Shigaraki stood his ground—and crossed his arms—his expression stubborn.
Shigaraki: "No way. I refuse to separate. This world is fucking weird—who knows what could happen if we split up?"
Overhaul's calm demeanor hid his inner turmoil. He'd seen enough horror movies to know that splitting up was a recipe for disaster. Dabi's pushy attitude only made him more suspicious.
Dabi: "You'll be fine."
He repeated—a phrase that only served to fuel Overhaul's anxiety further.
Shigaraki quickly positioned himself between Overhaul and Dabi—his arms still crossed defiantly.
Shigaraki: "Wait wait!"
He snapped, his annoyance clear. Overhaul's frustration boiled over as he pushed Dabi back.
Overhaul: "We have a fucking problem, idiot!"
He growled. Dabi's gaze narrowed as he looked at Shigaraki—the annoyance evident in his voice.
Dabi: "And what exactly is the problem?"
He demanded. He makes mocking baby noises only served to aggravate Overhaul and Shigaraki further. Overhaul growled in frustration, moving away from Dabi and positioning himself in front of the dark tunnel. His heart pounded anxiously as he stared into the pitch-black opening. Shigaraki followed suit, his expression grim as he stood beside Overhaul, clearly unconvinced by Dabi's dismissive attitude.
Overhaul: "You're so annoying."
He muttered under his breath, his fear and annoyance palpable. Shigaraki nodded in agreement.
Overhaul pulled out his phone—activating the flashlight to illuminate the tunnel's darkness. The beam of light pierced through the blackness, revealing a dirt-lined passage that seemed to stretch endlessly ahead. Shigaraki watched nervously from behind him.
Overhaul: "Okay then."
He said—turning back to face Dabi one last time.
Overhaul: "If I die—I'm coming after you."
Dabi's response was dismissive and annoyed—a clear sign that his patience was wearing thin.
Dabi: "You won't, idiot."
Shigaraki: Go first and I'll protect you from behind.
His offer of protection brought a faint flicker of comfort—but it wasn't enough to overcome Overhaul's growing fear. He started to walk forward—but the sudden growling echoed from deep within the tunnel—causing both him and Shigaraki to freeze completely. Overhaul's flashlight trembled in his hand as the growls grew louder, more menacing.
Overhaul: "I can't do this."
He whispered—shaking his head frantically and turning away from the dark entrance.
Shigaraki: "Hey, I know it's sounds scary in there but we could do this. We have to save Midoriya."
His reassuring words did little to calm Overhaul's racing heart. His fear was primal—his memories of that terrifying talking rat, Nezu, still fresh in his mind. He shook his head vigorously, his voice trembling.
Overhaul: "Nope, I can't—I never been this scared since I saw that fucking talking rat. It still gives me nightmares."
Shigaraki raised an eyebrow—surprised to learn that even someone as tough as Overhaul had fears.
Shigaraki: "You were afraid of Nezu?"
Overhaul noticed Shigaraki's facade slipping—seeing past his tough act to the same fear hidden beneath. He sighed heavily—resignation replacing his panic.
Overhaul: "Yeah, you're afraid too."
He stated simply—his gaze drifted back to the dark tunnel.
Overhaul: "I guess we have to do it."
He admitted quietly—all the fight drained from his voice. Shigaraki's proposal caught him off guard—his hand reaching out hesitantly.
Shigaraki: "We could always hold hands if you want?"
(In the background).
Toga and Dabi watched the tense exchange between Shigaraki and Overhaul with amused fascination. Toga's heart melted at their fearful interaction.
Toga: "Aww how cute!"
She whispered loudly—making Dabi raise an eyebrow.
Dabi: "Toga we should get going."
He urged—but Toga was transfixed—wanting desperately to see what would happen next between them.
Shigaraki's gentle reassurance seemed to calm Overhaul slightly—as he reached out cautiously to grasp Shigaraki's hand. Their fingers intertwined gently—both trying to hide their fear beneath brave faces.
Overhaul: "Fine."
He muttered—his cheeks flushing slightly behind his black mouth mask.
Shigaraki: "Okay let's get going."
(In his mind).
"I'm fucking scared but if All Might could fight with a smile then I could too."
(Out of his mind).
Toga couldn't contain her glee at their unexpected display of intimacy.
Toga: "Boy-on-boy love!"
She exclaimed happily—making Dabi roll his eyes.
Dabi: "Can we get going now?"
He asked calmly—his patience wearing thin with her romantic observations. Toga finally tore herself away from watching them—falling into step beside Dabi as they headed toward the smoke-covered city.
