Before anything else, I'd like to give a big thank you to Malavita, InkMelody and Callisto the Great Bear for their name suggestions. The names you guys suggested helped me visualize and write the naming scene and it also led me to the name I chose for the red creature. I was actually listening in on InkMelody's suggestions on google translate when my cousin, being the cute little bugger that she is, started to randomly press some synonyms under the translation box. I don't know what words she pressed but the 'name' entered the translation box and after listening to it, I kinda fell in love with it. Not to mention my cousin kept chanting it around the house. I just really had to choose it.

CHAPTER 2

ABLAZE

JOURNAL NO. 13

PROPERTY OF AIZAWA IZUKU

Entry #2 Year xxxx, Summer, Day xx

I pledge that I will never take pleasant mornings for granted ever again.

I can't believe that I actually managed to survive this morning with my sanity intact. Was it really too much to ask for pleasant morning with birds happily chirping outside and a very normal and ordinary greeting of 'good morning'?

Too bad it doesn't actually happen with Bakugou Katsuki around. And unfortunately, I was too late to get the memo.

I was woken up with a weight heavily and painfully falling on my chest and a very slimy tongue that got drool all over my face. Yes, it was a very unique greeting and this unique greeting somehow scared the cra- I'm not supposed to curse. Seriously, I swear Kacchan is rubbing off his speech habits on me.- Anyway, my still half-asleep self thought it was a brilliant idea to scream and move towards the edge of the bed. The ground was very painful, thank you very much. Then Kacchan, being the chivalrous gentleman that he was, just had the gall to laugh at my misery and milk it for all it was worth. Meaning I was teased with the words 'stupid', 'clumsy idiot' and 'lazy-ass' so very early in the morning. He did, eventually, help me up though. He even guided me to the stream where I could clean myself up. At least, after he so not politely told me that I stink.

The only redeeming feature of the morning was breakfast. Kacchan was surprisingly a good cook. I didn't know what the food was actually called but Kacchan said that he used mountain boar meat that he caught as one of the ingredients. I really should have noticed his talent yesterday after the delicious dinner I had. I guess I was too exhausted and weakened after I used my second quirk yesterday.

The craziness and my misery didn't end there though. Breakfast may have given me respite for a few minutes but the events that happened after almost broke my sanity.

Since Kacchan would be travelling with me (it was still unbelievable how it came to that), we both prepared for the travel. Only problem was that Kacchan refused to wear a shirt. A shirt. A shirt that even bandits actually wore or any normal and rational human being wore. So we argued. And argued. And argued. Fortunately, after a lot of profanities from Kacchan, a miracle happened and he actually agreed. Honestly, with all the arguments I threw at him, I don't know which one actually convinced him. Seriously, why would he refuse to wear a shirt of all things? Not that he looked hideous without one. It was the opposite really. I might have been too scared or too preoccupied yesterday but he was quite good-lo- Why am I even writing this? I'm not embarrassing myself in my own journal! Geez. The way large doses of insanity can do to you. Terrifying.

This whole thing was mentally exhausting. Dealing with Kacchan was both exhausting and exasperating. I'm still thankful though. Thankful that it was Kacchan. Kacchan may curse every time and in every sentence, he may be rude and rough around the edges but he was kind, peculiarly kind. I realize now that I could have gotten worse. A lot worse. Being a girl, injured and vulnerable, any man could have taken advantage of me. But not Kacchan. He rescued and treated me. He even tried to stop me from helping him with the bandits. It made me really happy that he actually cared for my well-being despite being the stranger that I am. And I may not ever say this to his face, lest I overinflate his ego, a part of me was actually glad and relieved that he would be travelling with me. When I first attempted to travel alone, I was attacked by bandits and I may have somehow developed this little fear in my heart but with Kacchan with me, I feel that somehow everything will be alright.

To be scared by something like that, I may be more protected and sheltered than I thought. Well, Papa did make sure that no one would hurt me after a few incidents on my younger years. I was really overprotected, huh?

Come to think of it, Mama and Papa did never refer to the mountain tribe as savages. Papa did once tell me that they were an honorable and prideful tribe that was fiercely protective of their own along with a message not to mess with them. Funny how I remember that now after everything that happened.

That reminds me, I still have to send a letter to Uncle Hizashi. He might get too worried and he might just send a search party to look for me. Worse, he might send a letter to my parents. I might be grounded for a year if I'm lucky or for my whole living life if luck suddenly decided that it hated my guts. I better send a letter to my parents for good measure. Not gonna tell them I fell off a cliff though. I'll hide that little detail for as long as I could.

Anyway, I think I have rested enough. My wounds from the fall don't hurt as much now but it's still not fully healed so we had to stop and rest for a while or I'll risk worsening it. Besides, I can't really keep up with Kacchan's pace. He's a beast, I tell you. No one can walk for hours on uneven ground without even getting tired. I'm just a human, unfortunately. The only saving grace now was that, according to Kacchan, we are already quite near to Hosu. He said that we'll be able to arrive there in less than an hour. Time to continue our travels now. Hopefully, no more bandit attacks even if Kacchan kinda wants to have one.

Oh! I almost forgot. We also brought the red fuc- creature. I meant to say and write creature! Seriously, we really need to name the poor little thing. What Kacchan referred to it… ugh… It really needs a name before it actually stuck.

