Top pic credit: unknown. Tell me if you know

Ari POV:

"PUT ME DOWN, YOU CRUSTY PIECE OF SHIT!!" I screamed, aggressively thrashing around in Dabi's arms.

"With pleasure." He stated in pure annoyance, quickly throwing me across the room.

My face smacked into the wall before I hit the ground harshly.

I cringed in pain, as I felt warm blood starting to trickle from my nose. I was an absolute mess. My clothes were full of rips and tears, broken glass littered my body and hair, bruises consumed my skin...and I felt my eye swelling fully shut from Dabi's punch earlier. Oh yeah...

And I was practically covered in blood from head to toe.

I look like I'm dressed up for Halloween with the appearance I'm sporting.

Not having the energy to lift my head, I simply groaned and buried my face into the dirty floor.

Dabi's chuckle resonated throughout the room, as he quickly yanked me up by my shoulders to a sitting position.

"Oh? Not so cocky now when you have nowhere left to run. Right, hero in training?" He stated smoothly, hoisting me up by my sore midsection and dragging me over to a chair.

He plopped me down, quickly chaining my ankles and arms to the chair, before strapping my torso to the seat as well.

I laughed dryly at the amount of restraints holding me back, only now getting a look at the appearance of the villains I fought tonight.

Sure, I looked pretty fucked up...

But, so did they. Or at least two out of the three did.

Dabi's face hasn't stopped bleeding since I cut him, back at the school. His arms were shaking and bleeding, from what I assume to be effects from his quirk overuse. He looked exhausted.

Toga's forehead was swollen, bloody, and bruised from where I head butted her, and she was gripping her side in pain...meaning I must've gotten a hit on her at some point.

Twice looked completely fine, leading me to believe there wasn't a time where I even fought the real him. It was probably all just his clones. Psh, cheater.

Even so, I felt my hero commission training kick in as I remembered all my years of classes to prepare me for a situation like this.

First step...relax. Don't let them smell fear.

I forced my pounding head up, flashing a cocky, half lidded bloody smile.

"Hm, well congrats...ya caught me. You know, this is quite an interesting situation you've got me in, villains. What? Afraid of me." I smirked, gesturing to the ridiculous amount of restraints covering my body. I immediately turned on my hero charm. It was more of a defense mechanism than anything.

Dabi let out a dry laugh, crossing his arms as he studied me. He looked so proud of himself. So proud that he finally caught me.

Just how long has he been planning this?

"Hah, afraid of you? Please, there's nothing about you that scares me.....not yet, anyways. Once you undergo....the process, I might be a little scared." He shrugged, walking over to me.

I narrowed my eyes at his statement, catching a certain word.

"Process? Care to share?" I simply asked, knowing he probably wouldn't tell me anything.

Dabi kneeled in front of me, level with my eyes now.

"Mhmm. Process. That's all you need to know for now." He said, inspecting my features intently.

Before I could say another word, Dabi grabbed my chin between his fingers, gently tilting my head from side to side.

"Back off." I growled out through gritted teeth, as he continued inspecting me.

"Hm. You've got good jaw structure. Maybe we can fuse your quirk with someone like Moonfish to add another defensive element." He mumbled more to himself, as his blue eyes started trailing down my body.

What the hell is he talking about?

I jumped in shock when he grabbed my thigh, giving it a squeeze.

"Don't touch me!!-"

"You know, one would never know from how weak you look, but you've actually got some pretty good muscle on your figure. That will work well in our favor." He said, before turning his attention back to my face.

"What the hell do you want from me, Dabi? Surely, you didn't drag me all the way down here to ogle me. Heh, though you do seem like the desperate type." I smirked, causing the corners of his stitched mouth to turn up into a malicious smile.

"Oh? There you go again. Just proving my point." He stated smoothly, tilting his head to the side.

I remained quiet, simply scoffing and turning my head in the other direction. I didn't care to hear about what point he's talking about-

"Attention. That's what you want, right? Attention from everyone. Doesn't matter if it's good or bad. Typical hero." Dabi started off, making me look at him in confusion.

Hah, the last thing I wanted in this world was anymore attention on me, buddy.

"Well congrats to you, Ari Parker, because you've definitely caught my attention. Although, I'm sure it's not for the reason you're hoping for." He stated, giving my knee a quick pat before standing up.

I felt my left eye swelling shut now from the beatings I took, back at the school. I was barely able to see through my right eye. I took a deep breath, trying to stop the dizziness that began consuming my vision. Now is definitely not the time to lose consciousness.

"T-Then maybe you'd like to tell me the reason at some point, instead of just wasting my time." I countered weakly, forcing myself to keep up my arrogant hero facade.

"See it's an attitude like that, that makes me happy I'm doing this to you. Since you wanna know why you're here so bad, why don't we save that answer for last. For now, tell me about UA high. You know, your classes....friends....the little secrets you keep from your teachers. I'm just dying to know." Dabi muttered, pulling a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.

