Chapter Text
“In a shocking revelation, the identities of the two Shadow Monarchs were revealed by Japan’s Hero Safety Commission a little over a week ago. The two UA students, Izuku Midoriya and Momo Yaoyorozu, in the aftermath of the Japanese-Russian war and the strange happenings on Santa Catalina Island, felt that their secrecy was no longer as important given their impressive achievements!” Momo and Izuku’s school photos briefly flashed on screen as the reporters continued to ramble. That’s all any of the Japanese news stations were doing, talking about the Shadow Monarchs.
“I’m not gonna enjoy the extra attention, that’s for sure,” Izuku asserted as he prepared to leave the house for his date with Kaina. He was wearing a rather plain green polo, but their date was going to be pretty casual, at least when it came to the dress code. So obviously, Kaina dressed way up to impress Izuku on their first date in this new timeline.
“Uhhhhh…”
“Do you not like it?” She asked, fingering the hem of her pink skirt.
Izuku wiped away the blood from his nose. “CUTE!”
“No it looks great on you!” He instantly responded. He had too often seen her as the cold calculating warrior. A sniper who could sit and stare at a target for hours. He wasn’t used to seeing her act all cutesy.
“Great! I remember you liked this sort of style on me in the past!” Her entire outfit was pink and feminine. Izuku had to admit, there was a special sort of attraction it held. Kaina had the perfect body for long sheer dresses. She could pull off “sexy” with no problem, but going the “cute” route had worked out just as well.
“So, what do you have planned?” She asked, grabbing onto his arm and looking up at him with anticipation. There was a hint of anxiety, no doubt she was worried that Izuku didn’t know how to plan a date. Or perhaps she was worried that the date would go wrong, but both couldn’t have been further from the truth. Izuku knew what he was doing.
“Let me show you,” He said, his own anticipation rising.
“Have fun!” Momo shouted, clapping her hands together like a schoolgirl, excited to watch her friend finally get a date. Of course… she was also his girlfriend, so that was a bit of a weird comparison. But it wouldn’t be wrong to call the two friends. As long as that held true, Izuku felt like he had nothing to worry about.
Izuku targeted Kaina’s Soul, attaching it to his Shadow Magic as he looked across the Pacific Ocean to his arranged destination. The two were enveloped in darkness and transported across the world.
When Kaina arrived, her vision clearing, she was stunned to see a welcoming committee.
“Welcome to the Four Seasons Inn!” The manager stepped forwards, holding Leis in his hands.
“Are we…?” Kaina’s eyes sparkled as they made their way past the building’s interior and out to the ocean.
“Welcome to Maui,” Izuku replied as the manager put the Leis over their heads.
“We’re truly honored to have you,” The Four Seasons Inn manager often saw clients from Japan so while he was having some difficulty stringing together his sentences, he could communicate directly with them. However, after the greeting was done, a professional translator stepped forwards.
“We’ve prepared the best room we have. You’ll have several of your own assistants, however we were told you might prefer to use your Shadows. Whatever your choice, you and your Shadows will have access to anything we have!” Izuku and Kaina were handed their cards. But before the manager could pass one to Kaina, he spotted the tears rolling down her cheeks. “Is… everything okay?”
Kaina gripped Izuku’s arm even tighter. “Yes… In fact, everything’s perfect!” Her smile stretched across her face, even as the tears rolled past.
In her past lives with Izuku, there had always been one dream in the back of her mind. To escape the wars, to ride it all out in the most beautiful place she could think of. But no matter the timeline, she died before she could get there… every time. It was one of the most important bits of information Izuku had received from his new dreams of their past lifetimes.
After recovering, the two were escorted through the hotel, drawing the attention of nearly everyone they passed. Izuku’s face, by now, had already become recognizable. The identity of the Shadow Monarchs had reached the rest of the world in the time it took Izuku to plan all of this with Adam White. The contract was already paying dividends.
“This is our Heroic Suite,” The manager said through the translator as he pulled open the double doors.
It was more like an apartment than a hotel room, stretching wide so that the occupants would be given a great view of the ocean through the glass panes. The sound of the sloshing ocean could be heard from the windows. It had a full kitchen, a living room, and quite possibly the most luxurious bathroom Izuku and Kaina had ever seen. They felt like country bumpkins as they ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ at everything.
The manager said a few more things, leaving a massive basket of chocolates, alcoholic beverages and a dozen other goodies. He didn’t even ask if they were 21. That was the influence of American bureaucrats.
“So… good first date?” Izuku asked.
