Kitsune: K. Bakugou

chapter 2: catch flights not finals

Dad looked over the five of them, “And you are?”

Each of them introduced themselves while fanboying like dumbasses.

I finished with the introduction with, “They’re the guys I’ve been staying with since I got here.”

“You’ve been staying with 5 boys for over half a year?!” His eyes started to glow and his hair stood up.

“Lighten up old man. There’s actually six, but he’s 9 and asleep right now.” I slapped his back and he dropped the scary bravado, “I got all but forced out of the agency dorms because the Americans hate me for doing their job better than they could and Kou here offered me a room.”

Dadzawa grumbled a few comments about ‘horney boys’ before settling down, “Fine, I know you’re a good kid.” He patted the top of my head.

Dad and I left the boys to continue studying while we took a walk.

Those idiots better actually do work while I’m gone.

We walked down the main street, neon signs advertising all sorts of goods illuminated the cement path. An uncomfortable silence fell over us. I had so many things I wanted to say, but I didn’t know how to start…

“So you’re finished with your mission now?” Dad asked, turning to look down at where I was fiddling with my sleeves.

“Ah, yea.” I thought back to the previous night. No matter how many times I was told I was a hero, I wouldn’t believe it. Heroes don’t go out of their way to kill. I was more of a merc with the moral compass of a chaotic neutral character. Where the heroes bring hope and peace, I bring ruin and fear.

Given, my paycheck comes primarily from the federal hero agency. It’s definitely not a heroic job though.

Not all nights are like last night… I was especially cruel. Dad is probably disappointed, but I had my reasons.

I truly do look up to him and what he does, I just couldn’t ever do it. “I finished up last night.”

He sighed, “Yeah, I saw the report… You dislocated his shoulders too?”

I pulled my hood over my head, preparing myself for whatever he had to say. “I did. He deserved it. I’m surprised that the dislocated arms were what you found issue with.” A nervous giggle escaped my lips before I had the chance to stifle it.

“Listen, Kagami.” He stopped hard on the sidewalk and pushed my forehead back so he could look into my eyes, “I read the case file too. I know these guys have been convicted multiple times and always seem to get off... it would’ve happened again if you hadn’t handled them the way you did.” He paused trying to find the words, “I’m just worried that you maybe fed the beast a little too much on this mission.”

I understood what he meant. We’ve had conversations like these a few times. He knows I hate the part of me that lurks beneath the surface.

Maybe I did feed into that side again? I just saw those kids tied up and…

“I saw the kids when they first took me. They looked so terrified.” My eyes dropped to the ground, “They should never have had to feel that type of fear. I wasn’t there to save the ones that came before them, but I needed to put an end to it for good.” I pulled my face away and stared at the cement. “I had to dad. I couldn’t let this one go. Those men are better off in the ground where they can’t hurt anyone else.”

“Kagami…” He tried to pull me into a hug, but I put my hand up to stop him.

“No, dad. I’m not upset. I’m not ashamed of myself this time.” I gritted my teeth and looked him right in the eyes, “Since my time here started I’ve been looking at things differently. Maybe it’s the depth of evil in this mission that cleared it up, but I can’t be weighed down with concerns on whether or not what I do is heroic. It’s right. For all the children, men, and women they hurt… The innocent lives that are taken everyday. I will continue to fight and kill when necessary. You of all people know we can’t save everyone...I’d rather that person be a villain.”