Chapter Text
The grand hall was now empty of guests, the festive atmosphere replaced by a tense and uncertain one. Izuku sat at a large table surrounded by Fire Lord Mitsuki, General Enji Todoroki, his mother Inko, and several members of the White Lotus. Izuku felt a storm of emotions churning inside him—confusion, fear, and disbelief. He struggled to process the revelation that he was the Avatar, especially when he couldn’t bend a single element.
Sorahiko cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Izuku, I know this is a lot to take in. But you must understand that the world needs you. War is brewing, balance is shifting, and only Avatar can restore it. We've been searching for you for years."
"But why me?" Izuku asked, his voice trembling. "I can't even bend. How am I supposed to master all four elements?"
Sorahiko exchanged a glance with Fire Lord Mitsuki, who nodded for him to continue. "It's true that you haven't shown any bending abilities yet. But the Avatar’s powers can remain dormant until they are needed. We believe that with proper training, your abilities will emerge."
General Enji Todoroki, an intimidating presence with a stern expression, leaned forward. "The Red Lotus is closing in, fast. Not only have they been hunting the Avatar, but they’re also spreading troops into every corner of the Earth Kingdom. Therefore you must begin your training immediately. We’re lucky the White Lotus found you before they did. The Western Air Temple is the safest place for you right now."
Izuku’s heart sank further. "I have to leave? Leave my home, my mother? I... I don’t know if I can do this."
Inko reached across the table, taking Izuku's hand in hers. Her eyes were filled with a mix of sorrow and pride. "Izuku, I know this is overwhelming. But I believe in you. You've always had a kind and brave heart. It’s been written in the stars that you would bring peace to this world. You can do this, honey."
Tears welled up in Izuku’s eyes as he looked at his mother. "But what if I fail? What if I can’t learn to bend? What if I let everyone down?"
Inko squeezed his hand gently, her gaze unwavering. "You’ve never failed at anything you’ve truly set your mind to, Izuku. Remember those countless hours you’ve spent learning how to fight? You proved yourself with your determination and spirit. This is no different. The Avatar is not just about bending all the elements; it’s about having the heart to unite people, to bring balance. And you, my son, have the strongest heart of anyone I know."
Izuku felt a tear escape and roll down his cheek. His mother had always been his rock, the one person who believed in him when no one else did. Her faith in him had carried him through countless challenges and self-doubts. Now, as he faced the greatest challenge of his life, her unwavering support was his beacon of hope.
Fire Lord Mitsuki spoke gently but firmly. "She’s right, Izuku, being the Avatar is about spirit, courage, and the will to protect. We all see those qualities in you. The world needs the Avatar, and we need you to believe in yourself."
Sorahiko nodded. "We'll leave at dawn. The journey to the Western Air Temple will take about a week. There, you'll be safe and can begin your training."
Izuku felt a mixture of dread and determination. The thought of leaving everything he knew behind was terrifying, but the trust and belief in the eyes of those around him gave him strength. He squeezed his mother's hand, drawing comfort from her encouragement.
"I'll do it," he said finally, his voice steadying. "I’ll go to the Western Air Temple and begin my training. I’ll do my best to stop the Red Lotus."
Inko smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "I know you will, Izuku. You're destined for greatness."
General Todoroki stood, his expression still serious but with an air of respect. "Then it's settled. I’ll have my men ensure your safe passage to the temple. The White Lotus will guide you and protect you." As the meeting concluded, Izuku felt a sense of resolve solidify within him. The journey ahead would be daunting, but with the support of his loved ones and the guidance of the White Lotus, he would face whatever challenges came his way.
The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, Izuku stood with his belongings packed. The White Lotus members awaited him on the Fire Nation ship. Inko stood with him, her presence a comforting anchor. She embraced him tightly, whispering, "You have a great destiny, Izuku. Embrace it with all the love and courage in your heart."
Izuku hugged her back, feeling the weight of her words settle into his soul. "You’ve always been there for me, Mom," he whispered. "I still don’t know if I can do this without you."
