Shangri La Pt. 1

15: Concomitant

Izumi opened the door and saw someone sitting down on the floor, as they had the same Dark Green hair and Emerald Green eyes. 

"Mom..." 

The woman looked up and immediately smiled at her. 

"Oh Izuku, I didn't know you were coming today." the woman said with a sweet smile. Izumi knew just by looking at her mom that her health had gotten worse since last time. 

"How have you been feeling recently?" Izumi asked, sitting next to her mom. 

"Oh sweetie, I'm doing just fine. It's unfortunate that my healing abilities aren't working anymore." Inko said, trying to brush the problem off.

To elaborate, since Inko is also a member of the Emerald Clan, she did have the same ability to heal like other members. She and all the other members of the Emerald Clan were practically forced to heal those that were injured during the War, and if they didn't agree to do so, then they would be executed. 

During the War, Inko was one of them that was forced to use her ability at a pace that her body couldn't keep up. This has caused Inko to practically lose her healing abilities and her body can't get healthy anymore. 

It doesn't help Izumi since her abilities have yet to awaken in her body. 

Since the War, Izumi had to find a safe place to work and help make sure her mother was safe and recovering.

"If they didn't force you to do all the hard work then none of this would've happened. I wish my abilities would appear already, this is my fault you're like this." Izumi said. 

"Oh Izuku, don't blame yourself for something that you don't have. This is natural for members of the Clan's abilities to deteriorate after being forced to heal so many people." Inko said. 

Inko isn't wrong, as though members of the Emerald Clan are known for having immense power, it doesn't mean they're immortal. Using their healing abilities too much has ended many member's lives, and has gone to the point that they could even turn into living plants when they do die. 

Just like fresh flowers in the Spring, they only can last for so long.

"Has your ability come yet?" Inko asked. 

"No... I'm still waiting. Why does it have to be me? Did I do something wrong for my abilities to wait this long?" Izumi asked. 

"I don't know, sweetie. It's natural for us member's abilities to appear when we turn at the age of 6." 

"I know, but I'm about to be 21 soon. I really am a late bloomer." Izumi said, sounding a bit distressed. 

"Don't worry, sweetie, you'll get your healing abilities soon." Inko said, resting her hand on her daughter's cheek. Izumi could tell how frail her mom became with just that simple touch, as Inko's hand was all just skin and bones now.

"Has anyone at the Temple been giving you any problems?" Inko asked. 

"Ah- w-well..." Izumi automatically went to think of the guy who was literally standing outside the building. 

"N-Not really, I'm doing just fine." Izumi said, trying to shrug the thought off. 

"Sweetie, are you sure you like working for the Great Pisces though? I heard you're the only one serving them, right?" 

"I'm fine mom, they've been really considerate and gave me the ability to see you today at least." Izumi said. 

"I know, but I heard there are men from the Todoroki Kingdom who just arrived and are at the Temple." Inko said, her tone seemed really worried.