Alma

“We’re going to be a family again.” A young girl named Alma said as she looked out the window of her airplane. Her short, velvet-red hair sways with each excited head turn as she points to the mountains and homes they can see from the sky.

Alma presses a teddy bear with a locket around its neck to the window and whispers. “We made it, we’re in Japan.”

As they will land soon, Alma prepares herself for the adventure to come by reading over her itinerary, though it only has two objectives inside. Next, she checks her small bag that only has a change of clothes, and three teddy bears inside.

For now, Alma wears her favorite red dress that matches her hair, and black dress shoes that have journeyed with her across the planet. With the face of a doll, her only insecurity is the small scar under her eye.

After passing through customs and exiting into the airport lobby, Alma gasps as the reality of her situation sinks in. The journey to get to Japan was arduous, but arriving has filled her with elation.

Alma squeezes her teddy bear to gather courage before stepping forward. Arriving in Japan had been her main goal for so long that she didn’t prepare for anything else other than where she needs to go.

Making her way to the help desk, she mutters, “Osaka?” To the lady there.

The lady at the help desk looks around. A girl no older than 12 and carrying nothing more than her teddy bear and a backpack walked up to her alone and asking for directions. Although it is not strange to see children travel alone, foreign children tend not to.

“Parents? Family?” The lady asked.

“Yes!” Alma held her teddy bear up. “Brother, his name is Benito.”

“Ah…ok.” The help desk lady glances at her coworker, both shrugging but deciding not to pry into the girl who doesn’t seem to be in distress.

Alma does her best to understand the directions given to her, but she is also given a paper with directions as well. “Thank you! Ah! Ariga…too?”

Receiving a smile in response, Alma makes her way for the train after exchanging her money. Exchanging money is simple as she just tosses some bills into a quick exchange station that spits out Yen in return. Of the many magical implements around the planet, travelers are most thankful for the quick money exchange orbs found across many businesses.

Despite the magic in the world, many conventional transportation systems remain the same such as the Japan railway system known for its reliability.

“Wooow.” Alma gasps as her train passes in between buildings. She perches Benito on the back of the seat and takes a picture of him on her camera. “Benito look, isn’t it pretty? Momma will be in Osaka, I’m sure we’ll see many pretty things together. I want to see cherry blossoms together. Hm? Don’t worry, I’ll find dad soon as well.”

Arriving in Shinagawa, Alma rushes to find the Shinkansen. After buying two reserved seats, she darts off in search of her car.

“We’re in two?” Not paying attention to surroundings, Alma bumps into another traveler. “Sorry.” She said as she rubbed her head.

“No problem sweetie.” A tall blonde woman responded. “Are you lost? Are your parents nearby?”

“No. I’m traveling with my little brother.”

“Little brother? Will you be two be ok?”

Alma holds the locket wearing bear in front of her. “I will. My little brother will take care of me.”

“I see. Well, be safe, enjoy Japan.”

Alma doesn’t respond. In the reflection of the glasses worn by the tall lady is a man staring at them. Tall, well dressed, unshaven beard, and short black hair, the man hasn’t moved since Alma noticed him despite their train departing soon.

Entering her car, Alma sits in her seat and places Benito in his own. Within five minutes, the train darts off.

Once again, Alma takes great pleasure in showing Benito the sights they fly by. She enjoys taking his pictures, asking him to smile wide each time and giggling after taking some of herself.

“I know.” In the reflection of Benito’s marble black eyes, Alma can see the man from the station once again. He sits one row back across from her and glances her way every so often. Turning to him, Alma glares and sticks her tongue out.

“Don’t worry.” Alma said as she grabbed Benito. “I’ll make sure to bring us all back together.”

Reaching Shin Osaka station, Alma rushes off the car. As she does, she tugs on the shirt of the man walking in front of her. He looks back to see Alma point at him, at the woman behind her, then repeats the motion before dashing away. The two individuals she pointed at both fell to the ground, each clutching their heads and blocking the exit.

“Hehe, we lost him.” Alma said as she dashed away from commotion she caused in the Shinkansen. “Where should go first? Dotonbori? Osaka castle? You want to see mama first?” Alma embraces Benito. “Ok. Let’s go find her.”