Inko’s smile was warm, though tinged with sadness. "You’ll never be without me, Izuku. No matter where you go, my love and belief in you will always be with you. And remember, you have the support of the White Lotus and the entire world. You are never truly alone."
Izuku nodded, trying not to let his tears fall once more. The fear still lingered, but his mother’s confidence in him began to kindle a small flame of bravery within him. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his destiny, but also the strength that his mother’s belief gave him.
"You’re right, Mom. I can do this," he said, his voice gaining a hint of resolve. "I’ll do my best to become the Avatar the world needs."
Inko’s teary eyes shone with pride. "That’s my boy. You’ll make us all proud, Izuku. And remember, it’s okay to be scared. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the determination to move forward despite it."
They sat in silence for a moment, holding hands, drawing strength from each other. Izuku felt a sense of calm settle over him. He wasn’t alone in this journey; his mother’s love and faith would be with him every step of the way.
“We’re ready when you are, Izuku,” Sorahiko said gently. Izuku took a deep breath, casting one last look at the home and the life he was leaving behind. With a final nod to his mother, he turned and joined the White Lotus.
Izuku stood at the stern of the ship, watching as the port of the Fire Nation grew smaller and smaller on the horizon. The familiar sights of his homeland, the bustling marketplace, the towering palace, and even the distant mountains, were gradually swallowed by the vast expanse of the ocean. A deep sadness tugged at his heart as he realized he might not see this place again for a very long time.
What weighed on him even more was the absence of a farewell from Kacchan. Despite their complicated relationship, a part of Izuku had hoped that Kacchan would come to see him off, if only to offer a few words or a simple nod of acknowledgment. But there had been nothing. No goodbye, no words of encouragement—just silence. As the last remnants of the port disappeared from view, Izuku sighed heavily. He felt a profound sense of loss, not just for his home but for the life he was leaving behind. His mother’s face, filled with pride and worry, lingered in his mind, and he wondered how she was coping with his departure.
“Hey,” a voice said from beside him, breaking his reverie. Izuku turned to see the ship’s captain, Shota Aizawa, leaning against the railing. Aizawa’s hair was disheveled, and his eyes were tired, but there was a certain calmness about him that was oddly comforting.
“Hello, Captain Aizawa,” Izuku replied, offering a small, polite bow.
Aizawa waved off the formality. “No need for that. Just call me Aizawa. How are you holding up?”
Izuku hesitated, then decided to be honest. “Not too well, to be honest. It’s all a bit overwhelming. Leaving my mother, my home... And then there’s the whole Avatar thing. It still feels unreal.”
Aizawa nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “I can imagine. It’s a lot to take in. But don’t sell yourself short. From what I’ve heard, you’re someone who can handle himself.”
Izuku smiled weakly. “Thank you, but it’s still hard to believe that I’m the destined one when I can’t even bend a single element.”
Aizawa glanced at him, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I bet you know this, but being the Avatar isn’t just about bending fancy elements. It’s also about connecting with the spirit world. Have you ever meditated before?”
Izuku shook his head. “Not really. I’ve tried a few times when I was little, but I never really got the hang of it.”
“Well, it might be a good time to start,” Aizawa suggested. “Meditation can help you find balance and connect with your spiritual side, which is just as important as learning to bend.”
Izuku looked intrigued. “Have you had any experiences with the spirit world?”
Aizawa chuckled. “Funny you should ask. Once, while our ship was undergoing repairs off the coast of Hei Bai’s Forest, I had an interesting encounter. My two comrades and I were messing around in the forest, not taking things too seriously, when a spirit approached us. It was a strange and humbling experience. We realized how much we didn’t understand about the world and the spirits that inhabit it.”
“What happened?” Izuku asked, curiosity piqued.
Aizawa leaned back, reminiscing. “The spirit didn’t speak, but its presence was powerful. It made us feel insignificant, like we were just tiny parts of a much larger whole. It was a reminder that there are forces out there beyond our comprehension. After that encounter, I started taking meditation seriously. It helped me find some clarity and peace.”