I closed my journal and put it back on my bag along with my pen. I was really lucky that my luggage fell near me and that Kacchan managed to find it. And speaking of Kacchan, I turned my head to the clearing ahead where Kacchan and the red creature were supposed to be. I leaned back at the tree I was sitting under. Geez. He was so impatient to get moving again and now when I'm rested enough he disappears?

Suddenly, a red blur went past me. Then there was Kacchan.

"Where wer-"

However, words just up and died in my throat. Kacchan was spewing profanities. Kacchan was looking absolutely furious. And Kacchan was running towards me non-stop. This was not what I expected. Then he turned his palms behind him, blasted off an explosion and now he was flying. Towards me. I could only gape as the sinking feeling of impending doom settled on my stomach.

"Kacchan?!"

Then everything felt like it was in slow motion. I felt my instincts of self preservation kick in. I closed my eyes in fear and-

BOOM!

"Don't fucking dodge, you piece of shit! I should've cooked you the moment I fucking found you, you red fucker!"

I winced. I almost thought he was referring to me. I got scared there for a moment. Reluctantly, I opened my eyes and squeaked. No wonder he sounded so close. I felt heat quickly coming up to my cheeks.

"Ka-Kacchan?"

He jolted in surprise. Then he moved his gaze towards me. Our eyes connected and my heartbeat accelerated. Then he blinked. He looked genuinely confused.

"Why the fuck are you under me, Deku?"

I could only gape at him in disbelief. The feeling embarrassment was quickly drained as it was replaced by something more appropriate. I seethed as I gave him a glare.

"Kacchan…"

His eyes widened in surprise and before he could react, I moved my arms and slammed both of my palms on his currently flawless face. Hard.

"WHAT THE FUCK, DEKU?!"

"That fucking stings, Deku!"

Kacchan hissed as I continued to apply the ointment on the red patch of irritated skin on his arm.

"Well, if you didn't scratch it that much then maybe it wouldn't hurt as much." I reprimanded him.

"It fucking itched! What the fuck was I supposed to do?!" He complained.

I could only sigh. Day one. This was only day one. How much more the whole journey? Will my life ever be peaceful again?

Then I felt a familiar scaly head rubbing my arm. He looked up at me expectantly and quite adorably if I may add. He probably wanted me to pet him. So unfair. I'm not supposed to spoil him after all the trouble he caused but I don't know how long I could endure ignoring those cute little eyes and playful gestures. I gave the little creature a disappointed stare.

"This is your entire fault, you know. Why don't you show some remorse after what happened?"

I wasn't actually expecting a verbal response but I didn't expect a happy yip either. The creature moved to my lap and snuggled up at me as if what I actually said was permission for him to be spoiled. Frankly, I didn't feel that bad that I was misunderstood. Curse his cuteness.

Apparently, Kacchan and this not so innocent creature were somewhere in a clearing nearby then for some reason or another, this little ball of red here tackled his master to the ground. Unfortunately, there were some plants around which irritated Kacchan's skin. The rest was a lengthy history of profanities and explosions.

I could only sigh. Again. What could I really do at this point? To think that I'll be travelling with a ball of anger issues whose vocabulary could put a sailor to shame and an unknown creature who acted like a spoilt kid. It kinda felt like I'm trading my sanity for my continued breathing life.

Then I remembered something. I was supposed to ask Kacchan this but it slipped out of my mind after everything that happened.

"Hey Kacchan, where did you find him?" I asked.

Kacchan turned his head towards me. "Him, who?"

"You know this little red here. I can't exactly refer to him as an 'it' all the time unless this him is a her." I looked at Kacchan questioningly. "Is he?"

"I don't fucking know. I don't even know what the fuck it is. I just found the red fucker on some cave about a year ago. It was winter."

"Really? He looks like a wyvern but there's something different about him with his horn and all. Did he look like this when you found him?"

"No, he was an egg when I found him. He looked like that when he hatched. Don't know if he's supposed to look like that though. I dropped his fucking egg on the way home."

I looked at Kacchan in disbelief. Seriously? That had to be joke. There had to be some punch line somewhere.

I waited.

The punch line never came.

"Are you serious, Kacchan?!" I exploded. No pun intended.

"What's the big deal?! It was just a fucking cliff!" He exclaimed.

I gave him an incredulous look. "A cliff?! That's bad parenting, Kacchan!"

Kacchan uncharacteristically choked on his saliva and looked at me as if I was the crazy one in the conversation. I was not the crazy one. Definitely not. "What the fu- When the fuck did I become a parent?!"

He huffed and grumbled. I gave him a flat stare.

"Well, at least give him a proper name. He deserves that much. Really dropping his egg…"

"It was a fucking accident!" He said defensively.

"Alright, alright." I conceded. "So what do you want to name him?"

"What?"

"You can't exactly call him 'red fucker' for the rest of his life Kacchan. That's injustice and child abuse right there."I said sternly.

"Child abu- what the fuck-" He gritted his teeth and then he stopped. "If you want it so bad, then name it."

Now, that's sudden. I looked at the red creature on my lap. Come to think of it, I never really thought of a name. I narrowed my eyes in thought. Then I said the first word that came into my brain.

"Smaug"

"What the fuck?!" Kacchan exploded. Again, no pun intended. "I ain't calling it smug."

"It's Smaug."

"It still sounds like smug. Change it."

Geez. For someone who doesn't want to name him, he sure was demanding.

"Well, what name do you like then?" I asked him.

He fully turned to me and crossed his arms as he closed his eyes in thought. A few seconds later, he opened his eyes and grinned. I'm not sure if I liked that kind of grin. It looked evil.

