Prologue: Kusunoki Naoki: Fugitive in Another World

Beep beep

I shift and turn around my bed. I wasn’t able to do that until recently. My girlfriend of 2 years has come and go, like most of them do. More of the bed for me, I guess.

Beep beep

The vibration annoys me. I furrowed my brow as an aching pain shot through my head.

Beep beep

Okay! This is getting annoying now. I slowly opened my eyes and I surveyed the room. While my eyes feel heavy, I’m still able to tell. It’s the same room that I come home to every night.

Beep beep

The noise came from the right side of the bed, specifically on the nightstand. My phone is vibrating as it slowly makes its way to the edge of the table. It’s about to fall!

Beep be–

Thump!

My phone actually bounced off the ground a couple of times as it’s now far away from where it originally fell from. Damn it! I guess it’s time to get up. What time is it anyway? I don’t have a clock because I already have my phone and light from outside doesn’t come in since I made sure to shut the blinds.

I slowly got up, my body feeling quite sore. What happened anyway? For some reason, I couldn’t remember much of what happened last night at all. Let’s see… I was drinking and– oh, wait. That explains it.

I took my phone after walking a couple of steps. 11:31 AM. It’s time to turn off this alarm, only it wasn’t an alarm. Someone has been calling my phone for the past hour, it seems. Mr. Wakaba, my boss at work.

That’s weird, I thought. I don’t have work today. Don’t tell me he’s going to make me take someone’s shift. The vibration abruptly ended. I let out a sigh of relief. You’re not going to make me work on my day-off, dude.

Unfortunately, he sends me a message instead. I guess it makes sense though. I mean, I’d do the same if I was in his position. I checked his message; it was quite long. Like uncomfortably long for an employer to send their employee. I started reading.

“Naoki! Why didn’t you answer my calls, Goddamnit! This is serious. Some customers of ours went in earlier demanding answers. I had no idea what they were talking about so I asked and they showed me a post Ako made online. About how you took advantage of her late into the night after drinking alcohol. Are you crazy?! She’s underage! Apparently, she told her parents about it this morning and they reported it to the police. The cops went here earlier too but once they found out you weren’t coming in for the day, they pressured me to reveal your address. I had no choice but to give it to them. I’m not sure if any of this is true but the police are coming to your place. I always made exceptions for you since you’re a hard worker and I owe you for that one time so I suggest you hurry up and leave. That should be enough to repay my debt to you. Don’t contact me back. I don’t want them to know that I helped you in any way.”

WHAT THE FUCK?! I don’t even know what to think. I never even saw Ako in that light. Sure, we’re closer than what coworkers should normally be but I would never do anything to her! This is crazy. Surely, she’s making a mistake here. I don’t even remember her being there when I went drinking. Yes, a mistake! I should give her a call and make things straight.

I look at my contacts folder in my phone, and as I was about to call her, a loud thud hit my apartment door. The banging got louder and louder as someone yells my name.

Oh shit! The police are here. Fuck, fuck fuck!!! I screwed up. I should’ve answered Mr. Wakaba’s call earlier.

I quickly put on some clothes that were strewed all over the floor. I brought my phone and wallet with me, the only things that seemed important to bring. I went to the veranda and opened the sliding door, only for the sunlight to dazzle my eyes. The police started to ram the door and in their first attempt, they succeeded, and entered my residence. Still dazed by the sunlight but I have to move.

I went over the rails and jumped down. My apartment was at the 2nd floor so the height wasn’t too high but it’s still dangerous to jump off it. Unfortunately, I was still blinded by the light that I was unable to land properly leading me to sprain my left foot.

The pain was unbearable. I used to do sports when I was in high school but stopped during college. I wish I’d never stopped. I persevered and limped towards the store next to the apartment where I saw a bike parked outside. The owner must be inside. I really hate to do this but I don’t think I can bear the pain much longer.

I stole the bike and started pedaling with only my right foot. It felt awkward since I had to avoid making any contact with my left foot and I can’t stop pedaling with my right because it would kill off the momentum, halting my ride.

I made some distance and as I sneak glances behind me, it doesn’t seem like anyone’s going after me. At least not yet. I thought of going home to my parents. It was a bit far but if I take the bullet train, I should make it. I only hope that news hasn’t reached them.

After “cycling” for a good 20 minutes, I finally reached the train station. I ditched the bike at the side of the road. I still feel really bad with stealing someone’s bike like that but I have no other choice. I went in, and thankfully brought my wallet with me. I bought a ticket and waited.

I can’t help but feel eyes on me. I don’t know if my face is already being shown in the news or circulating around the net but I need to draw less attention on me. I look down on myself and I’m very sweaty from cycling in the middle of the day. I’m also only noticing now that the clothes I’m wearing aren’t really proper. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I hope this is the reason why people are looking at me.

