Seraphim

Disclaimer: I do not own My Hero Academia.

Warnings: Violence, Blood/Gore, Death

Pairings: Amajiki x Midoriya, Amajiki x Bakugou, Togata x Hadou, Midoriya x Shinsou, Midoriya x Todoroki, Midoriya x Bakugou, Bakugou x Kirishima, Kirishima x Kaminari

Plot: Amajiki takes Midoriya to the crystal chamber.

Ch 02: Geode

Amajiki climbed down from the elevated platform carefully, following after Uraraka as she descended the massive tree, Tokoyami and Asui already on the ground below waiting for them. The hybrids traversed the forest easily, but for their human companions they paced themselves, allowing Uraraka and Amajiki the time they needed to reach the ground unharmed. Amajiki looked back up towards the platform once they had reached the ground below, unable to spot it in the dense leafy boughs of the entangled trees, awestruck at how camouflaged their hideout was from the forest floor. If he had not known it was there, he would have never suspected what was hidden in the boughs high above. Uraraka beckoned him to follow as she stepped away from the giant trunk, following after Asui and Tokoyami through the shadows. The sun was setting now, it would be dark soon. He had been clothed, fed, and rested for several hours before they'd decided to move.

They were to meet Deku at the cave by dark.

Amajiki fell into pace at Uraraka's side, the brunette smiling up at him and pointing to various things they passed, saying the word in her native tongue and gesturing for Amajiki to echo after her. He did the same, teaching her words as well, Uraraka slowly repeating after him. Asui was listening, smiling as she glanced back at them now and then, catching Amajiki's eyes as he asked curiously, "How is it that you and Tokoyami know my language, but Uraraka doesn't?"

"She's not from here. She's from the mainland." Asui replied, glancing ahead towards Tokoyami. "As hybrids, our villages have always been caught between the humans and the Dragons, a part of both yet not of either. We have learned the languages the humans speak, as well as those used by the deities. It's the only thing that has kept us alive, aside from our mutations. Most of those who are discovered as hybrids are quickly snuffed out."

"As children, we witnessed the slaughter of our villages. Hunters came to the forest, seeking out the Dragons living in the mountains, determined to eradicate them from the world." Tokoyami's voice was deep as he spoke over his shoulder, looking to Asui then to Amajiki before turning away again. "During the assault, the Dragons rose to defend us. One was gravely wounded, while another was struck down in the fields. The White Dragon, the deity who watched over us and protected our village for generations. He was gentle, kind. He donned his chrysalis and walked amongst us. We called him Todoroki."

Asui nodded, her eyes wandering across the boughs overhead. "Todoroki fought off the hunters the best he could, but they overwhelmed him. They had risen to become a powerful force. Mighty enough to take on the gods, to strike them down with spears and swords. Todoroki was too loving, too gentle. He never should have tried to save us."

Tokoyami was quiet for a while, then added softly, "By the time the other Dragons responded, it was too late. The Violet Dragon lashed out by devouring every hunter in sight, causing devastation unlike anything in modern history. Several hunters escaped to the mainlands, and once their forces rallied together they returned to the forest and invaded the caves, slaughtering the Violet Dragon as well. He was known as Shinsou."

Asui let out a soft sigh, shivering as she wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing her upper shoulders. "I still remember their victory cries as they drug his carcass from the underground, as they chopped him apart and divided him like some fatted calf to be shared amongst the masses. They tore apart his wings, took his fangs and claws as trophies. His blood soaked into the ground, turning everything surrounding the battlefield such a deep purple it appeared black. It was terrifying to behold. Terrifying." She closed her eyes, tilting her face up towards the fading sunlight as they stepped out of the forest and onto the grassy plains. "Deku was devastated. He wandered the bloody earth after the hunters had gone, screaming, mourning. After that, the Dragons disappeared underground. They haven't been seen since."

Amajiki shuddered at the thought, shaking his head. "I still can't believe that boy...the boy that spoke to me...he's a Seraphim?"

"Seraphim. Dragons. Old gods." Tokoyami shrugged, casting his gaze across the open plains. "Whatever you call them, he is a creature not of this world. He is something ancient and wise, to be feared and respected. Some worship them, like your village elders, offering sacrifices meant to appease their hunger and wrath. Others, like the hunters that came to kill them, see the Dragons as nothing but monsters. They don't understand. They don't want to. Deku and the other Dragons that have survived...they just want to live in peace. Instead, they're confined underground. The last of their kind."

Tokoyami's eyes drifted towards the mouth of the cave in the distance, and the mountains looming against the rust-orange sky.

"Could you imagine watching your companions being slaughtered one by one, being driven underground to live out your existence in the dark?" He shook his head, flexing his fingers against the air, grasping at the vibrant sky. "Their natural lifespans rival immortality, when left to themselves and not hunted down by humans. They could be here, walking among us. Teaching us, protecting us. There is so much about this world we do not know. Where do they come from? Why were hybrids created? Is there more beyond his life? This world?"

Amajiki listened, his mind reeling, thinking about the life he had lived up until this moment. Being raised in the village atop the mountains, being brought up by the elders as an orphan, finding comfort and companionship with Hadou and Togata who had been orphaned as well. Where did they come from? Why had they been raised there? Where were their families, their parents? Why were they kept cut off from the world? Was their sole purpose in life to one day be living sacrifices to the gods?

