A mysterious app named "Random" claims to transport users to unknown locations that are not marked on maps and from which they may never return, unless they pay to leave. The app's allure lies in its unpredictability, offering users a chance to explore uncharted territories.
(The first victims).
Unknown Woman: "I'm going to kill you for bringing me here!"
She runs away quickly through the dense forest, hearing distant screams echoing in the background.
Unknown Woman: "Someone help me!"
She frantically searches the area, her voice echoing through the empty forest. She finds no sign of anyone, increasing her panic and isolation.
Unknown Woman: "Anyone out there?"
She scans the area with wide eyes, her voice trembling. Suddenly, a black figure emerges from the shadows right in front of her, holding what appears to be someone's severed head. Her heart races as she realizes she's not alone after all.
Unknown Woman: "SOMEONE HELP ME!"
(Outside of the forest)
Her screams echo through the forest, growing fainter as the black figure approaches her. The terror in her voice is palpable as she realizes her imminent demise. The final screams cut off abruptly, leaving only eerie silence.
(Four weeks later At a College).
Overhaul: "Boss."
He says it softly, looking down at the ground feeling sad about his father.
Lady Nagant: "Hey, wanna go somewhere?"
She asked, looking at him with a gentle smile.
Overhaul: "Where?"
He asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he searched her face for answers.
Lady Nagant: "Somewhere special tonight, bring your car, okay?"
She smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement and mischief as she walks away.
Overhaul: "Okay, I guess..."
He replied.
(In his mind).
"I'm sorry I didn't become the person you wanted me to be."
He thought silently, his mind racing with regret and disappointment. The words echoed in his head as he stood there, feeling like a failure in his boss's eyes. He had let him down, and now he was left with nothing but self-doubt and a heavy heart.
"What could have been..."
His shoulders slumped in defeat.
(Out of his mind).
He felt a gentle touch on his shoulder and turned around to find Chrono standing right behind him.
Overhaul: "Chrono?"
He exclaimed, surprised.
Overhaul: "What are you doing here?"
His voice was filled with confusion and maybe a hint of relief at seeing a familiar face. Chrono's presence caught him off guard.
Chrono: "Overhaul, I..."
He hesitated, his usually confident demeanor wavering. He looked at his friend, seeing the defeat and regret in Overhaul's eyes.
Chrono: "I just wanted to make sure you're okay."
He finally said softly, placing a hand on Overhaul's shoulder.
Chrono: "I know things didn't turn out how you wanted them to."
His voice was unusually gentle, almost caring.
Overhaul stared at Chrono silently, his mouth opening and closing without any words coming out. He wanted to ask how Chrono had found him, what he was doing here in this moment when Overhaul felt like the most worthless person he knew. But all those questions stayed trapped in his throat as he searched Chrono's face for judgment or disappointment. Instead, he saw only a quiet understanding in those familiar eyes.
Chrono: "Anyway."
He began, his voice calm and steady, breaking the heavy silence between them.
Chrono: "Have you heard that Lady Nagant has invited us to meet somewhere later?"
His words were simple, yet they seemed to carry a weight that Overhaul couldn't quite understand. It was as if Chrono was trying to steer the conversations away from the heavy emotions hanging in the air, focusing instead on practical matters.
Overhaul: "Yeah, I know."
His response was short and monotonous, reflecting his current emotional state. His mind was still preoccupied with the thoughts of disappointing his boss, and the upcoming meeting with Lady Nagant seemed like another task he had to endure rather than something he was looking forward to. Chrono watched him closely, noticing the lack of enthusiasm in his voice and demeanor. He knew that something was bothering Overhaul deeply, but he also knew that pushing him too hard right now would only make things worse.
Chrono: "Still upset?"
He asked softly, his gaze gentle yet probing as he studied Overhaul's downcast expression. It was obvious that something was eating at him, and Chrono couldn't help but feel concerned. Overhaul's usual confident and composed demeanor had been shattered into pieces, and it was unsettling to see him like this.
Overhaul nodded slowly, his shoulders slumping further as he leaned against the nearby wall.
Overhaul: "Yeah..."
