*Two Weeks Ago

"AHHHH!"

{Child ran down the hallway; a looming shadow stretched forward.}

"Gotta get out of here! Find Mom and Dad!"

{Child reached the back door, can't reach the doorknob; menacing figure drew a butcher knife.}

'Rock-a-bye baby, on the tree top…'

"Oh no! Please, I'll be good."

{Child slid against the door, tears blurring his vision.}

'When the wind blows… the cradle will rock…'

"NO! Don't do it!"

'Time to sleep.'

SLASH!

AHHHHH!

Musutafu, Japan

Bakugo Residence (9pm)

"Ah, what a perfect night to have a romantic dinner. I felt amazing."

"I'm sure that italian restaurant was worth the wait, Mitsuki."

"It sure was. Unfortunately, I fear the babysitter will complain about Katsuki's and Asano's behaviors."

"You mean he'll complain about Asano's behavior."

"Katsuki's a good kid, but when Asano's alone with him and the caretaker, hell breaks out."

"Well, tonight could be the night they behave. Right?"

When Dad opened the door, he and Mom saw mayhem in the living room. Asano blowing streams of flames at the babysitter, who already had burnt marks on his clothes. The entire room had specks of fire and charred furniture. "God, help me! Your daughter is a menace!" He stopped momentarily to address how troubling Asano was before running away from her again. Mom and Dad stood in the doorway, baffled and beyond pissed.

Correction, Mom was pissed as heck. "Asano! You stop chasing the babysitter right this instant!" While Dad grabbed the first aid kit, Mom searched around the house for me. The closet banged from the inside, which drew Mom's attention and wrath. She opened it and I barged forward, falling between her feet. "Uh, the short story is Asano stuffing in the closet, because I bothered her too much."

Getting on Mom's bad side was a pattern to us. Her gaze will pierce fear through the toughest person alive. After Dad dismissed the babysitter and paid him, it was time for a family discussion. The living room still had burnt marks and that charcoal scent, but we ignored it. We sat on the sofa, as Mom crossed her arms, her lips frowning deeper than what occurred last week. The previous babysitter was purely innocent and Asano went too far. 'Your macaroni and cheese tastes bland!' and 'I'm not eating carrots!' were a couple of Asano's memorable quotes.

"Mind telling me why you almost burned the house!? AGAIN!?" Mom bent over, her eyes focused on Asano.

Despite the mess she caused, Asano rolled her eyes and faced the opposite direction. "It's not my fault the babysitter you hired was boring. He wouldn't allow me to go outside and play."

Cue Mom bonking Asano upside the head. "He was keeping you safe! God, you'll never learn! Now, I have to buy new furniture!"

She later grounded Asano for five days and walked to her and Dad's bedroom. Ninety percent of the time, Asano gets grounded and I'm off the hook. Mom understood me. I'm the child who follows rules and controls their quirk inside the house. Asano, however, she's reckless, self-entitled, and bratty. Whenever Mom and Dad leave for the night, a babysitter would set rules for us. But Asano doesn't like rules and breaks them instantly. What's worse was me trying to settle her, which ended with Asano stuffing me in the closet.

Over ten babysitters went, and no hope gleamed.

Seven Days Later

School ended on a Monday afternoon. Dad picked us up and drove through moderate traffic. Looked like another crime slowed our path home. I didn't mind, as I had my All-Might voice recorder. I've been begging to get this last Christmas and Santa heard my wish. "Breaker, breaker, traffic has slowed down the mother ship. I'll need a lot of luck to survive the long haul. Especially when there's a fire-breathing monster next to me, tickling its snout against my neck."

Upon catching the joke, Asano slapped me across the face. We slapped each other until Dad told us to stop. "That's the second time you started fighting in the car. Look, Mom's picking another babysitter tonight. We're heading to a parent-teacher conference to decide next year's changes. Can you two promise me to behave?" I nodded, obviously. Asano stayed silent but agreed. Dad seemed to be the sanest parent I'd ever seen.

