"Are we almost there yet?" Eri whined as she stumbled behind Izuku. The prince sighed, really getting on his last nerve. He should know better than to bring a small girl along a journey like this... But what else was he supposed to do with her? Eri was obviously attached to him and he grew rather fond of her as well.

"Where is horsey?" she asked, pouting. A horse would be a lot quicker... Izuku stopped in his tracks, knowing there was a village up ahead. It's where they were headed to stock up on supplies before crossing the border. Maybe...
"Alright, here is the plan! What kind of horsey do you want?"
Her eyes lit up and she happily clapped her hands together while giggling. Not even half an hour later they were laughing while riding away on a stolen horse.

Who cares? Izuku was a wanted criminal anyways and it's not like he's actually hurting anyone with this. Not like when he killed- No. No, he isn't thinking about that anymore. He doesn't want to. It makes him feel like his father, like he's doing exactly what that man wants. A shiver ran down his spine. No, Izuku will never become like All For One. What happened to Endeavor was a mistake, an accident. It will never ever happen again, he'd personally see to it.

"Faster horsey!" Eri giggled, holding onto Izuku for her dear life.
"You wanna go faster? Well hold on!" Izuku laughed, shifting into the saddle and making the horse run faster. They seemingly flew through open grass lands, racing with the birds that flew above them. The wind was cutting in his face, making him feel alive. Their hair waved wildly behind them, trying to keep up with the speed. It was thrilling.

Yet suddenly a shadow was cast over their joy, quite literally at that. Izuku was forced to make an abrupt stop as the winged man flew over them and landed in front of their horse. Breathing heavily, the green head smiled.
"Sir Hawks!" he greeted the feathered man.
"Long time no seen! What a pleasant surprise!"
"I could say the same about you, prince Izuku" he laughed, pulling off his pilot helmet.

It held goggles so the wind wouldn't cut into his eyes when he flew. Sir Hawks was one of the best knights in all of the lands, serving under the rule of queen Tsuyu of the Animal Kingdom. If he was here, it must mean they're close to the border.
"Who's the little one?" he asked as Izuku descended from the horse, helping Eri out of the saddle as well.
"That was so much fun!" she giggled, jumping up and down happily.

"I know right! But say, that man asked you something, so you should answer. It's only polite"
She nodded and ran up to Hawks, looking back at Izuku for a moment before introducing herself.
"My name is Eri"
"Well hello there Eri! Say, what are you doing with prince Izuku?" Hawks asked, kneeling down on her level.
"I found her in the woods, she was lost and alone so..."

"Ah, you showed your good heart again eh? I swear you're just like Toshinori!"
The knight liked to joke about it because he knew damn well about the Midoriya scandal. Izuku rolled his eyes, chuckling a little as sir Hawks laughed.
"Who is Toshinori?" Eri asked confused as Izuku picked her up from the ground.
"He's my dad" Izuku smiled, putting her back on the horse.

"We should get going again. It was nice seeing you Hawks!"
"Oh, you don't really think I'm leaving the two of you like this, do you? Nah ah, I'm escorting you to the royal palace myself!"
"Y-you really don't have to-"
"Oh no, I insist" he grinned, flying up and doing a little spin before diving down and swishing past the duo. Izuku sighed, smiling as he shook his head and urged the horse to start moving.

"Hold on Eri! Sir Hawks is in for a race!"
The girl giggled and laughed as she grabbed into Izuku's tunic, staring full of wonder at the flying man above them.
"So you're travelling from the Todoroki Empire right?" the blonde asked as he flew next to the running horse, his goggles back on his eyes.
"Yep!" the runaway prince exclaimed.

"Huh... Didn't think emperor Endeavor would be so friendly as to lend you a horse! Bet the negotiations went well then?"
The green head shivered, getting sick and holding a hand over his mouth as he was reminded of the gruesome death of the hot headed leader. Hawks frowned a bit at the reaction, slowing down.
"He didn't give you that horse, did he?"

"N-not really..." Izuku sighed, avoiding eye contact with the knight. Eri felt the tense atmosphere and gripped onto Midoriya's tunic a bit tighter. She, too, remembered the blood and the chaos of Endeavor's death. Although she'd much rather forget...
"Izuku Midoriya!" Hawks gasped, putting a hand over his chest.
"Don't tell me you actually stole that horse?! You really are a Midoriya!"
He laughed after that, seeing it all as a big joke. Izuku not so much...

"Yeah... A real Midoriya..." Izuku muttered, looking down.
"Oh, sorry! I know you go by Toshinori now! My apologies!"
"N-no, no... It's... It's okay... I'm raised a Midoriya, nobody can change that" the green head breathed, clenching the rope in his hands. Should he tell him..? Well, he's gonna find out sooner or later... The truth is gonna come out once prince Shoto Todoroki took the throne and the broccoli wasn't sure how the world would take it...

Endeavor wasn't that loved, for sure, but he isn't All For One. He was still respected and held honour, ruling with a fierce anger that couldn't be tamed.
"Hm? What makes you say that kid? Listen, everyone has stolen at least one thing in their life, believe me! Nothing to feel so bad about!"
"No, you don't understand... You don't get it! I-I..." Izuku choked out, fighting against the tears.
"Something happened, didn't it?" Hawks asked with a pout.

