Vibrant hair with the hues of purple, pink to yellow. Her braid upon her head flowed as she ran.

Her wavy locks' appearance mimic like a vibrant sunset. She held her scraps of food closely towards her.

(Seriously...)

This 20 year old woman was named Satoko Takashi. Quirkless.

(All this for food?)

Yeah, she stole it, but a girl's gotta eat anyways. It's hard living on the streets where you're poor and starving.

Common criminals were chasing her. Eventually, she got cornered into the alleyway. She gritted her teeth and sighed.

"Don't you all have anything BETTER to do than pick on someone like me?" she turned towards them. "You're REALLY getting on my nerves. Back off."

Her fierce yellow eyes glared at them. Her stomach churned and growled. She gets pretty hangry if she doesn't get to eat something soon.

One of the criminals tilted his head as he smirked. "Why should we? We're just as hungry as you are. It's selfish to keep it all for yourself!"

He lifted up one hand. The skin of his fingers hardened and became sharp like knives. As his hands trembled from the transformation, the steel clicked against each other.

The second villain outstretched his long brown wings. They lacked feathers and had a similar pattern of some sort of insect. "Yes. It would be a shame if we had to beat up a little girl, wouldn't it?"

The first guy snickered. "We gotta do what we gotta do. Beetle. Be ready to run as soon as we're done."

Beetle nodded. He flapped his wings to enhance his speed as he ran towards Satoko with his arms ready to grab the food.

"Tch." Satoko scowled. "Little?" She smashed her fist into Beetle's face. "I'm not as weak as you think!!"

That didn't stop him being caught off guard. She flipped over him and kicked into his neck. Hitting into a weak point. The other guys stood in shock from witnessing her strength.

It's so irksome to her that these guys can just get food easily with their quirks. Even though her words have confidence in them, she fought any inch of anxiety she had while fighting them off. Adrenaline was peaking. This wasn't her first fight with crooks but certainly not last. Every day was a fight to survival.

This was her every day norm. She kept up a good fight. That one guy with the sharp fingers, she really had to watch out for.

In the distance, there were other people standing around and watching what was occurring. Commenting and spectating.

Beetle groaned as he propped himself up with his elbow. There was a bit of blood dripping from his lips that he wiped away with the back of his wrist. He looked towards his friend. "Hey! Don't just stand there!"

The guy with the sharp fingers furrowed his eyebrows. He lunged at Satoko, aiming his attack right below her ribs.

Satoko gets ready to dodge. She concentrates to kick under him instead, but...

"Is that-?!" One of the spectators watching yelped out.

It happened extremely fast. A red-orange blur appeared.

Feathers?

"Hey, hey. Come on. No need for that." Another man's voice spoke out. Satoko couldn't really tell what his tone was implying.

This man was Hawks. His feathery wings flapped into action. He had a cocky, yet sarcastic smile on his face. Yet his eyes looked kind of bored. His hands were gripping onto long feathers as if they were blades. Those are what sent the one guy flying with his sharp fingers.

Beetle gasped. He pushed himself up and ran towards his friend. He grabbed the other man's bicep. "Come on. We should go."

The man with the sharp fingers glared at Hawks. "Not yet. I haven't done enough yet! I can still get the food!"

There was a man in the crowd who stepped forward. His wife was holding his hand. There were two girls huddled close together behind him. The man held out a bag. "Would you like this food? Is that what this is about?"

Beetle stood up and helped the other guy up as he did so. He nodded slowly. "Yes. That's what we want."

The man started to look impatient as he shook the bag. "Well?! Take it! I spent money on getting this food for my family!"

The man with the sharp fingers stomped up to the kind man. He grabbed the collar of his shirt. He ignored the screams from the man's family as he did so. "And I had to pay a price to feed my family too. It seems like we're both selfish."

He sighed and pushed the man away. He looked back at the crowd as he outstretched his arms. "This is why the heroes are corrupt! See? That hero is probably going to take me to jail without even asking if I need help! He only thinks about the law and doesn't care about circumstances. They're all like that."

Hawk's eyes furrowed and shook his head. "All these misconceptions about me. That's such an exaggeration. Are you done yet?"

Without giving them an answer, he used his feathers to pin them down. "It's the price you have to pay for causing such a scene." He ignored their yells and cursing towards him. The cops soon after came to gather them up.

Hawks put on a smile as if nothing happened. The other people cheered. They were murmuring things how he saved a quirkless woman.

Curiously, he walked over to Satoko. Intrigued a bit why she's even glaring at him.

"Oh? Did I do something wrong?" He asked.

"I didn't need your help." She snapped.

He waved his hands 'defensively' and still had that sarcastic smile. "You didn't, hm? Well, why did they go after you?"

He asked that only for one reason. The way she was acting was a little suspicious to him.

"They're villains, you know how they are." She grumbled. "I'll be on my way." She sprinted away with her food.

Hawks tilted his head, feeling a bit fascinated. (At least that was interesting.) But he stood his ground by not following after her. He went to cater to his fans.

...

Legs feeling a bit weak and worn, Satoko trudged on ahead home. She didn't feel comfortable eating these scraps of food without getting to her destination.

The streets felt so dark and gloomy. One could tell that this was an area of poverty. Rats scurried by. The smell of homeless people reeked the air.

Satoko lived on the streets as long as she could remember.

Was she 4? 5 years old? She remembered being so scared and alone as a child.

Dangerous people kept trying to go for her, until this old man took her in. She never knew his real name. He wanted to be called 'grandpa.'

He lived in the ghetto too, but he knew how to get by. People respected him for being so strong at his old age.

Grandpa was the only person who had considered Satoko. The one person who warmed her heart and being. He taught her how to fight. He practically raised her.

Strength training for her perseverance. Self-defense for her survival. He would tell her every day she would need to do this for her own wellbeing.

Not only that, he knew his time was short. One stormy day, Satoko just turned 16. Grandpa wouldn't wake from his sleep.

Death knocked at his door. It was such a painful memory. He was the only person she ever trusted.

(It really has been 4 years...)

She walked into her 'home.' Ripped cardboard pieces were everywhere. A doorway with hardly any wall structure.

Satoko's 'bed' was just a bunch of old curtains scrunched together on the ground.

(Heroes... Villains...)

She does agree with what that villain had said earlier about heroes being 'corrupt'. They're just as corrupt as villains are.

(Everyone's so fake.) She sat down on the muddy ground, eating her scraps. (That guy... Hawks, was it? He must have only helped me for his own recognition.)

That's what they all do anyway. Heroes earn money for saving the day. What act of charity should just become a career? It was utter garbage to her. Anger started to boil insider her.

(I hate the thought of this all.)

She turned to her grandpa's 'urn'. Burning his corpse into ashes one day was unsettling to her. But this is to keep him by. His ashes are in a covered vase.

Another thing about society is that they don't really care for the weak. Someone died and there was no funeral for him.

(If I would die, I bet someone would just toss my body in the trash.) She growled at the thought. Moving towards the 'urn', she started to pray.

(Grandpa... Please, give me strength. I hate how this world is. I want this to be a better place. Not like this...)

Her eyes grew heavy. She didn't notice how much she's pushed her body to the limits. A resounding thud occurred. She fell into a deep sleep on the dirty ground.

