CLICK
The sound of the bathroom door closing echoed quietly in the room as Reika wrapped her hair in a towel. She then walked to the fridge for a drink before plopping down onto the pillow on the floor, her makeshift couch in the small studio apartment. She popped open the can and switched on the TV, wondering if there were any interesting shows playing at 9 PM. Eventually, she settled on a late-night talk show.
Her mind wandered back to the adventures of the afternoon with her friends, from a simple arcade visit and challenging middle schoolers in Street Fighter to chasing a purse thief on behalf of an innocent old lady. A smile made its way onto her lips as she let out a small laugh of disbelief, replaying the events in her mind.
Can't believe we did all that, she thought, taking a sip of her drink. It feels like a scene straight out of an action-packed novel.
As she reflected, her gaze drifted to the black gem on the table. She picked it up, in awe at its beauty, while still being captivated by the memory of the lady who had gifted it to her.
"That lady was packed with money, huh?" she mused, wondering about the gem's value. Its shape might not be large, but surely it held some worth.
"I'm sure you three will grow up to be fine people who follow their judgement."
The words of the old lady echoed in her thoughts. It struck her as unusual; most people wished for others to do what was right. After all, not all judgements are fair or just. She thought about it for a second longer before sighing, shaking her head, as if not believing the kind of thoughts that were crossing her mind.
She placed the gem and her drink back on the table and leaned against the side of her bed, closing her eyes for a moment of rest. Reika hadn't shared her suspicions with Hime or Sayaka; she didn't think it mattered. Yet, the thought clung to her, bothering her throughout her journey home.
I'm just overthinking it. There's no way the old lady meant anything else anyway.
Reika laughed to herself in disbelief before straightening up to finish her drink. By the time she set the empty can aside, the light of the TV shone throughout her small studio apartment, casting playful shadows on the walls. "I should really call it a night," she thought, feeling the weight of the day settle over her like a comforting blanket. But just as she was about to reach for the remote, the voice from the TV caught her attention.
"Don't you think following your own judgement reflects the kind of person you are?"
Reika froze, her hand hovering over the remote. She was intrigued, to say the least, making her lean closer to the TV while momentarily forgetting the exhaustion that was creeping up to her. It felt almost like a coincidence — as if the universe was implying something to her.
The late-night talk show featured guests exploring the thoughts that often emerge in the quiet late night hours. Tonight's topic delved into the intricacies of following one's heart versus one's mind, examining how our choices reveal the essence of who we are. The guest delved into how choices based on individual judgement not only shape their paths but also reflect their true selves.
Reika felt a stirring in her chest as the words echoed her earlier thoughts.
"Don't you think it's insane? How heroes would sacrifice their loved ones to save the world, but villains would sacrifice the world for their loved ones?
When you think about it, who exactly is the hero and who exactly is the villain?
Both of their judgments are right and wrong from different perspectives. The hero's judgement would be morally right for the majority, but the villain's judgement would be emotionally justified for the minority.
I fully believe that following your own judgement according to your wants is important, but of course, the other side of the story is the unethical and morally wrong decisions you may make."
Reika's heart raced as the guest's words echoed in her mind, stirring a whirlwind of thoughts in her mind. She leaned back yet again, her mind racing with the implications.
What did it mean to follow your own judgement? Are the choices we make really as clear-cut as we thought?
She couldn't help but replay the old lady's words in her head. 'Was there a deeper meaning behind them after all?' she thought to herself. As the guest continued to speak, Reika felt an unsettling mixture of clarity and confusion. The lines between right and wrong seemed to be blurred, and she wondered if the path she was on was truly hers or merely a reflection of someone else's expectations.
Who am I kidding? It's obviously the latter.
After twenty-four years of living to make her family proud, she realised how rarely she thought about what was best for herself. Only in her later years had she started focusing more on her own decisions, but growing up with the mindset of pleasing others made it difficult to prioritise her needs or wants
Thinking back on it, chasing the thief earlier stemmed from her own judgement — not to please others. She had done it to keep her friend safe. It might not have been the right reason at that moment, but it wasn't wrong, either.
She laughed softly before shutting off the TV, placing her palm on her face. Her mind felt like it was going to break from overthinking. The day had been filled with chaos, and even as she tucked herself into bed, her thoughts were still racing.
"Isn't this all because I started overthinking the old lady's words?" Reika mumbled to herself, staring into the distance as she got comfortable on the bed. "Follow your judgement, my ass. If I could do it, I probably would."
With a sigh, she turned over, finally deciding to close her eyes and take the good night's rest she deserved. Just before her consciousness faded, a thought crossed her mind,
Maybe if I were in a new universe, I could start anew. Then, maybe then…
I could finally follow my own judgement.
