Shigaraki: "Midoriya needs to be rescued. I'll take the right path; you take the left."
His voice is firm, his eyes fixed on Overhaul with a mix of determination and something softer - almost protective. Overhaul hesitates, then nods.
Overhaul: "Fine..."
He stands up slowly, already feeling a cold fear creep up his spine as he stares down the dark left tunnel. The air feels heavier here, oppressive.
Shigaraki: "See you on the other side."
He gives Overhaul a quick wave and disappears into the right tunnel without hesitation.
Overhaul: "How can he be so brave?"
He mutters under his breath, pulling out his phone to use the flashlight. The beam cuts through the darkness as he moves forward slowly, each step echoing in the suffocating silence.
His footsteps seem too loud—as if something is already watching him from the shadows.
Overhaul: "I can't do this."
He whispers, spinning around to find the entrance blocked by a solid wall. Panic rises in his chest as he reaches out, trying to disassemble it with his quirk—but it doesn't work.
Overhaul: "What the fuck?!"
He slams his palm against the wall. Suddenly, a note appears right in front of his face, seemingly materializing out of thin air. It reads: "Keep going."
Overhaul: "Random is watching me?"
He swings the flashlight around frantically, but there's no one—just empty darkness pressing in on all sides.
Another note materializes before his eyes.
The note: "Keep walking and meet a friend. :)"
Overhaul: "..."
The smiley face sends a chill down his spine. He crumples the note in his fist, and it dissolves into human skin—leaving him alone in the tunnel again.
(Meanwhile on the right path).
Shigaraki: "It's so dark in here..."
His voice echoes off the tunnel walls as he moves forward slowly, hands outstretched. Suddenly, a faint light catches his eye.
Shigaraki: "Overhaul? Is that you?"
He hurries towards it, but freezes when he sees who's actually there. Standing in the middle of the tunnel is a little girl, no older than eight, holding a small lantern that casts eerie shadows on her face.
Shigaraki: "Who are you?"
Shigaraki: "A little girl?"
He approaches her cautiously, bending down to meet her eye level.
Shigaraki: "Are you lost, little one?"
He tries to sound gentle, but his voice is still rough around the edges. The little girl tilts her head, regarding him with an unsettling expression.
Little Girl: "Do you think killing people is fun?"
She asks nonchalantly, rolling her eyes back.
Shigaraki: "Uh..."
His taken aback, unsure how to respond to such a disturbing question from such a small child.
The little girl: "Where are you going?"
She asks casually, reaching up to remove one of her eyes like it's nothing.
The little girl: "You know it's hopeless to stop him, right? He always gets what he wants."
Shigaraki staggers back, horrified, as her voice suddenly shifts into something demonic and inhuman.
The little girl: "Your friend is no more..."
She grins wickedly, now holding her own eye in her small hand.
Shigaraki: "What the fuck..."
He curses under his breath, backing away slowly.
Shigaraki: "Midoriya is fine... Just you wait!"
He yells over his shoulder, running away from the nightmarish little girl as fast as he can. He feels a chill down his spine, her demonic laughter echoing behind him. He reaches a fork in the tunnel and takes a random path, hoping to lose her. Suddenly, he hears footsteps and laughter up ahead.
The little girl: "Shigaraki... Shigaraki..."
Several voices whisper his name mockingly.
The little girl: "You can't save Midoriya..."
(Meanwhile at the left path).
Overhaul walks slowly down the left tunnel, hoping no one is ahead. Suddenly, he hears footsteps approaching from behind. He turns around slowly, his heart racing—only to freeze in terror as he sees who's standing there.
Shigaraki: "Hello!"
He waves cheerfully, smiling widely.
Shigaraki: "Overhaul! I'm so glad I found you!"
He reaches out like he wants to hug him.
Overhaul: "Oh my god..."
He staggers back, genuinely terrified by Shigaraki's sudden appearance and friendly demeanor.
Shigaraki: "Why are you scared?"
His tilts his head, looking genuinely confused. Overhaul shudders at his smile, feeling a strange sense of dread washing over him.
Overhaul: "It creeps me out."
He admits, his mind racing. Suddenly, the note pops into his mind.
(In his mind).
