Worth Any Price
By: Marle
Chapter 2: The Highest Bidder
The next morning came too quickly for Ochaco and she was up as the sun began to peak over the horizon. The night before, she had crafted a few spell scrolls using Todoroki's ice magic and spoken with Deku on things to look out for when fighting Bakugo. I just have to watch for the right hook, she thought to herself, because… that's what's going to be the only thing to worry about.
"Couldn't sleep?" Midoriya's voice chimed from behind her. Uraraka glanced back over her shoulder as the dark haired boy came and sat next to her.
"I'm fine." Uraraka insisted, with a half-hearted smile.
"You know, we can still leave. Kacchan isn't here yet or Todoroki or I could-"
His inference made a sudden twinge in her chest, "You don't think I can do this?"
"That's not what I'm saying," He cried, waving his hands in front of him, "I'm just saying Kacchan is really dangerous and if he goes all-out in the fight you could get hurt or killed!"
Uraraka sighed heavily and shrugged her shoulders, "If we don't get Bakugo's King Sigil then we can perform the ritual to seal the Darkness. All-Might is counting on us. Besides, I get the feeling King Bakugo wouldn't take on fighting anyone else since I volunteered."
"Just be careful, Uraraka. We'll all be there to support you and jump in if needed."
"No, Deku," she chided, "Don't 'jump in'. I'm going to win this."
Midoriya smiled and nodded, "Yeah."
As the sky began to lighten further, Uraraka looked over at Midoriya. She felt herself become slightly flustered as the sun illuminated his face and caught the light of his emerald eyes. A sense of dread came over her that it might be the last time she would watch the sunrise with him. The words started to come to her and she leaned towards him, "Deku, I-"
Before she could get it out, the ferocious roar bellowed from behind them. Uraraka felt the blood drain from her face as the great red dragon descended from the sky. As the fearsome creature landed, Bakugo descended with two followers in towe. Two men that followed appeared eccentric, to say the least, which surprised Izuku given Kacchan's appearance and general demeanor.
The one wore an audacious hat and fitted dress long-coat, with black gloves and accented gauntlets. His golden hair and amber eyes held a glint of mischief behind them as he adjusted the belt across his chest. Midoriya felt uneasy as he noticed the throwing daggers fashioned into it that were easily accessible. Despite his lofty airs, Midoriya realized he was likely a deadly assassin. The young man next to him had jet black hair and dark eyes, clad in a white dress shirt under a brown leather vest. His pants were unassuming but ornate with knee-pads built in. Izuku noticed the strange ligaments on his elbows, assuming his magic came from them.
The greatest surprise was the dissipation of Kirishima's dragon form - even Todoroki stared in awe as the giant's body gave way to the scarlet-haired warrior's human form. Uraraka stood, picking up her magical staff and swallowing the engorged lump in her throat as she did. Bringing her head up and pulling back her shoulders, she walked confidently towards the open plane. Todoroki and Iida joined Midoriya as they all walked towards the center to meet. Bakugo stood, arms crossed and unphased by the sight. Despite his collected exterior, he was surveying Uraraka with undivided attention.
"Good morning!" Kirishima exclaimed, saluting the group, "Good day for a fight, eh? I'm Eijiro Kirishima! These are my compatriots, Hanta Sero and Denki Kaminari. We're the King's Guards."
"I recognize the royal prince of Endorea," Kaminari commented, tapping his chin, "And even the younger brother of the great hero Ingenium. You all are certainly a far ways from home."
Sero pointed to Izuku, "Whose the small guy?"
Bakugo gritted his teeth, "Don't act so impressed, you idiots. It's just Deku and his band of merry idiots."
"Um… Actually, I'm Izuku Midoriya. I'm from Kacchan's hometown…"
Kaminari and Sero both burst out laughing, "KACCHAN?!" Their laughter was quickly silenced when the felt the raging aura of their fearless leader.
"You fuckers have something you'd like to say?" Bakugo growled, his glare menacing. The two fell to their knees and bowed reverently, "Sorry, my lord!" they pleaded in unison.
Kirishima rolled his eyes and turned his attention to Uraraka, who was matching Bakugo's level of attention. He tilted his head to one side then stepped forward, extending his hand to her. Her concentration disrupted, Uraraka jumped slightly then looked at Kirishima's hand, "Oh, I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, "I was in my own little world."
"It's fine," Eijiro replied with a kind smile. She was amazed how, despite his white fangs and alternative form, Kirishima seemed significantly less scary than Bakugo, "I don't believe we got your name yesterday."
Uraraka smiled back, her nerves settling slightly as she took his hand, "I'm Ochaco Uraraka. I come from the same region as Iida to the east, just outside the City of Edo."