....

"Hawks." Aizawa was standing in the doorway of UA high school. The usual worn expression was on his face. "You're late for the training exercise. The students are waiting." He crossed his arms. "Did you run into trouble on the way?"

"I was hungry." Hawks lied with a smile. "I had some hot pot. Do you like hot pot, Eraserhead?"

One of Aizawa's eyes twitched. The young pro hero was starting to grate on his nerves. Unfortunately, he couldn't exactly scold him like he could scold his students. "You have a job to do. Try to stay focused."

"No need to be so uptight," Hawks grinned. "You'll never be popular with that kind of attitude." Not that Hawks cares about popularity or anything.

It feels good to him to talk carefree like this. He gets a kick out of it most of the time.

"Tch." Aizawa looked away in annoyance. "Whatever. I'll show you to the training area for today if you're done telling me about your morning."

Hawks was about to go on about it, but noticed Aizawa gave him a death glare. Hawks motioned his fingers as if he was zipping his lips.

While following Aizawa, food did cross his mind. But not in that way.

(That woman...)

Satoko appeared in Hawks' mind. It was obvious she was holding onto scraps of food. It was a sad thought for people to be living that way.

There was a pang of guilt. Perhaps he should have offered her hot pot? It would be an excuse to kick back and relax.

But her attitude towards him seemed rather hateful and cold.

Hawks kept his unreadable face on as he went to go help 1A with their training.

...

Drip.

Drip.

A random water droplet hit Satoko's cheek. How long did she sleep?

Cracking her back to help aches go away, she got up.

Her stomach felt like there were pins and needles in them.

(Need to find some more food... Hopefully something better.)

With getting up, she started heading out to look for more food. Living this way was unbearable at times. What she would give to have a regular meal...

As she was walking, there was the sound of fighting once again. There were footsteps heading in her direction at a fast pace.

Before she was really able to process what was going on, a burst of blue entered her vision. It was strangely beautiful, but dangerous all the same. Being within a few feet of it caused her skin to feel like it was being burnt off.

Then there was a man. The man's eyes matched the colors of his flames as they danced around him. Despite the fact that he seemed capable of burning up anything in his path, his eyes were colder than any she had ever seen before.

His feet hit the ground and he slid backwards, bringing one of his arms up as those blue flames surrounded it. His skin had obviously been badly burnt at some point in time as it was being held together by makeshift skin grafts.

His eyes had a lazy expression like he didn't have a care in the world. He was just enjoying himself, it seemed. A small chuckle escaped his lips and another burst of flames came forth from his arm.

This is the first time she's seen this man in this area. It was bizarre. Before she was going to go on her own way, her eye caught onto something.

There was a random thug on top of a building. He had his arm like a sniper gun.

Satoko realized this man didn't seem aware there were others readying to gang up on him. That was just from her own perspective, of course.

BANG!

Shots were fired towards the scarred man. It was like happening in slow motion.

"Look out!" She yelled as her feet sprinted towards him.

No, she couldn't stand to see this.

(That bullet could kill him!!)

Seeing a death would pain her even if he was a stranger. This unfair world, she wants to do something.

Warm blood trickled down her shoulder while shielding him. There were spots onto the ground. Head hanging low from the recoil of agony, she didn't stumble. Just gritted her teeth to bear the pain.

The man froze. His eyes widened the slightest bit. "Well that was a stupid idea."

Ignoring his ungrateful statement, she saw the thugs trying to persist. They were laughing and taunting as they kept themselves grouped together. Her eyes looked up with a piercing glare. "Is that it!?"

Despite her injury, she already put herself into a stance to fight. "This doesn't even hurt. You think I'm playing?" She lied of course. "I'm warning you to back off. NOW."

One of the thugs gasped loudly. His eyes became wide and bloodshot. He dropped his hand to his side.

The same thing happened to the other thugs. All of them started to walk backwards slowly until they had disappeared entirely from view.

The full weight of what had just happened suddenly hit Dabi. He felt surprised, but he didn't exactly express it. "You must be insane. You'll die with that wound."

He could kill her himself. That would be an easier solution to get rid of the annoying surprised feeling that he felt.

Killing her would make him happy, right? So why wouldn't he? She didn't seem to mind the idea of dying all that much. (She would probably thank me. Crazy woman.)

"Whatever." She brushed it off coldly. "I wasted enough time."

Yeah. Insane. This guy probably could have fought them. Those flames of his could have easily burned them out.

Such an idiot.

(What am I doing...?)

Perhaps, she just wanted to do something. Well, it wasn't the first time she's helped someone. Not that she wants recognition.

She just hates seeing unfair advantages. What's done is done. There's another good deed of hers. No need to want to have gratitude or anything.

She kept her back turned towards him. Surprisingly, she was walking away just fine. Like she wasn't hurt. (I need to go get the bullet out.)

Dang. It hurts so much. But she always masks her weakness. She never wants to look like she's a pushover. Without a word, she starts heading home.

Dabi watched as she walked away. (When she spoke, those villains immediately left. They did what she said.) He smirked. (Something about her is different than most people I meet out here. She would be a good addition to the league.)

Satoko walks back into her 'house'. She ripped off her leather jacket on one side. The blood stuck onto it, causing to sting more. She cursed a bit. Her shoulder was revealed, bleeding and oozing.

(This is gonna be a challenge.)

Dabi was sitting on a rooftop and looking down at her. Due to her only wearing a tank top, he was able to see her muscles better. She definitely looked like she could fight. Her muscles weren't extremely large, but she definitely wasn't weak.

She had a tattoo on her back. The design was a bunch of roses tied together with some string. The way she took care of her wound seemed so focused and careful. Until eventually, she froze. She raised her head and glared in Dabi's direction.

Removing the bullet wouldn't be so smart to do. It could cause it to hemorrhage. The best she could do was applying a large amount of pressure as she wrapped it.

"Do you think I didn't notice you over there?" She finally called out as she put her jacket back on. "You creep."

"I was curious about how long it would take you," he lied. He made his way down the side of the house. His feet planted on the ground below. "Ever heard of the league of villains?"

"Yeah?" She rolled her eyes at the obvious question. "Who hasn't?"

Even though she doesn't have access to tv, a lot of people are always talking about them and the heroes.

"You don't seem to recognize me though." Dabi smiled. "I go by Dabi these days, so that's what I'd like you to call me for now." He tilted his head to the side. "Why don't we talk about you joining the league?"

"Satoko Takahashi. Not interested." She scoffed. "Least I could do is exchange formalities. I'm highly against bringing casualties to others."

(Great, another villain to bother me.) She's starting to regret ever helping him. Not only is he a villain, he's part of the league.

"You've seen what I'm capable of. Wouldn't it be better to be on my side than to be against me?" He started. "I could have killed you already. If I didn't want you on my side then I would have. So is it really a good idea for you to refuse?"

"Tch. You don't scare me." She hissed. "You're just scummy to want to kill someone for taking a bullet for you. Makes me feel so repulsed and not want to join even more."

"That's not what interests me so much. If I thought you were hero material, I would have just killed you." There was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Luckily for you, we're similar in some ways."

