Other World Chapter Four: Tragic Memory

It all started last summer. . .

…

Mikari: Mama, Can I help you peel the fruits?

Mom: Sure you can.

Mikari:  yay! *giggles*

I was so happy today that I was be able to help mama on the dishes. She’s a very hardworking person and I wanted to be her when I grow up. I wish that this moment will pause so that I can enjoy this wonderful life with her.

Mikari: Ne… mama… Is papa going home tonight?

Mom: He is Mika he is…

Mama was so happy so am I. Finally, were going to be complete again. After a few months of papa going abroad I bet he misses us I just hope he had that gift he promised for me.

We finish the hour by peeling and preparing the meal. Mama does the cooking while I clean the kitchen table since I don’t know about cooking and I wanted to learn it so that when time comes. I can help mama.

*knock knock*

Mom: Oh my, looks like we had a visitor… Mika Can you please answer the door I’ll clean that.

Mikari: Okay mama! ^o^

*knock knock*

I walked towards the door on where the knocking sounds came from. As I opened the door at the very first moment it was papa.

Mikari: Papa!

Dad: Mika! My daughter! I missed you!

The hug between me and my papa is the best moment of my life. I hugged him like I haven’t seen him for years.

Mikari: awwww Papa!   *tears started to fall*

Dad: hey Mika… I got something for you. It’s a gift I brought from Gemany.

(Gemany – Other World name of Germany)

Papa wiped my eyes and gave me the Teddy Bear. It is well made and very soft but a little old.

Mikari: waaaaa! Papa *o* !   

Dad: Do you love it?

Mikari: Of course papa! It’s so Cute and fluffy.

Dad: *giggles* I buy it in the Antique shop west town on where I’m working I know it’s a bit old but I guess It’s still well made since there’s no many children there at that place that is why toy shops are pretty rare. I hope it does suit your taste.

Mikari: Already Hugging it   > w <.

Dad: haha, well I’m happy that you like it. It does make my heart calm.

Mom: Oh Dear, Your back early! I thought you’re going to be back later night?

Dad: Well, the Flight Attendant gave me one seat on the back since I’m the only one left so there, I made it in time.

Mom: Well I was about to cook you dinner for tonight. Too early to spoil your surprise.

Dad: Haha, it’s okay honey. *smiles*

Mom: Well, I better get back to the Kitchen It’ll be over soon so just rest there for a while and leave your luggage at the living room.

Mama goes back to the Kitchen while papa rest on the sofa relaxing his feet on the floor while I keep on hugging my new teddy bear. I named him “Klaus”.  I am thinking that this will be the best day ever.

I sit on the sofa near papa and told him that my grades we’re quite improving from average to highest. I want to keep that smile on his face there till night. He then, patted me in the head and laugh cheerfully as he was so proud of me. 

Dad: Wow! You are so great Mika… Papa is so proud on you.

Mikari: teehee O u <

I then helped papa by giving him the newspaper outside and headed upstairs to give him a change of clothes. He must be tired from the trip so I manage to do this automatically. I choose the best clothes for him.

I want to be praised, I want to be loved and most of all. I want everyone to be happy.

I ended up by giving a pat on the head. I was so happy!

I then again, sit next to him to keep him company.

Mikari: So papa, how’s the trip?

Dad: Well, it’s quite the journey, being in plane for about 5 hours, then riding a taxi for about 1 and half hour then a train to my destination. The place is so cold due to its low temperature, but I still manage to get the job done.

Mikari: Wow papa! You’re so cool!   > w <

Dad: haha, thanks Mika!

After a few minutes of having some exciting conversation with papa I decided to go upstairs and headed to my room since my papa is so tired and I don’t want to bug him anymore.

Inside my room, I place my new teddy bear near my other stuff toys and then introduced him to the Stuff toy Family. I guess I’m having this strange imagination but I let it all out after all. Being a kid prolongs your life.

I take a nap after all this hardwork from the kitchen while hugging Klaus.  Our house was quite a bit of warm and cozy and all of our furniture’s were quite the average. Papa’s working on Gemany as an Electrical Engineer of some Remote town thanks to him, we manage to live in a little luxury.

Mom: Mika! Are you there?

Oh no, I’ve been asleep for long and it’s almost 7:00PM. I need to get down and help mama prepare the meal and the utensils. While going downstairs I slip to the 2^nd row of the stair and fell down. 

Mikari: awwww…

Mom: Mika! Are you alright?

Dad: Mika!

Mikari: I’m ookay…. ^_^

I didn’t notice that I’m still holding Mr. Klaus and he’s the one who helped me to cover my elbow to reduce the impact.

Mom: Thank Goodness, be careful next time. I only call you because we’re going to have dinner now.

We walked together to the dining room and eat dinner together. We’re having a Beef Stew with plenty of Fruit desserts and some Vegetable soups and other kinds of food. It’s like having a Birthday Party. Papa is talking about his journey while mama is listening very clearly and smiling. I was so happy that time. Until at the finish of our meal someone knocks the door.

*Knock Knock*

Who could that be?

Dad: I’ll open it. You just keep eating there Mika.

Mikari: Hai! ( Hai – Japanese term for Yes/Okay)

I keep eating meal and having a nice conversation with mama about girls stuff. Mama likes to tease me a lot and asking me if ever I had a boyfriend already but I think it’s too early for that so I always giving up some denials.  I guess I don’t develop that kind of trait. Falling in love so easily.

*knock knock*

Dad: who is it ?

*knock knock*

As the knocks getting harder my dad opened the door and a gunshot was heard.

I was shock! Me and mama too.

We quickly head towards the door and we saw papa lying on the floor with a hole on his chest, in front of him was three strangers wearing leather jackets and a mask to cover their identity. I nearly panic and run to where papa is lying and I cried.

