Stranded Beyond Worlds

Return to Reality

A dizzying sensation washed over them as they stepped through the portal, the swirling lights blurring their vision until everything went black. Then, suddenly, they were back. Cool, familiar air hit their faces, and the sounds of the city—distant traffic, voices, and the hum of electricity—filled their ears.

Izuku opened his eyes, blinking in surprise. They were standing in an alley, just outside the bustling city center. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light that felt oddly comforting after the ominous shadows of the island.

He looked around, spotting Dabi, Toga, and Shigaraki each doing the same. The tension was thick; despite the strange bond they'd formed on the island, the reality of who they were to each other came crashing back.

"Well," Dabi said, crossing his arms, "seems like we made it. Lucky us."

Toga's eyes sparkled with a familiar playfulness, though there was a different glint in them now. "That was so much fun, though! We should do it again sometime!" She leaned toward Izuku, giving him a teasing grin. "Wouldn't you like that, Izuku?"

Izuku stepped back instinctively, his guard snapping into place. "We're back now, Toga. It's... it's different."

She pouted, but he noticed the slightest hint of something softer in her gaze before she turned away.

Shigaraki took a step forward, his gaze fixed on Izuku with his usual calculating look, though there was a hint of something less hostile, almost like respect. "You survived, hero. Guess you're tougher than I thought."

Izuku held Shigaraki's gaze. "It's not about just surviving, Shigaraki. We all went through something... but don't expect this to change anything."

Shigaraki's lips curled into a smirk. "Wouldn't dream of it. Just know that if we cross paths again, I won't hold back."

There was a beat of silence. Izuku knew that, under different circumstances, they might still be at each other's throats, but here and now, there was a strange understanding. Whatever they'd been through together on the island had left its mark, even if they'd never admit it.

Dabi let out a dry chuckle. "Alright, if we're done with the heartwarming speeches, I'm out of here." He ignited a small flame in his hand, glancing at Izuku. "Don't go getting sentimental, kid. Next time, you won't have three villains watching your back."

Izuku nodded, his resolve firm. "I wouldn't expect you to."

Without another word, Dabi vanished into the shadows, his flames extinguished. Toga blew a kiss in Izuku's direction, giving him one last mischievous smile before slipping into the alley's darkness. Shigaraki lingered a moment longer, his eyes cold but contemplative, before he too disappeared, leaving Izuku alone.

For a moment, Izuku just stood there, taking in the silence. He should have felt relieved, but a part of him couldn't shake the experience of being on that island, facing challenges side by side with people he considered enemies. They would all go back to their lives, their battles and ambitions unchanged, but maybe, just maybe, with a sliver more understanding.

He turned, ready to leave the alley, already planning his next move. Life as a hero was rarely simple, and he knew he'd encounter them again someday. But for now, he was grateful to be back, carrying with him a strange, lingering sense of respect—and maybe even a hint of something like camaraderie.

As he stepped out of the alley, his mind was clearer, his resolve stronger than ever. Whatever came next, he was ready.

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To be continued...