He whispered.
Chrono: "Maybe hanging out with your friends can help you forget about it for a bit."
He smiled gently, trying to lighten the mood. He knew that sometimes, being around people who cared about you could help distract you from your troubles. He hoped that Overhaul would take his advice and come with him to meet Lady Nagant, where they could both take their minds off their worries for a while.
Overhaul looked up at Chrono, his eyes meeting his friend's smile for the first time since this whole mess began.
Overhaul: "Maybe..."
He smiles right back.
(A few hours later).
Overhaul: "Boss."
His gaze lingered on the picture of his boss, a mix of guilt and longing etched on his face as he sat in the driver's side of his vehicle. The sudden knocking on his window startled him, and he looked back to see Lady Nagant standing there, her short hair framing her serious expression. She tapped on the window again, a silent command for him to roll it down. Overhaul hesitated for a moment before complying, his mind still half lost in thoughts of his boss's disappointment.
Lady Nagant: "So, are you ready? I brought in some friends, if you don't mind."
She stated as she slid into the backseat of Overhaul's SUV. Her short hair swung with the motion as she settled in, already expecting his silent nod of acknowledgment.
Overhaul: "I already know who's coming."
He responded calmly, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as he listened to the knocks on the door. He knew exactly who was outside, waiting to join them for the evening.
Chrono: "Hey man, guess what I brought us?"
He said with a grin, holding up a pack of beer for Overhaul and Lady Nagant to see.
Chrono: "Thought we could use a drink or two to relax and enjoy the night."
His cheerful demeanor was a stark contrast to Overhaul's quiet, contemplative mood. Lady Nagant smiled appreciatively at Chrono, accepting a cold beer from the pack. Overhaul merely nodded his thanks, his gaze lingering on the bottle before shifting his attention back to the door.
Overhaul: "Now it's a party, I guess."
He muttered sarcastically, his mood remaining unchanged despite the efforts to lighten the atmosphere.
Lady Nagant laughed softly in agreement.
Lady Nagant: "Yep."
She popped the cap off her beer bottle using the heel of her shoe. The sound of metal against concrete echoed through the SUV.
Chrono chuckled and handed out the drinks to everyone, including himself. He took a swig from his bottle, his face contorting slightly from the bitter taste.
Chrono: "To a great night!"
Shigaraki: "Are we going or not?"
He interrupted impatiently from outside the SUV, his voice piercing through the half-hearted attempts at creating a party atmosphere.
Overhaul's eyebrows furrowed at the interruption, but Lady Nagant just rolled her eyes good-natured.
Lady Nagant: "Impatient as ever."
She remarked before calling out.
Lady Nagant: "We're coming!"
She finished her first sip of beer and set the bottle aside.
Dabi: "Calm down, Shigaraki."
He snapped, his deep voice cutting through the tension. From outside, they heard Shigaraki's huff of annoyance but thankfully, no more complaints followed. Overhaul started the engine of the SUV, his expression stern and focused on the road ahead. Lady Nagant leaned back in her seat, taking another swig of her beer with a small sigh.
Overhaul: "Is that everyone?"
He asked quietly, his gaze flicking to Lady Nagant.
Lady Nagant: "There's two more people."
She said.
Lady Nagant: "But they're just the freshmen."
She said.
Overhaul: "Oh, I see."
He murmured, his gaze drifting downwards. He didn't seem particularly interested in meeting the freshmen, his mind still preoccupied with his own thoughts and emotions.
Midoriay: "Sorry we're late."
He apologized as he and Toga climbed into the SUV.
Toga: "Yeah."
She added a casual shrug, not sounding particularly sorry at all. The vehicle shifted slightly under their weight as they settled into the backseat. Overhaul glanced at them briefly in the rearview mirror.
Midoriay: "Sweet wheels."
He commented, admiring the SUV's interior as he took his seat.
Overhaul simply replied with a quiet.
Overhaul: "Yeah thanks."
Before quickly tucking away the picture frame containing his boss' photo into one of the SUV's cabinets.
Lady Nagant: "You okay?"
