Death Paradox 💥BAKUDEKU💥

Chapter 24

The Emperor

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Chapter 24

The last half of the flight passed in relative silence, but it wasn't a tense or uncomfortable one.

Katsuki hadn't been snapping at Izuku or showing signs of irritation like he might have before. In fact, he had been uncharacteristically quiet, but not in a way that suggested he was angry or frustrated. Instead, it was like something was weighing on him, something that was making him more thoughtful, more introspective.

Kirishima, had tried to engage him in conversation a few times throughout the flight. Small, quiet thoughts brushed Katsuki's mind from his dragon. But Katsuki didn't want to talk about it, brushing off Kirishima's concern with sharp responses or by outright ignoring him. Kirishima, sensing that his master was in no mood for talking, backed off after a while, leaving Katsuki alone with his thoughts.

Izuku, for his part, had kept himself busy by writing in their notebook, jotting down theories and notes on magic and the world they were currently in. Occasionally, he would ask Katsuki a question—mostly about how his magic worked in conjunction with Kirishima's abilities—but Katsuki would respond calmly, giving more thoughtful answers than usual. There was no edge in his voice, no sharpness. It was as though he didn't mind the questions, like he had settled into this quiet, introspective version of himself for the time being.

The first night of their second leg of the flight, Izuku had once again fallen asleep against Katsuki's chest. This time, however, there was no hesitation in Katsuki's movements as he gently adjusted Izuku in his arms, pulling him closer. His grip wasn't tight, but firm and secure, as if he was instinctively protecting him. Izuku, still asleep, seemed to relax even more, unconsciously shifting closer into Katsuki's warmth, letting out a small, content sigh.

Katsuki rested his head lightly on top of Izuku's, the steady rise and fall of his breath soothing Katsuki's racing thoughts as he stared distantly past the clouds at the stars.

What does he mean to you?

The gentle flap of wings interrupted the moment, and Katsuki's eyes flicked over to see Shoto, flying beside them on his Seafang Wyvern. Shoto's sharp gaze met Katsuki's, clearly noticing how closely Katsuki was holding Izuku. But instead of the usual defensiveness Katsuki might've felt at being caught in such a vulnerable position, he didn't move or try to distance himself. He just held Izuku securely, meeting Shoto's gaze head-on with quiet confidence as if to say "Yeah, I'm holding him. Deal with it."

The prince didn't say anything, his expression indifferent as he studied them for a moment longer. Then, with a subtle dip of his wyvern's wings, he drifted away, steering his wyvern lower and out of sight.

By the afternoon of the second day, they finally spotted land—Grimreach Harbor. The dark, jagged cliffs of the island loomed ahead, surrounded by rough, choppy waters. The cold wind whipped around them, and the skies above were thick with stormy clouds, casting a gloomy shadow over the harbor.

Kirishima rumbled in Katsuki's mind as they began their descent. Bakugo, we've reached Grimreach.

Katsuki gave Izuku a gentle nudge, his voice low but firm. "Oi, nerd. We're here."

Izuku, who had been staring at the sky, blinked looking around, head lifting slightly from Katsuki's chest as he squinted toward the horizon. "Huh...? Where?"

Katsuki, smirking a little at Izuku's dazed expression, pointed forward. "Out there. Grimreach. Look past the clouds."

Izuku tried to focus, but the thick blanket of clouds and mist made it difficult to see anything. "I... I don't see anything," he muttered, rubbing at his eyes.