The Keeper of The Dragon Flame BNHA X OCS

Veil of Deception

Ben paced back and forth in the hallway, his mind still swirling with doubts after his latest failed attempt at mastering the creation of guns with his dragon flame. He couldn't shake the frustration, so he decided to seek advice from someone who seemed to have an unshakable confidence—Kafka.

He found her in the training area, casually cleaning her dual guns after a sparring session. The room was quiet, save for the soft clicks of her disassembling and reassembling the weapons with expert precision. Ben hesitated for a moment before approaching her, unsure of how to phrase his question.

Ben: Hey, Kafka... can I ask you something?

Kafka didn't look up from her task, but her lips curled into a knowing smile.

Kafka: You need advice, huh? I can tell from that look on your face. Go ahead—what's on your mind?

Ben scratched the back of his head, unsure how to begin.

Ben: Well... I've been trying to master this new technique, you know, creating guns from my flames, but it's not working. Every time I try, I hesitate. I think it's fear, but I don't know how to get past it.

Kafka stopped her work and leaned back, her sharp eyes locking onto Ben's.

Kafka: Fear, huh? You know what I do when I'm fighting villains?

Ben tilted his head, intrigued but also slightly cautious about what her answer would be.

Kafka: I go in with a dare-devil mentality. No fear of death. I throw myself into the fight like there's nothing to lose. It's not about being reckless, but about trusting yourself completely—mind, body, and spirit. No holding back. It makes you sharper, deadlier.

Ben blinked, absorbing her words. He couldn't deny that Kafka had an air of fearless determination every time she fought, like nothing could touch her.

Ben: But... how? How do you just... shut off that fear?

Kafka smirked, her eyes narrowing as she looked at him thoughtfully.

Kafka: You make a choice, Ben. When you're out there, it's you or them. The moment you let fear grip you, you're dead. You can't afford that hesitation, especially not when you have people relying on you.

Ben's brows furrowed, the weight of her words pressing on him. He understood the mentality she was describing, but deep down, he wasn't sure he could embrace it the same way she did.

Ben: But... I have people in my life I care about. What if... one day, I don't come back? I don't want Dan Heng to be alone.

Kafka studied him for a moment before leaning forward, her expression softer but no less intense.

Kafka: That's the risk we all take, Ben. You're a hero. You fight because you believe in something bigger than yourself. But don't let fear of leaving someone behind stop you from doing what needs to be done. If anything, that should drive you even harder. Do it for him.

Ben lowered his gaze, her words striking him deeply. Could he really turn off that part of him that feared leaving Dan Heng behind? Could he fight without hesitation, trusting in himself completely like Kafka?

Ben: It's not easy, Kafka. It's not just about me. I don't want him to be alone, ever.

Kafka smiled knowingly, patting the gun beside her.

Kafka: No one said it would be easy, kid. But that's what makes it worth it. You fight with your heart, and that's a strength too. Just don't let it become a weakness. You'll find your balance. You're stronger than you think.