Chapter Text
Entering the elevator was one thing, but noting the familiar silver hair, wearing a white knee-length coat, with his back leaned against the wall was another.
* * *
Profile information
Name: Yuno Grinberryall
Age: 22
Features: Tall (185cm/6’1ft); Black hair; Amber eyes
Universe: (EM)CK 17 – V21
Status: Stable
Reposition to universe: (ME)CC 21 – V25
Reason: Universe suspected in possession of a preternatural object. Required to retrieve it.
* * *
“Yuno, inform me if you’re ready. No rush now. We just need you at your best.”
Looking around, he stood beside a large platform in the middle of a large, vaulted ceiling hall of the throne room where many were circled in a group, gazing at the elevated ground that presented a large strangely standing oval of blue fluid-like mist acting as a portal opening. Julius gave the most excited smile he had ever displayed in his usual childlike manner in witnessing any astounding devices never seen before. Yuno had only let out a breath of casualty as this wasn’t his first time.
No, he’s done this once and here he is, asked to do it again.
Universe jumping. An alternate universe. Visiting another world. No matter the words, it was the same. Somehow in some way a world similar to theirs but uniquely different. The people, their personality, the place, the names. They’ll be different. Refreshingly different. It may be unnerving for some, but to Yuno, it was intriguing.
When risking yourself to enter a new world in possibility of seeing a familiar face you’ve known in a different manner was laughable . . . until you see yourself. A rare occurrence which Yuno was grateful hadn’t happened to him. The journey along with other captains to help bring an artifact to the benefit of closing the hole to the underworld was the most crucial mission Yuno had undertaken . . . and the most fun. Understanding the similar yet different parallels of people you’d see is what gets you thrown off to a different angle. Funny or weird.
His mind travelled to the memories of his first universe jump. The only one he had done so far. Seeing his past experience as a universe jumper gave him some comfort when he remembered finding the familiar face of Sister Lily as a schoolteacher, which was already something close to her here as a nun. He expected she wouldn’t be exactly the same as the Sister Lily he knew. He was warned to expect that. Warned of the physical similarities. Warned not to walk up to her or anyone else expecting them to recognize him. There have been others he encountered. Some were quite similar except the absence of magic. He found Mimosa in the other universe as a healer specialized in herbal medicine. He tried to remember all the different people he knew and compared them to the previous universe, hoping he would find them again in his next jump, until . . .
He snickered.
It may be crude. He couldn’t help himself. No one had warned him how easily it is to meet a familiar face from a different world. Especially of the possibility of having their genders swapped . . . out of all the people, it had to be his closes friend. He couldn’t stop giggling at the once in a lifetime glimpse of his friend, his oldest friend, Asta . . . as a female archeologist to help him dig up the magic stone. He wanted to fill Asta in on that, his own universe, of course, to tell him about everything.
Being twenty-two, doesn’t make things easier for them as its been years since they’ve last talked. Since they’ve last seen each other. The universe jump excursion had been done a year ago after the many struggling years in devising and developing the right technology for the machine in the magic knight’s laboratory. In due course of that, each squad were taken in turns to guard the vicinity of the underworld entrance and destroy any devil that were to emerge. It was gruesome. Tiring. But finally . . . finally, they managed to close it after returning with the magic stone artifact.
But even after that, it was a year ago . . . when will he share all these things with Asta? He wasn’t sure. Asta doesn’t even know what he’s doing. What Yuno is even doing right now . . .
He looks up at the portal in front of him, about to enter another world once again. Performing a universe jump. That’s the terminology they have all gone for upon manufacturing the possibility of the machine. He hadn’t expected to do it so soon.
Again?
It had only been a year since he last used it. Sure, his heart thrummed excitedly, curious to see any more familiar faces and their new perspectives, but . . .
“I’m going alone?”
“Only the most powerful are able to enter. The intense mana field surrounding the opening of the portal would burn the skins of those with small flows that barely cover their skin.”
That was exactly why Yuno, among other captains, were appointed to travel last year . . . but now?
