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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Teens
- Theme: Drama / Human Interest
- Subject: Life Changing Decisions/Events
- Published: 03/30/2021
Part One
When it all began
My name is Futo Tanaki, I’m 18, a senior at Asuka High School class 1-3, I live in a less modern neighborhood in Tokyo Japan with my Aunt Nami and my little sister Kino. My father and mother were both Authors, they loved to travel, sadly both mom and dad died in a plane accident in America, I was 16 and Kino was 13 when mom and dad died. Every night mom and dad used to tell us amazing stories about where they traveled and what they did. When mom and dad died Kino broke. Mom and Kino had a very tight bond, Kino hasn’t been the same ever since. She leaves the house late and comes home in the early dawn. Aunt Nami isn’t getting any better. She has a long and harsh cold. I feel like I’m falling into a bottomless pit that has no light and is so cold and waiting for someone to pull me out. The next day at school we begin to study for our exams. I'm a great student, my grades are top of the class. No one talks to me though. The other students say I have piercing eyes, sharp and scary. Friends are rare for me. Which reminds me, I have one friend, his name is Tongu. I’ve known him ever since. I don't remember when we met. Today’s school lesson was easy. After school me and Tongu were walking home, we were talking about some RPG video game. While we were walking I saw a black cat. Our eyes glared at each other. In a way, we both had piercing eyes. My mom used to tell me that when you see a black cat I get terrible, bad luck. I got curious and asked Tongu.“Hey Tongu do you believe in superstitions?” I asked. Tongu stops immediately and doesn’t move a single muscle. I got nervous. “Hey, you ok why’d you stop like that?” I said with a shaky smile on my face. “I believe in every single superstition there is Futo.” Said Tongu with a dark and scary voice. “What?” I said with fear in my throat. “Just kidding.” Said Tongu then laughed like an insane person. “Ugh, wow very funny.” I said with a touch of sarcasm. Even so if I would’ve done the same thing I would’ve laughed too. Tongu still laughing, I get irritated. “Whatever man that wasn’t funny.” I said. “Hahah, you should’ve seen your face!” Tongu said gradually slowing and softening the laughter. “Yeah, yeah.” I said ignoring him. A few moments later me and Tongu were gettting closer to home, when my eyes caught someone waking in the middle of the road, swaying side to side. It was a small girl with a red coat and black pants with white shoes and brown hair. It was my little sister, Kino.
Part Two
Crashing Waves
Is that Kino? I ask myself. There’s no way. What would she be doing on the side of the road and why is she swaying like that. Suddenly, everything slows down. I look to see in front of Kino a semi-truck. Is the driver not looking maybe half asleep? My mind goes blank, If Kino gets hit she’ll be killed and I’ll have no one left. No! I can’t let that happen! I sprint up the stairs and see the semi getting closer and closer. I see the driver look up and realize what was going on. He stomped on the brakes, the tires screeching. I scream. Move! Get out of the way! I leap and shove her out of the truck's destructive path. As I shoved her out of the way for one second I thought “ Everything is going to be just fine.” THUMP! I got hit by the truck. As I get thrown by the truck I spin in circles but I see everything so clearly. My body hits the ground with tremendous force.
As I am laying on the soft summer grass, my sight starts to get so blurry and my head is violently spinning. Suddenly everything hurts so bad, my adrenaline has worn off. I see Tongu and Kino rush towards me. Kino crying and Tongu panicking. Tongu started screaming “ Someone Call an Ambulance!” Kino with eyes full of tears. I pat Kino on the head and say “ I’m glad you're okay kiddo, I guess mom was right about the black cats after all.” After saying that, I fainted and was out for a day or two. I wake up in the hospital and I look around to see Kino and Aunt Nami sitting beside me.
Nami furious and Kino was ashamed with guilt. As I wake and try to sit up, a massive pain hits my ribs like nothing before. I yell, “ Ouch!” Nami said not to move anymore. The doctor said I am going to be just fine, and if that truck didn’t slow down I would have died. The doctor also told me that I have 3 broken ribs and a dislocated left arm. I looked to my right side to see Kino, I looked at her and she glared at me. I said, “ What happened?”
Part Three
Connection
2 months have passed since. I left the hospital 1 month ago. I still don’t know what had happened to me. Kino is going to school again and Aunt Nami is Feeling better. For once, everything feels normal again. Kino said I had fallen down a flight of stairs. But I feel like something much bigger has happened. I have to go to school tomorrow so I better get some rest. The next morning in the classroom I see Tongu but he looks faceless. “ Tongu how’s it going.” He didn’t respond to me. I went up to his desk and there were droplets of water on his desk. Then I looked at him and saw that he was crying and shaking. “ Dude what’s the matter, are you ok?” He violently stood up. “ No, I'm not ok! I failed to protect you! I promised mom that I would protect you. It was her last wish! I failed her when you almost died. I lost all hope. I’m sorry Futo, please forgive me!” “Tongu, what are you talking about?” Everyone in the classroom looks at me and Tongu.“ My parents were very good friends with your parents Futo, they both had decided to go on the trip in America with your parents and that was their last flight. My father had died in the crash but my mother lived for a short while in the hospital and had died from her injuries. Before she died she told me “ Tongu take care of the Tanaki’s children make sure they have someone to talk to when they’re down the older brother they need.” “Tongu, you're saying that your parents knew my parents?” “ Yes, Futo, we have known each other since the day we were born Futo.”
Part Four
The Questions We Ask
It’s 8 am. The sky is gray. It’s all a blurry picture but the one thing that I see is Kino. She was sobbing and clinging to Mom's memorial stone. I look around and see a boy, he’s round and has white hair, “kinda looks like Tongu.” I said to myself. Rain starts falling from the sky and pours on us. We head back inside. A clap of thunder strikes. We’re back in school, and my mind comes back. Tongu in front of me crying. “ I’m so sorry Futo.” I had seen Tungo almost everywhere. Tongu was there for me like the brother I had needed. “ I remember. ” I whispered. With a great deal of pain, I dash out of the classroom. “ Futo wait, stop!” I didn’t listen. I started sprinting through the flights of stairs, changed my shoes, and ran and ran until I couldn’t breathe. I walk into a dark alleyway. I turn to see a corner. I sat down. I started to question everything. “ Why am I even here!” “Why can't I remember anything!” “ Why does nobody talk to me.” “ Is it even worth it?” My head started spinning faster and faster. I’m so tired.
I lay there in the corner and fall asleep. Everything turned black and gray. The spinning stopped, then a light appeared. It was pointed at a girl-like figure, it was Kino. She was walking away and holding hands with adult figures. Mom and Dad? “Wait, where are you taking Kino! Bring her back!” Kino turned her head and her eyes were filled with tears. Then a soft voice started repeating my name, It was hard to tell whose voice it was but it sounded like Kino’s. “Ugh! What's going on!” I sat down with my knees up to my forehead. “Make it stop!” The voice started getting louder and louder until it was screaming my name. “Futo,Futo, FUTO, FUTO!”
Part Five
The Answers We Receive
Gasp! “Where am I? I looked around, I was home in my room inside my futon. It was a nightmare and a really bad one too. I guess Tongu took me home. It’s 9 pm and getting dark outside. I open my door and walk outside barefoot. The shallow ground was cold. The wind brushing against my body. “It’s a full moon.” I said. I go downstairs and see that no one is home. “Where is everyone?”. “Aunt Nami is out shopping.” Said Kino. “Oh sorry, didn’t see you.” “It’s fine.” My Stomach growled. “Are you hungry Futo?” Asked Kino. I answered, “ I'm starving.” We both walk towards the kitchen. I set the table as Kino cooks. Kino’s a great cook because mom taught Kino. Mom's cooking was the best. “ Foods ready.” Said Kino. We sit at our table. “Let’s eat!” The extreme blast of the flavor pops open in my mouth. “ Wow Kino, Great job! These noodles taste just like moms!” As I finish slurping my noodles I look at Kino with surprise. She hasn’t touched her bowl, she’s looking down, faceless. She starts to cry silently. I’m speechless. “I’m so sorry Kino.” I didn’t mean to bring her up.” I said with sorrow. I get no response. “I know how you feel Kino, sometimes I-.” Kino interrupts and screams with anger. “ No you don’t, No one knows how I feel! “Do you know how hard it is Futo, to be so close to someone and just to split up forever just like that! The room feels cold and empty. I yell back. “Mom and dad will never split from you, they are always with us no matter what! You are all I have Kino! You're my treasure. I have to protect you with everything I got.” Kino looks up with tears slowly gliding down her face and runs to me and jumps up and wraps her arms around me and squeezes me like if I were to disappear, still loudly sobbing she said, “ I’m so sorry Futo I will never forget what you said, please forgive me for being selfish.” “It’s alright Kino, it’s alright.” I put my arms around her too and hugged her back. “Want to go for some ice cream.” I asked. “I would love to.” Said Kino.