We escaped a twenty-minute traffic and parked in front of the garage. Once inside, Mom hung up the house phone and face us with a wide smile. "Good news. I got the perfect babysitter. Her name is Riki Watanabe, and she specializes in child development." I'd never seen Mom act so cheerful. This Mrs. Watanabe woman sounded generous. Although, I feared Asano will drive her insane and repeat last week's disaster.

A few hours passed, and the front entrance rang. Mom motioned to the door, opened it, and welcomed Mrs. Watanabe. On first glimpse, the lady had curly brown hair, peach skin, dimples on chiseled cheeks, and slim frame. Her lips had a cute red paint and glistened from the ceiling lamps. "Hello, Mrs. Bakugo. It's a pleasure to watch over your twins." She noticed us, those eyes of hers showed a light shade of green.

"We won't be out for long, Mrs. Watanabe." Mom guided our caretaker throughout the house, getting her acquainted.

"You have a cozy home, Mrs. Bakugo."

"Thank you, it took patience and sacrifices to get this house."

After Mom finished the short house tour, she and Dad prepared themselves for the conference. "Katsuki? Asano? Behave yourselves around Mrs. Watanabe. Or else…" Her stare always ran a shiver down my spine. Mom's sharp glance didn't faze Asano, who shrugged it off. I guessed she doesn't care if her butt stung from Mom's powerful smacks. They departed and Mrs. Watanabe introduced herself to us. Her voice so silky smooth, I'd barely kept myself together. "Are there stupid rules?"

Of course, Asano ruined the vibe with that question. However, what came out of Mrs. Watanabe's mouth stunned me. "There aren't no rules, little cutie. I'll begin dinner. You two settle and mingle." She strode into the kitchen, leaving us confused. Well, she left me confused, but Asano cheered and jumped around. "Finally, a babysitter who gets me!" She hopped on the brand new sofa Dad bought, turned on the tv, and leaned against the cushions.

"Explodie? Get me a drink!" She threw a small pillow at my face. "Why are you turning me into your slave? Plus, the kitchen isn't far. You can–" She threw another pillow at me, the fabric's scent blowing into my mouth. Ugh, new car smell! "Mrs. Watanabe said there aren't no rules, meaning I can do whatever I want. So, do as I say, or I'll tell Mom on you." My hands cupped into fists, steam seeping through fingers. I can't make a terrible impression in front of Mrs. Watanabe. I loosened my hands and sighed. "Fine, what flavor?"

"Cherry cola, and make it snappy!"

"Coming right up." I walked to the kitchen and found a can of cherry cola.

Two And A Half Hours Later

Mom and Dad returned from the PTA conference. They'd worried Asano and I would make another mess under Mrs. Watanabe's watch, but when they stepped in, the living room was spotless. "Oh, you're here already. How did the conference go?" Mrs. Watanabe, carrying a tray of baked chocolate chip cookies, stood in the kitchen's doorway frame. "I'm impressed, Mrs. Watanbe. The children behaved?" On time, Asano jogged out her bedroom, her lips covered in specks of chocolate. I stepped out of my bedroom, eye bags throbbing from the amount of chores Asano placed on me.

"This babysitter is perfect, Mom! Thank you!" She, for the first time, hugged Mom's calves. It stunned her and Dad more than Mrs. Watanabe allowing Asano to act like her usual self. "Great. That's good to hear. Anyway, thank you for the help, miss. How much?" Dad rummaged his pant pocket for his wallet, but Mrs. Watanabe extended her hand. "That won't be necessary. My payment is watching these heavenly children."

Heavenly? I wouldn't call Asano an angel. More like the angel of destruction. Then, an unexpected outcome crossed the line for me. "Since tonight was a success, how about you become our go-to babysitter?" My heart sank, when Mom wished Mrs. Watanabe to be our recurring babysitter. She agreed with a beaming grin. And that began the worst experience I'd ever had.