"Lord Explosion Murder!" He declared setting off a few explosions.

"No." I flat out refused. No way.

"What? Why?!" He protested.

"There's no way I'm putting murder on his name, Kacchan." I declared firmly.

"Well, you fucking asked what I like." He pouted like a brat.

"Ok." Somehow, this naming ceremony was getting ridiculous by the minute. "Why don't we just name him based on looks like? Like maybe Red-"

"Fucker" And the continuation was right out of his mouth.

Really, Kacchan? Seriously? You really just had to-

"Alright, we're not naming him Red. In a different way then. How about Akai?" Something felt missing though. I focused my gaze on the red little guy on my lap. On second thought, his color red had a distinct shade. It's more like…

"Shinku"

My eyes widened and I turned to Kacchan.

"What did you say just now, Kacchan?"

"Shinku. It means crimson."

"Shinku" I repeated the name. A smile began to form on my lips. "I like it, Kacchan."

Kacchan grinned and then I lifted the red creature on my eye level.

"Hear that?" I grinned. "You have a name now, Shinku!"

Shinku tilted his head in question. Then seeing my grin, he gave out a happy yip and flew towards me rubbing his head on the side of my cheek. I turned to Kacchan again.

"I think he likes it too, Kacchan!" I happily told him.

Kacchan smirked. "Well, it has good ring to it. Now, you two idiots rhyme."

"Huh? What do you mean, Kacchan?" I looked at him quite confused as to what he was on to about.

Kacchan's smirk looked sly now. "The clumsy idiot Deku and the red fucker Shinku. Nice rhyme, don't ya think?"

Now, I think Kacchan just ruined it. My happiness, particularly.

I whipped my head left and right as I observed the hustle bustle of people in the town of Hosu. There were a lot of people walking doing their daily business and there were various shops around. It had the authentic feeling of a common provincial town. It felt nice to be back in civilization once again. I smiled happily.

"Kacchan, let's go find somewhere to eat first before we stock our supplies. It would be great if we could also explore the town for a bit."

A few seconds passed and no response ever came.

"Kacchan?"

I turned around and immediately realized that Kacchan was nowhere to be found. Shinku was missing too. Oh no. Did I lose them in the crowd? Hopefully, those two are together. But now, how am I supposed to find them? The town of Hosu was quite huge. I think it was one of the biggest towns in Seiryuu.

I felt dread and panic surging through my chest. No. I can't panic now. I simply have to look for them. I'm sure I'll be able to find them soon enough. I released a breath that I hadn't realized I was holding. I steeled myself and began to look for them in the throng of busy people. However, not even ten minutes in my search, my clumsiness attacked again and I fell on my butt as I bumped into someone.

"I'm sorry." I immediately apologized.

"No, it's me who should apologize, milady. It's a shame to hurt such a dazzling vision of loveliness no matter the reason." It was a man's voice.

A hand was then offered to me. So it was just my luck to bump into a guy and a flirty one at that. Papa was right. My clumsiness was really a class on its own. I mean, how does it manage to get me into this kind of awkward situation?

Nevertheless, I took the hand that was offered to me. The stranger may be too flirty for his own good but my upbringing demands that I answer another's courteousness with my own and ignoring his offer of help would be very rude. When I stood up, I observed that the stranger was a few inches taller than me which wasn't a surprise since I was quite short even for a girl my age. He was also garbed in armor, a typical attire of a knight which I assume he was. He had blonde hair, a shade darker than Kacchan's and surprisingly he looked to be around my age.

"Ummm…" I hesitated for a bit. "Thank for your help and I apologize for bumping into you, sir."

I expected that he would immediately let go of my hand but what happened was the opposite. His other hand shot up and then both of his hands were now holding my hand. He stepped forward. I stepped back. He looked too eager and happy that it honestly unnerved me quite a bit. What did I do now? What do I do now?

"O fair and beauteous one! It must be fate we met here. Would you not favor me with your name? Or better yet, your company?"

I stepped back nervously. A flirt. I bumped into a major flirt. Oh no. I'm never really good at dealing with flirts. Sure, I've been flirted before but they were subdued since Papa and Hii-kun were usually around me but now…

Suddenly, a red blur went past me and the next second, my hand was released as the stranger received a head butt that was strong enough to topple him over. I composed myself and noticed that the red blur was no other than Shinku. Wait a sec, Shinku? Then Kacchan must be near. I hastily turned around and for sure there he was there.

"Kacchan!" The relief I felt overwhelmed me as I saw him again and I couldn't help but smile like an idiot. Then I realized something. I looked at Shinku who was scrambling off the knight then back at Kacchan. The smile fell off my face and I looked at Kacchan in disbelief. "Kacchan, did you just throw Shinku into someone?!"

"I just took a leaf out of your book, Deku." Then his eyes flashed to the stranger and he sneered as he kept his eyes on the stranger. "Where the fuck have you been and who the fuck is that piece of shit?" He looked absolutely livid. But somehow, I could feel that his anger wasn't directed at me but to the stranger who bumped into me.

I was about to answer him when the stranger finally stood up and met Kacchan's glare with his own.

"It seems that this man has no manners, milady. If this rude man is bothering you, then say the word and I'll take care of him for you, milady."

"Huh?! What the fuck did you just say, you piece of shit?!" Kacchan snapped.

