Disclaimer: I don't own jack!
Suggested Listening: Play Me Like a Violin by Stephen
Contradiction
Kagome bit into her bottom lip. She curled inward, digging her nails into Chisaki's back. She wrapped one leg around his hip as the man steadily deepened his pace.
It'd been so painful in the beginning. That first lance of his intrusion had been the most excruciating. He hadn't taken his time, nor had he given her a chance to catch her breath. He merely buried himself within her and held firm—at least until the first wave of pain ebbed away. After that he started a rhythm that she could barely keep up with.
She tilted her head to the side. The man above her lowered his mouth to her nape. She felt the slight scraping of his teeth as he jarred his hips against hers.
"Kai," She referred to his given name.
He paid little heed to it. His palms shifted to grab at her wrists.
It was not affection or love that this man was expressing. It was a sharp possessiveness—an instinctual need to dominate and take control over what he believed to truly be his.
This was not the sort of sex she'd heard other girls talking about in school. It was not soft or gentle.
She felt the vague pinch of his teeth at her flesh—marking her in a way that was sure to last well after their tryst was over.
Kagome closed her eyes.
The faint twinge of guilt twisted within her chest as the image of a familiar face flashed in her mind.
This was necessary.
She had to finish what she'd started. It was the only way to give Eri enough time to escape. That and it'd prevent Chisaki from finding out for a while.
The young woman shivered as the pleasure began to coalesce.
His body shifted—hovering further over her as he pinned her to the mattress.
Her breath froze in her lungs. The only thing she could feel was him pressing down upon her. A faint moan escaped her lips as Chisaki shifted. His movements grew rough—as if he were having a difficult time controlling himself. She supposed that with his affliction towards human touch he would've forgone sex for lengthy periods of time. Plus the few opportunities he did likely indulge in it, it'd probably been an extremely uncomfortable event.
This would've been the first time he could fully engage in intimacy without suffering from those unsightly hives. Years of frustration and sexual tension had been built up within him. This was merely his release of that slow boiling pressure.
She winced as his thumb bit into the nerve of her wrist. It wasn't too painful but it served as a shock to her system.
Kagome closed her eyes. Her mind summoned the memory of an upstairs loft, the scent of firewood and a vague sense of warmth. That night, she'd almost gone with them. She'd almost remained at their side; his side.
Chisaki buried his face into the nape of her neck.
She sank further into the mattress. Maybe if she hadn't been so stupid then she could've seen him again. Maybe she would've had a chance to settle the thread that'd been left undone.
His hips jarred as her body became washed with pleasure. Kagome shivered. He continued without stopping—his breath coming in jagged pants against her neck.
She took a shuddering breath through her nose.
The faint pulse of two shards emanated overhead. They stood together for only a moment before the power began to fade.
Her lips curled up into a soft smile.
Eri was safe.
Dabi lifted the child up further in his arms. She trembled violently as she buried her face into the crook of his neck.
Truthfully this wasn't the first time he'd had to console a sobbing child. The years he spent under his father's roof had given him plenty of experience with it. He had three younger siblings of varying ages and through the years they'd grown accustomed to relying on him.
This role Kagome had foisted onto him was one that he was already familiar with.
"Let's get you settled," He spoke calmly to the girl. "Afterwards we'll go get Kagome."
Tiny fingers curled around the cloth of his jacket tightly.
"Promise?" Her voice was soft but he heard it all the same.
"Promise," Dabi answered.
He quickly reached into his pocket with his free hand and dialed out a familiar number.
It rang once then twice before the other person picked up.
"Kurogiri," He addressed his colleague before he could speak. "I need you to open a gate for me. Take me to Twice."
He couldn't trust Shigaraki just yet. Not until he knew why Kagome wanted to remove Eri from there so desperately. This girl was important for more reasons than one. If he could get Kagome out then she'd be more willing to work with them knowing that the child was safe from exploitation.
He had to insulate Eri from Shigaraki's reach. At least for now.
"Send me your location," Kurogiri responded in his usual deadpan tone. "I'll take you over immediately."
Azure eyes hardened, "Will do."
The girl shivered as she curled up against him further.
Even like this he could spy the bandages that were wrapped around her limbs. She felt entirely too tiny for her age. If anything, her very appearance reminded him of a lab rat—dressed only in what was deemed 'necessary' and fed sporadic meals.
