Every breath brought them a step closer as Cathal and Fumikage entered the gates of Mirror Knot City, and they continued onto the Distribution Center located between two dilapidated skyscrapers. When they entered the gate, they both felt a holographic wall scan them instantaneously, and the boys felt a tingling sensation as the AI welcomed them into the city walls. Fumikage looked around as the city was composed of nothing more than crumbling buildings, rubble, and bodies of water that littered every street and every alleyway. The city contained a dreary and dead appearance, with countless ruined buildings as far as the eye could see. The Capital District was in tatters, a street corner containing a drugstore, jeweler, and nail salon were all boarded up and closed down. A restaurant opposite of the Distribution Center was destroyed and in ruins with bricks falling short. Several windows on endless buildings were shattered and broken, with signs of Timefall wearing the locations down, yet all of that faded as the boys entered the Center. They ran down a long slant and felt a tingling as a clear blur light washed over them twice.
DECONTAMINATION IN PROGRESS.
Suddenly the voice played out again.
GOOD AFTERNOON CATHAL 'HANDYMAN' SUMMERS, ORDERS AVAILABLE AT THE DELIVERY TERMINAL.
At the bottom of the slant was a large hanger bay and Cathal pulled Fumikage to the right, and together they stopped in front of a small terminal system. To the left of it was a large conveyor belt that led back into a massive storage area where hundreds of cases were being processed by several automated machines. The hanger itself had a cool blue glow of lights blanketing the metal surfaces of the hanger. The air contained a low fog, one thin enough to see through, and it even added a level of ambience to this banal town. Fumikage took the time to observe all of his surroundings, allured by the futuristic technology, it even reminded him of home.
"Put the cases on this belt, then we're done." Cathal explained.
Fumikage reached behind his back and felt the gold case's body, and he grabbed it with surprising ease. He felt the weight of the package instantaneously and he immediately rushed to grab it with both hands, feeling sweat run down the back of his neck.
"Heheh, did that my first time too," Cathal chuckled as he laid three packages on the conveyor. "Let me help ya."
Cathal helped Fumikage place the package onto the belt, carefully stacking it with the other cases forming a small cube of some kind. The redheaded boy then flicked his wrist after approaching the terminal, and then, the packages were taken away. The machine in the back suddenly carried it upward deep into the facility, and soon after the terminal displayed a hologram of a woman. She was wearing a headset covering her ears and a microphone was attached, and she was wearing a black tank-top. She was wearing a pair of tight khaki pants and black work boots, her hair cut in a silver ponytail. She was an African woman with deep blue eyes and golden brown skin, and she crossed her arms.
"Hey it's the Handyman!" She said happily. "Can't believe you took this assignment, I thought you and Bridges weren't in a good standing."
"We aren't." Cathal replied in a punctual voice. "I'm doing this for those people inside, not Bridges."
Fumikage looked over to his left, noticing the aura emanating from Cathal's eyes. They spoke of anger and infinite hate for Bridges. Yet deep down… something else spoke to him. A modicum of… regret, loneliness….
What happened between you and Bridges…? Fumikage thought.
"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, but hey I'm not one to judge," The woman said in a kind voice. "Alright, let's see what we've got."
The woman turned around and knelt down inspecting the case. She opened the lid and gazed upon the blood samples and bags. Then she turned around.
"Excellent!" She cried. "The blood's in perfect condition! It's on its way to the patients now, although… judging by the casing I'm guessing you had to go through BT territory right?"
"Yeah…" Cathal answered quietly. "Close call but it was worth it."
"Sure was, you did great!" The woman cried.
BLING
The woman gave Cathal a thumbs up and a holographic blue heart appeared right over her thumb.
"Oh my! Jesus I'm sorry for my manners, who are you young man?" She asked, suddenly turning her attention to Fumikage. "Handyman usually works alone."
"Oh well, that's alright," He said. "I'm…"
"He's a friend," Cathal interrupted. "Said he wants to be a Porter so I'm teaching him the ropes."
sigh "Yes he's telling the truth." Fumikage said, playing along with Cathal's act.
The woman tilted her head in the hologram, curiously looking at the boys.
"That's quite a realistic mask you're wearing," She said as she studied Fumikage's face. "And it's stylistic too!"
"I- uh… yes…" Fumikage replied awkwardly. "It took me a… while to craft it. It's meticulously made, and I used the finest materials available to me."
"Well then, guess I have to spend some time with you," The woman joked. "Anyway you guys look tired, and since you've dealt with BTs you've probably got some chiralium on you. So why don't you stay in the Private Room? You may not be with Bridges but hey, it's my treat for how well you did."
Cathal and Fumikage paused for a moment, wondering about the offer just made. The redheaded boy showed interest in the idea, however, Fumikage could still feel that lingering anger from moments ago. Bridges, an organization that appeared to have great influence on the people here, it felt like this place, this… ideology gave some kind of hope. Was such an organization so evil?
"My home's not far from here, I don't mind walking back." Cathal argued.
"You sure you want to do that?" The woman asked. "Those things never stay away for too long, they could be back now."
"So I'll just find another route!" Cathal lashed out. "Look I know you're just being nice, and I appreciate it I really do, but I don't feel like being spied on by some Bridges propagandist so can I PLEASE JUST GO HOME?!"
Cathal was breathing angrily at the holographic woman, and the latter simply closed her eyes and shook her head, holding her hands together. The redheaded boy simply turned and left heading back towards the entrance of the center, so fast that he soon disappeared from sight. Fumikage gasped a bit and tried to leave, but he couldn't bring himself to do so. He clenched his fist and walked back to the terminal.
"Please forgive him… I have no idea why he shows such anger at Bridges." Fumikage said as he bowed respectfully.
"Hey I get it, really I do." The woman stated.
"Hold on, I was able to understand you earlier, and you can understand me right now?"
