Takao’s Date, Sumire Captured

Takao slept poorly.

His dreams were unpleasant to say the least. Filled with his most painful memories, he relived that terrible moment when he lost his family, but this time Sumire was there too. He yelled at her to do something— to fight, to free him, to flee, but she never did. The stone grizzly killed his family again, but then instead of coming for him, it turned toward Sumire. He yelled and screamed at her to turn around and defend herself, but his voice wasn’t working. It killed her before his eyes, and only then did it turn toward him. He couldn’t move as the grizzly approached, but as it did, it shifted grotesquely until its form changed to become him. Covered in blood, the second Takao would approach and tell him that this was all his fault before killing him with his own spear.

Takao woke with a start. Covered in a cold sweat and gasping for air, he looked instinctively toward Sumire, but her bed was empty. Panic started to hit him until he saw the small paper note on their table. Scrawled in Sumire’s neat and charming script was the message:

Left early. Enjoy your date.
               — Sumire

His date with Nanako was today. His dreams had nearly wiped that from his mind. He was more concerned with seeing Sumire. All his anger from the previous day was gone, and he just wanted to know she was okay. He still had his date, though, and he wasn’t about to stand up Nanako. After all, they’d been good friends for so long, so he got ready for their date. By the time he was ready, it was nearly time to meet Nanako. He left in a rush, with thoughts of Sumire still swirling in his head.

***

Sumire wandered the streets of Sukiya with thoughts of Takao bouncing around her head. Her imagination was in high gear thinking about what he and Nanako were doing on their date. Sumire scowled and kicked an old crate to vent some of her frustration. She was in an old and neglected alley. The plaster was chipped on the buildings here, and trash was discarded haphazardly along the ground, leaving an unpleasant smell in the air. Despite its run down state, this area was familiar to Sumire.

“This part of town was nicer a hundred years ago.” She mumbled to herself.

“It doesn’t seem that bad to me.” A familiar taunting voice called from behind.

Sumire spun around, purple lightning surging from her hand even before she saw who the speaker was. It arced toward the woman in black, and struck an ornate amulet strung around her neck. She smiled wickedly, completely unfazed by the attack.

“Wha—” Sumire tried to say, but collapsed to her knees, unable to finish her sentence. Her strength was draining away rapidly. Her consciousness flickered. She thought she would pass out at any moment, but still she heard the woman speak clearly.

“Tsk tsk.” She taunted, wagging a finger at Sumire. “As I was saying, if you look past the garbage and filth, you’ll find that this part of town is quiet and peaceful. Free of those annoying crowds, almost deserted, really.”

Sumire felt her chin tugged up forcefully. Mere inches from her face, a mocking smile and inky black eyes filled her vision. The memories from her cave flashed back to her mind. Renewed fear chocked the air from her lungs. The world grew blurred and distant. She felt herself hit the ground, then everything went black.

***

Takao and Nanako sat at a small table outside a restaurant near Garden Market. A pleasant, cool breeze blew through the chattering crowds, sweeping heavenly aromas from the restaurants and through the market. A meal that consisted of a juicy meat patty and fresh sliced vegetables sandwiched between two buns, sat almost untouched in front of Takao. It came highly recommended by Nanako, and Takao had enjoyed the first bite. His next thought, however, had been how he knew Sumire would like it even more, which had spiraled his thoughts away from his conversation with Nanako, until he was staring blankly into the distance.

“Takao!” Nanako called, bringing him back to reality. “What do you think?” She asked, her usual smile firmly in place.

“Eh— Yes—” He responded uncertainly.

Nanako smirked lightheartedly at him, and he knew he’d answered incorrectly.

“That wasn’t a yes or no question. I asked if you’d rather be headbutted by a lockhorn or swallowed by a gibba.”

“Eh— gibba, I guess.”

Nanako chuckled.

“Great pick, but I was just testing to see if you were paying attention, which you weren’t.”

“Sorry.” He apologized.

Nanako leaned back in her chair and pushed her fiery red hair over her shoulders. She crossed her arms and fixed Takao with a quizzical smile.

“What’s going on? I know you’ve had a crush on me for years and all, but I was sure you and Sumire were together now. That’s why I was so surprised when you asked me out. Tell me you didn’t just ask me out because the circumstances were admittedly very awkward.”

“No, I mean— maybe partially, but no! Me and Sumire aren’t together! We’re just— You knew I liked you?” He asked, avoiding the topic of him and Sumire.

“Of course I knew! It was obvious. Why didn’t you ever ask me out?”

Takao poked at his food uncomfortably, trying and failing to think of a way to change the conversation.

“Because— because you told me you only wanted to date someone strong, stronger than you. I can’t use magic, therefore I’m not strong enough for you.” He admitted glumly.

Nanako looked confused for a moment, then her green eyes brightened with understanding.

“I know what you're talking about! You were trying to covertly figure out what my type was, and I told you I didn’t want to date someone weak.”

“Exactly!” Takao declared as if he’d just won a debate.

“You idiot! First off, you're not weak by any definition of the word! You never were! You’re a strong person! Second, I was referring to weak in character, as in someone lacking in integrity, morals, ethics! That should have been clear from the situational context! I don’t care if I date someone physically weaker than myself! And by the way, I would’ve said yes if you’d asked me out!” She added pointedly.

Takao was dumbfounded. He’d been so convinced of his own weakness, he’d never considered any other possibilities. He opened and closed his mouth, trying to find words to say but forming none. Nanako smiled, looking satisfied with his reaction.

“Now that that’s resolved.” She continued. “Let's circle back to Sumire. It’s obvious to me that you like her, and I’d say she likes you too. So, with that in mind, answer me this— is there somewhere else you should be right now?”

Takao felt so incredibly stupid. How had he been so blind? He did like Sumire. It was so obvious now that Nanako pointed it out, yet he hadn’t realized it. Or maybe he’d just been too afraid to admit it. Whatever the reason, he knew what he needed to do. He had to find Sumire, he had to apologize, and he had to confess his feelings.

“I’m really sorry, Nanako!” Takao said as he pushed back his chair and stood. “I have to go!”

“Oh it’s fine! I’m just glad you finally figured it out!”

As Takao made to leave, Nanako called after him with a bright smile.

“Don’t forget, we’re still friends! And you owe me another lunch for this!”

Takao smiled and nodded, then dashed off to find Sumire as gray clouds moved in over the town.

***

Sumire had been bound, gagged, and unceremoniously shoved inside a crate. She struggled against her bindings, but it was no use. She was too weak to break the rope, and her wrists were rubbing raw from trying. Even the natural toughness of her skin was draining away. Soon she would be too weak to even struggle.

From the sound of hooves, Sumire could tell her abductors had transferred her to a carriage, and they were moving. Despair crept into her heart. Her eyes swam with tears. No one knew where she was or that she’d been captured. Not that it mattered. No one would be looking for her anyway. Takao was busy on his date, and she’d been coarse toward him even though he didn’t deserve it. She was on her own.

Sumire desperately tried to see through the narrow slits in the crate lid, but all she could make out were dark clouds overhead. Storm clouds? An idea struck her.

Sumire’s Exposé!
How would you rather die? is a game with a dark sense of humor, commonly played by adventurers. It’s a simple game where one person presents two horrible death options, and the other players pick the one they prefer. Then someone else presents two new horrible death options and the game continues.