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Chapter Text

The island of  Musutafu was a tranquil and isolated destination that, at first glance, might seem rather unexciting. As the day began to break, just before dawn, the entire landscape was frequently cloaked in a thick, eerie mist that curled around the trees and rocks like a ghostly veil. The haunting calls of night birds echoed in the darkness, creating a symphony of sounds that filled the air, adding to the mysterious atmosphere. The cold, biting conditions could leave one feeling as if they were facing the brink of frostbite, with the frigid air nipping at exposed skin.

Geographically,  Musutafu was not small; it was situated a few degrees north of hopelessness, and a few degrees south of freezing to death. The land was dominated by towering cliffs and majestic mountains that loomed protectively over a quaint village nestled near the island's mouth. This village, with its simple, rustic charm, was a small oasis among the rugged terrain, accentuating the island's beauty and profound sense of isolation. The contrast between the raw, wild nature surrounding the village and the small community within it created a unique and captivating environment that was both haunting and beautiful. For generations, it has been home to heroes from the old and continues to shape new heroes in a world where the best of the best are looked upon. Heroes were born and bred on this island; the way to thrive is to climb higher than your peers and go beyond your limit. That was the way of the Heroic Hooligan Tribe. Those who surpassed the best, were deemed as the number 1 hero. The leader of the tribe. As of now, it's All Might.

Hitoshi's home. In a word, study. It's been here for seven generations and every single building is new. And how is that you might ask? We'll get to it. Despite the island being situated in the meridian of misery, they had fishing and hunting and a charming view of the sunsets. You could scale the tallest cliff and feel the fresh, clean air in your senses, with a beautiful display of sandy pink hues, one of the jewels of  Musutafu. The only problems are the pests. Most places have mice or mosquitoes; they have...

Dragons.

"Raid!"

The alarm rings out, ferociously and shrieking. A boy sits bolt upright in his bed, moaning about his interrupted sleep. He just started to rest his head. He shoves the binding cloth across his shoulders; he understands his job and rushes out of the General Studies dorm rooms as everyone scrambles to hide and go into lockdown. Not for him. That didn't stop him from going out and contributing to the ongoing raids. You'd think with the amount of dragon raids, they'd leave their island and find a new home. That wasn't the way of the Heroic Hooligan Tribe.  They're heroes; they have stubbornness issues.

There's one word to describe all heroes-crazy. 

When teenagers turned fifteen, they participated in entrance exams that determined whether they belonged to the group destined to become heroes or to those deemed "dead weight." Unfortunately, Hitoshi was categorised as part of that "dead weight" group. Despite possessing a powerful quirk that even his mentor recognized as strong, he never had a chance of passing the entrance exam. The exams were tailored to evaluate physical abilities and heroic quirks, focusing on tasks like destroying robot dragons. Since Hitoshi's quirk did not allow him to tear through metal, he was unable to succeed.

He considered looking for the source controlling the robots, but he knew he'd be disqualified if he tried. This was a harsh reality check for Hitoshi; despite his determination, he felt held back. Eventually, he had enough passion in his goals to let him participate in the raid, while not being on the field.

Also, great name, he knows. It's part of their culture to name your child after their quirk, or what quirk parents think the child would inherit. His name so happens to mean heart manipulation, people user, and to rig one's favour. Super name convention to go with a quirk that defines his personality. 

It was seen as a powerful quirk; he has been told how strong it is. A mental quirk that can entice anyone to his will. He can control someone's body and mind, denying them autonomy, physicality, and consciousness. It was cold, wicked, and villainous (he wouldn't blame anyone for thinking so).

His appearance didn't help matters either. His thick, indigo hair resembled an untamed mane, refusing to be tamed or styled. He didn't mind how he appeared. One may suppose he woke up and didn't try to make himself attractive. His face was so pale that his eye bags appeared like smudged makeup. His countenance was a continual blank slate; his violet-coloured eyes oozed coldness; it was difficult to determine if Hitoshi was scheming, conspiring to brainwash you, or despising you (you never know).

His personality was not much better, but he did have a silver tongue that could get anyone chatting, which was a huge asset in activating his quirk. He was never the one to be blunt about his words or his intentions, which came off as harsh and stoic. Too bad those skills didn't work on dragons.

He was a tall boy—not a runt—who didn't cause chaos but was lanky enough to blend in among the pandemonium outside. As we emerged into the daylight, he rushed toward the forge at the edge of the plaza, which glowed a brilliant red like a tower of flames. He reached his destination and came to a halt at the forge, where bolas, axes, and swords—along with various traditional items and unique augmented weapons—were being passed around. Powerloader was guiding the slayers in training in and out of the armoury.

 Aizawa, his mentor, decided to sign him up for the forge. He lost his chance in getting into the hero course through the Sports Festival, (that used to be called Thawfest generations ago), to get another chance. The sports festival wasn't about killing dragons, it was about showing off Quirks and talent. Unfortunately, he lost to Midoriya in the hand-to-hand combat. Giving him another pushback. Such is life. After that day, Aizawa finally and begrudgingly after years, decided to take him under his wing. Aizawa once said he doesn't take personal students under his wing. So Hitoshi must've done something to get his approval (after years of looking up to him and watching him during raids from a safe distance).  Every kid on this island had the adults grow up around them, for Hitoshi, it was Aizawa.

Due to the constant raids, casualties were not uncommon.  Everyone knew the consequences of this war. What their futures held for them. Hitoshi was one of the children who lost their parents due to the dragons. Losing his mother and father was the hardest loss, only at the age of six.

Kids on this island had to grow up fast if they wanted to become heroes. Or well, child soldiers.

"Right on time, as usual, Shinsou."

The short, ginger-haired man with a helmet over his head that looked like a metal claw, pounding away at the metal was Power Load, the Support Department Teacher.

"Where else would I be?" The lanky teenager with a toothy, sardonic smirk shrugged. "I would be out there being a hero, but I'm not a part of the hero course."

Yamada chuckled, giving him a smack on the head. "Oh, please, at least admit you're doing something that's not being cooped up with the other general studies."

From the other side of the forge, where Hitoshi is preparing, sharpening, and crafting traditional weapons that were left at the storm doors, a loud clash is heard. A pink-haired girl with grime on her face, with the biggest grin, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead, was staring down at a strange contraption.

"Finally, my baby is complete!" She panted, looking down at the log-like contraption.

Since Hitoshi had been working in the forge, he has grown quantized with Hatsume. Her loud energy was enough to make his eyes twitch with frustration anytime she set off an explosion or exclaimed too loudly when she had an epiphany. Hitoshi just wanted to do his job and focus on a way to steadily get into the hero course without any chaos. Besides, they weren't friends. He doesn't need any.

Hitoshi begrudgingly looked over his shoulder, looking at the concept art on her desk; she was quite the skilled artist. "What is that?" Powerloader sighed, as if already upset and defeated. Powerloader was the blacksmith who had taken Hatsume under his wing to invent support items and gadgets to help with quirks. However, it was a known fact that Hatsume's chaotic brain had moments of genuineness until it blew up in her face.

"It's a bola launcher, I dub this baby the Mangler." Hatsume joyfully explained, her yellow, robotic-like eyes swelling with pride. Despite having her inventions fail her, she always felt proud of her work and efforts.

Hitoshi was quite jealous of that confidence.

"How do you hold it?" Hitoshi dryly asked, his voice hoarse and tired, judgemental.

"You don't. You shoot it." Hatsume cleared her throat,

Hitoshi tried not to look surprised. "Huh? Typically heroes are in close combat; they hit the dragon with all of their power until it's dead. It's the hero way." He drawled sardonically, as he pumped his fist in the air.

He rolled his eyes at his comment. It all relied on talent and skill. Everyone in the hero course had the advantage in everything, all because of their powerful, godlike, worshipped quirks.

You wouldn't happen to make an invention that can control dragons?

"...this sweet baby right here is going to knock down plenty of dragons." She gave the contraption a few taps before she accidentally activated a trigger, which caused the coils to unlock as a bola net flew through the air. Luckily, Hitoshi ducked in time before it hit someone waiting in line. Hitoshi winced at the failed attempt and watched as Powerloader scolded Hatsume. 

There is a spectacle of fire and war outside the forge, watching as homes go up in flames. A darkly dressed figure wrangles a Deadly Nadder onto the ground with a cold look of calculation and rationality. Aizawa in the flesh. He was closely acquainted, as he had Kayama, Midnight, in close relations with his mother before she died. Through that connection, Hitoshi got attached to Aizawa.

You would think by having these connections to these Pro-Heroes, he'd get into the hero course. Unfortunately, life didn't work that way for some. And Aizawa has instilled in Hitoshi, that if you want something, you have to earn it. Ever since he was a kid, he was the only hero Hitoshi truly respected the most. Hitoshi only had a fraction of the skills that Aizawa had but hoped to train harder to get to that level.

Hitoshi looked away from the drama until a blur of limbs and hair colours flashed before his eyes as they passed the storm doors. He can hear the loud voices of everyone in the hero course, merging into one chaotic chorus that has no control or consistency. Everyone was on fire patrol, most typically, as they weren't on the front lines. However, a few hero course students have managed to kill a few stragglers. 

For someone so adamant about joining the hero course, he was quite resentful towards them; maybe the bitterness overseeing everyone's success clouded his brain. 

 Midoriya defeated a Deadly Nadder on accident with his broken-ass power, Kirishima took down a Gronckle, Mina managed to kill a Changewing (which is quite an impressive feat), and Bakugou ripped the wings off a Death Song etc... And as for him...he can’t kill dragons. And the others had incredible powers that allowed them such high status.

He faced a difficult choice: either try to kill a larger dragon or continue as he was. He understood that confronting something like a Monstrous Nightmare in a direct battle would be risky, and he didn’t stand a chance against it up close. 

He started to wonder if there was another approach. Perhaps if he could find a way to control the dragons, or even get inside their heads? He knew that dragon brains were different from human brains, but maybe he could discover an alternative method to send them running without getting close.

They had everything Hitoshi wanted. Hero training, strength, confidence, skill, talent, battle tactics, respect. Hitoshi couldn't help but huff as he continued to sharpen an axe with careful precision, carving the finer details into the result.  He glares at the students running by, thinking their jobs are so much cooler. Sure, he had his judgemental opinions, but they also had theirs... he's had moments of causing a rift between them. Which is why he has little to no friends. 

 Hitoshi wanted to be a successful hero, and slaying a dragon was the key to that status. He had known from a young age that he was destined to become one. He didn't mind using underhanded tactics to get ahead; if a particular explosion head could pose a threat to people, then why couldn't he become a hero? He considered himself a good person, so he believed it would be acceptable. Hitoshi longed for success—to be someone worth respecting and contributing to and who could protect the village from dragon raids. Another warrior going through the motions to protect his home.

You're killing a dragon tonight, he muttered to himself as he sharpened a blade on the grinder. Sparks darted in front of his eyes in bursts of brilliant yellow, revealing a stern but resolute visage. As he concentrated, beads of sweat trickled down his forehead. He was going to succeed tonight. That's what he told himself every raid, but nothing has succeeded. Yet.

Killing a dragon is everything around here. Gronkles, Zipplebacks, Nadders, Rumblehorns, Monstrous Nightmares, Typhoomerangs, Thunderdrums, Scauldrons, and other "higher dragons" could get him into the hero course ASAP. Still, he knows perfectly well that they are nothing to sniff at. Gronkles and rumblehorns are extensively armoured. Zipplebacks have two heads, resulting in twice the status. Scauldrons spit poisonous boiling water, while thunderdrums shout you to death. Nadders and Razorwhips are two of the most dangerous, as are the Monstrous Nightmares (nasty habit of burning themselves on fire; they demolish their steel-and-wood skyscrapers every time), yet neither compares to

A high-pitched screeching noise fills the air, frightening and unnatural—the sound of something flying at breakneck speed. "Night Fury!" someone exclaims unnecessarily. "Get down!"

A fireball smacks against the side of a catapult, easily knocking it over. Hitoshi straightens slightly, smirking as a sleek figure is briefly illuminated. Night Fury. The most lethal dragon in the known world. Nobody has seen it, with only flashes of black scales and an aerodynamic body eager to fuck stuff up. This thing never steals, never shows itself, and never misses.

He feels Powerloader rush by before glaring sternly over their shoulder. 

"Stay here; I wouldn't want Aizawa to kill me if you died out there," He warns, mostly glancing at Hitoshi. He firmly points a finger at Hatsume, scowling."And you, continue fixing those support weapons; don't start any new projects." 

He leaps into battle with a powerful, loud, and deafening war cry, ready to aid the other pro-heroes.

Hitoshi only stares at him, his brow wrinkled. He had a plan in mind. He knows that the launcher Hatsume made was faulty, and he's trying to think logically about this but he believes this is his final chance. If he killed a Night Fury, he'd get into the hero course instantly. This would be a huge stepping stone to becoming a hero. If he shot down the Unholy of Spring of Lightning and Death itself, it would be told through generations that they wouldn't see Hitoshi as a deadweight or a villain. 

"Hatsume...can I borrow that?" Hitoshi asks, pointing to the net launcher. He can see a flicker of pride in her eyes, but her eyebrows crease.

"Are you sure? It's not perfect.

Hitoshi sighs, threading a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, but I need this win."

This is the scariest thing I've done so far.

The girl chuckles as she gives a crazy grin. "Well, I don't see why not."

Hitoshi narrows his eyes, flickering with a strong sense of determination and resolution. 

Hitoshi grabs the bola launcher and dashes into the city, soon discovering that the coast is clear. The area is engulfed in flames, with dragons systematically destroying buildings one by one with their fiery blasts. Most of the structures are made of wood and steel, which are unfortunately—and foolishly, in Hitoshi's opinion—flammable. Their island is quite remote, so they had to rebuild using whatever materials they could find, including bent steel and burnt wood. While importation resources are scarce, they do possess the technology necessary for armour and communication.

The indigo-haired youngster scrambles to the edge of a bluff at the city's edge, swiftly loading and positioning the catapult before waiting. It's a little-known secret that he can be patient, especially when it comes to achieving a goal that will change his life forever. He will not accept less unless he has no other option.

And I’m going to be the first to kill it, he thought stoically. “Gimme something to shoot at,” he breathes aloud. “Come on...come on...”

Blasts echo in the distance.

Give me a target. Concentrate

He tells himself.

The shrieking noise picks up again, and he tenses, peering through the scope as it grows closer...closer...closer...

Now!

As its onslaught shatters another two catapults, he has a clear shot; he cannot miss. Hitoshi pulls the trigger and sees the bola fly towards the beast, hurtling through the skies; the world slows for a time as he waits for the verdict with bated breath.

A roar cuts through the air, and he notices a form blotting out the sky, falling from it like a meteor. For some reason, his air becomes caught in his throat, and he becomes ill again.

But he's finished it. He defeated the Night Fury, and tomorrow he will find and kill it.

I can become a hero

He refuses to admit his distaste at the thought of truly slaying a dragon and pushes it aside because it is what he must do, regardless of his personal feelings. He's wanted this since he was six years old, and he's finally defeated the dragon no one has ever seen. He finally had control over something; he finally had a clear sense of mind and direction, but that didn't explain why he felt uneasy deep down.

Chapter Text

There was a little-known fact about Hitoshi. 

The universe hated him, and he hated the universe. So it was a good symbiotic relationship—or a parasitic one. 

There was a clear power imbalance.

He had been wandering through the winding forest for hours, setting off on his search just as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon. The morning light filtered through the dense canopy above, illuminating the vibrant greens and browns of the surroundings. He had never felt more alert and invigorated in quite some time. 

The air was thick with moisture, and dew drops clung to the delicate strands of spider webs, sparkling like intricate pearls in the gentle light. Each step he took was accompanied by the soft squelch of damp grass beneath his sturdy boots, which were now speckled with droplets. All around him stood towering trees, their bark rough and gnarled, creating a sense of both shelter and solitude in this wild, untouched haven. The only sounds were the rustling leaves and the occasional call of a distant bird, transforming the vast expanse into a tranquil yet mysterious realm.

He still hasn't found it. How difficult is it to find a captured giant lizard?

He closes the notebook with his hand-drawn map and hurls his pen against a tree as he trudges down into the gorge. The final location is on his "x"-covered map, and he has still not discovered it.

Was it my imagination? He finds himself wondering. Did I actually hit anything, or was I high on adrenaline? He shoves the notebook into his backpack, rolling his eyes. He is shocked he can not see his brain given how frequently it occurs. "Oh, the gods hate me. Some people lose their knives or their favourite mugs," he complains, kicking at a rock.

"Not me, but I managed to lose a whole dragon. Just my luck." He swipes a branch angrily, swearing bitterly when it snaps back and hits him in the face. "GODS DAMN IT...Even the branch hates me!"

Hitoshi had quite a bit of hidden anger under his quiet personality.

His voice fades when he finally glances up. The tree trunk in front of him is entirely snapped, twisted over, and splintered. He returns his sight to the ground, tracing a deep trench of churned-up earth and rocks. He takes a cautious step down the trench, skidding slightly on the rough stones as fragile hope pulses in his chest, brightening his otherwise bleak attitude. Hitoshi ducks behind a large boulder, gazing over the top suspiciously.

Night Fury! Hitoshi's perception instinctively tells him to "get down," and he does so, freezing and diving behind the rock. It does not take long for him to recognise how silly it was, and he looks over the rock again. Hitoshi looks at the beast, his eyes enlarging slightly. The dragon is sleek and thin, its scales as dark as the night it hides in. He sees it is down and pushes through the disgust in his chest at the sight of the fallen beast. I hit the Night Fury.

Clutching the binding material around his shoulders, he leaps over the boulder, scraping and bruising his hands and knees, one hand reaching for his dagger's blade. The dagger was not comically small, like a butterknife, but it was sharp, and long enough to pierce through tough scales. It was the first weapon he was taught to make. With his initials carved into the fine leather hilt.

"This fixes everything," he breathes, attempting to find any sense of success in this clear triumph. No dice--his stomach turns, and he resists the need to vomit as he lays his foot on its shoulder. Closer observation reveals beautiful dark purple markings that glisten in the sun, similar to Jagura or panther prints, as well as those strange earflaps. "I killed—"

It moves suddenly, releasing a burst of scorching air from its nostrils, causing him to stagger back. Not dead...not dead, not dead; now I must kill it up close, oh shit, oh Gods. Hitoshi approaches closer, taking his blade from its scabbard and looking it in the eyes, which are the colour of amethyst and have pupils as black as its hide. Fear, which he despises but must admit, rushes through him impulsively. However, he couldn't hesitate, that's what Aizawa has instilled in him. He has to find the strength to survive.

It is bound. It is chained and tied, and it can't hurt or kill you. It would have done so already if it could.

Its eyes are terrifyingly human; defiance, fear, and pity flash through its purple stare. Hitoshi is not humiliated by the pity in its eyes, as he would be if he were standing in front of a human; instead, he is more dissatisfied with himself than ever before. Don't fret about it; simply kill it! Cut off its head, pierce its heart, shred its wings, and suffocate it with your binding cloth---but don't stress about it! This is exactly what you wanted.

Hitoshi let his breathing subside. "I'm going to kill you, dragon. I'm going to take your heart out and bring it to Eraserhead." He took in a deep breath, seething. "I'll get into the hero course... get certified, and become a better pro than any of them." He shouted. "I'm a hero!" He lifted the dagger over his head as his eyes glanced down at the Night Fury. 

He opens one eye and sees indigo-violet staring back at him. Fear and resignation are in its gaze, as well as the revulsion and shame he feels at the idea of killing this creature. Has it ever actually killed anyone?  Hitoshi finds himself wondering, hefting the daggers again. All it’s done is blow up catapults. 

It should be simple. His goals, dreams, and desires were all within grasp. All he needed to do was take a body part and show it to the people. He would be admitted into the hero course right away. The tale of a villain who became a hero would be carried down through generations.

The Night Fury, the most fearsome dragon in the world, is in front of him. Capturing it could prove his ability to kill dragons.

But its eyes are open, captivating, and bright, and he sees himself mirrored in them.

The dragon closes its eyes, the dark indigo-purple patterns on its face shimmering in the light, accepting its fate. Hitoshi understood he was a scary person. He is seen how the others gaze at him, how they murmur behind his back, and how tense they become when he is near. His personality is described as that of a chilly puppet master. However, seeing this dragon give up so freely and accept its fate makes him want to throw up. All of the strength required to kill a dragon was gone.

Hitoshi lowers his blade, unable to tear his eyes from the fallen dragon. 

As he lifts his head, gazing at the dragon he can't-won't-kill, he understands it was a choice, and even though it was wrong, it feels pretty good—and self-loathing settles in his stomach. "I did this" he says quietly, his hands falling limply to his sides. He crouches beside the rope-bound dragon, resting his hand on the material. I can't believe I'm doing this.

He quickly cuts his dagger through the ropes, which were much thicker to cut through. Hitoshi grits his teeth, his pulse pounding with determination as droplets of sweat run down his brow. His body aches as if he is done with Aizawa's training sessions. He realised he was a traitor by doing this. Was he trying to prove that he was a villain?

He remains oblivious to the Night Fury as it begins to tense, muscles coiling like a spring beneath its sleek, dark scales. The rope pulls tighter, but he doesn’t register the danger until it lunges at him with lightning speed, crashing him against the very rock he had been using as cover only moments before. The impact knocks the air out of his lungs, forcing a sharp gasp that escapes with a whoosh, leaving him breathless and vulnerable. He finds himself unable to move or speak, frozen in place by the intensity of the creature's gaze. The Night Fury’s catlike purple eyes lock onto his, glowing with intelligence and ferocity that captivates him even as he feels the sharpness of its claws pressing into his throat, a terrifying reminder of its power. In that precarious moment, amidst the looming threat of fire and danger, he can't help but marvel at the awe-inspiring creature before him.

It's amazing.

Hitoshi could see his strained face in the dragon's eyes, and he could feel how the dragon must have felt. Helpless, afraid, and vulnerable. Is this how people feel when they are under his brainwashing? They had nowhere to flee, no control over their bodies, and no ability to think.

The Night Fury rears back, and he prepares himself for death---

Instead, it roars and scolds.

Hitoshi blinks at it as it backs up a step, huffing at him irritatingly, dark-purple markings catching the light as it tilts its head at him, flicking its tail.

The challenge in its eyes is undeniable, and he can read it like a book as she bounds into the forest. 

Try to keep up.

His mind didn't feel clearer, but he had another sense of control and a different direction he had to follow.

---

It took him a few minutes to regain leg strength, as his look was strained and puzzled. He hoped to return with a Night Fury head, wing, leg, or whatever, but instead he came back with more questions than answers. He resolved to conceal his failure by covering his dagger with berries that looked like blood. At the very least, it would not appear suspicious.

However, he heard something break, like a twig, and then a laugh. An obnoxious, maniacal chuckle, a little softer than intended, yet recognisable.

"Well, well, if it isn't the village hermit. Avoiding people again?" His pompous voice had a jeering tone. 

Neito Monoma.

In a word. Crazy.

He wasn't Hatsume crazy, as she was a whirlwind of ideas and unspoken intelligence.

Monoma was mad in a way; he was an overly competitive, snooty jack-of-all-trades with a desire to outperform class A with dramatic theatrics and speeches. Hitoshi wondered whether he practised his monologues and insults in front of a mirror to ensure they were perfect. He was not competitive in the Bakugou sense, where his ego was stroked because he would never hear 'no' in his life and thought he was untouchable with an explosive peculiarity and personality. Monoma was competitive in the sense that 'he will obnoxiously taunt someone into eliciting a reaction since he enjoys making arguments for it and will back sass you at every opportunity.'

Hitoshi was convicted. Monoma enjoyed pushing and ignoring boundaries. It would appear so, as Hitoshi had somehow piqued his interest despite not being in the hero course. He tried to tell him off and leave him alone, but Monoma refused. Lucky me.

"What do you want, Monoma?" Hitoshi sighed. He just escaped death from a Night Fury, and he didn't want to be trapped by a loud-mouthed blonde. 

"You shot down a dragon." The blue-eyed boy leant forward; his gaze always reeked smugness and assholeness. Sure, Hitoshi could be an asshole himself, a little shit, a bastard, a silver-tongued villainous boy, but Neito was on another level.

Hitoshi's usually cold, tired eyes widen subtly, his eyebrows quirking up. He never liked to give away his expression, he liked keeping his thoughts to himself, making him unreadable, keeping his secrets close to his chest. "You saw that, huh?"

"A Night Fury, no less...everyone heard the sound, and I saw you on that cliff, shooting it down." He smirked, his look becoming more malicious. "It is about time you used your wits to compensate for your limitations."

Thanks???

There was an eager expression. "Most of my class saw you. It won't be long until word gets around."