With hands clasped tightly—Overhaul and Shigaraki stepped into the dark tunnel, their heartbeats echoing in the silence. The flashlight beam sliced through the darkness ahead of them, illuminating the dirt walls and floor. Their footsteps were slow and cautious—each step taking them deeper into the unknown. As they venture deeper into the tunnel, the air grows colder and heavier. Suddenly, Overhaul's flashlight flickers and dies, plunging them into total darkness.
(Meanwhile at the city entrance).
Dabi: The city is covered in this pink smoke. But that doesn't mean it can't be blown away.
His powerful blue flames slammed into the pink smoke—only for it to be repelled, bouncing off and refusing to dissipate. The flames fizzled out as Dabi stared in disbelief at the stubborn, unyielding haze.
Dabi: "Huh!?"
His eyes widened—the realization settling in that this pink smoke was not so easily dispersed.
Toga: "Well that didn't work..."
She muttered nervously—her smile strained as she looked around anxiously, wondering how they were supposed to navigate through the city now.
Dabi's growl echoed through the entrance as he relentlessly attacked the pink smoke with his flames—only for them to bounce off helplessly. Frustration etched his face as he watched the flames dwindle and die against the stubborn haze.
Dabi: "How is this possible?"
He muttered in disbelief—his quirk proving useless against this strange phenomenon. Toga took a deep breath—and stepped forward determinedly.
Toga: "Looks like we have to go in."
She said resignedly—beginning to walk straight into the pink smoke.
Dabi's grip tightened on Toga's arm, his voice urgent and concerned.
Dabi: "Wait Toga! What if that person from before was caught up in that smoke?"
He looked at her pleadingly—his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Toga remained calm—her reasoning was clear and logical.
Toga: "If so then we just have to cover our mouths so we won't breathe in the smoke."
She explained calmly.
Toga: "Maybe that's why Overhaul always wears a mask."
She suggested—the realization hitting them both simultaneously.
Dabi's expression shifted—realization dawned on his face as he looked at the pink smoke-covered entrance.
Dabi: "Hmm... something tells me I chose the wrong people."
He admitted—rubbing the back of his neck in frustration.
Toga: "Shigaraki and Overhaul should've come with us."
Her words confirmed his thoughts exactly.
Toga: "You know what I think?"
She asked softly—her usually cheerful demeanor was replaced with unwavering seriousness.
Toga: "I think we shouldn't have been separated from each other."
Dabi gave a resigned nod—the truth of Toga's words undeniable.
Dabi: "You're probably right... but it's too late now."
He admitted—pulling his hand to cover his mouth and nose. Toga followed suit—looking back one last time toward the dark tunnel where Overhaul and Shigaraki had disappeared.
Toga: "Well, hopefully we'll be together soon."
She said softly—hopefully. Dabi stepped forward into the pink haze—its eerie glow enveloping them both as they disappeared from view.
(In the tunnel).
Darkness pressed in on all sides. Shigaraki's voice echoed slightly in the confined space.
"It's so dark here."
He commented—looking around nervously. Overhaul nodded—though Shigaraki couldn't see him in the darkness.
Overhaul: "Hopefully we'll find an exit soon."
He replied quietly—swinging his flashlight beam across the tunnel walls. Suddenly, the light caught something strange—something stuck to the dirt walls.
The flashlight beam landed on something horrific—human bodies, dismembered and grotesquely embedded into the tunnel walls. Some were fused mid-scream, their mouths agape in silent terror. Shigaraki's breath hitched as he approached one—the skin stretched and merged with the dirt as if the tunnel had consumed them.
Overhaul: "What... what is this?"
His voice trembled—his hand tightening around Shigaraki's.
Overhaul: "We should keep going—not stop here."
The growls from before echoed again—but closer now.
Overhaul's observation was eerily accurate—the disturbed artistry of the bodies embedded in the walls suggested a mind beyond mere cruelty. What unsettled them most was that the corpses showed no signs of decay—fresh and preserved as if placed there recently. Shigaraki squeezed Overhaul's hand tighter—seeking comfort as much as offering it.
Shigaraki: "How horrifying."
He whispered—his usually confident demeanor shattered. Overhaul tried to calm him though his own fear was evident.
Overhaul: "It's okay... you're okay."
(Meanwhile in the city).