Kaina had her hands over her mouth, just admiring the view and tranquility. Unable to hold herself back, she flung her arms around Izuku, holding him as tightly as she possibly could.
“Thank you… Thank you…” Her perfume wafted up to Izuku, a sweet and calming scent, not overbearing and not too minimal. It felt familiar as he hugged her right back, as if her body hadn’t forgotten his and vice versa.
*******
After taking an hour to relax on the balcony of their suite, the two briefly teleported home to grab some extra clothes and hygiene products. Izuku couldn’t ruin the surprise by telling her to pack, after all. And when teleportation was in his wheelhouse, it was never much of a hassle.
Getting back to their suite, Kaina decided to have some of the expensive champagne left for them. Izuku, if only to toast with her, poured himself a glass as well.
“To not being crazy!” Kaina happily declared, clinking their glasses together.
Izuku laughed, “To not being crazy!”
Even understanding the idea of past timelines and making sense of their dreams, there was always the thought in the back of their minds that, somewhere along the way, they had lost it. But Raia made it clear that, not only were the past timelines real, but Kaina and Izuku were literal soulmates.
They both took a sip… and Izuku spit it right back out. “Urgh… Why?” He asked no one in particular as his taste buds rebelled against the alcohol.
Kaina similarly spit out her own drink. It wasn’t because the taste bothered her though, it was just that she found Izuku’s reaction extremely funny and a little adorable. “Ah, you always did hate alcohol!” She said, savoring her drink in opposition to his disgust.
“Yeah… sorry, but I’ll toast with water next time… or juice.” He distinctly remembered how Brandon kept no alcohol in his house. At first his assumption was that the man was a recovering alcoholic, but now he knew that it was just because he hated the taste of the drink, a feeling that Izuku empathized with.
As Kaina enjoyed her champagne and watched the sun low in the horizon, Izuku scanned the rest of the basket. He’d already seen the chocolates, and the many types of alcohol, but there were also fruits, baked goods, coffee beans, two very soft blankets, pillows, bath amenities, candles, and more. But the one that caught Izuku’s eye the most was at the bottom of the basket, which he pulled out and jokingly showed off to Kaina. It was a pack of condoms and a pair of furry handcuffs. Attached to the handcuffs was a note.
‘From Adam White: Have fun!’
“Pervert…” Izuku muttered. Adam White seemed a little too involved in their business.
But Kaina had a very different response, trying to hide the blush on her face. Of course, it was easy for Izuku to feel her emotions rising. He just wasn’t sure if she wanted him to put the handcuffs on her… or the other way around. Whatever it was, the answer would have to wait for later. For now, their personal chauffeur had just arrived at the hotel and was ready to take them to dinner.
Izuku could obviously teleport anywhere on the island, but neither him, nor Kaina had ever seen it. Part of the fun was sightseeing, obviously.
Walking back through the hotel halls, many guests, who had overcome their initial shock, began asking for Izuku and Kaina’s autographs. Kaina handled it well, having been an S-Rank Hero for years. But it was still a new experience for Izuku, who fumbled his way through the interactions.
“Do you want me to sign The Shadow Monarch or Izuku Midoriya?”
Thankfully, the resort had a very warm and calm atmosphere, and it took only a few minutes to wrap up. This was in stark contrast to signings in other major cities, where big name Heroes could get stuck for hours, being surrounded by hordes of people.
They escaped to their care with no trouble, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class that had been converted into a miniature limousine of sorts. The back of the vehicle was separated by a soundproof wall and was decked out with all the fancy gizmos that rich people loved to see in limos.
Kaina and Izuku heard everyone watching talk about them. It was already well-known that Momo was Izuku’s girlfriend, a fact that wasn’t all too captivating to the public. However, it became extremely engaging when it was revealed that Izuku had several other “suitresses” aiming to become his lover. It was pretty standard for National-Ranks to take multiple lovers, but it was still quite the sight for the average citizen.
Not exactly fans of gossip, they closed the doors and Izuku informed their chauffeur of the destination in mind. He acknowledged with a “yes sir,” and rolled up the window between them to allow them their privacy. A true professional.
Izuku intended to enjoy the sights with Kaina, but he was too enraptured with her. Her eyes glittered at every last hilly range covered in beautiful green grass. At the palm trees, at the wildlife in general. Whatever nonsense there was about soulmates, and regardless of whether or not it was true, in that moment, he knew that he loved her and that he wanted to cherish that twinkle in her eyes forever.