"I see," Kirishima replied, bringing her hand to his lips and placing a small kiss upon it. Uraraka's face flushed hotly as Iida and Midoriya yelped at the same time. Todoroki was indifferent to the gesture, but he did pick up on something. It was so fast that he thought it was his imagination, but he noticed Bakugo's eyes flare for a moment before reverting to the cool gaze he had held before, "Outside of Edo, eh? You wouldn't happen to be from Kajar, would you?"
Uraraka eye widened in surprise and she couldn't help but get excited at the mention of her hometown, "You know Kajar?"
"Of course, I like flying over that region. It's got a beautiful coastline. Plus, your hometown is quite well known for its innovations in magic and science."
Bakugo grunted in annoyance, "Shut up, you idiots! Round-face, didn't you say you were here to get my King's Sigil? Then stop the fucking chit-chatting and let's get down to it."
"Round-face?!" Uraraka fumed, gripping her staff hard in agitation. It was bad enough that he was a notoriously frightening warrior, but he was greatly condescending as well.
"If you're so confident, then why did you bring your cronies?" Todoroki bemused, "All of this just to face one lone mage?"
"Don't be fucking stupid, scar-face. I don't need these idiots to beat her into the ground." The beast king barked, "It's protocol. I'm a fucking King after all. Even with your bastard of a father, I imagine he didn't just let you waltz out of your kingdom unattended. I wonder what would happen if I send his precious 'masterpiece' back broken and beaten."
"Your fight is with me," Uraraka shouted.
The volume and conviction in her voice silenced the men immediately, causing all of them to back down except Bakugo. He made a mental note of her ability to command an audience, "I'm damn well aware of that, pink- cheeks. But we haven't settled the terms of the fight."
Midoriya's brow furrowed with a growing anxiety in his chest, "What do you mean, Kacchan?"
"When you issued your challenge yesterday, you stated what you wanted in the event you defeated me, but you never heard my demands if I win."
"You mean it isn't just that we leave your lands?" Iida asked.
An eerie smile curled across Bakugo's mouth that made Iida, Midoriya, and Uraraka's hairs stand on end, "If that was all I wanted, I would've made damn sure you left yesterday. If you win, you get a prize and I think I have the fucking right to demand one in turn."
Todoroki scowled in suspicion, "And what is it that you want?"
"We'll fight using on our abilities, but no healing spells or items. We're going all-out and whoever renders the other unconscious first wins," Bakugo unfolded his arms, resting one hand on the hilt of the sword at his hip, while extending the other in a beckoning gesture towards Uraraka, "If I win, you're mine."
A genuine shock rocked the men on both sides, with Midoriya and Iida's faces being wiped with horror while Kirishima, Sero, and Kaminari's were plastered with astonishment. Uraraka wrinkled her nose in confusion, "If you win, I'm yours? What does that mean?"
"Exactly what I said," Bakugo murmured, "If I win, then you're mine. I control your fate."
Uraraka gulped quietly, "Meaning if you want to kill me then you will?"
A sinister chortle emitted from the back of Bakugo's throat, "You need to think more creatively, round-face."
Sero and Kaminari grabbed Kirishima and spun him around, "Hey, Kirishima, is he saying what I think he's saying?" Sero asked quietly.
"There's no way that he means what I think he means, right?" Kaminari snickered nervously.
Kirishima shrugged and shook his head, "If it is, then I had no clue. He didn't say jack to me yesterday about any of this except -" Kirishima's eyes widened in realization at that moment and his mouth gaped open slightly as he looked back at Uraraka, who was still trying to figure out what Bakugo was inferring.
"Except what?" Kaminari muttered, "We're used to his off-the-handle behavior, but this can't be right…"
"Yeah, what were you thinking about, man?" Sero urged. Kirishima looked back at his companions with a bewildered expression, "He asked what her name was."
"Hey, Uraraka, you don't need to do this!" Midoriya exclaimed, "It's not worth it!"
"We'll find another way to fight the League of Villains! You don't need to degrade yourself in such a fashion to be a trophy for this barbarian!" Iida echoed.
Realization started to creep into Uraraka's consciousness and she felt her heart began to race, while her blood ran cold. "Wait, what do you mean 'trophy'?"
Prince Shouto scuffed and sneered at Bakugo, "Really? You couldn't get one of the women in your realm or a foreign princess to make your match? That's not surprising given the fact that you're an abomination on the throne."
Bakugo grinned, tapping the hilt of his sword, "In the Scorched Valley, strength reigns regardless of social class or gender. The strong rule here, so fire off your insults all you want, you bastard. This is my kingdom and it's my King Sigil. My land, my mark, my rules."
