*snorts dank memes*

Author’s Note: This will only be 2 parts! The first part is giving a backstory while part 2 is the real meat of it. Higgs IS in this don’t worry! I want the thabk everyone who has been so patient with me and my ADHD brain, sometimes the writing is a hurricane sometimes it’s a drought you know how that is! Well enough about me and enjoy!

“God dammit.”

You curse as you slam the keyboard on your desk, staring at the pop-up on the screen.

Connection Error.

It was getting worse as of late, and you had been trying various methods to fix it on your own to no avail. You even reached out to the company that provided the network, only to get the runaround.

This was simply ridiculous! How the hell were you supposed to get any work done if you didn’t have a strong connection to do it?!

It seemed you had no other choice; you had to brave the world outside and head to the city. Travel was always a dangerous task for preppers like yourself. If Timefall didn’t happen out of nowhere, causing you to rush for shelter. You also had to make sure you weren't hunted down by MULES or, worse, BTs. Luckily, you were really good at recognizing patterns and safe routes, so with a timefall coat just in case, you grabbed a travel bag and headed out. It was going to be a long journey. According to your route map, you would reach the city just before sundown. Well, good thing you got some extra shelter credit to use for the night.

As you were walking toward the city, you happened to notice some figures in the distance. At first, you couldn’t pick out what they were…that was until you saw the familiar red shine to them.

APAC Ghost Mechs, building connection towers for their ever-growing network. The arrival of APAC and its system APAS was relatively recent, appearing out of nowhere with the promise of fast, strong connections. You would never have to worry about losing connection, and you would have access to unlimited information. You yourself received several messages and visits from members dressed in red coats, offering you the chance to join. And every time you politely declined.

You were perfectly content with what you had; you didn’t need all the bells and whistles to do what you needed to do. And yes, while it was failing you now, it was still a good connection.

At least that was what you thought, until you finally made it to the city.

You went straight to the distribution center, logged in your information to get the service fixed. That was when you received an automatic message.

‘In 10 days, the Chiral Network will discontinue for all members, and the connection will be cut. If you wish to speak to a representative, please get in touch with your local distribution center.’

What the fuck was this?! You were never notified that they were planning to disconnect the network! Fuming, you marched right to the center's main directory. The person there only making matters worse.

“We sent an official email a month ago,” they explained in a bored tone.

“Well, clearly I didn’t get it,” you replied. “What the fuck am I supposed to do?!”

“We sent options for other networks to join. I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do.”

“So you’re not going to fix my connection with the little time I have?” You ask. “I have work to do, I can’t be without a connection!”

“Then I would suggest finding another network as soon as possible,” was the only reply you got before the representative disconnected. You could feel tears of frustration welling in your eyes as you walked out of the center and sat down on the ground to collect your thoughts. God, what a disaster. Finding another connection network would be difficult; you simply did not have the means or time to do so on short notice. You were going to be without a way to make a living for god knows how long…how were you going to keep getting food deliveries? How were you going to survive?!

“Excuse me,” a soft voice pulled you from your inner monologue, causing you to look up at the source. You instantly recognize the outfit, the same red coat with their symbol on one of the sleeves.

APAC.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to pry, but…are you okay? You seem a bit upset.”

The person looked to be about your age, if not younger. Giving you a soft, reassuring smile. You let out a sigh, shaking your head as you look down.

“No, not really,” you admit to the stranger. “I just found out they are about to disconnect my connection.”

The person let out a soft ‘oh’, looking around before focusing on you again.

“I’ve heard they were doing that,” they replied. “If it makes you feel any better, you’re not alone. I’ve seen a bunch of people here just finding out themselves. Pretty shitty way to treat your customers, I say.”

“Yeah, you got that right,” you mutter before letting out another sigh. “I don’t know what I’m going to do…I depended on that connection to stay afloat with my shelter.”

The person was silent for a moment, then moved to sit right next to you.

“Have you thought about getting connected through APAS?” They asked. “They can connect you in no time, and you wouldn’t have to worry about losing any information you already have in your shelter.”

You let out a small laugh, fuck wouldn’t you give for a cigarette right now.