Izuku absorbed Aizawa’s words, feeling a spark of hope. “Maybe I can try meditating. It’s worth a shot.”
Aizawa nodded. “That’s the spirit. Just remember, the journey ahead will be challenging, but you’re not alone. You have people who believe in you, don’t forget that.”
Izuku felt a renewed sense of willpower. “Thank you, Aizawa. I’ll give it my best.”
“Good,” Aizawa said with a rare smile. “Now go get some rest. You’ll need it.”
It had been a few days since the ship left the port of the Fire Nation, and Izuku spent most of his time alone in his cabin. He tried to meditate in different areas of the small room he was provided for the journey, but his nerves and anxiety were too overwhelming. Each time he closed his eyes, the worries and fears about his future as the Avatar consumed him.
He paced around the cramped cabin, trying to find a way to calm his racing thoughts. His mind drifted back to his childhood, remembering a technique his mother used to help him relax when he was anxious. Izuku sat in the middle of his room, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. He began to practice box breathing, counting and breathing in intervals of four. He breathed in deeply for four counts, held it for four, exhaled for four, and held again for four.
For what felt like an eternity, Izuku focused solely on his breathing, the rhythmic pattern gradually calming his mind. When he finally decided to open his eyes, he was shocked to find that he wasn’t in his cabin anymore. The area around him was cloudy and spaceless, giving him the sensation of floating. It was an otherworldly and euphoric feeling, unlike anything he had ever experienced.
“Hello?” his voice echoed, but no one answered. Standing up, Izuku began to walk around the void. As he ventured further, he started to hear incoherent whispers, faint at first but growing louder and more insistent. The whispers seemed to surround him, overlapping and filling the air with urgency and warning.
Terrified, Izuku clapped his hands over his ears, trying to block out the cacophony. The voices continued to grow, pressing in on him until he felt he could bear it no longer. He shut his eyes tightly, willing the whispers to stop. And then, as suddenly as they had started, the voices ceased.
Slowly, Izuku opened his eyes and found a figure standing before him. The man had a kind, comforting presence and a gentle smile. "Hello, young Avatar," the figure said softly.
Izuku blinked in surprise, immediately recognizing the man in front of him. "You... you're Yagi Toshinori, the previous Avatar," he stammered, awestruck.
"Yes, that's right. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Izuku,” Yagi replied, “Your past lives were likely too excited to finally meet their Fire Nation successor, hence the overwhelming welcome.”
Izuku's fear began to subside, replaced by admiration. “I’ve heard so much about you, Avatar Yagi! Is it true that you once defeated an entire fleet of ships with just a single strike of lightning?” His eyes sparkled with excitement and curiosity.
Yagi chuckled, a deep and hearty sound. “Ah, that story. Yes, it’s true, but I had a lot of help from my friends. No Avatar does it alone.”
Izuku’s admiration grew. “And is it also true that you could bend all four elements simultaneously in battle? That you brought peace to entire nations just with your presence?”
Yagi smiled, his eyes twinkling with fond memories. “I could bend all four elements, yes, but bringing peace was always a collective effort.”
Izuku leaned forward, his enthusiasm bubbling over. “I read about the time you mediated between the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation during the great drought. They said your wisdom and compassion were what ended the conflict. How did you manage to stay so calm under such pressure?”
Yagi’s expression softened. “Staying calm comes from understanding that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. I trusted in the wisdom of my past lives and the support of my friends and allies. It’s important to remember that the Avatar is never truly alone.”
Izuku’s eyes widened. “You make it sound so... attainable. But what if I mess up? What if I can’t live up to what everyone expects?”
Yagi stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Izuku’s shoulder. “You will make mistakes, Izuku. Everyone does. What matters is that you learn from them and keep moving forward. Trust in yourself and in the guidance of those who came before you. You have a good heart and a strong spirit. That’s what makes a great Avatar.”
