Ikebukuro, a place I've always considered home. Where I had unusual but true friends. Where anything can possibly happen at any moment.
"Now arriving in Ikebukuro station," announced the intercom. As I was stepping off the crowded subway with my backpack and two suitcases I finally felt reassured, possibly for the first time in years. I'll be moving to a place that I've visited constantly but never had the chance to explore.

My name is Akira Murasaki, I'm twenty-two years old. I'm the only child of Jason Wilson. Yes the Jason Wilson, founder of Wilson Airplane Parts. I've always thought that was the least clever name of any company. Anyways, he is well known in both America and Japan. Because of his constant business trips to Tokyo he met my mother, Kagami. I've never understood why my mother married him. To be honest I don't think she even knew. She's a simple, caring women with a beautiful personality. While my father is so self centered and pretentious about everything.
When I was a year old they divorced and my mother decided to move back to her home in Ikebukuro while Jason had custody of me in Connecticut. He did however allow me to visit her every summer for a month. Everyone assumes that the reason why I'm so anti-social is because the divorce left some sort of mental impact. The truth is that I was too young to remember their divorce and I've gotten use to them not being together so it's never bothered me.
"Akira", shouted a girl dressed in black. I spotted my friend near the escalator.
In my monotone voice I waved and shouted back, "hey Erika!" Once I reached her she gave me a tight hug. Like I always do when someone hugs me I gave her a nice pat on the back. It's rare for me to give anyone an actual hug, or any sort of affection.
While getting on the escalator Erika asked, "So Murasaki how are you?"
"Good. I'm glad to be back." Then I asked, "How's the rousing city?"
"Well so much has happened," she started, "It may even leave you dumbfounded."
We stepped off the escalator and started walking through the crowded city. "Erika you know me, my reaction is the same for everything. I'm very neutral about any event."
"You never know, there has to be at least one story that'll leave you at least curious."
I just looked at her and gave her a shrug. Which for some reason made her giggle.

Erika has been dealing with my somewhat passive behavior since we were fourteen. It's kind of odd how I befriended her and Walker, hell it's kind of odd if I really befriend anyone. I was on the roof eating lunch and viewing the city when I heard two people laughing. I glanced over and saw Erika and Walker talking about some manga. I knew they liked that kind of stuff, I've even spotted them reading some manga when they were suppose to do school work.
Everyday before I would go to school my mother would always tell me, "be sure to make some friends." For her sake I went towards them and asked about the manga. After that we ate lunch on the roof everyday and discussed anything that popped up in our minds. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't of been introduced to manga. I would of never finally cut my hair short like I've always intended, I didn't even care if my dad called me a lesbian for doing it. Most of all I wouldn't have such strange yet great friends.

We arrived in a parking lot where I saw my ride, It really caught my eye because there was some anime character on the door. It defiantly made the green van stand out. I'm taking a wild guess but I believe it was the doing of Erika and Walker.
"Hey Akira," Kyohei waved then he opened the van trunk for me. I responded back by giving him a friendly wave. Sadly I've only socialized with Kyohei a few times. All I really know about him is that he was part of the Blue Squares and that for some reason doesn't like being called Dota-chin.
While carefully loading my luggage into the van I spotted someone peering from the backseat, "Hey Walker."
He smiled and in his usual cheerful tone he replied back, "Welcome back Murasaki." He made room for me as I was heading towards the back seat. Saburo started the engine and we were on our way to the Sakura Hotel.
For a while I didn't say anything until Kyohei asked, "So Murasaki, how's your dad."
"He's still as self-centered as ever."
"Sorry about that," he sighed.
Suddenly Walker popped in and exclaimed, "I almost forgot, we found you a possible job."
"What is it," I knew they wouldn't set me up with a shitty job but I still wanted to know.
"It's at Junkudo, and there was an opening for someone to handle the manga section."
Junkudo was a bookstore I've always wanted to browse but never had a chance to. According to Erika and Walker it's pretty cool. All and all I wouldn't mind working in the manga section that is if I get it. "I'm guessing you would want me to save you guys a few mangas when they come in."
"Yes please," Erika gave me a big smile. I knew she was going to respond like that, I just gave a quick smirk.

Sakura Hotel was lit up in big red letters when we pulled up. Even though I told them I would do it myself Kyohei and Saburo carried in my suitcases while I carried in my backpack.
When we walked in I only saw a middle-aged women working at the front desk. We walked up to the desk and I asked kindly, "Pardon?"
She looked up, "Hello, how may I help you."
"I have a reservation," I started, "It should be under Akira Murasaki."
She checked through a folder before she clapped her hands and said, "Ah room 36B. It's a very nice room." After signing a few papers and paying her she place a key in my slender hand. I thanked her for her kind service and while we headed towards the elevator I heard her say, "Your welcome and have a nice stay."

We reached the third floor and headed down the empty hallway. My room was located near the middle, no matter what it looked like I wouldn't complain about it one bit. I unlocked the door and we entered the small room. All it had was a small kitchen, a bathroom, a bed and a small closet, to me it was perfect.
"Where should we put your bags," asked Kyohei.
I thought for a minute, "Just anywhere, I'll organize my belongings later."
After thanking them for all they've done Kyohei and Saburo departed. I looked outside my window and saw them dive off. Erika and Walker were in the backseat waving goodbye. Even though I knew they wouldn't see me I waved back.

After organizing only some of my belongings I made my bed and went to bed. For hours I laid there staring at the smooth ceiling. This was a habit of mine I've been doing since I was little. That night I replace that habit by falling asleep to the busy noises of the city. From honking cars to angry citizens. I feel asleep to the voice of my home.
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THIS WAS MY FIRST OFFICIAL FAN FIC

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED Sept. 4 2012 on DeviantArt