Vol 1 Chapter 1.1 (1/2)

Chapter 1 - The woman warrior dances in the night - Part 1

My name is Sakuya Hos.h.i.+

I go to Suijou Academy

I’m in high school, from the 1E group, and my student cla.s.s number is 33.

I’m just a normal high-schooler.

Or rather, I think I should say I ‘was’ normal. These past few days, I’ve been involved in some rather strange events.

It started… yes, it started 3 days ago---

“………?”

When I realized it, it was nighttime and I was standing in the middle of a park.

“W… Wha?”

I looked around, and all I saw was playground stuff such as swings and slides. I was standing in the middle of this park, wearing my school uniform.

“What… What’s this all about?”

I was supposed to be in my room, on my bed, wearing a T-s.h.i.+rt and underpants. That’s what I last remember. Maybe someone brought me here? Wait… If I’m standing up right now, that would mean someone hypnotized me? If it wasn’t that…

“Did I sleep walk all the way here…?”

Mumbling, I shook off each possibility of what happened one after another… I don’t understand the current situation at all. It’s useless to think about how I came here.

I put my hand in my pocket… And, it was there, my mobile phone. I took it out, unfolded it, and checked the time. It said 2:14am. Today is Monday, the 25th of June.

“It’s the time where even the plants sleep…”

Most places will probably be closed by now. The only places open would probably be the Gyuudon-shop, the convenience store, and the police station. So it’s not very likely for anyone to have spotted a sleep-walker at this kind of time.

“So I wonder, how far away has this sleep-walker walked?”

I don’t think that this place is too far away from home… Besides, I kind of think I’ve been here before.

“It was over here? Yeah I remember now.”

Just as I thought, there was a map of this area on the sign post. This small park does not have any light-posts, so I use my mobile phone to light up the map and the first thing which got to me was the park's name. Which was…

“s.h.i.+rais.h.i.+ city park… s.h.i.+rais.h.i.+!?”

I shouted it out. This is crazy! Why!? How!?

I can’t help but question my current situation over and over again. The city I’m in at the moment is the neighboring city of my city… I was currently a 1 hour walk away from my place.

For me, s.h.i.+rais.h.i.+ City is a city filled with memories. When I was young, I lived in this city, and I played in that park. But, when I was in middle school, I moved houses and since then, I haven’t even visited this city once.

If the situation was different, I probably would’ve been glad I came here. But, unfortunately I am dreadfully worried. I just want to hurry up and go home.

I remember this area vaguely… But still I know how to get back home. My house is located in Naobi City, which is to the north of s.h.i.+rais.h.i.+ City, so I must advance north and enter the shopping district, then I must enter the station and go through the south exit to the north exit, pa.s.s through Suijou Academy and arrive home. The average time that would take is 1 hour, but after trying it for real, I disagree.

“d.a.m.n it… Why on earth did I… go to such a far place?”

Around this area, everyone’s house lights were turned off, and it was so quiet it was actually scary. The outsides lights were strangely all off, and the moonlight was the biggest help of all. This place is just like a ghost town. Since this is the case, I would be more than happy to hear the noise of a truck or some other loud noise. Also, I really want a taxi. I wonder if I’ll find one once I exit the station.

“Oh…”

Where I walk, I see a building with light. It’s the convenience store! The banner which s.h.i.+nes green and white says “Cran Mart”.

“I wonder why… I’m just so happy!!!”

Inside the store would be really cool, with the air conditioner working well and, while listening to the radio, I would stand and read some magazines. And then I’ll grab an ice-lolly and bring it to the nighttime shop-keeper who has a blunt looking face, give him the money, receive the change, and have a great time. I've thought of an awesome plan indeed!

I happily open the door-

“Wha?”

I was standing at the door, the air conditioner was on. But, there was no radio, and there was no shop-keeper.

“h.e.l.lo? Is anybody here?”

Maybe the shop-keeper thought no one was going to come at this time of day and decided to read manga over around the corner? Or maybe he’s sorting out the products around the corner? Either way it’s strange… If I were a bad person, I could’ve swiped a couple of things and went off.

Either way, there’s no reply.

“h.e.l.loooooo~!?”

I shout out into the room behind the cash register, still no reply. Is he ditching his job by taking a nap?

“h.e.l.lo? Please reply back! Your lack of security is over the limits!”

I walk in and check inside the room.

“Not there.”

The room had no one in it, on the desk was some magazines, and the computer was left on. There were many boxes filled with products which had pa.s.sed the use-by date…

“Wait a minute… Is this a joke?”

Why doesn’t anyone answer? Why isn’t anyone here?!