● Chapter 3: Smart girl

For the past week, (Y/n) has been under Ebony Maw's schooling.

His method of tutoring had proved the little 7-year-old girl to be a challenge: from harsh disciplinary about Black Order's ruling to ruthless educational tasks. Of course, this was no elementary school that (Y/n) had on Earth. Nonetheless, the (hair-color) decided not to balk... Mainly because she was still a naive child who didn't know what to expect from an alien's arrangement.

Maw took notice of that. (Y/n) confirmed to be a shy yet a polite Terran. Although she was put into various tests just to validate her general knowledge - the Earthian held no remorse, In fact, the kid was more than just interested and enthusiastic about it. But Lieutenant Maw was still doubtful.

"Dynamism and act of conferring methodologies of physics are crucial aspects to every advanced civilization in the cosmic universe." - Maw spoke duly, introducing the new subject to the girl. (Y/n) was seated on the edge of her chair, within a large room that probably served as a conference room or a meeting seminar (But for the longest time it will be assigned as a classroom). "We should start interpreting what that is. The most sustainable energy sources are renewable energy: geothermal, solar energy, wind energy-"

(Y/n) gasped - "Like wind turbines?"

"Err... Indeed," - Maw glanced back, slightly surprised "Various kinds of wind turbines provide wind energy."

Maw continued his responsibility on teaching the basic about life on intergalactic nations and the way of living. He chose the subject of science - telling (Y/n) how other progressive planets and governments reuse Renewable energy. He started with the basics, and although he expected the child to be confused - (Y/n) only showed signs of understanding.

"Resources exist over wide geographical areas, in contrast to your home planet Earth, other species see renewable energy as most substantial and elemental type of energy. If a nation has a rapid deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency - it is considered an unadvanced civilization for the-"

"That kind of energy stuff is very very expensive to build on Earth!" - (Y/n) interrupted once more "People are angry that it costs a lot. Only rich countries have them!"

Maw closed his mouth. Seeing the pout forming on the child's face he realized that she might know something about Terra's way of generating power - "A costly luxury technology, huh? So it is affordable only in the affluent developed worlds?"

"Um, I only saw one wind turbine. But I really like them!"

Again, Ebony Maw was baffled by the kid - "...You like them."

Once more, the Earthian has justified her abilities in fathoming complex subjects during her studies. Surely, she was a mere 7-year-old, still childish and unlectured; but the skill of catching up with any topic so easily was definitely (Y/n)'s strongest trait. Whenever her teacher assigned to her beaming subjects, she fought not to reflect it back. Maw decided to press on.

One day, lieutenant Maw handed her books. They were small, yet contained simple information about various topics from cytology* to ethology*. And to his surprise, (Y/n) permissively read them: She scoured the books. Each page in breathless rapture as she skim read them. It was clear that the girl found amenity and interest in reading, and as Maw theorized, she must've learned to read at a younger age. For a 7-year-old that was more than just remarkable

Thus, after intensive thinking, Ebony Maw decided to report these matters to Thanos himself.

"The child has been clearly educated from earlier years... surely she's still having limits with her childish and wide-eyed mindset, but her abilities are clearly undeniable for such a young age. In fact, the Earthian has such an exceptional capability to memorize various facts, that she easily belt out information that she's been reading-"

'Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell!' - Maw remembered as (Y/n) would constantly call it out with excitement.

Thanos rose his hand for the alien to fall silent. Within the dull gloomy chamber, the throne was bathed in the blood of those who had fought for it and all the anger and wickedness in their hearts. Thanos sat so stiffly and with such a straight back, his eyes glaring down at Maw tall figure.

"The girl has justified her interest in vast knowledge... what else would you make of her?"

Maw kept his shoulders hunched, head down, not daring to meet the gaze of the Mad Titan: "She is very well capable of fathoming complex subjects. She's catching up fast... but her behavior is indecisive, that is for sure. She's afraid of the figures around her, and her new surroundings."

Thanos hummed. His dark, blood-curdling eyes kept looking out in the distance, But his expression held obvious satisfaction. For the longest times, his children were trained to be merciless fighters, most powerful and strategic. But the news about the small charming child being already on top of her game for seeking knowledge - was more than enough to tell Thanos who (Y/n) will become.

But another thought enlighted the Mad Titan: a coy child, who found deep interest in education and art yet apprehensively feared people around them just because they were different than them. Thanos couldn't help but smirk. Wasn't he very much like that in his youth?

"Very well." - Thanos spoke up, his voice is vigorous and uncanny "I request you to keep tutoring her, observe her activities, let the interest spark. It is important to make sure that the child is developing her competence. Perhaps in the future, it might come in hand."

"Yes, my lord. My humble personage bows before your grandeur."

And with that, Thanos dismissed him. His pride towards little (Y/n) was certain. Possibly, The mad titan thought to himself, he should check on her personally.

And indeed, he did.

At the end of a diligent week, Thanos paid a visit to the little girl. She just had ended her lessons for that day, as she was with Maw who always stayed close by to take care of her in this somber ship of the Black Order. At first, Thanos saw (Y/n) at the end of the hallway, her petite figure halting, as if self-conscious about her own steps. But when the female Earthian saw Thanos' figure approach her from afar - her smile beamed with bliss.

"Mr. Thanos!" - the girl screamed, completely forgetting where she is as she excitedly ran to the Titan's open arms.

At first, Thanos was surprised. The girl enveloped him in a hug so loving and earnest, that his scowl of disturbance faded off and relax. "I'm glad to see you as well, little one."

"I haven't seen you for so long, sir, I thought you were gone." - (Y/n) lingered before facing the grand Titan that now sat on one knee in front of her.

"I'm always here." - He smiled softly at the girl. She looked so pure and blameless. Her eyes shone like the brightest (eye-color) gems, no longer glossy with tears just like the first day he found her. "They say you've been acting mannerly. How are your studies?"

"I think good. Teacher Maw had so many books and classwork... But, but I tried my best to study!"

"You are a smart girl, (Y/n)." - he ruffled her hair. "I have a gift for you."

"A gift!?"

Just when Thanos thought that the little Terran's eyes can't expand any wider, she proved him wrong. Slowly, he handed her what seems like a small album for drawing. It was simple, covered in black leather as cover, the sketchbook was thick and the paper was of richest quality.

"This is a notebook. You can now easily record any information or sketch anything you see in front of you. It is yours to handle now."

"I can even draw on it?" - in which Thanos nodded in approval "I love drawing!"

For the first time in decades, The Mad Titan was able to witness what moments of true joy looked like. (Y/n) yielded the notebook, her hands going over the pleasant texture of the cover. She can already imagine herself filling it up with countless ideas and pictures - just like she used to do back on Earth. With the album being pressed against her, (Y/n) hugged her gift as if it was the most valuable thing in her entire existence.

"Thank you so much, Mister!"

Thanos was right. He couldn't help but see himself as a young kid in (Y/n)'s eyes.

"You're welcome, little one."

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*Cytology - study of cells

*Ethology - study of animal behavior

Notice how (Y/n) isn't calling Thanos "Father" yet! Things will go slow for Reader as she discovers the routine of Thanos' ruling, but eventually, she'll learn more and develop her mind to get used to it.