Hitoshi rolled his eyes at the backhanded compliments. But the idea of word getting around he shot down a Night Fury alone? He felt his stomach drop just thinking about that. 

"Anyway, have you found it?" Monoma's maniacal smirk was back on his face. "Or are you still looking? Maybe I could kill it. Finally scoring a win for me."

Hitoshi gestured to the dagger, smeared with berry juice blood. "I've got that sorted."

"What about the body? That stain won't prove anything. People might think you killed a Terrible Terror, which is, realistically, all you're good at. You don't even have a heart? Just a dagger with blood...show me where it is!" 

Keep on lying.

"Neito!" A gruff voice, belonging to a muscular man, with giant fangs protruding from his bottom lip. Vlad King. "You ran off during training. I don't mind you doing your own thing, but you gotta help your class." Vlad King glanced at Hitoshi, giving him a nod.

"Shinsou, you should be in the forge...don't let me tell Aizawa."

You're making it sound like he's my dad.

"Yes sir." He nodded. He didn't want to leave the forest just yet.

Hitoshi thanks the cosmos for the well-timed intervention; otherwise, Monoma would find the broken bola nett and no Night Fury body. He would be labelled a phoney, a lying freak who was attempting to corrupt the village's minds.

Just before following Vlad and Monoma out of the jungle, he looked back, as if he could see the Night Fury staring back at him. But there was nothing. Perhaps the dragon was also playing a trick on his mind. However, her motives were plain.

Try to keep up.

Chapter Text

There were numerous reasons why Hitoshi had few or no friends. He was not an easy person to get to know. He continually rolled his eyes at everyone, frank to the point of not caring about hurting other people's feelings, and an envious side of himself made him tough to approach. He used to be a gregarious, boisterous boy who enjoyed sharing his opinions with his mother and the kids (now teenagers), but it was not until his quirk became apparent that his world transformed.

A few bullies once placed a rope around his mouth, stopping him from speaking. His mother signed him up for a scout camp, which was one of the final things she did to support him before she died. The bullies, on the other hand, refused to accept his oddity. They refused to trust someone with a malicious quirk, could not picture him being a hero in any shape or form, and felt terrified and uncomfortable around him.

Even at the age of fifteen, subtle digs continued to be thrown at him. He would, however, brush them off, make a joke, say something snarky, and even make them laugh. He plays into it, which helps them get off his back. It helps him deal with his current worries. It is as if the words come out before he can think. Even still, everyone evaluates him before getting to know him. So he judges everyone before allowing them to do the same. He prefers to judge from a distance, staring blankly. Not everyone can read him. He prefers it that way.

For the most part, detachment and isolation were his only companions. It provided him plenty of time to dwell on himself, his actions, his skills, his private training, his failures, and how to stay in control of situations. His perception of himself became more warped as he reflected alone. Hitoshi was never pleased or content, always looking for the missing puzzle piece that made up his odd identity.

Especially now. 

My life was finally looking like a straight-forward path, but now I'm back to square one.

He had not pursued the Night Fury, the evil offspring of lightning and death itself. The little thing that sparked all of this confusion. He was utterly distracted by the thing. His mind was spinning out of control, bombarding him with unending questions. She spared him; he spared her, as he could not physically murder her in the first place. He spends the entire night sketching in his notebook, unable to get the vision of those fascinating violet eyes and catlike motions from his head. He was questioning both the beast's and his logic.

However, releasing the Night Fury contradicted everything Hitoshi believed in, including his dreams and principles. His irrational acts made him feel like a traitor. He was not sure if he was overthinking things or if there was a method to overcome this emotion. He had his convictions shaken the moment those terrifying eyes pierced into his soul, the colour strikingly identical to his. He felt the thing was incredible. The dragon could have killed him, gotten her revenge. But it didn't. It spared him, while giving him a very clear warning. And those cat-like eyes, with human emotion.  What if? What if he continued to think that way?

What if I completely altered my beliefs to fit my actions, and then my actions to match my new beliefs?

He shook his head, scolding himself.  It was only one dragon; that can't be proof that all dragons are amazing. Even though it is the most feared one of them all. 

When a knock comes at his door, he quickly stiffens and slams his notebooks close, dumping the wrecked sketches in the garbage bin and promising to shred the evidence.

"Shinsou."  It’s Aizawa’s voice, tired and bored as always. "I need to speak to you."

Oh.

Curious despite himself, he pushes open the door and glances up at his teacher."Sir...what is it?"

"Word spreads rapidly on the island, you know. "Nothing happens without my awareness of it." He watched Hitoshi scratching his neck, his gaze jumping to his work, eager to continue drawing and figuring out what the Night Fury was up to, narrowing his eyes. "What is on your mind? You seem impatient. Are you nervous about something?"

Oh gods. Does he see right through me?

"No, sir...what were you going to say?"

Nice recovery, totally not suspicious.

"You have got your desire; dragon training begins tomorrow. You will be working with classes A and B."

Hitoshi felt his stomach twist into a knot. Once upon a time (or a few hours ago), he excitedly accepted this offer. Getting an opportunity to show off his skills. However, he was still concerned about being around people who thought negatively of him, but he did not care what they thought. Now his anxiety stems from his inability to physically combat dragons.

"That is great. However, I was thinking that we should do some more practice." Over time, he improved his lying and acting talents, but Aizawa was the only one who saw through him, despite his belief that no one else could. "There are several places where I am still not improving."

"Women and Men are going on another expedition to find the nest. I've been recruited."

The nest. Since Viking times, heroes have been searching for something. Merchants notorious for their tall tales told stories and myths about a horrible location where dragons spawned. The dragons will have to find another home after their nest is destroyed. It would end the raid and alleviate the misery.

Ah. Since Aizawa can't babysit me anymore I have to be babysat by the hero course students.

"Oh...and you're happy to send your student to their death?"

"Shinsou." His sensei hissed, a low grumble in his tone, he never liked anyone joking about death too lightly.

"Right...but perhaps it's better for me to work in the forge...it's logical, right? I barely have the experience and-" Trying to appease Aizawa when using logic was Hitoshi's go-to when it came to getting him to listen. He never listens. Maybe being around Mic damaged his ears and brain.

"These next few weeks will be a learning curve for all hero course students." Aizawa straightened up, making Hitoshi tense his shoulders. "Some of them have killed a few stragglers in the heat of the raid, not thinking clearly, acting without reason. And simulations can't properly prepare them for the brunt of the raid. Fighting dragons head-on will be a new task."

I can't kill dragons? There's no way I can be able to fight them.

"But-"

'Oh, come on. You did not whine about wanting to be a part of the hero course for no reason, did you? Of course, you want to fight dragons," Aizawa responds, he has never heard him talk in such a playfully sarcastic tone before. He has always agreed with Aizawa since he began working with him. Now he wishes Aizawa could see him as if he were a kid trying to persuade his father to listen. (However, that was not the situation; it was a straightforward mentor-student dynamic; anything else would be silly).

“Correction. Sir, I can’t kill dragons.”

Aizawa scoffs and slaps him on the shoulder again. “Nonsense! One day, you will kill dragons, of course!”

Hitoshi can’t even force a laugh out of himself.

“N-no, I am very extra sure that I won’t.”

Aizawa suddenly gets a determined look on his face, scowling.

The look of uncertainty morphs into frustration Hitoshi glares. There are many similarities between them, and their cold stares are one of them.  “Can you not hear what I’m trying to say?”

Aizawa's expression changes and he furrows his brows. “This is serious, kid.  When you carry that binding cloth, you're carrying your efforts and training into that ring. You walk with that knowledge in mind, talk like us. You think like us. No more of…"

He gestures to his student, Hitoshi raises an offended eyebrow when his sensei finishes with, “This.”

Hitoshi groans annoyed and mutters, “You just gestured to all of me.”

What did that mean? All of this. All of him? What made Hitoshi a bad thing? Was it one aspect or was it everything about him? Was it obvious self-doubt and lack of self-esteem? His Quirk? His passion for becoming a hero?

Aizawa takes no notion of it and asks, crossing his arms, “Deal?”

Hitoshi groaned and tried to express his frustration, as he said, "This conversation feels rather one-sided."

He closes his eyes when his scary mentor exclaims, “Deal?!”

He sighs and hisses between his teeth, “Deal.”

Aizawa nodded, his gaze inscrutable. "Good. You start in the morning. Train hard. Listen to Kan. I will be back. Probably." With one more glance at his student, his eyes reflecting his actual concern, he walks out the door, leaving Hitoshi alone.

“And I’ll be here.” Hitoshi looks at the ground.

“Maybe.”

No, I'll be worrying about being a traitor and unable to hold my own against dragons.

~~~

The next morning the air was tense between Hitoshi and Aizawa, as he decided to say goodbye to him before he set off with the other pro-heroes, like All Might, Miruko, Present Mic, Hawks, and Endeavour to find the nest. Vlad King had offered to stay behind, organising joint training for the next few weeks. Boats were being loaded with swords, axes, spears, and catapults, with the sound of clashing metal and heavy footfall across the wooden planks. 

Hitoshi glared up at Aizawa, who said nothing, causing Vlad King to speak up for him. "Shinsou would like to wish you well on the mission." The blood-bending user cleared his throat, just as awkward, placing a hand on Hitoshi's head. Hitoshi only nodded. He felt Aizawa's cold eyes piercing down at him, causing Ken to sigh. Both of them are acting like children. 

"From the bottom of his cold heart, Aizawa is rooting for you, Shinsou."

The broody underground hero groaned, grumbling in the muscular man's ear. "I want this kid and all my other kids in one piece when I get back." 

Kan stood beside Hitoshi and Eraserhead and Present Mic disappeared into the crowd who boarded the ships. "Don't think so harshly kid. He's looking out for you." He patted his back, harder than expected, making Hitoshi jolt forward. "Now, onto today's training."

Hitoshi's mind was mentally somewhere else before he was in front of a giant arena. It looked ancient as if put there centuries ago. The chain roof looked like it was rusting, trying to withstand the years of facing the elements, and still holding strong. Or maybe this arena was regularly upkeep but kept the rustic and historical presence. This is Hitoshi's starting line, he knew that, he knew he lacked a tiny bit of experience, but he would have been eager and ready to face the uncertainty. He would have been looking forward to using those who held him back (the hero course students), as stepping stones, as tool to achieve his goals. 

“No turning back,” he hears  Todoroki murmur from the front and glares at him bitterly.

“I’m hoping for some serious burns.” Mina chirps in, jumping up and down, far too happy to be saying something like that. She did kill a changewing once, after all, an acid-wielding dragon for an acid-wielding girl.'

Kaminari chuckles, having a swagger in his step and chimes in, “I’m hoping for some mauling, like on my shoulder or lower back.”

Ironically, it’s not that long since he wanted the same. Now...well, he doesn’t know what to think, but unnecessary scarring is just plain stupid.

“Yeah.” Hitoshi chuckles darkly as he enters the ring, “It’s only fun if you get a scar out of it.”

 Everyone turned their heads, watching the lanky boy with a disinterested expression, rubbing his neck.

"Shinsou..." As though attempting to analyse him, Tokoyami murmurs in a critical tone. Hitoshi is perspiring since he can feel all eyes on him. Even though he may appear composed, his anxiety might still get the best of him. Being in a room full of powerful individuals who were leagues above you, and having a bad impression on them, made him feel out of place.

The recruits all turn around and only Midoriya gives him a curious expression, giving him a small wave amidst a loud growl coming from Bakugou who points an accusing finger at him as he shouts, “Who the Hel let him in?!”

The rest look confused, tilting their heads and murmuring amongst themselves. He knows he doesn't have a great reputation, the sports festival only made it worse as he declared war, called Bakugou an ass, blatantly calling them delusional, lashing out at Midoriya. 

“Stuff it, Bakugou. Let’s not defy Aizawa's  wishes of letting his student train, alright?” Vlad King finally speaks up and pushes Hitoshi in front of him.

He avoids meeting anyone’s eyes but he slightly flinches when he hears Iida say, “Oh. Aizawa has finally put his faith in him?"

“That’s quite enough, Iida.” Vlad groans and it appears that only then does the boy realise what he said, it takes but a second before Iida starts to exclaim, “No, sir! I did not mean anything malicious by saying that, I am serious. It was a matter of curiosity, that’s all.”

“Will you ever stop talking?” A snooty voice hisses in his direction pulling the attention away from Hitoshi.

Thank gods.

Monoma with the rest of Class 1B huddle into the arena, particularly, the blonde is picking at his nails, turning up his nose. "Shinsou shot down a Night Fury, shouldn't that disqualify him?"

"He did?" Midoriya's eager voice rose.

The snarky, starlight boy smirks in Hitoshi's direction. "Well, that places him above most of you, and I can't wait to pray on everyone's downfall. " He gave another pompous smile glaring at the class A students, while the other from his class seemed to mingle, Kendo and Momo giving each other fond looks, Kuirori and Tokoyami nodding with a stoic expression in acknowledgement, and Testutestu and Kirishima giving each other a bro-fist.  "You're lucky we're just observing, as our dearest teacher allowed some of us to watch. Oh, this is going to be a wonderful production."

Hitoshi snorts, his lips quirking into a smile as he hides his mouth behind the binding cloth. 

"HUH!" Kirishima has to hold Bakugou back, even though he's glaring at Monoma with the same distasteful expression. Everyone gave him annoyed glares, groans and scoffs as they rolled their eyes.

Vlad King proudly tapped his shoulder, giving him a grin. "That's the spirit."

 “Today,” his teacher announces, sounding as stern as ever, “you’re going to be splitting into groups of five to train in the arena. You’ve killed dragons in the heat of the moment, and simulations won’t prepare you for taking the brunt of the raids. So far, some of you have handled stragglers.” He holds out a bag--probably full of some names or something--and Hitoshi narrows his eyes at it. “Now, we train you to fight on the front lines.”

“The recruit that comes out on top,” Kan sensei goes on, “gets to kill a Skrill.”

He freezes. That’s a death sentence. A death sentence and a chance at glory if being a hero meant everything around here, then we’re fucking insane by definition. Those idiots will jump at it without thinking twice. Yet a perfect opportunity to get certified into the hero course.

The muscular teacher tells them and in the corner of his eye, Hitoshi can see Bakugou slamming his fist into the palm of his hand with a dangerous smirk resting on his lips.

Sure enough, everyone, even the edgy and collected students like Todoroki and Tokoyami, started talking amongst themselves eagerly.  Bakugou snorts as Deku turns to him, shooting the nerd a glare and a snarl as Vlad divides them up.
And he ends up in his group, along with Yaoyorozu, Kaminari, Kirishima and Midoriya.  Just my luck, he thinks, not for the first time, following them into the arena.

Hitoshi must've been lost in his mind as Kirishima had to snap him out of his thoughts.

"You good there, man?"

"Peachy," Hitoshi grumbles, before realising how snappy he sounded, making him wince internally.

"Don't be such a grump, it's gonna be interesting," Kaminari commented, wrapping an arm around Hitoshi's shoulder with an awkward smile. Hitoshi glared, flicking his arm, before cursing to himself. Damn it, they're trying to make you feel welcome. Despite everything...

"Behind these doors are some of the rarer species you will face…the Titanwing Dramillion." Vlad starts, hobbling in front of the pens.

A squawk emanates from the cage, along with a loud rattle. Sparks dance in Kaminari’s palms.  “Speed, fourteen, Armor, eight,” Deku murmurs.

“The Stormcutter,” Vlad continues.

Yaoyorozu lifts her chin up, standing tall.

"The Razorwhip."

A hiss pulses from the cage. Kirishima’s skin hardens in response. “Armor, ten, shot limit ten," Midoriya continues. He is a dragon nerd. Hitoshi can't help but smile inwardly at how much he knows, it's quite impressive. 

"The greatest prize of all: the Skrill…”

Everyone goes silent. The dragon doesn’t make a single noise; none of the unearthly roaring the other dragons had made. Cyan sparks flicker along Midoriya's body.

The talk of all these dragons he'd have to fight was making him feel uneasy. It felt weird feeling sorry for all these dragons locked behind these pens. At least the Night Fury had gotten away. Thought thought of her being used as a training dummy... He thought how perfect her scales were, dark like the night they hid in, where she belonged. By now she must've flown off, with those giant bat-like wings and powerful tail fins.

Wait... Hitoshi frowns, Did it have one or two?

“And today’s opponent--the Rumblehorn” Vlad King wraps his hand around a lever that Hitoshi knows will lift the bolt. Next to him, Kirishima blanches.

“Wait, aren’t you gonna teach us first?”

Vlad King grins. “Eraserhead has explicitly stated you will be learning on the job, as much as I hate that, good luck.” He flips the lever and steps back. The large, Rhino Beetle-like dragon explodes out of the cage with a shrill roar, and they scatter. Its scales shimmering beautiful shades of red under the sun. Hitoshi dives out of the way as it roars, clambering around the arena. Electricity rushes forward as Kaminari advances, only to get knocked back by its powerful tail. “Today is about survival,” their teacher continues as they run for their lives, the other four trying to get close enough to land blows as Hitoshi focuses on evading. “If you get blasted, you’re dead. What d’you need first?”

“A doctor?” Hitoshi mutters.

“Greater speed to match its agility?” Midoriya guesses.

“A shield!” Yaoyorozu calls out.

“Shields.” Vlad points over Hitoshi's shoulder at a rack of circular shields. “Go.” Hitoshi lunges immediately for a red-and-white shield, assessing where the dragon is, which is charging at the gate and ramming it with all of its force. Yet it seemed reinforced. Dragon proof.  The others have all gotten their shield--nope, Kaminari and Kirishima are both out after accidentally going for the same damn shield. “Your most important piece of equipment is your shield. If you must choose between a sword and a shield, take the shield.”

from outside the ring, the others are watching and commentating. He can hear Bakugou yelling at the two idiots for fighting over a gods-damn shield. Most importantly, he can hear the maniacal laughter of the other obnoxious loud blonde.

"Oh bravo. For a class with such praise, you are making it difficult to prove it right now."

It was like Vlad King and Monoma were copies of each other. He noticed Monoma trying to copy the same mannerisms as his teacher, so he decided to add a tip as if he were the teacher.  “Those shields are good for another thing,” the blonde calls.  “Take a guess. Use your brain, the thing in your head."

“Noise?” Yaoyorzu suggests.

“Nicely done. Make lots of it to throw off a dragon’s aim.” The other two immediately start slamming weapons against shields. Hitoshi hesitates before following suit, the same sense of revulsion simmering in his stomach as he catches sight of the dragon shaking its goddamn head.

“All dragons have a limited number of shots. How many does the Rumblehorn have?”

“3" Kaminari suggests from the sidelines.

“No, 4,” Kirishima calls out, waving his shield like a bright target. He gets blasted a second later and curses, ducking out of the way along with the others. Luckily he had a hardening Quirk, making it easier for him to keep going.

“You’re out. three shots, for three” It fires at him and Midoriya, and he dives himself out of the way, knowing he can't face an attack head-on, leaving the dragon to handle it. Then it fires again when Yaoyorozu throws off its aim, making it fire at a wall to wear it down.

“One shot. Basic math says there’s one for one.” Monoma's obnoxiously sneers, leaning against the bars, was a dramatic yawn. "Show me some  real talent." 

Everything is a blur of power and dazzling effects from Quirks. Sparks of electricity, with the beautiful glow from Yaoyorozu's skin as she created metal items to make even more noise, the cyan flicker of Midoriya's insane powers, and he noticed his fingers were still busted. Unfortunately, the dragon's armour is tough and capable of ramming through anything and withstanding the most powerful of blows. (Except dragon proof metal)

“Now I understand the difference between us” Hitoshi grumbles, silently seething with jealousy, eyeing the Rumblehorn as it rushes them, Yaoyorozu dropping into place next to him. He watches her somersault out of the way, but before he can get away, its long tail flicks his shield out of his hands. Cursing, he lunges for it, only to find himself pinned to the wall as the Rumblehorn advances, fire glowing in its throat---

Vlad activates his power within a mere second, with blood from his canisters trapping the dragon in place. “And that’s four,” Vlad glowers, tugging the dragon into its cage. “Go back to bed, you overgrown jewel beetle."

Hitoshi feels like he wants to vomit, his eyes are wide as he's sweating bullets so much for being collected and stoic. It was so much easier for him in a controlled environment, when his Quirk was useful and present.  I couldn't use any of my skills at all. I couldn't even use the binding cloth. All because I can't fight dragons...

“Remember--a dragon will always... always ...go for the kill.”

There's a tense silence in the ring, not a soul dared comment on what had just happened. Even the loud laughter from Monoma was no longer present.

The others leave the ring, he watches the others congratulate each other, throwing their arms around each other like a happy team, but he stands still, brow furrowed as he pictures purple eyes and black scales.

Chapter Text

It was well known that Night Furies were the rarest and most elusive dragons in the entire globe. The night they were born was dominated by Night Furies. As members of the strike class, they were among the few dragons with superior intelligence and possessed remarkable intuition.

Right now, the Night Fury is annoyed.

Extremely annoyed at the weird indigo-haired boy.

Her tail fin was severed to prevent her from flying by the odd human boy from the village, who was carrying a dagger and had an odd metal material that resembled silk around his shoulders. She felt that the lad only intended to kill her, so she accidentally cut off her tail fin.

She would rather choose death than not be able to fly again.

However, death did not claim her. The boy, who appeared lanky and thin, set her free. Nevertheless, his soul felt powerful. She could easily recognise a dragon slayer, but the kid was different. In exchange, she spared him; now she is imprisoned in a cove with nowhere to go.

Her scaring him was a warning, giving a taste of his own medicine. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to harm the boy. She could sense he was different compared to other humans. She couldn't understand his words, but she could feel their intent. She could sense yearning, anger, and frustration. However, his subsequent acts contradicted the tone he projected. He spared her first. 

Now she was alone.

She freezes, her tail flicking as she sits up on her hind legs. She can detect the fragrance of a human. It is not just any scent; it is the scent of the boy with a bitter soul, a desire for achievement, a heavy burden of self-loathing, and a chip on his shoulder.  The cloth around his shoulder didn't smell of anything dragon.  The dagger with which he threatened her life smelled like pure iron and sweat, with no dragon blood. She drops to all fours and sniffs again, and---there he is.  Dragon blood or not, he’s still a human, and humans kill dragons and he cut off her tail. Part of it anyway.

She notices his dishevelled hair and violet eyes, which are similar to her own. With an agonising cry, she pushes herself into the air, spinning crazily through the skies, unable to achieve the lift she needs without her tail fin. She shakes herself off before leaping again into the air, hoping to gain enough height to release herself from the cove walls.

She rolls to her feet, aching everywhere, and stomps at the ground, raking it with inch-long claws and hissing angrily.

Her stomach rumbles, causing her to grumble and shuffle over to the lake. Her ears perk up when she sees fish, and she plunges her head into the water, snapping at them. She grabs a little guppy that has more bones than meat and swallows it with a wince.

She should be flying free; she is a Night Fury, and her species is known for being the most elusive, intelligent, graceful, and powerful. She had previously been bound by the Queen and manipulated to be one of her drones; now she was bound by gravity. She repeatedly failed to meet her expectations. She merely went after catapults and came back with nothing. She reasoned that being imprisoned in this cove was preferable to serving a tyrant.

Suddenly, she looks up as she hears something dropping. Like a stick falling onto a boulder.  The indigo-haired boy, with eyebags darker than her scales, looks back at her with wide eyes, cautiously.

She tenses, but he does not move.

And they stare at one other for a long time—until the rain begins to fall and the boy with the bitter soul, hunger for achievement, the heavy burden of self-loathing, and a chip on his shoulder is forced to go.

The Night Fury sleeps in the storm that night, once again, she's alone.

~~~

The following day is a complete failure. He made a mess during Dramillion's training, working with Monoma, Reiko, Kodai, and Shoda. His mind was unfocused because he was only thinking about the Night Fury. Not to mention listening to Monoma's speech about how similar they were in terms of being regarded as dead weight and having Quirk that was not considered heroic. He was constantly pushing Hitoshi's brain, hoping to elicit a response, almost as if he was testing his limitations and where his head was.

Monoma proved to be powerful, strategic, and insane. Taking advantage of his classmates' Quirks, he overdid it, seeing how far he could go before his body gave out. (It was impressive, terrifying, and crazy.)

And it wasn't like Hitoshi was actively trying to screw up either, he still kept his head in the game, but he continued to ponder about the Night Fury mid battle. He knew that asking questions to Vlad King wouldn't be useful, as it would only get him killed. It didn't help that there was no information on the Night Fury in the Book of Dragons anywhere.