"Kacchan, you can't bargain someone's-"
"I accept." Uraraka interjected assertively, slamming her staff into the ground, "Look, I get that you guys are worried about me, but this is my fight and I can choose what I'm willing to wager or not."
"But, Uraraka, this is your life, your future, your happiness, "Iida cried.
"And if I don't fight then we leave here without his King Sigil, which is needed to save the world." she shouted, "I'll be fine. I've got this. Now stand back unless you all want to be caught up in our fight!"
Kaminari blinked, leaning over to Sero, "You know for being such a cute girl, she's kind of scary in her own way. This could end poorly either way for us."
"Yeah…" Sero whined.
Kirishima couldn't help but laugh to himself, So this is why you were willing. You're always surprising me, my lord. "Now, now everyone, let's give them some room. We wouldn't want our lord and master to hit us in his frenzy."
"Fuck off, you idiots! Just stand back and watch." Bakugo yelled. When the six were far enough away, Bakugo turned back to Uraraka, crossing his arms across his chest as he did, "You know, you can just walk away here and now. If you don't then I suggest you prepare yourself. I won't hold anything back."
Uraraka changed her stance, taking a scroll from her pocket and staring him down defiantly, "I could say the same. I feel bad that I'm going to have to beat you in front of your esteemed subjects."
Despite how she had mentally prepared herself, Ochaco felt her body wrack with fear as she watched Bakugo change his stance and square off with her. Izuku had warned her about his right hook, but Iida and Todoroki had reiterated the ferocity of his reputation as a warrior and a fire mage. According to her comrades, Bakugo was one of the rare individuals, who had masted spell-casting, swordsmanship, and sword magic. In these few seconds, it became all too clear to her how he had managed to overthrow the previous King of the Scorched Valley at such a young age.I just have to get him unconscious, if my first plan doesn't work then I have the backup, She coached herself, but I have to get close enough to cast the sleep spell it if it comes to that.
She blinked hard and took a deep breath, "Giving up isn't an option for me. I'll be taking your King's Sigil in a matter of time."
"Then don't just stand there, round-face." he beckoned, "Come at me."
He had only blinked when suddenly he was blasted by a barrage of ice. The Pyre Trio gasped in surprise as their merciless leader was immediately encased, disappearing from sight. The ice edifice spired into the sky and up the mountainside.
"Woah!" Midoriya exclaimed, turning to Todoroki, "Was that one of your ice spell scrolls she made?"
"Yes, but I wasn't expecting that level of execution." the Prince remarked.
"Magic scrolls have their level of effectiveness based off of the creator's magical abilities. For Uraraka to be able to embellish Todoroki's so effectively balanced with her own magic, she might actually be able to win this." Iida asserted, "I never realized that she had such abilities."
"To be fair," Todoroki commented, "We haven't been in an all-out fight. The enemies we've faced up until now have been relatively easy to contend with because of our numbers and skill sets. We've been relying on Uraraka primarily as a healer and support. We haven't needed to have her spell cast as much."
Sero took a small step forward, "Hey, you guys don't think King Bakugo's been defeated, do you?"
Kirishima shook his head, "You mean you can't hear that?"
What started off as a distant noise grew into a ground shaking series of thunderous bursts, concluding with an eruption of fire from the ice spire. Bakugo emerged from the tunnel he created, hanging his hands off the edge of the opening with a stern expression. Uraraka took a moment to compose herself, I knew that wasn't going to be enough, but there's barely a scratch on him.
"So that's how you want to do this?" he yelled, throwing off his cloak, "Fine then."
Uraraka gulped as she observed Bakugo fully. The fur of his cloak had hidden his broad shoulders and muscular arms. He looked more like a beast than a man with his wild blonde locks tousled from the attack she had launched. It didn't seem possible that he was as fast as he was given his size. Normally, if one was strong in the body then they were slower in speed, but not Bakugo. It made him all the more terrifying as he adjusted his arm braces and threw his hands backward. He was on her so fast she barely had a moment to react before she stumbled back and summoned the rocks beneath her to shoot up and act as a shield from his explosive hands. Uraraka took a moment to recover her footing then leaped backward, putting distance between her and Bakugo. I just need another minute, I just need to keep my distance for another minute.
Bakugo slammed his hands into the ground and launched himself at her again, his hands turning immediately to blast her back.
"Uraraka!" Midoriya and Iida cried out.
Even Bakugo's guards gaped in dismay at their liege's mercilessness, "He's not holding back on her at all."