Izuku's then gave way to his deeper fears. "Avatar Yagi, the Red Lotus... they're after me. As I am right now, I can’t face them. How am I supposed to stand up to them? How am I supposed to be able to protect everyone?"
Yagi's expression grew serious. "The Red Lotus are dangerous and relentless. They've been a threat for many years, even during my time. They seek to destroy the Avatar and disrupt the balance of the world. Their motives are complex, but ultimately, they believe a world without the Avatar would be a better one. But you mustn't let fear paralyze you, Izuku. Be vigilant, and trust in your strength and the support of your allies."
As Toshinori spoke, a strange tension filled the space. Izuku could feel a distant rumbling, a sense of danger. “What’s happening?” he asked, fear creeping back into his voice.
“The ship is under attack. Stay calm, Izuku,” Panic gripped Izuku as he tried to escape the meditation state. He needed to help, to do something. But Toshinori stepped forward, holding out his hand. “Trust me, Avatar. Take my hand.”
Izuku hesitated, the fear of the unknown battling with the urgency of the situation. Finally, he decided he had no choice but to trust the past Avatar. He reached out and placed his hand on top of Toshinori’s. A surge of energy passed between them, and Izuku felt a sudden clarity, a connection to something far greater than himself. The sounds of the attack were now clear—the clash of metal, shouts, and the roar of flames.
“Remember, Izuku,” Toshinori’s voice echoed in his mind, “you are the Avatar. Trust in your abilities and the guidance of those who came before you.”
Katsuki lay in his bed, the morning sunlight filtering through the ornate curtains of his room in the Fire Nation palace. He held a small pendant in his hand, the gift Deku had given him for his birthday. The pendant was simple but meaningful, a token of their long and complicated history.
He rolled the pendant between his fingers, his mind replaying the moment Sorahiko had revealed Deku as the Avatar. It still seemed impossible to him. Deku, who had never bent a single flame, was destined to master all four elements? It defied everything Katsuki had ever believed about bending and power.
As he stared at the pendant, guilt gnawed at him. The day Deku left for his training, Katsuki hadn't said his farewells. It wasn't because he didn't care. Quite the opposite—he cared too much. The thought of seeing Deku off, knowing the dangers that awaited him, had been too much to bear. He had stood outside Deku’s quarters that morning, ready to say goodbye, but the words had stuck in his throat. In the end, he had turned away, unable to face the boy.
Deku’s departure had stirred up feelings Katsuki had tried to bury since his father's death. He had pushed everyone away, including Deku, because he couldn't bear the thought of losing anyone else. The fear of loss had consumed him, and he had built walls around himself, keeping everyone at a distance. He had convinced himself that by being tough and pushing others away, he could protect himself from the pain. However, holding the pendant, those walls seemed fragile. Deku had always been different. Even without bending abilities, he had a determination and kindness that drew people to him. Katsuki had seen Deku’s growth in hand-to-hand combat and admired his tenacity. Yet, deep down, he still saw Deku as weak because he couldn't bend.
Katsuki's mind wandered to their childhood, the times they had trained together. He remembered Deku’s blazing spirit, his refusal to give up even when things seemed impossible. But the harsh reality was that in their world, benders had an advantage. Katsuki had convinced himself that pushing Izuku away was for his own good, to protect him from the harshness of their world.
And now, with Izuku revealed as the Avatar, Katsuki didn't know what to think. The fear of losing him was stronger than ever. What if Izuku couldn't handle the pressure? What if the Red Lotus got to him?
He sighed deeply, clutching the pendant tightly in his fist. Deku as the Avatar was a reality he was struggling to accept. It complicated everything he had built up to protect himself from pain and loss. He wanted to believe in Deku, but the fear of losing him, like he had lost his father, was overwhelming. His spirit would be tested in ways neither of them had ever imagined. Katsuki couldn't help but feel conflicted. On one hand, he didn't want to see Deku hurt, and on the other, he didn’t know how to support him without risking his own heart. Perhaps, if he let go of his fear just a little, he could find a way to stand by Deku’s side without losing himself in the process.