With how I currently look, I decided to head to the bathroom and freshen up. The cold water felt amazing as it touched my face and my arms. It wasn’t hygienic but it did feel good. I used the tissues in the stalls to dry myself off.

On my way back to the waiting area, I came across a vending machine. I guess now that my body is at a downtime, the exhaustion and hunger has caught up with me. I decided to get a couple of hot canned oden and a cold drink. Both were delicious though I’m not sure if it is only because of the hunger.

The food warmed up my stomach that I immediately went drowsy after eating. I ended up dozing off.

Weirdly enough, it didn’t feel like I went to sleep. I’m suddenly in an unfamiliar forest. I look around and saw a girl. She’s asleep and… are those elf ears? What? Where am I? I was just at the train station.

Oh! I must be dreaming. That’s really the only explanation for this. Still, this is the first time I’ve ever dreamed of something so vividly. I might as well enjoy this. I laid down next to the elf girl and went to sleep in my dream as well. It felt really nice, actually. The grass softly cushioning my back to the fresh breeze hitting my skin. I’m in bliss.

Suddenly, I hear a disembodied voice speak, not in the distance, but directly in my head. How do I know that? I’m not hearing it through either of my ears but more like it’s coming from my brain.

“Once you are bound to this world, seek out the undying flame. Only then will you be saved”

I opened my eyes. I’m still laying on the grass in the forest next to the elf girl. I’m still dreaming. Weird. What was the voice just now? Undying Flame? Saved? Sounds like something in a game. Maybe that’s where it came from.

Still though, this dream just seems too hyper-realistic. It almost seems like real life.

The birds in the forest started chirping, which disturbed the sleep of my pointy-eared friend. She mumbles but falls back to sleep. I inspect her entire body, especially her face. Much like in works of fiction, elves are really the epitome of beauty and youth. This elf girl is no exception.

With her blonde hair and fair skin to her supple lips. Her body is petite, with her modest breast and slim waist. This girl is exactly my type! As I ogle her all over, a naughty idea comes to mind. I should sneak a kiss in and maybe more. I mean, it’s just a dream, right, so it should be fine.

I slowly creeped to her, still gazing at her apparent beauty. No matter how long I look at her, she truly is beautiful. I hope I remember her after I wake up.

My face is now just an inch away from hers. I can feel her soft breathing on my face. I close my eyes and got ready for the plunge. But as soon as I did, I hear a rustling of leaves behind me. I turn my head to the origin of the noise but find nothing. Maybe it was just an animal–so rude to interrupt and make me nervous.

Now, where was I. I readied myself once more. I turn my head back to her serene face only to see her eyes wide open. Startled, I shouted and flinched back, landing on my butt without breaking eye contact on her.

She started crawling towards me in an inhuman motion. She reached me before I could even do anything else, restricting my movement as her hands held me down by the shoulders. The once beautiful elvish girl now has a twisted look on her face. She opened her mouth wide and a voice came out, definitely something that doesn’t fit her.

“WAKE UP!”

I jolted awake, yelling from the shock of my serene-turned-nightmare dream. A woman is in front of me–she flinched as soon as I started yelling. I quickly realized that I’m back to the real world. I tried to slow down my hectic breathing to no avail. The nightmare shook me to my core.

The woman started to get close to me once more.

“Sir? Are you alright?” Her voice has a hint of fear and confusion. I can’t really blame her. In fact, I want to apologize for the distress I caused her.

“Yes. I’m sorry. I’m alright now.” I worked on my breathing, trying to breathe deeply to slow it down. I reached for the water bottle I bought earlier and drank it. That helped calm me down a little bit.

After a short while, I was able to compose myself. I checked the time and it’s already 3:25 pm. The train is arriving shortly. I thanked the lady for looking out for me and made my way back to the bathroom to freshen up.

On my way there, I noticed that there’s significantly more people now inside the station than it did before. There’re quite a few policemen patrolling the area too. I better be careful. Who knows what would happen if they recognize me. I did what I have to do in the restroom; pee and freshen up. Shortly after, I joined everybody else in waiting for the train.

The train seemed to be taking forever to arrive though. Everybody else is on their phones doing whatever. Maybe I should do the same. Perhaps I should let my parents know that I’ll be visiting them and tell them the full story.

I started typing my message for my mom but before I could continue further, a distressed voice caught my and everybody else’s attention.

“Isn’t that him?! The guy on the news?”

Shit! Am I busted?! Wait. It might not be me they’re referring to. I slowly shifted my head to the direction the voice originated from and surely enough, they’re all looking at me.

