Cont' Wednesday, April 12, 2021
Dojima Residence.
Evening came and light drops of rain were falling when Nanako returned home. Sliding the door open, she rushed inside and folded her yellow umbrella.
Whew, what a long day, Nanako sighed. She noticed several other pairs of shoes perched at the entrance. When she stepped further inside, she saw Yu and Chie sitting around the table with bowls of instant ramen. Koji, costumed in a green-track suit, was standing in front of the television in awe of the martial arts movie playing.
"Welcome back," Yu greeted with a smile.
"Hi-" Nanako was cut off when Koji unexpectedly called to her.
"Big Sis! Big Sis!" The toddler scuffled toward Nanako on his tippy-toes. The boy pulled on Nanako's hand.
"Look! Look!" Koji said and took stage at the center of the room. Nanako chuckled at his persistence and sat down at the other end of the table.
"Nowwww get ready," Chie announced and stood up. "To see the ultimate master of kung-fu..."
Chie and Yu then hollered simultaneously, "Kojiiiii Narukami!"
On cue, the toddler straightened out his nunchaku, prepared for his performance. He took a defensive stance and wielding the weapon in one hand, he began to whirl it around his body, mimicking the martial artist on screen. Nanako was amazed at the young boy's speed and control of the weapon. Once he was done, he clasped his hands together for a small bow and claps bursted around the table.
"Wow! That was amazing, Koji!" Nanako said with a big smile. Koji's sudden moment of confidence was gone when he shyly shuffled his foot on the floor in pure bashfulness. She wondered how much the toddler had to practice for that. Well, considering his mother, he probably had a natural knack for it as well.
"He's been waiting all day just to show you that," Yu chuckled.
Koji ran to his mother's lap and hid his face shyly. Chie combed his chestnut hair through her fingers before placing a kiss atop his head. "My little kung-fu master." The small family chuckled again in amusement.
Yu turned to Nanako and asked how school had been. She instantly brightened and told her cousin about her first day; her tour of Yasogami High, meeting new people and what her classes were like. As she told her story, Yu and Chie kept a smile on their face and the far-away gaze in their eyes reflected one of nostalgia. They were probably contemplating on their high school days as well.
"I knew you'd make friends easily," Yu said when her story was done. "See? You don't have to doubt yourself."
"Yeah! I know you can be outgoing, Nanako," Chie said and smirked, "Unlike mr. hot shot over here."
"What do you mean?" Yu questioned, turning to her.
"Well, you did needed a little push. Don't you remember your first day at Yaso?" Chie crossed her arms. "You were really quiet. And if I hadn't saved you from the clutches of King Moron, you'd would've have high-tailed out of Inaba for sure!"
Yu looked upwards in thought. "Hm...I guess you're right about that." He then said amusedly, "But I think you already had your eye out for me."
Chie flustered. "W-what? Hahaha, what makes you say that?"
Yu simply shrugged, although his mischievous grin still remained. Chie playfully punched his arm and muttered with a lopsided smile, "Idiot."
The family continued to converse and watch television. Nanako took in the scene before her, as if time took a moment to stay still. While Koji was slowly snoozing off in Chie's lap, Yu and Nanako sat side-by-side to watch the quiz show. She was glad her father wasn't interested in upgrading any of the tech in their home besides the phone. It was the perfect setup to reminisce her childhood days when her cousin first moved to Inaba. She missed those days dearly.
When her father returned home, Nanako went to fix him up ramen for dinner. He slumped on the couch and chatted with Yu and Chie. As she was boiling hot water in the kitchen, Nanako snuck glances at her father's face. Tonight, he looked absolutely exhausted. His dark eye circles and creased forehead was a clear indication of that. Was work tiring him out or is it perhaps age?
Nanako walked over and handed Dojima a steaming bowl of ramen. She noticed that he looked hesitant for some reason. Then he said slowly, "Uh-hmm...Nanako?"
"Yeah?" She said. The sound of his voice was concerning.
"About your teacher...Ms. Yoshiki? Heard any rumors around school?"
Nanako blinked in surprise. Why would her father want to know that? Especially if they're just rumors. She told him what Kimi and some of what her other classmates speculated.
"I see..." Dojima nodded to himself.
"...What's wrong?" Nanako asked, fearing for the worst. Her father sighed.
"We got call from a relative of Yoshiki," Dojima explained. "She disappeared."
As he said this, Chie looked downcast. It seemed she was aware of this as well. Nanako, on the other hand, had her worries confirmed. Ms. Yoshiki and the Yasogami student. That makes two missing persons now.
