Chapter 284: Darkness Awakened

I slowly came to, my head pounding and my mouth feeling dry. As my eyes fluttered open, I was met with the sight of Dabi and Shigaraki looming over me, their faces twisted with worry and fear. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me to fall back onto the surface beneath me. Dabi's eyes widened in alarm as he took a step closer to me, his hand reaching out to grasp my wrist. "Ah, you're awake," he said, his voice laced with relief. Shigaraki's expression was grim, his eyes sunken and his skin pale. He looked like he had aged years in the short time I had been unconscious. "Don't move," he said, his voice tight with tension. "You're not well." I tried to process what was happening, but my mind was foggy and my memories were hazy. I looked around, trying to take in my surroundings. I was in a dimly lit room, with cold, grey walls and a single, flickering light bulb hanging from the ceiling. The air was thick with the smell of mildew and decay. Dabi's grip on my wrist tightened as I tried to move. "Easy," he said, his voice soft. "You're safe. For now." Shigaraki's eyes darted back and forth, as if he was searching for something. "We need to get out of here," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "Now." I tried to speak, but my voice came out in a croak. Dabi quickly brought a bottle of water to my lips, helping me take a few sips. The cool liquid soothed my parched throat, and I felt a small surge of energy. As I looked up at Dabi and Shigaraki, I saw the fear in their eyes, and it only made me more scared. What was happening? Why were they so afraid? And where was I? Dabi's eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw something there, something that looked almost like... concern. But it was quickly replaced by his usual mask of calmness. Shigaraki's voice cut through the silence, his words tumbling out in a rush. "We can't stay here. The heroes are closing in. We have to move, now." Dabi nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "We need to get you out of here," he said, his voice low and urgent. "But first, we need to know... are you okay?" I nodded, still trying to clear the fog from my mind. As I looked up at Dabi and Shigaraki, I knew that I was in grave danger, and that I had to get out of there, fast. But for now, I was at their mercy, and that thought sent a shiver down my spine.