She enjoyed her alcoholic drinks as Izuku sampled the many tropical juices that were also in the car, taking a moment to appreciate the woman before him.
Making their way into Lahaina, where Izuku’s reservation was, both him and Kaina asked to be let out, so that they could walk the shops on foot and take in the sights. He’d be there when they got back.
Their first stop was the Lahaina Fire Memorial. In 2023, the Lahaina area was burnt to the ground by terrible wildfires, which killed 101 people and ruined the economy for years. It eventually managed to recover and it was more lively than before.
Their first stop was a jewelry store, where Izuku bought Kaina a golden necklace with a purple gem inlaid into the metal, perfectly matching her hair. Inside the gem was a splash of light blue, forming a wave shape. Even though Izuku was effectively spending someone else’s money, Kaina clutched it between her hands like it was the only possession she’d ever had.
They walked around for a while longer, enjoying the sights and shopping for a bit longer before their reservation time came.
Kimo’s was the name of the restaurant, a beautiful scenic location that was just above the water. It gave its patrons a beautiful look at the ocean and the nearby dock filled with boats.
There were far more exquisite and glamorous restaurants Izuku could have picked for their first dinner. But neither of them were all that obsessed with such things, not like most of the global elite. Izuku wanted the date to be fun, not stifling. And there was nothing better than Hawaiian seafood overlooking the ocean while music played and people sipped on drinks. It was the perfect “causal” atmosphere.
They received plenty of disbelieving looks as they were seated, but once the initial shock wore off, the clamor of many tables graciously returned.
After ordering their food, Kaina leaned over and excitedly asked, “So what are your plans for the other girls?”
“Is that really something you want to talk about on our first date?” He smirked. “Feels kinda wrong.”
“Well after this,” She gestured around herself at everything. “You can’t blame me for being interested in what else you have planned!”
Izuku shrugged. “It’s a secret.”
“Oh come on! I won’t tell! I promise!” She reached over and placed her hand over his. “You know that I was granted security clearance in this life and past lives! I’m good at keeping secrets!”
“Welllll… I guess I could…” He said, drawing out the suspense. “Alright alright, here’s the plan…”
*******
“Mmm!” Kaina moaned with delight as the tender fish hit her tongue. Japan was no slouch when it came to fish… obviously, but Hawaii had its own special flavors and fish to enjoy. All fresh of course.
Kaina was also using her exclamation to give her thoughts on Izuku’s plans for the other girls. “They’re gonna die with happiness.”
“That’s the hope,” He responded, tearing into his own food.
“You’ve got this,” She assured him. “I wasn’t sure what you had planned, but this was beyond my wildest dreams. You clearly have a knack for treating girls well,” She teased.
Izuku had to admit he had, so far, impressed even himself. He’d spent a while trying to cultivate the best environment for the dates possible, and try to give the girls exactly what they wanted. He was confident about Momo’s planned date, and he was somewhat certain about Setsuna’s, but Miruko was the real unknown. He’d barely spent any time with her, so he had to devise a date around that fact. It was not easy.
“What are your thoughts on the baby? Genuinely, I mean.”
Izuku caught the subtle implication. “You’re away from Momo, if you were merely voicing support because you’re a good person, you can confide in me.”
But such secrecy was not needed, because his reaction was to smile wide. “I’m genuinely happy. I always had this pervasive feeling that I wouldn’t make much of my life. I wasn’t very educated, I wasn’t rich, and I felt like I had no passion. I was just trying to care for my sister. Even my love of heroics was dampened because of the way Bakugo acted. But all of this… everything just feels right, now. I have a family of my own, I was chosen for something important, and I fought for it all. Sure, I got some help from… apparently the Gods, but I struggled plenty, and I suffered plenty. All of this… it’s a pretty damn good reward. And to know that I’ll have a child, something I… helped… make, is pretty exhilarating. That’s on top of being able to make a difference in the world, save people. I’m really just the luckiest guy in the world,” He said, tearing up as he gazed out into the setting sun. “What about you? Is it a little awkward to be dating someone with a kid on the way? Are you gonna want your own?”
Kaina gave Izuku a bittersweet smile. “You don’t… remember that yet, do you?”
“What?” He was nervous about the look in her eyes.
“Don’t panic. It’s not that serious. But there’s another reason me and Momo bonded. Her Quirk made her infertile, and the System corrected it. You theorized it was able to interact with her Soul through that Quirk and heal a fundamental aspect of her body. But me? I’m just… not capable of having kids.”
“I’m… so sorry… I had no idea.”
