Description: You and Midoriya find a mysterious egg in the forest.
For chloethelittlebean. Just because.
I tried to keep this within the same universe as the Sero fic. Midoriya's family are blacksmiths. Seros own the bakery (and yes, he's still Irish). Queen Bakugou still rules with her own dragon. Katsuki does not have his own yet. If I write more of these, they can all probably take place in the same universe.
You all are young teens here.
"Y-you shouldn't go in there. It might be dangerous." The sweaty freckled boy behind you tensed in apprehension.
"Oh pshaw." You continued to wade beneath the dense kudzu, yanking the overhanging vines from your immediate path.
"Uh... You'll... You'll get your dress dirty!" Midoriya tried again, this time hoping to assuage you with an appeal to your feminine wiles.
"Hold my hand then." You reached out, expecting him to escort you into the... it appeared to be a tomb. He hesitated before obeying your request, helping you down the damp concrete staircase. "Come on. Where's your sense of adventure?"
"But... what if something bad happens? Your father'll hold me responsible."
"I'll just tell him I dragged you into it... which is the truth anyway." You inspected the moist stone walls, then waited for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. "Do you think anyone in the village has been out here before?"
"It's hard to say. We're much farther out than we're supposed to be. We might even be in the Queen's Forest. We could run into a royal scout if we're not careful."
"This place seems pretty abandoned. We're probably okay."
"What if there's traps?"
"What if there's treasure...?" You could already see sunbeams flickering off of something shiny at the base of the staircase. They were peeking through tiny cracks in the stone's foundation, giving the long-forgotten ruins a mystical sort of aura. With just enough light to serve your exploration, you wandered through the archway, frowning in disappointment when the sparkle you saw turned out to only be the reflection of a small puddle.
"What did you find?" The blacksmith's son reappeared at your side, taking in the details of the room.
"Nothing."
"Ah. That's too bad." Midoriya replied, though he couldn't hide the relief saturating his tone. "Guess we ought to head back then."
"Alright."
CRACK
"...Did you hear that?" You rose to your feet and looked around, squinting at the corner when the noise resounded once more. You approached the source, Midoriya at your back with his sword drawn.
"Eh?" Your companion looked confused when the two of you stumbled upon what appeared to be an abnormally large egg. A small hole was forming, and whatever creature still trapped within possessed what appeared to be naked skin.
"Have you ever seen an egg this big?" You examined it closely, flipping it gently betwixt your hands.
"No... What could be big enough to lay an egg that size?"
"Maybe a swan? Or a giant salamander?"
"Maybe..." Izuku eyed the tiny hole as well, noting the pink-ish flesh tone. 'That's what featherless birds look like. It must be a swan.' "You... have a pond on your estate, don't you?"
"Hm? Yes, why?"
"I was just thinking... that might be a good home for it." He dawned a crooked smile; anything to get you out of this place.
"You're right. It wont be able to survive here on its own." You stood and cradled it in your arms, ascending the dark staircase until sunlight burned your retinas. Midoriya used his sword to hack some of the greenery- he wished he'd thought to do that in the first place- and guided you back towards the village. The two of you made it halfway through the forest before-
CRACK
"Eh?!" A limb burst forth from the shell. It was... a human hand?! "Uhhh... Midoriya?!" He turned swiftly when he heard the waver in your voice. He gasped upon seeing the bizarre spectacle. "Did your mother tell you that babies come from eggs?"
"She never told me where babies come from... but I can't say I expected this." His big green eyes widened as the strange child fought to escape from his prison. With one last violent crack, the creature burst forth, unfolding itself in your arms.
"RAAAAH!" The baby opened its mouth and you could see the aberrant pointed teeth that dwelled within. Its eyes glowed red, staring unblinking at your face.
"What is that thing?!" Izuku noticed a tail hanging between its legs before you did. You were still trapped in the crimson gaze of this horned baby boy. "I think there's something wrong with it!" Before you knew it, Midoriya had snatched it from your grasp to prevent it from harming you.