Part Six
Goodbye Old Friend
“Wow that ice cream was really good.” Said Kino. “Yes it sure was delicious.” I said with a smile on my face. We start to approach our house porch. “Huh, what’s this, a letter?” Said Kino. I looked down and it was a letter that was carefully prepared, we headed inside the house. “Thank you Futo.” “Yeah no problem, anytime Kino.” Kino walks upstairs and heads to her room. It’s dawn just before sunrise. As I sit down in the living room I gently open the letters and it reads. “ Dear Futo, My humblest apologies for writing this letter. But I have failed you and my mother. I have never felt this much guilt in my entire life, it haunts me. Please forgive me. But I must say this life was great because it was with you. I had the best times of my life with you. The times at the park. The times that we both cried and laughed. We made a pretty good team, huh? But I cannot live with this guilt any longer. I see your face everyday and in my nightmares too. I can’t stand this anymore. I give in to the guilt. I want you to live your life with the right person. I hope to see you again. I will jump off and end this guilt at the Rainbow Bridge at sundown. - Your pal, Tongu Kotonaru.” I can’t believe it. “Why Tongu, why? I’m so tired of all this stuff happening.” I scream from a frustration inside my core. “Why!” Kino comes rushing downstairs almost tripping over and leaning over the railing. “What’s wrong, what happened?” I didn’t respond, instead I’m looking out the window. “The sky has such beautiful colors.” I turned around with tears running down my face, with the anger and sadness my tears almost felt like they were burning my cheeks. “Futo, what’s wrong!” She comes into the living room and grabs and reads the letter on the table. Kino gasps loudly. “Oh my god, Futo is this true, Tongu’s going to jump off the Rainbow Bridge?” “I have to go save Tongu.” I put on my shoes and coat and walk out of the door.
Part Seven
The Memories We Share
Soft and gentle rain starts to pour onto Tokyo city. I’m running towards the Rainbow Bridge. The rain slowly comes down harder. While running I trip over my leg and fly forward to my knees. “Arg!” My knees and palms have been scratched badly. I endured the pain and continued to run as fast as I could. I see the bridge and I see Tongu standing on the railing. I yell, “Tongu! Wait.” Before you go, let me say something.” “No Futo, I let you down. It’s too late-.” I interrupted Tongu and said.“ Tongu, what are you doing man, you have never let me down nor have you let your parents down. Your mom is so proud of you making it all this way Tongu. I have never given up on you have I? So you can’t give up on me. Do you remember the time at the park when we were just kids, where you told me that we’ll always be together no matter what? You promised me that. You giving up would mean that you will break that promise and leave me.Your so special to me Tongu if you jump i'll jump too. And then Kino will live with no brother to protect her. Do you know how much pain she would be in? It’s so much I wouldn’t dare to think how much pain she would be in. So come on, what do you say?” A long pause just began. Tongu looks down. “Do you mean it? You don’t hate me?” Tongu ask’s. “Of course not pal.” Tongu starts crying and slowly steps back from the bridge's edge. “I don’t know what I was thinking, Futo. I’m sorry.” Tongu gets down on his hands and knees, “Please I’m begging, forgive me!” Tongu looks up with a face full of regret and pain and sees the bright and orange sun slowly go down right behind me, Tongu sees me getting on my hands and knees and I said, “Tongu I’m begging you never think of something so rash and selfish. Please I’m begging, forgive me for not being there for you too!” Tongu see’s the bad scratch on my hands and knees. “I promise I’ll never do or think about any of this ever again Futo.” Said Tongu. “I promise that I’ll be there for you too Tongu, I’ll always be there to save you too. Like that time at the park where those bullies cornered you, I was there to save you.” I get up before Tongu and the rain stops. I reach out my hand to Tongu and say “Never look down on a friend, unless your helping them up.” I proceeded to help Tongu up, we hugged each other while a colorful rainbow formed and the glowing orange sun shines behind us. I closed my eyes and felt as if I was hugging dad. I hugged Tongu tighter. “Guess I should go tell my landlord I’m going to rent the apartment again.” Said Tongu. “Sure I’ll go home and tell Kino you're alright.” “Alright dude see you later!” Said Tongu. “See you later Tongu. Call me when you get everything situated.” We waved each other goodbye. I walked back home and went inside. I went to my room and threw myself onto my futon. Kino knocks on my door and asks. “May I come in”. “Sure.” I opened the door for her. “How’s Tongu?” Kino asked. “He’s doing better.” I replied. “Futo will everything be okay?” Sai Kino. “Absolutely Kino. We have each other, that's all that matters.” I said with a smile. “Hah, right goodnight.” Kino said. She hugs me tight and kisses me on the forehead. I quickly jolted back and asked. “Hey what was that for!” “That was for being a hero.” Kino exited my room and closed the door softly. As the night dances away I lie down and start to think. “ I need a change.” I said to myself. I lay my head down onto the soft pillow and grab a picture of mom and dad and Kino. “Goodnight everyone, sweet dreams.”
Part Eight
Unknown Emotions
I’m getting too lazy, I need to get back on track. I’m going to enroll into a cram school. Hopefully I’ll get straight again. I’ll start tomorrow so I should get some rest. I wake up to the birds chirping, I get up and take a shower and put my clothes on and walk to the cram school. Since it’s spring break I don’t have to worry about the High School. As I enter the cram school I look for my class. “Ah there it is.” I said to myself. I walk into the class and sit in my seat. As I unpack my bag for my supplies I see a beautiful girl with long black hair and astonishing and blue eyes as calming as gentle waves. I have been going to the cram school for several days now and everyday I’ve been watching her. I wake up and take my shower and get to the cram school. As I walk up the stairs and turn the corner, Wham! The floor rushed up to my butt. “Oh I’m sorry I wasn’t looking where I was going, are you ok?” Futo looks up and sees her. It’s the girl. I was so amazed by the beauty of the girl it made me blush and turn red. The girls textbooks scattered across the floor. I had just realized what’s going on and I instantly got extremely flustered. “I’m sorry too I wasn’t looking either. Here let me help you with those.” I said embarrassed. “You're in my cram class right, your Futo Tanaki?” Asked the girl. I screamed inside my head “She knows my name!” I have to think of something to say. “Yeah that’s me Futo. Hey uh, I’m sorry to ask but I have never caught your name in class.” “My name is Hinata Misaki. It is a pleasure to meet you Futo.” Said Hinata. “Yeah sure, same here.” I said. As I helped pick up her textbooks that had fallen, I saw the last textbook and reached for it, when a soft hand had touched mine. I instantly looked up and saw Hinata’s beautiful blue eyes that sparkled. Were face to face and really close and paused. I screamed inside my head “ Woah! Too close!” I saw that Hinata was turning red. After the long pause I pull my hand back. “I'm sorry about that, how clumsy of me,” Said Hinata. I built up the courage to ask her “You're not afraid of me?” Hinata looked at me with confusion and said, “No why would I be afraid of you Futo?” Surprised I quickly say, “My eyes. People say my eyes are scary.” Hinata giggled and said, “I don't think that, I think your eyes are precise and curious.” I turn red because no has ever said that to me. Hinata looks at her cell phone and says “Well I should be heading home it's getting dark outside.” I looked at my cell phone too and saw the time was 6:45. “Yeah , it is getting dark.” As she walks away from me I see her hair shines brightly with the sun's warm glow, Hitata turns around and says with great happiness, “See you tomorrow Futo!” My heart started racing when I saw her bittersweet smile. My eyes widened with surprise. I said to myself, “she's like an angel.” My heart was racing and my face was red. I don't know what this feeling is but it's making me burst with energy. As I started walking out of the school I lost pace and gained speed with every step I started running home without losing my breath. I start to approach my house and I slow down. I entered the house and put my shoes up and put slippers on, after I ran upstairs. I went to my room and closed the door. I went to lay on the bed. “Wow she was super cute!” I said to myself. I held a pillow to my face and yelled, “Wow!” Kino knocks on my door. “Futo, is everything alright, what happened? I needed to tell Kino. “You can enter.” Kino peeks inside then enters my room. I told Kino everything that happened. “I don't know what that feeling was but it felt great, I even ran all the way home without losing my breath.” I looked down and Kino was faceless and a quiet tear ran down her cheek, instantly she looked up at me and said, “Futo, you're in love.”