The situation just turned for the worse. They might actually start fighting in the middle of the town. I've got to stop them. Two quirk users beating each other up in the current setting would not be good. I don't know what quirk did the stranger have but Kacchan's quirk can do a lot of damage in a place like this. The stranger looked like he could put up a good fight against Kacchan too. The stranger's yellow aura may not be as dense as Kacchan's but it did suggest that he was fairly strong.

I quickly went in front of Kacchan and placed my hands on his chest to stop and calm him down. "Kacchan, please don't-"

I was interrupted by a yell. I snapped my head towards the source and saw that it was a red-haired stranger running towards us. He looked like a knight too with the armor he was wearing. He went up to the blonde knight as if not really noticing me and Kacchan.

"Kaminari, where have you been? I've been looking all over for you. Have you been flirting with every woman you see again?"

"Kirishima, I was just-" The blonde knight started but this time it was my unfiltered mouth who interrupted.

"Who are you?" I blurted out and sure enough, the red head turned his attention towards me and Kacchan.

I saw a flash of realization on the red head's eyes.

"Denki!" The red head was looking at the other man with a stern expression on his face and a trace of disbelief. "I told you time and time again not to flirt with married women!"

I felt heat all over my face. Married? I know that I'm already at marrying age but… Married? Married to Kacchan? I think I actually invented a new shade of red.

"I'm not- we're not-" I started to deny but the red head was already crouched down in an apologetic bow.

"I'm really sorry for the trouble that my partner has caused you and your husband, milady!" I blushed a lot more at the word 'husband' but he wasn't done yet. "Please do ignore whatever my partner had said. He had a few screws lose-"

"Oi!" The blonde stranger protested but the red head still had more things to say.

"Please do let this slide just this once. I'll make sure this never happens again!" The red head then took the blonde's head into a reluctant bow.

I was quite speechless at the scene. What do I actually do in this kind of situation? Then I noticed that people were starting to gather around. It seemed that we really caused a ruckus since the red head was apologizing quite loudly. I turned to Kacchan and thankfully he has more or less calmed down.

"Kacchan-"

Suddenly, an ominous feeling prickled the back of my neck like I was being watched. Sure, we were watched by a few people but this one had a trace of bloodlust. I turned my attention away from Kacchan and hastily scanned the surroundings. No one looked suspicious. Was it just my imagination?

Then Kacchan spoke up. His tone was rough.

"This is fucking stupid. I don't care about this fucking shit anymore."

Kacchan took my wrist and dragged me away without another word rudely breaking up the crowd that was forming. Shinku quickly followed us. Then I glanced at the two knights. They both looked surprised. Well, at least they weren't bowing anymore. But then the blonde looked like he was seriously thinking of something with his hand on chin. He told his red headed partner something and the red head gaped at the blonde in surprise. My eyes widened as the red head snapped his head towards us. There was a desperate look in his eyes and it seemed like he was gesturing for us to wait up but then again, me and Kacchan were already too far away. Kacchan tugged at my wrist and soon enough the two knights were no longer in sight.

We've been walking for a few minutes but Kacchan still hasn't stopped. His pace was brisk and fast. And Kacchan was being quiet. Too quiet.

"Kacchan, is there something wrong?" I asked.

"Keep your head up, Deku. We're being followed." He replied. There was a serious tone in his voice.

My eyes widened in realization. So it wasn't my imagination? "When did you notice, Kacchan?"

"Back with those two dipshits. I felt we were being watched. I didn't know who the fuck were they targeting at first but now I've fucking confirmed it." Then he sneered. "I don't know what the fuck they want but if it's a fight they want then I'll fucking give it to them."

I could only stare at Kacchan as I contemplated our options. Frankly, I don't want a fight and confronting those stalkers might not be the best option. I don't know how many were actually following us and I don't know how strong they were. A confrontation might turn out bad but we don't have much of a choice here. Either we lose them or confront them. Losing them was ideal but highly unlikely since they were able to follow us even amongst the busy crowd. There must be someone with a tracking quirk or they might be actually just that good in tracking and tailing someone. It seems like a confrontation would be the only option we could take here. However, I don't want any civilians involved since a fight might actually be a necessity. I made up my mind.

"Kacchan, let's go somewhere deserted. I don't want any civilians near us."

"It's about time you fucking made up your mind, Deku."

I could practically hear the eagerness dripping in his voice.

We ended up on the outskirts of the town. It was clearing with a river and some trees nearby. I had hidden Shinku on a tree hole somewhere. He tried to come with us but I sternly told him to stay put. I don't him anywhere near us if a fight might just break out. And this way we won't have to worry about civilians getting involved or any collateral damage that we could cause. More importantly, our pursuers will be in plain sight where my eyes could definitely reach them.

"GET OUT HERE, YOU FUCKING COWARDS!" Kacchan yelled. He already had his two swords on his hand. He actually looked quite intimidating.

I readied myself as I palmed the knives I once again strapped on my thighs. I could tell they were hiding behind some of the trees. There were two of them. I could see the aura leaking from their body that was uncovered by the tree. They were quirk users and they were strong ones at that.

"Temper, temper." A sing song voice came from behind one of the trees. He was a guy on his teens. He had slick blond hair parted to the right on his forehead and grey eyes with white pupils. "Don't be so hotheaded, Bakugou Katsuki. Your lady friend might just run away from you if you keep that up."

My eyes widened. That man just said Kacchan's name.

