Dragon's Heart, Hero's Will

Chapter 50: Fury and Denial

Bakugou's heart pounds in his chest as the echo of the dragon’s roar reverberates through the battlefield. He barely registers the chaos surrounding him, the smoke rising like a dark omen. All he can think about is the massive figure of Kirishima taking flight, soaring above them like a blazing comet, free from the restraints that had held him captive.

“No! Kirishima!” he shouts, his voice hoarse with desperation. The image of his mate breaking free haunts him, and he clenches his fists, feeling the fire of rage bubbling inside him. That’s not just any dragon. That’s Eijiro!

The heroes around him scramble, some shouting orders, others in disbelief. “We need to regroup!” a voice calls out, but Bakugou is oblivious. He locks his gaze on the sky where Kirishima had soared, his resolve hardening.

“Stop treating him like a villain!” he yells, fury surging through him. “That’s not a beast! That’s Kirishima!” His voice cuts through the panic, raw and unapologetic.

Deku, standing nearby, looks torn between worry and determination. “Bakugou, we have to be careful! If Kirishima loses control—”

“He won’t!” Bakugou snaps, glaring at Deku, his heart racing. “You don’t understand! He’s still in there, fighting it!” His mind races with memories of the bond they share, the love and strength that defines their connection.

Eraser Head approaches, his expression serious but not unsympathetic. “Bakugou, we know he’s your friend, but he’s a danger right now. We can’t let him hurt anyone.”

“Why can’t you see?” Bakugou fires back, fists trembling with suppressed energy. “He’s not dangerous! He’s my—” He catches himself, the words almost slipping out. Instead, he turns his glare to the sky, where Kirishima circles, a magnificent display of power and beauty against the smoky backdrop.

Eraser Head meets Bakugou’s gaze, understanding flickering in his eyes. “We need to help him regain control, but we can’t do that if we treat him like a monster. Let’s not lose sight of who he is.”

Bakugou feels a flicker of hope at those words, but it’s quickly overshadowed by frustration. “You don’t get it! He’s my mate! I won’t let you hurt him!” The confession weighs heavy on his chest, but the fierce determination in his heart fuels his voice.

Eraser Head nods, acknowledging the bond they share, while Deku’s eyes widen in surprise but then fill with determination. “If he’s still in there, we have to reach him. We can’t give up on him!”

Bakugou watches as Kirishima roars again, a sound filled with a mix of power and desperation. It sends shivers down his spine, but he refuses to falter. He knows Kirishima can hear him, can feel him, and he won’t let anyone treat his mate like a threat.

“Eijiro!” he shouts, voice breaking through the chaos. “You’re not a monster! Come back to us!” The words escape him like a prayer, a plea to the one he loves.

The heroes around him momentarily pause, their eyes locked on the sky. The power of Kirishima’s roar reverberates in the air, shaking the very ground beneath them. Bakugou’s heart races as he stands tall, determined to protect what matters most.

“Stay focused!” Eraser Head calls, rallying the heroes. “If Kirishima can hear us, we need to keep talking to him. Bakugou, we need you to help us reach him!”

Bakugou nods, steeling himself for what comes next. “I’ll bring him back,” he vows quietly, the words a promise, an oath to the one he loves.

As he watches Kirishima’s form, fierce and wild against the smoky backdrop, Bakugou feels the bond between them strengthen. He knows Kirishima is still in there, fighting against the primal instincts that threaten to overtake him.

With a deep breath, he prepares himself, channeling all his energy into reaching his mate. “Eijiro! I know you’re in there! Fight it! You’re stronger than this!”

And as the dragon soars above, Bakugou stands his ground, ready to face whatever comes next.