Hitoshi and Monoma clashed during the training exercise, with Monoma trying way to hard to show off, which caused Hitoshi to miscalculate his moves. Both were tied up in Hitoshi's binding cloth until Kan intervened to save them. (Hitoshi wouldn't be lying if he said he didn't feel his breath hitch, being chest to chest with Monoma)

It was only about time Monoma saw Hitoshi like everyone else did. 

Monoma's comments were still fresh in his mind: "It is certainly a disappointment to see yourself hold back. We might have died! I would not be surprised if you were in class A, to begin with; you lack a sense of dignity.  We have choices and roles that we must perform. Figure out what side you're on." 

There was a clear decision. He could not fight dragons or have a hero quirk until he decided to listen to his new beliefs and act on them.

He returns to the cove and clutches a fish while peering over his wooden shield. His eyes dart across the cove, and he bends back down to throw the fish into the cove without looking. He can hear the moist sound as it bounces across the ground and slides away. A moment later, Hitoshi glances through the space between the two rocks where he is hidden, glancing around cautiously.

Nothing.

He takes a deep breath and moves forward to enter the cove, but the shield proves to be as large as the gap and becomes trapped. He tries to pull the shield loose, digging his heels into the sand for greater traction, but it is stuck, and Hitoshi quits up far too soon. He releases it with a scoff and crawls beneath it.

It is fast. Hitoshi stares around without daring to move a muscle. His gaze remains fixed on the quiet cove, interrupted only by the whistling of birds in the trees, while he stoops to catch the fish once more. In an attempt to make as little noise as possible, Hitoshi takes a slow step forward while sucking in his breath and pressing the wet fish against his chest.

The Night Fury that plagued his thoughts is lying on a rock, and he fails to notice her.

He turns, waving the fish when he hears her. His eyes are as hungry as hers, full of curiosity and rebellion. Hitoshi observes as she approaches him slowly, slinking down at him like a forest's wildcats. He silently extends the fish to her, an offering, and she tensely prepares to jump before freezing.

She gets closer to him, loping sideways and opening her jaw to bite into it when she sees his sword again. She snarls, her wings arcing upwards in an attempt to appear more intimidating. Plasma hisses in her throat.

Miraculously, he appears to understand her. He reaches for the hilt, and she snarls in outrage, narrowing her eyes. He gives her a scowl, mutters, "I can not believe I am doing this," and then drops the dagger on the ground.

The Night Fury blinks before huffing. But it is not enough; the dragon's eyes are still narrowed, so Hitoshi kicks it into the lake next to them, a small plunge ringing through the wide area. She sits up, pricking her earflaps and lowering her wings in gratitude for his willingness to give up the weapon. He extends the fish to her again, and she moves closer, her gaze flickering up to his and then back to the food as her teeth sink into her gums.

"Huh, toothless? I would swear you had-" She goes for the fish, her teeth springing out and sinking into it. "Teeth,"

He looks at the Night Fury with widening eyes and swallows as he watches the teeth retract again. Acting like it's the best meal she's had in all of her life. The dragon, as dark as the night she hides in, locks her gaze on Hitoshi and makes a gurgling sound as she presses closer with an expectant expression. Hitoshi takes a step back for every stride closer. "Hey, back off; I don't have any--" he winces and yells as she crushes him against a rock-- "more."

The Fury leans closer into his personal space, his eyes like small slits staring straight through Hitoshi. He stares blankly, and Hitoshi holds his breath, looking the Night Fury up and down in an attempt not to panic. She pokes at him with her paw.

He gives her a dubious look, but before he can react, the dragon regurgitates half of her meal for him. She places it in his lap, and he fixes her with an annoyed expression, a trail of drool dripping down his legs.

“And what do you want me to do with this?"

The Night Fury snorts, almost delighted, as she sits back on her hind legs and waits patiently.

Hitoshi, on the other hand, has a keen eye for detail. When he stares at her for another moment, she huffs impatiently and shifts her gaze from the fish to his purple eyes. "You have got to be kidding me," he growls but still raises the fish to his mouth. He groans, but the thought of offending her is unappealing; he takes a little bite of the wet fish. She swallows to emphasise her point, and he glances at her suspiciously before doing the same, shuddering and making a disgusted noise.

She makes a small rumbling noise as she watches him, her tongue flicking out of her mouth. He snorted in answer, a tired smirk on his face, more sardonic than anything. She tries to replicate it, her teeth retracting as she struggles to lift the sides of her mouth up. His eyes enlarge, and he can sense infantile awe seep through his callous façade. All of the dragons he has encountered thus far have personalities. But none were as expressive.

She's endearing.

Were dragons always able to do this?

He rises to his feet and reaches for her tentatively, calloused fingers preparing to touch her scales—but she is not prepared. Her smile fades, and she snarls warningly before leaping into the air and gliding across to the other side of the lake. She heats the mossy ground to a red-hot temperature before curling up on top of it.

The chirping of a bird causes the Night Fury to gaze up. It leaps on the edge of its nest before flying through the air. She watches its motions, observing it enviously. He understood the sense of desiring something you could have. Hitoshi, who has crawled closer in the interim, attempts to gaze casually at the beast when it turns around again. She does not seem impressed and rolls her eyes.

That's a mood.

She keeps his tail in front of him as if to obstruct Hitoshi, who appears disinterested and unwilling to give up. Hitoshi moves closer, but the moment he reaches out to touch the dragon's tail, the beast feels him. She lifts it, fixing him in a deadpan glare, and he stands up, a look of aloofness (and embarrassment beneath it) on his face, padding away.

Time goes quickly while the dragon hangs upside down like a bat, the sky turns pink, and Hitoshi is still present. For the past few hours, the Night Fury had wanted nothing to do with him, but he let Hitoshi do sketches of her while the boy sat nearby for a better view.

Hitoshi is doodling in the sand with a stick to create an image of a dragon. Sand is not the best canvas for drawing, resulting in rough lines. Hitoshi detects a presence hovering behind him, and a glance to the side reveals her. The reptile has awoken and, intrigued by what the human is doing, has moved near him and is now sitting behind him, following the stick with curious eyes.

Hitoshi is not terrified, but he behaves as if it does not concern him to avoid scaring her away. The Night Fury's excessive head-turning almost causes dizziness. She suddenly has an idea, and Hitoshi looks over his shoulder to see the dragon flee in a rush. .

Hitoshi turns around at the sound of trees creaking, and to his surprise, she returns with an entire sapling between his teeth, dragging it behind her as she tries to do the same thing Hitoshi is doing. She spins and coils everywhere, even poking a dot in the sand. She walks around Hitoshi, and a branch strikes the boy behind the head. Hitoshi almost does not notice it, his gaze fixed on the jumble of lines that lead in every way. 

She sets the sapling down and croons at her artwork, her earflaps trembling with the sound. She smiles, and he looks at Hitoshi, who gets up right away. He approaches closer and takes in all of the scribbles, utterly mesmerised by the lines. He has no idea what it is because it appears to be random squiggles or a bizarre maze.

Hitoshi's eyes widened with hungry curiousity, attempting to get a better look at her 'masterpiece'.

Hitoshi stepped forward, and the dragon hissed before crouching low to the earth. He removed his foot from the line, freezing before assessing the reaction. She croons at him, relieved, before growling again when he tries to step on her drawing. It happens a third time before he crosses the line and turns to take another step. A genuine smile spreads across his face as he spins and swirls, effortlessly crossing the lines.

However, all of the excitement and interest was replaced with something unsettling. He felt a tickling down his neck and touched it. Her breath stirs his hair, and he stiffens, turning to face her with startled eyes, taking only a few steps back to get a closer look at the Night Fury. He wondered whether this was her plan. She wanted him to approach her close as if she were poking about in his head. To see who he truly is.

(It's like she can sense his awe and happiness).

He slowly lifts his hand, but the dragon rumbles, lowering her head and revealing her teeth. Hitoshi notices the reluctance and sighs. He closes his eyes and turns aside, reaching out his arm behind him and not looking at the Night Fury.

The most terrifying dragon, the unholy offspring of mind games and darkness (that is her new title now), hesitates before she presses her muzzle into his palm. Hitoshi experiences a sense of frozen time as if he is destined to be here.

Once again, he did not regard this dragon as a villain. Thus, he didn't see himself as a villain, therefore he did not feel bad about doing this. He was out of his mind to do this, but it seemed so natural. Yet again, he stood out from the crowd. He could never kill a dragon, regardless of Quirk or not. For a moment, he doesn't even care about being considered a 'dead weight' compared to the other teenagers. 

She senses that the boy with a bitter soul, a thirst for success, a heavyweight of self-loathing and a chip in his shoulder isn't like the other humans. She should hate him for cutting off her tail, but she doesn't. He's something better. Right now both of them don't feel so alone anymore.

Hitoshi opens his eyes, childlike wonder written all over his face.  “Damn,” he whispers. She sniffs at his palm again, suddenly her round eyes turn to slits and the dragon is gone in a flash, leaving Hitoshi astounded.

Chapter Text

Neito's problem is that he never apologizes. He has known since he was a young child that he cannot apologise for anything he has done. Was this one of the reasons he was dubbed the most unpleasant, rude, and brattiest little shit on the island?

Yes. 

He reveled in his title, the words curling around him like a warm cloak. Apologizing for his behavior was a foreign concept; he had long since shed any inclination to seek forgiveness. From a young age, he realized that to stand out, he needed to eclipse everyone in his orbit. He embraced the persona of a caustic trickster, weaving intricate tapestries of drama and mischief simply for the thrill of it. He crafted himself into a figure of disdain, yet in doing so, he dramatically reshaped the role he was destined to inhabit in this unfolding narrative.

Refusing to be relegated to the sidelines as a mere side character, hidden away backstage, he craved the spotlight. Since childhood, he dreamed of heroism, of being the champion in his own saga. Yet, despite his aspirations, his humble copying ability—a power that enabled him to mimic the abilities of others—was often dismissed as trivial. This quirk tethered him to dependency, forcing him to lean on those around him, even as he yearned to carve out a unique identity in a world that valued strength and individuality in others.

He made no apologies for talking trash about class A, pushing his limitations, or displaying his dramatic side. It's how he made up for his weaknesses. 

So why did he want to apologise to Shinsou?

Not that he will confess it, but Shinsou captured his attention. Since they were kids, he would bother Shinsou to learn what he was all about. He admired Shinsou's drive, as he did not want to settle for a lesser role in life. He possessed an incredible quirk, but he constantly held back, and as a result, they were nearly killed in the arena. Granted, his quirk would not work on dragons, but he could come up with something beneficial.

To be fair, Neito has never seen Shinsou this unfocused... before. He knew Shinsou wanted to be a great hero, but why would he limit his potential? Did he lack motivation? To be fair, Hitoshi has never gotten the chance to fight dragons to begin with. But Neito enjoyed pushing boundaries.

He and the others are currently sitting by a brightly lit open fire. He looked across to the lone young man, who was rotating a fish on a stick. His eyes were hazy and phased out as he peered at the fire.

He needed to hear that. We could have died; he needs to take his role more seriously.

If Vlad King had not intervened, they could have died, and Neito would have been held responsible.

If Neito wanted to demonstrate how perfect, useful, and courageous he is, he would defend everyone around him. This includes Shinsou.

Looking at Shinsou's melancholy expression, Neito wonders if it is because of what he said. He wanted to apologise and tell him that he did not mean it. However-

~~

Hitoshi felt Monoma's gaze on him as they all sat down by the fire, prompting him to stare at him from his seat. Monoma immediately turned his head, his nose held high like the snooty bastard he was, appearing to be uninterested.

However, at this point, Hitoshi could not care less about what he was thinking of him.

The majority of Hitoshi's waking thoughts were filled with Hypnos—and guilt since here he was with a Night Fury putting its trust in him, and right now he had to maintain the appearance of a dragon killer-in-training (and eat dinner, but that is less important).

At the summit of an abandoned catapult tower, his group's recruits are huddled around a crackling bonfire. He picks absently at his food while Mirio, a gregarious third-year student and one of the most formidable future professionals of their time, waves his hands for effect as he tells a story. "...and it swallowed his hand completely with a single twist. The expression on its face told the blacksmith, "He was delicious!"

"It must have spread the word because another one of them stole his leg less than a month later!" Mirio eagerly finishes and bites into his chicken.

Bakugou is acting quite unhappy with Kirishima and Kaminari hanging off his shoulder, but he does nothing about it. To Hitoshi's astonishment, the two are mysteriously spared from being blasted away while he sits there furious. He is seated in the corner, listening to Mirio's story with little interest.

Dark Shadow coos after Tokoyami gives him some of his food. "Is not it strange to consider that he may have killed the dragon from within if he had had control of his hand? By breaking its heart, for example?"

Hitoshi's face turns pale as he imagines Hypnos' beaten state, dead, lifeless. Then he'll be alone...

Kirishima shakes Hitoshi out of his stupor with a roar, and he cries, shaking his fist in the air, "I swear I am so angry right now." I will avenge that blacksmith's lovely hand and foot. I will cut off the legs of every dragon I fight... with my fists."

Ew, gross.

He swears he hears Monoma muttering about how he should be more dignified with his approach.

He feels sick to his stomach as he watches the individuals he thought were so powerful, future professional heroes, and possible classmates, discussing all the many ways to kill a dragon. It is murder for him. It is the same as killing a human.

“No, you want to go for the wings and tails, right?" Todoroki asks, and Mirio nods.

“If it can’t fly, it can’t get away.” Hitoshi can feel bile entering his throat.  “A downed dragon is a dead dragon.”

Which means she's as good as dead?

Because of me.

He thinks, "Blacksmith," and an element of his plan comes to him. He should speak with Hatsume; he might be able to trust her because she is a little crazy and willing to try everything. Even though the reasoning is flawed, it still exists.

He sets his plate down and begins racing down the tower, disregarding the conversation about who will kill the Skrill. That is a death sentence, a chance for fame, and dumb.

Fortunately, the others ignore him, and he continues until he reaches the smith's stall. The forge is lit, and he can just make out a head of pink hair banging on something. He sighs with relief, flips open his notebook, and stares at the Night Fury sketch. He reluctantly rubs out a tailfin, then draws it back in.

And he advances.

As he arrives, Hatsume tilts her head to the side. Her golden eyes light up, and she smiles eagerly. She is typically willing to do whatever it takes to prove that her innovations are useful. "Well, if it isn't my cranky, broody coworker."

"I need your help," he huffs without explanation.

Hatsume pushes her goggles over her forehead, her gaze wandering over her coworker, who always appeared uninterested in her innovations. "Well, things became more intriguing. What could I do for you?

In response, he tosses his sketchbook on her desk. She exits the anvil and sets down her hammer, looking down at the drawing of Hypnos before staring at him with wide eyes. "What?"

Hitoshi had to take a deep breath; he was about to reveal a truth that could have him kicked off the island for being insane. "Can you make a prosthetic?"

"So why would I help a dragon?" Her golden eyes are calculating and unsettling. 

Hitoshi rubs his hand through his unruly, unkempt hair before placing it on his neck. "They are not what we think they are." He murmurs. He clears his throat, his tone suddenly dripping with coy and sardoic intention. "I mean, you think the most brilliant inventor on the island can't do this?"

Hatsume scoffs as she moves the notebook directly in front of her. "I never said that."

For a brief moment, his face shows a mischievous, tiny smirk. "So, do you want Powerloader to think all you do is blow up everything?"

She gives a maniacal smirk. "I will take your word on it. You know this technically makes you a traitor, but I want the full explanation later.

"Yep." Hitoshi also feels himself grin. "Just promise you will not tell anyone. Consider it a secret project."

"You're crazy for doing this, I'm in." The pink-haired inventor snorted. "It would be unfortunate if Mr Aizawa found out about this."

The taunt is unnecessary because he already knows he is betraying his cherished mentor and going behind All Might's back (who is primarily the chief as well as the number 1 hero). He knows it's risky as if word gets around, he'll be dead or shipped off the island for going mad.  But he is willing to do it if it means Hypnos gets to fly another day. "So, where do we start?"

---

He and Mei spent all night working on the prototype tail fluke. He was amazed by how intelligent she was. He knew she made wonderful support items, but her haste led to a few blunders. He realized how disrespectful and disinterested he was previously, which made him ponder apologizing for being unpleasant to her when he could have spent the time getting to know her. However, he convinced himself that he did not need friends because they were a distraction. (Among other causes, self-loathing and judgment). Now that Hitoshi had a goal that didn't align with getting certified into the hero course, a new sense of direction—his mind felt more open to the idea. 

They were able to make a dragon prosthetic because of Hitoshi's cautious, measured approach, his blacksmithing knowledge, and Mei's brilliant mind and technological skills. She wanted to come today to check if it was worth helping Dragon. However, Hitoshi refuses to take the risk. Perhaps another day.

Hitoshi arrives at the cove at daybreak. He is carrying a basket of fish, attempting to keep it off the ground, but he laughs as he notices the Night Fury sleeping near the lake.

“Hey, Hypnos. I brought breakfast. I hope you’re hungry.”

He smiles at the black dragon, who offers him his usual gummy smile, which is too cute to be legal.

He drops the bag, letting fish spill out, and grimaces. “Okay, that's disgusting.”

Hypnos approaches the fish eagerly, tilting her head and pawing at them. (She is so cat-like, it is perfect.) "There is fish in there," he says, and she rapidly swallows one. "Some Icelandic cod." She swallows it, smacking her gums with her tongue. "And one full smoked eel."

Hitoshi takes note of this and throws it into the lake. "No, no, okay, girl. Calm down." He washes his sticky palm and shudders. Perhaps dragons are allergic to eels?

"Yeah, I don't like eels much either."

Hypnos huffs in offence but pays no further heed to the human, returning her attention to the remainder of the pile.

While the dragon was distracted, Hitoshi used the opportunity to sneak behind her and come closer to her tail. He unwraps the fin, opening it like a fan, and advances on her tail. She shifts it away twice, enthusiastic about the delicious fish in the basket. Her head was buried in the basket, like a cat with a plastic bag, attempting to devour everything. Hitoshi straddles her tail to make her stop wiggling before he can ultimately attach it.

He immediately buckles it into place, his eyes widening in awe. Mei has overdone herself. 

Hitoshi is so preoccupied with this that he does not detect Hypnos stiffening—the sound of a wicker basket plopping to the ground. The dragon does not have to look behind him to realise Hitoshi is fiddling with her tail, and she slowly expands her wings.

He looks at it with a contented smile and adds, as delighted as he appears, "There. Not that bad. It works."

Not even when he has finished cinching the fluke against the other and the air gets punched out of him, Hypnos bolts and takes off with swift speed, snapping her gigantic wings and taking Hitoshi with her. He muffles his scream with her tail, letting out a few curses as he clutches on for dear life.

He muffles another scream that nearly escapes his throat as he senses them being tilted into an uncontrollable plunge, speeding toward the ground.

Ohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuck....

He notices the folded fin rattling aimlessly, which is a terrible negligence on his part. She cannot control the fluke.

So, acting on an instinct he does not comprehend, he yanks it open. Hypnos arcs upward, nearly avoiding the ground. Hitoshi lets out a surprised gasp and shouts, suddenly forgetting his dread. "It's working!" As she soars high above the cliffs, delighted, he shouts into the wind. It would be much better if he was on her back, but he tilts it, dragging her into a banking turn down towards the lake; he can see his reflection in the water; he looks so silly like this.

He does not notice that they are heading straight for the cove's rocks. Hypnos lets out a growl, then discovers Hitoshi clutching her tail. He lets out an undignified yelp as Hypnos flips him off her tail, causing him to plunge into the water.

It is cold, making his skin quiver, and the force has nearly knocked him out, but he hears a commotion in the water and notices a massive explosion of bubbles where the dragon has crashed. When he finally builds up the stamina to swim to the surface, he notices her shaking her wings and swimming to shore, seemingly amused by his presence.

Hitoshi did not care how foolish he looked, as his thick hair covered his eyes like wet bangs and he smiled broadly. His ordinarily tired and frigid eyes are brimming with excitement, energy, and happiness. Hitoshi pulls himself to shore, his garments soaked and sticking to his body, and gives a triumphant yell.

It does not matter how absurd he looks right now because he soared on a dragon, who only flung him off her tail since they were going to crash.

And he will do it again because if that did not send a surge of fulfilment and rush through his veins, he did not know what would.

Chapter Text

The entire ring exploded in a noxious blue mist that was thick enough to obscure the kids' vision and provided great cover for a stealthy dragon like the Hideous Zippleback. Vlad King had stated that they had added the Hideous Zippleback to the list of dragons they were intended to fight; evidently, one got too close to the village and became a training dummy. Hitoshi felt sick to his stomach, not because of the deadly gas, but because he was afraid that if Hypnos got too close to the settlement, they might harm her. Mount her head on the wall and display her heart as a prise...

Fortunately, the persona cords kept off the stench and prevented it from entering his throat.

Hitoshi was once again paired with class A, which led him to feel that a pattern was emerging in front of him, with fights on both sides to determine his ability to enter the hero course. For the rest, there was a competition. For Hitoshi, everything is a test.

Vlad King had told the pupils to form pairs: Mina and Oijiro, Bakugou and Jirou, Sero and Asui, and Midoriya and Shinsou. He explicitly said they were not allowed to use Quirks. Bakugou was upset over not being able to show off, so Hitoshi avoided him. Nobody wanted to work with him after the exhibition he put on in the arena during Dramillion training, so he decided to team up with Midoriya.

"The Hideous Zippleback." Vlad King's voice came from the outside, and Hitoshi could vaguely see his bulky outline from the thick gas that covered his vision. "A wet dragon's head can't light his fire, but the Hideous Zippleback is extra tricky." All the kids had was his voice to guide them: "One head breathes gas, the other headlights it. It's your job to figure out which is which."

“Razor-sharp serrated teeth that inject venom for predigestion,” Deku breathes, standing back-to-back with him and muttering as usual. “Prefers ambush attacks, crushing victims in---”

It would be impressive if they weren't in the middle of a training exercise, and Hitoshi couldn't lose focus. "Midoriya-" He snapped, keeping his voice low. "Would you please stop that?"

“A-ah, okay!” 

He hears Sero shout “There!” and whirls around, tape-armed and ready, with Asui telling him not to, only to hear cursing from Bakugou and Jirou. 

"It's us, dipshit!" Bakugou began hurling a tonne of insults at Sero, with Asui shaking her head and getting them to calm down. 

I guess it wasn't there after all. Hitoshi cynically thought and tensed suddenly when he heard a hiss. He overhears Sero calling Bakugou a dragon because of his weight and body, which causes the violent male to hurl the bucket at him with an explosion.

There are matching yelps and sounds of splashes, and he presumes that two more recruits have just fallen to the Zippleback.

Bakugou holds out a hand, getting everyone to pause and listen. Suddenly, a long, two-tipped tail swiped Bakugou and Asui off their feet, and Sero gets pulled into the mist, only to scamper out of it, crying out in pain.

This means that Midoriya and he are the only ones left. 

“Chances of survival are dwindling,” Midoriya mutters, and for once he’s inclined to agree.

Vlad King has stated unequivocally that they weren't allowed to use Quirks. Because the students had equipped Quirks to battle dragons, they needed to test a different method of battling dragons without quirks. One of the heads, which is greyish blue, emerges from the haze, followed by another hiss. Hitoshi tilts his head as he hears the dragon's clicking sounds. He flew on a Night Fury after staring her down. While the Hideous Zippleback seems intimidating, it was likely a softie with a desire for freedom.

"At the same time?" Midoriya suggested. Hitoshi was about to comply when he suddenly got an idea. It was underhanded, but it would benefit him in the long term. Midoriya hurled the bucket of water, and Hitoshi held back for a few seconds, but the green-haired boy still managed to splash the head with gas. He is blasted and declared 'out'.

This is my opening.

Its other head, this one more dusky red maroon, sweeps out of the fog, a hiss rattling its throat as sparks crackle in its mouth. He hears Vlad King shout 'now', but he doesn't move.

Hitoshi had another idea.

He uses the dense gas as a cover so no one can see, and used it to conceal the trick he has planned. Hitoshi purposefully tosses the water and misses, causing the bucket to fly out of his hand and crash to the ground. It might have come across as feeble and sad, but that was the intention. The Zippleback heads glanced at the wet stain and laughed together. The blue-ish head moved forward, screeching at him; its wings flared in an attempt to show force and fear, but Hitoshi could not feel it.

Hitoshi reaches into his binding cloth, tugging on it, and he can tell the dragon has picked up on a scent that makes them garble with anxiousness. 

That's it. Hitoshi smirked to himself; it appeared that all dragons were afraid of them, and it wasn't a Night Fury-only thing. "Go on, stay back." He commands; his voice is not forceful, but it is steady and calm as if he were attempting to compel someone to respond to him. The dragon screeches and recoils as it steps back. "There we go. Get back in your cage." Slowly but steadily, he backs it into its pen. "Atta boy..." He mutters, and the dragon looks at him with surprise. "I apologise for this. Think about what you have done." He eventually reaches into his binding fabric, where he is been hiding the eel all along.