"She was last seen at Samegawa bridge," he continued. "We gone and looked for her but nothing. I just thought I'd let you know before news gets out."
Samegawa bridge.
There it was again. What could this mean? Nanako, deep in rational thought, was trying to make sense of it all. Could she see in the future? Or was it some sort of vision? Nanako wanted to blurt out right then and there everything that had been going on with her but...would her father believe her?
"Don't worry, Dojima-san," Chie spoke up with a gleam of determination in her eye. "We're gonna get to the bottom of this. We're the Inaba PD, after all!"
Dojima laughed in amusement. "Hah...you remind me when I first started out as a rookie. I like your spirit."
Nanako was glad that the mood seemed to have lighten up a little. But nothing could erase the trace of worry that masked each one of them. It's been awhile since Inaba had found itself in another troublesome state despite being a usually quiet and safe place to live.
When the Narukami family left for home with a sleeping Koji in their arms, Dojima helped Nanako wash the dishes. As they were finishing up, her father turned to her with a serious expression.
"Hey, listen. I know things might seem a little dangerous now," he started. "But I don't want you feeling afraid."
He scratched behind his head and sighed. "Promise me you'll be safe, alright?"
Nanako nodded sincerely. "Of course, Dad."
"Good." Dojima then said with a gentle smile, "Say, we haven't had a chance to catch a break since you came back. How 'bout we head to Okina City this weekend?"
Dojima broke out into a laugh when Nanako beamed like a child. "How come? Do we need to shop for something?"
"Well...no. But we can check out that cafe and get some real coffee instead of the instant crap," Dojima smirked.
The father and daughter laughed together. Yes, she couldn't wait for the weekend now.
Dojima Residence, Nanako's room.
Nanako was on her bed laid on her stomach with a laptop open to a school assignment. Her phone, open to a radio app, was tuned into Graham.
"-And that was 'Memories of You', requested by a devoted listener. Thanks, sweetheart. And now for a message to all the ladies and gents tuned in tonight-"
Nanako's fingers gave the final clacks on the keyboard before closing her laptop. She sighed and looked over at her platypus-shaped wall clock; it was almost midnight. Gee, was she really up for that long? She hadn't noticed it was so late.
"-Y'know, right here in the heart of Inaba, we are facing a crisis. Nightmares plague our dreams and people are disappearing, causing us to tremble in fear at an unforeseeable future-"
Nanako rolled over onto her back and stared at the white ceiling. She let her ankles limp lazily to their side, letting her body relax in the comfort of her pink pajamas. The ceiling fan slowly churned, the metal pull switch subtly clanking as it rotated.
"-But let me clue you in on an old proverb, my listeners: 'Fear is only as deep as the mind allows'-"
Nanako's eyelids slowly drooped, a wave of drowsiness overtaking her. The radio became distant, just echoed noise flowing through her ears and she could barely feel the cold gusts of the fan above. Was it just her or did the lamp in the corner flickered?
"-And that's where I-bzzt-end the show-bzzt-thanks for listen-bzzt..."
Nanako's eyes flew open and she immediately sat up. White noise emitted from the radio and the room was dark so that there was only the soft, blue glow of her phone. What was more strange, was that the blades of the ceiling fan were slowly rotating in synchronization with the hands of the wall clock.
What in the-
Nanako looked around her bedroom. Green light streamed through her window and the moon wasn't visible; just a paintless sky smothered in fog. The edges of the ceiling and floor were black, foreboding corners, as if any sense of structure had been lost. This definitely wasn't her room. Instead, it was almost like a reverse or dark version of it. But...was she dreaming? She couldn't recall if she accidentally dosed off.
Well, there was only one way to find out. Nanako pinched herself hard and immediately felt pain race up her shoulder.
This isn't a dream. This is real, Nanako confirmed to herself.
Nanako eyed at her door. She had no idea what lied outside of it but she knew couldn't stay here forever. As caution, Nanako grabbed hold of the closest object she can use as a weapon; her umbrella. She was going to find out what the heck was going on. Now.
Nanako peered outside first before entering into the living room. Like her bedroom, her house had been disfigured and morphed into an unpleasant looking home.
"Nanako Dojima," a voice echoed. This time however, it sounded different from that voice that belonged to the figure in the white garment. Actually, this voice sounded boyish with a hint of gentleness.
"Um...who are-" Nanako jolted in surprise when something appeared before her. Sitting there in the center of her living room was a very familiar looking dog.
"Michio! What are you doing here, boy?" Nanako asked and not really expecting an answer from the animal. Which is why she was stunned for what happened next.
"This is where I live," Michio responded, although it hadn't opened it's mouth to speak. It was almost like the dog was...telecommunicating with her.
