The note appeared in front of everyone, reading: "The next game will be about survival... a zombie apocalypse."
Shigaraki spoke up confidently.
Shigaraki: "I know for a fact that Overhaul and I won't be chosen again. It would be cool to do a zombie game too."
Overhaul nodded in agreement beside him.
Overhaul: "I didn't want to be chosen again."
He added quietly, still traumatized from the previous game's events. The others exchanged excited whispers about the upcoming zombie apocalypse survival challenge.
The screen displayed the next chosen players: Dabi and Chrono. Dabi sighed slightly, knowing this game wouldn't be easy.
Dabi: "I'm next up and my partner is Chrono."
Overhaul looked at Chrono calmly, his face void of emotion.
Overhaul: "Chrono, good luck okay?"
Chrono frowned worriedly.
Chrono: "I don't want to leave you alone... especially after what happened to you."
He said gently, concerned for Overhaul's wellbeing after the brutal trauma he had endured.
Overhaul: "I'll be fine..."
He insisted quietly, trying to reassure Chrono despite his own lingering trauma. Chrono shook his head stubbornly.
Chrono: "You're not fine."
He argued gently but firmly, refusing to leave Overhaul's side just yet.
The note began writing out the rules of the zombie apocalypse game
The note: "Zombie Apocalypse: Survive for ten days. Each day will become increasingly difficult as zombies evolve, weather changes, and resources dwindle. There are no respawns—if you die, your body will be teleported back to the real world, and your soul will remain trapped in this game forever."
Dabi and Chrono listened intently, their faces growing serious as they realized the high stakes of this challenge.
Dabi: "Shigaraki, remember that girl Alexa? The one who attacked you both?"
He asked quietly, his eyes flicking up to the screen where Akira and Mikhail were displayed as potential enemies. Shigaraki nodded slowly, understanding Dabi's concern.
Shigaraki: "You think her partners will come after us?"
He asked quietly. Dabi nodded.
Dabi: "This guy Akira and Mikhail - they're part of Alexa's group. They might seek revenge."
Chrono frowned.
Chrono: "So we could be targeted from day one."
Overhaul: "Akira and Mikhail don't seem to care about us right now."
He observed calmly, looking down at the floor. Chrono looked up at the screen and gasped.
Chrono: "Dabi, look—the timer's appearing."
A slow countdown began flashing before everyone's eyes. Dabi smirked confidently.
Dabi: "Don't worry guys, Chrono and I got this."
His words were meant to reassure them, but there was an underlying tension knowing they were about to enter a deadly zombie apocalypse with potential enemies lurking around.
Lady Nagant: "Good luck guys!"
She called out encouragingly as the timer continued counting down. Toga looked especially worried, her eyes lingering on Dabi.
Toga: "Come back safe..."
She pleaded softly. Dabi smiled calmly at her.
Dabi: "Don't worry."
Overhaul added quietly.
Overhaul: "Come back safe you both."
His concern was genuine despite his emotionally distant demeanor.
Dabi: "Don't worry Overhaul."
He said softly but firmly.
Dabi: "And I promise I'll take care of Chrono too!"
He smiled slightly at Overhaul but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes—he knew Overhaul was still struggling with his trauma. Chrono whispered quietly.
Chrono: "Kai..."
His voice filled with sadness for Overhaul's pain. Overhaul snapped.
Overhaul: "Stop feeling sad for me... I'm fine!"
His voice was sharp but vulnerable underneath. The timer hit zero—the game began instantly. Teleporting everyone who was chosen to enter the game.
(Day One).
(At the abandoned city).
Dabi: "We're in a city."
He said grimly as he and Chrono materialized in the middle of an abandoned street. The scene before them was gruesome—the pavement stained with dried blood, dead bodies lying sprawled out with their guts spilled onto the ground. Some corpses had their chests caved in while others had deep bite marks on their necks or faces. The atmosphere was eerie and oppressive—the sky was gray and overcast threatening rain.
Chrono: "How horrible."
He whispered, his eyes scanning the gruesome scene around them. The limping man approached slowly—his head was tilted awkwardly, half hanging off his neck as he reached out with rotting hands. Dabi's eyes narrowed.
Dabi: "Zombie already?"
He picked up a metal rod from the ground nearby—a makeshift weapon. Chrono frantically looked for something to defend himself with, finding an old broken pipe lying next to a corpse. The zombie moaned loudly as it closed in on them.
Dabi: "I found one."
He muttered, staring at the zombie limping towards him. His eyes widened as he realized the zombie bore an uncanny resemblance to Shigaraki—its features were distorted but unmistakable. Dabi froze momentarily.
Dabi: "Shigaraki?"
