Chapter Text
By unanimous agreement (not counting Bakugou’s attempt to bite someone), camp was set up for the night. The river was deemed too dangerous to cross, and a longer detour would have to be taken. Momo disappeared into the woods for an interval and came back with lengths of fabric which, she assured everyone, were completely waterproof.
“Great,” said Kaminari, dusting his hands off after erecting something like a tent, “now what do we do for a fire?”
On cue, a furry form padded over with a clump of branches between its teeth. Bakugou spat out the twigs onto a pile he had been collecting, then whacked the wood with a clawed foot. A tiny boom occurred, and suddenly the twigs were on fire. The honey badger chuffed contemptuously and looked at them as if to say he was still superior.
“Okay, so I’m really liking him as a critter. He’s useful and he can’t talk,” chirped Kaminari. Bakugou promptly scuttled towards him, fangs bared. The blond yelped and tried to scramble out of the way.
You chuckled at their antics, eyes glowing in the firelight. Kirishima tried not watch the way the shadows danced over your skin, shifting over the winged lines of your collarbones. You had abandoned your jacket in favour of using it as a pillow. Your hair was in tangled loops, dress torn and muddied from trekking through a forest. He’d still never seen anything quite as beautiful, or beloved.
Momo scrounged around in what Kirishima was starting to think of as her magic satchel and came up with several edible items. “Here, it’s not much, but it will tide us over till morning.”
Kaminari and Bakugou stopped their jousting match as she distributed bread, cheese and a couple of apples. Momo settled on the ground next to you to eat her share, shyly responding to your questions. You laughed and broke your loaf in half.
“Here, take some of mine. You’ve used up a lot of your magic today, haven’t you?”
Momo frantically tried to refuse, but you kept at her with a pleasant doggedness until she gave in. Kirishima rested his chin on his hand, giving in to the urge to watch you be you. Kaminari plopped down next to him, sticking his tongue out at Bakugou.
“So,” he started in a voice that Kirishima knew meant trouble, “I take it you made no progress today either?”
Kirishima slumped forward with a groan. “Kaminari, I told you no.”
“It’s because you can’t see how frustrating it is from the outside!” The lightning mage gritted his teeth. “Haven’t you been in love with her, for like, a decade?”
“Maybe,” he mumbled into his arms. “But I didn’t notice until I got back from training.”
Kaminari let out a heartfelt sigh. “You two are going to be the death of me. At least she tries. You though...”
Kirishima raised his head to ask him what exactly that statement meant when Momo got his attention. “I have a question,” she started.
You deftly grabbed Bakugou and snuggled him again, leaving Kirishima with a burning feeling in his gut. He reminded himself he had no right, but the fire kept burning merrily. Oblivious to everything, Bakugou flailed madly. “Go on, Momo.”
The bosun indicated the wriggling badger. “How do we restore the duke to normalcy? He can’t live like this forever.”
“Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure?” Kaminari looked unusually grouchy.
“Yes, it is a problem,” you murmured, absently rubbing behind one of Bakugou’s fuzzy ears. He drooped and made a rumbling noise. The blaze in Kirishima’s gut escalated to a bonfire. He laced his fingers together to keep from doing something stupid. “Maybe we can find a mage that knows something about transformation spells?”
“Or,” Kirishima suggested, “we could look for silver parsley around here.”
Momo brightened. “That’s the one that reverses the effects of a spell, yes? Where does it normally grow?”
“Hills and mountains, mostly. Usually at the base. Pretty hard to find, though.”
“There’s one nearby, according to the map, but-“
“Your Grace, stop!” You stood up in a flustered rustle as Bakugou leapt out of your arms and sprinted into the forest.
“Oh great,” muttered Kaminari. “Now he’s gone after this mystical herb in the dark.”
“We have to go after him,” urged Kirishima, standing up to pull his jacket back on. “Magnolia has wolves and other predators in the woods.”
“Let’s go, Kiri.”
Kaminari set sparks dancing over his hands and loped off, following a trail of burned leaves. The track continued for a while until it disappeared into an aperture set into a rocky cliffside. A small brook looped around the hill, babbling in cheerful contrast to the ominous darkness. Momo looked at the cave entrance anxiously, lantern swinging in her grip. “This does not feel safe at all.”
Kaminari gulped. “Was it the giant claw marks on the wall or the general creepiness that tipped you off?”
You set your jaw in determination. “We can’t let the duke face whatever it is alone. That said, let’s try not to attract its attention.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. “I’ll go first,” said Kirishima. “Less risk that way.”
He took point and cautiously inched into the cave. You crept in behind him, Momo and Kaminari following. It seemed to be a cave straight of out a storybook, needle-like stalactites dripping water onto the rough-hewn floor. The light from Momo’s lantern bobbed with her movement, making every shadow larger and more menacing.
