouto rapped his knuckles against the worn wood.

“Ochako!” He called out, “It’s Shouto and Tenya!”

“Oh!!” Ochako’s excited voice answered them. “Come on in!”

Tenya opened the door for them. A duty in public, and a habit he kept. They stepped inside to meet Ochako’s smiling face, upside-down and hovering eye-level with Tenya.

“Shouto!” She flung her arms out, bobbing a little in the air. No rope or platform held her aloft, but she floated up near the ceiling as easily as a soap bubble. “And-” She kicked off the wall to go soaring toward Tenya, laughing with her arms outstretched. “-Tenya!!”

He caught her into a hug as she crashed into him, fumbling a bit from the unusual position.

“Ochako!” He gasped, “You’re light as a feather!”

“Yeah!” She bobbed back away from them, tucking her legs up. “Check it out! I’ve nearly perfected my floating potion!”

“That’s astounding, Ochako! Bravo!” Tenya clapped for her while Shouto tilted his head to the side.

“Almost?”

“Yeah, there are a few kinks to work out. Like it tends to cause some really intense-” She froze, then her eyes went wide and her hand went up to cover her mouth while her throat spasmed. Her head whirled around and she grabbed a pot hanging on the wall. She dunked her head in and retched, then threw up what appeared to be a good potion of her lunch. Tenya yelped and rushed forward to pat her on the back and hold her steady.

“-Intense nausea?” Shouto guessed. Ochako nodded weakly.

“Yeah, I’m...still working on it.”

“You mustn’t endanger yourself like that!” Tenya scolded her, noting that she was beginning to grow heavier in his grip. He adjusted his hold to cradle her as gravity took hold once again.

“I’m being careful, Tenya! Don’t worry.” Ochako sighed and rested her head against his chest, snuggling up to him. “There’s really no way I can test it for side effects besides drinking it.”

“I offered to take it for her,” Izuku said as he joined them. He set the basket of plants down on the table and stripped off his gloves. “Why didn’t you guys send word that you were coming to visit?” Izuku’s face screwed up as he looked down at himself, “I would have cleaned up!”

“You know I don’t care,” Shouto told him. He walked over and planted a soft kiss on his forehead, smudged with dirt and sweat as it was. “Sorry we didn’t call ahead. It was a spur in the moment thing.”

“Well a surprise like this is always nice!” Ochako clapped her hands. “Can you stay for dinner? I can make some stew and noodles!” Tenya raised one hand and shook his head. His other continued to rub Ochako’s back in soothing patterns.

“We cannot, I am afraid. His Majesty has requested Shouto attend dinner with the Yaoyorozu family today.”

“He didn’t request,” Shouto grunted, “He demanded.”

“Aw!” Ochako puffed her cheeks out in frustration. “That’s a bummer.”

“You’re um,” Izuku hunched his shoulders, “You’re engaged to Yaoyorozu Momo, aren’t you?”

“Yeah,” Shouto shrugged, “She’s nice and all, but we both know neither of us are really into it. Our parents decided it, but it just seems unnecessary to me.” He looked over at Izuku, and his eyes softened. “Don’t worry, Momo has Jirou, just like I have you guys. We already agreed it won’t stop us from seeing who we really love.”

“That’s good!” Ochako clapped her hands together, “I’m glad that your fiancée is someone like Momo, then.”

“She’s nice,” Shouto sighed and plopped down at the table, “At least I don’t have to marry some jerk.”

“W-We don’t have to talk about that!” Izuku waved his hands to dispel the subject. “Shouto! Tenya! I want to show you something!”

“Oh yeah!” Ochako bounced around and shook her fists. “Do the thing, Izuku! You can use that big log by the woodpile!”

“Will this be dangerous?” Tenya asked as Izuku tugged him and Shouto out the door.

“Nope! I mean, I’ve pretty much got it down by now!”

He led them to the woodpile, where a heavy chunk of a log rested by the ax.

“Ah,” Tenya rolled his shoulder back, “Has that log been too large for you or Ochako? I could take care of it!”

“Nope!” Izuku grinned and cracked his knuckles. “I’ve got this! Stand back.”

Tenya and Shouto glanced at each other, then backed up. Tenya also shifted over so he was a little in front of Shouto.

