Bonds - The Past Echoes | MHA Reader-Insert

Not What They Seem

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Malkorv was unlike any city in Japan of its size. It was exceptionally low to the ground, avoiding the earthquake problem that had been solved centuries prior. That stemmed from the age of the town, as Malkorv was a settlement founded during the peak of emigration to the islands. Situated in between two mountain ranges, the valley it was in could easily be referred to as the bottom of a canyon.

More docile compared to the other kingdoms of the nation, it had been razed to the ground several times throughout its history, even with its natural defenses.

The last time Malkorv attempted to grow larger than this was when it industrialized in the 1930s. Subsequently, that was also the last time it had been wiped off the face of the earth. A strategic target during the second World War, it was firebombed to oblivion in the closing days of the conflict.

Resisting the changes forced on them during the Occupation of Japan, the then mayor spurred on a return to tradition that was unanimously agreed on. The city was originally rebuilt in the style of the buildings during the Meiji Restoration, but nothing lasts forever.

They may have delayed it, but the march of progress was yet another army that the city fell to.

There were a few contractors that dared to break the city's unspoken suburban rule throughout its lifespan, as the towers that far surpassed the usual maximum of six stories dotted the nonexistent skyline suggested. They were so sparse that putting them on their side would not get them to make contact, though how much surface area the city covered to compensate for how small the rest were definitely added to that phenomenon.

The tallest of these buildings was the culmination of everything discussed so far.

Sold off to a private investor to fund construction of much of Malkorv's infrastructure, the former city hall in the center of town was torn down and replaced by a seventy-five story building. Surrounded by traditional Japanese buildings and resting in front of a scenic park, one could make the argument that either this square was catapulted to the future, or the tower was transported to the past.

All of this, and more, you and Mimitaka discovered during your extensive research of the city. None of it was particularly relevant, but that didn't mean it wasn't interesting. At least to your sister it was. The only thing that stuck in your mind were the practical things, specifically the presence that the skyscraper possessed.

It was smaller than the Near Shadow building in Coreleah, but having total dominance in the size competition made it appear larger. Being able to be seen from any point in the city (and a few dozen miles in either direction, as the train ride over to the city suggested [yes, even at night]) only added to that perception.

With your intimate knowledge of the city, the two of you made your way directly over to the Serreno agency. For once in your lives, it was actually relatively close to one of the stations. Face-Off had said that they had a place for you to stay at the agency, and after searching up the address online and discovering it was a refurbished warehouse; they better have some damn room in there.

"You want to stop and eat somewhere before we get to the agency?" You asked your sister as you neared said structure.

Turning over to look at her, she had a duffle bag slung over her shoulders like a quiver. That was actually your luggage, and it was the only thing that was brought between the two of you. As tradition, Mimitaka was more than willing to purchase clothing to use throughout your stay instead of bringing some along.

That was already ridiculous, but it was made even worse when you remembered the sizable amount of clothing you bought her a couple weeks earlier.

"I'm fine. I thought we agreed you'd charm them by cooking for them?" She answered, prompting you to scrunch your face in confusion.