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Izuku was stiff and sore when he made it back to his room late at night. They had driven off the demons for now, but they would be back. Izuku dropped his sword, already cleaned and polished, by the door and collapsed onto his bed. He lay there for only a moment before the itch of blood, soot, mud, and grime all over his body began to itch.
With half a groan, half a whimper, Izuku pushed himself back up. Using the tub, he scrubbed his skin until the water turned black. He quickly scrubbed his hair as well. His wings were another matter. With a soft bristled brush, he began to work out the dried blood and other grime out of his feathers. It was awkward, and there were parts he couldn't reach.
There was a soft knock at the door and Izuku looked up as it opened. Toshinori hesitated, seeing him half dressed. He was holding a tray with a steaming bowl of soup. "Are you hungry, kiddo?"
Izuku set the brush down and nodded gratefully. "Thank you." He took the bowl and drank directly from it, ignoring the spoon.
"Can I help you with that?" Toshinori nodded to the brush sitting on the bed.
Izuku hesitated, then nodded. He trusted Toshinori to touch his wings. Toshinori's hands were always soft and gentle. He knew that once, before the demon King All for One had torn them from his back, Toshinori had had a pair of wings of his own. He knew how to care for them.
Toshi sat next to Izuku and the boy turned a little so he could access the wings better. Toshinori's calloused fingers worked together with the brush to gently brush over his feathers. Izuku squirmed for a moment before he allowed himself to relax. He drank the rest of his dinner, then sat still while his wings were cleaned.
As he got closer to the base of the wings, Toshinori guided Izuku to lay down in his lap. Izuku did so, ruffling his wings a little as he settled. He was starting to fall asleep to the rhythm of the brush on his wings when Toshinori paused.
"Izuku?"
"Hm?" Izuku lifted his head sleepily.
"If there was a way for you to stop this war, would you do it?"
Izuku sat up and frowned. "I would do anything to stop the demon king. Wouldn't you?"
"Almost anything." Toshinori agreed.
Izuku cocked his head. "Almost? What wouldn't you do?"
"I wouldn't make you do anything you didn't want to." Toshinori replied and Izuku flushed, looking away.
"S-Some people say that it's my fault the war started." Izuku said softly. "If I hadn't come here, the demons wouldn't have followed me."
"Those people are wrong." Toshinori said firmly. "You can't control the demon king, Izuku. What he chooses to do has nothing to do with you."
Izuku squirmed a little. He only mostly believed Toshinori when he said those kinds of things. "Why are we talking about this?" Izuku asked. Toshinori knew that he didn't like talking about his past.
Toshinori looked away this time, clearly wrestling with himself. "I really don't want to tell you this, but you deserve to know. All for One said he would agree to meet for a negotiation about ending his attacks."
Izuku's head jerked up. "All for One? Are you sure? He would never do that, it has to be a trick of some kind!"
Toshinori nodded. "I'm sure it is. He said he would only do it if you came alone."
"He just wants to kidnap me again!" Izuku shook his head. "You're not going to make me go, are you?"
"Of course not! I don't want you to go. But I wanted you to know, since it's your choice what you do from now on. And no matter what you choose, you know I'll respect it."
Izuku nodded a few times, not sure how to respond to the sincerity in Toshinori's voice.
"Let me finish cleaning your wings for you." Toshinori said to break the silence.
Izuku lay back down and let Toshinori continue to work the dirt out of his wings. His mind was racing. What did All for One want? Was he really willing to negotiate? They couldn't trust him. The whole thing had to be a trap.
"Do you really think he'd be willing to stop?" Izuku asked softly.
Toshinori paused again, moving his free hand to rest on Izuku's curls. "Izuku, you don't have to go. I'd rather you stay here where I can help protect you."
"I don't want to see him." Izuku said softly.
"You don't have to. We'll just stick to the plan to defeat the demon king. You don't ever have to do anything you don't want to."
Izuku nodded again. He sat up and leaned against Toshinori. "I don't want to go." He said again.
Toshinori patted his head. "I'll let them know. Now get some sleep, kiddo. You did a good job today. I'm proud of you."