Izuku took a deep breath in, then clenched his hands and bent his knees. Rivers of red light began to flow across the surface of his skin. Tenya and Shouto went tense. Last time that had happened, Izuku had broken his arm and had to be rushed to a healer. Izuku gave them a grin through grit teeth.

“It’s alright! I…got it!”

The red vanished to be replaced with a sparkling green glow across his entire body. Slowly, Izuku lowered his arms and stood up straight. He marched over to the log and picked it up, then in one swift motion ripped it to pieces with his bare hands. Chips of splintered wood scattered on the grass as he turned around to grin at them.

“Amazing, Izuku!” Tenya applauded him with a bright smile. “You’ve improved so much! That’s incredible!”

“It took some time to get the hang of it!” Izuku clapped his hand down on his wrist as the glow faded. “I really feel like I’m learning to tap into it now!”

He had found out, last year or so, that he held a legendary power within him, inherited from a champion long passed. The power of One for All, which existed in old fairytales and the carvings of ancient murals. The power of Yagi, The Almighty, hero of legends, was now contained within a cheerful freckled boy living a mundane life on the outskirts of the capital.

It was Shouto who had noticed it in him at first, magically inclined as he was. It was also Shouto who had warned Izuku to not catch the notice of his Majesty. He didn’t want Izuku under the king’s thumb, or worse, should he be determined to be a threat.

Instead, Shouto had brought him old books from the library, detailing the power. Izuku studied them all religiously, and through fits and bursts, he was growing accustomed to it.

“I still can’t access the full power without hurting myself,” Izuku flexed and un-flexed his hands. His words began to speed up as he continued, “It was a big breakthrough to get the power to cover me completely, instead of activating it in one part of my body. I’ve been practicing when I can, and the length of time and power I can put in is...” He led off, as if suddenly realizing something, then dropped his hands to shoot Tenya a sheepish look. “I, um, sorry,” He started. “If it’s, I can talk about something else.”

Tenya blinked, then offered a warm smile. Izuku, with his power inside him and his persistent attitude, would be a powerful force someday. Ochako was already an established witch at her age, and she was only getting better, if that floating potion was any sign. And then there was Shouto, of course, wielding both ice and fire in devastating power, he would be a king to go down in history.

“I’m proud of you, Izuku,” Tenya told him, “This is a great accomplishment for you.” Izuku gave him a wavering smile and nodded. Tenya made a chopping motion at the fallen wood. “Here! Allow me to help you stack that!”

“I’ll help, too.” Shouto came over and picked up one of the pieces. His hands were not the soft kind of a prince that lounged around the castle. They were calloused from sword practice, from writing and studying, from hand-to-hand sparring, from creating fire and ice and learning to fight with it.

But they were also gentle, such as right now as Shouto reached over to swipe away a bit of dirt off Izuku’s cheek, revealing the freckles hiding underneath. Izuku ducked away as a rosy blush touched his face. Shouto smiled at the reaction and turned away to head toward the woodpile.

They returned to find Ochako had set some water to boil for tea. They gathered around the table, each with a mug while a plate of snacks sat between them. Tenya had brought a bag of oranges, and he peeled them for everyone while Ochako excitedly gave them the details about her newest potions. She expected to get a jump in profits out of them, and maybe they could afford some more tools. Izuku had been planning to take some jobs out in town, and maybe work his way up to monster hunting. He had dreams of becoming a great hero, protector and savior of others, and the three of them all agreed he could do it.

Shouto held his hand out over the table and created a delicate sculpture out of ice. It was Izuku, wielding a sword and facing down a terrible monster. Izuku gasped and leaned down to peer at it.

“That’s amazing, Shouto!” He squinted down at the tiny details, “Your level of control...! And the complexity!” Shouto just shrugged.

“I’ve been practicing more with little details, instead of just making giant walls of ice to take down armies.”

“We should put it in the icebox!” Ochako’s hands hovered over it, hesitant to touch. “We can’t let it melt!”

“It’s ice,” Shouto pointed out, “It’s supposed to melt. I can just make another one when it does.” Ochako pouted while Izuku rummaged around for his notebook to draw a picture of the sculpture. A moment later though her face changed to a wide grin.

“Then you have to come visit again soon! Ok?”