Alma arrives at an apartment complex in the Kita ward. Dull and grey, graffiti lines the walls of the alley leading to the apartment in great need of color. Still, the building fails to breathe life, only conveying the monotonous reality of the slums Alma finds herself in.

Finding the right one, Alma points to a window on the third floor. “There, momma is there.”

Making her way inside, Alma knocks on the door she believes to be her mother’s but receives no response. “Aw, mama, please let me in.” Two minutes passed with no response. “Ok.” Alma raises Benito to the door handle.

The brown teddy bear begins to shake as their paw touches the door handle. The door handle twists into a spiral before collapsing into a long thin bar that allows Alma to remove it. As Alma removes the thin bar, a woman screeches inside.

Alma walks inside to find her mother cowering in a corner of her small and empty apartment while holding a frying pan near her chest. Her mother wears a ripped black dress with red stains. Her hair is disheveled and her eyes bloodshot as they focus on Alma. “How? How did you find me?” She said, her voice shaking and a small squeal following as Alma approaches her.

“Of course I found you mama. We’re family. We’re supposed to be together forever silly.” Alma approaches her mother but stays just out of reach from her mother’s swing.

“Why? Why are you doing this? None of this is my fault!”

“Hm?” Alma holds Benito up. “But it is. You’re one of the reasons Benito wanted to die. And then you and dad left us.”

“You’re the one who killed him!” Alma’s mother yelled. “You’re a murderer.” She muttered.

“Murderer? How could you say such a thing? You beat us, let us starve, you used Benito for aid that we never saw.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I made mistakes, but I don’t deserve to die. Please, Alma, don’t do this. I’m your mother.”

Alma approaches her mother, kneeling and pushing the pan away. “You are. Let’s make a deal. Mama, do you know how I got this scar under my eye?”

“You must have got it when playing outside.”

“Wrong!” Alma giggles as she pulls out a white, but dirt stained, teddy bear from her bag. “Whenever we would see this teddy bear at the store, I always said I wanted it. I was so happy when you got it for me.”

Alma treasured the teddy bear the moment she got it, but she soon suffered for it. Her mother stole it from another girl, and their mother slapped Alma after discovering the stolen bear. Alma refused to return it and was soon kicked by other children outside that day as she lay on the ground protecting her beloved gift. She believed her mother cared enough for her to steal it; she could never let it go.

“But then you abandoned us.” Alma said, her smile fading.

“Please! I’m sorry for everything! I didn’t want Benito to die! Please!”

Alma points at her white teddy bear, then at her mother, eliciting a terrified screech and more begging. Her mother’s body falls limp, the teddy bear wobbles for a second before falling limp as well. The process complete, Alma jumps and twirls with her two teddy bears in hand. “Yay! Don’t worry mama, Benito, soon I’ll find dad as well and we can all be together.”

Not even a minute into her celebration, Alma stops and sucks her teeth. “So annoying.”

The tall, well-dressed man that stared at Alma on the Shinkansen rushes to the apartment room. “I’m too late. I can’t believe she made it here this fast.” He sighs, thinking back to a meeting two weeks before.

·

In a private room filled with individuals dressed in what many would believe to be costumes, only one is dressed in regular, business casual style clothing. Mis, one of the best magic hunters on the planet has been summoned to a base located in the skies and with no nationality. It’s used for emergencies by most countries, a terrifying one summoning those inside today.

The room is lined with screens that depict maps of the planet, and pictures of fugitives that have been captured. At the head of the room is a map with a dot blinking in Japan, beside it the picture of a young girl with red hair.

The leader of the meeting is an old man known to have lived for many centuries. Although old and grey haired, his wisdom has granted him the position as the head of hazard containment in the magic bureau. As usual, every hunter in the room looks to him with great respect and wait for his briefing.

“Her name is Alma. We believe she is tracking her mother who we have moved to safe house in Japan. Her mother wasn’t sure of Alma’s ability, but the young girl has been using it to fly across Europe as she searches for her mother. We’ve begun giving her clues to find her mother, we’ll lure her to Japan for capture.”

“We’re helping her instead of capturing her?” Mis asked.

“We don’t know enough about her magic. It’s powerful enough for her to manipulate others into doing as she wishes, but also dangerous enough for us to bring you in, our best hunter.”

