Dragon's Heart, Hero's Will

Chapter 17: The Rescue Mission

Night has fallen, casting a shadow over the bustling city as Kirishima stands outside the hospital with Midoriya, Todoroki, Momo, and Iida. His heart pounds in his chest as he looks at the determined faces of his friends. The weight of their mission presses down on them, but for Kirishima, it’s more than just a rescue mission—it’s about saving Bakugou. His dragon is restless, pacing inside him, urging him forward, calling him to protect what’s his.

“This is it,” Kirishima mutters under his breath, clenching his fists. He can feel his muscles tense, scales itching beneath his skin. There’s no room for failure. Not this time.

They board the train, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels doing little to calm Kirishima’s nerves. The city blurs past the window, and for a moment, the tension inside him feels overwhelming. Bakugou is out there, his dragon whispers. He needs you.

Todoroki speaks up, his voice low but clear. “It’s not too late to turn back. If anyone has doubts…”

Kirishima shakes his head sharply. “I wouldn’t have even suggested this if I wasn’t sure.” His voice is stronger than he feels, but he forces himself to stay steady. Bakugou would go with us if the roles were reversed, he thinks. He wouldn’t let villains have their way.

In the middle of this tension, Kirishima feels the bond with Bakugou pulling him forward like an invisible string. It’s not just a friend he’s going to save—it’s someone far more important. His dragon surges at the thought, scales rippling beneath his skin as the image of Bakugou, trapped and fighting alone, gnaws at his insides.

Once they arrive near Kamino Ward, they stop at a convenience store to buy disguises. Kirishima, ever the practical one, picks a disguise that feels significant—bonds. He doesn’t think much of it at the time, but something about it feels right. Bakugou is the center of this mission, the center of his focus, his bond. He clenches his fists again, determined not to let that bond break.

By the time they approach the location of the transmitter, night has fully settled in, and the weight of the mission presses down even heavier. Momo offers to create night-vision goggles for them, but Kirishima pulls out a pair he’d already bought. Midoriya raises an eyebrow. “Those are expensive,” he points out, but Kirishima just shrugs.

Is it gay to spend $500 for your bro? The thought flickers through his mind, but it’s quickly drowned out by his dragon’s impatient growl. This isn’t about money. It’s about Bakugou.

As they approach the area, chaos erupts. Flames, debris, and the unmistakable sound of explosions fill the air. In the midst of it all, Bakugou is holding his own, as fierce and unyielding as ever, even with villains closing in from all sides. Kirishima’s heart races, his dragon surging to life, roaring to protect its mate. The sight of Bakugou standing there, alone and surrounded, ignites something primal inside him.

“We need to get him out of there,” Todoroki says, urgency in his voice.

“All Might’s holding back,” Momo observes, eyes scanning the scene. “He can’t go all out with Bakugou so close.”

“We have to get him out,” Midoriya mutters, already formulating a plan. “But it’s risky… it depends on Bakugou cooperating.”

Kirishima’s eyes widen. Bakugou? Cooperating? The odds feel slim, but before he can voice his concerns, Midoriya turns to him, locking eyes with a level of seriousness that makes Kirishima’s heart skip.

“You’re the key, Kirishima. Bakugou trusts you. If anyone can get him out of there, it’s you.”

The weight of those words hits Kirishima hard. His chest tightens, the dragon inside him roaring louder than ever, pushing him to act. He doesn’t hesitate. Without a second thought, he rushes forward, adrenaline surging through his veins. His wings unfold and he soars.

“Bakugou!” Kirishima yells, his voice cutting through the chaos. He stretches out his hand, his heart pounding in his chest. Come on, Bakugou. Trust me. I won’t let them take you. I’ll never let them hurt you again.

For a split second, Bakugou glances up, his red eyes locking onto Kirishima’s. The world around them seems to slow, the noise fading as the bond between them pulses like a living thing. Then, with a mighty explosion, Bakugou launches himself into the air, his hand reaching for Kirishima’s.

Their hands lock, and Kirishima pulls Bakugou to safety, a wide grin breaking across his face. Relief floods his entire being, his dragon letting out a satisfied growl. He’s safe. He’s with me.

As they land, Kirishima stays close to Bakugou, unable to move far from his side. His dragon thrums with energy, wanting to keep Bakugou close, to make sure no one else ever touches him again. Kirishima’s heart races, his emotions a mix of relief, joy, and something deeper that he can’t quite name. He doesn’t want to let go. He’s here, he’s safe, he’s mine.

They stand side by side, unmoving as the chaos around them settles. Kirishima’s grin hasn’t faded, and for the first time in days, he feels like he can breathe again.

But then, as All Might finishes his battle and the group starts to move, Kirishima reaches out instinctively, his hand brushing against Bakugou’s. For a moment, it feels natural—too natural—but Bakugou shoves him away. Not harshly, not angrily, but with that typical Bakugou huff of irritation.

“Oi, stop being so clingy, shitty hair.”

Kirishima laughs, shrugging it off with his usual carefree attitude. “Yeah, yeah. Just making sure you’re still with us, man.”

But deep down, Kirishima knows it’s more than that. It’s the dragon inside him, still desperate to protect, to claim, to never let go. He can feel its frustration bubbling just beneath the surface, but for now, he pushes it down.

Bakugou is safe. That’s all that matters.