Chapter Text
Laponia was a land that thrived on magic, rich history, various kingdoms, and diversity. The first of these traits, however, was the cause of an immense disruption of the vast land's harmony.
6 major realms existed in the land, that of the elves, the humans, the dragons, the various types of forest peoples (partially human, partially animal beings), the fae creatures, and the cursed. The elves were beings who were gifted with magic that manifested in pure light energy (its strength depending on the individual). Their physical traits included long, pointed ears, strikingly bright eyes, soft/angelic features, and often very androgynous (gender was of little consequence to them).They often had a strong connection to their ancestors and wisdom, knowledge, and history had a strong root in their culture. Massive libraries were found frequently throughout their realm and being one of the oldest types of beings (second only to the dragons), their realm had a very ancient, peaceful look to it. Additionally, elves lived pretty long lives (around 200 years) similar to the dragons. The humans were beings who although could learn to create magical substances using materials from other creatures (these people being witches and warlocks) lacked innate magical capability. Humans valued being muscular or toned as it was a sign of being able to fight. They were the most advanced in armor and agricultural practices, additionally leading in medicinal practices especially. They were almost the newest beings, only coming before the forest peoples. The dragons were the oldest types of beings and although their covens could be found various wild places throughout the entire land, their core was a mountainous forrest area in the heart of the land. Interestingly, only 30% of the dragons could actually breathe fire with various degrees of strength (white being the hottest, then blue, then red/yellow). They tended to keep to themselves, being especially wary of humans who in the past had hunted them. The dragons, when in their shifted state, were quite big beings: tall and slightly chubby with muscular arms and chests. The forrest peoples were being who were half human, half animal or a combination of multiple animals and human. They were tribal, sometimes mute and relatively new creatures (the first tribe existing only 300 years ago). They were usually on the shorter side. The fae creatures were fairies and pixies (ranging from the size of a human palm to around the size of a thumbnail depending on age) who lived in a small realm and although could fly, did not have innate magic. The cursed were generations of various beings who lived with the curse of their ancestors. Physically, the telltale sign was the look that they were half dead, however, not all cursed beings looked different. Due to their curse, many uncursed beings avoided and ostracized them, even if it was largely known that a generational curse couldn't be passed by proximity. The lived on the outskirts of the other realms.
"Obviously you know the two types of curses (generational and individual)-
"The former being more rare and requiring more magical prowess to bestow, correct?" Izuku asked as he took notes at his desk in the center of the room. He looked up briefly to make eye contact with his private tutor.
"Correct, as usual, your majesty." The old elf said fondly. He had a neat but lengthy white beard, striking blue eyes, deep brown skin and short white hair. Despite his age of 170, the man stood upright and prided himself on keeping active in order to maintain a youthful body. He held a large book as he paced the oak wood room, teaching Izuku. "Additionally, curses are dark in nature, it corrupts both the magic doer and the one being cursed."
"Well, there is, in actuality, no such thing as dark magic though." Izuku corrected, it was not done unkindly or disrespectfully but Izuku had always been a curious mind, one who loved knowledge and debating all that could be debated.
"True...magic is simply that, it depends on wielder's intentions. But dabbling in curses-"
"I imagine that although it has no physical effect on the magic wielder...the psychological weight and guilt of such a heavy action still plays a part...." Izuku descended into a fit of mumbling to himself. Haku, his tutor, chuckled and glanced out the window.
"Your lessons are finished for the day, prince Izuku, enjoy the rest of your day." Izuku abruptly stopped mumbling and gasped happily.
"Thanks, Haku! See you in a couple days!" He said with a bright grin before rushing out. Today, Izuku was especially excited because of the visitor arriving that afternoon. He ran down the stairs, flying out into the living room where his mother was politely sipping tea. The wooden house of the Midoriyas was the size of every other house in the Elven realm. Although every house had a unique design with vines growing all over and lanterns hung randomly. Elven people valued ornate items with history behind them but had a distaste for frivilties in general. In the Elven realm, there was no form of currency. Everyone (including the royal family) enjoyed fairly simple lives free of the unnecessary including extra furniture, extra toys for children, and extra food. Everything was available freely, including any items, food, medicine that could be requested. The major difference between Izuku's family and other elvish beings was their sweet maid and his private tutor.