Uraraka gasped as she was bumped into, Amajiki looking down at her apologetically, the brunette not watching him, her eyes focused ahead. Asui and Tokoyami had stopped as well, watching the mouth of the cave, at the movement stirring within. There were two figures there, one with crimson hair and bright red wings folded around his shoulders, the other with black wings, and behind him the boy they had spoken with before, watching his companions with a soft smile.

Three of them. There were three. Amajiki inhaled sharply as Deku's eyes settled on him, those emerald irises piercing through him despite the distance between them, as if he were standing right at Amajiki's side. He stepped towards them from the mouth of the cave, his wings extending overhead, three massive sets of emerald and malachite feathers that fanned out against the dark. His wings dipped in again, curving around him, wrapping around his skin and molding against him until he was covered in dark green silks that flowed with his movements, stepping over the soft grasses to greet them. Tokoyami and Asui stepped to the side, Uraraka bowing her head and backing away with a surprised squeak, Deku watching her with a soft expression before turning his eyes to meet Amajiki's.

"Show me." He said softly, offering his hand, Amajiki hesitating only for a moment before giving Deku his hand, letting the Seraphim draw him closer while backing away towards the cave, three sets of eyes watching him as he was led away.

He looked over his shoulder at Tokoyami worriedly once he realized they weren't following after, calling anxiously, "You aren't coming too?"

"No one enters the caverns after dark." Tokoyami called, looking towards the other two Seraphim still standing at the entrance of the cave. "We will wait for you. Do whatever you can to help them. They spared your life."

Amajiki inhaled sharply at the bite of cold in the air as he was led into the mouth of the cave, glancing towards the red-winged Seraphim hesitantly before he heard shuffling at his other side, finding the black-winged Seraphim was watching him curiously, his fangs glinting in the fading light of the sun.

"You're alive." He chirped, laughing brightly. "We weren't certain you would make it, as much blood as you'd lost."

"I-" He paused for a moment, tracing over his steps in his mind, trying to understand. "You're…" He looked to the red Seraphim again, realizing suddenly they'd met before. This boy had been the sleeping creature he'd first stumbled upon, the mountain of red wings and fur. That meant this other boy with black wings was the one that had licked him, and shared his warmth just as Amajiki had passed out. "You were…" He searched those yellow eyes curiously, the Seraphim still grinning wide. "You're the one that carried me to the surface?"

The boy nodded, laughing softly, turning to Deku as he spoke, "I'll go ahead and let Katsuki know we're coming."

Deku watched him go, then turned to look at the other Seraphim standing nearby, the red-winged figure padding closer slowly, his red eyes drifting over Amajiki's frame. "Lead the way. I'll light your path."

Amajiki swallowed nervously, returning his eyes to Deku's. The Seraphim watched him evenly, tilting his head slightly to the side. "You were unconscious when they brought you here. Do you need us to show you how to return to the underground?"

"Yes." He whispered breathlessly, Deku curling his fingers around Amajiki's and tugging him further into the dark. As they left the surface behind, a red glow highlighted the interior of the cave, the fiery wings of the Seraphim following behind them easily lighting up the darkness and burning away the chill in the air. Deku led him through the winding tunnels, further into the darkness and depths, dropping down several sheer cliffs, patiently guiding Amajiki down safely each time. The other Seraphim followed closely behind, until finally the stone leveled out again and they were walking through a massive domed chamber bigger than anything Amajiki had ever seen before. He heard voices ahead, growling and shuffling, the red-winged Seraphim stepping past them and calling out through the darkness in a series of echoing chirps and trills.

Deku paused his steps, drawing Amajiki closer and searching his eyes, his emerald irises glowing in the darkness. "Can you remember the way from here?"

"I don't know…" Amajiki admitted softly. "I remember there was an underground lake, when I dropped the crystal I was climbing out of the water, trying to find a way out…"

Deku nodded his understanding, guiding Amajiki further into the massive chamber, finding a smaller alcove and stepping to the ledge, looking down over the expanse of water below. "I found the gem here, at the bottom." He held out his hand, green light emitting from his fingertips and warming the darkness with a steady serene glow. "Where is the path that led you to this place?"

Carefully Amajiki leaned out over the edge of the sheer drop, looking down at the lake below. "I swam across from the other side. There was a waterfall, a small tunnel and stream…"

Deku looked across the water as well, then twisted slightly as wings sprouted from his shoulders and spine, one set wrapping around his frame while the other shifted closer to the human at his side, expanding to shelter Amajiki in warmth. His wings flexed and tucked inward, drawing Amajiki close against his side. "Hold on to me." He said softly, Amajiki blinking at him in surprise before carefully sliding his arm between his wings, gripping his shoulder and inhaling softly as Deku wrapped an arm around his waist, stepping over the edge and descending with a rush towards the water.

He held Amajiki easily, his powerful wings causing ripples across the surface of the lake as they continued forward, circling the giant cavern until Amajiki pointed out a small waterfall and a crevice cut into the stone. "There. I think that's it. Can you take me closer?"