"Oh yeah kid! Translation kicked in the first time you spoke," She replied. "But I'm gettin' off topic. Yeah, Handyman's been that way for a long time, he hates Bridges and I understand why he does. Can't really blame him."
Fumikage looked back at the entrance and barely made out Cathal's figure, he was waiting at the entrance gazing into the sky.
"He's been this way for a few years, blames Bridges for what happened to his parents…" The woman spoke. Fumikage turned around looking at the silver-haired woman who shook her head. "I shouldn't have said that, that's not something for me to share."
"What happened to him?" Fumikage asked. "Please, I know I may be a stranger but Summers is… a friend."
The woman leaned her head back and sighed deeply, her silver hair flickering in the hologram.
*sigh* "Well you seem like a nice guy…" She said, "A few years back something went down in Mountain Knot City way out west from here, it's in the Central Region. I think it was a Voidout and… oh God, so many people were killed in the blast... Now I don't know the details but I do know this…"
"Whatever happened out there… his father was killed, and he blames Bridges for it."
Fumikage gasped and looked back at the entrance.
"Hey look, I don't just go around telling this to anyone, whoever you are, you've really gotten on his good side," The woman said. "Trust me, that bond is special, don't let go of it. God knows we need to rebuild rather than stay isolated…"
"I don't plan on burning the proverbial bridge any time soon," Fumikage stated deeply.
The woman snickered, and clasped her hands.
"My name is Cora," She said. "I'm glad you understand how important this is, and my offer still stands. If you and Cathal want to stay here for the night there's nothing wrong with that in my book."
"Thank you," Fumikage stated. "I'll see if I can speak to him."
"Do what you can, in the meantime I'll be administering this blood myself, if you want to see me in person head over to the Medical Facility. It's about five blocks from where you are, it looks like a large triangle building." Cora stated.
Fumikage looked back one more time, noticing her smile.
"Wait… you said his father was killed in this… 'Voidout.' What about his mother?" He asked innocently.
Cora shook her head.
"No one knows, not even poor Cathal out there…" She said in a dejected voice. Fumikage gasped in shock, like he had been shot in his heart.
"Apologies, I didn't mean to pry."
"Hey I get it, you're worried about him!" Cora stated with kindness. "To me that shows you really do care about him."
Fumikage simply bowed quietly.
"Thanks again, I'll stop by if I have the time. Good day." He stated. "Oh, my name is Fumikage, Fumikage Tokoyami. It's a pleasure meeting you madam."
"Huh, how 'bout that?" She asked. "There aren't that many Japanese folk out this far east, but hey, it's nice meeting you too kid. Till next time!"
Cora nodded and the hologram vanished from the room. The lights continued to give an ambient and relaxing glow as Fumikage headed for the entrance in a hurry. He needed to confront Cathal on this… outburst.
Fumikage! FUMIKAGE!
WHAT IS IT DARK SHADOW?! Fumikage thought with great irritation.
Woah no reason to get so angry! Dark Shadow responded. Do you think that's why Summers hates Bridges so much?
That would be the obvious conclusion, but I need to at least say something! Fumikage thought. He needs to apologize to her for his tone.
Well yeah, but do you really think bringing up his parents is a good idea?
Fumikage paused in his steps.
Think about it! I get that you're starting to care for him but so far he's our only ticket back home! Dark Shadow explained. Don't you think that should be our priority?
Of course it is, but I can't just leave knowing that he's suffering from this pain. Fumikage protested. He may not have told us himself, but that kind of darkness is not something one should hold in themselves…
*Heh*
Why don't you tell that to Mom and Dad then? Last I remember you were acting preeeeetty selfish back in middle school.
Fumikage froze, and he grit his teeth… as rage boiled inside of his heart.
F-Fumikage? Dark Shadow asked.
Not. Another. Word…
So callous, so… disheartening. Such a tone impaled the lowly soul through its dark heart, and it truly did not have the words to defend itself. The Dark Shadow that Fumikage called his Quirk chirped a saddened cry, and it simply went silent. Fumikage took a deep breath and slowly unraveled his fist.
Mama… Papa… where are you…?
Oh dear… that dreary though slipped its way back into his mind like a nightmare that refused to die with the light. He shook his head in a vain effort to rid them of his soul. He moved forward to his comrade, his acquaintance, this stranger calling himself Cathal Summers, but even that seemed questionable now.
I wanna go home…
There it was again gnawing at him like a cancer, something slowly killing him from the inside as he made his way up the artificial slope. He closed his eyes and raced towards the finish, and suddenly light blinded his eyes once he made it to the surface. He opened his windows to the soul and there sat Cathal next to one of the vehicle blockers, his bi-colored eyes looking up at him. It was a curious sight, knowing his right eye's iris was black, yet the left iris was white. Was it unique to him alone? Were there others out there in this world like him?
"You coming?" He asked.
"Summers listen to me-"
"No you listen to me," Cathal snapped back. "Look… you're a nice guy and I'm still interested in your world, but don't trust anything that Bridges tells you. They're nothing but a bunch of guys and girls stuck in the past thinking America can be rebuilt."
"You may not like them Summers but I have seen what they're capable of, that woman Cora was grateful for what they've done for her. This includes the people who received the blood we just delivered."
Fumikage got in Cathal's face as the two boys saw a grand shadow bloom outside. His yellow beak nearly touched Cathal's chin. The redheaded boy was only a few centimeters taller than Fumikage, which even at their age, was slightly below average.
"We should be more open minded with them. Give them a chance-"
"They HAD their chance already!" Cathal argued loudly. "They- *sigh* I trusted them and so did Saoirse a few years ago okay? Something bad happened… very bad, and ever since I don't want them coming close to me ever again…"
BLINK
"I meant what I said on the hill, I wanna trust you, I really do, but if you really think siding with Bridges is a good idea then that trust is gone!"
