The Universe Lies Docile in Your Eyes

A Short-Lived Goodbye

Hello hello!! So, I had to go through a process thing to get on track and I think I really know what I'm doing with the next few chapters! This is thanks to my lovely beta Alex and our dear reader, Scinn! Thank you so much for helping me figure out Storylining, it is so very appreciated! And guess what????

WE HAVE FANARTTTTT!!!!!!!!!! I once again called Alex crying due to the art, so thank you for that, Scinn. Alex is not pleased.

Link to the amazing art:  https://scinn-tilly.tumblr.com/post/182630011145/heyoooo-got-some-fanart-for-andromedagreens

Once again, thank you all so so much for your patience!! Enjoy the chapter!

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They threw Dabi's body into a vat of acid. Sensei said it was the easiest and "most respectful" option they had to dispose of his corpse. "Respectful my ass," Izuku thought privately to himself. He felt empty. There was no sadness or anger or grief. Just... empty.

He sat in a chair in Sensei's dark office looking down at his tattered red sneakers, his left hand clenching right onto a small metal earring. It was Dabi's, of course. Izuku had taken it off of Dabi before he was put in the vat. He didn't know why he grabbed it in the first place, but now he couldn't seem to let it go. He felt like the moment he let go of the cheap steel, he would die.

Sensei sat across from him, observing him like a hawk would their prey. He was holding back a smile with a look of pity, which of course he felt none. As soon as the little bird woke up from his state of shock, he would be overcome with guilt, as he would realize he killed his friend with that nasty new quirk of his.

" Izuku, my boy, I know you are in pain. I know you hurt in an indescribable way, but we, unfortunately, don't have the luxury of time. Dabi was a key member of our organization. You, dear boy, must now step up and replace him."

Izuku tipped his head up and looked to where he had heard the voice. His expression was blank, no trace of emotion to be found.

"Yes, Sensei."

Sensei smiled wildly, all looks of sadness and pity went in a flash.

" Good, good! We must begin your training then, young Midori! Your previous sessions with Dabi"-Sensei ignored the flinch Izuku gave when he heard his friends name-"was mere child's play, barely helping you in any way. We will start with the basics. You will begin training with Shigaraki today!"

"Yes Sensei," Izuku replied once again. Something struck him though. "Um, Sensei? How will I fight? D-Dabi would tell me where he was and things like that to help me learn to attack without seeing. How can I fight?"

"Ah yes, well... hmm. Oh! I know exactly the thing!" Sensei exclaimed, snapping his fingers as the idea made way in his head. "Let's give you a new quirk my boy!" A strength enhancer!"

Izuku didn't understand how that would help but kept silent as he heard sensei take a breath, which meant he was about to go on.

"In theory, this strength enhancing quirk should do more than increase your brawn, but also your senses! Nothing too crazy, just a bit above your abilities. I think this will indeed help. Are you willing to try it, despite what happened with Dabi?"

Izuku didn't fully comprehend Sensei's end statement, but he felt his stomach clench at the words. "Push it down," he thought. "Wait to release, don't do it while they can see."

"Yes Sensei, " he replied once more.

"Excellent! Now, here" he said as he pricked his index finger, red liquid beginning to trickle down slowly.