The Cursed Dragon Den and the Warrior

Chapter 2: Proposition

Kirishima

To be honest,Kirishima had been stalking the team for weeks so this isn't their first encounter. He remembers finding a blonde warrior lurking in the shadows of the night determined to find Tetsu--his silver dragon friend. For weeks, they worked together to find Tetsu, leading Kirishima directly to him. At first he thought about killing them once he found Tetsu. But today, Kirishima knew he found a new opportunity when he saw that explosion go off earlier this afternoon. The way the blonde warrior rescued his teammate from Tetsu's clutches was extraordinary. He personally never saw bombs handled by humans, only a few tales from the Den. But here this sturdy man was, using bombs and saving people! Not to mention, his hunting skills were amazing. He was the perfect candidate to help him save the dragons.

"We weren't just saving her, we were trying to capture the damn thing!" Bakugou barked.

Kirishima sighed, "I'm sorry but I'm not sure he's in the right state of mind for that."

"Right state of mind?" Jirou inquired. "Does that mean that the dragon's gone berserk? Is he yours?"

These humans use strange terms, it's true, the past few years dragon's have been acting strangely. They initially begin with small symptoms, confusion and irrational behavior, but after that they behave violently. Due to this behavior, dragons have been banned from most of the land and the King of Dragons has closed off the Dragon's Den to outsiders. Humans say it's some sort of "plague" that makes them go berserk. But we believe it's more than that. That it's a curse.

"He is my friend." Kirishima explained. "I want to return him to the Dragon's Den as soon as possible. That's the safest place for him and other creatures."

Bakugou replied, "Humans aren't allowed to the Dragon's Den, besides if he's behaving this way he's probably already plagued."

"It isn't a plague, I'm sure of it."

Bakugou, angered, "Listen, I don't have time to listen to this bullshit. We're out."
Everyone stood. So soon? Wouldn't they hear him out? No, they had to hear him out. Kirishima can feel a warmth in his stomach, his instincts are telling him this team could help return Tetsu and help the dragon's lift the curse. He wasn't sure how yet, but over time he had a feeling they may play a major role. And after all, the first rule of dragon adventuring is follow your instincts.

"Wait a minute." Kirishima commanded. He rushes in front of Bakugou, opening his arms to block his way. "I have a proposition for you."

"Out of the way, shit-hair. I don't care about propositions."
A tall, slender black haired fellow chirped, "C'mon, boss. Let's hear him out."

The blonde warrior folded his arms. He wasn't interested in his story, but he would be once he explained. Kirishima straightened up and cleared his throat.

"You're hunters right? Let me get you to the holy grail of Dragon hunting." He explained. "Help me find my friend and I will take you into the Dragon's Den."

There was a long pause. Then they began to laugh which disappointed Kiri. Was the deal not good enough? Could his gut have been wrong? Only the warrior didn't laugh. He stood, awestruck by Kirishima's words. His arm fold softened and his cape perched off his shoulders revealing more muscle than he noticed earlier. He was beautiful. Focus. It's about Tetsu and the curse, not human beauty.

"How would you get us to the Den? It's forbidden from humans. Besides, even if we got in, how do we know it's not some trap?" Bakugou asked.

He answered, a little too enthusiastically, "Tetsu could bring us in. There you could probably learn more about dragons and even capture one. Tame it even, so long as they're willing."
"If they can fight, they'll be willing." Bakugou responded.

"What have you got to lose? It's easier if we work together to find him than apart. That way I'm not in your way."

"Give us a moment." The woman smiled.

They stood a few feet away from Kirishima to discuss his proposition. There's no way they couldn't agree, this was an opportunity of a lifetime. The first humans to enter the Den in years, a possible companion, and curing the curse. They would be as well known as All Mightiest, a human warrior known as the best Dragon Commander in the land. He can't hear as well in his human form, but he was sure they were agreeing to his terms.

"Shit hair." The warrior said. "What was your name again?"

~

They totally agreed to the terms. But of course, there were rules. Bakugou was the head warrior in charge, no brainer. He had to follow Bakugou's orders since he was in charge and was no longer allowed to intervene in their tactics. That seemed easy enough since he wasn't familiar with their plans.

The others explained a little of their story, too. For instance, second to him was Sero, the young slender from earlier, made the best traps and is an archer. Third was Jirou, a knight who worked close with Bakugou. Finally, Kiminari was last to join, a serious swordsman with thin rapiers. Their team had great offense, they worked well together regardless of Bakugou's hot heads. He hoped to do the same.

"Where do we head off first?"

"We follow the compass, it'll pick up when a dragon is nearby." Sero explained. "But it seems he's headed in the opposite direction, south."

Jirou chirped, "Good, we need to restock anyway."

Human technology always fascinated Kirishima. He wasn't familiar with a lot of the newer ones, like the compass, that were invented over the past few months but he was sure that staying with the group would enlighten him. Hopefully, he can keep up this human facade for as long as possible, he doesn't want his true identity of being a dragon to get in the way of what was important--saving his people. Him being a dragon would distract Bakugou for sure, he wouldn't be focused on the task at hand. Who knows what they would do to them if he did reveal his identity?

Being alongside the team made him less lonely, trailing them for months without talking or being noticed was difficult. But now he was with them--on the team! And so easily, too. He was staring at Bakugou now, his stride was as long and hard as his expression. He sort of trailed behind everyone which was strange. If anything, Kirishima thought he'd always lead in the front. Was he tired?

Bakugou sneered at him and he smiled back. His hard facade reminded Kirishima of a dragon, actually a lot about him reminded him of one. Bakugou's eyes were dark red, it matched his earrings and cape. But his velvet sam browne belt across his chest was tight against his muscle and the tattoos around his arm lined with it. He was stunning, so tough and manly. What was this feeling in his chest?

"The hell are you staring at?" Bakugou interrupted.

"Oh, just enjoying the views." Kirishima gleamed.

"Shut up and keep moving."