Chapter Text
Claw and Dagger
-That was foolish, even for you- A deep voice echoed in a young green haired man's head as he ran thundering through the trees of the forest with shouts of anger echoing in his wake. Izuku's grin was wild and his eyes shined brightly as he ducked behind a tree just in time to avoid a number of arrows that thunked into the thick tree he hid behind.
"Careful now that almost got me!" Izuku called back hearing the enraged snarls that were coming closer to his hiding spot as he hazards a glance behind the tree before rushing forward once more. His sword a comforting thump against his hip and thigh as he ran. He was wearing a sturdy pair of black boots, Warm thick buckskin breeches, A thick belt with pouches hung on his hips, He was bare-chested wearing an open hide vest his bare arms covered in tribal tattoos that twisted from his fingers to his elbows curling swirls of black and green ink only covered by the sturdy hide bracers. His long green hair was braided in a warrior's braid bounced as he ran.
Izuku grunted as he slid to a stop sending rocks and dirt scattering into the open air. he was standing on the edge of a cliff. Looking over the edge he peered down seeing another thick forest with a twisting river several hundred feet below. The sounds of the men that had been chasing him came to a stop behind him as he turned his gaze away from the cliff with a friendly relaxed smile facing the bandits that had been chasing him.
"Give it up thief! Your trapped now be a good omega and hand the egg over... and maybe we will let you make it up to us if you beg sweetly." Rutgar was an ugly cruel bastard. A massive scar ran from the center of his clavicle to the right side of his chest where his old tribe leader tried to kill him during a dual.
"Aww, you mean this shiny rock? Thanks, I wasn't aware it was so valuable though you might want to phrase your insult better next time after all didn't you steal this lovely too?" Izuku chirped as he put a hand in a pouch on his belt and showed off the bright black and orange egg that shown like it had a living fire within its depts. Izuku grinned before putting the egg safely back in the pouch.
"Dumbass don't say shit! you know this slut is fucking with you! I told you not to let the bastard in the camp but you were too concerned with getting your cock wet." Another human growled punching Rutgar in the face sending the shorter beta to the ground where he spits a glob of blood and saliva to the forest floor before glaring at the taller alpha and getting back to his feet.
"Now now no need to be violent I was merely taking something useless to you off your hands. Everyone knows wild dragon eggs not bound by the dragon contract won't hatch for a human." Izuku snipped sweetly blowing Rutgar a kiss seeing the Bandit grit his teeth and hold his dagger tighter face staining red with anger.
"Stop talking omega scum, get on your knees and beg for your life!" Thrall growled this was one ugly Orc Izuku thought the orcs tusks were curled and his teeth yellowed or missing his green skin was only covered by a dirty stinking loincloth and a shoulder guard one yellow eye was missing from an empty socket.
"Now now no need to get nasty after all I am trapped nowhere to go... I guess I should just end it all now" Izuku sighed dramatically holding the back of his hand to his forehead as he simply leaned back letting gravity pull him freely and fell off the cliff.
-So damn dramatic really this is my partner for life?- The voice asked clearly amused and not nearly as annoyed as it was meant to sound in Izuku's thoughts.
The bandits yelled in shock darting to the edge glancing down to find to their horror a massive black dragon raising up with piercing blue eyes with Izuku standing on its back one hand holding a spike taller than any alpha there grinning at the stunned and wide-eyed bandits.
"So sorry did I forget to mention I had a partner? Oh well, Dabi let em' have it so they never steal another egg again." Izuku said his tone shifting from playful to cold and angry.
Dabi took a deep breath as the bandits tried to run for safety but it was too late The massive black dragon opened his maw and a glowing blue flickering light suddenly roared to life completely consuming the bandit even their bones turned to dust. Dabi roared as he raised higher up into the sky flying up into the clouds before turning to go back toward the bandits' encampment.
Once they drew close Dabi dropped to the ground with a running stop easing to a walk as they got closer they could hear the panicked voices of the slaves that had been captured, stolen, or bought from their homes and villages. Dabi snapped another bandit in his jaws killing him instantly that had tried rushing their flank maul in hand and dropping the broken body to the ground Izuku spoke words in the ancient language shielding Them from the crossbow bolts that whizzed through the air seemly stopping mid-air before dropping before spinning around and launching back at the ones who fired them killing two more bandits.
Izuku dropped to the ground off Dabi's shoulder rolling to his feet and with sure swift steps swung his sword up in an arc taking the attacking bandit head from his shoulder. Grabbing the body before it could fall to the ground Izuku spun around dragging the body in front of him using it as a shield hearing the wet thunks of arrows burrowing into the dead shield. Dropping the body Izuku lunged and killed the last archer with a bolt of lightning on the other side of the encampment Dabi's claws gored the chest of another.
Izuku examined the area nodding his head as the pupils of his eyes slowly shifted from the split reptilian eyes of a dragon and settled more into a humans shape surrounded in emerald green tones. Izuku smiled calmly as he went to the prisoner's cages and carefully picked the locks on the cages freeing them.
"There, there, the danger is gone now, your free," Izuku murmured softly allowing a calming omega scent to fill the crude clearing. Many were too scared to leave the cages others were quick to rush the rider and beg him to remove their collars and chains. It took time but eventually, Izuku had released the 15 prisoners.
They were sitting around the fire now as Izuku shifted through the Bandit camp rounding up everything he could that the freed slaves might be able to use. Boots and food were passed around clothes for those that needed it and supplies and horses for those that would have problems walking on their own. Izuku handed over a map he found in a tent pointing out a village that was friendly and would take many of them in or at least help them on their way.
Izuku waited until the last of the prisoners had left the encampment before he sighed wearily there were a few goats left that Dabi was eating already. Looking to his dragon rubbing his muzzle and pressing his head to Dabi's snout once he had finished. His emotions flowed with grief and agony inside the cave of the encampment where a number of supplies and treasures had been stored there were the shells of four other eggs that completely shattered the young dead corpses laying on the ground to rot.
