Shattered Light: A Neglected Izuku Story

chapter 22: choices?

I lay in bed, my thoughts racing. My heart was still pounding from the kiss, the feeling of Midnight's lips on mine still fresh in my mind. She kissed me. What did that even mean? She k-kissed me.

My first kiss. I've always imagined how it would be, but this... this was completely unexpected. Did I even do it right? What if she thought my mouth was dirty or something? I was sure to have brushed my teeth, but...

I let out a deep sigh, staring up at the ceiling. Midnight, or rather, Nemuri, had fallen asleep beside me. I could feel her presence, warm and comforting, even though the situation made my mind whirl in confusion. She could be anywhere, sleeping in her own bed, yet here she was, staying by my side.

But why? Why would she, a pro hero, want anything to do with me? I wasn't sure how to feel about it.

I closed my eyes, willing myself to sleep, though the questions kept swirling in my mind. Eventually, the exhaustion won, and I drifted off.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a strange, hazy place, surrounded by nothing but a soft, ambient light. I looked down at myself, confused. It was me, but I was different. I was... younger. I was a kid again, dressed in my old All Might pajamas, the ones I used to wear when I dreamed of becoming a hero. I looked around, and my heart sank as I saw two other versions of myself.

The first was me in that damned facility, covered in wounds, bruises, and scars amd several scalpels, knives and other things stabbed into his body. My hair was disheveled, and my eyes were hollow, reflecting the endless pain I'd endured. The sight of him-or rather, me-made my stomach churn.

The other figure... was Nemesis. My self, twisted by anger and pain, clad in the dark, rugged outfit I'd come to know so well. He was glaring at me, arms crossed, with an expression that was equal parts disdain and cold amusement.

Izuku:What's going on?

I muttered to myself, already dreading the answer.

Izuku:I thought this was going to be a nightmare.

Nemesis snorted, a harsh sound that cut through the air like a blade.

Nemesis:This isn't a nightmare, more like a dream of your inner reflection.

Kid izuku:Yeah, what he said!

the kid me piped up, his voice high-pitched and full of childish enthusiasm. He tugged on his All Might pajamas as if to make sure they were still on right.

Kid izuku:We're here to tell you about your new path!

Nemesis rolled his eyes, his scowl deepening.

Nemesis:Enough with the theatrics, brat. We're not playing dress-up here.

Says the dude wearing a vigilante outfit....sure

Izuku: if it's me being a hero FORGET IT

Facility Izuku stepped forward, his movements slow and painful, as if each step was a struggle.

Facility izuku:We're not asking you to be a pro hero

he said, his voice strained, barely above a whisper.

I was taken aback. I wasn't expecting this.

Kid izuku:Really, guys? I thought we talked about this

kid me interjected, his voice full of playful energy, contrasting starkly with the somber atmosphere.

Nemesis:Be quiet, brat

Nemesis sneered, his tone laced with venom. The kid me immediately shrank back, his smile fading into a frown. Nemesis turned his icy gaze toward me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.