The Reaper's Trial

Chapter 6: Times Change

3rd person pov:

Izuku begins to wake up. As his eyes flutter open. He sees metal bars infront of him.

Izu:"Uh, what happened?"

He then tries to move. So he looks to his sides. His arms are bound in chains to suspend him on the wall.

Izu:"*sigh* Looks like I'm in the dungeon."

He then remembers that he tackled the king.

Izu:"Rightfully so."

As izuku looks down while lost in thoughts of posably never seeing shoto again. He stops when he hears a door creek open and multiple footsteps drawing near.

Iida:"The king has come to grace you with his presence!"

Izu:"Please forgive me for not kneeling. I'm afraid that I'm a bit tied up at the moment."

Izuku is nervous and keeps his head down.

Izu:"I deserve punishment for tackling you. I don't ask for forgiveness. Only to plead for mercy."

Multiple footsteps go away. Leaving izuku alone with the king.

King:"You were only trying to protect me. While I was posessed. I learned something. Death is coming for you. I won't play in his game. That's why I want you to stay by my side as part of my war council."

Izuku gasps and goes to look up. Only to try and bow. Digging the chains into his skin.

Izu:"Thank you sir,"

The king then opens the door and releases izuku.

King:"Do you swear that you aren't trying to overthrow me by gaining trust of my countrymen?"

Izu:"I swear that I only gain their trust to be a good image of what a warrior should be in your army. Feared by your enemies and loved by the people. I am but a humble servant to my master and king."

King:"Who's your master?"

Izu:"Should you ever marry, it will be the queen."

The king blushes and moves forward.

King:"Let's be on our way."

As izuku follows behind the king. He soon reunites with shoto at the gate. As they embrace. Both kiss before the king.

King:"Ehem!"

Izuku stops and kneels.

Izu:"Yes sir!"

King:"Report to me first thing in the morning. You'll move into my castle with one guest of your choice."

Izu:"Thank you."

When the king walks back into his castle. Izuku stands up.

Sho:"What's going on?"

Izu:"I've been put in his majesty's war council. Looks like we'll be alright. Now let's pack up our things."

Shoto nods and walks with izuku. Once at their hut. Shoto starts packing.

Sho:"*cough cough.* damn dust- *cough cough!*

Izuku helps to let shoto rest. Once finished. Izuku crawls into bed beside him.

FIVE YEARS LATER:

Izuku is at work at his desk. When he hears news that general todoroki is expected to return from battle. Izuku jumps up and runs to the gate to greet him.

Izu:^How I've missed you. It's been three months since the last time I've felt your warmth.^

Shoto and his unit return and shoto isn't walking with them.

Izu:"denki, where's shoto?"

Denki's smile fades and izuku gets worried.

Izu:"Take me to him, please."

Izuku sees shoto in a wagon. He's coughing hard and sounds ill.

Izu:"What happened?"

Denki:"You don't know? He must've been hiding it from you. For the past three years or so. He's been coughing, and it's gradually gotten worse. We fear that he's unable to lead us anymore."

Izuku rushes to Shoto's side and holds his hand.

Izu:"I'm right here. Come on. Let's go home."

As izuku carries shoto to the gate. Iida stops him.

Iida:"Those who are sickly are prohibited from entering castle grounds."

Izu:"Then that means."

Shoto starts coughing again and izuku holds him close.

Izu:"I'm sorry. Looks like I'll have to reside as part of the council. He needs me."

Denki:"Don't, we'll take care of him during the day while you work and at night. Just come over to sleep by his side."

Izu:"But-"

Shoto puts his hand on izuku's cheek and smiles softly at him with tears in his eyes.

Sho:"I'll be alright. Now go to the king. With any luck. Maybe his doctors will have a cure."

Izuku nods and hands shoto over to denki. Izuku then kisses shoto's forehead.

Izu:"I'm gonna help you get better. I promise."

Izuku then runs into the castle and goes into the throne room. Throwing himself on his hands and knees.

King:"What's wrong?"

Izu:"Please sir I beg for your help! Shoto is sick, and I fear he isn't long for this world. If there's anything you wish of me. I'll do anything in exchange for your help."

King:"Does it seem contagious?"

Izu:"No sir. If it was I would've caught it aswell."

King:"Very well, bring him to the herbalist and alchemisty wing of the castle. If my personal phosions can't help. Then at least they'll make him comfortable in his final days."

Izuku begins to cry.

Izu:"Thank you."

The king waves for izuku to hurry. So he runs out to get shoto with hope in his heart.

Meanwhile, chisaki is trapped on the dead evergreen. While shigaraki releases a frade thread.

Shig:"Now for the final push. He'll do anything to save his lover. All he needs is a glimmer of hope."

Elsewhere, izuku watches as the doctors examin shoto. Only to shake their heads.
With a pat on izuku's back. He falls to his knees and begins to cry.

Izu:"Please gods no! Take me instead."

Shoto rubs izuku's head.

Sho:"It's okay. I'm not afraid. At least I'll always have memories of our time together. We'll meet again someday."

Izuku kisses shoto's hand and nuzzles it until the doctors give shoto something to help him sleep. Once shoto is resting. Izuku falls asleep beside him. Only to be woken up with a tap on his back. When he sits up. A doctor signals for izuku to follow him.

Izu:"Yes?"

Doctor tenko:"I know of a way you can save him. There's a cave hidden within a neighboring kingdom. One that has a miracle cure made by the gods. Since we are at war with them. You might be able to retrieve it. However, it comes at a cost. You must take his place."

Izu:"I'll do it. Just tell me where to go."

The doctor smiles and pulls up a map so show the desperate warrior. Not knowing what's really going on.

Shigaraki smiles while in the mortal body of the doctor.