Kirishima's PoV

The rage that flowed through my body had no limits when I approached Mashimo. What if I hadn't come back to my senses soon enough? I would never have forgiven myself for that and above all I would have killed the black dragon myself afterwards without hesitation.

Eijirou! What is this appearance for? That is not appropriate! Besides ... did you come a little late because you had fun with a female? I smell her pheromones on you, Kurini asked angrily. He had stepped forward a few steps and stopped me before I could attack the black dragon.

I did NOT have fun with a female, I growled and gave Mashimo a deadly look, who stood behind him. But he looked at me condescendingly, as if he didn't have the slightest feelings of guilt. Although I probably should have done that if it had been up to him.

Kurini pulled the small scales between his eyes into a frown. Slowly he turned to Mashimo. What does he mean? he asked him in an impatient tone of voice.

The black dragon shrugged his shoulders and as the old dragon turned back to me, Mashimo threw a mischievous grin at me behind his back. I breathed in deeply so as not to let him provoke me anymore. After all I was facing my clan leader and he shouldn't think that I was asperse someone who didn't deserve it.

I straightened up and tried to fight down my anger far enough to be able to sort out my thoughts. Then I looked Kurini firmly in the eyes. Mashimo manipulated the messenger who was supposed to bring me here and made her seduce me instead. That's why I came too late.

You little snitch, mocked Mashimo behind him. So this is how you fight your battles?

You have no idea what you would've done to me! I hissed.

Come on, relax. I just wanted to give you a little pleasure, he said with an almost nerve-racking serenity.

Smoke escaped my nostrils as I exhaled heavily. The only pleasure in this story would be watching my mate kill you for it, I said calmly. And although it will certainly make the rounds in the palace soon, I'd like to tell you again personally: Katsuki is a dragonslayer and wouldn't hesitate to destroy you.

Finally I got a reaction from my counterpart. His eyes widened briefly in shock before he narrowed them into slits and bared his teeth. Threateningly he cowered down, his hind legs tensed to jump, but before anything could happen Kurini intervened.

The roar of the Chief filled the room and Mashimo and I flinched equally. Now pull yourselves together! I didn't come here to listen to your quarrels. It's about the future of the clan and we should come to an agreement and not a split! Forget your youthful recklessness and concentrate on the essentials, he sharply rebuked us.

A moment of silence set in, when Mashimo straightened up again and we both turned to the clan leader.

All right. Now that we've all calmed down, we can finally turn to the important things. He took one deep breath and gave us both a stern look. So Eijirou. As you can imagine, your sudden appearance raises some questions, because so far Mashimo was the only successor to the post of clan leader.

And I should remain the only one, Mashimo said, now again quite matter-of-factly. I know the structures of the clan and I have already worked intensively on the organization of the city and the administration of it. Unlike my cousin, I know our culture and would protect it from our enemies, just as we have done in recent years.

Kurini bowed his head briefly. Mashimo, if I had ever doubted that you were a worthy successor, I would have looked for someone else sooner. I know that you could be a good leader and yet we will have to consider recent events. Eijirou gave us new information about the humans yesterday and we can't ignore that when we debate the future.

Tch, made the black dragon when he gave me a sideways glance. How could I trust someone who makes common cause with humans? You have just heard it yourself: he has a dragonslayer as his mate. Are you really considering making someone like that our leader?

As far as I know, Eijirou's mission was solely peace. I understood that correctly, didn't I? Kurini said and turned to me with a questioning look.

That's correct. Peace is my highest priority, I said carefully.

Does that mean you're not even interested in the position of head? the old dragon asked me surprised.

I breathed in deeply and hesitated at first a little with my answer. When I came here, I didn't even know that I had the chance to fill such a position in the future. Reign was never something that I have strived for. But ... as I said before, my mission - peace - is my first priority. It is a goal that goes far beyond the rule of a single clan. I want to unite two empires that are waging a war that for a long time has been based only on misunderstandings. My goal is not to serve a single clan. With this mission I serve all dragons and humans. Now I turned directly to Mashimo. You already made it clear to me yesterday with all clarity that you do not agree with me and will oppose me with everything you have. And let it be such sneaky little games as that this morning. So yes: I am interested in the position. Because that seems to me to be the only way to establish peace and thus fulfill the goal of my mission.

Mashimo stared at me for a moment, then his growling filled the room.

Mashimo! rebuked by the clan chief, the black dragon reluctantly bared his teeth before he stopped growling. Those are very strong words, Eijirou. I hope you realize that with the leadership of a clan there will be a lot of responsibility on your shoulders and you will have to learn a lot for that.

I'm well aware of that, I said in a calm and firm voice.

Does that mean you're seriously considering appointing him as the chief of the clan? Mashimo asked sharply.

Of course I do. He hasn't only the same birthright, he is someone who stands up for his convictions. But nothing is decided at all. Perhaps he should first take an apprenticeship so that we can determine his leadership potential. Only then will you two be at a level where we are able to compare your abilities, Kurini said thoughtfully.

I didn't let it show, but I had to swallow hard. An apprenticeship? How long was I supposed to stay in this kingdom? Could I bring Katsuki over? I wouldn't be able to stand it alone such a long time.

He should get the chance to learn everything first? That's wasted time! Two completely different views meet here, that will not be any different in a few years, when he has finished his training, growled Mashimo, who openly showed how little he liked this idea.

Kurini tilted his head. Do you have another suggestion, Mashimo?

I do, he said, and straightened himself up to full height. I, Mashimo Kirishima, hereby challenge Eijirou Kirishima to a duel for succession!

A moment of silence filled the room, in which I couldn't help but stare at the black dragon to my side. A duel?

Kurini must have seen the confusion in my gaze and began to explain it to me. Fighting among dragons isn't uncommon. It's been a while since something like this was necessary in our clan, but perhaps it is the best solution: a clear decision about who will rule the clan and our city in the future.

Mashimo turned his head to me and examined me with a rigid intense look of his bright red eyes.  So little cousin? Are you accepting my challenge or do you chicken out?

I straightened my shoulders and put on a combative grin. Of course I accept it!