Published: 14/08/17

Edited: ?/?/?

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*Third Person's POV*

"Use your head and create the angles!" The stern voice spoke, making shivers run down the girl's spine as sweat floated in the light. Her breath was fast, eyes half lidded from the amount of tiredness in her body. Trembling slightly as the cold weather hit her skin.

"Yes Fathe- I mean Sensei."

Mai had to admit that rope boxing was tough. But it was one of necessary skills needed for her Muay Thai improvement. But she still thought it was unfair that she has to be paired up with her father. Because they were the only ones... In their house...

They ware supposed to 'find someone your equal' not 'find someone who can kill you'. And the robe tightened around her stomach didn't sooth her worries as she stared at the much larger opponent in front of her.

Sighting in annoyance, Tashihiro tightened the other ending of the same robe around his own stomach, pulling it slightly to gain the blue-haired child's attention.

"Listen, this shit is hard and you'll take a fair share of punches to your head and body, but implementing this type of boxing drill every once in a while into your muay thai training will improve various aspects of your game and techniques. Plus it can help you with defence and cover up."

The fifteen year old nodded in understanding. Swallowing any worry inside of her she asked for permission to start. After a small nod the two started they're sparring.

::

"This is too much now Mai! Look at you!"

Mai moved her head up towards the soft voice. Only to be met with a whack on the head by the angry brunette. Groaning in result, Mai simply lay her head on the desk, dozing off the hours of sleep that she missed.

"Mai I am serious! You are overworking yourself like this! It's been already what? Nearly EIGHT years and every single time I see YOU looking like a living dead with so many bruises around you!"

"Suki, please settle down. The lesson is starting." Suki turned towards the voice, ready to give the person her piece of mind. But her face paled as she faced the hideous look of her teacher, gulping slightly as the woman gave her a slight stare of 'don't-even-try'.

"This conversation is not over." She whispered towards Mai with a pout on her face. Suki proceeded to sit as the teacher started the lesson, giving off a few scolds and lectures to the kids that didn't pay attention.

*sigh*

'And of course Mai was one of them...'

::

"Pssst! It's from Mai!" A girl sitting in front of Suki whisper-yelled towards the chocolate eyed girl. Passing a crumbled piece of paper, the girl turned around and continued her work.

Opening the small paper, Suki read the neat hand-writing of her best friend.

'Sorry for making you so worried. Do you wanna go to a cafe after school?'

Smiling, Suki looked at the bluenette who's eyes landed on hers, nodding with a wide smile the two waited until the end of the lesson.

::

"This is it for today guys, but before you leave I would like to remind you that it's your last year and it's time to sign up the applications."

A few groaned, not ready to face the stressful time of exams and studying, while others chatted with their friends, eagerly waiting to finally leave a few people they disliked.

Grabbing a piece of paper the teacher's eyes landed on a group of particular students.

"Saito Mai... You seem like the only one volunteering for the UA Academy...?"

And that's when most people froze, everyone's gazes burning into Mai who simply continued to scribble down her notes.

None dared to say a word, they didn't congratulate her but neither mocked her. Most people knew she didn't have a quirk, but with her fighting skills and intelligence, everyone knew that she had the best chances of passing into UA.

People didn't encourage her, simply because in their MINDS, they knew that without a quirk she won't go far to become a pro-hero. They were just scared of her beating them to death if she knew. So in the end, everyone just kept their mouth shut...

Except one...

"Yeas Mai! You're gonna kick they're asses! Whohoo!"

Everyone sweat dropped at the brown-haired girl, cheering at the top of her lungs as she completely ignored the weirded out stared from her classmates.

Her smile became even wider as she saw the look on Mai's face, hell she didn't even know that type of red even existed as she stared at her friend's flushed face. Mai was waving her hands comically for the idiotic girl to stop, unfortunately for Mai her gesture was completely ignored.

"Yas Maaaii-"

*WHACK*

"I wouldn't be so sure, UA's rules are a lot to take and the competition is extremely high, and knowing that you Miss Saito haven't got a quirk yet leaves you at a massive disadvantage, so you have ten months to prepare. NOW Miss Takijima! If you don't stop this poor behaviour right now I will keep you after school, got it?" The cold woman said as her quirk activated to create a scarier image...

Shivering, Suki bent on her knees while apologising 'forgive meh!' Every now and then while the rest of the class burst out into laughter.

::

"I swear that woman is a devil from scary books!" A whiny voice echoed through the park. Deciding not to argue against Suki, because she knew it would be pointless, Mai nodded in agreement as the two proceeded to walk near the Sakura trees.

"How come we are walking through the park today??? I thought you wanted to go to a cafe??" Turning her gaze on the Takijima next to her, Mai sighed in annoyance while a small smile twitched on her lips.

"Well... I wanted to enjoy this walk and it seems like a good weather today."

Humming in response, Suki smiled but a second later stopped walking. Not hearing the second pair of steps Mai turned around at the sudden loss of footsteps. Suki's eyes were slightly shadowed as she took slow footsteps towards the black eyed girl, just when she was about a step away as her hand gently caressed the small bruise on Mai's cheek.

