Inside the Shadow Border – Ritsuka's POV
"I agree!" Bumblebee said quickly, raising a metallic thumb like he was sealing a pact. His radio clicked, spitting out a random clip of a game-show host yelling "You got it, champ!"
Before he could start one of his usual tangents, Morgan cut in, her sharp eyes narrowing on me. "What are you planning, husband?"
I took a slow breath, my tone calm but firm. "First… we secure our foundation frist. This year is 2004. If this world follows the same path as ours, then certain companies will rise to unimaginable heights. Tech, medicine, social platforms. if we buy stocks and shares now, and play our moves right… we will be rich."
Moriarty's grin spread like wildfire. "Say no more. I understand perfectly. No wonder you demanded immediate data exchanges from Fury. With our foresight and knowledge, the empire practically builds itself."
Our hands clasped in agreement his grip was steady, mine resolute. "I'll leave this matter in your hands, Professor," I said.
Then I turned to the rest of the group, my voice lowering. "But wealth isn't the only reason. Social media...network—is the true weapon. If Hydra is what I think it is… then they'll use every network they can to spread hatred, division, and lies. They will influence everyone in next 5 years. I want us to seize those networks first under ours. That way, we control the flow before they poison it."
Romani nodding grimly. "It's a sound idea. If your fears about Hydra are accurate… then time is on our side. If we act now, we could cut them off before they truly entrench themselves."
Bumblebee leaned down, his huge frame awkwardly tilting toward Hakuno, his radio buzzing like static. "Uh… who exactly is Hydra?" he whispered.
Hakuno leaned closer, her lips brushing near the grill of his mask. "You said in your world a corrupted tyrant ruled before the war broke out, right? Hydra is the same. But worse. Ten times worse. We're planning to stop them before they destroy everything."
Bee froze, then muttered, "Ten times worse? Oh, great. My first another world field trip and it's to a hell-world." His shoulders slumped, but when Ritsuka glanced at him, he quickly threw his thumbs up again.
I nodded once before continuing. "And there's another step. I need to speak to this world's Sorcerer Supreme. The Ancient One. Yao. She's not just strong—she's… chill. Steadfast, unpredictable. Merciless… and yet, deeply very kind. That's the impression I got from her."
Romani blinked, surprised. "Strange. I thought mages here would mirror the selfishness of ours. But you make her sound… better."
"There are a few like ours," I admitted, "but far less destructive. It's thanks to her rules. I mean she is very old And I can trust her more than Fury, at least for now. She's lived for thousands of years, carrying this world on her back. I want to respect that. And… I want to make her aware of our situation, my servants, and Bee. As one mage to another."
Da Vinci tilted her head, lips quirking. "For now, hm? I see. So what's your plan in practice?"
"I want us to stay in New York. I'll keep doing my part-time job in the evenings, live among the people. But with time, we resolve our situations."
Moriarty tapped his chin with a knowing smile. "A wise move. Connections are lifelines in worlds we do not fully understand. Especially when our own situation is… unpredictable."
Morgan's voice was icy but protective. "Husband, is she truly trustable?"
I allowed myself a small smile. "She can be. But we're both hiding secrets. That much I know. With time… we could be allies. Maybe even friends."
Castoria sighed, half under her breath. "…I only hope she isn't another troll like Merlin."
Bee blinked, tilting his head. "
Ritsuka moved towards the driver's seat of the shadow van, resting his hand on the wheel. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting his skills trace the world's ley lines. When he opened them again, his voice was calm but firm.
"Let's go… 177A Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village."
---
Scene Shift
New York
A ripple of shadow peeled open in a narrow alley, the van materializing silently in the city's gloom. The door creaked open, and one by one they stepped out—Ritsuka, Da Vinci, Morgan, Castoria, Hakuno, Romani, Karna, Moriarty, and the ever-chatty Bee.
Ritsuka glanced at the busy street. "We need to cross."
His eyes shifted to the imposing structure across the road. The van disappeared into his shadow.
Da Vinci's eyes sparkled, her smile positively childlike as she pointed. "The New York old building. Hah, just look at it! The design isn't merely ornamental—it's practically humming with protective wards. The architecture itself is part of the spell."
Morgan folded her arms, her sharp gaze tracing the air. "Hmph. I can sense the flow of cosmic currents converging here."
Da Vinci chuckled. "Now I'm even more curious."
Meanwhile, Castoria twirled a bit in her new outfit, tugging at the sleeves with a faint blush. "I love this dress… Finally, I don't look like some fairytale character."
Ritsuka gave her an encouraging smile. "It suits you."
Then a sound drew their attention.
Vroom-vroom.
