A Deal of a Lifetime

ch1

Izuku had been told many times not to wander outside of the woods or too close to human civilizations. He'd always been tempted to, of course, but knowing that he could be the cause of so many lost innocent lives kept him away. He was already looked down upon by his own people for something he couldn't change, he didn't need to give them another reason to harass him or his mother.

And yet he still managed to mess things up.

He hurled on the floor again but this time nothing but bile came up. It burned his already sore throat and he coughed. It would only be a matter of time before he started coughing up blood. He had to find a way out before night fell, but I can't even move, how the hell am I going to escape?!

Usually, he would be quick on his feet but he'd been set up. Part of him didn't want to believe it. The small family living in the woods had been so kind to him. They bartered fairly, never asking too much from Izuku and in return, Izuku would sometimes sneak in a little extra help. It was something he'd been told never to do. Another fault in his genetics it seemed

It must have been people from the palace, Izuku wheezed. Only the King had Wizards that powerful in his service. He'd heard the rumors about magical beings being persecuted, but he had been sure he was safe. Izuku had always made sure he kept to his information, Unless someone lied. Made a bad bargain.

It had been years since Izuku had made such a mistake. At least this time it was only him who was affected. He was sure his mother would be worried but as long as she was safe, that's all that mattered.

He pressed his face to the stone floor. It helped sooth his feverish skin slightly. He could tell that some iron was mixed in with the foundation, making it impossible for him to regain any of his magic. But it wasn't just the ground, the cage he was being kept in reeked of iron. He wasn't sure if everything was made with the blasted material but it was enough that humans weren't afraid to leave him unattended and unchained. Not that I'm all that strong without it, he chuckled weakly

He groaned as another stomach cramp seized him. Someone had been coming by and leaving him food, three meals so far (a day and a half, his brain supplied) and Izuku had made sure not to touch anything. He didn't want to be in anyone's debt, especially not the King. He'd heard terrible things about the Bakugou's. Terrifying things. If he ate the food, if they demanded answers...Izuku was sworn to his people and didn't want to spill secrets over slush. Not that being given a feast would coerce him.

I'm going to die

[x]

It felt like Izuku had only blinked when suddenly he saw a pair of boots in front of him, but the bowl with different food let him know it must have been at least a few hours. He blinked, trying to clear his mind and observe. The gate to his cell was open and, he looked up, a blonde man was crouching by him. Izuku would have taken his chances yesterday when he'd still been a bit more coherent but he'd been away from Nature for too long and this man was wearing one of those necklaces.

It was a protective charm and could mean his death.

The man didn't say anything for a few seconds, "The maid said you're not eating, what not hungry?"

His voice was loud and commanding and Izuku buried his face into the stone floor, trying to hide. It seemed to be the wrong move because the voice got louder.

"Tch, all that trouble and we get a fucking wimp?" Izuku peeked up at the man and could see he was upset, his hands messing up his spiked hair and his face set into an impressive scowl

"Whatever, you'll have to make do."

There was some shuffling and Izuku could hear someone else by the door but he couldn't make out the words. He wanted them to leave. If he was going to die, Izuku didn't want an audience. Especially not one that reminded him of the Queen. Or at least the bits and pieces he'd heard about her. He'd never personally seen her. He closed his eyes, wondering if he could fake unconsciousness. Nothing happened for a few minutes and then suddenly Izuku was hauled up by his shoulders and water was poured over him. He spluttered and weakly tried to fight off his captor, "Don't! Don't want..!"