The fandom was heartbroken last week when we found out Kira Yukimura would not return in Teen Wolf season 6, and now we must say goodbye to her character.
Arden Cho announced her departure from the show in what was obviously a difficult vlog to shoot. The fandom was shocked and saddened by the news, but instead of mourning the loss of a vibrant character, let’s celebrate what she has given us since that first time we met her in Teen Wolf season 3.
So how can we properly say goodbye to such an incredible character? We’ve got a few ideas in mind.
Channel your inner badass. Throw your hair in some pigtails, put on a kickass tank and a plaid skirt, don a leather jacket, and strap in your katana. That last one might be hard to take out into public unless you’ve got her amazing sword belt, but that’s a little harder to come by than some superhero leggings.
Be fearless. Kira struggled with containing her powers even more than Scott did in the beginning, and even at the end of season 5 she was still having trouble keeping them in check. She was afraid of them, but she still found a way to be fearless when it came to helping her friends. No matter the situation, she was there for them, whether it was to take down monstrous creatures like the Berserkers or to give Theo the punishment he deserves.
Smile and laugh, both with your friends and at yourself. Kira was always an easy character to love. She was awkward, kind, and selfless. When Scott introduced her to his world, she took up his battle cry right alongside him. It was a confusing and terrifying time for her as well, but she learned to roll with the punches. She found a way to embrace herself as a person and a kitsune, and her friends loved her because of it.
Love in spite of everything else. Kira and Scott’s love came easy for them, despite early reservations about honoring Allison’s life. Once they decided to be together, they found a way to make it all work regardless of the bumps in the road. They both came with a lot of baggage, but their love was brightest in the quiet moments. They didn’t need drama and attention; they just needed each other.
Keep your friends close. Kira would do anything for her friends, and when it came down to it, she was always there for them. Even at the end of season 5, when she wanted to do anything but commit herself to the Skinwalkers, she went back to the desert and begged them for help. Without knowing how long she may be gone or even if she could truly be helped, Kira decided it was all worth it in order to save Mason and all the others.
Be weird. Kira’s best attribute was her ability to be so awkward and so endearing. She never exuded the same confidence as Lydia, but that’s what made her relatable. She joined the misfits of Scott’s pack and fell right into place. Better yet, she never changed because of it. She was always saying what was on her mind, even if she didn’t mean to.
Don’t question the great moments. That first kiss Scott and Kira shared was kind of a fluke, but it just goes to show how much Kira already meant to Scott. He felt so comfortable and close to her, even before they really established their relationship. It was a shock to both of them (even though Scott’s was a little delayed), but it was clearly a sign that they both wanted this.
Don’t lose hope. Kira is not returning to season 6, but that doesn’t mean she may never come back. She’s an amazing character, and her current situation may be keeping her away, but because she will live for centuries, there’s always hope she may return to Beacon Hills one day. Her life travels at a slower pace, and she has all the time in the world to make sure it’s a life worth living. If the Skinwalkers help her to control the fox spirit inside, we’ll be the first to line up for her triumphant return.