Of Sins And Salvation
Chapter 3
After walking home, Ryuzaki stretched out before flopping onto the lounge and sighing softly. After a few seconds of laying there calmly, Ryuzaki jolted upright as a bone rattling voice filled the apartment.
" You are right to doubt yourself boy. You are unworthy of our power. "
After looking around quickly, Ryuzaki stood and walked to the bathroom. As he looked in the mirror, Ryuzaki looked stunned to see half of his body covered in searing, Black flames with his eye glowing a malicious blood red as the voice spoke again.
" Look at you. You can't even be honest about how you feel. She could be yours and you do nothing. You can't even look at yourself in the mirror without feeling disgust. You are pathetic. Unworthy. "
" What gives you the right to say so? " Ryuzaki glared slightly before the voice chuckled and spoke.
" I am Daemon brat. I have the ONLY right to tell you how unworthy you are. You are a simple vessel. You speak as if you expect my power without my taking control, Yet you cannot even control your own emotions. Why should I share my power? Why should I let you use it without my control? A weak little child that cannot even help himself. "
" All well and good to speak like that when you do nothing to help me become worthy. Bit petty to mouth off don't you think? " Ryuzaki spoke sternly with a tone of irritation before Daemon chuckled softly and spoke.
" Yes! Ferocity and anger! Much better. You hide who you are away because you think she will think less of you. But it does not matter. The only opinion that should matter is yours and mine. Be who you are boy. You were not made to be a weak, Snivelling little fool. Whether you like it or not, I will forge you into who you are meant to be. "
As Daemon finished speaking, Ryuzaki yelled out as a surge of agonising pain filled his mind before black flames erupted around him.
One Week Later
" Enough Momo! It doesn't matter what the idiots on the news say! I don't believe it! " Kyoka spoke sternly but had a saddened look on her face as Momo spoke softly.
" Kyoka, All the evidence is there. It is obvious that he is responsible. " Momo placed a hand on Kyoka's shoulder gently but stepped back as Kyoka glared toward her with tear filled eyes.
" Don't tell me what is obvious! Until he comes back it is all just bullshit! " Kyoka slapped Momo's hand away before running into the school as she cried softly.
" It is going to hurt her when she hears it from me. " Ryuzaki sighed as Momo yelled loudly as she fell over before standing and panting softly while she spoke.
" Damn it Ryu... Don't scare me like that... " Momo breathed slowly as Ryu smiled apologetically before speaking. " Ryu... "
" I know Momo. But everyone should hear it at the same time. Repeating myself will only irritate me. Can you make sure she is okay while I go run an errand? " Ryuzaki smiled as Momo nodded before rushing after Kyoka as Ryuzaki walked toward Nezu's office. After entering and sitting down, Ryuzaki sighed softly as Nezu placed a cup of tea in front of him and spoke.
" Word is that you had a rough week my boy. " Nezu smiled as he sipped his tea before Ryuzaki smiled and sipped his tea before speaking.
" Something like that. You heard the news right? "Ryuzaki paused as Nezu nodded before continuing. " Despite the media being story sucking vultures, They have it right. It was my doing. "
" Tell me what happened. The media do not know everything. " Nezu took a slow sip of tea as Ryuzaki sighed and spoke slowly.
" I went home and was lying on the lounge when Daemon started speaking to me. Said I was unworthy, Pathetic. That it has no reason to let me use it's power without controlling me. The last thing I remember was searing pain. Then I woke up in the village. " Ryuzaki ran his hands through his hair slowly before speaking with a pained tone of voice. " I am trying so hard but... I just... It's... "
" I understand my boy. Everyone struggles with the power they wield at one point or another. " Nezu smiled reassuringly before Ryuzaki groaned irritably and spoke sternly.
" But others don't burn down villages! Others don't trash half a city trying to run away from their problems! " Ryuzaki looked irritated before Nezu laughed heartily and spoke.
" You would be surprised actually. Heroes are a messy lot. We usually do as much damage as the villains we fight. It is quite common for the villain to be less of a problem than the hero they are fighting. " Nezu chuckled as Ryuzaki made an amused noise before speaking.
" That... Actually helps. Thanks Nezu. " Ryuzaki smiled before sighing and placing a hand on his head gently as Nezu spoke.