"Meet a friend. Could Shigaraki be that friend?"
(Out of his mind).
Overhaul: "Shigaraki..."
He whispers, his heart pounding in his chest.
Overhaul: "You're not here to... hurt me, are you?"
He asks warily.
Overhaul tries to rationalize Shigaraki's sudden friendly demeanor and unusual clothing.
(In his mind).
"It's probably Random playing tricks on me... Shigaraki never dresses like this... And he's never been this happy to see me..."
He swallows hard, trying not to vomit at the sight of Shigaraki's colorful outfit. He forces himself to stay calm and casual.
(Out of his mind).
Overhaul: "Shigaraki... when did you get those clothes? They're really... bright."
Shigaraki: "Want to play a game, please?"
He asks, giving Overhaul big, pleading puppy dog eyes. Overhaul snorts derisively and turns away, continuing down the tunnel.
Overhaul: "Nice try, Random. I'm not falling for it."
He mutters under his breath. Suddenly, Shigaraki launches himself onto Overhaul's back, wrapping his arms around his neck.
Shigaraki: "Wait for me, Honeybun!"
He squeals happily, using a pet name that makes Overhaul's skin crawl.
Overhaul pushes Shigaraki off his back roughly, making the other boy yelp and stumble.
Overhaul: "I said get off and stop calling me that stupid name!"
He snaps angrily, turning around to face Shigaraki with a glare.
Overhaul: "What the hell is wrong with you today? Are you possess-"
He pauses mid-sentence as Shigaraki's lower lip wobbles dangerously, looking like he might cry again.
Overhaul: "...You're seriously acting like a kid right now."
He sighs frustrated.
Overhaul: "Shh, be quiet."
He hisses, hearing guttural growling echoing in the distance. Shigaraki continues to sob like a toddler throwing a tantrum, and Overhaul sighs heavily.
Overhaul: "Fine... Just shut up."
He gives in, and Shigaraki immediately brightens, climbing onto his back with joy.
Shigaraki: "Yay!"*
Shigaraki: "Now go!"
He commands happily, like an excited child on a parent's shoulders.
Overhaul: "Ugh, I'm not your pack mule..."
(Meanwhile at the Right Path).
Shigaraki: "I'm tired of running..."
He pants, trying to catch his breath as he hears heavy footsteps approaching from behind. He looks back and freezes, seeing Overhaul smiling at him—wide and eerie, with a hint of something sinister.
Shigaraki: "Overhaul?"
He whispers uncertainly, his heart pounding in his chest. The smile widens, and Overhaul speaks in a low, unsettling voice.
Overhaul: "Found you..."
Shigaraki: "Overhaul? You're here... And why are you smiling like that? It's creepy."
He frowns, genuinely confused and slightly unsettled by Overhaul's sudden, unnatural smile. In all their interactions, Overhaul has never shown him any warmth or affection. Suddenly, Overhaul lunges forward, wrapping his arms around Shigaraki in a tight, sudden hug.
Overhaul: "Huggies please..."
He murmurs unnaturally, holding Shigaraki close.
Overhaul: "I missed you..."
Shigaraki: "Overhaul, get off me! You're acting so weird!"
He pushes him away forcefully, his confusion deepening into suspicion. In his mind, red flags are waving everywhere.
(In his mind).
"What the fuck is going on with him?"
He thinks desperately. Overhaul's behavior is completely out of character—from the strange clothing to the sudden affection.
"Is this one of Random's tricks?"
He asks himself quietly, backing away slowly.
"Overhaul never wears colors like that... And he definitely doesn't hug me..."
(Out of his mind).
Overhaul: "Why did you do that?"
He asks softly, tears welling up in his eyes. Shigaraki hesitates, taken aback by the sudden vulnerability.
Shigaraki: "Don't get the wrong idea... I like girls."
He says awkwardly, trying to let Overhaul down gently.
Shigaraki: "Plus, aren't you dating Lady Nagant?"
He adds, stopping suddenly as he remembers the grim truth.
Shigaraki: "Wait... I killed her."
He recalls quietly, his expression darkening.
Overhaul: "Don't be sad... When you're sad, I'm sad."
