Chapter 24: A Quiet Song

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the BnHA/MHA Characters. And I am not attempting to say that I do while making this fictional, and fan-made, story. They are owned by Kohei Horikoshi.

Chapter Warning(s): Language, and light suggestive themes.

Edited By: Dreamy Wolf

A/N: Hey everyone! I am so sorry for the super late update. I had been wrapped up in the holidays and the next thing I knew, it was almost February.

Again, I am so sorry for the delay and lets get on with the chapter!

(Uraraka)

Uraraka slowly opened her eyes to the bright morning sun. Warmth surrounded her, not only from the sun, but also from the body that was pressed against her back. A red cape covered her frame while two protective arms were wrapped around her. Smiling to herself, the mage turned her body so that she was facing the blonde haired dragon with whom she shared this intimate space with.

The two had talked long into the night, resulting in Uraraka resting her head on Bakugou's shoulder and then falling asleep. He must have laid her down afterwards, though she wasn't necessarily complaining about her current situation. On the contrary, she had caught herself wishing that every morning could have been like this.

"Stop your damn wiggling." Bakugou said lazily. The words themselves may have been harsh, but his voice held no malice. Actually, Uraraka could have sworn that he sounded pleased and content. Placing her hands flat against his chest, she felt his body flinch and recoil.

"Why the hell are your hands so damn cold?" He said gruffly. Without opening his eyes he wrapped his arms around her and encased them both tighter within his red cape. Uraraka giggled, breathing in his intoxicating sage sent.

"You know that was me trying to get you to release me." She said playfully in his ear.

"And why would I want to do that?" He said back, just as playful. His eyes peeked open and stole a glance of her before quickly shutting again. It was a little unusual seeing him being in such a good and lighthearted mood. The mage believed herself to be fonder of this side of him and wondered why he did not show it more often.

"Because it is morning…" She said, trying to think of a reason for him to release her.

"And?" He reached his head over to hers. The bridge of his nose then traced against her forehead. His hands began to move along her body and his hot breath danced across her face.

"A-And…people might be l-looking for us…?" She couldn't help the reddening of her cheeks.

"So…" His face backed away from hers. A single hand rose, and she felt the knuckles of his fingers trace along the side of her face. "Let them look…"

Uraraka's mind was reaching a feverish state. "As tempting as that may be…we still have to go…" Uraraka turned her face and began to push him away once more. With a low growl of his chest he finally gave in and released her.

With a sudden chill, Uraraka began to pull her fingers through her hair in an attempt to tame it. She turned and saw Bakugou staring at her. Those red eyes of his, threatening to burn holes through her. She could sense his irritation at their separation, but there was too much going on right now for her to give into her desires in such a way.

"I am going to wash in the stream. After that we need to be heading back to the city." She said sternly.

Bakugou rolled his eyes, breaking their intense concentration. "Fine." He complained, rolling his head backwards. Uraraka giggled at his reaction. So many people believed him to be this cold-hearted and blood-thirsty killer. Herself included at one point. But then she was able to see the real Bakugou. He was protective, caring, and even sweet. She only wished that he would show this side more often, and to others. But then again, she caught herself thinking, maybe she didn't. This was her own secret side of Bakugou that only she was allowed to see. The thought brought a smile to the mage's face.

Readying herself, Uraraka began to make her way to the stream, when suddenly Bakugou's head snapped up. His eyes were wide, and mischievousness danced within them. He had thought of something…

"What if instead of going back to the capital…I take you to the dragon fortress instead?" He said.

Uraraka's eyes instantly shot up to the mountain that housed the dragon utopia. Unable to see the top due to the clouds, her mind began to dream of what could potentially be up there.

"You did say that you wanted to see it…didn't you?" Bakugou asked.

"I can't go up there!" Uraraka shouted, her emotions getting the better of her. She quickly hushed herself and spoke again in a hushed but urgent tone. "It's a dragon fortress. Humans are not allowed."

