Embers Rise: Arc 1 — To Another World
Breakfast. Yeah, that thing people eat in the morning. Mine? Burnt
toast again, oh well, whatever.
Orange juice that tastes like disappointment is what I wanna say I
just drank buuuuut like I'd ever drink that, that's for the rich kids.
Dad— well, passed out on the sofa again. Seems one of us had a fun
night.
Two random hot women in the kitchen whispering… about what? Who knows.
Who cares. I'd usually be grateful for such a situation, ya know, but everyone
knows where those women came from.
I mean, I'm not trying to judge or anything, but alas, I'm too broke
for the adult world, hehe.
Well, like routine, I grab my bag. Step outside. Sun hits my face and
it begins.
Great!—
Trial one: survive the long walk to school. Trial two: blend in with
the crowd, easier said than done. Everybody's either with the cool kids or with
the losers. Trust me, it is black and white.
The third and final trial… find the girl who shall be my high school
sweetheart.
The walk to school... welcome to the game of social shogi.
If you say hi to the wrong person, next thing you know you're talking
about gelatin or cooking videos.
Or worse, you meet Benson and then you're talking about disfigurement
and dismembering stuff. Talk about creepy.
You wanna blend in? Stick close to the cool kids and their bright
colorful nature hides thy gloomy presence.
Ooouu, that's gotta be proverb-worthy at least.
Clouds look good today, the fluffier the better thy day. I am on a
roll, aren't I.
Anyway, sometimes I just think that whatever angel's in charge of
clouds makes 'em extra pretty for me.
And here we are..... class. My class is more of a splash of color with
the whole unity thing, it's pretty cool. 'Cause of Paul I got to learn some
French.
Doesn't help that the only thing I can say is "La fromage", more like I'm too lazy to
learn more.
Zoey on the other hand shares her bread with me sometimes. What a
bubbly little fox, but her German bread's nothing but cheese and garlic. Add
some meat, would ya.
Haaa— it's a beautiful day, calm, silent, just the way I like it, is
what I'd like to say but…
the background chatter, gossip about makeup, boys, anime, fashion.
Blah blah blah blah!
Can't a guy daydream in peace over here, geez? And I was getting to
the good part where I save the damsel from a bunch of thugs.
Great, the teacher's here...
Mr. Tanaka, this weird grumpy old dude.
I swear he walks in here like some secret agent thinking he's soooo
cool. What's he want anyway?
Mr. Tanaka: "Alright, alright, settle down now."
Get lost, it's a free period!!!
As if I'd say that in person. I wonder what he wants... ooh, please
let school be cancelled.
Mr. Tanaka: "I have an announcement to make. With me here is a
transfer student who'll be joining you from here on out. If you may,
miss."
Ugh, why do you fail me so, oh school deity, ugh.
Before I could even get my thoughts together my jaw was already
mopping the floor.
She was a girl of— no, a woman, no, a goddess as gorgeous as the
goddess of beauty, Aphrodite herself. Is this a dream?
Norah: "Ahem! Hi.... My name's Teuchi Norah, it's a pleasure to
meet you and I hope— we all get along well, mkay!"
—wink—
Woah, woah, woah! What is this, some kind of shojo manga character?
And that voice!!!!!! Was she plucked out of a fairy tale or something?
What is this feeling, I~ I feel— complete.
Paul: "Woah!!!! Pretty!"
Mr. Tanaka: "Oi, behave. —sigh— Anyway, Norah, find a place to
sit."
Could it be she's coming to sit next to me? ...wait a minute. Ah,
she sat in front next to another girl. Obviously, ha~.
After the teacher left, everyone fell back into their gangs.
I on the other hand go back to cloud gazing. What else can I do?
Everybody here's all bubbly for no reason. The ice caps could be melting, you
know.
Still, if daydreaming was a sport I'd be the world champion.
With a quick glance— not on purpose, ahem!— I noticed a damsel in
distress.
Norah, who was receiving a bit of unwanted attention, scanning the
room and finally settling on meeeee.
Yes— on me. Hold on, that's not right, she's looking at me!!!!
—bum dum—
My heart's doing gymnastics over here. I forced my face to awkwardly
smile back. Hope it's not creepy.
I said smile— idiot.
Still, she's looking at me, past me— on me, maybe through me!!! She's
coming, she's coming. Ahem, ok, stay cool.