-I am so sorry Dabi if only I had found the camp sooner. The bastards likely broke them open when they couldn't hatch them. Even fools know that wild dragon eggs won't hatch for anyone, not elf or human.- Izuku's thoughts flowed sadly to his partner that murred softly to calm the omega.
Izuku pulled the one egg that was still alive out of the pouch handling the egg with care. He held it out to his dragon for Dabi to inspect, The large black dragon flicked out his tongue rubbing over the eggs shell seeking out any imperfections breathing heat over the shell in controlled blue flames mindful of his rider's hands that were resistant to his heat but not invulnerable to its full might.
"It's alive and well another fire dragon we will need to head to the south again..." Dabi's voice was a rasping rumble that flowed through Izuku even as the dragon licked his rider's cheek in a move of comfort and praise. Izuku grinned as he put the egg back into the wool-lined pouch at his hip fingers gently rubbing over the smooth rock-like shell feeling the increased heat from Dabi's flame. after making sure the egg was safely put away he reached to his other hip tightening a pouch of gold to his belt that he had lifted from one of the bandits earlier that day. He had given all the other gold and weapons he found in the camp to the prisoners he had released.
"Let's get on the way then," Izuku called as he ran to Dabi's shoulder and scaled the side of his dragon partner as easily as a goat would scale a mountain. Once he had seated himself on Dabi's shoulder the great black dragon rose to his full height and took a few running steps before jumping into the air and taking flight once more.
-Sleep Zu, you need rest after that dumbass stunt.- Dabi's voice slipped into Izuku's mind as he carefully stretched out his arms above his head his bones gave a satisfying pop as they realigned properly causing the green-haired man to sigh in satisfaction. Bending at his waist he easily positioned his legs so he was comfortably sat on his dragon's back between his shoulders one leg on either side of the thick serpentine neck.
-alright are you ready to meld?- Izuku thought back across their bond link.
Dabi rumbled low in his throat and their bond pulsed as it hummed and grew stronger Izuku's mind drifted into Dabi's making room for part of Dabi's consciousness to meld within his own body. The feeling was no longer as alien an experience as it had once been. Izuku now could see through Dabi's eyes, feel the wind through his wings as if he was the dragon, feel his tail cut through the air like a rudder, while Dabi could feel every part of Izuku's body arms, legs, and fingers, toes, everything that was Izuku seated on his back.
When within the meld also known as the drift Izuku's body was not really sleeping as Part of Dabi's consciousness inhabited securing it to the dragon's back. it was a way for him to mentally relax and rest even if his body was in a semi-sleep it would still restore some of his energy. When melded they shared every part of their souls with the other. It was a two-way street, Dabi knew every memory and thought Izuku ever had or thought. Izuku was also privy to every memory and thought of Dabi's life and past life.
Dabi had hatched for Izuku on Izuku's 10th summer. From the moment Dabi hatched for Izuku they were taken to the riders academy and taught the histories and magic of the riders and races. The old stories were shared with all new riders and partners as a warning and lesson that was to be respected at all costs.
When the world was first new the gods walked the lands their influence affecting all their creations. Dragons, dwarves, elves, fae, humans, and everything else between.
For a time all was well and in balance. Then like always their creations grew to be displeased by their lot in life, some were desperate to find their soul mate or life partner, others desperate to please their god committed crimes against others and before long there were wars and strife raging through the lands. The gods felt that their influence was the cause created a realm all of their own between the land of the living and the land of the dead.
The years passed and the wars slowed but never truly dissipated. now the fighting was more about land and territory, religion and wealth, wisdom and knowledge, power and jealousy of any race over another. The world was ending and there appeared to be no end in sight. Desperate to save their creations that the gods loved as their own children they returned to the mortal plane.
The fae were given a pocket dimension to rule over known as underhill or the underground. They still interacted with the mortal plane but they were forbidden from taking any kingdom as their own on it. They were also given the faewilds which many believed was the gateway to the realm of Underground. None but the fae were able to travel the fae wilds freely all others would become helplessly lost some for years at a time others were never seen again.
The dwarves were granted dominion over the lonely mountain. It was the largest mountain in the world. it was said that the dwarves' greatest city was held within filled with riches the other races could not begin to imagine. The dwarves were told they were free like the fae to travel the mortal plain as they seen fit but were prohibited from attempting to conquer any other kingdom from their own Lonely mountain.
The dragons were born of the skies and would not be bound to the earth in the same manner as the dwarves and fae. They were given two massive islands one in the south and the other in the north of the endless seas. They were told they could go anywhere they wished mingle with any race and live where they desired but would hold dominion over none but those that walked the islands. This story grew far more complex later but it was Izuku's favorite.
The humans and elves were given the entire continent as their domain, The Summerwood was the kingdom of the elves where their king ruled deep in the southern parts of the continent. The human ruled their kingdom from the northern keep known as the White Tower. The humans were given no rule over where they might go, as they argued with the gods ruling that they would not hold dominion over any race but their own and were punished. unlike the other races, their lives would not hold the same longevity as any other race for their folly.
Once the gods' work was done they left with one final decree. They had stopped the destruction of the world. This was the last time they would be so forgiving If the races did not learn to co-exist the world would end and the gods would not interfere a second time. The gods departed after that and the world found balance for a time. several hundred years passed and the gods convened once more. The world was quiet and the races were dying out.
Now that they were stable and knew the folly of their ways many races stayed isolated not mingling with any other and their bloodlines and magic grew weaker birth rates dropping drastically especially the races that lived far longer such as the dragons, fae, elves, and dwarves. The birth rates are low and not able to sustain their cultures. The gods took pity on their creations. weaving their magic once more they changed the world. Secondary genders were brought to life allowing omegan males came to be able to bare young for their mate. Alpha's and Omega's were both biologically made to desire to find a mate and breed.