He whispered in disbelief. In the background, a note appeared on the floor.
The note: "The zombies will look like your partners since a few people wouldn't hurt their comrades."
Chrono gasped.
Chrono: "That's Shigaraki... he's a zombie?"
Dabi: "Stand back Chrono!"
He snapped, shaking his head to clear the disturbing thoughts. He charged at the zombie Shigaraki, swinging the metal rod with brutal force—he decapitated it instantly. The body collapsed to the ground motionless but horrifyingly—the severed head continued blinking its eyes as if still alive. Dabi panted heavily.
Dabi: "The game is messing with us! Random is messing with us!"
His voice echoed with anger and determination.
Dabi: "I'm not letting Random win!"
He kicked the zombie head away violently.
Chrono: "You have to aim for the head."
He advised quietly, trying to maintain his composure despite the terrifying situation. Dabi nodded grimly.
Dabi: "Good point."
He hit the zombie head several times with his metal rod until it was completely destroyed—the face was unrecognizable now. He dropped the rod on the ground.
Chrono: "We need to find shelter—look at the sky."
He pointed upwards—the clouds were gathering ominously. Both Chrono and Dabi looked up simultaneously.
Dabi: "You're right... it's about to rain soon."
(Meanwhile at the other side of the city).
Akira: "That was fun."
He murmured, his voice twisted and unnatural behind his mask as he sat atop a pile of slain zombies. Mikhail looked back at him calmly.
Mikhail: "I remember something about Alexa—she wanted to rape that guy Overhaul. Too bad he isn't in this game."
Akira chuckled darkly.
Akira: "Yeah... too bad. Would've been interesting to see that."
He paused, his mind wandering to other sadistic thoughts.
Akira: "You know what would be even more fun?"
His eyes gleamed with a sickening light as he stared at the zombie corpses that resembled small children.
Mikhail rolled his eyes.
Mikhail: "You're sick—but then again... so are we all."
He looked up at the sky—the clouds were rolling in thick and dark.
Mikhail: "It's about to rain..."
Akira threw his head back and laughed maniacally.
Akira: "Perfect!"
He grinned wickedly behind his mask.
Mikhail: "Let's find shelter—rain causes loud sounds, which attract zombies."
He pointed out calmly. Akira nodded in agreement.
Akira: "You're right about that."
He stood up from the pile of dead bodies and walked towards Mikhail. The two began walking through the abandoned city, the sky growing darker by the minute. The first raindrops started to fall just as they rounded a corner—the sound of the rain hitting the pavement echoed loudly in the empty streets.
(At the other side of the city).
Distant screaming echoed through the air—it sounded like someone was being torn apart by zombies.
Dabi: "Looks like someone's getting eaten."
He muttered darkly. He glanced at Chrono.
Dabi: "That means there's probably a horde of zombies in that direction."
He stepped into an alleyway, leading the way with determination. The rain was pouring now, making everything slippery and loud. Suddenly, they heard heavy footsteps approaching—the sound of rotting flesh hitting wet pavement.
Chrono: "You think so?"
He whispered quietly, following closely behind Dabi. He looked around the alleyway—dead bodies were scattered everywhere, flies buzzing around them. Dabi noticed a ladder leading up to an apartment building and gestured towards it.
Dabi: "Stay quiet, okay?"
He whispered calmly. He began climbing the ladder cautiously.
Dabi: "We could climb up here and enter one of these apartments—hopefully there's no zombies inside. And maybe we'll find some food too."
Chrono nodded silently and followed suit, climbing up behind him.
Dabi: "That guy is probably dead by now."
He muttered softly as he climbed through the open window into the abandoned apartment. He helped Chrono inside and looked around—the place was empty and eerily silent. The screaming had faded away completely. Suddenly, Dabi heard footsteps coming from right behind him. He turned around slowly—and his heart stopped when he saw who was standing there. It was someone who looked exactly like Overhaul—pale skin, brownish purplish hair, emotionless face.
Dabi: "Overhaul..."
He murmured, his eyes widening slightly but already knowing this was just Random messing with them. Chrono's eyes widened too—he noticed the blood trickling down Overhaul's forehead. Overhaul looked absolutely terrified.
Overhaul: "You got to help me!"
He begged desperately, his eyes flicking between Dabi and Chrono. He took a shuddering breath.
Overhaul: "Please... I'm bleeding..."
He reached up trembling hands to showcase the blood more prominently. Everything about him screamed urgency and fear.
(Day 1 Continued).
Dabi: "Probably just an NPC or something."
He muttered under his breath, trying to convince himself. But Chrono was already moving to help the injured Overhaul.
(In his mind).