“Ocha!” Izuku yelped, “Shouto and Ten are really busy! Don’t make them feel guilty.”

“It’s ok.” Shouto popped an orange slice into his mouth. “I’d rather be here than there, anyways.”

“W-Well you’re always welcome here, of course!” Izuku backpedaled and waved his hands rapidly. “We love having you! If it’s not trouble for you!” Shouto smiled faintly and nodded.

“I know. I’m glad I have you guys to come visit.” Tenya smiled as well. He couldn’t help it, seeing his three lovers together, so happy like this, especially Shouto, given his general mood back at the castle.

This place was good for him. A one safe haven where Shouto could relax, surrounded by people with no expectations, only warm welcomes and love.

Tenya wished they could come more often. He still held onto the hope that, however faint, his Majesty may come to see Shouto needed something aside from the lessons and expectations of the castle, and relax a little on his policies. Maybe someday, maybe once Shouto and Miss Yaoyorozu were married and the kingdom was assured to be in good hands.

000

“Effective immediately,” His Majesty’s personal knight read out loud to the assembled castle staff, “By order of his Majesty, prince Shouto Todoroki, heir to the throne, will no longer be permitted to leave the castle except with direct permission from his Majesty Enji Todoroki himself. All servants and knights are to refuse to accompany him out or prepare a horse for him, and notify his Majesty should he try to leave on his own.” The knight closed the paper with a sharp movement. “Dismissed!”

The knights saluted, then broke off into little clumps to go about their various duties. Tenya stayed where he was, staring down at the floor. His hands clenched tight. What would Shouto do now...?

“Hey,” He looked up as the king’s personal knight approached him. “Don’t worry about it,” He clapped Tenya on the shoulder. “His Highness and his Majesty are just butting heads. They’ll settle it out. None of that is of any concern to us knights. We’re here to protect the realm and the family.” Tenya blinked slowly, then nodded.

“Yes, I...I understand.”

“His Majesty just wants to protect his son,” The knight continued, “and this is how he feels he should do it. I know you’re his Highness’s personal knight, but remember even if he orders you to do something, he does not outrank the king.” Tenya nodded once again, but as the knight was leaving his thoughts again turned to concern for Shouto. Did he know already?

Tenya turned and headed down the hall. Shouto was probably in his quarters. First and foremost, Tenya felt he may need comfort. As for the current situation, well...

An idea popped into Tenya’s head. They would simply have to convince the king that Shouto was capable, capable of protecting himself, and of leading the kingdom. Surely once his Majesty saw his far his son had come, he would...

Tenya slowed as he approached the king’s office. There were voices from within, one of them being Shouto’s.

“We don’t even need this marriage!” Shouto snapped, “Relations with the Yaoyorozu’s are fine! They probably want Momo to stay and inherit their holdings anyways!”

“It’s not about the alliance!” His Majesty growled back, “Use your head, boy! The first daughter of the Yaoyorozu family is a magical prodigy! You two could create an heir of unmatched power!”

Tenya bit his lip. A knight should surely not be eavesdropping on a private conversation between royalty, but as Shouto’s voice rose, Tenya could tell he was upset. His Majesty sounded quite irritated as well.

As Shouto began to speak again, there was the sound of flesh hitting flesh, and a loud crash like a piece of furniture had been knocked over. Tenya’s eyes snapped wide and he rushed toward the door. He raised his hand to knock, then cringed back as a booming voice sounded through the heavy wood.

“I AM YOUR FATHER, AND YOUR KING,” Tenya shook from the sheer rage in his voice, “THE TIME HAS LONG ENDED FOR YOU TO BE A BRAT. YOU WILL FULFILL YOUR DUTIES! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?”

There was a heavy silence, then some soft shuffling. Tenya took a deep breath, then raised his hand to knock again.

The door swung open before he touched it. He stumbled back as Shouto strode past him, head down and shoulders hunched. Tenya spun around to follow after him; he didn’t dare try to catch a glance at his Majesty through the door.

“Your Highness?” He called out as he jogged to catch up. Shouto continued onward, not slowing his stride for the other. “Your Highness,” Tenya tried again as he fell into step with him. Shouto turned his head away. Tenya bit his lip and glanced around. They were in Shouto’s private wing now. There shouldn’t be anyone around. “Sh, Shouto-”

“Not now, Tenya,” Shouto mumbled. Tenya pressed his mouth together, then reached out to lightly touch his shoulder.

