Dead Man Walking

“...”

Where am I?

What’s going on?

Am I dead?

Again?

Sigh...

You know what?

It doesn’t matter anymore.

I’ve died twice now...

There’s no reason to keep living.

I’ve always hated the concept of reincarnation.

Why would I want to make memories in one lifetime—only to forget them in another?

My soul... can it finally be put to rest?

It’s not like I did anything good in my life.

Neither of my lives.

I just wish to sleep now...

Perhaps I’ll get off easy?

Maybe I’ll just have to reflect on my actions for eternity?

Now that would be nice... a quiet isolation.

A silent solitude...

So... Am I in my grave?

Or is this the afterlife?

It's awfully cold here—and dark!

The silence was interrupted by the ringing in his ears, then Kairo heard something as it began to fade. 

“—And when we arrive, you’ll be within our large barrier. We normally don’t let in outsiders because of the spectral apparitions we keep hidden.”

Who the hell is that?

Actually, for real.

Where am I?

“I see... My father didn’t tell me any of this...” a soft voice whispered.

Why does it sound like that ninja?

Takada was his name?

And who’s that girl?

Her voice sounds beautiful—like music!

The voices were slightly muffled—but he could hear them, nonetheless.

I guess the River Styx is busy this time of year, huh?

“Hehe…”

Kairo chuckled to himself.

Whatever...

I don’t even care anymore.

I know I said some bad things—did some bad things earlier...

I don’t deserve forgiveness.

I just wanted to be the main character of my own isekai fantasy.

Damn... I never even got to have a girlfriend either... Sigh...

“What was that?”

“Did you hear someone laugh?”

Now all he heard were voices and frantic rustling.

Wait a minute... Am I still alive?!

For the first time, Kairo tried to speak. All he managed was a simple, “...Huh?” and heard people stop moving.

Damn it!

Does that mean I’ve been captured?!

“Check the sack! He may have revived!” a young man ordered.

Yup…

That is DEFINITELY the ninja guy’s voice…

I’m screwed if I don’t get out of here right now!

Suddenly, Kairo began rolling around.

I need to get some momentum!

“Right there! Get him!”

He sat up, still in darkness. Orange light pierced through tiny holes in front of him. His face started to itch, and he sneezed.

I really am in a bag!

“Hey! What the hell is the big idea, huh?!” he shouted. “Get this thing off of me!”

He felt a presence right above him, stabbing into him with their gaze.

“Don’t. Move. A muscle.”

Kairo laughed awkwardly.

This is bad!

I need to do something!

“Hey there T-Takahashi—I mean, um… Takada?” he blurted out. “Y-yeah! Takada! Long time no see right? Hehe?”

I REALLY need to get out of here!

He’s a cold-blooded killer!

“Do you mind untying me?” he asked, well aware of the answer he’d receive. 

Takada growled.

“I don’t know how you know my name, but you are staying right where you are!”

What? 

He had an urge to shout “Your sister said over and over!“ but he refrained, considering his present circumstances. 

The wind blew slowly, rustling the surrounding trees. Although he couldn’t see the calming sight, the cool breeze cooled him in the bag.

“Since you are alive, I guess you really are some sort of spectral apparition!” Zashi exclaimed. “I’ll bet you’re a demon!”

Kairo tilted his head back in disbelief.

“Huh?! Just what the hell are you talking about?”

He instantly felt Takada’s sword move even closer to his jugular vein. 

“I told you not to move! Next move you make, it’ll be your head!”

Yikes!

“S-sorry!” he cried. “A-anyway, are you saying that I actually died back there?”

There’s no possible way…

I wouldn’t still be here otherwise!

Takada leaned in close to him—his blade now cutting through the sack towards his throat.

“Actually, I was hoping you could provide some answers for me. You had burst into flames—burned to death by the sun! But now you are mysteriously back to life?” 

His voice was clearly skeptical, maybe even angry, but Kairo sensed something deeper.

Is this guy… Scared?

Why would he be scared of me?

He was about to kill me earlier!