*Ahem*
Such an outburst was silenced by a quiet and calm expression. For the boys looked to the side… and a woman taller than both of them slowly walked towards them with a calm aura. Her beauty was unparalleled, with short reddish-blonde hair combed in a wavy pattern backwards, and her outfit was as hypnotizing as her face. She was wearing a black leather jacket with strange… smoothed spikes on her shoulders, which all "deflated" into a litter of small circles. Her jacket contained a simple design on the front, with a blue stripe on the left side over her heart. It stretched from her neck down to her waist, and on her left sleeve wrote a single word in large white lettering. Her skin-tight pants were as black as the midnight sky, and she was wearing thick boots as well. Strangely enough, she was carrying a rather peculiar umbrella, one with a broken glass design. The "fins" of the umbrella were techy, sharp, and elegant.
"Well, looks like someone's in a bad mood again, isn't that right Cathal?" The woman spoke as she walked to the boys. She had a rather thick French accent.
"Oh! I- I'm…" Cathal stuttered.
The woman simply appeared and hugged Cathal with a warm embrace, leaving Fumikage to stare in awe of such a calming aura. The raven-headed boy couldn't speak, this woman was beyond words he could use. Such anger and coldheartedness was simply washed away by a kind gesture, it was almost intangible to see such a thing. Fumikage could only imagine, even in this brief moment, what such a kindness could do to some back home. Bakugo was the only person he thought of. Could his brash nature be doused in such a short time?
"Oh, sorry didn't see you there," The woman said as she slowly let go of Cathal. She offered her hand out to Fumikage, and the latter noticed she was wearing thick black gloves. Then, she smiled.
"My name is Fragile."
—-
Five Minutes Later
The Private Room located in the Mirror Knot City Distribution Center was more spacious than either of the boys thought. It was a rather large room with a gracious amount of open space, and a large futon big enough for two people. There was a table sitting next to the futon, and in the back was a cylinder similar to the one in Cathal's home. It had a shower head in the wall, and underneath it above the drain was a retractable toilet. Next to the shower stall was a sink and a holographic mirror, one where Fumikage was now standing. He stared at his reflection longingly, looking directly into his eyes. His jet-black t-shirt was thin and felt tight on his body. Yet it also felt flexible like an idyllic suit of tactical armor. He turned on the sink and cupped his hands. He splashed the water in his face and shook his head, his hair becoming loosened slightly with each passing moment. As he looked in the mirror again, he saw Fragile walking towards him with something in her hand.
"Are you hungry?" She asked.
"Well I had a meal only an hour ago but I thank- what in the world?!"
Fragile was holding some kind of worm creature between her fingers, one with small and stubby arms. There were six arms in total and it was squirming softly trying to escape her grasp. The creature resembled a tardigrade, a microscopic animal living in seawater, and it made a fast clicking sound as Fragile squeezed it harder.
"Wh-what is that thing?" Fumikage asked as he slowly backed away. Fragile simply moved closer, showing him the critter much to his disgust.
"It's a snack," She said cheerfully. "A Cryptobiote a day keeps the Timefall away… so they say."
She suddenly put the cryptobiote in her mouth and closed her lips.
CRUNCH
An audible crunching sound echoed in the room as Fragile slowly ate the worm in her mouth, and Fumikage simply stared with widened eyes, sweat running down the back of his head.
"Forgive my rudeness but I think I'm going to vomit." He said as he held his stomach.
"It's alright," Fragile chuckled. "Knowing the state you're in, I can't really blame you for how strange everything may seem…."
She turned around and her erratically calm nature continued to shine, reaching for another worm from a bag.
"These are actually quite good for you, they may not taste like a Michilin star meal but they're nutritious."
CRUNCH
Fragile consumed another cryptobiote and then handed a third to Cathal, who was sitting quietly on the futon laid out for the boys. Like Fumikage, he was wearing a black t-shirt and a pair of gray pants with bare feet. He took the tiny creature and put one in his mouth.
CRUNCH
Just like Fragile before him, he chewed on the cryptobiote and swallowed it shortly after. Fragile reached for a fourth worm, and in a swift and sudden fashion, Cathal stood up and snatched it from her fingers. He ate it swiftly and sat down. Fragile was a bit shocked at first, but her smile reigned once again.
"Someone's hungry," she said happily. "But I'm getting off topic. So, Cathal tells me you're from another world, another dimension where the Death Stranding never happened. And instead of your world having DOOMS and BTs like us you have these 'abilities' called 'Quirks?'"
Fumikage simply grunted and looked on into the woman's ocean blue eyes.
"Yes, that summarizes it well," He said.
"And your face, I take it that's a Quirk too?" She asked.
"Yes…" Fumikage answered quietly.
"Well then, it's special," Fragile complimented. "So that's why you signaled me isn't it Cathal?"
Cathal looked up at the two individuals and silently nodded.
"You called Madam Fragile here?" Fumikage asked.
"Aye," Cathal replied. "Saoirse said to only contact her if it was an emergency, and this is an emergency."
"What happened?" Fragile asked. "She told me she may have needed my help on the Beach but then she just hung up on me. Did you lose connection to the Chiral Network?"
"No, she just… disappeared, and Fumikage here was in her place. I went up to get a delivery and when I came back down… he was just standing there."
Fragile slowly turned her gaze over to Fumikage, he could feel this strange sense flowing on top of him. Her face appeared irritated, angered, but she still seemed so calm and collected.
"Well I can't blame you, you have no idea what's going on or who we are. Or anything else in this world," she said. "So, this all started with you on your Beach, and Saoirse was there with you?"
"I… yes," Fumikage stuttered. "Like I told Summers I was minding my business in my class when I just 'appeared' in that place."
"So you have DOOMS like us then," Fragile stated. "If you managed to travel to your own Beach while conscious, then you must be pretty high. What's your Level?"
"You're the third individual to ask me that question, and my response is still the same," Fumikage stated. "I have no idea what my 'level' is, nor do I have any knowledge on what DOOMS is…"
"Well, those things then, Cathal told me in the message that you ran into BTs, could you see them?" Fragile asked.