Bumblebee's optics flashed as he stared at the cars on the road. He gave an excited beep, scanned one, and in a flash of metal and gears transforming, he shifted into his iconic yellow Camaro form. His voice crackled alive, playing a triumphant tune.
"Ta-da!" Bee's voice burst out in a patchwork of radio chatter, switching between movie quotes and songs. "Look at me, baby! New wheels in the Big Giant! Roll out!"
The group collectively blinked.
Hakuno clapped her hands together, smiling brightly. "Bee—you look fantastic!"
Ritsuka and Castoria exchanged a nod.
"You really do," Ritsuka said sincerely.
"I… actually prefer this old style," Da Vinci teased with a grin. "There was something nostalgic about the scrappy look. But… I admit, this is stylish."
Bee revved his engine, radio blasting " I'm simply the best! Better than all the rest—" before quickly switching channels. "Incognito, baby! We blend in with the crowd now. No one bats an eye at a car on the streets."
Romani pinched his chin thoughtfully. "That's… actually a very good idea. Less attention means fewer problems."
The group began to climb in, though the cramped space quickly became apparent.
Karna gave a small, silent nod, his form glowing faintly before dissolving into spiritual particles. Moriarty tipped his hat with his usual grin.
"Well then, gentlemen, and ladies—allow me to follow as a gentleman of the unseen." He, too, vanished into spirit form.
Ritsuka settled in the passenger seat beside Bee's console, resting his hands on his knees.
"Alright," he murmured, staring ahead at the Sanctum across the road. "Let's go see the Ancient One."
The van rolled to a stop in front of 177A Bleecker Street. The group stepped out, heads tilting upward at the towering Sanctum Sanctorum. Its architecture radiated an otherworldly authority, each line and carving thrumming faintly with protective enchantments which only they could sense.
The group ascended the stairs infornt of the building. Ritsuka knock the door then someone open the door from other side.
Standing just beyond was a bald, broad-shouldered man in black robes. He regarded them with narrowed eyes.
"Hello, mister," Ritsuka said politely, stepping forward. "We have something to discuss with the owner of this building."
The man...Drumm—looked them up and down slowly. His expression sharpened.
"Not interested. The building isn't for sale." He began to push the door shut.
"Wait!" Ritsuka's voice rang with urgency. He placed his hand gently against the frame. "We didn't come here for that. I came to seek the Ancient One. My name is Fujimaru Ritsuka—she knows me. I humbly ask for an audience."
Drumm's eyes narrowed further, but before he could respond, a serene voice floated down from the staircase within.
"It's fine, Master Drumm."
Everyone looked up as a bald woman in golden robes descended gracefully, her presence commanding yet calm. "He speaks the truth. He does not carry malice. In fact… he may be considered an ally. You can return to your duties. I'll take him to Kamar-Taj myself."
"Yes, Ancient One." Drumm stepped aside reluctantly.
The woman approached, her faint smile warm yet piercing. "What's this? You all wished to see me, and now you're struck silent?"
Ritsuka exhaled and bowed slightly. "You… look brighter than when I last saw you."
Yao raised a brow. A soft laugh escaped her lips. "Hitting on a monk, are you?"
Behind Ritsuka, Castoria, Morgan, and Hakuno all shared the same thought instantly 'He means your head. It's shining brighter than the sun.'
Moriarty, meanwhile, tilted his hat with sly amusement. Another bald one… right after Fury and xavior. A pattern is forming. I can't trust them.
Yao eyes meet Morgan for a second and she sensed something which she never felt before. 'She is much more powerful than me. I have to use time stone if I face her. Ritsuka, you are bringing more surprises again. Who are you really?'
Yao's eyes twinkled with subtle mischief as she gestured for them to follow. "It seems you've brought me some new faces. Let's speak somewhere more fitting."
The group stepped inside. Romani immediately whispered to Da Vinci, eyes darting around the vast interior. "The magic layering here… I love to get a closer look. The geometry alone—"
"It's genius but not my level," Da Vinci finished with a grin.
Yao's voice carried from ahead of them as they walked. "This is the Sanctum Sanctorum. Its history stretches farther back than most empires. It stands as a shield, a watchtower, and a door."
Her hand swept gracefully, and a large circular button near 3 doors. She pushed the door open, revealing a blinding swirl of golden light.
"Follow me."
One by one, they stepped through.
Romani and Da Vinci froze at the sight on the other side. Their jaws slackened in awe as Kamar-Taj's sprawling courtyards and towering mountains stretched out before them.
