Chapter three

Truth -I am an advocate of the Toshinari Kingdom (Wisdom +5)

Lie - I am a just an explorer and was just passing through (Luck +3)

Wisdom: 15 20

"I'm an advocate for the Toshinari kingdom! My name is Izuku Midoriya." The greenette spoke nervously, his voice shaking in slight fear. The red haired man narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"Toshinari? Why would you be all the way out here?" The redhead questioned. Midoriya bit his lip, how was he supposed to answer that? 'Oh I'm just trying to form an alliance with endeavor so we can destroy your tribe and people' Yeah, that might not be a good idea. Midoriya bit his lip in thought as he struggled to find an appropriate response.

Mina shuffled through the pages of Midoriya's research journal before reaching the most recent page. Her eyes widened before narrowing in determination. She grabbed the redheads attention and showed him the illustration.

"Kirashima. look." She spoke, holding the open book in front of the others face. Kirashima looked at the book before grabbing it carelessly from the pinkettes hands. Midoriya struggles against the binds, winching at the sound of the pages crinkling under the rough grip.

"Hey! Wait don't...-that's mine!" Midoriya yelled, as he struggled against the binds. Kirashima blinked once at the book before looking up at the struggling traveler. Kirashima narrowed his eyes before showing the open page to the greenette.

"You saw this creature!? Where." Kirashima demanded as he watched Midoriya struggle. Midoriya looked at him nervously before speaking.

"Yeah, …during my trip here…In…In the woods not too far fr-from here.." Midoriya said, his voice showing discomfort, the binds really starting to take their toll. The red head looked at Midoriya suspiciously before Mina came up talked quietly to him.

"Kirishima, we should take him back to camp. Let the Chief see him." She suggested. Kirashima narrowed his eyes in thought, looking at the struggling traveler.

"Fine. Though I don't think Chief will appreciate a stranger entering the camp." Kirishima explained. He looked back at the book curiously. Midoriya frowned, frightened by the conversation. He was going to their camp? He started to struggle. He couldn't go! He had to get out of here! His struggling caught the attention of the tribal members. Kirashima sighed and pulled out his knife.

"Relax would ya? Struggling will only where ya out," He said. Clearly unimpressed by the others struggling. The greenette continued to struggle as the redhead walked over to the tree he hung from. Midoriya was panicking as the tribe member began cutting away at the net. With where he's cutting the netting wouldn't go loose. Midoriya braced for impact as he watched the last bit of rope slowly get cut away.

With a final slice of a knife the trapped journalist fell to the ground with a thump and a groan. The girl giggled above him.

"Careful Kiri! He seems like he breaks easily!" Mina said quietly as the other jumped down.

"Eh, he'll be fine! Let's hurry and get back." Kirishima said as he dragged away a trapped and in pain Midoriya.

Midoriya gave up on trying to escape after being tied up and thrown onto a horse like a dead animal. The ride was not at all pleasant as the green haired field journalist had a splitting headache and a need to throw up by the time they decided to set up camp. Midoriya is hauled off the horse and placed carelessly against a tree. He winced at the feeling of the hard bark against his back. He winced as Kirishima foot was pressed against his chest to keep him from escaping.

"Hey Mina! Hand me the rope!" Kirishima ordered. Mina nodded and grabbed a long set of rope from one of the horses and tossed it over. Kirishima wrapped it securely around midoriya and the tree keeping him in place.

"Try to escape and we will hunt you down," Kirashima said, his expression serious as ever. Midoriya gave him a defiant look as he watch the other get up and walk away.

Hours passed by as Midoriya observed the two. Mina had went out to get some food and Kirishima had set up a fire and sleeping mats. His green eyes stared longingly at the vibrant warm flames as he felt the coldness sweep in. As the sun descended the cold crept in, grabbing onto the traveler with a vice grip. To make matters worse his stomach let out a low rumble.

Man, Midoriya misses his mother's cooking already.

A few more hours had passed and Midoriya sighed and found himself nodding off. The uncomfortable position and the coldness of the night made it hard for the man to sleep. He shivered and frowned before looking back up at his captors. He frowned when he noticed both of them going through his journal. It's not as though it was private, but the journal was very precious to him and the way Kirishima had handled it earlier made the other a bit uneasy seeing him flip through the pages.