"Yes madam." Fumikage replied politely. "They were… abhorrent abominations…"
*Hmm* "Level Three then… or higher."
"Level Three? How many Levels are there?"
"Up to 10 I think," Cathal stated. "I'm Level Five, but I have no idea how I got so high."
"You were born in March Cathal," Fragile interjected. "Your sign is Pisces, people born under that sign usually have a higher level of DOOMS than others."
"Oh…" The boy said in a saddened voice.
He looked at the floor and simply remained silent, but Fumikage took notice. The raven-headed boy made his way over to the futon and sat down next to him, looking at him silently.
"What exactly does DOOMS 'do' to people?" Fumikage asked. "It seems to serve as a tool but…"
He looked at Cathal, who looked up at him with his bright eyes.
"It would also appear to be a double-edged sword." He stated.
Fragile knelt down in front of the boys.
"I'm not the one to really speak about DOOMS or Beaches, you should speak to Heartman about that, he's the specialist." She said, "But I can tell you that you're right in both regards. DOOMS gives us powers that can help, but it's also dangerous to us. For example, the former allows us to do this…"
She suddenly stood up, her umbrella in her hands fully deployed as if she was in the rain, and the spikes on her shoulders shot up.
BLINK
Fumikage gasped as Fragile vanished before his eyes. There was a lingering particle substance in the air that soon disintegrated, and the sound of someone gasping for air. Her umbrella was suddenly floating in the air.
"Here I am."
BLINK
Fumikage gasped once more as Fragile appeared right next to him, catching her umbrella with her left hand.
*Hehehehee* "Can you stop showing off Fragile?" Cathal asked in a cheered up voice.
"I'm not done just yet," She said as Fumikage backed away with wonder in his eyes. "And as for you my little Bird, there I go!"
BLINK
She vanished from all sight once more, causing Fumikage to look around the room. His beak was left ajar in shock.
"She can do all of this with DOOMS?" he asked with wonder.
"Of course I can."
BLINK
Fragile appeared once more standing next to Fumikage.
"Gah!" He cried. "Must you always- nevermind…. How are you doing this?"
"I travel to my Beach and use it to walk to different places," Fragile explained. "Time doesn't move on the Beach, giving me all the time I need to get from one place to another."
"And I'm going to teach you how to do it as well."
Fumikage gasped a third time and Cathal immediately jumped to his feet.
"You're gonna teach him how to Jump? Can you teach me too?!" He asked.
"Cathal…" Fragile stated.
"No please I'm begging you! Teach me how to Jump to the Beach! Not only is it gonna make deliveries so much easier but it'll help me find Saoirse!"
"It's not that simple Cathal packages have to be left-"
She suddenly approached the boy, and sighed.
"You're still trying to play Porter, is that right?" She scolded.
"Fragile I-"
"You're too young Cathal, you're only 15! This isn't something you should do and it's certainly not a game!"
"I've been Porting for two years now, come on Fragile! I can do this! I can see BTs, I've dealt with MULEs before, I know where the pitfalls are!"
"And what will happen once you fall into the pit?" Fragile protested as Fumikage watched them. "If a BT catches you it'll trigger a Voidout, you'll die! And what happens when a MULE catches you as well? They'll beat you to death over cargo, that is if they don't torture you first."
"I'll be fine!" Cathal argued. "Why can't you just trust me? You have your own shipping company, Ms. Fragile Express! Hire me! I know how to use a gun!"
"Will killing someone truly make it easier to strive forward?"
Fragile and Cathal both looked at Fumikage, who stepped forward.
"I've only been in this world for about an hour or so, but in that time I've learned that you're… you're a good person Summers. You're not a killer." He said with a strong will. "And based on what little I know about these things like DOOMS and Beaches, or Bridges or anything else in this world, I do know that the only way forward is together. So, maybe if we can all come to an understanding, then we can finally solve this enigma that stands before us."
Cathal and Fragile looked at him and slowly lowered their heads.
"So far Summers you're the only person that's gone out of their way to truly guide me ans show me how to survive, and Madam Fragile, you're doing the same right now by offering to teach me about DOOMS, so I'm hoping we won't be torn apart by this… debacle." Fumikage continued. "I want to be able to help in any way I can, and… I still need to find a way to return home where I belong."
The room fell silent after the speech and the trio took a moment to reconvene. Fighting always rips those apart when dire situations occur, and in this world that's the last thing they would want.
"And finally, how did you two meet? It seems you've both known each other for some time."
Cathal shook his head.
"I met Fragile when I was nine, she's uh… a friend of the family."
"Cathal is a troublemaker that's for sure, I've been with him for six years now." Fragile said as she rubbed her hand in Cathal's wavy red hair. "He's like a little brother, and Saoirse's become something of a sister as well. Sometimes that just happens, do you know what I mean?"
"I… yes, I can understand that." Fumikage replied. "There are some in my class that I hold similar feelings towards."
Fragile smiled as she turned away.
"Then you know why it's important to me that Cathal's safe. Like I said he's a troublemaker, but he's a good kid, I'm glad you met him even in this strange circumstance."
D, A, A, F#
Suddenly that same jingle from Cathal's home rang out.
"If you would forgive the intrusion I believe I have a solution to our mutual problem." said an English voice over an intercom.
*dfft* "Of course Bridges would be listening in, this is exactly why I wanted to go home Fumikage…" Cathal stated angrily. The crow-headed boy shook his head.
"And who is this?" Fumikage asked.
"Oh! Where are my manners, call me Heartman," The voice said. "I'm Bridges' top scientist and specialist on the Beach, and I'm curious about your current predicament young man."
Fragile stepped forward with a smile.
"Hello there Heartman." She said warmly. "Is Die-Hardman still trying to bring me in?"
"Well, yes but that's none of my business, nor do I really care," the doctor stated with a monotone voice. "I do hope your company is doing well though, the Central Region needs more stability from what I've heard."