He breaks down right in front of Shigaraki, crying loudly and uncontrollably. Shigaraki's heart aches as he sees Overhaul like this. He suddenly realizes that Overhaul might actually have feelings for him—but he pushes the thought aside for now.
Shigaraki: "Shh, don't cry please..."
He whispers hoarsely, pulling Overhaul into a sudden hug to silence his sobs.
Shigaraki: "We need to stay quiet..."
Overhaul: "Yay!"
He giggles happily, hugging Shigaraki tightly as they walk. Shigaraki looks down at him, thoroughly confused by his constant happiness and affection.
Shigaraki: "Hopefully we're almost there..."
He murmurs distractedly, wondering if he's actually talking to Overhaul or some weird illusion created by Random.
(In his mind).
"He never acted like this before... It's like he's a completely different person."
"Maybe we're close to the end of this twisted game..."
(Out of his mind).
(Meanwhile at the apartment complex building).
Dabi: "I think we should leave the building."
He says calmly, his eyes fixed on the clock. Toga tilts her head, listening intently to the strange noise echoing through the halls.
Dabi: "The pink smoke will probably dissipate soon, and I believe the clock is counting down to different death cycles each hour."
He muses, trying to make sense of the situation.
Dabi: "Or it could be something else entirely..."
He trails off, his brow furrowing as he attempts to locate the source of the noise.
Toga: "It depends on you since I have no say on the matter."
Dabi: "Huh?"
He blinks confusedly, taken aback by Toga's sudden annoyance. He has no idea what he said wrong, his expression turning puzzled.
Dabi: "What are you talking about? You have every right to give your opinion. We're in this together."
He argues softly, genuinely confused by her frustrated reaction.
Dabi: "Why are you mad?"
He asks quietly, his brow furrowing.
Dabi: "You're acting weird..."
He mutters under his breath.
Dabi: "More weird than usual..."
Dabi: "Hmm, I think we should leave this building immediately."
He says calmly, but his voice holds a note of urgency as he notices the pink smoke slowly seeping into the room. His eyes widen as he realizes that Toga is just standing there, seemingly allowing the smoke to enter.
Dabi: "Toga, are you seeing this?"
He asks sharply, his brows furrowing in concern and suspicion.
Dabi: "The smoke... it's coming in through the window you left open."
Dabi: "Toga?!"
His eyes widen in horror as he sees half of her face already melted away, the flesh dripping down like wax. Despite the gruesome sight, she's smiling—a dreamy, distorted smile—still giggling softly.
Toga: "Dabi... the pink smoke smells so good."
She inhales it like it's perfume, stepping closer to it almost lovingly. Dabi's instincts kick in and he rushes toward her, grabbing her shoulder.
Dabi: "Snap out of it!"
Dabi: "Toga, get away from the smoke!"
He pulls her hand, trying to steer her away from the windowsill. He kicks the window open and pushes her out gently yet firmly, following closely behind. As soon as they're both out, he slams the window shut with a resounding bang.
Dabi: "If you kill Toga, I swear to God..."
He shouts. His voice echoed through the empty alleyway.
Dabi: "I'll find you and make your death the most horrible thing anyone has ever seen!"
Dabi: "Toga!"
He catches her before she hits the ground, wrapping his arms around her waist and lifting her up bridal style. He rushes down the building, trying to put as much distance between them and the pink smoke as possible. As he runs, he can feel the smoke curling around them, getting thicker with each passing second. The creature in the background watches the clock tick slowly, its eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intelligence.
Unknown Creature: "Time's up..."
It whispers to itself, smiling widely.
Dabi: "Dammit, why did I think separating was a good idea?"
He curses himself, running as fast as he can with Toga's limp body in his arms. Behind them, the pink smoke billows out of the creature's mouth like a deadly cloud, following them relentlessly. The clock rings again—a haunting sound that signals the nightmare is about to change.
Dabi: "Fuck, fuck, fuck..."
He pants, desperately searching for another building to hide in.
Dabi: "What's going to happen now?"
Unknown Creature: "It's time to survive the night."
Its voice echoes through the air before it vanishes, replaced by a horde of twisted creatures that seem to have appeared out of thin air. Dabi bursts into the next building, slamming the door shut behind him and locking it just in time as the creatures slam into it from the other side.
