Worth Any Price
By: Marle

Chapter 1: The Gauntlet is Dropped

It should not have been surprising, given the rumors that Midoriya had heard about his childhood friend. However, none of the rumors or tales could capture the sheer might and terror before them. Atop the giant crimson dragon before him and his comrades was Kacchan - no - the fearsome Beast King, Katsuki Bakugo. Bakugo's thunderous roar was deafened only by his dragon's spewing of fire as his flowing cloak billowing in the heat blast. In an act of sheer instinct, Prince Todoroki's horse broke from his grip of the reigns and bolted off. Midoriya, Iida, and Uraraka stood gaping in awe and fear.

"Deku! You bastard! Have you finally started your fucking trail to manhood?" Bakugo bellowed, "Like a weakling like you could ever amount to anything! You can't even use magic, you damned nerd!"

"I-It's good to see you too, Kacchan! I-I see you made good on your word."

"I overpowered the big guy four years ago! That's 'your majesty' to you, you fucking loser!" Bakugo boasted, "I'm the greatest hero in these lands and someday I'll be even more renowned than the Great Sage, All-Might! Still carrying around your spell books and potions? Managed to swing a sword properly yet?"

"Y-yeah." Despite his best efforts, Midoriya voice shook as he yelled back, "Kacchan, listen! We need to talk to you!"

Bakugo scuffed, tilting his head to one side, "And why the fuck do we need to talk?"

"Could you please come down here so we are able to have a civil conversation?" Iida interjected, "It is of the utmost importance we convene with you!"

"This is a waste of time," Todoroki muttered, leaning into Midoriya, "Midoriya, we don't need him. We can figure out another way to prepare to battle the League of Villains and there's a pass that wraps around the mountain range so we don't need to travel through his lands."

"You must be Prince Shouto!" Bakugo observed, "I never expected to see someone from Endorea here, least of all the Mad Queen's scar-faced brat."

Todoroki's eyes flared with rage, "Silence, you bastard!"

"Relax, Icy-Hot. I know enough about you to know not to fuck with you, lest I want to deal with your old man," the Beast King smirked, "At least, not yet."

Todoroki's anger bordered on blinding at the mention of his beloved mother and tyrannical father. The Beast King's aggressiveness towards Midoriya was infuriating, but his verbal attacks against Shouto's family were inexcusable.

"Try not to let it get to you, Todoroki," Midoriya whispered, gently grabbing his comrade's shoulder. Shouto's fury quelled slightly, swallowing his disgust while glaring at Bakugo, "Kacchan! Please! We need your help! We need safe passage through the Scorched Valley and to the summit of Mount Woe! There's a great evil amounting in the north and we have to gather the King Sigils of the Gods to prepare to fight!"

At the mention of the Sigils of the Gods, Bakugo's demeanor completely changed. He went from maniacal overlord to stern warrior. Midoriya was taken back on the shift in his aura as well. It was at that moment the dragon lowered its head and Bakugo hopped off its crown, "As King of the Scorched Valley, I alone can access the Altar of the Sigil at Mount Woe. What kind of 'great evil' are you talking about? And how the hell does a magicless nerd like you think you can collect the sigils?"

"Well -" Midoriya began but was cut off by Iida, "Midoriya, it's imperative we keep information limited to our confirmed allies, least spies are about for the enemies."

"It's world-altering," Todoroki stated, "Potentially ending, that's all you need to know if you refuse to help."

"Please Kacchan!" Midoriya implored, "We need your strength!"

Bakugo grunted and scowled at Midoriya, "Your begging is annoying and disgusting. Why the fuck would I align myself with such spineless worms? World-altering? Apocalypse? And you weaklings are the ones who are going to stop it? Give me a break. Get the hell out of my sight, Deku. You won't get my King Sigil and you'll get no help from me."

Midoriya took a few steps forward, his arm extended out to reach him, but Bakugo flipped his cloak then turned on his heels back to his dragon. As he prepared to mount the beast, Uraraka finally spoke, "You said you won't help us because you think we're weak, correct? What would it take for us to gain you as an ally, or at the very least your King Sigil?"

Bakugo glanced back over his shoulder at the brunette mage. He made a quick study of her staff then her figure. His gaze agitated before fading into amusement, "Face me in battle and best me."

