Chapter Text
Chapter 1
The Healer and the Dragon
Raven lived in a world where dragons were the most feared creatures around—and the most ruthlessly hunted. She had never agreed with that bloody logic. The mere thought of slaughtering such majestic beings sent a cold shiver down her spine.
As she walked through the dense forest, making her way back to her village, a distant, pained groan cut through the rustle of the leaves. Her hand instinctively dropped to the knife at her hip. Cautiously, she veered off the path, stepping quietly toward the source of the sound.
She gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth. A few feet away, a human man was collapsed on the forest floor, a thick, jagged branch impaled deep into his leg.
Raven stepped forward, opening her mouth to offer help, but the air suddenly grew stiflingly hot. Before her eyes, the human’s form distorted and expanded. In a flash of scales and smoke, he transformed into a massive red dragon. The branch, still brutally stuck in its leg, tore a larger gash into the shifting muscle. Blood—thick and brilliant—began trickling heavily down the scaled limb.
"Stay back!" the dragon cried out, a tremor of pure panic underlying his deep voice. "I-I mean no harm! Just... Please, don't hurt me! I'll be gone soon!"
"It's okay!" Raven said quickly, holding her hands up to show they were empty. "I just want to help."
The dragon hesitated, his slit-pupil eyes searching her face. Slowly, the massive form shrunk back down, the scales receding until he was entirely human again.
Wasting no time, Raven knelt beside him. Working as gently as possible, she firmly gripped the branch and pulled it free, immediately wrapping a clean cloth tightly around the wound to stem the initial rush of blood.
“Thank you," the man whispered, his voice still trembling with lingering fear. "My name is Kirishima..."
"I'm Raven," she offered with a reassuring smile. "There's a little stream just over there, we have to clean the wound. Here, put your arm across my back. I'll take you there."
Kirishima flinched slightly when her hand brushed his back, his crimson eyes widening with surprise. The steady warmth of her touch seemed to ground him, and after a moment, he nodded slowly.
"Raven... that's a nice name," he said softly, trying to force a smile despite the agonizing pain radiating from his injured leg.
With Raven anchoring him, he managed to push himself up, leaning heavily on her shoulder. His human form was significantly taller and broader than hers, making the stance a bit awkward for them both, but Raven didn't waver.
"Thank you for not running away," Kirishima admitted quietly as they began a slow, limping march through the thick trees. "Most people would have tried to kill me before I even finished transforming."
The forest floor was uneven, littered with roots and rocks. Kirishima winced with each step, his fingers gripping Raven's shoulder tightly for support. "I'm sorry if I'm too heavy for you," he apologized breathlessly, looking down at her. "My dragon form is much stronger than this one."
"I don't mind if you're a dragon," Raven replied smoothly, her focus entirely on the path ahead. "You need help, and I can do it. I'm little, but I'm strong enough. It's not far now—can you hear it?"
Kirishima's red eyes softened, a genuine, warm smile finally reaching his lips. "You're stronger than you look, Raven. Most people would call me a monster and leave me to die. But you... you don't see that."
He allowed himself to lean a bit more heavily against her, trusting this stranger completely despite their incredibly brief acquaintance. The soothing sound of rushing water grew louder as they broke through a thicket of ferns, and Kirishima let out a long sigh of relief.
"Thank the gods for small mercies," he murmured.
Reaching the water's edge, Kirishima carefully lowered himself onto a smooth, flat rock. The cool air rising from the running stream felt incredible against his flushed, feverish skin.
"The water looks clear enough," he observed, glancing up at Raven with profound gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you again for bringing me here. I don't think I could have made it much further on my own."
"Wait, there's a herb here that can help," Raven said, scanning the riverbank. "I used to apply it to my father's wounds. He was a blacksmith, always coming home with burns or cuts."
She searched the damp soil until she spotted the familiar, serrated green leaves. Plucking a handful, she brought them back over to the rock. To prove they weren't poisonous, she popped a couple into her mouth and chewed them thoroughly.
"See? They are safe."
Taking two flat river stones, she placed the rest of the leaves between them and ground them down with practiced ease until they formed a thick, dark green paste.
"Now, let's wash the wound and make sure all the splinters are gone," she instructed. "Then we apply the cream and cover it up." With a quick, sharp tug, she tore a long, clean strip of fabric from her underskirt. "Here. And... it's done."
Kirishima watched her efficient, methodical movements with absolute fascination. The way she ground the leaves between the rocks was simple, but his chest swelled with admiration for her resourcefulness.
"Your father must have been a very lucky man to have you caring for him," Kirishima said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "You have a gentle touch, Raven. Most healers would have hesitated to use their own mouth to prepare the salve."
