Kayle had been about to launch himself out of the alley, bee-lining home for food that his stomach so desperately craved. He had let his guard down, this had been an impromptu rescue after all, and now he was caught without his shadow concealing him. The moment the woman spoke, his head snapped back and once more he was wreathed in shadow. Stupid...stupid stupid stupid...should have stayed concealed till I was heading home. Kayle thought to himself as he got a look at the girl. She seemed somewhat defiant, her words gave way to appreciation with more than a bit of concern laced with them. Excessive? Spoken like someone whoâs never had to cross the line, or remained ignorant to the truth that the true bastards of the city donât respect anything but pain and violence. He let out a little smile beneath his helmet at the question of his professional moral alignment. Was he a hero? Nah, he never considered himself one. In fact, on public record, Twisted Smile was a wanted criminal with a record for aggravated assault and attempted murder, but the people on who he committed these acts were always casually brushed under the rug in order to make him look like the evil man he truly was.
What should he say to her though? People were often so scared of him by this point that their tongues refused to form words, their eyes shifted to the ground and their legs quivered beneath their bodies. Admittedly, that was partially his fault as he often spread out his empathetic aura to encompass an area, usually grabbing a civilian or two that were simply too close for comfort. She seemed to be afraid slightly, but had enough backbone to address him after what she had seen him do undoubtedly. He was caught in an uncomfortable situation. A lot of his persona, reputation and fear came from his demeanor and how he acted. It was one of the things that allowed him to get the drop on people, as true criminals would actually shake in their boots at the mention of his name, since other criminals would carry that information and create stories of the boogeyman, the chains that bind, the Twisted Smile.
âDid I ever say I was a hero?â Kayle stated through the dark shroud that now covered his body and motorcycle. âBrutality is a universal language, even idiots such as those can understand that. You call it excessive, I call it a translation.â
âYou had stopped them. There was no need for that, thatâs notâŠâ Tess hesitated a little, the dark shadows enveloping the boy intimidating, and she wasnât entirely sure whether he intended to use his powers, whatever they may be, against her. Swallowing nervously, she continued. âJust because they understand violence doesnât justify it.â
Kayle gave a sigh, the shadows shifting around his form harmlessly as he looked down at the ground. This was an inevitable argument that happened too many times for his liking. Those who never had to go to such lengths because others like himself perform the necessary evil themselves. He could go into a discussion about morality, necessities and prevention, but that would drag things out. âIf the world operated by blind ideals that everyone can and will do the right thing, then there would be no place for someone like me. The fact of the matter is that we donât live in a fairytale.â Kayle looked at the girl, although he knew she couldnât really tell which way he was looking through the shadows. âVillains and criminals consider heros to be an inconvenience, a small fight followed by a stint in jail. Theyâre never truly in danger because heroes will never kill themâŠâ Kayle looked back at the crippled criminals. âThatâs why they fear meâŠbecause they wonât be walking away unscathed.â
Tess wasnât entirely sure what to say. Not initially at the very least. She couldnât deny that there was some sense to what he said. Cold as it was, that hard logical standpoint was something close to the truth. But even so⊠Even so⊠âSo you have the right to deliver that judgement all by yourself? What if youâre wrong?â Tess challenged, trying to take a step forward. She didnât really manage it, since her legs still felt like jelly, so she instead remained where she was. âPeople make mistakes⊠And I donât just mean you could be wrong. These peopleâŠâ She looked to the unconscious and beaten crooks before swiftly turning back away, remembering why that was a bad idea. âPeople can change. They can be victims of circumstance. Can you really condemn everyone the moment they step out of line without any chance for redemption?â
âIf they need to be reminded by someone like me that what theyâre doing is wrong, then what they would get wouldnât be redemption, it would be forced reform. At which point, theyâre not acting nice and âgoodâ because they know and believe itâs the right thing to do...theyâre doing it because theyâre scared of me.â Kayle stated, looking back at the girl. âYou obviously stand by your own ideals, and I respect that, but I canât agree with it. Such a viewpoint always leads to repeated criminal behaviour.â Kayle revved his motorcycle once, indicating his intent to leave. âWe could sit here and wax the philosophical all night, but I havenât eaten all day. I suggest you get going home, chances are I wonât be around if you get attacked for a second time tonight.â Kayle finished the conversation from his end, revving his engine a couple more times before speeding out of the alley and taking a left to continue to his home.
He was stupid with hunger and stir fry was waiting.