Midoriya had nodded off once again. His green eyes had fallen shut for two or three hours before reopening to see the pink tribal girl kneeling in front of him. Nearly jumping out of his skin Midoriya stammered for a response, only to have a hand pressed to his mouth. Mina simply shushed him before gesturing to Kirishima who was asleep.

"Let's not wake him up." She whispered quietly. Mosley nodded his head before the tribal girl lowered her hand. She smiled and held up the travelers journal.

"So. This is your journal right?" The girl asked. Midoriya nodded his head before watching the girl flip through it. "Your really good at drawing. And you seem really smart!" Mina said, her eyes shunting with curiosity. Midoriya face warmed up in embarrassment at the compliment, not expecting it at all.

"O-oh it's nothing! Really I'm not that smart I- Uh-" his stammering was interrupted by Mina giggling. Mina smiled at him before reaching for a plate. On it was a few pieces of cooked fish. Midoriya's stomach grumbles at the sight.

"I can't untie you but, you look hungry." Mina said. Midoriya nodded understandingly, greatful for Mina's offer. The pink skinned girl poked the fish with a fork and brought up to Midoriya's mouth. The green hair boy ate it graciously.

"So Midoriya. What are you doing this far out from the Toshinari kingdom?" Mina asked. Midoriya frowned and tried to think of his next words carefully.

"Um…well you see, I occasionally go out on trips to study the agriculture and geography. Nothing too special." Midoriya said with a small chuckle. Mina frowned but accepted the made up lie. They continued to talk as Mina continued to feed Midoriya. Midoriya was intrigued by Mina theatrical story telling as she shared her life living with the tribe.

It turns out, Kirishima was one of the hunting leaders and Mina was recruited to his group. She has spent years of her life training to join the hunters and today was her first real hunting trip.

"Wait so at age seven you've been training to join the hunters?" Midoriya asked in awe.

"Yep! After my spiritual awakening ceremony at age five I had to go through basic magic training where we decided how we wanted to contribute to our tribe. But I knew that I had to be a hunter." Mina said determination glimmering in her eyes.

"Spiritual what?" Midoriya said with a raise of an eyebrow. Mina waved her hand dismissively.

"Don't worry about it. It's a tribe thing," She put the empty cup on the empty plate that once contained some fish. Reaching behind her she grabbed a blanket and set it over the greenette. "Anyway. You should get some rest. We'll be heading out early tomorrow." She said. Midoriya nodded his head and watched her get up and walk away.

Midoriya fell asleep once again.

"How did I know you were going to feed him." Kirishima's voice woke Midoriya from his slumber.

"Don't we want him alive! And besides he was getting cold." Mina's voice whined. Midoriya's eyes slowly peeled opened as he tiredly looked up at the two. Kirishima stood in front of Mina, arms crossed and expression stern. He let out a sigh.

"Fine. Go clean up the campsite I'll deal with the captive." Kirishima ordered. Mina pouted But did as she was told anyway. Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck and sighed once again. He glanced over at Midoriya.

"Good to know your awake. It's time to get moving." He said, walking over to untangle Midoriya from the tree.

And once again, Midoriya was back on the horse. He swore his head was gonna pop off with the uneasy bob of the horses trotting. Eventually Midoriya knew they were getting close.

The first thing he noticed was the smell and warmth of fire. Second was the sound of people. Little kids running around excitedly, the sound of chatter. He tried to crane his head up to look but the horses movements kept him from doing so. He suddenly felt nervous. The out going chatter transforming into quiet, timid whispers. Suddenly a woman's voice reached out.

"Kirashima. Mina. What is going on." Once again, Midoriya tried to look to see who was there but was unable to but he could feel a pair of eyes looking right at him.

"Mitsuki. We must speak with the chief right away." Kirishima asked.