Mikari: PAPA!!!!!!!!!!

Mom: DEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dad: y-you two! RUN!!!

The three guys were the notorious burglars that we’re on the news recently and their after my dad’s financial records and his bank account. I want to stay there but my dad yelled at me saying to leave him and take mama upstairs and call the cops.

Before the Burglars pointed a gun on us my dad forced his body to beat them down on the ground and it gives us the chance to run away. Mama was freaking out while I was crying but it’s no use so we hurried and run upstairs even if it’s so hard for me to leave papa behind there.

We went to my room and we lock it up.

Misaki: P-papa!!!

Mom: oh Dear!!!

Not too long before they already find out where we been hiding. They try to kick the door out but it won’t budge. I heard many glass breaks downstairs. It must be that their really looking for money but they were only making themselves more frustrated so they started to threaten us that they will burn the house together with my dad.

I started to panic! I can’t open that door! Me and my mom will also get killed! And papa! Papa is already dead by now.  Someone! Please help us!  My mom tried calling the Hessongkyo Police hotline but the line was cut off so she decided to open the windows and yelled for help. The burglars warned us that they will lit a fire on this house if we didn’t open this door any sooner and tell where the safe was. And as they keep pushing and pushing themselves they lose their patience and decided to lit the house with fire spreading gasoline everywhere at the kitchen, living room and also upstairs. As they start to lit up the fire it spreads to the whole house quickly and to the very sudden we’re trap. My mom had a very weak lungs when it comes to smog and as the smog spreads outside the house. One neighbor saw this and it begun to alarmed the whole neighborhood. They all carry their own waters on a bucket and help each other to seize the fire they didn’t realize that the Burglars already escaped from the back having some of our things from drawers, and cabinets. Mama is coughing hard as the smog was onto us and all of the sudden I felt a little dizzy. As the fire reaches inside the room. It almost reached us but the window had bars on it. So we can’t escape there. Mama makes a final decision and she hugged me as the fire reaches us. I saw my mom crying in pain saving me from being burned. A few minutes later, a Firetruck, Ambulance and a Police car came by and sprinkle the area with all of the neighborhood’s helped.

 3 minutes later…….

The fire was seized….

 Leaving me…..the only person……alive..

As the police, fireman searches the area. They saw me quietly while reflecting how I survived because of my mom hugging me to cover me from the fire in exchange for her life.  They carried me outside the house and was lied down on the stretcher. I couldn’t say anything, I lost my power over voice and as I was lying on the stretcher, I saw our house that is no longer beautiful but burned. The other fireman gave me the teddy bear that was survived from the fire. It was Klaus! He’s safe! But he got a little burned. In that time, I finally speak and my voice suddenly came back as I now finally found myself crying I begun shouting for Mama and papa!

 3 days later after that incident. I was transferred to an orphanage for I am the only one from my family that is alive. I was there for three years. But I already met new friends, gain social skills and became a good person.  But after three years had passed I decided to leave the Orphanage. I went back home on where my real home is. I run my way out of there. It took me an hour before I saw our house; it’s old, gray, the fences were rusted and the grass grows and inside was all dust up. I decided to cleaned it with myself and it took me 3 weeks in order to restore it’s nature. Although, I may not have any job to earn money but my caretaker from the orphanage always gives me allowance every week that’s why I’m still studying in a private school even though I lost so many valuable things. I tried to forget the past and remain happy but, bits of it were only coming back and every night as I glanced to the ceiling I always remember that very day where mom was here hugging me and while papa was downstairs protecting us.

What a cruel life this is! I hate it! By that time that I wanted our family to be completed and it took away in just one day. I cannot forgive this!

…………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………….

“That’s my story….” 

“uh..uh.........”   I stuttered and shock after hearing her story. It must be pretty hard on her. Going home and only remembering her tragic past. Why won’t she just go back to the orphanage? Why can’t she just accept it. But wait, I wasn’t supposed to be the one who can comment on this. It’s her past, it’s her story. Now I underestimated her when it comes to worst things. And I finally understand why she always preparing fruits and breads. It’s because, she… Can’t cook and her mom passed away the day before she was about to be taught.

It’s raining outside and we were in the living room as her story ends. She was staring blankly at the window. I walk next to her and pats her.

“I’m sorry….it must be hard right? Don’t worry. I won’t leave here just now” I comfort her all the effort I need but it’s not enough so I hugged her.

“Uwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!  *sniff*    MAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!   PAPA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! “

I kept on hugging her till the end of the rain.

Other World Chapter Three: Leaving so Soon?

A gloomy echoed as I open my eyes I was in a different Dimension, the place was covered with Pandemonium and on where I’m standing was a road to nowhere.  I heard voices coming all over the place and it keeps saying some words such as harsh and humiliations talking about how fail I am and echoed it into the place.

Then the voices suddenly turned into laughter as they were laughing at me. I try to cover my ears and panic but the voices won’t stop. I try to shut it off but it’ll only get worse as it feels like it’s getting louder.  I try to emptied my mind when suddenly, I heard some kids playing and when I opened my eyes it was morning already, the sun was shining on the closed windows that the curtain covers, it’s only a dream. I sighed in relief and stand up to look outside the window and I saw some children, playing along tag and some sort of games outside not too far from them was some grownups who were talking about their daily lives and to the right was an old guy sweeping the street. I watched the 3 kids as they play along on the ball. They were really happy about it. It feels like I wanted to play with them. I never experienced playing in groups or rather some sort of that ever since I was a kid.  I watched them as they play, the cap-wearing kid was the first one to kick the ball and he kicks it very high that the two didn’t even have a chance to catch it and it ended up into Mikari’s yard.

I hear a door bell after a few seconds probably them.