“I respect the hustle,” you tell them. “Perfect sales pitch for you, but…I doubt very seriously they are going to get me set up and connected before tomorrow.”

“They can actually,” the person replied, giving you another smile. “APAS’s technology is specially designed to connect people quickly; it’ll be like you never had a connection problem at all!”

You give them another look, trying your best to smile politely.

“Thank you for the offer, really…but that’s like telling me you got magic beans in your coat pocket.”

The person laughed, shaking their head.

“Well, I don’t have that sad to say, but I have the next best thing,” they replied, nodding their head toward the city walls. “Come on, I can get you set up, and you’ll be up and ready before you head back home.”

“Oh…no, thank you. I’m not heading back yet, I’m staying overnight then heading home.”

“Even better!” The person replied. “I can work more of my sales pitch to you while you stay the night. In fact, you don’t even have to use your shelter credit. You can stay with my teammates and me.”

You open your mouth to protest, but the person waves their hand to dismiss you.

“I will not take no for an answer!” They insisted. “Now come on.”

You look at them before letting out a breath of defeat. This APAC person was the only saving grace for you thus far, and…maybe it wouldn’t hurt to see what they had to offer. You then got up and walked alongside them.

“I’m Quinn, by the way,” they introduce themselves. You tell them your name, watching them smile brightly at you.

“That’s a beautiful name, rolls off the tongue,” they commented. The walk to where Quinn was staying was not far in the city. As soon as you walked through the door, you were met by a group of people. All dressed the same way Quinn did.

You didn’t move, watching everyone work on their computers while Quinn walked up to someone. After a few seconds, they came back with a member holding out a hand for you to shake.

“Hi there! I’m Jen. Quinn just told me what happened to you. That’s just awful to do that to a loyal customer.”

“Sign of the times, I guess,” you shrug.

“Well, you’re lucky to have met Quinn then! We can get a bed set up for you, and I’ll start up the connection process!”

“Oh, thank you, but I uh…I don’t want to be in the way,” you shake your head, Jen lets out a laugh.

“There is no such thing as being in the way, not with us!” Jen explained. “We are all whole, and once you get connected, so will you!”

This crowd seemed a bit chipper, you thought as you were walking with Jen. You noticed they all looked up and warmly greeted you. It was…nice, in a very off-putting way. The connection process didn’t make things any better. It started normally, asking you basic questions like your shelter location and your birthday. Then, the questions started getting personal.

Do you have any living relatives?

Did you live alone?

Have you ever experienced high levels of Chiralium?

When you ask why the questions were necessary to get connected, Jen smiles.

“Along with the connection, you are instantly signed into our social media app. It offers a way to connect with past loved ones as well as unlimited access to any health needs.”

You were taken aback. How could a network that was still very new have such power and access? The Chiral Network didn’t have that much, and that was straight from the UCA. Plus, connecting with past loved ones? How was that even possible? Before you could ask, Jen cuts you off.

“All done! See, quick and painless. Now, I just need to give you this, and we’re all done!”

She reaches for your hand, sliding a small black “ring” onto your thumb.

“This is your portable connector, all the access at home now with you wherever you go. And you don’t have to worry about hotspots; it will still have a strong connection without any issues. Just give me a thumbs up.”

You do as instructed, holding out your hand to give a thumbs-up. A holoscreen pops up from the ring, showing a menu of options.

“Perfect!” Jen claps her hands. “Now, we've got a bed set up for you. You made it just in time, we are just about to hear from The President, so you get to listen in!”

“Oh! I don’t want to-“

“You are a part of the whole now. Everything we have is now yours. We hold no secrets here Under His Golden Eyes.”

Under His Golden Eyes? What did that mean?

You don’t say anything further, walking with Jen to where the others were gathering around a large screen. Quinn catches you instantly, running to you in excitement.

“You’re connected! That’s great! You have to let me know how you like it.”

You give them a polite smile, as one member hushes everyone. Without asking, Quinn takes your hand, guiding you to where you get a good view of the screen. A man appeared, one you have seen many times in advertisements for APAC.