Izuku's chest warmed with an unfamiliar feeling of genuine pleasure, one he was slowly becoming accustomed to. "Thank you, Toshinori. And thank you for helping with my wings."
"Of course, Izuku. Please let me know anytime you need help." Toshinori replied, then added, "With anything."
"I will." Izuku replied, climbing under his covers and carefully settling his wings over himself. Toshinori blew out the candles, then paused to make sure Izuku was fully tucked in before he left. For once, when the door shut, Izuku didn't feel trapped. He felt at peace knowing that the angel on the other side of the door would protect him. He closed his eyes and fell into an exhausted slumber.
***
Izuku blinked several times, lifting his head and looking around to see what had awakened him. The bars of the cage around him glistened in the soft candle light. He yawned widely, then smiled as he felt a hand running through his hair.
“Daddy.” Izuku looked up sleepily to nuzzle into the warm hand.
“I didn’t mean to wake you, little one.” A low voice replied softly.
Izuku snuggled closer, ruffling his wings. If he were a cat, he would have started purring. Instead, he just gave the demon above him a sleepy and adoring smile. “‘S okay, Daddy.” he replied sleepily. He liked it when Daddy came to see him.
“I’m sorry I’ve been away for so many days.” All for One said. “Have you missed me?”
“Of course I have!” Izuku sat up, more awake now. He pouted, looking betrayed. “Daddy, I always miss you!”
All for One chuckled and patted his head to settle him. “I know, my prince. Daddy missed you too Daddy missed you very, very much. That’s why I couldn’t wait for you to wake up before I came to see you again. You know I love you more than anything in the entire world, sweetest.”
Izuku huffed a little,then relaxed again. “Are you going away again soon, Daddy?”
“No, Daddy is going to stay here with you for a while.” The demon promised.
Pleased, Izuku snuggled into his side and closed his eyes. He felt warm and happy and safe. Safe here with Daddy in his little cage, safe in the castle, safe out of danger’s reach. Nothing could ever, ever hurt him here.
Izuku’s eyes snapped open at the sound of sharp metal grating against himself. Startled and confused, he lifted his head again to look around for the noise. “Daddy? What was that?”
“Don’t worry, little one. You won’t feel a thing.” All for One promised with his loving smile. He snapped the silver scissors a few times before opening them wide and moving them to the base of Izuku’s wings. “This will keep you safe, my prince. Just trust your Daddy.”
***
Izuku woke screaming. The door to his room swung open and someone rushed to his side. Without looking to see who it was, Izuku screamed again, pushing them away and writhing. He was trapped, he couldn’t get away. It had all been a trick. His entire life, nothing but a lie.
“Izuku, kiddo, it’s all right!” Someone was saying. “Hold still, you’re stuck in the blankets.”
Izuku screamed louder, pounding his fists against the arms that were now pinning him to the person’s chest. “Let me go! Let me go!” He screamed.
“Shh… It was just a nightmare, Izuku. You’re okay, you’re safe. Calm down.”
Slowly, after more screams and struggles, Izuku became aware of Toshinori’s calming voice and rough hands. He sagged into the embrace, sobbing weakly, completely exhausted.
“Are you all right?” Toshinori asked softly.
Izuku shook his head. “I don’t want to go back, I don’t want to go back!” He cried.
“You’re not going back, Izuku. You’re not going anywhere you don't want to.” Toshinori promised. “It was just a bad dream.”
Izuku shook his head again. “He was going to cut my wings! He was going to chop them off, just like yours!”
Toshinori hesitated. “The demon king loves you too much to hurt you like that, kiddo.”
Izuku shook his head over and over. “He was! He was really going to cut them! Before I ran away, he said he was going to do it! He was going to cut my feathers so I could never learn how to fly!”
He shuddered at the memory. There had been no scissors, no promises that it wouldn’t hurt. Just the cold words he’d overheard leave the demon king’s mouth when Izuku had begged to spread his wings a bit more. He had grown too big for his cage, too big for the ‘safety’ his father provided. He wanted to explore, he wanted to run around and play. But All for One had refused. He’d said it wasn’t safe for Izuku to leave his cage. That it was too dangerous for him to go out. Izuku had proved him wrong, of course, breaking out and running off by himself. He’d had lots of fun, but when he’d come back, his father had promised to clip his feathers if he ever did anything like that again.