“Mika-neechan!”  The three yell in calling Mikari.

They keep pushing the door bell but Mikari won’t answer. I guess she leaves her house without me knowing so I try to open the door and pick up their ball and give it back to them but it was the opposite on what I suppose to be expecting. As I open the gates. They we’re all surprised to see me rather than Mikari.

“O_O” they we’re all petrified and frightened. “A burglar! There’s a Burglar! And he got our ball” They panic. “n-no wait I’m n-not a b-burglar! “. I defended myself but the little girl just screamed. I tried to stop them but they will only run-away to their parents. W-what shall I do?  If they soon tell their parents that I’m a burglar I might be accused as one since I’m a stranger here. But there’s no proof and I only need Mikari to be here to defend me from accusing but where is she?

“Burglar! Burglar!” they keep yelling and it makes some of the grownups to take notice it and glanced this way.

I was petrified and scared that I might be put into trouble when suddenly a voice came by.

“What’s with all this mess? Oh! Tarou-chan you’re up!” Mikari said as she comes from the right.

“Mikari...” I said as I look at her. Mikari is carrying a bag of fruits and bread while wearing another cute outfit.

“-Mika-neechan! Watch out! There’s a Burglar!” The three kids shouted.

“Where?” She looks sideways.

“Him!!!” The cap-wearing kid pointed his index finger on me.

“Oh no! It’s not a Burglar it’s my friend Tarou-chan” she giggled and smile.

“T-Tarou-chan???” They all questioned it to themselves as if my name was too foreign to theirs.

“haha! At the moment there I really thought there was a real Burglar but it’s only you Tarou-chan” she laughed puts a really optimist look.

“uhm…” I was distracted by her innocent smile and she seems kinda cute when she smiles not to mention her moe.

“Tarou-chan, are you blushing again?” She asked me with questioning eyes.

“u-uhm.. no! no I’m not!” Crap, I’m letting my guard down again. I slowly look downward to hide my face.

“Okay then! Why not start helping me by opening the gates so I can put this thing I brought up inside” she said.

She definitely change the topic. Mikari must have some great understandings. I took a little nod and open the gates as the kids go back in playing on the streets. I intend to help her carrying the foods she brought but I’m afraid she might reject my offer of helping her.

“umm. Tarou chan?” Mikari asked with a little worry on her face. Possibly worry about me.

“Yes?”

“Can you help me carry this bread ^_^” She asked while putting a big smile. Mikari seems to be quite a mind reader for all knowing that she tends to know about what I currently wanted to do.

I nodded as a response and help her carry the bag of bread while her on the fruits.

As I opened the door we put the bag of fruits and bread in the dining table and we start talking.

“Sorry about earlier” she said. “The townspeople have very suspicious thoughts about Burglars these days and you were really an outsider so that might put them into a conclusion that you were some sort of a bad guy but you’re not” she talks as she prepares the fruits in the kitchen.

“T-thanks for always looking up on me but where’d have you been?” I asked her.

“oh! I went to the fruit store to buy some foods. Because I know you’re going to stay here for long”

“L-long? N-no…Sorry but I need to go now, my dad might be dead worried by now if I haven’t got home by noon so please thanks again for your help you’re such a kind person” I said while heading to the front door and to wear my shoes.

“B-but…”- Mikari replied but stopped when she heard the door squeak open.

I quickly open the door and closed it as I went outside and opened the gates as well and closed it. I walk towards to the grownups who we’re gossiping and the ball suddenly stops on my foot, it’s from the kids who we’re playing earlier.

“Oh-h b-burg-“the white t-shirted kid frightened and was about to panic. “No! He’s not a burglar he’s Mika-neechan’s friend, Tarou-niichan.  The little girl said. “We-were sorry about earlier Tarou-nii-san” The cap-wearing kid says and smiled while putting his both arms crossed to show authority.

“No it’s okay ^_^” I smiled as I kick back the ball gently towards them. “I better go now, take care all of you”.

“Take care! Tarou-nii-chan!” The little girl said while the other two we’re waving their hands on me then they all back in playing again. Hearing those words of “Take care” was a bit happy to me since it’s been a while since I last heard someone saying that kind of word to me it puts a smile on my face and headed to the Grownups.

Now to go forward and ask directions. I begun to ask directions to them but none of them knew where “Akibahara” is.  I next ask the old guy who we’re sweeping the streets yet he didn’t know that place too so it’s up to me to find my way back. I first walk my way into the sidewalk and I noticed that there are many people roaming around the streets now. So I asked directions to anyone who feels they can be trusted but they didn’t even know where “Akibahara” is. All they know was that I might find my way into the train station because there’s a map there that shows the whole area of Hessongkyo, I might found what I am looking for there according to them.

So I walk a couple of miles following the directions that the townspeople had told me. According to them I should turn right after seeing the blue house in the Gangkuen S.t and turned left after reaching the intersection. There might be a sign that show’s Train station there so I’ll just follow it. According to the direction they gave, it might take long if I walk so I need to find a taxi to get there in time but I don’t have a sufficient money left, All was left was this 19 yen coins a change on the medicine I brought. Speaking of medicine, I checked my pockets for medicine but there’s no medicine I found. I think forgot to bring it and it was left it in Mikari’s house after being in a hurry but turning back was like a long way and the only way for me is to go home by the train station I’ll just go buy dad another medicine once I get home so I won’t need to be worry. As I walk my way towards the train station sign. There’s a sign that says “HESSONGKYO TRAIN STATION 2KM away”.

I follow the arrow pointing on the Train Station sign that leads me below the overpass that cover’s the sunlight and while walking, I noticed that I haven’t eat anything yet this morning; I should have at least eat in Mikari’s house first before leaving after all, she brought a couple of fruits just for me. I feel guilty for what I have done earlier. I checked my pockets to manage finding something good and valuable, either its money or it’s a candy and I successfully find some candies that were still good to eat even though it was soaked up yesterday.  My stomach growls as I ate the three candies and throw the wrapper somewhere else.