"That is does…" Fragile said in a hesitant voice. Something Fumikage and Cathal noticed.
"In any case, Mr. Tokoyami, forgive me but I've been listening this whole time about your condition, so you're from another world and somehow accessed the Beach… despite your 'reality' never having experienced the Death Stranding…"
"Yes sir." Fumikage stated.
"You appeared in Cathal's home suddenly, and then you made a delivery to this facility in Mirror Knot?"
"Let me guess, the doc told you?" Cathal interrupted.
"Precisely young man," Heartman replied. "I'm shocked that someone who's only been here for an hour or so has not only learned the basics about DOOMS and Beaches, but even accomplished a delivery while also managing to survive a BT encounter. On top of that, you have no experience in… anything akin to Porting or DOOMS at all. That to me shows that there's nothing but potential in you."
The raven-headed boy blushed, and then bowed despite the fact Heartman wasn't in the room.
"I'm humbled by your words sir." Fumikage said politely.
"Thank you, but now then, if it's alright with you of course Fragile I'd love to see how well these boys can do traveling to their Beaches."
"Heartman, we've talked about Cathal before, he's too young."
"Perhaps, but you and I both know that in this world we need all the help we can get. Cathal, you may only be 15 years of age, but you've proven yourself these last two years as a freelancer. I think it's high-time you learn how to take full advantage of your DOOMS abilities."
The redheaded boy shook his head and crossed his pale arms.
"Thanks…" He said quietly.
*sigh* "Fine, let's get started." The woman stated.
ONE MINUTE REMAINING, SECURITY MEASURES ACTIVATED.
"Oh… what perfect timing…" Heartman said sarcastically.
"Is everything alright?" Fumikage asked.
"Oh no worries, this is a process I've grown quite accustomed to, I'll be 'away' for the next few minutes. But please proceed, everything's being logged as we speak."
Fumikage squinted his eyes, he didn't like the idea that he was being recorded and sighed quietly.
"Alright then, come here." Fragile ordered. Fumikage and Cathal both approached her. "So, here's how we're going to do this then. Both of you are capable of going to the Beach on your own, but you need to break into it first. Fumikage is your name right? I'm going to help you find your Beach, then I want you to… imagine yourself 'Jumping' there, your DOOMS will take care of the rest."
"You're positive this will work?" He asked.
"It's how I do it all the time, but you have to understand that I can't follow you there. You have to… invite me to your Beach once you've arrived."
"And how do I accomplish that?"
Fragile simply smiled.
"Reach out, and I'll come by." She answered.
"Fragile, are you gonna be okay? You already jumped a few times how'll that affect-"
"I'll be fine, just need a little snack is all." She replied.
"A-alright." Cathal stated.
The redheaded boy quickly opened Fragile's duffle bag and a cryptobiote appeared. Much to Fumikage's shock, the small creature started crawling into the open air, as if it was flying. Cathal grabbed the little thing and handed it to Fragile, who grabbed it between her fingers.
CRUNCH
She chewed on the little water bear once more and swallowed it with a face of satisfaction, and in an instant, all went silent. Fragile deployed her umbrella and held it in the air. With the cryptobiote consumed, she let go of the handle and it suddenly hovered in the air on its own, directly above her and Fumikage. Then she grabbed his shoulders softly, and leaned her head in. Fumikage followed suit after quickly looking at Cathal, who gave him a thumbs up. Then… he touched his forehead to Fragile's, after she bent slightly to fit his short height.
"I want you to picture your Beach, focus on the sound of waves crashing onto the shore," She said as she closed her eyes. "Think about your friends, your family, anything that reminds you of home, because that will truly lead you there."
Fumikage closed his eyes, and did what he was told. His mind went black, everything he learned and the new faces he met in such a short time vanished. He thought only of home, his friends, his parents, his home. Everything felt like it was returning to him in full color. He thought of his mother, her beautiful red eyes and long black hair. His father had the head of an eagle, with the same tan beak as his own. Then, Fumikage's thoughts drifted to his friends. Izuku Midoriya, the green-haired prodigy of his class. Shoto Todoroki, the bi-colored hair boy, and one of the most powerful in the class. Tsuyu Asui, the girl he admired and her frog-like traits. Momo Yaoyorozu, the smartest of the class, and one of the most confident people Fumikage has ever met. So many other faces appeared as well; Shoji, Hagakure, Kirishima, Sero, Jiro, Ashido. He felt… saved in that moment.
"There it is, now Jump!"
Fumikage opened his eyes and then…
BLINK
The Private Room vanished from all sight, the lights disappeared… and the Sun replaced it. The wind felt peaceful on Fumikage's face as he stood on gray sand… staring out into the ocean. He looked around at the rocks, the seashells that washed ashore, and at the dead whales that littered the tide. All of them had umbilical cords reaching back into the waters, just as it did before, and Fumikage was startled and scared by it all the same.
"So… this… is my Beach…" He said aloud. "This is the place that exists between life and death is that it?"
He turned his head back towards the mainland… and his heart stopped. His eyes widened in disbelief and shock as he gazed upon a sight he thought was out of reach.
"That's- that's impossible!" He said.
"Is that U.A.?!"
As he stared into the mainland, he stared at U.A. High School, the top rated Hero school in Japan. He was in awe that the four grand buildings just… popped onto his Beach. Even the trees that bordered the school sprouted from the gray sands of the Beach, and to his shock the flag of both U.A. and Japan were proudly flown in the sky. He stared at the glass, so perfect and it shone with the sun, and next to the main building was…
"Is that our dorm building?"
Standing much closer to U.A. than in his world was the Class 1-A dorm building. Heights Alliance was the official name, and the building stood tall adjacent to U.A. as well. So many days Fumikage spent in its walls, learning to call it his home away from home with his diverse cast of friends. For many days he stayed there, learning his new ultimate move, and learning how to improve himself among others. Although, that one day never left his mind, the day he let his teacher down.