"Heroes are just as terrible as villains are." She retorted another surprising statement to him. "There's no way I'm similar to the likes of you. I don't threaten to kill anyone like you do. I'm my own person! My own side!"

"Interesting." Dabi stepped towards her. "Guess I'll take you by force."

"Seriously..." She put up her fighting stance. Posing in a way for her wound not to be grabbed. It still hurts immensely.

It was ironic that she was about to use self-defense on someone she saved. It goes against her own personal code too. "I'm warning you. You're really getting me peeved."

"How scary," he said sarcastically. He grabbed her wrist roughly. The skin on his hand felt odd to the touch due to the two different textures.

"Ok, you asked for it, you jerk!" Satoko twisted her wrist in a way to break his grip. She definitely wasn't going to make it simple for him. Bending backwards, she swung a roundhouse kick towards him.

Dabi grabbed her foot as it came inches away from his face. He twisted it at an awkward angle and, hearing the sickening pop, let go of her. "I only dislocated this time. Next time, I'll break it for real."

She bit her tongue to hold back any scream of pain. It was hard enough to make it bleed. She spat at him.

"If you break my bones, what's the point of me joining when I'd be useless?!" She used logic against him. Of course, she was bluffing about joining.

(If I can find an opening to lower his defenses... I can make my get away.)

"You would have time to heal. It's not like it would go untreated if you decide to join us." He leaned down and picked her up to carry across his shoulders.

"H-hey! Watch it!" She growled. "I'm a woman, ya know!!"

She punched onto his back with her better hand. Moving around caused a sharp pain across her shoulder. She winced as that made her stop. It was no use.

Dabi ignored what she had to say. It didn't matter to him. He got what he wanted, and that was that.

---

A/N: Here's the cover art without the text! ;w; Eep! Um so... I want to eventually make paintings for certain moments of this fanfiction. I'm not sure exactly WHEN I would be able to do it. Also, if this fanfic gets popular. I MIGHT consider making this into a webtoon after I'm done working on "The Ones Among Us" webtoon. We'll see.

After an exhausting walk there, Dabi was finally able to put her down. He had begun to get annoyed by her loud remarks and blunt attitude. It would help her if she was to be a villain, but for the time being...it was mostly just irritating.

Dabi could only spot Toga in the room. The others were probably close by doing other things.

Toga was lying down on the couch with one hand raised over her head. She had an almost thoughtful smile as she hummed to herself. "Hey. You." He got her attention. He pointed to the angry Satoko at his side. "Got anything we can use to tie her up with?"

"Oooh, yeah!" Toga's face lit up. Her nose twitched a bit. "I smell blood." Her face became so flushed at the scent of it.

Her smile became creepier. "Is this someone to play with? I have ropes with thorns on them!" She wiggled her hands around in excitement. "It would make her bleed even more!! Heehee!"

"You're as crazy as ever." Dabi rolled his eyes. "I don't want to torture her yet. I just need to be sure she doesn't try to get away. Get Shigaraki while you're at it."

"Aww, that's no fun!" Toga giggled. "But okay! I'll get a rope to bind her!" She cheerfully skipped away.

Satoko cringed at that. How can such a young girl talk like that? It was disturbing.

"Hey," Satoko snarled. "You said I would get treated."

Getting treated would be helpful to help regain back her momentum. Her injuries are definitely crippling her.

"Do I look like a nurse to you?" Dabi asked. "There are supplies to treat wounds over by the table. Do it yourself before she comes back."

"I can't exactly move, idiot." She retorted. "You injured my leg and I have a bullet wound because of YOU."

"You're doing fine standing there with an injured leg. You can limp over there, I bet." His whole intimidating villain thing seemed a little ridiculous when he talked like that. The way he spoke to her was strangely casual despite his words being cruel.

Fury started to overwhelm her. She knows she can't move in her condition. So she decided to lie a bit more.

"If you want me to consider your offer, bring it to me." Of course, she wasn't considering anything. Just need to keep trying to bribe him.

"How about you do it yourself and I don't burn a hole through your face?" He asked threateningly.

"Do you welcome all new recruits this way? They sure must feel soooo welcomed." She sarcastically responded.

(I want to punch that friggin face.)

She took a step forward, and pain shooting up her leg. She didn't even bother limping. If she did, she'd fall over.

Five minutes go by and she hasn't got to the supplies yet. It was taking her forever to get over there.

(This must be amusing to him just watching me struggle.)

Finally, she got over there and grabbed a bottle of pain killers. Not bothering asking for water, she takes the maximum dosage without it. (Guess I'll just get an ulcer while I'm at it.)

"What is all this about?" A man stood in the hallway. He had messy light blue hair and was wearing a black shirt. He had what appeared to be hands resting on his arms, shoulders, neck, and head. His red eyes were barely visible around the hand on his face.

"Ah, Shigaraki." Dabi smiled as he walked over to him. "I think I found us a new recruit."

Shigaraki lowered his voice some, but Satoko managed to hear anyway. He was clearly irritated. "Haven't you figured out that the whole kidnapping thing doesn't work? It's useless to try kidnapping people again after our last attempt."

Funny how he automatically knew that she was kidnapped.

"YOUR plan is what failed. It was stupid to try to take that Bakugo kid anyway," Dabi stated matter-of-factly. "You only wanted him because he was aggressive. This one actually has the abilities of someone better suited to be a villain. She doesn't like heroes either. The other one wanted to become one."

Shigaraki hissed through his teeth as though he was in pain. He brought his hand up to his neck and started to scratch with two fingers. "You went along with my plan just fine back then. You wanted the brat. Why are you saying this now?"

"It was an opportunity, that's all." He shrugged. "I wouldn't have cared if you wanted to murder the guy. This woman, though...we actually have a chance with her."

While those two were discussing, Toga had come back with a rope. She was humming happily as she tied Satoko up in mid conversation.

Satoko kept tuning out all the weird things Toga was saying as she eavesdropped on the other two men.

So far, she knows names. Dabi. Shigaraki and...

Well, Toga said her name too while tying Satoko up.

(I need to bide my time...) The pain killers should be kicking in a bit. She wanted to make more use of her time with gathering more information.

So far, Bakugo was their first failed attempt at kidnapping. That means Satoko is the second.

(I need to say something.) Her mind buzzes around with thoughts. (I do need to tread carefully and make best of this situation. It wouldn't be wise for me to fight just yet.)

It needed to be when they were all off guard and relaxed.

"I'm assuming this 'Bakugo' kid wasn't swayed?" She finally spoke up.

"'Course not," Dabi stated. "He had no reason to want to become one."

"Actually," Shigaraki interrupted. "It seemed like he was being suppressed by the heroes. He couldn't express how he was feeling without being told to be quiet. If he understood what that feeling was like, there was a chance that he would have a change of heart."

Dabi scoffed. "He didn't feel suppressed, moron. He was obviously happy there. He's corrupt like the rest of them."

Satoko laughed in mockery. "Like YOU aren't corrupt either? Such a hypocrite. I took a gunshot for you and you wouldn't even help treat me."

Toga moved her hands in a girly manner. "That is so cute! Too bad you didn't bleed more."

This girl must be on drugs or something. Or is just mentally unstable.

