The Shadow Kingdom

Summary: After waking from her coma, Izumi goes to see the sequel to her favorite movie with her two love interests...and finds herself lost in her imagination and the world on screen.

Author's note: some of you may be wondering why I chose to tie in the Midori timeline into the ending of Hero's Kingdom, and the simple fact is it's because Midori the Rabbit was so well received. The premise of this world came from the 3rd closing and was teased in the original fic. I wanted to incorporate that while also giving fans a little extra on what happened between the timelines. Another thing was I didn't change the names of the characters so it made more sense for it to be Izumi's dream rather than the exact movie itself.

That being said...enjoy!

Chapter 1: Where We Left Off

The theatre was rich with the smell of popcorn in the air. Couples, families, friends and the single fanatics all clustered in getting their snacks before Showtime. On the television screens above the snack bar trailers for upcoming movies streamed even though their audio was muffle by the buzz of people. Izumi took it all in with a gentle smile, her outfit of the day a simple black skirt and frilly white blouse. She braided her hair over her shoulder and put in a silver butterfly pin behind her ear to offset the shaved side and bandage that covered the scar maring her temple.

"Wow it's been awhile since I've been to the movies." She glanced back at her dates with a smile. "Thank you guys for coming with me."

"Don't mention it." Shoto smiled and Bakugo just shrugged.

"I wasn't doing anything important." He played off coolly. In actuality he wanted to make sure she was okay. The doctor said that there was a likelihood she could slip unconscious again if she wasn't careful. He was here to make sure that didn't happen. "Listen up Usagi, if you even look like you're gonna pass out I'm hauling you back to the hospital. Got that?"

"Yeah Kacchan, I get yah." She laughed and ran up to get in line for the concessions. Shoto watched her then looked down at the tickets.

"Katsuki…" He spoke and had Bakugo jumping and twitching at him.

"What did you call me?"

"Your name..." He handed him one of the tickets. "Go find us some good seats. I'll pay for the concessions."

"Tch," Bakugo took the ticket then held it out like a warning. "Just because we called a truce, doesn't make us friends."

"I think it should. We made Izumi a promise that if she pulled through-"

"I know what we promised...but she knew we were lying."

"I wasn't...I don't want to fight with you anymore Katsuki. I want us to be friends because I know you're a good person and you care for Izumi. We've spent time together in that hospital room and got to know each other more than we ever did in school."

Bakugo lowered the ticket and shifted uncomfortably.

"Yeah I guess you're not as bad as I thought either."

"So we're in agreement then? No more trying to win Izumi over? We just enjoy our time with her and each other?"

Bakugo grunted.

"I can't agree to that last part...but I will agree to the first. I'm sick of arguing and putting Usagi through it."

"Agreed…"

"Hey is that the lucky hero Usagi?" The two heard a random voice and tensed up glancing in that direction.

"Hey yeah she's the leading rookie hero right now. She's so hot." Three boys huddled together toggling Izumi as she eyed the candy rack.

"I don't know, she kinda looks plain to me...got a nice bod though."

"Right? I'm gonna go introduce myself and ask her to join us. Nothing hotter than taking on a female hero as a playmate."

"Sounds good, go work your magic dude."

Temper rose up in both Todoroki and Bakugo. The more the boys ogled the more irritated they became. Just as the boy started to approach Izumi from behind the two young heroes Flanked her, quirks threatening to activate. The young man went positively white.

"Help you with something buddy?" Bakugo asked in a warning growl.

"N-N-No just gonna buy some popcorn! Pardon me!"

"Hmmm?" Izumi glanced back."What was all that about?"

"Don't worry about it." Todoroki told her. He pulled out his wallet and paid for their concessions.

The three then made their way inside and sat in the back row away from the crowds. Izumi sat between the boys her eyes dancing with excitement and her lips wrapped around a straw. She took interest in some of the trailers oohing and awing over up and coming movies. When the title credits started to roll and the epic ethereal music began to play, Izumi lost herself in the imaginary world.

~2 months after Hero's Kingdom~

Izumi had nightmares often… but lately they were all the same. The reflection of her guilt, and probably the biggest regret of her life.

"Kacchan you have to understand, I'm just-"

"Shut up! I said I'm done with you!" Bakugo pointed an accusing finger at her shaking with such blind rage. "I never want to see your sorry face again. Consider this an extension of your exile! Never come near me or mine as long as you live! Get the fuck out of my sight, out of my camp, and out of my life!"

She awoke form the dream, tears streaming down her face and a sickness in her belly. Kacchan's furious voice still burned her ear, and the sight of his face controrted from anger and pain was still too fresh to her mind's eye. She'd never be able to sleep properly at this rate. Too much guilt and pain plagued her thoughts and dreams and left her restless.

She slowly rose up and with two quick claps activated the glow orbs that served as lamps. She took a quick survey of the room and couldn't help but let out a small depressed sigh. The grand home of Sir Might's estate was a vision; a castle like structure with romantic gardens, and surroundings woodlands. She lay in the most beautiful feather bed, with silky white sheets and fur comforter. She was catered to by the caretakers of the house and treated like a true noble… and yet she could find no pleasure in the comforts.