"Are you serious? How does that encourage camaraderie and trust amongst allies?" Iida exclaimed.

"That's my condition, four-eyes. Take it or leave it."

Despite his new magic abilities, Midoriya didn't have enough control yet over them to make an opponent for Kacchan. With his sword-skills, fire magic, and ability to command beasts, Bakugo was an unbeatable match given his current skills. Izuku turned to Todoroki, who showed no interest in taking up the challenge. While Prince Shouto was their best fighter, as he was versed in both sword-play and dual magic, Todoroki had already made up his mind about the situation. Midoriya knew it would take far longer than Kacchan would be willing to wait on an answer to convince him to fight. It was up to him and the Great Sage, All-Might, had entrusted his sacred power and the mission to him. It couldn't end here, especially with one of the King Sigils on the line.

Izuku took a deep breath and attempted to swallow his insecurities, but before he could speak, Ochaco stepped forward, "I'll do it."

There was a collective gasp from Iida and Midoriya, with Todoroki's attention snapping to Uraraka as well. "Uraraka! That's-"

"I said I'll fight you, King Bakugo." she insisted, "I have one request."

Midoriya shrunk back, waiting for Kacchan's cackle or verbal assault at Uraraka, but to his shock, he simply responded with "And that is?"

Uraraka held up her index fingers on each hand, "It's a one-on-one match using our personal abilities - magic and weapons only." her gaze shifted to the dragon at Bakugo's side, "That means your friend can't help. Though I will admit, that's a pretty intimidating disguise… or perhaps it's a shapeshifting ability?"

Midoriya was shocked to see Bakugo and his dragon's eyes widen in surprise.

"Wait, Uraraka, are you saying that dragon isn't what it seems?" Iida exclaimed, "You can tell that just by looking at it?"

Uraraka smiled, patting her temple with her gloved hand, "I told you I aim to be a Master Mage! That means I have to be able to see through charms, status effects, and enchantments." she turned her attention back over to Bakugo, "So, is it a deal?"

Bakugo narrowed his eyes at Uraraka, trying to get a read on her. Despite her outward appearance, her chestnut eyes held a fire within them. Physical attacks wouldn't be an issue, but he was unable to estimate her magical powers. Her ability to see through his dragon's true form made him realize it would be foolish to take her lightly until he saw her perform attack spells. He growled and climbed back onto the crown of his dragon, "Fine. Rest for the evening and meet here at dawn. I want to beat you at your best. If you're late or don't show up then don't bother coming back to the Scorched Valley." With that the beast took off, blasting the party with a gust of wind in its wake.

"Hey Uraraka, are you okay with this?" Deku asked. Uraraka nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah! It's fine! We need to get the King Sigil and cutting through the Scorched Valley is the fastest way to the coastline for us to move onto the next altar location."
"Okay, if you say so."

"Uraraka, make sure you have plenty of healing and mana potions on stand-by so you're prepared for a long fight! I'll happily help you organize your bag this evening over our meal!" Iida chimed in.

"I have some suggestions for combating his fire magic as well." Todoroki offered. Uraraka smiled and clapped her hands, "Thanks, guys! I really appreciate it."

While Todoroki and Iida made camp, Midoriya poured over his spellbook and notes about Bakugo's fighting style and magic abilities. It had been so long since he watched Kacchan fight and for him to have overthrown the previous Beast King at such a young age, Izuku tried to forecast the scope of his improvements. When he was about to write up a plan, he peered over at Uraraka, who was beginning to organize her potions. Much to his dismay and concern, the rattling bottles exposed her trembling hands.

As they landed, Bakugo jumped down onto the landing site, straightening his cloak as he did. The red dragon let out a roar that increased in its pitch before fading. As the great beast's body dissipated into the air like cinders from a fire, its fury gave way to the howls of laughter. Emerging from the ashes stepped a red-haired defender, with gleaming red eyes and sharp white fangs. The man was practically in tears with laughter as he walked towards Bakugo.

"What's so damn funny, Kirishima?" Bakugo growled.

"I'm sorry, my lord, but- you should've seen your face when that mage saw who I was." Kirishima cackled, "I've never seen you look surprised before."

"Shut up, shitty hair, it wasn't like you were stone-faced either. What kind of dragon lets a round-faced wench like that make it look disarmed?"