Once more the world was changed and suddenly the races were no longer so isolated. Travel opened up as more sought out a suitable mate to love and breed young with. The races flourished once more. All except the dragons. They were still isolated as all the other races feared them and their power. The gods granted them another gift they were gifted the magic to change their shape to that of a human. as closely as they were able their stature was still far larger than an average human, Their bodies holding great strength and power even in this far more vulnerable form.
Now the dragons were free to roam the world and hide in plain sight among the other races. Dragons sought out adventure like all the other races now their species able to lay eggs from either gender raised their birth rates and they even mingled with some of the other humanoid races creating a new breed.
Hybrids. most hybrids were birthed on one of the islands kept safe from those that would harm them until they were of an age where they would venture out on their own ability to control their own magic to hold either a human appearance or their hybrid one. only a dragon could birth a hybrid. Though it was not often that it occurred as dragons still kept mostly to their islands when looking for a mate.
Wars and conflict still broke out between the races. As would happen from all free-willed creatures even a wolf would kill another creature either for food or territory or a mate. It is the nature of all things. But the races kept their promises and never tried to usurper another race's Kingdom. One such war drove the dragons to desperation it took years for a dragon to grow old enough to breed and they still had such low birth rates that Humans and elves drove the mighty race to near extinction during a war.
Finally, the dragons realizing a truce must be made if they hoped to survive they parlayed with the elves and humans. A contract was written, Every other season some of the dragon's eggs would be spelled to allow them to hatch and bond with a human or elf. The pair would be a soul bond for life. Humans would gain a longer life span and more magic to match their dragon partner. The contract was binding in the ancient language the elves spoke and the humans had forgotten in this language no lie could be spoken and each word held power for those that had rudiments the true meaning of any word.
There would be no undoing of the contract. Those that became bond to a dragon would be trained and taught by riders, elves, and dragons alike to be the peacekeepers and rangers of the three races. They were not permitted to attack the other any longer. The age of the rider became known as the golden era. Riders were common in any kingdom's courts most often as advisers or spell crafters or weapon masters. The riders were known for their knowledge and powerful magics. The first riders once bound to their dragon gained additional magic they could use without having to speak these magics were powerful enough and unique between bloodlines and became known as quirks passed down through their bloodlines to even those that would never bond to a dragon.
As the ages passed after the first rider and his dragon emerged the world grew more complicated and yet peaceful in its own right. Many tribes and settlements had mingled races inside of them now hundreds of years later there were even tribes that consisted of dragons and humans that coexisted for each other's benefit. One such tribe had been where Izuku's own dear dragon mother fell in love with an alpha elf. Midoriya had convinced Inko that she was his fated mate and none but her would ever be able to grant him the life bond he sought.
Inko had been a young and rebellious dragoness that had only entered her first season. Believing herself to be the elf's mate as he told her, she never realized he was weaving a dark spell over her. to bind her to him so that he could use her large well of magic for his own. Inko was foolish and allowed herself to be mated to the elf. She became pregnant, and once more the elf talked her into breaking from tradition, and instead of spawning her egg on the Northern Island as all her ancestors before she had, she moved to the cave Midoriya enchanted for her.
Inko birthed her egg in the cave her mate provided her, a beautiful emerald and black egg in a hidden nest far from her home island and the protection of her clan and tribe. Midoriya planned to bind the welp to him to drain more magic from his child the moment he was able. Midoriya planned to revolt against the king of the Summerwood and take his place and for that, he needed a massive well of power his mate and child no more than magic-filled batteries for him.
Inko began to feel the effects shortly after entering the cave to welp her young but it was already to late for the female dragon once she entered the cave she was trapped. Blinded by the love she had for her mate Inko did not resist believing the elf had done all of this to protect her from roaming barbarian tribes and other dangers. Izuku would be born and spend the first 3 years of his life inside of that cave.
Midoriya would be killed after he challenged the king of Summerwood. His spell on the cave remained and Inko and her child slowly were dying of starvation when the elf no longer was able to return to bring them food and water. Luckily for the pair, the cave was hidden close to the river of Fyre. The tribe that lived along its shore were bound to the dragons that protected the valley none could use the river without being under the watchful gaze of the dragons residing in the cliffs or the tribe settled at its banks. Their tribe was known as the Battleborn tribe led by the Bakugo clan.
Their warriors would bond with full-grown dragons that would choose their own rider after the warrior turned 16 years of age and proved themselves a true protector of the tribe. Unlike the riders that bonded with the dragons while in their eggs these dragons were considered wild. They and their chosen Warrior would fight and ride together with each other one and only just like the riders but this tradition was only seen in this tribe only on the continent.
The great dragon Nana was ancient and the leader of the Fyer River cliff dragons. was able to sense Inko's desperation now that the barrier Midoriya had used to trap her had weakened. Taking her most trusted clan mates with her they found the cave and the dying dragoness and her young. It took a considerable amount of magic to break the spell but Inko and Izuku were saved and brought to the cliffs to live.
It was here at the cliffs that Izuku would learn all there was to know of the world around him. He was a hybrid and though his body was small and thin like an elven child he was far more intelligent like a dragon child. He very quickly learned what his father had wanted and done to his mother and by extension him. He was born magically weak due to his mother's magic being sifened from her while he was growing in his egg. Izuku was angry and refused to greet any of the tribe children that would come to the cliffs distrusting everyone that was not a dragon.
As the years passed Izuku was taught all that the dragons could including how to fight in a human form. His magic slowly returned to him and he was able to take a hybrid form though smaller than all others ever recorded due to him being an omega and his growth being stunted. in his hybrid form, he kept his Human shape and bulk. Horns sprouting from his head and curling back over the top of his head. He would gain the wings and tails of an emerald green dragon and was able to breathe lightning. He was stronger in this form but he would never have the stature of any other hybrid.