"Pffft, please. That's only if we get caught and trust me as long as you are with me, we won't. I excel in stealth." His face was starting to show smugness, an expression that Uraraka found not only hilarious but also incredibly adorable. She put a hand to her mouth, holding back a laugh. Bakugou shot her a displeased look, and the mage quickly silenced her snickering.

Uraraka took another look up to the mountain that inhibited the fortress. "I have…been curious about seeing it…" She said quietly, her cheeks puffing out a bit.

"Then it is settled!" Bakugou said loudly. Jumping forward, he lifted her effortlessly into his arms.

"What are you doing?" Uraraka asked, the blush returning to her cheeks.

Bakugou adjusted her weight for a brief moment before responding. "You are going to take too long walking to the stream. This will be much faster." Then, with a few leaps, Bakugou had carried her off towards the stream before she could protest. Though, she didn't have the mind to. She felt right in his arms and she didn't dare look him in the eye at the present moment.

What would have taken her a good amount of time, the two reached the stream in what seemed like seconds. Uraraka refreshed herself in the stream, splashing the cold water on her face. Quickening her normal routine, Uraraka made excellent time. Mostly due to Bakugou's impatient brooding. He must have really wanted her to see the fortress for him to be so anxious.

Once she had completed, Bakugou transformed into his dragon self, stating that this would be an easier way to transport her. Lying flat onto the ground, Uraraka climbed onto his back and the two were off.

Soaring above the clouds, Uraraka allowed her mind to wander on what she could potentially see. Deep, maze like caves were on the top of her list, as well as pools of lava breached volcanos. What was in the running for best fortress? What did dragon's consider to be the best living conditions?

A cold chill brought Uraraka's attention back to the current time. They had been flying for a moment and still had not reached the top. Passing into the clouds a while ago, Uraraka wondered how much higher they would have to go. When suddenly Bakugou's flying pattern flanked and landed on a small ledge on the side of the mountain.

"Is there something wrong?" Uraraka asked. Wondering if his sudden turn was because of something afoot.

"No, we are almost there." Bakugou dug his claws into the mountain side and began to scale the rest of the way on foot. "If I were to fly in, someone might notice."

Once reaching another, more enclosed ledge further up, Bakugou allowed Uraraka to dismount and transformed back into his human self. The ledge was narrow and turned a sharp corner around the mountains cliff. She wrapped her arms around herself in an attempt to shield her skin from the cooler temperature. Taking her hands in his, Bakugou guided her around the ledge. Turning the sharp corner, Uraraka was introduced to the dragon's homeland.

The large sun instantly warmed her from the cold shade. The vast horizon below was endless, curving out with the earth's land masses. Thick green pine trees sat on top the seemingly barren mountain. Water, from unknown sources, fell from waterfalls and filled a small lake. Flowers and grass bloomed vibrantly around the water's edge. It was if a small hidden forest oasis was accidently discovered. One untouched by man or time.

As Uraraka took in the beauty of it all, she had noticed that this dragon fortress was strikingly dragon-less. "Where are the dragons?" She asked.

Bakugou shrugged his shoulders. "Probably still sleeping in the caves. Lazy bastards."

Pulling her gently onward, Bakugou led her down the cliff and into the wooded area. Uraraka was convinced that this place was indeed paradise as she drew closer. The area even smelled of honey and fir. The air around them was clean and crisp. "I never knew a place like this existed." She said in awe.

Bakugou brushed her comment to the side. "It's alright, I guess." He may have seemed careless; but he could not hide the slight blush in his cheeks at her comment.

Bakugou and Uraraka rounded a rock mound, to be closer to the lake, when Bakugou's body collided with another person. The blonde, instantly going into a fray, leaped at the other body. Determination and purpose emanate on his face, Uraraka let out a slight gasp. They had been caught!

She readied her magic to hide herself with a cloaking spell when she noticed a familiar set of red spiked hair. "Kirishima?"

"Uraraka?" Kirishima wheezed through Bakugou's choke hold. "Well, I guess that is what's got you all jumpy." Kirishima's face turned up towards his angry friend. He then rotated his body so that Bakugou was forced to release him.