Twelve Days Later

"Kacchan? Are you feeling okay?" Izuku and I were at the park after school. Friday was my favorite day of the week, but now it was my least. Mrs. Watanabe will come over to our house tonight, because Mom and Dad have a dinner plan at this fancy restaurant. I sat on the benches, my eyes stung every time I blink. "Our babysitter acts so sweet, but she lets Asano free. She's been putting work on me. I had less time to finish homework."

I covered my tired eyes, the heat from my cheeks drained. I couldn't take another night with Mrs. Watanabe. She's generous, cooks delicious meals, and bakes fresh cookies, but no rules meant Asano increasing her arrogant attitude on me. "Why don't you ask you parents to cancel? I mean your babysitter?" Izuku had a plan, but I wouldn't dare complain about Mrs. Watanabe's care to Mom. She'll blow a casket.

After going back home, Asano lounged on the tv, a bored expression facing its screen. 'This afternoon, we bring you news about a serial killer. This criminal kills children and disguises himself as a babysitter. So far, there had been ten kills across Musutafu and we warn parents to choose their nannies wisely. You'll never know who will snuff your precious child from this world.'

A few minutes in and Mom answered the door, letting Mrs. Watanabe in. "Dressing to impress, Mrs. Bakugo?" She noticed my mom's sky blue dress and golden earrings. Dad, in his black and white tuxedo, walked past Mrs. Watanabe and hurried to the car. "It won't be too long. Take good care of the children!" They exited the house. I can feel my hands throbbing from thinking of rubbing Asano's smelly feet.

As expected, Mrs. Watanabe cooked dinner while Asano spoiled herself by bossing me around. "This is great. A nanny who doesn't have rules for us and I get pampered by my destructive twin brother! I'd never want this to end."

I went to the bathroom, after cleaning Asano's messier bedroom. My fingers were stiff, I couldn't bend them. I was nearing a breaking point. If Asano were nicer, we wouldn't need a babysitter. Before leaving, I'd heard Mrs. Watanabe's voice through the door. "Asano Bakugo… Five years old, carries a bratty personality. Makes her brother do all the handy work. I believe she's the worst child I'd ever laid eyes on. This won't do."

"I guess I'll put her out of her misery." I backed away, eyes trembling by a realization. A realization of who Mrs. Watanabe was. The news brought up a serial killer who pretends to be a nanny and kills children. My head felt dizzy, so I sat on the toilet, neck dangling over shoulders.

'What should I do?'

The Next Day

Another day, another night for Dad and Mom to hang out. Mrs. Watanabe wore her nicest skirt and white blouse as she entered the house. She tied her curly brown hair into a ponytail, a beautiful jewel encrusted band holding it in place. "Alright, you two. Be right back. It's parent's night!" As always, Mom and Dad left us alone with Mrs. Watanabe. This time, I had my voice recorder. I hid it in the least expected area in the living room. The picture frames. Lucky for me, I set the voice recorder on the nightstands.

The night went as usual; Asano gave me orders, I'd followed them without question, and Mrs. Watanabe cooked takoyaki. Hours passed and nothing too suspicious happened. Once Mrs. Watanabe finished her duty, I grabbed the recorder, rushed to my room, and studied her lines.

'All those naughty children drive me crazy. Their parents should be ashamed for their lack of discipline.'

'In my line of work, there had been nice, helpful children. They knew how to respect adults.'

'I swear to GOD, the next child you ask for a video game, I'll break their necks!'

Her words were horrid. They'd came from a horror movie. I'd kept the recorder safe in my toy chest, wait for the right time to bust Mrs. Watanabe. Four days went by and Mom and Dad planned another night to themselves. That meant, Asano bossed me, while Mrs. Watanabe did nothing. Until tonight, that is. Dinner was around the corner, but Mrs. Watanabe sharpened a huge butcher knife. Her lips curled into a smile that spilled malice.