"Hey kid," Dabi shifted so that she would look at him. "You hungry?"
Just as he asked he heard the faint growl of her stomach emanating in the alleyway.
He fought back a snort of laughter, "I'll take that as a yes."
He would take her to Twice first but after that he'd get her something decent to eat. If they were going to take Kagome then they would have to prove themselves worthy of her trust. Ensuring this child's well-being was just the first step.
Dabi braced his palm to the back of her head, "Just relax for now. I'll deal with the rest."
After all, he still had a promise to fulfill.
The shard still burning his left reminded him of that much.
Chisaki glanced down at the woman sleeping peacefully beside him. He'd taken her to his bed just as he'd originally planned. She'd been pliant to his will and allowed him to take full control of their sex. Still there was something missing. Something he couldn't quite put his finger on.
Much of the time it seemed as if she were looking beyond him. Something far above where they were.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his train of thought.
"Overhaul, do you have a minute? It's urgent." Kurono's voice came through the other side. His tone was low but firm—an indication that things were amiss.
Chisaki sat up, "Come in."
He swiftly threw the sheets over himself and Kagome. It was sloppy but it was enough to make sure that nothing important was showing on either of them.
The young woman groaned as she rolled onto her side towards him. The back of her hand rested against his hip intimately. Even in the dark he could still spy the slight bruise he'd left upon her flesh.
It was a mark of ownership—a reminder of just where exactly she belonged.
Kurono stepped into the room. His eyes briefly landed on her sleeping form before glancing back at him. If he was surprised, the man did not express it.
"We've run into a serious problem," His colleague began. "One of the men went to check on Eri earlier but she wasn't there. She's gone missing."
A cold feeling ran through his body.
Eri was missing?
His eyes thinned.
No, she escaped.
The real question was if Kagome had facilitated the child's escape and if she'd had any direct contact with someone outside the compound. If she did, then all of his plans would be at risk. He couldn't lose them both.
His eyes slid back towards his colleague, "Go ahead and start the search. I'll be there momentarily."
Kurono offered a short inclination of his head before he closed the door behind him.
Chisaki sat back on his palm.
"Eri's gone missing, huh?" He trailed the tip of his index finger along the contour of Kagome's cheek. "I knew I should've kept a closer eye on you. I just didn't expect you to make your move so soon. Very clever."
He would deal with Kagome later. Unfortunately he had more pressing matters to attend to. Namely figuring out where Eri had escaped to.
Chisaki took to his feet.
There was only one way to fix this.
His eyes drifted towards the woman's sleeping form.
There was just one way left that they could still climb to the top of the underworld.
Kagome held her breath.
She waited until she could no longer hear the heavy footsteps stalking through the hall.
Chisaki was gone.
To be more precise, he had probably taken most of the eight bullets of the Shie Hassaikai with him to search for Eri.
If she was going to escape then this would be her only chance.
Kagome slipped out of the bed. Her legs were still sore and shaky but she could at least walk. That'd be good enough for the moment. The young woman winced as she felt a slight twinge of pain shoot through her.
Chisaki had been rough. His own desire for pleasure had led him to pay little heed to her discomfort. It wasn't all bad but that soreness was going to work against her right now. She wouldn't be as fast as she could be at the moment.
She steadied herself on her feet. They still trembled but she could at least hold herself up.
Kagome swiftly threw some clothes over herself. It wasn't much but that was alright. She just needed to get to safety first. After that she could worry about getting into something a little more fresh.
Azure eyes narrowed at the door.
The CCTV Chisaki had installed through the compound would work against her. She had no idea where all the cameras were at so her attempt would be discovered quickly. The only real question was if she could get out fast enough. Chisaki and his men would be searching for Eri, which meant that most of their forces would be diverted for that effort. Chisaki likely would have some extra forces on the lookout in case she decided to escape, so she would have to be careful. Moving fast would be her key.
In order to obtain her freedom she would have to fly past every obstacle in her path.
Including Chisaki himself.
Azure eyes thinned at that.
She had to hurry.
Kagome steadied herself as she pressed her ear against the door.
Silence.
That was good.
The young woman gripped at the handle before quietly sliding it open. She slowly peered her head out into the hallway—surveying the area for any signs life.
No one.