It scrambles away from the fish as he throws it to the ground, flushed with victory. Who knew a nonviolent win could be so satisfying? --and closes the pen. When he turns, he sees every single one of them, slack-jawed and amazed.

It isn't the usual looks he gets; for some reason, he feels something swelling in his chest, making him straight up, a small smile on his face. He disregards the feeling, clearing his throat and rubbing his neck a moment later. "So, are we done here?" He mutters. "Because I have places to be."

He even noticed Monoma outside the ring, gazing at him with a shocked expression. He also noticed that Principal Nedzu was observing the training the whole time; he hadn't even seen him before, narrowing his eyes with intrigue. He pads away, hiding the smile that crept up on his face with the binding cloth. 

Hitoshi knows he's going to have fun with this as he races towards the blacksmith stall.

"Hey!" He announces, trying to keep his tone aloof and failing, looking around for Mei. "Are you ready to get started on the project?"

Mei's head pops out, her golden eyes widening with delight. He can tell she has ideas. "You bet I am."

Hitoshi nods as he steps closer. "So, what's the plan?" He looks down at the sheet of paper that Hatsume has out in front of her. 

The pink-haired girl smiled, ready to explain. "Well, you said you needed a way to control the tail, right?" Hitoshi sits down on the bench while she explains and nods. "Well, I was thinking we could make a saddle. I can draw up some blueprints, but I'll need to see the Night Fury up close to get it right. I've never seen a Night Fury before, nor have I made saddles for dragons."

Hitoshi's eyebrows furrowed, his eyes flickering to the sheet of paper on the table; of course, he could always give her measurements himself. "Well, isn't my drawing enough reference?"

Hatsume sighs, crossing her arms. "I suppose so; since you've spent more time with it, I guess I can trust your judgement." She narrows her eyes before smiling. "But also, I want to see it up close."

Hitoshi nods, smiling to himself. "Yeah, she's quite impressive."

The inventor's eyebrows lift. "It's a female Night Fury." She mumbled, her eyes flickering with recollection. "I don't think anyone has encountered a Night Fury up close, especially a female." Hitoshi expression dropped. It was true; there's nothing in the book of dragons about Night Furies, just vague descriptions and blank pages. 

"I'm starting to think she might be the last of her kind." He mumbles, resting his head in his palm. "And I'm not risking anyone seeing her, I..." He sighs reluctantly. "Trust you with this information because I know you're crazy enough to pull off something like this."

Mei lets out a prideful laugh. "You bet I'm crazy, but you're even more insane." He sees that his persuasion worked, making him smirk a little. "Let's get to work."

~~~

The next few days are spent trying, learning, and practising, with Hitoshi making daily visits to Hypnos to provide Mei with precise measurements and diagrams. It is not long after he has provided her with all of the necessary information that she quickly constructs a dragon saddle.

He sneaks out of the village the next day and can now blindly navigate his way back to the cove, barely able to contain his delight. He is no longer afraid to see his dragon. Instead, Hitoshi can not wait to meet Hier again and grins broadly as he steps onto the grass, where he discovers Hypnos lounging near the water. Looking as elegant and graceful as ever.

When Hitoshi arrives at the cove, he holds up the saddle for Hypnos to see, but the dragon gives a malicious smile, her eyes narrowing as she creeps close to the ground before running off in a dead sprint. Hitoshi had been chasing her for hours before he could eventually put the saddle on her back. He quickly found himself on her back, flying near the water and using his binding cloth to adjust the prosthetic tail. He never expected to use this weapon to help a dragon fly. However, the flight does not go as smoothly as the first. They were heading head first into the cove's walls, and Hitoshi grabbed the binding material to help Hypnos turn, but she went one way and he went the other, forcing him to plunge into the lake.

Then the next thing they try is to use a harness so Hitoshi could attach himself to her so he wouldn't fling off her back.

They tried to get into the air, and Hitoshi could feel the change in the harness, which made him fit snugly into the saddle. However, as with previous attempts, this one is a complete disaster. Hitoshi shouts as they fall into a field of tall grass, the cable snapping as he jumps from Hypnos' back and tumbles into the grass. "Hypnos!" he yells into the grassy plain, stumbling through and swiping the field of grass out of his path. "Where have you gone, crazy lizard?"He comes to a halt in front of a flattened patch of grass, where Hypnos is rolling around and purring like a kitten.

Dragon nip.

A little grin finds its way back on Hitoshi's face and he holds the nip close to him as he looks at his dragon in amusement, who is still ever so far away from Earth and has entered dragon heaven as it seems.

The next morning, during training, he returns to the ring with the others. A large Stormcutter is soaring around, eyeing all the recruits. Bakugou is about to attack, but Hitoshi leaps into action. Hiding behind a barricade, Hitoshi uses his persona cords to mimic Midoriya, Kirishima, and Mina's voices, knowing how much it irritates him. He successfully brainwashes him and orders him to move out of the way. He figured to eliminate the biggest threats first, knowing how powerful Bakugou is, and how easily he kills dragons. If he wanted to peacefully subdue them, he couldn't allow any threats to stand in his way.  Suddenly, the dragon's yellow eyes focused on him. Hitoshi takes a few steps back instinctively as the dragon lunges at him, and sticks out his arm, dragon nip in hand.

The dragon is defeated with the snap of a finger. It sniffs the grass at first and appears to be in heaven, but when Hitoshi begins rubbing it against his nose, the dragon sticks out its tongue and it collapses on the concrete floor, vanquished. Monoma's emotions go undetected as everyone is too fixated on the dead weight's unexpected ability to manipulate dragons.

When training ended later in the afternoon, Hitoshi was surrounded by practically every student in class A and a handful from class B. They are all surprised and have questions. (Hitoshi has never felt so overwhelmed in his life.) Kirishima even wraps his arm around Hitoshi's shoulders while Uraraka grins at him, joyfully moving her fisted hands and asking, "I have never seen any dragon do that before!"

“Yeah! How’d you do that?” Kaminari asks, shaking Hitoshi a little.

Mina nods along and adds to that, “It was cool.”

Even Todoroki was interested in Hitoshi's sudden victory. "Did you figure out how to brainwash dragons?"

Everyone is amazed, though Bakugou accuses him of cheating, and Monoma walks behind the class A group, silently glaring at Hitoshi. (Who knew a strange friendship would start between them because of his sudden success). He is wary of Monoma, who is overly smart for his benefit. He is made an adversary out of himself for the competitive hero-in-training, so he leans out of his way when he excuses himself with an axe in the ring and exits.
~~~

Hitoshi gently scratches Hypnos, taking advantage of the moment while her saddle is off, as Mei is busy making some adjustments. The texture of her scales under his fingers is smooth and dry, radiating a comforting warmth that feels almost therapeutic. Hypnos seems to revel in the attention, leaning into him with a low, rumbling purr, clearly enjoying the feeling. 

When Hitoshi's fingers venture to the sensitive spot beneath her ear flaps, she leans into his touch. But the moment he strokes under her chin, her large eyes widen in surprise, and, to his astonishment, she collapses gracefully to the ground, utterly relaxed. 

Hitoshi’s surprise quickly melts into a grin. The Unholy Offspring of Lightning and Death? More like a giant, affectionate cat that just happens to breathe fire and soar through the skies. With a chuckle, he pulls out his notebook to document this unexpected revelation, noting her 'sweet spot' with a flourish. After all, beneath her fierce exterior, she’s just a playful giant, craving affection as much as any ordinary pet. can shoot fire and fly.

In dragon training, he waits patiently while the Razorwhip knocks Kendo and Testutestu aside, allowing him to be the only active one in the ring, lowering his axe as soon as it approaches him. Sure enough, the metal-plated dragon comes to a halt and sniffs suspiciously at him. He leans out to brush its muzzle with his fingers, only to hear a war cry and see Monoma charging at the dragon with a long sword, weightless due to the quirks he's copied. Hitoshi rapidly reaches out and scratches the back and sides of its neck before approaching its sweet spot. The once-deadly dragon transforms into a purring mess.

Monoma's eyes widen as the dragon falls to the ground, and he stands face to face with Hitoshi, lowering his sword with a puzzled expression. Hitoshi offers him a blank expression, as usual, yet he feels a sense of pride in his chest. It serves you right to charge at it with a sword.

Now he can not go anywhere without being surrounded by everyone; even the big three are attracted by his recent victories in the arena. Due to his triumphs and steady rise to the top, he only recently realised how...friendly everyone is. Of fact, it is probably just because he became skilled at dragon training, but it would not have happened without Hypnos and all the tricks he is been learning. Since his ambitions do not involve killing dragons, he still despises the fact that they all want to kill dragons because it is the 'hero way' or whatever. 

---

As if Hypnos weren’t already breathtaking enough, Hitoshi finds himself nestled behind a massive boulder, using the shimmering glow of the metallic-like binding material to create a playful laser beam. At this moment, he realizes that Hypnos shares more in common with a cat than he ever realized. 

Hitoshi directs the light of his binding cloth, and his dragon springs into action, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she chases the elusive spot like a small kitten captivated by a sunbeam. With graceful precision, she slams her powerful paw down onto the glowing target, only for Hitoshi to hold it in place until she lifts her paw again. 

A jubilant shriek escapes her jaws as she resumes the hunt for her elusive prey, her scales glimmering in the fleeting light. Hitoshi leans his head back against the rough stone, laughter bubbling up from deep inside him until his sides ache with joy. When the brilliant light suddenly vanishes, a whimper of despair escapes her, and she begins to rhythmically tap her tail against the ground, urging him to bring the game back to life. With a grin, Hitoshi resumes the game, sending her off on another chase after the uncatchable foe--to chase the uncatchable foe once more.

Using this information, Hitoshi was able to get a Rumblehorn to stop it from killing Midoriya. It was perplexing how a person who fought for others' safety and wanted to save people with a smile could be so obsessed with hunting and fighting dragons. He would have assumed that Midoriya would have been the pacifist in the hero course. Once again, everyone has been taught to think in a specific way. The 'hero way' can only be accomplished by killing dragons.

The golden child of class 1A's quirk had not been quick enough to stop the creature, so he was imprisoned between its claws---until it discovered new food in the shape of a glint of light reflected off his shield. The big dragon makes its way back inside the pen, chasing the light enthusiastically, and effortlessly shuts the doors.

Midoriya's eyes sparkle with appreciation as he praises Hitoshi for the rescue. However, Hitoshi can not stop thinking about going off at them, most likely with one of his 'intense speeches', and telling them that everyone else could accomplish it if they just altered their perspective on dragons. However, he decides not to, nodding in answer and exiting the ring.

Hitoshi returned to the forge after Mei had finished crafting the perfect gadget to control Hypnos' tail. He trekked into the forest with the equipment in his arms, and his hearing perked up when he heard Monoma's voice. He peered out from behind a tree, watching the youngster slash trees with his sword as if they had wronged him.

"Shinsou is soo great, he can control dragons, but now he's another egotistical ass like the rest of them. Look at me, I suddenly got good at dragon training. I love the attention." He heard Monoma's snarky voice, pretending to imitate him. I don't even like the attention. Sure, Hitoshi wanted respect, with a simple 'you're going to be a great hero one-day' spiel, not wanting to become the popular guy in the academy.  Though, he supposed he had to thank Monoma for all of this. If it weren't for him, he probably would have never befriended Hypnos, thus finding a peaceful way to subdue dragons. You told me to pick aside, Mon, I'm just doing what you asked. You should be happy.

He was lucky he was undetected, sneaking past Monoma easily, but he knew he would not be lucky then next time.

Hitoshi is completely focused as he straps a newly constructed harness onto Hypnos and secures it correctly. He double-checks it and drags the dragon like a dog on a leash to a higher location, where he ties the binding fabric to a nearby post, securing it to the harness.

It is a great way to check the safety of the harness without actually flying in the open air.

Hypnos resembles a big kite, riding still in the air with a concentrated Hitoshi on her back. Hitoshi changes his foot position, causing the fin to open. He smiles, and the dragon places her paws back on the earth, giving Hitoshi a slight smile.

The second time is a little less successful.

A violent wind blows right into their faces and, astonishingly, the binding material detaches from the harness, slamming them both into a tree. Hitoshi is hanging on the dragon's side, still attached by the elastic. His face is scarlet, and he tugs the rope; the next moment, he is back up.

“Oh, great.”

So Hitoshi makes the natural decision to bring Hypnos into the community late at night. He knew he was supposed to keep Hypnos a secret, but he planned that she was dark enough to hide during the night, so that's why he brought her into the village at the stroke of midnight. But Hitoshi manages to thread Hypnos through alleyways, backstreets, and shortcuts.

The streets are empty, save for a lone person who crosses Hitoshi's path. Hypnos is still hidden in the shadows, and the man doesn’t notice the dragon, greeting Hitoshi like nothing is looming in the dark.

He waits for the man to disappear out of sight and once the coast is clear, he covertly steers Hypnos into Powerloader's stall, quickly crossing the empty square. He poked his head inside, hearing that there wasn't any noise. Thank gods. However, he does notice the coals on the pyre are glowing, Mei must've left the forge a few minutes ago.

Hypnos, being the curious but also massive reptile that he is, pushes himself inside, sniffing everything and making a noise. "Do you want to be caught?" Hitoshi snapped and scolded her. But she warbled with a smug grin. The ruckus within alerts a passing Monoma, who has spent the entire day in the forest flinging swords at every tree.

The blond raises an eyebrow at the blacksmith's stall, then stalks forward, tossing his sword over his shoulder as he gets closer to the disturbance.

Hitoshi grabbed a dagger from a rack full of them and began cutting the cord that connected them.

"Hey, Shinsou?'

Fuck.

Monoma leaned forward, swearing he heard a clanging noise coming from the forge. Who else would be in here?

Hitoshi opened the trade doors and jumped out. Startled, Monoma stumbled back, of course, you'd be in here.  In seconds, Hitoshi slammed the doors closed, standing in front of them. He was trying to act too aloof, which meant he was hiding something.

"Monoma, what a lovely evening..."

The blue-eyed boy rolled his eyes, extending his hip and accusingly pointing at Hitoshi. "Please, you are not very good at acting. Well, compared to me, of course." He leant forward and narrowed his calculating, devious gaze. "You have been acting weird. It is out of character for you."

Hitoshi felt a tug on his torso back towards the doors. Monoma raised his chin, turning up his nose in a judgemental expression. "Okay, scratch that, weirder."

You're one to talk about being weird.

Hitoshi must've said that out loud because Monoma stiffened, before shaking his head, as he started getting more argumentative. "We have one more day until it's decided who gets to kill the Skrill. I'm not letting you get in my way. While I love a good challenge,  I've got what it takes, so don't even think you're little tricks are going to help you."

Monoma was about to lash out some more but was cut off the moment Hitoshi rose into the air. Thank gods. 

Stepping back, like he'd seen a ghost, he watched something pull Hitoshi back inside. Monoma lunged forward as he burst through the doors to see what had just transpired. He jumped into the forge, seeking out the freak inside.

He was gone.

Leaping atop Hypnos' back, she quickly got him out of there. She watched the event unfold with a protective snarl, sensing Monoma was not a kind person, the scent of pride and power rubbed her off the wrong way, and she did not want to see her human cornered like that. Like that, they were gone.

~~

The ships that sailed into the docks were in a gloomy mood. Claw marks tore and shredded the wooden hulls, and scorch marks were burnt into the sails. Everyone's eyes began to well up with tears. However, because they are hero, they are incapable of displaying any emotion other than stubbornness. They refused to let their emotions be known.

Toshinori, the number one hero, was the most disappointed hero there. He was supposed to have his head in the game, his brains ready, and strength to face whatever came his way. He was the leader. Despite this, he worked tirelessly to locate the elusive dragon nest, with the assistance of the other pros. He wanted to keep everyone's spirits high and determination strong. He wished to maintain the status quo. Nonetheless, he failed.

Kan had been waiting at the docks, helping Aizawa out of one of the ships. His mood was fouler than before, his eyes dead and hollow from the days and nights they went through this plan. "Well, at least you found the nest?" 

"Not even close."

Yamada had to hold back rolling his eyes. "You know, if we stayed behind, we could have evaded that pathetic mess."

"and if I wasn't there with logical reasoning, we wouldn't have made it back." The dark-haired male scowled, before staring daggers at Kan. "at least tell me my students are alive?"

Suddenly, a few students came to greet their teachers. Mirio strode up to them, with a boisterous smile. "Oh they are amazing, haha, but you'd be surprised who's been rising to the top."

Tamaki nods, scraping his foot against the wooden dock. "I don't understand how he deals with all the attention. I'd be leaving the island."

"He's like a walking celebrity!" Neijre beamed, as all of the three students noticed Mr Aizawa's perplexed expression.

Yamada and Aizawa exchange glances, perplexed by the sudden burst of excitement. "What was the point of that?" The gruffer hero inquired, glaring at Kan who was gesturing his hands in an awkward manner. For some reason, seeing Kan's hesitant response made him fear the worst. "Kan...what happened?"

"Your Shinsou has been disappearing most afternoons after training, and I can't blame him. Being a celebrity is extremely difficult for him. He can't even walk to his house without being followed by paparazzi."

Aizawa's eyes widened, searching the ground, his mind wondering what that could mean. Kayama on the other hand beamed with delight, gasping. "Our Shinsou has made a name for himself? Oh, I was hoping that he'd become a young man with a hundred fans."

"Hitoshi? You've got to be pulling our legs here," exclaimed Yamada with a surprised and delighted expression, waiting for Aizawa to respond.

"No, I don't think so. Every day, he defeats dragons and makes them bow at his feet."

Aizawa's eyes lift off the ground, as he subconsciously raises his chin to the sky, almost imagining Hitoshi, his student, finally applying his skills and logic to pull through...however, one last comment from Kan made his expression fond.

"It's like he can control them." 

Chapter Text

The breeze jostled Hitoshi's hair, sending goosebumps down his spine, and he felt his heart pounding in his ears. He gripped the saddle firmly as he felt the drop with some roughness. His vision of Hypnos was partially obscured by the binding cloth that flapped about his shoulders like strong streamers.

His gaze was fixed on the formidable Night Fury he was riding, her long, strong wings moving smoothly through the air, her body elegant and sleek.

He could see she lived up to her pride as a Night Fury even from the way she moved in the air, using strong wing blasts. strong, composed, untamed, and unrestrained.

As he gazes down at the vast ocean that lies a hundred feet below, the chilly breeze that blows over the waves carries with it the scent of seawater.

  It was peaceful up here, almost serene. There was nothing that could hold them back.

He was startled out of his reverie by a shock from Hypnos and silently blamed himself for paying attention. "Okay, girl, we're gonna take this nice and slow." Her eyes were narrowed as though she would only fly slowly, but she warbled in accord when he gave her a gentle pat on the head. "Position three—no, position four."

Hitoshi opens the tail fluke by snapping the pedal into place. As they move together, they transform into a strong, banking turn, and he leans forward and gets somewhat off the saddle.

 He turns back to inspect the tail as a fierce, hell-strong euphoria pulsates through his veins like fire. As he senses Hypnos entering a drop, he notes every subtle direction.

With a distinct objective in sight, he presses the pedal once more. Amid the water, a massive stone arch stood towering.

Before his eyes narrow and he nods with a resolute glare, Hitoshi gives the tail one more check. "All right, it's go time."

Hitoshi experienced an exhilarating drop as they plunged towards the glittering water below while Hypnos elegantly dropped, her wings tucked tight to her body.

He could feel his muscles tensing up with each fall, his body automatically preparing for the thrilling rush of air as it whipped past them.

He could practically hear Hypnos's jubilant holler, a celebration of her return to the skies that filled the air with an echo of joy and wildness.

He exhorted, "Come on, girl!" his voice scarcely audible over the wind's fury. Hypnos spread her wings as though in response to his chant, changing from a swift descent to a strong glide.

The sheer strength of her wings propelled them forward, slicing through the air with precision as they skimmed just above the surface of the ocean below. 

As Hypnos's wings dipped into the clear, azure water, plumes of frothy waves erupted around them, leaving a trail of sparkling droplets in their wake.

 They headed toward the magnificent stone arch, a natural gateway that beckoned them forward. They expertly maneuver through.

Through a thick, adrenaline-fueled voice, he laughed.  "Yes, it worked." But the moment is short-lived, as Hypnos screams to catch his attention before making a direct course for a sea stack that emerges from the water. Hitoshi pulled on the saddle but eventually ran into it, which shocked Hypnos a little. Two times.

"Sorry, that was my fault."

Hypnos grumbles angrily and swats the boy on the back with his ear plate, letting him know exactly how she feels about it. 

Hitoshi gives her a deadpanned glare, like the one she gives him, scoffing. "Yeah, yeah, I'm on it." He quickly refers to the cheat sheet, since he can't afford to fly without it. "Position four, no, three."

 He looks down at his cheat sheet as he moves positions. As they emerge from the clouds, Hitoshi has a bird's-eye perspective of the entire island. Hitoshi has never felt more alive in his life. His eyes were full of wonder and admiration, yet his stomach hurt.

He yells with delight as they strike through the sky together. "Go, baby!" Her eyes were brighter than ever before, and he could tell Hypnos felt the same way for she roared with glee and play. 

"This is incredible! Never in my life have I felt so free! Do you always feel like this? As he laughed, he leant up and pushed them as high as they could go. "Well, just think about flying at night. No one would see you, it'd be amazing."

As the wind took the valuable cheat sheet flies out of the clip and flew straight over Hitoshi's face, which was now turning dangerously pale, the Gods decided to play a risky game. 

"No! Stop!" His hands swot the flailing piece of paper, seizing it just in time; yet, Hypnos obeys his command.

 Hitoshi is suddenly launched out of the saddle, feeling the rings that connect the cable unhook. 

Hitoshi swears he almost blacked out.

The two plummet back down, and Hitoshi feels weightless. Hypnos, no longer in control of her tail, spirals downward.

Hypnos screams again, this time in such terror that his heart breaks. He gets past her but collides with her wing and flips back into the wind.

 "No" he screams, and this time he's scared, scared for himself and Hypnos and oh my god, they will die.  

Another pained shriek comes from Hypnos, and there goes his entire heart, he feels like he could sob with how frightened she was.

His eyesight is clouded by the flowing binding material around his shoulders, which sparks an idea. He angles his body as he firmly grasps it. He shoots the fabric out, somehow getting himself onto Hypnos' back.

The cheat sheet is clasped between his teeth, preserving weeks of hard effort and research. However, he is currently concentrating on rescuing Hypnos from the dive.

 Hypnos spreads her wings wide as they narrowly avoid the treetops and race over the cliff, sending out a warning cry as they plunge into a maze of sea stacks.

Hitoshi does his best to slow their fall. He tries to pull the sheet of paper free to check their position, but the wind folds it in half every passing second, making it nearly impossible. With no time to think, Hitoshi grits his teeth and throws the paper away, steering Hypnos on pure instinct.

He automatically secures his foot on the saddle, enabling Hypnos to easily follow his motions. 
 
With precise intuition, they weave through the maze of sea stacks with blazing speed, the wind nearly ripping off their faces. 

He can not even take a moment to blink since adrenaline is pumping through his veins, leaving him with little time to think or feel. Their thoughts merge in that thrilling moment; they are genuinely one—mind, heart, and soul bound together by purpose—in every facet of their connection. No one was more powerful than the other; they were both in charge of each other.

After deep breathing and opening his eyes, Hitoshi dared to glance over his shoulder at the jagged rocks he flew across. His pale cheeks gradually get some colour as he beams and a very glad expression returns.

Hitoshi's smile broadens with relief, happiness, and catharism as they escape from the fog bank, allow. "Yeah!"

Hitoshi groans as they fly straight into the explosive plasma blast, that explodes in front of their faces, causing her mouth to draw into one of her goofy smiles. "Oh come on."

The next thing he knew, his face was covered in ashes and burns, and his hair was stiffer than usual and no longer felt as soft. Hitoshi was unable to find himself feeling irritated, as he rested against Hypnos's warm scales, arms behind his neck, with a relaxed expression.

As the sun began to kiss the horizon, the sky turned a gorgeous dusty pink, and they were sitting on a beach with a view of the water. The air was pure, and he experienced a soothing wave of fatigue. It was not the typical exhaustion brought on by the weight and chip on his shoulder as well as the strain he exerted on his body to use the binding cloth. It felt calm and natural this time.

He couldn't be happier.

Hypnos was perfectly content with the amount of fish she had captured. 

Hypno retched up a fish next to him, attracting his attention with a purr and a head bump. As he knocked it aside, Hitoshi arched an eyebrow. "I'm good."