That can't be good. I had to warn Asano, although she might not understand the danger. "We need to talk. Come to my room!" I pushed Asano to my room, locked the door, and showed her the recorder. One push of a button and Mrs. Watanabe's harsh words blared toward Asano. After I ended the recording, Asano laughed it all off. "You think Mrs. Watanabe is the serial killer everyone's talking about? She's the sweetest nanny on Earth."

She saw it, but the conversation Mrs. Watanabe had four days ago weren't sweet. "Ugh, you're the worst sister! You'd never listen, are the laziest person, and you treat me like a slave! Why can't you get the picture!?" Sparkles erupted from my hands, as I approached Asano. I refused to let my twin sister be blind! She needed to see Mrs. Watanabe's true nature.

"You better not lay those sparkly hands on me! I'll tell Mom!" Asano backed a few paces back.

"Shut up! Your life is in danger! I can save you, but you need to listen!"

The door cracked open, and Mrs. Watanabe poked her head. "Is something wrong?"

I shook my hands; the smoke evaporating instantly. "Nothing, miss. We were talking like normal siblings." I wrapped an arm around Asano, who felt uncomfortable. She growled under her breath. "Okay. Dinner's ready, if you're hungry." She shut the door, and I unhooked my hold. She opened her mouth to speak, but I reopened the door to shut her up.

'I didn't expect Katsuki to have a temper. Even the nicest children have flaws. Oh well, guess I'll cut him up, too.'

Slashing noises echoed through the living room, as Mrs. Watanabe chuckled. I shut the door and watched my sister's pride shrink. Her face turned pale and knees buckled to the floor. "Y-You're right. She's gonna kill us. WAH! I'm too cute and young to die!" She crawled to me, her hands gripping my shirt and tears soaking my socks. "I'm sorry for teasing you, Katsuki! Please, help me. I promise not to treat you like a slave again." Even though the idea of payback sounded cool, I'd held onto that thought.

"Okay. Mom and Dad won't be back until ten pm. We'll stall Mrs. Watanabe until they return. Then, I can show them the recorder and they'll understand how bloodthirsty she is." Soon, we agreed to stall Mrs. Watanabe for twenty minutes. How we'll do it was the problem. My mind clicked about our previous babysitter; how scared he was of Asano's quirk. Oh, I loved being the smart brother.

We stepped out, cautious of Mrs. Watanabe's next move. The room had a humid feel, which increased the unsettling atmosphere. "Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack… All dress in black, black, black…" She sang a nursery song which sounded wholesome, but to her, it was terrifying. Her shadow stretched, as she sharpened the knife. "On my mark, you'll use your quirk to spread mayhem." With the chaos we're about to jump in, Asano felt scared in using her fire breath.

Mrs. Watanabe trudged out the kitchen, swinging the sharp knife freely. "Run around like someone annoyed you, Asano." She raised an eyebrow at my example, so I mentioned the babysitter she drove away a few weeks ago. "Oh, that crazy. Got it." She gave a thumbs up and dashed into the living room. When I signaled to Asano, she'd let herself loose. "Hey, Mrs. Watanabe! Here's what I think about your care!" She blew fire, spreading embers across the room.

"What are you doing, brat!?" She revealed her real identity to us.

"I hate babysitters who allow us to have no rules!" Asano blew another stream of fire, targeting the curtains and picture frames on the wall.

Not wanting to stand still, I ran forward. "Yeah, same here!"

Although I might regret this later, I slammed my hands on the coffee table; the explosion pushed it into a nightstand. Mrs. Watanabe stared at the chaos we enacted. Her face scrunched up, the knife shaking within her hand. She shrilled, one hand gripping her ponytail while the other waving frantically. "I had it with these children! They never listen to their parents, or any adult! It's the reason for my killing spree. One little brat pushed my nerves and I snapped. Grabbed a butcher knife and slit his throat! It felt satisfying as hell and I'll do it right now!"

