Disclaimer: This story is a fan-fiction based on 'Durarara!' by Narita Ryogo.
This is my first time writing a fan-fiction, so please go easy on me. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story.
Chapter 1. Strings of Abnormalities
For around three years... I had been living normally, peacefully in Ikebukuro. But perhaps, there would always be an end for everything. I was tangled in the strings of abnormalities. Color gang fights, urban legends, superpowers, serial killer, suicide cases, one by one they revealed themselves before me...
It began when I was electrocuted during one of our underground gigs. No, wait. That was not it. I think it was long before that accident...
It all started on that day.
I was walking on the stairs of Raira University, on the way to my apartment, when a guy with raven messy hair suddenly stood in my path.
"Would you mind moving?" I asked.
"Sure but..." he trailed. "Join my band first!"
It was so out of nowhere that I did not know how to respond. Looking at my absence of response, he started to explain himself.
"Haha sorry. Did I surprise you?" he laughed and continued talking rapidly. "My name is Hiro. I am a computer science student. You must be Sato Izumi-san from psychology right? I understand that you are currently wondering how do I know you but it is not an important issue okay? So, the thing is, your personal blog caught my attention. It was like fate you know? I suddenly found your blog, read the content, and very impressed! I think you have a knack for being a songwriter! Then how about it? Want to join us?"
"Thanks for the offer but I refuse." I simply said without giving it a thought.
"Eh? Why? You really have a talent for it! It will be such a waste!"
I just ignored him and walked past behind him. No reasons for getting involved in such activity.
"Wait! You know what? You can even try to be our vocalist too! We just lost ours few months ago." He followed beside me.
"Go away, you annoy me. Do you want me to call the cops and report you for stalking me?" I glared at him. He finally let me go albeit reluctantly.
As I walked through the bustling streets of Ikebukuro, I thought about my blog that caused this troublesome event. I started it around three years ago, the first time I stepped into this city. The blog was filled with my personal rants about life and humans. Sometimes, I would write an elaborate post or a poem about my thoughts concerning the dark side of humanity. I always liked it when my mind walked on the edge of the dark side, but I never strayed too far. I needed to step back now and then to maintain my sanity.
The day then ended just like the usual and I was glad. The rest was filled with preparing dinner, taking a long evening bath, and sleeping.
The next day, I could not be more wrong...
There he was, waiting in the corridor in front of my class while leaning back on the wall behind him.
"Hey Izumi-san! How are you?" He called out to me cheerfully.
What the hell... I turned away from him and walked.
Too bad, he followed and fell into step beside me.
"Sorry for yesterday. I think I owe you more explanation than that but no worries, I will explain more today! So, after I read your blog, I traced your IP address. From there I got hold of your email address and then your mobile number! I can track your location based on that and here." He shoved his mobile phone right in front of my eyes. "See those two dots? They are us walking side by side! Well are not I amazing?"
I could no longer hold my fury. I grabbed his phone and threw it to the ground, hard.
"Do not disturb me." I gave him my threatening glare.
After that ruckus, I walked away as fast as I can. As I calmed down, I realized that I had caused a crack in my mundane life. These two days did not feel normal again.
He kept bugging me with his request for weeks. He would follow me between and after my classes, even along the streets of Ikebukuro to my apartment. My patience was running thin and then finally on the 25th day, I accepted his invitation to join the band just so he would not disturb me again...
It was Saturday afternoon when Hiro-san invited me to the band practice. Apparently, he owned a small studio inside his apartment. Spoiled brat...
"Thanks for coming Izumi-chan!" He greeted. The way he called me was so disturbing it made me want to smash his head.
"Let me introduce you to my band, Despair. I am the lead guitarist. The scary-looking guy there is Toru, he played rhythm guitar. The one holding the bass is Ryo. Then the one in charge of the drums is Tatsuya, the wavy haired guy." He continued.
"Nice to meet you guys. I am Izumi," I slightly bowed. It felt weird being so polite when the others simply waved or nodded to acknowledge me.
"Well then, shall we move on? Show us what you got Izumi-chan!"
I was a bit... nervous since never in my life I sang in front of others.
"Then, what song do you want to sing?" Hiro asked.
"...Uh. Mighty Long Fall?" I muttered, choosing my favorite song.
"Well you hear her guys." He signaled and they started to play their respective instruments.
My heart was beating fast I could feel it inside my ears. I stood in the center of the room, holding the mic with my slightly trembling hands.
When the intro nearly finished, I braced myself and sang along. At first, I could hear my voice shaking a bit due to my nervousness. After some time, as I tried to enjoy the music, I started to relax and finally could realize how exceptionally well they played.
Then when it hit the chorus, a wave of emotions exploded inside me. It was an unexplainable feeling. I could feel a rush of adrenaline in my bloodstream and it made me sang with such passion automatically. When we finished, I gasped for breath like I had been holding it in all this time.
"Izumi..." Hiro put his hands on my shoulders and whispered. "Welcome to the band."
It took me a moment to comprehend what he was saying. When I turned to look at them, I saw Toru, Ryo, and Tatsuya nodding and grinning. It was strange because somehow I felt a bit... happy.
Author's Note:
1. There is a reason why I chose number 25. The symbolic meanings of number two are balance and duality, with the spiritual meaning deals with exchanges made with others, partnerships, and communication. Meanwhile, the spiritual meaning of number five deals with travel, adventure, and motion, while also carries instability, unpredictability, and radical changes. Five draws our attention to the wonder of life, and beckons us to appreciate the perception of chaos all around us. Source: whats-your-sign website.
2. The original characters' names written in Japanese: Sato Izumi 佐藤 泉 (meaning: fountain, spring), Hiro 浩 (meaning: prosperous), Toru 徹 (meaning: wayfarer), Tatsuya 竜也 (meaning: dragon assertive), and Ryo 諒 (meaning: reality). I have not decided on their surnames except for Izumi, maybe later.
3. Mighty Long Fall is a song by One Ok Rock.