“Hey! Kid! Don’t throw your wrappers here” a Middle-aged male voice coming from the side of a Dumpster.

I looked back my right and I saw a big tanned bearded guy wearing green checkered apron and a gray t-shirt while wearing jeans and has a chef hat probably a baker with fluffy gloves and was holding a tray with a leftover cake that was supposed to be throwing away, seems to me that this guy was working on a Bakery Shop.  He looked at me with fierce eyes as it was like I have done something wrong.

“Oh S-Sorry!” I apologized and quickly picked up the wrappers I’ve thrown.

“*sigh =_=* what we’re you thinking. Kids this day’s” He sighed as he slide the left over foods in the dumpster.

I put my candy wrappers into my pocket and start walking without minding that he was so strict yet he cares for the environment too.

Not too far from where I was walking my stomach growls again as if was like the candies that I ate wasn’t enough but my money is short and Mikari’s place was like too far now and I’m now close to my destination. I suddenly remember that the baker guy threw some left over cake in the dumpster also with the tray which left me into a weird and awkward option. To eat that, but I think my mind resist on being stupidity so I resist being hungry and promise that I’ll eat once I get home.

I choose to continue walking and endure the pain; I’m not that poor and hungry enough to eat one in the dumpster and I can still managed to walk so I’ll be fine.

A few minutes later and I reached the Train station. I was so drench in sweat because of the heat and the miles of walking towards here I finally make it. I rest my feet on the first bench I saw and sat there to check my remaining money. 19 Yen isn’t enough but I still need to get home.

I wait a few seconds before going back on my feet and find the map. I noticed that the Train station was empty as it was deserted like. I keep searching and searching until I find the map and I finally saw it. It’s a big Bulletin Board consist of the whole Area of Hessongkyo. Sadly it’s only Hessongkyo and there’s no such thing as “Akibahara” or any place that was near or familiarly close to my place.

I kneel down and cover my eyes with my arms. All of my effort in going here was wasted. I waste my time going here and what’s the worst thing could happen? My dad. I remained silent for a while as the tree breezes, suddenly. A familiar voice stops the moment.

“TAROU-CHAN!!!!” a Voice coming from the entrance. It’s Mikari but h-how did she find me?

“Mikari” I was surprised to see her here.

“Were you supposed to be home? And how’d you find me?” I asked her with a little bit of scolding.

“I went out as soon as you left but I don’t know where you go. Good thing some kids there knows where you go and I begun to ask them the same to the other people that I encounter.”

“Oh yeah, You forgot this!” Mikari gave me the medicine I left at her home while catching her breath.

“W-what the heck are you doing running outside and getting lost again” Mikari scold me but she seems a bit of worry.

“I-I’m sorry, I was worried a-about my dad” I told her.

She grabbed my arms and forced me to stand.

“Look at you, you look so tired there and you haven’t even taken any snacks with you”. She said. “H-here take this and let’s go home” she hands me a bread and I munch it as if was like I was so hungry. She wiped my face with her handkerchief and puts a smile on her face. “There! All better!” she said calmly.

I followed her all the way to her home and started to talk. Without wondering, I feel a lot of eyes are glaring at us.

“Uhm. Mikari, Why are you always helping me around?” I asked her straightforwardly.

“Well, I like helping people that’s all ^_^” She smiles and maintain her optimistic attitude.

That simply puts me to smile a little.

 “Oh yeah Tarou-chan, did I ever told you that you’re not in your World Anymore?” she looked at me with a Determined eyes.

“…y-your making it sounds like a joke again” I replied with a tired and unbelieving tone.

“Mufufufu” She giggled and didn’t recognize the words I spoke.

“don’t worry, Tarou-chan, My Grandma used to tell me stories about Parallel Worlds or what we call Other World. She told me that when you visit Other Worlds the time between in that World and your current World is different. It may be lapse just for 5 minutes per 1 year I guess, but that was only a story but it’s not bad at believing those. It might help you feel relief that you’re not eating your time to your current World and maybe someday. We might find a portal back to it.”

Thinking about it I paused for a moment. I realized that I was no longer in my World. Everything’s clear to me now. That’s why the Map of Hessongkyo and the names of the places are pretty different it’s because I’m not in my world but the thing that how I end up here was still unknown to me and I need to figure it out that’s my only key in getting this out.

We we’re talking about then until we reached her house.

After we reach the house, I rest my feet and sighed in comfort. I rest my mind for a moment and forgetting what will happen on my dad I take a short nap after that. Few hours have passed and I feel okay now. I stand up and walked towards the Kitchen where I saw many fruits that was served in the table and I saw Mikari sitting there chopping some bananas for dessert.

“I see you finally calmed down” she said.

“Y-yeah, I was thinking about that my dad will be fine since my aunt will visit us tomorrow I just remembered and I think she might take care of him when she notices that I’m gone, For a while.” I said.

“oh! well look! Everything’s okay now At-least you won’t need to worry about your dad anymore” she said cheerfully.

“Well, I guess your right” I smiled and sit next to her. “w-won’t you mind if I help you?” I said in a bashful manner.

“Well, as long as you want it” she smiled at me and let me pass the apple and the mango. “There, Peel it and sliced it as much as you want and put it on the blender”.

“ok”.

I started peeling the Mangoes and later on the apples it didn’t took me long to finished peeling the fruits she gave me and I feel like going to the bathroom so I asked a permission to use their bathroom.

“C-can I use your B-bathroom?” I said.

“You may” She just smiled and said two words.