With that thought, Katsuki sat up and placed the pendant around his neck, tucking it under his shirt. He sat up, stretching his muscles, and let out a deep sigh. Today would be another day filled with duties and responsibilities, ones that now felt more burdensome than ever.
He dressed in his usual princely attire, a combination of fireproof fabrics and intricate designs that showcased his status. After tying his boots, he strapped on his arm guards and adjusted his sash. With one last glance in the mirror, he stepped out of his room.
He started his day as he usually did, following the routine that came with his title. He made his way to the grand dining hall for breakfast. The staff greeted him with respectful bows, but he paid them little mind, his thoughts already occupied with the tasks ahead. He sat at the long, ornate table, alone, as was customary for the royal family during private meals. A variety of dishes were laid out before him—steamed buns, rice, grilled fish, and an assortment of fruits. Katsuki ate quickly, not savoring the flavors as much as he used to. His mind was too preoccupied.
Once breakfast was over, he headed to the council chamber for the morning meeting. The council, comprised of Fire Nation nobles and advisors, waited for him. Katsuki took his seat at the head of the table, his presence commanding respect.
"Prince Katsuki," one of the advisors began, "we need to discuss the progress of the new trade agreements with the Earth Kingdom. Their representative is scheduled to arrive next week."
Katsuki listened with half an ear, nodding at the appropriate moments. The negotiations were important, he knew, but his heart wasn’t in it. His thoughts kept drifting back to Deku, to the strange twist of fate that had marked his friend as the Avatar.
"Ensure that the preparations for their arrival are flawless," Katsuki instructed. "I want no errors."
The meeting dragged on, touching on various matters—military reports, resource allocations, and diplomatic correspondence. Katsuki’s responses were sharp and efficient, his authority unquestioned. But each passing minute felt like an eternity. After the council meeting, he was required to oversee a ceremony for new recruits in the Fire Nation army. Katsuki stood on a platform, watching as rows of young soldiers swore their oaths of loyalty. He gave a short speech, his words passionate and fiery, but his mind remained elsewhere.
"Serve the Fire Nation with honor and strength," he concluded. "Make your families proud, and know that your efforts are crucial to our nation’s greatness."
The recruits cheered, and Katsuki stepped down from the platform, shaking hands and exchanging nods with the generals. General Enji Todoroki was among them, his stern face showing a rare hint of pride. Katsuki admired the general's unwavering dedication, though he sensed something was off today.
His next stop was the royal stables, where he inspected the Fire Lord’s prized war mounts. Katsuki had always had a fondness for the powerful creatures, their fiery temperaments mirroring his own. Afterward, he attended a brief audience with some of the Fire Nation’s elite citizens, listening to their petitions and grievances. It was a tedious task, one he often delegated, but today he forced himself through it.
Finally, the time came for his favorite part of the day—the training grounds. The routine of princely duties had drained him, but the thought of sparring invigorated him. He arrived at the training grounds, where Denki and Eijiro were already waiting. Denki was stretching, his movements quick and energetic, while Eijiro was practicing his stances, his form solid and steady.
Katsuki, Denki, and Eijiro had grown up together. Their parents were important nobles, and their lives had been intertwined since childhood. While Katsuki had pushed everyone away after his father's death, he couldn't completely shut out Denki and Eijiro. They were strong benders and were always around due to their duties. Their presence was a constant reminder of his own strength and the responsibilities he bore.
Katsuki watched Denki, who was proficient with lightning. His movements were quick and sharp, electricity crackling around him with each punch and kick. Eijiro, on the other hand, was a firebender like Katsuki, but his style was different. Eijiro's firebending was controlled and defensive, his attacks powerful and precise. The two of them complemented each other well, and their sparring sessions were always intense.