Mai winced as she tried to back away, but her other hand has been firmly gripped by Suki, her friend's usual happy smile turned into one full of sadness and disappointment.

"I told you already, why can't you just take a break? Can't you see?! Every time you overwork yourself too much! I have lost count already of how many bruises were on your face! I-I just feel worried about you-"

Her hands started to tremble as her eyes drifted towards the ground, the ground seemed like the most interesting thing in the world before her grip loosened on Mai's hand.

Suddenly Suki's shoulders were gripped, her chocolate eyes looked up only to meet the warm ones of her best friend. A wide friendly grin was on her lips, which made Suki's eyes widen. It was rare when Mai GENUINELY smiled in a while, she always tried to create that 'tough aura' around her, yet it would always break because of Suki.

"Thank you. I appreciate your worry for me, because it shows how much you care!"

Sighing, she looked straight into the eyes of the brunette.

"But you know what MY dream is, I need to become a pro-hero. And even if I don't have a quirk, I know I will have to work TWICE as hard as others, but I am ready if having a few bruises helps me to get closer to my dream. What's wrong with you? I thought you would support me as a friend?"

Mai's eyes looked straight through Suki's soul, her legs began to tremble while full tears started to stream down her cheeks, her bottom lip began to quiver as she looked at her feet.

"I DONT WANT YOU TO GO!"

Sudden outburst made Mai freeze.

"You a-are my best friend and I am so scared to lose you! Why can't you just go to a normal school where we can go to lunch together? Where we can talk about Manga and Anime? Where we can eat pizza and Okonimiyaki?! While becoming a hero is dangerous! I-I know that I might seem selfish and all but I don't want to be alone, please..."

Mai just stood there. Completely frozen, well she didn't really know what to do in this type of situations since she has never BEEN in one like this.

'Is this like in movies when a person has to choose between their dream and they're friends?'

'But it's not good for Suki, she should have more friends than just me. Is it because of me she feels so... Lonely?'

Taking a deep breath, her blue eyes glazed the the crying figure in front of her.

"Suki?"

Said girl looked up, tears streaming down her pale face as she huddled closer in her uniform fabrics.

"Y-yeah?" She blubbered, a mixture of snot and salty tears dripping onto her clothes and the green grass.

Takijima Suki was definitely not the most elegant of criers.

She was surprised when she received a hug, the embrace became slightly tighter as a soft voice whispered reassuringly in her ear.

"Listen. No matter where I go, just remember. We will always go for lunches together, we will always go and chat about Anime and Manga and we will always go to eat pizza and Okinimiyaki. Don't even think for a second that I will leave you just like that alright? And if you do I will personally kick some sense into you."

With another sob Suki hugged back, her grip could nearly compete with Mai's if it wasn't for the tears that blurred her vision.

"Understood..."

Mai laughed while punching Suki's shoulder playfully. "No more crying. Wouldn't want to stain myself with snots and tears now would I?~"

"Oh s-shut it!" A laugh stuffed by sniffs came from Suki as she wiped her eyes.

"Soo what about our original idea of going to the cafe?" Mai's voice broke the comfortable silence.

"That's where we are going! Oh and I wanna show you the new origami that I made during class! Wanna see?!"

"You bet!" And so the two figures disappeared into the cherry blossoms as they walked forward.

::

"I will see ya tomorrow Mai-Chan!" The happy voice yelled while wishing her friend a safe farewell home. Smiling slightly Mai returned the kind gesture, waving her hand slightly in response.

'Maybe father can train with me today! He seemed to have gotten warmer towards me... Even if he doesn't allow me to call him 'father' but still! It's a good progress.'

As soon as she reached her house, opening the door with a happy smile on her face. Only to be met with darkness in the house, considering it was dark outside already there was no light in any of the rooms. But with a glimpse of an eye, she caught a light coming from the fireplace.

With footsteps as light as a feather, she walked down the dark corridor.

'This looks like a damn horror movie now... And I probably am the main character who gets scared to death in the end...'

Shaking her head dramatically, Mai opened the door that led towards the fireplace... Aka the dining room.

Mai let out a sigh of relief as she noticed a familiar tall figure sitting near the fireplace, a little bit too close. Coming closer she noticed that he held a few pieces of paper, which also seemed like... Letters.

"What are you holding?" Her voice was soft, it almost sounded the same as HERS. Tashihiro gripped the paper tightly, his hand trembling in anger as he passed the letters towards the teen in an almost aggressive manner.

Barely catching the pieces, Mai proceeds to sit next to the said male. His dark bangs shadowing his pearl grey eyes, hands shaped into tight fists as he glared at the fire. Mai almost felt scared due to how close he was sitting near the fireplace.

"Read it out loud." Chills ran down her spine as she heard the intonation of the voice. It was cold and angry, almost furious...

Reading the front of the first letter, Mai's eyes widened in surprise.

"From Saito Izumi...

Dear Tashihiro, I am sorry that I ran away just like that. Leaving no clues or signs to give you hope, but the true reason was that I am... Scared. And I am scared of you. I wouldn't have enough courage to say this in person so this is why I am writing it with trembling hands.