Izuku kept himself isolated and only ever met the human tribe leader once in the years he lived at the cliffs it was on his tenth birthday that the leader approached Inko's cave they had become friends and often chatted. Izuku had smelled an odd scent coming from the leader and approached when he got closer he spotted an all-black and blue dragon egg carefully swaddled in bright expensive clothes. Curious he asked if he might feel the baby. Mitsuki had never had the pleasure of the small hybrid coming so close to her before readily agreed.
Inko and Mitsuki smiled and laughed at the child-like wonder Izuku displayed as he carefully handled the egg as though it were made of the finest glass. They both fondly patted the boy's head as he cuddled the egg close to his chest purring. Inko and Mitsuki would soon watch on in shock as something truly amazing occurred.
Izuku pressed his cheek to the egg and hummed happily feeling the comforting heat from within pulse. He cooed and licked his tongue over the smooth surface of the egg and it began to make chirping noises and shuddered. Izuku smiled brightly and chirped back at the egg that cracked at the encouragement from the young boy. Within moments a chunk of egg exploded open and a small black dragon with bright blue eyes shook its head and crawled out immediately jumping on Izuku and chirping happily.
As soon as Izuku touched the small dragon's head the connection was made. The black dragon pup greeted his partner sharing the memories of its past life as Toya Todoroki while accepting the memories of Izuku's life. Mitsuki had sat back with a shocked look on her face never having heard of any hybrid riders Izuku was the first. The egg had come from one of the mated pairs here in the cliffs the spells had only been cast hours earlier and the egg had been made ready for a rider to come to collect it.
Inko sobbed when the riders came to collect the egg having discovered a new rider and his dragon instead they made pleasing sounds and cheers over the rare occurrence. Izuku was thrilled to leave the cliffs to get away from his mother and the tribe that looked at him with pity. He loved his mother but could not understand her continued love for his father or how easily she was willing to trust other elves and humans after what had been done to them. Izuku wrote to his mother always expressing how much happier he was living with the riders in the reach.
Izuku completed his initiation into the ranks of the riders and began the rotations of moving from one outpost to another learning from the masters and living as an apprentice. He was happy to be bonded with the self-named Dabi who wanted as few reminders of his 1st life as possible. Izuku learned to fight both physically and with magic. Dabi learned to read the winds to use his magic in any form, fight with Izuku on his back, and fight in both human and dragon form. They learned separately and together never alone and never wanting to be.
Years would pass and Izuku had come to learn much from one teacher who was his favorite. what many felt taught him one too many dirty tricks for a noble rider but Izuku loved learning from the ex-thief and pirate. He was not a rider but had been brought to the port side post as a teacher. He was a brilliant navigator and taught the young riders how to find their way using the stars as their guide. The Nome knew many stories of all the stars he could name and Izuku was eager to hear them all. Izuku was always found in his workshop learning, not just about stars or machines the nome made but also the tricks of the trade of thieves.
By the time Izuku was 15 he could pick locks faster than even master locksmiths none could keep him out if he wanted to get into any room or vault and he could lift any item from his teachers' person without being caught which had been a true test of his talent all while not using magic. When Master Pockets claimed Izuku had learned all he could teach him, The Nome sent the young boy to a friend of his. Izuku had never been beaten so badly as he had by Maximus. The scrawny elf was a spellsword. a warrior that used spells just as swiftly and easily as spells a master of both made him a terror when he combined them in combat.
Izuku spent over a year in near-constant pain from the small elf and his lessons. Izuku had already been taught swordsmanship before meeting max and had been deemed rather skilled among his peers but every sparring match with max led Izuku to feel as though he were just a novice with no prior lessons learned.
Max was not all there mentally completely brilliant a mad genius really. so much so he had near driven himself beyond insanity. The elf had performed more than a few experiments and tortures to himself in his long life all in the name of bettering himself and training both his body and his mind to go further than any limit. The elf had asked Izuku to practice healing magics shortly after their meeting, Izuku was told to find Max when Izuku thought himself ready to test his skill. It took Izuku a week to feel that he was proficient in the healing spell and another week to perfect his spell and gather his confidence.
When Izuku went to see the elf again Izuku had never been subjected to a test like this one and it was terrifying... Max flayed his own skin from his arms and legs and had heated Mithril applied to his bones and muscle before requiring Izuku to begin healing the skinned elf. The surgeons had moved quickly to reattach the flesh to the elfs body warning Izuku if he failed the elf would die.
Izuku managed to heal the crazy damn elf which had been awake and aware during the entirety of the procedure not letting out so much as a whimper of pain in fact the bastard had been reading a book of poetry the entire time as though this test was a simple thing and not a life or death matter but poor Izuku had been shaken and violently ill once he finished completely drained of magic.
Max had complimented him on a job well done and then began new training for the young rider. That training was everything from finding obscure magical components for his stores to fighting while in agonizing pain. Izuku could not remember the number of times he had been forced to do mental exercises while Max broke the bones in his arms and legs.
But the boy knew he would never be broken now from torture which was both an interesting realization and a terrifying one. Max was insistent that Izuku did not just know how to cast the spells he was taught but how to create his own spells and how to curse break so that he would not ever need to rely on simply the magic of the ancient language as in Max's own words the magic in the language could be tricky when it wanted to be.
Max never guaranteed his safety during any lesson in fact the crazy bastard often left Izuku wounded and in agony when Izuku failed to please the standards Max expected. It had been worth it. Izuku went from being a small omega hybrid to being pure muscle and skill. Max trained Izuku as though he were an adult and not a young teen. Izuku had many scars from the elf littering his body Max never cared that Izuku was an omega and treated him no differently than he would an alpha student. Izuku was trained to manage a week without sleep, food, or water and still be able to fight and use magic.