◆◆◆
A gust of wind swept across the vibrant field, carrying with it the joyful chatter of the people. Laughter mingled with the enthusiastic cries of merchants promoting their wares, creating a lively symphony that filled the air. The sun cast its warm glow over the bustling market, illuminating a beautiful scene that could enchant anyone. However, amidst the sparkling atmosphere, one person stood out.
"Now, where the hell am I…?" Reika muttered to herself, glancing around puzzled.
She was no longer in the comfort of her bed. Instead, she found herself standing in the heart of a mediaeval market. The sights and sounds were unlike anything she had ever experienced, almost as if she had stepped into a fantasy-based novel. Clad in a flowing robe draped over an elegant dress, she figured that she was a noblewoman hiding her true identity.
"Ah, I see," she acknowledged with a wry smile, clasping her hands together in realisation. "I'm dreaming."
Reika chuckled softly as she nodded, her expression lightening. This was not her first vivid dream, and she had long since come to terms with the surreal adventures they often brought. The constant shifts around her made it clear this was not real, and rather than panicking, she embraced the opportunity to explore this enchanting world.
Though it may not be real, the thrill of experiencing life as if she were reincarnated in a popular fantasy novel was exhilarating. She took her time wandering through the market, allowing herself to revel in the atmosphere, the vibrant colours, and the lively interactions. Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a sudden jostle startled her, snapping her back to the present.
She turned around to see who it was that bumped into her shoulder, and was surprised to see a taller and bigger figure glancing back at her over their shoulder. The person cleared their throat before fully facing Reika, towering over her.
"Sorry," the person in front of her apologised in a low tone. "I wasn't looking."
It was not a problem for her to have someone bump into her, but she couldn't find her voice to reply. Instead, she was just staring adamantly at the tall man in front of her. He felt familiar to her — a little too familiar — but she doesn't remember ever meeting him in real life.
The man before her was in a similar robe as she was, covering his short black hair and sharp burnt orange eyes. They were the exact same colour as Reika's, and it caught her off guard. While she felt a strange sense of familiarity to the man, feeling as if he was her, it couldn't be possible, even if it was a dream.
"It's okay. I wasn't looking too," Reika finally responded once she got back to her senses. She felt a strong gaze on her from the man in front of her, just like the one she was giving him just moments ago. The man in front of her stared at her slightly longer before nodding, putting the sudden meeting to an end.
Did he also feel a sense of familiarity upon seeing me?
Reika continued her journey through the bustling market, shaking her head to dispel the lingering thoughts. I shouldn't be stressing even in my own dreams, she reminded herself. Still, if this was a dream, why not enjoy it? So, despite knowing she couldn't taste anything, she headed to a nearby diner, craving something grand for her first meal in this surreal world.
Her eyes locked onto the perfectly grilled lobster that was just served onto her table, mouth watering at the sight. She took a big bite, confirming the absence of taste, yet the sensation was satisfying enough. Even in a dream, the texture made her think the food was probably amazing. She took another bite, indulging in the fantasy, her earlier concerns fading.
But her peaceful meal was cut short.
The diner's wall exploded with a deafening crash, sending customers into panicked screams. Reika's heart sank, not at the chaos, but at the sight of her precious lobster flying off the table. She scowled at the unfairness of it all.
Can't even eat in peace in my own dream.
Her attention snapped back to the source of the destruction. Through the dust and debris, she saw the robed man from earlier, now pinned down by what appeared to be barbarians. The calm demeanour he had when they bumped into each other was gone. It was now replaced with a mix of fury and defiance.
"Hah! Is this all you've got?" one of the barbarians taunted, shoving the robed man across the diner. "And you think you can be a warrior? Don't make me laugh!"
The man staggered to his feet, glaring at his opponent, his breath ragged but aggressive. It was then that his eyes fell on Reika, widening in shock. She mirrored his surprise but had no time to react before he lunged towards her.
"Watch out!" he shouted, but it was too late.
A rough hand yanked her arm, pulling her towards one of the barbarians. Reika winced at the tight grip, disgust rising as the brute leaned close, his breath hot against her ear.
"Well, well. What do we have here?" the barbarian crooned. "A noble lady in disguise, huh? I bet we could make a fortune selling you off."
Sell me?! Her mind raced in disbelief. What kind of dream is this?!
Before she could fully process the situation, the robed man surged forward, teeth clenched, swinging a sword that shimmered with black crystals. The blade wasn't ordinary — it looked as though it was made from the same dark material as the gem Reika had received from the elderly lady. He aimed directly for the barbarian who was holding Reika hostage, but his strikes were blocked or dodged by the others; the barbarian mocking him with each failed attempt.
"Pathetic," the barbarian sneered, kicking the man back into the centre of the diner.
Undeterred, the robed man stood tall, his grip tightening on his sword. Ignoring the taunts, he raised the blade and swung in a wide arc from his current position, seemingly missing his mark.
"Hah! What kind of—"
The barbarian froze mid-sentence. A thin line of blood trickled down the side of his face. His eyes widened as he looked down, realising he had been cut — no, shredded — by multiple slashes across his body.