Mis smiles. Even in a room filled with the best hunters around the world, he stands above all because of his magic. It allows him to sense magic and their targets. Some call it foresight, others the omnipotent. Whatever they consider it, Mis uses it to counter and detain his targets. All of which he has succeeded in capturing or eliminating.

“Mis. Investigate her magic, she could be of great use to us. But, if she must be killed, then so be it.”

·

Investigating the body of Alma’s mother and those affected by Alma’s magic on the Shinkansen, Mis has an idea of what her magic could be. “Soul manipulation.” He sighs, killing a child is never easy.

Mis had made it as Alma jumped around in joy inside the apartment, he was careful not to engage her before understanding her magic. But he also couldn’t force himself to stop her joyful celebrations, even he is not so cruel. But that allowed Alma to escape, something he fears could have great consequences.

The next day, Mis follows Alma as she visits temples, markets, and the Osaka castle. She does her best to take pictures of her family wherever she goes, each time she sports a large smile before dragging them to another destination.

Finding a store selling Kimono’s, Alma rushes in with her family. Despite being a walk in, the owner of the shop can resize three kimonos for Alma with a simple spell.

Mis watches as Alma walks out wearing a purple Kimono, her mother’s bear a red one, and little brother a blue one. Alma gives them a squeeze and glares at Mis. He doesn’t react as his own magic gives him no warning; she has no intentions of fighting. As such, Mis taps on his wrist.

“Sundown.” Mis said, Alma nods and skips away to a nearby temple.

Mis, why have you not taken the girl in?

“She’s just enjoying herself. I’ll give her today; she’ll be locked away for a long time after today after all.”

You’ve gone soft Mis. That girl has the potential to kill anyone at will.

“Potential?” Ahead of Mis, Alma sits at a bench and shares Pan with her family.

As they eat, they share a joyful conversation. Alma recalls days long past; her parents often took her to the park with Benito. Alma reminds them of the favorite foods they used to eat for dinner; one, a simple rice dish she learned to make and hoped to one day make for them again. Alma pulls them close, remembering the times they spent cuddled together as they watched shows.

“I miss those days.” Alma mutters.

“I’ll bring her in by the end of the day.” Mis said.

What is it about her that has stopped you?

Mis sighs. “They say magic users are blessed, but I’ve never met one that doesn’t share the same sorrow I see in her eyes. I want her to at least smile for today.”

… Very well.

As the sun begins to set, Alma pays respects at the temple before confronting Mis. “Is it impossible to get away from you? I just need to find my dad now.”

“I’m sorry. But I’ve been sent to stop you. You won’t be able to get out of this country anymore, but I’ll allow you to enjoy its beauty some more before the day ends.”

“Fine. I want to take a picture with them in front of cherry blossoms.”

“I know a place. I will take you if you promise to turn yourself in afterwards.”

“Deal!”

Arriving at a field of cherry blossoms, Alma jumps with joy with Benito and her mother in hand. “Look! It’s so pretty!”

Cherry blossom trees sway, and cherry blossom petals float in the sky, the field of plant life brings tears to Alma’s eyes as she runs forward. Finding a hill to overlook the wonderful field, Alma perches her family up before approaching Mis.

“Will you take a picture of us overlooking the field?”

“Sure.” Mis grabbed the camera.

Alma returned to her family but rummaged through her bag before sitting. Finding what she needs, she approaches her family and kneels.

“Ready?” Alma doesn’t respond. Must be sad. Mis raises the camera, peering into the lens but seeing nothing but black. He looks at the camera once more, it’s battered and old. “Hey, this camera is broken.”

“Don’t worry.” Alma responded.

Mis looks up to find Alma crying and holding a new red teddy bear. His heart drops, Alma points to the new teddy bear then to him. His instincts flare and his ability warns him as he dashes forward.

“They’re all here.” Alma said as she points to her heart, her largest smile yet appearing as her body becomes limp.

“Alma wait!”

Mis catches Alma’s body, the red teddy bear falls out of her hand. After hitting the ground, it stands, stumbling to the side, and makes its way to the two teddy bears perched up and waiting. Settling in the middle, Alma sits and pulls her family close.

Mis lets them watch the cherry blossoms for some time as he holds Alma’s lifeless body. “The cherry blossoms are beautiful this year.”