Due to the training Izuku was getting not just from the other riders but also from the rouges and thieves many other riders and their partners shunned Izuku especially once they learned of Izuku being a hybrid many felt that he cheated his way into their ranks. Izuku was not moved by any of them preferring to be on his own with only his dragon and masters for company.
-come back to me now... leave the past where it belongs Izu we are getting close to the south lands and you need to do the spell.- Dabi's soft voice whispered through his mind. Izuku jolted slightly feeling he and Dabi leaving the meld. His memories were fresh as he had just been reliving them. During a meld, he was unable to truly sleep so he simply drifted where ever his mind took him.
-Was I drifting long- Izuku asked concerned that maybe he had brought memories forward that Dabi would rather not remember.
-No we are close to the southern borders nearing the Fyre river.- Dabi explained as he glided on air currents gently to not unbalance Izuku who carefully pulled the egg close to his mouth whispering a spell he had created to return eggs to their mothers over it. The egg began to glow a light blue color Izuku moved the egg toward his right slowly and it remained blue. Panning the egg back toward the left the color began to shift from the blue tone to purple the further to the left he moved the egg the brighter the color shift from purple to pink to red.
Izuku kept the bond connection open so that Dabi could see the direction they needed to go. Following the egg for the location of its mother and home. Izuku hoped that the egg would not lead them to the Battleborn tribe it would be awkward to show up randomly.
Unlike many in the rider's order, Izuku chooses freedom to go where he pleased instead of accepting an assignment to any kingdom or outpost. If he was called on then he would have no choice but to answer but for now, they were free to go where they wished, when they wished, to do whatever they desired.
Finally, the egg glowed hotly no matter which direction Izuku moved it. Without a word, Dabi circled lowering them to the ground. there before them was a cave and the smell of dragon was thick in the air. Dabi rumbled waiting for an answer growing agitated when none came.
Izuku carefully dismounted from his dragon and stepped forward Egg held gently in his scared hands. Dabi grabbed the back of Izuku's vest with his teeth growling in displeasure at his foolish rider that had intended to walk into the den.
"Foolish brat do you have a death wish?" Dabi hissed at him Izuku groan looking over his shoulder with an eye roll.
"Clearly the dame has no idea we are here likely lost in a depressed haze. I was not going to go into the cave I was going to do a spell to send the scent of the young into the cave." Izuku explained to which Dabi gave a rough shake for being a cheeky little git.
Dabi grunted raising his lip at the clear lie they were still using their mental link he knew damn well that was exactly what Izuku had planned to do. rolling his large eyes Dabi released his rider and gave a loud growl within moments the growl was answered as a large female that was bright orange and red in color come charging out of the cave.
Izuku held his ground while Dabi remained behind him towering above his rider ready to move him out of the way if the dragons attacked.
"How dare you return here to taunt me, thief! I will roast you alive and tear out your innards for the crows!" The female snarled.
"I stole your egg back from the bandits and wish only to bring it back to you... I am sorry I was not able to save the rest the Bandits had destroyed them before we arrived... I swear no tricks." Izuku spoke only in the language of the elves the ancient language so that the dragon would know he was not lying.
There was a high-pitched keening sound from the female that lowered her head toward the ground. This was her last clutch as the bandits had slain her mate and now she found out her other young had been killed all that was left was one and there was no guarantee it would ever hatch. The dragon moved closer to Izuku before shifting to a naked human form.
She was a beautiful young woman like this her hair carried the same reddish orange hue as her scales in her other form. She gently took the egg from Izuku whimpering as she tenderly pressed her face to the egg and inhaled. Humming quietly to the young within.
"Thank you, Thank you both, I can feel your magic you both were healing my hatchling. Will you show me the rescue of my egg?" The female asked Izuku nodded his head tipping his head back to allow the female dragon to press her head down to meet his. The memories of tracking the bandits, tricking one to take him back to their camp, and then the subsequent slaughter of the entire band. Everything was offered to the dragoness.
She purred in satisfaction watching carefully as each member that stole her mate's life and her young were destroyed. It was always strange to allow another dragon into his head to view his memories. It was not a true bond it was more like a spell that allowed them to share memories of a specific event. But it always nagged at him and he had to always consciously not shield his thoughts
The female dragon reached out her hand and touched the tattoos on Izuku's arm a bright flash of fire burned into his skin. Thanks to Max Izuku did not so much as twitch at the pain. another brand of flame joined all the other lines of tattoos on his skin.
"I have branded you if ever you have need of me I will answer your call." With that, the female turned taking her to leave as she returned to her den egg in tow.
"Dabi let us hunt and leave her an offering before we leave the area," Izuku asked which his dragon let out a large gust of air as he turned scenting the air. When Izuku returned eggs this was the normal pattern and Dabi had become accustomed to it.
Izuku would hunt and leave the meat for the egg's parent at the mouth of their den knowing the dragon with the newly returned egg would never leave it unattended again until it's hatching. Izuku always did this when dragons left their marks on him as it was a huge favor the dragons willing gave him. There was no limit to what Izuku could ask of them and he felt that simply returning stolen eggs was not enough to balance the favor he might one day ask so he would hunt for them to help even the scales.
Dabi was swift with his hunting especially with Izuku directing him to where he could feel the life force of a herd of deer grazing nearby. Soon with his own belly full Dabi returned with two large bucks dropping them at the mouth of the cave where he spotted two glowing yellow eyes watching them curiously.
"Time to go Izuku" Dabi called Izuku swiftly mounted his partner and they were in the sky once more. Izuku breathed deeply filling his lungs with the cool air here so close to the border was amazing. The river looked as though it were on fire as the sun began to set in the distance. It was where the river got its name and no matter how many times they had seen this sight it was still the most beautiful Izuku had ever seen.
"Leave me on the road to Vale Keep then go visit your dame at the Cliffs," Izuku called to his partner.
"Still don't understand why you will not visit the clan your mother misses you dearly," Dabi grumbled but he could not hide that he was excited to see his mother Rei once more.