"Who the fuck are you? My name… how the fuck did you know of it?" I could feel Kacchan's fury through his voice. Whoever this man was, he was definitely not a friend.

The guy replied with disdainful smirk. "No one important, really. I'm just your run of the mill assassin who's paid to kill you. Nothing personal, just business."

"An assassin?!" I couldn't just keep my mouth shut. There was someone who wanted Kacchan dead. I had my suspicions about the massacre of Kacchan's clan but I never really thought that Kacchan was an actual target. "Who ordered you?!"

"Tut. Tut. That angry look on your face doesn't suit you that much, little lady. But if you must know, the confidentiality comes with the money so I'm sorry but you'll have to work it out on your own, little lady." The guy mocked. "You look like you could be intelligent enough to figure out. I can't say the same towards your companion though. Well, he won't live long enough to think about it anyway. Honestly, if he just died together with his clan then-"

"Deku, fuck with the questions." There was ferocity in Kacchan's voice that I've never heard before. "Let's just torture the fucking questions out of him when he's half-dead!"

Then Kacchan attacked. He was livid.

"Kacchan! Don't!" I yelled but he wasn't listening. He was too enraged.

The assassin was dodging every slash and every explosion and then suddenly an explosion was blasted at Kacchan. Kacchan fell back. What on earth was-

"You look lonely, milady. Would you mind if I joined you?" A shiver ran up my spine as I heard a man's voice behind me.

I took the knife I strapped on my thigh and swung at the speaker. A clang resounded as my knife touched his dagger. This man was dangerous.

"I didn't know you are the feisty kind, miss." The man mocked. He looked like a guy in his twenties. He had a lean build and he looked highly trained in combat. He was a quirk user and he was not to be underestimated.

Then I heard sniggers and I saw five more quirk users. Since when did they get here? This was bad. We were totally out outnumbered.

"I think my job is done here, gentlemen." One of the quirk users said. He was a strange one. His body looked like it's made of purple mist. "I will leave you now but I trust you will be able to finish your job properly?"

"Yeah, yeah, we're gonna kill the savage. Just tell that Giran to ready the rest of the payment, Kurogiri." One of the quirk users replied. "What about the girl?"

They must be assassins also targeting Kacchan. And he said a name: Giran.

"She is of no consequence. Do what you want with her." The purple mist turned to leave.

"Wait." A woman revealed herself. She must be the one I sensed earlier. "Let me come with you. My job's done here too." She must be the tracker.

"Alright." He agreed then some portal appeared and they both disappeared.

I don't know what was the actual deal about those two but now it was six quirk users versus the two of us and I don't know if we could actually handle them. Their auras indicated that they were fairly strong.

Then suddenly I heard a loud explosion and I spotted Kacchan as he was blasted off a few paces away.

"Kacchan!"

I tilted my knife and swung again making the man step back then I threw another knife at him for distraction. I immediately ran to Kacchan's side.

"Are you alright, Kacchan?" I asked worriedly.

"I'm fucking fine, Deku but that blonde shit's gonna die!" He looked as furious as ever but at least he listened to me now.

"Oi, what is this? Why is the savage still alive, Monoma?" One of the men said.

It was a bit odd. Those men were definitely assassins but they weren't doing anything. They just stood at the sidelines.

"I was just about to kill him." The blonde assassin gritted his teeth. He looked irritated.

"Well, you better, newbie. You may be new to this business but you've gotta pull your weight. Be thankful we're actually letting you have him for your first kill." Another man snickered.

"Then shut up and let me do my job, you old men!" Now, the assassin, I think he was called Monoma, looked quite angry.

"Oh no, you pissed blondie off." Another one mocked which earned smug laughs from the others.

Monoma clenched his fist and growled. Then as if to prove a point, Monoma angrily charged at us and I immediately turned my eyes on him to deactivate his quirk but before I could someone already stopped him. It was the red headed knight that we met earlier. He threw a heavy punch at Monoma and he made him fall back a distance away. Then I heard gallops beside us. This time it was the blond knight mounted on a horse.

The blond knight grinned at me. "We've come to your rescue, milady."

"We don't fucking need your help!" Kacchan exclaimed.

"Maybe but it seems you two are quite outnumbered." The red head said.

The other five assassins who looked disinterested in getting involved earlier looked quite eager and more cautious now.

"He's right, Kacchan." I agreed and then I turned to Kacchan. "All of them are quirk users and all of them looked fairly strong and highly trained. You want answers, don't you, Kacchan? Then we're going to need their help to apprehend them."

Kacchan clicked his tongue but I know he more or less agreed to it.

I turned to the knights. "If you could help us, then we gratefully accept it."

"Of course, milady." The red head smiled.

"Alright." I looked at the assassins determinedly. "I still don't know about the other five but one of them could copy someone's quirk most probably on contact."

But before I could communicate a plan, the assassins made their move. The blade of a chain sickle was thrown and the other assassins scattered. I could see the eterna stone on the chain sickle's handle. Fortunately, the attack was blocked by the red head again. I looked at the knight worriedly. His metal armor broke but surprisingly the red headed knight was uninjured and his skin looked hard.

"My quirk is hardening, milady." The red head spoke. There was a grin plastered on his face as if he was enjoying the fight. "I will introduce myself properly later but now you may call me Kirishima."

"Then I am Kaminari, milady." This time it was the other knight. "Again, proper introductions will be done later and my quirk is…" The other knight charged at the assassin with his horse and I don't how I didn't notice it until now but he was holding a spear with an eterna stone embedded on its blade. He aimed it forward and my eyes widened as it sparked with electricity. Then he attacked. The assassin was thrown backwards unconscious. One down.