Terrible Terrors attracted to the scent of all the fish Hypnos had, squabbled and screamed as they descended on the beach like a flock of pigeons. As she snarled at the small threats and protectively curled one of her paws over the pile, Hitoshi could not help but giggle.

One of the Terrors snatches up the fish head, only to be shot at by one of the others.

Oddly enough, a fish protrudes its head from the pile. When a cunning Terror is shown as the culprit, Hitoshi laughs as he and Hypnos track its movements in confusion. Hypnos lunges, snatches the tail, and tears it from the smaller dragon's mouth, eating it with ease. Her sound is nearly the same as a chuckle, and he snorts.

The Terror is not amused. It claws at the ground like a charging bull, opening its mouth to fire a fireball--and receiving a surge of plasma directly into its mouth. Hypnos looks more smug than ever.
 "Good try, Sneaky." He smirks at it, determining that the name suits it. It blinks, woozy, before limping over to Hitoshi, who takes pity on it. "Not too fireproof on the inside, huh?" he huffs, tossing a fish.

It scoffs it eagerly, like a cat, then pushes Hitoshi's palm up and curls under it, rubbing its little body against his thighs. Completely tucked into his side.

Hitoshi gently rests his callous hand on the little dragon's back, caressing the Terror while it purrs and drifts off. Once again, it confirmed that dragons were not mindless killers---villains

"Everything we know about you guys is wrong."

___

Later that evening, Hitoshi is in the blacksmith's stall, leaning over his desk, surrounded by several sketches of Hypnos. Something had been bothering him for a while, ever after dragon training, that incredible first flight, and the nicest Terror he would ever meet.
 

Why did the dragons raid them?

It was a slew of unresolved questions, which was fine because Hitoshi enjoyed questioning everything; it was how he got his gears spinning.

He is so disconnected from the world that he does not hear anyone enter, and when he finally recognises Aizawa's spooky presence in the doorway, Hitoshi springs awake and swiftly but awkwardly covers his desk.

"Da-, Sir, Mr. Aizawa." Hitoshi cursed himself for being so careless and taken off guard. "You're back."

He positions himself in front of his desk, covering the sketches, designs for Hypnos' tail fin, and all of his other notes. "Powerloader isn't here..."

"I know."

Hitoshi freezes at his severe tone, which is gruff, and direct, and usually manages to put Hitoshi in a little panic. Like a child getting into trouble. 

"I came looking for you." 

Hitoshi stammers. "You did?"

Aizawa's  stern expression never wavers, walking closer to the slowly panicking Hitoshi "You've been keeping secrets."

He wants to bury himself six feet in the ground now.

"I have?" He dumbly asked.

Hitoshi is frustrated because he cannot read his mentor's expression, and the man asks, "How long did you think you could keep it from me?"

The indigo-haired lad is further perplexed at this point and attempts, in vain, "I-I don't understand what you are saying."

"Nothing happens at the academy or with my students without my knowledge." He crosses his arms. His tired sleep-deprived voice, from countless sleepless nights and everlasting stress, manages to send Hitoshi panicking again. "So, let us talk about the dragon."

It's a trap, it's a trap, it's a trap. Staycalmstaycalm.

Hitoshi's face drains blood, and he feels his insides turn upside down as he stares at his instructor with widening eyes, his uncertainty returning to pure panic. "Oh, Gods. Sir, I am so sorry. I was going to tell you, honestly. I was not sure how to say it...I have been selfish in the ring, using underhanded means to advance. It is the only way I know to survive."

"That's good."

What?

Damn it, stop playing with my mind, that's my thing. 

"it...is?" 

Hitoshi stares at him, at a complete loss for what to do.

"In times, if you can't find the strength you need then you're as good as dead. If being selfish is the way to survive, I see no issue in that."

"You're not... upset?"

Shouta looks surprised at the question and shook his student's shoulder as he calmly said, "This is what I was hoping for." Is that pride and validation in his eyes? "People like us need to be resourceful and use different methods to stay alive...which means you've held your end of the deal up."

 A dull smile crosses his face. "I just never expected you to be placed in the semi-finals. It's a shocking result, considering your placement in the sports festival and your entrance exam results."

His mentor chuckles, a hint of reluctant amusement. "I never thought I would see the day that you can make dragons bow down...People have been calling you the 'dragon master'." 

Hitoshi scoffs at the moniker he's been given. It would make sense if people think he can control dragons, because of the nature of his Quirk.

Shouta cups his neck as he glares at his student. "I did say I don't waste time on hopeless cases, I was close too, but I'm glad it didn't turn out like that."

If only you knew, then you'd be calling me a hopeless case.

"With you doing so well in the ring, we have something to talk about."

Hitoshi doesn't know where to start, he's never this tongue-tied---he must've grown soft thanks to Hypnos. Aizawa must've noticed the tense expression on his face as he sat down, giving him some space. "You know, it's surprising how much you remind me of myself when I was younger."

Hitoshi's eyes flicker with confusion. "What, no way, you must've been more competent than me." He chuckles bitterly.

There is a slight hint of amusement on his mentor's face. "Ask Hizashi, he'll tell you how I was...he and Shirakumo called me a cat who just figured out how to see and walk."

Hitoshi snorts at the image but tilts his head. "Shirakumo?"

It's somewhat known that Aizawa lost his best friend during his second year, rarely bringing it up, but Hitoshi has heard that name in brief passing. He could see the way Aizawa's hands balled into fists. "Aye, he was a big part of it...I'd think you and him would get along."

He noticed that the room was covered with an awkward silence.

Hitoshi feels guilty, and his stomach drops when he sees the proud smile that is directed at him. So he does the only thing he can think of to end the conversation. He suppresses a yawn and says, attempting to sound as exhausted as possible, "I should go to bed." Aizawa appears to comprehend how late it is and gets up.

"Yes, good, okay."

The two of them chat over each other, the discomfort building up. After reaching the door, Aizawa takes one more look at Hitoshi before saying, "Well... uh... good night. Keep your mind sharp."

He swiftly exits the room, leaving Hitoshi to deal with the embarrassment that still hangs over him and a much greater burden on his shoulders.

Chapter Text

The next day, Hitoshi wishes he wasn't in the ring, as a Razorwhip is slashing every wall and barricade in its path. Everyone in UA is gathered around the ring, desperate to see the semi-finals. It wasn't the sports festival, it was training, and also a test. Or maybe it was a second sports festival because how else could it explain the eager faces of the observers, killing a dragon is entertainment too.

Hitoshi watches Yaoyorozu take a deep breath behind a hurdle, her chin held high with poise and confidence, her weapons ready. He'd be more than happy to let the other contestants in the ring win than him. She's already getting to work by using his shield as noise and staying in its blind spot.

She starts producing a multitude of weapons, sending a battle axe flying towards the creature with powerful grace.

Maybe a few weeks ago, Hitoshi would have kept his head in the game, seeing everyone as stepping stones to guide his way to become the best in the hero course.

Now he wants to bail.

The Razorwhip enraged as ever, flies into the air, and the dragon quickly follows suit, striking this time. Hitoshi is hiding behind one of numerous barriers, watching the drama unfolding. He watches as Bakugou hurls explosion after explosion, keeping up with the speed of his blast of the Razorwhip. Luckily, the armour-plated dragon is invincible to hard blows, as any blast knocks it off course, but doesn't kill it.

Thank gods. Hitoshi would have thrown up if he saw a live death in front of him. He tenses when he feels someone brush against him, hiding behind the same barricade. He's face to face with a manic Monoma, his eyes twitching with a competitive and irritated expression, as he yanks Hitoshi by the collar, face to face.

He senses the intensity, the stress, the strive for perfection and the desperation to win. "Stay out of my way, winning this thing."

"Be my guest," he nonchalantly shrugs. "I won't do a thing."

He speeds off a second later, and he's all too acutely aware of the eyes on his back---All Might, Aizawa, all of the classmates, Principal Nedzu, Midnight, Mei---and gives them a forced thumbs up--his scowl hidden behind his persona cords, the pressure isn't helping at all.

Hitoshi's expression drops as he rolls his eyes with a fml attitude.

And then the Razorwhip spots him and makes a beeline for him almost immediately. Hitoshi lets out a growl of frustration as the metal dragon advances; now he's gonna have to defeat it and will probably get to 'kill' the Skrill---or get killed and leave Hypnos all alone. Neither of those are desirable options.

He scratches it under the chin, hitting its sweet spot and causing it to collapse just as Monoma, Yaoyorozu, and Bakugou's war cries ring out over the goddamn arena. He glares at him, holding his hand over the fallen Razorwhip's head warningly.

No one is going to kill it, not if I have anything to say about it.

"No!" Bakugou's shriek of abject fucking rage is quickly followed by the maddened eruption, "Son of a half-troll, rat-eating, murdering munge-bucket!"

I've been called worse. Hitoshi ignores the outrage, looking away immediately. Well, that's attractive. He dryly thinks.

Yaoyorozu staggers back, cupping her mouth as she shakes her head in disbelief. Hitoshi wants to apologise immediately. He knows she is the most capable future hero, prominent in everything she does, now seeing her so defeated, because of his victory made him want to run.

Monoma's gaze falls, and his shoulder slumps with a heavy breath, showing tiredness from his efforts. Hitoshi senses a sense of defeat and disappointment in his normally sly and haughty eyes. His well-kept, overly perfect-features have evolved since Hitoshi's ascent to the top. Monoma's hair was untidy, and so was his fine hero suit, which had crinkles in every corner and a tie that was barely fastened. Hitoshi could tell how much stress Monoma put into his 'performance' leading up to it.

He glances around awkwardly, "So are we done here? I'm late-"

The ash-blonde tugs at Hitoshi's collar, reeling him in close, a homicidal look in his eyes. "Late for what exactly?"

"Wait." All Might calls. "Principal Nedzu has decided."

On cue, the small guy hobbles forward, accompanied by the elder and healer, Chiyo Shuzenji, who are both watching the incident. "These young future heroes have built a name for themselves in recent weeks. Today, it will be decided who will advance to the final round. Some of you will have the opportunity to shine and win, while others will face a test of character and strength, we have picked wisely and deliberately." The small man spoke.

Vlad King hovers his hand over Bakugou first, and Nedzu shakes his head with a clear expression. He hovers a hand over Yaoyorozu and Monoma next. Hitoshi prays to the gods he chooses them. However, Nedzu shakes his head, along with Chiyo.

But they do choose him.

After all, as small as Principal Nedzu was, he was see, all-knowing, and one the smartest people this island had to offer. "Congratulations, Hitoshi Shinsou, you have been selected to fight the Skrill tomorrow."

Hitoshi swears under his breath as the crowd erupts into cheers. Aizawa tells him "Well done" and every single one of the recruits congratulates them--except Monoma and Bakugou.  Who looks ready to tear him into fucking pieces, well Bakugou anyway. Monoma doesn't say much, he stares, yet the look he's giving him is chilling, he straightens his suit before watching Hitoshi leave the ring with every step.

The proud and confident warrior, that is Yaoyorozu approaches him with a polite smile.

"Congratulations, Shinsou. You deserve this."

He couldn't tell she spoke with a heavy heart. He was about to open his mouth, about to apologise, until Kirishima, Kaminari, Mina, Ururaka, Jirou, and Asui came to congratulate him.

"That was so amazing, dude!" Kaminari's chipper and supportive voice didn't help the dread Hitoshi felt.

"We should celebrate, this is your chance to become one of us!" Kirishima cheered, giving him a sharp smile. 

"Let's hear it for Shinsou!" Mina yelled as everyone began to crowd him, cheering him on.

(He wouldn't even mind allowing Monoma and the others to kill the Skrill, a dragon in the same class as a Night Fury, all of them much suited for the job).

He feels Kirishima scoop him onto his shoulders, in his unbreakable form, and Hitoshi would have appreciated being carried, but he's focused on getting the fuck out of there. "I can't wait-" He sarcastically plays along. "I am so..."

---

"Leaving."

He arrives at the cove, slinging a bag over his shoulder, as he announced into the open space. "We're leaving." He looks around for Hypnos, but he can't find her.

"You and I are taking a vacation, girl," he announces to her, who still doesn't reveal herself. "Forever."

He hears someone clearing their throat from above in a snobbish manner. Hitoshi stumbles back, his heart fluttering with shock, and his gaze meets a pair of judging icy blue eyes. Holding a sharp, thin sword.  Monoma appears majestic as he sits on top of a boulder. His silky hair glows in the sun, like a proud backdrop, enjoying Hitoshi as if he were a peasant.

Hitoshi is not used to being caught off guard; typically, he is the one sneaking up on others. He meets Monoma's stare with an aloof attitude, concealing his surprise. "Monoma.." he struggles to find the right words. "What are you doing here?" He scratches his neck and looks around the cove, making sure Hypnos is not visible. "You should mind your own business."

Monoma pauses and responds haughtily. "And the business is both interesting and confusing." He narrows his eyes and hops down from the boulder, right into Hitoshi's face. "So, what have you been hiding from me?" He countered as he brandished the sword in front of Hitoshi's chest, dangerously close to prodding him.

Hitoshi feels himself being pushed back, Monoma approaching like a dragon, contemplating a prospective prey. "You ruined my chances to be in the spotlight. I do not think I observed your nefarious deeds in the ring for nothing."

He lowers his shoulders and sighs. "Look, I did not want to win. If you want, you can kill the Skrill." He frustratedly runs his hand through his hair.  "Tell the principal to redo the semi-finals but keep me out of it." He drags the backpack up, going towards the shadows of the small glen of trees, Hypno's preferred spot to slumber when it is cold.

He feels Monoma tug on the binding cloth, drawing him back. Hitoshi glares and pulls the tying away from him, turning to face the blonde fully. "Not good enough. I do not want you to give me this opportunity out of pity. I want to earn this."  He approaches him and assesses him. "This was my moment to be recognised in the spotlight; I was constantly told I was meant to be useless; I had the opportunity to demonstrate what I can achieve, as well as what my class is capable of. Then all of a sudden, you are my greatest challenge and competition."

"I thought you liked a good challenge and to test people's limits," Hitoshi responded, his gaze fixed on Monoma as he moved backwards. "I should be thanking you; you advised me to take my role seriously, and I do."

Monoma raised an eyebrow and huffed. "Oh, yeah?" he said slyly. "Then what are you wearing?" He tugs at the harness. "Does this explain any of your little tricks?"

Hitoshi freezes, and from Monoma's observant nature, he already knows it's a part of it. "So it is a part of your manipulative scheme...and secondly, why on Earth would dragons do anything for you? Are you some sort of Dragon Master?"

A Dragon Whisperer, maybe.

"Maybe they would do anything for a 'Dragon Master' like me." He pushes Monoma's hand away as he storms out. "Look, you get your wish, have the spotlight, become the greatest hero, protect everyone to your heart's content, and kill every dragon in the archipelago to become perfect." Hitoshi's voice rose with each word as Monoma's eyes widened with every word. "If that's what you want your future to hold for you, then go ahead, I'm not stopping you."

"I never pegged you for a coward, Shinsou," Monoma muttered in a low voice.

"And I never pegged you to be so normal."

Hitoshi's shouting must have alerted Hypnos, as a snapping noise followed by a deep growl could be heard. A plasma blast knocks the sword out of Monoma's hand with striking accuracy and precision, reducing it to a pitiful pile of charcoal.

All power and fury radiate off Hypnos's scales as she pounces towards them like a striking viper, but Hitoshi knows she isn't coming for him.

"Shinsou, run!" Monoma heads instinctively prepared to get Hitoshi out of danger. If anything, Hitoshi needs to prevent Monoma from getting into danger--- mostly killed.

He rushes into action, wrapping his arms around her neck and giving her one of those awkward hugs he saves for her. "It's okay girl, calm down, I'm okay."

When Hitoshi tries to soothe Hypnos, she rears back, lowers her head, and snarls at the intruder. " Girl?" Monoma yelps with an incredible expression.  "Wait...what on Earth...Shinsou, that's---"

"A Night Fury?" Hitoshi finishes as if it is no great issue. He can still feel Hypnos' desire to protect him, looking nervously at Monoma. He carefully introduces them, hoping to de-escalate the situation and prevent a bloodbath. "Monoma, Hypnos. Hypnos, Monoma." Hypnos responds by snarling again.

Monoma glances at them with absolute terror on his face, yet his eyes are filled with interest and intrigue until Hypnos threatens him again. It is as if his ingrained views overwhelm his mind. He shakes his head, disbelieving. "You are so busted for this." At least Monoma had principles, as wild and devious as he may be--and suddenly he flees, heading for the village. Knowing his loud mouth, word would spread quickly.

"Da-da-da, we are dead," he sighed. Hitoshi and Hypnos have identical expressions, with the same jaded, 100-yard stare and deadpanned appearance. Hypnos growls sassily as she walks away with attitude, prompting Hitoshi to look back in betrayal. "Whoa, whoa, whoa—where do you think you are going?"

He was aware that he would be labelled a traitor, which would only make everyone on the island think the opposite.  Why should he care? He will go in the morning and never return. However, there was a voice inside his head that stated, that Monoma is insane; he was not like the rest of the crowd, and, like Mei.  It was flawed logic, but it was present.

After all, Monoma did say that they were similar. 

----

When Neito ordered Shinsou to 'pick a side,' he did not mean to turn around and side with the dragons. And when he saw Shinsou shoot down a Night Fury, he didn't expect him to return with the whole dragon, alive and saddled. He was continually poking and prodding people, pushing their limits, but perhaps he went too far. Is it true that his statements were so severe that Shinsou abruptly switched sides?

The more difficulty Hitoshi presented, the more jealous Neito became. (Though he preferred the thrill over the shame).

However, as he ran into the jungle, things began to add up. The Night Fury was responsible for the several tricks he had up his sleeves.  She taught him how to cheat in the ring. It was astonishing how she followed his command. It even had a saddle, and he addressed her as a pet.

He slides through the woodland, unable to breathe through the overwhelming fear and uncertainty. He was intrigued to know what made it worthwhile to switch sides. He knew because he had spent his entire childhood witnessing Hitoshi being dubbed a villain. However, would not this reinforce everyone's opinions?

Neito felt himself slowing down and looking over his shoulder as if his mind was tricking him, calling him back to Shinsou and the Night Fury. Shinsou was insane for doing this, for betraying their civilisation, but he had to concede that he did keep his word when he said 'understanding our role and picking a side that rejects the one we have been dealt with.'

He has always defied the established quo for a hero in training, being loud, arrogant, and condescending to all of the students in class 1A. He compensated for his deficiencies. That is how he discovered his side. A need to outperform them, a chance for respect. Wanting to kill dragons to prove what he's got. 

However, all of that reverie was snapped away from him as he felt something lift him off the ground.

Black claws wrap around his shoulders and a scream tears from his throat as he claws wildly at its leg, finding himself grabbing on for dear life. "Oh gods," he whispers, clinging to the warm black scales and trying not to think about how easy it would be for the Night Fury to drop him. "Oh gods oh gods, oh great Odin's ghost oh gods... "

The Night Fury huffs above him and Neito responds by clinging as tightly as possible to its leg, knowing full well that his Quirk will be useless against a monster that ruled the skies already.

He yelps in surprise as it throws him against a tree, the entire top bowing over under the dragon's weight. He grabs a branch, rage gradually rising above his terror as he looks up at the dragon and the indigo-haired boy on its back. "Shinsou! I demand that you bring me down from here!"

"You realise you could get on her?"  Shinsou's voice rings out from above, dry and deadpan, and so abnormally calm that it drives him nuts.

"And why would I let you tell me what to do?" He manically shouted.

The Night Fury looks at him with scornful purple eyes, pupils contracted to slits, and he glares back, despite the fear beating in his chest. He hears Shinsou groan at his persistence as he continues to hang onto the branch for dear life. "I'm not going to say anything."

"Then how---"

"You are going to get on the dragon, and let her show you." The dragon croons at Hitoshi, who quickly corrects himself. "Let us show you."

I can not believe I am doing this, he thinks as he stares at the Night Fury. I feel like a traitor. Well, his 'two-faced' nature and attitude made him unlikable in the hero course. He's insane for doing this, but he has always been that way.

Neito evaluates his options. He looks at Shinsou, the dragon, and then the ground far below him. After a little moment, he glares at Shinsou, unable to accept that there is no other way down. He pushes himself up, panting with exertion. The dragon growls more animalistic than usual when he comes close to touching Hypnos. He pauses, watching the dragon's body stiffen, before pulling up behind Shinsou. The dragon's body is warm and slender, with force and muscle radiating off it and exerting tremendous pressure.

"Now get me down."

Shinsou leans forward, resting a hand on the scales of the dragon that could easily snap their spines. "Hypnos, down. Gently."

Neito freezes as its wings open, legs tucking into its sides as the wind fills the huge, sail-like appendages. Shinsou glances back at him. "Not so bad, right?"

Neito scoffs, about to hit Shinsou in the arm when the Night Fury springs off the tree, rocketing into the air like a bolt of lightning.

He screams.

Chapter Text

Hypnos leaps straight into the sky with a single, strong push, prompting Neito to hurl well-crafted taunts at them. Neito lets out an involuntary scream, the wind tearing at his skin as they pick up speed. Hitoshi is scolding the Night Fury, only to freeze up as Neito's forced to grab him to avoid falling to his death. It doesn’t last long before he’s scolding the dragon again.

When Monoma puts his legs around Hitoshi's waist to keep him there, Hitoshi feels his body being squeezed and his hand clinging to his shoulders while his claws dig into the fabric. "Hypnos! What is wrong with you? Bad dragon!" Hitoshi yells with annoyance.

Neito clings to him for dear life, peering over his shoulder. "Is your dragon constantly out of her mind?" He squabbles.

"Uh, she isn't usually like this."

Neito scoffs, attempting to seem arrogant despite the obvious anxiety in his tone. "That is something you and your dragon have in common, brainless—" His remark is cut short when Hypnos folds her wings and they fall sideways, with Neito shouting once more, his countenance absolutely frenzied and demented.

The Night Fury somersaults, plummeting towards the ocean, and Neito screams again. Hitoshi simply scowls. "Oh, shit!" The dragon soars are above the waves, and Neito is ready to scream for the third time when they are instantly submerged in startlingly cold waters. He struggles for air, the wind's chill all too apparent when they resurface, before yelping just as the dragon propels them back underwater. 

"What are you doing, Hypnos? We need him to like us." Hitoshi snaps at the dragon as it rises again, spinning like a corkscrew into the sky. For obvious reasons, he does not appear to be afraid, whereas Neito is. The horror is a living thing inside him, and he wants to attach to anything to breathe, relax, and stop being terrified—so he clings to him, burying his face in the back of his shoulder and closing his eyes tight.

"And now the spinning," the dragon rider notes. "Thank you for nothing, you useless reptile." Deadpan---completely unphased.

And the blonde can't take any more of this; he can't, he can't, he can't---

So, he does something uncommon for him. Something he's sworn he'd never do.

He apologises.

"Okay, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I was jealous. I was trying to prove myself. I should not have taken it out on you. Please, get me off of this thing."

Hypnos tilted her head upon hearing the blonde human's apology, which was all she needed. She wanted the boy to apologise to her human for hurting his feelings. With a graceful movement, Hypnos spread her wings and lifted herself into the gentle breeze, gliding steadily through the air.

Everything seemed to slow down in that moment, almost as if time itself was taking a break. Neito gritted his teeth until his jaw ached, yet he could still feel the fabric of Hitoshi's vest and the gentle breeze brushing against his cheek.

As Neito opened his eyes, he found himself surrounded by a breathtaking landscape of golden clouds that stretched endlessly in every direction. Majestic cathedrals with intricate spires, towering structures, and opulent palaces—crafted from materials more exquisite than any precious metal—ascended around him, their surfaces softly illuminated by an ethereal glow.

The vast sky above was a mesmerising blend of pink, orange, and yellow hues, swirling together in a vibrant display that captured the essence of twilight, highlighting one of the countless wonders of Matusfutus.

Below him, the clouds formed gentle billows resembling frothy sea foam, contributing to the serene and calm atmosphere. There was a profound stillness in this lofty realm; the usual sounds of life were absent. No shouts pierced the air, no conversations murmured in the background, and no anxiety clung to him.

It felt like a sanctuary, devoid of expectations, where he could simply exist in the moment—lushly enveloped in beauty and tranquillity.

Neito raised his shoulders as if he were soaring through an unending dream, and the clouds held him, allowing him to breathe and release every idea, concern, or grudge he carried in his soul. His hands hovered up into the clouds as he ran his fingers through the silky, soft clouds, leaving them cold and wet, but he did not mind. For once, he was not snooty, deceptive, loud, or egotistical.

