Reaching for the Stars

Part II, Chapter 1 – Prologue

Train's Container Bay

Three days… three days I've been in riding the container bay at the very end of a passenger train headed for who knows where. A small window permeated the mundane steel frame of the container bay, giving me a glimpse of sunlight whenever the clouds parted; one of those rare delights these winter days. For three days, I've been stuck in that metallic prison moving at eighty kilometers per hour on average either northwards or southwards. The sun (or it's silhouette behind the clouds most of the time) was my only compass, telling me which was east and which was west. North and South however were irritatingly ambiguous. I didn't have a compass of my own and the North Star was nowhere to be found in the cloudy night skies. Didn't think I'd need one… well, I didn't think I'd leave either…

South or North? Forwards of backwards? Where was I headed? Those were the questions that filled my mind as I leaned against one of the shipping containers or as I paced around to the bay to calm myself down. I had just achieved freedom three days ago, but here I was wondering if I was doing the right thing… or where I would end up.

No. I made the right choice. I was free and that's all that mattered. The skies were foreboding and cold, but if I waited long enough, spring would arrive. The monotony of white covering the trees that dotted I saw in that small window would soon be replaced by the vibrant greenery and skies of marvelous blue. The sun would shine again and the stars would reveal their brilliance. This wild journey of mine was the first phase to a wonderful spring, to a happy life. It was a prelude to true freedom that I somehow felt awaited me. This was the last thing I had to endure… and hunger perhaps.

Checking my knapsack, I saw that I was still well provided with water. If ever a water bottle of mine ran out, I'd just fill it with clean snow (avoiding anything brown as much as possible since haven't gone that desperate) and I'd have a natural refill. Food however was a different issue entirely.

Out of the numerous food items I had brought with me, only half a rice ball, a quarter of the chocolate bar and the cups of instant noodles were left. Why didn't I touch the noodles? Well… plainly put, I didn't have any hot water on me. I've been tempted many times to sneak into one of the passenger cars to try and get some hot water but I decided not to. I was a stowaway after all… if they see me; this train ride would be over. If I didn't find some more food though, my escapade of freedom would come to an acidic and digestive halt.

Nibbling on the last quarter of the chocolate bar I had (the other quarters serving as my lunch a few hours ago) I wondered what I should do. Though it was exciting being a stowaway, I understood that I couldn't go on like this. I'd run out of food or get found out sooner or later and I'd have to leave anyways. Also… I wouldn't be able to stand living my entire life on a train. I'd be moving forward, but I'd be moving blindly… not knowing where the hell I was going. I'd be stuck on this tram forever, dictated by the curves of the railroad. That wasn't freedom. I didn't want that.

Gulping down the chocolate quarter bar, I decided to disembark the next time the train makes a stop at a station. The railroads were long and the station stops grew fewer everyday. I didn't want to be stuck on a moving train without any food left. If I went down, I'd be able to get myself a map and plan where I would be going next. As of now, I had no destination, but I'll worry about that later. Right now, I just had to wait.

Folding my arms, I sat down and took off my top jacket and spread it over me like a blanket. Then, I closed my eyes and eased myself to sleep.

In my slumber, images of the people I had left behind flashed before my eyes. The fuming face of my father in particular made me want to laugh. He had neglected me throughout half my life so it must not have mattered to him that I left. Seeing the face of my mom, Ritsu, Azusa-chan and the rest though… I could only hope for the best. I had made my decision and I shall stick by it; I'm never going back to that place. I had cast aside my old life and have taken up a new one; one I would build up myself with my own hands.

A little later

I woke up a good few hours later, feeling my stomach grumble and demanding yet another chunk of my already dwindling food supply. Sighing, I opened my back and ate half of the already half-eaten rice ball giving my stomach a bit of satisfaction. Satisfaction however wasn't the only thing I had felt as I sat there; I felt as if the train that had been going significantly fast seemed to be slowing down yet again. We were approaching a train station.

