TW: Mention of blood
3rd Person POV:
ᴄᴀᴍɪɴᴏ ᴄɪᴛʏ, ᴊᴀᴘᴀɴ
"I figured it out...why the Hero Killer pisses me off so much, and why those U.A. brats drive me crazy," said Shigaraki with a smile stretching across his face, staring at the wall psychotically. "It is all because of All might...and that stupid grin...as if he doesn't have a care in the world. Smiling thoughtlessly, as if there's no one he can't save...Like he's undefeatable."
Sitting on the opposite side of the run-down counter, Kurogiri advised him not to do things alone as the other stormed out, slamming the door behind him. They needed a team with people they could trust- or at least control.
The blue-haired guy strolled down a dark alley with no light in the evening sky. He mumbled, "Just picture it-a world without the 'Symbol Of Peace'. I'll show society just how fragile their sense of safety is..."
Beneath the flashy super society lurked a dark underworld. Every time the villains were driven back, they retreated into the safety of the shadows, regaining their strength...waiting for the perfect time to strike...
"The master is good," Shigaraki acknowledged, concentrating on the tower of cards he had built. "I tried to find out where those idiots were going, and he figured it out in an instant." Guess he showed me up."
Although his expression never wavered, he lacked as the leader. His master even found the location of his numerous underlings who had been in hiding for so many years. But that was to be expected from the infamous 'Demon Lord'...
Suddenly, the door to the bar opened.
"I heard back from the Union. You can expect your delivery tomorrow," said their broker, taking a puff from his cigarette as he walked in. "It was thrown together quickly, so it might not look like much, but the quality is guaranteed."
"I must apologize for making such an unreasonable request," Kurogiri replied.
"Tell me, Shigaraki- do you know why the Union accepted this outlandish order of yours?" Giran asked, huffing out smoke into the room.
"Cuz everyone's got high expectations of you. If the league steps into the light, the scum hiding on the sidelines will follow suit." Giran smirked, "And if that happens, it means brokers like me will be rolling with hungry-new customers. Crime pays."
Shigaraki sighed with pleasure, "Oh yes! You're gonna be so busy you won't be able to keep up!"
"I'm looking forward to that..." Giran walked out the door.
"The board is set with my pawns and their prey," Shigaraki said with a menacing grin. "Finally, time for the real game to begin~"
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ɴᴀʀᴜʜᴀᴛᴀ ᴄɪᴛʏ, ᴊᴀᴘᴀɴ
It was around 7 P.M., and the city had settled into its usual calmness as people headed home from work. Inside her apartment, Mahou Murasaki was in the shower, taking her time to prepare for a special evening. However, as she checked the time, she realised she was running late.
"Oh no!" she exclaimed, wrapping herself in a towel and hurrying to her vanity. Fortunately, she already had her outfit planned - a white turtleneck, a black denim jacket, and matching bell-bottoms.
"Simple but presentable," she thought, relieved that her attire was sorted.
Next came the makeup. While she wasn't an expert, Murasaki decided to do her best. She applied blush, a tinted gloss on her lips, and, of course, her beloved eyeliner to make her pink eyes stand out. As she glanced at her reflection, she debated adding jewellery but concluded that her outfit looked great and didn't have time to fuss over accessories.
Finally, she looked at herself in the full-length mirror, and her eyes fixated on her stomach peeking out from the crop top.
"I should've worked out for the whole year instead of one day. Damn...I miss how it looked," she lamented.
Realising she was running even later now, she hurriedly checked the time on the wall clock - 7:30 P.M. Panicked, she grabbed her keys, phone, and Tanto (a handy weapon she never left without) and rushed to lock the house. Outside, she noticed her grandfather's bike under the shed.
"Should I take this? I am late, and I could easily skip the bus ride. Kyushu and I could also take a ride around the city..."
She pondered, momentarily lost in her daydreams. However, memories of the stern cop from last week flashed in her mind. Thankfully, Naruhata's police were used to people like her — ex-cons, conmen, and kids without records. As long as they got their bribe or didn't have to do paperwork, they looked the other way.
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*Flashback*
"Listen, kid. I'm letting you go this time because I don't want you to pay the fine... and because it saves me paperwork. But the next time you're caught driving that bike without your license, I'll charge double."
"But I'll have to wait another year to get my license!"
"So? Use the bus till then and get outta here!"
*End of Flashback*
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Murasaki came to her senses. "I really can't afford a penalty right now. I haven't gotten my salary yet, and I won't for another two weeks," she thought, power-walking to the closest bus stop.
