Returner Kim Dokja AU! But also a Solo Leveling crossover
A small excerpt concept between Joonghyuk’s first meeting with Dokja’s shadow
Regression #???? Takes place many failed regressions after the original plot of ORV
Joonghyuk meets Dokja’s Shadow first.
He sees the familiar white coat on the top of a rooftop. Joonghyuk assumes the worst. That Dokja doesn't remember them, nor did he start the Scenarios on the train car. Which led him to the thought that Kim Dokja was on the roof to kill himself.
Joonghyuk scales the rooftop in seconds after seeing the white figure. The figure hasn't noticed him, but this is not Kim Dokja. It's a crude caricature of the man that seemed so unstoppable.
“Who are you?” Joonghyuk demands. His sword is drawn, brandishing it at the fake Kim Dokja.
Kim Dokja was still staring out at the horizon, watching the sunrise and waiting for a meteor to fall. He turned at the voice. “Yoo Joonghyuk?” he asks, hopeful.
Joonghyuk was taken aback. His name wasn't known as much as it was last round. In fact, he hadn't told anyone his name this round.
Was this another case of Apostles?
Hope surged in his heart, “How much do you know of Ways of Survival?”
Dokja laughs, “I will admit, I don't know as much as I used to.”
“So do you know of the Apostles?”
It took a moment for Dokja to respond, scouring his memory for the name. “Oh- the Apostles. They read the novel too, yes?”
“Well you could say I know of them.”
“Does the name Kim Dokja mean anything to you?” Joonghyuk finds himself asking.
Dokja laughs again, this time hearty and loud, “I would sure hope so,” pitch black feathered wings sprout from his back in a wave of power, “Seeing as I am him.”
[Incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk has activated skill “Lie Detection”]
[”Lie Detection” has proven your words true]
Joonghyuk’s grip on his sword loosens and it drops to the roof’s gravel with a clatter. “Kim Dokja,” he steps forward, arms outstretched, “you idiot,” he growls as he brings the other into what he thought would be a crushing hug.
Instead, a poof of shadows envelops them and Joonghyuk finds himself hugging himself rather than Dokja.
“Kim Dokja, what happened to you?”
“I-... Joonghyuk I died.”
Joonghyuk’s eyes glaze over in grief, but they quickly flash with anger. “How- who killed you?”
Dokja’s bright eyes would've filled with tears if they could, but alas, his eyes were nothing but a burning glow, “I did, Joonghyuk.”
Joonghyuk reaches out again, this time much more gentle. And this time, the shadows stay firm, a solid presence against Joonghyuk’s warm hands. Joongyuk’s hands guide Dokja’s head to press against his own, “Kim Dokja,” he says quietly, such a quiet whisper that Dokja isn't even sure he heard it.
Dokja leans into the touch, happiness overwhelming him at seeing the Regressor after so long.
[Activating Shadow Exchange]
In a blink, Kim Dokja is gone. In his place, is another man.