“The portal was a little run down from the first use last time. We need to fix it but it’s stable for now. However, only one person is allowed to jump or else the entire device would spark and collapse.”
That’s what Julius explained to him a week ago when he was briefed about the mission.
But . . . why him?
“There’s a necklace in corresponding to yours. It has no magical value in that world, but once brought here, the mana would intensify the potential, fusing it with intense power. It would be heavily useful in ways to protect our kingdom. I assume it best to appoint you as the youngest and most qualified . . . plus, I am sure you had fun on your last jump, am I right?”
Yuno merely blushed at the misty flash of the woman versioned Asta through his mind. He certainly had fun. A good laugh at the image with long silver hair tied in a ponytail and wide swinging hips that held nicely to the leather tool belt. He couldn’t help the smile when she repeatedly reminded him of her name as Astria despite the slip of tongue having the word ‘Asta’ always tumbling out whenever he referred to her in that universe.
Astria . . . Asta . . . Yuno wondered if he would encounter another Asta in the next universe jump.
Standing on the platform now, he solely thought how his Asta was doing.
He blinked at the thought.
His Asta? – no - this world Asta . . .
He mentally made a note to remember the name of this world he’s home to: ‘Early Modern, Clover Kingdom 17th Century, Version 21’ which abbreviates to ‘(EM) CK 17 – V21’.
He had to get used to the acronym.
Shaking his head of the random messy thoughts, he looked towards the magic Emperor, medals shining against the white tuft of velvet robe draped over, covering his entire body in spectacular gold and red, bright against the faint sun beams through those tall, high-rise windows.
Yuno nodded lightly, “I’m ready, sir.”
Julius nodded in acknowledgement, eyes meeting with the small crowd below the two-step gap that elevated the portal platform that he and Yuno shared. His shoulders straightened, eyes locked onto the four people, “Today, Yuno Grinberryall will be jumping into universe (ME) CC 21 – V25 denoting to ‘Modern Era, Clover City 21st Century, Version 25’.” He looked at Yuno, who could partially see his reflection fixed on those sparkling purple eyes, “A magic transmission piece is placed in your head in needs of communication between universes. You’ll be able to hear our voices through your head and you can talk to us both mentally and outwardly on either preference.”
Yuno nodded in understanding, already knowing he would only communicate mentally. There’s no way he would be talking out loud as if he were talking to himself.
“We’ll be able to view your progress using a magic third eye through the air. Of course, you have full wish on turning those off during private times. All you need to do is mentally say ‘Shut off” and we won’t be able to hear or see you through our portal monitor.”
Yuno was assured with this. If anything goes wrong, they’ll know . . . though he hoped and wouldn’t think that anything would happen.
Just get the necklace and go
That’s all.
He grabbed onto the strap of his bag, adjusting his brown cardigan over his white collared shirt, looking at the people grouped together one last time not knowing how long he will be gone for.
“Let’s hope for the best.”
Those were Julius’s last words before he heard pure silence ringing out. Entering the cold mystical liquid air, Yuno felt his ears tingle, air sucking out in a mild burn through his skin. The last faces he saw of the other four from William, Dorothy, Fuegoleon and Marx were a messy mix of concern and hope the moment his foot touched the portal. Bubbles of uncertainty and excitement brewed up in him too as his eyes forced itself shut from the blindingly bright surrounding.
The air soon thinned. Feeling his feet stand on something solid instead of the spectral hovering on invisible floor. The sun replaced the blinding light, making it just bearable to look around, squinting as he tried to make out the world that’s encompassed.
There was a deafening crackle in his ears.
(Yuno, it’s me Julius. Can you hear me?)
This brought memories to his last universe jump how Julius’s voice suddenly appeared in everyone’s head, startling the whole team. Yuno knew not to jump, already expecting things to go the same way as before.
~ Loud and clear sir. ~
(Good, good, Yuno. Now, do you see the building ahead of you?)
It seems the invisible third eye from wherever angle they’re seeing him from seems to be working. Yuno made out a large, white building ahead. A huge red cross in the centre as a symbol for the purpose it holds. A medical sign . . .