I went to the Living room first to go to the bathroom then I saw her teddy bear on the sofa. I didn’t notice it much at first but as I went to pick it up. It was covered in stitches in the belly and the other eye was gone. But I know that Mikari tends to patch things up when it was broken but how come this teddy bear doesn’t have complete eyes. I put down the teddy bear on where I saw it and headed to the Bathroom located in the back of the living room. And I went there to use it. After using it, I flushed it down, wash my hands and headed back to the kitchen but this time. I saw an old Bookshelf. And as I look closer I saw an old family picture, it was covered with some stain and I saw Mikari there. I bet this was her family. Come to think of it, I haven’t even met Mikari’s parents yet. And I have no clue about it here since yesterday. Mikari was still young but how come her parents let her abandoned herself here.

I headed back to the kitchen then I saw Mikari. She was putting all the chopped-peeled fruits in the blender now. And it’s my time to ask her about her parents.

“Welcome back” Mikari smiles.

“Y-yeah I’m back.. Uhm.. Mikari..”  I asked.

“Yes….?” She replied.

“Uhm.. Don’t be mad on what will I asked.. If you don’t want to answer please don’t answer but…………w-what happened to your parents? I mean where are they? You haven’t yet told me about them since the moment we met” I asked.

Mikari paused a moment and she isn’t happy about what she hears.

“D-do you want to know?” she asked while remaining a very unhappy face. She seems not so happy and I haven’t seen Mikari to be so unhappy like this.

“o-o-of course.. if you wanted to…” I said.

Mikari remains silent for a few seconds and an awkward atmosphere draws between us.

Mikari:  Well it all started last Summer… 

Other World Chapter two: Stranger in the City

"Hey mama, there's a guy sleeping on the floor"

"Let's leave him Kuro"

I woke up in the middle of the street, I don't even remember how I ended up here, This place seems far from my home. My eyes were dazzled as I try to look up, It's sunny already but there seems to be no sign of people roaming around the Streets, It's so silent except for the birds and insects that were making noises. And there's no sign of cars moving around the Road. I tried to stand up and begin to observe the area where I was. I don't know this place but all I know was that I'm still in Japan because of the Katakana (Japanese alphabet) I saw in the restaurant sign on my right and the street that shows "Gazebo" and "Hyokko" on my left. The street floors were well-made by bricks which reminds me of Tokyo. While wasting my time in thinking on how I end up here. I started to look for an adult to ask directions which I'm not very good at.

I first checked the Restaurant on my right but it was closed.

Second, I checked the following store next to the restaurant, the fruit store. It was open but there's nobody inside.

Third, I checked the streets, the balcony and the alley but no one was there...

"Where is everyone?" I asked myself. I went back to the place where I was before while thinking of how I'll get back home. I accidentally bumped into girl who just came from the fruit store.

"Hey! Watch where you’re going!" She said in an angry voice.

"Ohh, sorry! I wasn't paying attention on where I'm going." I apologized.

"I think I'm lost..."

"Is  that so, Why didn't you say so? I'll help you."  She said in a friendly manner.

"T-t-thanks!" I said in relief.

"Name's Mikari, Mikari Sako." She said.

"T-ta-tarou-ko, Tarouko Katsugaya!" I said in a very awkward way.

"Tarou-chan...huh?",  Mikari asked curiously as she stared at me, within seconds she's getting closer.

"Uhmm. W-where am I anyway?" I asked her in a stammering voice since I'm too embarrassed to talk to a girl I just met. Mikari has a pale skin, her pink hair was more tinted compared to that of Kagami and it was tied in pigtails on both sides, her eyes were violet and round, she has a pinkish lips like any average female girls. She also wears clothes which happen to be a teenager’s with lots of cute accessories.

I guess she's not listening judging by the look on her face. She seems busy staring at me even closer. That puts my face to red.

"jiiiiiiiiiii...."  Mikari stares closer as our nose were almost going to touch one another.

I tried to move backwards but her face was only leaning forward.

"Why are you blushing?" She asked and look at me with suspicious eyes.

"n-n-nothing", I said in a stammering voice while looking at her eyes. It made me shyer.

"Why are you sweating? Why do you look so red, and what are you hiding from?" she asked me with non-stop questions.

(I can't really tell her my personality and she’s just too cute to stare at). "A-anyway, where are we?” I tried to change the topic.

"Oh!, where in Hessongkyo", she said in a Cheerful manner.

"Hessongkyo?" (I never heard of that place before)

"Yes! Hessongkyo, City of Dreams! How about you, where'd you from?", Mikari Questioned me.

"I'm from Akibahara" I said.

"Akibahara?" She said with a clueless face. "I never heard of that place before, what does it looks like?", she said.

"Hmm. It is a good place, there's plenty of people, plenty of tourist views and also the home of ANIME!", I told her in an arrogant tone.

"A-anime? What's that?, she eagerly asked.

"w-what?! You d-don't know what's Anime???", I asked in a shocking tone.

"yeah, is it food?", she asked with an innocent  face.

"No! It's a Toy! A Collection!, a Passion!, It's an Animation of cartoons!", I said in a very high tone.

(I can't believe it! She didn't know what place is Akibahara yet she lives in Japan and worse is, she didn't know What Anime is? What is this place?)

"A-are you okay?" she asked with a concerned voice feeling a little guilty on her words.

"S-sorry, I'm just confused. I-I didn't know how I ended up here and for all I know is that I'm still in Japan." I said to her.

"I'm so sorry!", Mikari said as she bowed her head to show a sign of an apology.

"N-no, It’s okay, anyway, there's this important thing that I should be doing right now but I forgot it.", I said.

For some reason, I forgot what I supposed to be doing.”

"Hey, what's this?" she pointed at the plastic that was hidden from the side of the post and she carefully picked it up. "Hey look! It's a medicine!"

