Vulnerability and Second Chances (Barbarian King!Bakugou x Omega!Reader)

Chapter 1: New World

In a society where almost 80% of the world's population was born as a hybrid, those that weren't were considered rare and precious.

An endangered species.

The established governments around the globe split up to protect various interests of their surrounding money, drugs and territory, all to reclaim power. Society fell apart and the population withdrew back to their roots.

To the land of their ancestors.

For the cities that were created in lieu of this newfound phenomenon, many scattered and reverted back to living in the wild, abandoning the advanced technology and factories with smoke that polluted the very land the people had sworn to cherish.

Those people formed their own families with a new lifestyle.

Eventually, the clans that were formed with those that rejected the current ways became more and more common until they dominated the Earth; and the society that used to be so civilized vanished.

The leaders of these clans were usually an aggressive hybrid, those such as wolves or big cats, those with the predatory capabilities to provide and protect their packs. Rarely were they ever led by a mere human.

But Bakugou Katsuki was one of the few.

In a matter of years, he had made his way up to the top of the food chain, pushing past and defeating anyone who stood in his way. He was labeled as the Barbarian King, ruler of one of the most successful clans the Elders of Musutafu had ever seen.

He reigned with an air of unquestionable authority and always led his warriors into battle from the frontlines.

He was characterized by many things. He was brave, loyal, strong and would always save everyone he could no matter what the cost was to him, even though he would always follow it up with a smart remark that he didn't care if they all burned alive. But while it always struck a chord in those outside his clan, those within couldn't seem to care less.

That temper of his could make a grown man cry and he was more than rough around the edges, but he brushed off any criticism and kept moving forward; doing what he needed to in order to keep his people safe.

Heart of gold guarded behind steel. His undefeated track record held an unprecedented reputation among the clans spanning over what used to be known as Japan.

As more years passed, cities crumbled and mother nature reclaimed the land, making it hers once again. Healthy forests flourished all over and took over. Rivers that were once bound by the confines of human-built dams were allowed to flow freely once again and they cut through the land, dividing up valuable sections for lone hybrids and clans alike to claim.

Everyday, less and less evidence of the human civilization that had once been overbearing was reduced to nothing more than a speck of dust in the air. Aside from the ruins that stood on the outskirts of the claimed territory of the Eastern Alliance, there was nothing left behind.

And the Barbarian King took special care never to damage the precious earth that his people adored so much, leading his clan with pride and determination.

Gratification from his people dominated his traits and overruled the hot-headedness his rivals had come to know him by.

Most of the time.

"Who the fuck are you?!" Bakugou raged angrily as he stepped into his tent, fully expecting the privacy that one was granted as the clan leader only to stumble across a gaunt figure in the corner.

One that was clearly not supposed to be there as he returned from the routine afternoon hunt.

You whimpered, covering your ears at his volume and tucking in your knees further as though the tattered dress you had on could adequately shield you from his wrath. Backing away from him, a terrified squeak tumbled out as your back hit the unyielding wood of his bedpost.

A fleeting thought to duck under his bed crossed your mind but you were certain that would only trap you further.

Your ears were pinned flat against your head and your tail bushed out like some kind of feline, whipping back and forth as your anxiety spiked.

Caged in the tent with him blocking your only way out, you braced yourself for the beating that would come.

Bakugou's eyes narrowed as the hands that had gone up to your head to protect it shook and his jaw ticked, a torrent of emotions building up in his chest and threatening to unleash onto everyone within the vicinity.

He recognized it instantly. That type of fear wasn't normal.

You whined in fear as the shadow flickered, signaling his approach. Scrambling backwards even though you had nowhere else to go, you sobbed, salty tears stinging your eyes as pain ripped through your empty stomach.

You had been chasing the first fresh meal you had seen in years, but it led you right into this place and no matter how hard you tried, you couldn't find your way out. Every turn you took led you right back here, though that might have to do with something with the fact that you had no sense of direction, not that there was no escape.

Either way, you were lost and starving and this human's presence wasn't helping at all.

The man that looked beyond furious at the sight of you had a pelt of fur draped across his bare shoulders, dark crimson cloth cascading down his back, and just by looks alone, you could tell he was an alpha by your standards, despite being human.

He exuded that same power, that same pride that you had come to know by within your pack's ranks and whining fearfully, you cowered as he came closer.

His reputation was widely known where you came from. You knew exactly who he was and you knew what he was capable of and that made you terrified of what he would do to you.

Bakugou's forehead creased in irritation as you continued to make those pitiful sounds, wondering what the fuck you were doing in his tent and why the fuck you were here.

Who even let you in?! He had guards outside for a reason!!

"Oi, get up." The king commanded gruffly, but made no move to yank you up onto your feet like he normally would've done with the rest of the extras in his clan.

You feebly shook your head, flinching as you expected him to hit you for refusing. Punishment wasn't light for those who rebuked orders where you came from but you thought you deserved it after foolishly darting after that rabbit and landing yourself in this spot.

But the hunger that took over your mind the second you saw the small animal made you tear after it before your exhausted brain had a chance to realize what you were doing. You didn't realize you had run so far away from where you lived until you tripped and ended up in here.

Gritting his teeth at your reaction, Bakugou drew back, thinking hard. His mouth furrowed into a frustrated frown. There wasn't much he could do if you were this scared.

Something must've really frightened you. He hoped to All Might it wasn't him. He knew he could come across as... insensitive.

Alright, pig-headed was more like it.

A glance at your matted fur caked with dirt and dried blood told him that you were a wolf hybrid but you were in terrible condition.

You clearly didn't pose a threat to him, you were barely able to keep your head up and heavy eyes open. But as much as he wanted to inspect you for himself to see the extent of how bad your condition was, you were too afraid to let him.

Out of ideas, he turned swiftly on his heel and left. He was no good with people, so he would need to get someone who was.

And he knew just the shitty dragon.