My lips twitched into a grin. It seems like we gained some very reliable allies.

Then I sensed movement. One of the assassins was jumping around so fast that my eyes could barely follow him. Then suddenly I was roughly pushed away and the next second I saw Kacchan stopping a kick in mid-air with his blades. The assassin's legs looked like springs. It wasn't like that earlier so it must be a transformation quirk. Then like a spring it compressed and I know he was going to jump off again so before he could I deactivated his quirk. Confusion was plastered across the assassin's face as his transformation was undone.

"Kacchan!"

"You don't have to fucking remind me, Deku!"

Kacchan swung his blade and one loud explosion later, another assassin was out. I turned my gaze to the knights and I saw them fighting against another assassin and the now recovered Monoma. The other quirk user kept touching things with left hand and everything he touched kept going towards Kaminari and Kaminari looked like he had his hands full just defending himself from rocks, blades and among other things. Kirishima on the other hand was dealing with Monoma who, by now, has copied his quirk and was using it against him.

Then I heard a familiar voice whisper on my ear.

"I think it's time you step out of this fight, miss. I initially planned on leaving you alone but your quirk's too much of a hindrance. We can't kill the savage properly as long as you're here." I didn't notice him again. He was very near. I could literally feel his breath on my ear but how could I possibly not notice him till he actually said something?! "Oh, don't stress yourself too much, miss. Just know that my quirk is as troublesome as yours."

I couldn't properly defend myself this time. I managed to move but I felt something dulling my movement. There was some kind of ray and I felt my whole body slowing down. I almost screamed as a knife stabbed my shoulder.

"Deku!"

And sure enough, Kacchan was there but he didn't manage to hit the assassin as he was nowhere to be found again.

"What the fuck did you do to yourself, Deku?!" Kacchan was angry but I could somehow trace the worry on his voice. I almost chuckled at the thought.

"I didn't exactly do this to myself, Kacchan…" He was about to retort when I grabbed him and leaned so that he could hear me I lowered my voice. "Listen to me first, Kacchan. The one who stabbed me is a quirk user who can make himself unnoticeable until he voices something out. I think he was also working with another one who could literally slow us down. Then the one fighting with Kaminari can probably lock on a target and have all things he touches with his left hand thrown at his target. It probably requires contact to lock on to someone since he didn't lock on to you and you are the main target. I've got a plan so listen carefully, Kacchan…"

I deactivated the quirk user who was fighting Kaminari and at the moment Kacchan attacked.

"I'm going to deactivate the quirk user who's fighting Kaminari and the moment I do leave me alone-"

"The fuck would I do that! That fucking bastard's gonna attack you again!"

"That's the point, Kacchan. He's unnoticeable unless he says something and he's got an annoying habit on whispering things behind my ear so I want you to…"

With the other assassin's quirk deactivated, the fight went on to Kaminari's favor add Kacchan to the equation the outcome was quite predictable. Kirishima and Monoma's fight was also affected as they were fighting nearby. Then I heard Kacchan yell:

"Hair-for-brains, throw that fucker behind Deku!"

How Kirishima managed to know that Kacchan was actually referring to him was beyond me but somehow he got it and he threw the nearly unconscious assassin towards me or more accurately the man behind me who predictably planned to whisper in my ear again. I dodged in time as both assassins painfully crashed at each other. It wasn't what I actually expected that Kacchan would do since I only told him to throw something or reach me to throw my attacker off balance so I could deactivate his quirk and land a strike on him but this was even a lot better. I turned my gaze towards the others and I saw Kaminari and Kacchan closing in on Monoma and with their simultaneous attacks they managed to render him unconscious.

Then suddenly some kind of ray appeared and it seemed directed to the two assassins who crashed on each other possibly to soften their fall but it was expected and were ready for it.

"When something happens to my attacker, another assassin would probably make his move. I didn't see him anywhere earlier so he must be hiding somewhere. When he uses his quirk, he emits some kind of ray and then we could pinpoint where he is."

"Alright. Fine. I'll fucking do it but you better not get yourself killed, Deku."

"Kacchan! He's behind those bushes!"

"DIE!"

With a war cry, Kacchan propelled himself with his explosion and within a few seconds there was an explosion and a painful scream. Then Kacchan appeared from the bushes holding a man on the back of its collar. He threw him towards the other who was still conscious but quite weakened. Then I saw Kirishima grin.

"Do your worst, Kaminari!"

"Got it!"

Then Kaminari confidently jumped off his horse and he dropped off his spear. He grinned as his hands cackled with electricity. He approached the assassins then there were a lot of flashes after that. I couldn't really keep my eyes open since the flashes were murder on my eyes but when I opened them again. The three assassins looked a bit burned and unconscious. Kaminari was acting strange too.

Then suddenly, I felt lightheaded.

"Milady, your shoulder's bleeding!"

"Oh, I forgot." Somehow it was getting hazy.

"Damn it, Deku! How the fuck did you forget?!"

"You have to take it easy for a while, miss. The wound on your shoulder is a bit deep and you have some injuries that are not completely healed yet."

"Yes, doctor."