His face had always been quite expressionful with the young prince. The knight pittied the royal... Being born the first son of king All For One held some unfortunate responsibilties, that's for sure. His childhood was all but fun and games and void of any fatherly love. It's not strange for a boy that went through all that shit to be acting so closed off and scared of punishment.

"Hey... You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, alright? Let's pick up the speed again"
With that he started flying higher and faster again, making Izuku nod to himself before urging the horse to follow. Sir Hawks would find out sooner or later anyway. Besides, was it really his place to tell? Would he even be welcome in the Animal Kingdom if they knew what he did..?

On the border of Dragon Kingdom and Todoroki Empire, near the Animal Kingdom

"I should head back home, my friends might be worried since I took off without really saying anything" Toya sighed as he glanced over at the empire side of the road. The three of them had been travelling on horse for hours now and Dabi was getting kinda worried. Shoto seemed to fall deeper into the pit of revenge by the second, his attitude changing for the worse and that emotionless expression never ceasing to leave his face.

Katsuki, on the other hand, seemed just as worried as the older Todoroki. Not only for Shoto's wellbeing but also that of Izuku. What if the green head really did kill Endeavor? What if he really did take the dragon egg? What if he was just playing the blonde all along? He couldn't help but wonder about the possibilities. Things he wished weren't true...
"I think you should go with him" Bakugou stated, halting his horse, making the other two stop as well.

"Your land needs you, prince Shoto. It would pain me to see them suffer due to this"
"Midoriya killed my father, he has to pay" Shoto hissed.
"He took one of your dragons! You should be just as furious as I am!"
"We don't know that for certain yet" Katsuki stated, trying to keep his cool, which really wasn't his strong suit.
"I'm just trying to see his reasoning-"

"Reasoning?! You're just too blinded by feelings of love to see what's happening right underneath your nose! Prince Izuku Midoriya is evil, just like his father! He needs to be eliminated"
"That's enough!" Toya hissed, glaring at his younger sibling.
"Besides, I think the Dragon King is right. The people need you, we should head back to Reine Rei"
"I'm not running home until I've spoken that damn murderer myself!"
"See, this is exactly why you can't face him!" Bakugou yelled.

"You've got no fucking handle on that anger of yours! You'll attack him the moment you lay eyes on him without even hesitating! Believe me when I say I'm all for violence and war, but not useless or innocent victims. We need to hear his side of the story first, and you can't be there until you've calmed down"

The halfa growled, clenching the rope attached to his horse. He was angry and mad and furious and other synonyms. Just all rage combined! And he didn't understand why! Because Shoto never liked his father, he even hated that man! He should be happy to be rid of him but he wasn't! But he could still see the logic behind Katsuki's words and his mind agreed to it, even if his heart wasn't in it.

With a stubborn scowl he pulled his horse aside, heading towards the empire without another word. Dabi let out a small sigh of relief, giving the blonde king a kind smile and acknowledging nod.
"Thank you, Dragon King. My brother seems to be quite attached to you and vallues your opinion above all... It's quite something. You've earned my respect"
Katsuki gave him a small nod in return as the dark haired fire mage turned his horse around, following the younger halfa back to Reine Rei.

Bakugou, on the other hand, continued his journey alone. He wasn't scared anyone would try to ambush or rob him, he's a warrior king after all. Besides, if anyone tried to attack them, they'd be dead before they could even land a hit. None the less, he'd rather arrive quickly at the Asui palace. That's why he made sure to go as fast as possible, arriving through the gates only two hours later. Guards instanly approached him as he jumped off his horse, glaring at the animal hybrids pointing spears at him.

"Tch, get those fucking things out of my face! Don't you know who I am or something?!"
"Stand down" another voice ordered and Bakugou ruffled his own hair, letting out a big sigh. Of course that guy was here...
"Put his stead in the stables, make sure to feed it" he spoke, the black bird like person walking up the scene. He had a hand on his sword and a dark armour around his body, like always.

"Ugh... You" Katsuki groaned as the guards guided his horse away.
"Also great to see you again, king Katsuki" Tokoyami chuckled.
"Still clinging onto that stupid dark armour huh?" the blonde snorted, tapping said armour.
"And you're still refusing a royal ensuite or wearing your crown on official business" the black bird countered, making Katsuki scowl and cross his arms.

"You wouldn't know the struggles that come with wearing a damn crown! Those things are heavy and they itch like hell! Also, I don't need no fucking ensuite, you damn bird"
"Yes, you really haven't changed at all" the knight laughed.
"But what I do wonder about is the reason behind your sudden visit"
"I'm hoping to meet a certain green haired idiot within these walls. I know from good source he's here"

Tokoyami's eyes widened before coughing and turning away from the blonde, who grinned, knowing he was right.
"Alright, get me to Deku right this instant"
"Prince Izuku isn't here, Bakugou. But I got a message from sir Hawks that he's on his way as we speak" the knight stated, guiding the Dragon King towards the palace.
"As you wait, would you like to enjoy a cup of hit tea? Her highness is aware of your presence and she requested your company"

"Hmph... Fine, I'll enrich the Frog Queen with my oh so joyfull presence" Bakugou sighed, waving his hands around. The two of them chuckled, pushing each other around as they travelled through the long halls. The two of them went way back since he had always been the personal guard of Tsuyu. And if there was any royal family every ruler had regular contact with, it had to be the Asui's. The Animal Kingdom was located in the centre of the continent so it was crucial to remain on good terms with them for trade.

