MHA: SHADOWS IN UA

The sky was pitch dark, thick patches of dark clouds blocking the rays of light.

The earth was disturbingly quiet, it was like a graveyard. There wasn't a single sound of life—no birds, no insects, nothing.

Even the wind was quite chilling, howling low and hollow, like the faint echoes of someone crying far away.

Black rain fell heavily from the sky, thick and cold. It wasn't like normal rain. Each drop hit the ground with an unsettling splatter, sticking like oil. The world quickly turned ark, the ground pooling with the thick, black liquid.

It didn't feel like it just rained. it was suffocating, drenching everything in a shroud of darkness. The way it coated the earth made it feel like the world itself was mourning, crying out with heavy, black tears.

Amidst the disturbing and unsettling environment, I found myself here again—standing on an unfamiliar street. Trapped in this horrible and suffocating dream once more.

The air was quite thick and heavy as it felt like I was breathing through a wet cloth. The road was a river, with the liquid flowing swiftly around my feet, twisting and curling like snakes.

Everywhere I looked, the landscape seemed like it had been drowned in shadow. I glanced at the clothes I wore, surprisingly it was dry despite the heavy downpour.

I was barefooted but couldn't feel the sensation of the liquid soaking into my skin. The ground beneath me was cold but I wasn't bothered.

Even though the air felt restrictive and the rain creeping around me, I felt quite comfortable unlike the first time.

Like I was already used to it.

Somehow, it felt like a missing piece had fallen into place.

Like I wasn't just standing in it, I was a part of it

———

My eyes slowly opened, the pathetic dim bulb occupying my vision, making the cell less darker. The stuffing smell of sweat and dried blood clinged to my nose. My body ached as I shifted on the cold floor.

I had the same dream once more. I don't know how many days or weeks had passed but ever since that day, it had been the same thing. I wake up in that terrible place but strangely, I feel connected to it.

I didn't need to be a genius but at this point, I was already aware that it was my quirk but I still hadn't done the crucial part.

I haven't used it once. I could feel it, deep inside me but I lacked the ability to bring it out. I couldn't identify what the issue was.

I racked my brain, the wheels turning in my head to figure out the issue. Going through the knowledge I had of the story, there was nobody who had a dormant quirk.

Nobody had to train to bring out their powers, it just came. Only Midoriya had to train his body before getting the power to adjust to it before also training and developing it like every other person.

If Midorya trained before having the power so that his body could handle the damage does that mean I have to do the same? Even if there's a difference between me having the quirk, does that mean my body was not ready for it yet?

The bulb suddenly came to life, flooding the cell with blinding light. I winced and instinctively shielded my eyes, the sharp emit cutting through the heavy darkness. It always lit up at random, unpredictable moments.

After a moment, I lowered my hands,my eyes adjusting to the brightness. Slowly, I pushed myself to my feet, ignoring the familiar ache in my muscles. Every movement felt heavy, like my body was fighting against a current.

Glancing down, I saw the state of myself—caked in dried blood, sweat and dirt. Training was daily, tough and relentless. Although I wouldn't deny it was breaking me, I could also tell I was improving. They must have noticed too, because the couple had started eating better meals.

My reward? I got to eat every day now.

I cried inwardly how I felt so happy to be eating food everyday even though it wasn't a three square meal.

"Guess I had been taking some things for granted" I muttered.

My body had changed—I was still lean, but well-defined. I wasn't bulky, I had picked up a "sleeper build," as some might call it. Despite the nice progress, I was still weak to win any fights yet. Still, I could last longer now—just long enough to feel like I wasn't completely useless.

As the light began to dim down to its usual pathetic state, my gaze landed on the couple. They were asleep but still had that weary look on their face. The stress from being in this place had taken a toll on them.

I'm not yet used to them as my parents, they are still people I knew recently. Riku and Yumi, I was able to get their names from the conversations they had with themselves.

Riku works as a police officer while Yumi, a sales representative. They first met on a bus as Yumi was late for work. She cut the line, preventing him from entering the bus. It was a funny story as I chuckled hearing while Yumi held her stomach as she cried while laughing. It was a huge contrast to the first time I saw her.

I glanced at Riku, the conversation we had replaying in my mind after I told him that I'm not giving up. He looked at my outstretched fist, his eyes narrowing.

"Language, young man." His voice a mix of shock and worry. "When did you start to talk like that to your parents?"

His words felt like a slap to the back of my head, knocking off the air of bravado out of me. I wasn't expecting that reaction or statement.

Stunned, I found myself apologizing to both him and Yumi, my confidence crumbling a bit under their concerned gazes, a previous contrast to what I displayed.

The memory made me chuckle softly as I started my daily workout. Strength was what I needed, I couldn't just wait to be taken to the training facility.

The goal was still fresh in my mind, fueling me with energy. If I wanted to take things by my own hand, I had to get the strength required for that.

But what was AFO's goal for having me? Was he that purely evil to just keep us locked here or was I going to be a pawn for his plans?

I sank into another push-up, ignoring the familiar ache and burn in my muscles. "One more" I muttered to myself, clenching my teeth as I pushed up again, my muscles screaming in protest.

The sound of footsteps approaching the gate interrupted my rhythm. Heavy boots echoing through the hallway, a reminder that the day had begun. I stopped the push-up, preparing for what was coming.

"Ah, they are already here." Ruki said, his voice still groggy with sleep.

"Yes," I muttered softly. "It's another day."

The guards arrived in their usual black uniforms, their presence suffocating. Their boots scraped the floor as they moved closer with each step. One of them growled, his voice rough and impatient. "You're up."

The door groaned as it opened, and before I could react, they were on me—hands grabbing my arms with crushing force. The hands holding me dragged me out of the cell, past the two figures huddled on the floor.

I glanced back briefly, catching their wide, fearful eyes. Yumi reached out weakly, trembling, her lips forming silent words I couldn't hear.

"Don't take him!!" she screamed, her voice cracking with fear.

Riku held her close, holding her back from throwing herself. He and I shared a brief glance. It was like this every day.

I could feel the anger building up as I was pulled away, Yumi's voice being faded out by the heavy sound of the boots.