The doctor left and I was left alone with Kacchan, Kirishima and Kaminari and, of course, Shinku. After the whole thing, Kacchan and Kaminari rushed me to the town's doctor while Kirishima stayed to round up the assassins. He managed to apprehend the other five but Monoma was nowhere to be found. We suspected he might have fled when we weren't paying attention on him. He was definitely injured but not injured enough to be incapacitated. Monoma probably did something to defend himself when Kaminari and Kacchan both attacked him. Anyway, Kirishima followed after and the doctor checked the others too. The others had some scrapes and thankfully I was the only one with a large wound. So now, I'm sitting at the hospital bed while the others were free to stand around.

Shinku flew to my lap and snuggled up to me as usual. It was a bit silent since no one was actually talking so I decided to take the initiative. I turned my gaze to Kirishima and Kaminari.

"Kirishima-san, Kaminari-san, thank you for your help."

"No worries about it, milady. It was our pleasure." Kirishima said.

"Yes, our pleasure indeed." Kaminari added. "Saving an embodiment of beauty is a gentleman's duty. But if you don't mind, milady, will you bless us with your name?"

I sweat dropped. Kaminari's still a flirt even now. And how does my name even remotely bless anyone anyway? It's still proper to introduce myself though after all their help.

"I guess I've never properly introduced myself. Nice to meet you, I'm Aizawa Izuku."

"Aizawas of Yuuei?" Kirishima asked.

"Yuuei's Aizawa?" Kaminari asked.

I nodded.

"AIZAWA!" They both exclaimed. "WE'RE VERY SORRY FOR OUR RUDENESS, LADY AIZAWA!"And now they are both bowing in apology.

Geez. I really forgot how famous my last name was and its effect on people. Well, Kacchan never really fussed about my last name. It was possible that he never heard of my family as a mountain tribe but I guess it doesn't really matter. I was only Deku to him which was quite refreshing to be honest.

"Please, lift your heads up. You two didn't really do anything wrong and you both really helped me and Kacchan a while ago so if it's anything I'm quite grateful to you two."

Thankfully, they straightened themselves up and they both smiled at me which I also replied a smile of my own. Why do I get the impression that they were both grateful to me instead?

However, Kacchan's rough voice interrupted our musings.

"How about you two fucking explain yourselves now?"

"Kacchan, that's rude." I reprimanded.

"These two were fucking there for a reason and I want to fucking hear it." Kacchan was still rude but I get why he's suspicious though. Kirishima and Kaminari's arrival for help was too perfect.

"He's right, Lady Aizawa." Kirishima surprisingly confirmed it. Kirishima turned to Kaminari and they both nodded as if they both decided about something. Then they turned their attention to me and Kacchan.

"Before we state our reasons, we would like to confirm this first." Kirishima said then he focused his gaze on Kacchan. "Are you Bakugou Katsuki?"

Kacchan nodded. Then Kirishima turned his gaze on me as if asking it was indeed true. I nodded. I don't think Kacchan lied about his identity.

I expected the both of them to immediately state their reasons but it surprised me and Kacchan when they went down on their knees and bowed as if paying respects to their lord. Just what was going on?

Then Kaminari spoke. "I am Kaminari Denki and my partner here is Kirishima Eijiro. We are knights that were sent here to find you."

Kirishima followed. "We recognized, Kaminari actually, I mean he recognized you. You look a lot like the portraits of your mother, Lady Mitsuki-"

Kacchan stiffened at the mention of the name. "Oi, you two better fucking tell me all of the things you know." There was a trace of controlled rage in his voice that honestly made me uneasy Kacchan openly displays his anger. He never hid it or controlled it.

"Of course."

Kaminari and Kirishima stood up and they started their tale.

"Our lord, the Marques of Yamanashi, Gran Torino, your grandfather wanted us to find you and possibly bring you with us back to Yamanashi."

The Marques of Yamanashi? He's Kacchan's grandfather? Then that means Kacchan's a noble. An heir. But how? How did it happen?

Kaminari answered the question for me. "Your mother, Lady Mitsuki, eloped with a member of the mountain tribe who was once under the employ of your grandfather seventeen years ago. Your grandfather never really stopped her though since your grandfather actually supported your father. It caused an uproar among the nobles but your grandfather silenced them claiming that your mother was an independent woman who can take care of herself and that she'll be back sooner or later."

Kirishima continued the tale. "Your mother sent your grandfather letters throughout the years and I could remember how your grandfather would laugh and smile boasting about how alike his grandson was to his daughter. However, news reached us a few months ago. It was the news of your clan's massacre and that Lady Mitsuki and her husband was among those who perished. The Marques was stricken with grief and after that he was bedridden with illness. But there was hope. His grandson survived. You, Bakugou-sama, are still alive so that's why he sent us to you. He wants to see you."

Kacchan was silent and his expression was unreadable but I could tell he was trying to process everything but there was an important question I'd like to address.

"The assassins…" I started. "They said a name…Giran…do you know him?"

Kirishima and Kaminari's eyes widened. But it was Kaminari who answered.

"I'm afraid so, Lady Aizawa. Giran is the Marques's younger brother and his lust for the throne is quite known. We suspect that he might be behind the massacre of the Bakugou clan and he must have paid those assassins who we fought today."

Suddenly, an explosion came from Kacchan. I couldn't really see Kacchan's face but judging on the drops of blood from his clenched hands, he was enraged. Very enraged. More enraged than I've seen before. Then Kacchan left without another word.

"Kacchan!"

I did not hesitate putting Shinku off my lap and yanking the covers off me. I put my bare feet on the ground and hurriedly headed towards the door but before I could reach it someone held my arm. It was Kirishima.