Their gaze is piercing, like they want to tear me to shreds. Feeling scared, I slowly walk back only to bump into another person. Only then have I noticed that I’m trapped in the middle of all these people.

A barrage of insults swarms my ears as I manically look for a way out.

“He’s the guy, right? From that one post.”

“Someone should call the police.”

“Just look at him! He’s definitely a pervert.”

“What a disgusting bastard.”

I can’t take this! None of it is true. But would they even believe me? What can I even do?

Some movement within the group of people seem to be happening directly in front of me. Maybe it’s my chance to make a run for it. But alas, a couple of police officers entered the scene.

I tried to make a run for it but some people held on to me. I squirmed around to loosen their hold on me but the police officer grabbed my hand and put handcuffs on it. It’s over!

Due to me still squirming in resistance, the police officer had no choice but to slam me on the ground. I felt a jolt of pain on my ribcage as I got thrown and hit the floor. It hurts so much! So much so that I’m having difficulty to breathe.

An older police officer approached me and his partner and commented on how “He didn’t need to throw me to the ground like that” in which his partner replied, “He deserves it.” Hearing their conversation made it feel like it’s really over for me. All my dreams, goals, and aspirations were all for nothing. I started crying pitifully that you’d think that it’s a child crying.

Other police officers entered the scene and separate the onlookers from me. I’m so scared. This can’t be it! I refuse to believe that it’s over for me. I have to escape. I just have to wait for the right time.

I look around where I can run to to escape the police but I can’t find any place that wouldn’t result in me getting caught again. I wouldn’t want them to slam me on the ground again either. The only place I can run to is on the rails though, I have to wait and time the arrival of the train to mask my escape.

I tried to look around some more through restricted movement but I can’t see any other option. I bide my time until the train is close to the station and I make a run for it. Once I’m in the other side of the rails, the train will deter any pursuers. That’s the plan for now.

Soon, a loud voice announces the arrival of the train. I have to put the plan into motion. As soon as that happens though, a police officer assisted me on my feet, supposing they’re about to take me to jail.

I have to make some time, at least until the train gets closer. I feigned pain in my chest, telling the officer that I’m having trouble breathing. It wasn’t necessarily a lie though. It did hurt and I think the slam from earlier broke my ribs making it harder to breathe. I assume the only reason I’m not writhing in pain right now is because of adrenaline.

The officer frees his hand that’s holding me to radio one of his buddies. This is my chance! I mustered all the strength left and shoved him with my shoulder making him fall to the ground.

I turned and ran to the rails. The train is just in time too. I’m so close!

Bang!

I felt a sharp pain in my right shoulder. The police officer I shoved opened fire. I lost momentum and balance of my body. I couldn’t stop myself in time and ended up jumping in the rails.

Weirdly enough, even though I’m in mid-air, I was still able to move, albeit quite limited. Perhaps it’s because of the adrenaline? I guess it doesn’t really matter. The train is fast approaching; I close my eyes, anticipating the impact. I’m going to die!

…

But it never came. A second passed and I hit the ground, knocking my head due to whiplash. I slowly open my eyes, wincing from the pain. The train that’s about to hit me isn’t there anymore. The train station that I was at isn’t here anymore. Neither the policemen nor the onlookers.

Instead, I’m now in what seems like a dark, gloomy forest. Just what is happening?! A moment ago, I was in a train station and now, a forest. Maybe I’m still dreaming? That’s probably it! If I pinch myself really hard, I’ll wake up. I tried to do just that but I can’t. My hands are still bound by handcuffs.

What? I have no idea what’s happening anymore. The pain in my body is starting to catch up to me. Suddenly, in the distance, a couple of people came running into the forest and behind them, their pursuers. The pursuers wore armor, like the kind they used to wear during medieval times. Fully clad in steel.

They were screaming loudly, and when their pursuers caught them, they screamed even louder. Their shriek echoed further into the forest. It made me anxiously afraid as well.

No matter how you look at it, this is bad news. I can’t call out to them. I have no idea if anyone will help me here. Hell, I don’t even know where the hell I am. But first things first, I have to get these handcuffs off me and my wounds treated. It doesn’t hurt anymore or maybe it’s just going numb, but there’s no sensation in my right arm.

I slowly and quietly get to my feet. It was hard to do, even though it seemed so simple in action movies. My hands are still bound behind me too. Still crouching, I surveyed the area and noticed that there’s more of those pursuers than I thought. I caught a glimpse of those people being dragged and noticed they have pointy ears. What’s that all about anyway? I’ve heard of slavery still being a thing despite being abolished a long, long time ago. Maybe this is that?