"Wait... I don't think it's dangerous." You stepped closer as the child wriggled violently in his grasp, slapping his freckled cheek with his tail as he did so.
"Ack! How can you be sure?" He held it at arms length and gawked in horror when he caught sight of two tiny red wings unfolding from his back. "Ahh!" He sat the lizard-human hybrid down instantly and grabbed your wrist, pulling you away.
"Wha?!"
"We have to run, Lady L/N!" You saw the tiny child reach out to you before he disappeared behind the trees.
"What are you doing, Midoriya?!" You yanked your arm from his grasp.
"It had wings! I think it might be a demon!" You blinked in amazement when you heard that. Izuku lowered his voice. "We don't know what that is or where it came from. ...I think we should just leave it."
"..." You pondered that for a moment before you heard something over the hill, the sound of the creature's cries. It sounded lonely and frightened. You and Midoriya shared a significant glance before walking back towards it. The small redhead was on shaky hands and knees, crawling in the direction you two had fled.
"Ahhr." The child let out a tiny exclamation of joy when it saw you and Midoriya, a hopeful smile contradicting his tearstained face. It was more than enough to tug at your heartstrings. You looked over to your adventurous companion when you heard a sniffle.
"Midoriya, are you crying too?"
"No." He swiftly wiped the corners of his eyes and approached the child. "I just realized that you were right. It's small and helpless. It wouldn't be right to just abandon it." You smiled.
"Well then... if we're keeping him we better figure out what he eats."
"I bet Sero would know! His father's the best baker in town!"
"Good idea."
"Erk... I think it's carnivorous..."
"What makes you say tha-" You turned to see the tiny creature with its spiked teeth sunk into Midoriya's index finger. "Oh..." You winced before pulling the child off of him. Up close it almost appeared that the baby's hair was fuller than it had been when it hatched. ...But that couldn't be, could it? Not to mention it struck you as terribly abnormal that the newborn was able to crawl within moments of birth. You decided to shove the thought aside as you began your trek back into town. Fortunately the town square was pretty scarce, making it easy for you and Midoriya to slip your way into the back door of the Sero Bakery.
"Oy! Yew can't just barge in he- oh." The baker's son recognized the two of you immediately. "Beggin' yer pardon, m'lady. Wha' brings yew here?"
"We found a baby in the woods and... I think he's hungry." You displayed the child that you had swaddled in Midorya's waistcoat, oh-so discretely hiding his wings and tail from plain sight.
"I never seen hair tha' color in my life." Hanta eyed the child in delighted fascination. "Tha's the color of mah stove's hot coal, tha' is. ...Can I hold 'im?"
"Uhh..." Midoriya looked uneasy, but he couldn't think up a good enough reason to say no. "Suurree..." Just as he feared, the creature's tail popped loose from his dressing and dangled right before Sero's eyes.
"Ah! WHA' IN THE NAME OF THE QUEEN'S ARSE IS THA'?!"
"Language!" Midoriya shrieked, not wanting a proper lady to bear witness to such a slip of the tongue. Sero merely gawked in response.
"Alright, both of you calm down." You stepped in between the young boys, placing the tiny redhead on the floor to let him crawl around. "This poor thing was all alone in the woods. We couldn't just leave it."
"Aye." Sero nodded in understanding.
"We brought it here in the hopes that you would help us feed it."
"..." Sero grimaced. "I can't light the stove withou' a flint. It's in the front of the shop with me father. He'll know somethin's afoot if I arsk for it."
"*HIC* UUURRRPPP!"
"UWAAH!" You and Sero turned at Midoriya's high-pitched shriek, only to discover that his pant leg had ignited. The child hiccupped again, emitting flames into the open air as Midoriya frantically patted out the fire.
"That's a dragon, tha' is!" Sero jumped back and pointed in terror.
"Really?!"
"Yew ever seen anythin' else tha' breathes fire?!" His eyes widened when a realization struck him. "I-is tha'... the royal heir?!" Midoriya was also struck with a sense of dread.