He hissed sharply, his knuckles turning white against the rock as Raven began washing the dirt from the raw gash, but he didn't pull away. Despite the initial sting, the cool water felt wonderful against his burning skin.
"It's strange," he admitted, staring down at his leg as her human hands gently tended to him—hands that weren't holding a weapon, hands that weren't trying to take his life. "I've been hunted by so many people who wanted to harm me. But you... you're different."
"When my father passed, the village healer took care of me," Raven explained, her hands steady as she secured the binding. "She taught me a lot of things. One of them is respect for the living. I never do what I don't want to be done to me."
Kirishima's red eyes softened with understanding, a gentle smile touching his lips. "Your father sounds like he raised you well, Raven. Not many people would think that way about a dragon, especially one they just found injured in the forest."
He shifted slightly on the rock, the makeshift bandage feeling comforting against his skin. "Most humans I've encountered see us as nothing more than monsters to be hunted or killed. They don't care if we're injured or dying, they just want the bounty on our heads."
His gaze drifted to the forest around them, where shadows were starting to lengthen between the trees. "It's getting late. I should probably find a safe place to rest for the night before my leg gets worse."
"The village is that way," Raven pointed out, scanning the terrain. "I guess it is safer if we go in the opposite direction. If I can remember... there's a cave you can hide in. I can go halfway with you. Let's make you a cane."
She got up and searched the immediate area for something they could use—a branch strong enough to support his weight.
Kirishima watched as Raven searched for a suitable branch, his expression shifting from worry to hope. "A cane... yes, that would be very helpful," he said, his voice carrying a note of relief. "I don't want to slow you down, Raven. You've already done more than enough for me."
He pushed himself up from the rock, testing his weight on his injured leg. A sharp intake of breath escaped him, but he didn't fall back, forcing himself to stay upright.
"The cave sounds like a good plan," he continued, catching his breath. "I know how to hide my tracks when necessary, so we shouldn't be followed."
As Raven found a strong branch and began shaping it into a makeshift cane, Kirishima leaned against a nearby tree for support. His red eyes never left her hands, studying her focused movements with growing trust.
"You're very resourceful," he commented admiringly. "Most people would have panicked and run by now."
"I can't run. I'm a healer in training," Raven replied without looking up from her task. "A healer is always going down dangerous paths. War, fire, plagues... It's our duty."
Kirishima's expression shifted, a newfound respect shining in his red eyes. "A healer in training? That explains your skill with wounds and your calm demeanor," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "Most healers I've met are afraid of us, but you... you see the person behind the dragon."
He watched as Raven finished crafting the cane, her movements efficient and practiced. The way she handled the branch reminded him of someone who had done this many times before.
"Your father must have been very proud of you," Kirishima continued, taking the offered cane and testing his weight on it. The makeshift support felt sturdy under his hand. "To raise a daughter who would help a creature most people fear... that's true bravery."
With the cane in hand, Kirishima felt more confident about moving through the forest. He fell into step beside Raven, matching her pace as they started toward the cave she remembered.
"I don't see a dragon," Raven said softly, keeping her eyes on the path ahead. "I see someone in pain. And if I can help but choose to turn away, what kind of healer am I?"
Kirishima's steps faltered for a moment, his red eyes widening as he processed Raven's words. The simple logic behind them struck him deeply, and he found himself smiling genuinely for the first time since their meeting.
"You're right," he said, his voice filled with a warmth that seemed to chase away some of the fear from his face. "That's exactly what a healer should be. Not just someone who knows how to stitch a wound or brew a poultice, but someone who sees the person beneath the scars and the fear."
He adjusted his grip on the cane, falling into step more comfortably beside Raven as they navigated the increasingly dense forest. The canopy above filtered the fading sunlight into dappled patterns on the ground around them.
"I've been so used to people seeing only the dragon that I forget sometimes there are humans who still see me as a person," Kirishima admitted quietly.
A quite handsome person, at that, Raven thought to herself, feeling a slight warmth in her cheeks before she cleared her throat. "How did you end up here, Kiri?"
Kirishima's red ears twitched at the sound of the nickname, a small, tentative smile playing on his lips. "Kiri... I like that," he said softly, glancing at Raven with warmth in his eyes. "It's been a while since anyone's called me anything other than 'dragon' or 'monster'."
He leaned more heavily on the cane as they walked, the terrain becoming noticeably rockier. "I was flying over these mountains when a group of hunters ambushed me. They had crossbows with dragon-slaying bolts—silver-tipped steel designed to poison my system and make it impossible for me to shift back to human form."