We practice this by the mirror every morning.
Tehehehe, she even walks blessed. I bet she's modeling just for me.
Ok, now maintain composure, boy.
And there she was, gliding over— not walking, gliding, every step like
it was choreographed. Delusional? Absolutely. Accurate? Also absolutely.
Norah: "Hey, how's it going?"
Alex: "Me... hi, yeah I'm doing great. You meant me, right?"
Norah: giggles "Well, unless there's someone else behind
you."
Ah, a giggle so sweet people could pay to hear it. A-ha, I've been
touched by the saints.
Alex: "Not much, you know, just schooling, mooling, ruling— I
mean chilling, chilling!!! Just chilling. (Yeah, smooth, idiot.)"
For some odd reason she laughs, finding this somewhat amusing. Turns
out she came over to get away from all the boys throwing themselves at her, and
for some weird cosmic reason she seems to enjoy my company.
Some time has passed and me and Norah seem to have hit it off since
then. With me of all people.
The next few days became a blissful blur. No longer the regular yari
yari ya, but the sun actually..... shone brighter, the clouds looked fluffier
and water tasted sweeter.
All of this due to that smile.
Yeeeaaaa, somebody should probably test that water. I don't think it's
supposed to be sweet.
Anyway, the two of us became inseparable. If you wanted to know where
I was, look for Norah. And if you wanted to find her, just look for me.
On some inside jokes and secret handshakes deep, you'd mistake me for
her boyfriend if you didn't know better.
As if that would happen, she's waaaay out of my league. Even I know
that. But hey, a kid's gotta dream.
Even us sitting by the school benches right now still feels unreal. Am
I even allowed to be here?
Norah: "Hey... um, Alex.... I was hoping if maybe you'd wanna go
out on a date.... See, I really like you and stuff, so..."
Such a blissful moment. She always makes me giddy with no effort.....
Huh? What? What is this? Is this—
But it can't be right, an after-school confession from her of all
people!
Hold on, is this what they call touching the sun or something? Ok,
calm down, calm down. It's probably a test or some type of joke.
Norah: "Hey, would you say something? It took all my courage to
ask this, you know."
But it could be real. If I play my cards wrong I'll be a virgin loser
for life. Ok, you got this, mmhm.
Alex: "Oh yeah, sorry. But Norah, are you sure about this? I
mean, we haven't known each other for that long."
Talk about speed running it, huh. But still, that should work. If it's
real she'll push it, if it's a joke she'll squash it.
Norah: "Well, I just think you're kind and funny and well... you
know— if you know, you know, right..."
Ahahaha, if you know you know. I mean, if that's how she puts it, I
must be irresistible.
Norah: "I get it, I'm just not your type, huh. It's fine.....
I.... understand." sniff
Alex: "Let's do it!!! Saturday, let's go Saturday. I really like
you too."
If I burn, I burn. What's there to lose?
I've always wanted love. My younger self would kick me in places if I
let this chance slip through my fingers.
No girl has ever had a crush on me, feelings or anything remotely
close.
A young gorgeous girl asking me out, hehe. I must be handsome or
something. I mean, if the shoe fits, wear it, right?
Norah: "Really!!! Haha, Alex, this is gonna be so great. I won't
disappoint, I'll be the greatest girlfriend ever, mkay!"
So cute, ahhh, I can't take it. Me, Alex, is gonna have a girlfriend.
Take that, losers club.
Norah: 'He's so excited.'
Huh? Did she say something?
As the day rolled around I was a little restless. I mean, I've never
been on a date before, so.
I planned ahead from most sources. They said the aquarium would do it,
but fish? Come on.
Others said a lunch date would be cool, but we did that before she
confessed, so, boring.
Then it hit me. Mom always talked about how she'd spy on me at the
park on my first date.....
Well, Ma. sniff. Anyway, I told Norah about the fair and she
seemed excited, so guess it's going well so far.
The day has finally arrived. Gotta make it or break it.
I'm in black jeans with a white T, with a checkered scotch shirt on
top. Wouldn't wanna brag but dayyaaam, I'm fine.
I would've worn a suit but Zoey told me not to since it's not a
dinner.
Norah: "Hey, stranger."
Alex: "Oh hey, Nor....."