"My son? Very well. Is it about the outsider." She asked. Midoriya assumes the redhead had nodded his head because next thing he knew he was being taken off of the horse. His feet were untied enough so that he could only walk. He took the moment to look around. Surrounding him, were members of the dragon tribe. The area was spaced out. Huts with small gardens were strewn about the open area, leaving a wide circle in the center. As they walked through the crowd everyone made way. Feeling anxious Midoriya looked down at the ground.

"Bakugou is in the sparring tent like always." The woman said. Midoriya looked at her. She had light blond hair and was wearing a purple top with a yellow wrap around on her waist. Around her neck was a choker necklace with red stones sticking out. It almost resembled a sun Midoriya thought absently. Midoriya continued his way through the village looking up he frowned at the giant tent they were making their way to.

Large pillars of wood caressed by red fabric, an opening at the very top allowing large clouds of smoke to escape. Midoriya gulped and hesitantly continued his course towards the large tent. Midoriya immediately was struck with the intense heat of the tent. The sound of cheering and yelling filled his ears. His legs shook as he continued forward. Tall torches illuminated the room, the opening casting a light in the center. The smell of blood and sweat made Midoriya a bit ill. Two men one with an axe another with a sword fought viciously in the center. Midoriya winced at the brute force shown. Out the corner of his eyes he saw Mina smiling widely getting amped up, along with Kirishima.

"You two enjoy the fight. I'll deal with the outsider." Midoriya stiffened at the words before turning to face the woman.

"But Mi-"

"Go. I'll be fine." The woman who was known as Mitsuki said. Kirishima nodded his head before going to join the crowd. Mina looked at Midoriya apologetically before hesitantly following. Midoriya sulked, feeling even more anxious then before. The woman gently tugged on his restraints, urging him to following. Midoriya did as was told. They walked around the crowd making their way to the chief. Midoriya was overcome with fear, what did the chief look like? The chief of the Dragon tribe. A shiver crawled up Midoriya's back.

Midoriya jumped out of his skin as the flames roared wildly, turning a bright shining blue. Loud cheering filled the air. Too focused on trying to see over the crowd he nearly tripped over some make shift steps. Luckily, the woman caught him.

"Careful." She said simply before Midoriya was pulled up to the top. Much to Midoriya's chagrin, he realized where they were now. On a high ledge most likely where the chief sits. If it was wasn't for a huge chair in front of him Midoriya was absolutely positive everyone would see him.

"Katsuki! Katsuki This is important!" The woman yelled up at the chair over the loud cheering, demanding the attention of the chief. Midoriya held his breath, his heart race increased and his legs suddenly felt wobbly. And for some strange reason. It wasn't from fear.

It was from pure anticipation.

"Eh!? You can wait you old hag! I'm about to go up!" A loud booming voice spoke. Midoriya sucked in a breath.

"This can't! Get over here!" Mitsuki yelled angrily.

"I'll talk to you after Relax!" The voice said before a figure stood up and jumped from the ledge into the arena. Loud cheering continued and Mitsuki growled angrily.

"Oooo I'm gonna kill that brat!" She said. Midoriya offered a nervous smile. The blond looked at him before sighing.

"Well I guess he's made up his mind. Let's go watch shall we?" She offered. Midoriya stiffened and nodded his head. Mitsuki pulled him up to ledge. People were too busy with what was going on in the arena to notice the outsider. Mitsuki sat in a small chair that was next to the larger one. Midoriya stood next to her and watched the fight. He looked from the woman to the arena and immediately, his breath was taken away.

He didn't remember much of what happened. Or how long it took. All Midoriya could remember was the feeling of fire. And those intense haematic colored eyes. Midoriya stood awestruck a red cape flying delicately in the air.

"Impressive isn't he. Too bad all that gets to his head." Mitsuki's words floated in Midoriya's head. "The flames are special, they change color dependent on the winner. It requires a special kind of magic to change the color of flames. A type of magic only the tribe members possess." The battle was drawing to an end "whenever Katsuki fights. No matter who the opponent is, the flames always stay a vibrant red."

Midoriya absently nodded his head. As he looked out into the arena. Before the chief was a beaten opponent, the sound of loud cheering could be heard. Midoriya leaned in a bit for a better look. Bakugou raised his fist in the air and turned to face them.

Red met green.

