TodoDeku :: Entangled Disasters

Chapter Twenty-Two

Shoto swayed almost limply a top his horse, his guards behind him. All three and their horses were smothered with soot.

Blood dribbled down from Shoto's brow and his split lip, the beginnings of a bruise throbbing on his cheek and around his eye.

Tenya cut his cheek and hit his head on a tree, resulting in slight swelling above his right eye. Mezo had accidentally burned his hands, so they didn't see the need to cause him anymore injury.

People made way for the three as the made their way through the courtyard.

Enji rushed from the palace and down the stairs. "Shoto!"

The Prince stopped his horse and slid off as a stable hand rushed over and took the reins. He gripped the lock of green in his hand, lamenting over how the soot and his blood and sweat smothered Izuku's remaining scent. He hadn't meant to get the hair so dirty.

"Shoto..? What the hell happened?" Enji demanded, stopping in front of his son.

His mind was blank. He couldn't think properly. From how he reacted, you'd think Izuku truly was murdered.

"We were attacked, your majesty," Tenya hissed through pressed teeth as he was assisted off his own horse. "We aren't sure by who. They carried no symbol and pledged no allegiance... But they wanted the Omega dead..."

Enji frowned deeply. His gaze didn't leave his son, but it had softened.

Fuyumi gasped from the top of the stairs, Natsuo behind her and wide-eyed.

"I couldn't stop them..." Shoto slowly unfurled his fingers, looking to the dulled hairs. "There was so many... They had already killed his horse, and..." What all was he supposed to say? He'd practiced over and over, but nothing was coming to mind.

"Oh, Shoto..." Enji placed a large hand on his youngest son's shoulder. "Let's get you inside to the infirmary..."

Shoto followed wordlessly. His father and sister urged him on.

"I know you cared for him," Enji muttered once his son was sat down and the doctor began to look over his injuries. "You and the Omega... You two had become inseparable. I hope that someday... You will find peace in having been able to love him for the time you were able." He spoke carefully, as if he were unsure of his words.

Shoto wanted to laugh. His father was never so sincere or kind. This must be some kind of mockery. However, his face and scent were void of any emotion, even as the ointment on his face began to sting.

"I need to be alone," he managed, nudging away his fretting sister.

Fuyumi pulled back and looked to Natsuo. Their Beta brother shook his head and gestured for her to follow him out.

Soon, Shoto was alone in the infirmary. Alone with a lock of Izuku's hair laying dead in his palm.

~

Katsuki's teeth ground together, knuckles white as he gripped his reins.

"My King, you should rest."

The blond huffed as he turned to Sero. "I'll rest when my Omega is safely returned to the palace," he snarled.

Sero bowed his head and raised his hands. "I know, my King... But we won't reach Enji's palace until tomorrow evening. If you're going to lead the fight, you'll need to be well rested," he tried to reason, stepping closer.

Katsuki breathed deeply. "Fine. You're right. Tie up my horse." He forced his reins into Sero's hands as he stormed passed him, cloak fluttering behind.

He slowed down as he reached the tent set up for him.

The King sighed and leaned over to enter, then laid on the pelts used for bedding. He reached into his pack, pulling out an article of clothing. Katsuki held it to his nose and breathed in the faint, minty scent. It was almost gone.

The scent he'd been chasing and surrounding himself in had almost faded completely. Very few things still smelled like Izuku.

"Soon," he murmured, closing his eyes. "I'll bring you home, Izu..."

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665 words

I'm low-key stressed out rn, even though I'm the one writing this.