Chapter 3: Truth
I found myself in All Might’s office, Aizawa and Bakugou flanking me as they entered.
“Why the hell did you drag me into this?” Bakugou demanded, his voice laced with offense.
“Because you were the last one to see f/n before she sustained these mysterious bruises,” Aizawa explained, his gaze unwavering.
“You were the last one to see her before she got the mysterious bruises,” All Might echoed, his tone grave. I swallowed nervously, bracing myself to recount my story.
“So, you want to hear what happened. Be prepared, it isn’t a pleasant tale,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “Recovery Girl, if you need to stop at any point, please let us know.” I nodded to her, and she gave a reassuring smile. I began to speak, the words tumbling out in a rush.
“I was fighting with Bakugou, which resulted in a small bruise on my face. Nothing serious. I didn't realize how late it was, so I ended the fight and ran home. Bakugou wanted to continue, but I couldn’t. I have a curfew, and if I don't make it home on time, my father…treats me terribly.”
“How terrible? How does this connect to the bruises? Don’t tell me…” Aizawa’s voice was sharp, laced with apprehension. I interrupted him, steeling myself to reveal the truth. “Yes…If I misbehave or do anything wrong, he hits me. Sometimes it’s bad enough to draw blood. He also forces me to assist him with his…work. Helping him with his so-called job.”
“What’s this bastard’s job?” Bakugou demanded, his eyes narrowed. I stared at him, my throat tightening.
“He’s a supervillain…are you familiar with ‘Stopper’?” Aizawa nodded grimly. “His quirk makes it difficult for us to apprehend him. We don’t know his weakness or how to bring him down.”
“But I do,” I said quietly.
Then the lunch bell rang, a jarring intrusion into the heavy atmosphere.
“We’ll discuss the plan after lunch. I need to clear a few things with staff. You two head off,” All Might said, dismissing us with a wave of his hand.
“Thank you so much…I’m glad I confided in you,” I said, bowing deeply. I left the room, Bakugou trailing behind me. He closed the door and, without a word, I turned and pinned him against the wall. “If you breathe a word of this to anyone, you’re dead meat,” I hissed, my voice trembling with fear.
“Alright, alright! Just stop cryin’!” Bakugou snapped, his own voice laced with irritation. “Is that all you do?”
I released him, turning to leave. “Hey, cow bitch,” Bakugou called out, his voice softer now. “My name’s f/n,” I retorted, irritation bubbling up. Bakugou’s approach was more serious this time. “What does your old man do?”
I sighed, gesturing for him to follow me. We reached the roof, finding a quiet corner amidst the bustling lunch crowd. As we ate, I began to explain the details of my father’s operation.
“My father’s quirk allows him to impose his will on anyone he looks at, filling their minds with dark thoughts and forcing them to obey. He specializes in the black market, kidnapping people – mostly girls – to sell them. Occasionally, he keeps them for himself…He tells me I’m his ‘special toy’ and…” My hands began to shake violently, the memories flooding back.
“We’ll kick that motherfucker’s ass,” Bakugou declared, his voice raw with fury.
“I tried before…It only made things worse. But with help, with more than just me, it’s possible. I wanted to be stronger, but he prevents me from reaching my full potential, knowing that if I did, I’d escape him. Even now, I can’t escape because of the motion sensors he’s installed everywhere. I’m shocked he even allowed me to attend UA, considering he’s a villain himself. I think he wants me to train, to become a villain too. But I only leave the house for school and his work.”
“Damn, overprotective much?” he said, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. I nodded, unable to speak.
Silence descended, heavy and suffocating.
“If we fail, and when I turn eighteen, I’m afraid I’ll end up like those girls he kidnapped…” I whispered, my voice laced with despair.
Bakugou grabbed my shoulders, his grip tight. “You’re so fucking weak. Saying shit like that is going to make it seem like it's more likely to happen. If you were stronger you might beat me and your damned father." His words were harsh, but laced with a strange kind of comfort.
"You make a good point," I said as the lunch bell rang, snapping me out of my despair.
“Let’s go, it’s time to plan our attack,” Bakugou said, a determined glint in his eyes. I flushed slightly, a confusing warmth spreading through me. What was happening?