The city was eerily silent—an abandoned ghost town where time seemed to have frozen. People were petrified in place—some mid-step, others in the midst of conversation, frozen forever in their last moments. Dabi's footsteps echoed ominously as he navigated the deserted streets. The buildings held more of the same—people froze in various everyday activities. In one room, a family was frozen at the dinner table, forks mid-bite. In another, a man was frozen while answering his phone.
Toga approached one of the frozen individuals—leaning in closely to examine them. Her eyes widened behind her glasses as she noticed slight movements—chest rising slowly, eyes blinking.
Toga: "They're alive."
She whispered in horror—the realization sinking in. Suddenly, Dabi's yell cut through the eerie silence.
Dabi: "We need to get out of here NOW!"
He grabbed Toga's wrist and yanked her backward—dragging her away from the frozen person. As they ran—the sound of creaking bones and rustling limbs followed them.
Toga's voice echoed behind them as she struggled to keep up with Dabi's rapid pace. She looked back—the pink smoke billowing rapidly, closing in on them.
Toga: "What's wrong?"
She demanded—her breath hitching as they neared a building. Dabi's face was pale, his eyes fixed on the approaching smoke.
Dabi: "Just... run!"
He snarled—pushing her inside the nearest building and slamming the door shut behind them. Toga gasped for air—leaning against the wall.
Dabi's chest heaved as he leaned against the door—pushing his weight against it to ensure it stayed shut. He turned to face Toga—his expression grim.
Dabi: "Pretty sure the smoke won't come in if we barricade the doors."
He stated—his mind is racing with possibilities. Toga nodded—pushing off the wall to help him. Together, they began to shove tables, chairs, and shelves against the door—creating a makeshift barrier. Dabi's calm demeanor seemed to reassure Toga—her frightened expression easing slightly.
Dabi: "The pink smoke will try to seep through the cracks."
He explained.
Dabi: "So we need to tape them up. Look for tape—any kind—if this building has some. If not, we'll have to escape through the window."
Toga nodded—her determination returning as she hurried off to search for tape. Dabi watched her go—his brow furrowed with concern.
Dabi: "Everything's going to be okay."
(Meanwhile at the outside of the apartment complex building).
A large, ominous clock materialized in the smoke-choked sky—its face cracked and bloodied. A shadowy figure emerged from the pink haze—its form shifting and grotesque.
Unknown Creature: "The nightmare changes on each hour."
It announced in a guttural, demonic voice—echoing across the abandoned streets. Inside, Toga continued her search—oblivious to the clock ticking above them.
The creature laughed—a deep, menacing sound that sent shivers down invisible spines. Its malicious grin widening. With a wave of its cloven hand, it placed a smaller, equally gruesome clock atop the tunnel entrance—the hands ticking ominously.
Unknown Creature: "A tunnel."
It mocked.
Unknown Creature: "Think you can escape my nightmares?"
It knew what lurked within—the true horror awaiting anyone brave or foolish enough to enter.*
Unknown Creature: "Tick-tock."
It whispered cruelly.
Unknown Creature: Nightmare Game has begun.
(Inside of the building).
From their barred window, Dabi observed the pink smoke retreating—and the people outside frozen in various posed positions. Some were laughing, others crying—all petrified mid-emotion. The smoke seemed to be moving away from their building deliberately. Dabi's brow furrowed—his mind racing with unanswered questions.
Dabi: "How strange."
He murmured.
Dabi: "Why is it doing that?"
Suddenly, Toga returned—her arms loaded with rolls of tape.
Toga: "I found some!"
She announced triumphantly.
Both their heads snapped toward the sound—Dabi's black hair bristling with unease.
Toga: "You hear that?"
She asked—her cheerful demeanor was replaced with genuine fear. Dabi's eyes scanned the room frantically—no clock in sight, yet the ticking grew louder and more insistent.
Dabi: "It's a clock."
He said slowly—his voice dropped.
Dabi: "But there's none here."
The sound intensified—tick... tick... tick... Suddenly a loud chime rang out—the signal of one hour passing.
As the last rays of sunlight disappeared—and nightfall descended—the sky flickered with eerie, blood-red letters.
"TIME TO DEFEND YOURSELVES."
The words appeared—and disappeared just as quickly—leaving only the ominous, clock-ticking sound in their wake.
(One hour earlier before night time in the tunnel).
Overhaul's flashlight beam danced across the wall—revealing a grotesque tableau of naked bodies embedded in the earth. Some were clearly dead, their faces contorted in final screams. Others twitched and moaned—alive but trapped, their pleas falling on deaf ears. Overhaul's breath hitched in horror—his mind racing.