"What the hell are you doing bringing her up here?" Kirishima questioned. "Do you know how much trouble you will be in if you are caught?"

"Shut it!" Bakugou snapped. "I covered for you when you brought that damned dragon hunter up here. You owe me!"

"Y-You said you would keep a lid on that…" Kirishima said under his breath, awkwardly stealing glances at Uraraka. The mage then looked up to the sky, as if she did not hear what was said.

Bakugou opened his mouth, about to snap something back at Kirishima when another male voice made the three's blood run cold. "Why is there a human on the mountain?"

Uraraka and the boys turned to see a lean man standing a few feet from their right. He wore all black except for the white scarf wrapped around his neck. Long black hair hung around his face as bloodshot black eyes were fixed on Uraraka. The mage could tell that he was a dragon, and now they were for sure caught.

"Is someone going to answer me?" His voice was quiet but threatening. Long claws began to grow from his fingertips as he began to pace towards Uraraka. Bakugou and Kirishima were quick to step in. "She is with me." Bakugou said flatly, stopping the black clad man from progressing further towards her.

"Us." Kirishima corrected. Both Bakugou and the new man rolled their eyes. Looking at him more closely, Uraraka wondered if this man was the human form of that black dragon that approached Bakugou and herself a few missions back. The one Bakugou had said taught him how to fly with damaged wings.

"In any case, she is not meant to be here. Leave now!" he ordered to Uraraka.

"What if I don't want her to…" Bakugou challenged. The veins in the black clad man's neck bulged as his fangs and claws revealed themselves.

"She is not meant to be here." He said low, his loose black hair starting to shift around him in the wind.

Bakugou and Kirishima readied themselves as well. Kirishima's red scales coming forward and Bakugou's fire magic popping in his palms. However, they were never able to see who was the better, for Lady Ryukyo, in her dragon form, touched down beside them. Her bright blue scales shining in the sun's light.

The Queen of Dragons looked at Bakugou, then to Uraraka, then back to Bakugou. Uraraka could feel the shift in tension between all four of the dragons and she wanted to hide away behind the rock mound that they were still near.

"My Queen, I can exp-"

"Save it Bakugou!" Lady Ryukyo quickly snapped, cutting him off. "I'll deal with this later. But for now the King and Master of War are in need of us all." She did not wait for a response. She simply made her way back towards the capital and they all swiftly followed.

(Bakugou)

"You want us to attack Shadow's Capital now?" Queen Ryukyo stated. Her body was tense as she looked upon Deku and Icy-Hot. It was no real question as to why though, what they were proposing was rushed and foolish.

Bakugou sat next to the Dragon Queen, inside of the War Room. Uraraka sat one more seat down from him while Kirishima sat on the other side of Ryukyo. The other Noblemen were scattered around the room and round table. Their energy and anger spiking through the room.

"I understand your concern Lady Ryukyo." The master of War started. "But I believe this to be the best way to end this war as quickly as possible."

"And how do you propose that is?" Hakamata snapped. The veins in his forehead protruding. "I thought we were to aid the countries who were taken hostage! Not give Shadow more of a reason to torture them!"

The other Nobleman cheered their comrade on with murmurs and fists pounding onto the round table before them. Uraraka's guilt and fear spiked, causing the hairs on Bakugou's arm to raise. The same feeling must have raided through Icy-Hot and Deku. The self-proclaimed king's eyes shut tightly while Icy-Hot gave an involuntary shake.

"Because we are going to hit all of their locations at once, not just one." The room grew quiet at the words of the master general.

"That is impossible. We don't know all of Shadow's locations." Hawks said.

"Actually…we do…" Miriko said flatly. Her eyes distant and understanding. As if some master plan had come full circle in her mind. "For a few weeks now, Sir Todoroki has been sending my spies, as well as Kaminara's, throughout the continent at a record speed….they have reported back, haven't they?"

The Master of War's nod was all the room needed to grow into an uneasy silence once again.

"Not only that…" Deku started, drawing the crowd's attention to him. "But with the aid of these spies, we have discovered that the largest gathering of Shadow's forces are currently in Air. The close proximity would be a waist if left unattended."