"Izuku! How many times do I have to tell you not to run inside? You're 18 now, far too old for this!" She said sternly but with undeniable love and fondness for her only son. Although elves were conservative with most things, their clothing was a different story. They often wore beautiful garments, elvish royalty dressed in even more intricate clothing items than their people. Inko was wearing a rich white and pastel green dress with delicate flower designs. She wore a crown that looked of thin golden branches with small diamonds placed throughout the design.
"Sorry mom!" He said breathlessly. "Are they here yet?" She chuckled.
"Izuku, we see them twice a month, not including the small visits you two have whenever you can get away, whatever are you so excited for? They should be arriving any moment now. Come sit so we can greet them." Izuku smiled and sat down across from her on the ornate couch. It wasn't too long before a carriage was heard pulling up outside. Izuku popped up despite his mother's protests and peered out the window at the busy street. A few moments later their maid opened the large doors and allowed in a certain bundle of blondes through the door.
"Kacchan!" Izuku skipped up to him and grinned happily.
"The fuck are you so exited for?" He said with an eyeroll.
"Because I get to see you." He said happily. Katsuki snorted and patted his green curls, peering down at him with a smirk.
"Hi auntie!" Izuku said sweetly. "How was the trip? I'm sure you're tired so I'll make more tea." She kissed his forehead.
"Thanks hun."
"'Sup auntie." Katsuki said. Mitsuki sighed.
"You goddamn brat, what kind of shit greeting is that? You're a damn prince for god's sakes. Go help Izuku." She said.
"Ah fuck off, old hag, I'm going, I'm going." He said irritably. They, well more precisely Izuku, started to prepare more hot tea along with gathering some treats to go along with it. Katsuki sat on the countertop and watched him bustle around the kitchen as he chattered away about random things. The greenette looked more than ecstatic to have his Kacchan in his presence again.
"And that's why I will never agree that water is wet." Katsuki sighed loudly.
"You talk about such useless shit, Deku." Izuku stuck a tongue out at Katsuki in response, scrunching his face up with the gesture. Katsuki chuckled at the sight, leaning over to flick his forehead. "Honestly, I'll never understand why you elves like to live so plainly, especially you guys as royalty. I've never had to make a meal for myself, it's common."
"I'm not sure that's something to brag about Kacchan." Izuku snorted. "We're not like humans that need millions of trinkets to enjoy life."
"Yeah, yeah."
"Plus, it concerns me that you wouldn't survive on your own." Izuku said, his bright green eyes looked worried at the thought. "There's talk of an uprising growing along the border, in the Ashland...if something were to happen..."
"Do you seriously think, I, Katsuki Bakugo, wouldn't survive? I've been training with a sword since before I took my first damn step. I'm easily the best fighter in the land." He said arrogantly. Izuku smiled a bit. Katsuki, still sitting on the counter, hopped off so that he was standing directly in front of Izuku who was currently chewing his lip. He lifted his chin and peered down at him with a slight smile. "Besides, you and I stick together. If it ever came to that, I would take care of you and you would take care of me. That's just how we work." He said more softly. Izuku smiled brightly.
"You're right! With my magic and your sword, Kacchan, we'd be unstoppable!" He imitated fighting moves and Katsuki scoffed.
"You're a dork." Izuku smiled.
"You love me though." Izuku said sing-songingly as he leaned up to look at Katsuki's face. Katsuki scoffed and used his hand to roughly push his face away.
"Fuck off." Izuku laughed, missing the tinges of red that appeared at the edges of Katsuki's cheeks.
"Hey, I know! Let's try to hear what they're saying." Izuku said, putting an ear against the intricate traditional door to the living room. Katsuki sat across from him, up against the door.
"Deku that's-" Izuku held up a finger to Katsuki's lips. Katsuki blushed in surprise but quickly recovered and bit his finger.
"Kacchan what the hell!" Izuku whisper yelled. Katsuki bared hit teeth as a joke then smirked triumphantly and settled in to listen to the conversation in the other room.
"Now that we've gotten all caught up, I assume you're also here to discuss the rumors about the Ashland."
"Yes. From what my generals have heard, it's not just petty gossip. Apparently they have a leader...he refers to himself as a prince." They heard Inko scoff.
"As if anyone from there could be anything close to royalty. It's laughable."
"Agreed but if this 'prince' is gaining as much traction as we believe..."