All for One had been so angry. He’d been terrifying, really, nothing like the kind and loving father that Izuku had grown up with. So Izuku had stayed in his cage after that, withdrawn and miserable. Then one night, he’d heard his father talking to one of his underlings when he thought that Izuku had gone asleep. Even though Izuku had been good, had listened to his father, had done everything he was supposed to, All for One had casually said, “I’ll have to clip his wings soon. I should have done it when he was smaller, before he knew any better. I suppose it doesn’t matter. He’ll never know the difference.” And the next morning, Izuku had run away and hadn’t stopped running until he’d collapsed from exhaustion. That’s when Toshinori had found him.
Izuku’s sobs had died into tiny whimpers and hiccups. Toshinori was softly rocking him from side to side, murmuring softly into his hair.
“It’s really my fault, isn’t it?” Izuku asked. “All of this is my fault.”
“No, Izuku, it’s not your fault.” Toshinori replied firmly, giving him a squeeze.
Izuku closed his eyes and returned the squeeze. “It’s my fault.” He insisted. “I have to stop him. M-Maybe he’ll listen to me?”
“Izuku,” Toshinori paused, clearly not sure how to continue. “I know that when you were little, you loved your father very much. I know that things have changed since then, but do you really think he would listen to you?”
Izuku hunched his shoulders. “N-No. But I have to try, right? I have to do something. I-isn’t there a way we can make him promise not to take me if I go and talk to him?”
Toshinori was silent as he considered Izuku’s question. “I suppose we could have him sign a heavenly contract. They have to be signed in blood, and they cannot be broken. He’ll probably have his own demands as well- he’ll want you to come alone, andI really don’t want to let you go by yourself.”
“But if he promises not to take me.” Izuku sniffled and wiped his eyes. “It would be fair, right?”
Toshinori took a deep breath, his mind clearly racing. “Yes.” He agreed at last. “But I still think it's dangerous. I won’t stop you, though, if this is really what you want to do.”
“I’ll be okay.” Izuku promised. “I’ll come back home, Toshi.”
“I know you will.” Toshinori nodded, seeming to have resigned himself to Izuku’s decision. “I’ll make all of the arrangements for you. Now go back to sleep, kiddo, you’re going to need your rest.”
***
Izuku’s breath fogged and swirled in the moonlight. He paused in his trek through the snow to admire the way it churned and flowered around him. He took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, watching the cloud stream from his mouth. Growing up, he never would have gotten to see anything like that. He wasn’t allowed to be cold, to see the moon or the leafless trees, the white blanket of snow that covered them and the ground around him. If he hadn’t gotten away, he never would have seen any of these amazing things.
It hadn’t been as cold as he had worried it would be. Still, he was grateful for the heavy fur cloak that was draped around his shoulders and over his head. He lifted his gloved hands to tug the hood closer around his head, turning his nose to breathe in the comforting scent that clung to it. He could still hear Toshinori fretting over dressing him warmly enough.
“Wear my cloak. Make sure you keep your gloves on. Did you put on an extra pair of socks? Be careful not to let any now fall into your boots. Let me tie your scarf for you.”
It had been just enough to lighten his mood and distract him from the journey ahead. A journey he would have to take alone. Watching Toshinori hover and fret over him had brought a smile to his lips, one that returned now as he thought back to the final thing that Toshinori had given him- the warmest one. The hug had started out like all the others, hesitant at first, careful not to overstep any bounds. But as Izuku had gone to pull away, Toshinori had pulled him in again, squeezing him tightly and not letting go of him for several minutes. Finally, he had pressed a soft kiss into Izuku’s hairline before he had finally released him. It was the most loved and cared for Izuku had felt in his life.
He wished that Toshinori was still with him. He hated that he had to go alone. The night itself was peaceful, the snow quieting the air. The air held the gentle warmness that let him know the clouds would move in and coat the ground with fresh snow by morning. But it was his destination that sent chills through his body.