"I-I don't know!" He was trembling at the idea of kidnapping the Queen's son. 'Would she believe it was an accident? Would she behead us?!' He gulped and clutched his throat. "D-does Prince Katsuki have wings?"
"I never seen him tha' close up. Only ridin' on the Queen's dragon." A candle flickered to life inside his head and a conniving smile bloomed on his lips. "Bettin' the Queen'd pay us a pretty penny to have it back..."
"We're not holding him for ransom!" You crossed your arms angrily. "And the Prince doesn't look anything like this. He's blonde."
"..." Izuku looked down in embarrassment, meeting the gaze of the child who clearly bore no resemblance to Prince Katsuki. "...Then what should we name it?"
"Chompy." You grinned snidely, remembering the way it bit Midoriya. Sero raised an bemused eyebrow.
"I heard tales once... of mountain far away tha' spits fire. The locals called it the Kirishima, which means 'son of fire.' ...or at least wha's left of em did."
"I like the sound of that... Kirishima."
"BWAH!" From below you heard the child let out an indignant noise, yanking on your dress.
"...That's right we really need to feed him."
"*HIC* URRP!" Another modest burst of flames erupted from the tiny one's mouth.
"Aha!" A brilliant idea struck you. "Hold on!" You grinned and scooped up the child from behind, holding him in front of the stove coals and patting him on the back.
"What are you-"
"URRRP!" Before your eyes the embers kindled, giving the stove a warm orange glow. You grinned at your genius idea, then gestured to Sero. "Go on then, baker. Make dragon food." His lips curled downward.
"...I dunno wha dragons eat, m'lady."
"We should try different things." Midoriya suggested. "Then he can pick what he likes."
"Good idea." The three of you took turns throwing nearby food items onto the pyre and offering them to Kirishima. He swatted away the bread and pastries, much to Sero's chagrin. You were certain he took it personally, as this was his livelihood. However, each one of you sighed in relief when he gobbled down the bite-sized slices of meat you cooked for him. "You were right. He is carnivorous." The satiated redhead crawled into your lap and closed his eyes. "Aww."
"Now don' you be gettin' attached to him." Sero said pointedly. "He has a home and a mother. He's gotta go back."
"M-mother?!" Midoriya balked as he realized what that had to mean.
"We didn't see a nest or a mother. We found it in the Queen's Forest."
"Queen's Forest?! Oh, yew lot'll be in fer it now... What's tha Queen gonna say when she finds out yew made of with the little bugger?"
"Well we can't exactly hide it here." You defended. "We at least have to try." Midoriya audibly gulped beside you. "How fortunate it is that I have two gentlemen to escort me..."
"TWO?!"
--------------------
"Bwahuuaa." Little Kirishima made cute baby noises as you walked: his very best attempt to roar. He was a more cumbersome weight now, a result of his abnormal accelerated growth. You'd wager he could probably walk alongside the group if you dared put him down.
"Okay. I think it was near here."
"Are you sure? We got there a lot faster the first time. I think we might have made a wrong turn."
"It should be just through this clearing."
"Ah!"
"WAH!" Before Midoriya could voice a warning, the three of you were jumped. Sero tried to run but was quickly surrounded on each side.
"Please! Don't hurt us! We don't have any mo- Ah!" It took him until now to realize that the men holding you captive were wearing familiar uniforms. Izuku's stomach dropped. 'The royal guard!'
"Are you three aware that you're trespassing on the Queen's private property?"
"N-no!" Midoriya fibbed, voice high-pitched. "W-we're sorry! If you let us, we'll leave at once."
"We came to give her this." You confessed, holding up the redheaded child and revealing his tail and tiny wings. The man with the most badges on his uniform stared at you in shock.
"Bring them."
Fearful and trembling the three of you were taken before the throne. Kirishima was ripped from your arms by the militia's leader.
"Wait, please! Don't hurt him!" You cried, reaching out to him helplessly.