She asked softly, her voice laced with genuine concern as she noticed Overhaul's abrupt movement and the sudden quietness that had settled over him like a heavy blanket. His usual stoic expression had deepened into something almost unreadable, and for a moment, she wondered if he was even listening to the casual banter still flowing among their friends.
Overhaul paused briefly before nodding curtly.
Overhaul: "I'm fine."
He murmured dismissively.
Overhaul: "So where do you want to go?"
He asked Lady Nagant directly, his tone purposeful and slightly more upbeat than before. He was intentionally shifting the focus away from himself and his potentially growing list of problems. His eyes met hers in the rearview mirror, silently asking for her input and distracting himself from the lingering thoughts of his boss's disappointing words.
Lady Nagant: "The night is young, so let's go somewhere fun."
She suggested with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She was clearly trying to lift the mood and get everyone in the spirit of enjoying their night out. Overhaul nodded and returned her smile briefly before focusing back on the road ahead. He knew exactly what kind of 'fun' Lady Nagant had in mind – loud music, bright lights, and plenty of alcohol. Not exactly his scene but he wasn't going to complain.
Overhaul: "Okay then."
He agreed quietly, starting up the SUV engine with a gentle rumble. He followed Lady Nagant's directions, merging smoothly into traffic while their friends began chatting animatedly behind them. The night was still young, and he was determined to be a good "host" despite his own lingering thoughts. As they drove towards whatever adventure awaited them, Overhaul caught Chrono's gaze in the rearview mirror briefly – a silent moment of understanding passed between them before Chrono turned back to join conversations flowing freely amongst their companions.
Overhaul: "Like where?"
He asked, genuinely curious as he navigated the streets, his mind drawing a blank on potential fun spots.
Lady Nagant: "Have you seen that app that takes you to random places?"
She asked, pulling out her phone to show Overhaul the screen. It was indeed an app that promised a night of spontaneous adventure, suggesting various locations and activities based on your location.
Shigaraki: "I've heard about that app."
He chimed in from the backseat, leaning forward to get a better look at Lady Nagant's phone screen.
Shigaraki: "Isn't it supposed to be really random? Like you could end up anywhere?"
His voice held a mix of excitement and skepticism.
Lady Nagant nodded.
Lady Nagant: "Exactly. That's what makes it fun. You never know where you'll end up."
Dabi: "You mean the app called Random?"
He asked Lady Nagant, his brow furrowed as he remembered reading about it.
Chrono: "That app doesn't have good reviews."
He chimed in, his face scrunched up as he recalled the negative feedback he'd seen online.
Chrono: "People say it sends you to sketchy places."
His voice was cautious, killing some of the excitement that had been building. Overhaul listened silently. Lady Nagant just laughed and waved a hand dismissively.
Overhaul: "You mean that app that puts you in dangerous places?"
He repeated, his tone dry and slightly concerned. Before anyone else could voice their doubts, Toga suddenly perked up with an eager grin.
Toga: "Ooooh, let's do that!"
She exclaimed enthusiastically, already reaching for Lady Nagant's phone. The group fell silent for a moment, exchanging uncertain glances.
Midoriay: "I don't know about this..."
His voiced his concern, his eyebrows furrowed as he looked at the app's description.
Lady Nagant: "Where's your sense of adventure?"
She teased him playfully, but Overhaul agreed with Midoriya's cautious approach.
Overhaul: "I'm with this one."
He said firmly, his voice carrying authority despite his earlier distraction.
Overhaul: "That app sounds dangerous."
He kept his eyes on the road ahead, not wanting to encourage the impulsive decision.
Lady Nagant: "Well, yeah... but maybe it'll take us somewhere cool."
She argued, securing her phone in the holder so everyone could see. The app's bright, colorful interface filled the screen, promising 'Unique Experiences' and 'Adventure Awaits'.
Dabi rolled his eyes dramatically from the backseat.
Dabi: "Or it'll take us to a dumpster behind some shady alley."
He muttered pessimistically.
The car filled with a mix of nervous laughter and anxious silence as Lady Nagant tapped the 'Generate Destination' button.