“Good evening, wonderful members of APAC, this is your President. I just wanted to reach out to all of you in gratitude for the great work you have done to help this company grow. Thanks to you, we have spread our word across America and are beginning to build connections far and wide. Soon, the whole world will be reunited once more Under His Golden Eyes.”

There was that saying again: “Under His Golden Eyes.” You hear the entire group repeat it, including Quinn, in perfect unison.

“I am proud of each and every one of you. Continue with your missions, and the fruits of your labor will be rewarded.”

After the short speech, Quinn showed you your room. Before they leave, you stop them.

“Can I ask you something?” You ask. “What does Under His Golden Eyes mean?”

Quinn looked at you, surprised, then quickly excited.

“Oh! It’s in reference to The Red King,” Quinn replied. You gave Quinn a confused look as they continued. “He is the reason we’re here, how we are able to have APAS. I’m more than happy to talk about it, but I know you must be tired.”

They did make a point.

“Rest, and we can talk all about him when we take you back home.”

“Wait, what do you mean, take me back home?” You ask, and Quinn laughs.

“You didn’t think we were just gonna make you walk all the way back, did you? Oh no, we have vehicles for travel. And since you are now a part of us, it is our duty to make sure you get back safely! Now rest, you earned it.”

You watch as Quinn walks away, telling the others goodnight and leaving you to your thoughts. What an interesting turn of events, you thought. Going from having the worst day to finding a group of unusually nice people. True to their word, by the time you woke up the next morning, Quinn had an off-roader waiting for the two of you. But not without inviting you to eat breakfast with the group first.

This time, you don’t argue, sitting alongside them as you enjoyed a rather nutritious breakfast. You couldn’t remember the last time you ate fruit this fresh, listening to everyone talk amongst themselves, and asking questions about you. You couldn’t help but feel… included. Being by yourself for so long, it was nice to be around other people again. After saying your goodbyes, you and Quinn head back to your shelter, and thanks to APAS, Quinn had no trouble knowing where to go.

“So, you told me you were going to tell me about The King in Red?” You bring up the subject, seeing Quinn get excited again.

“Right!” Quinn exclaimed. “So you know all about the Bridges expedition, right? The UCA trying to rebuild after The Death Stranding. Well, after they connected America, the UCA wanted to further expand its connection to other countries. They went as far as Mexico when they discovered something, a gate. Not just any gate, oh no. It was a Plate Gate, nothing anyone had ever seen before. It was through that gate he appeared, The King in Red. Once a mortal man who died and traveled to The Beach only to return to earth through that very gate. The Death Stranding? The BTs? That was the veil thinning from the other side. But The King in Red was able to rip that veil wide open! He tried to provide knowledge that would connect the Beach and us, but the UCA would have no part of it. Our President was the only person from that expedition who listened to him, and together they created APAC and a new network. A better network. One that will truly connect us all!”

You listened, eyes growing wide in shock.

“And you…believe in all of this?” You ask, Quinn only nods in reply.

“Of course! I have seen The King myself, witnessed his great power firsthand! You should come with me to a service sometime. The group you saw is just a small number of us. We are many and growing still.”

You could only nod, keeping quiet for the rest of the trip. When you finally arrived at the safety that was your shelter, Quinn stopped you before you walked near the door.

“Here! I wanted to give you this,” they tell you as they present the familiar red fabric. “A gift for taking a leap of faith and joining the network…and hopefully a chance to see each other again.”

You take it, looking at the symbol on the sleeve before feeling yourself being pulled into a hug. You tense in surprise at such a gesture, and you find yourself wondering when was the last time you felt a hug from someone.

“There are documents in the network about The King in Red, please read them. And when you want to see the miracle for yourself, I’m a message away.”

You watch as Quinn drives off, then look at the red coat they gave you again. The thought of what they told you was still very much in your mind, even as you went into your shelter. So far, everything you were told about the network was spot on; your little home was exactly as you found it, only with a much faster network. You could see the information you had before was still very much intact, along with thousands of new ones. You even browsed the social network, looking at the various posts from the group's members.

