𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐛𝐧𝐡𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬

[43.5]

Two of hearts

43.5

Scorchrend's Origins

CW: graphic violence

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Matteo's earliest memories were a chaotic blend of his father's roaring commands and his mother's soothing lullabies. Growing up in the narrow, winding streets of Naples, his life was a juxtaposition of light and darkness, hope and fear.

His quirk manifested late, much later than most children. While others in his neighbourhood were showing their powers at the age of five, Matteo remained quirkless until he was ten. This delay was a source of constant frustration and disappointment for his father, Antonio L/n, a high-ranking member of one of Italy's most notorious gangs. Antonio was the epitome of a mafia boss, exuding power and intimidation, and he brought his brutal work life into their home. He was a man who demanded respect through fear, hiding his true nature behind the façade of a loving father and husband.

Antonio often spoke of "great things" he expected from Matteo, envisioning his son as his future right-hand man in the gang. Matteo's late-blooming quirk only intensified his father's impatience and disdain. Despite the luxurious home and the apparent affection Antonio showed in public, the reality within the walls was starkly different. Matteo was exposed to violence and brutality that no child should ever witness. He saw men beaten to within an inch of their lives, heard the terrified cries of those who dared to cross his father, and learned early on that the world was a dangerous place.

In stark contrast was his mother, Isabella. She was the light in Matteo's dark world, a loving and nurturing presence who did her best to shield him from Antonio's wrath. Isabella's attempts to protect Matteo often led to bruises and cuts on her own body, silent testaments to her bravery and love. She sang him lullabies at night, her soft voice a balm to his troubled mind, and whispered stories of a better future, one where he could be anything he wanted, free from his father's shadow.

The turning point in Matteo's life came one sweltering summer afternoon. He was ten, the air thick with the scent of the sea and the sounds of the bustling city. He had been playing in the courtyard, trying to lose himself in the innocence of childhood, when he heard the commotion inside. His father's voice, raised in anger, and his mother's soft, pleading tones. Matteo froze, his heart pounding in his chest.

Antonio emerged from the house, dragging a man by the collar. The man was bloodied and beaten, his eyes wide with terror. Antonio's face was a mask of fury. "Watch closely, Matteo," he growled, throwing the man to the ground. "This is what happens to those who betray me."

As Antonio raised his fist to deliver another blow, something inside Matteo snapped. A surge of heat erupted from deep within him, flooding his veins with a burning intensity. His vision blurred, the world around him dissolving into a haze of red. The next thing he knew, a searing pain exploded in his palms as the heat from the sweltering courtyard coalesced within him, then shot out of his hands in a blinding blast of energy.

The energy hit the man square in the chest, incinerating him instantly. His screams were cut short, replaced by the sickening sizzle of flesh and the acrid smell of burning meat. Antonio stopped mid-punch, his eyes wide with a mix of surprise and something that looked disturbingly like pride.

"So, the boy has fire in him after all," Antonio murmured, a twisted smile spreading across his face. "It seems you might be of use to me yet, Matteo."

Matteo collapsed to his knees, his hands seared and smoking, the skin on his palms bubbled and charred. The pain was excruciating, as if his very bones were melting. He let out a guttural scream, tears streaming down his face. Isabella rushed to his side, her eyes filled with both relief and concern. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her touch grounding him amidst the inferno.