He was at ease with the sky, his hair fluttered in the breeze—a different perspective on this bold, powerful, calculated guy revealed a delicate, handsome, enchanting, and tranquil side. Hitoshi returned the look, and he, too, was surprised by Neito's face. An aspect that was always present but hidden.

With enough confidence, Neito lifts his other hand from the rider's shoulder, allowing himself to be carried away in this dreamlike fantasy. He understands the touch of the ground and the touch of others, but he has always wondered what it would be like to grasp the sky. In more ways than one.

Hitoshi smiled to himself and leant forward, allowing Hypnos to steer them over the unending sea of clouds and colours. Then Hypnos transports them upward, through the clouds, and into a starry sky.

Hitoshi stands mesmerised, his breath catching in his throat as he takes in the breathtaking beauty of the starlit sky that envelops them. The countless stars shimmer like diamonds scattered across a velvet canvas and the vibrant swirls of the aurora borealis weave mesmerising patterns overhead. For once, he feels liberated enough to openly express his awe, something he has often kept hidden behind a carefully constructed facade. 

Beside him, Neito's heart swells with a similar sense of wonder. He shares Hitoshi’s starry-eyed fascination, his eyes sparkling with delight as he gazes into the infinite expanse above. His hand, previously gripping Hitoshi's back with a protective familiarity, relaxes as they both become lost in the enchanting display. The vibrant hues of green and violet dance across the sky, their fluidity starkly contrasting the rigidity of everything they have battled against.

In that moment, the beauty of the aurora serves as a powerful reminder, reinforcing Neito’s convictions about dragons, their world, the nature of their adversaries, and the flaws embedded within the system they navigate. 

They ascended into the sky, soaring above the fluffy white clouds that glowed softly under the moonlight. As they gazed down, they beheld the village nestled below, its quaint houses shrouded in the mesmerising beauty of the night. The scene was enchanting, with twinkling lights from the windows casting a warm golden shimmer across the landscape.

Hitoshi's and Neito's hearts swelled when they saw the village where they grew up and was imprisoned on Earth. Expectations, warfare, and drama surrounded them everywhere they went. The never-ending loop of discrimination and judgement drove them to set high standards for themselves. It was what they thought they had to become to be a hero. To be themselves

Neito understood this was what he had always wanted. To be himself, to be so free, to let his perfectionist attitude lift off his shoulders.  Never in his life did he anticipate that something so harsh, scary, and dangerous could give him a taste of what he might have. It was like this was where he was meant to be. He was just as an outcast as Hitoshi, always sticking out from the crowd in a way that wasn't accepted.

He was just as out of his mind, yet again, he wasn't like the others either.

Behind these dragons' eyes shone knowledge and grace; a secret world awaited him, and he had no idea. It felt like a precious gift had been given to him as a reward, but sitting on Hypnos and behind Hitoshi gave him a view that only a dragon could have. It was all because Hitoshi opened his mind.

They both recognised the village's midnight charm. Climbing the highest peak would allow you to see all of the beauty below. But in their lives, they had never seen anything so small yet beautiful. The warm sensation of Hitoshi in front of him melted him. He hesitantly wrapped his arms around his torso and stiffened when Hitoshi glanced at him until a small smile crept on his face, allowing him to rest his chin on Hitoshi's shoulders.

Neito could only speak in amazement as they returned to the cloud. "Okay, I admit it. This is an absolutely lovely sight." He speaks with a very warm and sincere tone. "It's incredible—she is amazing." He bends down and gently pats Hypnos on the side, and she responds with a surprisingly lovely purr.

Chapter Text

A silence enveloped them a few moments later, causing Hitoshi to feel tense once again, it didn't help that Neito had to focus on the obvious here.

"So..." He started, and Hitoshi was inclined not to listen in. "What now." He scoffed, trying to get his attention. "Shinsou, your final exam is tomorrow, you know you're going to kill---" he cuts himself off, being mindful of Hypnos, and leaning close to whisper, "Kill a dragon."

Hitoshi felt his jaw tense upon the reinforced weight on his shoulders. "Don't remind me." He grips on the saddle. "I promised I'll be gone in the morning."

Hypnos is not paying attention to the human's discussion; when she hears something, her ear flaps twitch and her pupils narrow into slits.  So when a low droning noise, a high, screeching, harsh voice that humans are deaf to", echoes across the sea she allows her feral mentality to emerge once more. The compulsion to serve her still exists, but it is much weaker, like a dull itch in her wings rather than an electric charge pushing her into duty.

Right now, Hypno's feral side is fuelled by rage, the instinct to protect her human--who's putting his full trust in her--- now she was forced to service her.

Suddenly, she banks into an incoming fog back, making Hitoshi and Neito yelp. Both of them are caught off guard by the sudden course of direction, but Hitoshi follows with her direction. "Whoa, girl, what's happening?" He whispers, low to her head. "What is it?"

Hypnos roars, a clear, stay quiet, as she brushes off her human worries---her teeth are bared as she flies deeper into the fog.

Hypnos blindly guides them as she also tries to get them out of there. She feels a presence thanks to her hearing, and she dodges just in time as a Monstrous Nightmare emerges from the clouds, almost as stealthy as she is.

Hypnos drives them away from the Nightmare, as if nothing is there, and jumps the moment she detects another presence around them. It's a good thing she has quick reflexes because she narrowly avoids a Deadly Nadder. When she realises he has nowhere to fly, he settles in the middle of the Nadder and the Monstrous Nightmare. There was a thick, murky dark fog all around them that smelled potent and toxic. There was a strange atmosphere around them, and they could hear strange noises such as dragon roars and a low humming noise. The moment the fog lifted, hazy shapes began to emerge. Reptilian resemblance-

They were trapped in the shadows of various dragon species, with nowhere to fly. In the same direction were monstrous Nightmares, Gronkles, Rumblehorns, Nadders, Zipplebacks, and Razorwhips.

"What's going on?" The blonde male anxiously asks, his eyes locking on the shadowy forms surrounding them

"I don't know..." Hitoshi snaps back quietly, once again, trying to figure out what was going through Hypnos' head. "You gotta get us out of here, girl."

Hypnos snarls at her human again, harsher, trying to keep his voice down. She would love to get them out of this mess, but the electric pulses that run through her mind, coming from her are overriding her control in flight.

Fightbackfightbackfightback.

Following a vague response from Hypnos, the two humans focused on a massive Monstrous Nightmare, its sharp and long talons appearing to wrap around something. Was that a yak?

Hitoshi's breathing came to a halt as he instinctively glanced around at the other dragons, all of whom were carrying some sort of livestock. Sheep, fish, yaks, and anything else they could get their talons on."It looks like they're hauling in their kill." When a Zippleback looks at them as if they're its next meal, he ducks.

Neito wraps his arms around Hitoshi's torso, pressing himself closer, trying to say as stealthy as possible, but the fear betrays all. "What does that make us?"

More sounds were heard amid the fog, either from a dragon or from a man who cried out, causing the two to squeeze against each other. Hypnos dives down, following the other dragons into formation as she plummets through the dense fog and weaves through the sea stack.

Hypnos is trapped in the formation, flying alongside the other dragons while remaining on high alert. Hitoshi's gaze darts around him, unsure of what to do. Neito is also on high alert, his eyes narrowed as he stares at the dragons. They appear at the base of a massive volcanic caldera, glowing with lava rivulets. Hitoshi and Neito screamed simultaneously, feeling a nameless dread engulf them.

Two years ago, Hypnos would've scoffed at the idea of carrying humans, even one who became her dragon-soul human. The dragons re-form into a flock and speed through one of the caldera's cracks, speeding through a dark tunnel.

A bright red hue illuminates Hypnos's scales, as the teenagers stare into the pits of hell themselves. Hot, pulsating lava glowed at the bottom, bubbling like a cauldron. The heat began to make Hitoshi sweat, and Neito clutched onto his harness, trying to make himself look smaller behind Hitoshi.

Hypnos's pupils were narrowed into slits, her teeth baring as she dared look down at the depths of the lava pit, that she knew all too well was a sacrificial hell.

"What wouldn't anyone give to find this," Hitoshi said.

Rock ledges sprout from the sides of the volcano, home to all species that have fallen prey to her. She can hear sickly coughs through the buzzing noise, and frightened whimpers of hatchlings as their mothers try to hide them from the horrors that lurk below.

She was used as a prize. Now she is crippled but stronger, and she's not alone.

She flies upward, closer to the sky, as she hides behind one of the ledges, watching as dragons swoop and deposit their sacrifices.

It's hidden enough that it allows Hitoshi and Neito to peek their heads out, just barely visible to the other dragons.

"Well, that's satisfying to know that all our food has been dumped down a hole." Hitoshi dryly comments.

Right now is not the best time to be sarcastic.

"They're not eating any of it." The blonde male mutters under his breath, eyes following the livestock into the lava.

Hypnos is already planning their escape, keeping all of her senses on high alert, she can't let her mind be fully controlled by the beast that controls them like worker drones.

They watch as a small Gronkle hover in front of the hellish lake from anyone's darkest nightmares, and spews up the tiniest fish imaginable. Hypnos rears back making the two jump, instinctively bracing herself for what's to come.

The moment the fish slashes into the lava a low grumbling sound comes from below. The Gronckle knows that sound, all the dragons know that sound. Before it even gets the chance to feel a monstrous pair of jaws emerge from the pit without any mercy.

The Red Queen herself.

The Red Death.

That's what happens when a dragon doesn't satisfy her every need. They don't live under care and respect, this was fear, violence, and domination. It's a hivemind. 

Time stopped as the colossal green dragon retracted its head into the lava, swallowing that weak little Gronckle whole. Other dragons whimper, as different species huddle together, wrapping each other under their wings, bowing their heads at the monster that made them her slaves.

"What is that?" Neito whispers.

Her huge nostrils flair, smoke emerging, as she smells something worthy of sacrifice, that can only be described as human, as one of the sets of eyes trails to the Night Fury.

Hypnos already knows what the Queen is thinking. Her best warrior has returned with two human sacrifices. The Queen hisses and rumbles deeply, a sound that could shatter all of your bones from the vibrations, and Hypnos can already sense her intentions.

Like hell, she's going to give up her human.

Her human, her flight partner, the human with a dragon's soul.

"I don't want to know, Hypnos, you have to get us out of here, girl" Hitoshi leaned forward and whispered to Hypnos. His voice manages to overcome the feral instincts the Queen has controlled her with. She snaps out of her trance, ready to leap.

Mercy was not in this massive dragon's vocabulary, so with a powerful leap towards the ledge, Hypnos takes flight, narrowly escaping the crushing jaws. She leaps into the air, faster than any other dragon, and flees with the other fearful dragons. She was relieved that she wasn't the unfortunate Zippleback who had been dragged down by the dragon tyrant's massive jaws. Narrowly escaping death, she escaped with the others.

---

"No, no, it makes sense..." Neito's voice echoed through the dark cove as they landed, both boys conflicted with what just happened. They land with a jolt as Hypnos's pupils finally go back to normal. "It's like a giant bee hive, they're the workers and that's their queen, it controls them. Let's tell the others."

As the blonde hops off, Hitoshi doesn't hesitate to jump off too, grabbing Neito's arm and pulling him back. Like hell, he's going to let Neito run his mouth off to a bunch of 'heroes' who killed peaceful, intelligent creatures for the sake of heroism and sport.

Hypnos will be murdered if that happens.

"No."

He halts. "What, why?"

He watches Hypnos shake off the water droplets on her scales, pictures blood soaking the beautiful dark purple markings around her eyes and wings, pictures the light leaving her amethyst gaze, pictures her wings clipped and her body on the ground, red staining the stones of the arena as her sleek frame slumped to the rocky floor--

"They'll hunt her." His voice is rough as shattered glass, but he can't bring himself to give a shit. "They'll kill Hypnos, and I can't let that happen."

Neito stops dead in his tracks as he turns to the worried boy, his fingers curled into a fist and his expression blank. "Monoma, we need to think this through carefully,"

Neito's eyes narrow incredulously, leaving no room for debate in his voice, "Are you kidding me? We just discovered the dragon's nest, Shinsou. The thing we've been looking for since we first sailed here. And you want to keep it hidden? To allow an ongoing war? All to protect that Night Fury? Are you serious?"

Hitoshi turns to Neito, lifts his head and stands firm and assertive as he confidently says, "Yes."

He watches as Neito's eyes flicker, as they soften upon hearing that firm tone. He could see it in his hardened, tired eyes, a look that meant---Hitoshi had set his mind to something and he wasn't giving up. Neito couldn't even find the courage to argue back. and now, he couldn't blame him for sticking to his new beliefs. Neito was just testing him, seeing where his mind was at.

Hitoshi has always been a social outcast, always defined and held back by his villainous Quirk. Siding with the dragons was a sign of being a traitor, he'd only be affirming everyone's beliefs. However, Neito could tell Hitoshi knew what his role was, and what his place was.

He was letting his heart drum at its own beat. Following his path. Believing in what he thought was right. He wasn't following the crowd, refusing his mind to be constricted by judgements or hate. He was forging his role in life, willing to do whatever it took to stand up for his beliefs, going above and beyond what was expected of him.  That was the way of the Heroic Hooligan Tribe.

That to Neito is probably the most heroic thing you can be. He dares say that Hitoshi is far more fearless, stubborn, determined, and heroic out of everyone on the island. After tonight, he realised how hypocritical he had been. 

Hitoshi noticed the way Neito stared at him, in slight awe of his stoic attitude, as he softly spoke. "I'm not that unreasonable. So what do we do?"

Hitoshi's expression melts into surprise when he hears Neito's agreement. A sense of reflection hits Hitoshi like a maelstrom, as he glares at Neito, taking in his features that are obscured by the darkness and the pale moon shining above---the boy he had changed his mind about who knew the truth about dragons.

"Give me until tomorrow..." he mutters, glancing at Hypnos, who croons. "I'll figure something out."

Neito nods, breaking their eye contact---and punches him in the gods-damned shoulder.

"Ow!" he snaps, and it's not out of courtesy because he's strong. "The hell was that for?"

"That's for kidnapping me," he retorts. Hypnos ambles over to him, giving him a look that so very clearly says 'You asked for that', and he scoffs at her.

The next thing he does, though, is about fifty times more confusing---he kisses his hand. Like a gentleman.

"And that was...um, f-for e-everything else." He runs off seconds later, leaving him to stupidly stare---completely tongue-tied.

And Hypnos, clearly not understanding what courting stage they're in, cackles.

Chapter Text

The roar of the crowd is nauseating and deafening.

Hitoshi stands by the gate arena, observing the crowd from the entrance. Everyone in the village is crowding outside. The hero courses were shouting and cheering for the death of the Skrill...at its grating, and he believed he was finally getting used to them.

It's a do-or-die situation. If I fail, they'll hunt down Hypnos and kill her.

I'm not letting that happen.

"Be careful with that dragon." Monoma's-no, Neito's voice calls out behind him, and he glances over his shoulder. He wasn't even expecting the support or encouragement, even after the events of last night.

"I'm not worried about the dragon," he mutters, scanning the crowd for his beloved mentor, in the crowd, next to All Might, who was laughing at something someone said. Even Endeavour and Vlad King trail behind. Hitoshi glanced over his shoulder, trying not to think about how the light captured Neito's hair and the worry in his eyes. "Neito...if something goes wrong, promise me you will take care of Hypnos, and make sure the others don't hurt her."

"I will." The blonde promises, and he realizes with a start that he actually trusts him. "Just...promise me it won't go wrong."

He was actually about to, despite knowing it absolutely would go wrong when the horn rang out and the gate creaked warningly above him.

It's go time, he thinks, as he makes his way into the ring. He's wearing a hero costume that was ready for him for this moment, the one he'd be wearing if he transferred into the hero course. It's fully black, just like her scales, it's almost too perfect how the colour scheme reminds him of her. The binding cloth sits nicely on his shoulders, and he grabs it for comfort, while the other hand pushes up his persona cords to attach to his face.

Hitoshi scowls as a collective scream fills the air, the dozens of people chanting his name feeling oppressive rather than motivational. 

"I'm ready." He says, even though he's nowhere near  ready. His entire body tenses as the barricade on the Skrill's pen rises.

It is not even halfway up when a blast goes off, sending the pen's doors flying. A terrifying horror explodes, lunging across the ring and pinballing off the arena's sides, wailing with an unmistakable roar as it desperately seeks to escape. The entire audience ducks as the dragon cries furiously, crawling over the chains that form the "ceiling," with static and lightning seething in its teeth.

 Golden gaze locks on him, and dilated pupils contract. The Skrill gives out a deep snarl and crawls down towards him. It moves with the same  wild grace as Hypnos, its scales covered in pink scars. Both belong to the strike class of dragons, which is the most intelligent group. For some reason, he can not understand why the Skrill has not been dubbed 'the unholy offspring lightning and death itself', given that it thrives in lightning storms and can ride lightning bolts to nearly break the sound barrier.
 Because the Skrill collects electricity from the clouds via the metal spines on its back, all lightning can be stored for later. It looks like he's been saving it up for a long time.

Its honey-gold eyes narrowed as it approached him. Hitoshi inhales, settling his jittery feelings before reaching up and discarding his binding cloth. "Hey," he murmurs to the creature, whose bloodshot eyes are filled with ferocious energy—frightened. "Calm down." It is okay.

He glances up, meeting Aizawa's perplexed gaze. He knows that he looks cold, as always, but he prays to the gods that they can see how serious he is about this.

Slowly, deliberately, he unties his mask, throwing it aside.  "I'm not one of them." He says, and his voice carries through the arena.

The Skrill's pupils dilate thoughtfully, and the threatening hiss turn into a more curious one.

"Stop the fight." he hears Eraserhead call, but he ignores it---he has to, he has no choice anymore.

"No!" he snaps, his voice steady and confident. "I need you all to see this." His hand doesn't shake as the wyvern advances. "They're not what we think they are." Its eyes are bright with curiosity as it hovers just a centimetre below his palm. "We don't have to kill them."

"STOP THE FIGHT!" Endeavour's voice roars and a hammer slams into the bars of the cage. Hitoshi has barely a moment to think, Endeavor he doesn't even like Eraserhead, before the dragon's pupils narrow into slits, a snarl appearing on its face.

A blast of lightning singes his shoulder, as he dodges, forced to fight for his life because of a man who despises dragons.  He focuses on evading---if he has to fight this thing, it'll be because he's out of  options, not because his first attempt failed. 

Neito grabbed the gate bars as his heart began to thump; shaking it, he yelled, "Hitoshi !" his eyes flitting around like a fly, his attention drawn to something shiny. He takes an axe from a rack beside him as he stows it beneath the gate.

Hitoshi can barely make out Neito entering the ring and has a second to think no, not you, before he enters the arena and throws a hammer at Skrill's head. It hits, and he has an absurd moment of pride before taking off again. The dragon has changed its objective as it attacks Neito, so it is now after both of them. All Hitoshi could do was stare in terror as he dodged beneath a fireblast and grabbed a shield. The others are simply watching him flee, unconcerned and worried about what to do.

He takes the opportunity to push himself free, running for the exit just as Aizawa pulls it open.

 "This way!"

Neito is swept to safety. He hides behind the tall man with a pained expression, his eyes full of worry flickering at anything he could use to protect Hitoshi.

 White-hot lightning sets the gate aflame just before Hitoshi can reach it, and he falls,  pinned under a pair of claws and this is  it---

An unearthly shriek fills the air, and an explosion echoes, filling the arena with smoke. A roar, too familiar to be real, fills the air and the dragon is knocked off of him.

The purple-eyed Night Fury shrieks angrily at the other strike-class dragon. According to legend, only Skrill is capable of facing a Night Fury. She wrestles with it, battling as if she has lost her mind, raking her knife-like claws off its face and snapping her fangs at the already weakening dragon.

"Night Fury," he hears someone whisper, and Hypnos roars in response, flaring her wings as she slams her opponent's head into the ground. The Skrill flips her over, but she kicks him off with a snarl, roaring as she backs towards Hitoshi.

The way she fights, the unconditional protection and love pouring out of her is all he has ever wanted from her, everything he has ever wished for, yet all he can think about is not now.

She scared off the Skrill, and as soon as it was out of sight, Hitoshi ran to her, shoving at her. "Okay, girl, you gotta go."

The others suddenly pour into the arena, a dozen Quirked heroes going against his Night Fury, who throws them off like they're children.

In the corner of her eye, she spots a figure that appears lankier compared to the bulkier humans. The male looks somewhat similar to her dragon-soul human, with the metal-ish cloth around his neck. 

She tackles Eraserhead as he lunges for her, the two wrestling over and over and why does he have to choose between his idol and his best  friend ---

"Hypnos stop---"

Hypnos hisses, and he can picture the explosion that will follow he can  see it and it hurts---

"STOP!" he screams, and she drops her head, glancing at him with a low croon. He can feel tears, real tears, forming in his eyes as Endeavor immediately slams Hypnos's head to the ground, pulling her off of Eraserhead. She doesn't struggle anymore, but they're lifting an axe and it's all his nightmares come to life---

"Don't hurt her!" he screams, and the tears in his eyes are streaming down his face. Neito loops his arms around him, keeping him from getting caught in the crossfire, even though he's itching to lunge into the fight to protect her. "Stop, please--"

Aizawa hesitates, before giving him a too-sharp glare. "Put it with the others," he calls, and the gleam of uncharacteristic rage in his eyes only serves to break Hitoshi further.

But it's the hurt in Hypno's eyes that pierces him the most.

___

He stumbles into the council room, consumed by guilt and worry to argue. Eraserhead slams the door behind him, slowly approaching. 

"Eraser-"

"How long?"

His voice is dull, dry, cold, and terrifying. Hitoshi tries to pull himself to full height, even though he's not feeling imposing. "A couple of months." He manages the words shaking against his will. "I shot her down with one of Hastume's inventions."

"So everything in the ring...was a trick?" Eraserhead looms over him, and he shrinks back, the utter betrayal in his idol's eyes cutting him to the core. "A lie?"

"I know I should have told you, that is what I meant by being dishonest and selfish--but please--" He is fumbling over his words, and each one seems to make matters worse, but he has to try --- "Take this out on me, please, but don't hurt Hypnos--"

"The dragon?" Eraserhead's harshness rises, and Hitoshi curls in on himself. "That's what you're worried about? Not the people you almost killed?"

"S-she was just protecting me! You provoked her---"

"They've killed hundreds of us!" 

"And we have killed thousands of them!" he responds, attempting to persuade him. "They raid us because they need to. If they do not bring enough food back, they will be eaten; the beast on their island, Eraser, is unlike anything you have ever seen--"
Eraserhead paused his pacing and returned her attention to Hitoshi, "Their island? So you've been to the nest, right?" He stepped forward as Hitoshi fell back.

"Did I say nest?".

"How did you discover it?" He crept forward as if he was already coming up with a strategy.

"No, I didn't. Hypnos did. The island can only be found by a dragon."

Eraserhead halts his advance as his eyes gaze outside the door, his eyes hardening as he huffs.

Hitoshi sees the look in his eyes knowing where this was going to lead, "Eraser, no, no, no please it's not what you think. You don't know what you're up against. None of you understand what you're up against! It's like a giant hivemind!"

Eraserhead starts walking towards the doorway, and Hitoshi realizes that he's going to his  death he doesn't realise it and this is all his fault ---

"Please. It's not possible! It's a waste of time!"

He turns to look at him, eyes pained. "Shinsou," he says quietly, and his voice shakes not with rage, but with agony, "you've thrown your lot in with them. You've wasted my time. You're not a hero."

I don't waste time on hopeless cases.

And the pain in his chest is impossible, ripping him to shreds ---

"You're not my student," he finishes voice heavy, and leaves.

Hitoshi's world, one that he built so carefully, balancing heroism with the fact that he rode a dragon and his inability to give either one up, collapses.

He falls to his knees, staring at the shadow cast by his idol, his mentor, his father figure.

I have lost everything.

Everything.

Chapter Text

Eraserhead stumbled back after slamming the door on his student, the words he said flooding into his head, with a heavy heart.

He broke a boy.

He broke his student.

He knew it wasn't beneath him to shut down students' dreams, or delusions---he even expelled a whole class one time because he didn't believe they wouldn't make it. He wouldn't allow students to go into the hero force and sacrifice themselves in the name of false judgment.

He knew he wasn't the best teacher. With all his logical ruses, he expected the kids to act like proper adults, rational heroes, allowing them to figure out things for themselves. He knew some students were getting left behind in classes because of his harsh methods and lack of time. He sent in a bunch of teenagers to fight in an arena, making their way up to become a proper pro. Yet, he knew they still had two more years to figure everything out. No more of this---unrealistic dreams, irrational decisions, lack of direction and self-doubt.

He wanted to apply all his logic, all his knowledge, and shape those kids into proper, rational heroes.

