MHA: A King's Legacy (BNHA x AOT)

As they entered the grand dining hall of the Imperial Palace, everyone was struck by the sheer elegance of the space. The room was a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern refinement.

Intricately carved wooden beams framed the high ceiling, while floor-to-ceiling shoji screens allowed a soft, ambient glow from the gardens outside.

A massive dining table stretched through the center, adorned with delicate floral arrangements and fine porcelain tableware.

Servants in traditional attire stood ready at the periphery, awaiting their guests' needs.

"Wow," Toru whispered, her eyes darting around the room. She tugged lightly on Aiden's sleeve. "This is like something out of a dream."

"It's a bit fancier than the mess hall at UA, isn't it?" Aiden joked, his voice low as he took in the surroundings himself.

Eleanor leaned in to Toru with a playful smile. "You'll get used to it, dear. Royal life has a way of making the extraordinary feel ordinary."

Toru blushed but smiled back. The Paradis royal family, along with their entourage, took their seats opposite the Imperial family. The arrangement was deliberate, encouraging an open exchange between the two groups.

Hana, always curious, leaned toward Seraphina. "So, what's it like being a royal in Paradis? Do you have big palaces like this?"

Seraphina chuckled. "We do, though they're a bit more… fortress-like. Paradis has a history of prioritizing defense over aesthetics. Still, they're home."

Hana nodded thoughtfully. "I'd love to see them someday."

"You're welcome anytime," Seraphina said with a smile. "Though I warn you, Aiden's antics can make it a chaotic experience."

"I heard that!" Aiden called from across the table, earning laughter from everyone present.

As the first course was served—an exquisite array of sushi and traditional Japanese appetizers—Emperor Hiroshi raised his glass.

"To new friendships and alliances," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his station. "May this evening be the first of many shared between our families."

Max raised his glass in response. "To unity and understanding. May our bonds grow stronger with each meeting."

The clink of glasses echoed through the hall, and everyone took a sip before diving into the meal. Aiden, ever the charmer, found himself fielding questions from all sides.

"So, Aiden," Daiki began, leaning forward with genuine interest, "how do you manage to balance being a student, a hero-in-training, and, well, a prince?"

Aiden laughed, setting down his chopsticks. "Honestly? It's a lot, but I've got a great support system. My family, friends, and, of course, Nimbus and Baymax—they all help keep me grounded."

Hana grinned. "And what about your girlfriend? Toru, right?"

Toru nearly choked on her drink, her cheeks turning crimson. Aiden, unfazed, wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "She's the real MVP. Keeps me from getting a big head."

Toru's blush deepened, but she managed a smile. "He's exaggerating."

Eleanor beamed. "Not at all, dear. Behind every great man is an even greater woman."

Meanwhile, Emperor Hiroshi engaged Max in a deeper conversation about the geopolitical implications of Aiden's recent display at the UA Sports Festival. "The world is watching," Hiroshi said, his tone serious. "Your son's abilities are beyond extraordinary. Have you considered what this might mean on a global scale?"

Max nodded, his expression unreadable. "We're aware. Aiden's strength is both a blessing and a responsibility. But we've taught him to value life, to understand the weight of his power. He'll handle the attention with the dignity expected of our lineage."

Hiroshi inclined his head. "I hope so. Strength like his can inspire, but it can also intimidate."

Aiko, ever the diplomat, interjected with a gentle smile. "But tonight is not for heavy matters. Let us celebrate the extraordinary young man who has brought our families together."

As the meal progressed, the conversation grew livelier. Kaela, ever the strategist, found herself in a spirited debate with Prince Daiki about the logistics of large-scale military operations.

"You can't underestimate the value of terrain," Kaela argued. "A single choke point can determine the outcome of a battle."

Daiki nodded thoughtfully. "True, but a strong enough force can overcome even the most defensible positions."

Seraphine, watching from the sidelines, nudged Aiden. "Looks like Kaela's found her intellectual match."

Aiden smirked. "Let's just hope they don't start drawing battle plans on the tablecloth."

On the other side of the table, Toru found herself in conversation with Empress Aiko, who was genuinely interested in the young woman who had captured Aiden's heart. "And what do you plan to do after graduation, Toru?"

Toru hesitated, glancing at Aiden before answering. "I'm still figuring that out, Your Majesty. But I know I want to make a difference, whether it's as a hero or in another way."

Aiko nodded approvingly. "A noble goal. And don't let anyone rush you. The path to your destiny is yours to forge."

As dessert was served—a delicate arrangement of traditional Japanese sweets—the atmosphere shifted to one of relaxed camaraderie. Hana leaned toward Aiden. "So, what's the craziest thing you've done with your quirk?"

Aiden grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, there's a long list. But one time, I turned a boring lecture into a full-on disco party. Golden lights, music, the works."

Hana burst out laughing. "I need to see that someday."

Seraphina chimed in. "Trust me, you don't. It was a nightmare to clean up."

The group laughed as the evening wound down, the bonds between the two families growing stronger with each passing moment.

Finally, Emperor Hiroshi stood once more. "This has been a truly wonderful evening. Thank you for joining us and for sharing your stories and laughter. I look forward to many more moments like this."

Max stood as well, his presence commanding. "And we are grateful for your hospitality. Tonight has reminded us of the importance of connection and unity."

With that, the dinner came to a close, but the memories created would linger for a lifetime. As the guests were led to their quarters for the night, Aiden whispered to Toru, "So, how does it feel to dine like royalty?"

Toru smiled, leaning into him. "Like I'm in a fairy tale."

"You're the princess in this story," Aiden said with a wink, earning a soft laugh as they walked hand in hand through the palace halls.