" It weighs on you, How your classmates will take this. How she will take this. " Nezu paused as Ryuzaki nodded before continuing in a reassuring tone of voice. " While what they think can give a different perspective, To focus on the opinion of others too much is self destructive. While the actions and choices you make effect others, The one who must live with what happens is you. The regret, The joy, The hate or appreciation, It will always be yours to bear alone. In that, Only you need live with who you are. Good or bad. " Nezu placed his teacup on the table before standing and walking around the small coffee table and patting Ryuzaki's head gently as he spoke.
" That helps... But what if... " Ryuzaki fell silent as Nezu shook his head slowly.
" Worry not about what if's my boy. Do not wonder what might come of what you do. Wonder only of what you can do. What you are capable of. Wonder only on what you should do in the moment. Thinking too far ahead will blind you to what is right before your eyes. " Nezu smiled as Ryuzaki looked toward him with despair before patting Ryuzaki's head gently for a moment and smiling as Ryuzaki sighed and smiled.
" Thanks Nezu. It means a lot that you have this much faith in me. " Ryuzaki smiled before Nezu smiled and walked back to the opposite lounge and hopping up before picking up his teacup and sipping his tea before speaking calmly.
" You need not thank me my boy. Everything I do and say is in your best interest. You can come to me with anything and I will always offer you advice and words of reassurance. For now, It is, As the saying goes, Time to face the music. " Nezu smiled as Ryuzaki nodded knowingly before leaving the room. " So much weight on his shoulders. "
As he walked toward homeroom, Ryuzaki thought about how he could explain himself. After standing at the door to homeroom for a few moments, Ryuzaki opened the door and walked in before Kyoka rushed forward and hugged him tightly as she spoke.
" I don't care what anyone says! I don't believe it! " Kyoka pressed her face into the crook of Ryuzaki's neck before looking taken aback as Ryuzaki gently pushed her away as he spoke.
" Just... Let me explain... " Ryuzaki looked saddened as Kyoka bit her lip and nodded before returning to her seat as Ryuzaki walked over to Aizawa's lectern and speaking slowly. " What was said on the news is true. The village was destroyed because of me. I... I have no excuses. I have been trying to get control of my power and I have been failing. But in saying that I did make some progress. "
Ryuzaki paused for a moment before half of his body erupted into black flames, As Daemon spoke calmly.
" So, These are the ones you deem worthy of caution. Which one is the girl so important to you? "
As Ryuzaki's gaze turned to Kyoka, She blushed brightly as Daemon chuckled and spoke.
" I see. Quite the cute one is she not? "
" Really? After me telling you not to be a pain? " Ryuzaki looked irritated as Daemon laughed heartily as Kyoka blushed furiously while looks of terror appeared on the faces of the other members of class before Daemon spoke again.
" Indeed. Well, Before anyone judges you they should know that what happened was my fault. I pushed you too far and it did not result in what I hoped. "
" Real wordsmith aren't you. " Ryuzaki grinned as Daemon spoke.
" Strong words for an uppity brat that can't admit how he feels for her. "
After chuckling menacingly, Daemon receded while Ryuzaki looked irritated before speaking. " Why you... Ugh. Pain in my ass. "
As Ryuzaki looked toward the rest of the class, Tokoyami stood and walked over before speaking calmly.
" While I do not know your past, You and I suffer similarly. Dark Shadow is much like Daemon. If you need a willing ear, I will offer mine to hear your troubles. " Tokoyami placed a hand on Ryuzaki's shoulder gently as Ryuzaki did the same before speaking.
" That means a lot Tokoyami. I appreciate it and offer you the same. Perhaps in working together, We can both understand our Quirks better. " Ryuzaki smiled as Tokoyami nodded firmly before walking back to his seat as Ryuzaki continued. " Look, I don't expect pity or special treatment. I only ask for patience. Getting control of my Quirk is hard and there will be fallout. "
" We know that. "
Ryuzaki looked around before seeing Izuku standing and smiling before he continued. " None of us have it easy. I break my body every time I use my Quirk. Kyoka can't handle loud noises. Tokoyami struggles in darkness, Even Momo struggles with her Quirk. But working together and learning from one another is how we improve. You said it yourself. " Izuku smiled as everyone except Katsuki stood and nodded in agreement before Katsuki huffed disinterestedly.