"He could threaten the balance of the entire land. The Elder Council is already making preparations to protect the kingdoms if it comes to that."
"Good. As are we. I hear the other realms are following suit in their own ways. Have you talked to your boy about any of this?"
"Oh there's no need." She said sweetly. "He, along with Katsuki, are listening right now." Suddenly the door was opened and the two fell in without any time to react.
"Stupid Deku, I can't believe you didn't consider auntie's insane sixth sense." She smiled sweetly at the two of them, looking innocent, but they weren't fooled. Inko Midoriya was powerful. Her magic manifested mostly in a strong telekinetic powers which was how she swung the door open with a mere swish of her hand but she also had an innate ability to just sense things that seemed impossible for her to know.
"You brats." Mitsuki said with a chuckle. Mitsuki Bakugo was also not someone to be messed with. She was extremely skilled with her signature double axes which she wielded terrifyingly well. She fought in thousands of battles, one on one and leading entire armies and never one had lost. She was a tall, domineering, stunning woman who seemed ageless whereas Inko was a beautiful, sweet, reserved woman who aged like good wine. The two had been friends for years, looking about the same age despite Inko being 20 years her senior (elven aging: the physical aging of Elves slowed significantly when they hit 30 years old). "Anyways, it's good you both know now how serious this situation is getting."
"What can we do then?" Katsuki asked.
"Honestly, not much." Inko sighed. "Besides being ready for the worst, which is what we all are currently." Everyone looked to Izuku who was mumbling incoherently to himself.
"Oi, deku." Katsuki said, hitting his head lightly.
"Huh? Oh!" He blushed out of embarrassment. "I was just thinking of something I read once..."
"What is it, hun?" Mitsuki asked.
"Well...this is not the first time something related to the cursed has loomed over the land. Over the centuries there have been many solutions to impending darkness, some of it war of course but...I come to think of something that saved the lands all the way back in the Dim Times.
"The Dim Times? Izuku, I'm not sure that-"
"Hear me out, I know that's far back. I mean, only dragons existed then. But...when Titrus, the ancient dragon of death, threatened to wipe out thousands of dragons in his rampage for power...they stopped him without lifting a violent hand against him. They made an offering to the ancient dragon of life, Melnia. The hatching of her offspring while surrounded by samples of ever region of the land at the top of Wind Brooke Mountain. Melnia's resting place. The pure life force that comes when a dragon hatches is well known. It's why the entire clan gets a temporary boost in their power when a dragon hatches. It only multiplies when directly touching Melnia's resting place and when surrounded by the samples of the land...it gives every living creature a boost in their power so long as their intentions are pure and simultaneously destroys any creature with impure intentions that endanger the wellbeing of the land." The three stared at him in surprise but looked thoughtful.
"I'll consult the Elder Council but I doubt they'll be of much help." Inko said slowly. Mituski nodded.
"It sounds extremely promising, we'll have to prepare a group of top soldier to go."
"Well... what if we consulted the dragons themselves? I'm sure the Glowclaw clan would know of this if anyone would. They are the oldest clan, after all."
"Hm. Well Ito is an old friend of mine, he's been leading the clan since I was a teenager. I just have to consider who to send to pay him a visit, I mean neither of us can really take leave at a time like this." Inko said.
"Kacchan and I could go!" Inko stared at him.
"Heavens no, Izuku! You've never been outside of our realm alone! You just turned 18! Y-you can't-"
"Inko." Mitsuki said, lightly placing her hand on top of the worried woman's. "He's a man now, and is more than capable of taking care of himself now."
"I just don't know if it's safe for him...to be so far from home..."
"Inko, he's a prince. Diplomacy and protection of his realm and the entire land is his duty.
"And I'll be there with him the entire time, auntie. The bastard won't leave my side for a second and although, I'd protect him with my life, my mom is right. Izuku is entirely capable of protecting himself." Inko still looked unsure, chewing her lip in thought.
"The mountains are just a few days of a trip, mom. I'll have Kacchan, I'll be careful, and I'll be back in at most a week and a half."
"Ok then..." Izuku cheered and Katsuki (begrudgingly) returned his high five, mostly because if he didn't Izuku would pout and he absolutely hated when Izuku pouted.