Part Nine
Adventure Awaits
Kino, why are you crying. I asked. Kino wipes her tears away and says, “I'm just happy for you Futo that’s all.” I was amazed and so I gave her a hug. It's been several weeks since I've met Hinata and we've become great friends. Today I got to see her again. Since it's my day off, Kino wanted to go and I could not say no. We went to the mall and ate some great udon noodles. “Hey Futo stop daydreaming.” Said Kino. Hinata giggles. My face turns red with embarrassment. “Heh, sorry about that.” I said. “Oh look, a raffling contest. We should try it out.” Said Hinata. “Yeah that's a great idea!” Said Kino. We head to the raffle machine and look at the prizes and see that the major prize is a skiing trip to Niseko and you can bring three extra people too. It sounded great if I won. Who will I bring with me? Most likely Hinata, Kino, and Tongu. Yeah that sounds great. “I'll take 3 tickets please.” I said to the raffle manager. “Sure thing kid.” Said the manager. During the wait we went to eat some udon noodles. 5 minutes later they started calling the winners for the raffle tickets, and sure enough I got called for the major prize winner. I won the tickets for the contest, we get to go skiing in the Niseko mountains together. “Wow you got really lucky there Futo.” Said Kino with a smile on her face. Hinata puts her fists in the air and quietly yells, “Yeah!” By the time we reached the end of the mall I saw that sundown had already begun, with that being said I thought about Hinata and how she was going to get home. “Hey Hinata do you need a ride home?” I said with a concerned face. Hinata looked impressed but declined the offer home. “It's fine Futo, I will take the train home.” “Okay, please be careful on your way home.” I said with a smile. “Thanks for such a great time, see you guys later!” Hinata slowly walked away to the mall exit. It's been a few days and the Niseko trip is tomorrow. I fall asleep with adventurous thoughts. I woke up early calling everyone to tell them that our trip is today and to meet outside of the maid cafe at dawn. We are going to take my car to Niseko and it will take around 15 hours. It was time to meet up and me and Kino were waiting in the cold air. Tongu and Kino went to go to buy some breakfast, dawn hasn’t begun yet but it’s getting closer. Five minutes have passed and the sky is behind me. The sun starts to gleam at my back, I see my shadow ahead of me. I turn to see the orange and bright glowing sun behind Hinata as she walks toward me. For some unknown reason, I have a terrible feeling about this trip.
Part Ten
Dreams Behold
Hinata was walking towards me and I had a bad feeling about the trip to Niseko but I kept it to myself. “ Hey Futo!” Said Hinata. “Hey Hinata.” I said with a change of emotion. I turned my worries off and focused on the trip. “This trip is going to be great right?” Said Hinata. “Yeah, sure.” I said with hesitation. Kino and Tongu are back and they bought snacks for the long trip. As time went by as we traveled to Niseko Mountains, the snow paradise, it’s been about 11 hours and we left at dawn so it’s dark now, we stopped at a hotel and me and Tongu shared a room and Hinata and Kino shared a room. I was worried about Hinata and Kino, Kino’s been acting strange around her so I hope it’s nothing wrong that I put them together in the same room. It was already dark and we wanted to make it to the Niseko mountains as soon as possible. “Goodnight Tongu.” I said. Tongu looks back at me and smiles and replies, “Goodnight Futo.” I lay down on the futon and enter my world of dreams and fantasies. I see darkness again, but now I see light pointing to the mountains, a cliff. As soon as I realized it was a cliff I woke up, it's 6 in the morning. I should check up on everyone, Tongu is still asleep and I walk to Kino and Hinatas room and I open the door without knocking, Hinata was asleep and Kino was not in her futon. I check the washroom, I see Kino with a bag and holding small sheets of paper. “Kino what are you doing?” She Jumped up and stuffed the sheets of paper into the bag, her face faded she didn’t reply. “Kino, hey you ok?” Kino walks towards me and walks past me and gets inside her bed. “Nothing.” Said Kino. “Oh, okay then we’re going to go in an hour, so get some rest.” “Alright.” Said Kino. I walked out of the room and thought about what she was doing. I shouldn’t worry about it. I need to focus on the trip. The time came, we got in the car and on our way to Niseko. We reached the Hokkaido bullet train. While we crossed the bridge we got to see the Japan sea. It was amazing. I looked beside me, Hinata's eyes sparkled with the glimmer of the ocean. I smiled with happiness. “Im so lucky to be with her.” “What was that?” Said Hinata. I immediately got flustered, “Nothing, sorry!” I said. I thought I said that inside my head, “ I said it out loud!” Time had passed and Kino was asleep right next to me, her head fell on and held up against my shoulder. She looked cold so I took my coat off and wrapped it around her body. Hinata was asleep too. Tongu was gradually dozing off. “Hey Tongu it’s ok, you can go ahead and rest.” I said with a smile. Tongu looks up and smiles back at me. “Thanks dude.” Said Tongu and almost immediately falls asleep. Wow I’m impressed. The sun was slowly falling into the horizon, the ever so bright moon climbed up and into the sky. I was getting tired too, I closed my eyes and fell asleep. I again sit in the void of the darkness, nothing to be heard, nothing to be seen. So silent, I could hear my own heart beating inside me. I try to get on my legs and walk but I can’t. I was helpless and miserable. Until I see the light again, this time I see two headlights, bright and yellow. They dare to come closer, gradually gaining speed. I can’t move, oh god I can’t move! What do I do! It’s getting closer! All these thoughts are flowing through my brain while my body sits like a helpless insect just before getting smashed. The headlights are feet from me and I can’t do anything but close my eyes. The sound of a truck horn booms in the darkness. Honk! HONK! The sound of tires screeching loudly. “Futo!” Said Hinata. “Wake up you're having a nightmare!” Kino yelled. I open my eyes as fast as lightning strikes the ground. My breathing was scattered and rushed and I was sweating badly. “Here let me help.” Said Hinata. “I’ve got it don’t worry.” Said Kino. Kino helped me sit up, and got a wet cloth and placed it onto my forehead. “Thank you.” I said, still a little shaken. “Are you ok dude?” Said Tongu. “Yeah I’m fine just a little nightmare.” I said with a fake smile. “That’s some nightmare.” Said Kino. Kino finished wiping down my body from the sweat. “Well anyway, Futo we have finally arrived.” Said Hinata. I look out the window and see the Niseko mountains. My heart dropped. Something bad is going to happen. I just know it.