Overhaul: "We're actually doing it?"
He repeated, his voice laced with annoyance and disbelief. He couldn't believe they were putting their faith in a questionable app instead of planning a safe, enjoyable night out. As the app processed their destination, he shook his head.
Overhaul: "If we end up getting kidnapped or something, I'm blaming all of you."
His warning was met with more laughter from the backseat, though Midoriya and Chrono exchanged worried glances. Suddenly, the app beeped and a location popped up on the screen.
Lady Nagant: "Yep."
She confirmed with a triumphant smile, tapping the screen to confirm their destination. The GPS began guiding them towards an unknown location while she hummed happily along to the car radio's music. Overhaul sighed heavily beside her but didn't argue further; arguing wouldn't change anything now that they were committed to this random adventure. The car filled with an unusual mix of excitement and tension as they drove deeper into the city nightlife unknown territory guided solely by an app's mysterious algorithm.
Midoriay: "You're actually going to listen to her?"
He asked Overhaul quietly from the backseat, his voice filled with disbelief and a hint of concern. Overhaul just shrugged slightly in response, his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter.
Overhaul: "Apparently."
He muttered under his breath. Midoriya shook his head but didn't say anything else; there was no stopping Lady Nagant once she got an idea in her head anyway.
Dabi: "I guess he is."
He commented dryly from his seat, leaning back comfortably despite his reservations about their unconventional navigation method.
Overhaul shot him a warning glance through the rearview mirror before focusing back on the directions displayed on Lady Nagant's phone.
Overhaul: "Don't nag me."
He snapped irritably, his frustration growing with each passing moment spent trusting a questionable app's guidance. The city lights blurred by outside the windows as they ventured further into unfamiliar territory. Suddenly, the GPS voice announced their destination was nearby.
Overhaul: "I hope it isn't too dangerous."
He muttered under his breath, his eyes fixed intently on the road ahead. As they approached a sign warning "Dangerous Area - Keep Out", he hesitated briefly, his foot hovering over the brake pedal.
Overhaul: "Should we turn back?"
He asked aloud, his voice barely audible over the hum of the engine. No one answered immediately, the silence in the car thick with uncertainty. Then, Lady Nagant leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Lady Nagant: "Keep going."
The turn back sign had a black figure right next to it.
Dabi: "Did you guys see that?"
He asked suddenly, turning his head to look out the back window. Overhaul glanced at him briefly before shaking his head, his focus remaining on the road ahead.
Overhaul: "I haven't seen anything."
He replied dismissively, not noticing the black figure that had briefly appeared on the 'Turn Back' sign they had just passed. Lady Nagant leaned forward to peer out the rear window, squinting into the darkness.
Lady Nagant: "I didn't see anything either," she confirmed after a moment's silence.
Shigaraki: "You trying to scare us or something?"
He asked, his voice laced with skepticism and a hint of irritation. He had been quiet up until now, but Dabi's sudden outburst had broken the tense silence in the car.
Dabi rolled his eyes, leaning back in his seat with a frustrated huff.
Dabi: "I'm serious."
He insisted, though his tone had lost some of its earlier urgency.
Dabi: "I could've sworn I saw something standing on that sign."
Overhaul sighed heavily from the driver's seat.
Toga: "It's probably just your imagination."
She said dismissively, her voice light and casual. Lady Nagant nodded in agreement, adding.
Lady Nagant: "Toga's probably right."
He snorted softly, leaning forward to rest his forearms on his knees.
Dabi: "Yeah, yeah."
He muttered under his breath, conceding that he might have imagined the figure on the sign. Overhaul remained silent, his gaze fixed on the road ahead as they continued to drive deeper into the unknown area.
Overhaul: "We're almost there."
He announced, his voice low and even as he steered the SUV onto a rocky road that led deeper into the forest. The headlights illuminated the twisting path ahead, branches scraping against the windows as they pressed on. The atmosphere in the car shifted, excitement mingling with a hint of unease.
Shigaraki: "This place better be worth it."
He muttered, breaking the silence that had fallen over the group.
Shigaraki: "If we get stuck out here or something..."