There were footsteps heard from the hallway. A man entered the room in a black and gray outfit and mask that covered his face. The features of the mask changed enough to see what kind of facial expression he had. "Woah, there's a person here!"

"We're all people!" He responded.

The man seemed to have two different personalities.

"So you finally decided to join us." Shigaraki seemed to smile behind his hand. "We were just about to dispose of this lady that Dabi brought in."

"No, we weren't. Don't listen to him," Dabi argued. "We were asking her to join us."

The man got a good look at Satoko. "She's cute!"

"She's ugly."

Satoko scoffed. She didn't care to be called ugly. Not like she could dress up or have the luxury to 'look good'.

But whatever. That's not the issue at hand right now.

There's no way she can trust these psychotic people. She didn't take a hit for Dabi for anything in return, really. She doesn't want any recognition for her actions like heroes and villains want.

It goes against what she believes for her own sense of justice.

"Why would you waste your time on someone quirkless like me?" She challenged.

"Quirkless?" Shigaraki's smile faded. "You didn't say she was quirkless."

"I think we should try to recruit her!" Twice said excitedly. He did a little pose.

"We need another female on the team!" Toga agreed with glee. "Her blood's aroma smells like sweet iron!"

"It seems like everybody is in agreement except for our leader." Dabi turned his head towards Shigaraki. "Better be careful. You don't want to get overthrown."

Dabi's eyes shone with something threatening. Whether he actually meant it as a threat or not was difficult to tell with him. Regardless of his intentions, he clearly wasn't happy with Shigaraki.

"I didn't agree to join, you hypocrites!" Satoko spat. "Why would I join you when you talk like that? You all are no different than heroes with what they do behind closed doors."

"What they do behind closed doors, eh?" Dabi repeated. "Interesting."

"We need to get her to join," Twice stated. "Shigaraki, you gotta let us keep her!"

Shigaraki growled. "We aren't 'keeping' her. We're killing her like sensible people would."

"'Sensible?'" Satoko repeated scornfully. "Go ahead and prove my point even further. See where it gets you." She threatened in anger.

The painkillers was definitely doing its job. Finally. They're kicking in.

"I don't want to kill her!" Toga pouted while waving her arms. "Maybe just have some blood samples, but not enough to kill her. That would make our friendship start!"

"I think friendship usually comes first?" Twice said like it was a question. He was unsure himself how that worked.

"No, she's right!"

Dabi took a step towards Shigaraki. "Why don't you let us do what we want? It could benefit you if it works out. You had your pick of recruits. Now it's our turn."

"You're supposed to do what I say!" Shigaraki argued. "I'm the one in charge here!"

Dabi smirked. "Who decided that? Now that there are more members, the leadership policy can change. Not like we really had a policy to begin with."

Shigaraki glared at him for a moment before something in his demeanor changed. His shoulders tensed. His arms reached forward. Before anyone could stop him, Shigaraki had pushed Dabi onto the floor.

"Shut up." Shigaraki laughed in an insane manner. "Shut up! Shut up!"

Dabi grabbed Shigaraki's wrist. "Get off of me. You're making us look bad."

"Who cares?" Shigaraki smiled wildly. "We're going to kill her anyway. It's not like we have a good reputation to uphold!"

Shigaraki didn't touch all of his fingers against Dabi. He was obviously holding back because he didn't want to kill him. He just wanted to intimidate him.

Dabi brought his knee up against Shigaraki's stomach and kicked him aside. He stood up. "I'll work with you on league matters. I'll even help you. Just don't get on the way of what I want."

"Awww, why did you stop?" Toga smiled creepily while tilting her head. She kept playing with her knife.

While they were arguing, Satoko was already working on untying herself from the ropes. She was just waiting for an opening while glaring.

"You're supposed to be on the same side and yet, you're at each other's throats." Satoko's tone was bold and fearless. "Whatever 'goal' you're trying to achieve is just meaningless. Think what you want, but let me say this slowly so you can understand it better."

Her voice became harsher. She was talking to them like they were a bunch of morons. "I. WON'T. JOIN. YOU." Then she spat towards them. "You're trash."

"What did you say?" Shigaraki got up and made his way over to her. He pressed some of his fingers against her throat. When he felt her try to move away, he tightened his grip. "My quirk is decay. If I touch anything with all five fingers...you can probably guess what happens."

"Tomura!" Toga stomped her foot.

"Did I say you can touch me?" Satoko felt pain, but not much. She was still able to speak as subtly loosened the ropes without anyone noticing.

She was using her aggression to hide her fear. She always used this method as a reverse psychology mechanism. "Get your hand off me or you'll be sorry!"

His hand fell away.

The rest of the group watched in shock as Shigaraki stepped away from her. He was completely silent as he did so, not speaking a word to anyone.

(This is the second time she has done something like this,) Dabi noted. (Something is definitely weird about her.)

(Now!) Satoko broke loose and didn't take any chances. Her foot relentlessly smashed into Shigaraki's face with full force.

The force sent his body flying towards the others. She makes a break for it and leaves the room at full speed. Everyone stood around in surprise to what just occurred.

Toga looked down at Shigaraki and up towards Dabi. "I smell a hint of anxiety from her, but it was hard to catch her scent. She's so good at hiding it. Sooo mysterious! That's adorable!"

Shigaraki slowly stood up. He had to regain his balance after hitting his head onto the floor with such force. (What was that...? It was like I couldn't think for myself...)

Toga giggled. "She really got you good, Tomura!" She looked at Dabi. "Oh! Could I chase after her? This is fun!!"

Dabi shook his head. "I'll go after her. You and Twice make sure that he doesn't have one of his moments again." He smiled in a way that was almost teasing before walking out the door.

Twice looked around frantically. "What now?"

Shigaraki sighed. He walked over to the first aid kit that was already open. As he reached down to grab something, he felt another flash of rage at what had happened. He accidentally caused the supplies to decay.

...

Satoko jetted forward as she kept up her fast pace. There was no way she could return back to her 'home.' There was a pang of sadness thinking about her grandpa's urn being left behind.

She doubts anyone else would go live there anyway since it was a trash heap.

She was running, but she doesn't know where to go. Her stomach was killing her again at this point. Her feet were slowing down and she came to a quick halt, puking her brains out basically.

The stench of her vomit was overwhelming, that made her throw up again. She was so dehydrated and her throat felt like it was on fire.

Despite this malnourishment, she had to keep going. Pressing onward, she ran again.

...

Hawks was strolling on his way to the League of Villains' Headquarters. (Time to spend time with my "friends.")

Hawks has been spying on them occasionally and has been trying to get them to trust him. While he was leisurely walking, he noticed someone sprinting forward.

(That familiar hair color-)

It was Satoko. She stopped ever so abruptly in front of Hawks, since he was blocking the way.

"Woah." Hawks smiled. "Didn't think I'd see you again twice in the same day-" He joked.

"Move out of my way." Satoko hissed as she tried to push pass him. (Great. Just what I need. A "hero.")

Hawks's eyes followed her and noticed her exposed shoulder from her jacket falling off. It was wrapped, but it looked like the wound was hemorrhaging out.

"Hey, hold on a moment." He stepped in front of her. "You don't look like you're in the best condition to keep moving like that."