Uraraka flipped over, catching herself mid-air before sending a cyclone at Bakugo. The Beast King braced himself, taking the hit head-on, controlling his balance by keeping his hands engaged as he was pushed back. When he lowered his arms, he couldn't help but let his excitement creep over his indifferent expression. He had been cautious at first, but with every attack, he threw at her, she threw something back. While her spells were not life-threatening by any means, he felt their ferocity escalating. As Uraraka's will to fight increased as did her magic's might. Bakugo wanted to see more - feel more - he wanted to test her power and see if it even came close to matching his own. If he kept her going like this, he'd find out soon. With greater speed than he anticipated, she launched at him, send a hurl of ice daggers at him as she did. Sweeping his hand up, he thrust an uppercut explosion that hit her with fire and earth. That's it, keep focused on me.
When he saw her shadow emerge from the cloud of smoke, he pounced, "There's no way you can beat me!" Bakugo roared. To his surprise, it was just her purple hood and he realized it was a decoy. Immediately, he spun around, igniting a fireball from his hand and blasting her backward.
Uraraka skidded back then came at him again, her staff runes glowing bright green, "This isn't over yet, King Bakugo!" Ochaco screamed, coming in low then summoning a burst of wind up at him.
He responded with another blast in her face, sending her hurling back as she used her staff to break her fall and roll back onto her feet. Despite his attacks, she wouldn't cry out or yell in pain. She refused to show weakness before him or let him have any inkling that he was getting the better of her. Uraraka was determined to win, Another moment more.
"It's surprising, she's not letting up even when he blasts her back," Kaminari observed.
"I feel bad for her," Sero groaned, "His Highness is usually ruthless but against a girl like this?"
"You think our great leader would show leniency on anyone because of their gender?" Kirishima commented.
"It's not that, we've seen him fight women. But those were fighters and she's so… small." the golden hair guardian remarked. Despite his loyalty and faith in Bakugo's leadership, even Kirishima found himself wincing at the blows his King was delivering to the young mage.
As the dust cleared, Bakugo swiped the debris away, focusing on his opponent through the smoke. To his surprise, Uraraka remained standing. Gasping, her clothes cut, her body injured, and shaking, but standing nonetheless. We're not done yet, she's still standing so she's not dead yet. He observed with a mix of irritation and curiosity in his chest. "I think it's about time. Thank you, King Bakugo… for keeping your eyes on me."
"What?" Bakugo whispered.
"That's impressive," Todoroki exclaimed, his attention to the sky. Midoriya and Iida looked up, followed by the Pyre trio to see a massive silver magical sigil in the air. "An astronomy magic circle. That's quite a spell." With a quick motion of her hands, meteorites began to descend from the magic circle towards Bakugo at an alarming rate.
As Bakugo witnessed the oncoming spell, he began to chant an incantation while raising his arm up, bracing his wrist with the other hand. Uraraka dashed at him, her staff glowing with a sedation spell, rushing at full force towards King Bakugo.
This is it. Whether he's attacking or defending, I can get close enough to him to put him under! I can do this! I'll win and be just like Deku! The moment she thought her staff had hit his torso, a massive flare burst from his hand, denoting into the heavens and obliterating her spell's meteor shower. Unable to control her recoil, Uraraka cried out in shock of the heat and velocity she was hurled away from him. The spectators looked on with a combination of shock and horror.
"I should've known you were planning something stupid in order to try and beat me." Bakugo groaned, lowering his arm slowly, "You are friends with that damned nerd, after all."
"I-it took him one shot." Uraraka wallowed quietly, "That was the strongest spell I know and he canceled it in one shot."
Bakugo let out a quiet sigh of relief, flexing his hand gently while masking his shaking body, pain stinging in his forearm, "That was close." he muttered to himself. It had been a while since he had to summon such a spell, much less against one that risked physically crushing him.
Hanging her head, Uraraka winced as she used her staff to pull herself to her feet, I can still stand though. I'm not done yet.
Barely able to contain his excitement, Bakugo grinned with pure adrenaline while drawing his sword, "Let's get serious, Uraraka!" he bellowed as he ran at her again.
There's too much to lose, I can do this! If Deku was fighting, he wouldn't give up yet! She reaffirmed with herself as she began to charge at him and ready an incantation. However, Bakugo was almost at her and she only took a few strides before she felt her knees give out. Bakugo gasped as he reached her, instinctively catching her before she hit the ground. Her body slumped over his arm.
"No-" she groaned, her one hand reaching up and pushing on his shoulder, the other trying to pull up her staff, "C'mon… I want to keep going. I have to-."