He didn't even see what had happened, but Reika did. Crystals from the sword had flown in all directions with that single swing, slicing through the barbarian's defences like paper, yet leaving her untouched.
That… that was so damn cool…, Reika thought, awestruck.
The barbarian loosened his grip on her, stunned, and before he could recover, the robed man struck once more, delivering the final blow with precise yet deadly efficiency. As if his determination had been fired up, he quickly finished off the rest of the barbarians in a few swift motions.
In the blink of an eye, he stood over the lifeless bodies that had been mocking him just moments ago. Reika found herself standing in silence as she took in the sight of his broad back, towering and imposing against the carnage. When he glanced over his shoulder, she felt herself flinch in surprise.
"Sorry you got caught up in this." His voice, surprisingly soft, carried a hint of guilt as his eyes swept over the mess. He cleared his throat awkwardly. "And… sorry you had to see all of this."
The contrast in his tone threw her off. The same man who had been fierce and unrelenting in battle now sounded… apologetic, almost vulnerable. It was as though his entire demeanour had shifted the moment the fight ended. Reika found herself chuckling, the tension from earlier fading as an amused smile tugged at her lips.
"You know," she mumbled, only loud enough for her to hear, her laughter light but genuine, "You kinda remind me of myself."
He blinked, caught off guard by her reaction, but offered a small, almost sheepish smile in return.
As her laughter subsided, Reika finally glanced around, her gaze settling on the bodies sprawled across the diner floor. Her smile faded slightly.
"Are they..." She hesitated, trying to find a more suitable and less aggressive word. "...Not breathing?"
The robed man's expression darkened as he turned to look at the fallen bodies. After a moment, he nodded. "Yeah. They're gone." His voice was low, tinged with regret. "It's never right to take a life, but…" He paused, his gaze dropping to the floor, away from Reika's. "I had my reasons."
Reika studied him carefully. His words struck a chord, echoing the same thoughts she'd been wrestling with all night — the idea of following your own judgement, no matter the consequences. She let out a soft hum, more thoughtful this time, before offering him a small smile.
"Yeah, I get that."
Reika replied as she glanced at the man before him. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the robed man. His strength, his skill with that strange sword — everything about him was awe-inspiring. And yet, a nagging thought tugged at her mind.
Why don't I have this kind of power? she wondered. It's my dream, after all...
Wait...
Her thoughts shifted abruptly, the realisation hitting her like a cold wave.
When am I supposed to wake up?
Panic set in. Reika began pacing, casting frantic glances around the hazy edges of the now-destroyed diner. The dream was vivid, too vivid. She hadn't questioned it until now, but something felt... off. And yet, despite the growing anxiety gnawing at her, another part of her didn't want to leave. The strangeness of this place, the unknown and its allure — it was strengthening her desire to stay.
Lost in her thoughts, she hadn't noticed the robed man's steady gaze on her. His brow furrowed slightly, a hint of recognition sparking in his eyes as he watched her pace. He had sensed it from the moment they bumped into each other earlier, but now it was even clearer.
"Have we met before?"
His question snapped Reika out of her thoughts. She stopped pacing, blinking at him in surprise.
"Not that I know of," she answered, her voice uncertain. Then, curiously, she added, "Do I seem familiar to you too?"
The man tilted his head, considering her for a moment. "It's not just that," he said, voice thoughtful, almost distant. "It feels like..." He paused, locking eyes with her. "We're the same person."
Reika's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected that answer, though a strange part of her had been thinking the same thing all along. But before she could form a response, something shifted in the air. Her voice faltered as a strange haze began to cloud her vision, the vibrant diner and market blurring into shadowy outlines.
"W-Wait!" she cried, reaching out towards the man. But as her fingers stretched for him, his face began to fade. His features dissolved into the fog, leaving only a silhouette and... was that a smile?
"You'll take good care of my body, right?" His voice lingered, soft and eerie before the last of him disappeared into the encroaching darkness.
Reika's breath was caught in her throat. What does that mean? Her pulse quickened, panic rushing through her veins. Her surroundings dissolved entirely, replaced by endless blackness.
A sudden, sharp pain shot through her skull. She collapsed, clutching her head in agony. The nothingness around her seemed to pulse with her confusion and fear.
What is going on?
Her breaths came in ragged gasps as the pain intensified. She looked around wildly, but there was nothing. Just endless black.
When the hell am I waking up?!
Slowly, her consciousness began to slip away as the pain subsided. The grip on her head loosened, her vision fading into darkness. The last thing she remembered was the steady click of heels approaching, and the gentle touch of a warm hand on her head, patting it softly.
"Rest easy," said an eerily familiar voice, soft and close. "I will grant your wish. So, follow your judgement as you please.
Do what you must. Ryohei has entrusted his body to you after all."