What is this? A fucking sleepover? Are we going to do face masks and share secrets over some snacks? Are we going to have a pillow fight and talk about boys?

I looked at him in pure disbelief, wondering why the hell he thinks I'd tell him anything.

"Tell you about UA? Sure, I'll tell you one thing....UA probably has every hero, and third year student hero, in the area out searching for me right now. Whatever game you think you've won in kidnapping me, think again. Your worst nightmare hasn't even begun yet, you stupid piece of burn toast." I dismissed calmly, watching Dabi take a drag of his cigarette as he listened to my words.

"Every hero, huh? Surely, Enji Todoroki is one of those heroes too, then. Right?" He stated, blowing the smoke out through his nose. His statement sounded more like a question.

A question that I didn't know the answer to.

"You bet your scurvy little ass. I'm sure Endeavor is trying to find me, along with the others, right now." I said, trying to sound as confident as possible in my answer. Frankly, I had no fucking clue if Endeavor, or anyone else for that matter, was even searching for me. Did they even know I was gone?! Do they know where I am?! Is anyone else hurt?! Someone help me, because I'm internally freaking out-

"Can't say I'm surprised with the way he was looking at you during Kamino. The man looked at you, as if you were his own daughter, after you saved Shouto Todoroki from my error-my piece of debris." Dabi scoffed, walking back over to me now.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to focus on his statement.

Gotta admit, I was slightly surprised by his words. I didn't even think a villain like Dabi would notice the fact that he almost killed a student, back at Kamino. He's a villain, after all. Why does it even matter to him.

Dabi was face to face level with me again, taking a giant drag of his cigarette, before exhaling the smoke into my face.

Even though I tried my best to hold it in, I couldn't help but cough a little from the smoke, causing Dabi to laugh softly.

"Not a smoker, huh?" He uttered in amusement, simply blowing more smoke in my face to inhale.

I rolled my eyes, not exactly able to stop him from doing so, before he continued speaking a moment later.

"You know, there's something I've been wanting to ask you, since that day. Something I've been wanting to ask you, since Kamino. How does it feel? To have the number one hero look at you with respect? Look at you like an actual human being? You know, he doesn't look at most people that way....people he should. Yet, he respects you. And you barely even had to lift your pretty, little manicured finger to gain that respect. If that's the case, you must be just like him. You're just another hero who gets everything handed to them on a silver platter. Must feel nice, right? Must feel nice to be perfect?" He stated lowly, his voice getting slightly quieter towards the end.

Wow. That was just sad. Who spit in your bean curd, Dabi?

"Look, Dabi. I don't have to explain my life to you, but I'll tell you one thing....I ain't perfect. I work hard for my success." I retorted carelessly, already knowing my words wouldn't even make a difference in Dabi's eyes. I'm not sure why I felt the need to even justify myself to him.

"I know you're not perfect. No one is. Everyone works hard. Everyone. But, even those who work hard don't get recognized for it. In fact, they get belittled because their hardest wasn't enough. You didn't even try your hardest in Kamino to save Shouto Todoroki. You barely turned your head, held out your hand, saved his life, and moved on. You barely did anything, yet you still won his respect. And you know what? I guess that's what really made me hate you. But, hey...at the same time, that's when you really caught my attention. So, that's good for you, right?" Dabi said mockingly, keeping his dark blue orbs on my face.

I could feel the anger in his words. The resentment. The pain. While these words were being spat at me....I could tell they weren't necessarily...meant for me. I was just the unfortunate soul Dabi chose to take these emotions out on.

I almost felt bad for him.

I'm not sure why....but a part of me felt like I could relate to what he was going through. The pain of never be good enough. It's something I go through with Diane everyday.

"I take it....you and Endeavor have bad blood?" I mumbled in annoyance, keeping my gaze to the side as Dabi continued practically hot boxing my nostrils with his smoke drags.

He let out a bitter chortle at my words, suddenly holding the cigarette towards my mouth.

"Wanna hit? I won't tell anybody." He asked, changing the subject away from Endeavor.

"No. I want to know why the fuck I'm here."

Dabi simply shrugged at my words, taking a hit for himself.

"I'm gonna tell you something, Ari Parker..." He started off, before leaning in uncomfortably close to my face.

I gulped slightly at the close proximity, shrinking further into my seat.

Dabi smirked at my involuntarily body language, picking up on my nerves.

"Knowing why you're here won't do you any favors. In your case....ignorance is bliss." He whispered menacingly, raising his brows at me challengingly.

I glared at him, pressing my lips together in pure frustration at his words.

