"We heard the news through a train of sources that you'd gone missing." Aizawa said over the glass of ale Yamada had set in front of him. "On some sort of vengeance mission for that dragon of yours, correct?"
"Yeah." Katsuki spat. "Where did you find him?"
Aizawa gave Katsuki a hard look. "Why shouldn't I just report you to the authorities and have you sent back home?"
"Because I have something to offer in return." Katsuki knew that Aizawa never did anything that wouldn't lead to profit. He had declined simple tasks over under compensation more times than anybody could count.
This was the reason it had taken Katsuki and Eijirou so long to get to this point. They had to find something Aizawa would want more than the reward he could get for turning Katsuki in. Now that they had it, the journey looked shorter and shorter by the day.
"I have information...on the whereabouts...of a certain kidnapped son of yours."
"Shinso wasn't my son."
"But he was like one to you, no?"
The dark haired man was quiet for a moment, eyes trained on his hands. "I found the dragon in a tower on the edge of a mansion two towns to the east of here. You can't miss it."
"Do you have a map?"
Aizawa sighed, reaching into his pocket for a pen and a map. He scribbled some directions onto the map and slid it across the table to Katsuki. However, his hand didn't leave it. He fixed the blond with a cold stare. "Where is he?"
"I came across a merchant on my way here. He told me that a boy with purple hair was working at Endeavour's castle. I didn't get a name, but his description sounds the same. It's a lead at least."
"If you're lying about this, I swear..." Aizawa's eyes bored deep into Katsuki's, trying to read his mind.
"I'm a man of honour, my friend. I live by my word." The blond said without a hint of a lie. He owed it to this guy.
"Fine." Aizawa let go of the map.
"Thank you. This means a lot."
"I'm sure." The man stood, slinking away up stairs.
Katsuki waited a few moments, looking at the map with intrigue. His quest was only just beginning.
When he returned to Eijirou, he was ready for anything. He was prepared for Eijirou to be in danger, to be surrounded by thieves or missing completely, but that wasn't the case at all. The dragon was still sitting there, a huge smile on his face as usual. Fuck, he was so bright. He was like the sun. He always had been.
"I've got what we need. Let's get going." Katsuki started to walk and Eijirou followed suit.
"How far is it?"
"Probably about a week away at most."
"So we'll be home soon?"
"I mean...probably." Katsuki shrugged. He didn't want to go home, to face his kingdom. They would be disappointed in him. They probably didn't even want him back.
"Let's just get going." He stuffed the map in his pocket, walking through the town. "We've got a lot of ground to cover."