“... Look. I don’t know what you are thinking about me, but I’m from a different world,” Kairo explained. “And while that may be the case, I still am a normal person! I was hoping to get some sort of rad power when I got here though…”

The fire crackled, and then there was a chuckle.

“I’m sorry. That was just funny what he said there.”

It was Zashi, and he heard her step closer to him. “You don’t honestly expect me to believe that, do you?”

“Huh?”

“No one cares where you came from! In fact, that just tells me you came from wherever the specters hide! Why are all of you demons such liars?!” she screamed.

“I’m NOT a demon—nor a vampire! Look… I know I lost control back there, but you guys attacked ME!” Kairo shouted back. “I was defending myself! In fact, you guys are kidnapping me!”

His blood started to boil.

You’re keeping me in a sack, calling me a monster, and you tried to kill me!

How does that make any sense?!

“Woah!” a voice exclaimed.

That’s the girl with the pretty voice!

So there IS a third person here—other than me of course.

“I’m sensing a whole lot of negative energy! I thought it was impossible for humans to use dark mana?”

Her voice was silky smooth, and Kairo couldn’t think.

Such a beautiful voice!

I bet she looks super cute too!

Hehehe…

His whole train of thought derailed. It didn’t even matter that he was in a sack or that a blade was at his neck.

I just want to hear her voice one more time…

Then, I shall be satisfied.

This sucky life will then have been worth it!

“S-so? What if I can use this dark mana or whatever? Are you gonna treat me like a monster too?”

Now she has no choice but to respond!

I’ll get to hear her sweet voice again!

“W-wait! Is this boy like me then?!” 

The girl with the sweet voice sounded worried. After a moment of silence, she exclaimed, “Oh my! This poor soul… May you find salvation beyond.”

What the hell?

Is she taking pity on me?

He groaned.

I can’t stand this humiliation any longer!

<And when I get out… I’m going to kill all who look down upon me!>

W-why did that sound like me?!

And why am I hearing voices?!

This happened earlier too!

He suddenly snapped back to reality and swallowed hard.  

“Look… I don’t know what’s going on, why you think I’m some sort of monster or something, but I truly am from another world!”

Takada cleared his throat.

“I still don’t trust you. But if I remove the bag, you’d better not attack us.”

Kairo beamed.

“Of course!”

A chance to prove that I’m normal!

The drawstrings loosened above his head, and he could see the last light of dusk.

The girl with the pretty voice gasped. 

“I… I can’t believe it…”

Kairo slowly turned his head to look at Takada. “How?!” he exclaimed. The assassin was still aiming his sword at him—but he also started crying.

“W-what’s the matter? I-is there something on my face?”

If his first instinct isn’t to kill me, then something must be wrong!

He turned to look at Zashi and the girl with the sweet voice.

“Oooh… That is NOT pretty…” Zashi whispered aloud. The other girl had her hands to mouth.

She looks… horrified!

“Seriously! What’s wrong?!” Kairo began to panic.

Shiink!

Takada walked away from him. His sword was sheathed, and he was clutching his scarf. The two young women looked vaguely concerned for him, but they kept their distance.

“What the hell? What’s wrong with my face?!”

A mirror! 

I need to get to a mirror!

“Where is some w-water?!” he demanded.

Reluctantly, Zashi pointed him in the right direction. He struggled to his feet. He looked at his hands and didn’t see anything abnormal.

Wait a minute—

“I have both of my hands again!”

Concerned over what this new development could mean, he took off sprinting, searching, desperate to find some water.

* * *

The lake nearby looked very peaceful as the last rays of sunlight reflected off the surface one last time. The scene was surreal and tranquil, but Kairo couldn’t have felt any of its peace even if he wanted to.

Kneeling above the water, a face stared out at him, burned and scarred. He was even more appalled at the fact he couldn’t feel any pain.

His heart was pounding. He bit his lip—hard enough for blood to seep out. Tears welled up in his eyes.

“Where did I go wrong?! How? Why?”

Why?

WHY?!