"Wait... what if that's really Overhaul? No... he's in the waiting room with Shigaraki... right?"
He panicked internally, his hands shaking slightly as he watched Chrono tend to the wound.
"What if that zombie was Shigaraki...?"
(Out of his mind).
Dabi: "Overhaul, how did you get injured?"
He asked calmly, though his voice was laced with internal panic. Overhaul shook his head frantically.
Overhaul: "I don't know! I woke up here like this... I was bleeding!"
He looked between Dabi and Chrono with wide-eyed fear—his panic was genuine enough to make Dabi question everything again.
Dabi: "..."
(In his mind).
"What if this IS Overhaul?"
The thought made his stomach churn.
"Shigaraki too..."
He swallowed hard.
"No... they're safe."
He repeated silently in his mind.
(Out of his mind).
Chrono: "Kai, calm down—it's okay."
He whispered gently, patting the terrified Overhaul on the back. Dabi went completely silent, his mind spiraling into chaos.
(In his mind).
"He woke up here?"
That sentence made his blood run cold.
"So that monster killed my friend, and I finished the job..."
Rage and grief swallowed him whole—the horrifying possibility that Shigaraki had been turned into a zombie made everything feel surreal. But he forced himself to think logically.
"No... they're NPCs."
(Out of his mind).
Dabi: "Chrono, stay away from him."
He ordered sharply, his eyes burning with sudden rage. Chrono looked at him confused.
Chrono: "But why?"
He didn't understand what was happening. Dabi's voice was cold and demanding.
Dabi: "Just do it."
Chrono felt a shiver of fear run down his spine at the tone but hesitantly began moving away from Overhaul, not wanting to disobey Dabi's command despite his confusion. Overhaul watched them fearfully, not understanding why Dabi had suddenly turned on him.
Overhaul: "What's going on?"
He asked nervously, looking between Dabi and Chrono. Both stayed silent for a tense minute before Dabi finally snapped, his rage boiling over.
Dabi: "I know you're Random in disguise."
He snarled, stepping right up to the fake Overhaul and glaring directly into his eyes. Chrono watched from a distance, terrified but trusting Dabi's judgment.
Overhaul: "I'm not a monster!"
He pleaded desperately, his back pressing against the wall as he tried to escape Dabi's intimidating presence. Tears streamed down his face as he begged pitifully.
Overhaul: "D-Don't do it... please..."
Dabi's expression remained cold and unforgiving.
Dabi: "To be sure you won't hurt me or Chrono."
He muttered darkly, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on a saw and a knife lying on the floor.
Dabi: "Chrono, hold him down."
He ordered coldly, picking up the saw from the ground and showing it to Overhaul menacingly. Chrono hesitated, looking frightened but ultimately doing as he was told—grabbing Overhaul's arms to hold him in place despite his protests. Overhaul screamed and pleaded.
Overhaul: "No! Please don't do it! I promise I'm not the monster! You have to believe me!"
He tried to escape but Dabi slammed the door shut unexpectedly, hitting Overhaul's hand against it.
Dabi instantly covered Overhaul's mouth with his free hand to muffle his screams, knowing the noise could attract zombies. Chrono stared at Dabi with anger.
Chrono: "Stop it! What are you doing?!"
He demanded fiercely despite his fear. Overhaul's muffled pleas for mercy were heartbreaking under Dabi's hand.
Overhaul: "P-Please..."
His voice was barely audible through Dabi's fingers. Dabi's expression was grim as he prepared the saw against Overhaul's arm...
Dabi: "Just to be sure."
He muttered darkly.
Dabi: "It's Random, Chrono! This is NOT Overhaul!"
He growled urgently, pressing his weight against the door to keep it shut while holding Overhaul's mouth shut with one hand and aiming the saw at Overhaul's hand with the other. Overhaul screamed muffled pleas.
Overhaul: "Hari! Help!"
The sound of his real name broke through Chrono's anger instantly—his eyes widened in shock as realization dawned on him...
Chrono: "Wait..."
(In his mind).
"That's Kai!"
(Out of his mind).
He whispered horrified... It WAS Overhaul trapped under Dabi's hand...
Chrono: "STOP!"
Chrono: "You stay away from him!"
He shouted angrily, grabbing a chair and brandishing it like a weapon. Dabi snarled back.
Dabi: "Idiot!"
He ignored Chrono's warning and swiftly used the saw to amputate Overhaul's broken hand—the blood sprayed everywhere as Overhaul's muffled scream echoed loudly. Chrono's eyes widened in horror.
Chrono: "I SAID STOP IT!"
He charged forward tackling Dabi away from Overhaul before he could saw off the other hand too.
Dabi: "Chrono you moron, that's NOT Kai!"