"I don't ever wish to return to the tribe, They were not unkind to me but I will never forget those looks of pity that were always directed at me from the humans. Besides while in town I can gather the information you never know maybe this one will have the information we need to take back to Master Almight." Izuku said casually dragging a piece of jerky from his belt pouch and chewing on it.
"That is what you said last time and we still have yet to find anything new about this supposed Shadow clan that is gathering to try to conquer the world. I am beginning to think it is all some bullshit just to get you out of the old Warriors hair and make you someone else's problem for a while." Dabi complained landing near the road still hidden in the trees of the forest.
"Yeah, Yeah whatever. Who cares if there is no shadow clan just means there is one less evil to worry about and I can focus more on getting rid of bandits that think it is okay to steal children and enslave others." Izuku grunted as he dropped off Dabi's back and stretched his body out once more.
"Be safe little one. Do not make me burn a town to the ground to come to rescue you...Don't test me you know I will do it" Dabi warned causing Izuku to chuckle warmly as he rubbed Dabi's snout as he nuzzled the dragon's face. They parted shortly after Izuku wandering down the road toward where Vale Keep was located it was on the border of the Battle born's lands.
The town got visitors from the Battle-born tribe on occasion so no one batted an eye at Izuku wandering toward the tavern dressed in tribal clothes. Izuku yawned considering he might stay at the inn tonight but scrunched his nose at the smell coming from the building quickly changed his mind, He would rather sleep in the barn or in the forest with Dabi. The stench of whores and rutting alpha's enough to turn his stomach.
Izuku found the tavern easily due to the smell of alcohol and the sounds of loud conversations and music. These places always sent a thrill of excitement through him. It was a habit for his eyes to roamed the room picking out the best targets and which would hold the most gold and how easy it would be to relieve them of the burden without them being ever the wiser... Maybe he did spend a bit too much time with Master Pockets...
Izuku carefully picked his way around the room keeping mostly to the shadow moving slowly so that none took much notice of him. Along the way, he might have acquired a few things nothing too substantial, and only from those that were so careless to flaunt their wealth. By the time Izuku made it to the bar, he had acquired a lovely silver dagger, a flagon of ale, some gold pieces, and for the hell of it a belt.
The bartender took notice of the young rider sitting in front of him already with a flagon and two gold pieces laying on the counter. The riders all had special swords made that reflected the color of their partners so Izuku's was a Shiny Black blade with a bright blue blood groove and a Silver cross guard and hilt with a black diamond as the focus gem. The sheath he sang from an ancient tree by himself was perfect for the black sword.
"Rider" The bartender acknowledged. Izuku nodded to the man noticing that he took the coin off the bar top tucking them away in a pocket.
"Another flagon of mead please," Izuku asked The bartender was quick to shuffle around to get his drink filled a thick bowl of stew and a chunk of bread were placed in front of him as well.
"You paid more than enough for a hot meal and drinks. Are you staying in town tonight?" The barman asked watching Izuku closely. Izuku noticed right away something was not right here. but as he prodded carefully at the man's mind it was blocked by someone else. If Izuku pressed harder whoever was shielding the man's mind would be made aware.
Izuku smiled brightly back at the bartender whispering a spell under his breath as he hid what he was doing by looking as though he were cooling a spoonful of the stew. The speel showed that his food was free of poisons and safe to eat. So Izuku kept his eyes peeled and ears open listening to those around him to find out why he was feeling edgy all of a sudden.
The night moved on and Izuku was ready to leave this bar had been a bust even when he had started a conversation with the barman or other patrons none of them had a clue about anything related to this supposed rising Shadow clan... Maybe Dabi was right and this was all an elaborate fool's errand.
Though the only man in the building with his mind blocked was the barman. Izuku waved away his concern and stood to leave. He was grateful for the cool night air that wafted over his skin it had been hot and humid filled with smells inside of the bar. It was a relief to come outside again.
Izuku was making his way down the road when his head was hit and he saw stars he was quick to grab his weapon only to find that it was ripped from his weakened grip when a club slammed down on his wrist the loud snap of bone ringing out into the trees.
Izuku gained his footing and spat out a spell that made those trapped init feel as though their movements had slowed as though they were trying to move through thick molasses. Izuku sidestepped a tall orc-like being definitely an alpha from the rank scent clogging his nose. Izuku moved back a few more steps before his foot shot up in a kick directly between the orc's legs. There was satisfying shirk as the orc dropped to the ground just before another strike hit Izuku in the side of his head. now dazed he could not avoid the follow-up strike and his world went black.
Izuku groaned when he woke up next his head felt as though it was on the verge of splitting open. His eyes were covered by a cloth and his hands and feet were bound. He felt like he was laying down on a slatted metal floor... so it was safe to assume he was in a cage... brilliant Izuku just loved cages... gods he was feeling the need to torture whoever the fuck hit him in the head... not once but three fucking times.
Izuku began to focus and realized that the cage was spelled to repel all magic, clever he could cast spells inside the cage but not on anything outside of the cage. same as those outsides of the cage could cast on anything outside but not on him inside the cage. It was a simple but effective way to cancel someone's magic.
To bad for whoever thought to attack him that he was a hybrid he could feel and sense magic just as well as any dragon and usually had a really good idea how the spell would work and thanks to Max how to undo the spell or turn it back on the caster without them ever know it had happened. Only extremely powerful magic users would notice if he changed their spell which he could tell whoever cast this was weak.
So Izuku helped himself to play with the strings of spellwork he could feel wrapped around his cage. Now he was shielded from outside casting and he could cast through the shield. It was like a game of go for him he would take over another magic-user spell and make it his own. It would drive many of the other apprentice riders crazy when they dueled with magic and Izuku would do this.