Kirishima shrugged and straightened the bandana around his neck before adjusting his arm brace. He took a moment to examine the links in the scale armor, making sure they were still tight and snug, "Still though, what's with that guy who knew you? I recognized the knight and they have the Prince of Endorea with them. Why would they be looking for the Sigils of the Gods?"

Bakugo and Kirishima walked past bowing guards into the opulent main hall of the palace. "If that damned nerd is with them, then they're up to something that's likely going to piss me off."

The fortress city of Pyre was one of the most powerful and richest cities in all of the region, but nearly impossible to get to unless one flew in or had a very carefully planned route. Under his rule, Bakugo had managed to sway the tribal leaders to common practices, which succeeded in stimulating the economy, rebuilding the might of the navy and army, as well as increase the quality of life within the realm. Pyre's prosperity came from a combination of the gem and ore deposits within the Scorched Valley, as well as its nutrient-rich volcanic soil, which made it perfect for farming. Despite these benefits, the Scorched Valley was notorious for its active volcanoes, vicious beasts, and rugged terrain. Riches meant nothing in this place if you weren't strong enough to survive. For centuries, the tribes of the Scorched Valley were at war before establishing Pyre, however, despite the century-long peace they refused to have a weak leader. It was with this in mind that the challenge system was established, meaning anyone could fight for the throne. Bakugo was just fourteen when he overthrew the previous king.

When he had left the village, he swore he would become a renowned king and hero someday. Since Katsuki was not of nobility and lacked the manners or tact to charm a princess, marrying into a royal family was out of the question. During his boyhood, he had heard of the fierce warrior Kingdom of Pyre that was tucked away deep within the Scorched Valley and how all would bow the strongest one there. Despite the pleas of his parents and warnings of his teachers and peers, Bakugo left the village and all who lived there, including Deku. The annoying scholarly boy had been on Katsuki's heels for as long as he could remember until he ventured out on his journey into manhood. Most boys waited until they were sixteen or seventeen to start the journey and usually achieved "manhood" once they had established themselves and started families. In Bakugo's eyes, manhood was achieving power and being the greatest in the land. He had fought his way through the Scorched Valley, staining the earth several times with his blood, sweat, and tears. There were times where death seemed to be coming for him, but it was all worth it when he finally reached the black gates of Pyre.

"So, you're not interested in what the problem could be?" Kirishima asked, "What if it's something that could affect everything we've been working for over the last few years?"

Stubbornness gave way to logic as Bakugo groaned, "There's nothing in this world that could defeat me."

"But what if what they're worried about isn't of this world?" The crimson shape-shifter remarked, "My tribe alone is proof that not everything is always as it seems. What if there's something beyond this mortal coil that could be summoned? C'mon, my lord, you're one of the smartest people I know. Surely in your studies, you've read about the ancient lore."

"I never knew you were so superstitious, dragon breath," Bakugo chuckled. Kirishima crossed his arms and grit his teeth, "Don't be sacrilegious, Bakugo, even you're not a god. You don't know everything that's out there."

"Then what, pray tell, would you have me do about the duel tomorrow?"

"Help them, regardless of the outcome. We both know you can level that mage without trying too hard." Kirishima replied, "You beat me to a pulp fair and square and I promised to serve you as a result, so I'm offering you my council with transparency. This is something much bigger than a duel. You saw it in her eyes, didn't you? She's terrified of you, but whatever they need your King Sigil for it's obviously big enough that she's willing to put herself in danger over getting it. She's got guts if you ask me."

Bakugo sighed and sat on his throne, resting chin on his hand, "Like I give a shit," he was careful to keep about the airs of disinterest despite his growing attention to Kirishima's words. For some reason, he found himself recalling her passionate brown eyes that stared him down in defiance. Where Deku and the other idiots had wallowed and weighted the challenge he presented, she had stepped forward without a second thought. Her courage was admirable, even though the challenge was impossible. Physically, she didn't look like much. She was a curvy wench, who wore a hand-me-down Mage's hood, with what appeared to be a handmade staff that he could easily snap in two. "What was her name again?"

"Her what?"

"Don't make me repeat myself," Bakugo growled, "You may not have as big of ears in your human form, but I know damn well you heard me."

Noticing his slight change in attitude and curiosity, a sly grin crept across Kirishima's face as he bowed to his king, "I believe I heard them call her Uraraka, my lord."