He snapped angrily, trying to push Chrono off him.
Dabi: "It's Random messing with you!"
He struggled against Chrono's hold just as the door creaked open slightly—Overhaul seized the opportunity and ran away. Dabi's eyes widened.
Dabi: "GET BACK HERE RANDOM!"
He shoved Chrono off violently and sprinted after Overhaul immediately... His anger is fueled by deception and betrayal... He was going to catch that fake Kai no matter what...
Chrono: "No I won't let you kill Kai!"
He shouted back defiantly, getting up and chasing after Dabi. The two raced down the stairs—the sound of their footsteps echoing loudly. Up ahead, Overhaul tripped over his own blood and fell hard, breaking his leg again just like he had in the forest. He cursed under his breath.
Overhaul: "Dammit..."
He tried crawling away desperately but his movements were slow and painful. He heard Dabi's terrifying footsteps closing in behind him—the sound making his heart race with fear.
Overhaul: "No, please don't do it."
He begged desperately, more tears streaming down his face as he tried to crawl away. Dabi descended the stairs slowly, his terrifying glare locked onto Overhaul. The wet blood made Chrono slip—he fell hard, hitting his head on the table with a sickening thud. He went completely still—knocked out. Dabi glanced back briefly.
Dabi: "That takes care of that."
He turned his attention back to Overhaul, saw still in hand, and continued walking towards him menacingly.
Overhaul: "Please don't!" He pleaded desperately, trying to crawl away but his vision was blurring—probably from blood loss. He looked up at Dabi with tears streaming down his face, his eyes closing in acceptance as he whispered.
Overhaul: "I guess in the end you get to go back home... please tell my pops I'm sorry."
He closed his eyes tightly, waiting for the final blow—the cold metal of the saw pressing against his neck. Dabi froze—his grip tightening on the saw as he heard Overhaul's words...
The note appeared suddenly right in front of Dabi, reading.
The note: "How funny you thought that was me in disguise... but I'm afraid not, it's actually the real deal. But as for your other friend, that was a fake."
The note vanished just as suddenly as it had appeared. Dabi looked down at Overhaul who was still bleeding out—his heart pounding in his chest as he realized the truth. This was the real Overhaul, not some random decoy. The weight of his almost fatal mistake hit him like a ton of bricks.
Dabi: "Oh no... what have I done..."
He whispered in horror, immediately scrambling to find something to stop the bleeding—pressing a cloth against Overhaul's neck desperately.
Meanwhile, outside the building, a mysterious note hung from the doorknob, the words written in an ominous font.
The note: "Or is he real? Who knows since everything is based on random."
Chrono woke up slowly, his vision blurry before coming into focus. He looked up to see Overhaul knocked out—Dabi desperately tried to stop the bleeding. Chrono blinked owlishly.
Chrono: "I thought... you were trying to kill him?"
He got up slowly, careful not to slip on the blood-soaked floor. Dabi looked up at Chrono with haunted eyes.
Dabi: "It WAS him... The real Overhaul."
He choked out. He whispered, putting pressure on Overhaul's wound.
Dabi: "But I can't be sure... what if he was real and I killed him?"
His voice cracked with guilt and fear. Chrono's face twisted in anger.
Chrono: "Now you think he's real after you cut his HAND OFF WITH A SAW?"
He snarled.
Chrono: "If he was random, he'd be hard to kill!"
He glared at Dabi.
Chrono: "You idiot! You could've killed him for real!"
Chrono: "I bet you ENJOYED him getting hurt, huh?"
He accused bitterly, slowly making his way down the stairs towards Dabi and Overhaul. Dabi looked up at Chrono, his face pale with genuine distress.
Dabi: "It's the opposite—I don't enjoy that! To be honest... I thought HE WAS HIM!"
He gestured helplessly at Overhaul's unconscious form.
Chrono: "Kai..."
He sighed, pushing aside his anger to help Dabi put pressure on Overhaul's wound. Dabi suddenly stood up and moved towards the window, his expression turning thoughtful. Chrono watched him warily.
Chrono: "What's wrong?"
He asked cautiously. Dabi turned back to him.
Dabi: "I'm going out—to find something to help him... there's probably a hospital nearby."
He paused
Dabi: "But while I'm gone—you stay here and take care of him. Okay?"
His voice was calm but urgent.
Chrono: "You insane? There are zombies OUT THERE!"
He exclaimed, staring at Dabi like he'd lost his mind. Dabi's face is set into determined lines.
Dabi: "I have to... It's my fault he's like this."
He muttered grimly.
(In his mind).
"Just by thinking about it... if Overhaul is here, then Random is changing the game."
(Out of his mind).
To be continued on next chapter