Chapter Text
Today was a celebration, a day where my hard work for the past year paid off and was recognized. Seeing my friends once more, taking pictures together, and reminiscing the amazing year we had in Japan. Some of us cried, accepting that our journey would come to an end within a few days. Some of my friends would be returning to our home countries, while others would be staying, either to start building a new life or to complete their degrees. There was one friend in particular who I spent most of my time with, sightseeing, trying different cuisines, and having a laugh together. He’s someone I knew I’d stay in touch with when I go back home, no matter what.
I still had about a week until my flight back to the UK, so I filled that time by making more memories. I revisited some of my favourite locations in Tokyo, like the busy streets of Harajuku, and my go-to merch stores in Ikebukuro. At one point I decided to check out a Garden in Shinjuku, where I took in all the greenery it had to offer, as well as some of the Shrines. Despite the music blasting through my headphones, I felt at peace, content with the life I had in Tokyo and everything I learned. I knew at some point I would have a meltdown in private; I really was a different person in Tokyo, and the feeling of going back to my small, dead hometown with nothing to offer was too much to bear. I didn’t want to leave this part of me behind. I didn’t want to go back home to a boring, monotonous life that did nothing for me. Despite this, I knew I had to move forward and carry my memories with me wherever life took me. This was just the beginning, and I was nowhere prepared for my next adventure.
The day I left Tokyo, I received a letter. No return address. Just my initials “A. Russel”. I didn’t think much of it at first; my priority was getting my heavy ass suitcase and duffle bags to Shibuya, to see my friend one last time before leaving to the airport. I ate a shawarma wrap on the way there, saying goodbye to the owner who I became fond of throughout the year. The scorching heat wasn’t doing me any favors either, my suitcase destroying my back as I dragged it all the way to the subway station.
“Adam, what’s in the letter?”
“I’m not sure, the receptionist just passed it to me on the way out. I think it might be important though”. My heart was pulsing, and my chest tightened a bit. I was nervous, I didn’t know what was in it, and any negative thoughts would amplify my nervousness. Still, I pushed through and opened it, skimming through the letter.
‘Adam
I hope you’ve enjoyed Japan, you’ve done so much and come so far from how things were. Who would’ve thought a guy from a small town would achieve something like this. You should be proud of yourself, cause I’m proud of you’
My heart fluttered as I read the first part. It’s true. I’ve achieved so much in my life so far, and I really wanted to continue evolving and growing.
‘I’m writing this letter because there’s something weird happening in my life. My dad and the Caretaker at my school, they’ve been acting weird. They keep saying stuff about “The Chosen One”, that my time is coming. I don’t know what they mean by all this, but I think it’s bad.’
“What’s a ‘Chosen One’?” I heard my friend mutter next to me.
“I don’t know, but.......I really hope they’re okay.” My words barely registered, focused on the letter itself.
‘I know we haven’t gotten along in the past because of our parents, but you’re the only one that I can trust right now. My friends think I’m bullshitting, being paranoid. I can’t do anything right now, or Victor will do something to me.
You need to come to Anubis House and figure out what the hell is happening here. It’s creepy, but the people are nice. But trust no one, and **Don’t tell anyone about this letter, that we’re related**
If I'm not there when you arrive, I think they’ll have taken me. Victor doesn’t let anyone go near the attic and the cellar. He’s definitely hiding something. I believe in you, and I know you’ll come through’
J.M
Holy shit, what the fuck did I just read? I didn’t understand it at all.
“J.M..... J.M……Joy Mercer?” My distant cousin. We barely spoke to each other. My mum always thought her dad was sneaky, and I thought the same too. That was why I stayed away from her.
“Joy! She needs my help. Shit!” I was trying to keep my volume low, but the urgency of the situation rattled me with fear.
“That’s....wow. I don’t even know where to begin.” My friend was the more rational one, but even he was looking worried. “Adam, what are you gonna do?”
“Anubis House....that’s the school she lives in. I have to go there” All I could think about is Joy and what could happen to her. I didn't even realize how badly I was panicking, but I could hear my name being called.
“Adam....Adam! Listen to me!” The sound of his voice brought me back to reality, and I took some deep breaths, calming myself down.
“If you’re gonna go there, you will text me every day.”
“I was gonna do that anyways, but okay....I will”
“Good. You’re a strong person. You’ve been through so much. You got this”
Those words of reassurance grounded me. He told me that a lot but hearing it one more time really did it for me.
“Thanks....I really don’t know what I’m gonna do without you” It was true. He’d been by my side this whole year, and the thought of being on my own was daunting, even though it’s the norm for me. I guess a situation like this was bound to be scary alone, but at least we’ll keep in touch, no matter what.
“I'm gonna miss you” I muttered, giving him one last hug before finally leaving for the airport. I gave him one last look, one last smile before heading out.
I really was going to be on my own now, going into unfamiliar territory without a concrete plan. Even so, I knew myself, and I learned that if I wanted to do something, I would go every length to make sure it was done. And I would get to the bottom of it. For Joy.