All these applied to Shinsou as well.

He believed there was only one kind of heroism, and he wouldn't hesitate to crush a student's spirits if he saw them going down a reckless path. Yet, this was Shinsou, he was dealing with. The first student he regrets crushing his spirits.

I screwed up, he realizes, and immediately wants to turn to apologise. He does and finds himself staring into Kayama's and Hizashi's glare.

"What did you say to him?" Kayama hisses.

Shouta holds her gaze, refusing to drop it, stubborn pride getting in the way as always. "Something I shouldn't have," he admits.

"Something you should have," a gruff voice corrects. Endeavour gives him an approving nod, one of very few that he's ever received from the Flame Hero. "The boy betrayed our entire way of life."

He wasn't betraying it, he was challenging it, it's irrational but...Shouta finds himself thinking.

"Ready the ships," he orders wearily. "Upon our return, we'll release the Night Fury back into Shinsou's hands."

---

Hitoshi finds himself sitting on the ledge of the docks, a shadow against the sky. He couldn't help but glare, watching Hypnos being hauled onto the main ship, bound in shackles, she's thrashing---terrified---but he can't do anything about it.

The whispers about him being a traitor have spread like wildfire, with people becoming more scared of him the more he stared down at the ships. It didn't take long for him to be labelled a 'villain', once again, it was like all of his progress in the ring meant nothing.

The same middle school Hitoshi who was constantly teased for being a future villain, the same boy who promised he wasn't the bad guy, though with little change.

He doesn't know how long he's been sitting here, as the docks are all empty now, but it's probably been hours.

He doesn't even register the sound of footsteps creeping up behind him, he didn't even need to see to know it was Neito.

Without his dragon and ambition, he's a hollow husk of himself. Neito thinks to himself, as he casts a sideways glance, a feels a fraction of his pompous heart shatter...

He looks exhausted---more than usual, his posture slumped as he rests an arm over his thigh, only staring blankly at the water below. There's a silent breeze that passes by, playing with his soft, indigo hair, and covering his eyes.

It's not the Hitoshi Shinsou he knows, not the one that he's come to care for, and she finds that he's honestly worried for him. And he knows for a fact that their village won't be able to handle the monster that rules the Nest without backup.

They sat quietly in silence, gazing over the horizon. Neito thought it was a waste of time as he broke the silence with the words, "It's a mess," he starts off, standing next to him. "You must feel horrible...you lost everything. Your mentor, your respect, your best friend."

Okay, so he's not the world's greatest motivational speaker, but it might very well work.

"Thank you for summing that up," he says, voice dull. He paused, letting out a scoff. "Why couldn't I have killed that dragon when I found her in the woods?" he whispers, and Neito raises an eyebrow, as they are getting somewhere.

"You're right," he agrees calmly. "The rest of us would've done it." Well, he would've, at least. He's not certain that Midoriya would've attacked a helpless anything, even if it was a dragon. He turns to him, and he averts his eyes. "So why didn't you?"

Hitoshi shrugs, letting out a noise that is a mix of annoyance and uncertainty. Neito sits down next to him, crossing his leg over the other, as he lets his feet dangle off the edge. "Why didn't you?" He repeats softer.

Hitoshi shakes his head, letting his legs part slightly, hunching over. "I don't know...I couldn't."

"That's not an answer," He presses sharply. There's a want, a need to know why he challenged their way of life, their worldview---why he risked everything for a dragon.

Hitoshi grunts as he stands up, rolling his eyes, and scoffing defensively. "Why is this so important to you all of a sudden."

Neito does the same as he moves to get closer, invading his personal space, and holding his gaze. "Because I want you to tell me what you're thinking, right now."

He whirls on him, eyes narrowing, looming over Neito. "For the love of---was a coward. I was weak! I wouldn't kill a dragon---"

"You said wouldn't that time," He points out quickly, seizing that simple word change as if it were the key to the puzzle. For all he knows, it might be.

Hitoshi was fuming, lashing out, usually, he was the one to pick up on little details when it came to figuring out how to get inside someone's head.

"Whatever! I-I wouldn't!" He steps back, scowling fiercely. "Over three hundred gods-damned years and I'm the first person---in those seven generations who wouldn't kill a dragon. If that makes me the villain, then so be it...nothing will change then. I'm the bad guy, guilty until proven innocent. Even if it were some miracle---"

"First hero to ride one though." Neito briskly cuts Hitoshi off on his rant. He was just about to walk away until he paused, and the blonde could sense he'd unlocked something within him.

He still doesn't look at her, still keeps his eyes firmly on the ocean, as if looking for something, as if hoping that a black shape will come winging its way to them on the horizon. "I wouldn't kill her," Hitoshi says, voice uncharacteristically quiet, "because she looked as frightened, feared and misunderstood as I was." He looks up at Neito, his violet eyes soft and vulnerable for the first time since Neito has known him. "I looked at her...and I saw myself."

Neito stared at the wooden floorboards, feeling his emotions speaking for him again. He didn't understand how a dragon could reflect a human, a hero, so much that it made Hitoshi forfeit a kill that could immobilize his name in history. It made sense---how could you kill an intelligent, amazing creature, when they saw themselves in them?

"I bet she's really frightened now," he brought his gaze back to Hitoshi. "So, what are you going to do about it?"

Hitoshi shrugs, rubbing the base of his neck. "I don't know...probably something stupid."

Neito grins. "Good, but you've already done that."

The light suddenly sparks in his eyes, purple flaring to life with a firm and mischievous smile. "Then something crazy and a little bit scary." he breathes, backing up a few paces before breaking into a run. Hitoshi had his mind put on something, and there was no stopping him.

Hitoshi felt confident and ambitious again.

The blonde watches him go, grinning manically. "That's more like it."

----

Toshinori gazes at the fog bank that marks the start of the dragon's territory, flexing his fingers absently. Aizawa stands next to the Night Fury, who hasn't stopped straining to get back to Shinsou; the purple eyes of the dragon give him quite an impressive glare as well.

"Speak your mind," Hizashi sighs, and the dry-eyed man stalks over to him.

"I'm an idiot," he says fiercely, and Hizashi bites back another sigh in response. He wants nothing more than to bang his head against the mast of the boat--repeatedly--but he dips his head, agreeing.

"I know," Hizashi interrupts wearily. "You know, you weren't exactly a great teacher to begin with." He shrugs, almost smugly.

"I know," Shouta repeats, watching the fog hiss and move. "You have no idea how much I regret what I said. It's just, these stunts and tricks, I guess were just his way of doing what's right...in the ring, trying to challenge everyone's beliefs, going the extra mile to protect that..." he stops himself when he glances at the pitiful dragon. There's genuine anguish in its eyes as if it hurts to be apart from its other half. I did this.

"...Yes, Shirakumo messed up a lot of things for us." Hizashi continues by nodding and resting a hand on his shoulder; he can not help but feel a latent hatred for the species that killed their best friend, moulding both of them into the heroes they are today. He watched as Shouta became a husk of himself---while he drowned out the feeling by being a source of entertainment to discourage his trauma---drowning out in strict teaching methods as an outlet to ensure that the same cycle never repeated...he treated everyone like they were a potential Shirakumo...maybe Shinsou even more so. "I get that you screwed up, but you've gotten to realise, the more you shut those kids down, the more they'll rebel and challenge...what do you think Shinsou will do now? You know how stubborn he is when it comes to proving something."

Shouta's eyes narrowed, setting his jaw, and rubbing the base of his neck.

"So..." All Might speaks up. "After we reach the nest, you requested we'll give young Shinsou the dragon back?"

It's the logical thing to do, right? There wasn't something eating at him that he couldn't fight.

"Yes.."

He puts his emotions aside, "What's the plan?"

"Find the Nest and take it," All Might says, staring at the dragon as they enter the thick fog. Shouta snorts in mockery at the plan but does not object, following his gaze as the dragon's ear plates poke up. "Step aside," he tells the helmsman, grasping the tiller.

The ship follows his command, and he follows the dragon's movements.

To the Dragons' Nest.

After just half an hour, a dragon's head emerges from the fog. The heroes tensed up together, only to relax as it was shown to be the figurehead of a wrecked ship impaled on a sea stack. "I was wondering where that went," he murmurs to himself, then narrows his eyes as a clicking buzz becomes audible. The cacophony fills the air, becoming louder as the ships converge in one location.

Toshinori's ship comes to a standstill when it scrapes on black sand. A jagged, black volcano with a faint red glow rises from the grey blanket that covers the world. He hops overboard, and the buzzing stops as soon as his feet touch the earth.

"We're here."

----

Neito halts in front of the arena, along with the ragtag group of soon-to-be-dragon-riders, (obviously he's going to claim superiority, as he's the only one who's ever been on a dragon), resting a hand on his hip and grinning.

He gathered the people who had grown closest to Hitoshi, insisting on Midoriya, Yaoyorozu, Kaminari, Kirishima, Uraraka, Bakugou, Todoroki, and Hastume. A Hobblegrunt, a Monstrous Nightmare, and a Deadly Nadder have joined the trapped dragons following a particularly successful raid just a few days before the terrible final exam, so there should be enough for the ten of them.

As expected, Hitoshi is already in the ring, a length of rope wrapped around his shoulder, about to unlock the pens one by one. He’s in his hero costume again, and NEtio thanks the gods that he had the foresight to make the others wear theirs as well.

"If you're planning to get eaten," Kirishima calls out, and Hitoshi whirls around, eyes widening. "I'd go with the Rumblehorn."

He blinks at them before scoffing. "What the hell---"

Kaminari, however, swallows away his fear and steps forward with a scowl on his face. He curls his fingers and speaks, his voice uncharacteristically low, "You were wise to seek help from the world's most deadly weapon. It's me."

Uraraka smiles widely while Hastume exclaims. "I love this plan. It's crazy!"

"Hey, give him some space," Yaoyorozu calms them down as they crowd Hitoshi--- not a fan of sudden bursts of excitement and joy.

"We came to help!" Midoriya speaks, and for once, his voice is steady. Neito decides to let him talk and softly nudges him forward. "Monoma informed us that you weren't fighting a mindless monster in the arena. We wanted to know what you meant."

"You wanted to know what he meant." Bakugou glares before turning up his nose at Hitoshi. "And you---are you trying to get us all killed?"

Kirishima rolled his eyes, nudging Bakugou to shut his mouth. "We all wanted to learn from you. So, teach us, dragon man!"

Hitoshi sighs, dropping his shoulders. "I don't have a choice now?"

Mei scoffs, "Oh look, he's finally catching on." Neito couldn't help but laugh to himself.

Hitoshi's eyes softened slightly as he saw all of the bright, eager faces that wanted to follow his lead and see his point of view---all of these superior hero course students willing to side with him---when he used to loathe them and they despised him.

"I will never understand you hero course students." He blinks at them, before shaking his head with a wry, derisive laugh. "Welcome to Dragon Training 2.0."

Hitoshi observes them throw away their external weapons, such as swords, axes, and bolas, and they follow his directions exactly, something he never imagined they would do. The bar on the Skrills cage rises as everyone's attention is captured by the creak of gears.

A pair of golden eyes emerged from the darkness, shining in the dark like a cat's. Slowly but steadily, he drew the beast out of the darkness and into the light, resting a weary palm just above his muzzle.

Neito was mesmerised, as were the others, by the way, he dealt with the second-most powerful strike-class dragon. He believed he heard Todoroki whisper---so he can control them.

Hitoshi chuckled, shaking his head slightly at the small comment. He wasn't truly controlling anything. It was all about gaining a dragon's loyalty and respect, and he knew that once you've got that, there is nothing a dragon won't do for you. Hypnos made him realise that.

Kaminari stopped his fidgeting when Hitoshi started to guide his hand towards the dragon's snout, feeling a nameless dread consume him, unable to stop his heart from accelerating.

Hitoshi muttered, "Hey, it's okay," and looked at him reassuringly as if he needed to brainwash him into relaxing. Fortunately, Kaminari was not struggling too much, so he did not have to completely brainwash him before guiding his smaller hand over the electrified dragon's snout.

Kaminari's eyes glowed with childlike wonder, and his smile shone brighter than ever. He chuckled as his body flashed with electricity, causing a static sensation to run through his body, and the dragon began purring as if it was also smiling.

The Skrill was pretty identical in colour scheme, to Kaminari's hero costume. There were striking white stripes around its eyes that looked like lightning, that matched the pattern on its wings.

"Oh," Kaminari sighs. "Hello." He could not believe it: a dragon had bonded with him right before his eyes. The dragon croons at him and then withdraws, making the golden blonde frown until the dragon begins to kiss his face. Hitoshi laughs, a genuine chuckle of amusement.

"Just so you know, dragon saliva doesn't wash out." He smirked, causing Kaminari's expression to drop immediately.

"Oh, what? There goes my chances of getting a date."

There's another creak as Hitoshi opens the second cage, the Stormcutter prowling around. The four-winged dragon has beautiful dark-green scales ---nearly black---with teal patterns on its wings--- its eyes a beautiful forest green.

Neito holds his chin high, and Hitoshi can tell he's trying to hold back his breathing as if hoping the dragon would choose him. She doesn't, instead, she moves to the small, green-haired boy, sniffing at him. She tilts her head, like an owl, blinking like one, with zero fear in her eyes. Midoriya reaches out a hand and the dragon accepts immediately, crooning.

"Oh, I guess you're mine, huh?" He chuckles. "I...I feel bad that I was so desperate to become a hero...that I didn't take the time to realise how...amazing they are."

"It's the hero way, right?" Hitoshi mutters, crossing his arms. "I get it, I thought the same way too...but I've always had a hunch you wouldn't hurt a helpless and innocent creature. You know more about them than anyone else on the island."

"I guess so...besides, killing that Deadly Nadder was an accident, I couldn't control my power...I still feel guilty to this day."

One by one, everyone finds their dragons. Todoroki is adored by the Hideous Zippleback, he named Cryopheonix, as both heads fight for his affection, almost like a tug of war, eventually, Todoroki manages to squirm free.

Galestrom--Midoriya's dragon--is already overprotective of her rider, sweeping him under and cocooning him with her four sets of wings.

Bakugou was a bit of a struggle, to help him bond with the Monstrous Nightmare--- his scales a shimmering dusty orange with a tinge of red---and Hitoshi had to brainwash him into following his instructions. Already, the two were at each other's throats, matching each other's aggression, and calling Hitoshi crazy but he thinks they're bonding? Respectively, Bakugou named the flaming beast Lord Explosion Murder: Nemisis, or just Nemisis for short.

Even Kaminari's Skrill was not particularly aggressive, as they were both coated in electricity and bounced off each other's dazzling energy---which he named Vigor-volt. Arrow-stryke, Mei's Nadder, a lethally beautiful dragon with ravishing pink scales with an orange tint, had a very puppy-ish disposition, prancing around the pink-haired inventor while her rider enthused about the dragon's spikes and fire capabilities.

Uraraka's Hobblegrunt, Zephyr, with beautiful silvery scales with a tinge of pink details---well default scales---while his colours changed like a mood ring, displaying all sorts of bubbly and protective emotions over the bubbly and protective rider. The dragon nuzzled into Uraraka's pink cheeks. Yaoyorozu couldn't have found a better dragon---her Razorwhip---with beautiful copper scales---trots elegantly around her, very poise and proud, her wings raised high. Her Razorwhip---Athena---curled her sharp tail around her rider, while the shieldmaiden embraced her with a hug.

Kirishima's wrestling with his Rumblehorn, the stocky beast---aka Catalyst---"Red Riot and Catalyst!" the redhead had cheered. "It's perfect!" every bit as energetic as his rider.

Neito was the only one waiting, and he knew there was a Dramillion (a titan wing) in the arena. However, when the pen opened, there was nothing there. However, there was a faint crooning sound in the ring but no sight of the dragon. The unique feature of a Titan-wing Dramillion was its ability to go invisible. The dragon was beelining at him, and he closed his eyes, only to feel hot air stream down his hair. It was behind him.

He fell back and let out a less dignified gasp, causing everyone in the ring to laugh at the arrogant boy who was caught off guard. The dragon showed itself, her scales a gorgeous gold with blue and black markings on its flared wings, as she loomed over him, her steely blue eyes looking down at the lad. As she circled him, she appeared regal, graceful, and even proud. She made a low clicking noise as the parrot-like dragon glanced back, almost taunting him.

After all, he did manage to strike a powerful blow to the dragon when they were up against it. She was probably still holding a grudge---even a dragon found him a tad bit annoying. He was hesitating, completely unsure what to do---he's Neito Monoma--- completely arrogant and rude---he's not sure if a dragon even could bond with him.

Hitoshi was staring at him the entire time, and Neito could feel it in the back of his brain, glancing across to the quiet boy leaning against the wall. His eyes were supportive, and he could feel his ears beginning to heat up. Hitoshi trusted in him, and he took a big breath.

Neito hesitates, before turning his head away and extending his arm.

Rough golden scales bump into his palm and she gasps as a sensation akin to a lightning strike rips through her. 

"Oh," He whispers, and he can feel tears forming in his eyes at this new, profound bond. "Oh my gods." He stares into brilliant cerulean eyes and smiles. "Hi there, Rosaura."

Hitoshi scoffs, Phantom Theif and Rosaura, as he walks over to the blonde with a bright and proud expression. "I did it..." He chuckles softly. Hitoshi beside him nods, giving him a small smirk, which makes him uncharacteristically double down. "Of course I did." He huffed, trying to keep up his proud facade. yet, Hitoshi could see right through him.

While the dragon riders would love to spend time right here with their dragons, Hitoshi clears his throat to get everyone's attention. Hitoshi smirks as he holds out the rope. "You're gonna need something to help you morons hold on."

Hitoshi scratches Rosaura back as she croons, feeling her warm scales beneath him as he hops aboard and extends a hand to help Neito up. He could see the blonde's eyes expand in wonder. He grins excitedly as he is yanked up behind him, and he can feel how warm and magical it is up here. Rosaura preens her wings and sways with a haughty growl, while the blonde leans over and lovingly rubs her scales.

One by one, the dragon riders mount their dragons, awkwardly swaying on top. "Wait, you aren't gonna teach us how to fly first?" Kirishima questions, holding onto the rope, looking at the indigo-haired boy with Neito.

We don't have the time, he thinks, before he chuckles. "I prefer learning on the job."

Hitoshi glances at Neito behind him, giving him a bold smirk. "Let's go." 

Chapter Text

Being up in the expansive skies made Hitoshi feel invigorated and more alive than ever before. He felt an exhilarating rush as he rode the Titanwing Dramillion, a majestic creature known for its agility and grace. Though its speed was no match for the legendary Night Fury, the Dramillion's quick maneuvers offered a unique thrill all its own.

 As they soared through the clouds, the wind whipped through his hair, and the chilled air nipped at his cheeks, giving him a refreshing jolt. His binding cloth billowed wildly in the gusts, and the brilliant sunlight pierced through the air, casting a warm glow that contrasted with the crispness of the atmosphere."No, going back," Hitoshi muttered under his breath, fixing his gaze on the ominous silhouette of Helheim's Gate in the distance. It towered before him, a foreboding structure that marked the only path to reclaiming Hypnos.

 His determination surged as he realized he would do whatever it took to save her from the clutches of whatever lay beyond. The other riders around him paused momentarily, exchanging glances filled with uncertainty and concern, as if waiting for him to take charge—perhaps because he had assumed the role of the reluctant leader in this perilous quest. 

Meanwhile, the Dramillion's massive wings worked in perfect harmony, beating against the wind like a finely tuned engine, showcasing its incredible speed, elegance, and nobility. In an ordinary moment, Neito would have been bursting with enthusiasm, laughing and revelling in the sheer joy of flight. Instead, he clung tightly to Hitoshi's torso, his grip both a gesture of trust and a reflection of their shared anxiety.

With an intense focus, Hitoshi guided Rosaura, the Dramillion, downwards, navigating through the jagged rock formations that jutted out like ancient sentinels. He weaved in and out of the treacherous landscape, determination fueling their descent as they led the tro. The stakes had never been higher, and failure was not an option.

Zipping under an archway of rock formations, Rosaura opened her magnificent wings, and with a pull of the rope, they soared up.

Hitoshi's elation faded when he observed complete wreckage. There was anarchy on hand. The Queen had left her nest, and Hitoshi liked to see only her head and neck. Out in the open, she was far larger than Hitoshi had envisioned. She was at least half the height of the volcano, with meaty legs and a club the size of a ship for tail. She seemed impossible to defeat. Even with the advancement of Quirks, it was still ineffective against the Red Queen, and it appeared that the Red Death had already evolved to withstand powerful attacks. Heroes were fleeing from her gigantic claws stomping on the pebble ground, aiming for the back end of the island. Fools, he thought vindictively. Hitoshi observed two figures in their positions: Eraserhead and Present Mic. The ships on the bey were in flames, and he felt Neito place a hand on his back, knowing Hypnos was one of them.

"We'll get her back," Neito reassures him, as if he doesn't know that already (but he appreciates the sentiment, even if he'll never admit it).

"We're meant to fight that?" Kaminari cried out, at the sight of the queen, barely holding onto his dragon's back.

Hitoshi barely glanced back at the others, all on their dragons, looking like out-of-control flying machines.

"We'll attack from the rear!" He ordered. "That way she won't see us."

"And if she does see us?" Yaoyorozu asked, pulling up her Razorwhip next to them.

Hitoshi shrugged. "Then we'll come up with a new plan."

"Oh, I don't like this." Midoriya whimpered, but they all soldiered on, soaring towards the island.

Hitoshi felt like an actual warrior, flying into battle with the binding cloth on his shoulders.  Whiter, shinier and brighter than Mr Aizawa's was. This was his binding cloth. Hitoshi's weapon.  Not Mr Aizawa's binding cloth for Hitoshi. Sure, Mr Aizawa taught him how to fight, but not how to win.

Hitoshi tilted to the left, and they swooped around the island. Neito was holding onto his waist, gazing around at the fire and chaos---all caused by one monstrous dragon.

As they neared, Hitoshi leaned down close to Rosaura and said, "Fire at the Queen, Rosaura."

A Dramillion is known for its ability to mimic other dragon's firepower and blasts, meaning it was equipped with many attacks it could use due to the number of dragons behind it. Her firepower could be deadlier and more powerful than any dragon combined.

At the command, Rosaura opened her mouth and let a blast of a column of magnesium fire at the Queen's neck---(like a Deadly Nadder, known for having the hottest fire in the dragon world),  as the others fire in unison, their combined blast causing the bastard of a beast to stagger a step and they punch through the flames.

The movement is perfect as they roll in unison, circling the monster as one. "Hey, Todoroki." He shouts to Todoroki, who's flying a little too close to the thing's mouth. "Watch your back!" The Zippleback's rider spirals out of the way, leaving Kirishima, within reach of its clublike tail. "Move, Kirishima!"

Kirishima cheers as Catalyst winds out of the way, Izuku whooping as Galestrom soars upwards

"Look at us!" Kaminari shouted, hanging onto the Skrill, moving up and down with blazing speed, looking like he was about to fall off. "We're on a dragon! We're on dragons! Look at us!"

."Hey, Midoriya! This breaks it down." Hitoshi orders.

"G-got it! Heavily armoured skull, tail made for bashing and crushing, steer clear of both," he reels off at top fucking speed. "Small eyes, large nostrils, rely on hearing and smell!"

"Todoroki, Yaoyorozu, Uraraka, Bakugou, hang in that thing's blind spot and make some noise, block its fucking sight with your fire and keep it confused!" he commands sharply. "Midoriya, Mei,  Kaminari, Kirishima, find out if this thing has a shot limit. Make it mad."

"That's my specialty!" Mei shouts, peeling off from the group along with the other two.

"Since when everyone knows I'm more irritating." Kaminari spun his dragon upside down, who was as energetic as a golden retriever. "See?"

"I don't take orders from anyone---" Bakugou roared, clearly not accepting Hitoshi to give out orders.

Hitoshi doesn't waste time being annoyed at the imbeciles. "Just do what I tell you!" He snaps, this is the last time he'll lead anything, (or order people without his Quirk),  instead leaning forward as Rosaura arced over the flaming ships, searching for a glimpse of---

"There!"

He crouches on the Titan Dramillion's back as the golden dragon comes to a standstill above a flaming vessel--a burning vessel with Hypnos on it, shackled and struggling, growling through her muzzle (they muzzled her, he thinks, and anger surges through him like fire). Hitoshi leaps from Rosaura back onto the boat, near enough to touch Hypnos' purplish streaks ---they are united again --- and whirls towards Neito.

"Go help the others!" he commands, and he swoops off, riding the deadly golden beast like he was born for it (he wouldn't be surprised if this gave him a massive ego boost---not that he needed his brain to be filled with even more pride.)