The halls were completely barren. There were no footsteps, no breathing, not even the faint sound of people talking in the background.
It was clear.
She didn't wait.
Kagome slipped out into the corridor. She padded her way as quickly and silently as she could. Her breath came in uneven pants as she rushed through the labyrinth.
She'd filed away the path Chisaki had led her down previously. Both during their little outing and when he'd first brought her into the compound. Going through the front entrance wouldn't work. There'd be far too many guards that could impede her path. Which just left the exit through the abandoned warehouse.
Azure eyes thinned into narrow slits.
Her feet carried her faster through the empty halls. Every surface had been bleached several times over. The smell alone was potent enough that she could tell that it'd been cleaned just recently. It burned at her nose and forced her to use her hand to cover it in a vague attempt at blocking out the stench. There was nothing to soften the harsh chemicals that overpowered everything in this base. It was one thing she had come to hate the most. It reminded her entirely too damn much of the hospital.
Dark brows furrowed.
She needed to get out of here.
Eri was waiting for her.
As were the rest of her friends.
Bakugou. Midoriya. Tamaki. Todoroki.
They were all waiting for her.
Kagome forced her legs to run even faster. The once-still air rushed by her as she curved through the familiar twists and turns.
It wouldn't take long. Just a few more minutes and then she would be free. She braced her arm against the wall as she swiftly used it to help carry her weight across the empty corridors.
She made her way through the familiar doorway and into the abandoned warehouse.
Just a few feet left.
Kagome swallowed thickly.
Someone would be nearby.
Tamaki or Bakugou, she wasn't sure which, but one of them still had to be within range. It hadn't been long since Eri had gone with the person with the other shard. Which meant that one of them had to have her. If she could just reach them then maybe she could escape as well.
Kagome pushed through the final door.
She squinted against the blaring light of the sun.
There was no time to think.
All she could do now was run.
The young woman steeled her resolve.
There was only one place she could go. Just one place that was still an option.
The Higure Shrine.
The only place she could truly call home.
Chisaki scowled.
"You sure she's not around?" His hand tugged at the fabric of his gloves. This had been entirely too fast. Even if Kagome had facilitated Eri's escape, there was no way for the woman to have passed on a message to the outside in enough time to pull something like this off. It couldn't be a sheer coincidence either. Someone was paying close attention and launching a counterstrike before they could react. The real question was who. Was it the heroes? Or perhaps the League?
He needed to know.
"We searched the city top to bottom. There's no sign of her anywhere. We couldn't find out who took her either." Kurono pulled the hood of his coat down. "There's no heroes around so it's likely that someone with a warping quirk got to her."
Gold eyes narrowed at that, "Which means that someone from the League was here—probably searching for Kagome."
"Which is how they found Eri." Kurono finished for him, "So what do you want to do?"
This would be difficult.
"We'll regroup at our base. The League wants Kagome. At this point they won't understand Eri's importance. We can use that to our advantage." His pace quickened as they forced their way through the crowd. "It's still possible to strike a deal with the League that'll benefit us both."
Kurono paused mid-step, "Are you suggesting that we use her as a bargaining chip with Shigaraki?"
Chisaki tugged at the collar of his coat, "To some degree, yes."
The man continued, "We can't let them have direct contact with her. If they manage to take Kagome from us by force then we lose any advantage we might have."
He couldn't allow such a thing to come to pass. He swore an oath that he'd bring the yakuza out of their pit of despair. He wouldn't rest until the Shie Hassaikai was the reigning organization of the underworld. Even without Eri they could still climb to the top with Kagome's power alone. If the League took her as well then everything would be lost. On the other hand if he kept the League at a safe distance under the guise of fostering a working relationship, then at least he could control the situation to some degree. He could allow them to verify her presence and security but that was all. He could never let them too close.
"I'm heading back down to talk to her directly. She won't give up information easily but I know what will make her talk." Just as she'd used sex as a diversion tactic earlier, he could still use it as a means of wrangling the truth out of her. She was young, naïve and susceptible to the emotional attachments that came with physical intimacy.
This was his game to win.
He would not lose to her.
The man made his way down into the labyrinth. As expected, the halls were just as empty as always. There was no one around and not a sound echoing around him besides that of his own footsteps.
His gaze thinned at the door left slightly ajar.
No one was supposed to have been down here.
Which could only mean one thing.