The sight before him indeed was his face—that much even he couldn’t deny. But accepting the truth was too painful to bear.

How could this happen?

He whispered, “This was supposed to be my chance at a new life… I was supposed to be the hero…” and tears streamed down his face. 

The entire left side of his face was scarred. It appeared to have been abnormally disfigured then healed rapidly. His eyes were permanently bloodshot, an eternal pinkish red.

“Little kids will run from me in the streets, and I’ll never get a girl… How am I supposed to make the most of this new life?” 

As soon as the light completely faded, he stood up. He looked out at the body of water and thought, “What if I just jump in?”

Maybe… just maybe, if I die, I’ll come back.

“Y-yeah… I’ll come back and I’ll be good as new!”

Maybe I’ll be in a better world than this one…

He reluctantly raised his head up to the sky. 

“I… I can’t do it.”

One final crimson tear rolled down, dropping into the liquid abyss.

* * *

Back at their makeshift camp, Takada and the girls sat talking. Their campfire looked inviting and comforting. 

Kairo made sure to walk loudly. The last thing he wanted was more trouble.

“Welcome back…” Takada muttered. “Have a seat over here.”

Kairo stared at him silently.

Just how stupid does he think I am?

They both stared into each other’s eyes for what felt like an eternity. 

“O-oh! No, don’t worry. I’m not going to kill you! In fact, it’s quite the opposite.”

Taking one short step at a time, he inched closer to Takada.

Finally, once he stood over the group, he slowly sat down, his eyes on a swivel the entire time. After successfully sitting down without incident, he waited for the assassin to speak.

“I first need to ask you a question. You claim you’re from another world, but do you remember how you got here?”

Kairo scratched his head, trying to hide his obvious excitement. The question was more than enough to blow away his sorrows, even if only for a short time.

Finally!

Maybe I’ll become an assassin hero!

And I’ll hide behind a really cool mask!

And I could even get a rad scarf like his or something!

That would be so cool!!!

As if to denounce any indication of his obvious joy, or the thousands of thoughts going through his head, he cleared his throat dramatically.

“Ahem!”

Zashi rolled her eyes at him as he started speaking.

“Well, as you know, I indeed AM from another world! As for how I got here, I…” he trailed off.

“You what?” Takada asked softly.

His smile was ever so kind and gentle.

Now I feel bad for talking down to the guy before…

“Well, you see… I um… Oh no… Oh my god, no!” Kairo exclaimed.

“W-what’s wrong?”

“I don’t remember how I got here… All I remember is that I was running away from that monster. I remember it attacked me, scratched my shoulder, and then I kept running…”

“That’s awful!” The other girl interjected.

Oh my goodness gracious—

—She is gorgeous!

Her hair and eyes were golden, and she had soft delicate features. She was sitting, but her white dress was clearly long and flowing.

“W-why are you staring at me like that, you creep?!”

“S-sorry! I was just admiring your eyes! That’s all!” Kairo stammered. “By the way, my name is Kairo Akira. May I ask yours?”

Zashi shot him a look and Takada looked completely uncomfortable. The gold-haired girl frowned at him.

“I shall answer you, however, your conduct is very disrespectful. I will have you know that I am both a princess, and I am…” she paused, looking away for a second. “I am engaged.”

“Huh?!”

He screamed and swore under his breath. His thoughts suddenly became a swirling cloud of darkness.

“You are… are… engaged, huh?” he asked.

The princess nodded. He felt as if he’d been robbed.

I’m not a hero, don’t have any magic powers, and the princess is already about to be hitched!

A few tears came to his eyes, and he fought desperately to keep them back.

“Alas, why would a princess want somebody with such an ugly face like mine?” he murmured.

The girl tilted her head to side slightly. 

“My name is Princess Laria de Dhar’Naleem. And why might you be crying?”

“I, Sniff! I’m not crying!” he responded through gritted teeth and a false smile. There was nothing he could do about the tears rolling from his eyes, but his snot was a different story.

“Ahem!”

