Eri twisted, searching for something, anything to help her escape. Her muffled pleas grew quieter, yet more desperate by the second. A wave of pain hit her eyes, becoming acutely aware of how long she'd been crying for.

A hand wrapped around her throat, save one finger, instantly quelling her struggle. "Enough of that." Shigaraki's eerie monotone seemed to echo despite the open air. The night was quiet, still and betrayed the gravity of the situation. The moon was almost mocking in its celestial freedom, Eri solemnly noted. She'd have broken down again if she had any tears left to cry.

This reminds me of something... no, someone...

"Eri. It's cold out. We should head inside, don't you think?"

His coarse orders stopped for an unnecessary amount of time between sentences, taunting her inability to protest. A single crimson eye peered from behind his matted hair and removed all pretence of this being a choice. He rolled his eyes upon noticing Eri's hesitation, more annoyed than anything, releasing his vice grip on her neck and kneeling to meet her gaze. "This isn't permanent," he made a flippant gesture towards the unflinching handcuffs holding her, "Now I won't say it again. We should head inside."

Shigaraki took a step away from the child, something resembling guilt gnawing at him. Collecting himself and pushing aside his sympathy, he turned back towards the looming building before them.

Tartarus...

"Don't worry, old man. It's all coming together..."

"Shut up, Spinner."

"He's done nothing but kept us in the dark, tell us what's going on or I'm walking."

Dabi steeled himself. "Door's that way," he motioned sharply to the exit. The two stood off, neither budging.

"I think we've all had our fair share of arguing for one day, right boys?" Compress interjected with a performative flourish, unwilling to let the tense silence stretch any longer.

"I dunno Sako. Spinner's kinda got a point."

"Oh enough, Bubaigawara. Tomura's been stressed enough given all the... activity, as of late. He really doesn't need the threat of being even more shorthanded, no?" The magician retorted, far more amicable than the still staring Dabi and Spinner. A halfhearted shrug from Twice told him all he needed to know.

Toga sat upon a decrepit jukebox, listening intently. "Does it really matter?" Twice and Compress swivelled to meet her impartial gaze, eyebrows raised behind their masks. "As long as we keep doing what we want to do, who cares if Tomura doesn't tell us?"

"I do!" Spinner yelled back, eyes still spitefully locked with Dabi's. The cremation villain scoffed without missing a beat, the roll of his eyes finally breaking the staredown. "And when did we ever care what you had to say, Stain Junior?"

Compress could've sworn he heard a pin drop. Twice hid his face in his hands. Toga continued to playfully swing her legs, seemingly unaware of what just happened.

"Why you arrogant, little, you-"

"Quiet." Shigaraki strode out to meet the League, eyes downcast. "The Doctor left a message."

"Oh why thank you, Your Majesty, for coming to meet the commoners!" cried Spinner, bowing quizzaciously before glaring daggers at their leader. Shigaraki's sigh came not of contempt, but of exhaustion, catching Spinner off-guard. "Sorry." "Oh, you're- wait, what?" Spinner took a step back, his animosity deflated upon being denied a fight. "I'm sorry. In truth, there wasn't much to tell you. I didn't want you all to lose faith in me, in the League. I had almost given up hope when I found this."

Procuring a holographic recorder, Shigaraki played the most recent message - labelled My Final Gift. The image of the Doctor, sweating profusely and hyperventilating, appeared before the League, stunning them each into silence. "Shi-" A crash sounds out from the hideout, "Shi, Shigaraki! Please, give this message to the League! I-I, I don't-" An explosion, followed by shattering glass. The Doctor became increasingly panicked as the recording went on. "I don't think I have much time. The heroes, they found me. I don't know how, but I..." Primal fear manifested within his glassy stare as he trailed off.

"I have a plan to release All For One."

The mere mention of their former leader was enough to elicit a collective gasp.

"I have no time to say it, so I'm-ARGH!" The wall behind the Doctor was abruptly blown away, revealing a troupe of pros. "No, no, pleAHHH-"

The recording abruptly cut off as the Doctor was struck. Closing the recorder, Shigaraki stood and took a long, thoughtful look around the room. "I got the Doctor's plans, but there were a few blank spaces." He swayed slightly, threatening to topple. Despite this, his tone remained deathly serious, yet reserved. "Let me be clear. Once we solidify this, there's no going back. This is our last shot."

The League exchanged looks. "What's that supposed to mean?" Twice probed. "It means what I said. If this fails, the League is no more. If it succeeds, we'll finally make progress. I won't judge anyone for not taking part."

An eternity passed, uncertain glances taken every so often. Compress was first to rise. "Tomura, it has been an honour. I must say, I didn't expect things to take such a sudden turn, but I stand with you."

Toga jumped down from her perch. "This'll be fun! Count me in!" She threw her hand forward, looking to Compress. With a chuckle, the magician complied and placed his prosthetic hand upon hers.

Twice removed his mask, giving a shaky breath before speaking. "Before I go through with this, I want you all to know that you've helped me. I mean it. I'm with you guys 'til the end." His hand joined the others.

"No need to get all sappy on us, Bubaigawara. Fine, guess I'm in." Dabi joined the group, all looking expectantly to Spinner.

The lizard man apprehensively decided a number of times for and against speaking up, eventually deciding on silently nodding. His hand joined the others. "Finally come around, huh?" Dabi jeered.

Shigaraki tried desperately to suppress... whatever he was feeling right now. "I couldn't ask for a better team." Shigaraki said daintily, as though any semblance of vulnerability would shatter their faith in him. If having his hand on theirs made the League nervous, they concealed it well.

"Come now, Tomura. Is using the word 'friend' too much to ask for?" Compress teased, Shigaraki quickly breaking eye contact. "Now, about this plan of yours..."

AN: Any and all feedback is appreciated and encouraged. Have a nice one everybody~