“Shouto, please-”

Shouto jerked back at the raised hand and spun around to face Tenya in a fighter’s stance. Tenya recoiled when he caught sight of his face.

A large bruise covered the entire right side of his face, bleeding a little at the collarbone. Shouto quickly turned away once again, covering his face with his hand.

“Sh-” Tenya looked him up and down, “What-” There were splinters of wood and dust on his clothes, and some small scratches on his arm and face. “Goodness, his Majesty-?” Tenya cut off, then shook his head. “W-We should get you to the healers! Come on-” He reached down to take Shouto’s hand.

“Tenya.”

He stopped. Shouto’s head was down, obscured by the red and white hair falling in front of his face, but his voice, weak and croaking, painted enough of an expression.

“I don’t want to be here,” Shouto choked out. His hand moved over his face to cover his eyes as his shoulders began to tremble. “I don’t, I can’t. I can’t stand it. I can’t stand him. I want to leave forever I just...” His words faded into silence, and a series of muffled whimpers.

Something clicked into place for Tenya. He knew, He had always known that Shouto’s father could be, harsh, sometimes cruel, and that he and Shouto didn’t get along. Tenya had assumed it was the heavy weight of the crown, and Shouto had told him not to worry about it. But looking at Shouto now, burned on one side, bruised and battered on the other, he was starting to see what he should have noticed far sooner. He should have seen it the first time Shouto left training, breathing heavy and hardly able to walk. He should have seen it in the way he closed himself off for hours any time he spoke with his father. He should have seen it when Shouto showed up in his room late at night and asked him to just hold him tight, hold him until he could stop shaking.

He saw it now, late as it was, and he saw what needed to be done.

“Shouto.” Tenya stepped forward and gently gripped Shouto’s shoulders. Shouto looked up at him. There were tears in his eyes, those beautiful mismatched eyes. A bruise on his right cheek, a scar on his left eye. Agony on a face that had no reason for the smallest pain.

“I swore an oath,” Tenya whispered, his voice was hoarse, heavy with what he was about to do. “That I would protect you. I swore that oath with every ounce of conviction I had in my body, not just as a knight to his prince, but as myself, Tenya, to you, Shouto.” Shouto’s eyebrows drew together in confusion. Tenya bowed his head.

“I swore this oath to you,” Tenya continued, “-Not his Majesty. As long as I live, I will strive to do my best to keep you safe from harm.” His mouth turned downward, and his grip tightened on his shoulders. Shouto tilted his head to the side, and one hand went up to clasp Tenya’s.

“Tenya?”

Tenya took in a deep breath. This was, hard. He knew that this plan, it went against so many things that he was taught, but he knew it was right. He fixed Shouto with a grim look.

“You are not safe here.”

000

The waited until late into the night before heading out. Shouto didn’t say a word, keeping his head down as they passed by the empty hallways. Tenya lead the way, beckoning him onward with silent gestures and nods.

The horses slept peacefully in their stables, as did the stablehands. Tenya gently woke the two fastest, and silently began to prepare them for riding. They obeyed, docile under his hands and whispers.

Shouto stood out by the exit, staring up at the castle walls. He had left a letter for Fuyumi, and another in the stables. If his father found the letter first, and decided to hide it, the servants would still know he hadn’t been kidnapped.

But poor Fuyumi. Shouto almost wanted to take her with them, but she was safer here. Their father would most likely not direct his anger at her.

Most likely.

Still, they could be caught, and if they were-

“Shouto.” He looked up. Tenya handed him the reins to one of the horses. “Are you ready?” Shouto hesitated, then nodded, accepting the reins.

They road out into the forest. No one sounded the alarm as they left. No one called out to him. It began to rain about halfway through. Good, it would hide their tracks, make following difficult. Shouto pulled his cloak hood down over his face and summoned a tiny flame for the horses to see by.

They arrived at the cabin, a little hard in the dark with all the lights off. Tenya tied the horses up and banged on the door once, twice, thrice-

The door flew open, revealing Izuku. His hair was even more wild than usual from bed, and his pajamas peeked out from a coat he had hastily thrown on. He was holding a short sword, which he promptly dropped when his eyes widened in recognition.