It didn't take long for them to arrive in Tsu's quarters. The green haired woman was nearly 10 years older than Katsuki, but that didn't mean they acted any different towards each other. I mean, she may be the oldest new generation ruler, but that didn't mean they treated her differently. Bakugou smiled a little as he saw an old painting. A scene of them as kids, all royal children together.

Princess Tsuyu was seated with most Todoroki children while princess Momo and Mei were happily seated next to prince Izuku, who was blushing and looking kinda embarrassed. The blonde king rolled his eyes as he saw himself swordfighting with prince Shoto. It were wooden swords but still.
"Always picking fights, weren't you?" Tokoyami asked.
"Well, actually not a lot has changed"
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean you damn bird!" the blonde yelled, a grin on his face as he hit the knight on the arm.

"He's right though"

Bakugou looked around, seeing the queen in all her glory. Tsuyu Asui, dressed in fancy silk green, her hair in loops that defy gravity and a golden crown decorated with all kinds of ornaments and critters.
"Frog Queen! It's an honour" Katsuki grinned, making a small bow for show.
"The feeling is mutual, Dragon King" she smiled.
"Shall I accompany you to the tearoom, your highness?" the blonde asked, hooking his arm in hers.

"Lovely" she said before the both of them burst into laughter. Tokoyami rolled his eyes as he followed the pair towards the small dining room where they had their tea. And for a moment, Katsuki forgot his worries and enjoyed himself.

Meanwhile in the Fae Kingdom

There was a tap on the window, disturbing the young Yaoyorozu princess as she was reading in her study. She frowned, looking at the door, which was guarded by at least two knights at all times. The tapping returned, making her put her book down and reach for her weapon, which she had on her person at all times. It was stripped down with leather to her right leg. Slowly, she made her way to the balcony window, which was covered by a graceful curtain.

The fairy used one of her blades to carefully pull the curtain back, only to see a certain blue haired knight standing there. She recognized him almost instantly and quickly pulled the curtain aside, staring at the Iida in shock. She looked around the room before opening the glass door and pushing the knight a little further on the balcony. What the hell is Mei's personal guard doing here?!

"I-I can explain!" Tenya exclaimed as he saw the sword.
"Oh! Uhm, no, no, no! Sorry, just, uh, being prepared" Momo said quickly, putting her sword away again.
"But what are you doing here? Do you have a message from Mei? Wait, no, you would've just come through the front gate if that was the case... Hold on, why didn't you just come through the front gate?"

"I apologize princess Yaoyorozu! But it was an order from my own princess, Hatsume Mei. She demanded I'd guide you safely towards the Animal Kingdom to meet with the Frog Queen and prince Izuku regarding the coming war on king All For One"
"A-a war meeting?" Momo gasped.
"B-but... My parents a-and... Did the elves enter the alliance? Are the Dragon Kingdom and or the Todoroki Empire in as well?"

"I can confirm the association of the Dragon Kingdom and Elven Kingdom. Of the empire, I am not sure" Iida answered.
"I would like to suggest we take our leave this evening, under the cover of dark"
"I understand but... But I need to try and convince my parents a last time" Yaoyorozu sighed, toying with her hair.
"As you wish, princess. But keep in mind I shall take my leave when the bell strikes twelve tonight. With or without you"

"I understand" Momo said with a sad smile, glancing back inside the room before looking back at the knight in front of her.
"Please wait for me behind the stables on the East side of the palace when the time comes. You need to take your leave now, before the guards see you here"
He nodded as the princess quickly got back inside, closing the window once more. She'd just shut the curtains when a guard entered.

"Something the matter princess? We heard voices" he explained.
"Oh, I was just reading out loud" she chuckled, giving him a warm smile.
"But I was just about to call for you! Can you let my parents know I'd like to talk to them?"
"Of course, right away princess"

Momo knew her parents were stubborn people, always hanging onto tradition. But isn't tradition just pressure from those who came before them? Isn't it moronic to keep making the same mistakes, unable to solve them due to this tradition? It's something she envied the Elves for. They strived forward, making progress and advances, while here in Fae... Well, here things always stayed the same. The kingdom hasn't changed in over a hundred years now, always keeping onto tradition and old alliances without considering something else.

Her parents were scared of the Dark Lands, which was completely reasonable. But with such a strong alliance... How could they possibly lose? This was the one chance they had to break this spiral! To interrupt the never ending circle of repeat! This was their chance to fight back for what they believed was right. They, not the people that came before them or the people yet to come. No. It was time for them to make a stand, to show what they're made off. And if her parents were unwilling to see that, were they actually worthy of being called rulers?