His green eyes then locked with Uraraka's and Bakugou knew what that sad and distant look meant…they were in proximity of Uraraka's village. The mage clearly knew this as well as panic rose in her, stifling her breathing and causing her to tremble.

Fucking idiot!

Bakugou reached under the table casually and rested his hand on the girl's thigh. Her body tensed for only a moment, before easing back into its usual state. Glancing down Bakugou could see her big brown eyes staring up to him, thanking him for his support. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath as his response, cooling and stabilizing the air around them.

"Do we even have the numbers to execute such a large scale attack?" Crust asked, seeking guidance from Icy-Hot.

"We do…that is if all of our countrymen join…" His dual colored eyes landed directly on Lady Ryukyo. Who met his gaze with an intense stare of her own.

"We will not join for you, Son of Enji. Only for the Bloodline." Her intense stare then shifted to Deku. It was a known fact that Ryukyo was not in good standing with the previous king, Enji. Nearly dethroning him herself. However, for King Toshinori, she would have died for. So if his child were asking this of her, she was sure to do it.

"Please." Deku said quietly, his green eyes focusing on his scared hands. "We will need all of the help that we can get."

Ryukyo then shut her eyes softly, her body relaxing. "Well then, I guess, we have no choice. The entirety of my dragon army shall aid in this final assault."

(Uraraka)

Taking her face into her hands, Uraraka leaned against a wall of the castle. "You alright?" Bakugou asked quietly, his eyes darting to see if anyone was near enough to hear him.

"I'm fine…it's just…we attack Shadow so soon…" Uraraka responded, her voice shaking.

Bakugou's eyes stopped searching and focused on Uraraka. His determination centering on her. "What difference does that make? It's not like we have never faced them before?"

Uraraka shook her head. She needed someone to understand the internal paranoia growing within her. Very soon, her village would be in more danger and she would not be able to defend them. "That's not…what I mean…"

"Then say it!" Bakugou may have snapped, but it was not out of anger or annoyance, but rather a stern command. To stop beating around the bush and face her emotions.

"If Lady Ryukyo's army is involved, then they will go to the front lines of the war." Uraraka glanced down to her brown boots. "And if they go, then you will go. And if you go then I will have to go with them too…"

"I still don't get what the hell you are rambling on about!" He curled his body forward in an aggressive stance; intimidating her to get to the point.

"If I am with you then who will guard my village! My family!" Uraraka blurted out.

Bakugou stood straight once again, his body returning to its normal scowling position. "I'm sure someone will be there." He said passively as he rolled his shoulders.

Uraraka stared blankly up at him. How could he say something like that? Confusion and doubt clouded her mind…did he even understand her at all? Bakugou, sensing her shift in emotion, turned to her quickly. Worry and anxiety filled his eyes and he tried to figure out what had caused her disfavor.

"You know, just forget it." Uraraka stepped away from him. "I will go to my village; you go and fight with the other dragons." She attempted to walk past him, but he quickly stopped her by grabbing hold of her wrist.

"No, wait! What is wrong? What did I say?" His red eyes still trying to decipher her unease.

"It doesn't matter!" Uraraka's emotions were getting the better of her as she ripped her hand from his grasp. "I just need some time…to think…" She said quickly before running away from him.

Uraraka didn't stop and look back to see if he was following her. She prayed that he wasn't. She never was very good at out-running him, but he could have been strolling on purpose so that she would wear herself out.

Though as she turned a sharp corner, the mage was physically stopped by running into the female knight Momo. "Owwww." Uraraka cried out.

"Are you alright?" Momo asked, reaching down and assisting Uraraka to her feet. The young mage took this time to quickly glance behind her. When she did not see Bakugou behind her, she was finally able to let out a breath.

"Yes, I am alright." Uraraka said quietly, a little sadden that the pathway behind was empty.

"That did not sound too convincing, Ribbit." Tsu said, immerging from behind the knight.

