Journey To My Grail
Chapter#1: Arrival Of The Gigiant
PART I-THE RIFT
The sky turned orange, there were silhouettes of monsters breaching the town. Screams tore through the air, it felt like demons were swallowing the town.
I jolted awake, heart hammering against my ribs. Sweat soaked my sheets. The room was dark, only faint moonlight leaking through the curtains.
In the dream, I saw my own fist glowing with impossible purple light — stars exploding across my knuckles, time itself bending around the strike. Blood. So much blood on the floor. Two motionless figures behind the couch. My mother's polished nails. My father's still hand.
A deep, sinister laugh echoed from the shadows.
"You only live once… protect your family…"
My grandfather's voice, distant and fading.
I sat up, pressing my palms against my eyes. The bracelet on my wrist felt ice-cold. For a moment, the scent of iron and smoke still clung to my nose.
"It was just a dream…" I whispered.
But the tremble in my hands told me otherwise.
I glanced at the clock. 7:15 a.m. Another ordinary school day waited outside.
Or so I thought.
Date:Friday,November 9th,2014
"Mom, I'll be staying back at school today, goodbye." I sprinted out of my home.
"Wait–! Ah! Kids these days.." My mom shouted at me.
-Classroom-
I sat down at my own seat, my head turned to my best friend, Hayato.
"Psst! Hayato! Remember the plan?!" I gestured to Hayato.
"Of course, I've been preparing!" Hayato shot back.
"Preparing for what?!" I whispered loudly.
"To fight if we get caught!" Hayato replied loudly.
"Hey both of you! Yozora and Hayato! What are you guys discussing this time?!" The teacher smacked at our table.
"Sorry teacher! We were just discussing yesterday's homework!" I hastily said to the teacher.
"Yozora, you do realise that your grades are falling behind. Right? My only hope is for you to focus on your studies, please. It's for your own good." The teacher let out a long breath and walked away.
The entire class stared at us, I froze in place.
As the teacher continued teaching, I resumed catching Hayato's attention.
"Hey, hey! Hayato!" I couldn't catch the attention of Hayato, so I knocked on his table.
"What do you want? Yozora." Hayato tsked, he was annoyed.
"Do you have the answer sheets?" I mumbled to Hayato.
"Yes, what were you thinking? Me forgetting an imperative episode?! Never in a thousand years." Hayato chuckled.
"Just for good measures." I murmured.
-Flashback-
"Guys, let's meet at the canteen after school. It'll be our meeting point to proceed with our plan." I told everyone the meeting point for the plan.
-After school-
Hayato and I rushed out of our class, ignoring the school rules and ran down the stairs.
We were the late ones, Akira, Renjiro and Kaito had already arrived at the canteen.
"Hey guys!! Sorry for being late, our dismissal was delayed."I rubbed the back of my neck.
"I've got the answer sheets. When do we start?" Hayato pulled out the answer sheets.
"Don't pull it out! Idiot, we'll have to wait for everyone in this school to get back home." Akira covered the answer sheets with his palms.
"Alright alright, I get it, genius." Hayato hid the answer sheets in his backpack.
"So what do we do now?" Kaito muttered.
"We'll have to wait and keep watch of every corner of the school, nobody allowed." Renjiro responded to Kaito.
"I guess we could hang out around the school, what do you guys want?" Kaito asked.
"Let's use the library, it's the coldest place in the entire school." Akira suggested.
"Good idea." Kaito titled his head to Akira.
We went to the library, it was indeed the coldest place in the school, in fact, it wasn't even cold. Some of the air conditioners didn't work. I was extremely tired from today's class, the teachers gave us tons of work to do. All I want..is to take a quick nap. The weather was extremely hot, but the library chilled us down, it helped me fall asleep, peacefully.
"Wake up, wake up!" A faint voice reached my ears.
My eyes snapped open, the sky was beginning to turn yellow.
"The library's closing!" Hayato patted my face.
The library was about to close, the school was silent as the halls and compounds were empty. I got up, awoken from my short slumber. It was time to execute the plan.
"The coast is clear, let's get going." Akira peeked at the corridors.
The school felt like an oven. Even the plants in the garden had begun turning brown, their leaves curling under the merciless sun. The ground burned to the touch, and the soccer field had hardened into cracked clay. No dogs or cats ventured out today.
We stayed in school to hide the exam paper answers, so we decided that the rooftop might be the best option for the plan. As we slowly ascended the stairs. We crept up the stairs, bodies low, checking every corner for patrolling teachers. The building was eerily quiet — empty classrooms, silent corridors, abandoned courts. When we finally reached the rooftop, the wind hit us hard. Scraps of paper and dust swirled around our feet. The place was empty and forgotten, spiderwebs clinging to the corners.
We pulled out our cheat sheets, but before we could even start hiding them, my foot kicked something on the ground. A dusty newspaper. I picked it up and shook it off, sending a cloud of dirt into the air. Everyone sneezed.