It was quiet.
Too quiet.
Even without access to modern technology, there was usually some kind of sound emanating from her room. The quiet padding of her feet across the floor. The low grumblings of frustration when she'd play shogi bu herself. There were even times when she'd just say every thought that crossed her mind out loud.
Kagome disliked the silence. Therefor she would do whatever she could to fill it.
His pace quickened.
He'd known that Kagome had used their intimacy earlier as a distraction to set Eri free. She would've been too isolated to arrange a large scale evacuation with the League of Villains. Which meant that she must've taken the only chance she thought she'd have.
Chisaki pushed the door to her room open with a quick swipe of his fist
Empty.
Absolutely empty.
It wasn't hard to figure out what'd happened in the time they were gone.
Kagome had escaped.
When they'd all left in search for Eri, Kagome had taken her chance to make a break for it. She would likely go somewhere she'd think there'd be backup, somewhere she'd feel as if she could be safe. Which just left two options.
Chisaki tugged at the cloth of his gloves, "Kurono, you and the rest of the eight bullets surround the paths leading to U.A. Don't let yourselves be caught by the heroes. I'll head to the shrine. She's likely to be at one of those two places."
"But sir," His colleague caught up to him. "Shouldn't you take someone with you? There's still a possibility she got into contact with someone with the League and they might be waiting for her there."
"Don't worry about that," He cut him off quickly. "I don't think she went that far. She wouldn't have had the chance to arrange something of that scale." Besides a few spare moments, she wouldn't have had the ability to get in contact with anyone from the League. This had been purely because they were watching for her.
Chisaki scratched at his chin thoughtfully.
Was it possible that one of them secured a shard when they'd burned the shrine? He'd seen Kagome give Eri one earlier. So if that was the case, could they have used a shard? If the shards reacted to one another then the League likely thought that they were closing in Kagome herself and were surprised to find Eri. Either way, they'd know that Eri would be important to Kagome.
He'd have to play this next part carefully.
"You just focus on the school. Chances are that's where she's most likely to go. It's fortified and has enough heroes around to aid her if she were to make it past the gates." He tugged at the collar of his coat, "Keep an eye out and just make sure that she doesn't get that far. Bring her back as quietly as possible. I'm just going to the shrine to make sure she didn't head there first."
If she were wavering then that would be the first place she'd go—somewhere safe and comfortable. Somewhere she felt like she belonged. The real question would be if anyone else would be waiting for her.
"Keep me updated. I'll message you if I find anything."
With that he stalked out of the compound.
He had just one chance to make this right. Just one opportunity to secure the Shie Hassaikai's future. He wasn't about to let anything stand in his way.
Not even her.
Aizawa fought the urge to sigh. How long had it been since his student had gone missing? How much longer until he could find her again?
He tugged at the binding cloth that hung around his neck.
"Nothing here either," His gaze slid across the forest floor. "There should be something around here."
It was frustrating.
Kagome had, in many ways, depended on him much like a child would their parent. She had no relatives living with her at home and often tried to earn his approval.
He'd known that about her from the very start.
His lips thinned at the thought.
He was not a perfect man. In fact, he wasn't a perfect teacher either. He'd made more mistakes than he could count in the years he'd spent at U.A. It was from those mistakes that he'd judged Kagome as having potential. He'd seen it from the start.
Her drive. Her strength. Her versatility.
The girl's greatest weakness had always been her self-consciousness.
Years of being in the public's eye and facing the brunt of society's anger towards her father's crimes had left with with little more than a tiny shred of confidence. One that was easily extinguished.
Dark eyes shifted towards the canopy of emerald leaves high above him.
"I should keep moving," The words he spoke felt so empty even to himself.
He'd be lying if he said that he didn't fear Kagome eventually going rogue. When the League kidnapped her, he thought that, that would be the end of it. He believed that she'd choose Shigaraki and his merry band of misfits just to find a place where she would feel like she belonged.
The fact that she didn't had surprised him. It was also the moment he truly began to doubt his own judgment.
He'd screwed up.
By the time he realized his own mistake, she'd already been taken. Now he couldn't even apologize for what he'd done.
The girl was being held captive somewhere and likely being forced into producing shards for the benefit of some nefarious organization. Then there was the possibility of her captor using… alternative methods of persuasion on her.