Deku's wings lashed against the air before tucking inwards, the Seraphim reaching out with massive claws and talons to latch onto the rock, digging in deep and holding them suspended above the water, carefully allowing Amajiki to step onto the stone ledge beside the waterfall. The human inched forward, crouching down beside the natural tunnel and peering inside. He could make out a faint blue glow from within, looking back over his shoulder at Deku and nodding.

"This is it, it's further in. I can see the glowing from here."

Deku stayed where he was, twisting to look back at the way they had come, opening his mouth and letting out some strange cry that Amajiki could only identify as a mixture of birdsong and something feral and animalistic. Several calls echoed back across the lake, and a few moments later a giant winged creature approached them, massive black claws clinging to the rock high above and slowly descending the domed wall, Amajiki turning his face away and closing his eyes, shivering as he pressed back against the rock.

Deku watched him, flexing his wings slightly before returning his attention to Kaminari, watching his figure shrink and change as he returned to his chrysalis, peering down at them curiously with a wide, impish grin. "Did you find something?"

Kirishima joined them a moment later, landing beside Kaminari and slowly approaching Amajiki, the human hunched in on himself and trying to stay quiet. He looked at Deku, then back to the Seraphim at his side, chiding softly, "Denki. You scared him."

Kaminari blinked and looked to Amajiki, laughing softly and flexing his wings over his shoulders. "Sorry about that. Not used to flying in this form. It's easier to shift after I've landed."

Gingerly Amajiki peeked up at them again, letting out a relieved sound when he saw the two Seraphim nearby were once again in their humanlike appearances, Deku drawing closer and hovering at his shoulder, peering into the tunnel as well. "Show me?"

Amajiki nodded slowly, beginning to make his way through the tunnel, crawling through the icy stream. Deku tucked his wings against his spine and followed after, Kaminari and Kirishima watching them curiously from either side of the waterfall, trilling and chirping quietly as they spoke back and forth. Amajiki pressed forward until the light nearly blinded him again, and he stood to his feet as he reached the other side, blinking and looking around at the giant crystals surrounding them, Deku padding forward through the stream and continuing ahead alone.

Amajiki watched the Seraphim curiously, trailing after him slowly, his eyes drifting over the gem clusters and columns of glowing light. He reached out and brushed his fingertips against one of the closest gems, the pale blue light bleeding into his skin once again, Deku suddenly at his side, reaching out to him, lifting his hand and examining the light as it faded away.

"Shouto…?"

Amajiki looked up to meet his eyes, frozen in place as he realized there were two sets of eyes peering down at him, then a fifth emerged, centered in the middle of Deku's forehead. Those five eyes blinked at him slowly, his emerald irises shining brightly, reflecting the glowing crystals surrounding them. "I don't...I don't understand…"

"Shouto?" Deku called again, searching Amajiki's eyes, leaning closer and nuzzling against his brow, descending to his cheeks and jaw, nuzzling into his neck.

Amajiki gasped, recoiling away from him nervously, but strong wings were curved around his back, keeping him close, warm, soft down greeting his fingertips as he flexed his palms against the Seraphim's wings. "N-No, my name is Amajiki…"

"You're him. You're both of them. Oh, Hitoshi. I knew it. I knew I would find you."

Amajiki inhaled sharply and cried out at the feeling of fangs against his pulse, Deku biting into his neck and holding him in place as he drank down a mouthful, swallowing and taking more of his blood into his mouth, letting it flow out languidly, lapping gently at the wounds he had made.

"It's alright, I know you don't remember." He breathed against Amajiki's skin, his hands drifting along his sides to his waist. "You can trust me, I'll take care of you. I promise I'll take care of you. I love you both so much."

Unable to break away, there was little he could do except tremble in the Seraphim's arms, whining softly as Deku lapped at his neck and nuzzled against his jaw, twittering softly and keeping him close. They stayed like that for a while, Deku pressed close against him and lapping up his blood, the human shivering and clinging to his shoulders, trying not to feel afraid. He heard movement behind them, Deku looking up as well, parting his wings just enough to make eye contact with the Seraphim approaching from behind.

"Katsuki. I found them."

Amajiki tensed at the hand against his spine, larger than Deku's, drifting upwards towards his nape. "You tasted him?"

"Yes." Deku's voice was soft, his tone nearly desperate. "Tell me what you feel, what you see. Tell me I'm not mistaken. Please tell me."

"Shh…" The other Seraphim whispered, his fingers drifting up Amajiki's neck and curling around his throat, his breath warm against his shoulder as he leaned close. "Be still. Breathe."

Amajiki exhaled shakily, trying to breathe evenly as fangs pierced his skin once more, crying out softly and clinging to Deku, those green eyes watching him closely as his companion continued to drink. He lingered there for several long moments before pulling away, licking his lips and meeting Deku's eyes, his ruby irises shimmering brightly.

"They're together. Both of them. How…?"

"They died the same night. Hitoshi died trying to protect Shouto. Their bodies were desecrated, violated…" His voice was little more than a whisper, "They twined together before they reincarnated. Now they'll never be separated again."