Dabi: "Surviving the night... Great."
He mutters sarcastically, setting Toga down gently and rushing to board up the windows and reinforce the doors.
(Meanwhile at the left path).
Overhaul stops abruptly as he realizes the tunnel has transformed into a house. He turns around, his heart pounding in his chest as he sees the tunnel behind him disappear completely.
Overhaul: "Is Random targeting me first?"
He whispers to himself, his mind racing with fear and confusion. The house is eerily silent, but he can feel an unsettling presence lurking somewhere within its walls.
Overhaul steps back in fear, bumping into an old wooden chair that scrapes loudly against the floor. He jumps, whipping around to see what startled him—only to find it's just a chair.
Overhaul: "Oh..."
He sighs in relief, his heart still racing.
Shigaraki: "So fun!"
He giggles happily from over his shoulder, completely unbothered by the terrifying situation. Overhaul groans internally.
Overhaul: "Hopefully you change back to normal soon."
He mutters under his breath, trying not to shiver at the eerie happiness emanating from Shigaraki.
Overhaul: "No offense, but happy Shigaraki is creepy as hell..."
He looks around the house, his eyes widening as he hears the sound of rain or snow falling from the sky. Curiosity gets the better of him, he moves to the door and looks out—only to freeze in horror at the sight before him.
Overhaul: "What the fuck..."
Shigaraki: "What's happening?"
He asks, his smile never faltering as he looks at Overhaul's shocked face. Overhaul quickly composed himself, turning away from the door and trying to act normal.
Overhaul: "It's nothing..."
He says quietly, his voice shaking slightly as he looks around the house. The sound of the snow or rain gets louder, and he can hear the eerie whispering of the ice-covered people outside.
Overhaul: "There has to be a reason why I'm here..."
He walks through each room of the house, his eyes scanning every corner for any clue or hint of what's going on. Everything seems normal—too normal. It's almost unsettling how ordinary the house feels compared to the terrifying scene outside.
Overhaul: "Fuck..."
He mutters softly, feeling completely lost and confused.
Shigaraki suddenly grows tired and falls asleep in his arms.
Overhaul: "At least he's asleep..."
He sighs softly.
A note appears right in front of Overhaul, words forming on the blank paper.
The note: "Hello there. Enjoying your new home?"
Overhaul: "Random, is it?"
He glares at the paper, his jaw tightening.
Overhaul: "Where's Midoriya?"
The note's words begin to form again like an invisible hand is written on it.
The note: "Your friend is going to be my new body. If you want your friend to be safe and sound, I suggest you make a deal."
Overhaul: "What type of deal?"
He asks warily, his heart sinking as he reads the note. The paper disappears after giving its sinister options. He feels sick to his stomach, knowing that Random would actually go through with using Midoriya as a new body.
Overhaul: "Sacrifice myself... or one of my friends..."
He repeats the options quietly, looking down at sleeping Shigaraki.
Overhaul: "Or my power..."
His hand twitches slightly, thinking of disassembling himself or someone else to save Midoriya.
Overhaul stands there, frozen, staring at his hands as the weight of the decision crushes him down.
(In his mind).
A storm of thoughts and emotions swirls.
"I don't know..."
He thinks desperately, his heart aching with the impossible choice before him. Sacrifice himself, or his quirk? Each option tears at his soul.
"Midoriya... I can't let him become Random's puppet..."
He looks back at Shigaraki, sleeping peacefully.
(Out of his mind).
(Meanwhile at the right path of the tunnel).
Shigaraki: "How long is this city?"
He asks, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice as they continue walking through the seemingly endless tunnel. Overhaul looks at him, his eyes wide with a touch of fear.
Overhaul: "Are we lost?"
He asks quietly, his imagination running wild with terrifying possibilities. Shigaraki smiles slightly at him, trying to ease his worries.
Shigaraki: "No, I'm just wondering where we are..."
He says reassuringly, but the tunnel shows no sign of ending.
Both boys blink and suddenly find themselves standing in front of an elevator instead of the endless tunnel. A note appears, floating in the air, reading.
The note: "Enter the elevator."
Shigaraki's annoyance turns to confusion and unease.