Yet Fumikage turned his head and saw… himself sitting outside of the building with a few others. There was a small bonfire lit in a circle of stone as he, Kirishima, Todoroki, Midoriya, Yaoyorozu, and Ida simply sat there around the flames. The five students who went alone to save Katsuki Bakugo when he was kidnapped, the day All Might was forced to step down over and reveal his true, skeletal nature to the world.
"I just… I…" Fumikage stuttered. "I don't understand… why all of you went out there despite everything we said…. Did you all think you were above us?"
"No! Of course not!" Izuku replied. "Tokoyami we- we only went because we were all scared of what the League would do to Kacchan."
"I'm with Midoriya on this man," Kirishima added as he pat Fumikage on the shoulder.. "Bakugo's one of us, and he's our friend! I get what everyone was saying but it didn't sit right with me that he was out there!"
The raven headed boy simply watched, he was in shock that he was sitting with all his friends. He went up trying to join the group, reaching his hand out to one of them, try and reconnect with his friends. He reached for Todoroki, who was sitting next to Fumikage in that moment, and yet when he did so,
His tanned arm simply passed through Todoroki's shoulder.
Fumikage gasped and removed his hand from the figure, and he continued to stare with widened eyes. He looked at his right hand, noticing how it shook slightly in this dead world, and he tried again. He did so this time with great force, so much that when he tried to touch Todoroki, he fell. Fumikage felt himself lose his balance and he fell forward, right through Todoroki's entire body. He collapsed face first in the sand, feeling the grains enter his nostrils and mouth. He placed both of his hands on the surface and ripped his beak out of the sand.
"Ah…. CHOO!" He expressed.
Fumikage sneezed over and over as he wiped his eyes and spit sand out of his mouth, and he blinked several times trying to regain his sight.
"Here, need help?"
Fumikage looked up and he felt water in his eyes from the sand, as a familiar figure appeared.
"Summers?!" He cried. "That was quick!"
Cathal stood over Fumikage and offered his pale hand out to him, and the latter took it. Cathal pulled him onto his feet and even helped him regain his balance. Then, they both looked at this sudden group of people.
"This is your Beach huh?" The redhead asked. "These people here, are they your… friends?"
Fumikage looked at him and then looked at the group.
"Yes, close ones at that. But this is merely an apparition…" Fumikage said in a dejected voice. "Hold on, how did you get here? I was… gazing upon this, and now you're just 'here.'"
Cathal looked at his hands, scanning them obsessively almost, and he looked up at the raven-headed boy.
"I heard you call out to me, and I followed the voice," He said. "I did it on my own too! Isn't that great?!"
"On your own? What about Madam Fragile- Hold on a moment. I… never called out your name, or Madam's."
Cathal looked around, gazing at the surroundings of Fumikage's Beach. He saw U.A. and the dorm building sitting underneath the mountains at the back, the lush green forests surrounding the school, he even saw the flag of Japan waving next to one of the large towers.
"Fumikage, you have to understand that there's still a lot we don't know about the Beach, it works in some really strange ways." Cathal stated. "Every single person who has a soul has a Beach, and judging by the looks of it, this is what your soul perceives as a safe haven."
Together they looked back at the school, and once again saw the group sitting in the same place around the fire. They walked closer to the group of teens, and they simply watched quietly. Ida stood up and walked around brushing his sleek black hair, and adjusted his spectacles.
"Tokoyami…" He started. "You were there, I protested Midoriya and Kirishima's plans to go find Bakugo, but I also knew deep down that I couldn't let them leave unsupervised!"
He clenched his fists as he looked into the flames, the crackling as they burned away at wood.
"But more importantly I couldn't stand the idea that my friends could've died while I sat home twiddling my thumbs! I could never live up to my family legacy if I let that happen! Not only that, but how could I call myself a Hero with the knowledge that my friends were killed, and that I could've stopped it?!"
Fumikage and Cathal simply watched on as the intervention continued.
"I went because I placed a tracking device on one of those creatures, that Nomu. Kirishima and Todoroki asked me to join them," Yaoyorozu explained. "But I fully agree with Ida, I couldn't sit by while everyone else was putting themselves at risk to save Bakugo!"
Fumikage suddenly shot up in the air.
"Did you think I wouldn't feel the same way?!" He cried.
Everyone gasped as the real Fumikage turned his head away slightly. Cathal looked at him with calm eyes, and even reached his hand out. Yet, he took it away at the last moment, and continued to watch.
"We didn't think that at all!" Kirishima cried. "Really! My whole body was telling me 'I shouldn't go' but I just couldn't leave my buddy out there!"
"AND I FELT THE SAME WAY!"
Everyone gasped in shock as Fumikage screamed at them, his eyes filled with anger and hands clenched into fists. His teeth were grit under his beak, and he was taking deep, angered breaths. However, he sat down on his chair again and started shaking, sniffling like he was holding in tears.
"Midoriya… Todoroki…" He whimpered. "You both saw me in the forest when I lost control. I was able to briefly compose myself for Bakugo's sake, but in all truth… I was terrified…"
Midoriya stood up and knelt down next to Fumikage's chair.
"When I saw you in so much pain because those villains snatched Bakugo, and all of that damage you sustained to your arms… I didn't know what to do or what to say…" Fumikage continued. "I spent those few days later in my room silently wondering what would happen. I cursed myself for not being stronger and allowing Dark Shadow to rampage. And then? Then we all come to see you and discuss what would happen. I'm sorry, but when you stated you were going to save Bakugo Kirishima, I couldn't agree with you."
"Hey I know what you mean-"
"I'm not finished." Fumikage said, interrupting Kirishima. "You all heard me say it, we should've let the pros handle the rescue, and instead you all disobeyed a direct order from Mr. Aizawa, and left anyway. I agreed with Asui as well, the fact that you all broke the rules means you're no different than the villains!"
"Tokoyami I-" Todoroki started.