His expression darkened slightly at the memory. "I managed to get away, but one of their bolts grazed my wing. It's been healing slowly, but not fast enough to fly properly. That's how I ended up crashing here in the forest."
"Oh..." Raven frowned, worry tightening in her chest. "Let me think. It's getting late, and if I don't go back soon, people are going to be worried and send someone looking for me. Hear me out: the cave is in that direction in a straight line. Be quiet and endure the night. Tomorrow morning, I'll be back with more medicine and food. I'll try to find some warm clothes, too. Please, be careful. Even if there are no humans near the cave, maybe wild animals could be using it. I really should go all the way with you..."
Kirishima's expression shifted from concern to genuine gratitude as Raven outlined her plan. The offer to return with supplies and warm clothes was more kindness than he had experienced in years.
"You would do that for me?" he asked, his voice soft with surprise. "Risk coming back to this dangerous forest alone just to help someone you barely know? Most people would call me crazy or dangerous."
He studied Raven's face carefully, searching for any sign of hesitation or fear. Finding none, a small, tender smile touched his lips.
"I won't argue with you about your safety, Raven," Kirishima said, a touch of admiration in his voice. "You've already proven you can handle yourself better than most warriors I've met."
He shifted his weight off the cane for a moment, testing how much pressure he could bear on his injured leg. "The cave is hidden behind a waterfall about a mile from here. I'll leave clear markings so you can find it easily tomorrow morning."
"Don't mark it. It is too dangerous!" Raven insisted quickly. "I'll find you. I don't know why, but I trust you. I'll be back tomorrow—wait for me and be safe." Gently, she took one of his large hands in hers.
Kirishima's breath caught in his throat at the gesture, her touch warm and steady against his skin. It was simple, yet it sent a jolt of something entirely unfamiliar through him—a deep sense of belonging he hadn't felt since before the war.
“I trust you too, Raven," he said, his voice dropping to a low, earnest whisper. "More than I've trusted anyone in a very long time. You’re not afraid of me, and that makes me… safe.”
His red eyes searched hers intently, as if trying to memorize every single detail of her face. "I'll wait for you. I promise I won't move from this spot until you come back."
The confidence in his tone was absolute, a stark contrast to the years he had spent learning to rely on no one but himself. With a final, lingering squeeze of her hand, Kirishima reluctantly released her and turned toward the direction she had pointed out. His movements were slow, but there was a fierce determination in his steps.
Raven turned away with a heavy heart. She didn't understand why, but she felt as though she had known him forever. Swearing a silent oath to herself to protect him, she bolted back toward the village.
Behind her, Kirishima watched her retreating figure disappear into the growing shadows of the forest, his heart aching with a strange mix of gratitude and longing. The warmth of her hand lingered on his skin long after she was gone, a physical reminder of the connection they had forged in just a few short hours.
He limped carefully back to the stream, lowering himself onto the grass near where they had tended to his wound. The makeshift bandage held secure, and he could already feel the soothing herbal salve working its magic. His dragon instincts told him she was telling the truth—she would come back for him.
Leaning back against a sturdy tree trunk for support, Kirishima closed his red eyes and focused on regulating his breathing. The pain in his leg was still present, but it was manageable now that the bleeding had stopped. Around him, the distant sounds of night creatures began their evening songs, filling the darkening forest.
“Raven,” he murmured to the empty air, closing his eyes.
Raven didn't tell a soul what had happened, not even her master. The older woman was good-hearted, but knowing about a dragon could easily become a dangerous threat to her safety. Raven waited anxiously until her master was sound asleep before she began quietly gathering the things she would need.
From a small wooden box in her room containing a few precious memories of her father, she retrieved a sturdy knife. She slipped into the infirmary, taking a set of spare men's clothes kept for patients, and packed a simple ration of bread and cheese. She knew of a nearby orchard where she could gather some fresh fruit on her way out. Sleep never came to her that night; she spent the hours staring at the window, restlessly waiting for dawn.
When dawn finally broke over the forest, painting the treetops in brilliant hues of orange and gold, Kirishima was ready. He had spent the night huddled beneath the overhang of a rocky outcrop, using his sharp dragon instincts to keep watch for any approaching threats. The makeshift bandage Raven had applied was still intact, though the fabric was now damp with the morning dew.
The moment the familiar, light sound of footsteps approached, his red ears perked up. He carefully pushed himself into a sitting position. His injured leg throbbed in fierce protest, but the sight of Raven emerging from the trees sent a massive wave of relief crashing through him.
"You came back," he said, his voice rough from a lack of sleep but filled with genuine warmth. "I wasn't sure if you would. Most people would have run home and told everyone about the monster in the woods."