Chrono: "Never seen this place before."
He murmured softly, his eyes wide as he took in the dense forest surrounding them. The trees were old and gnarled, their branches forming a canopy overhead that blocked out much of the moonlight.
Chrono: "It's like we're in the middle of nowhere."
He added, his voice barely audible over the sound of the SUV's engine struggling against the rough terrain. Overhaul nodded slowly, his grip tightening on the steering wheel as he navigated through the darkness.
Shigaraki: "Maybe because you don't go out this much."
He retorted dismissively, leaning back in his seat. Overhaul ignored the jibe, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a figure emerging from the shadows ahead.
The woman was dressed in torn and bloodied clothing, her face pale and terrified as she stumbled into the SUV's headlights. She opened her mouth and let out a blood-curdling scream for help. Overhaul slammed on the brakes, the SUV skidding to a halt.
Lady Nagant: "Watch Out!"
Everyone in the vehicle screamed as Overhaul's quick reflexes saved them from potentially hitting the woman head-on. The sudden stop made the car shake violently before coming to an abrupt halt. The woman vanished without a trace, leaving no sign of her presence except for the echoes of her desperate cries fading into the night. Toga broke the silence first.
Toga: "What. The. Fuck."
She whispered, her voice shaking visibly.
Dabi: "Did...did that really just happen?"
He slowly unbuckled his seatbelt.
Dabi: "Everybody out."
They all stepped out of the car cautiously, scanning the area for any sign of the woman or anything unusual. Finding nothing but empty darkness, they returned to the SUV in a state of shock and unease.
Midoriay: "I think we should leave this place immediately—it doesn't seem safe."
Shigaraki took another drag from his joint nonchalantly and said through smoke rings.
Shigaraki: It could be because I was smoking weed in the car." Everyone turned to glare at him angrily.
Overhaul: "Put that out NOW!"
He snapped.
Lady Nagant: "Dammit Shigaraki!"
She snapped at him, her annoyance palpable as she watched him put out his joint reluctantly. The sudden silence was broken by an eerie voice emanating from Lady Nagant's phone, which was still in the car's holder. The voice said clearly, "We've been waiting for you." Everyone froze, exchanging wide-eyed looks of disbelief and growing fear. Chrono voiced what they were all thinking
Chrono: "Did...did anyone else just hear that? Or are we all just high and losing our minds?"
Dabi: "Probably we're too high right now."
He muttered, trying to rationalize the unsettling experience. Lady Nagant nodded in agreement.
Lady Nagant: "You're probably right."
Just as they were attempting to convince themselves that their minds were playing tricks on them, a sudden knocking sounded against one of the SUV's windows. They all froze as they turned their heads slowly towards the source of the sound. The passenger window rolled down on its own, revealing an empty darkness outside. Suddenly, the door handle began to move by itself, slowly opening outward.
Overhaul: "This place is giving me the creeps."
He admitted softly, his attempts to start the car's engine failing mysteriously. The SUV remained silent and immobile despite his efforts, the headlights dimming slightly with each attempt. The eerie atmosphere thickened as the group realized they were stranded in the middle of the forest with no means of escape.
Shigaraki smirked.
Shigaraki: "Maybe it's because I was smoking weed."
He joked poorly, trying to lighten the mood. No one laughed.
Overhaul: "No, no."
He denied Shigaraki's weak joke, his face serious as he tried one last time to start the car without success. Toga asked softly,
Toga: "Something wrong?"
Overhaul responded grimly.
Overhaul: "I can't turn on the vehicle."
The group exchanged worried glances before Lady Nagant stepped forward calmly despite the growing unease in her own voice.
Lady Nagant: "Alright listen up everyone—we're going to pretend nothing strange has happened tonight."
She suggested firmly.
Lady Nagant: "Let's take a look around and act normal."
Shigaraki: "I'm in."
He agreed eagerly, wanting to put the strange occurrences behind them. Overhaul nodded firmly.
Overhaul: "I'll stay here and fix the car."
He declared determinedly despite knowing how unlikely it seemed that mechanical issues alone were causing their current predicament. Dabi spoke up immediately after.