Overhaul: "What... happened here?"
He stammered out loud. In his mind, he searched frantically through his memories—trying to reconcile this scene with his own quirk.
Shigaraki's annoyed response was immediate.
Shigaraki: "Haven't you forgotten about this place? This place just wants you to think that."
He snapped—frustrated by Overhaul's panicked state. Overhaul shot back—his pride stinging.
Overhaul: "Shut up. You're so annoying."
He retorted—before his words died in his throat. Both of them watched in horror as a woman's body—her face pressed against the wall—began to move. Overhaul froze—his flashlight beam trembled on the moving body. Part of him wanted to help, but every instinct screamed at him to run. He turned his phone away—choosing ignorance over responsibility.
Shigaraki: "You can't just leave these people behind."
*He places a hand on Overhaul's shoulder.*
Overhaul: "Fine."
He muttered finally—handing his phone to Shigaraki. He placed his hand on the tunnel wall—his quirk activating immediately. The dirt and rock disassembled around the embedded bodies—reforming rapidly to support the tunnel as he freed them.
Shigaraki: "Good job."
His compliment died on his lips as he watched the freed people—including one woman who had been writhing only seconds ago—suddenly reappeared exactly where they had been stuck. Their positions were identical—bodies fused into the wall, mouths open in silent screams. Overhaul's confusion deepened—his expertise in his own quirk clashing with this impossible reality.
Overhaul: "How strange."
He murmured—his scientific mind grappling with what he had just witnessed.
Overhaul: "I thought I set them free."
Shigaraki: "I saw you do it, but something changed your mind."
Both hear a strange ticking noise—like a clock.
Overhaul: "You have a watch or something?"
He asks calmly, glancing at Shigaraki as they walk past the bodies.
Shigaraki: "No, I don't. I was wondering if you did."
His eyes meet Overhaul's briefly, then snap back to the tunnel entrance—now completely gone. Shigaraki sighed—his usual calm demeanor returned despite their predicament.
Shigaraki: "Looks like we're trapped here."
He muttered—facing Overhaul. Overhaul nodded—trying to sound confident.
Overhaul: "Let's just keep going. Hopefully there's an exit."
But as he spoke, his flashlight beam caught movement behind Shigaraki—one of the formerly trapped bodies was now standing directly behind him, its hollow eyes staring. Overhaul's eyes widened—he grabbed Shigaraki's hand and yanked him away forcefully.
Overhaul: "Move!"
Shigaraki: "What's happening?"
His voice wavers slightly, eyes wide with a flicker of fear as he stares at the vanished entrance.
Overhaul: "Nothing. I thought I saw a spider."
He meets Shigaraki's gaze, expression calm and unreadable.
Shigaraki rolled his eyes—annoyance flashing across his face.
Shigaraki: "For real, dude?"
He scoffed—clearly not believing Overhaul's lie. Overhaul maintained his calm composure—his voice steady despite his racing heart.
Overhaul: "Yeah, for real."
He repeated—trying to play off his earlier panic. Shigaraki shook his head but allowed Overhaul to pull him along—they both continued deeper into the tunnel, their footsteps echoing eerily in the darkness.
Shigaraki's annoyance peaked—he stopped walking abruptly, causing Overhaul to nearly trip over him. The flashlight beam revealed a fork in the tunnel—one path leading left, the other right. Between them, a crude wooden sign was nailed to the wall: "ONE PATH PER PERSON". The words were scrawled in what looked like dried blood. Shigaraki turned to Overhaul—his smug "chill out" expression evaporated completely.
Shigaraki: "Oh, you have got to be fucking kidding me."
Shigaraki: "Well, in the end... we separate."
He sits down beside Overhaul, who appears to have given up entirely. Overhaul's shoulders slumped—defeat evident in his posture. He sat down heavily next to Shigaraki, his mask partially obscuring his downturned face.
Overhaul: "Should've just said nothing."
He muttered under his breath.
Overhaul: "I wouldn't be back in this fucking world then."
He paused for a moment before continuing, his voice barely above a whisper.
Overhaul: "But the thought of leaving Midoriya to rot in that place... I'd be a terrible person."
Shigaraki listened silently, his own frustrations momentarily forgotten.
Shigaraki: "We survived once. We can survive it again."
He says it calmly, yet his eyes dart between the two identical tunnels—one with a faded sign barely visible on the wall. The silence between them feels heavier than before.
Overhaul glances at him, something unreadable flickering across his face—but he says nothing.
This will continue in the next chapter.