Part 11
The Touch Of Death
The train came to a halt. And we started heading out the train. “Wow this place is beautiful.” Said Kino with an impressed smile. “We need to find another hotel.” I said. “Yeah”. Said Tongu. As I searched for a hotel for us to stay at, everyone else went to prepare the skiing equipment at the summit. A little time after, I finished the hotel reservation. I walked to the gondola lift. I see everyone waiting in their ski suits and ready. I was amazed how astonishing Hinata looked in hers. The lift came to a stop and I walked toward my group. “Wow, I’m nervous.” Said Kino. “Don’t worry Kino, everything’s gonna be alright.” I said. “Ok just give me a minute to put this suit on.” I said. I walked toward the changing room and changed into my ski suit. Suddenly I heard a ringtone. It was my cell phone. “Oh that’s weird no one calls me.” I said out loud. “Oh it’s Tongu?” I picked up the phone and answered it. “Hello, this is Futo.” Tongu quickly interrupted. “Futo hurry and get your gear on! Hinata and Kino got into a really serious fight and Hinata ran off and Kino is storming to the hotel right now. I’ll make sure Kino gets to the hotel safely, meanwhile you make sure Hinata is safe! Hurry!” Said Tongu with a very sharp voice. “Ok do you know which way Hinata went!” I said while struggling to quickly get my gear on. “She went south-west from the changing room entrances.” Said Tongu. “Ok I will catch up to her and we’ll meet at the hotel.” I said. “Right, good luck!” Tongu fired back. I stiff my phone inside my pocket and immediately rush out the changing room door. I ski down the monstrous mountain of fresh white powder. It’s been at least half an hour since I’ve left the ski resort entrance. I haven’t seen Hinata anywhere. I wonder what could’ve been so bad that Hinata runs off. As I’m deep into my thoughts I wasn’t paying attention to the ground and a massive tree was ahead. “Oh crap!” I yelled out. I quickly turned the skis sideways and came to a stop just feet away from the huge tree. While I was stopped I saw tracks of snow that lead to a path, but that path led to a small gate and was closed off with all types of caution tape. The caution tape said, Do Not Enter, and Turn Around, Giant Cliff, but the tape was torn in half and some just moved off to the side and the gate was open. I followed the slow and gentle. Then that’s when I saw a girl sitting against a tree with her knees up to her face, Hinata? It was I could never forget the long black hair she has. “Hinata! What are you doing over here! It’s not safe!” I yelled but got no response. I slowly slid down to her and sat next to her. Her face drenched with tears clinging on her chin. “Hinata I’m so sorry, I try so hard to help Kino but she takes things with her own hands.” I said. Hinata looked up and wiped her tears away. “It’s okay, really.” Hinata said with a soft voice. “No it’s not ok, I should have stayed with you the whole time. I knew that Kino was acting strange this whole time.” I said with my face down. I have to tell her how I feel. This is the perfect chance for that. The sun was bright and high above, the birds chirping and the rabbits jumping around us. “Hinata I need to tell you something.” I said with a serious voice. “Hinata looked up with her extraordinary blue eyes. “Yes Futo? “Hinata, Your smile stuns me everytime, you make my heart race and you are reliable and independent and shy and cute and I could never tell you all that I think of you!” I said with a blushing red face. Hinata jumped and looked in the other direction. This feeling, like if everything stopped in their place. It was just me and Hinata. I built up the courage to tell her, “Hinata I’m in love with you.” Hinata looked back at me with a red face and she was flustered. “I share the same feeling Futo.” Said Hinata. My heart started beating out of my chest. This was the first time a girl said she loved me besides Kino. “Whatever happened with you and Kino we’ll get through it together Hinata. You are the change I need Hinata, you can change me. I stayed up countless nights wondering what that change I needed was. It was right in front of me this whole time! You're the change that I need so bad! ” I said. Hinata let her tears flow down her face like a gentle river. “Thank you Futo. So much.” Said Hinata with her smile shining like gold. “We should get out of here, the cliffs right in front of us. Also those signs had caution all over them.” I said. I reached out my hand to grab hers, then. “Crack!” Hinata's skis broke off and she looked down and she lost balance and fell backwards. The snow suddenly started to feel weak. In the blink of an eye, Hinata was going to fall off the cliff's edge as time gradually slowed down. I was frozen and didn't know what to do, I needed to save Hinata. I need to move! I rushed to Hinata's hand and pulled her up. She was dangling on the edge. As I pulled her up and hugged her tight the snow beneath me started to break and fall apart. I grabbed Hinata and threw her to a safe spot, at least 8 feet from the edge. I looked down and the snow was about to slide off the cliff, I looked up and saw Hinata running toward me. I take a look at her face and smile. This was the last time I was going to see that magnificent face, wow such beauty. I started falling back into the air. Hinata was close to me and she leaped toward me and tried to reach out her hand and grab my hand. Only to be left in despair for only our fingertips touched. As I fall back into nothingness I hear my name being screamed. “Futo! No!” I assumed Hinata screamed my name. It felt like forever in the air the wind rushing past your ears. Then, “THUMP!” I closed my eyes and opened them. I felt nothing. I attempted to raise my body up but failed, I tried to turn my head and couldn’t. “Futo! Stay right there! Don't move a muscle!” Said Hinata. I was confused and shocked. I see the bright and blue sky, and the bright yellow sun. I hear the moment of snow. Then in my view Hinata appears. “Hinata?” I coughed hard and violently. “Ouch!” I Screamed. “Futo dont move nor talk just breathe normal, ok!” Hinata said with a scared voice. “Your bleeding out of your ears and you're coughing up blood, you might have had a concussion so sit still.” Said Hinata. I could start to feel everything again. The pain was monstrous. I looked at Hinata with my eyes full of tears. “Hinata, am I going to die?” I was in shock so I wasn’t thinking right. “You are not going to die! I will always be with you so cant leave me!” Hinata screamed. “I want to be with you… I love you Futo!” My eyes opened wide and my heart started to race. Out of happiness I shed a tear. Hinata wiped my tear away. “I’ll always be with you Futo.” Hinata said with a gentle voice. My eyes and mind start to constantly come and go. My eyes close then come back open. I stopped fighting the pain away and relaxed with ease. “It’s ok Futo, everything’s going to be alright.” Hinata's voice starts to fade. This time Hinata was the hero. I felt so safe, like if I were in my mothers arms one last time.
Part 12
One Last Time
I awake in a hospital bed, with Kino, Hinata, and Tongu at my side. My head instantly gets a headache, like electric pain through your brain. I yell from the tremendous pain within. “Ahh!” Hinata looks up and sees that I was in pain. She got up and came to my bed very quickly. “Futo are you ok?” Asked Hinata “Futo!?” Kino screamed. Then everything snaps. “I remember…” I whispered lightly. Kino is shocked and puts her hand over her mouth and backs away. Her eyes wide open. The pain suddenly fades off. The anger and confusion inside started to mix. “Kino? Why didn’t you tell me?” I said with a soft voice. Kino's head was facing the ground. “Why did you tell me a lie?” Tongu and Hinata look back at her and wart questioning her. “What’s Futo talking about Kino?” Asked Hinata. “Kino, oh my god please don’t tell me.” Said Tongu. Kino started crying. Her tears falling down her face like a vicious waterfall. Her eyes were closed tightly. My anger reaches its peak. “Why is your head down!?” I yelled. Hinata and Tongu look back at me seeing that I’m raged. Then I realized that Kino had only one reason to do this kind of thing to me. She did it because she loved me. She didn’t tell me because she wanted to protect me. I closed my eyes and calmed down to a cold level. I got up out of the hospital bed, pain. At this point the pain that was inside my body became irrelevant to me. “Futo?” Asked Hinata. I walked up to Kino, and I swung both of my arms around her body and holded her body tightly. As I did so Kino looked up with the guilt off her shoulders, her body that was so tince before was now relaxed and relieved of stress. Her eyes overflowing with the love in her tears. She swung both her arms around me violently, squeezing me so tight. I endured the pain in my body. She gradually started sobbing on me, “I just wanted you to be with me.” She whispered. The pain in her voice was loud and clear. “It’s ok Kino, I forgive you. I love you so much I could never hate you. I’m with you until time is no more.” I said with a voice that had so much relief inside it. It’s been 2 years and I’m as good as new. Me,Tongu, and Hinata graduated and Kino stays with me and Hinata. Tongu has taken his parents' journey and continues them. He is going to travel around the world writing books about the new things he gets to see. Me and Hinata are married, on our way to having a child. Kino is going to be a big sister. We’ve been living good life’s. It seems the change that I needed was a tremendous success. My name Is Futo Tanaki and the stories of my life are so exotic I would give anything to go through it again, just one more time.
The End...
