Shangri La Pt. 1

137: Integration

"I am... eternally grateful to your Captain because of his efforts, which have led me to realize my feelings for him–something I should've done much sooner–as your Captain has had the very same feelings towards me as well. So no, Your Majesty, I never had any intention of using or toying with your Captain and his feelings because I... I am not that kind of person to use people." she finished as she could only be satisfied by her own answer, hoping this would be enough.

The King leaned his arm against the edge of his seat trying to think deep into what she'd told him and this then led to the next question. 

"So the reason you did what you did to my Captain on the training grounds was because... you didn't want to lose him?" 

"Y-Yes, Your Majesty." 

"And you figured using that Ruby he had would solve the problem?" 

"Y-Yes. I... When me and your Captain first met, I saw that he had–in his possession–a Ruby, and when I asked about it, he told me that it was given to him. He never told me who gave it to him, but I can only assume... that it was from you, Your Majesty." she answered, causing him to nod in agreement with her words. 

"You would be correct, I gave my Captain that Ruby which belonged to my eldest son." 

"Your... son?"

"My eldest son, who I lost a long time ago. His powers were too strong for his body to handle and he ended up burning himself to the point he couldn't be saved. While they were trying to save my son, an Emerald came here and suggested to preserve his Gem and save it to give to someone who could possibly use it again in the future." 

"A-And... that would mean that... your family is part of the Ruby Clan?" 

"Yes, and the Diamond Clan well. So after the war ended–a few years ago–I gave it to Bakugo because I presumed he would be the right person to use it. I never would have expected that another Emerald would be able to fuse that Ruby into Bakugo's body like that. Clearly it took a toll on your body as well." the King explained. 

"Y-Yes, Your Majesty. B-But because I've never done something like this before–and it's unheard of in history for an Emerald to fuse a gem into someone's body... I am not sure if it was really a success or not." she added.

And before either of them could say another word, they both heard the doors leading to the throne room open and made them look to see who had entered. 

"Then maybe you should ask me." a deep voice spoke, causing Izumi to flinch. 

Her body went cold as she saw that ash blond spiky hair and Ruby red eyes blazing brighter than usual. 

"K-Katsuki..." 

"Hm. So it seems you've awakened and are doing just fine, Captain Bakugo?" the King questioned as Katsuki stormed into the room. Izumi stayed quiet as she watched the blond coming right towards her and then standing right next to her, making her feel like this was all just a dream.

"Hah~ Your Majesty, before you even think of hurting her, I need to say this. She's the woman of my choosing, so no matter what you try, I won't let you take her away from me." he demanded in a serious tone. 

"K-Katsuki..." 

He turned his head to look her in the eyes and reached down to grab her hand delicately. 

"I don't care who she is or what she is, I love her more than anything. So just try and take her from me." he stated as he turned to look back up at the King.