Since that day she left the Dagohban tribe she hadn't quite felt like herself. Despite having the support of Shoto and her friends Sir Iida and Lady Ochaco, Izumi couldn't stop the pain she felt from losing Kacchan.

I have too much on my mind, Izumi thought running fingers through her thick mass of curly hair. Too many secrets tucked away… she needed to vent, needed to tell someone, anyone of the troubles that plagued her. Her eyes sad and tired she glanced at her writing desk, saw the parchment and stationary piece.

She could write to her mother, she thought, who better to talk to about her problems to? She quickly got out of bed and wrapped her fingers tightly around a quill and started to confess all that troubled her.

Dear Mama,

I dreamt of him again…

I know its my fault Kacchan turned me away, but how long will I be plagued by the guilt of hurting him? How long before I am able to forget the fury on his face, or the obvious hurt laying behind it? He was my first friend, my first lover, and I did him a great injustice by lying to him.

I told myself that I lied to protect him… I told myself I had to hurt him to save the life he would throw away... but what I'd truly done was act in cowardice. I knew if I'd stayed with Kacchan and told him how I truly felt I wouldn't be able to bring myself to leave him.

...and now I'll never see him again.

What a fool I was for letting it happen, for not pushing him away and telling him the truth. The truth that I am Sir Might's protege, and I'm to take on the darkness that threatens our world. I should have ignored the ache and need I had for him and done what was right. Now I must live with this guilt and the consequences of my actions. Consequences I should have been prepared for, but had pushed far from my mind at the time.

Mother...I am with child.

You are the first to hear of this news. I have not told anyone else for several reasons. The first is I know Sir Might would discourage me from entering battle. I cannot fault him for that… but while I do fear for my life and the life growing inside me I cannot turn away from this responsibility.

The second reason, I'm ashamed to admit, is that I'm unsure of the identity of my child's father.

While Kacchan was my first, and oh how glorious that first experience was...I took another lover shortly after in desperation. I craved that warmth, I craved that heat, and he has given it to me freely and with such gentleness I nearly wept from the experience.

Shoto is such a kind and giving man, one whom I've come to cherish and love just as much as Kacchan. He comforted me when I needed it most and gave me a night I will not soon forget.

He wanted me for his bride and had tried to help me receive title so he may court me properly...but the circumstances changed after my banishment. Now Shoto has given up his own title to be with me and help me in this dangerous struggle. I owe him so much and I cannot begin to show my gratitude to him for being so selfless and comforting to me.

I know that once I tell him I am with child he'll insist upon marriage once more...and should the child be his I may just accept...but I can't help wonder if the child is Kacchan's.

What would he say, I wonder, if I told him I could be carrying his child? Will he turn me away again? Would he welcome me back? Or...would he simply take the child away from me?

I'm so afraid to tell him, but I do not want to lie or hide secrets from him anymore. I do not know what is the right course of action. Should he remain oblivious to this child? Or should I confess the truth about everything? Better yet will he allow me to even get close enough to tell him...and will he even believe me?

I know I should tell Shoto… but how and when? I am so confused and conflicted, and I ask for your wisdom and guidance on the matter.

On top of this great joy and burden I'm doing all I can to prepare myself for the upcoming conflict. Many have tried to defeat this great evil, but to no avail. I've researched the history of Nomu and the light but have found no clues on how to seal him away for good… at least not without great risk to my life and my child.

However, I am determined now more than ever to live past this battle and give life to the gift that lays in my womb. I will find a way...and when I do I will choose the right path for myself and my child. Tomorrow I shall read the journal of the first holder, and hopefully the answers I seek lay inside.

I hope you will reply quickly. I do my best to remain strong, and keep hope, but it would lessen my burdens to hear words of encouragement from you. I do not know what sort of mother I will be... but I hope I can be as brave and as loving a mother as you. Pray for us, Mama.

Love, Izumi.

Izumi set the quill down and let out a deep calming breath. Having let out all she'd been fretting over she felt instantly better. She knew she needed to sleep, but still felt somewhat restless Folding the letter she slipped it into an envelope and sealed it with wax. She then wrapped herself up in a robe and made her way downstairs.

She had to smile as the hallways started to glow at her presence. The little bulbs that floated along the wall flickered and pulsed as she walked by and Izumi felt the magic of the house just come alive. Instead of candles, and firelight, the household seemed to run on magic itself. Despite the chill outside from the approaching winter the house was pleasantly warm and held the fragrance of a meadow.

She remembered when she first stepped through the doors, how thrilled and awed she'd been by it all. She walked through every part of the house, her curious mind exploring and taking in every movement, every piece of furniture, and every decor detail.