Hidden Memories(Anthony)
Part One
When it all began
My name is Futo Tanaki, I’m 18, a senior at Asuka High School class 1-3, I live in a less modern neighborhood in Tokyo Japan with my Aunt Nami and my little sister Kino. My father and mother were both Authors, they loved to travel, sadly both mom and dad died in a plane accident in America, I was 16 and Kino was 13 when mom and dad died. Every night mom and dad used to tell us amazing stories about where they traveled and what they did. When mom and dad died Kino broke. Mom and Kino had a very tight bond, Kino hasn’t been the same ever since. She leaves the house late and comes home in the early dawn. Aunt Nami isn’t getting any better. She has a long and harsh cold. I feel like I’m falling into a bottomless pit that has no light and is so cold and waiting for someone to pull me out. The next day at school we begin to study for our exams. I'm a great student, my grades are top of the class. No one talks to me though. The other students say I have piercing eyes, sharp and scary. Friends are rare for me. Which reminds me, I have one friend, his name is Tongu. I’ve known him ever since. I don't remember when we met. Today’s school lesson was easy. After school me and Tongu were walking home, we were talking about some RPG video game. While we were walking I saw a black cat. Our eyes glared at each other. In a way, we both had piercing eyes. My mom used to tell me that when you see a black cat I get terrible, bad luck. I got curious and asked Tongu.“Hey Tongu do you believe in superstitions?” I asked. Tongu stops immediately and doesn’t move a single muscle. I got nervous. “Hey, you ok why’d you stop like that?” I said with a shaky smile on my face. “I believe in every single superstition there is Futo.” Said Tongu with a dark and scary voice. “What?” I said with fear in my throat. “Just kidding.” Said Tongu then laughed like an insane person. “Ugh, wow very funny.” I said with a touch of sarcasm. Even so if I would’ve done the same thing I would’ve laughed too. Tongu still laughing, I get irritated. “Whatever man that wasn’t funny.” I said. “Hahah, you should’ve seen your face!” Tongu said gradually slowing and softening the laughter. “Yeah, yeah.” I said ignoring him. A few moments later me and Tongu were gettting closer to home, when my eyes caught someone waking in the middle of the road, swaying side to side. It was a small girl with a red coat and black pants with white shoes and brown hair. It was my little sister, Kino.
Part Two
Crashing Waves
Is that Kino? I ask myself. There’s no way. What would she be doing on the side of the road and why is she swaying like that. Suddenly, everything slows down. I look to see in front of Kino a semi-truck. Is the driver not looking maybe half asleep? My mind goes blank, If Kino gets hit she’ll be killed and I’ll have no one left. No! I can’t let that happen! I sprint up the stairs and see the semi getting closer and closer. I see the driver look up and realize what was going on. He stomped on the brakes, the tires screeching. I scream. Move! Get out of the way! I leap and shove her out of the truck's destructive path. As I shoved her out of the way for one second I thought “ Everything is going to be just fine.” THUMP! I got hit by the truck. As I get thrown by the truck I spin in circles but I see everything so clearly. My body hits the ground with tremendous force.
As I am laying on the soft summer grass, my sight starts to get so blurry and my head is violently spinning. Suddenly everything hurts so bad, my adrenaline has worn off. I see Tongu and Kino rush towards me. Kino crying and Tongu panicking. Tongu started screaming “ Someone Call an Ambulance!” Kino with eyes full of tears. I pat Kino on the head and say “ I’m glad you're okay kiddo, I guess mom was right about the black cats after all.” After saying that, I fainted and was out for a day or two. I wake up in the hospital and I look around to see Kino and Aunt Nami sitting beside me.
Nami furious and Kino was ashamed with guilt. As I wake and try to sit up, a massive pain hits my ribs like nothing before. I yell, “ Ouch!” Nami said not to move anymore. The doctor said I am going to be just fine, and if that truck didn’t slow down I would have died. The doctor also told me that I have 3 broken ribs and a dislocated left arm. I looked to my right side to see Kino, I looked at her and she glared at me. I said, “ What happened?”
Part Three
Connection
2 months have passed since. I left the hospital 1 month ago. I still don’t know what had happened to me. Kino is going to school again and Aunt Nami is Feeling better. For once, everything feels normal again. Kino said I had fallen down a flight of stairs. But I feel like something much bigger has happened. I have to go to school tomorrow so I better get some rest. The next morning in the classroom I see Tongu but he looks faceless. “ Tongu how’s it going.” He didn’t respond to me. I went up to his desk and there were droplets of water on his desk. Then I looked at him and saw that he was crying and shaking. “ Dude what’s the matter, are you ok?” He violently stood up. “ No, I'm not ok! I failed to protect you! I promised mom that I would protect you. It was her last wish! I failed her when you almost died. I lost all hope. I’m sorry Futo, please forgive me!” “Tongu, what are you talking about?” Everyone in the classroom looks at me and Tongu.“ My parents were very good friends with your parents Futo, they both had decided to go on the trip in America with your parents and that was their last flight. My father had died in the crash but my mother lived for a short while in the hospital and had died from her injuries. Before she died she told me “ Tongu take care of the Tanaki’s children make sure they have someone to talk to when they’re down the older brother they need.” “Tongu, you're saying that your parents knew my parents?” “ Yes, Futo, we have known each other since the day we were born Futo.”
Part Four
The Questions We Ask
It’s 8 am. The sky is gray. It’s all a blurry picture but the one thing that I see is Kino. She was sobbing and clinging to Mom's memorial stone. I look around and see a boy, he’s round and has white hair, “kinda looks like Tongu.” I said to myself. Rain starts falling from the sky and pours on us. We head back inside. A clap of thunder strikes. We’re back in school, and my mind comes back. Tongu in front of me crying. “ I’m so sorry Futo.” I had seen Tungo almost everywhere. Tongu was there for me like the brother I had needed. “ I remember. ” I whispered. With a great deal of pain, I dash out of the classroom. “ Futo wait, stop!” I didn’t listen. I started sprinting through the flights of stairs, changed my shoes, and ran and ran until I couldn’t breathe. I walk into a dark alleyway. I turn to see a corner. I sat down. I started to question everything. “ Why am I even here!” “Why can't I remember anything!” “ Why does nobody talk to me.” “ Is it even worth it?” My head started spinning faster and faster. I’m so tired.
I lay there in the corner and fall asleep. Everything turned black and gray. The spinning stopped, then a light appeared. It was pointed at a girl-like figure, it was Kino. She was walking away and holding hands with adult figures. Mom and Dad? “Wait, where are you taking Kino! Bring her back!” Kino turned her head and her eyes were filled with tears. Then a soft voice started repeating my name, It was hard to tell whose voice it was but it sounded like Kino’s. “Ugh! What's going on!” I sat down with my knees up to my forehead. “Make it stop!” The voice started getting louder and louder until it was screaming my name. “Futo,Futo, FUTO, FUTO!”
Part Five
The Answers We Receive
Gasp! “Where am I? I looked around, I was home in my room inside my futon. It was a nightmare and a really bad one too. I guess Tongu took me home. It’s 9 pm and getting dark outside. I open my door and walk outside barefoot. The shallow ground was cold. The wind brushing against my body. “It’s a full moon.” I said. I go downstairs and see that no one is home. “Where is everyone?”. “Aunt Nami is out shopping.” Said Kino. “Oh sorry, didn’t see you.” “It’s fine.” My Stomach growled. “Are you hungry Futo?” Asked Kino. I answered, “ I'm starving.” We both walk towards the kitchen. I set the table as Kino cooks. Kino’s a great cook because mom taught Kino. Mom's cooking was the best. “ Foods ready.” Said Kino. We sit at our table. “Let’s eat!” The extreme blast of the flavor pops open in my mouth. “ Wow Kino, Great job! These noodles taste just like moms!” As I finish slurping my noodles I look at Kino with surprise. She hasn’t touched her bowl, she’s looking down, faceless. She starts to cry silently. I’m speechless. “I’m so sorry Kino.” I didn’t mean to bring her up.” I said with sorrow. I get no response. “I know how you feel Kino, sometimes I-.” Kino interrupts and screams with anger. “ No you don’t, No one knows how I feel! “Do you know how hard it is Futo, to be so close to someone and just to split up forever just like that! The room feels cold and empty. I yell back. “Mom and dad will never split from you, they are always with us no matter what! You are all I have Kino! You're my treasure. I have to protect you with everything I got.” Kino looks up with tears slowly gliding down her face and runs to me and jumps up and wraps her arms around me and squeezes me like if I were to disappear, still loudly sobbing she said, “ I’m so sorry Futo I will never forget what you said, please forgive me for being selfish.” “It’s alright Kino, it’s alright.” I put my arms around her too and hugged her back. “Want to go for some ice cream.” I asked. “I would love to.” Said Kino.