"I'm fine." She declined as she kept trying to move passed him.

He noticed that beads of sweat was pouring from her face. Her face was rather flushed. He put his hand on her forehead. "No, you're not. Your head is burning up through my glove. Now, that's something, don't you think?"

She smacked his hand away. "Keep your hand to yourself. Don't you know personal space?"

Dabi had been watching from the distance. He slowed down as he noticed that Satoko was talking to Hawks. He stood against a wall to listen in.

"Aw shucks, I was just trying to-" Hawks tried to speak.

"Trying to help me?" Her tone was mocking. "For your own recognition? Thanks, but no thanks. You don't really care. You're just in it for the fame and money. You have a title."

Hawks frowned at that. He was actually a little surprised at the statement. "That's not the reason I'm doing that."

"Oh really? You sure know how to act." She snorted. "I'm not like you though."

"Assume what you want," Hawks had a serious expression. "But that injury of yours can be life threatening. I will call the hospital for you."

"There's no need. My problem isn't a concern to you!" She argued.

(I wonder why she's this way... It's like she doesn't trust anyone but herself.) Hawks thought. Any sane person would want to receive assistance in their condition. Never had he met such a stubborn woman before like this one. Those eyes of her were like daggers of hatred to him to the point he doesn't comprehend why.

But he didn't want to leave her. She wouldn't make it and probably would die. That would just make him feel guilty.

"Well, I'll feel pretty crappy to just leave you in this condition. I'm surprised you're even standing right now." He replied and his wings spread out a little bit. "I can even fly you over there."

"How about you leave her to me?" Dabi stepped out from behind where he was at. "Hawks."

Hawks looked towards Dabi's direction. "What do you need her for? I don't suppose you'd be the one taking her to the hospital. I can clearly take care of this situation."

"We were just trying to recruit her." Dabi held his hands out as he explained with a smug look. "Wouldn't you like to have a new league member to work with?"

"Recruit her?" Hawks questioned.

"I'm not interested." Satoko sighed angrily.

"I guess you have your answer." Hawks shrugged. "But did you... injure her?" His eyes flickered for a second kind of aggressively. Just for a moment.

"Not badly." Dabi's shoes tapped against the concrete as he put less distance between them. "The dislocated ankle was me. She tried to kick me. The gunshot wound was someone else."

"And how on earth would you be able to take care of her?" Hawks shook his head. "I don't think I trust that you won't hurt her anymore."

Hawks, of course, didn't trust everything Dabi had said. He subtly eyed Satoko from the side. She wasn't talking much. It was obvious she was zoning out due to her condition.

"Hurting her won't be necessary as long as she listens. You know what, Hawks?" Dabi asked. "For a villain, you sure do show a lot of concern for others. Oh well. I guess you're just too kind for your own good, even though you are one of us."

Dabi's hands lit up with blue flames. He kicked off of the ground and rushed at Hawks. "We'll just have to see which one of us is more determined, huh?!"

(What... Did I hear that right?) Satoko thought as she leaned her weight into a building wall.

Hawks's smile faded as he took his feathers like they were duo blades. "You're wasting time if you want her properly treated."

His legs dash ahead towards Dabi, with the support of his wings. With enhanced speed, he slashes towards Dabi, dodging flames that come his way.

Dabi was able to create a burst of flames that burnt up the feather in Hawks's hand. However, he was unable to dodge when Hawk's other arm swung around. He felt a sharp pain in his arm and stepped back, pressing his opposite hand against the wound.

Blood slowly rolled down his arm from in between his fingers. He tapped his fingers gently on the wound as he cursed. Despite his harsh words, his tone remained calm.

Satoko couldn't stand any longer. Her fever and vision was worsening.

Hawks kept looking towards her as Dabi and he fought. He took Dabi's wound as an advantage to leave quickly.

Throwing a slash towards Dabi's wound as a distraction, Hawks hastily moved towards Satoko. She was falling forward. With that, he caught her and went flying at an excessive swiftness into the sky.

Before leaving Dabi's sight, he called down a warning towards him. "If you throw flames towards me, it would be fatal for this lady. Bye!"

Dabi looked up towards the sky as they disappeared from view. The skin on his arm where he was cut was definitely a weak point. The amount of blood that he was losing was more than he usually should with that type of injury. (I hate to admit it, but my time is running out soon...) His smile returned as he forced down any negative emotions. He forced himself to feel numb to the thought. (Better hurry up and get rid of Endeavor.)

Satoko was barely awake. As much as she was trying to struggle and yell that she didn't need help, nothing came out. The sun was setting as Hawks flew towards the hospital.

...

Checking into the hospital, people were gushing and murmuring about Hawks being there. While checking in, they needed Satoko's name.

There wasn't any point to fight it, so she was able to barely state it.

(They could have asked her later.) Hawks felt a twinge of annoyance. "Hurry and take her." He gently set her onto a bed that was strolled out. A doctor walked up to Hawks.

"Hawks." The doctor had a serious expression. He spoke in a hushed tone. "We don't have any medical records of this girl. The entire situation of her family is still mysterious as of right now, and I don't think that conspiracy theories are enough to go off of. We have been personally asked by the Hero Public Safety Commission not to do an investigation yet. Because of that, however, there are some issues regarding payment for her treatment."

Hawks raised his eyebrow at that statement. But it's none of his business to look into that right now. Such a bother that someone is in critical condition. Were they just going to reject her and let her die?

No wonder she didn't want to go.

"I have a lot of money due to my hero work." He had a forced smile. "Finances should be not an issue. I can cover it all."

The doctor did a small bow. "Thank you very much, sir. You're a real hero."

He had clearly approached Hawks with the intention of getting money from him. Whether or not the doctor was the selfish type...he couldn't tell. Maybe he was just doing his job. But what would they have done if Hawks refused to pay for it?

Hawks had an obvious fake smile to hide his irritation. He wonders how many other cases they rejected other patients in need.

He looked towards Satoko being strolled away. He didn't want to just leave yet. There was that sense of mistrusting the hospital.

"I'd like to go to the waiting room to hear about her condition." He decided.

"You can do that." The doctor had a small smile. "You can't go to her hospital room though. If there is a change in her condition, we can let you know."

Hawks gave a nod and went to go wait.

Two hours had passed. Satoko was stirring from her sleep. When she woke up, she saw Hawks sitting in a nearby chair.

"I bet you're feeling better than before." He hummed.

Satoko sat up with her face turning into a grimace. Her arm had an IV planted into it. She definitely was feeling more hydrated than she's had for years.

(Did he really just stay with me? Bet that's looking really good for his credibility.) She felt annoyed at the thought.

As she's adjusting to waking up, the doctor came in to talk to her about her condition.

The doctor came in with a tray. He sat it down for her and smiled. "Well...it could have been a lot worse. You're doing pretty well, all things considered. Your ankle was able to be reset fairly easily, so that should heal quickly. Recovery Girl may be able to come in again tomorrow and get you fully healed. We focused on having her heal that gunshot wound of yours tonight, which possibly saved your life. The only reason she didn't heal you completely is because you were already fatigued when you arrived."