“Oh my God!” He whispered and opened the door to let them in. “Ochako, it’s Shouto and Tenya!”

“Huh?” Ochako, standing outside the view from the door, lowered her frying pan. “What, why-”

“Forgive us for the late hour.” Tenya shed his cloak, careful not to drip on the floor. “We cannot stay long, but-” He cut off as Ochako yelped and rushed to Shouto, how had pulled his hood back.

“Your face!” Her fingers hovered over the bruise on his cheek. “Oh my goodness! Sit down!” She manually pulled him over to the table, calling for Izuku to put on a fire. Shouto let her pull him along, unresponsive for the most part.

“What happened??” She asked Tenya as she rummaged around her cabinet for some medicine. “Is the castle, did someone attack-?”

“No.” Tenya raised his hand and shook his head. “No, nothing like that.”

“But you’re here in the dead of night!” Ochako sat down and began to gently smear a sweet-smelling paste over Shouto’s bruise. Her fingers worked skillfully even as she spoke. “Don’t tell me you came out here for medicine! You could have gone to a healer in the castle.”

“That’s not the reason we’re here,” Tenya answered. He was still trying to piece together exactly what he wanted to say.

Izuku thumped down some logs into the fireplace, then fumbled around for his matches. Shouto’s eyes flickered to the side. He snapped his fingers on his left hand, and a fire flared up in the middle of the pile of wood. Izuku yelped and sat back, then turned to look over his shoulder.

“Th-Thanks, Shouto?”

Shouto didn’t answer. He just went back to staring down at the floor. Ochako frowned and knelt down to examine his eyes, as if to check for sickness or a concussion.

“Ochako, Izuku.” They looked up at Tenya. He cleared his throat. He had to speak quickly, time was of the essence. “We came by to tell you, we are leaving.”

“What?” Ochako’s eyebrows drew together. “You arrived, to tell us you were leaving?”

“No, not leaving this cabin,” Tenya gestured to the ceiling and walls, then shook his head, “Well, that is to say, we are leaving this cabin shortly, but in a more general sense, Shouto and I, we are leaving the castle.” He paused, then grimaced as his hands clenched at his sides. “I, I should have taken action sooner. Shouto is not safe there. The king...he is not safe with the king. We decided our best action is to leave, in secret.”

“Y-You...” Izuku’s mouth hung open, then he pointed a shaky finger at Shouto. “You’re, leaving?? With Shouto? You’re taking the prince away from the castle without the king’s permission?” Tenya winced, then set his jaw and nodded.

“I, I know it is highly illegal, and I would certainly be losing my status and perhaps be labeled a traitor to the crown, but my mind is made up. I must protect Shouto.”

“Then we’re coming with you!” Ochako declared, then looked at Izuku, who nodded vigorously.

“Of course!” He got to his feet, “Hang on, I can be packed in a second!”

“W-Wait!” Tenya began to make several motions in the air to show his disagreement. “I-I did not mean to imply we were asking you to come with us. This was, more of a goodbye, so you wouldn’t worry, and also to pick some things up-”

“Of course we’re coming!” Ochako scolded him. “We can’t leave you to go on the run! We’ll definitely be useful. Your chances will be much better.”

“That may be so but,” Tenya crossed his arms, looking uncomfortable, “It’s, far too dangerous. I couldn’t ask-”

“You shouldn’t come,” Shouto spoke up suddenly. Ochako blinked and turned to look at him. Izuku paused as well in dumping some stuff off a shelf and into a bag. Shouto continued to stare down at the floor as he spoke.

“If we’re caught,” He went on, “If father catches us, I’ll be brought back, maybe punished, but Tenya, he’ll be killed. Father may just kill him right on the spot. He’d kill anyone who helped me.” Shouto lowered his head and hunched his shoulders. “I already regret...involving Tenya. I think, maybe I should just go alone.”

“No!” All three of them cut him off, Tenya adding a chopping motion for emphasis. Shouto blinked, then looked up at them.

“You can’t-” He started again.

“We can and we will!” Izuku retorted, then hefted his bag. “There is no way we are leaving you to do this alone. Even if you try to leave without us, we’ll follow you, so you might as well take us along.”