Aizawa fought against the sickening feeling that curled in his stomach.
He had to fix this.
He had to save her.
The man paused as the underbrush began to whistle in the wind. Leaves crushed together as a faint howl carried on the breeze.
He blinked once before his mind fully registered the sound.
The whistle gave way to a feminine scream—echoing in the short distance that separated them.
His eyes snapped open, "The shrine!"
His leg carried him across the forest faster than he could think.
She was there!
She was at the shrine!
He rushed past the thickets of foliage and clearings, pushing through the last vestiges of nature until he came upon the tiled courtyard of where the Higure Shrine once stood.
At the center of the burned remains of the house he found her.
The silhouette of a young woman's figure stood out amongst the ash-blackened floor.
"Higurashi!" Aizawa called her name.
Kagome didn't respond.
Her eyes remained focused on the remnants of her home. Tears courses down her sunken cheeks as she graced her palms on either side of her head.
"Gone… it's gone!" She could hardly utter the words before her legs collapsed beneath her weight, "My home…!"
His gaze slid to the dark bruises that marred her thin wrists. They stood out against the unnaturally pale flesh of her skin. Her body seemed even more thin than he last remembered—hardly anything than flesh draped over a skeleton.
His heart wrenched heavily within his chest.
Aizawa crouched beside her slowly, "Kagome." He used her given name.
The girl lifted her eyes towards his.
"I got out but it's gone. Everything thing is..!" Her jaw clamped shut as she shook her head violently, "This can't be real!"
He carefully braced his arms around her back and shoulders, pulling her into his chest.
"You're safe now," He lowered his voice into a soothing tone. "Let's get you home."
Her body trembled within his grasp. Hot tears coursed down her face as she buried herself within his chest.
"I have no home! This is… was!"
He quickly cut her off, "You do have a home." His grip tightened as he pulled back just far enough to meet her gaze directly. "There is still a place for you."
He'd made the mistake of forsaking her once. He wouldn't make that same mistake twice.
Not ever again.
The man's features softened, "People are still waiting for your return."
Kagome's eyes filled with tears as she fought back the sob that tore from her throat.
Aizawa gently took her into his arms, "Let's go home."
This was his last chance. He wouldn't screw this up.
Not ever.
She wasn't alone.
Golden eyes narrowed sharply at the unwelcome intruder.
He'd hoped that she'd be by herself when he came upon her but he supposed that he should've anticipated at least one person finding her first.
"Kagome," Chisaki called her name. "You know you can't go back."
He couldn't let her escape him now that they were so close to achieving their dream. He needed her to see him as her only option.
Aizawa braced his arms around the young woman protectively. His gaze narrowed at him sharply as he straightened his posture.
"Ah yes, I remember you." Chisaki addressed the man directly. "You're that fool of a teacher that was responsible for Kagome's safety. I suppose I should be thanking you for instilling so much doubt in her." He flipped his hands up in a nonchalant manner, "After all you were the one who said that she had a weak will on live television."
He had to strike now before Aizawa convinced her to leave. He had to show her exactly why the hero world would never accept her.
Kagome was vulnerable right now. She was desperate, confused and, most of all, conflicted. She didn't trust him but she didn't fully trust Aizawa either. Not after everything he'd put her through.
Chisaki pushed a little further, "You know it, don't you?" He pinned the man with a cool look. "Kagome doesn't want you. Why would she? You were the one responsible for destroying what little self confidence she had." He continued, "You aren't trying to save her because it's the right thing to do. You're doing it to spare yourself from the guilt."
Kagome visibly flinched at his words.
"You know it's true," Chisaki needled at her. "How many times did he doubt you? How long did it take for him to start searching for you?" He stepped closer to the pair, "I didn't tell you about the shrine because I knew you weren't ready. The League struck out because the heroes tried to hide your disappearance."
Horror flashed across the young woman's face, "That… that's not true!"
She shook her head violently as she sagged further into her teacher's hold.
"It is true," Chisaki didn't let up. "You know exactly how far people like him will go to avoid taking responsibility."
She shivered as she sank further down onto her knees.
Just a little more and she'd crack.
Aizawa braced his arms around her protectively, "Don't listen to him. He wants to break your resolve." The fire that was lit behind the man's gaze nearly burned through him. "There are people still waiting for you to return. You have not been abandoned."