Part Six
Goodbye Old Friend
“Wow that ice cream was really good.” Said Kino. “Yes it sure was delicious.” I said with a smile on my face. We start to approach our house porch. “Huh, what’s this, a letter?” Said Kino. I looked down and it was a letter that was carefully prepared, we headed inside the house. “Thank you Futo.” “Yeah no problem, anytime Kino.” Kino walks upstairs and heads to her room. It’s dawn just before sunrise. As I sit down in the living room I gently open the letters and it reads. “ Dear Futo, My humblest apologies for writing this letter. But I have failed you and my mother. I have never felt this much guilt in my entire life, it haunts me. Please forgive me. But I must say this life was great because it was with you. I had the best times of my life with you. The times at the park. The times that we both cried and laughed. We made a pretty good team, huh? But I cannot live with this guilt any longer. I see your face everyday and in my nightmares too. I can’t stand this anymore. I give in to the guilt. I want you to live your life with the right person. I hope to see you again. I will jump off and end this guilt at the Rainbow Bridge at sundown. - Your pal, Tongu Kotonaru.” I can’t believe it. “Why Tongu, why? I’m so tired of all this stuff happening.” I scream from a frustration inside my core. “Why!” Kino comes rushing downstairs almost tripping over and leaning over the railing. “What’s wrong, what happened?” I didn’t respond, instead I’m looking out the window. “The sky has such beautiful colors.” I turned around with tears running down my face, with the anger and sadness my tears almost felt like they were burning my cheeks. “Futo, what’s wrong!” She comes into the living room and grabs and reads the letter on the table. Kino gasps loudly. “Oh my god, Futo is this true, Tongu’s going to jump off the Rainbow Bridge?” “I have to go save Tongu.” I put on my shoes and coat and walk out of the door.
Part Seven
The Memories We Share
Soft and gentle rain starts to pour onto Tokyo city. I’m running towards the Rainbow Bridge. The rain slowly comes down harder. While running I trip over my leg and fly forward to my knees. “Arg!” My knees and palms have been scratched badly. I endured the pain and continued to run as fast as I could. I see the bridge and I see Tongu standing on the railing. I yell, “Tongu! Wait.” Before you go, let me say something.” “No Futo, I let you down. It’s too late-.” I interrupted Tongu and said.“ Tongu, what are you doing man, you have never let me down nor have you let your parents down. Your mom is so proud of you making it all this way Tongu. I have never given up on you have I? So you can’t give up on me. Do you remember the time at the park when we were just kids, where you told me that we’ll always be together no matter what? You promised me that. You giving up would mean that you will break that promise and leave me.Your so special to me Tongu if you jump i'll jump too. And then Kino will live with no brother to protect her. Do you know how much pain she would be in? It’s so much I wouldn’t dare to think how much pain she would be in. So come on, what do you say?” A long pause just began. Tongu looks down. “Do you mean it? You don’t hate me?” Tongu ask’s. “Of course not pal.” Tongu starts crying and slowly steps back from the bridge's edge. “I don’t know what I was thinking, Futo. I’m sorry.” Tongu gets down on his hands and knees, “Please I’m begging, forgive me!” Tongu looks up with a face full of regret and pain and sees the bright and orange sun slowly go down right behind me, Tongu sees me getting on my hands and knees and I said, “Tongu I’m begging you never think of something so rash and selfish. Please I’m begging, forgive me for not being there for you too!” Tongu see’s the bad scratch on my hands and knees. “I promise I’ll never do or think about any of this ever again Futo.” Said Tongu. “I promise that I’ll be there for you too Tongu, I’ll always be there to save you too. Like that time at the park where those bullies cornered you, I was there to save you.” I get up before Tongu and the rain stops. I reach out my hand to Tongu and say “Never look down on a friend, unless your helping them up.” I proceeded to help Tongu up, we hugged each other while a colorful rainbow formed and the glowing orange sun shines behind us. I closed my eyes and felt as if I was hugging dad. I hugged Tongu tighter. “Guess I should go tell my landlord I’m going to rent the apartment again.” Said Tongu. “Sure I’ll go home and tell Kino you're alright.” “Alright dude see you later!” Said Tongu. “See you later Tongu. Call me when you get everything situated.” We waved each other goodbye. I walked back home and went inside. I went to my room and threw myself onto my futon. Kino knocks on my door and asks. “May I come in”. “Sure.” I opened the door for her. “How’s Tongu?” Kino asked. “He’s doing better.” I replied. “Futo will everything be okay?” Sai Kino. “Absolutely Kino. We have each other, that's all that matters.” I said with a smile. “Hah, right goodnight.” Kino said. She hugs me tight and kisses me on the forehead. I quickly jolted back and asked. “Hey what was that for!” “That was for being a hero.” Kino exited my room and closed the door softly. As the night dances away I lie down and start to think. “ I need a change.” I said to myself. I lay my head down onto the soft pillow and grab a picture of mom and dad and Kino. “Goodnight everyone, sweet dreams.”
Part Eight
Unknown Emotions
I’m getting too lazy, I need to get back on track. I’m going to enroll into a cram school. Hopefully I’ll get straight again. I’ll start tomorrow so I should get some rest. I wake up to the birds chirping, I get up and take a shower and put my clothes on and walk to the cram school. Since it’s spring break I don’t have to worry about the High School. As I enter the cram school I look for my class. “Ah there it is.” I said to myself. I walk into the class and sit in my seat. As I unpack my bag for my supplies I see a beautiful girl with long black hair and astonishing and blue eyes as calming as gentle waves. I have been going to the cram school for several days now and everyday I’ve been watching her. I wake up and take my shower and get to the cram school. As I walk up the stairs and turn the corner, Wham! The floor rushed up to my butt. “Oh I’m sorry I wasn’t looking where I was going, are you ok?” Futo looks up and sees her. It’s the girl. I was so amazed by the beauty of the girl it made me blush and turn red. The girls textbooks scattered across the floor. I had just realized what’s going on and I instantly got extremely flustered. “I’m sorry too I wasn’t looking either. Here let me help you with those.” I said embarrassed. “You're in my cram class right, your Futo Tanaki?” Asked the girl. I screamed inside my head “She knows my name!” I have to think of something to say. “Yeah that’s me Futo. Hey uh, I’m sorry to ask but I have never caught your name in class.” “My name is Hinata Misaki. It is a pleasure to meet you Futo.” Said Hinata. “Yeah sure, same here.” I said. As I helped pick up her textbooks that had fallen, I saw the last textbook and reached for it, when a soft hand had touched mine. I instantly looked up and saw Hinata’s beautiful blue eyes that sparkled. Were face to face and really close and paused. I screamed inside my head “ Woah! Too close!” I saw that Hinata was turning red. After the long pause I pull my hand back. “I'm sorry about that, how clumsy of me,” Said Hinata. I built up the courage to ask her “You're not afraid of me?” Hinata looked at me with confusion and said, “No why would I be afraid of you Futo?” Surprised I quickly say, “My eyes. People say my eyes are scary.” Hinata giggled and said, “I don't think that, I think your eyes are precise and curious.” I turn red because no has ever said that to me. Hinata looks at her cell phone and says “Well I should be heading home it's getting dark outside.” I looked at my cell phone too and saw the time was 6:45. “Yeah , it is getting dark.” As she walks away from me I see her hair shines brightly with the sun's warm glow, Hitata turns around and says with great happiness, “See you tomorrow Futo!” My heart started racing when I saw her bittersweet smile. My eyes widened with surprise. I said to myself, “she's like an angel.” My heart was racing and my face was red. I don't know what this feeling is but it's making me burst with energy. As I started walking out of the school I lost pace and gained speed with every step I started running home without losing my breath. I start to approach my house and I slow down. I entered the house and put my shoes up and put slippers on, after I ran upstairs. I went to my room and closed the door. I went to lay on the bed. “Wow she was super cute!” I said to myself. I held a pillow to my face and yelled, “Wow!” Kino knocks on my door. “Futo, is everything alright, what happened? I needed to tell Kino. “You can enter.” Kino peeks inside then enters my room. I told Kino everything that happened. “I don't know what that feeling was but it felt great, I even ran all the way home without losing my breath.” I looked down and Kino was faceless and a quiet tear ran down her cheek, instantly she looked up at me and said, “Futo, you're in love.”