"I see…" Romani breathed. "A gateway that folds space itself…"
Morgan's sharp gaze, however, was fixed on the pedestal they passed...where the Eye of Agamotto rested. The green jewel pulsed faintly, alive with temporal energy. For a moment, she lingered on it.
Ritsuka noticed her stare but said nothing, only giving her a glance before moving on.
Yao, however, caught everything. She saw Morgan's eyes flash with confidence before she turned away. That strength, that lack of greed, drew the faintest smile to the Ancient One's lips.
'She isn't Greedy but overconfidence of her knowledge.'
Bee silently followed them behind.
The courtyard of Kamar-Taj stretched before them, lanterns swaying faintly in the mountain wind. Even though it was evening, the place was alive—apprentices and masters weaving sigils through the air, sparks and glyphs crackling under their hands. The smell of incense drifted with the cold bite of Himalayan air.
Ritsuka slowed his steps, watching the disciplined movements of the students. His chest tightened—not with jealousy, but with a yearning he couldn't voice. He pressed his lips together and followed silently behind the Ancient One. It's His Frist time watching mages training like normal mage. He wanted to be a mage in his past life. He put a small nostalgia smile on his lips.
They entered a hall where warm light softened the stone walls. The Ancient One moved with practiced ease, brewing tea over a small flame. No words were exchanged until the aroma filled the room. Minutes later, several pots were set upon the table. She poured with quiet grace, offering each guest a steaming cup.
Ritsuka took a sip. The warmth slipped down his throat and spread through his chest like sunlight breaking frost. His eyes softened.
'This is the best tea I have tasted in my life… Kadoc would love this, even if he's a coffee addict. I'd train to learn this recipe if I could.'
The Ancient One set down her own cup and finally spoke. "So, you are here at last. I expected your arrival to be… later."
Morgan and Castoria exchanged sharp glances.
Castoria's brows furrowed. 'Later?' Her Fairy Eyes shimmered faintly. 'She's telling the truth. She's seen it… but how?'
Morgan remained silent, her gaze narrowing. Unlike Castoria, she understood. The Eye of Agamotto. Time itself bends for yao… Morgan's lips curved faintly. Acknowledgment of true intelligence meeting true power.
The Ancient One's gaze swept across them like a still pond rippling. "And yet… you brought two others. Hidden from sight. One cloaked in illusion, the other tucked away… in her pocket."
Hakuno stiffened. Her pocket vibrated violently, the faint hum growing louder until it became impossible to ignore. Shin was practically screaming through the signal, demanding release.
Hakuno pulled the mobile from her robes. "Shin… calm down. You can transform."
The device unfolded in a flurry of shifting plates and mechanical whirs. Within moments, the tiny figure of Shin stood, cannons already whirring to life.
"Target acquired," Shin declared coldly, opening fire. A burst of bullets scattered across the room, followed by the unmistakable fwump of a tiny RPG streaking toward the Ancient One.
"Shin—wait!" Hakuno's voice cracked in panic. But it was too late.
The Ancient One didn't even flinch. With a flick of her wrist, the Rings of Raggadorr spun into existence, forming a glowing shield. Bullets ricocheted harmlessly, the RPG dissolving into harmless sparks against the eldritch barrier.
When the smoke cleared, Yao only smiled faintly. "Adorable. Truly. And its name is Shin? A fine name."
Hakuno let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, cheeks flushing. For the first time since she'd arrived in this world, she found herself liking this bald sorceress.
Ritsuka nodded slightly. "Bee… you can drop the veil now. Introduce yourself."
The illusion shimmered away, revealing the bright yellow Camaro. With a cheerful rev, Bumblebee transformed, standing tall before the Ancient One. His radio buzzed before settling on a station, belting out a triumphant "Ta-da! The one and only Bee!"
Yao's expression hardly changed, but her eyes gleamed with quiet intrigue. "So many surprises. So many questions."
Ritsuka gestured between them. "Yes. This is Shin, and this—" he gestured to Bee "—is Bee. Shin, apologize. She's not an enemy. She's my friend… our ally."
Shin's sensors glowed faintly as he turned toward Hakuno. She gave a small nod of encouragement. Finally, the tiny machine walked forward, bowing stiffly before the Ancient One.
"…I apologize for firing upon you, mage. I was… misled by your aura. I hope you will not take offense."
The Ancient One tilted her head slightly, lowering her shield. "It is forgiven. You are protective. That instinct is not weakness, but loyalty. Keep protecting them. They will need it in this world."
Morgan leaned back in her chair, eyes narrowed like a hawk. "So… have you seen my husband's future?"
---
Note: Morgan is strongest in this universe with cosmic cube fragment powering her like others. But she isn't interested in anything other than Ritsuka.