She exited her building and was on the empty road in front of it. On a summer night in Naruhata City, the atmosphere exudes a sense of tranquillity and safety that sets it apart from many other urban areas in Japan. With a significantly lower crime rate, the city's streets become a haven of peacefulness.
The streetlights gracefully illuminate the pathways, providing a soft and welcoming glow. Their warm illumination adds to the overall sense of security and fosters a serene ambience that permeates the city.
Still walking fast, Murasaki bumped into someone she didn't wish to see. They locked eyes, and the green-skinned girl figured out where Murasaki was headed.
"Oh, Mahou," Aimi greeted, her ruby-red eyes flashing something between irritation and... disappointment?
"Going on your special date?"
"Uh... How did you know?" Murasaki replied with rigidity, standing tall and looking directly at Aimi, refusing to back down. However, Aimi remained unfazed.
"What did you expect? You'd go out with Shinto Kyushu, and no one would find out? He's got friends, unlike you." she smirked. "Also, usually, you look basic. So I figured it must be that day..."
Murasaki rolled her eyes at the taunting remark. "Okay, good that you know. Now, if you excuse me, I need to go." She tried to step aside and continue on her way, but Aimi blocked her path, flipping her olive green, curly hair over her shoulder.
"You didn't let me finish," Aimi said, standing her ground. "He also said you were like his puppy dog who did all his work for him. Still thinks he likes you?"
"You're just jealous that he asked me out instead, right? That's why you're spitting out bulls**t." Murasaki replied with a sarcastic smile, which caught the girl off guard. "I know it sucks that a quirkless girl did something you couldn't!"
"You think I'm jealous? Of you?" Aimi scoffed. "Please. I just thought I knew you. Guess I didn't." She gritted her teeth and stomped away in the direction of her home. Murasaki sighed, walking her way. She soon reached the bus stop near Hopper's Cafe.
While waiting for the bus, she took a moment to peek around the cafe to check how things were going in her absence. She felt a sense of responsibility towards her job and rarely missed a shift.
Then, to her surprise, one of her bosses walked out of the cafe. He noticed her and waved, offering a warm smile.
"Ah, Murasaki! How are you, dear?" he greeted.
"Good evening, Ichiro-San! I'm doing well," she replied, flashing a bright smile.
Curiosity got the better of him, and he inquired, "Where are you taking the bus?"
"Uh...I am meeting someone at the diner further east that opened up recently."
"Oh, great! No wonder you didn't come to work today. Who is this someone? If you don't mind me asking, that is."
"Um...It's Shinto Kyushu," she hesitated, anticipating his reaction.
"Kyushu? The kid we once hired to perform in our cafe and fired a week later?"
"Yup," she said nervously.
Concern filled Ichiro-San's expression as he warned her, "That boy is a bad influence on you, Murasaki. Do you even know why we fired him?"
"Why?"
"Because he got drunk and trashed the kitchen, breaking so much of our stuff. Besides, don't you remember how much your grandad hated him? That kid smokes, drinks, and probably does some other dangerous things. You shouldn't be associating with him."
Despite feeling the pressure, Murasaki decided to speak her mind. "I appreciate your concern, Ichiro-San, but Kyushu is much more than his habits. He is kind to me, unlike Aimi and the others. He hung out with a quirkless kid, even when people told him not to do so. As for bad habits, who doesn't have some? Even Grandpa and you used to smoke together. I thought you would understand him... "
The man felt a little attacked but tried to keep his composure. "Yes, I have some bad habits myself," he cleared his throat. "But I don't force them onto others as he did to you, dear."
Her eyes widened upon hearing his reply. Her smoking habit was not under wraps anymore.
"He isn't the family you want—"
"H-How long have you known?" she asked hesitantly, not looking him in the eyes.
"Your grandfather told me when he was in the hospital...told me things you never mentioned yourself. And I promised him I'd look out for you."
Murasaki sensed there was more he wasn't saying, but Ichiro's voice softened, not pressing, just protective.
Before their conversation could escalate further, the bus arrived, interrupting their discussion.
"I have to go, Ichiro-San. I promise to come to work tomorrow."
"Okay, Murasaki. Just be careful," he said with concern. He knew that teenagers often made their own choices, and lecturing them wasn't always effective. He simply wanted her to stay safe.
Murasaki smiled at Ichiro-San, trying to reassure him that she understood his concern and wasn't angry with him. Then, she boarded the bus, finding a seat by the window at the back. The cold night air hit her wavy-purple hair, and she let her mind drift to her thoughts about Kyushu and the things people had said.