"M-medicine?" I asked with a slight of confusion. And slightly popping out are some of my memories and I somehow remembered everything.

"Give me that!", I said as I snatched the plastic that Mikari was holding. "It's the medicine I bought for my dad, now I remember. I was buying some medicine for my father on a bad weather when suddenly a large fog came up and drag me into an old park and I saw a very old well. I tried to make a wish and for some inexplicable reason I happened to have lost my consciousness and ended up here."

"So that explains everything", she was amused. "So, you’re a complete total outsider who happened to fall into this world." she is amused as she points her index finger on me.

"Y-you’re making it as if it were a joke. Besides, I'm still in Japan right?" I said and grinned awkwardly.

"Nope, this is Hessongkyo. Although we speak the same language as that of your country, this doesn't mean that you’re in your world." she said. She’s probably joking.

"...", I remained silent for a moment because I was so pissed off.  I still don't know if she's telling the truth or not, basically some people would try to make fun of others because they’re lost. And to tell if she's in Japan, How could she not know what Anime is?

"Hey, what's the matter?" she asked with a smile.

"ENOUGH PLAYING GAMES WITH ME! I KNOW YOU’RE ONLY MESSING UP! BESIDES, I NEED TO GET HOME QUICK SO THAT I CAN GIVE THIS MEDICINE TO MY DAD! HE'S ILLED AND NO ONE WILL REPRIMAND HIM IF I'M GONE, YOU UNDERSTAND? NOW IF YOU DON'T GIVE A DAMN TO HELP, AND YOU’LL JUST MESS AROUND, KINDLY LEAVE ME ALONE!" ,I said in a very angry tone as I yell out on her. She was petrified and pebbled-tears started to fall from her eyes as she was hurt.

"S-sorry… I didn't mean to offend you nor your father." she lowered her head slowly and then she ran away.

I felt a little guilty. I shouldn't have done that. What if she's telling the truth? That I'm no longer in my world anymore? No time to waste, I better go now.  The cloud is getting darker and soon it will rain.

"I keep walking pass the side streets and into the alley where I hope I find somebody. Shouting will only waste my energy so I remain quiet. I heard a low thunder strike coming from above so I tried to run as much as possible to avoid getting wet. I tried to go in every corner I saw. Since there's nobody elsewhere, there's no need to be afraid. The alley has dirt and if it rains it will turn into a mud. I kept running and running until my feet got tired. As another thunder strike came. The rain started to pour.

I keep running and running without noticing the dirt was forming into mud. And it made me run slower now. A few seconds later, another lightning stroked and I slipped due to the mud. I feel like losing, losing the opportunity to get home. This is why I hate the OUTSIDE World. It gives me the unfairness in my life. I was given a single task to buy medicine yet I failed, how foolish am I? I should just stay at home and watch Anime, I don't even know where I am. Tears started to fall from my eyes as the rain keeps showering. I tried to close my eyes for a second and think about negative stuff about the outside world.

Suddenly, I felt that the rain had stopped. A large shadow figure covered me. As I look up, I saw Mikari holding a big umbrella over me while wearing a light blue raincoat.

"T-there you are" she said worriedly.

" M-mikari??? W-why are you here?? A-anyway  I-I’m s-sorry about earlier....I was just not in the mood to make jokes especially such that involve me and my father." I told her in a low voice. "Please forgive me"

"No! It's okay!" Mikari said as she pulled my hand up. "b-besides, it's normal for a person to get mad at those things. I should have known that you were in a hurry to give those medicines to your father", she said cheerfully

"It's Normal for a person to get mad at those things."

 Those words got stuck in my head as if I were called “Normal” for the first time by an outsider. Not all people call me normal because of my personality… but Mikari, she thinks I'm normal. And she didn't even hesitate to come back to help me even though I yelled at her.

"Hey, Mikari, Thanks for helping me! You are so nice.” I said to her after I got back up.

"It's no big deal!" She said as she smiled at me. Judging by the look on her face she likes to SMILE a lot.

"Hey tarou-chan", D-do you have a place to stay? she asked me.

"Uhmm. N-no, No I don't have… one..", I said in a freezing voice which reminds me that It's getting cold here.

"Great, W-why don't you stay at my house for the night?" she said in joy.

"Eh, R-r-really?" I said in surprised.

"Yep." She said as she makes a cute face.

"b-but, w-would you c-cons-sider a-a-a g-guy o-on y-your h-house", I stutter.

"A friend doesn't need to be picky on helping others, besides, you’re freezing out here, you might die from the cold if I didn't find you and, also, you seem to be a good guy.", mikari giggled

"O-okay then." I said.

She gave me a towel that was on her shoulder and I quickly put it over my head.

"Okay, then, let's go!" Mikari shouts actively. So active as always.

Seems that there are still good persons that even though you have made bad things on them, they would still help and understand you, I thought that it only exists in Anime… and she seems kinda cute.

We did some little chat about Anime while heading to her place, she seems interested to it.

A couple of steps after walking, we finally made it into her house. It's 1km away from the city and is surrounded by other houses. Her house was like a bit of a 2-story house with a terrace. Flowers grow on their yard. Their house was surrounded by high fences and the gates were like the same. The house was painted gray and the rooftop was painted brown covered by some molds in. The inside of the house looked old. As we entered her house, I noticed that the house was well-cleaned and many things such as books, T.V, Radio, and Dining table can be seen just by entering the house. There're also many pictures of her and her family. There's this Teddy Bear in the sofa. And there's this ladder from the main left that leads to her room. She prepared me a coffee and gave me a blanket so that I wouldn't get cold if I sleep on the sofa… as for me, I'll just relax for a bit and tomorrow, I'll go back to my main task, to deliver this medicine back to my dad.

