For a while, I just stood there, soaking up the warmth, every fiber of my body absorbing the ultraviolet and other gifts of the Sun. At some point, I wondered if the previous owner of my body had any distant ancestors from Krypton. Heh, though, this universe isn't the one for that.
After soaking up enough sun, I began to think about what to do first. I had come to the surface temporarily, and I needed to return by evening, but there was really so much to do. I had to visit a certain place, make a couple of phone calls, and stock up on some supplies and provisions.
The last part had a question mark at the end. By this point, I didn't have much money left, but I wanted to buy a lot of things. Alright, I'd start with the simple stuff, let me find a phone booth.
The timeline I had landed in was a pleasant surprise, as archaic phone booths still existed and were even in demand. Mobile phones were just starting to make their way into the mainstream, but hadn't fully overtaken the communication market yet. Honestly, Neo would've liked it here, plenty of opportunities to escape the Matrix!
I squeezed into the first phone booth I found, rummaged through my pockets, and gathered a quarter or two. So, who should I call first? I'd been worrying about one acquaintance for quite a while, and one of my main goals for the day was to find out how she was doing.
I remembered her number; I had found it in a regular phone directory, one of those big books that used to be in almost every phone booth.
A long minute of waiting and beeping, and finally, someone decided to answer.
"Charlin Xavier Private School, how may I help you?" said a pleasant female voice.
"Could I speak with Jubilation Lee, please?" I asked, holding my breath.
It just so happened that due to some persistent individuals, I had to part ways with little Lee rather abruptly. Before that, I barely had time to slip her a note with a phone number and the address of the only progressive school for mutants.
As soon as I met her, I thought it would be a good idea to send her there. I don't know about others, but I didn't like the fact that a young girl, practically a child, was forced to live on the streets and take care of herself!
"I'm sorry," the voice on the other end replied, "but she is currently in class in another building."
Despite this response, I visibly relaxed and covered the mic with my hand, exhaling with relief. I'd been so worried about my friend, afraid she wouldn't want to contact the school, or that they would ignore her call, or that she'd be caught by the Toad, or… damn! Who knew what could have happened?! Even though I couldn't speak to her personally, I now knew for sure she had ended up where I sent her. Perfect, Charlin will protect her, or else I can't vouch for myself!
"Oh, it's no trouble. Sorry for the inconvenience. My bad, didn't think," I said.
"May I ask who is calling?" the woman inquired.
"Marius, Marius Carlyle," I introduced myself, after a brief pause.
If Xavier wanted to know who I was, no trickery on my part was likely to stop her. Why bother hiding?
"Very nice to meet you, Mr. Carlyle, my name is Ororo Munroe. Jubilation has spoken a lot about you."
"Really?" I was surprised. "Uh, I hope nothing bad!"
"Only good things," I couldn't see her, but I was ready to bet that Storm was smiling on the other end. "Tell me, Mr. Carlyle, is there anything I can pass along to your friend?"
"Yes, if possible, I'd like to ask you to apologize to her on my behalf. Some circumstances prevent me from being there to see her immediately. But if nothing irreparable happens, I should be free in about a week."
Ororo assured me she'd do everything perfectly, and after exchanging a few polite words, we bid each other farewell. It was surprising, but I always thought Storm would have a more fiery and tempestuous personality, you know, with all her lightning and such.
After the conversation, my mood soared to new heights. Apparently, I had become quite attached to this little Chinese thorn, given how much her fate worried me. Damn. The mood sank.
This world…
When Archy, my curator among the unknown cosmic whales, told me I was going on vacation, I decided to treat my next incarnation as a rest. But, I can't say I was tired of working, because in reality, I always had an irregular schedule. Archy would set goals and deadlines for me.
In all other respects, I felt absolute freedom and could do whatever I wanted. Heck, in the last world, they even let me live a full life instead of pulling me out the moment I finished my task.
And that's where all the pain came from. In the anime world of magical ninjas, I spent so much time that it couldn't help but leave an impression on me! Sure, sure, part of my emotions was automatically muted by my nature as an intruder, but even what was left was more than enough for me to mourn those glorious days. My beloved Anko, our children and grandchildren. Those who died before me, and those still alive when I passed away and remained in that world.
I'm quite the romantic, but it's incredibly hard for me to part from someone for long periods. That's why the realization that I would never see my grandchildren again is just heartbreaking!
That's why I tried to treat the new world more casually. At first, I promised myself I wouldn't get attached to anyone. I'd just have a blast and end this life on some all-powerful villain as soon as I got bored. Maybe that's why Archy, you bastard, played this trick on me with the body.
I scowled at the ceiling and waited for an answer, but none came.
Shaking my head, I picked up the receiver again and dropped a couple more quarters into the slot. For the glory of the universe's diversity, someone answered after the second ring. However, the voice, to my surprise, was unfamiliar.
"Weapons workshop Whistler," a gruff voice rumbled on the other end.
Did I dial the wrong number? Hmm, or maybe I misremembered? No, that's impossible. My memory is good. Could Blade have fooled me and given me a random number? I didn't know her character, but it wouldn't have been hard for her. Well, seems like this is one of those cases where you don't know until you ask.
"Hello. This number was given to me by a girl…"
Well, I couldn't exactly call her by name, could I? Blade somehow neglected to introduce herself during our meeting. Not that we talked much back then, but still, a bit rude on her part.
"Obviously not your buddy," the woman on the other end snorted with a cigarette-roughened voice. "Listen, sweetie, I don't sell gas canisters for fending off fiancés. Try another shop, I hear they're all over the internet."
"No, wait! She was a girl with a katana! She didn't give her name, but said she would help me with some documents!"
"Ah, I see," the woman's voice immediately changed and became much more serious. "She mentioned something about that. If you understand, this is not a phone conversation."
"Of course, how can I meet with you?"
We quickly arranged a meeting place. Obra, as she introduced herself, promised she would pick me up in her van so I wouldn't have to cross the whole city to get to her shop. Now that's service! I get it! Though… on the other hand, it's a bit scary to get into a stranger's car. It would be scary if not for my abilities. Heh.