Recovery Girl was a well-known hero. Instead of focusing on fighting or rescue, she chose to work at UA in order to heal the students. That allowed for more dangerous training activities. Any injuries could just be healed by her. Due to her type of quirk being rare, she often made visits to hospitals to help those who were hurt. Satoko must have been lucky enough to arrive on a night when she was visiting.

"When can I leave?" Satoko didn't feel very comfortable being here. It's hard for her to fathom being taken care of like this. Thinking everyone is always in it for something.

Hawks didn't let the doctor answer. Instead, he waved him to leave the room. He turned to Satoko. "Either tomorrow or the next day. Whenever Recovery Girl comes, that is."

Satoko stared that the food in front of her. It was some baked chicken with vegetables on the side. She's so used to stealing junk food, food from the trash or cold leftovers from other people.

"Go ahead and eat." Hawks encouraged. "It's nice and hot. Plus, it's my favorite so I recommend."

"So you eat your own kind?" She scoffed at him being 'bird-like'. Hawks snorted like she was joking, but she wasn't. She meant it as an insult.

"I'm sure you're hungry. This should get you back on your feet." He pressed for her to eat. She really was, but his presence being there made her irritated.

(I can't believe I became in a weakened state.) She took her fork and cut into the chicken. It was nice and soft to cut through. How long has it been since she's had a proper meal?

She couldn't even remember. It made her sad to even think about as she took her first bite. Hiding her expression how good it tasted, she glared at Hawks watching her.

"You can go away now." She talked with her mouth full.

"A simple thank you would be nice." He teased.

"I don't like being watched while eating. You got me here so no need to babysit me." She remarked.

"Alright, alright." He got up. "I got it. Don't give the doctors trouble here. You'll be out as soon as you know it."

As Hawks was leaving, she started thinking about Dabi. She hated seeing any bloodshed. Ironic, since she does fight too. But the thought of causing deep wounds always bothered her. No matter who it was. Strange enough, she was wondering if he was ok.

It's hard enough that she couldn't really remember. Did he survive?

Oh, whatever. It doesn't matter now, does it?

She didn't bother asking Hawks. Leaving her own sight, he kind of looked towards her. He noticed that she was really chowing down now. He tried not to chuckle at that and left the room completely. He felt satisfied that she was able to eat something better.

That's the thing about meeting strangers. He's come across many people in his life, but would never come across them again. There was something in him hoping he'd see her again. And the fact that the League of Villains wants her... That was another issue at hand.

A problem that is hopefully resolved and that she isn't found again.

(She doesn't seem like a villain type...) He thought. Despite her attitude problem, he can feel that she's a good person.

...

After two days, Satoko was a bit sick of staying in bed. Not listening to doctor's orders, she ripped the IV out of her arm. She felt good enough to get out of bed.

It was bothersome staying any longer. She saw her clothes on the side and grabbed them to change into. It looks like they cleaned them.

Whatever.

She went into the bathroom to change out of the hospital gown, and left the room promptly.

As she was walking, she bumped into someone. There was a man in front of her with a girl at his side.

The man was so skinny that he looked like a skeleton. He looked worn and tired. His eyes were dark with a blue light shining through them.

The girl had semi-wavy blonde hair and blue eyes. A pair of glasses rested carefully on her nose. She put her hands to her chin and gasped. "Uncle Might! Are you ok?" The girl rushed to the man's side and put her hands on his shoulders to make sure that he was alright.

"Yes," All Might responded with a smile. "There's no need to worry."

Instead of being rude, Satoko halted. She knows better not to apologize when she's in the wrong. "Sorry about that..." But she realized something.

"Did you call him... 'uncle Might?' He doesn't look like All Might." She was curious, of course. She isn't sure how she feels about All Might honestly.

All Might had a dumbfounded expression. He thought everyone knew about his appearance by now.

Melissa looked surprised as well. She looked towards All Might. "I thought you said that everyone knows about that now?"

"Not everyone has that luxury of knowing." Satoko grumbled.

All Might caught on. Looking at her appearance, she looks like she's a bit sheltered. He didn't want to assume. "Sometimes word can spread less fast in some areas. Would you like to hear my story then?"

"I guess." Satoko replied. The least she could do for bumping into him like that. He didn't look like he's in a good condition either.

All Might kept the story brief and short. He talked about the fight with All For One. Satoko tried to pay attention, but with hero stuff.. Hard to believe everything with her.

She zoned back in when Melissa started speaking.

"It was really great how you managed to rescue that student too," Melissa said with a smile. She focused back on Satoko. "I actually don't live here in Japan. I came from the United States because I heard that UA has a great support course. I'd like to test out my abilities with them! It would be a great opportunity to get to know the students too."

She poked her chin as she went through the names in her head. "Let's see...I know all of them, but it will probably be nice to get to know some of them better. And it will be especially nice to see my good friend Deku again!" Her cheeks turned a pretty pink color.

Satoko noted her blushing. (Must be nice to be in love... Too bad love isn't actually real.)

The only kind of love she had felt was from her grandpa. She had tried to gain love from others, but they always let her down. Proving her trust isn't worth anything.

She didn't know what to say nor how to respond. "I see, well..."

"Melissa truly is something." All Might praised. "Such a talent for a young girl who doesn't have a quirk. That doesn't stop her. She's always had her job support heroes!" His face beamed talking about her.

Satoko's face went pale. "Quirkless....?"

As in someone actually needed by heroes?

Melissa hummed in response as she nodded. "My father has a quirk, but it doesn't allow him to be a hero. So he found other ways to help out. I also wanted to be a hero when I was younger, but I guess life doesn't always work out like we would want, huh? I was really fortunate though! I have my dad who supports me in whatever I want to do, and I also have friends. If you think about it, the people who work behind the scenes do a lot too. They're like the heroes for the heroes! So that's exactly what I want to become!"

Fortunate.

A father that supports.

Every word of Melissa's put a stinging pang to Satoko's heart.

Jealousy was arising. She felt bitter and angry. This wasn't fair. No, she refused to believe such a parent figure exists.

Doting parents... That didn't seem real to her. While Melissa finished her statement, Satoko already started walking passed them.

"Must be nice." She said through her teeth. She was ripping off the hospital bracelet to take out her negative mood on. It hurt even saying that. She hates to feel envious and wanted to break that ugly feeling. She leaves before Melissa or All Might could say anything. The hospital bracelet fell out of Satoko's pocket.

All Might caught a glimpse of her name. He wanted to say something, but he doesn't know who this woman is.

Melissa frowned. "I think that something I said upset her. Did I come off as trying to brag?"

"It could be a number of things," All Might replied. "We don't know her story." He picked up the hospital bracelet on the ground. "Just her name."

From the distance, there was a familiar freckled face approaching. It was Izuku Midoriya waving as he walked. "Melissa! All Might!" He greeted. "Sorry!! Am I late?"

"Deku! I've missed you!" Melissa's eyes immediately lit up when she saw him. She opened her arms to offer him a hug.

"U-um." Izuku started to blush as he slowly went into hugging her. His face was beet red from feeling her delicate warmth. "I've missed you as well."

It was no brainer that Melissa was on his mind a lot since their last encounter.

All Might coughed a bit to make his presence known, and to also tease these two kids with their PDA.