Time Skip: The Next Day
To say the least, Izuku was excited. As prince he had often attended meetings in different realms with royalty, studied in different regions, and had even given speeches to people in minor situations but all of this by the side of his mother, the queen. This was bigger than all of that though, he was on a minor research mission that could possibly provide a way to save their land. As a compromise, Izuku and Katsuki would take on the short trip accompanied by four other people. Denki Kaminari and Hanta Sero were two young soldiers of the Crimson Kingdom. This was Katsuki's kingdom of the three total human kingdoms. Despite their youth, they were skilled and had great potential to be top generals in time. They were also two of Katsuki's closest friends besides Izuku (although he'd never refer to them as such. The third person was Ochako Uraraka, an elf who acted as the personal bodyguard of Izuku whenever he left the realm. Most elves were poor and avoided hand to hand combat or the use of weapons, opting for magic as a source of protection but Ochako had trained with humans when she was young. This made her fierce even if she looked unintimidating with her bouncy brown shoulder length hair, rosy cheeks, and sunny persona. Lastly, Shoto Todoroki was the son of the Chief elder of the Elven Elder council. His mother, having been the Chief elder for 50 years, was well respected in their realm and her son was a shining magical prodigy. Izuku and Shoto had been trained in magic together and had been friends since they were 12. The four of them were loading their own horses and chatting.
"You ready, nerd?" Katsuki said as he loaded both of their stuff onto their respective horses. Izuku was busy reading the book which he had learned about the hatching of Melnia's egg, highlighting phrases and scribbling in the margins. There wasn't much to go off but Izuku was determined to learn as much he could. "Oi!"
"H-huh?! Oh! Sorry Kacchan, coming!" Izuku scrambled to stand up, stuffing the book into his bag and and putting the thin satchel over his shoulder. He looked over his shoulder to see his tutor, maid, and mom staring at him sadly. His mother struggling to keep her composure as she dabbed at tears in her eyes.
"I'll be back mom, I promise, ok? I love you!"
"I love you too. You two...please be safe and come back to me." She said to the both of them.
"Course we will auntie." Katsuki said gruffly. Then, they were off.
"So prince Izuku-"
"Ah Denki-!" He said, slightly embarrassed. "How many times do I have to tell you that you don't have to call me that! We've known each other for three years now." He said giggling. Denki grinned at him.
"Sorry, Izuku, Katsuki says you're familiar with the dragons?"
"My mom and I visited when I was really young a few times but...it's a bit of a difficult trip so I haven't been up to the mountains in a while. It's unfortunate though, the valley inside is breathtaking."
"There's a valley inside the mountains? Well, shit." Sero commented.
"They're very protective of it, so not many get to see the natural beauty it is." Izuku said.
"So about all this cursed uprising business, what do you know, Zuku?" Ochako asked curiously.
"Not much. Just that we need to be prepared and this might just be the best solution we have."
"What about you, prince asshole?" She asked in a dry manner.
"Eh?! The fuck would I know, pink cheeks? And where the fuck do you get off talking to me like that, commoner?!" She rolled her eyes.
"Someone remind me why this royal ass is on this trip again?" Shoto snorted and Izuku stifled a giggle, pushing his shoulder playfully.
"You wanna fucking die, commoner?!"
"Alright, alright. Cool it." Sero said, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"Kacchan is a valuable asset, Ochako, he's the figher here." Izuku said. Katsuki stuck a tongue out at Ochako causing her to flip him off with both hands. Denki bust out laughing which prompted Izuku and Shoto to follow suit.
"I have a feeling that this is going to be a long trip." Sero commented to no one in particular.
They took occasional short breaks but were fairly quick in their arrival to the mountains. Izuku wrote and read on these breaks while Katsuki watched him (though he'd never admit this) as he did things like gave water to the horses.
...
"We're at the threshold." Izuku said with a smile.
"But on the map...." Katsuki said frowning at the map he was holding. Izuku reached over and flipped it so it was right side up. Katsuki huffed grumpily.
"Seems we're at the damn threshold." Izuku merely giggled.
"Look, we have to wait here until we're allowed in. They have to accept us into their coven since it's sacred ground.