"Oh. I guess I can't get anything past you." Uraraka said nervously as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Why don't you come with us." Momo suggested. "I was taking Tsu to the herbal gardens for the castle healers. You are more than welcome to tell us what is wrong along the way."

Uraraka could defy the knight, not knowing her well enough to be sucked into her politeness. But as the mage looked down to the little frog girl her emotion became completely swayed. Her big black eyes screamed for Uraraka to come along and bear her soul. And the mage found herself unable to say no.

"Looks like I have no choice…" Uraraka said sheepishly before walking along with the two girls.

"So what seems to be the problem?" Tsu asked. Her round frog-like face tilting as she spoke to Uraraka.

The mage was hesitant to say, which was odd considering that both girls were now bonded with her. Uraraka knew they had both seen memories of herself and Bakugou. Felt what she cares for him, much like how she currently felt their calm and patient auras. But something about saying it out loud made Uraraka stomach twist into knots.

"It's just…Bakugou…" Uraraka finally murmured. "He had said some things…and I think I may have overreacted and ruined everything."

"What was said?" Momo asked.

Uraraka shut her eyes and clenched her fists. "I was just trying to explain to him how I was worried about my parents. How attacking Shadow in such an open way would expose them to more unnecessary harm." Uraraka reopened her eyes slowly. "And all he said was I'm sure someone will be there."

Momo and Tsu looked at each other and then turned their gaze to Uraraka. "I'm sure that he didn't mean it the way it sounded." Momo said calmly.

"Yes, ribbit. Also, I doubt that you ruined anything. Have you seen the way he looks at you?" Tsu asked.

Uraraka turned to the smaller girl with a questioning look on her face. "…No."

"It's like an animal about to defend its prey." Momo said in a matter-of-factly kind of tone. "It's kind of frightening really…"

The three girls then laughed at this analogy. The thought of Bakugou running threateningly after someone who was trying to steal his prize made Uraraka's spirt lift. He was so passionate about things, something that Uraraka admired about him.

"Yes, He's not exactly the warm and cozy type, but I am sure that he meant well. And, in his own way, was trying to console you." Momo said.

Uraraka gripped the sides of her head with her hands. "I know! But I blew up on him and ran away! What am I supposed to do now?"

The group of girls walked out to the castle's herbal garden. The bright afternoon sun beating down on their skin. Momo and Tsu suddenly stopped, causing Uraraka to take a couple of steps away from them. However, when she realized she was alone; she too came to a halt.

Looking in the direction for which her two friends were seeing; the mage noticed the oddest thing. Both Kirishima and the pink skinned dragon hunter Mina, were walking briskly towards them.

(Bakugou)

"I just need some time…to think…" Uraraka said quickly before running away from him. Bakugou stared at her retreating body for only a moment. His eyes wide with hysteria as what had just unfolded in front of him. With a quick clench of his jaw, Bakugou stormed off after her. His hands were clenched tightly, and he could feel the popping of his fire magic exploding against his skin. He had said what she wanted to hear. That her village would be guarded…what more did she want?!

He never did get to reach her and ask, for the blonde ran straight into Kirishima. "Watch where the hell you are going shitty-hair!" Bakugou yelled, touching his chest were the two had collided.

"Hey man, I'm not the one sprinting through the halls…" Kirishima retorted, rubbing his shoulder.

"Kiri, are you alright?" The damn pink skinned dragon hunter rushed to Kirishima's side. Bakugou involuntarily shook his body as he rolled his eyes. Partially because of what she had just called him-Kiri-seriously? But also because of the way she was gently touching his arm with her small hands.

Their open display of affection made him sick. But he did admit that the sight grew a silent craving within him. A desire to have the mage fawn over him in such a public and unashamed way. Any chances of that becoming a reality were diminished now.

"So what has you running through the halls? That eager to start the war?" Kirishima asked.

"No! I just…I…" Bakugou was at a loss for words. He didn't want to come out a tell Kirishima that Uraraka had run from him. He just wanted to hit something, release this pent up aggression.

"Hey, where is that girl you are always with? The mage?" Pinky asked, her index finger touching the side of her face. "Aren't you two always together?"