" Pathetic. Why should I care if he struggles. No better than Izuku. Just a pathetic fool using power he doesn't deserve. " Katsuki looked away before turning toward Ryuzaki with anger on his face as he spoke.
" Tough talk for someone who treats others like he is better than them. Considering you shit a brick when Izuku outdid you in the entrance exam. " Ryuzaki smirked as Katsuki stood and stormed over before speaking.
" I'll pummel you to dust you asshole. " Katsuki growled irritably as Ryuzaki spoke forcefully.
" If punching me is the best you've got then I am far more afraid of the girls than I am of you jackass. " Ryuzaki glared daringly as Katsuki motioned to use his Quirk before it faltered as Aizawa spoke.
" Sit down boy. You will not use your Quirk in my presence. " Aizawa glared toward them both as Katsuki returned to his seat before black flames covered Ryuzaki's body as he spoke, Causing everyone to look toward him in shock.
" You cannot prevent our power. No matter what Quirk you use. "
" Impossible... My Quirk should prevent you using yours... " Aizawa looked terrified as the black flames receded before Ryuzaki spoke calmly.
" Can't help you there Teach. I'll ask Nezu later. For the moment, For those of you that care enough to offer support, Thank you. It means the world to me that you would do so. As for you Katsuki... " Ryuzaki paused as half his body erupted into flames as his gaze shifted toward Katsuki as he and Daemon spoke in unison.
" Watch your back. "
" Watch your back. "
As Ryuzaki turned and left the room, Daemon receded as Kyoka turned toward Katsuki and spoke. " You spineless asshole. I hope Ryu beats your skull into wine. It might teach you some humility. "
Katsuki growled before motioning to speak as Aizawa slammed a hand onto his desk. " Don't even think about it boy. "
Meanwhile
As Ryuzaki walked in, Nezu smiled and spoke calmly. " Went well then? "
" Mostly. Katsuki might need something heavy to the head before he comes around. If ever. Not that I want him as a friend to be honest. " Ryuzaki sighed as he sat down before Nezu chuckled. " You saw that coming didn't you? "
" Indeed. I know you better than you might think my boy. " Nezu smiled as Ryuzaki chuckled for a moment.
" Nothing less than I would expect from my guardian. " Ryuzaki smiled as Nezu smiled happily before speaking.
" It is an honour to be considered of such import. So, What can I do for you my boy? " Nezu smiled expectantly as Ryuzaki spoke.
" I... I need to let off some steam. I want to let loose. Without putting others at risk. " Ryuzaki sighed softly but smiled as Nezu spoke.
" I am all too happy to accommodate you my boy. Ground Beta is at your disposal. Worry not about making a mess, I will have it fully restored after you are done. Shall I let Miss Jiro know where she can find you? " Nezu smiled knowingly as Ryuzaki looked away sheepishly before nodding. " Very well. Off you go then. And do train hard yes? "
" Yeah... I'll do my best. " Ryuzaki smiled before leaving the office and walking to Ground Beta. After walking through the massive doors and waiting for them to close, Ryuzaki spoke calmly.
" Alright Daemon, Time we get our shit together. It isn't helping either of us to be at odds. " Ryuzaki paused as Daemon spoke.
" While I agree, Today we should focus on letting out the stress and anxiety plaguing your mind. "
" Just some fun then huh? " Ryuzaki grinned as Daemon spoke.
" Fun is beneficial. "
" No holds barred then. " Ryuzaki smiled as Daemon took over and Infinity activated.
Several Hours Later
" You... Getting tired... Old man? " Ryuzaki breathed slowly as several buildings continued to crumble nearby as Daemon spoke slowly.
" Speak... For yourself... You brat... "
" Oh, I am exhausted. I think for today at least, We have trained enough. " Ryuzaki breathed heavily as he looked around at the carnage in Ground Beta while Daemon spoke.
" Indeed. You have made ample progress though. Both physically and mentally. Though your mind is clearer, There is one thing we need attend. "
" And that is? " Ryuzaki continued breathing slowly as his heart rate returned to normal while Daemon spoke.