Amajiki listened to the Seraphim holding him, trembling and dizzy with blood loss, blinking away the static clinging to the edges of his sight. Deku noticed his consciousness waning, chirping softly and reaching up to pet across his cheek, the Seraphim behind him growling softly, "Human bodies are so fragile. So weak. He can't stay here like this. He needs to return to the surface."

He pulled back, his golden wings fanning out as he gathered his strength, starting towards the wall of crystals separating the interior of the geode from the underground lake on the other side. He called out to the other two waiting beyond the wall, then reared back a fist and surged forward, shattering the crystals and breaking through the geode, shards of glowing blue cascading across the surface of the water, large chunks of glowing gems settling beneath the surface and illuminating the wide, domed chamber. Kaminari and Kirishima peered down at them from either side of the large opening, Deku holding Amajiki against his side, his wings curled around him protectively.

Once they had shared their discovery, the Seraphim discussed what to do with their new charge, and eventually agreed to do whatever was best for him at that moment, returning Amajiki to the surface. He was only half-aware of what was happening around him as he was guided through the forest, returned to the safe haven he had been brought to before, the Seraphim lifting him up into the towering boughs and staying with him throughout the night.

When he awoke he was surrounded by feathers.

There was a nose pressed to his shoulder, green feathers resting over his forehead and cheeks, a larger wing draped across his chest. He could feel fingers entwined with his. At his other side, there was another Seraphim with golden wings and blonde hair, breathing evenly in his sleep. His wings were draped over Amajiki as well, shifting slightly with the rise and fall of his breath. He blinked towards the boughs nearby, spotting red plumage amongst the leaves, black feathers peeking out of the makeshift nest the other two Seraphim had created where they'd bundled up together to sleep.

He lay there in silence for a while, listening to the creatures around him as they slept, the soft twitters and growls, the rush of deep breaths and sleepy sighs, and somehow he felt at home.

Tokoyami stepped onto the platform carefully, lifting his mask and looking between the Seraphim nesting here and there, Asui at his side, her eyes wide with wonder. Uraraka climbed up slowly behind them, peeking past Asui's shoulder and pressing a hand over her mouth, muffling her excited squeaks. She whispered something in her native tongue, Asui responding quietly, Tokoyami stepping closer towards the bed, Amajiki tentatively meeting his eyes.

"Are you alright?" He asked, noticing the Seraphim nesting in the boughs nearby as well as he stepped closer, Amajiki watching his approach.

"I think so." He replied nervously, swallowing thickly and shivering as Deku's lips trailed over his shoulder, squeezing his fingers lightly, the Seraphim at his side stirring slowly, blinking open his emerald irises and looking up at him sleepily.

"Hitoshi…"

A feral growl ripped from the golden-winged Seraphim at his other side, his wings lifting and his fangs extending as he hissed at the humans standing nearby. Tokoyami backed away immediately, dropping his head, Asui and Uraraka glancing away as well. Deku reached out, touching his companion's shoulder and soothing him with quiet birdsong, the Seraphim gradually lowering his wings, his rumbling growls quieting as he eyed the silent humans warily.

Amajiki shifted up into a sitting position between them, trying to pull himself away from their grasp, but Deku twittered softly and tightened his grip on his hand gently, meeting Amajiki's eyes. "It's alright, you're safe with me. Kaachan won't hurt them. He was just being protective of you…"

The blonde boy at his side snorted softly, gathering his wings and folding them over his shoulders, getting up from the padded platform and stepping out into the boughs of the tree, opting to nest with the other Seraphim nearby and leave Deku alone with Amajiki. Tokoyami glanced up when he was sure Bakugou had gone, letting out a shaky exhale and stepping closer to the raised platform once more. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Yes." Deku said softly, tugging Amajiki against him, curling his wings around his frame. "Thank you for keeping him safe. He is precious to me, to all of us."

-x-x-x-

Shimura cast her eyes across the mountain peaks, feeling something ringing in the air. It was powerful, resonating. An ancient, familiar song. Aizawa stood at her side, watching the cloudbank rolling across the mountain range, hinting at the oncoming storm. "We should head inside before the clouds break." He murmured, looking down towards the temple nearby, where Toyomitsu was still meditating in the center of the rock garden. Closer to the inner temple, he barely caught a glimpse of Sakamata before he disappeared inside the inner sanctum out of sight, Aizawa returning his attention to Shimura once more.

"Something is stirring." She whispered, her dark hair wisping around her shoulders as the storm gale roze over the horizon. "Can you feel it, Shouta? The old gods are calling. Beckoning one of their own."

Aizawa hummed softly, folding his hands behind his back and closing his eyes, listening to the wind. He was quiet for several moments before letting out a deep breath, his eyes burning with smouldering embers, his irises black as coal. "I sense something, though I cannot say for certain what it is. A ritual...an awakening?"

"Yes." Shimura mused, a smile curving up the corner of her lips. "A Dragon is awakening." She turned and began down the multitude of steps spiraling down the cliffs towards the temple grounds, Aizawa following after her, the first raindrops beginning to fall.