Bakugou growled low in his chest at the dragon hunter and his eyes narrowed threateningly. Kirishima's eyes widened as if a torch had been lit inside his mind.

"Did you get into another fight with Uraraka?" Kirishima asked, shocked.

"No!" Bakugou quickly snapped. "We are not fighting! She just ran away from me! That's all!"

Kirishima let out a deep sigh, his head dropping. "What did you say to her?" He asked, his voice strained and tired.

"I DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING!" Bakugou could nearly feel the heat behind his eyes as he glared at Kirishima. The blonde's heart quickened, and his breaths became shorter. This was not his doing. She clearly had something wrong with her!

"It seems like you did say something." The girl said, stepping out from behind Kirishima.

"Stay out of this pinky!" Bakugou snapped. But she was unphased by his tone, and simply shrugged off his aggression

"I may not look like it, but I am actually really good at advice. Just say it and get it off your chest."

Bakugou snorted and rolled his eyes. Clenching his jaw he stared at the black and golden eyes of the girl before him. He let out a deep breath and found himself giving into her request. What had become of him to give into the wishes of others so easily? "She was rambling on about how she would have to go to war with me on the front lines, and how she wanted to defend her family. Then I stopped her and said that her family would be guarded by someone-"

He did not get to finish his sentence as the light gasp of the girl stopped him. "You did not say that…did you?" The girl said quietly, placing a hand on her mouth.

"Not in so many words, but yes..." Bakugou could feel his eye begin to twitch.

"Man what the hell!" Kirishima blurted out. Leaning forward, Kirishima shoved his face in Bakugou's. "You know the whole reason she even came to this country was to help her family. Everything she has done here has been for them. And now she is confiding in you that she is worried about their safety and you just brush it off?!"

Bakugou took a step back and lightly shoved Kirishima's face out of his own. "I did not just brush it off."

"You…kind of did…" The girl said, her face serious and also sad. "Haven't you ever worried about something? The safety of another?"

Bakugou felt his back relax, he had not felt worry for another in a long time. Figuring it was too painful to go through loosing another person he cared for. But as Uraraka slowly made her way into his life, he started to feel the familiar emotion once again. He worried about her and cared if she was doing well or not.

"Yes…" He responded quietly.

She then jumped in his face. Her anger and loud voice caring down the corridor. "Then how would you feel, anxious and walking on pins-and-needles, and then someone you try to tell just says "oh I'm sure someone will watch out for them"!"

Bakugou took another step back and he thought about her words. If he were in Uraraka's position, and someone said that to him, he thought that he might strangle them. And Uraraka's action suddenly made sense to him.

"There, not that you've got your head out of your ass-" Bakugou glared at the pink girl once more at her comment. "we can go fix this."

"Fix?" Kirishima questioned. "How?"

A devilish smile crept onto the girl's face. "Oh, just leave that to me."

(Uraraka)

Mina grabbed hold of Uraraka's arm and directed her back into the castle's corridors.

"Where are you taking her?" Momo asked, her palm resting on her blade's hilt. The last time these two were together was when the female knight was arresting the dragon hunter.

"Don't worry. We are only taking her to make up with her sulking dragon." Mina said, a wide a mischievous smile on her face.

"I can vouch for her." Kirishima said, his hands raised in a submissive manor.

"Bakugou…sulking? Ribbit." Tsu said. Her index finger touching the side of her face. "That would be an interesting sight to see. You must have really yelled at him Uraraka."

The mage did not respond, only stared blank-faced at the pink skinned girl who was pulling her onward. Was Bakugou really that upset? To the point that he was sulking.

"Well I wouldn't exactly call it that." Kirishima laughed. "But he is pretty riled up." The red head then grabbed Uraraka's other arm and assisted Mina in pulling the mage away from the two original girls.

Uraraka looked back over her shoulder at Momo and Tsu. Her brown eyes begging them to intervene. But they stood firmly in place as they smiled at her. "Sorry, ribbit. But we were instructed to gather herbs for the healers." Tsu said, responding to Uraraka's silent pleas.