A still silence swept over the battlefield as the observers from both sides watched with bated breath. Surprisingly, Bakugo didn't drop or attack her, nor did he make any snide remarks or boasts. He didn't even flinch as she pushed at his shoulder and struggled lurched over his elbow. She dropped her staff and feet staggered to do more than just weakly push her off the ground, "I have to win this."
"You're done," Bakugo said in a tone that took Uraraka off-guard. It was quiet and almost sounded like there was a hint of concern in his tone.
"No," she whimpered, turning her head against his bicep and looking up at him, "I have to get the Sigil."
He kept his voice low enough so only she could hear, "You're willing to go this far."
"I have to-"
It could've been the fact that she was fighting to stay conscious, but she thought she saw his expression soften, "You're not even worrying about your own fate right now, are you?"
He turned her carefully so she was leaning against him, but while she gazed up at him he saw awareness fading in and out of her eyes. Her hand meekly rose up and pushed at his face, while the other pushed at his chest. He didn't move and the pushing wasn't doing anything, but she couldn't give up here.
If she couldn't defeat him here and now, then what hope did she have in becoming a Master Mage? How could she ever become a hero and help her family change their lives? How would they ever hope to save their world from destruction if she failed here before him? She thought back to her mother and father when she was small and they recognized her talent in magic. Her father was so proud of her and her mother told her to have courage and be kind. If they saw her now, struggling and flailing pathetically against the notorious Beast King, how could they possibly have faith in her? "I- I ha..have to..."
"Enough," Bakugo ordered, "It's done."
Uraraka didn't even hear him. Her vision blurred then faded, with the last thing she saw was the sun-kissed glow of the golden hue around his unruly hair and his crimson gaze burned into her mind. Without a sense of place or concept of context, the last thing he heard her whisper was "Daddy-"
Iida put his hand over his mouth, "This is too much."
Midoriya swallowed back his tears, "Yeah, she's way past her limit."
Kaminari sighed and shrugged his shoulders, turning to Sero and Kirishima, "This sucks. I know we're his personal guards, but I actually was hoping she'd win."
Kirishima felt guilty for some reason, "You know, given what was the stakes, even if he lost this wouldn't feel like a win."
His companions nodded in agreement. Kirishima turned back to his king and was surprised when he saw him pick up Uraraka's staff and scoop her up into his arms. Her limp body laid against his chest as he walked towards them, "Sero, get my cloak and Uraraka's hood."
The dark haired one was taken by surprise at the mention of her name, "Yes, your highness." Sero replied quietly, bending his arm. From his elbow shot out a tape-like material that launched out to Bakugo's cloak and Uraraka's hood then retrieved them to him. Sero draped the garments carefully over his arm, being mindful not to let Bakugo's cape drag on the ground, and stood at attention.
"Wait, Kacchan!" Midoriya cried, running towards Bakugo, "Let's talk about this, please!"
"What's there to talk about, Deku?" Bakugo asked, cooly, "I won."
"You can't just take a person as a trophy!" Iida yelled, "We won't let you have her!"
Bakugo rolled his eyes and looked at Kirishima, "We're going home."
"But, sir-" Kirishima contested.
"Are you refusing the orders of your king?" the wild one retorted. What was unnerving to the trio and Izuku was how calm and level Bakugo's tone was. Normally, he would've been laughing and boasting about his victory and how he had claimed his prize. Kirishima shook his head, "N-no."
Bakugo turned to Todoroki and glared, "You're a foreign prince in my land. This is your first time in the Scorched Valley, correct?"
"Yes," Prince Shouto replied, raising an eyebrow, "What of it?"
Bakugo let out a grunt and turned, "Regardless of the fact I think the lot of you are fucking useless and you're a stuck-up bastard, the tribal leaders would lose their shit if I snubbed a prince from such an esteemed country like Endorea. Consider yourselves my guests."
"What?" Todoroki exclaimed.
"K-Kacchan, are you saying-?"
Bakugo shot a scowl back over his shoulder at Midoriya, "Don't make me repeat myself, you damned nerd."
Kirishima perked up at the mention of what happening and grinned, transforming immediately into his dragon form and lowering his head. Bakugo leaped up with Uraraka in his arms and settled on the crown of Kirishima. Sero and Kaminari helped Iida, Midoriya, and Todoroki climb onto their companion's neck. As Kirishima took off into the morning sky, Midoriya couldn't help but question what was going on. Todoroki as a diplomatic guest suddenly seemed too convenient and he couldn't ignore the twisting in his chest as he watched Kacchan. He was even more taken aback by the way the Beast King was cradling Uraraka in his arms. As Sero and Kaminari made small talk with Iida and Todoroki, Midoriya wondered what was going on in Bakugo's head and what was behind his sudden hospitable behavior.