Dabi: I'll stay with him—in case someone tries anything funny."
Midoriya: "Me too—I'll keep an eye out."
He added softly.
Lady Nagant: "I'm assuming you two want to stay with them?"
She asked, looking at Toga and Chrono for their responses.
Toga: "Fuck that—I want to have some fun."
She replied immediately.
Chrono: "I guess I'll go with you."
He chuckled.
The group split into two—Overhaul, Dabi, and Midoriya. stayed by the SUV to 'fix' it while Lady Nagant, Toga, Chrono, Shigaraki ventured further into the forest to 'have fun'.
Lady Nagant: "When you're finished, we'll be over there having a great time."
She said with a smile, gesturing vaguely deeper into the forest.
Shigaraki: "Let's party!"
He chimed in enthusiastically. He held up his beer as if toasting their impending fun.
Chrono looked at Overhaul before they split up groups.
Chrono: "Be safe okay?"
Overhaul nodded curtly.
Overhaul: "Yeah...I guess."
Dabi rolled his eyes.
Midoriya: "They're going to get drunk and stupid."
Toga: "See you around!"
She waved goodbye cheerfully as she and Lady Nagant, Shigaraki, and Chrono disappeared into the forest, their laughter and muffled conversations fading into the night.
Overhaul watched them go before turning his attention back to the SUV, his brow furrowed in thought as he leaned against the hood. Dabi crossed his arms over his chest and commented dryly.
Dabi: "This night is going to end badly."
Midoriya sighed softly beside him.
Midoriya: "I hope they'll be okay."
Dabi: "I guess we should get started right, Overhaul?"
He asked, trying to break the tense atmosphere with a bit of humor despite his own growing unease.
Overhaul nodded solemnly.
Overhaul: "Yeah...I know."
Midoriya shivered visibly as he looked around the dark forest surrounding them, whispering.
Midoriya: This place is so scary."
Suddenly, he jumped at a rustling sound in the bushes nearby. Before anyone could react, Midoriya had already rushed into Dabi's arms, hugging him tightly out of sheer fright.
Dabi: "Huh? Already scared?"
He teased gently, patting Midoriya's back soothingly as he tried to calm him down.
Overhaul, meanwhile, was frowning deeply as he inspected the SUV's engine compartment. His eyes widened in confusion and alarm as he realized something was terribly wrong.
Overhaul: "I don't understand..."
He murmured softly, running his hands through his hair frustratedly.
Overhaul: "The engine...it's missing."
Dabi's teasing tone instantly sobered as he rushed over to Overhaul's side.
Dabi: "What?"
Dabi: "How's this even possible?"
He whispered as he leaned in closer to inspect the empty engine compartment where the powerful SUV engine should have been. Midoriya's voice trembled with fear behind him.
Midoriya: "So we're just...stuck out here?"
He hugged Dabi tighter, his eyes darting nervously around the dark forest that suddenly felt much more threatening without their means of escape.
Overhaul stood up slowly, his mind racing with unimaginable possibilities.
Overhaul: "This isn't right...This isn't fucking right."
Dabi: "Too tight!"
He hissed softly, trying to pry Midoriya's arms off him gently. Overhaul looked determined.
Overhaul: "I'm going to find some help."
Midoriya immediately panicked.
Midoriya: "No! Don't go by yourself!"
He clutched at Dabi's shirt desperately.
Midoriya: "Have you seen horror movies before? You never split up!"
His voice rose slightly in pitch due to fear. Overhaul paused mid-step.
Overhaul: "Midoriya..."
He started softly but Midoriya cut him off sharply.
Midoriya: "No!"
He hugged both Overhaul and Dabi tightly, his fear overwhelming him. Overhaul hissed softly as he felt the tight embrace, his skin starting to itch uncomfortably. He had mysophobia, a fear of germs and contamination, and Midoriya's close proximity was triggering his anxiety.
Overhaul: "Too tight..."
He muttered, his voice strained as hives began to form on his neck and arms.
Dabi felt Overhaul tense up and immediately understood what was happening.
This will continue in the next chapter.