As they began their sparring match, Katsuki couldn't help but think about how he used to train with Izuku. Those memories brought a mix of emotions—fondness, frustration, and regret. Izuku's relentless spirit and determination had always been something Katsuki admired, even if he never admitted it. But now, with Izuku gone and revealed as the Avatar, the weight of those memories felt heavier.
Denki launched a bolt of lightning towards Katsuki, who deflected it with a swift motion, countering with a burst of flames. Eijiro came at him from the side, his fists blazing, and Katsuki dodged, spinning to deliver a fiery kick. The three of them moved in a seamless dance of attacks and defenses, each testing the others' limits.
As they sparred, Katsuki couldn't help but think about the times he had trained with Izuku. Unlike Denki and Eijiro, Izuku had no bending abilities. Yet, he had always shown an unwavering determination and a surprising level of skill in hand-to-hand combat. Despite his lack of bending, Izuku had pushed himself to keep up with them, his resilience and dedication earning Katsuki’s grudging respect.
They continued to exchange blows, the intensity of their sparring growing with each passing moment. The ground beneath them scorched and crackled, testament to the fierce power of their bending. Katsuki’s firebending was relentless, but Denki and Eijiro held their own, their camaraderie evident in the way they moved and fought together.
The memory of Izuku training with them was bittersweet. Katsuki remembered how Izuku had always been the weakest in their group, yet he never gave up. His persistence had been both admirable and infuriating. Katsuki had often wondered what drove Izuku to keep trying, despite the odds stacked against him.
As they trained, Katsuki noticed their master, General Enji Todoroki, watching from the sidelines. The usually stern and composed general still seemed to be in deep thought, his brow furrowed with worry. Katsuki wondered what could be bothering the man but decided not to press the issue. If it was important, the old man would bring it up.
"You seem distracted today, Katsuki," Eijiro commented during a brief pause, wiping sweat from his brow. His tone was casual, but there was a hint of concern.
Katsuki grunted, not wanting to delve into his thoughts. "Just trying to keep up with you slowpokes."
Denki laughed, sending another bolt of lightning towards Katsuki, which he deflected easily. "You wish! But seriously, you okay?"
Katsuki's eyes flicked to Denki, then to Eijiro. They weren't as close as they once were, but there was still a bond, forged by years of training and shared experiences. "I'm fine," he said shortly, though his tone was less harsh than usual.
They continued sparring, but Katsuki's mind kept drifting. He couldn't shake the image of Deku, standing determinedly despite the odds. The fear of losing him, the way he'd lost his father, gnawed at him. He pushed Eijiro and Denki away because they were strong and could handle themselves, but Deku had always seemed so vulnerable. Now, knowing that Izuku was the Avatar, that vulnerability felt even more pronounced.
The match came to an end, and they all stood catching their breath. Katsuki looked at Denki and Eijiro, his expression unreadable. "Thanks for the spar," he said gruffly.
Eijiro nodded, his usual easygoing smile in place. "Anytime, man. We're here if you need us."
Denki clapped Katsuki on the shoulder, a spark of electricity passing between them. "Yeah, don't be a stranger."
Katsuki gave a curt nod and turned away, heading towards the palace. He didn't want to admit it, but the sparring session had helped clear his mind a bit. He still had a lot to figure out, especially about Deku and his own feelings. But for now, he had to focus on what he could control, and that meant preparing for whatever came next.
As he packed up his gear, Katsuki’s thoughts turned to his mother, Fire Lord Mitsuki. He often visited her in the throne room, both to check on her and to pester her about the day’s events. But as he approached the grand doors, he heard raised voices from within. Curiosity piqued, Katsuki stopped and pressed his ear against the door. He recognized the voices of General Todoroki, his mother, and the Fire Sages. They were in the midst of a heated discussion.
"The ship Izuku was on was attacked by the Red Lotus," General Todoroki’s voice was grave. "Izuku is missing."
Katsuki’s blood ran cold. Deku had just left, and now he was already missing? He felt a sickening twist in his stomach. Without thinking, he burst through the doors, startling everyone inside.