"Hey, what's with the newspaper?" Akira asked, leaning closer.
"Let's just read it together." I raised it higher so he couldn't snatch it.
The others gathered around. The huge red headline immediately caught our eyes:
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!
Scientists have discovered a mysterious rift lingering around Hoshizora Town.
"Rifts? Like in sci-fi movies?" My mouth fell open.
The article explained everything. These rifts were behind all the disappearances lately. Anyone who went in never came back. Mages were sealing the areas, and people living nearby were told to evacuate. The rifts made eerie noises and glowed with spiraling blue light. They sucked in anything nearby like black holes.
"This one looks amazing," I said, tapping the photo on the side.
"Never seen again…" Akira's face paled.
"Rifts showing up right in our town… Doesn't that make you curious?" Hayato stared down at the busy streets below, the wind tugging at his hair as dark clouds rolled in.
"Curious?" Akira crossed his arms. "We're not stupid horror movie characters."
"These rifts are insane… Guys! I've got an idea. Let's break in and see what they really are!" Kaito suddenly grinned, leaning against the wall.
"Sounds stupid… but kind of fun." Renjiro raised an eyebrow.
We stood there arguing about how dangerous it was. Getting caught. Getting killed. But the thrill kept winning. In the end, we all agreed.
"We'll sneak out Saturday night when our parents are asleep," Kaito said. "I'll scout the location. Akira and I will handle the supplies. Hayato and Yozora can lead. Renjiro, you plan everything."
"Meet at HoshiRamen at 9:30 pm." I added.
We dapped on it, the sound echoing across the empty rooftop. For a moment, it felt like the perfect plan.
Then reality hit.
"Wait… weren't we supposed to be hiding our test answers?" Hayato asked.
At that exact second, the security guard stepped onto the rooftop.
"HEY! STOP RUNNING, BRATS!"
We bolted.
We managed to get out of the school, as the gate was unlocked in our sheer luck.
Renjiro used the keys and twisted the lock on the gate of the school.
"WHERE ARE MY KEYS?!" The security guard searched for the keys in his clothes and pockets.
"...Smart one Ren!" I gasped for air, as I bent down with my hands touching my knees.
"Indeed, we might've been caught if not for my quick thinking." Renjiro kept the keys in his pockets.
"Phew… we barely got away…" Hayato wiped off his sweat.
"Haha! Weaklings! That was the easiest run I had in my life! Hah…" Akira coughed.
"More like the easiest lie I've ever heard in my life." Kaito responded.
"Welp,you got me." Akira raised both of his hands.
I sighed, the racing heartbeat of mine slowed down.
"It's getting late, we should return home as quickly as possible. Our parents are worried sick." Kaito looked up into the sky as the sun began descending towards the hills.
"Remember—9:30 pm tomorrow. See you tomorrow guys!!" Akira waved his hand as his pupils expanded.
On the walk home, a low hum seemed to pulse from the direction of the sealed neighborhood. I stopped and turned, my eyes locking onto the distant rooftines. Everything else blurred—the chatter of the street, the passing cars—until all I saw was the quiet zone where the rift waited.
"I'll be there tomorrow…" I pointed at the neighbourhood.
I'll have to gain access to hang out with my friends tomorrow, but my parents would have a slight chance of granting me access, my grades are falling behind, anyway.
Well then, I shall give it a shot? Right?
I clenched my fist.
My life is already depressing enough, this is a great opportunity to at least make it better…
Well, if my parents don't allow me to hang out with my friends, then I would have to come up with a backup plan. I must accept this opportunity no matter what!
I ran back to my home, my uniform stained with sweat, the blazing hot sun turned my skin bright red.
I pushed through the gate, there she was. My mom was standing at the front door, she crossed her arms as I locked the gate.
My mom shouted at me as soon as I came in through the front door, with a stinky smell and sunburn around my exposed skin.
"Mom, I can explain-" I backed up, with my open palms.
I looked down at the floor, tears started to flood my eyes.
"You could've called for me! Yozora!" Mom puts her hands at her hips.
"But, mom! My phone died!" I searched through my bag.
"You could've borrowed an umbrella from your friend or ask their parents to send you home!" Mom shouted.
"They didn't have an extra umbrella…" I pleaded.
"Enough! Yozora, your grades are falling behind, you must focus more on your studies!" Mom threw a book at me.
"Mom I promise I'll-" I step forward.
"You're grounded for the rest of the month! I'll confiscate your devices and send you to extra tuition!" Mom pointed at me.
"I'm sorry! Mom!" I bowed down.
"Come here! I'll apply lotion." Mom took me to my bedroom.
The lotion was cold against my burning skin. Every touch made me wince, but Mom's hands were gentle despite her anger. The smell—coconut and aloe—would always remind me of this moment.