"Oh!" Melissa took a step back. Her face wasn't red before, but All Might coughing made her more aware of how that looked. "So Deku, how have you been? Are classes going well? There haven't been any more villain attacks, have there?"

"Things are calm now, it seems." Izuku stated. "We have heroes training us at the moment." He paused for a moment. "Were you upset about something? It looked like you were sad before I got your attention."

"There was a girl that we ran into. She seemed upset about something," Melissa explained. "I wish we could help her, but...she walked off."

"What did she look like?" Izuku tilted his head.

"Her hair was a bit colorful. She looks like she's in her 20s." All Might noted. "Satoko Takanashi is the name we got, but only from this bracelet."

"Could there be something going on?" Izuku asked.

"Let's not jump to conclusions." All Might waved his hand. "She could just be having a bad day."

"I see." Izuku pondered. Now that Melissa is here, he wanted to spend more time with her. The thought of it fluttered his heart.

The three of them got off topic eventually and made their way with their day.

...

The place that Satoko was staying at wasn't the best. It was extremely dirty. The only thing she had to rest on was a torn up and stained mattress. If she wanted shelter from rain, there was a wooden shelter a few minutes away. She could go there to rest. She typically avoided it though, due to the fact that she wanted to avoid running into other people.

(So that's where she's been staying,) Dabi thought.

And, of course, Dabi had found out where she was.

Satoko spotted him from the distance. There was no way.

Absolutely no way. (How on earth did he find me?)

Was he really that desperate to search for her?

"Of course, I should have known you were stalking me!" She went on guard. "Get out of he-!"

He charged at her before she could finish her sentence. His hand went over her mouth roughly, causing her to stumble back and hit a wall. Dabi had a lazy smile. "I think I figured it out. Don't tell me what to do. I've seen what happens when you order people around. I just want to talk about something for now."

Satoko gave him a hateful glare. She couldn't seem to bite him the way his hand was forced upon her. She stomped super hard on his foot as an indicator to get him to move away from her.

Dabi scoffed. "Nice try. You're pretty much useless without being able to use that power of yours. You can control people, right? By speaking to them? That's what I think. It's obvious that you aren't quirkless. You would have to be a moron to actually believe that."

He slowly moved his hand away from her. "I know your weakness. Anyone else would be unable to kill you unless you lost your voice or something. So why don't we make a deal? I will help you accomplish whatever goals you have...if you help me to accomplish mine."

Satoko looked at him at disbelief. Her fists were shaking enough that she punched a wall next to her. It broke its surface a little bit.

"How dare you say I'm useless!" She looked up towards him with such anger. Something snapped inside her.

Unwarranted flashbacks kept trying to resurface from her head. "It's a lie!"

She stomped forward towards him and got into his face without an ounce of fear. "You act like you know me, but you don't! How could you understand what I possibly feel?! Ha...Deal?" She started to bitterly laugh.

"Why would I want to have a deal with you? When you can toss me away like my parents did?" Her anger kept intensifying. "Being quirkless made me abandoned because I wasn't a use to them!"

She kept going on about it. Like so much of this pent of emotions was just pouring out.

Her parents were in an arranged quirk marriage. Her father has sound-time bending78 quirk and her mother has healing quirk. Apparently, it could make a powerful quirk. She was the first born.

As she grew older. Around preschool years, her father would often yell at her. Things like how she was useless.

At her age, she should have had a quirk already at four years old. He knew what that meant. That she was a lost cause.

"I was nothing for them. I couldn't be used by him. So he'd..."

There were days he'd come to beat her and her mother up. Her mother was abused as well because she couldn't get pregnant.

But finally, one day, she got pregnant. Unwillingly, of course. But when she gave birth, their other daughter was born with a quirk.

Because of that...

"I was dumped here! And-!" She stopped. She was shaking. She said too much.

"Quirk marriage, huh?" Dabi narrowed his eyes. "So you have been hurt by those so-called 'heroes' as well. Yet you won't do anything to stop it? You're too scared to step up? How does that make you any better?"

"You wouldn't understand." She looked away. "You have powers. I don't. I trained myself to have this physical strength to survive. Whatever goal you have must oppose mine. All I want is a better justice system... But heroes hide stuff like this under the rug." She then folded her arms and shook her head with a sigh.

"Of course, you're assuming things like I haven't tried to speak up. Not everyone listens to me, you know. Because I'm not fit for society. Who would listen to someone quirkless?" More bad memories came to her head, but she brushed those thoughts aside.

"My offer would help get a better justice system." He took a step back, relaxing a little bit. "I want to get rid of one of the most corrupt heroes of all time. You would be doing the world a favor by working with me. But if you don't agree...I will have no reason to keep you alive. I can rip out your vocal cords so you can never speak again. Then, even if that isn't your quirk, you will have to suffer and die a slow death."

Dabi didn't give her a chance to speak. He wouldn't let her get her words in. He needed to make it perfectly clear to her that he didn't need her to accomplish his goals. He wanted her.

"You see, we actually aren't that different." He started. "I was the result of a quirk marriage too. My father is a famous hero, but he was always second choice. No one would want him as number one. Even now that he is the number one hero, I doubt he has many fans. I was the first born too, but unlike you, I had a powerful quirk. But guess what? It still wasn't enough for him!"

Dabi continued smiling as though what he was talking about wasn't traumatic. He was burying those feelings deep down.

"It's ironic, right? I had a powerful quirk and all, but I still ended up being neglected. It was because my brother was born that it happened. HE had what they really wanted. If he had never been born, I might not have been neglected. But it's not like they actually love him anyway. He's just a tool. Not even human."

Dabi pointed to himself. "I'M human. This is what it looks like when heroes get what they want. All burnt up. It's an ugly truth, isn't it? I have seen the corruption up close. Quirk marriages. Abuse in the home. THAT'S what heroes are really about. Not saving people. But you know all that already, don't you?"

"This is the only way to stop them. You say that talking doesn't work. So why do we keep doing what we know will fail? Only those who have experienced the truth first-hand have the means to stop it. They call us villains, but we're our own heroes. Someone has to be fighting for themselves in this world."

Satoko had a hard time having that sink in. His story was almost believable even.

No. Perhaps he's only saying that to lure her in. Even if it was the truth, it didn't matter. The threat is what bothered her the most.

"How can I possibly feel at ease when you threatened to kill me?" She remarked. "As if you would possibly kill me." She put on a cocky smile. She used it to force any anxiety she felt trying to come out. "You can't because you need me. Like you're an obsessive stalker."

"You think I won't kill you just because I want to work with you? You're really stupid, you know that?" Blue flames started to appear from Dabi's hands.

"Yeah, I am foolish for even worrying about you when your arm got cut!" She argued, not being intimidated the slightest. "But it doesn't matter. You want to kill. I don't! You're just the same amount of corruption as heroes!!"

"Shut up." Dabi cursed as he aimed an attack towards Satoko. There was something strange about it though. The amount of fire he produced wasn't as much as he typically used. The look in his eyes was different. He seemed stiffer.

Whether it be because he still wanted her to join him or some other reason; he was holding back. Satoko could see that.

"I won't, you jerk!" She continued. "I don't need you or heroes!" Her voice kept getting louder. She was getting ready to dodge and fight.