“I don’t like this,” whined Kaminari. “Can’t we just wait for him outside?”
“Kiri,” you said urgently, “I hear a noise. Like breathing.”
Kirishima tilted his head, listening. A soft, wheezy sound came from somewhere, rising and falling. The passageway suddenly opened into a large, cavernous hollow. From a tiny crack in the ceiling, moonlight illuminated parts of the cave.
Momo sucked in a breath. “I’ve never seen so much gold before.”
Metallic coins lay scattered about in careless heaps by the thousands, piled high enough to reach Kirishima’s waist. Jewels as big as his fist were mixed in like glittering polka dots, along with what looked like a collection of swords and a chest full of scrolls. What really caught his eye though, was the massive reptilian body curled up on top of the treasure.
“Kiri,” you breathed in awe, “is that really a dragon? It’s bigger than a cottage.”
“I’m afraid so,” he whispered back. “Where is the duke?”
A clink alerted them to a small presence. Momo angled the light to reveal Bakugou snuffling around the back of the cave, single-mindedly heading for a patch of small, pointed leaves.
“Well, props to him, he found the parsley. Now what? How do we get around the dragon?” Kaminari peered around the edge of a wall. “I don’t want to be here when it wakes up and decides it’s peckish.”
“Kiri and I can retrieve Bakugou,” you mused. “The biggest problem right now is that he might set off an explosion and annoy the dragon. We’ll grab him and keep him quiet.”
Momo and Kaminari reluctantly agreed to keep watch, and act as decoys if it came to that. Kirishima narrowed his eyes at you. “Princess, it would be better if you just let me do it. I won’t be harmed, but you will.”
You gave him a flat look. “I’m doing this, Kiri. It’s partly my fault we’re in this situation.”
Not entirely prepared to get in an argument when he could barely talk above a hush, Kirishima nodded. He began picking his way through the small mountains of treasure, internally cursing the dragon’s predilection for shiny things. His heart briefly stuttered when you reached out and grabbed his hand. Kirishima was glad for the semi-darkness that hid his reddened face.
He nearly heaved an audible sigh of relief when you reached the back of the cave without mishap. You waited till Bakugou was distracted with rooting up a plant to snatch him up. You closed your fingers around his muzzle before he could growl in rage.
“Shush. Let’s not wake the other rampaging beast in the room, milord.”
Kirishima jerked his head in the direction of the entrance. “Let’s go.”
Disaster struck when he made it halfway around the cavern. You tumbled over an outcropping with a soft gasp. Kirishima caught you around the waist in instant reflex, but you had gone well over your centre of balance. He stumbled back with you into a pile of coins. Bakugou escaped from your hold and scampered towards Kaminari. A small chest of emeralds teetered, and crashed to the floor.
All activity halted as the dragon slowly roused itself. A sapphire eye, large as a dinner plate, blinked open. You and Kirishima slowly backed up against the wall, hoping it wouldn’t see you. The beast flicked out a forked tongue, tasting the air. A low, raspy noise built in its throat. Just when his back hit the wall, the dragon swivelled its head and spotted the both of you.
Kirishima stopped breathing as it levelled its snout at you, maw opening slightly. Deadly teeth glinted in the dim light. Ancient magic, thick and heavy, coiled in the air. You pressed back into the damp wall, face pale. It looked hopeless, utterly hopeless.
You reached out and found his hand. “Kiri, if we die here, I just want you to know-“
“We’re not going to die here.” He wouldn’t fail in his duty, not now. “I won’t let it happen.”
You squeezed his hand once and went back to staring down the dragon. “Okay, because this is not looking good so far.”
He pulled his magic to him, skin hardening. “Trust me, princess.”
You flashed him a quick smile that made his pulse skip. “Always.”
“If you’re done saying goodbye to each other,” came a voice in his head, “can you kindly explain why you’re disturbing my slumber?”
“Whoa,” yelled Kaminari, “it talks!”
“It has a name,” said the dragon with an irritated huff. “At least have the courtesy to ask when you invade my home.”
Kirishima got over his surprise and held out a hand to it. Your eyes flickered back and forth between him and the dragon, worried. “Sorry about that. It’s my first time meeting a dragon. I’m Kirishima.”
The huge reptile considered him for a long, tense moment before pressing its snout into his palm. “I am called Ameles.”
His shoulders relaxed as he realized it wasn’t going to eat them, at least for now. You curtsied to Ameles. “It is an honour to meet you. I am the princess of Fiore, ____.”
“Oh?” The dragon tilted its head curiously. “This is a strange place for a princess to be.”
“It’s a long story,” he said by way of explanation. “Well, don’t let us keep you. We’ll just be on our way. Apologies for waking you up.”