-x-x-x-

Chisaki tilted his face up towards the rain, breathing in the chill of the air as the sky began to weep, Eri standing at his side, watching him silently. Toga was giggling nearby, swatting at Shigaraki as they wove through clusters of tall bamboo, the blonde girl biting her bottom lip and teasing one of her shuriken against the hem of her skirt before dragging the blade up her side and under the curve of a breast, pressing the sharpened point over her heart.

"Honestly, Shiggy. If you're that interested why don't you come and have a taste hmm?"

Shigaraki chuckled softly, rolling his eyes, his pale hair twisted back into a messy bun as he loomed over her with a wolfish grin. "Keep talking, sweetheart. You know I like it when you run your pretty little mouth."

"Quiet. Both of you."

The two bickering companions quieted immediately, glancing towards Chisaki as he listened to the rain, Eri pressing closer to his side, watching him intently. He was silent beneath the steadily growing downpour, until the only sound filling the air was rain hammering against the dense thicket of bamboo, thunder rumbling far in the distance, lightning flashing between the dark clouds swirling overhead.

"Papa?" Eri whispered softly, Chisaki resting a hand against her head, petting through her long tresses tenderly.

"I haven't felt that sensation in a long time." He whispered, glancing down at her, his golden eyes glinting with excitement, his grin visible despite the mask concealing most of his face.

"What is it, Papa?" She asked quietly, looking up at the rain, her red eyes tracing the churning skies.

"The Eldritch are gathering." Chisaki murmured, turning to continue along the footpath weaving through the grove. "The hunters will be on the move."

Toga hummed excitedly as well, returning her shuriken to her garter and skipping along after him, Shigaraki trailing behind. Eri followed after them, looking up at Toga as she hummed merrily, asking softly, "We're going to find the hunters?"

"That's right!" The blonde giggled, reaching down to tap Eri's nose before continuing on after Chisaki, humming to herself all the while. Shigaraki caught up with her easily, his long stride allowing him to set a languid pace beside the smaller girl, glancing down at her impishly.

"You ready for your first mark?" He asked, Eri meeting his eyes and nodding, a determined expression flashing across her face.

"I'll make Papa proud. I know it."

"We're counting on you." Shigaraki rallied, watching as Eri quickened her pace to return to her mentor's side, Toga looking down at her and patting her head before resting her arm causally around Eri's shoulders, keeping the smaller girl close.

Shigaraki watched them with a small smile, glancing up towards the lightning flashing overhead.

He couldn't wait to watch Eri sink her shuriken into Enji's throat.

-x-x-x-

"Touya. Touya!"

He continued ahead, not glancing back at the hunter following him, clicking his teeth when Takami finally caught up to him, reaching for his arm to halt his steps.

"Hey! You can't just run off like that! You father-"

"Don't." He growled, tugging his arm free, the blonde beside him frowning and reaching for him again, grabbing his wrist this time.

"Hey. Touya, look at me."

He exhaled harshly, looking down at the other hunter impatiently, his turquoise irises flashing as they reflected the lightning overhead. "Go back to camp, Keigo. I'm fine. I just...I need a moment without him hovering over my shoulder like a goddamned overseer. He's always watching, always listening. He's everywhere. I just-" He groaned and pressed his other hand over his face, rubbing at his temple gingerly. "I wish I could escape him. I don't want this life. I want something more. Something that I can call my own. There aren't even any Chimera left alive in the world, he slaughtered the last of them. What are we constantly training for? There's nothing out there."

"We don't know that. Not for certain." Takami said softly, squeezing Touya's wrist gently. "Your father does what he feels he needs to do to protect us all. You know what he's been through. Losing his family...your mother and siblings…"

"I lost them too!" Touya groaned, looking down at Takami with a deep set frown. "It's like he forgets that they were my family too! I was just a kid when the Chimera attacked the mainland! I remember everything! I relive that horror every day!"

"I know you do, I know that…" He arched his brow, taking a step closer, "That's why it's our job to protect the people. To make sure nothing like that tragedy ever happens again."

The older hunter let out a deep sigh, reaching up and carding his fingers through his white hair, nodding slowly. "Yeah, yeah I know that. I know that...but still…" He wrapped his arms around Takami's shoulders, tugging him against his chest. "He's so damn infuriating…"

Takami laughed softly, nuzzling into Touya's neck and breathing in his scent, offering softly, "You could try getting along with him, and not arguing with every single thing he says. Challenging his authority in front of everyone like you do, aren't you just asking for him to be a pain in your ass?"

"Brat." Touya whispered, Takami grinning as he tilted his face up, tugging Touya down for a kiss.

"Why? Cuz I'm right and you know it?" He quipped teasingly, Touya growling softly and tickling up his sides, Takami shoving away from his hands and taking off running across the hillside, heading back towards their camp. "Bet I can make it back before you can!"

Touya laughed softly, immediately giving chase, calling after him as he ran, "Doubt it'll be quick enough for us to avoid getting soaked!"

The two hunters ran as fast as they could back towards the shelter of their camp as the storm broke overhead, and rain began pouring down upon the countryside. Far in the distance, on the dark horizon, the mountains where the last known Chimeras had dwelled cast their shadows across the mainland. It had been years since the slaughter that had swept across the mainland, years since the last Chimera had been slain. Still, despite the time that had passed, Touya's father was convinced that a time would come when the Chimera would rise again. The hunters that trained under him followed his words, and prepared themselves for the inevitable battle that would happen should they ever discover one of the ancients still living. Their very existence was a grave threat to humankind.