Now that he took care of the shielding spell he took a moment to heal himself. Nearly instantly his thoughts were clearer as the healing took effect His wrist throbbed dully as it healed. Izuku rolled his shoulders then his wrists and fingers stretched his back as much as he could in the too-small cage. wiggled his toes and rolled his ankles waking up every part of his body.
"Prisoner is awake Dreggo" A rough female voice called.
"Hello little omega, we've been looking for you" A rough voice Izuku thought was likely Dreggo.
"Oh were you? My what an honor whatever were you looking for me for?" Izuku asked his voice high and airy a smile tugging at his lips.
"Listen here you little shit I know you were the one who killed Rutgar!" The female screamed rattling the cage.
Izuku tipped his head to the side looking in the direction he thought the female was standing. He made sure to keep his face in a confused state.
"No, I am afraid I have no clue who you are talking about," Izuku replied fighting the smug grin that wanted to grow on his face. This had not been the first time he had been kidnapped for disrupting Bandits activity.
The female snarled kicking the side of the cage are she ranted about her handsome Rutgar Izuku vomited a little bit in his mouth listening to the deranged woman speak.
" Shut up Emery the little shit is goading you! You cost us a pretty penny destroying that camp the way you did. Imagine our surprise to find you again and this time without your dragon. I have been thinking I will sell your ass to the nearest whore house. But first I am going to use this pretty blade of yours to cut my mark on you." Dreggo prattled on.
"Oh, I am not sure you want to do that" Izuku offered good naturally in a conspiring tone he rolled his shoulder to push the blindfold off his eyes to watch the large Orc he had kicked in the balls when they captured him sneer in his face. The dumbass pulled the sword from the sheath and howled in agony unable to let go.
Dreggo lit up like a firework as pulse after pulse of arcing sizzling lightning jumped from the blade into his body blackening his lips and making his nose, ears, and eyes bleed before he finally dropped to the ground dead and smoking.
Emery was screaming which of course drew more of the bandits to the tent that Izuku was being kept in. The dumb bastards were looking at their leader in shock. their eyes jumping from the woman to Izuku as if they were trying to piece together a Great Mystery.
"I did try to tell him he would not want to draw my blade" Izuku singsonged at the bandits standing in the tent. Emery Screamed bloody murder and snapped off an ice spell at Izuku only for it to hit the cage and rebound back to her narrowly missing his chest and scratching her neck.
Izuku was rocking in his cage howling in laughter, Sure he changed the nature of her spell away from a shield for both inside and outside to only a shield for him but he has never seen anyone dumb enough to fire magic at a shield they placed themselves. Izuku was gasping he was laughing so hard there was no way this group was for real... honestly Izuku could not find a single one that was capable of even pickpocketing a beggers how in the world did they think they were going to keep him held prisoner.
Izuku was wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes as he looked around the room and then just became he could he summoned his sword back to him. none of these masterminds noticed the blade missing from the leader's grasp.
"I am going to kill you slowly you little omega whore!" Emery shrilled. Before she could get too far into her ranting there were screams from outside. The bandits ran back out of the tent clearly something more important was going on out there than watching Emery scream at a caged "helpless" Omega. Emery marched to the tent flap yanking it wide open just in time to receive an arrow between the eyes.
Izuku looked at the fallen woman with zero pitty she really was an idiot. It was sad that he was captured by these useless fucks. Given he had not been keeping his guard up lost in thoughts as to why a bartender had his thoughts protected
When the flap of the tent moved this time it was to reveal a much larger orc. This one had the makings of a slave trader and had a working brain in his skull quickly calling to another who came into the tent weaving a spell. Before Izuku knew what was happening he felt his magic being restrained. Izuku shouted out it felt like fire was licking from inside his chest consuming him from the inside out. He tried to lash out with his thoughts in a mental attack but felt nothing for the first time since he had bonded with Dabi.
Izuku's eyes snapped open darting over to the orcs who were grunting and speaking in their native language which Izuku did not know enough of to even begin piecing together what they were talking about. If he had his magic he would have weaved a translation spell currently that was not an option right now. Izuku tried to reach out for his bond with Dabi and found himself blocked from his partner for the first time since he had bonded with his dragon, He was cut off.
Izuku watched the orc's carefully one of them was clearly the spell crafter and unlike the dead woman Emery, this one was powerful. A witch Doctor likely for the group of slavers. The sounds outside of the tent were growing quieter meaning the bandits that had originally caught him were likely dead by now. There were the sounds of wagons moving so likely the camp was being raided to move the prisoners before anyone else showed up.
Izuku's eyes darted back to the large orc as he crouched low to the cage and breathed deeply. He grinned showing off the large tusks curling from his mouth. Izuku scrunched his nose at the overwhelming odor that poured out of the orc's mouth, Izuku had to choke back a gag. Izuku needed them to pay as little attention to him as possible so that he could break out of his cage and save the rest of the people here.
The orc grabbed his cage and with a heave lifted the entire damn thing into the air and onto his shoulder. Izuku slid to the side of the cage grunting when his shoulder hit it sharply. He remained still as the orc hauled his cage outside. As soon as the tent flap was out of the way bright sunlight shattered Izuku's vision driving a spike of pain into his head. Though Izuku had healed his injures before the slavers arrived it would seem he might still be feeling the effects of a concussion.
Once his vision cleared he looked around at the slavers quickly tearing through the bandit camp taking anything of value and loading it into covered wagons, Prisoners were loaded into a wagon that was covered in iron bars. Izuku had hoped the orc was going to take him out of his cage to put him with the rest of the prisoners after all Izuku had his sword and was very good at fighting and the moment he was out of the cage his magic would return. But his hopes were dashed when his cage was tossed into another wagon a heavy tarp thrown over it making the air hot and humid with his breaths quickly.
Izuku grunted as he moved to get comfortable in his cage, He would wait until after they stopped for the night then he would get himself out of this cage and kill them all. Izuku hated bandits but they were petty for the most part misfits that turned to crime for whatever reason. But slavers those bastards were evil imprisoning and trading people as though they were possessions really pissed Izuku off.