Other World Chapter one: Welcome to Other World

The winter is coming... The weather forecaster reported that there will be heavy rainfalls today... I better go to school or else I will be late again. I'd have to watch myself because no one else will reprimand me.  My mother died when I was young and my father suffers from Hemorrhagic Stroke.

My name's Tarouko Katsugaya, 16 years old, sophomore student of Brigade High. I don't have much friends from the outside world but I do have one and that is Kagami Muyen, 15 years old. Unlike the others, she's the person whom I trust and often talk to.

Afterall I'm an OTAKU -- It's a stereotypical Japanese term for people obssessed with anime or anything related to the aforementioned entertainment genre. Many people think that 'otakus' are weirdos, but she treats me as a normal person despite of my character.


*Campus bell Rings from a distance*

"Oh no.. I better run or else I'm gonna be late again...."

"Katsugaya-kun!" A voice coming behind my back.

I turn around and saw Kagami running towards me. Her face shows that she's in a hurry.

"oh Kagami, it's rare for you to be so late", I paused as I talk to her.

"Oh, that's right! I stayed up late to finish my Math Assignment how b'out you?" Kagami asked cheerfully.

"Oh no!"

"Why? is there something wrong?"

"I-i forgot to do my math assignment" I said on a lower tone and bow my head for disappointment.

"Oh dear, that's trouble...here take this." Kagami said and then she hands me her Notebook.

"w-wait, it's cheating right? and besides, y-you did hard work for this.." I try to refuse her help for what I seem feels like was I'm abusing her kindness but-

"But I always wanted to help you Katsugaya-kun"

"t-t-thanks... let's go we're gonna be late" I Grab Kagami's hand and we run together.


*8:09am* (First subject) -=Literature=-

As expected. I'm late again, Kagami also...
I get scolded by our teacher while kagami was given an excuse.

My classmates were somehow laughing at me secretly to avoid getting noticed and I feel embarrassed in front of them.

I can't focus on the lecture of what our teacher is speaking right now since I was thinking about how am I going to deal with my math assignment I mean I can't always ask Kagami for help.

*10:00am* (recess)

"Katsugaya-kun.. hurry up and copy that, our next subject will be math. I'll just go take a break on the cafeteria be back with you in a minute" Kagami said as she exits the room with her friends.

"o-ok t-take care", I said in a hasty way.

2 minutes later after that, Some bullies tried to pester me again.

-HEYYYY!!! is that TAROUKO..-, A male arrogant voice coming from the back door.

-HEY weirdo!!! COME HERE!!-

Oh boy, here they are again Kyle and his Gang.
I'm always ended up being bullied by them because I lack of self-esteem and self-confidence, a courage to make friends with somebody and because of my Personality of being a loner they know that no one will defend me.

-Hey! what's that your copying...Don't tell me it's..kagami-chan's lettering.. WAIT YOUR CHEATING!!, Kyle said with a high pitch and surprised to see that I have Kagami's Math Notebook.

"K-kagami lend it to me..." I said in a calmed and a little frightened voice.

-ohhhh??? SHE DID? that CUTE KAGAMI? lend it to a poor bastard like you???  DONT MAKE ME LAUGH! NOW HAND IT TO ME- Kyle  said in a Arrogant tone.

"no..."

-Ohhhh?? so your fighting back now huh since where did you learn to fight back? Do you know who your talking to huh? kid?! I'm Kyle! The Leader of the Brigade Fraternity Club. hehe hey guys! let's teach this weirdo a lesson and on how he should well respect me.., Kyle said in a Haughty Tone while readying his fist.

"-Sure boss.. hehehe"

They were all laughing at me in spite that I'm weak they already knew their gonna win, but I have no choice...I must protect this notebook....Kagami gave me.

I quickly put Kagami's Notebook in my bag and Kyle quickly started a fight by punching me in the face. Then his other two members of his gang started to hold both of my arms to make me look Vulnerable and Open, Kyle gives me 3 big blows on my body and finishing me by kicking on the face until I drop down on the floor. I groan in pain while my classmates were too afraid to stop the fight and some of them were even enjoying it. I already expecting that this thing would gonna happen...


-HAH! You look like an insect there! look at you! SQUIRMING AROUND! IM GOING TO PULVERIZE YOU!, Kyle said in a vaunter tone.

I can't fight back, so I'll just closed my eyes hoping for a miracle to stop this fight. Then suddenly...

"STOOOP IT!!!!!" A voice coming from the front door. I saw Kagami with a angry expression.

"kagami?!" I yelled to myself.

"Leave him alone!" Kagami shouted in a Defending manner.
-Hmmff...,WELL ISN'T IT THE Student Council President Ms Kagami! mind if you go with me later?-,Kyle said as he laughs at his Boastfulness.

"PERVERT! I'm going to Report you into the Student Council and settle your punishment", Kagami yelled and show authority by looking Kyle with a fierce look.

-HEHEHE..Cm'on guys! let's go grab some drinks in the cafeteria!, Kyle said as he leaves the room from the Back door with a smile of  arrogance.

The students goes back to their usual doings while Kagami walk towards me.

"Are you okay? Katsugaya-kun", Kagami said to me in a worried manner.

"yeah I'm not that beat up, I'm fine.", I said to her while smiling and showing some sort of coolness so that she won't need to worry about it.

"t-thank God... why did you have to fight with him you know your no match with that guy especially with his gang", She scold me after that mess and wipe my face with her handkerchief.

"yeah, I know, I know that I'm weak, I'm not good at fighting and I'm not good in socializing with anybody. I were ignoring him all the time.

but... he's after your notebook I just did the right thing........saving this notebook away from him", I said in a low and calm voice apparently more like whispering.

"y-y-you did?", Kagami felt guilty and blushed suddenly.