Ahhh, beautiful. This girl... she's beautiful.
Norah: "What... what is it? Do I have something in my teeth
again?"
This girl is here in front of me, really in front of me, and she is
very pretty. That sundress, that sun hat, the black sandals. Such a simple
get-up yet.
Alex: "You're really pretty, Norah."
Norah: "Muu— A-ah, Alex, don't say that, out here making me blush
and stuff."
So cute. Well, stupid, don't you dare mess this up.
Alex: "Well, wanna head out?"
Norah: "Uh-huh, let's go."
The day was the best day I've had since.... It started out well.
Cotton candy, a couple of takoyaki here and there.
Norah: "Alex, ice cream...."
Thank god I saved money for this. I've spent almost every minute of my
life with this girl since I met her and yet it seems like I'm meeting her for
the first time.
Rollercoaster, go-carts, we really hit all the stops. Well, there were
some snags.
Like the Rinotron. She couldn't get on because of her height.
Still, there were good times. The photo booth and also the haunted house. Today is a good day.
Maybe I'll show our kids these photos someday, haha.
Norah: "Earth to Alex."
Alex: "Mmhm?"
Norah: "You zoned out for a minute. What are you thinking about?
Hope it's nothing naughty."
Alex: "You, obviously. But nothing indecent, of course,
ha~."
Norah: "Geez, you're too cute for your own good, you know? At
this rate my heart will overload. Anyway, ferris wheel— wanna ride with
me?"
Alex: "Ah, ferris wheel. Well, I mean, that's a little—"
Norah: "You big baby, don't tell me you're scared of heights."
Alex: "I am not."
I totally am.
Norah: "Sure. Look at you shake. Don't sweat it, I'll hold your
hand till the end."
Ahhh, cute attack. How could I ever say no to that smile?
Mmm, I'm already regretting this, but her hand... it's so soft and
tiny.
Norah: "Woah, look over there, isn't the river pretty?"
Alex: "Yeah, ri~ver pr~etty."
Norah: "Hey, Alex, look into my eyes for a minute."
Uh, those eyes. Eyes that feel like they could stop time.
Norah: "See, as long as I'm here, everything will be alright,
ok?"
Alex: "Yeah..... Hey, I've been wondering."
Norah: "What, what is it?"
Alex: "How come you chose me?"
Norah: "Cause you're kind and, well, I... this seems fast but
I... I'm in love with you, ya know. What, you didn't want to be here?"
Alex: "No, it's not that. It's just that I'm not handsome or
interesting, I'm probably boring, so I..."
Norah: "Well, it's my duty to prove you wrong about that. Just
give it time."
Give it time?
Norah: "Tonight, you're in for a surprise. It's gonna be one to
remember."
Well, the ride's over. The sun's set, we gotta get going. Ugh, damn
it. I was so scared of heights and caught up with that whole emotional thing.
I missed my chance. But this time— this time I'll do it.
I'll get my first kiss.
Alex: "It's getting late, huh. Let me walk you home."
Norah: "Look at you, all gentlemanly, hehe."
The day's coming to an end. It's gotten quite dark out. Huh, the
street lights are on.
We're in an alleyway. She says it's a shortcut. All sensible people
would yell at me and say "Don't go in an alleyway, nothing good ever
happens in an alleyway!"
Norah: "Did you say something?"
Alex: "No— no, just adjusting to the dark isolated alley."
But I gotta show Norah I'm not scared. If she uses it, it's gotta be
safe, right? Right!!!
And this— yeah, this right here was the day I knew I was totally—
Shwooop— thud.
Okay. Back of my head, meet wall.
When my senses came back to me I saw myself and Norah surrounded by a
group of delinquents.
Oi oi oi, what's this?
Alex: "We don't want any trouble, okay? So please leave us
alone."
Delinquent: "Ohhhh, my bad. I didn't mean to disturb you on your,
um, date."
Is he for real?
Alex: "Well thanks, we'll be on our way then."
Delinquent: "That shirt though, the scotch one, looks good on
you."
Ignore him, he'll leave us alone.
Delinquent: "I bet it would look better on me, wouldn't you
say?"
Alex: "I wouldn't know. Maybe if you went out and bought it
then...."
Breathe. Stay brave, or else Norah will think you're a coward.
Delinquent: "Sure, sure. But see, something else I don't seem to
understand— why's she with a loser like you?"