Chisaki snorted through his nose, "No she hasn't because there's still other options available to her."
He pulled the gloves from his hands completely. This would not be an easy fight. Aizawa's quirk would leave him defenseless for a while. Plus that binding cloth he used could easily ensnare him. He'd have to create an opening and strike when the man's guard was down.
Even if he successfully broke through Kagome's emotional defenses, Aizawa still would not let her go without a fight. In order to get her back he'd have to deal with him first.
"Heroes have always been prone to hiding things they don't want to take responsibility for. Just like how society turned on you when they couldn't reach Shinigami." He needed her to reach for him—to see him as the only person left that could accept her. He wouldn't be able to trust her after today but at the very least he could tie her to his side.
Aizawa took to his feet. He released Kagome in favor of pulling at the binding cloth wrapped around his neck.
"You're not taking her from this place," Dark eyes flared to a bright shade of scarlet.
Chisaki squared his shoulders, "I am not taking her anywhere. When we're through, she'll choose me."
He would not give up.
He still had a plan to fulfill.
Kagome watched in horror as Chisaki and Aizawa dove at one another.
No.
Why was this happening?
Her body shivered as she curled her arms around herself.
She didn't want this.
She didn't want any of this!
Heroes.
Villains.
They were terms that she never gave much thought to before. She'd lived her life trying to judge actions over labels. Both her mother and her grandfather had taught her that much. Yet the more she tried to become a hero, the more she found herself cast into the role of a villain by society. Even now she knew that there would be those that'd protest her return.
She'd seen the groups of parents gathered at the school gates. Signs painted in red that demanded her expulsion. She heard the vitriolic chants that equated her with the worst of the worst.
Monster. Wretch. Evil. Villain.
Kagome glanced up as Aizawa posed himself between her and Chisaki protectively.
He was fighting but what for?
Was Chisaki right?
Was he only doing this because he had to?
A sickening feeling coiled in her stomach.
You know it's useless, don't you?
Those words rang in her head over and over again.
Dabi
Her hands lowered as the memory came flooding back.
That night in Kamino—she told him everything. When the world had believed she'd gone rogue and that there was no hope left for her. She'd still returned to this place.
That night, she'd made her choice.
Kagome woke in layers. Her head throbbed as she sat up. Her clothing clung to her skin where sweat had collected. Had she been hit by another fever? She glanced around and took stock of the bags of ice that still surrounded her on the bed. Had someone helped her?
"Looks like you're finally awake." A masculine voice came from the far side of the room.
She swiveled in the direction of the sound.
Dabi
She'd recognize that patchwork face anywhere.
Kagome nodded once, "I suppose I should be thanking you." She flexed her hands, "I'd probably be in some serious trouble if you guys hadn't done something about those fevers."
Dabi turned his head towards her, "That a side effect of your quirk? The kid downstairs wasn't saying a damn thing."
He must mean Bakugou.
She could vaguely recall Dabi grabbing onto him before they'd passed through Kurogiri's gate. She just hadn't realized that they'd be kept so close to one another. She'd assumed that the League would've wanted to separate them. It'd be easier to control them if they were split up.
"Yeah. If I use it too much then it'll act like a virus and attack my immune system." The young woman cast him a wary glance. He didn't seem to be eager for a fight this time. Dabi had perched himself on a windowsill. He'd propped one leg up and folded his elbow over his knee. It was an oddly relaxed posture but there was something in his eyes that gave her pause. They were sharp; piercing almost.
He pushed off of the ledge. The man strolled towards her, his eyes peering down at her as if contemplating what to say next.
"You knew what you were risking but still fought me with everything you had." Dabi took a seat upon the mattress. He kept close to her but refused to give her his back. "That was reckless."
Kagome felt her lips curve upwards in a tiny smile, "Is that concern I'm detecting? Besides, it was a risk I had to take. I knew I couldn't let you guys get Katsuki."
"Yet we did anyways."
She sighed, "Yes. Yes you did."
She'd failed the one task she'd set out to do. She wasn't sure if that was a reflection of her own weakness staring back at her or if these people were simply that much stronger.
"You know it's useless, don't you?" He kept his tone even as he spoke.
Kagome folded her hands over her lap. She knew where this was going. It was where every conversation always ended up. With Aizawa, with Dabi and even with a few of her friends. Regardless of their intentions, they inevitably asked her the same question.
