Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

XXIII

The library was a familiar comfort to him, the surrounding books and knowledge and the sunlight filtering through the high-arched windows, all allowed Shoto to forget about his problems and focus on the task at hand. The books he had collected the night before were still stacked neatly on the table, but he swore he put his notes under them before leaving instead of placing them adjacent to them. He frowned, looking at the shifted pile, but pushed it aside and sat down, taking the first book from the pile and dipping his pen into the ink pot. 

The books were old, pages yellow and frayed at the binding. There were words Shoto didn't understand, having to use the illustrations to assist him, and he had to remind himself to remain on track rather than spent time looking at the unique art styles and the facts of culture dropped into the reading. It was a laborious task, the tomes heavy and writing printed small, but the help of even the smallest amount of knowledge he could gain could be what helps them win this war. 

He finished the first book quicker than he expected, using references and chapter titles to narrow down his reading. Several sides of notes had been filled, and he rather felt like Midoriya who was always scribbling away in his vast collection of notebooks. He was sure the man had methods of researching different to what Shoto was taught, and if he spoke to him soon he would ask for any suggestions. Currently Midoriya was away, taking a short trip around the tribes and collecting data on the supplies and possibly warriors who would join them on the battlefield. He hoped they had enough resources to work with, and there was enough time to train their warriors to fight Endeavour soldiers. 

He had turned to a new chapter in the second tome when the doors to the library opened, a familiar figure walking in to greet him. Yet, gone was the usual friendly smile and instead a grave expression of concern.

"Shoto, I'm sorry to interrupt you." Masaru began, not walking too far from the doorway. "I believe you should go to Katsuki's study, a letter has just arrived. Come quickly."

Shoto dropped his pen, following the man in his quick paces to Bakugou's study. Who was the letter from? Was it a possible alliance with them? Was it from his father? He wouldn't get answers to these questions until he got to Bakugou's study, hastening his steps further. 

Shoto wasted no time in knocking when they reached the king's study, instead he walked right in and up to the man's desk, immediately seeing the open letter splayed atop it. He picked it up and began to read, Bakugou already talking.

"Got a reply pretty quickly. The bastard is real eager to destroy us. He's declared war-"

"When the snow begins to melt." Shoto finished, eyes going over and over the same words of declaration, the cruel and biting words not changing no matter how many times he read them. "How long is that? In Endeavour that would be just under two months. Do seasons work the same here?"

"Yes, winter here is usually two months. They can feel much longer considering how severe they are, however." Masaru answered him, Shoto nodding in acknowledgement before looking up at Bakugou.

"What are your plans then? Do we know how many people are willing to fight?"

"Damn nerd won't get back for a few days, but there's a shit ton of warriors in Bikarin that Aizawa's been gathering." Bakugou replied. "Aizawa's gone back to Tapsken, he and Mic are gonna be living with us from now on; they'll be back tomorrow."

"I see. How is the food situation? If the winter is as harsh as you say it is then we'll possibly need to ration considering the exertion of war efforts."

"I'm a damn king, I know how to deal with this shit."

"I'll help however I can." Masaru spoke with his best attempt at a smile, covering his son's angry expression that he saw so often nowadays. "Thank you for all you're doing, Shoto. I know it must be hard for you, fighting against your own people."