『Life as Fumo』

Part 1: Rebirth

I'm Ryusei Tandoori (Ry-you-say Tan-door-e) , a normal otaku who loves anime, ramen, and everything alike.

I am 17 years old, and I am single.

I'm the laid-back type of guy, who doesn't really care about anything happening around me. Right now, it is 8:47 AM, and I'm putting my shoes on to head to the grocery store, since I'm kinda running low on food.

I check my wallet, which was residing in the pocket of my long coat. 

Ryusei: "20, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 210, 215, 216, 217..."

 I paused for a moment. 

Ryusei: "217 dollars... I'm gonna have to work overtime..."

I walk out the door and walk over to the supermarket, which is about 2 blocks away.

I approach the supermarket, and walk in. I go down the noodle isle to pick up two 48 Packs of Chicken Ramen, and a gallon of water. I head to the cashier and place my items on the belt. She bags my items, and puts them to the side.

Cashier: "Your total will be $23.45."

 I reach into my wallet, and pull out 24 dollars to hand to the cashier. 

Cashier: "Thank you! Have a wonderful day!" 

I felt my heart flutter for a little bit, then remembered that I have no idea who she is. Man, I'm lonely.

I walked home, looking down at my shoes. I crossed the road, but suddenly, I heard a loud "BEEEEEEEEP!" My head jolts up, and I look right. It's a truck! But it was too late for me to run. The truck was too close, and it was going to hit me. 

Ryusei: "OH SHI-"

The truck had hit me.

All I could see, for what seemed like forever, was just black.

Am I dead?

Where am I?

Suddenly, my vision had returned. I was in a dark place, with a steep staircase, lit by several of small lanterns.

I climbed up the staircase, and was met by a beautiful woman with pink hair.

Unknown Woman: "Hello, Ryusei Tandoori."

Ryusei: "H-huh?! Where am I? Who are you?"

Unknown Woman: "Worry not. You will return to the land of the living shortly."

I was so confused. Land of the Living? At least that checks out one of my questions. I am dead. For now, at least?

Ryusei: "Wait so... I'm dead?"

Unknown Woman: "Yes. You are."

Ryusei: "Oh."

Ryusei: "Then, what now?"

Unknown Woman: "I will show you. Follow me."

I walk with the beautiful woman. I don't even know her name yet. I should probably ask.

Ryusei: "So... lady... what is your name?"

Yuki: "My name is Yuki Balalaika. I rebirth souls here."

Ryusei: "Oh. Okay."

We walk in silence for a little, until we reach what looks like a little Japanese shrine

Yuki: "Come in, Mister Tandoori."

I walk into the little shrine. It has 9 pedestals, each containing an orb with what appears to be little dolls.

Yuki: "Now, Mister Tandoori. You may pick one of the Fumos on the pedestals. The one you choose, will be the one you will be reincarnated as."

Ryusei: "Umm... okay."

I take a second to think. I analyze my choices.

There's one dressed in red that looks like a shrine maiden. Another that looks like a witch. One with blue hair and what look like wings. One with some cat ears and brown hair. One with pink hair... reminds me of Yuki... One with beautiful black hair and a pink dress. One with a black hat and a green dress. Another one with pink hair, but an extra eye on her chest, and the last one has green hair and a red checkered dress.

I point to the one with the pink hair and blue dress.

Ryusei: "Is this one you, Yuki?"

Yuki: "No."

Ryusei: "Oh. She kinda looks like you though."

She looked away and smiled.

I go back to thinking about my choices

I look at the one with the blue hair and wings.

That smug ass look...

It's staring into what's left of my soul

Ryusei: "This one. I choose this one."

Yuki: "Ah. The Ice Fairy, Cirno. Are you sure this is the one you want to live as?"

Ryusei: "Yes. I'm sure."

Yuki: "When you are in this form, you cannot die by normal means. You'll be basically immortal unless the Fumo is destroyed. You may not choose another. Are you absolutely sure?"

I think for a little bit.

Ryusei: "Yes. I am absolutely sure."

Yuki: "Okay. Then I shall start the soul transformation. Please step inside this circle"

I step inside the circle with weird looking lines and words.

Yuki: "Oh Knowledge!!"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming"

A woman dressed in purple and with purple hair comes holding a book

She then chants something I can't remember, because I couldn't understand it

Yuki: "Have a great rest of your life, Mister Tandoori!"

I smiled at Yuki and the girl she called Knowledge, as I was being sent back into the land of the living.

A flash of light blinded me, and before I knew it, I was sitting on a desk...