Short Stories

Clearing Things Up

"Foxy! Foxy! Foxy! Foxy!" A bunch of kids were chanting.

"Now kids, back up. Try not to get too close to him." A brown haired boy spoke, blocking the children from getting close to me. I'd have to thank him later, these children were starting to get overwhelming.

The male turned around, showing a small thumbs up that only I could see. He spoke in a tone where only I could hear him, "Don't worry Rantaro, everything will be fine." He then turned back around, running to the other stage to keep watch of the children over there. I guess he was the supervisor? But he also looked like a guard of some sort... strange.

I shook my head slowly, continuing my programmed movements for when on stage. I couldn't help but wonder, 'Who's Foxy...? I'm not Foxy, I'm Rantaro Amami, so why were these children calling me Foxy?'

This was one of the first times I was on this small stage called 'Pirate's Cove'. I was very confused. Am I a pirate now? Last I remembered I was an adventurer... guess not anymore.

I let out a sigh, glancing towards the other stage, seeing some of my friends who had animal features. What was going on....? Why did Kaede have a bib that said 'Let's Eat!' and why did Kiibo have a pair of rabbit ears on his head? I was beyond confused. It looked as if everyone was playing dress up.

Then a thought crossed my mind, why are we here? Why am I here? I died. How am I alive again?

I shook my head once again, locking my now golden eyes onto the blonde girl on stage. Something was also off about her. If she's here... does that mean she died too? I sure hope not, but that does seem to be the case.

"Hey? Rantaro you alright bud?" A voice broke in. I looked down, seeing the guard once again.

I blinked, "Oh, yeah I guess. I'm just confused."

"Ah, I thought so. Well what are you confused about?" He asked with a genuine tone. He seemed to be a nice guard. I observed him, noticing his obvious spikey, light brown hair from under his hat, and his pale green eyes. His name tag read 'Makoto'.

"Just... everything? Why am I being called Foxy? Why do my friends look like animals? Who is the bear with them?"

"Oh..." He scratched his chin nervously, as if I had hit a nerve by asking that. "Um, that is a complex topic... but since the kids are gone right now, I'll be willing to explain everything."

I watched him walk over to the far side of my stage and he pressed a button. As soon as he did that, my movement was gone, leaving me to stand still. How did he do that...?

He readjusted his pale purple hat, jumping onto the stage with me. He stared at me as if he was observing me. Was he worried or something? He then let out a sigh and walked forward, going behind me, where he pressed another button. This one however, closed the curtain around us, blocking us from everyone else's view.

"What was that for-"

"If I'm seen talking to you in public like you're a person, I'll get fired." He spoke in an almost shaky voice as he was adjusting the rope so the curtain wouldn't open again.

He then stepped back, slumping into a stool that was sat at the far back with a sigh. He straightened his hat, now looking at me once again. "Okay, how about we start from the beginning. As you already know, there were three killing games. However, unlike the other two, almost everyone in your class had died. With that in mind... us from the Future Foundation had jumped into action, giving you guys another chance at living... in a way."

I tilted my head to the side, placing what I thought was my hand onto my side, but instead it was a metal hook. I had no idea I had a hook on my hand until now. It was rather strange that I just now figured this out...