As he neared the agreed upon spot, Izuku felt a deep chill of fear settle into his body. His breathing became more laboured and each step was harder and harder to take. But they had worked too hard to arrange this meeting and there was too much at stake for him to run back home to Toshinori in hopes that another hug would make all of the bad things disappear. He took a deep breath to steel himself and pushed forward until he stepped into the clearing.
At first, seeing it empty, he hoped that no one was coming. But only a moment later he heard the rush of wings and turned to see a large shadow descending onto him. Izuku stumbled back a step and the demon landed in front of him, towering over him and blocking out the moonlight.
"There you are, my little prince. I was worried you wouldn't come."
The low voice made Izuku whimper and take another step back. He could see the massive clawed hand reaching out for him. His breath hitched and his legs gave out beneath him. He crumpled to the ground, straight through the knee deep snow. A scream ripped through his throat as he ducked, pulling the hood down over his face to hide.
Everything turned dark and blurry. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't see. He didn't want to go back.
"Hush, Izuku, it's all right. Don't cry, my prince." After several minutes, Izuku became aware of the hand rubbing his back, the arms tucking him in close, the fire crackling beside him.
Izuku rubbed his eyes, shaking. He looked around. There was a decent sized fire burning and clouds had moved in, casting soft flakes of snow down to earth. He was seated in the demon king's lap, sheltered from the snow by his large, bat-like wings.
"Are you still cold, darling? You're shaking."
Izuku winced at the voice. "I'm not cold." He replied, trying to shift out of the demon's grip. "Remember your promise."
"I remember it." All for One replied, kissing the top of his head. "I missed you, little one. Did you miss me too?"
"No." Izuku said quickly, hopefully not too quickly. "I didn't want to see you again. Ever."
"That can't be entirely true, now can it?" The demon king chuckled, running his clawed hand through Izuku's thick hair in an all too familiar manner. "I hope you've been having fun, playing tag and hide and seek with me. But it's time for you to come home now."
"Why would I go anywhere with you?" Izuku squirmed and ducked away from his hand.
"You belong with me, my little prince."
"No, I don't!" Izuku's cheeks flushed with anger. "You stole me! I'm not yours!"
"How could I steal my own son, hm?" All for One questioned. "Be reasonable, Izuku."
"You're the one being unreasonable!" Izuku shot back, the heat rising in his chest and face. "You're breaking all the rules! Why are you swinging the mortal realm? You're going to destroy them completely if you don't stop!"
"I'll stop." All for One said simply, taking Izuku by surprise. "I'll stop as soon as you come home."
"You- you can't just- I don't want to go back!" Izuku pushed against him. "I ran away from you! I don't like you! You're a monster!"
"What did I do to make you act like this?" All for One sighed, locking his arms to keep Izuku in his lap. "Didn't I give you all the love and care you needed?"
"You were going to clip my wings!" Izuku screamed.
"That was for your own protection." All for One tried to kiss the top of his head but Izuku screamed and twisted away.
"No it wasn't! You're just selfish! You didn't want me to ever leave. You wanted to keep me locked up forever."
"I was trying to keep you safe. You've seen how dangerous it is out here."
"It wasn't dangerous until you started attacking everyone! You need to stop! You said you were willing to negotiate, that's why I came!"
"You want to negotiate? I already told you, come home and I'll stop. If you don't, I'll continue my attacks until you do."
"That isn't fair!" Izuku shook his head. "That isn't negotiating!"
"I have nothing to lose, little one. All I want is to bring you home."
"I don't want to go back!" Izuku shook his head again. He felt like he was already back at home, begging the demon to listen to him, knowing he would never listen. "I want to stay here, with my friends. I've been so happy, I've had so much fun. I want to stay here. I don't want to go back. I don't want to be locked up anymore. No more cages, please. I don't- I don't want to be yours!"
He had started angry, but the more he begged, the more hopeless the situation seemed. He didn't mean to start crying. He didn't mean to show the demon weakness, weakness he knew exactly how to exploit.
"Don't cry, little one, don't cry." The soft voice hushed him. "There's no reason for you to cry."
"P-Please, Daddy. Let me stay. Please." Izuku begged.
