The Dark Shadow And His Muse

Chapter Five - Love Blooms

After escaping from Tokoyami and Jiro, the Ripper returned to his hideout. His arm was still dislocated from that blow from the rampaging Dark Shadow.

The Ripper: Damn.....that was something! Guess those heroes aren't pushovers!

The Ripper then pushed his dislocated arm back into place. This was both painful and satisfying at the same time. After revelling in his pain, he put his mind back on important matters.

The Ripper: So those heroes are working with Hatake... can't let that go on for too long. Can't let the Doc spoil the fun!

As the Ripper set out to search for Hatake, Jiro took Tokoyami back to her place. Tokoyami was still wracked with guilt about what happened. Jiro began attempting to alleviate his guilt.

Jiro: Tokoyami....what happened wasn't your fault.

Tokoyami: It was Jiro. If I fast enough, I would've saved those people! If I was strong enough, I would've stopped him!

Jiro: Don't blame yourself for what happened! There was nothing you could've done! It...it just spiraled out of control! 

Tokoyami: That's the worst part! I lost control! I....I could've hurt you! If you hand't have stopped me, who knows what more damage I would've caused! 

Jiro could hear the distress and guilt in Tokoyami's voice. She couldn't bear to see him like this. It was absolute torture to her. 

Jiro: Listen....you're a great hero. Perhaps the best! What happened wasn't your fault! We'll stop him! No matter what!

Tokoyami was silent. He still blamed himself for what happened. Despite this, Jiro decided to confess her feelings to Tokoyami in an attempt to help him. 

Jiro: I....I....I like you......

Upon hearing this, Tokoyami's full attention was on Jiro. 

Tokoyami: What? What did you say?

Jiro: I like you. Okay?

Tokoyami was taken aback by this. In all his years of knowing her, Tokoyami had never seen any signs of Jiro liking him. In that moment, his mind was off of what happened.

Tokoyami: I....I don't know what to say.....

Jiro: I'm...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything....

Tokoyami: No...it's....it's okay Jiro. 

There was an awkward silence between the two. Jiro had confessed her feelings and neither knew what to do. 

Tokoyami: How long?

Jiro: Since about our first year in UA. I've always wanted to tell you how I felt, but I....I just felt you were out of my league.....

Tokoyami: That's not true. I may have a powerful Quirk, but I am no means perfect. I am just as flawed as any other. 

Jiro was taken aback by Tokoyami's humility. Despite having a powerful Quirk that would make him a top Pro Hero, Tokoyami was still the same grounded individual as he was back in UA. This made Jiro fall for him even more. As time went on, tears began building up in her eyes.

Jiro: When you lost control.....I....I was scared. Not for my sake, but for yours.....I felt so..helpless..seeing you like that just....tears at me! I....I....

As the tears began falling down her face, Tokoyami embraced her in a hug. In that tender moment, Jiro cried into his shoulders. 

Tokoyami: It's okay Jiro.....it's okay.....

Jiro: Heh. Look at me. I'm a mess, aren't I?

Tokoyami: Not at all Jiro. 

Tokoyami and Jiro gazed into each other's eyes as love began building up between the two. In that moment, a feeling a peace was felt between the two. In one single moment, a kiss was shared between the two. It was fueld with passion and love. When the kiss was ended, Jiro was breathless.

Jiro: Wow...I can't believe we actually kissed.....

Tokoyami: Ji....Kyoka.....thank you.

Jiro: Thank you for what?

Tokoyami: For being there for me. For being a kind and caring friend. Thank you.....

Jiro held Tokoyami's hand close to her face. She didn't want to let go. But as the two lovers prepared to kiss once again, Jiro got a call from Hatake on her cellphone. She answered the call and put him on speaker.

Jiro: Dr Hatake?

Hatake(Phone): I heard about what happened on the news. You have my deepest condolences. 

Jiro: Don't worry Dr. Hatake. The Ripper will be sorry once we catch him!

Hatake(Phone): I'm glad you feel that way Miss Jiro! I have good news! After some researched on the Ripper's attacks, I've managed to pinpoint a few locations that the Ripper may be hiding.

Jiro: That's wonderful! 

Hatake(Phone): We should discuss this in person. How soon are you available?

Jiro: We'll be right there!

Hatake(Phone): Wonderful! I'll text you the address! I'm looking forward to discuss this with you and Mr. Tokoyami. 

As the call ended, Jiro looked to Tokoyami. 

Jiro: This might be our chance! Once we get the locations, we can find and stop the Ripper once and for all! 

Tokoyami: And we'll bring that madman to justice. 

Jiro hugged Tokoyami. Despite his feelings for Jiro, Tokoyami was now more concerned for her safety than ever. He knew that the Ripper had developed an obsession with both Tokoyami and Jiro and would go to great lengths to hurt them. Meanwhile, Hatake was looking over a map with several locations marked as suspected hideouts. One of those locations was the church. 

Hatake: Where are you Ripper? You can't hide forever....

Little did Hatake know that the Ripper was standing outside his home in the middle of a storm. As the Ripper looked upon Hatake's house, a twisted smile formed on the Ripper's face. 

The Ripper: All right Doc! Let's have some fun!

In that moment, the Ripper slowly made his way to the doorstep of Hatake's house. Hatake was unprepared for the brutality that was coming his way.