To think, all of these people believing in such an outrageous thing and yet looking so… normal. Taking pictures of things they liked and have seen, all while praising The President and this King person. Curious, you decided to follow Quinn’s advice and began reading the documents about who this King really was. From everything you read, what Quinn told you was true. There were articles and reports about a Plate Gate found in southern Mexico and about someone who passed through it. There were also various interviews of The King done by The President, as well as videos from The President telling the same story Quinn told you.

“The UCA and its soulless connection would tell you to fear death, death causes BTs…voidouts. But death is not the end, it is only the beginning!” The President’s voice echoed in your shelter as you sat at your computer, eating a Ramen noodle packet.

“The King in Red is living testimony of that fact. A man, no more mortal than you or I. Died and then was brought back through the seam better…stronger. He is proof that life and death? Ha and Ka? It is all the same; it is the balance. And it is that balance that gives you strength and courage. Under His Golden Eyes, there is no such thing as fear. You should never fear death, for death can be just as comforting as life.”

A good speech, you admit. But you notice you don’t actually see The King in any of these documents. You couldn’t find one video or interview where you could hear him either. And yet Quinn told you they saw him. The President obviously has seen him. For someone so great…why was he kept a secret? You then watch interviews with other members who talk about how joining APAC changed their lives for the better. How they were struggling in their shelters or lost their porter jobs, only to find meaning through the company and The King in Red. One of the interviews was with Quinn, who talked about how they lost their family from a voidout. They had lived alone, jumping from place to place until they found work with APAC.

You watched as they teared up, talking about meeting The King for the first time.

“To be in his presence, to feel…joy again. I never thought I would get over the loss of my family, but The King gave me the chance to talk to my family again. To know they are on The Beach, safe… happy. He gave me that closure, and through him, I gained a bigger family! I was never a spiritual person before, but… in my eyes, he’s God.”

It all made sense, why Quinn was the way they were and why they wanted you to be a part of it. You had to admit, you liked being around Quinn…around all of the members. And you were always a curious person, so…what would be the harm? You rested on it, weighing out the pros and cons. And the next day, you reached out to Quinn on the social network.

“Think you can fit me into a service?”

4 months later

You could hear the door of your room swing right open as Quinn came rushing in. A look of panic and excitement shone across their face.

“It’s happening!”

You look up from your latest project, confused.

“What’s happening?” You ask.

“He’s visiting. The King in Red is visiting tonight!”

4 months, you have been in APAC for 4 months without a hint of ever seeing The King in Red. 4 months you have been away from your shelter after Quinn picked you up and brought you to the main headquarters. 4 months ago, you agreed to stay for one service, which you found very moving. Quinn had convinced you to stay the night, to get a feel for just what they do on a daily basis. Only your stay went longer than intended, and now, 4 months later, here you were, working as part of the group’s record-keeping. A job you thoroughly enjoyed, considering what you were doing before.

You were declared a member only a few weeks ago; there was a whole ceremony for that with the President. You saw him often, getting constant praise from him for your organizational skills. You enjoyed it, feeling like a part of something, but it seemed Quinn enjoyed it more. After all, it was because of them you joined, and the group always rewards members who bring in a new soul to the fold.

This must be why Quinn was practically about to jump out of their own skin, watching them dance in excitement before rushing over to hug you.

“He is going to bless me, bless us!” Quinn exclaimed. “Oh, thank you, thank you!”

You weren’t sure if they were actually thanking you or thanking anything that would listen. But you smile, patting them on the arm.

“When was the last time you saw him?” You ask.

“Oh, he always visits when a new member joins us. It’s not truly official until you bask in his presence.”

“Should I be nervous?” You asked jokingly; however, Quinn was quick to shake their head.

“Oh no, not at all! You’re finally going to see, to truly understand!”

This was important to Quinn, to see them this happy…you couldn’t help but worry that The King in Res would not approve of you. Sure, everyone here loved you, but… it wasn't truly official unless he came to visit.

“Have members been…rejected?” You couldn’t help but ask. Quinn looked taken aback by your question.

“You are not going to be rejected,” they assured you. “You have been a wonderful addition to us! The President even said so: if he approves of you, then The King in Red will surely see your worth. Never doubt yourself like that, okay? You are a gift to us, to me!”