"But at the same time I also broke the rules!" Fumikage lashed out. "I didn't say a word about you all leaving, or that I knew about your plan! I didn't tell my parents, or any of the teachers, I kept it all in the dark. And even more! I overheard Uraraka call all of you outside to speak in private, and I saw Asui out there in tears. That all happened just two days ago, yet here I am now, being told that I would've been expelled from the academy of my dreams and having the exact same discussion that Asui had!"
Fumikage shook faster, and the rest of the group grew visibly worried.
"And the worst part of all…"
"...Was knowing that the people I've come to call my friends could've died."
Fumikage took a deep breath.
"I know that being a hero means one must take risks… but the fact of the matter is that we're still teenagers, we're not legal adults, how would that have affected our families and friends?! And *huff* when Mr. Aizawa told us you left to save Bakugo *huff*
"Do you all *sniffle* have any idea how abandoned I felt?"
The silence crept onto the group… and Fumikage finally let his tears out. He began crying and lowered his head, tears dripping onto his lap. Rather than letting out a loud wail, Fumikage simply whimpered quietly, suffering in silence. He sucked in the air trying to understand why… why would his friends would do something so dangerous? And as this played out, Cathal and the Fumikage in the present simply watched.
"These people are your friends…" Cathal stated. "But I don't understand, if they're your friends then why would they go behind your back like that? They're not Bridges are they?"
"Bridges doesn't exist in my world, it's as I said in the cave, there are Heroes and Villains." Fumikage explained. "I remember all of this… we were at a summer camp in the mountains training our Quirks to become stronger… but we were attacked by a group known as the League of Villains. They took my classmate Bakugo, and these five went to rescue him."
"I… I'm still trying to figure it all out but, they really hurt you, I can see that at least." Cathal commented.
"Maybe, but in reality, they never abandoned me at all."
Todoroki stood up and approached the crying Fumikage in this… memory. He knelt down in front of Fumikage, who was quietly whimpering. He brought his hands up to his eyes and tried to cover them, trying to hide his sorrow from the group. However, he felt something touch his knee. He looked up, bringing his hands to his legs, and he saw Todoroki's honest face, showing a look of guilt.
"I… don't regret saving Bakugo," He started. "But I do regret doing this to you. Making you hurt like this, I regret doing this to you and everyone in our class."
Fumikage looked up as tears dripped down his cheeks and beak.
"What I'm trying to say is that if we didn't go, the pros could've missed Bakugo, but we shouldn't have put you and everyone else in this position. It was a horrible and stupid thing for us to do, to put you through this for days."
Todoroki stepped back and then… he took a deep bow.
"I'm sorry for what I did, and I'll never do this again, I swear it."
Fumikage gasped slightly.
"Todoroki…" He muttered through drenched tears.
"I'm sorry too!"
Midoriya joined Todoroki's side and bowed as well.
"I'm so sorry Tokoyami!" He cried. "You were right to call us out, we shouldn't have broken the rules like we did, and we'll never do it again."
"Same here." Kirishima added.
"And us as well," Yaoyorozu chimed in. "It was wrong for us to think we could accomplish that on our own. Thank you Tokoyami… for criticizing us!"
She bowed as well, and soon Ida joined the group as well.
"It was extremely dishonorable for all of us to abandon the rest of you like this, and it brings great shame to us as Heroes! Tokoyami… we will never commit something so horrible ever again. And I'm also sorry for bringing you so much pain. Please forgive us for this…"
Fumikage stood shocked as all five of his friends laid before him, all of which were giving a respectful bow as an apology. ANd yet… Fumikage simply stepped towards them, and he grabbed all of them into a large hug. He was shaking and sobbing, and as Cathal and Fumikage watched this illusion, they saw Midoriya sling his arm over the raven-headed boy's back as a peaceful embrace. They saw how everyone came together in that moment… and Cathal looked over at Fumikage.
"Wow…" he said in awe of the moment. "Those people… you care about them deep within your heart…"
"They're some of the greatest people I've met," Fumikage stated. "I- I need to find my way home soon, they're probably terrified from my… *sigh* disappearance."
Fumikage pointed at some of them, easing Cathal forward.
"The one with the green hair is Izuku Midoriya, he has some... oddities about him, but I have nothing but respect for him. He's helped me in ways I never imagined." Fumikage said with great nostalgia. "The one standing in front of me is Shoto Todoroki, he and I talk reguraly in private. He's... one of my closest friends at school, and I honestly opened up more to him than... anyone in my class really... And standing next to him is Eijiro Kirishima..."
Fumikage continued to gaze at his friends, and Cathal watched with wonder in his eyes.
"Kirishima is incredibly energetic, always boasting about what it means to be 'manly,'" He continued. "But, that energy inspires me to move forward, and I also spend a great deal of time with him. Tenya Ida there with the black hair is our class president. He's one of the most intelligent and responsible people I've met, even if he makes himself a jester at times..."
"Yeah…" Cathal said.
"And finally, there's Momo Yaoyorozu..." Fumikage raddled. "She's... an incredible woman. Smart, dependable, creative, confident... and a wonderful friend..."
Fumikage rubbed his eye, and Cathal noticed a tear drip down his cheek. Despite most of his head being covered in black hair, he could still see the trail leaving.
"Summers, they mean the world to me, so you understand the way I feel, don't you? I must find a way home!"
"Yeah I do, you're stranded in this world, and I'm trying to find Saoirse…" He spoke. "Who would've thought it would make us meet huh?"
Fumikage looked the boy in the eye.
"What's wrong?" He asked. "I've only known you for an hour and already I can tell when something is troubling you."
Cathal looked out at the gray ocean, the corpses of whales and dolphins lining the shore. Strangely, the waves started to increase in intensity.
"I…" Cathal started.
Fumikage pat him on the shoulder, and the redhead turned around.
"I've… never had a friend before, if you really wanna know."