" Kyoka. You still shy away. You should tell her how you feel. "
" You say that like I am imprisoning part of myself. " Ryuzaki stretched carefully before sitting down as black flames formed a silhouetted copy of himself and sat across from him before Daemon spoke.
" Because you are. Even if you don't recognise it, She is as much a part of you as I am. "
" You make it sound so simple. Is admitting how I feel really that important? " Ryuzaki spoke with a tone of confusion before Daemon chuckled and spoke.
" Few things are so powerful as the love for another. To have something such as that as a source of strength, You could achieve some uniquely powerful results. "
" All about power with you isn't it... " Ryuzaki looked disappointed before Daemon huffed and spoke.
" Hardly boy. It is a double edged blade. Keep something so strong hidden away and it will poison you. Admitting you love her and doing something about it will only strengthen the bond you share. Both with her and myself. "
" Seems inevitable doesn't it? " Ryuzaki smiled as Daemon nodded before speaking.
" Our future starts with her. You need only embrace it. "
" Yeah. Seems stupid not to. But where do I even start... " Ryuzaki sighed before Daemon laughed heartily and spoke.
" That is the easiest part. The truth is always quicker. "
" Fair point. On our way then. " Ryuzaki stood and dusted off as the black flames disappeared. As Ryuzaki walked toward the exit, The members of Class One-A, Who had been watching from the observation room, All turned to look toward Kyoka as she left the room quickly.
Thirty Minutes Later
Ryuzaki was sitting on the roof after walking to homeroom and finding it empty. As he sat, He heard the door open and turned to see Kyoka standing there.
" Just who I wanted to see. Can we talk? " Ryuzaki smiled as Kyoka blushed lightly and nodded before taking a few steps forward as she spoke.
" Ryu... I... I was watching... We... We all were... " Kyoka fidgeted with her ear jacks nervously as Ryuzaki smiled and spoke.
" I figured. Homeroom was abandoned. " Ryuzaki chuckled for a moment as Kyoka smiled before continuing. " Kyoka, I have spent all my time here thinking that I was unworthy. Unworthy of Daemon, Unworthy of being here and most importantly, Unworthy of you. Unworthy of standing by your side and unworthy of your affection. But after talking to Daemon, I realise that there have been few moments since I met you that I have not been thinking about you. Where you are, What you might be doing, What you might be thinking about. You have been on my mind so much that I have had trouble thinking of anything else. " Ryuzaki paused as Kyoka whimpered softly and spoke.
" I... I think about you a lot to... Even last night... Mum talked to me for almost thirty minutes before she realised I didn't hear her... " Kyoka blushed brightly as they both smiled before Ryuzaki spoke.
" Kyoka, You are... More important to me than I realised until speaking with Daemon and you are as much a part of me as Daemon. You give me hope. Give me strength. Give me a reason to be better as a person. Your smile takes away all my pain and sadness. Just having you around is like all my problems and concerns weigh nothing at all. It hurts to not see you every moment of the day and night and your absence makes the world feel cold. I... I love you Kyoka. I can only hope that you feel the same way. " Ryuzaki was glancing away sheepishly as Kyoka quickly glanced back at the door to see Momo, Ochaco and Tsuyu looking toward her with smiles and giving her a thumbs up.
After taking a slow breathe, Kyoka spoke nervously. " Ryu... You have no idea how much I have wanted to hear you say those words. You have no idea how much my heart has ached for you. You have no idea how much I have needed you to admit that you love me. To finally hear it... My heart is racing and my head is spinning but... I never want to stop feeling this. I never want to lose you. I never want to stand alone. You make me feel so happy and so cared for and even when you tease me it makes my heart race. I love you so much that my heart will explode if I don't say it. I want to be with you. Always. I just... My mom... " Kyoka looked away nervously before Ryuzaki tilted her head up and caressed her cheek lovingly.
" We can take it slow Kyoka. As slow as you need. " Ryuzaki smiled as Kyoka breathed out in relief before stepping forward and pressing herself against him as she spoke slowly.
" You are the best Ryu. " Kyoka hummed happily as Ryuzaki held her lovingly as he spoke.
" You know, I keep telling people that but they just don't believe me. " Ryuzaki smirked as Kyoka made an amused noise before Ryuzaki spoke again. " It is good that Ochaco, Tsuyu and Momo all approve. And that they gave you this little push. "
" You knew we were here?! " Momo looked shocked as Ochaco and Tsuyu looked embarrassed before they walked onto the roof as Ryuzaki spoke.