“This place won’t be the same without you,” Ochako huffed and grabbed her own bag off the hook, “You guys are more home to us than this house is! So don’t you dare say we can’t come.”

“Shouto,” Tenya made hesitant gesture to them, “They raise, a compelling point, and I hope you realize under no circumstances am I going to let you out of my sight.”

“You guys...” Shouto muttered and raised one hand up to cover his face. Ochako beamed.

“Then it’s settled! I’ll be ready in a second!” She ran off to pack her own stuff. Izuku arrived with his own bag full of clothes, and began to pack up some food to take with them as well.

“You came on two horses, right?” He asked, “Two can ride to one horse.” His eyebrows drew together and he started to mumble to himself. “But...if we’re trying to escape people looking for us, that would definitely slow us down. We could buy some horses in town, but not at this hour, and they definitely won’t be as fast as the castle’s horses.” His fingers began to skip nervously over the table as he spoke. “Using my powers, I could run, or if we both drink Ocha’s new potion, but the queasiness...”

Shouto looked over at Tenya, who nodded and came forward. No need to leave Izuku worrying like this. It was time to let him, and Ochako, know.

“Izuku,” Tenya rested his hand on his shoulder to interrupt his mumbling, “You needn’t worry about that. I have a solution.” Izuku gave him a puzzled look.

“Solution?” Ochako asked as she dragged her own bag back into the room. “To what?”

“Ochako,” Tenya turned to her and pulled a few coins out of his pockets, then offered them to her. “Here, for the ointment, and also I would like to purchase some ingredients.” Ochako accepted the coins with a confused expression.

“Ingredients?”

“I need two sprigs of holly,” Tenya held out his fingers, counting off as he spoke, “one branch of mistletoe, a tablespoon of powdered horseradish, and a bundle of dried mint. Also some chalk.” Ochako’s befuddlement only grew on her face, but she nodded and went off to gather the materials.

“Do you want me to make you a potion with these?” She asked. He shook his head.

“No,” He rummaged around in his back, pulling out an orange, “I will do it.”

“Wait, Tenya.” Izuku peered at the ingredients Ochako set down on the table. “I thought...you couldn’t do much with magic?” Tenya offered a strained smile as he drew a dagger out of his belt.

“My apologies, Izuku, Ochako, but that is not entirely correct.” He turned his attention down to the ingredients and started to pick the leaves off the holly. “It’s true, I cannot create fire or ice like Shouto, nor strengthen myself like you, nor can I instill magical energies into brews to create potions.” His eyes narrowed as he set the leaves down in a pile. “That being said, I do possess magical affinity in another area.”

“Holly...” Izuku muttered and pressed his fist to his chin. “Mistletoe, horseradish, mint...” His eyes flickered to the orange, “And, if that orange is an offering, then-” His eyes widened and he slammed his fist down to gape at Tenya. “You’re-! A...A summoner?!” Tenya’s mouth tightened and he nodded.

“Again, my apologies for not telling you. Shouto was the only one to know. Not even the king is aware.” He rested his right leg on his knee, then pulled back his pants to show a silver band running around his calf. “I am, inexperienced; I only have one pact. But my familiar can help us.” He glanced out the window. “In truth, I hadn’t planned to summon him just yet, but instead when Shouto and I were to change horses. But if you’re coming with us, we need the extra ride.”

“A real summoned creature,” Izuku breathed, then reached up to cover his mouth with his hands. “C-Can I watch? Is that ok?” Tenya smiled again, this time a little more genuine.

“Yes, Izuku. There is no one else I would prefer to see than you three.” He glanced around the house. “Granted, we will have to move outside. I would not want to ruin your home’s interior.”

“R-Right!” Izuku started to gather up the materials. “Here! I’ll help you!”

The rain had, thankfully, faded to a faint drizzle when they stepped out. Tenya drew a large circle out in the yard, a little hard with the rain, but it should get the job done.

He pierced his arm with the knife and dripped out a steady stream of blood into a bowl with the rest of his ingredients, then mixed it together with his hand. He scattered the ingredients around the circle. The circle would act as a gateway, marking where the creature would enter. The ingredients, mixed with his blood, would work as a signal to call out into the other world. The creature would recognize his essence among the plants and come to him. Finally, he stood inside near the edge of the circle, and in his blood he wrote out the name of the creature. It was the name he gave it on the day of their pact, the name he was to call it with, and the the name it was to answer to.”