"What's all this fuss about?" A regal feminine voice echoed the expensive limestone halls. Queen Bakugou descended the staircase with a level of grace that could only be described as sovereign. You bowed instinctively, as did the young blacksmith and baker. She caught sight of the child and her lips parted in awe. You dared not lift your head or speak out of turn. "Oh happy day!" The monarch exclaimed. "Stand, my children." You all obeyed and watched her bounce Kirishima in her arms. "Wherever did you find him?"
"Uh... He was alone in the forest, your grace. We found him... n-near the village." You added in the hopes to escape punishment.
"I've had guards searching for him day and night. Thank goodness he's back home."
"Home?"
"Well, you see... dragons are quite rare to come by. Most believe that mine is the very last. It would be a shame to see such a majestic species go to waste. We tried everything we could, and it all seemed for naught. ...But then one day she laid a single egg: a nameday present for my son. How he always wanted his very own dragon." She smiled. "And now he can... thanks to you."
"A-always happy to serve, your grace!" Relief washed over the room when you realized you weren't about to be imprisoned- or worse, beheaded.
"As is my royal decree, you will be rewarded handsomely for your loyal service." She gestured to her guards and one brought forth a hefty bag of gold coins. It made a significant jingling noise when placed in Sero's hands.
"Holy cannoli! Tha's more money'n I've ever seen in me whole life!" You chuckled softly at his outburst before casting a wistful gaze at Kirishima.
"You seem displeased, child. Is it not enough?" The Queen asked.
"Oh, no!" You shook your head frantically. "You're very generous, really! It's just... would it be alright if I said goodbye?" She seemed surprised by this development, but nodded and placed the child on the ground. Without hesitation he clambered over to you.
"Ma!" He reached out a tiny hand and you caught it.
"Well... I guess this is going to be your home now, little guy." You patted his head, but he didn't seem to comprehend your words. "But the Queen is very nice and she'll take good care of you. ...Definitely better than we could." You frowned and hugged him. "It's been fun, and I'll miss you." He tilted his head at you when you pulled away.
"..." Queen Bakugou observed this interaction with a curious fascination. You turned away, following your friends to the front gate.
"Bah!" The dragon-boy crawled after you, distraught when his crawling couldn't keep up with your brisk walking pace. You cast him one last glance before the door closed.
"I guess this is goodbye... Kirishima."
"Oh, you'll see him again, I'm sure." Queen Bakugou uttered, a playful smirk dancing upon her features.
--------------------
"Is that a new tunic, Midoriya?" You asked as he arrived by your side, carrying with him a picnic lunch.
"Is it that noticeable?" He scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"It looks nice." You grinned earnestly, sitting down by the pond just outside of your father's estate. You couldn't very well let him find out about your escapade, or you would never be allowed out of the house again without an escort. Therefore you had decided to let Midoriya and Sero split the reward and glory. It's not as if you really needed anything, and it warmed your heart to see the two of them enjoying the luxuries of life.
"Thanks. ...Will he be here soon?"
"Probably." Just as you said it a shadow passed overhead.
"Eh? UWAAAAAH!" Midoriya's shriek filled the open air as a large red dragon came swooping down, sending fire over the once-serene pond. You merely smiled. The creature grabbed its target between sharp talons and landed mere feet in front of you, blowing your hair back with the gust of his powerful wings. Before your eyes the scaled crimson skin turned peach; claws became human toes.
"Kirishima." You said endearingly as his long snout returned to the sweet and handsome face of the boy you knew. He was nearly grown now, standing taller than you and Midoriya, with the chiseled features of a boy in your age group. He beamed and flashed a toothy grin, dropping the roasted swan in front of your picnic basket. Midoriya ogled it in absolute horror.
"Proud of me?" The redhead asked. "I even cooked it how you like this time."
"You're supposed to pluck the feathers off first." You chuckled and hugged him.
"You humans are so picky." He retorted playfully before sitting down. You sighed happily; you couldn't wait to spend time with an old companion once again.
Where... did I go all this time? I feel like I haven't updated in ages. I'm super out of practice.
Also, I decided to start an Attack on Titan fic because it's finally consistent again and we don't have to wait 4 years between seasons anymore.