Warmth reverberated through Midoriya.

And everyone was bathed in green light.

Everyone stopped. Still and quiet. Midoriya stiffened, realizing all attention was on him. Mitsuki stood up and looked at Bakugou sternly.

"We must discuss the outsider."

Bakugou's face changed from shocked to stern. Midoriya stepped back nervously causing dark red eyes to glare at him. Midoriya's heartbeat raced in his chest. Slowly the chief walked over to the ledge. Midoriya shook but stood his ground. For some reason. His feet refused to move. Jumping from the ground up to the high ledge the chief was suddenly towered over Midoriya. Midoriya gasped his eyes meeting the base of Bakugou's neck. He slowly looked up at the other shaking. Among the crowd, Kirishima and Mina watched.

"What's Midoriya doing!? Move!" Mina said, concerned for the captive.

"What I want to know is how he managed to change the color of the flames." Kirishima said quietly. He glanced at one of the torches, the green flame flickering, almost as though it was being overpowered by red.

The torches flickered the green light fading in and out. Green eyes and red eyes boring into each-other. Midoriya shakily opened his mouth to speak, but was suddenly pushed aside. The eye contact broke along with the green light. The flames being overcome with red once again.

"I'll deal with it later." Bakugou said sitting in his chair, which Midoriya embarrassingly realized he was blocking.

"Bakugou-!"

"Lock him up. When the match is over I'll deal with him." Bakugou said nonchalantly. Immediately Midoriya was grabbed by two tribe men and pulled away. Mitsuki glared.

"We both know that's not true." She said turning to follow Midoriya. Bakugou lazily lounged in his chair and watched his mother leave in a huff.

Midoriya winced at the rough hold as he was dragged off but before they made it to the entrance, Mitsuki stopped them.

"Wait." The guards turned around. Mitsuki walked up to Midoriya and lifted his head with her hand. Her eyes analyzed the other, Midoriya squirmed and avoided her eyes. He only took one glance and regretted it immediately.

Mitsuki had a mischievous look on her face and Midoriya already didn't like what was about to happen.

"Lock him up in the chief's tent."

…..

Heh?

"M-Mitsuki! But the chief said to-"

"He said to lock him up he never said where! Also, we both know if you put the poor thing in a dungeon bakugou will forget about him just like he does with his duties. If he's locked up in the chief's tent then my dear son will be forced to deal with him." Mitsuki explained. Midoriya stared at her wide eyed, sweating bullets. She turned around to leave before speaking over her shoulder.

"Maybe this will make him think twice before ignoring me again." Mitsuki said before giving and cheerful smile and saying goodbye.

—

And now Midoriya was in the chiefs tent. Waiting for his death. The boy begged to be taken to the dungeons instead but to no avail he was chained up to a supporting wooden beam. Midoriya looked around the room nervously. A fire burned gently in the corner, warming up the tent. Midoriya breathed in the smell of burning wood.

The room was actually very cozy and welcoming. A sturdy wooden table with a few papers on top of it. The ceiling and walls were a sturdy thick red cloth. It was much different from the stone walls he was so used to. The fire breathed out from a small pit in the center of the tent. There was a small bed by the fire next to it, a nightstand with some books, and a bowl of fruits. Midoriya looked around once again and noticed a long curtain covering a small area secluded area, surrounding it was peculiar stones with carvings in them.

Midoriya sighed and let out a yawn. The room was quiet, all except for the roaring of the flames which eventually pulled the tired traveler to sleep. He too tired to be concerned about the approaching footsteps and rested his eyes.

Moments passed and Midoriya eventually found his eyes slowly opening. With groan his back ached and head hurt. The only sound that was heard was of the crickets chirping and the roar of the flame. The light of the fire was the only thing illuminating the dark. And to Midoriya's dismay, illuminating a menacing figure.

His words caught in his throat, being on instant alert. Midoriya was tense, did he know he was awake?

"So your awake." Bakugou's voice ripped through the silence. Midoriya remained quiet. "Let me guess. My mother did this. Figured I'd have to come to my tent eventually and deal with you?" The blonde looked over at him menacingly. Midoriya flinched, his whole body shaking in anticipation and nervousness.

