Elysium

2

The wind howled through the narrow alleyways of Musutafu as you made your way back toward the heart of the city. Your steps were purposeful, but your mind swirled with the information Dabi had given you. 'Project Echelon.' A major initiative by the Hero Public Safety Commission, all wrapped up in the guise of protection and order, but underneath lay something far darker. You clenched your fists, feeling the familiar warmth of your light quirk simmering beneath your skin, like embers ready to catch fire. Your brother's innocent face flashed in your mind—the memory of him laughing, encouraging you during your training sessions when you were younger. Those moments felt like a lifetime ago, buried beneath layers of grief and anger.

But there was no time to dwell on the past. Not anymore. You had made your choice, and there was no going back. If you wanted justice—no, revenge—you would have to step deeper into the darkness. That meant trusting Dabi, even if only for now. He was dangerous, that much was clear. But so were you. If he thought he could manipulate you, he would learn soon enough that you were no pawn in anyone's game.

The neon lights of the city buzzed above you, illuminating the bustling streets below. Heroes patrolled the rooftops and streets, their presence a constant reminder of the world you had once believed in. A world your brother had been a part of, before the commission decided he was expendable. Before they branded him a traitor and killed him in cold blood.

'He wasn't the first, and he won't be the last.' Dabi's words echoed in your mind, chilling you more than the night air ever could.

You pushed forward, weaving through the crowd at a busy intersection. Citizens milled about, completely unaware of the shadows that lurked in their midst. You pulled your hood lower over your face, not wanting to draw attention. This late at night, people didn't usually ask questions, but the last thing you needed was some overzealous hero stopping you for a 'routine check.'

As you navigated the throngs of people, a flicker of movement caught your eye. A group of heroes stood at the corner, their bright uniforms a stark contrast to the darker elements of the city. They laughed and chatted, seemingly relaxed, but you knew better. They were always on alert, always watching. You ducked into another alley, the noise of the city fading behind you. The deeper you went, the quieter it became, until all you could hear was the sound of your own breathing.

Your destination was close—a small apartment on the outskirts of the city where you had been staying since leaving your family. It was far from luxurious, but it was private and out of the way, which was all that mattered. The apartment had served as a refuge, a place to gather your thoughts and plan your next moves. But tonight, it felt different. The walls seemed to close in around you, suffocating in their silence.

Once inside, you locked the door behind you and leaned against it for a moment, letting out a long breath you hadn't realized you'd been holding. The apartment was small—just a single room with a bed in the corner, a desk cluttered with papers and old maps, and a small kitchenette that you rarely used. The windows were covered by thick curtains, blocking out any prying eyes. It was nothing like the home you had grown up in, with its wide windows and sunlit rooms. This place was dark, a stark reminder of the life you had left behind.

You crossed the room to your desk, the weight of what you had agreed to beginning to sink in. Dabi had given you a name—someone inside the commission who could help you get more information about Project Echelon. But he hadn't told you much beyond that. Finding this person would be risky, even with your quirk. The commission had eyes and ears everywhere, and any misstep could mean the end for you. But what choice did you have? You needed answers.

You pulled out a map of Musutafu and laid it flat on the desk, tracing your fingers over the familiar streets. Dabi had mentioned that the contact would be near one of the commission's satellite offices, a smaller, less secure location compared to their main headquarters. It would be easier to infiltrate, but it would still be heavily guarded. You would need a plan—a way in, and more importantly, a way out.