The King of Heroes: Null/Virtue

The Promises Between

"Well this is certainly unexpected," Momo said from the couch of Kendo's personal study. "Izuku told me you and I weren't super close at first."

Kendo, having weeks to process the reveal, as well as getting confirmation on the deals that Draxia offered, was the picture her kingdom wanted her as. Refined and calm, but with a steely look in her eyes, like she was ready to throw hands at a moment's notice. Multiple conversations with Izuku, his ambassadors, and her own advisors had allowed her to recover her mettle.

"I'm certainly not a fan of sharing," Kendo duly noted, leaving out any of the spontaneous humor she'd enjoyed with Izuku. "But I'm also not one to turn down a good deal. However, first I have to ensure the authenticity of that offer."

"That makes me biased," Momo pointed out.

To that, Kendo gave a grim smile. "You'd be surprised. During the civil war, our best sources of information came from dissatisfied wives. Sure, plenty kept their mouths shut, but usually those were for the husbands that had a shred of decency. If Izuku treats you like dirt, I am of the belief you'd confide that in me given what you know about his future visions and our apparently intertwined fates." She threw a stack of files onto the coffee table. "You also represent yourself in Council or as the Queen. You're not his ruling partner puppet. You also know him the best. This makes you the single most important source of intel, even if you are slightly biased."

Momo wasn't sure she agreed since she was way more than slightly biased. But whatever the case, she said, "I'm more than willing to answer any questions."

"Do you have a bias against me?" Kendo asked bluntly, to which Momo lightly chuckled.

"I don't know you, so I can't really have a bias."

Kendo raised her eyebrows accusingly, causing Momo to elaborate.

"I know of you. I know of your rise to power and some of your origin as a young activist who rose through the ranks and earned her stripes in the civil war. I know Izuku is seeking your hand in marriage, and I know he doesn't take relationships lightly. But even to Izuku, time is a very nebulous concept. Mortals experience time linearly, which influences their emotional state." Momo leaned back on the couch, her tail curling around the side of her to rest comfortably. "Izuku can tell me everything he can about the future, but my mind doesn't process it very realistically, because it is something that has yet to happen. This is something he agrees on. He is more influenced in his emotions because of his direct connection to the future, but believes that present experiences are the only real way for mortals to live."

"So you never asked him about me directly, or he never told you? Is that what you're saying?" Kendo asked.

"If I asked him something, he'd be honest, but I chose not to," Momo answered. "I'd love nothing more than for him to focus on me and me alone, but... I grew up - as a human on Earth, I mean - in an environment where love was a useless commodity. I know Izuku suffered such absences of care as well. So no matter my personal preferences or possessiveness, the only bias that matters is that people should love, and be loved, genuinely. I'm sure there will be an awkward period between us; however, so long as you care for Izuku and he cares for you, you will be part of my family."

Kendo didn't reveal anything through body movements or expressions, choosingly only to say. "I've met countless royals who talk like that about family, only for them to be scumbags who use their own family as a political tool."

"I thought you believed Izuku by now?"

"From a Faded perspective like my own, there is no such thing as 'absolute truth.' Izuku's story has been verified in my eyes, but there are still plenty of doubts in my mind. Please remember that I am a monarch, like yourself. Your king rose to his seat through combat, often accompanied by noble deeds to prove he was no mere brute. I have risen to my pedestal through similar tribulations, and there were countless men and women, who would have taken my place at the drop of a pin," Kendo leaned forwards. "I am asking you, from a seat where I have faced countless threats over these past five years, how genuine are Izuku's powers of foresight?"