He watched as Raven knelt and set down the supplies she had brought—food, water, and what looked like thick, warm clothes.
"I promised you," she said softly. "Here, eat to gain your strength. I'll look at your wound afterward."
She felt a little self-conscious wearing the oversized men's clothing she had stolen from the infirmary, but she knew it was far safer and more practical than a dress in the middle of the dense forest.
Kirishima's red eyes softened as he watched her. The sight of her in practical, rugged clothing, clearly chosen for safety over fashion, brought a genuine smile to his lips.
"You look like you're ready for an adventure," he commented, taking the offered bread and cheese with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Raven. I didn't realize how hungry I was until you showed up."
He tore off a piece of the bread and began eating slowly, savoring the simple meal. It tasted better than anything he'd had in days, solely because it had been brought by someone who truly cared about his well-being.
While Kirishima ate, Raven moved closer to examine his leg. Her gentle touch was already becoming familiar to him, and he found himself relaxing completely under her skilled hands. The bandage had held up well overnight, though a bit of fresh blood had seeped through the fabric in places.
“Your master must be an excellent teacher,” Kirishima noted between bites.
“She is," Raven replied, carefully unwrapping the cloth. "She even taught me to read and write. I brought some of her best medicine with me—it's far better than anything I can mix up right now. Fresh bandages will help, too.”
She inspected the gash, relieved to see how the flesh appeared. It wasn't too swollen or red. “I’m not going to stitch it up just yet," she explained. "There might still be a stray splinter hidden deep inside. If I close the wound now, it could trap an infection.”
She pulled a small glass bottle from her pack. “This is a concoction for the pain. It will make you a little sleepy, though. You can take a small sip while I keep guard, if you'd like.”
Kirishima's red eyes widened with surprise. “Your mentor sounds like a remarkable woman,” he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "It's rare for healers to teach their students more than just medicine. Reading and writing are skills that truly set you apart.”
He watched her finish her assessment, nodding in absolute agreement. The pain was still a heavy ache, but the thought of having it stitched closed had secretly sent a shiver through him. "I trust your judgment completely, Raven. If you say it's better not to stitch it, then I believe you."
Accepting the small bottle, Kirishima hesitated for only a second before uncorking it. "Thank you. I appreciate the offer to keep watch while I rest." He took a small sip of the liquid, feeling its deep warmth spread through his system almost immediately.
"Take this cape, too," Raven said, pulling out a heavy cloth. "Your body temperature will drop while you sleep. Lay down near me so I can keep you warm, too."
Kirishima's eyes widened slightly, a sudden flush creeping up his neck. The idea of sharing body heat with a human—someone who wasn't actively trying to take his life—was entirely foreign territory.
"You... you would do that for me?" he asked softly, a note of genuine surprise coloring his voice. He accepted the cape with careful hands, running his fingers over the fabric. "This is much nicer than anything I've worn in years," he admitted with a small smile. "Are you sure it's safe? I don't want to risk you getting cold."
Slowly, Kirishima shifted closer to her, wincing slightly as he adjusted his injured leg. He lay down carefully on his side to face her, leaving a respectful amount of space between them but staying close enough that their body heat began to mingle.
"I've never slept next to another person without expecting an attack," he confessed quietly, pulling the heavy cape up over his shoulders.
“I would never do that to you,” Raven whispered. She looked deep into his brilliant red eyes, completely lost in the striking beauty of them. I would prefer to suffer myself... she added in a breath so faint, she didn't think he could possibly hear it.
Kirishima's red ears twitched slightly as the whispered words brushed against him, though the medicine was already making him unsure if he had heard them correctly. The absolute sincerity in her tone, however, was unmistakable. He shifted just a fraction closer under the shared cape, his body warmth radiating against hers.
"You're too kind for your own good, Raven," he murmured, his voice softening as the quiet forest settled around them. "Most people would have abandoned me to the wild animals by now. Instead, you're risking your own safety just to keep me warm."
He closed his eyes, letting the soothing sensation of her presence lull him toward sleep. The pain concoction was quickly turning the edges of his consciousness fuzzy, but for the first time in years, he felt safe enough to let his guard down completely.
"Thank you," Kirishima muttered, his voice thick with sleep.
Within minutes, his breathing deepened, and he drifted off entirely. Gently, Raven guided his head down to rest securely in her lap. She began carding her fingers through his messy red hair, humming a soft, old lullaby she had known since childhood. Her own eyelids grew incredibly heavy under the morning sun, but she kept her gaze fixed on the tree line. She had to keep him safe, so she forced herself to stay awake, watching over the sleeping dragon.