“No,” said Ameles with a rumble, “don’t.” Gigantic wings unfolded, blocking out the light. “I wish to hear your tale. I am fond of stories.”
He nearly punched a wall in frustration. Now you were stuck here until the dragon was satisfied. You pursed your lips and regarded it warily. “Where should I start?”
“Oh, let me, let me!” Kaminari jogged over, enthusiasm pouring off him in waves. Momo followed reluctantly, Bakugou trotting beside her.
“You have comrades,” observed Ameles. “This is to be expected. The knight is accompanied by other adventurers in the tales I have heard.”
Momo folded her legs underneath her, apparently resigned to the current state of affairs. “Have you read a lot of books, then?”
The dragon turned to regard her with a starlit eye. “I cannot read human writing, but travellers such as yourself have given me the gift of stories in return for valuables. In human stories, the knights are always trying to kill dragons, is that not so?”
“Yes,” she admitted. “Are all dragons like you? Peaceful?”
Ameles made a growling noise that might have been laughter. “I cannot speak for the rest of my brethren’s temperament, but most of us would not devour humans. They are skinny, and their weapons tend to stick in our fangs.”
“Gee, thanks,” said Kaminari dryly. “Do you have a preference? Ghost stories, perhaps?”
The dragon blew out a plume of smoke from its nostrils. “I favour tales of love and bravery, but those inevitably end with one of our kind dead in an attempt to rescue a princess. Do you know any others?”
“Do I ever.” Kaminari rubbed his hands gleefully. “Sit down, sir, and let me tell you a story.”
There was an annoyed flick of the dragon’s tail. “Young human, I am a she-dragon.”
Bakugou made a chuffing noise while Kaminari flailed. “My bad, I shouldn’t have assumed. I’ll start now. Once upon a time, in a floating kingdom not so far away, there was a fair princess and her faithful knight.”
Ameles blinked once. “This does not sound very different so far.”
“Wait, I’m just getting started. So the princess and the knight didn’t start off that way. She was just a little girl who had lost her family, and he was just a young boy that the palace had taken in. They became fast friends.”
Kirishima stiffened as the narration started becoming a little too familiar. You raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.
“Dead parents,” mused the dragon. “This is also expected. Humans have a great deal of sadness in their lives. What happens next?”
“Then, for a while, everything was fine. Neither of them was lonely any more. But then as they grew older, things became complicated.” Kaminari paused to think. “By the way, is it true that dragons can tell when people are lying?”
“Yes. Our magics are old and powerful. I can compel you to reveal the secrets of your heart, if I so wish.”
Momo frowned. “What does this look like?”
“If you agree, I will show you.” Ameles swept her gaze over the room, registering no objections. “Well then.”
The dragon’s eyes began to glow, until the brilliance was almost blinding. A circle of light spread out from her to encompass the cavern, then petered out. “It is done.”
“Try me,” said Kaminari excitedly.
Ameles lowered her horned head. “When did you first encounter this knight?”
“When I was fifteen.”
“And what secret do you hide in the darkness, young one?”
“I’ve been trying to hit on Jirou for a year now, but- oh, gods, this actually works!”
“Did you think it would not? Resume your story, if you will.”
“Actually,” he said with a sly glance in Kirishima’s direction, “Kiri will tell it from now. He knows it much better than I do.”
Kirishima froze as Ameles looked at him expectantly. Of all the things- he’d kill Kaminari if the dragon didn’t get him first. He risked a quick look at you. You looked mildly anxious, but then again, you didn’t know anything. He swallowed hard.
“So, erm...the err, boy, he goes away to train to become a knight. Meanwhile, the princess also learns to rule a kingdom. Her uncle was the king, you see.”
Ameles dipped her muzzle in a sign to continue. He took a breath, heart hammering in his ears. “And then,” you cut in, much to his everlasting gratitude, “the knight returns to protect his princess and everything goes well. The end.”
A thunderous growl shook the cave. “This is not an acceptable tale, travellers. Do not attempt to prevaricate in my presence.”
“What they forgot to tell you,” added Kaminari hastily, “was that the princess’ uncle loved her dearly. His greatest desire was to ensure her happiness, so he decided to hold a grand fete. Suitors from every continent could vie for her hand, and she would pick someone to marry at the end of it.”
Momo’s eyes lit with understanding around the same time Kirishima felt his stomach plummet. “Of course, they had to pass various tests. In one, the princess would be kidnapped by pirates and need to be rescued. Of course, it was just a ruse. Until real pirates attacked, and the ship capsized.”
Ameles swung her tail from side to side, intrigued. “What of the knight, then?”
“He was by my- her side, of course,” you said. “Being a brave and loyal man, he guarded her through the whole ordeal.”