"She's just acting jealous because she can't bother me anymore since I'm with Kyushu... I refuse to believe her bs until I get any proof."
She was certain that Kyushu genuinely cared for her. The kindness he showed her, the times they spent together smoking and driving her grandpa's bike - it all felt authentic.
To divert her mind, as she often did, she turned to music, putting on her earplugs and playing 'Feel Good' by Daya. Music had always been a constant companion in her life, expressing her emotions better than words ever could. As the lively tune filled her ears, she felt a surge of excitement for her date.
After a short walk from the bus stop, Murasaki reached the diner, spotting Kyushu leaning against the wall outside. He wore his usual all-black getup, casual and cool without trying.
"Yo, here!" he called out, waving at her.
She smiled shyly, feeling her heart skip. He really came. She walked up, half-reached for a hug—
But he extended his hand.
"Uh—sorry," she laughed awkwardly, shaking it.
"So, ya ready?"
"Y-Yeah," she said, cheeks still red. It's fine. He's probably nervous too.
They stepped inside the diner. It was nearly empty—just one family, a couple in the corner, and them. The soft lighting and clean booths gave off a cozy vibe. Murasaki beamed, eyes wide.
They went into the diner, which was empty for the most part, with just a family and another couple there. They sat on the table beside the big door, taking their seats opposite each other.
Both were waiting for the menu. Murasaki was trying to ease the tension- tapping on the table, cracking her knuckles, making some small talk to keep the momentum going...
"This place is amazing, isn't it?"
However, Kyushu sat as relaxed as ever, as if this is what he did on a Tuesday (Today was not Tuesday, let me tell you). He was scrolling through his phone without displaying much enthusiasm in the ambience or his date.
"Hmm," he replied, eyes still on his phone.
She laughed it off. He's just checking messages... maybe confirming the music deal?
The two slid into a booth by the window. Murasaki tried to keep the momentum going—tapping her fingers, asking about the menu, cracking a nervous joke. But Kyushu seemed distracted, eyes locked on his screen, expression unreadable.
A waiter came by. "Evening! Here are your menus."
"By the way, miss," he said, smiling at Murasaki, "you look stunning."
"Oh! Thanks," she said, flushing and glancing at Kyushu.
He didn't even blink.
Maybe he's just not the type to compliment people out loud... she thought. Or maybe he's tired... yeah.
She tried again. "I saw Aimi on my way here."
That got his attention. He looked up, eyes narrowing.
"She said something to you?"
"No. But I think she was angry," Murasaki said carefully, keeping the earlier fight to herself.
"Tch. Whatever," he said, eyes back on his phone.
She sighed quietly. He never acted this detached when we hung out before. Is something wrong?
"You okay?" she asked softly. "You seem a little off today."
He looked up again, holding her gaze this time.
"...Just missed you," he said after a pause, forcing a crooked smile. "Even though I had that Camino gig, you were on my mind. Wish you were there."
Murasaki lit up. "You know I would've come if I didn't have work that day..."
"I know. It's fine. Maybe it's better this way—we're here now, right?"
"Yeah," she smiled, feeling butterflies again.
When their food arrived, Kyushu pulled out a cigarette.
"Want one?"
"You know I quit a year ago."
"Right... sorry, bro. Forgot."
The waiter reminded him of the no-smoking policy, so Kyushu left the table. Alone, Murasaki stirred her sashimi with her chopsticks. The distance between them felt bigger than ever.
He used to open up so easily... why does it feel like I'm the only one trying tonight?
He returned a few minutes later, blowing residual smoke from his nose.
She tried again. "Did something happen in Camino?"
Kyushu paused, then sighed.
"A producer offered me a shot—a real one. Big label. Wants me to drop a track. But I gotta cover half the costs."
Murasaki leaned in. "That's amazing, Kyushu! But yeah... I get it. It's a big risk."
"My savings are tight. Mom's been pushing herself... I dunno, I just feel like I'm walking on a wire."
She nodded. "If there's anything I can do to help, tell me."
"Can you convince the old dude to give me my job back?"
"Except that."
"Haha, worth a shot."
After they finished eating, Murasaki insisted on paying. "Save the money. For your music. I want to help in some way."
"Fine," he said, slipping his phone away. "Then let me do something for you."
Before she could ask what, he slipped out of the diner. She found him moments later, revving his mom's white car.
"Get in," he grinned.
Her eyes lit up. "Your mom let you take the car?"
"Said it was a special night."
She climbed in beside him, beaming, tucking her hair behind her ears as they pulled onto the main road.