After all this years I just wanted to tell you that I am finally signing up for a divorce. A few years ago I have met someone and we already have a beautiful child. We want to get married but you are keeping me behind with my past mistakes.

I am sorry that things didn't work out, this family is broken already to pieces that can't be glued back. I hope you find someone in the future that you will love more than me. I am sorry for leaving you alone to take care of my other child.

I wish you luck in life.

T-thank you for everything, Saito Izumi."

'After all those years... This is her response?!' Tashihiro punched the floor, cracks erupting everywhere as the force of the hit was too strong.

"I-is this it-"

"Burn them." Tashihiro's voice held no hesitation as his eyes were clouded with anger.

"But-"

"I SAID BURN THEM!"

He roughly grabbed Mai's arm that held the papers, putting her hand right into the hot flames of the fireplace. Eyes wide in pure horror, Mai felt the fire blaze her skin.

And that was the moment she couldn't hold back anymore... She screamed.

It was a scream full suffering and agony as hot tears streamed down her cheeks. Desperately trying to punch and kick off the male holding her arm, but it was no use. No matter how much she trained, she could never surpass Tashihiro's strength, because strength was his quirk.

"TASHIHIRO-SAN STOP IT PLEASE!"

Her vision was blurred from tears, not being able to see the look in her father's eyes. His eyes seemed to be drifted somewhere else, as if he didn't even realise what he was doing at that same right moment. Small tears made its way from the corner of his dull eyes as a memory flew into his mind.

                                 •
"So your name is Tashihiro right?! I am Izumi! I hope we become great friends!"
                                  •
"Don't worry I will always be by your side! No matter what happens!"
                                   •
"Tashi-Kun... I-I think I love you!"
                                   •
"I promise."
                                   •
"W-we are going to have a baby! We are finally going to start a family together! Aren't ya happy?!!"
                                  •
"Isn't she beautiful? I think we should name her Mai! You will be the best dad in the world I am sure of that!"
                                 •
"I. Love. You. Tashihiro. Don't ever think I will betray you-"

"DAD! PLEASE!"

Tashihiro's eyes widened as he noticed the current positions. His eyes landing on the sobbing figure next to him, desperately punching him in the shoulder. But her punches didn't even hurt, they were too desperate, she didn't even concentrate on hitting him as she cried in pain.

His greyish eyes trailed towards her arm that was being held tightly in his grip. He smelled a horrid aroma of a burning flesh, noticing it coming from his daughter's hand. In an instant he let go, making Mai fall on her knees while sobs of agony escaped her quivering lips.

With all the strength she could manage, Mai stood up while holding her burned arm slightly. More tears continued to fall as she stared at her father's eyes. He looked at her in horror and utter disgust as his eyes trailed towards her hand and sobbing face, but it was quickly replaced by regret as he noticed the look of betrayal Mai gave him.

"Mai... Mai I-"

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP *sob* SHUT UP! SHUT UP!"

With all her strength, she ran out of the house. There was no point to look for medicine since it was too dark to see anything. So she ran towards the only place her mind screamed.

'I need to find a hospital.'

She felt lucky that it was dark already, none would see the disgusting sight she was supporting with her left hand. Wincing as she accidentally touched the ruby red flesh, staring at her right arm in pure horror and disgust.

'Why... Why was my hand so... flammable? It burned so easily... Like burning a piece of paper!'

Mai tried to cover her wound as much as she could, but as soon as she passed some public areas, some people gave her off stares. Being exhausted that even breathing was becoming a bother, yet somehow she still forced her feet one in front of other, this caused her to stumble a few times but she didn't mind.

Before she actually fell, her face scrunched up in pain as she felt her burned hand fall on dirt. Letting out a small wince, she stood up again. Wobbling through her feet as she noticed the destination she was walking towards to.

'Finally...'

Entering the large doors, she fell on her knees. Most patients stared wide-eyed as the nurse yelled 'WE HAVE A CRITICAL CONDITION!' Towards the doctors, and just like that Mai felt her vision become blurry again, eyes heavy as dark spots clouded her vision.

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"We need to do something quick. She has gotten unconscious already." The man wore a mask as he stared at the girl on the hospital bed. A few nurses surrounding her, just when he was about to touch the crimson flesh Mai jolted her eyes. Moving against the grip of the nurses as the tried to calm her down.

'The infection has gotten inside, her hand is rotting on the inside alredy. At this point we will have to cut off her arm...'

The nurses stared at the indigo-haired girl with pity, they're eyes glued towards Mai's. Pitying her expression of a lost puppy as her breathing became quicker and quicker.

"Originally we need permission to do this, however it looks like the patient is not... Able to make a decision-"

"J-just cut-t it o-off alredy!" Her agonising yell, confirmed permission. The doctor tugged his mask a bit tighter as he stared at the nurses expectantly.

Nodding, a nurse plunged a needle into the said girl. Giving her a reassuring smile while making sure that Mai has fallen into slumber.

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Takijima Suki

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AN: Hey guys! I am thinking of making a fanfiction for Dabi, but I have a few issues with a plot and I wanted to ask your opinion on if you want it. The guy needs more love!

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Thank you.