All for One purred and kissed Izuku's forehead again. "Don't worry, little one, everything is okay."
"N-No! Please don't take me back. Please. Please." Izuku cried.
"You need to come home, Izuku." All for One's voice was soft, almost hypnotic.
"It's not my home! You stole me, you kidnapped me! I'm not yours. I don't want to go back there. I don't want to. Please, Daddy. Please. Let me stay with my friends."
"You're my prince." All for One reminded him. "You don't belong here. Things will get worse if you don't come back."
"No!" Izuku screamed. He let his anger flare, pushed the old fear away. "No, I'm not going back! You're the one ruining the world! It's all your fault, not mine! If you won't stop, we'll stop you! I'll stop you!"
All for One laughed. "You'll stop me? Izuku, sweetest, the only way you can stop me is by coming home with me. But defeat me? I'm afraid not, little one."
Izuku pushed himself free at last and squared his shoulders. "I will defeat you, All for One. I won't let you destroy the world- or kidnap me again."
All for One's red eyes glinted in the fire light with a brief flash of anger. "Very well." His voice was still soft. "Then it seems that our negotiations have failed." He stood and towered over Izuku once more, a clawed hand coming down to stroke his cheek. "I would take you by force, if I could, but you were oh-so-careful about our little agreement. Be careful on your way home, little one, I would hate for you to catch a cold."
"You don't have to worry about me." Izuku replied angrily, pulling out of his reach. "It's your own safety you should be worried about."
All for One laughed again. "So cute. Hurry now, our truce only lasts till dawn. I would hate for you to miss the surprise I've arranged for your friends."
Izuku jolted at his words, snapping his head around to check the sky. It was already getting brighter. Dawn was fast approaching. Without giving All for One another glance, he turned and started running. It would be just like All for One to have an attack ready to launch at first light. He briefly wondered if the demon king would have kept his word and drawn back his forces if Izuku had gone with him. He brushed that thought aside. He didn't want to go back and Toshinori had told him it was okay for him to want that. No one was making All for One do this. He could stop at any time.
The snow was deep and hard to trek through. Izuku tried to run faster, but tripped and fell face first into the snow. He ground his teeth as he shook himself off. Annoyed, he threw back his cloak and spread his wings. White as the freshly fallen snow, they ruffled behind him as they stretched free, no longer tight against his back. Flying still made him nervous, since he had been forbidden from using his wings as a child. But they were getting stronger, and he had to hurry.
Izuku flew through the trees, keeping just below them in case his father had a winged predator tracking him, ready to snatch him at first light. The sun crested the snowy horizon and he knew he was already too late to warn them. He cursed and tried to fly faster. He was so close.
Toshinori was waiting for him at the edge of the forest, his breath forming large clouds around his head as he anxiously waited for Izuku to return. Izuku flew straight into his arms, nearly knocking them both to the ground.
“Toshi, the demons are going to attack!” Izuku cried.
Toshnorii didn’t acknowledge his warning at first, instead crushing Izuku in another tight hug. “Thank goodness you’re safe!”
“T-Toshi, the demons! He didn’t listen to me! They’re coming!” Izuku cried.
“I know, I know. I assumed he would attack if the negotiations failed. Don’t worry, Izuku, I’ve got everything under control.” Toshinori assured him.
Relieved, Izuku curled into his hug and let out a shaky sigh. “I’m sorry I let you down.” He said softly.
“Let me down?” Toshinori sounded confused. “Kiddo, you’re the bravest person I’ve ever met. I’m so proud of you.”
“I told All for One that I was going to defeat him, but I don’t know how.” Izuku shook his head. “How am I supposed to stop him?”
“We’ll figure something out together.” Toshinori promised. “Now let’s get you warmed up, leave the fighting to everyone else today. You deserve a rest.”
Izuku leaned his head onto Toshinori’s shoulder. "He’s not going to stop until he takes me back. I don’t want to go back.”
“You don’t have to go back.” Toshinori told him. “He can’t make you.”
Izuku nodded, but he had his doubts. All for One had always gotten what he wanted, and despite Izuku’s defiance, something told him that this time wouldn’t be any different.