Elysium

1

The city of Musutafu throbs with the pulse of nightlife, but in the shadows of its vibrant streets, another world thrives—one filled with danger, deception, and secrets. Neon signs flicker, casting their colors across the dark alleys like a distorted reflection of the daylight world. Amid the sounds of laughter and music, whispered dealings and hushed plans unfold. In this realm of twilight, you move like a ghost, slipping through the narrow, twisting alleyways with a purpose that leaves no room for hesitation.

Your heart pounds in your chest, matching the rhythm of your footsteps as you approach the meeting spot. Tonight is crucial. It will be your first encounter with Dabi, a figure whose name carries weight in the criminal underworld. His reputation precedes him—cold, ruthless, and always one step ahead. To some, he is a villain; to others, an enigma. To you, he is a potential ally in your war against the Hero Safety Commission.

The designated rendezvous point is a rundown warehouse on the far outskirts of town, hidden from the prying eyes of heroes and authorities alike. Its once-proud structure has crumbled under the weight of neglect, with shattered windows and peeling walls that whisper of forgotten history. Flickering streetlights dot the nearby roads, their dim glow illuminating the jagged path leading to the warehouse's side entrance.

As you near the entrance, you pause. The air feels thick with anticipation, and the weight of your mission settles heavily on your shoulders. For a brief moment, doubt flickers in your mind, but you quickly push it aside. This is for your brother, for the truth the commission has buried. Dabi is your best chance at uncovering what really happened—and why.

With a deep breath, you slip through the rusted door and into the building. Inside, the warehouse is a cavern of rusted metal and forgotten machinery, the remnants of what once thrived now little more than dust-covered skeletons. The weak, flickering light of a single overhead bulb casts long shadows that seem to dance along the walls, as if the darkness itself is alive.

Your footsteps echo softly as you make your way deeper into the space, your senses sharp and alert. The warehouse feels empty, abandoned—but you know better. Somewhere in this darkness, Dabi is waiting.

At the heart of the space, you find a makeshift meeting area—an old, battered table surrounded by mismatched chairs, as though cobbled together from whatever was left behind. And there, leaning casually against the table, is Dabi. He is exactly as the rumors have described him: dark, brooding, and dangerous. His trench coat hangs from his frame like a second skin, blending seamlessly into the shadows around him. A cigarette dangles lazily between his fingers, the tip glowing faintly in the dim light.

He doesn't look up as you approach, but you can feel his gaze, sharp and calculating, cutting through the darkness.

"Nice of you to finally show up," he drawls, his voice smooth and laced with a hint of sarcasm. He flicks the cigarette aside, watching the ember briefly illuminate his face before it is swallowed by the darkness.

"I'm here, aren't I?" you shoot back, keeping your voice steady. You refuse to let him see any hint of nerves. Not tonight.

Dabi's lips curl into a smirk as he pushes himself off the table and takes a few slow steps toward you. "Straight to business. I like that. Saves us both some time." His eyes narrow as they lock onto yours, cold and unreadable. "I've got information for you—about the Hero Safety Commission."

The mention of the commission sends a wave of emotion crashing through you. Anger, grief, and determination mingle in your chest, but you force yourself to stay calm. "What do you know?"

Dabi crosses his arms, leaning back slightly, as if enjoying the power of holding all the cards. "They're calling it 'Project Echelon.' From what I've gathered, it's a major overhaul of their operations. Increased surveillance, rooting out 'dissenters,' tightening their control. It's all under the guise of making things 'safer,' but in reality, it's just another way to tighten their grip on anyone they see as a threat."

You frown, the gears in your mind already turning. "And my brother?" Your voice is quiet, but there's an edge to it, a sharpness you can't mask.

Dabi's expression doesn't change, but something flickers in his eyes—perhaps understanding, or recognition of your pain. "It's all connected," he says, his voice low. "The commission will do whatever it takes to stay in power. That means framing people, silencing those who don't fall in line. Your brother... he wasn't the first, and he won't be the last."

A knot forms in your stomach, but you refuse to let your emotions show. "They killed him for nothing," you whisper, more to yourself than to him. "He was innocent, and they destroyed him."

"Innocence doesn't matter in this city," Dabi replies, his voice cold but not without a hint of sympathy. "All that matters is power and control."

For a moment, you both stand in silence, the weight of your brother's death hanging in the air between you. Then, you straighten your back, your resolve hardening. "I want to take them down. Every last one of them."

Dabi smirks, clearly impressed by your intensity. "Ambitious. I like it. But it's not that simple. The commission has deep roots, connections that go far beyond what you can see. If you're serious about this, you'll have to play the game carefully. One wrong move, and you'll end up like your brother."

"I'm willing to take that risk," you say, your voice unwavering. "Just tell me what I need to do."

Dabi nods, his eyes glinting with approval. "There's a contact within the commission—someone who knows more about Project Echelon. Setting up a meeting won't be easy, but if you want real answers, it's your best shot."

"I'll do whatever it takes," you reply, your determination clear.

"Good," he says, his voice softening, though his expression remains guarded. "But remember, this isn't a partnership. I'm helping you because our interests align, nothing more. Trust is dangerous in this line of work."

You meet his gaze, unflinching. "I don't expect trust. Just results."

The tension between you is palpable, a fragile alliance forged out of necessity. As Dabi moves to leave, he glances back at you, his expression unreadable. "Be careful. The commission isn't the only enemy you'll have to worry about."

With that, he disappears into the shadows, his presence fading as if he had never been there.

You stand in the dim light of the warehouse for a moment, collecting your thoughts. The meeting has been brief, but it has given you something you haven't felt in a long time—hope. You now have a lead, a chance to expose the truth and seek justice for your brother.

Turning, you walk back toward the exit, your mind racing with plans. The cool night air hits your face as you step outside, the distant sounds of Musutafu's nightlife continuing as if the world hasn't just shifted beneath your feet.

This is just the beginning, and you know one thing for certain—you will stop at nothing to bring down the ones who have taken everything from you.