I'll Return (Bakugoxfem!reader)

Chapter 22~ Ito

The man continues to cower against the wall. He seems to have calmed down once he realized that I'm not Toga or Reisha, but he's still afraid. 

I don't blame him, instead, I speak calmly. I keep my voice barely above a whisper, so as not to startle him. I don't make any sudden moves, almost as if he's a feral animal that could attack at any given time.

All the while, I cradle a small kitten in the crook of my arm. 

I'm dealing with two frightened animals, at least it feels that way. 

"Please, can you tell me why you're here?"

I question the man for the fourth time. He's been slowly opening up to me, but this one question has yet to be answered. 

So far, I know this:

His name is Haruto Ito and he's only 20-years-old. He's been here for what he believes was a week, but he can't say for sure. 

He can't tell me much more, he's still lightheaded from the blood loss which is affecting his memories. 

Ito has warmed up to me a bit and he'll answer most questions I've asked. I started with simple questions and introduced myself. Even in a high-stress situation, it's important to make sure the victim feels comfortable and safe when speaking to you. 

I learned that during my first rescue in grade 11. 

Unfortunately, we're limited in time. I still can't contact anyone and the scientist could wake up at any moment. That, or someone could break the door down. 

Many possibilities, many enemies, and not much time to think. 

I ask again, mentally begging Ito to tell me why?

"Please, why are you here? Do you know?" 

Finally, after taking a deep breath and shaking a little more, Ito gives me the answer I needed.

"I'm here because of my quirk," Ito whispers, his voice breaking. 

Curiosity fills my mind, along with concern. It isn't uncommon for one's life course to be decided by the quirk they were born with. 

People born with powerful quirks tend to become high-ranking heroes. 

Those born with weak quirks tend to live more average lives.

One's born quirkless tend to be rejected by society. 

It's an awful truth, one that many have been working hard to change. I hear that Deku leads the protests here in Japan. Protests in America are led by a Hero named Rewrite, though Kat has joined in when he has free time. 

I still don't know much about why he feels so strongly, but he says he used to bully a quirkless classmate and feels bad. 

It's heartwarming, and I hope he and this quirkless former classmate make up.

Back on topic.

Whatever Ito's quirk is, it must be powerful to be of interest to the league of villains, who have powerful quirks of their own. 

"Ito," I whisper, getting a little closer, "can you please tell me what your quirk is?"

Ito doesn't flinch when I approach him, showing that he's claiming down and beginning to trust me more. 

This time, Ito answers the question the first time I ask it.

"I can turn animals into mythical creatures," he explains, "It's only useful if I have an animal with me, and I can't guarantee they'll listen to me either. That's why I'd rather not use it."

"Because you don't want anyone to get hurt?"

"Yeah..."

I smile at the young man. 

"I think it's pretty admirable that you care so much about other people," I say, earning a small smile from the young man. He mumbles a quick and quiet thanks in reply. 

I smile, but then immediately go back to being serious. 

He has a pretty powerful quirk, one that would certainly be useful to the league, but only if they could learn to control the creature. That would be difficult unless they have a quirk like Koda's...

Nah, he definitely wouldn't work for the League. 

"Hey, Ito, quick question," 

"What?"

"Say you have a trained pet. When you use your quirk on them, would they still obey your commands?" 

Ito stays quiet, taking a moment to ponder the question. 

"I don't know. My parents never let me use my quirk on our family pet, and he wasn't a very well-behaved pet anyway," he replies, "but I don't think my quirk affects their personality."

I nod in understanding.

Note to self, ask a local hero to help Ito learn more about his quirk. Maybe Ryukyu or Anima.

I look over at the sleeping kitten I'm holding.

I think I know what their plan is.

At least part of it, I still need to find out what was taken from the lab and what they plan to do with it. 

Before I can continue my thoughts, I hear a knock on the door. Ito and I flinch and turn towards the door.

"Professor?" 

I move quickly, standing and motioning for Ito to get on my back. He obeys quickly.

The knocking quickly turns to banging. Soon, they're trying to break down the door. I clutch the kitten closer and prepare a flame to use. 

The door breaks. 

Three men enter.

Time to fight.