"Live? No, wait, how are you talking?" Nanako covered her mouth and looked into the direction of her father's room. Wouldn't he notice all the commotion currently going on?
"Please, do not be alarmed," Michio said. "Your father is still asleep along with the rest of the Waking world. It is only but us here."
Nanako's brows knitted and she aimed the tip of her umbrella at the dog, taking a defensive stance. "I don't know what's going on but first things first...what are you? And how do I know I can trust you?"
Michio nodded and said, "Your vigilance is understandable. And admirable. A trait you learned from your father, I assume. Very well then."
Nanako still kept her eyes poised on the dog but lowered her umbrella when she saw that Michio laid down. Although a bit unnerving considering the situation, Michio didn't look hostile at all and kept its tongue out in a calm pant.
"I am a Baku," Michio stated. "Or how humans like to put it, a dream-eater. Along with my other Baku brethren, we have been tasked to consume the nightmares of humans."
So, a spirit, Nanako thought. She had heard of ancient Japanese tales concerning Baku, although she never thought she'd actually meet one.
"This is our home, the Realm of Dreams." Michio's ears went flat and said, "But…this place has become dangerous. There are too much nightmares for us to control."
"You mean, this place is the reason for all the nightmares in town."
Again, Michio nodded. "Not only that but...humans have been coming here in their physical form. I do not know yet but...someone had created a bridge from this world to the Waking world."
"I'm not the only one, then." The gears of Nanako's mind were just starting to churn again. If what Michio said was true then, this was another possibility for the root of the disappearances. Did the Yasogami student and Ms. Yoshiki end up here too? In that case-
"Wait, am I stuck here too?" Nanako asked, unconsciously raising her umbrella again. She couldn't mask the wavering worry in her voice though.
Michio stood up on all fours and shook its head. "This world has summoned you, which is why you are in this realm. Luckily, I am able to return you back to the Waking world. On one condition however."
Michio edged closer, its tail hanging stiff and ears perked straight. "My master...he believes you are somehow involved. I do not know of his intentions but...please, you must never return here."
Me? Involved? Nanako had never had a finger pointed at her with such an accusation like that. How could she possibly know how to build a bridge or whatever? Nonetheless, be the sole cause of the nightmares!
"I told you everything I know so you may understand the complexity of our situation," Michio explained. "You may have other questions, but it would be wise not to seek answers. It will only cast more suspicion on you."
Nanako frowned. "That's not right! Ever since I came back, I've been having these weird dreams. On top of that, my home is in danger! Of course I want answers. If you can take me back, why can't you for the other people trapped here?"
"As I stated earlier, this world has become dangerous. And there is more you humans cannot comprehend." Michio sighed. "I am sending you-"
Suddenly, Michio's ears perked straight and Nanako heard a deep growl from the chest. The dog's attention was aimed at the front door and forelegs doubled up, it seemed ready to make their next move. And that was to dash out.
"Hey! Wait!" Nanako shouted and ran in pursuit. Like a wisp of mist, Michio materialized through the door without having to open it. Just seconds behind, Nanako grabbed the handle and slid the door with full force. It slammed loudly.
She stood still in absolute shock. She was staring at the quiet street of her neighborhood and Michio was nowhere near in sight.
"Nanako!"
She jerked at the sound of her father shouting her name. She whirled around to see Dojima standing in front of her with crossed arms. She glanced around and saw that her house was back to normal. It looked like Michio sent her back after all.
"What are you doing slamming the door like that?" Her father scolded.
"I-uh," Nanako stuttered, still stiff. "I heard something outside and it woke me up. So I just wanted to check!" She nervously said as she slowly shut the door behind her.
Her father's brows knitted and he scratched behind his head. "You shouldn't be opening the door, especially if you heard something. Remember what we talked about?"
"I know, I'm sorry," Nanako apologized. Dojima sighed and shook his head. He then proceeded to walk over to the kitchen when he called over his shoulder, "You're not late for school, are you?"
School?
Nanako ran to the kitchen, half-skidding on the floor and almost knocking her father over. Oh no, it was a quarter till school starts! Was she in the other world that long? Whatever, she'll think about all that later. She only had minutes to spare!
Dojima watched as her daughter dashed for her room. He scratched his head again and sighed, "I'm gonna need extra coffee."
A/N: Short chapter for today but that's because the next one will be a long one! Also, little trivia: Koji is based off of a real-life toddler who can mimic Bruce Lee moves xD Search the video on Youtube: My son(5year old) acting Bruce Lee's nunchaku scene
Reviews/comments are appreciated!