" I'd know that perfume anywhere. It's jasmine, Gardenia and pink orchid. Ochaco's favourite perfume. Tsuyu's perfume smells like rain and water lilies. As for you Momo, The perfume you wear has notes of rose and peach blossom. " Ryuzaki grinned as Momo, Tsuyu and Ochaco all blushed brightly while Kyoka pouted and spoke.
" You don't know my perfume. " Kyoka crossed her arms in a huff as she turned away before Ryuzaki leant forward and whispered in her ear, Causing her to blush furiously.
" Oh yes I do. " Ryuzaki smirked before speaking calmly. " You wear perfume with notes of Cedar, Bergamot, Passionfruit and Orange. Very rock star of you. "
" Damn your senses... " Kyoka blushed brightly as she leant against Ryuzaki.
" Tis a gift and a curse. For now my love, It is time to head home. I'll see you tomorrow. " Ryuzaki leant forward and kissed Kyoka's cheek tenderly before leaving the roof as Ochaco, Momo and Tsuyu fawned over her while she blushed brightly.
Evening
As Ryuzaki left the academy, He stopped as he heard a pained whine from nearby. After looking around for a few minutes, He found what appeared to be a small Ōkami pup caught in a hunting trap. The pups leg was broken in the trap and it was biting the trap in an attempt to escape.
As Ryuzaki knelt down, The pup growled viciously before noticing that Ryuzaki had pulled a piece of dried meat out of a small pouch on his belt. As the pup ate the meat, Ryuzaki disarmed the trap, Releasing the pups leg. As he put the pups leg back in place, It yelped before biting his wrist hard, Drawing blood from the small punctures it's teeth caused.
After several moments, The pup relaxed before licking the bite mark gently, Causing it's eyes to glint with a silvery hue momentarily before the pup climbed up Ryuzaki's arm and draped itself around his neck as he spoke.
" Curious little one aren't you... Well, The companionship will be most welcome. Best get you home. " Ryuzaki smiled as the pup nuzzled his cheek gently as he walked toward the apartment.
Meanwhile
" What do you need to tell us sweetheart? " Mika smiled before plopping onto the lounge beside her husband as Kyoka stammered.
" I... I... " Kyoka whimpered before speaking nervously as her mother and father smiled. " I am... I am... In... A relationship... With Ryu... "
" What?! Did you hear that Kyo? Our baby has a boyfriend! " Mika made cute noises as Kyotoku stood and spoke sternly.
" I will break all of his bones if he hurts you. " Kyotoku glared sternly toward Kyoka, Who looked nervous before Kyotoku descended into a state of tears and sobbing as he held Kyoka, Who looked irritated, As he spoke. " My sweet baby! My adorable little rock star! You can't grow up so fast! "
" DAD! Stop... You are squishing me... " Kyoka groaned as Kyotoku hugged her tighter as he continued wailing loudly while Mika watched on in a mix of irritation and pity before Kyoka managed to squirm out of her fathers grip, Only to fall straight into Mika's waiting arms as she hugged her tightly and spoke.
" My darling baby girl, You'll be married before we know it... " Mika held Kyoka lovingly before she managed to once again, Wriggle free before speaking sternly.
" Stop! Please stop! " Kyoka turned away before huffing and crossing her arms for a few moments as Kyotoku and Mika fell silent and looked toward her in shock. After a minute, Kyoka relaxed and fidgeted with her ear jacks as she spoke nervously. " Do... Do you really think... I might... Uhm... Marry Ryu... " Kyoka whimpered before squirming nervously as Mika spoke soothingly.
" Of course I do sweetheart. He clearly adores you and cares greatly for you. If he is even half the person you say he is, I can all but guarantee it. " Mika smiled as Kyoka blushed brightly and smiled.
The Next Day
As Kyoka walked into homeroom, She heard a small growl and a lot of girly, Adorable noises before she noticed the other girls crowded around Ryuzaki's desk before Ochaco rushed over and pulled her toward Ryuzaki, Who was sitting at his desk chuckling softly as a small pup pulled and tugged at the cuff of his shirt sleeve playfully.