-

-

The morning sunlight filtered through the large windows of the Imperial Palace as the Paradis royal family and their entourage prepared to depart. Emperor Hiroshi, Empress Aiko, Prince Daiki, and Princess Hana stood at the palace's grand entrance to bid them farewell.

"Your stay has been a joy," Emperor Hiroshi said warmly, shaking Max's hand. "May our paths cross again soon."

Max inclined his head. "We'll cherish the hospitality and memories. Until we meet again."

Toru, still somewhat awed by the experience, bowed deeply to Empress Aiko. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Aiko smiled. "Take care of him, dear. He's quite the handful."

The group departed in the convoy, with Aiden leaning out of the window to wave animatedly at Hana and Daiki until they were out of sight. Nimbus perched on Baymax's shoulder in the car behind, chirping happily as Baymax gently patted his tiny head.

The journey to the manor Eleanor had purchased was a quieter affair. The lush countryside soon gave way to the outskirts of Musutafu, and before long, the convoy arrived at a sprawling estate tucked away from the main city.

The manor was a blend of traditional Japanese architecture and modern luxury, with sweeping gardens, koi ponds, and wooden verandas.

"This is stunning," Toru said, her eyes wide as they stepped out of the cars. "You actually bought this?"

Eleanor gave a nonchalant wave of her hand. "A small indulgence for our stay. It's important to have a comfortable base of operations."

The group quickly settled into their new surroundings. Seraphina and Kaela took the opportunity to explore the grounds with Toru and Seraphine. The four quickly formed a lively "girl group," as Aiden jokingly referred to them, chattering and laughing as they wandered through the gardens.

Inside the manor, Aiden was up to his usual antics. Using his quirk, he transformed himself into an eight-year-old version of himself, complete with chubby cheeks and a mischievous grin. Bounding into the sitting room where Eleanor was lounging, he clambered onto her lap without hesitation.

"Mommy!" he exclaimed, nuzzling into her shoulder. "I'm a little boy again! Take care of me!"

Eleanor laughed, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Oh, my precious baby!" she cooed, peppering his face with kisses. "Why can't you always stay this small and sweet?"

"Because he'd get into even more trouble," Max commented dryly from across the room, though there was a trace of amusement in his tone.

"You're just jealous," Aiden quipped in his childlike voice, sticking out his tongue. Eleanor responded by holding him tighter, as if shielding him from Max's teasing.

Baymax hovered nearby, watching the scene unfold. "Aiden's body mass has decreased significantly. Is this normal?"

"It's his quirk," Seraphina called out as she entered the room. "You'll get used to it."

Nimbus fluttered over to land on Baymax's shoulder, chittering curiously as the robot gently extended a hand for the small creature to investigate.

As the morning settled into a comfortable rhythm, Max and Elara sat by a small garden table on the veranda, sipping tea. The topic of conversation shifted to the Ackerman family when Max mentioned something that piqued everyone's curiosity.

"I released your brother Arlen," Max said casually, setting his teacup down. "He should already be in Japan."

Elara stiffened, her expression unreadable. "Arlen? Here? Why?"

Max's eyes twinkled, but his lips remained sealed. "Let's just say he has his reasons."

Aiden, perched on Eleanor's lap with his small legs swinging, looked up with wide eyes. "Who's Arlen?"

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. "Yes, Elara. I don't think you've ever spoken much about your brother."

Elara sighed, leaning back in her chair. Her sharp Ackerman features softened as she allowed herself a moment of reflection. "Arlen is… complicated. But I suppose that's a trait of the Ackerman bloodline."

She glanced at Aiden. "You might not know this, but the Ackermans are a clan steeped in history. Our family was once the protectors of Paradis' royalty—loyal to the death, with unparalleled strength and skill in battle."

Aiden's childlike curiosity flared. "So you're like imperial Knights?"

Elara laughed softly. "Something like that. But it wasn't always easy. My brother and I grew up under intense pressure. Our mother, Elisa, is the head of the Ackerman clan, and she made sure we were trained from a young age."

"Was she strict?" Kaela asked, walking in with the girl group, clearly interested in the unfolding story.

"Strict is an understatement," Elara replied, her tone tinged with both fondness and exasperation. "She demanded perfection in everything—combat, strategy, loyalty. But she also loved us fiercely, even if she had an odd way of showing it."

"What about Arlen?" Seraphine asked. "What was he like?"

Elara's gaze grew distant. "Arlen was always different. While I followed the rules, he challenged them. He was a prodigy—strong, intelligent, fearless. But that brilliance came with a rebellious streak. He hated being told what to do, even by Mother."

Eleanor leaned forward. "What happened to him?"

Elara hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup. "He… chose a different path. Arlen believed that the Ackermans were meant for more than just serving the crown. He wanted freedom—freedom from tradition, from duty, from everything that bound us."

Max interjected, his voice calm. "And now he's here, in Japan."

Elara's eyes narrowed. "Why, though? What does he want?"

"That," Max said cryptically, "is something only Arlen can answer."

Aiden, still in his childlike form, squirmed in Eleanor's lap. "He sounds cool. Is he like you, Elara? Does he have the same powers?"(A/N: I'm sure you've noticed by now how I have not stated any quirks for Elara, Seraphina and Kaela, that's coz I haven't got a clue what to give em.)

Elara chuckled. "In a way. Arlen's quirk, Chrono Shatter, allows him to manipulate time in short bursts. It's… terrifyingly powerful."

Toru, sitting cross-legged on the floor, chimed in. "He sounds intense. I don't know if I'd want to meet him."

Elara's expression softened. "He's not a bad person, Toru. Just… lost. I think deep down, he's still the brother I grew up with."

Eleanor stroked Aiden's hair as she spoke. "Well, if he's anything like you, Elara, I'm sure he'll find his way."

Elara gave a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you. I hope so too."

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