(+Wis) Midoriya remained silent and focused on calming down his nerves. Bakugou looked away towards the fire.

"Damn old hag. Didn't she know it was going to be this late when I came back to my tent. Can't take you to the dungeons, it'd be a pain in the ass to get them to come. Too busy keeping watch." Bakugou grumbled to himself. He stood up and took off his cape, hanging it up before starting to take off his necklace. Midoriya waited before finding the perfect time to speak.

"What are you going to do?" Midoriya asked, thanking what ever being is up there for keeping his voice steady.

"Tch...Kirishima and Mina explained the situation." Bakugou said he turned to face Midoriya a familiar book in his hands. Midoriya gasped, eyes wide.

"My journal!" He said looking at the beloved book. Bakugou face turned into a sinister smile, it sent chills down Midoriya's spine.

"Yeah. You want it back?" Bakugou asked walking up to the other and crouching down in front of him. Midoriya nodded his head.

"Well Then first you have to answer a few questions then." He asked holding up the journal to reveal the illustration of the dragon Midoriya drew, his expression serious.

"Wh-what do you want to know?" Midoriya asked, becoming more and more anxious.

"You saw this thing right?" Bakugou said, his voice rough and disbelieving.

"Y-yeah! In the woods when I woke up- Ah!" Midoriya let out a startled yell when small explosion appeared in front of his face. The chief looked down at him with a scowl.

"Your lying! There's no way that someone as useless as you could see them!" He said. He looked at him with a sneer making the other boy cower a bit. The traveler shook his head nervously trying to find the right words to say. How could he convince him?

"Im not I swear! How else would I know what it looked like. I mean-"

"Ha!? You think I'm an idiot!? Don't look down on me! Your just a lowly traveler who was so useless you even got yourself caught!" He said. Bakugou held the book up in his hands and glared at it. Midoriya's heart plummeted at the cruel look on his face. "Anyway. I can't let anyone else see this." He said. Midoriya opened his mouth the speak, but was too late and saw the book explode in the chief's hands and then tossed into the pit of fire behind him. (-Luc)

"Ah! My book!" Midoriya yelled as his reflexes told him to reach for the book. The ropes dig into his wrists. Bakugou scoffed before turning and walking to his bed, sitting down.

"I can't have that getting out. It's the tribes duty to protect the identity of the dragons." The chief explained. Midoriya looked at him, recovering from his grief over the now burned journal.

"We use a special form of magic to keep the Dragon's invisible to 'malem'" he explained further.

"M-malem..?" Midoriya asked curiously. The chief gave him a small glare causing the traveler to tense up.

"It's what we call outsiders." He said. He leaned back and sighed. "Though, I don't know how someone so useless could even see past our spell. Even for a malem your pretty useless." Midoriya narrowed his eyes for a split second before turning away.

"What are you going to do now?" He asked.

"I can't kill you. That old hag would have my head. And I can't let you go either." Midoriya frowned. "I'll have her come in and take a look. Maybe send Kirishima and Mina to look for that dragon. There has to be something wrong with the spell. Someone like you couldn't possibly see past it If it's at full power. Once I confirm that," bakugou smiled viciously at the traveler. "Than I can kill you."

A/N: yay! Finally an update! Sorry guys I knows it been a long time. I plan on posting this story and future chapters on AO3 so if your reading this on fanfiction and don't have an ao3 account let me know!

As for the choices this chapter doesn't have any but I will add more! I wanted to see how many people are reading cause last time it takes a while for people to comment their choice and I can't start the next chapter until they come in

Dragon Tribe vocab list!:

Malem: (Mae;Lem); normal person; someone who does not possess the spiritual powers of the Dragon Tribe; and outsider.

(+wis) because of Midoriya's plus in wisdom he decided to remain quiet to avoid bigger conflict.

(-Luc) Midoriya's journal got burned.

Stats:

(Max is 55 might change later)

Strength: 10/55

Defense: 14/55

Wisdom: 20/55

Intelligence: 30/55

Charisma: 5/55

Dexterity: 23/55

Luck: 5/55

Weapon: none

Armor: green vest