The hours inside the hidden cave passed slowly, marked only by the shifting, dappled patterns of sunlight filtering through the roar of the waterfall outside. Kirishima’s face gradually softened as he slept, finally losing the heavy tension that came from years of constant vigilance. Even unconscious, his massive frame instinctively shifted closer to Raven's warmth, silently seeking the security of her presence.
When he began to stir sometime around midday, it was with a groggy sigh rather than his usual sudden alertness. His crimson eyes fluttered open slowly, taking in Raven’s exhausted but fiercely watchful expression.
"Hi..." she said softly, offering a tired smile. "How are you feeling?"
Kirishima blinked, focusing on her face above him. A soft, genuine smile touched his lips as he registered where he was, and the soothing feeling of her gentle hand still lightly carding through his messy red hair.
"Much better, thanks to you," he murmured, his voice still thick and rough with sleep. "I don't think I've slept that soundly in years." He shifted slightly on the stone floor, testing his injured leg with cautious movements. He winced, but his eyes lit up. "The pain is still present, but it's noticeably less intense. Your lullaby must have actual magic in it, Raven. I don't remember dreaming at all."
His gaze drifted around the shadows of the cave, landing on the supplies she had carefully smuggled in. The sight of the fresh food made his stomach rumble so audibly that the sound echoed against the stone walls.
Kirishima chuckled, looking a bit sheepish. "You're spoiling me. First a healing hand, then a pain potion, and now this?"
"It wasn't safe to light a fire," Raven explained, reaching into her pack to give him his privacy as he sat up fully. "But I managed to bring some fresh fruit and a savory meat pie."
"A meat pie?" Kirishima’s eyes practically shone, his stomach growling even louder. "You're trying to make me fall in love with you, aren't you?" he joked lightly. But as his eyes locked onto hers, the deep, sudden warmth in his voice suggested he wasn't entirely kidding.
He accepted the food with careful hands, treating the meal with immense gratitude. "Thank you for thinking of everything," he said between bites, savoring the rich flavor. "Most people would have just thrown me bread and water, if they didn't kill me first. You're treating me like a guest, not a wounded animal."
"First of all, look at me, Kirishima," Raven scolded, her voice suddenly fierce as she turned to face him fully. "You are not an animal. You are my precious patient, and you are a person! Don't ever say such terrible things about yourself."
Flushing deeply at her own sudden outburst—and intensely embarrassed by his earlier comment about trying to woo him—Raven abruptly huffed and turned around, giving him her back. She stared at the cave wall, her heart hammering against her ribs. The worst part was that his joke hit too close to home. She was drawn to him, desperately so, in a way she couldn't comprehend.
Behind her, Kirishima’s red ears twitched, a soft smile tugging at his lips despite her turned back. The fierce way she had defended his dignity, calling him her 'precious patient' and demanding he respect himself, sent a profound warmth spreading through his chest.
"Hey, wait," he said softly, reaching out to gently touch her shoulder. His large hand was hesitant, but his grip was firm enough to make her pause. "I didn't mean to upset you. You're right. I'm not just some wounded beast to you." He shifted a bit closer, his leg protesting but his determination winning out. "And you're not just any healer either, Raven. You're the first person in an eternity to look at me and see me, not just a monster."
"R-right..." Raven muttered, her shoulders tensing. She still couldn't bring herself to turn around because her cheeks were burning red at his touch. "Just... don't think so poorly of yourself." She took a deep breath to steady her voice. "We need a plan, Kiri. You mentioned your wing was grazed by those silver-tipped bolts. If we stay this close to the village, someone might spot you. Tomorrow, once you've digested and rested, I want to guide you deeper into the ancient part of the forest. There are denser canopy covers there. It will be safer for you to try and test your dragon transformation without being seen, and I can forage for the specific herbs your wing needs."
Kirishima’s eyes softened with immense respect. She wasn't just patching him up and leaving; she was actively planning his survival. "Deeper into the forest... yes, that is smart. The older trees will mask my scent and any smoke if we eventually need a fire." He let his hand slide from her shoulder, leaning back against the stone wall. "But right now, you need to sleep. Look at the dark circles under your eyes. You stayed awake all night guarding me. Let me return the favor. My dragon senses are incredibly sharp, even in human form. I can hear things humans can't, and I'll keep us perfectly safe."
Raven hesitated, but the absolute exhaustion in her bones finally won. Nodding quietly, she pulled the heavy cape she brought around herself and lay down on the smooth ground, leaving a respectful distance between them. As her eyes closed, the soothing sounds of the forest and the distant rush of the waterfall finally pulled her into consciousness.