When they returned to camp, Enji was waiting for them, standing beside the bonfire in the center of the courtyard, the flames gradually dwindling to shouldering embers beneath the pouring rain. Thick smoke filled the air, drifting upwards towards the heavily laden clouds, Takami leaving Touya's side and stepping past Enji with a little dip of his head, leaving father and son alone together in the downpour.

"Touya-"

"I don't want to talk about it." He interrupted, stepping past the stoic hunter and heading inside out of the rain.

Enji sighed deeply, watching him go, listening to the hush drumming low over the earth, the quake of the storm rumbling above shivering through the shelter, the tall trees swaying violently against the flashing skies.

"Where are you?" He whispered, watching the lightning weaving spiderweb paths through the cloudbank. "I know you're out there still. I can feel it."

The skies didn't reply, the thunder growing into something fierce as the storm began to rage, the hunter eventually stepping back inside and closing the door behind him.

They would continue towards the mountains once the storm eventually dissipated.

-x-x-x-

Amajiki looked between the Seraphim watching him, his eyes drifting between them slowly, taking in their eyes, their wings, the scales glittering along their skin.

"There were six of you?"

The black-winged Seraphim nodded, grinning wide with a flash of his fangs. "That's right."

"We were always together." The red-winged Seraphim said with a smile, the smaller wings surrounding his face fanning out against his forehead and cheeks.

"Inseparable." The golden-winged Seraphim added softly, his red eyes glancing away from the human between them and looking up towards the rain, lightning flashing in the distance.

"When we die, after a period of time we are reincarnated." Deku explained softly, his fingertips petting over Amajiki's side, cupping his elbow briefly before ascending his arm, resting his palm against the human's cheek. "You must have been born the night that it happened, as young as you are. Their souls twined together and were reborn anew. You were so close to us this entire time, not born within the mountains but above." He reached up, carding his fingers through Amajiki's indigo hair, searching his eyes with wonder. "To be reborn as a human...such a thing has never happened before…"

"Our souls twining together has also never occurred." The golden Seraphim huffed softly, two sets of wings shifting against his shoulders and upper back, while a third set settled around his waist. "This is unheard of. If I had not felt them for myself, I would deem it impossible…"

The black-winged Seraphim tilted his head slightly to the side, his yellow eyes trailing down Amajiki's form. "I tasted him first, when he was wandering the caverns. I didn't feel anything that resembled Todoroki, or Shinsou."

"You never made a pact with them, Kaminari." Deku replied gently, offering the younger Seraphim a soft smile. "You and Kirishima, you have bonded with one another, but neither of you had bonded with the two we lost. Kaachan and I...we both bonded with them before they were stolen from us. For us, Amajiki is…" Deku looked to the human again, his expression affectionate beyond words, so tender it ached. "It's as if they're sitting right beside us. Calling out to us from somewhere trapped within."

Amajiki watched the Seraphim beside him uneasily, swallowing thickly and glancing away. "If...If what you say is true, and the life I lived before was that of a Seraphim…" He met Deku's eyes hesitantly, "Why was I not reborn as a hybrid of some kind, like Tokoyami or Tsu? Why am I human?"

"We don't know." The golden Seraphim replied gruffly. "If we knew that, we would just kill you now so you could reincarnate as a Seraphim again."

"Bakugou." Deku chided softly, lifting his emerald wings and fluffing them out irritably. "We aren't going to kill him. We're going to protect him. Whether he remembers his previous lives or not, he is still Shouto. He's still Hitoshi." He leaned into the golden Seraphim's side, nuzzling under his jaw and asking gently, "You would never hurt them, would you?"

He snorted softly, the wings on either side of his face drooping slightly, his brow pinched and expression torn. "Like this, they can't be with us. Humans cannot live among us. He cannot survive underground…"

"Maybe you don't have to go back to living in such a way."

The Seraphim turned to look towards the platform nearby, where Tokoyami and Asui were listening quietly, Uraraka curled up between them, half asleep. Deku shifted his wings, twisting so he was facing the girl who had spoken, focusing on her with interest as he asked, "What would you suggest we do? We cannot leave him, not knowing who he is. If something were to happen, we have no way of knowing how soon he would reincarnate next, if he would be born with their souls twined together or if they might separate again. We could be waiting for them to find their way back to us again for centuries…"

"We won't let that happen." The red-winged Seraphim reassured gently, the Seraphim at his side nodding and giving Amajiki a smile.

"As long as he's with us, we can protect him. Human or not, he's still our family."

Family… Amajiki's chest twisted, his heart fluttering. His mind was reeling, fighting to process every new piece of information he was given, trying not to panic, trying desperately not to become too overwhelmed. These creatures didn't want to hurt him, they wanted to protect him. They thought he was one of them, somehow they could sense it. There was something that told them he was the reincarnation of the two Seraphim they had lost. Something about the way the crystals had reacted to his touch. Something within his blood only those who had been bound to them could sense. Dimly he was aware that Asui was speaking, trying to focus on her words, trying to fight off the static clinging to the edges of his sight.