You take Quinn’s words to heart, taking them with you for the rest of the day until nightfall. Right by their side, you follow Quinn to the ceremony hall, a section of the headquarters you had not been into until now. Unlike the service hall, this was clearly intended to welcome a mystical force. The altar seats curved around the room, draped in the signature colors of red and gold. In the center, a pool of some black substance closely resembling tar. You and Quinn were guided to sit front row center, something that had Quinn buzzing in excitement.

The smell of strong incense filled your nose as you watched red hooded figures walk toward the black pool. You had never seen them before, the ghost mechs, sure, but these figures look much more regal…intimidating.

“The King’s Guards,” Quinn whispered. “Only the highest members achieve such a title.”

You watch as The President comes into view, dressed in the same red hooded cloak as the guards.

“Children of the Strand, we are truly blessed this night. For tonight is the night we officially welcome another home!”

You feel Quinn reach out to squeeze your hand.

“Because of our loving Strand Quinn, and their resolve to strengthen our ties and appease their king, they have brought this…precious soul to us. The King in Red is most pleased with you, Strand Quinn. Take pride in knowing that your connection to The Beach is stronger than ever.”

“Thank you, President,” Quinn bows their head. You follow the same gesture until you hear The President call you by name.

“Come, step forward, bask in the glory of our god, our king! And become connected to The Beach.”

You do as you were told, standing up and walking toward the edge of the black pool. Your eyes were glued to its thick texture, and you were almost certain you saw something move in there. You feel the presence of the guards, each one grabbing you on the shoulders to make you go down on your knees. You don’t struggle, doing as you were instructed. Suddenly, the pool began to bubble as a large mass emerged from it. There were four more guards, holding a red coffin up, facing you. You watched as the coffin opened, steam coming out from it as it lowered to reveal a figure.

“Under His Golden Eyes,” The President calls out, as the others repeat in perfect unison.

You were frozen, taking in the imposing figure in front of you. He wore the same red cloak as the guards, but he stood with great authority. You could see a dull yellow glow underneath it with a design that reminded you of tentacles. Your eyes quickly look up, watching the figure pull the hood down to reveal semi-long, dark blonde hair. The red mask he wore, you couldn’t see his eyes through it, but it held such detail. Golden lashes around where his eyes should be, otherwise expressionless.

You couldn’t speak; you lost the ability even if you had tried. Your eyes widen at the sheer presence of him. You watch as he bends down to your level, head tilting to the side as if studying you. You could feel your body tremble, whether it was from fear, you couldn’t tell. Finally, you watch as he removes the mask, and you couldn't help but gasp at the sight.

White, blotchy skin, the same lash design on the mask, but black around his eyes. His eyes, blue and sharp like a bright summer sky, were a sharp contrast to the golden tear-like stain down his cheeks. Long lines at the corner of his painted lips, making him look like he had a wide smile, and when he did smile at you…it made him look all the more terrifying.

He calls you by your name, making your chest tighten. It sounded dangerous, his voice like hot honey with a drawl you never heard before. He must have noticed, making his sinister smile grow wider.

“Pictures don’t do you justice, darlin’,” he comments. He stands back up, your eyes following as you see him look down at you. He then reaches out, placing a hand on top of your cheek. It felt so…odd. Like the pads of the armored glove he wore had suction, much like tentacles.

“You have been embraced by death before,” he spoke up, catching you off guard. Apparently, you were not the only one, as you felt the vibe of the room shift. “When you were little, you got real sick, didn’t you?”

You nodded; you never told anyone that. You could see a pleased look on his face as he looked at Quinn.

“You can sense them before you can see them; that’s why you were always so good at traveling without hiccups,” he continues as he keeps staring at Quinn. They must have figured something out, because they suddenly let out a sound almost as if they hit the jackpot. You were lost, not really sure what was happening. As if he could read your mind, The President spoke up.

“My king…are you telling us that…that Strand Quinn?”