Looking out the window, I tried to make out where I probably was. I could have made it all the way to Tokyo for all I know, or Fukushima or wherever. Sadly, I was out of luck as it was nighttime and the only thing I could make out in the distance were distant street lights on what seemed to be a mountain highway… I'm definitely not in Tokyo then. Darn… if only the moon would shine through those thick clouds, I might be able to get an idea of how far I had gone… The train soon came to a halt and an announcement was made that the stop there would only be for a little over a minute. I quickly gathered my things and darted out of the container car then off the train itself.

Though it was an inanimate chain of objects, I waved the train goodbye as it slowly picked up speed then drove out into the night. It had brought me far away from where I had run away from after all and was the thing that had brought me to freedom. Looking around me though, I started to doubt whether or not leaving the train at this particular stop was such a good idea.

Rather than a train station, the stop I had landed myself in was more of a train platform. The only standing structure there was a roofed waiting area with a bathroom for men and women, a purified water fountain and food and drink vending machines. If the mere fact that this small shed had all the basic and essential amenities I could need then the thing to top it all of was that the vending machine gave out free hot water. That meant I would finally be able to sink my teeth into those instant noodles I'd been longing for since I got on that train; a victory indeed. Of course, this did not mean that this shed solved all of my needs. Though the vending machines sold a wide variation of snacks (sadly, a lot of the things I wanted to get were sold out…), I couldn't get hold of a map anywhere nearby. The name of the train platform was clearly written on a board by the shed but I wasn't familiar with the area so I didn't have a clue where I was.

Trying to make the most out of my misfortune, I bought three granola bars from the vending machine to refill my stocks and filled one of the cups of noodles with hot water to get it started. Taking a seat on a nearby bench, I looked out to the darkness as I slowly gobbled up my noodles.

The only thing I could see I could make out from where I stood, aside from the monotony of the highway lights was the light that seemed to come from a house. Other than that single house, I couldn't seem to make out any others. It must have been the only one around. Also, judging by the distinct smell of salt in the air and the faint sound of waves crashing against a shore, I must have been somewhere near the sea. Could that house be some sort of beach-side villa? Hopefully the people there would be willing to give me directions.

Once I was done with the noodles, I packed up and headed off to that light in the distance. Hopefully, I'll be able to find some help. Hey, I mean, if I'm gonna start my new life, I might as well know exactly where I am.

Gathering up my things and taking up some necessary provisions, I marched out into the darkness. Checking my wristwatch, I saw that it was around 4AM in the morning. True enough, the pitch darkness had slowly turned into a navy blue as the sun peeked in the horizon. The streetlights flickered on and off before finally fading away as dawn rolled over me. Slowly but surely, the light grew brighter and brighter and I started to see the silhouettes of the things around me; bushes and shrubs, trees and grass. As the sun finally reared its head and shone bright sunlight all around me, the rocks trails that dotted the area became clear and the sun sparkled in the distant ocean. It was beautiful!

However, no matter how beautiful the scenery was, it was quick to show me just how bad an idea it was to get off the train. Apparently, I had landed myself in a rural platform in the middle of nowhere and a narrow trail cutting deep into the woods was the only way out. Also, the mountain house I had thought was near when the sky was pitch black was a lot father out than I first thought. Damn, it was gonna be a long walk.

As I cursed my luck, the sound of a bus rolling by the station let me sigh in relief. Readying a few coins, I approached the bus. The bus stopped at a spot behind the shed and its doors sprung open as soon.

"Where to little man?" The driver asked

"Well… hey! I'm not little!" I growled

"You look like a fifteen-year old to me; no longer a boy but barely a man." The driver replied, watching me with keen interest.

"Whatever…" I moaned

"Anyways, let me ask you again." The driver asked, "Where to, little man?"