"Lady Aizawa-" I don't know what he wants and I doubt I really care.

"I can't leave Kacchan alone now. He might hurt himself!" I yanked my arm off him and ran.

I found him somewhere surrounded by fallen trees with traces of explosions and blood. He was about to strike another tree when I tackled him to the ground. I can't let him hurt himself anymore. I couldn't bear it.

He sat up and he held me away.

"What the fuck do you want, Deku?!"

I could see the hate and rage in his eyes but there was also grief and sorrow. I really couldn't leave him alone. So I acted. I hugged him as tightly and as firmly as I could. I don't know if it was appropriate to do it. I don't know if it was fine to do it. But it felt right to do it.

Kacchan tried to push me away but I stubbornly held on.

"Please, Kacchan…don't lose yourself to all that hatred…to all that rage…please..."

"He killed everyone, Deku!" His voice shook. "My parents. Everyone in my clan. He fucking killed them all! HE KILLED EVERY FUCKING PERSON THAT MATTERED!"

I didn't let go. I held on. I didn't want to let him go.

"Kacchan…"

"He killed them…He killed them…He killed them, Deku…" Kacchan held me tight. I could feel the subdued sobs and his tears on my neck. His embrace was painful but it was nothing compared to the pain he must be feeling.

"Kacchan, listen to me. Before you think of revenge…before all that hate…before all that rage…Think of your grandfather, Kacchan. Your grandfather loved you and your mother. He loved your mother even as she ran away from home. And you. He loved you even as the grandson he never met. He loved the both of you. He still lives, Kacchan. You still have family. So before anything else, think of your grandfather, Kacchan."

I don't know if he heard me. I don't know if he listened to me. But his embrace tightened a bit more as he continued to silently cry. And I stayed silent, hoping and praying that my presence somehow helped him.

It was a few minutes later that I felt Kacchan calm down. His hold on me loosened and the embrace became comfortable unlike the tight desperate one earlier. He shifted for a bit but he didn't let me go nor did he let me see his face.

"Deku…I want to see my grandfather…" I gasped as joy spread through me. "Come with me."

His next words surprised me but I immediately knew what my answer would be. I'll make sure of it. I'll make sure Kacchan meets his grandfather.

"Of course, Kacchan."

"Good." He murmured. "For some damn reason, you also matter to me now, Deku so take fucking responsibility of it and don't leave me alone just yet."

I smiled.

"Yes, Kacchan."

You matter to me now too, Kacchan.

OMAKE

(Aizawa Izuku's letter to Yamada Hizashi)

Dear Uncle Hizashi,

I hope this letter finds you well. I have finally reached Hosu and as promised I have addressed a letter to you. I know that it took longer for me to write to you than expected but I promise you, it wasn't because of broken bones.

There were some unforeseen events and some extenuating circumstances that prevented me from writing to you sooner but I am still alive. I am alright and I still have all of my limbs intact. All of them.

I know how much of a worry wart you can be so I've sent this special letter to my favorite uncle so he doesn't drive everybody crazy with his worrying.

Really, Uncle Hizashi, I'm fine. Travelling with you for months has made me stronger and has made me more comfortable on the road. I also have some reliable and strong travelling companions with me now too. One of them actually promised to keep me alive on the road and I know that the others would also keep me safe. So don't worry too much, Uncle Hizashi.

I actually missed you calling me green bean as I write this letter. But I'm gonna pretend I didn't write that the next time I see you though.

I wish you success in all your endeavors and say hello to the guys for me too.

Your honorary niece,

Izuku

PS. I really do miss you. And the guys too.

Well, that was long. Longer than chapter 1 at least but I hope you guys had fun reading this and I hope it was worth the wait.

I never really intended to update this late but I had my exams and I had to grudgingly make it my priority. I got sick for a few days too probably because of all the caffeine I shoved down my throat and all the late night studying that I pulled. Exams are a menace in my life. And writing this chapter ain't a walk in the park too. I had difficulty with the fight scene particularly.

But enough with the reasons. Now, I'd like to thank the users who put this fic on their favorite list, the followers and of course the encouraging reviewers! Know that you guys are awesome and that you seriously encouraged and motivated this lazy student to write. Arigatou!

And speaking of reviewers, I'd like to give a special mention to Malavita who pointed out that this fic reminded him or her of Fire Emblem 7. Well, surprise, surprise! This fic was born on a restless night when I was replaying Fire Emblem 7 with the second ending theme of BNHA season 2 playing on my laptop screen. Long story short, inspiration hit me like lightning and I just had to write something. Those who are unfamiliar or haven't played the game don't have to worry though. This fic may pick some inspiration from the game but it doesn't require you to play it since this fic is quite littered with my own modification and changes. You guys don't really need to know or play the game to understand this fic and I think I've proven that with the last few chapters. Fire Emblem 7 is still one of the most awesome games I've ever played though.

And castielris actually asked if this fic is a love triangle or a threesome. Well, my answer for now is I don't know. It's my intent to develop the romance as I develop and integrate the characters in the story. I may have outlined the storyline already but the romance and emotions on the undercurrents of their quest is something that I want to decide as I go along or as I write along so various pairings might even pop out. It really depends a lot on the story development, my mood when I write and my fangirling tendencies. But know the that I both love the KatsukiXIzuku and ShotoXIzuku pairings.

I guess I've ranted enough now.

Favorite, Follow and Review!