Shigaraki: "What the hell is going on?"
He murmurs, watching the elevator doors slide open smoothly. Overhaul clings to him tightly, his fear palpable.
Overhaul: "Me scared..."
He whispers, his voice shaking.
Overhaul: "I don't like this..."
Shigaraki tries to sound reassuring, patting Overhaul's arm gently.
Shigaraki: "It's alright, we're fine..."
(In his mind).
Suspicion and uncertainty swirl.
"Is this really Overhaul, or is Random playing tricks again?"
He studies Overhaul's face carefully as they approach the elevator. Suddenly, new words appear on the note floating beside the elevator doors.
(Out of his mind).
The note: "Hello Shigaraki, is it? My name is Random..."
The note reads, its words seem to dance in the air.
The note: "...and I was wondering if you're here for your friend. If so, how about we make a deal?"
Shigaraki's expression darkens instantly, his glare piercing the note.
Shigaraki: "Random..."
He growls lowly, his hand instinctively reaching for Overhaul protectively.
Shigaraki: "What kind of deal?"
He demands sharply.
The note's words change rapidly, presenting the same sinister options as before.
The note: "You could always sacrifice yourself or one of your friends. Or, of course, that power of yours..."
Shigaraki's anger flares up instantly, his face turning red with rage. He crumples the note in his fist, throwing it to the ground.
Shigaraki: "Not happening."
He snarls, protecting Overhaul firmly behind him.
Shigaraki: "I know there's another way out of this without any stupid sacrifices."
The note: "Have it your way."
The note writes before vanishing into thin air, leaving Shigaraki alone with his thoughts and suspicions. He looks at the spot where the note was, frowning deeply.
(In his mind).
"Why does Random want my power...?"
He mutters aloud, his mind racing.
"It seems like he was hinting at something... but what?"
He stares at the wall where the note was stuck, trying to figure out the deeper meaning behind Random's words. Overhaul watches him quietly, still clinging to his arm.
"Hopefully the others are fine and not falling for this trick..."
Shigaraki thinks worriedly as he finally steps into the elevator, pulling Overhaul with him. The doors close behind them with a soft ding, and the elevator begins to move, but it's not going up or down—it's moving sideways, through the walls, into unknown territory. Shigaraki presses his back against the elevator wall, keeping a protective arm around Overhaul.
(Out of his mind).
(Meanwhile in the city in a different building).
Dabi: "For some reason, the pink smoke has stopped..."
He murmurs, cautiously scanning the room for any signs of its return. He notices the air has cleared, except for one unsettling detail—the pink smoke still clinging to Toga's skin, spreading slowly across her melted features like a cancer.
Dabi: "Fuck..."
He crouches beside her, gently tilting her head.
Dabi: "Still poisoned on the inside..."
He realizes grimly, his jaw tightening. The building is silent now—too silent. Something worse is coming.
Dabi kneels beside Toga's unconscious body, watching helplessly as the pink smoke spreads further across her skin. A single tear rolls down his cheek, then another. He's rarely cried—especially not in front of anyone.
Dabi: "Toga... I'm so very sorry..."
He whispers brokenly, pressing his forehead against hers. Guilt and regret consume him.
Dabi: This is my fault... She's dying because of me..."
Closing his eyes tightly. Dabi's head snaps up at the sound of distant, twisted laughter echoing through the halls. The sound seems to come from everywhere and nowhere at once, growing louder and more menacing with each passing second. He doesn't hesitate—immediately scooping Toga up bridal style again and bolting for the stairs.
Dabi: "We have to keep moving..."
He pants, his heart racing as the laughter seems to chase him down the hallway. Each step feels heavier than the last, but he refuses to stop.
Dabi: "Just hold on, Toga..."
As he bursts through the door and rushes through the dimly lit city streets, carrying Toga's limp body, he suddenly notices the creatures that were previously stalking him have split up and disappeared into various locations across the city.
A chilling note appears in the sky, written in blood-red letters: "It's time to make the game harder."
Dabi's heart sinks, realizing that Random is about to take this deadly game to a new, more dangerous level.
Dabi: "Shit..."
He mutters, looking around nervously.
This will continue in the next chapter.