"Anywhere is fine." I replied, "This is a designated bus line right? I'll go wherever this bus goes…"

"You're running away from home, aren't you?" The driver asked

"Why does that concern you?" I asked irritated

"Because everyone who rides this bus here is my responsibility, I might as we." The bus driver reasoned. "Don't worry though, if you really want to push through with what you're doing, I won't stop you."

Without another word, I dropped a few coins into the fare box and boarded the bus. The bus driver smiled at me for a sec, but I didn't mind. Seeing that there were no other passengers that 'fine' morning, the bus doors closed and the bus darted down that narrow path.

"Since you don't know where you're going," the driver said over his shoulder, "I'm taking you to the nearby town."

"Hey! I don't…"

"No, no." The driver said, "I'm not gonna report you to authorities. This is your decision after all, so I have no right to interfere. I just thought that you might want to find a place to stay."

"Fine…" I murmured, wondering why this bus driver was so nosy. However, I did need a place to stay, so I guess I should be thankful. "Thanks by the way…"

"Don't mention it." The bus driver said, "I've helped out quite a number of tourists get around in these parts, so I'm used to helping people out. First time I've dealt with someone like you though."

I chose not to reply. Instead, I reclined into the bus seat and looked out the window. Trees and shrubs lined the narrow path with many small crevices in between. It would've been a hassle to walk through such a place. Before long, the bus had entered the highway I saw at night. Tall cliffs and beautiful beaches flanked the highway and it was a grand sight. It's been a while since I've seen such wonderful views; it was only during field trips that I got to see places like this, so I consider myself lucky.

A few dozen minutes later we finally entered the town proper. The town was basically a collection of a few small houses and a pair of two-storey buildings amidst tall trees of all sizes. It was a quaint town and had a relaxing aura about it that made me forget I was running away from home.

"Here we are." The driver said as he parked the bus by one of the two-storey buildings, "The town's pretty small so the bus depot and the inn were integrated into one lot."

That's convenient…

"Anyways, if you want to get yourself a place to stay, the inn here is a good choice." The driver suggested, "The convenience store if just around the corner too if you need anything. Other than that, the other buildings here are mostly houses."

"I see…" I said a little shakily. I didn't have that much money on me after all, so I didn't know just how long I'd last on my small stash.

"If you have any questions about the area," the driver said, "just ask, okay?"

"Sure." I said gathering my things and getting off the bus. The town was small enough that I could see every building from where I stood, so I guess I wouldn't get lost here. However, the mountain house that had piqued my interest not too long ago was also nearby. Curious, I turned to the driver and asked,

"What about that mountain house over there? Is that part of the town?"

"Oh yes. It's actually one o the town's attractions." The driver said, "It's the vacation home of Miss Ami Kawashima."

"Ami Kawashima…" I repeated to myself. My eyes then bulged in realization, "THE Ami Kawashima!?"

"That's right." The driver laughed heartily. "She's famous around these parts. Whenever she comes over, there's usually a crowd that visits our humble town."

"Is she there now?" I asked, "I mean, at the vacation house that is."

"Yeah." The driver said, "That's why I came over to the station early; I thought there'd me more than one person clamoring to get picked up. Are you a fan of hers?"

"No." I denied, though I think she is quite pretty. "I'm just an acquaintance."

"Well then why don't you go visit her?" The driver suggested, "Judging by the look on your face when I mentioned the in and the convenience store and the way you're fidgeting with your wallet, you don't have a lot of cash on you."

How did he figure that out!?

"If you're an acquaintance then I'm sure she'll help you out." He added, "She's a kind person after all."

"Eh, but!"

"Anyways, I gotta go kiddo." The driver said checking his watch, "Time for round two. I have to work for my pay after all."

"Hey! I'm not a…"

Before I could finish, the driver had closed the doors then driven back out of the town. Sighing, I looked up to the mountain home and pondered… maybe it's not such a bad idea to pay her a visit.

To Be Continued