"Remember, this is only for your own good. I love you, Yozora. I only want to help you, not hurt you." Mom pats on my head.
"Okay...I got it, Mom." I wiped off my tears.
After my mother applied the lotion onto my skin, she left, closing the door.
"Grounded for an entire month?! Help me?! This is all crap! You're the reason why my life couldn't be better!" I screamed at the door, tears dripped on my bed. I looked at my palms, my mind was filled with silence.
-8.40 P.M, Yozora's house-
It was dinner time, I descended the stairs and had dinner with just the three of us, my father, mother and me.
The fragrant smell of the dishes rise from the table, steam moisturizing the ceiling lamp.
The bright yellow light was shining on our dinner table, the light reflected on the textures of the dishes, the table made of smooth marble, was shining wet after mom wiped the table.
"Hey Yozora...so about this afternoon-" Mom picked up a cooked piece of juicy chicken in black sauce with her chopsticks.
"I know you're upset and want to hang out with your friends, but you have to prioritise your grades first so that I will let you hang out with your friends all day and all night." As Mom put the chicken onto my bowl of rice.
"Yeah, you better start working hard, Yozora." Dad took a piece of vegetable with his chopsticks.
"I've heard enough, Mom! I just want...to have fun, what's the point of life when there's no fun?! I just can't take it anymore! I hate YOU!" I stood up, and slammed on the table.
"Watch your language! Yozora!" Dad slammed the table as well, he stood up, enraged.
"Fine! I'm sorry! I guess I'll just eat this plain bowl of rice in my bedroom!" I stood up, tears flooded my eyes. I ran back to my room, BAM! I slammed the door hard and locked it.
"Please don't be like this, Yozora! I'm sorry!" Mom was knocking at the door desperately, she continuously shouted.
"It's okay, let him be." Dad spoke softly.
"But...I'm worried about-" Mom responded.
"He needs time to be alone." Dad tapped on my mom's shoulder, as they went back to the dinner table.
I laid on my bed, staring at the ceiling fan spinning slowly in the darkness. Rain hammered against my window, each drop like an accusation. Thunder struck continuously, shaking the glass. The word "I love you" kept repeating in my mind.
(Do you really love me?)
Well then, I'll sneak out tomorrow night, it might be risky but staying here isn't the option either.
No matter what, I'll be at HoshiRamen. Tomorrow.
-Flashback-
"Yozora! You did it!" Mom cheered and clapped for me as I learned how to cycle with two wheels on a bicycle.
"Hey Yozora...Are you okay? You've been down lately. Here, I've made some orange slices for you! Your favourite!"
I still remember that time when I had a fever and had to stay in my room all day and all night. My mom couldn't stop worrying about me, she even cooked my favourite meals for the warmth of my heart. I was extremely grateful, but as high school began, she put pressure on my grades.
"Yozora! How many times must I tell you that you must at least get two A's this semester! I'll take this!" Mom took away my phone while I was playing.
"I'll return this to you when you score at least 5 A's" Mom furrows her eyebrows.
Why?!
I can't keep on living like this…
I need…freedom…
"Yozora...you might have failed your exam...but I'm proud of you, you improved a lot!" Mom's tears began dripping.
"I'm sorry I failed!" I wiped off my tears.
"It's okay...I believe you will do it one day...come here, son" Mom gestured to me for a hug.
It was when I'm still in elementary school…I failed most of my exams, but I've improved a lot compared to last time…My mom had tears of joy. Everyone laughed at my grades, even my "friend" stopped talking to me.
"Hey look! Isn't that the kid who failed even science?! It was such a piece of cake! Hahaha!"
Everyone in my class threw paper balls at me, crumbling up my failed test paper.
My dad was extremely disappointed in me, but my mom wasn't. She praised me and bought me ice cream.
"Woah! Chocolate flavoured ice cream?! Thank you, mom! You're the best!" I hugged my mom.
"I love you, son."
"I love you too!"
Due to inflation, we began to lose money. Mom started to worry about cash, usually she would leave work early on Friday to read me a bedtime story. I developed this habit since young, her stories never ceases to amaze me. After the inflation, she began ignoring me. She became strict and had barely any time to rest.
"Mom...can you read me a bedtime-" I took a storybook and walked towards mom.
"I don't have time for this! You can read it yourself" Mom walked away.
This sentence shattered my heart into pieces, from that day afterwards, I never asked her to read me a bedtime story ever again. As my grades kept falling behind, she became even more strict, sending me to multiple tuitions at once.
"Mom-" I approached mom.
"Yozora! Your exam's in just two days! Go study NOW!" Mom turned behind, her face instantly became red.
"But-" I spoke back.
"No buts! Go study or you'll be grounded!" Mom shouted.
"O-okay…" I ran back towards my room, my eyes were watering.
What have I done to deserve this?!
Am I not good enough for you?!
END OF PART I—THE RIFT