"Looks like you had nothing to worry about. Everything worked out in the end." Momo added, a caring motherly smile on her face. The two then waved their goodbyes. Their eyes soft and compassionate.

The mage could not get out a single word before her two eager companions pulled her around a corner and out of sight of the two girls.

(***)

Mina and Kirishima, not wanting to give away their destination, suddenly stopped at the main entry way of the castle. The cobblestone pathway leading out to the bustling city that lay just outside of the tall castle walls. Green grass was now starting to yellow at the upcoming seasonal change. Had she truly been in Fire that long now? Spring had brought her to this country and summer had seen most of her battles. Now fall will see this wars end, whoever is left standing. Taking a deep breath, she finally realized how tired she was. How ready she was to be done with all of this…

"Bakugou!" Kirishima shouted while waving his arm in the air. Uraraka glancing in the direction Kirishima was looking, found the blonde standing alone. However, when Bakugou's eyes fell on Uraraka, his nervousness spiked to match her own. Though he was able to physically hide it better under his typical scowl.

"You actually brought her?!" Bakugou was quick to yell at Kirishima as he approached.

"Of course we did. We told you that we were going to fix this!" Mina yelled back. Though her tone held less bite.

Bakugou growled low in his chest as his red eyes narrowed at the dragon hunter. Emotions were high, and Kirishima quickly side-stepped in-between Mina and Bakugou. "Hey now, there is no need for that." Kirishima said sheepishly. "We are all hear to accomplish the same thing."

"Tsk, speak for yourself." Bakugou huffed. His eye shifting to Uraraka for the first time since he saw her approaching. "If she wants to go and fight on her own, then let her!" His voice may have been filled with venom, but his emotions were crying out.

His solemn sensations did little to douse the fire that erupted at his words. She was about to apologize for her outburst earlier in the day, but that when straight out of her current state of mind. "Maybe I should!" Uraraka snapped. "A least someone will give a damn about me back home!"

Bakugou growled fiercely at her, directing his aggression towards her now. All somber emotion blanketed by pain and anger. His body was slightly curled, ready to strike. Uraraka's body moved into a position of stiff confidence. Daring the blonde to make a move.

"Alright, things are a little…tense…" Kirishima said awkwardly, moving from in front of Mina to in front of Uraraka. "Lets try to calm things down a bit." Kirishima, being one of the selected Uraraka bonded to, could feel the overflow of anger and pain radiating from the two. His own calm and controlled emotions cascaded against them like gentle evening waves to a beach. This seemed to work and cooled the situation for the time being.

"Now Uraraka, I know that you are worried about your family and this all happened because of that fact correct?" Kirishima said, his hands reaching out to her in a sympathetic gesture. Uraraka nodded to the red-head as her response. "Well what if I had a solution to this problem? What if Mina and I lead a band of dragons to your village and took it back from Shadow?"

Uraraka's shoulders dropped as her eye's went wide. Even Bakugou's posture had eased. "You would do that for me?" Uraraka whispered.

Kirishima flashed a wide toothy grin. "Well yeah. With everything that has gone on…well were family now…and if your family is in trouble, then so is mine." Kirishima's usual goofy and carefree attitude was gone. Replaced with a softness and seriousness, she rarely saw in him.

"How?" Bakugou scoffed. "Lady Ryukyo isn't going to just give you a fleet of dragons."

"Actually she would." Kirishima jeered back. "Unlike you, I'm actually in good standings with Lady Ryukyo."

Bakugou snapped his head to the side, so that the small group couldn't see his angered and frustrated face.

"Mina and I were talking about it on our way to get you Uraraka. I think I know just what to say to get Lady Ryukyo to agree to Mina's crazy-" Kirishima was cut off by Uraraka throwing herself at him. Her arms wrapped around his chest and her face was pressed against his shoulder.

"Thank…you…" She whispered, her body trembling with emotion.

His muscular arms incased her smaller frame and his head lightly rested on top of hers. "That's what family does…we look out for one another." He then lightly pulled her away and slightly crouched so that he was looking at her face. "I'll deal with your village. You go out there and put an end to this damned war."

