Izuku poked his way through the brush, stopping here and there to gaze down at the creatures. There was a beetle that had landed on his arm, it's shell shining the most brilliant orange and gold. Midoriya just sat and stared at it for the longest time before it finally flew on its way. Midoriya smiled to himself, he had always loved nature. It was so ornate and unique, every creature bearing its own features and purpose. He wondered what his own species was for. How come humans had to be so civilized? Why couldn't they just exist along with the trees like everything else in this world?

Izuku had a nasty habit of muttering to himself, and now was defiantly one of those times. He had a restless mind, and it never seemed to still. So when a flood came, of course the dam broke. A slue of nonsense flew past his peachy lips, a hand pressed against his chin as he spoke. He only realized he was making so much noise when he saw a tiny white rabbit dash past him. Its eyes were bright red and its perky ears were pink on the inside. He adored this little bunny, and he felt a little bad for scaring the thing. He waved to it, taking a blind step backwards. 

Suddenly, Midoirya felt a grip around his leg, an iron trap clamping around it. He wasn't aware of the pain yet, more of the fear came when a rope twisted around his body and hoisted him in the air. His head was spinning and his notebook tumbled out of his hands. "No-!" he yelped as it left his grasp. He started to wriggle around a little bit, trying his best to break free. The more he moved the more pain spread through his left ankle. But he wasn't about to give up, and kept thrashing about. 

Midoriya was going to be a meal to one of these savages. They had set out a trap and he had dumbly stumbled right into it. His heart was beating out of his chest, his eyes upturned. He thought what sort of spices they would lather over him, and if they might stick an apple in his mouth and slow turn him over a fire. He whined to himself, his whole body feeling numb like gelatin. He continued to twist around as more terrible thoughts ran through his mind.

As if this couldn't get any worse, Izuku's eyes caught sight of something that made his heart stop. A barbarian in the flesh, walking towards him with a big hunting knife. The end of the blade was curved to skin, and he let out a meek gasp as he saw it. With all of his might he thrashed about, but none of the ropes even budged. When he tired himself out he saw the shiny blade right at his nose. Before he could scream, he came crashing down to the soft ground. His eyes were glossy with terror as the cold metal was pressed against his skin. "Who the fuck are you.." the blonde hissed. "And what the hell are you doing in my territory..?" he finished, his striking red eyes boring into Izuku's. "I-I-Izuku.. M-Midoriya?" he peeped, as if he had forgotten all about himself in that moment. 

Midoriya saw his notebook laying next to him, grabbing it up in his hands and scuttling backwards before he ran into a tree. "It was a mistake! Please don't eat me!" he half-screamed, shielding his face with his arms and shaking as he did. The other raised an eyebrow, sheathing his knife. This boy was obviously no harm, just a stupid villager who had gotten on the wrong path. Katsuki sat cross-legged in the dirt, staying silent. Midoriya peeked out of his hiding place, noticing the other just sitting there. Izuku tried to draw his knees up, but when he did his ankle screamed. He let out a sharp gasp, groaning and shutting his eyes tightly. "You're hurt." the other gruffed out. Izuku slowly nodded, looking to the side a little embarrassed. 

"Get up, come on." the spiky haired man said, standing up and starting to disappear into the forest. Izuku's eyes widened as he realized he had no choice but to follow. He shakily gripped onto the tree for support as he arose, using the forest to guide him long. It hurt like all damnation to put weight on the injury, so he was lagging behind a little bit. The barbarian didn't slow down, and Izuku wasn't surprised. He knew these people didn't have many manners, but he was still hoping that he would at least /try/ to slow down. Of course, he didn't. "What's your name?" Izuku asked, catching up just a little bit. The other just grunted in response, and Izuku realized he wasn't getting a response. He shut himself up as he continued to follow. 

After about ten minuets of the most painful walk he had ever been on, Izuku caught sight of a small cabin. It was adorned with animal bones and shells on the outside, some deer skins drying, and a few rabbits hung upside down to bleed. He didn't see any dead humans, so he sighed in relief. Still, this decoration was a bit unsettling. The blonde pressed open the door, slinking inside. Izuku followed suit, entering the home. He wasn't sure what to expect, but it wasn't as bad as he figured. There was a small cot tucked away in the corner, a fireplace in the middle, and a large wooden table with benches in the other corner. There were hefty cabinets hung around, and a small couch with a rocker next to it. It was quite the humble home, actually. Much different from the outside.

"Sit." the other commanded, pointing to the couch like Izuku was a dog. He complied, and Katsuki dragged a chest out from under the cot, using it to prop up the other's leg. He went to the cabinet, pulling out a small box. He knelt down in front of the chest, drawing his knees up to his chest and getting to work. Inside the box was cotton, alcohol, medicinal herbs, bandages, and a stitch set. He pulled out a few leaves, a wrap, and the vile of alcohol. He rolled back Izuku's pant leg as the greenette watched intently. The wound was garish and purple, it made Izuku cringe. Nothing could prepare him for the pain of the clear liquid dribbling over it. He gripped onto the sides of the couch and hissed through his teeth. The other continued, mushing up the plants with a mortar and pestle, swiping his finger over it. He applied it generously before wrapping the whole thing up in clean white bandage. He gathered up his things, wiping his hand down on his pants and putting them back. 

"Thank you so much, how can I repay you?" Izuku asked, gazing up at the other with wide green eyes. He was met with a venomous glare, and Midoriya gulped nervously. "Take me to the Dark Cave." he demanded. Izuku couldn't help but burst out a laugh. When there was no other fun being jabbed, he realized this was serious. "Wh-what?!" the emerald-haired boy yelped. "I-.. But that's.." he started up, his mind going spastic. The Dark Cave was a nest of gem wolves, vicious mythical monsters who guarded a legendary treasure. It was a fifty foot crystal, as dark as the night. Nobody was quite sure the purpose of the stone they protected, but one thing was for sure, it was very, very, important. 

"Either that or I could just cook you up.." the savage said, a wicked smirk playing at his thin lips. Izuku looked to the floor, not being able to tell if this was a joke or not. He didn't want to risk it, so he gazed back up to meet the other's eyes. "Okay." he said, his tone a bit unsteady. "Go to sleep." The other said, standing up and huffing off to his cot. Izuku lay on his side, the comfy leather feeling warm under him. "We leave the moment you're better." he said, laying to face the wall. "Name's Katsuki Bakugou if you really need to know.." he growled, before shutting his eyes. Izuku smiled softly to himself, maybe barbarians weren't so bad after all.