"y-yeah... afterall your my only friend Kagami.", I started to Smile to let her know that I'm fine.

"O///O", Kagami Blushed and was speechless.


*Campus Bell Rings*


"Oh no it's already Math!" Kagami said changing the topic.

"here you can have this back" I said to her as I give back her notebook.

"b-but you haven't even started yet" Kagami said.

"what for... I don't even have the time" I said with a little bragging tone.

"yeah.. your right.." kagami said to me as she look down.

"Don't worry..I'll be fine" I look up in the window then I started to smile.



*After the Math Class*



The Teacher gave me a red mark for not doing my assignment, as usual, I get embarrassed in front of the class. Kagami felt a little guilt and feel bad about me.


*Few Hours Have Later*

It's end of the Class and most of my classmates feel the excited as it's Friday and most of them already run outside, me on the other hand, remained on my sit and think about Kagami but i  I can't walk home with her  right now Because she'll be going to the Student Council Committee and I'm also worried about my illed Father for not going home early. I grab my bag and started to walk outside the classroom, I notice that my classmates were heading home in groups some were on their friends, Other's were busy texting to their Love-ones, it must be good in their high school life I'm quite jealous afterall I didn't experience any of that ever since.

I walk outside the Campus and headed to the gates then I turn right to the bridge since it's far more easier to get home while using that route. While walking at the Bridge towards home, I keep thinking on how will I change my personality towards others and how will my life change from being a Loser. I keep thinking on that until I reach home.

After getting home, I open the door and I saw my dad lying on the sofa watching T.V. I lay down my things under the table beside it and start cooking for our dinner. My dad Can't move well because of his Stroke that's why I'm the only one he'll depend on. I wash my faced on the sink in the Kitchen and wiping it with a towel so that the bruise or the mark of the fight from Kyle earlier won't be much noticeable.

 I fed my Dad by scooping up the food and gently placing it near his mouth so that he can eat it. he always say thanks and smile to me in return, but this time he gave me this old 5 yen coin as a Gratitude. He says that this 5 yen coin is not an ordinary coin and it came from a Feudal Era and said that this coin has a hidden potential. I put the old 5 yen coin in my pocket even though I'm not going to use it for it is too old and not worth any value today just to let him see that I appreciate it I smiled to him and put it on my pocket.

I take some small dish and eat less, then clean the kitchen as well as the living room then walk upstairs to my room. After reaching my room, I grasp the doorknob gently and slowly open it and I walk right in and lock myself where I could feel relaxed and away from the Outside World. I'm all completely safe from my room because this is my only World. I can see my Anime Collections and Manga everywhere, The Posters were placed in both walls and my Plasma T.V has a anime Stickers on it. The Bookshelves were filled with Manga Books and the study table contains my Artworks of Anime, The Closet contains a lot of Anime DVDs and in my next table is a dozen of plushies I've been collecting.

I talk to my Plushie's  whenever I'm down and sometimes hug them whenever I'm scared. I've been telling them stories about my experiences in School and how boring it is to live outside World then laugh with them pretending that they'll laugh back. I know it seems weird but I also talk to them everyday as if they were my only friends and my classmates.

*10:05PM Later*


After Watching some Anime Show in the T.V, I went downstairs to check my dad's schedule for his Medicine then I noticed that the Medicine Cabinet was empty and it was raining heavy outside. My Dad was sleeping in the sofa on the living room So I need to be quiet.

I took the Big Umbrella, wore my Jacket and Went outside to the nearest Convenient Store to buy some medicine for my dad. It's getting foggier any minute so I quickly run carefully, after a few minutes I reach the Convenient Store and they were almost at closing time.

I brought the medicine and pay it with my money and headed back home, not too far from the intersection on where I usually take route, it's almost foggy and I can't even see the road I'm walking. It's getting foggier and foggier until I completely can't see a thing and completely lost.

It took a few minutes before the fog went off and I was in middle of an old park, maybe I went too far from walking as I look at my surroundings, The Park was separated by dark big bushes and old bench that were used to be a good sightseeing in the public. I can see an old Fountain in the middle and some playground. as I walk into the end of the park I saw a very old Well in the corner. Townsfolk used to throw coins at this well to make their wishes come true I might as well try and make a wish I remember that my Father gave me this old 5 Yen Coins so I'll use it as my offering.




 "I wish my life will change...".





I throw the old 5 Yen coin my dad gave me earlier and suddenly The Well Flashed Bright. It's like it's flashing below the well.

Without Hesitation I went to look what's flashing up then suddenly the Well Sucked me up from the Flashing Hole.  I don't know what happen to myself after that.....

Other World [Project]

SYNOPSIS:

A Sophomore Student, Tarouko Katsugaya is struggling his life towards the Outside World or what we called Outdoors. He is a loner who never really interacts with people and prefers staying at his room in which he collects anime stuff and it turns out to be his hobby and it make him an Otaku (Person who Obsess with something mostly Anime). One Night, he was tasked to buy medicine for his Ill-ed-Father and went outside without knowing that he'll be lost in a middle of a large fog. After a mysterious incident, He accidentally Opened a Portal that sends him to Another Dimension Though in that Dimension, it looks like the same as the Real one. House looks normal, people and the weather are normal almost everything is normal but for him it's not. Because in that world, "ANIME" doesn't exist...

Embark on a Great Exciting Journey as Tarouko learns to know that Outside World is pretty much exciting than staying in his room.

CHAPTER I :  Welcome to Other World

CHAPTER II :  Stranger in the City

CHAPTER III:  Leaving so Soon?

CHAPTER IV:  Tragic Memory

CHAPTER V:  COMING SOON!




 EMOCLEW is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-ND 3.0)

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A Quick brown fox jump over the lazy dog