She was getting tired of this process. Tired of fighting. She just didn't want to do that today. But she won't hold back this time. It felt like nothing she said mattered. This was always the case. No one listens. This is why she doesn't like talking about herself. It didn't matter if it seemed like he was holding back. It must be her imagination. Her own stupid judgment.

She started to scream at him. "Go back with your people and leave me alone before I-!"

He immediately froze. His fire faded before it ever made contact with her skin. His eyes went out of focus as he gazed at her for a moment. When his eyes weren't full of hatred, they were actually really beautiful. The blue seemed to have a constant glow due to its hue. Without saying another word, he turned around and walked away.

She stood, dumbfounded, but waited to make sure he was completely gone. The tenseness of her body loosened after she saw that left. Not that the tenseness was from fear, but due to her own nerves of other emotions.

Her throat felt like it was on fire. This happens a lot over the years. (Dehydrated again.)

All that yelling must have done it. She went to grab a jug of water she had foraged.

Chugging it didn't make her throat feel any better.

Weird.

She tried to say that aloud, but nothing came out of her mouth.

(What?)

She kept trying to talk, but no sound came forth. Not even a little squeaky voice.

(My voice... it's gone?)

...

Dabi came back to his senses after he reached the hideout. He didn't remember making the trip back there, so it was obvious to him what had happened. (Her parents must have had a decent amount of money. I bet they're a hero family too. Why haven't I heard of her before?)

He sat down. He pressed his wrists together as he thought. Memories of his childhood came to mind. The days when he would work himself to the point of having scars all over his body just to be recognized. The days when he could smell his own flesh burning and feel it peeling away. Oozing from infection. The dehydration when he lost fluids in his body from being burnt so much.

His father would grab him roughly. Throw him around a bit. All just to show him who was boss. No amount of tears could reach the heart of someone who was so blinded by his own ambitions. Endeavor really was a fitting name for such a man.

He felt such a hatred at the thought of those flames. Those large hands that were used to harm and never to express love. He was never a father. He was an abuser through and through.

What happens when fire meets fire? The flames don't go out. They grow and burn everything in their path. Someone is always unlucky enough to be caught in the flames when there is nothing to stop them. Someone had to die, yes, but it wouldn't be the one with the strongest flames. Dabi would be sure that his flames overcome any others.

..

Two weeks had passed. Dabi went on walks every day in search of Satoko, but somehow never managed to find her. She had seemingly gotten more skilled at hiding. It was strange how they couldn't see eye to eye, but were so similar in their ideals. They would be a force to be reckoned with if she would agree to work with him. They could surely take down any heroes and rewrite society.

Then one day...he finally spotted her.

Satoko was fighting off villains. They were very low classed ones. Not recognizable. Their clothes looked like they were a bunch of hobos.

One old guy with a scruffy beard lashed out towards her, but she knocked him out by chopping her hand into the back of his neck.

She looked very tired. Like she was at this longer than an hour.

One guy was making cat calling remarks. "Come on, sweetheart." His face was met with her fist. One of his teeth went flying out of his mouth.

One other guy got so irritated and starting calling her profane names. "I'll show you!"

Satoko glared as she tried to dodge this one guy, but this more buff looking man was behind her. He forcefully kicked her back, which sent her flying.

Crashing into a wall, she could only brace herself so much.

"This wench...!" The man growled as he stomped towards Satoko. She was struggling to get up. His quirk manifested into his leg, kicking into Satoko's stomach. Every kick of his would get stronger. Roughly grabbing Satoko's hair, he had her stay in place to kick into her stomach.

"Not so tough now, huh?" The terrible man kept going as he kicked. "Women like you shouldn't be like this!"

Spitting out blood, she was coughing. Her expression didn't change from her hateful eyes. No tears were shed from her eyes. That annoyed the man further like he was expecting her to cry for mercy.

The man yanked her hair some more, forcing her to stand up. "We'll take you for our boss. That would be fitting for his harem. Know your place!" He went to lunge another kick in.

Dabi cursed in his mind. (Why aren't you using that quirk of yours? Just kill them already.)

He was filled with a burning hatred towards the men. They could use their abilities to actually accomplish things. But they spent their time taking advantage of women instead? Those men were utterly worthless. They were the kind of people that Dabi wanted to get rid of.

A blast of his flames was all it took for the bodies to pile up around Satoko. He eyed Satoko with an amused expression. "Are you purposefully being useless now? I should kill you too."

Satoko felt weak and pained. Her eyes met his with a worn fierce look. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

She lowered her head, looking towards the ground. (Go ahead and do it then. Why bother even helping me?)

Dabi never moved to attack. He was hesitating again. Satoko seemed so vulnerable. She wasn't even doing her typical remarks. He didn't want to kill her when she was like that. If he was to kill her, he wanted it to be when she was acting like herself.

He felt some twisted version of pity when he saw her in such a state. Perhaps there was still something human within him. More likely is the possibility that he was looking down on her for being so weak. Regardless of what the feeling was, he hated it.

"You lost your voice, didn't you?" He asked. "When you're like this it's almost like you're a doll. It's pitiful."

He had a pouch on his costume. He opened it up and reached inside. There were a few different bottles inside. One was water. The other was hair dye remover.

He took out the bottle of water and handed it to her. "Drink this."

Satoko didn't budge. She tried smacking it away, but it was forced into her hand.

She was thirsty anyway. She stared at the bottle to see if anything was off about it.

Dabi scoffed. "It's not poisoned. I'll even take a drink to show you if you don't trust it."

Satoko's eyes challenged him to do so. She wanted to see if he was actually telling the truth.

Dabi got the message loud and clear. He took the bottle out of her hand, took the lid off, and took a drink of it. He put it back in her hand. "It's a little warm, but it won't kill you."

She didn't care to drink after him or think anything of it. She kept drinking it. This water was warm, like he said, but fresher compared to the water she's been drinking. Cleaner even.

The soreness of her throat was lessening more. Her voice was rather hoarse, but not completely there yet. She muttered a surprising statement. "Thanks..."

Her voice sounded awful, but she was surprised it was returning. She kept gulping down the water.

Dabi ignored that statement. "You know, this further proves that you do have a quirk. You could have defended yourself better than that if you were able to speak. Your parents must have been real scumbags if they didn't even realize."

The trauma she felt with her parents is what's blinding her judgment in his remark. It makes sense, but she doesn't want to believe it. She finished every last drop as she listened.

"I'm just having a bad day." She denied with her voice sounding better. "But scumbags sounds about right." She didn't bother moving. Usually she would get up and leave already.

The dead bodies around her was making her uncomfortable, but the pain trying to subside from her stomach wouldn't falter. She was kind of curled up on the ground still.

"You didn't have to help me. I'm not your problem." She added, with her voice sounding clearer.

Her pride was a bit hurt from this who matter. Living two weeks without her voice was a challenge itself. She hated feeling helpless. She hated being helped as she loves to be independent. Her independence helps her get less hurt from her emotions, but this keeps making it harder.

"You're right about that," Dabi stated bluntly.

He thought to himself. (I'm just keeping her alive because she can be useful. She can be a tool to me. I can't feel anything for anyone other than hatred.)