Mirrors ◇ Joji x Reader

XVII. The Abyss

I had opened my eyes to see that I still floated in the void between dimensions. This was the fifth time I had slept. My stomach gurgled; I rubbed it on instinct. How long had it been since I was lost? Days? Weeks? It felt like months to me... but god knows how time worked in this domain. All I could do was wait until something happened...

Joji 1 POV

Where am I? Why is it dark in here?

I walked about aimlessly, looking for a string or a switch, something that would evoke a lightbulb to produce light. But when I walked, it didn't feel like gravity had an effect on me.

Am I even conscious?

Something faint came up in the distance... it was blood red. There was nothing else in the area, so I ran to it. Moving is so surreal here... I don't think this is Earth.

In what felt like a half hour, I watched as the hue brightened and grew closer due do the shortening of distance. When I had finally reached my destination, I had discovered a realm of separation. There was a sort of blending of sorts: one between the darkness and the redness, one between the redness and the colorful void, and one between me and the void. It was a prism of sorts.

(A/N: Enjoy my terrible concept art)

Within the realm of red, I saw my doppelganger battling myself... my eyes leaked black as I cackled at his foolishness. I knew I wasn't myself.

Is this why I'm here? Is this what happens?

It still didnt fully explain where I was. But it felt as if there was some untapped ability I had yet to discover. I watched the brawl for a while before turning to the void. In the distance I could see someone floating aimlessly. They seemed to have no intention of finding a way out, just accepting their fate. As an attempt to identify the person, I narrowed my eyes slightly, focusing hard on their details. Something about them was familiar... the style of their hair... the way they carried themselves... their body shape.... I focused in closely to find that this was, in fact, (Y/N).

My eyes widened upon the realization and I ran with all the energy I could muster. It almost felt as if I couldn't stop... as if i didn't need to stop. Like my energy would never run out.

When I reached the divide, I slammed against a barrier. (Y/N)'s eyes opened to indicate a reaction to the sound.

What is this? ...is this the void between dimensions?

I stared at the void before clamoring against the invisible wall before me.

(Y/N) POV

I turned to see someone banging their fists against... more void? It looked as if someone was floating in the void and banging against a barrier that ostensibly wasn't there. Upon a closer look, it seemed like... Joji...

Upon realization, I started to cry, screaming for help.

"JOJI! DON'T LET ME DIE HERE, PLEASE!", I wailed, tears running down my cheeks.

He continued to fight with the barrier that separated us. I feared that he was helpless against it. Beginning to lose hope, I cried harder.

"Joji... I don't even understand what's happening... it seems like you're trapped too..."

My eyes blurred as my tears coalesced against my eyelid. I screamed out in hopes of someone, some kind of being out there, who could save us.

Just then, I felt a firm grip wrapped around my waist. In shock, I turned to look.

Did the screaming help!? I thought to myself in midst of this stroke of luck as my eyes scanned the hero, eyebrows crinkling in confusion. A bruised cheek, busted lip, and overall disheveled Joji stared forward. I glanced up to see that the other one still cried for help.

"Joji we have to do som-

"I can't look away. You learned the hard way." His facial expression was defeated, voice hoarse and barely audible as he limped toward the portal.

My lip quivered as I glanced back at Joji 1, heart breaking at his desperate attempt to break free.

"But he's you."

He nodded. "We're both fighting the same war, but different battles. Our enemy is one in the same."

"Then you could at least try to help him!"

"I did... but if I didn't escape just now... we both would've died."

The portal was within arms reach. I gave Joji 1 one last look as we took our first steps back home.

"There has to be another way..."

A/N: HELLO MY LOVELIES!!! I'm sorry for the 2 year delay but wouldn't you believe it, I had a 2 year writer's block. This chapter has been a draft for 2 YEARS!!! Thank you for 3k reads in this story, and 4k for my one shots, although I'm sure there would be more of I knew what to write. I'm very flattered by your interest in my stories. Please send me suggestions if you have any, especially one shots! I love writing them and you guys love reading them, so please don't be shy to ask! That's honestly all I've got so stay safe and healthy everyone!