DRAGON'S BROOD II (Kirishima x Bakugou)

Chapter 17: The Dragon City

Kirishima's PoV

Tetsutetsu and I have been flying for quite a while now. From time to time I saw kites flying in the sky, but they were always far away from us and none of them were interested in us. Nevertheless, I had to admit that I became more and more tense. I would soon meet a part of my family, a part I knew almost nothing about.

How much longer do we have to fly? I asked the silver dragon by my side.

He did not answer immediately but let the gaze wander over the horizon searching. If you look closely, you can just see it. Look, the city begins at the end of the forest.

I squinted my eyes together, but all I could see were structures I could barely make out, but I realized that some of them towered high into the sky. Tetsu ... how do the dragons live actually? I never thought much about it before. I didn't even know that you also lived in cities.

I can't answer that in general, he replied hesitantly. More important than the union of the cities is the clan affiliation. As you know, there was once a royal family in this country. But since their extinction, there has been no one to rule the entire empire. Rather, there are now three centers of power, three large dragon cities, which have formed around the three most powerful clans. The cities were created because many smaller, less important clans have gathered around these three powerful clans. The city we fly to is Kirishima-shidesu, the city of the Kirishimas. But not all clans live in cities. These clans are so-called loner clans. They live almost exclusively in family association.

Okay, but what happens if one of the loners breaks the law? Who would judge them?

The silver dragon sighed. This often leads to conflicts, because they are actually only obliged to their clan. If the crime affects a city or a family from the city, the responsible clan is often consulted. But for that it must be a pretty big crime.

I was silent for a while, I had to think about this first. In plain language this meant that even if I won a ruling clan for myself, or maybe all three of them, there would still be dragons that weren't subject to their laws. I suppressed a sigh. Why did everything always have to be so damn complicated?

We flew on in silence for a while whilst I pondered. When I looked up again after a long time, I opened my mouth in amazement.

Before us rose a mighty city. It was not a city as I knew it from the humans. The constructions towered up like rock needles. The rocks were partly only roughly hewn, others shone in the sun, because their surface seemed as smooth polished. And between the towers of different heights dragons flew. Dragons of every size and color made their way through the turmoil. The sun was already quite low and there was a little fog in the air, which gave the whole appearance a magical touch.

Wow, I said quietly, overwhelmed by the sight.

Tetsutetsu looked at me a little amused from the side. Admittedly I reacted similarly when I saw a dragon city for the first time. But believe me, you quickly get used to it.

The first time you saw one? Doesn't your clan live in a city? Are you Loner?

He nodded thoughtfully. Yes, the Tetsutetsus are Loner, but I have spent the last few years in the cities. Life there is simply more exciting, and I am considering moving here. But without a clan it's a bit difficult. He shrugged his shoulders. But I am young and just go where it takes me. He winked at me.

I nodded. I could understand that and was myself incredibly fascinated by the sight. Gradually we got closer and we flew over some low towers on the outskirts of the city until they gradually became higher and closer together. I saw the numerous cave-like entrances in the rocks and saw the dragons flying in and out. Fascinated by the spectacle, for a moment I ignored where I was flying.

Whoa! Watch where you stretch your wings! a dirty red dragon hissed at me from the side, in whose way I had flown.

E-excuse me, I stuttered hastily and made sure I didn't obstruct traffic. I stayed close to Tetsutetsu, because the denser the crowd became, the more I realized that not everyone just flew around. No, the flight of the dragons became more and more concentrated to fixed flight paths at different heights. Some waited more or less patiently at the branches until a gap opened up in which they could turn onto the flight path. There seemed to be rules that ensured accident-free flying in this narrowness. Rules I didn't know, so I paid double attention and imitated everything the silver dragon did before me.

I was so focused on doing everything right, that I just exhaled relieved at first, when Tetsu finally left the flight path. Only then did I register surroundings around me again. We were in the center of the city. In front of us there was a huge construction. It consisted of several dozen of the towers and they were connected ring-shaped in different levels by strong stone bridges. The stone was artfully polished and shimmered in the low sun. Numerous ornaments adorned the enormous building.

I've never seen a dragon building before that day. But one thing was certain: This was a palace. A palace in an incredible dimension. A palace that could certainly house hundreds of dragons.

This is the domicile of the Kirishimas, Tetsutetsu said quietly.

I didn't reply, I could only admire the splendor before me. To be honest, I didn't know what I had expected. Finally, I was told over and over again: The Kirishimas were one of the three powerful dragon clans, a ruler clan. But still I hadn't expected so much obvious wealth, so much power represented to the outside. I suddenly felt very small.

And now? I asked hesitantly. You certainly don't get in just like that, do you?

I wouldn't get in just like that for certain. But even if they don't know you, you are still a Kirishima. I can't imagine them refusing you entry. The silver dragon nodded to a platform in front of one of the edge towers. I think that's the official entrance.

I nodded and together we flew to the platform. A little relieved I folded my wings. After the long flight they had gradually become a little heavy and I was glad to stand on my feet again. The silver dragon had landed next to me.

Do you need someone at your side, or can you manage alone? he asked hesitantly.

I... don't know. Do you mind accompanying me? I asked uncertainly.

Not at all. I just don't know if they will let me in. But we can try.

I nodded and straightened my shoulders, then I took a firm step towards the dragon which stood on guard in front of the entrance. He was huge by my standards, almost twice my size. His scales were bluish green and looked very well groomed. He watched us from cold yellow eyes as we approached him.

As we stood right in front of him, he narrowed his eyes a little. What do you want? he asked skeptically. Apparently, it didn't happen too often that strangers tried to enter the palace.

I'd like to get into the palace, I said. I was very insecure, but I tried to be self-confident.

What's your name, hatchling? he asked from above.

Hatchling? I wasn't a child anymore! I lifted my head and looked into his eyes. My name is Eijirou Kirishima!