Shit!!!
Keep walking before you get into something you can't get out of.
Is what I thought. But—
Day 51 of the 13th year, where one got a daily dose of a painful
reminder that I'm a coward and I'm not one to pick a fight. I look like a
humanoid stick figure after all.
So tell me why, when I saw Norah, I chose to look this man in the eye
and tell him I'm not scared of him. I got hit for it.
Doockaaaa— nswiiiiiiiiiingggggh.
The next thing I could hear for the next few minutes was the sound of
my own blood and the thumping of this man's fists going blow for blow.
Over and over. Who knew the human face could take this much force.
Delinquent: "Well, tough guy, aren't you gonna fight
back!!!"
—thud—
I hate this. My face feels hot. I can't fight back. My hands are
trying to protect my face. Trying is accurate, 'cause why are his fists still
landing?
Not even that, why is he doing this? Why is he mad that I'm ugly?!
It wasn't until his friends pulled him off me that my senses tried to
come back.
Norah. I hope they aren't doing something to her.
I'm so sorry. I'm so weak. .....Norah.
Norah: "Baby, come on, did you have to go that far? You could
kill him, you know."
What does she mean? I'm the victim. How could I possibly almost kill
him?
Alex: "Uh~ No...rah..."
Delinquent: "Look at him calling for his girl, hahaha,
pathetic."
Norah: "His girl? Please. I'd rather die."
...
What... what's she saying all of a sudden?
Delinquent: "You're right, Norah. Still, this— is what you chose
to make me jealous with?"
Huh? What... what is this? What are they talking about? It's..... it's
my head, right? Playing tricks on me.
No way he'd know her name. They just met.
Right?
Norah: "Well, whatever. You fought for me. Next time, if you
cheat on me again, I won't just go on a date with the next one. I'll go all the
way."
Ne..x..t one.
Am I hearing this right?
Was I..... just used to make him jealous then? The date..... the whole
"I love you" thing... that was—
Alex: "N...orah. sniff"
Norah: "Ugh, he's about to cry. Let's go before someone finds us
with him."
What happened to the Norah I knew? The sunshine, the warmth. Who is
this imposter?
Dammit!!!
As I watched them walk away, as that man held Norah in his arms, I
realized I was just used as a gimmick in someone's toxic relationship.
I can't kick or scream. My body hurts.
Ah! It hurts a lot.
Thirty minutes or so passed as I tried getting up. It felt like the
wind was throwing stones in my face.
I've never been hit this hard before. This sucks. My heart's worse
right now.
As I walk home I use the street. The alley? Not anymore. Not after....
this. You wouldn't catch me dead in an alley.
Ah, on Monday I'll probably see her again. sniff. Why? Why me?
Mom, is this what you meant talking about kindness? Is this what it
is?
————flashback————
Mom: "The world sucks, but believe me, be kind and one day— one
day it'll surely come back around."
Alex: "Should you be telling a kid that the world sucks?"
Mom: "Ah, I forgot. Forget I said anything."
Alex and Mom: "Hahahaha."
————flashback end————
Stupid, useless words. sniff. Look at me, shedding tears all of
a sudden. Screw being kind. What would that even get me, huh?
Look at where it got me. It hurts, Mom. Why me? You die and then this.
What did I do to deserve all this? Dammit.
Huh? Those— those are lights. They're too bright. I can't see...
What is it? Could be a motorbike.
Alex: "The tears— every time I wipe it, it stings and I can't
s...."
vrrrrrrr Skrrrrrrrrrr dooom.
What the hell just happened? Did I fall down?
I can't see anything. My body, I can't move.
Ahhhh, it hurts. It.....
Was it the lights? Don't tell me I was dumb enough to get hit by a
car. That would be so lame.
The sounds, they're all blurring o....u...t.
Ah, guess I'm about to die. There's no pain, at least.
I was always so worried that my death would hurt.
Still, I wonder— Mo~m, where did I ever go wrong?
When did it all begin? When you died, or when dad emotionally left?
Or was it believing that somewhere, somehow, in this world I'd find at
least something— a reason to be alive?
What a pathetic existence. In the end, even this had to be lonely. How annoying.
You'd think at least for once I'd get something. At least a simple
smile, or a.... a.... haaaaaaa....