After snapping out of her confusion, Kyoka spoke calmly. " You got a dog? " Kyoka gasped softly as the pup immediately glared toward her and growled menacingly.
" She finds that offensive Kyoka. Kiseki is not a dog. She is an Ōkami... I think... " Ryuzaki looked puzzled for a moment before scratching behind Kiseki's ear, Causing her to fall silent and nuzzle Ryuzaki's hand as Kyoka spoke calmly.
" She is so cute Ryu. " Kyoka smiled as she held her hand out cautiously, Causing Kiseki to smell her hand before gently licking her fingers, Making Kyoka giggle softly before she noticed Kiseki had a bandage covering one of her back legs. " What happened to her? "
" She was caught in a hunting trap. Her leg was broken. I found her and fixed her leg. " Ryuzaki smiled as Kiseki's ears drooped and she whined sadly before nuzzling Ryuzaki's hand as Kyoka saw a bandage covering his hand.
" What did you do to your hand?! " Kyoka grabbed Ryuzaki's hand as a look of terror and worry covered her face before Ryuzaki spoke calmly.
" Oh that... Kiseki bit me when I fixed her leg. For some reason the bite isn't healing. " Ryuzaki smiled as Kiseki whined again before dropping onto his lap and nuzzling his chest apologetically. After a moment, Ryuzaki petted Kiseki's head gently before she climbed up his sleeve and draped herself around his neck before falling asleep.
" Such an affectionate little thing. " Kyoka smiled sweetly as Ochaco, Momo and Tsuyu made girly noises before Ochaco spoke.
" This much cuteness should be illegal... She is just such a darling little thing... " Ochaco smiled as she reached out and gently scratched Kiseki's head, Causing her ears to flick slightly, Which in turn caused Ochaco to descend into a fit of adorable, Girly noises as Ryuzaki spoke.
" She is very special. It is why I named her Kiseki. " Ryuzaki smiled as Kiseki pressed the top of her head against his cheek while Kyoka spoke.
" It means miracle if I recall correctly. It suits her. " Kyoka smiled before the sound of the door opening caused them all to quickly scatter and sit down before Nezu walked in and spoke calmly.
" I see the word around school is accurate my boy. " Nezu smiled as he walked over to Ryuzaki's desk but paused as Kiseki dropped onto the desk and growled ferociously as her fur stood on end. " Feisty. "
" Protective would be more accurate. " Ryuzaki smirked as Kiseki growled slightly louder before her tail split into several smaller tails and wrapped around Ryuzaki's hand quickly.
" That, Is no mere Ōkami my boy. You said she bit you? " Nezu paused as Ryuzaki nodded. " Then I will assume she licked the wound. I admit, She shows features of an Ōkami but I daresay she is a crossbreed. Splitting tails is a trait I would expect from a Kitsune. " Nezu leant forward slightly and looked closer before speaking again. " I would wager that she absorbed some of your Quirk when she licked the bite wound. If I am correct, She may have the same Quirk as you. "
" Is that possible? " Ryuzaki looked surprised as he petted Kiseki gently, Causing her to fall silent as Nezu spoke.
" Oh quite so. Some Quirks are exclusively hereditary. Some are exclusively passed on by blood or hair specifically. It would not shock me at all, Especially given the origins of your Quirk, That she has gained it through your blood. " Nezu watched as Kiseki climbed up Ryuzaki's sleeve and draped herself around his neck once more before falling asleep again as Nezu continued. " Do keep a keen eye on her my boy. She Is quite unique. "
" Yeah she is. I am glad I found her. " Ryuzaki smiled as Nezu nodded and left the room before Kyoka spoke.
" I wonder what she will be able to do if she does have your Quirk. Will it work like yours? Or will she develop her own uses and differences? " Kyoka petted Kiseki's head gently as she slept before Ryuzaki spoke.
" Impossible to say. If she absorbed my Quirk, I would expect it to work like mine but if she didn't, It is possible that my blood triggered a Quirk of her own to develop. Maybe both. For now we will have to wait and see. " Ryuzaki smiled again as Kiseki yawned before curling her tails around Ryuzaki's neck.
" She is so cute when she sleeps! " Ochaco sighed adorably before Aizawa walked in and told everyone to get to their seats.
Chapter 3
End