“Found us a DOOMed,” The King finished. Moving his hand from your cheek, he takes a step toward Quinn. From the corner of your eyes, you could see them fall to their knees, crying hysterically as The King gently slushes them.

“Now, now…it’s alright, easy now. You’ve done so well. You have served me beyond comprehension. In fact, I do believe this is a cause for a promotion.”

A promotion, The King’s Guard. Quinn clung onto The King’s robe, sobbing into them as he touched the back of their head. You then see him turn back to you, your heart leaping in your throat as he pulls away from Quinn and stands in front of you once more.

“Catch you later,” he announces with a wink before walking toward The President, neither say a word but you could see the other man scatter behind him. As soon as the two leave the room, the mood changes again, with Quinn clinging behind you for dear life.

“You have given me a gift, the greatest gift!” They sob on your shoulder. “DOOMS, why didn’t you tell me?!”

“I…I don’t know what that even means,” you reply.

“People with DOOMS are said to be those who have been touched by death. But the last recorded DOOMS sufferer completely disappeared. It was rumored they were long gone, and yet here you are! And in the presence of The King!”

You were trying to wrap your brain around what just happened, slowly getting up on your feet as Quinn continues to cling to you. You don’t sleep that night, moments of what just happened replayed over and over in your mind. His face…the way he spoke. The way your body reacted at the sight of him, you were terrified being near his presence; you had never felt such fear before. And now this whole DOOM thing…how would he even know what happened to you when you were little?

It was true, you were hit with an unknown fever that had you bedridden for days. Your parents tried to break it with little success, and it was far too dangerous to go out to see a doctor. You remember fading in and out of consciousness, hearing the crashing of waves, and then suddenly it broke, just as quickly as it began. Your parents called it a miracle, yet something changed in you after that. It was not long after that when you began to sense them, like an unearthly gasp filling your ears as your world grows dim. You assumed that was just the way it was by the time you ventured out on your own, but to hear it was some…otherworldly thing.

You begin to realize that maybe this whole thing with The King wasn’t as far off as you originally thought. That he was exactly what they made him out to be. You still don't rest, watching the sun rise as you could hear Quinn get up for the day. You do your routine, washing and brushing your teeth before changing into your red robes. However, when you opened the door to head for the feeding hall, you were faced with The President standing there.

“Ah, good, I caught you both in time,” he says, smiling at you. “Under His Golden Eyes.”

“Under His Golden Eyes,” you and Quinn reply.

“I have come to see you are ready for transport,” The President continued, causing you to look at him in confusion.

“Transport? Is something wrong?” You ask.

“Oh no! Quite the opposite,” The President assured you. “With Strand Quinn now on their way to become a part of The King’s Guard, and the recent discovery of your gift, The King in Red himself has issued an order that you both are to be transported to The Red Kingdom.”

The Red Kingdom, you heard about it through many services. The Red Kingdom was where The King resided, a place where only members of the highest order have been. To see it, to step foot in it, one had to serve for years…decades. You didn’t know how long Quinn had been in the group, but you were still very new.

“I would start packing immediately,” The President advised. “We don’t want to keep him waiting. I shall be at the entrance once you are done.”

As he walked away, Quinn instantly began packing as if their life depended on it. You were slow at first, still trying to wrap your brain around what was happening.

4 months, you have been there for 4 months. 4 months ago, you were struggling to keep a connection, only to gain a new one. And now everything was happening, all at once, and it had not been 24 hours.

It took you a good 10 minutes to pack up whatever you had. Standing next to Quinn, you witnessed a large submarine emerging from the dark waters near headquarters. You could feel Quinn reach out, squeezing your hand before looking at you.

“I have always dreamt of this day,” they tell you. “When all my hard work and service would be seen…and I would be taken to The Red Kingdom. And I have you to thank, you…you are my greatest service. That day, I saw you outside, sitting there looking so defeated. Something called me to you. And I’m glad I followed my better judgment because now? I finally…I finally get to serve him. Truly serve him. And you…you will get to see what we all have been working for.”

Their words gave you some comfort, comfort…with a dull side of doubt. No, not doubt, concern. If every member had been working for this, why you? Why Quinn? What did The King have in mind for the two of you?