"Why are you fighting so hard for a society that spits on you?" He cocked his head towards the small television set up in the far corner of the room. She hadn't noticed it before but now her eyes were riveted to the images flashing across its translucent glass. She didn't need to listen to know what they were saying about this situation and her.
Kagome closed her eyes, "Because I'm not doing it for society."
Dabi paused at that. She could see the confusion writing across his features. To most people her reason would sound crazy, if not a bit naive. She fully expected him to react the same way. Everyone always did.
"When I was young my mom used to teach me that people are inherently good. That sometimes they just need to be reminded of the things they cherish most to bring them back onto the right path." She closed her index fingers in towards her palm. "I've seen both heroes and villains stray so far from their own ideals. Whether because they desired power or simply sought the destruction of our society. I know that some people are just in search of an answer that they aren't getting anywhere else."
She sucked a breath through her nose, "For the longest time I believed that the shrine was somewhere those people could go to help find their answers. Even if it was subtle, if I could help just a little then that was good enough."
Dabi kept silent. He listened intently as she spoke. It was the first time someone hadn't tried to interrupt her when she told this story. Maybe because he was curious but it could also be because he wanted to persuade her to choose the League of her own volition.
Kagome pushed forward, "I kept asking myself what it was I could do to help people the most. My quirk is one that would've been beneficial had I decided to go the medical route. I probably could've graduated early and been on a fast track right now to becoming a doctor. However the more I tried to imagine that sort of future, the more I realized that I couldn't do it."
She flashed him a wry smile, "You see, I'm a bit of an idiot sometimes. When I was really little I used to think that heroes were the coolest. Swore up and down that I'd be one someday. So as I got older and my father's identity as Shinigami was revealed, I felt like I had to go through with it." Her expression softened. "My family bears the weight of all the people he's murdered. Even if he had a good reason, it still doesn't lift the burden that the families left behind feel. I see it every day."
She leaned back on her palms, "So I decided to try to save a life for every one he'd taken. Maybe I just want to find a way to erase the sins he'd cast onto our family, but I knew I couldn't just sit down and do nothing." Kagome cupped her hands together. Within her palms a small figurine formed—its rounded edges took the shape of a camellia flower. "So I started working with my quirk. At first I could only do simple things like this, but eventually I got better at healing even severe wounds. The more I tried to get stronger, the more I realized just how versatile this quirk really is."
Dabi remained silent as she spoke.
"Eventually I got to the point where I could hold my own offensively and defensively. So I decided to try for U.A. It's the place where most real heroes graduate, right? I had a feeling that it wouldn't be easy so I dove into it anyways expecting to be turned away at the gate." Her mind summoned the image of the teachers' shocked expressions. They'd been so surprised to see her standing there. As if the notion of a villain's child becoming a hero was foreign to them. "Ultimately I decided to keep pushing forward. I know that people like Aizawa would rather see me dropped from the course and I know that most people are afraid of me."
She flexed her fingers, "They're afraid of what I'll become. That eventually I'll follow along the same path as my father. Which is why I'm even more determined not to do it. I'm probably just being stubborn, but the more they say I'll become a villain, the more it makes me want to prove them wrong."
She spied the edge of his lips quirking up into a smirk.
"So you're saying that you're just a typical rebellious teenager."
Her own lips pulled into an exhausted grin, "Yeah, pretty much." Her limbs felt so weak and her mind was still so muddled. Yet she knew that she couldn't go without fully answering his question. There was still one more thing she wanted to say. "At the end of it all, the real reason I don't want to join the League isn't because of some ideological differences. In fact I can see the importance your organization bears for society. People can't get complacent and heroes shouldn't either. For that reason alone I want to try even harder to become the best I can be. I want to become stronger so I won't fail anyone ever again. That includes Katsuki."
Dabi pressed the pad of his thumb against his lips, "Anyone ever tell you that you're an idiot?"
Kagome gave a small laugh, "A few times, actually."
Sitting up fully, she pressed her palm against his shoulder.
