[DISCONTINUED] Shattered Chains: A Hero's Beginning / Male Reader x MHA

[PROLOGUE] Chapter 2: A Fateful Encounter

As the night grew darker, the desolate streets became a canvas of shadows, illuminated only by the dim glow of flickering streetlights and passing cars. Y/N, his tattered clothes providing little defence against the biting cold, trudged through the wintry gloom. His breath formed small puffs of vapour in the frigid air, a visible testament to his struggle against the elements.

A chance encounter with a group of rowdy civilians earlier that evening had left Y/N on edge. Their cruel taunts and mocking laughter still echoed in his ears, a reminder of the constant rejection he faced. The bitter taste of their words lingered, fuelling a deep-seated resentment within Y/N's heart. But he refused to let it break his spirit, well, as little spirit that he had anyways. The streets had taught him resilience, and he wore it like armour.

Lost in his thoughts, Y/N wandered aimlessly, his weary steps echoing against the desolate buildings. Hunger gnawed at his stomach, a constant reminder of the scarcity of sustenance. Every alley, every garbage bin held the potential for a small meal, a momentary respite from the gnawing emptiness within him.

Seeking refuge from the piercing wind, Y/N's gaze fell upon a rundown storage shed nestled in the shadows. It stood as a dilapidated sentinel, weathered by time and neglect. With a glimmer of hope, he approached the decrepit structure, hoping to find temporary respite from the harsh realities of the streets.

As Y/N pushed open the creaking door, the hinges groaned in protest, disturbing the silence of the night. Inside, the air was stale, tinged with the scent of dampness and decay. The walls, once vibrant with colour, now peeled away, revealing the barren bones of neglect. But to Y/N, it was a sanctuary, a temporary escape from the unforgiving streets of the night, and hey, with a semi-safe place to sleep, he wasn't complaining.

He settled into a corner, his tired body sinking onto a pile of musty fabric. The warmth of the shed embraced him, offering a momentary reprieve from the bone-chilling cold. With a sigh of relief, Y/N closed his eyes, seeking solace in the embrace of temporary shelter. But as the moments stretched into an hour, the silence was broken by the sound of footsteps approaching. Y/N's eyes snapped open, his senses heightened. His muscles tensed, preparing for the worst. In this world, nothing came without a price.

A figure emerged from the shadows, their presence both mysterious and foreboding. Their silhouette was cloaked in darkness, the face obscured by the dim light.

"You look lost, child," a voice rasped, carrying an undercurrent of intrigue.

Y/N's heart raced, their instincts urging them to retreat. But hunger and weariness had clouded their judgment. They cautiously replied,

Y/N: "I'm just looking for a place to rest. I mean no harm."

The figure stepped forward, revealing a weathered face etched with deep lines of wisdom and experience. His eyes, sharp and penetrating, seemed to pierce through Y/N's defences, as if reading his very soul.

???: "Rest, you shall. But first, let me provide you with warmth and sustenance. A small token of kindness in this unforgiving world."

Y/N hesitated, his gaze shifting between the stranger and the exit. His instincts screamed at him to flee, to never trust another soul. But the offer of warmth and sustenance was a siren's call, tempting him with the promise of comfort. It was something he had almost never experienced before, someone actually reaching out to him and offering help.

In a moment of vulnerability, Y/N nodded silently, accepting the stranger's offer. He couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath the surface of this enigmatic figure, but for now, the immediate relief outweighed his doubts.

With a gesture, the man led Y/N to a what he deemed the man's home. Although hesitant, Y/N entered and immediately sensed a feeling of warmth over him. The man motioned the boy to follow him into an adjoining room. As Y/N entered, his eyes instantly targeted what laid on a nearby table. Warm soup steamed in a cracked bowl, its aroma wafting through the air. Y/N's stomach rumbled in response, his hunger becoming an unyielding force. However, he stood there, as if he was questioning if what was happening was real.

???: "It is alright boy, it is nothing but a warm bowl of chicken soup."

As Y/N cautiously approached the bowl and savoured the first spoonful, flavours exploded on his tongue, bringing a temporary reprieve from the pangs of hunger. He glanced at the man, their eyes filled with excitement and gratitude.

Y/N: "...Thank you..."

The figure smiled knowingly, their eyes holding a glimmer of something deeper.

???: "You are not alone, child. There is much more to this world than what meets the eye. And in time, you shall discover the power that lies within you."

Confusion mingled with intrigue in Y/N's eyes. The words held an enigmatic promise, a hint of something extraordinary lurking beneath the surface of his existence. But for now, as he savoured the warmth of the soup, he allowed himself to momentarily forget the trials of the streets and embrace the respite offered by this mysterious yet seemingly kind.

Little did Y/N know, this encounter would serve as a catalyst, setting into motion a chain of events that would challenge his very perception of reality and unlock a power that defied the laws of nature. The path ahead would be treacherous, but within Y/N's being, a dormant strength awaited its awakening.