The Lynx's Shadow: A My Hero Academia Story

The moon hung high above the trees, casting silver streaks of light across the forest clearing. The air was thick with tension and exhaustion. Y/N wiped the sweat from her brow, her golden hair glinting faintly. Her Dusk Claws retracted with a soft hum, leaving behind deep gashes in the steel targets she had been relentlessly attacking.

She had been at it for hours.

Faster. Stronger. Perfect.

No mistakes this time.

Her feline ears twitched at the faintest sound. The hum of the city far in the distance, the rustle of leaves—nothing escaped her heightened senses. She had to stay sharp. She had to be ready.

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"You've been pushing yourself too hard."

The voice cut through the night—calm, but firm.

Y/N froze. Her tail flicked instinctively, her ears turning toward the familiar footsteps approaching.

Emerging from the shadows stood Aizawa Shouta—Eraserhead. His usual disheveled look seemed even more tired tonight. Bandages still wrapped parts of his body from the USJ incident, yet his sharp gaze was fixed solely on her.

"Sensei... Why are you here?"

"I could ask you the same." His gaze didn't waver. "After what happened at USJ, I figured you'd be more cautious. Yet, here you are—alone, exhausted, vulnerable."

A student shouldn't have eyes like that.

He watched her closely. The guarded stance, the flick of her tail, the way her eyes refused to meet his.

He had seen this before.

Loneliness. Fear of betrayal.

The same emotions he had seen in himself when he lost friends in the past. But Y/N's walls were higher—her shadows deeper.

She doesn't just want to be strong. She feels like she has to be.

"It's none of your concern," Y/N muttered, turning away. Her tail flicked defensively. "I need to be ready for the Sports Festival."

"The festival?" Aizawa stepped closer. "Don't lie to me."

His voice was gentle but firm—unwavering.

"I know that look. You're not training for the festival. You're preparing for something else."

"You don't know anything about me," Y/N snapped, her voice breaking slightly.

Silence.

Aizawa didn't move, didn't flinch. He simply looked at her—no judgment, just understanding.

"You're scared."

The words hit harder than any villain's punch.

"You're scared because you think you'll have to face them alone."

Y/N stiffened.

"The League of Villains."

At the mention of the League, her claws instinctively extended again, glinting faintly in the moonlight.

"They know who you are," Aizawa continued. "They want you back. But why?"

"Because I belong to them."

The words slipped out before she could stop them. Her voice was bitter, filled with resentment.

Aizawa's eyes softened.

"No. You don't belong to anyone."

Y/N looked away, her shoulders trembling.

"You don't understand... My parents—M/N and F/N—they were part of the League."

The confession hung heavy in the air.

"When my quirk manifested, they said I was a disappointment because I wasn't ready. The League wanted me for my abilities—but I ran. I've been running ever since."

Her claws retracted slowly.

"They'll come for me again. They always do."

Aizawa stepped forward without hesitation.

"Let them." His tone was unwavering. "They'll have to get through me first."

Y/N stared at him, wide-eyed.

Why?

Why would he care?

Her parents had abandoned her because of her power—because she was "useful" to the League. No one had ever tried to protect her without wanting something in return.

But here was Aizawa Shouta, beaten and bandaged, still standing between her and the shadows that haunted her past.

"Why... would you risk that?" she whispered.

Aizawa looked up at the moon.

"Because I see myself in you."

He met her gaze again, serious but kind.

"And because I refuse to let another student believe they have to fight alone."

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Later that night, in her small apartment, Y/N stared at the moonlight streaming through the window. The city's hum was distant—almost calming.

But her mind wasn't.

The U.A. Sports Festival would be her chance—to prove her strength. To prove she didn't need anyone.

I have to show them... show myself...

Her feline ears twitched at every distant sound. The faint glow of her tail reflected the pale moonlight. She placed her hand on the cold windowpane, gazing at the vast city beyond.

But deep down, a fear gnawed at her.

If I stand out too much...

Would the League come for her again?

Would Shigaraki make his move?

And if they did—

Was she strong enough to stand alone?

Her claws extended slightly, glinting in the moonlight.

I have to be.