"Of all beings, it had to be damn useless dragons..." Katsuki muttered. Humans and dragons had a...strained relationship to say the least (historic enemy things). Izuku sighed, eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Dragons are the best! Not only is their natural form impressive, the fact that they can shift is such a feat of nature! I mean they weren't always able to shift, they just evolved that way. Probably as a method of survival or maybe even as a way to relate to the humans-" Izuku's ramble was cut off by a loud sound followed by a rush of strong winds. He reached up and held onto his tiara which was similar in design to his mother's but smaller. Katsuki bared his teeth and instinctively out a hand on the hilt of sword. Izuku looked thrilled. A large pink dragon flew out, their scales seemed to shimmer and their striking yellow eyes flashed at the two of them. They had huge, twisted yellow horns on either side of their head. They were soon followed by another dragon: red with red eyes and spikes covering the entirety of their back. The two dragons landed in front of the group, small rocks and dust kicking up around them. The mountains were foreboding: tan in color with jagged edges and a lack of greenery looming over them. Directly in front of them was a gap in the mountains that was now being defended by the two massive dragons in front of them, baring their teeth.
"Hi!" Izuku called out with a big smile. He waved happily. "Um sorry to bother you guys! My mom, uh Queen Inko, should have sent a message!" The two dragons shared a look. "The urgent cursed manner, that's what we're all here for." The two dragons shared a look, then, the red one shifted into its human form. The first thing that Izuku noticed about him was how handsome he was. Shoulder length, thick red hair styled in spikes that complimented his tan skin. He was shirtless which showed off his broad shoulders, muscular biceps, and a stomach that looked solid but wasn't toned. He was pretty tall, only shorter than Todoroki by the looks of it. The pink dragon stayed in their dragon form and eyed the group carefully.
"You're Prince Izuku?" The man asked.
"Y-yes, that's right." Izuku answered, feeling a bit shy now.
"Why are you with humans?" He asked cautiously, casting a look over at the three humans in question.
"I need their help. Look I promise they won't be any trouble. I trust them." The man opened his mouth to speak but closed it as if he was considering something. Izuku fought not to look away from the man's intimidating, steady stare. It was as if he was studying him, judging him.
"Ok." The pink dragon tossed their head to look at him, probably surprised. He made eye contact with them and gave them a nod. They followed suit and shifted. The pink dragon was also beautiful; she had deep brown skin, full lips, bright yellow eyes, and a thick pink curly afro. She also had muscular arms and broad shoulders and was tall with a thicker build.
"Holy shit-" Ochako said, probably not meaning to do so out loud.
"Oh no, she's hot!" Kaminari whispered rapidly to no one in particular.
"Not to mention terrifying." Sero added. Katsuki scoffed and rolled his eyes.
"Why are you here, hunters?" She asked the three pointedly.
"We're not hun-" Kaminari started.
"Yo why the fuck are you starting shit with us? None of us are threatening you." Katsuki growled.
"Yet." She said darkly. Katsuki scoffed.
"All because our long dead ancestors-"
"Don't start that cop out shit with me. Humans take lives, land, and resources but never like to take responsibility. Typical."
"We're here to save all of our damn land."
"Humans caring about more than themselves? Never thought I'd see the damn day." The red head placed a hand on her arm lightly, shaking his head slightly at her.
"You may trust them but I don't." The pink dragon said lowly, turning on her heel to leave.
"We know you're here because it's important. I like to think I'm a good judge of character so...yes I trust you guys." He said. "So!" He said clapping his hands to relieve the tension. "My name is Eijiro Kirishima." He said with a toothy grin, gesturing to himself with his thumb. "That was Mina Ashido. She's actually a really fun-loving sweetheart in normal circumstances. All of us in the clan have nicknames. Mine is Riot, hers is Acid."
"It's nice to meet you." Todoroki said politely. Everyone introduced themselves (Katsuki doing so only after strong persuasion).
"Alright! Welcome into the clan!" Kirishima said brightly. His eyes fell on Izuku once more.
"I like your spots." He said suddenly. Izuku blinked at him confused then giggled when he realized.
"My freckles?"
"Oh." Kirishima said embarrassed. Izuku grinned.
"Thanks." Izuku said sweetly. Kirishima blushed and turned. Everyone followed him in on their horses.
"I already hate him." Katsuki muttered.
"Oh Kacchan, you're just feeling bitter because Mina put you in your place." He said, teasing. Humans and elves historically had a bit of a strained relationship too. Most types of beings had a bone to pick with the humans (but that would be addressed later). "And...I already like him." Izuku said with a soft smile as he looked at Riot who was walking ahead of them and talking about something.