Uraraka nodded quickly, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "O-Ok." She croaked out. Wiping her eyes quickly with her hands, her attention then snapped to Bakugou. "And you!"

The blonde marginally winced back, not sure were the mage's conversation was about to go. "I'm sorry." She blurted out.

Bakugou's eyes went wide, just before rolling them and letting out a deep sigh. "You are hopeless, aren't you?"

"I guess so…" She said quietly.

"No! No guessing! Besides you know how I-" Bakugou suddenly stopped and shot a glare to Kirishima and Mina. Embarrassment and a crippling fear exploding from him in surges. Had he almost confessed his feelings for her in front of them?

Kirishima's eye shot open as wide as they could at the detecting of Bakugou's overwhelming emotion. "I think that is our cue to go." He said, gesturing towards the glare. Grabbing a whining Mina, he briskly walked off back towards the castle.

Once they were a safe distance away, Bakugou began to speak again. "You know how I…feel…about you." A faint blush crept onto his cheeks. "How could you think I didn't care?" He turned his eyes away from her, his hands repeatedly clenching and releasing.

"I don't know." She responded. Touching her hand to the side of his face, she turned his attention back towards her. "Things are just happening fast, and I got scared. I just overreacted."

He grabbed her arm and pulled her close to his body, incasing her in his arms. "Well don't do that again. It really pissed me off." He said playfully.

"Oh, really?" Uraraka teased. "I might have to remember that then for the next time I want to be left alone."

He snickered at her comment. Reaching a hand up, he tucked one of her bangs behind her ear. "Lets hurry up and finish this damned war."

Nodding, her eyes went soft. Bakugou leaned in and, for the first time outside of their wooded sanctuary, kissed her.

(Gun Head)

The room was dark and quiet. His back leaned against a brick wall. His wrist were sore and raw against his chains. The foul smell of body odor and disease radiated through the bodies that surrounded him.

He did not know where he was. He had been transferred to a new location by the scarred faced general who had attacked his students the day the village was taken. He understood he was no longer in the village, but he believed himself to still be within his home country of Air.

"DAMN THEM!" Came a man's voice, high pitched and panicked. "They killed her! What are we going to do about it!?" The voice suddenly changed to a deep and sultry voice. Gun Head recognized it as one of the general's. the one who can make copies of himself.

"Calm down Jin. We are going to get them back." Another voice answered. This one was cooling and sinister. Gun Head lowered himself low to the ground to the voice he had known all too well, The Prince of Shadow, Shigoraki. "After this kind of display they will come for us in their bloated self-confidence. And when they do, we will end this war once and for all."

"End the war?" The squirrely voice asked. "But how? And how do you know they will attack us?"

The prince gave a silent but threatening chuckle. Fire thinks they are so…secretive with their spies. They aren't the only ones with men on the inside." The prince stopped momentarily as if to prove his point. "My informants have advised me that Fire is readying their assault as we speak. We should go and make sure that we are ready for our guests."

The general chuckled in his deeper voice. "That's why you are in charge. One thing though. When they do come, I want to be the one to kill that bitch mage Uraraka for what she did to Toga." Gun Head's ears perked up at the sound of his student's name.

She was alive!

She had gotten away and was leading the war front? Emotions turned in Gun Head's chest as he hid his quivering lip. So many questions popped into his mind. Where had she gained so much power to take out a general of Shadow? Was she fighting alone? No. The prince had just mention Fire…had she allied herself with the now catatonic country? One thing was for sure though. He was so proud of his student.

"Gladly." The prince answered. "However she will probably be with that traitorous over-sized lizard. Take Dabi with you so to even the odds."

"Thank you, my prince. I will be sure to not let you down."

A/N: Thank you all again for being patient with the late update. Hopefully the chapter made up for it? 😊 But, after talking with my Beta Reader, I have decided to split the "big final battle" chapter into two sections. It was just getting way too long for me to handle and it was stressing me out to not have it done on time. So now the story will end at 27 chapters, instead of the original 26.

See you all soon!