"You could live here, in the forest."

The golden Seraphim snorted, crossing his arms while shaking his head. "We would be too exposed out in the open like this. The first time someone saw us, the hunters would return to eradicate us all."

"You don't have to remain in your chrysalis forms." Tokoyami offered, glancing between the Seraphim resting in the boughs. "I know you're doing this to be with Amajiki," He looked to the human next, "I know you're afraid of their true forms. You don't have to be. They are your kin, your family. They won't hurt you. If they return to their true forms they can easily protect themselves, and one another. They can protect you."

Amajiki nodded hesitantly, looking to Deku as those emerald eyes fell upon him, thinking about the things he'd seen. The five eyes that had split apart Deku's face, the giant creatures he had seen within the caverns, fiery red and pitch black. Those same monsters were now sitting beside him, angelic and calm. Like this, he was still afraid, but it was easier to forget the creatures lurking within their smooth, pale skin. The monstrosities they concealed from sight were terrifying. He wasn't sure if he would ever feel safe when face to face with their true forms.

"Amajiki?" Deku called softly, drawing his attention, the Seraphim watching him patiently.

"I don't…" His breath hitched, his expression torn. "I'm sorry, I know you won't hurt me…" He glanced to the golden Seraphim briefly, thinking of what he had said before. That killing Amajiki might be easier than letting him live in a human body. The other Seraphim seemed to disagree, but he couldn't shake that fear from his mind. The fear of death lingering over his shoulder. Of the four creatures he was faced with, the golden Seraphim frightened him the most.

Deku sensed his hesitation, looking to his companion again, a small frown turning his lips into a pout. "Kaachan. Tell him you won't harm him."

Amajiki's eyes widened and he looked from Deku to the other Seraphim, stammering quickly, "N-No it's...you don't have to do that...I-"

"I'm not going to kill you." The Seraphim replied with a deep exhale, glancing away from Deku's eyes. "I just hate seeing you trapped in that body." His tone dropped, his voice soft and torn as he added quietly, "I wish things could be the way they were before. I miss being able to touch you…"

Oh. That was… Amajiki shivered beneath Deku's touch, the freckled boy drawing him closer and bringing him within the golden Seraphim's reach, those red eyes looking towards him again. Deku watched their interaction carefully, whispering softly to his companion, "Touch him. It's alright. Can't you feel them there?" He crooned softly, an affectionate smile twisting his lips. "They're with us, Katsuki. Shouto and Hitoshi are right here."

The red and black Seraphim watched quietly nearby, the smaller Seraphim tucking his dark wings against his spine and nuzzling against his companion, the larger Seraphim letting out a low, rumbling croon and folding his fiery wings around him. "I couldn't imagine what that must be like," The older Seraphim murmured, "If I lost Denki, and he was reincarnated into a human body. It must be painful, feeling them that way."

"Can you feel them dying?" The smaller Seraphim asked gingerly, meeting Deku's eyes. "Can you feel that human body decaying around them?"

Deku tilted his face away, and Amajiki could feel him trembling when his fingertips brushed over his throat and chest with a featherlight touch. He didn't say anything, but the Seraphim beside him did, reaching out to touch Amajiki's cheek, his thumbpad brushing just beneath his eye.

"Feeling them trapped in this delicate human shell aches. They were both so powerful, so strong. Shinsou taught me how to fight, and Todoroki taught me to fly, to transition forms…"

Deku hid his face against his companion's neck, breathing against him with a soft shudder, his fingers curling around Amajiki's wrist and lingering there, the human watching them both quietly as Bakugou continued to pet his cheek. Slowly, carefully, he drew Amajiki closer, the human inhaling softly as he was pulled from a sitting position onto his hands and knees, climbing across the thick bough they were resting upon and into the Seraphim's space. Bakugou searched his eyes, then tilted his face up and slanted their mouths together, Amajiki pulling back with a surprised gasp, Bakugou holding him in place.

"Breathe." The Seraphim whispered softly, tugging him closer again, Amajiki letting out a soft desperate sound as he was kissed again, his entire face bright red, heart hammering in his chest as he felt the creature's tongue drift slowly across his.

"Kaachan." Deku whispered softly, "Gently."

The golden Seraphim hummed against Amajiki's lips, tugging the human closer so he settled into his lap, cupping the back of his skull and kissing him slow and deep. He was careful, parting for breath before kissing him again, Amajiki's head spinning as he clung to his broad, chiseled shoulders, whimpering.

He could feel Deku's hand on his back, rubbing down his spine, trilling softly and kissing at his shoulder, whispering against his ear, "You're safe with us. No harm will come to you. Nothing will tear us apart."

Tokoyami and Asui watched the exchange, marveling at how carefully the Seraphim that clustered around Amajiki drew closer, sharing his body heat, brushing their wings over him lightly as Bakugou kissed his lips over and over again.