Part Nine
Adventure Awaits
Kino, why are you crying. I asked. Kino wipes her tears away and says, “I'm just happy for you Futo that’s all.” I was amazed and so I gave her a hug. It's been several weeks since I've met Hinata and we've become great friends. Today I got to see her again. Since it's my day off, Kino wanted to go and I could not say no. We went to the mall and ate some great udon noodles. “Hey Futo stop daydreaming.” Said Kino. Hinata giggles. My face turns red with embarrassment. “Heh, sorry about that.” I said. “Oh look, a raffling contest. We should try it out.” Said Hinata. “Yeah that's a great idea!” Said Kino. We head to the raffle machine and look at the prizes and see that the major prize is a skiing trip to Niseko and you can bring three extra people too. It sounded great if I won. Who will I bring with me? Most likely Hinata, Kino, and Tongu. Yeah that sounds great. “I'll take 3 tickets please.” I said to the raffle manager. “Sure thing kid.” Said the manager. During the wait we went to eat some udon noodles. 5 minutes later they started calling the winners for the raffle tickets, and sure enough I got called for the major prize winner. I won the tickets for the contest, we get to go skiing in the Niseko mountains together. “Wow you got really lucky there Futo.” Said Kino with a smile on her face. Hinata puts her fists in the air and quietly yells, “Yeah!” By the time we reached the end of the mall I saw that sundown had already begun, with that being said I thought about Hinata and how she was going to get home. “Hey Hinata do you need a ride home?” I said with a concerned face. Hinata looked impressed but declined the offer home. “It's fine Futo, I will take the train home.” “Okay, please be careful on your way home.” I said with a smile. “Thanks for such a great time, see you guys later!” Hinata slowly walked away to the mall exit. It's been a few days and the Niseko trip is tomorrow. I fall asleep with adventurous thoughts. I woke up early calling everyone to tell them that our trip is today and to meet outside of the maid cafe at dawn. We are going to take my car to Niseko and it will take around 15 hours. It was time to meet up and me and Kino were waiting in the cold air. Tongu and Kino went to go to buy some breakfast, dawn hasn’t begun yet but it’s getting closer. Five minutes have passed and the sky is behind me. The sun starts to gleam at my back, I see my shadow ahead of me. I turn to see the orange and bright glowing sun behind Hinata as she walks toward me. For some unknown reason, I have a terrible feeling about this trip.
Part Ten
Dreams Behold
Hinata was walking towards me and I had a bad feeling about the trip to Niseko but I kept it to myself. “ Hey Futo!” Said Hinata. “Hey Hinata.” I said with a change of emotion. I turned my worries off and focused on the trip. “This trip is going to be great right?” Said Hinata. “Yeah, sure.” I said with hesitation. Kino and Tongu are back and they bought snacks for the long trip. As time went by as we traveled to Niseko Mountains, the snow paradise, it’s been about 11 hours and we left at dawn so it’s dark now, we stopped at a hotel and me and Tongu shared a room and Hinata and Kino shared a room. I was worried about Hinata and Kino, Kino’s been acting strange around her so I hope it’s nothing wrong that I put them together in the same room. It was already dark and we wanted to make it to the Niseko mountains as soon as possible. “Goodnight Tongu.” I said. Tongu looks back at me and smiles and replies, “Goodnight Futo.” I lay down on the futon and enter my world of dreams and fantasies. I see darkness again, but now I see light pointing to the mountains, a cliff. As soon as I realized it was a cliff I woke up, it's 6 in the morning. I should check up on everyone, Tongu is still asleep and I walk to Kino and Hinatas room and I open the door without knocking, Hinata was asleep and Kino was not in her futon. I check the washroom, I see Kino with a bag and holding small sheets of paper. “Kino what are you doing?” She Jumped up and stuffed the sheets of paper into the bag, her face faded she didn’t reply. “Kino, hey you ok?” Kino walks towards me and walks past me and gets inside her bed. “Nothing.” Said Kino. “Oh, okay then we’re going to go in an hour, so get some rest.” “Alright.” Said Kino. I walked out of the room and thought about what she was doing. I shouldn’t worry about it. I need to focus on the trip. The time came, we got in the car and on our way to Niseko. We reached the Hokkaido bullet train. While we crossed the bridge we got to see the Japan sea. It was amazing. I looked beside me, Hinata's eyes sparkled with the glimmer of the ocean. I smiled with happiness. “Im so lucky to be with her.” “What was that?” Said Hinata. I immediately got flustered, “Nothing, sorry!” I said. I thought I said that inside my head, “ I said it out loud!” Time had passed and Kino was asleep right next to me, her head fell on and held up against my shoulder. She looked cold so I took my coat off and wrapped it around her body. Hinata was asleep too. Tongu was gradually dozing off. “Hey Tongu it’s ok, you can go ahead and rest.” I said with a smile. Tongu looks up and smiles back at me. “Thanks dude.” Said Tongu and almost immediately falls asleep. Wow I’m impressed. The sun was slowly falling into the horizon, the ever so bright moon climbed up and into the sky. I was getting tired too, I closed my eyes and fell asleep. I again sit in the void of the darkness, nothing to be heard, nothing to be seen. So silent, I could hear my own heart beating inside me. I try to get on my legs and walk but I can’t. I was helpless and miserable. Until I see the light again, this time I see two headlights, bright and yellow. They dare to come closer, gradually gaining speed. I can’t move, oh god I can’t move! What do I do! It’s getting closer! All these thoughts are flowing through my brain while my body sits like a helpless insect just before getting smashed. The headlights are feet from me and I can’t do anything but close my eyes. The sound of a truck horn booms in the darkness. Honk! HONK! The sound of tires screeching loudly. “Futo!” Said Hinata. “Wake up you're having a nightmare!” Kino yelled. I open my eyes as fast as lightning strikes the ground. My breathing was scattered and rushed and I was sweating badly. “Here let me help.” Said Hinata. “I’ve got it don’t worry.” Said Kino. Kino helped me sit up, and got a wet cloth and placed it onto my forehead. “Thank you.” I said, still a little shaken. “Are you ok dude?” Said Tongu. “Yeah I’m fine just a little nightmare.” I said with a fake smile. “That’s some nightmare.” Said Kino. Kino finished wiping down my body from the sweat. “Well anyway, Futo we have finally arrived.” Said Hinata. I look out the window and see the Niseko mountains. My heart dropped. Something bad is going to happen. I just know it.