"Oh, that's horrible…" Fumikage said in shock.
"This is all just happening so fast, like you said it's only been an hour but," Cathal said. "For some reason ever since you showed up I just feel like I'm in a better mood."
"Hmm…" Fumikage grunted. "Maybe we can… build bridges once I better acclimatize to your world and it's… 'rules.'"
The two boys simply watched the waves crash onto the shore as the corpses fell back into the water.
"Right now for instance, what was that back there? That was something that happened not too long ago for me, how did it materialize like that?"
"Like I said, there's still a lot we don't know about the Beach," Cathal stated quietly. "I'm not just a Porter you know, I've been learning a lot about the Beach, DOOMS, BTs, and all this stuff from my sister, and I'm trying to help her too."
"So, what you saw was a memory, if the feelings you have are that strong, then they'll appear on the Beach. I've… had some happen to me before."
"That's… unique…" Fumikage muttered.
They looked back at the mountains, U.A. and Height's Alliance still sat in a grove in a beautiful manner. They both noticed how the roofs of the building were crumbling, and the rocks and boulders were floating into the air. And yet, the group of kids vanished, leaving no trace in sand…
"Let's head back, we're both learning how to Jump aren't we?" Fumikage asked.
"Yeah… like I said, it felt so… easy too." Cathal stated. "It was weird, do you think the higher our DOOMS level the easier it is to Jump?"
"That could be the case, we can check that with Madam Fragile and Heartman I suppose," Fumikage.
Together, they started walking on the shore.
"I guess we can do that." Cathal said with a smile. "Let's do this!"
"Wait… how do we go back?" Fumikage asked.
They stopped walking, and Cathal grabbed Fumikage's arm. The bird-headed boy felt the cool touch of his hand on his skin, and it chilled him.
"Close your eyes, and picture that Private Room we were in," Cathal explained. "I did the same thing that Fragile told you, but then I heard your voice."
"Very well… *huff* *sigh* close my eyes, and picture the room…" Fumikage replied.
Together they closed their eyes, and waited. They could hear each other's breath, a sound so soft yet so reassuring. Pictures of rooms and lights entered their minds, auras calm, and an ocean calmed. For a moment longer, there was no sound, and no raging winds. It all came down to a singular point, and when they opened their eyes…
BLINK
The suffocating sound of a man gasping for air rang out, and a flash of orange light appeared as Fumikage and Cathal both Jumped between the Beach and the waking world. It all felt so instant, like the room simply changed, and together, they were back in the Private Room.
"Woah!" Cathal cried excitedly. "I can't believe it! We actually Jumped on our own! Isn't that awesome?!"
He raised his hand for a high-five, and Fumikage looked away. He walked towards the glass wall and looked at the suits in the back, all of the coveralls with "BRIDGES" inked on the shoulders and chest.
"Are you really gonna leave me hanging here? WE JUST JUMPED… ON OUR OWN!"
Fumikage turned around and slowly approached Cathal, whose right hand was still in the air. The bird-headed student glanced at him for a moment. He noticed Cathal's toned body, no doubt thanks to the absurd weight of the packages he had to deliver. He saw how his pale skin was shining in the lights, yet underneath his dark shirt, he could still make out those cursed handprints. Strangely, they were both wearing black t-shirts in that moment, but in the end it didn't matter. Cathal continued to look downward slightly at Fumikage, until they came face to face.
Suddenly Fumikage raised his head and gave Cathal a high-five with great force.
SLAP
"YEAH! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!" Cathal cried.
*Hehe*
Cathal raised his eyebrows slightly, and noticed that Fumikage was snickering. He saw him smile, his teeth shining underneath his yellow beak.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Oh nothing…" Fumikage said in a delighted tone. "You just remind me of… someone I know."
And when he looked up, he saw Kirishima standing next to Cathal, both had an energetic aura to them. In the end… it made Fumikage happy.
BEEEP BEEEEEEP
WARNING! WARNING! INITIATING CITY-WIDE LOCKDOWN.
"What on Earth?!" Fumikage cried in shock.
The lights blacked out in the Private Room, and were soon replaced with blood red emergency lights. The room was drenched in a crimson glow as Fumikage and Cathal looked around, the former gritting his teeth.
"What's going on?!" He cried.
"No fuckin' idea!" Cathal retorted. "They don't put the city on lockdown for nothing though! Something seriously bad's happening!"
BLINK
And then, a familiar person Jumped in.
"Fragile!" The boys cried.
Fragile appeared and collapsed onto her knees, and the boys rushed to her side. Cathal noticed that her nose was bleeding profusely, and Fumikage threw her arm over his shoulder, and aided her to the futon. Without hesitation Cathal ran for her bag and grabbed a handful of cryptobiotes and handed her one. She grabbed three of them and threw them into her mouth, chewing and eating them as fast as she could. Together the boys waited as she slowly regained her strength, but her breathing was strained.
"Madam Fragile, what happened?!" Fumikage cried.
*huff* "Jumping really takes a toll on my body…" *huff* Fragile stated with short breath. "I'm doing everything I can to save as many *huff* as many people as possible…"
"But Fragile your body-" Cathal started.
"I'm not letting that bastard do this to me again!" Fragile lashed out, "You both need to get out of here! *wheeeze* Head south to Old Manhattan, and from there make your way to Capital Knot City. Die-Hardman is there and-"
Yet in all of this madness, Cathal gasped and stepped back in terror. Fragile saw this however, and reached out.
"I- I'm sorry! I wasn't angry *huff* at you Cathal…" She cried in a tired voice.
The redhead slowly approached her again, and clenched his fist.
" He's here… isn't he?!" Cathal screamed.
"Who are you talking about?" Fumikage cried.
The alarms blared out, and the blood red lights drenched the room in an eerie manner. For today, terror reigned in the city, and in order to make it out… they would need to work together.
"Listen to me… both of you…" Fragile warned.
"Higgs and his people are invading Mirror Knot!"