Shangri La Pt. 1

62: Intrigued

'Huh? What the hell kinda place is that?'

Though this was the first time he'd seen such a building, just knowing that the greenette had entered this place could mean that she's doing something important behind his back. Not only that, but there seemed to be a lot of people that were entering from the front. 

'Whatever this place is, I can't just ignore this since she's in there. And if she went in there through the back, that could mean she works here, but why? Is this some kinda side thing for her or what? Arg– Maybe once I get inside and find her, then she'll tell me what she's doing out here... maybe. So let's get inside to find her.' he thought as he made that he was still disguised with black hair and how his formal robes weren't tattered or torn in any place that could be seen. 

'Right, let's see what Izuku's hiding from me this time.' he thought as he started to approach the place that other men were entering.

To the Captain's surprise, he didn't have any issues entering the place, but it couldn't possibly be that easy, right? But that wasn't the only question in the blond's mind at the moment. 

'These people... Were there always this many rich lookin' guys in this city? Not to mention how they all look like slobs. Is this some kinda gambling place? There's tons of gambling places in the West, but I didn't think they'd have that kinda stuff out here.' Katsuki thought as he continued to follow the crowd of men in front and behind him to where exactly they were to be escorted to. 

Soon enough, it was clear to the blond that this was no gambling house, as the scent of sweet flowers like perfume and the strong hints of liquor lingering closer to them after each and every step.

And as soon as he and everyone around him approached a pair of large doors with the finest engravings from wood on them, the doors opened before them. And right when the doors opened, Katsuki's eyes widened, as he realized this was no gambling house at all. 

Lines of women wearing robes decorated in all kinds of intricate designs, hair braided and designed with floral decorations, and all these women were beautiful as they smiled at the guests. 

"Welcome, humble customers, we hope you enjoy your night with us. Please allow us to bring you pleasure for tonight." all the women said in unison as they bowed to the guests. It was at this moment that Katsuki fully understood just what he walked into.

'This... is a place with prostitutes...' he thought as he still couldn't comprehend that he would get tangled in this kind of situation. 

But as much as he was shocked to see all these women before him, he focused himself right away to see that the greenette he was searching for was not standing in line with all these other beautiful women. 

'Not here... So that means she's not one of 'em and probably just works as a servant here. Now I just gotta find her and make sure she's okay.' he thought as he was about to turn around and try to find a way around this place without being seen. 

But just as he was about to leave, he felt a strong tug from his arm and turned to see a beautiful redhead holding onto him.

"Dear guest, please do not leave so soon, you've only just arrived." the redhead noted with big beady eyes. Just seeing a woman that wasn't the certain greenette trying to get his attention easily made Katsuki annoyed to the point of making a disgusted face at the woman. 

"I came to the wrong place, I got something more important to do–" 

"But you mustn't leave so early, dear sir! Please, at least let me serve you some of the best drinks for you to enjoy with each sip." the redhead pleaded. 

'Dammit, this chick's just trying to stop me from leaving when I need to make sure Izuku's okay. Wait– If she's a servant here, then maybe she'll be walking around here at some point. But that means I gotta wait to see her and that also means... Dammit!' 

"Fine, but I ain't planning on getting drunk." 

"Of course, dear sir, please come with me right this way." the redhead answered happily as she didn't hesitate to wrap her arm around Katsuki's arm and escort him to a table.

And just as he was taking his seat, Katsuki clearly could tell that he was almost like the center of attention at the moment. Compared to all the other men in the room–who were supposedly in their thirties or older–Katsuki exuded confidence and a strong aura that was almost astonishing to be around. 

'Geez, I get it, I look different to the rest of you, so stop staring at me, it's annoying.' he thought as he crossed his arms. 

"Here we are, dear sir, and since I will be serving you to the best of my abilities tonight, I wish to know who you are." the redhead spoke as she arrived back at him with a large bottle that could only be assumed to be holding liquor inside.

'Seriously? She wants to know who I am? Why?' 

"Why?" 

"Eh? Why? Why... I wish to know how such a handsome young man like yourself has entered here only to wish to leave right after arriving." the redhead answered as she tried to lean closer to him, only causing Katsuki to lean away from her. 

"Tch– I'm looking for someone." 

"You're looking for someone? Then perhaps you can tell me who you are searching for, and I could give you the information you need. I am very skilled with knowing a lot of people in this city." 

'I didn't even ask her for help, so why's she trying to get in my business?' he thought with annoyance. But as much as he didn't want to answer this nosy woman's question, maybe this woman could bring Izuku out if she truly is here. 

"Fine, the person I'm looking for is–"

"And now, dear guests, we are honored to announce the newest Geji here to make her brand new debut–just in time for the Moon Festival to be approaching–please welcome the Jade Goddess!" someone announced, forcing everyone in the room to become silent and angsty with anticipation on who this woman would look like. 

'Huh? What kinda name is that? Claiming to be a Goddess can only mean that this chick's far different from–' 

Before Katsuki could finish his thoughts, his eyes jerked up to watch as a woman with Jade green hair and eyes appeared from a pair of doors opening for them. This woman entered the room covered in robes of greens and blues, a beautifully decorated embroidered peacock on the back of the robes and her hair filled with a few peacock feathers that shimmered in her Jade green hair.

Everyone was in awe to see such an elegant, pristine woman entering the room, but it was possible that Katsuki was shocked most of all. 

'She's...' 

Trying to find the right words couldn't even come up in the blond's mind as he was so mesmerized by such a delicate beauty, but that wasn't the only thing he noticed. 

'Those... eyes...' he thought as he felt entranced by how her eyes glimmered with sincerity but also... intensity. 

This woman's eyes felt quite familiar to gaze at for the blond, but that wasn't far from the end. As he continued to gaze at this fair woman along with everyone else in the room, he noticed how this 'Goddess' skin was fair and almost pale in comparison to other women in the room. 

But as much as he knew the color of her skin seemed different, it wasn't until he saw a simple but delicate looking headpiece in this woman's hair. This headpiece had a simple white flower on it with green leaves, a very familiar headpiece that the blond knew all too well.

'Wait a sec– is that... Izuku?'

Note: Hello My Little Emeralds!

I swear, I am trying to find time to write this fanfic, I really am, it's just work keeps getting in my way. I will try my hardest to post as much as I can this week, otherwise I'm gonna be annoyed with myself again! And yes, this chapter is a bit shorter than usual, but we're about to get a lot of action happening soon to make up for it!

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Happy Reading from me, My Little Emeralds!