She charged at Asano, but she jumped off the sofa. We escaped the burning living room, heading to the back entrance. "Darn, how are you so fast?" Asano huffed from the lack of exercise. "Unlike you, I hang outside and play with my friends. You lay on your bed, eating potato chips and watching girly shows." I'd use my hands to boost me to the doorknob. Mrs. Watanabe's wails grew closer, as I opened the door, letting Asano leave first. Then, I followed her, but didn't lock the door.

We ran around the house, Mrs. Watanabe chasing us with the knife. "I'll stab you a hundred times, hide your bodies, and tell your parents that you ran away! Never to be seen again!" Her chuckles echoed across the near empty neighborhood. Just as she caught up to us, Mom and Dad parked near the sidewalk. Mom got out the car, her eyes widened by the shocking scene of Mrs. Watanabe holding a knife and us outside the house.

"What the hell's going on!? Why are the kids outside?!" She and Dad approached Mrs. Watanabe, who hid the knife behind her back. "Nothing, Mrs. Bakugo. I followed the kids outside after they tried to sneak off. The knife is for the chicken I'm roasting in the oven." Her passive smile and soft giggling didn't fool me. It almost fooled our parents, but I pulled out the voice recorder. "Mom, Mrs. Watanabe is a monster. She almost killed me and Asano. If you don't believe me, here! Listen to this!"

I pressed the button, and the recorder blared Mrs. Watanabe's sadistic words. After a couple of minutes, I turned off the recorder. "Is this true? You're the nanny killer!?" Mom and Dad stared at Mrs. Watanabe, arms crossed and anger escalated. Yes, my plan worked! "Fine, I'm the nanny killer! Over ten children annoyed me and I ended their misery! The news thought I was a guy, because my name was Riki. Go figure! Anyway, you're not gonna tell, because I'll make sure you—"

Before Mrs. Watanabe swung the knife at Mom, her movement stopped. We saw an unshakable aura from Mom, as she walked to Mrs. Watanabe, eyes glowing scarlet red. "Or you'll what? Just that you know, I used to be a part of a rough gang. I said I'd made sacrifices and quitting my sisterhood was one of them. Now, you have thirty seconds to drop that knife and surrender." Mom cracked her knuckles, that frown shifted into a cheery grin.

Fear engulfing her senses, Mrs. Watanabe dropped the knife, its tip digging deep into the grass. She kneeled, head hung low and her urge to kill gone. "I surrender…" With that, Mom asked Dad to call the police, while she guided us into the house. Fifteen minutes later, the police arrived and arrested Mrs. Watanabe for committing ten child murderers. "Thank god, we came on time. Are you two okay? She didn't scratch you."

She hugged us close, not bothered by the burned living room surrounding her. "We're alright, Mom. You were awesome out there. Thanks for saving us." I didn't know Mom was a member of a gang. Dad, once the situation simmered, said that Mom quit the gang because of him. "We met one afternoon. I finished my interview and bumped into a scary group of men. Your mom saved me and I'd fell in love with her."

Five Days Later

"I've learned my lessons. No more hiring babysitters." Mom laid against the restored sofa's cushions, as she conversed with Izuku's mom on the phone.

"I've heard the story, Mitsuki. It must have been terrifying. What happened to Mrs. Watanabe?"

"The police arrested her ass, the court sentenced her to six years in jail, and that's it." Mom blew air through her puckered lips.

"Well, at least your children are safe and no family suffers a traumatic moment."

"Yeah, from here on out, I'll reduce our nightly events to once a week." Mom nodded and closed her eyes.

I agreed with Mom's decision. Because of the madness Mrs. Watanabe caused, Mom canceled hiring babysitters. An excellent move, but that left with one question. 'Who's going to watch over us?' "How about Katsuki and Asano go over to your home, Inko. I'm sure Izuku would be glad to play with them." That's not a bad idea. Although Asano might not like it, I wouldn't. Playing with Izuku sounded picture perfect.