Music filled the car. The wind played with her hair. The city lights faded into distant sparkles
As the car sped along the open road, she couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. The wind brushed against her face, carrying the scent of freedom and adventure. She was thrilled to be sitting next to Kyushu, sharing this moment with him, and the excitement was palpable.
For a moment, it all felt perfect.
The city lights behind them faded, replaced by winding hills and tall grass brushing against the side of the road. The music played low now, just a hum beneath the weight in her chest.
Murasaki noticed the turn.
They weren't going toward Naruhata.
Her heart skipped.
"...Where are we going?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Kyushu didn't look at her. "Got a surprise. You'll like it. Trust me."
Surprise?
A gift? A view? A kiss?
Or something worse?
"Kyushu... it's not something illegal again, right?" Her voice was careful.
He gave a short laugh, hands tight on the wheel. "Nah. I told you. I'm not screwing things up for you again."
She exhaled, but her fingers tightened around her seatbelt. The air felt heavy. A strange quiet between the trees.
The car slowed near an empty patch of road by a hill. Moonlight spilled down, painting the scene in cold silver.
"We're here," he said, parking beside the ridge.
Murasaki stepped out slowly. "This place is kind of... eerie," she muttered.
Kyushu closed the door and walked around toward her.
"Close your eyes," he said, holding something behind his back.
She blinked. "What?"
"Just trust me."
Despite the knots forming in her stomach, she smiled nervously and obeyed, holding out her hands.
His voice came softer now. Too soft.
"We've known each other for two years... You were always kind. Even when I didn't deserve it."
A pause.
"It almost makes what I'm about to do feel cruel. But... I'm sure you'll understand. Like always."
Click.
Cold metal tightened around her wrist.
Her eyes flew open.
"Kyushu—?" she whispered, panic creeping in. "What are you—"
He avoided her gaze, reaching for her other wrist.
She yanked back instinctively. "No—Stop! What is this!?"
"I told you not to fight it," he muttered, and for the first time, she saw it: shame flickering across his face. "It'll be easier that way."
"Are you seriously doing this!?" she shouted, backing up. Her eyes scanned the road, the trees—until a rustle snapped her attention left. A man stepped from the shadows. He had black hair and half-burned skin, wearing staple-like pins to keep it together
"Well, this went smoother than I expected," he said, smirking. "Good job, kid."
Murasaki's breath hitched. Her legs trembled. "No... No, this—this isn't real..."
Her fingers twitched toward the tanto in her pocket... but she froze. She couldn't stab him. Not him. Not yet. She looked back at Kyushu, her voice shaking. "You... you sold me out?"
He didn't answer.
"I thought we were friends," she choked. "After everything—I helped you, I cared—"
Kyushu's jaw clenched. "You were useful, Murasaki. That's all."
Her eyes filled with tears. "But I—"
"Don't make this harder than it is!" he barked suddenly, then flinched, lowering his voice. "I didn't want to do this, alright? But I had no choice."
"There's always a choice."
"I have a mom who's breaking her back working three shifts. A dream that's going nowhere. And the League handed me a f**king offer I couldn't ignore."
He looked at her finally — and for a moment, she saw the boy she thought she knew, hiding under layers of fear and frustration. Then he turned his back. "Take her," he said flatly. "I'm done."
Murasaki's body went cold. Her thoughts screamed, but her body moved — fast.
Before Dabi could react, she lunged, yanking Kyushu's wrist toward her and slamming her fist into his face.
"ARGH—!" he yelled, stumbling back, nose bleeding.
She fumbled through his jacket, grabbed his car keys, and ran.
"Shit!" Dabi growled, throwing his hand up, fire gathering.
But Murasaki was already inside the car, starting the engine with shaking fingers. She couldn't breathe. Couldn't think.
Just drive.
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*Flashback- At the LOV base*
Shigaraki remarked, "We are missing a person."
Confused, Dabi asked, "What are you saying? All the people you need are here."
"She's not associated with the Union, but she's useful if we get our hands on her. Get her as soon as possible, burnt guy."
"Dabi, you need to capture this girl," said Kurogiri as he slid a picture of a teenage girl on the bar top.
"Who is this?" Dabi asked, to which Shigaraki replied, "You will find out if you get her. There is this boy who's helping us get to her in a few days. Give him this bag of money once you're done." Shigaraki threw a bag towards him, which he caught with one hand.
"If I do this, you owe me, leader."
"Yeah, whatever. Just don't harm the kid helping us, master has ordered."
*End of Flashback*
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Murasaki's hands trembled as she gripped the steering wheel. Her pulse pounded in her ears, matching the rhythm of her frantic thoughts. She fumbled with the keys, finally jamming them into the ignition. The engine sputtered, then roared to life. She had never driven a car before—not really—but instinct took over.