"Well....guess that goes both ways since I won't be telling you anything, either. Looks like we'll be here for awhile. Guess I'll make myself comfortable. Oh, I'd like a blanket if you don't mind. It really is freezing in here-" I retorted, before a blinding blue flame wrapped around Dabi's arm.

I immediately shut up, watching his blue eyes darken with pure disdain.

Fuck. I'm toast. Literally.

"Then allow me to warm you up." He said, placing his non flame hand on my chair.

I remained quiet, forcing myself to keep Dabi's gaze. The heat from his fire made my face sweat, as he slowly pushed my chair closer and closer to him.

"I have been trying to track you down for a long time, Ari. And now that I have you, not even your feisty little attitude can ruin my mood right now. You wanna know why you're here? Sure, I'll tell you. But first, let me tell you this. I am going to use you. By that, I mean you're gonna tell me everything that I wanna know. I am going to strip you of all the information you know about UA. Then, you're going to undergo a process so painful, you'll wish you were dead. Except, you won't be dead. You'll belong to me. You'll kill for me whenever I tell you to. And that feisty little attitude of yours? Well, that'll be nothing more than a worthless memory, trapped inside the dark shell of your mind, forever." Dabi explained carefully, making sure to enunciate the extra disturbing parts of his statement.

Well, god damn. That was a mouthful.

For the life of me, I kept my poker face...knowing it would falter at any moment. Not gonna lie, I'm a little uneasy. Even though he has the personality of a corn chip, Dabi has a way of making everything sound as unpleasant as humanly possible. Must be a gift.

I swallowed thickly, the metallic taste of blood heavy in my mouth.

I didn't realize I was never able to come up with a comeback, until Dabi's smirk became more cocky.

"Aw. Are you scared of me now, Ari? Because you should be." He whispered quietly, the mocking tone present in his voice.

I trailed my eyes back up to him, forcing myself to answer boldly.

"Sorry to say, Dabi...but it'll take more than a cliche villain speech to get me cowering." I stated confidently, actually surprising myself with the lack of nervous shakes in my tone.

Dabi's gaze continued burning into me for a few more moments, before he finally extinguished his flame.

His hand was still smoking as he wrapped it around my wrist, making me hiss in pain at the heat.

"So be it then. Looks like I'll have to beat that little attitude out of you. Shame, too. I was just starting to enjoy our banter. I guess you can be entertaining when you wanna be." Dabi shrugged, mockingly stretching his arms for what I assumed to be my future ass whooping.

I don't know if my body can handle anymore impact. I can't say I'm confident I'll survive Dabi's beating. Depends on how hard he wants to hit me.

But, even so...

"Do your worst, Dabi. I dare you." I spat out, leaning back in my seat as I braced myself for a hit-

Clap....Clap.....Clap.

I opened my eyes at the sound of slow, condescending clapping coming from around the corner.

Dabi and I turned our attention towards the source of the clapping, as the sound of footsteps was also heard.

"Woah there. Everyone hold on for juuust a second." The voice said smoothly and calmly, making my heart jump in pure excitement.

Oh my gosh.

I'd recognize that perfect voice anywhere.

My eyes lit up as the man I loved turned the corner, and emerged from the pitch black shadows. His bright red vermilion wings were gracefully cross tucked behind his back.

I swear, in that moment...I was so happy I could cry.

"Kei-I mean, Hawks!!" I exclaimed, stirring around in my restraints.

He came for me. He really came for me.

He found me.

He simply shot me that familiar Hawks grin, shoving his hands in his pockets as he casually walked over to me.

I was so amped up on adrenaline....so bloody and tired...so close to passing out, that I didn't realize the peculiarity of his actions.

"H-Hawks, I'm in quirk restraining handcuffs. Dabi has the key, I watched him put it in his pockets. As for villains, three are in this room, but I know there's two more hiding past that door-" I started rambling, before the sound of his light, cheerful chuckle cut me off.

It was only then, that I really looked at him. His face. His body language. His odd, crooked smile.

Wait a minute...

Why wasn't he fighting?

Why weren't the league of villains fighting him?

Why.....was everyone so calm? Where were the other heroes....?

"Very perceptive, chicky. But then again, you've always been quite the observer, haven't ya? That is why I chose you as my intern, after all-Well...one of the reasons." He smirked, his tone coming out unfamiliar as there was absolutely no trace of Keigo anywhere present in it.

He kneeled down in front of me, barely batting an eye at my messed up appearance.

He met my gaze, looking into my eyes so deeply, I could practically feel his focus penetrating my brain.

And that's when he said it...

"Sorry I'm late......Dabi." Keigo stated in blank malice, keeping my gaze with that same unreadable expression as he said the words.

My jaw dropped ajar, my breath caught in my throat. My heart stopped.

Dabi?

Keigo's sly smile only grew larger at my reaction. He placed his hands on my thighs, looking at me mockingly.

"Hiya, dollface. Did ya miss me?"