He rips off the muzzle in a fit of wrath, and Hypnos issues a warning cry, prodding him. "Hold on," he murmurs to her.

He can hear the others as their efforts are hampered, shouting warnings and battle cries while drawing fire. He hears someone crash-land before arcing back into the sky, not knowing who it is but does not care. He can't, especially since Hypnos is on the verge of death.

The monster's tail sweeps over the boats, crushing the end of the ship, and a burning mast collapses, separating him from his dragon.

The weight of its foot crashes down again and he's thrown into icy water along with Hypnos.

Hypnos, who can't swim while tied up in chains.

Hypnos, who will die because he couldn't save a dragon.

Hitoshi swims downwards towards her, ignoring the burning in his lungs or the protesting noises that she makes. 

Hypnos' amethyst eyes confront him, accepting her fate as she begs him to resurface.  Hitoshi tugs on the shackles in a final, useless attempt as his vision blurs, the pain in his lungs too great to bear, and his body begs for breath.

His sight darkens, and his hands inadvertently release the chains as he sinks, weighed down by the binding cloth and his mask filling up with water.

She snaps her eyes to the top as the water is disrupted. Something grabbed Hitoshi by the collar bringing him to the surface but leaving Hypnos stranded at the bottom. 

Hitoshi is suddenly pulled out of the water and onto the rocky and pebbly ground. He coughs out before he sees a darkly dressed figure dive back into the water, he raises his eyebrows as he coughs out, his vision barely clear. "Mr Aizawa?"

A blast of water occurs, and Hypnos jumps through it, leaving Aizawa on the ground and leaping onto a boulder. A wailing screech escapes her throat, directing all of her hatred and rage onto the Red Death. A second later, she looks at her human, grumbling and nodding to the Queen, her eyes filled with protective rage. Let's end this once and for all.

Hitoshi smiles sincerely for the first time in a long time, gazing at her with a smug expression: "You've got it, girl." He falls to his feet and hops on her back, their expressions matching.

Hitoshi gets ridged when he feels Mr Aizawa tug at his hand, waiting for a verdict.

Villain, traitor, waste of time.

"I'm sorry," his hero says quietly. "For--for everything."

Hitoshi's eyes widen in surprise, unable to grasp that Eraserhead is apologising to him. "Yeah, that makes two of us." He responds dryly. Hypnos snaps her mouth angrily as if saying that she has yet to forgive his mentor.

"You don't have to go out there, it's hopeless." he presses, and Hitoshi snorts derisively.

"You were never the one to waste time on hopeless cases, and I can't afford to do the same. I've got all the strength I need to survive." He moves his hand slightly, but Erasrehead's grip tightens.

"I'm proud to call you my student."

The dragon rider pauses before removing his hand. "Thanks," he adds gently, a glimmer of a smirk forming on his face. Hypnos arches her back, about to pounce, as Hitoshi presses his body firmly against her, moving with her. They shoot straight up, a night-black streak against the infinite grey. Hitoshi finally felt powerful and ambitious again.

"He's up!" He barely makes out who shouts---probably Neito.

Hypnos turns in midair and he lets out a raw-throated laugh as they take a minute to celebrate the fact that they are alive, together, and soaring again.

And then he notices, out of the corner of his eye, Neito being sucked into the Queen's jaws. Hitoshi shifts and Hypnos follows suit, humans and dragons soaring through the sky at high speeds. The terrifying, high-pitched sound that precedes one of her plasma attacks fills the air, and he flattens himself against her body. "Night Fury!" someone yells, their voice hoarse with smoke and flames. "Get down!"

The blast slams into the beast's mandible, sending Neito  tumbling through the  sky, dragon-less, and holy crap Hypnos go go go---

"Did you get him?" he demands as they loop around, and Hypnos purrs, staring downwards with a sly look. He stiffens, wondering if his dragon dropped him to spite the blonde, but then relaxes as he hears his laugh. They fly down to the ground, with Hypnos releasing Neito, who flips to his feet. Hitoshi believes he heard him say "go" or something, but he is unable to confirm because he lacks the necessary time.

Hitoshi and Hypnos rocket past the Red Death, as they climb higher and higher into the air. The altitude getting heavy. Hitoshi looked back and noticed the huge monster had wings.

"That thing has wings," he muttered to himself, and he remembers a lesson coming back to him.

It's the wings and tails you want.

A mischievous grin crosses his face. Like Midoirya said, the tail is made for crushing, too strong and muscled for their attacks to be effective. But those torn-up, ragged wings... "Let's see if it can use them!"

Hypnos unfurls her majestic wings, and with a powerful beat, she angles them back, gathering momentum for a dramatic maneuver. In an exhilarating burst of speed, her body falls like a shooting star as she plummets toward the ground.

As she descends, the air around her vibrates with tension, and an unsettling, high-pitched whistle emanates from her wings, a sound that pierces the stillness and warns of her approach. The moment she reaches the target, an explosion of vibrant purple energy erupts against the flank of the colossal Red Death, illuminating the sky with a fierce glow.

Reacting swiftly, Hypnos pulls up hard, her wings straining against the air as she ascends sharply, narrowly avoiding the chaos below. In the wake of her assault, the immense figure of the Queen begins to topple, crashing to the ground with the weight of a crumbling edifice, scattering debris and dust in a cataclysmic finale.

Smoke fills the air, giving an eerie backdrop for the Queen's massive, torn wings that were starting to unfold. Allowing everyone to see how large these wings were and how much more of a threat they were.

Hitoshi turned back around as he gazed at the dragon slowly rising to her feet, "You think that did it?"

From behind them, the sound of flapping wings could be heard. A beast was carried into the sky by a colossal pair of massive wings. Roaring as if smugly mocking the two.

"Well, looks like the overgrown volcano can fly," Hitoshi commented with a smirk.

They take a quick turn to the side, aiming for a tangle of sea stacks. They proceeded to thread their way among the interwoven sea stacks effortlessly. They knew from their first flight together that this would be easy. They turned sharply as the Queen snapped her jaws at them.

Boulders begin to fly everywhere as the Red Death crashes into every single one, throwing Hypnos's flight patterns off. Despite the crash, the Queen didn't falter, as her wings continued to carry her further, almost catching up with Hypnos and Hitoshi.

Hitoshi growled as he side-eyed her, I'm surprised the old bat can fly this fast.

They speed past the seashore as the two catch glimpses of the other heroes on the ground. Hitoshi just caught a glimpse of Aizawa, Yamada, and Kayama smiling happily at him, especially Aizawa, who appeared to be on the edge of collapse, forcing Yamada to keep him firmly up.

The teens begin to cheer and clap, Neito being the loudest, "Take her down, Hitoshi! Show her what you and Hypnos are made of!"

Hitoshi snorts at the encouraging remarks. In rapid pursuit, the Red Death shatters the sea stacks, her attention fixated on the duo. As the boulders flew, everyone dived for safety. The Red Death did not abandon her pursuit. Her speed was growing, which was remarkable for a dragon of her size. She smashed through the sea stacks like they were trees.

She's gaining on us? We need to do something.

The boy with indigo hair looked up at the clouds, which were black and grey. The skies are as dark as Hypnos' scales, indicating phase two of his plan to bring down this monster.

"Okay, Hypnos. Let us play some mind games with her." Hitoshi snapped. "It is time to disappear!" The two of them shoot for the cloud cover, and he grinds his teeth as they climb higher and higher. "Come on, girl!"

The beast chomps her jaws, just barely missing Hypnos by the tail. She dodges as he feels the air almost suck them down.

"Here it comes."

As the Red Death soars high alongside them, a vortex of fire erupts, and the two form a circle around it. Because Hypnos was a small, slender, and agile dragon, she was able to achieve tremendous speed in comparison to the Queen. Jaws snap down barely a fucking inch from her good tailfin, and he swallows back a snarl of rage as they vanish into the night-black skies, circling the thing responsible for every raid and dragon attack on their island.

He leans forward as Hypnos blazes towards its wing, her renowned pre-dive-bomb screeching intensifying as she shoots at the Red Death's wings, briefly lighting up the sky. It roars, this time in pain, and he and his Night Fury snarl as they shoot for the Queen's right wing, adrenaline coursing through their blood as they move in unison. Another blast tints the sky silvery violet, and then another, each one finding its target. Hitoshi can only imagine how absurd this must appear to those on the ground, but that is irrelevant; if they lose, they die. And he would not let Hypnos take the fall for him again.

It's a trick, using the darkness as coverage, using their size against her, making her see them when they weren't there. The coverage of the darkness, contorted her vision, impairing her judgement with every whistle and every still moment. 

She was spiralling into madness, her mind lost in a frenzy of panic, confusion, and games. With pent-up rage, she roars. 

The dragon shakes and rotates her entire body from side to side as a rain of fire spirals around them. A wave of fire catches up to the two. They go through it unhurt, but Hitoshi overlooks one little thing. Hypnos' brown prosthetic tail caught fire, eating it and reducing it to ashes.

Hitoshi takes a shaky turn back as his voice cracks, "Ahh, our times up."

His gaze hardens as he turns back around, he takes a harsh and deep breath as he mutters, "We need to make this work."

Hypnos curves into a dive, and they fly straight through one of the holes in the monster's wings as she shrieks at the Queen. "Come on!" he provokes the monster. "Is that the best you can do?"

Hypnos snarls, savage and protective, and her determination and rage explode into a roar. Hitoshi had never seen this side of them before, and it made them feel like complete badasses. Like a knight riding his noble steed into battle. He felt like a warrior. They just evaded the jaws as they drew into a sharp and hard dive down, the Queen right after them. Hypnos' wings beat faster and faster as she flew through the clouds like an arrow.

The Red Death almost bites them again before Hitoshi moves the tail, doubting his plan. No luck—the item has burned out, so step three is their only alternative. Hypnos makes a frightened squeal, and he notices her pupils narrowing in terror. "Stay with me, girl, we are fine, just a little longer," he says anxiously as they break through the clouds.

The Red Death narrows her eyes to gain a clear view of the dark dragon. The sound of a gas leak bursting came from behind, allowing the dragon to prepare for a great explosion while green toxic gas swirled in its mouth.
"Hold, Hypnos."

Not so fireproof on the inside, he thinks. Let's rig her favour, once and for all. 

Hitoshi flips Hypnos over, leaving the dragon staring into the fangs of a terrifying beast. Hypnos's wings flap in the wind as she dives backwards. Hypnos rears up and launches a plasma blast into the jaw. The Queen's mouth began to smoulder like a fire, her pupils slit, and a horrified expression filled her gaze. They made close contact with the ground. She attempted to stretch her wings to stop the fall, but a loud tearing sound came from her wings. The flesh of the wings begins to peel fast, exposing just bone. The Queen roars as she begins suctioning the duo into her mouth, attempting to bring them down with her; however, Hypnos manages to manoeuvre out of the way. 

The duo weaved between the masses of spikes that littered her body from head to toe. The Queen's fire begins to sear its own master, greedily licking the beast's body as he and Hypnos attempt to escape. He can nearly see the end, knowing that they are home-free and—

Heavy tail, made for bashing and crushing.

"No," he gasps, but the prosthetic tail does not operate. "No!" Hypnos panics as the club-like tail swings towards them, the Queen desperate to take them with it in its final moments.

It strikes him, launching him off Hypnos, and Hitoshi Shinsou is engulfed by flames.

Chapter Text

Once the fire cleared, all was white. The sky was white, the ground was white---everything an ashy white. As if it were a dull snoggletog morning. Instead of waiting for gifts, instead, everyone was met with silence and shock.

Shouta pushes her way through the soot, his heart pounding so fast that it hurts. He shouts angrily, "Shinsou" even though his lungs burn with the toxic mist, "Shinsou?!"

The ground is smoking from the extreme heat, and her feet should be hurting, but Shouta is completely numb. His piercing stare shoots around the beach, and he cries out once more, "Hitoshi!"

He turns and coughs as the ash coats his lungs, glass-like fragments piercing his skin. That pales in comparison to the remorse that is deep within him. If the burned and bruised body is even recognisable, he dreads seeing it; if not, he fears that it will be completely ruined, disfigured, blackened, and burned.

In front of him, the silhouette of a Night Fury appears, disturbingly still. His heart thumping with terror, he ran up to the dragon. He is shocked to see that the dragon is completely conscious as it turns over and groans in agony. He looks at the dragon's complete body; the tail is shattered and the saddle is torn. And his pupil was nowhere to be seen. It was the same picture to Shouta, who had not felt this way since Shirakumo's death.

Shouta falls to his knees and looks helplessly at the Night Fury—the Night Fury, who is still breathing—barely, his sorrow thumping in his chest like a dull ache. He bends his head and presses his palms to his knees, breathing, "Oh gods."

"I did this."

Because he let this happen, a student—a child—a future hero—his child—is now dead.

Because of him..

A dark mass formed around them, and from behind them came the sound of feet thumping on rocks.

Running to his side, Hizashi kneels next to him and puts his hands on the ailing underground hero's shoulders. He leant his head against his and whispered how remorseful he felt, his own eyes misting.

Pushing his way to the front of the crowd, Neito almost collapses as he reaches the clearing. He feels the same emotions as the underground hero as his world falls apart around him. The blond boy's face turned hot and white. His palms went to his cheeks, his eyes began to well up with tears, and his chest heaved with sobs that were starting to spill out. He felt Vlad King bow his head respectfully and put a thick arm around the teen's shoulders.

Tears filled their eyes as everyone's hands tightened around one another. Bakugou even hung his head and gazed blankly at the pebbled floor. In an attempt to console her rider, Neito's dragon started to prod his cheek. In a close-knit group, the teenagers tried to soothe one another. 

Dragon and humans mourning as one.

The Night Fury--she--shifts, blinking wide blurry purple eyes, letting forth a faint noise from its throat. As if he needs a reminder of how much he has let her rider down, the black dragon looks reproachfully and flares her nostrils. Unable to speak, he observes her. She has a cold, diamond-hard gaze.

"I'm sorry," he manages, tears pricking in his eyes. "I'm so, so sorry."

Her eyes soften, and she unfolds her wings, revealing---

"Hitoshi!"

Tucked safely in his arms was Hitoshi. Almost like a youngster being held. Even though his body is covered in soot, his face is serene in slumber; his left leg is completely mangled, shattered in a dozen places, and torn apart by claw and teeth marks. Shouta scurried forward, cradling Hitoshi in his arms while stroking his face and brushing his hair. On Hitoshi's chest, he presses his ear.

Ba-bump.

Ba-bump.

Ba-bump.

B-ba-bump.

A weeping chuckle comes from his mentor, "He's alive!" His voice broke with her emotions, "You brought him back alive."

The audience lets forth a triumphant applause. The greatest cheers came from the teenagers, who all gasped. The relief caused Kaminari and Kirishima to leap up and down, Uraraka and Yaoyorozu to nearly pass out, and as for Neito---he clasped a hand over his mouth and smiled brightly as the tears started to fall down his cheek. The dragons even started to roar with cheer.

Shouta placed a gentle hand against the weakened Night Fury, her head resting against the pebbled ground. "Thank you, for saving my student."

The Night Fury had an approachable expression as if to say, you're welcome. Before her eyes closed again, sinking into unconsciousness again.

---

When Hitoshi first regains consciousness, he experiences excruciating pain that is centred in his left leg. He wonders if it is a phantom sensation from his wounds, but luckily it goes away immediately.

The second sensation he experiences is air—warm and gentle, like a soft breath against his face—with a scent reminiscent of dragons. "Hypnos?" is his first thought, but he is too exhausted and disoriented to open his eyes or even move.

A few seconds later, a very persistent growl and the feeling of breath brushing across his face again give him the fortitude to open his eyes. He can see violet eyes that are glad, as well as a purring Night Fury, as a blur of a black shade becomes more polished and comes into focus.

"Hey." He murmurs hoarsely, his voice still charred by the ashes of the Red Death. Hypnos lightly nudges his cheek with her muzzle. "Hi, Hypnos." A faint smile appears on his face as she nudges him more anxiously, and he reaches out a trembling hand as it advances. His hand is full of burns, blisters and scars, but he does not regard this as a loss or a deadweight; for the first time in his life, he realises that his wounds indicate that he is a survivor and that he is strong. 

"Yeah, I am glad to see you too, girl." She hovers over him, putting a paw (and her weight) briefly on his abdomen; Hitoshi swears furiously as he jolts forward on instinct, curling up to protect his damaged body.

It's then that he finally recognizes where he is.

"This is not my usual dorm room," he realises, watching in terror at Hypnos as she explores, knocking over everything and making such a great goddamn racket that someone would undoubtedly discover her and kill her. He spots his reflection in a mirror, eyes widening at the scorch marks and scars on his neck---but that's not important. "You're in this dorm room too---" and she rushes over to him, smelling eager. "Do the others know you are here?" he demands, wincing as her tail smacks into a pile of bookshelves psychology books, and the aesthetics are to his liking, eyes widening as she jumps to one of the exposed rafters. "Gods, Hypnos, no—ah, come on..." 

And he moves to get out of his bed and... stops. Why can't I feel my leg? He wonders, moving to lift the blanket.

Hitoshi looks blankly at the metal contraption that has replaced his lower left leg and foot. Hypnos drops to the ground as he swings his legs out of bed, first laying down his flesh-and-blood, then gently and carefully placing down the metal one.

It dawns on him how much he has taken his limbs, his life, and all of his possessions for granted, and he shudders, raising a hand to wipe forcefully at his eyes. Hypnos sniffs at his metal leg before raising her dazzling eyes at him. And, as usual, he can read her like a book.

And she does not look at him differently. If anything, her eyes are full of that unearned unconditional love that pierces his heart like a knife. No judgement, no fear, and complete acceptance

Hitoshi gingerly gets to his feet, testing his weight on his surgically substituted left leg. It gives way in the same way that muscle does, and he wonders if he will be able to run and walk without limping. After all, Mei is a goddamned genius, and he is confident that she will go to any length to get him back in the air.

That does not make it any easier when he takes his first step and falls like a toddler. Hypnos catches him just before he falls to the ground, warm scales and powerful muscles supporting him as she raises her head, carrying him with her. He turns slowly and painfully, looping his arm around her neck as he limps forward, assisted by his best friend. "Thanks, girl," he breathes, and she sings as they approach the ground floor entrance.

The dorms are utterly empty, but he doesn't need anyone there to point out what he already knows---that Fate as if sensing the soul that matches his own, has decided to make them even more similar. Dragon and human, each powerful without the other, but unstoppable when they are as one.

Hitoshi slowly pushed open the door. A Skrill roared directly at him from outside, and Hitoshi, unnerved, slammed the door shut.

 "Hypnos," he warns his Night Fury, "stay here."

He pushes the door open again. Kaminari hovers just outside on Dragonback, Vigorvolt's wings beating wildly as he shouts to the others, "C'mon guys, get ready! Hold on tight, here we go!"

This had to be a sick joke, he reasoned. The skies were as bright as crystal, free of ash and smoke, and the houses were not on fire. Instead, dragons perched atop the houses, carrying men and women rather than shooting them. Dragons were wherever you looked.

And then Kaminari rushes past, leading a group of 1-A pupils who were not in their combat group against the Red Death but are now riding dragons, with Kaminari coaching them. Hitoshi mentally calculates how many things could go wrong, but grins in surprise and enjoyment when Tokoyami dashes past on a dark Timberjack with Dark Shadow, followed by Mina on a Changewing (ironic) and Jirou on a Thunderdrum.

 They are not the only ones who have changed, he realises as he looks out over the community. Heroes and citizens alike are fleeing on dragons, and the gigantic braziers that were once fiery death torches are now stocked with fish for dragons to consume. A flock of Nadders sits on a rooftop, while a Gronkle lumbers by, prodding Kouda as the typically quiet boy chatters eagerly with the monsters. He also notices a few Class B pupils with dragons, like Kendo, who has a Grapple Grounder resting at her side, and Testutestu, who has an Armour Wing.

 "I knew it," he says after a time, peering out above the hamlet and watching as Yamada swoops down on a Thunderdrum with Aizawa behind him, dismounting the yellow-orange tidal class and laughingly hooking an arm around his. "I'm dead."

"No, but you gave it your best shot. You scared us all out of our minds, too." Hitoshi gapes with shock, as Yamada snickers, "So? Whaddya think?"

A group of hero course students and low-ranking heroes recognised him and looked up at him. "It's Shinsou!" One of them shouted---Oijiro---to be exact, and the others responded with greetings and exclamations of happiness. Hitoshi blinks, overwhelmed by the flood of enthusiastic greetings. However, he has achieved his goal. He has established himself as someone worthy of respect, has finally contributed to his village, and has protected his home, all because he allowed his heart to beat at its rate, all because he was out of his mind. Still, again, he was different from the others to begin with.

"Turns out all we needed was a little more of this," Aizawa's voice rumbles, and dark eyes burn with almost parental pride. 

"You just gestured to all of me," he manages, unable to say anything more.

"Not all of you!" a voice, sharp and eager, reminds them, and Mei pushes through the crowd. "That bit's my handiwork--- your number one inventor proves herself again---so, think it'll work?"

Hitoshi examines it with a critical eye. For the first time, he accepts this leg as part of him, noting that, like him, it has flaws and room for improvement. "I might make a few tweaks," he shrugs, and the others laugh.

Someone else shoves through the crowd, and he knows who it is as soon as feels a nudge on his shoulder. "That's for scaring me," Neito scoffs haughtily, and he stares at him in askance.

"I was wondering when you were going to show up...serious, is this going to be a running gag for you?-"

Then he is pulled into a hug, with Neito's arms around his neck. Hitoshi's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly realised how pleasant it felt. When he felt Neito peck his cheek, he looked stunned and felt his cheeks heated up. Neito draws away with an unexpectedly kind, compassionate smile, and a tinge of pink on his cheeks. "I could get used to it," Hitoshi says with a smirk, and Neito huffs and rolls his eyes with a sheepish smirk in return.

Shouta taps him on the shoulder, and he turns to face him. He holds out purple fabric wrapped in brown leather, and he grabs it, delighted as he recognises the newly made tailfin and saddle. "Welcome home and to the Hero Course." He whispers, giving him the first proper hug he can recall. He has wanted this since he was five years old.

The door rattles behind them, and someone yells, "Night Fury!" as Hypnos pushes through it, barging through heroes and civilians as she bounds up to him, preparing to fly.

In minutes, she is saddled, her purple tailfin and black scales glistening in the sun like liquid. He swings himself back onto her back, his prosthetic fitting perfectly into the stirrup as he moves her tail. He glances up at Neito (Mei has already left, shouting something about waiting for them at the harbour while gearing Hypnos up) and Rosura, both of whom smile as he rests his palm on the Night Fury's head. "You're not too upset that I'm in 1A, are you?" he asks, smirking.

Neito scoffs, pretending to be offended. "My dreams are crushed and my day is ruined, thank you." He chortles. "Fine...you're the only acception."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Hitoshi replies with a smile. "You ready?" he asks, gleaming down at the Night Fury, and she makes an impatient noise, snapping her jaw with a wolfish grin.

This is Musutafu

He watches hesitant civilians take off on gentle Gronckles and Rumblehorns, only to discover that flying is the greatest freedom the world can offer.

It snows nine months of the year and hails the other three.

He tenses as he and his dragon take off, with Neito following just a wingbeat behind and quickly overtaking him. He grins as they plunge through the streets, yelling and cheering and daring each other to perform dangerous manoeuvres while racing.

Any food that grows here is tough and tasteless. The people that grow here are even more so.

They streak through a tunnel and emerge above the harbour, Mei and Uraraka participating in their game by flying at speeds that create their own wind currents and routes.

The only upsides are the pets.

They fly over a narrow wooden bridge, Kaminari and Kirishima plunging off the platforms as they glide upward, passing through a narrow passageway and looping up into the sky.

While other places have ponies or parrots...

Midoriya swoops in to join them, along with Todoroki, Bakugou, and Yaoyorozu, the ten forming an unintended "V" shape---a gathering of the village's best and brightest, the Dragon Riders.

We have...

Hitoshi grins proudly as he and Hypnos charge towards the sun, piercing the clouds with their roar. The world is wide open for them, with thousands of previously inconceivable regions suddenly available. The future will be challenging, and the past untouchable, but for the time being, Hitoshi and Hypnos are reaching for the sky together---as one. 

Dragons.

Chapter Text

Hello, it's me again. I just wanted to give an update about this fic. I know I promised more continuations of this fic, but I'm looking back and I want to rewrite this whole AU from scratch. Like, I want it to be it's own thing instead of simply following the movies and TV series. But yeah, I want to write a more original crossover, with only some elements of the movies. Shinsou is still the main character and still has a Night Fury in my rewrite, don't worry. But, yeah, keep on the look out for that.
Thanks for listening!!!