“Master of wind and trodden earth,” Tenya held his hands out, pushing his presence throughout the circle, “I am Tenya Iida, and with me you formed a pact. I summon you now, with my blood to call you, and tribute to offer you.” The orange, peeled, rested at his knees. He reached down and peeled a single section off. “By our joined consumption, we symbolize our bond. I call you by our name: Ingenium. Come feast with me.” He pressed the slice into his mouth, biting down. The tangy juice flooded his mouth and he felt a new series of senses crash into him. The ground beating beneath his feet, the sea of grass before him, racing winds and the cries of his peers.

“Come,” Tenya thought, “Come to me.”

The circle glowed, and its surface turned a milky white. Dimly, he could hear Izuku gasp, but his attention was on the creature coming to meet him. His bonded creature, his dear friend.

It had been so long.

With a sharp cry the body of a horse reared up out of the pool of light. Its front hooves struck at the air, but Tenya remained still, even as they flailed above him. The horse landed back into all fours to stand before him. Tenya lifted the orange up, and the horse’s head went down to bite it out of his hand. The juices dripped down his forearms, mixing with the blood there.

The ritual was complete. The pool of light faded, leaving the horse behind. It towered over them, taller at the shoulder than the top of Tenya’s head. Its coat glistened a bright, blueish grey, with a pure white mane. Its eyes were black, with a white pupil in the center that regarded the group with a calm gaze.

Tenya stood and reached up to stroke its muzzle, then turned back to the others.

“Everyone,” He couldn’t keep the pride and joy out of his voice as he patted the horse’s neck, “This is Ingenium.”

Izuku made a strangled noise of awe while Ochako settled for a soft “ooo” and clapping her hands. Surprisingly, the other horses had not spooked during the ritual, and now regarded the newcomer like a herd facing their leader.

“He can easily carry two people,” Tenya went on as he bound up the cut on his arm, “And the other two can take the other horses.” He fell silent, then faced them with a sober determination.

“Shouto, Izuku, Ochako,” He said softly, “This, This is my power, and I will use it to protect all of you. I will use every ounce of my strength to keep you all safe.”

“Tenya…” Ochako whispered, then sniffed and rubbed her eyes.

“May I?” Shouto moved forward and extended a hand. Ingenium took a step forward, then slowly brought his nose in to bump against Shouto’s hand.

“Ah, Ingenium!” Tenya threw his hand out at the others. “This is Todoroki Shouto, Midoriya Izuku, and Uraraka Ochako. I’m sure I told you of them in our dreams, but I’m so happy you can meet in person.”

Ingenium regarded the three silently, then his ears flicked and he made a soft whinny that sounded almost, mischievous. He snorted and nudged Tenya forward. Tenya sputtered and shook his head, waving his arms in a rapid motion.

“Ingenium! This is, not the time! We actually must make haste!”

“You can understand him?” Izuku asked. Tenya nodded with a bashful expression.

“Er, in a fashion. At the very least, I can understand the general image of what he wants to convey, and he can do the same with me.”

“That’s incredible!” Izuku was basically bouncing up and down with excitement. “Wow! Can you-”

“Guys,” Ochako cut in gently, “We should go.”

“Oh right!” Izuku yelped and turned back to his bags. “Ok um, so we should divide the bags like this...”

“Ingenium can handle both, I believe.” Tenya hefted Ochako’s up to pin it to Ingenium’s saddle. He had arrived fully tacked with dark blue equipment. “I should ride him, but who should ride with me?”

“Izuku,” Ochako and Shouto both answered. Izuku jerked up and nearly dropped his bag.

“M-M-Me?” He pointed a shaking finger at himself, then at Ingenium’s feet, because he didn’t dare point at his head. “R-R-Ride...a...a summoned creature?”³

“Don’t be afraid, Izuku!” Tenya held out his hand with a friendly smile. “He is quite well-behaved! You should have no trouble at all!

“It’ll be easier for your to ask Tenya all about him, then.” Shouto said as he untied the reins of his own horse. “You’re obviously going to want to.”