"They love him…" Asui whispered, Tokoyami nodding slowly, his expression soft. "What can we do? We have to help them, but they're right. If anyone sees them...the hunters…"

"If they find out what Amajiki means to the Seraphim, they can use him against them." Tokoyami whispered back, sighing heavily, watching the emerald wings tracing over the curve of Amajiki's neck and shoulder as Deku tugged him closer and tilted his face up for a kiss. "I think I know a way to keep them safe, but it requires me to leave this place. If the monks find out the Dragons have emerged again, they might help us keep them from harm…"

Asui nodded slowly, thinking to herself for a moment before musing aloud. "Who would you go to? Lady Shimura? The temple is across the mainland, on the other side of the country. Getting there would be…" Her voice trailed off, her tone unsure. "You could die on the journey, Fumikage. If they discover you're a hybrid, your life would be forfeit."

"It's a risk I'm willing to take." He replied softly, his fingertips tracing along the twisted scar marring his forearm. "If there's a chance something I can do can help them, keep them together, then…"

Bakugou was listening, lifting his wings and rising from his place beside Deku, leaving the cluster of Seraphim in the boughs and stepping onto the elevated platform. He crouched down beside the boy who had spoken before, searching his eyes, his expression unreadable. "Do you think we would be safe there? All of us, together?"

Tokoyami hesitated a moment, then replied, "I don't know. It has to be safer than here. The caves can be infiltrated, the forest burned to the ground. Atop the mountains, where you could fly away if needed, I have to believe it would be safer for all of you. For Amajiki too."

"You couldn't live here, this mountain range is filled with cultists." Asui added to Tokoyami's words, Bakugou glancing down at her. "The village where Amajiki came from is just as dangerous as the hunters, if not worse. If they cast him down into the abyss as a living sacrifice for you, there's no telling what would happen should they find out he was alive."

Bakugou narrowed his eyes, snorting, lifting his wings as he rose again, stepping out into the tree and swiftly taking flight, Deku calling after him. "Kaachan! What are you doing?"

"Snuffing out those who would have taken them from us again." He called back, disappearing out of sight, Deku clicking his tongue against his teeth and releasing Amajiki gently, kicking off of the nearest branch and soaring into the sky as well. Kaminari and Kirishima watched them curiously for a few moments, shuffling their wings as if debating on following after them, but eventually Kirishima let out a heavy sigh and returned his attention to Amajiki, giving him a friendly smile.

"Well then. It seems the cultists won't be something we have to worry about after all, but tell us more about this sanctuary. It's far from here? Across the mainland?"

Tokoyami nodded, exchanging a glance with Asui before replying hesitantly, "Yes. The mountains where the monks reside is much larger than the range here. The monks have intervened to save deities being hunted in the past, I am certain if you went to them they would shelter you."

Amajiki stood slowly, carefully stepping down onto the platform beside Tokoyami, glancing down at Asui and Uraraka, who had nodded off against her shoulder. "I can't believe she slept through that." He said softly, Asui arching her brow and laughing, an amused smile twisting her lips.

"She's slept through much worse." Asui replied, glancing skyward at the loud clap of thunder that rang through the air, trembling through the tree, the rain beginning to pour down upon them harder than before. Amajiki looked to Uraraka again, watching the brunette sleeping peacefully against her companion's shoulder, her breathing slow and deep. Sleeping through their conversation, through a mighty storm. What more could she have been through? Why was she living here with two hybrids instead of in the human villages of the mainlands?

"Amajiki." Kirishima called, the boy turning to meet his eyes, watching as he and Kaminari lifted their wings into a makeshift dome, their feathers easily blocking out the rain. "Do you want to come with us to the sanctuary they're speaking of? Do you have any reason to stay here?"

He blinked, glancing away slightly, his brow pinched at the thought of Nadou and Togata somewhere out there in the world without him. Could he possibly find them again? Did they manage to escape somewhere safe? "I...I thought I was going to die when they tossed me into the pit. I had no reason to expect otherwise…"

Kaminari watched him for a moment before speaking up as well. "We know you don't remember us, but we want to be with you. To protect you." He watched Amajiki carefully, tilting his head curiously to one side. "Do you think you would enjoy sharing your life with us?"

Amajiki held the Seraphim's gaze for a moment before looking away, his fingertips tracing over his bottom lip, breathing shakily against his chilled skin as he spoke. "They both...treat me so delicately, as if I might break." He closed his eyes, thinking about how it had felt with Bakugou had kissed him, when Deku held his hand and kept him close. "It makes me feel...cherished. Though you're all strangers to me." He met Kaminari's eyes again, looking between him and Kirishima while adding hesitantly, "I don't know what to feel, what to think...but there isn't anything left for me here. If we could go somewhere far away from this place, I could try to forget the life I've lived until now. Starting over somewhere new, with all of you…" He glanced up towards the lightning dancing across the sky, darting between the dense rainclouds and branching out like the boughs of an ethereal tree. "I think I might find happiness, creating a life with the four of you."

Kirishima and Kaminari shared a smile, huddling closer and crooning softly, Kaminari twittering and nuzzling into Kirishima's neck, while the red Seraphim's voice deepened into a resonating purr. Amajiki watched them with a little smile of his own, his heart fluttering, Tokoyami and Asui exchanging a glance as well.

When Bakugou and Deku returned, they would chart a path across the country to the mountains where the monks resided.

Once the storm had passed, they would begin their journey. Together.

Thanks for reading! More to come!