The tarp that was over his cage slowly grew darker in color indicating that the sun was beginning to set but Orcs had great night vision it was hard to tell if they would stop for the night and make camp or not. Likely they would stop to give the oxen they were using to pull the wagons a break. Izuku just had to wait a bit longer. luckily for him the bandits never took anything off his person aside from his sword which he had in his possession again.
Izuku was not given any food or water and likely the other prisoners hadn't either. Izuku was lucky as he still had some of his travel jerky in his pouch and a small water jar. It was not much but it was more than enough for him. Izuku spent part of the day resting just waiting for the band to stop. Izuku was jolted again from his rest when the wagon he was in shuddered from an impact.
Shouts could be heard as he listened closely to what was going on outside. His cage was grabbed up and thrown to the ground. Izuku grunted at the rough treatment but otherwise made no sound. When the tarp was ripped off the cage Izuku noticed he was in a cave of some sort and the light was low. There were boxes and supplies in the room so it likely this was a hoarding spot. Well now he just had to wait for his captors to move out of sight and he would get himself out of this cage and start trying to find his way back to the tribe to get Dabi.
It was never a good sign when Slaver came this close to the tribe, there were hatchlings and children that assisted in daily life in the tribes near here and Izuku was sickened to think what these bastards would do to children. He just had to wait for the right opening to escape. This band seemed to be excited about something which was usually never a good thing for the people that were captured it either meant a good raid had occurred or there was a buyer coming to look at the stock. Either way, Izuku did not plan on being here when that occurred.
Once the guards left the prisoners that were in the cells across from Izuku's cage, The rider was quick to pull two long thin picks from their hiding spot in his braided hair. It took only moments for his deft fingers to spring the lock. As soon as he stepped out of the cage he felt his magic flow freely through his body once more. His connection to Dabi roared back to life with the dragon's voice ringing in his thoughts.
-IZUKU! Where are you!- Dabi's worry bleed through their bond.
-I am not sure, I was checking out a bandit camp and a bunch of slavers showed up. they got the jump on me and were able to cut off my magic while I was in a cage.- Izuku thought back trying to soothe his partner.
-I am coming for you!- Dabi was frantic and Izuku couldn't blame him he had felt naked without their bond.
Izuku snuck through the cave he placed a layer of illusion over his cage as long as no one looked too closely at his cage they would not realize he had already escaped. Izuku snuck through the compound he needed to gather information. Having a magic user that powerful in their raiding company was not normal for Slavers. Every instinct Izuku had was screaming at him to leave which was also not normal.
Izuku carefully made his way around the guards that were patrolling the cave system there were more than orc's here. Izuku spotted a number of humans and smelled a few beasts somewhere in the caves. smelled a bit like a wet dog so it was possible some of the slavers might be shifters. Izuku finally found the leader of the group and after a mumbled translation spell he was able to listen to their conversation. It was odd they kept referring to Izuku as being a rider that someone named All for One might be able to make tell him secrets of the order.
Izuku crinkled his nose in confusion. who the hell was All for One and why were these slavers so reverent and scared of him? Izuku's thoughts snapped back to the group of slavers that were rushing into the room shouting about a number of dragons suddenly showing up and attacking the camp. Izuku grunted and carefully snuck back toward the prisoners.
With all the commotion outside it was easy to get the cells open and help the prisoners to move toward where he could feel the presence of Dabi stronger. Any guards they came upon as the group of malnourished prisoners stumbled in the dark Izuku killed swiftly. He felt lucky that so far the small group had not come on to any groups of enemies as it would be harder to keep them all safe.
Finally, the group of prisoners made their way out of the blocked entrance to the cave into the open air outside. It was dark outside still night. But Izuku could see Dabi in the distance and the roaring bright blue flame of his partner. A tight tension eased from Izuku's chest he had not been aware of until now. Izuku looked around shocked as he spotted more dragons in the air and they had riders on their backs. these were bonded warriors not riders from the order that means these were barbarians from the Battle-born tribe...
Yeah, it was definitely time for Izuku to get the hell out of here he did not want to have anything to do with the tribe if he could help it. He also had some information he needed to check out. Jerking back to the moment a slaver was rushing toward Izuku and the other prisoners. Izuku rolled his shoulders and took out his sword it gleamed in the mon light as a pulse of energy flowed through the blade.
Before the slaver even made it to the group an explosion went off blasting the poor sod to a bloody mess. Izuku raised a confused eyebrow gaze flitting over a Tall muscled alpha whose hand was still smoking from releasing the explosion that took out the slaver. Red eyes met green as they took in each other's looks. The sounds of battle were starting to fade as the pair watched each other. Izuku was not ready for the warmth that flooded his body under the blonde's intense gaze. His skin tingled as He inspected the tribal tattoo's on fair skin.
Their trance was broken only after the roars from the dragons ripped through the air. Dabi's bulky black form strutted to Izuku quickly dropping his snout to the green omega pressing them close as they nuzzled and crooned to each other for comfort the prisoners that Izuku had released were nervous and many fell over themselves in fear when the dragon came over to them.
The blonde was still watching them with a curious gaze. A red dragon came to stand beside the blonde before it told the blonde about the fight and what they were finding all over the camp now that the slavers were taken care of.
"Your a rider from our tribe," The blonde said it was a statement, not a question which had Izuku grimacing before turning to look at the blonde again in the eye.
"Yes, I spent a few years with the tribe when I was a child. I was raised with the rider since I was 10" Izuku explained.
"Come then there is much to discuss, The shadow clan is making moves to start a war and all the tribe is being called home," The blonde said
Izuku grunted annoyed this was exactly what he did not want. But it was too late now Dabi was giving him a look that guaranteed that Izuku would not be getting out of this any time soon.