Part 11
The Touch Of Death
The train came to a halt. And we started heading out the train. “Wow this place is beautiful.” Said Kino with an impressed smile. “We need to find another hotel.” I said. “Yeah”. Said Tongu. As I searched for a hotel for us to stay at, everyone else went to prepare the skiing equipment at the summit. A little time after, I finished the hotel reservation. I walked to the gondola lift. I see everyone waiting in their ski suits and ready. I was amazed how astonishing Hinata looked in hers. The lift came to a stop and I walked toward my group. “Wow, I’m nervous.” Said Kino. “Don’t worry Kino, everything’s gonna be alright.” I said. “Ok just give me a minute to put this suit on.” I said. I walked toward the changing room and changed into my ski suit. Suddenly I heard a ringtone. It was my cell phone. “Oh that’s weird no one calls me.” I said out loud. “Oh it’s Tongu?” I picked up the phone and answered it. “Hello, this is Futo.” Tongu quickly interrupted. “Futo hurry and get your gear on! Hinata and Kino got into a really serious fight and Hinata ran off and Kino is storming to the hotel right now. I’ll make sure Kino gets to the hotel safely, meanwhile you make sure Hinata is safe! Hurry!” Said Tongu with a very sharp voice. “Ok do you know which way Hinata went!” I said while struggling to quickly get my gear on. “She went south-west from the changing room entrances.” Said Tongu. “Ok I will catch up to her and we’ll meet at the hotel.” I said. “Right, good luck!” Tongu fired back. I stiff my phone inside my pocket and immediately rush out the changing room door. I ski down the monstrous mountain of fresh white powder. It’s been at least half an hour since I’ve left the ski resort entrance. I haven’t seen Hinata anywhere. I wonder what could’ve been so bad that Hinata runs off. As I’m deep into my thoughts I wasn’t paying attention to the ground and a massive tree was ahead. “Oh crap!” I yelled out. I quickly turned the skis sideways and came to a stop just feet away from the huge tree. While I was stopped I saw tracks of snow that lead to a path, but that path led to a small gate and was closed off with all types of caution tape. The caution tape said, Do Not Enter, and Turn Around, Giant Cliff, but the tape was torn in half and some just moved off to the side and the gate was open. I followed the slow and gentle. Then that’s when I saw a girl sitting against a tree with her knees up to her face, Hinata? It was I could never forget the long black hair she has. “Hinata! What are you doing over here! It’s not safe!” I yelled but got no response. I slowly slid down to her and sat next to her. Her face drenched with tears clinging on her chin. “Hinata I’m so sorry, I try so hard to help Kino but she takes things with her own hands.” I said. Hinata looked up and wiped her tears away. “It’s okay, really.” Hinata said with a soft voice. “No it’s not ok, I should have stayed with you the whole time. I knew that Kino was acting strange this whole time.” I said with my face down. I have to tell her how I feel. This is the perfect chance for that. The sun was bright and high above, the birds chirping and the rabbits jumping around us. “Hinata I need to tell you something.” I said with a serious voice. “Hinata looked up with her extraordinary blue eyes. “Yes Futo? “Hinata, Your smile stuns me everytime, you make my heart race and you are reliable and independent and shy and cute and I could never tell you all that I think of you!” I said with a blushing red face. Hinata jumped and looked in the other direction. This feeling, like if everything stopped in their place. It was just me and Hinata. I built up the courage to tell her, “Hinata I’m in love with you.” Hinata looked back at me with a red face and she was flustered. “I share the same feeling Futo.” Said Hinata. My heart started beating out of my chest. This was the first time a girl said she loved me besides Kino. “Whatever happened with you and Kino we’ll get through it together Hinata. You are the change I need Hinata, you can change me. I stayed up countless nights wondering what that change I needed was. It was right in front of me this whole time! You're the change that I need so bad! ” I said. Hinata let her tears flow down her face like a gentle river. “Thank you Futo. So much.” Said Hinata with her smile shining like gold. “We should get out of here, the cliffs right in front of us. Also those signs had caution all over them.” I said. I reached out my hand to grab hers, then. “Crack!” Hinata's skis broke off and she looked down and she lost balance and fell backwards. The snow suddenly started to feel weak. In the blink of an eye, Hinata was going to fall off the cliff's edge as time gradually slowed down. I was frozen and didn't know what to do, I needed to save Hinata. I need to move! I rushed to Hinata's hand and pulled her up. She was dangling on the edge. As I pulled her up and hugged her tight the snow beneath me started to break and fall apart. I grabbed Hinata and threw her to a safe spot, at least 8 feet from the edge. I looked down and the snow was about to slide off the cliff, I looked up and saw Hinata running toward me. I take a look at her face and smile. This was the last time I was going to see that magnificent face, wow such beauty. I started falling back into the air. Hinata was close to me and she leaped toward me and tried to reach out her hand and grab my hand. Only to be left in despair for only our fingertips touched. As I fall back into nothingness I hear my name being screamed. “Futo! No!” I assumed Hinata screamed my name. It felt like forever in the air the wind rushing past your ears. Then, “THUMP!” I closed my eyes and opened them. I felt nothing. I attempted to raise my body up but failed, I tried to turn my head and couldn’t. “Futo! Stay right there! Don't move a muscle!” Said Hinata. I was confused and shocked. I see the bright and blue sky, and the bright yellow sun. I hear the moment of snow. Then in my view Hinata appears. “Hinata?” I coughed hard and violently. “Ouch!” I Screamed. “Futo dont move nor talk just breathe normal, ok!” Hinata said with a scared voice. “Your bleeding out of your ears and you're coughing up blood, you might have had a concussion so sit still.” Said Hinata. I could start to feel everything again. The pain was monstrous. I looked at Hinata with my eyes full of tears. “Hinata, am I going to die?” I was in shock so I wasn’t thinking right. “You are not going to die! I will always be with you so cant leave me!” Hinata screamed. “I want to be with you… I love you Futo!” My eyes opened wide and my heart started to race. Out of happiness I shed a tear. Hinata wiped my tear away. “I’ll always be with you Futo.” Hinata said with a gentle voice. My eyes and mind start to constantly come and go. My eyes close then come back open. I stopped fighting the pain away and relaxed with ease. “It’s ok Futo, everything’s going to be alright.” Hinata's voice starts to fade. This time Hinata was the hero. I felt so safe, like if I were in my mothers arms one last time.
Part 12
One Last Time
I awake in a hospital bed, with Kino, Hinata, and Tongu at my side. My head instantly gets a headache, like electric pain through your brain. I yell from the tremendous pain within. “Ahh!” Hinata looks up and sees that I was in pain. She got up and came to my bed very quickly. “Futo are you ok?” Asked Hinata “Futo!?” Kino screamed. Then everything snaps. “I remember…” I whispered lightly. Kino is shocked and puts her hand over her mouth and backs away. Her eyes wide open. The pain suddenly fades off. The anger and confusion inside started to mix. “Kino? Why didn’t you tell me?” I said with a soft voice. Kino's head was facing the ground. “Why did you tell me a lie?” Tongu and Hinata look back at her and wart questioning her. “What’s Futo talking about Kino?” Asked Hinata. “Kino, oh my god please don’t tell me.” Said Tongu. Kino started crying. Her tears falling down her face like a vicious waterfall. Her eyes were closed tightly. My anger reaches its peak. “Why is your head down!?” I yelled. Hinata and Tongu look back at me seeing that I’m raged. Then I realized that Kino had only one reason to do this kind of thing to me. She did it because she loved me. She didn’t tell me because she wanted to protect me. I closed my eyes and calmed down to a cold level. I got up out of the hospital bed, pain. At this point the pain that was inside my body became irrelevant to me. “Futo?” Asked Hinata. I walked up to Kino, and I swung both of my arms around her body and holded her body tightly. As I did so Kino looked up with the guilt off her shoulders, her body that was so tince before was now relaxed and relieved of stress. Her eyes overflowing with the love in her tears. She swung both her arms around me violently, squeezing me so tight. I endured the pain in my body. She gradually started sobbing on me, “I just wanted you to be with me.” She whispered. The pain in her voice was loud and clear. “It’s ok Kino, I forgive you. I love you so much I could never hate you. I’m with you until time is no more.” I said with a voice that had so much relief inside it. It’s been 2 years and I’m as good as new. Me,Tongu, and Hinata graduated and Kino stays with me and Hinata. Tongu has taken his parents' journey and continues them. He is going to travel around the world writing books about the new things he gets to see. Me and Hinata are married, on our way to having a child. Kino is going to be a big sister. We’ve been living good life’s. It seems the change that I needed was a tremendous success. My name Is Futo Tanaki and the stories of my life are so exotic I would give anything to go through it again, just one more time.
The End...
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Help Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Kevin Hughes
03/30/2021Anthony,
This is very well written, and tells a good story. I do have one critique, but it isn't about your story, it is about your comment. Leave the commenting to the Readers. What they want to read is your story, not apologies for your own judgement of your work. Put the work out there, and let it speak for itself. All Writers are insecure...at first. After all, once your story is released, it is no longer under your control. People will read it and make their own decisions about it.
You wrote it, others will read it. And you just have to let it go at that.
Smiles, Kevin
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Anthony
03/30/2021It is my dearest apologies for out of 6950 words, some words are miss spelled. Please bear with me I cannot edit this story. So it is my apologies for that. I’m sorry that I didn’t check fluently enough, try to fit the best letters inside those words to make the sentences understandable. I am so sorry and I feel terrible. My next work will have nothing of the sort. - Anthony Peña
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
JD
04/04/2021Happy short story star of the week, Anthony. Thanks for sharing your short story for teens on Storystar.
Help Us Understand What's Happening
JD
03/30/2021Hi Anthony, you are new to Storystar so let me give you some info.... Writers can edit their stories only until the story receives a rating, and then the edit option disappears. After that, if there are changes you would like to make to your story, please email the edited version of your story to Storystar admin and they will replace your original story text with the edited story text. Hope this helps. Thanks.
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