Stories From Tokyo-To

Chapter 15: Mischievous Boy!

I had this dream, a vision, maybe? I can't really remember the finer details, but it was me in this dark city. All of the lights were either super dim or broken, and I was walking down this street. I couldn't help but feel something coming towards me, and the more I ran or tried to ditch into an alleyway, it would always lead back into the street. It was impossible to escape what seemed to be this black mass overtaking the street. 

Soon, I was joined by other people, except they didn't react to the darkness like I did. They shuffled their way into the damn thing like zombies! I was sick of it, so I ran and ran and ran some more. All of my attempts were futile. So, as a last-ditch effort, I just ran towards the darkness. I didn't care what would happen to me. I pushed through with all my might and–

"AHHHHHHHHHH!"

I forced myself awake with a mighty cry. In a cold sweat and panting like a dog, I took a moment to gather myself. I was grateful it was nothing more than a dream, but why did I wake up at the last minute? More importantly, where the hell was I, and why did my face feel so tight? 

I looked around to find myself on a couch in a room surrounded by colorful lights, computer screens, and posters of pop stars I've never heard before. It was like the room I was in came right out of the pages of KERA Magazine!

Just my luck, I've been kidnapped. Twice.

I scurried to gather my things when light spilled into the room from whoever was in the other room. The only thing separating me and them was a magical girl door frame curtain. One exit, one entry. Whatever I was about to do, I had only one shot at it. The coward in me wanted nothing more than to curl up in a ball and pray someone would swoop in and take me away. But something else came over me, something new. 

I mean, am I really going to let myself be beaten again? After all I've gone through?! No way! For all I know, some weirdo obsessed with anime and the Gyaru aesthetic is beyond that thin curtain, ready to dress me up as his favorite Sailor Guardian. I am NOT letting that happen!

Maybe this is what my dream was about! No more running away! I'm taking this creep head-on! I pumped myself up and blindly grabbed whatever surrounded me to face my kidnapper. A shadow loomed in front of the light, and footsteps approached as I took my stance and took a deep breath. I was ready to unleash my rage when all of a sudden, from behind the curtain, they stepped in...

"Haiii! You're finally awake! That's great to hear! I hope the pain and swelling has died down. I brought you some tea and a fresh set of bandages–"

I stood in utter shock. This was NOT the 'creepy loser' I had envisioned. In fact, she was the complete opposite. Before me, was this really cute... girl? 

She walked in wearing a light blue, long-sleeved sundress that reached above her knees and was trimmed with baby blue fur at the collar, sleeves, and hem. It looked like there was writing on the front and an icon on the back, but I couldn't tell at the time. It was accompanied by striped stockings alternating between shades of blue. She set down the tray of materials on the desk that housed all the computer monitors and gracefully moved her dark aquamarine-colored, angular hair out of the way, revealing her electric blue lipstick. 

She looked in my direction and walked towards me. Needless to say, I let my guard down, seeing how wrong I was in my assumption. She stood maybe two feet away from me and pointed at the makeshift weapon I decided to brandish.