~ Yes, it’s a hospital ~
(Ah, good. Yes, this shall be easy. The necklace is located in the building. Hang on, Yuno. We’re sending you information.)
Yuno waited impatiently. Standing stoic still, head craning through the sun shining down where the name of the hospital was emblazoned in large letters ‘Black South Hospital’. He scoffed humorously.
Seriously? Black South? Sounds awfully familiar to me.
Time continued on. He felt awkward standing alone, though he should be used to it since he had been doing it so often back in his universe. It only felt off because people back home were walking leisurely through the base in contrast to the many blurs of people moving past him, knowing exactly where to go while he didn’t.
Still idle, not knowing where Julius is on the other end, he recognized the loud rumbles of heavy objects dashing past him from behind.
Cars . . . he knows about those from his previous universe jump, a modern world as well. They drove past him where he stood safely on the pavement.
Yuno started to itch, restless. He needed to go. He couldn’t stand waiting. His feet dared to take him across the unknown ground, through the bustles of people going in and out from the doors. Yuno walked right into the hospital, feeling air lift from his chest as the temperature considerably changed, nice and cool.
Two doors, leading to two different bathrooms were in front of him. Without thinking twice, he opened the door to the male’s. He chose the stall at the far end, locking himself in as he stood, shuddering with relief, hoping no one thought of him as a loss soul, unsure where to go.
Which he truly is.
The crinkle sound of a person grabbing a microphone echoed through his mind, he sighed, relieved that Julius was finally back on the line.
(Yuno? You there? We saw you moving into the hospital. That quick to start, hm?)
Yuno swore he heard a light chuckle from the emperor.
(Not to worry, we’ll get started right away. Now, there’s this new device we’ve made that not only allows us to see you clearly, but you can see others too. Here, raise your hands, palms facing up.)
Yuno did that exactly. He waited until a blue light from an unknown source shone against his palm. He was surprised to see the light dense up to a rectangular form, acting like a screen projected hologram.
(Our system allows us to track other people here too. What do you think, Yuno? Cool, right?)
The excited sounds of the emperor’s tone building up into a higher pitch with enthusiasm in the midst of constraining a formal voice which failed miserably made Yuno want to roll his eyes.
He did.
(Oh, come on Yuno. Don’t roll your eyes like that. Have some excitement!)
Yuno blanked, forgetting they were able to see his every move.
(Alright, back to the work at hand. Your display there on your palm will show whoever you would like to keep an eye on. Similar to what we are doing right now. If there is anyone of suspicion to you, you are to inform us of that person, and we’ll get things connected for you to view them. Understand?)
Yuno nodded.
(Good, now, since this is a hospital, you can’t simply wander around hoping no one would catch you. We’ve already decided you would be acting as a janitor to work here. Everything has been registered.)
~ A janitor? ~
(Yes, it’s easy. You get to be in a lot of places to search for the necklace while you pretend to clean. Any abjections?)
Yuno shook his head, unsure why he was surprised at being slightly offended at the role. Why would he even expect to be a pretend doctor or any role higher than that? That was too much of a risk.
~ No objections. ~
(Good, but if there are any unforeseeable circumstances, we might change roles however necessary. It just would require a lot of modifications. Well, Yuno, I wish you the best of luck. You may start on the second floor. We’ve gone through the whole floorplan. There’s a storage room you could start with. You may take the elevator at the lobby.)
~ Understood. Thank you, sir, Julius. ~
Yuno walked out, in search of the elevators. He felt a little down not seeing anyone from his world here. There were so many people he didn’t recognise. Was it supposed to be easy to find the alternate version of your people? Or was he just lucky to have met so many from his previous jump.
Walking past the reception desk, he found the entrance. Light shone through the glass doors, creating bright spots to dapple here and there across the shiny floor. Next to them were the tall steel doors of an elevator. He waited until the doors opened, ready to step in until . . .
Asta?
(No way, it’s Asta!)
Yuno cringed at Julius’s sudden voice echoing through his head.