“I know. If anything I’m kind of relieved that you were accepting of polyamory. I already talked with Momo and she said that I’d obviously be a big part of the kid’s life if I wanted it. I can’t have my own kids, but… if you’ll allow it, I’d like to parent alongside you and Momo.” She remained calm on the surface, but was really tense when Izuku used his enhanced senses.
“Are you asking me if I’ll allow you to love our kid?” He asked with a smirk. “We’re a family. I’d love nothing more than to have you beside me. This isn’t pity and it isn’t some lackadaisical decision. You’re part of my life, of our lives. I feel like I can safely speak for Momo when I say we’d be honored to have you!”
“You really are the man of my dreams…”
“Literally in some cases,” He joked, trying to lighten the mood a bit.
“I think your humor works better on Momo,” She responded with a smirk. “You’re both dorks.”
“Can’t argue with that.”
*******
Izuku signed in satisfaction as he stepped out of the enormous shower and wrapped himself in a robe. It was quite possibly the softest material he had ever felt.
After walking around Lahaina for several hours, sampling shaved ice and buying whatever caught their eyes, they returned to the hotel to clean up and get some rest. Their little “date” was far from over, as they had barely even enjoyed the waters or other spots around the island.
Kaina had already showered and gotten ready for bed, meaning it was just Izuku as he walked through the penthouse-like hotel suite, enjoying the serenity and the sound of the waves.
The Shadows, though unseen, were positioned all throughout the resort. He felt certain that they were completely safe and that their privacy had been maintained.
Now, there was only one question in his mind. What bed did he sleep in?
The Heroic Suite had several smaller bedrooms in addition to the gorgeous master bedroom on the third floor. The answer should have been obvious to him by now, but he was nothing if not paranoid. Kaina could be ready to sleep in the same bed, or she could be feeling the need for a little more time and space.
Unable to convince himself one way or another, he knew he’d have to directly ask Kaina on her thoughts. Such topics weren’t outside his wheelhouse, having gone through it with Momo, but he was still a young man. He got plenty flustered when trying to talk it through.
Getting to the master bedroom, its sliding door already open, Izuku’s voice caught in his throat. He was unable to voice his questions, or even think coherent thoughts as the sight in front of him broke his brain.
Kaina was laying on the bed, surrounded by dozens of hibiscus flowers scattered haphazardly. Her body was decorated by a light-blue set of glossy satin lingerie. It just barely hid some of her scars, and Izuku could tell she was positioning herself to try and obscure the scars. But she couldn’t move too much, because her hands were handcuffed to a bedpost… by the same handcuffs that Adam White personally included.
Kaina’s eyes were hidden by a small silky sash, and most curiously, there was a small choker around her neck that exuded incredible Mana. It took him a moment to realize that the choker registered with so much Mana because it was absorbing Kaina’s. It was a design of Momo’s, one that reverted an Awakened Human back to their weakened, original state. She was completely surrendering herself to him.
The blindfold, which would’ve otherwise been seen through with her Dragon God Eyes, left her in the darkness. And the handcuffs, which otherwise would’ve been broken like uncooked pasta, kept her firmly in place on the bed.
“OH MY GOD… HOW LONG HAS SHE BEEN WAITING FOR ME?!” That was the first thought to run through Izuku’s head as he recounted his lackadaisical stroll to the bedroom. But first things first, his paranoia had to ask the question.
“Did you do all of this for me?” He asked softly, sitting next to her on the bed. There was a small, but non-zero chance, that someone had used the Mana draining choker against her.
Her lips were pursed and her body was trembling with anticipation. She nodded.
“And this is what you want?” He again inquired, gently stroking her soft hair. He wasn’t that thrown off that he felt the need to ask her that question. He’d mostly recovered from the initial shock and he’d seen Momo naked plenty of times. It was just that clear and express consent were necessary bedroom etiquette.
Again she nodded, just barely gasping out the word “yes.”
Neither of them were really themselves at that moment. Izuku had never felt such raw passion in the moment. In contrast to his slow blossoming relationship with Momo, it felt like the blossoming flower had been set on fire.
Kaina, for her part, couldn’t imagine why her body trembled. She’d lived several past lives, with several Izukus, she had memories of doing this with him. So why was she being reduced to a giddy schoolgirl?
Neither of them knew. Maybe it was as Raia said; that their Souls fit together, were meant for one another. Maybe it was the memories of past lives. And maybe it was because of all the pain they had endured. Whatever it was, they couldn’t help but love each other.