Either way, I can’t linger here any longer or I may suffer the same fate as them. I dragged my feet deeper into the forest and hope that I find help there.

I tread deeper into the forest. It felt like some time had passed since I started walking further but I have no idea if I’m getting anywhere. Everything looks the same to me. No landmark is distinct and I can’t find any wildlife anywhere.

This is the worst! I should be in my bed right now but all because I’ve been accused of something I didn’t even do, I’m now at a random place, badly hurt and exhausted. I wish I could see my parents. They’d know what to do.

I continued to wander for 5 more minutes but still no progress. I need to rest and maybe forage some berries. I’m getting a bit hungry.

After finding a good and hidden place to rest, I foraged some berries that I’ve been seeing on the bushes. Every now and then, I would smell and sometimes take some berries with my mouth and crush them on the ground with my feet. There’s no particular reason as to why I did it but in my head, I thought I could find out if it’s poisonous or not. Of course, I just made it up.

The berry smelled sweet and has a slightly sticky flesh inside. It’s probably safe… right? Not like I have any other choice right now. I slowly eat a berry; the sweet taste really carries the whole experience. I then eat another, then another, until I ate around 12 of it. It was only the size of a grape. I don’t plan on eating more unless I get hungry again–scared that it really is poisonous.

Tired and having nothing else to do, I rested for a moment. I assessed my current situation so I could get a better look on my options.

So, everything started with my kouhai at the convenience store where I work, who’s also in high school, posting something online about how I allegedly took advantage of her. While I have not seen the post itself, I’m confident that I’m innocent in all this.

Thankfully, I managed to make a run for it due to my boss giving me a heads-up. I got to the train station and plan to take it to my parent’s place. They are from the countryside so there’s a high chance they won’t hear about anything while also allowing me to bide time until I can set things straight with Ako, my kouhai.

Then, I got recognized in the station and captured by the police. Bound in handcuffs, I managed to “escape” though I suffered a gunshot wound on my right shoulder. It still hurts, especially when I put any kind of pressure on it. I need to find a hospital or at least a medical specialist and get the bullet out. I’m no doctor but I have watched a ton of videos online. I need to get the bullet out soon.

And then after all that, I’m suddenly in this forest… wait. Now that I think about it, isn’t this forest familiar? Like I’ve seen it somewhere…

The memory hit me like a basketball hitting the back of my head. I know this forest! I could swear this is the same forest that was in my dream. Sure, it looks really dark and gloomy right now but maybe that’s due to the time of day and weather? Unfortunately, there’s no hot elven woman in sight like in my dream.

Hmm… Gathering my thoughts doesn’t really lead me anywhere. I’m still just as confused as I was before it. What I do know is that I have to tend to my wounds, and somehow break these stupid handcuffs off me. The limited movement is really difficult and it just leads me to more pain on my wounds.

Okay! I’ll make my way further and just hope to God that there’s someone there that can help me.

Sounds of birds cawing are heard in the distance along with a rustling of bushes. It surprised me but that surprise quickly turns into dread. I look towards the noise and the bushes. Waiting for something or someone to come out made me queasy. I can only hope that it wasn’t those same people from earlier.

The tension is driving me crazy! The rustling grew louder. They’re close! What came out of the bush was not a fully steel-cladded knight, but instead a pointy-eared girl. She looked familiar.

The look that she gave me was with disdain, as if I had done something bad to her. For some reason, the memory of sneaking a kiss during my dream filled my mind. Not now, me!

She takes a couple of steps towards me. I stare at her, studying her face. It’s weird. Her face is very similar to that girl I saw in my dream. Elegant and beautiful, and yet, the girl that I’m looking at now is the opposite of that.

She breaks my fantasy as she summons a steel sword out of thin air. I was stunned with what I just witnessed. Is this a long, unending nightmare? Am I still even in the real world? I can’t think of that right now.

The elf girl starts speaking in a language that I do not understand. I know Japanese and also some English but I’ve never heard of this language before. Still shocked and unable to respond to her, she furrows her brows, infuriating her in the process. She whispered something and in a blink of an eye, the sword is now resting on my throat.

Scared, I started tearing up, knowing that my life will certainly end soon. I apologized profusely. I apologized for all the things I’ve done and for the things I haven’t. I didn’t know what I was saying anymore. I just wanted to live.

Her eyes still gave me that same look of disdain and disgusts. It didn’t work. She lifted my head with her sword, the tip poking through my neck. It produced a sharp pain but I couldn’t move, unless I want her to get the wrong idea and decapitate me. I do not know what I had done or if this is even my fault to begin with. I just got here for goodness sakes!

Alas, it didn’t matter. I can only hope that she does it quick and clean. I’d like to have an open casket for my funeral after all.