"I know why you guys want me to join you but I can't. Even if you hold me here I won't do anything to hurt others. That's especially true for Katsuki as well." She held it there for a moment before she allowed her hand to drop away. "I don't know what might have led you here, Dabi. I won't begin to make assumptions about your past or your reasoning. So I'm not going to sit here and lecture you about why you need to leave this place." His eyes pinned her with a look she couldn't quite decipher. Still she pushed onwards, "That being said, all I ask is that you return the favor. I want to become a hero to make a difference. Even if you hold me here, that part of myself will never change."
The male gave a quick snort, "We'll see about that, kid." His hand pushed at her shoulder gently, forcing her to lie back on the mattress. "Now finish resting. Otherwise you'll give yourself a damn fever."
Her lips pulled into a smirk, "That almost sounds like you care."
Dabi tucked his hands into his pockets, "Now you're definitely being an idiot."
It was strange how comforting those words were to her at that time. He hadn't scorned her for her decision. Nor did he try to convince her to change her mind. He probably didn't think it'd matter with them holding her captive.
Kagome winced as the ground split open. Pillars of concrete shot forward before Aizawa pinned Chisaki with a sharp look—ceasing his quirk before he could finish his attack.
She didn't want to be a villain.
She wanted to save people.
The young woman slowly began to lift herself up.
Society had rejected her over and over again. She'd been spat on, hissed at, struck, kicked and yanked. Scars still etched into her flesh were people had lashed out at her. She wasn't bearing her father's sins. She was bearing society's fury.
She was their scapegoat.
Someone that they could hate without recourse. After all, what did it really matter? She had no family. No home. Nothing to go back to.
Azure eyes hardened at the thought.
"Thank you, Dabi." She spoke softly beneath her breath. "I get what you were trying to say then."
He didn't burn the shrine because he was angry. He didn't destroy the last vestiges of her home to force her to choose them. He did it because he wanted to make his point.
The time for questioning was over. It was the point in which she needed to make her final decision.
She couldn't return to regular society. Not like this.
There was just one thing left for her to do.
A small smile curled at the corner of her lips, "Sorry Katsuki. It looks like I'll be here a bit longer."
Chisaki growled in frustration.
The man was too good with his quirk. He couldn't get a solid hit in!
Golden eyes narrowed as he noticed Aizawa's eyes beginning to close.
There!
He shot forward. Reaching his hand out, he managed to press the tip of his finger against Aizawa's arm.
If he couldn't use his long range attacks then that just meant that there was one thing left to do.
Chisaki watched as the man's body burst apart. Blood pooled on the ground where Aizawa once stood.
"I can't let you take her from me," He pressed his palm against the ground. "But I can still bring you with us, Eraser."
With Eri gone, they could use this as an opportunity to research how quirk erasure works. Plus they could still make the drug from his body instead.
A wave of crystals suddenly shot forth—erecting a thick wall between him and the man currently being restructured.
His shoulders squared.
"It looks like you've finally come to," He braced himself for a second attack. "You don't have to worry. I've already put Eraser back together. It'll be some time before he regains consciousness but he's alive at least."
Kagome spoke nothing.
Her bangs shadowed her expression as she made her way towards him.
Chisaki kept his guard up. She'd nearly destroyed his hand once. He wouldn't give her the chance to take them both.
"Kai," The young woman referred to his given name. "You can't take him."
She came to a stop before him. Her expression was a mixture of concern, fear and something he couldn't quite put his finger on.
Blood covered her clothes, face and hands. He doubted she even knew that there was so much on her at this point.
"Leave him," Her fingers stretched towards his—interlacing them together in a gentle hold. "There's still another way."
Chisaki closed his eyes.
Kagome would not accept him taking Aizawa captive. In fact, he'd hazard a guess that seeing her teacher being broken down in front of her had left her traumatized. Her speech was slightly off and her eyes were clouded.
More than anything, he needed to get her back to their base.
Chisaki slid his coat from his shoulders and quickly draped it over her form. It wasn't much but at least it could provide her with some cover for now.
"Very well," He lowered his voice. "I'll let him remain free for now." He braced his arm around her as he pulled her into his side. "Although we should get back soon. Other heroes are bound to come looking for him."
His gaze narrowed as she nodded once at his words.
It wasn't much but Kagome had made her choice. She'd decided on where she wanted to be. It wasn't with the heroes nor the League.
It was him.
She'd chosen him.
His arm tightened as he began to lead her back to their compound.
From this point forward he'd have to make sure that she didn't regret that choice.
That was his only goal.