“Go for it, Izuku!” Ochako grinned and flashed him a thumbs-up. “I’ll take Tenya’s other horse! I think I can manage!”

“W-Well...” Izuku pressed his fingers together, peeking at the horse out of the corner of his eye. “I-If you two insist.”

“Here! I’ll get you up!” Tenya marched over to Izuku and scooped him up, then moved to Ingenium’s side and easily pushed Izuku up onto the saddle.

“Oh God oh God oh God!” Izuku’s feet scrambled for purchase as he pulled himself onto the saddle. “I’m so sorry Mr. Ingenium I hope that doesn’t hurt I’m sorry I’m getting dirt on your coat-”

“We’re going to head for the mountains.” Shouto said. “That’s the region that my father holds the least power over. I think we can hide in some small towns there.”

“Ok!” Ochako heaved herself up onto the other horse. “What then?” Shouto fell silent.

“I don’t know,” He said softly, “I’m sorry.”

“That is fine enough of a goal for now!” Tenya settled into the saddle, maneuvering Izuku’s arms so they were locked around him. “For now, let us make haste with that as our goal.”

“Yeah!” Izuku held tightly onto Tenya, marveling at how high up they were. Tenya glanced over his shoulder.

“Are you scared, Izuku?”

“Well, a little, from this whole situation but,” Izuku offered a little laugh. “I’m also...really excited? Like, this is going to be one Hell of an adventure.”

“That’s true,” Shouto agreed as he set his horse into an easy trot out toward the outskirts of town. The trees thinned, then opened out into a field. They weren’t visible yet, but behind those fields were the mountains. It would be a long journey, but possible. Shouto paused, then looked over to them.

“I’ll still admit that I’m worried about you all coming,” He started, then looked down at his hands. They gripped the reins tightly, shaking. “But, I am also so incredibly thankful and touched. Thank you.”

“Don’t worry, Shouto!” Tenya rode up to reach over and clap him on the shoulder. “All of us, we’re here for you!”

“Yeah!” Ochako agreed. “We’re here to support you!” Izuku peeled one hand off Tenya to flash him a shaky thumbs up.

“S-Same! We won’t let anything happen to you!” Izuku glanced at Tenya, then at Shouto and Uraraka. “And besides, I don’t even think the king could stop us if he tried.”

“That’s the spirit, Izuku!” Tenya leaned forward, bracing his knees against the saddle. “Let’s go, Ingenium! Recipro!⁴” At the command Ingenium’s ears flicked forward and his eyes sparked. Izuku had time for a curious blink before he found himself nearly yanked out of the saddle as Ingenium bolted forward to shoot across the field. Izuku’s scream marked their progress as they went.

“TENYA!! THAT’S TOO FAST OH MY GOD I’M GOING TO-”

“Ack, my apologies, Izuku!” Tenya tugged on the reins. “I got caught up in the moment. Stage two, Ingenium! Stage two! The others need to be able to catch up!”

“Oh gee,” Ochako chuckled and scratched her cheek, “We better catch up with them, huh Shouto?” She glanced over. “Shouto?”

Shouto had his head down, his shoulders trembling faintly. Ochako’s eyebrows drew together in concern.

“Shouto?” She tried to lean over on her horse to grab his shoulder but couldn’t quite reach. “Um, horsie move closer?” The horse didn’t seem to understand. Just as Uraraka was going to try getting off, Shouto made a faint noise. It sounded like...

A chuckle.

“...Shouto?” Ochako let her hand drop. Shouto’s hand went up as if to stifle himself, then he threw his head back and laughed, loud enough that Tenya and Izuku both looked over. Shouto kept laughing, his shoulders shaking and his head tilted back toward the sky.

“Shouto!” Tenya called out to him. “Are you, ok??”

“I-I...” Shouto gasped, then took a deep breath in to compose himself, but when he answered Tenya, he still had the widest grin on his face. “I, yeah, I’m ok. I just, wow. I, I feel great, all of a sudden. I can’t remember ever feeling this good.”

“That is wonderful, Shouto!” Tenya called across the field at them and made his trademark chopping gesture. “But we really should be going.”

“Yeah, yeah I know.” He nudged his horse onward. “Let’s go. Let’s get out of here.”