~ Are you always going to do that? ~
Yuno was meant to say that internally to himself, but of course, it was heard nonetheless by Julius. He couldn’t help his contrite feeling for the tone of his voice. He was feeling extremely tense at the whole situation.
(My apologies Yuno. I will mute my microphone for now. I’ll turn it on when necessary. Good luck)
~ Thanks . . . ~
Yuno walked in, eyes scanning all over Asta’s body. He looked about the same age. His silver ash blond hair appeared messier with his usual black head band to keep the hair in place. He expected to not see a Black Bull badge on it of course, but the red cross is woven perfectly accurate to it. What he couldn’t get his eyes off though, was the white knee length coat draped over his black scrubs.
No way . . .
Is Asta a frigging doctor here?
Yuno proceeded to avert, turning around to press the button to the second floor. He glanced back at Asta (if he’s called Asta in this universe) noticing that he seemed a few inches taller. Not tall enough to be tall, but relatively taller than his own Asta. He would guess about 5’5ft . . .
Yuno mentally slapped himself for referring (EM) CK 17 – V21 world Asta as his own. He had to stop referring to his world Asta as ‘his own’. It’s not like he owned him or anything . . .
Their height gap in both worlds were exactly the same; Yuno towered him considerably. They stood on opposite ends of the elevator waiting as the door closed.
This situation was so odd. Entering the elevator was one thing . . . but having an Asta that isn’t familiar to him is another . . . or is it?
Yuno glanced back at the guy he’s consistently been calling ‘Asta’ in his mind. Now having a better look, his eyes automatically darted to the very appealing cheeks that were calling for his attention due to them being flushed bright red.
What happened to him?
Asta was quiet. That’s literally the first thing Yuno noticed the moment his eyes fell on him. Not only that, but the annoying pinch of disregard. Asta wasn’t looking at him at all. His entire face had been slanted, dipped a fraction lower to avoid any eye contact. Asta faced the right side of the elevator wall where he leaned against, not looking at Yuno’s direction to any degree. It did unnerve him quite a little. He wasn’t used to Asta being so reserved.
There was a faint sniffle that brought Yuno’s senses on edge, eyes twitching an inch wide before landing it on Asta’s whole posture. Asta had his head bent lower, a hand covering his face before running it down to pinch his nose bridge as a gesture of stress. His cheeks flushed more and Yuno swore he saw wet marks trace across the heated surface.
Hold on -
Was he crying?
Yuno had never seen Asta cry . . . ever. He watched in disbelief as Asta turned his back to him, facing the right wall entirely before swaying back to the front. Asta ran both hands down his face, wiping whatever remaining tears he had that he tried to hide, except for the ever so red cheeks. His white coat swayed as he crouched down towards a small, brown bag that he left on the floor.
He pulled out a tie and pursued to wrap it around his neck. Executing with a perfectly well tied tie. Yuno inwardly had his jaw drop as Asta immediately wiped his face once again, still not looking at him as he opened his mouth to speak in a mumbled manner.
“Sorry about that . . . please, just ignore me. I deeply apologise for it. That was unprofessional of me.”
Yuno stared, baffled.
Unprofessional?
He could have freaked out in concern the moment Asta turned to him in what he expected to be a forced smile. Asta nodded, grabbing his bag, desperate to leave. He momentarily made eye contact, cheeks rosy, before swiftly pulling away, eager not to see any part of Yuno; leaving in a dash the second the steel doors pulled open at the second floor.
Yuno could say he was slightly offended, but worried at the same time.
Should he be concerned? Was it his place to care? He couldn’t help the pull of strings twist in him. This is the first ever ‘Asta’ he had seen in years. He bit back whatever he wanted to say in concern of the likelihood of him saying something wrong.
For crying out loud, he doesn’t even know if he’s actually called ‘Asta’.
Yuno carried his feet over the division that separated the elevator and floor, stepping onto cream-coloured tiles. The crackle in his mind echoed as Julius’s voice came back on.
(Hello, Yuno. I’m about to import the whole layout and information of Black South hospital. Get ready.)