"What do you mean Deku is missing?" he demanded, eyes blazing with fury.
Fire Lord Mitsuki turned to him, her expression a mix of shock and concern. "Katsuki, this is not the time—"
"What the hell happened!" Katsuki interrupted, his voice echoing through the throne room.
General Todoroki stepped forward, his face grim. "The ship was attacked by the Red Lotus. The crew and the White Lotus members survived, thanks to Izuku using the Avatar State. But in the chaos, Izuku went missing."
Katsuki clenched his fists, his mind racing. "I’m going to look for him," he declared, turning on his heel to leave.
"Katsuki, no!" Mitsuki’s voice was firm. "We are handling it. You can’t just—"
"I don’t care!" Katsuki shouted, whirling around to face her. "I’m going to find him, and nothing you say will stop me."
Mitsuki's eyes blazed with a mix of anger and desperation. "You’re the prince of the Fire Nation! You can’t just run off on a whim, especially not after an attack like this. We have people looking for him—"
"People looking for him?" Katsuki cut her off, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What, like they looked for Dad? How did that turn out, Mom?"
The mention of Masaru’s death hung heavily in the air. Mitsuki’s face tightened, a flash of pain crossing her features. "That’s not fair, Katsuki."
"Fair?" Katsuki scoffed. "None of this is fair! Deku is out there, probably scared out of his mind, and you want me to just sit here and do nothing?"
Mitsuki took a deep breath, struggling to maintain her composure. "I understand you’re upset, but running off recklessly won’t help anyone. We need a coordinated effort—"
"A coordinated effort?" Katsuki's voice rose. "You mean more meetings and discussions while Deku is out there alone? I’m not waiting around for bureaucrats to make decisions. I’m going to find him myself."
"You think I don’t care?" Mitsuki snapped, her voice cracking with emotion. "You think I’m not worried sick about him? Inko will be devastated! She trusted us to keep him safe, and now she’ll beside herself with worry. But you have responsibilities here. You can’t just abandon them."
Katsuki's eyes softened momentarily, seeing the genuine fear and concern in his mother’s eyes. But his resolve hardened just as quickly. "I have a responsibility to my friends too. Deku is my friend. And I won't abandon him."
Mitsuki stepped closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "And what if you get hurt, Katsuki? Or worse? I’ve already lost your father. I can’t lose you too."
Katsuki’s heart ached at his mother’s words, but he couldn’t let it deter him. "I’m not Dad. I can handle myself. And I’m not going to sit here while Deku is out there. I have to do this."
Mitsuki’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. She knew she couldn’t hold him back. She placed a hand on his cheek, her voice soft but firm. "If you’re going, take a few people with you. And promise me you’ll send a letter if you need any backup."
Katsuki nodded, his jaw tight. "Fine. I’ll take Denki and Eijiro. We’ll leave immediately."
General Todoroki stepped forward, his face a mix of concern and respect. "We’ll prepare a ship for you, Prince Katsuki. Be careful out there."
Katsuki turned to leave, but Mitsuki caught his arm. "Promise me you’ll come back, Katsuki."
He looked into her eyes, seeing the depth of her love and worry. "I promise, Mom."
He stormed out of the throne room, his mind set. He would find Deku, no matter what it took. As he made his way back to the training grounds, Denki and Eijiro met him, sensing the urgency in his stride.
"What’s going on?" Denki asked, concern etched on his face.
"We’re leaving," Katsuki said curtly. "Deku is missing, and I’m going to find him. You two are coming with me."
Eijiro and Denki exchanged glances before nodding. "We’re with you," Eijiro said firmly.
They quickly gathered their essentials and headed to the docks. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the sea as they boarded the next ship bound for the Western Air Temple. Katsuki, Denki, and Eijiro stood together at the bow, the determination to find their friend and bring him home burning brightly in their hearts. The journey ahead would be perilous, but they were ready to face it together. For Deku’s sake, and for the sake of the world that needed the Avatar.