Bakugo POV:

"Everyone is changed, right?" I ask, clipping on my cape.

"Yup, as soon as I get this necklace on." Mina answered, the others merely grunted.

"Red? How you doing with your scarf?" I turn, looking at Red. His maroon and black striped scarf was covering half of his head and hanging off his shoulder.

"Help." He said, muffled by the fabric. Snickering, I walk over and pull down the scarf and straighten it out.

"Better?"

"Yes, thank."

"Okay. Iida, make sure your teeth are pointed in this time. That was unacceptable last time, those necklaces are supposed to show honor. Don't disrespect our ancestors this time."

"My apologies, I have them inwards. I will not make that mistake again." He bowed, well, bowed the best he could with his cane. Iida was the only one needing support to walk still, as the rest of us healed fully.

"Let's go, get back on your horses. And Red, keep a good hold on your cat. My people like to give a warm and loud welcome back." I say over my shoulder, hoisting myself back onto my saddle. "We are a mile away, be prepared people."

Starting my horse back at a trot, wind catches my cape, making it flutter behind me. Familiar wooden stakes stabbed into the earths' crust go by, I knew we were getting close.

Spotting the scouts, I watch as they run faster than the horses to my kingdom. And shortly, the horns below, echoing through the trees. Oh, how I missed the horns.

Soon, we finally burst through my kingdoms entrance, and my people we already standing out on the doorsteps. Cheers erupted through the streets, clapping and hollering as we ushered our horses faster down the road.

A smile cracks to my face, I loved these moments. My people were precious, we were small, but mighty.

Glancing back, everybody was smiling, even Red. His cat was unbothered, and didn't seem to care about the screaming crowd.

Eventually making it to my home, I stop Red and I's horses. Dismounting, I help Red get down and tie his horse up. The whole time with him blubbering about how cool my people were. Of course they were cool, they were my people.

"You liked that Red?" I grin, untying the rope holding down my bags to my horse.

"Yes! Fun, fun!" He punched the air with one hand, the other holding Berns.

"Oh good, because it's not over. Just give it another ten seconds or so." I say, shrugging.

"What?"

"And the dust cloud gets closer!" Mina laughs from behind her horse.

"Prince!"

"Your Highness!"

"Welcome back Your Majesty!"

Numerous calls of joy rang from the crowd, swarming around our stopped horses. Some of Sero's and Mina's younger siblings had weaved their way through the crowd, and were now latched on their legs.

"Hey guys!" I wave, feeling a hand slam on my shoulder.

"It still weirds me out how you are only soft for two things." Jiro said, leaning on me.

"Oh yeah? And what's that?"

"Your people," She gestured out to the sputtering crowd, "And Red, of course."

My cheeks flare up, and I swing my elbow back into her gut. Earning a grunt from her.

"I do not." I argue, crossing my arms.

"You so do! Don't even get me started.."

"Shush your face." I grunt, pushing her away with my hand. "Let's go inside, my Dad is waiting."

With a final wave to the people, I lead my group inside. My castle was nowhere near the size of the Todoroki or Yamada and Aizawa's, but it still served us well.

I bee lined to my fathers bedroom, which didn't take very long. Our halls were small and less complex than many of the other kingdom's castles.

"Dad?" I say, knocking on the door as I poke my head in.

"Katsuki? Is that you?" He coughed out, my heart dropped.

"Dad! Yes, it's me. I'm here." Running over to my Dad's side, he was laying in bed. Pale and weak, his cheeks had sunken in, and his wrists were skinny.

"Katsuki.. I missed you." He whispered, lifting his frail hand to my face, brushing hair behind my ear.

"Dad.. you were supposed to get better.." I breathed out, tears collecting in my eyes. Reaching over his torso, I grab his other hand for comfort. "You promised you'd get better.."

"I'm sorry, son. But-" A wheezing cough interrupted him, "I tried, I don't think I-"

"Don't say it.. please." My voice cracked, tears were threatening to fall. Why now? I thought everything was going to get better..

"Katsuki, you know this day would come. It was only a matter of time."

"Dad, please. I only just got back, there's so much I want to tell you. And you still have to meet someone, and-"

"Katsuki, you're rambling. Could you get a maid to fetch me some water please?"

"Okay.." I nod, patting his hand and standing up. Way to ruin the touching moment.

Maybe if I'd gotten back sooner, he would be in a better condition right now. Possibly if I didn't mess up so badly and get caught, Dad could be properly ruling our kingdom about now. If I had do-

"Your Majesty, are you alright?" A maid stops me, throwing me from my thoughts.

"Me? Psh, I'm fine. But could you get the King some water?" I say awkwardly, she nods before scurrying down the hall.

Deciding not to return to my fathers quarters, I walk to my own room. Wiping the last tears left on my face, hoping the maid didn't notice them.

Opening my door, I step in and kick it shut. My cape almost getting caught, I stumble over to my bed before falling face first into the soft plush mattress.

Groaning, I roll over onto my back, relieving my chest of the many teeth that had pressed firmly against it. Why was life so chaotic? It was going way too fast for my liking.

"And this is Bakugo's room, be careful though. He likes to mur- oh hi..." Mina waves awkwardly through the partially opened door.

"You gonna finish that sentence?"

"Nope! I'm just showing Red around. Bye!" She says quickly, already attempting to close the door.

"Oi! Hold on. Stay clear of Dads room, he's uh.. sleeping." I cover up, they shouldn't be worrying about him. And Red didn't need to see someone in that terrible of a state right now.

"Okay... whatever you say. Also a celebratory feast starts at sundown so be prepared. Like an hour or less." She shrugs, giving a small wave before closing the door for real this time.

At least I'll get some good food tonight..

this is kinda random.. but it's important for y'all to know. if y'all ever have any questions, regardless of topic, or need someone to talk to, my dms are always open. i may be a random stranger from the internet, but nobody should suffer alone. i am here to help and listen

stay safe and healthy

-1122 words-

~tragedy out <3 <3