She slammed her foot on the gas, sending the car lurching forward into the night. The handcuff still clamped to her wrist clinked against the wheel as she veered up the winding hill road. Behind her, the black tempo sped in pursuit, headlights bouncing through the darkness.
Inside that vehicle, Dabi leaned back with a smirk.
"That's what you get for talking so much, idiot," he said dryly, glancing at Kyushu.
Kyushu hissed through clenched teeth. "Yeah, yeah. Just catch her. She's a crap driver—she won't get far."
But the road was narrow and winding, twisting like a serpent through the cliffs. Murasaki fought to keep the wheel steady, her whole body tensed, her breath shallow. Blue fire lit up the rearview mirror in intermittent bursts—Dabi's warning shots, searing through the trees. Each flame that missed made her grip the wheel tighter.
How did they find me? The question echoed through her skull louder than the engine. Her chest ached with panic. Her vision blurred—not from the wind, but from memory. This wasn't the first time she had run for her life. And it wouldn't be the last—unless she made it out.
"I have to get away," she whispered to herself, again and again, like a mantra. But the tempo was gaining on her. The gap between them was shrinking fast.
"She's pulling away!" Kyushu shouted, gripping the dashboard.
"She won't get far," Dabi replied with eerie calm. "Take the wheel."
"What? Why?"
"I prefer the view from up top."
Before Kyushu could argue, Dabi slipped out the window and climbed onto the roof of the tempo, balancing easily despite the vehicle's speed. His arms extended outward. In a sweeping motion, he unleashed a torrent of blue flames ahead of Murasaki's car, blocking the road completely.
The wall of fire roared to life—hot, violent, and impossible to pass.
Murasaki's eyes widened. Her foot hovered over the brake, but fear held her in place. She knew she couldn't stop—not with them right behind her. But if she kept going, she'd drive straight into the inferno. There was no time to think.
In a last, desperate act, she threw open the car door and dove out, her body slamming into the rocky slope beside the road. She hit hard—too hard. Pain shot through her skull as she tumbled, her head striking a jagged rock. Her vision spun. Blood trickled down her temple as she tried to stand, only to stumble forward and collapse again.
Behind her, the car crashed into the fire and erupted in a thunderous explosion. The heat washed over her as the flames swallowed the vehicle whole.
Her strength gave out. Her limbs refused to move. The last thing she saw was the sky flickering with blue light before everything went dark.
When the tempo skidded to a stop, Dabi hopped off the roof without a word. Kyushu followed, storming toward Murasaki's unconscious body.
"Goddammit!" he shouted, grabbing her roughly by the hair. "You ruined my f**king car, you bitch!"
Dabi raised an eyebrow but didn't stop him. "You'll get another one. Don't get sentimental."
Kyushu clenched his fists. "This wasn't part of the deal. I want more for this crap."
"You're already getting paid. Don't push your luck." Dabi's tone cooled with warning. "Take your money and disappear."
He reached into the tempo and tossed Kyushu a bag—the one Shigaraki had prepared. The boy caught it and immediately unzipped it, eyes widening.
"Holy sh*t... This is more than I expected," he muttered, greed lighting up his face. "I can finally pay that producer. Drop that album..."
Dabi waved him off. "Yeah, yeah. Go chase your dreams, rockstar."
Kyushu slung the bag over his shoulder. "Fine, I'm gone. But I want it on record—if this mess gets traced back, I was never here."
"That's what the mask is for, genius. Now scram."
Kyushu turned to leave, but glanced back one last time as Dabi lifted Murasaki into his arms.
"You really gonna haul around a quirkless girl like she's some kind of prize?"
Dabi's eyes narrowed slightly. "Our leader has his reasons. And if you had any brains, you'd know not to ask twice."
"Hmph. Whatever. She's got no family left anyway. Just that old man—and he croaked last year. No one's gonna miss her."
He started down the hill, still grinning. "Enjoy your little hostage. I've got beats to make."
As he disappeared into the dark, Dabi shifted Murasaki's weight and carried her to the tempo. Before stepping inside, he looked at her bloodied, unconscious face.
"Mahou Murasaki, huh?" he muttered. "Guess there's more to you than meets the eye."
He slid the door shut and revved the engine. Camino City awaited—and so did Shigaraki.
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ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ'ꜱ ɴᴏᴛᴇ
So, how did you like the opening? I will not reveal much about the OC until future chapters
If you have any ideas, please let me know.
Thank you for reading :)
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