“As I was saying,” Takada interjected, “The fact that you can’t remember how or when you got here is proof enough that you lost some of your memories.”

Everyone turned their attention to him, and Kairo nodded. It was as if he’d been pulled back into the harsh reality after being in a pleasant dream.

“That means you have indeed been infected, and without treatment, you will become a psycho yourself—”

Kairo slapped him in the face.

“Then why didn’t you say anything about treatment before you idiot?!”

Zashi began to lunge but her brother put his hand up to stop her. Clearly hiding his irritation, Takada rubbed his cheek and continued.

“You will become a psycho yourself, and the only cure is to be executed. HOWEVER,” he paused, probably to make sure the boy was paying attention. “If you don’t wish to be released immediately, then you can become a Psycho Hunter and serve until you don’t have any time left.”

That sounds terrible!

Why would I ever agree to something like that?!

And what does he mean there’s no cure?!

“Why don’t I just run from you Psycho Hunters? I’d rather not let someone kill me—not after I just found myself in another world! Even if I don’t remember anything from before, it doesn’t matter!”

Takada shook his head.

“That’s not how this works. Even if you did nothing to try to counteract the transformation, you would still turn into a psycho. We cannot allow that to happen. Additionally, you seem to have odd powers.”

Kairo shook his head this time.

Takada sighed.

“My proposal is a fair arrangement—you aren’t dissected for research immediately, you get a few more years to live, and on top of that,” he rolled his eyes, “We may even be able to teach you how to wield that power.”

Kairo’s eyes got big. 

Huge even.

Powers?!

No way…

Does that mean…

“Does that mean I get to learn magic?!”

“Y-yes… I guess it does.” Takada responded.

“Okay then! If that’s the case, I’m ready to get started right here and now!” Kairo gushed.

Finally.

Finally!

“Finally everything I probably worked hard for in my past life, as well as my struggling when I got here… Finally I’m getting the other-world fantasy I’ve always dreamed of!”

Takada stood up and dusted his pants off. 

“Okay then. If you’re ready, then we should head out as soon as possible. There should be a place where we can actually sleep for the night not too far from here.”

* * *

Together, they had packed up their camp. When they finally departed, the group neared the waystation. 

A woman a little ways up the road waved her arms wildly as soon as she saw them. She called out to them over and over until they were close enough to hear her.

“P-please! Please help!”

What could be the commotion?

We’d better investigate.

Takada looked at her, his thoughts drifting away.

Clear your mind.

You never know what trials may lie ahead, he told himself.

“Huh?”

A finger poked him, snapping him out of his focused trance for a second. 

“Yeah sis? What’s wrong?” 

Her finger was digging into his cheek, slowly pressing further and further.

“W-what’s the matter?”

“You okay?” she asked. “You need to relax.” 

He let his confusion show on his face. 

“You get really stressed over every little thing.” she said, sighing at him.

His face flushed.

“I do NO such thing!” He retorted.

How could she say such a thing?!

“B-but… What i-if something’s wrong? She clearly needs help!”

“God… such a pain. Why did I get stuck with you for a brother?” Zashi started wiggling her finger harder. “Honestly, I know you are worried about all of our safety, and I—”

“Exactly! So then, why is it such a problem?!” Takada interjected.

I really care about you.

We also have a potential demon and a princess with us!

“Because we aren’t helpless!” she shot back. “I’m a Psycho Hunter too! Don’t you realize that?! Don’t treat me like I’m just a dainty little flower you need to protect!”

I just want you to be safe.

I want nothing more for you and our family.

Takada started to open his mouth to speak. 

But he stopped.

How can I even begin to tell you that?

“...”

His voice completely trailed off, the only sounds being the carriage moving. The silence was deafening.

You’ve dirtied your hands enough.

I just want to put all this murder behind us.

We deserve to be treated as normal people as well.

He didn’t have anything to say. There was nothing he could give voice to. So instead, he apologized.

“I’m sorry. You’re right! Let’s help this woman out, however we can!”

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! 

If you have any thoughts, theories, or feedback, I'd love to hear them in the comments!