Perhaps she shouldn't send the letter to her mother after all, Izumi thought as she stepped up to the grand foyer and spun slowly to admire it. The words inside held frustrations and thoughts that would certainly cause her mother grief and unnecessary worry. Now that she'd written down what she needed to, she felt calmer and not as fretful.

… no she needed this. She needed to let her mother know what was happening, and prayed she had wisdom to go with the worry that was sure to follow.

Placing a hand over her belly where she knew the new life pulsed inside Izumi closed her eyes and wondered just what sort of child she would give birth to. She'd meant what she said in the letter, she was determined to live now that she was protecting more than just her own life. Will the child be a boy or a girl? What sort of magic will they inherit? Would they look like her? Or would they look like their father?

"Miss Midoriiya what are you doing up?"

Izumi gasped at the voice and she jerked sideways to see the caretaker in the doorway of the foyer.

"Master Torino… I'm sorry I hope I didn't wake you." She turned to him looking apologetic. "I couldn't sleep so I decided to wander a little."

"It's quite alright my dear. You've been restless since you arrived. Understandably of course." The small elderly man walked forward on his cane. The simple white tunic and golden coat suited him very well in Izumi's opinion. It was both noble, but didn't hold the regality and stuffiness of a proper suit.

"Yes," she tucked hair behind her ear and then looked down at the letter. "Could I ask for a favor, Master Torino?" She held out the letter to him. "Could you send a rider to deliver this letter for me. I promised my mother I'd stay in touch and I want to let her know how I'm doing. It can wait til morning, but I'd like her to get it as soon as possible."

"Of course, my dear." He took it and tucked it away. "I'll see to it first light. Now I think it's time both of us got some sleep. I'll send Tsuyu upstairs with some warm milk and that should help you nod off."

"Oh there's no need to wake, Asui-san," she sent him a warm smile. "I feel better after my walk. I'm sure I'll sleep soundly now."

"Well if you change your mind, you've only to call on us. Toshinori has entrusted us to ensure you're comfortable and well looked after." Torino comforted.

"They have been gone for nearly a full day." Izumi said with some sadness. Earlier that day all the men had left to venture out on some kind of hidden mission, leaving her and Ochaco to bide their time with Torino and his staff.

"I wouldn't worry, My lady." He took her hand patting it gently. "They're big strong men who can handle themselves.. Or at least two of them are. I'm sure they had their reasons for leaving and will return with good news."

"If they're not…" Izumi's lips suddenly twitched in a smile. "Then I guess Lady Ochaco and I will just have to go on an excursion of our own."

That earned her a chuckle from Torino and another pat on the hand.

"You just get some sleep, Young Midoriya. There's plenty of adventure ahead for you… don't be in such a rush to jump into the fray." He turned and left her alone once more. Izumi let out a heavy sigh and crossed her arms over her chest with a little pout.

Why did it feel like he was patronizing her?

"Hmph, if he thought I was kidding, he's in for a surprise." With a knowing smile Izumi turned up the stairs… and felt straight into a dreamless sleep.

~Meanwhile in Tattooin~

Endeavor sat upon his throne his brow furrowed on the group in front of him. The cluster of them wore black cloaks with emblems of their organization etched in the back. At the center was a young man that couldn't have been much older than Shoto and left him wary.

"I hope you all understand that I would not resort to hiring you if this weren't the most dire of circumstances." Endeavor tapped his fingers irritably against his chair.

"No hard feelings, your highness. We're well aware our reputation has a way of speaking for itself." The leader spoke with some amusement in his tone.

"Indeed… now I've hired you to find my son and bring him home. I'm aware that kidnapping without bodily injury isn't in your normal jurisdiction, but I'll ignore minor scrapes and bruises. Just be sure he is alive and in one piece when you return him."

"Of course, your highness… but with all due respect why hire us to do what I'm sure many of your guards could." The leader waved his hand around a bit tauntingly, causing Endeavor further irritation.

"Shoto is the crown prince, even if he has decided to doff that title, my knights and guard are not allowed to harm him which Shoto will surely take full advantage of. You lot however will have the element of surprise as he'll not be expecting hired mercenaries to be after him."

"I see… now according to the information you've given he is travelling with a woman name Izumi Midoriya, is that correct?"

"That is correct. She is of no concern to me. If she gets in your way you have my full permission to kill her. The same goes that Toshinori character and any other insolent peasants that get in your way. Shoto is the only one that must be returned alive. You can roast the others on a spit for all I care. Do you understand me Shigaraki?"

The lead male grinned and pulled back his cloak revealing the silvery hair and scarred face. His red eyes held excitement for the chase.

"I understand you perfectly, your highness. The League of Mercenaries is at your service."

~Ask Briry~

Briry: Yay! First chapter of "The Shadowlands" is up! I was gonna hold on on posting this til I was finished with my KH fics but I put the final touches on it today and just couldn't resist! I hope you all will look forward to what is in store. Also I'm returning the question segment for any who wish to participate in asking me or the characters questions about the story or just in general. Looking forward to your thoughts!

Next chapter: Bakugo's Lament