Kirishima tried not to flush under the praise, and failed miserably. Ameles huffed impatiently. “No, I refer to the knight’s heart. He was in love with the princess, was he not? They always are. Why does he not try to win her?”
“You know, I keep wondering the same thing,” quipped Kaminari. “Tell us, Kiri. Why doesn’t he make a move?”
It was starting to get really infuriating. “Because,” he bit out, face still hot, “maybe he thinks he can never match up to her. She’s a princess, and the reality is that a boy from the streets doesn’t make marriage material for royalty.”
He heard you suck in a breath, but didn’t have time to dwell on it. The dragon shuffled her wings. “I do not understand this assumption. Perhaps he should just ask the princess how she feels. What does she think?”
Everyone turned to look at you. You clasped your hands and looked away. “The knight has been with the princess since she was a child. He has seen her at her worst, and stayed with her anyway. What do you think she feels?”
Kirishima’s stomach dropped. Of course you wouldn’t want him that way. He’d heard you say so once, why he did ever hope you’d change your mind? He tightened his fist and hoped that no one could hear the sound of his heart breaking.
“Of course she loves him. More than anyone and anything.” The words dropped like a pebble into the silence, rippling outward in ever-rising waves.
He stilled. “W-what did you say?”
Kirishima slowly lifted his eyes to your face. The world dropped from under him again at the sight of your pinked cheeks. “I said,” you repeated, voice wavering, “I love you. I always have. And I always will.”
Kaminari’s victorious snicker, the sound of the dragon rustling, it all seemed so far away. He pressed a hand to his chest, as if he could quell the racing in it. Maybe he was dreaming. “But I-I heard you say to Mina that you’d never think of me that way,” he stammered. “That I was like a brother to you.”
You frowned, confused. “When did I- Oh. Oh. That wasn’t about you, that was about Shouto. Is- is this why you’ve been so distant lately?”
“Oh gods.” Kirishima covered his mouth with a hand, glancing away in embarrassment. “I can’t believe this.”
You cautiously drew closer. Kirishima snapped his gaze back to you when you touched his arm lightly. “Do you...not feel the same way?” Your eyes were wide with hope.
Spell or no spell, there was no way he could tell you otherwise. “No, I- I mean, yes. I know I shouldn’t, but I don’t want anyone else. Just you.”
“Finally,” breathed Kaminari. “Thank heaven. Praise be to the goddess.”
To Kirishima’s horror and eternal surprise, your eyes filled with tears. “What do I do?” You pressed both hands to your cheeks. “I’m so happy. I thought you’d hate me for making you uncomfortable.”
“What? Never.” He cupped your cheeks to brush away a tear, still unable to believe his luck. “If anything, it’s me that should be grateful. You deserve better than someone like me.”
“Stupid Kiri.” You hit his chest weakly. “There is no one better than you. And even if there is, I don’t want them. I love you.”
It felt like a bright spear pierced his ribs, white-hot with joy. He didn’t think he’d ever get used to it. “O-okay.”
“Kisssssss,” called Kaminari. “Kiss her, Red.”
“W-what, now?” You looked as startled as he felt. “No- no way!”
“Kiss. Kiss.” Kaminari turned it into a chant, which Momo picked up. The dragon’s eye glinted with a dangerous light.
“This is also the appropriate way to end a tale, is it not? After professing your love, a demonstration.”
“No, I’m really not going-“ He stopped in shock when you slid your hands up his face and pressed your lips to his cheek. Kirishima touched the spot, trying to keep the butterfly-light sensation with him.
“There,” you said, still looking a tad flustered, “I kissed him. Are you all happy now?”
Ameles snorted. “I would wager you are the elated one, princess.”
Kirishima cleared his throat awkwardly. “Anyway,” he interjected, “we need to get going. We have to regroup at Clover as soon as we can. Thank you for, erm, not eating us.”
“I sense there is more to this story that I have not heard. Explain yourselves, travellers.”
Ameles listened to Momo sum up all the events that led up to that moment. The dragon exhaled, deep in thought. “You may rest the night in my lair. I will fly you to this settlement in the morning. My thanks for your tale.”
You dipped your head at her. “Thank you. You are extremely generous.”
The dragon merely blinked in response and curled up on the coins again. Kaminari and Momo settled down for the night, apparently satisfied after upending Kirishima’s life. Bakugou, who was still inexplicably a badger, flopped down next to them.
You pulled at Kirishima’s sleeve. “Stay with me?”
He swallowed, simultaneously terrified and euphoric at the thought of being so close. “O-of course.”
Somehow he found himself stretched out on the ground next to you, your face impossibly close. You hummed sleepily and huddled a tiny bit closer. “I’m glad you’re with me, Kiri.”
He waited till your eyes had drifted closed and your breath had evened out to gently brush a strand of hair away from your face. Just because he could. “Me too.”