Three months ago...
The scent of summer filled the air as students eagerly counted down the days until vacation. Beyond the much-needed break from school, there was another reason for the electric atmosphere – the upcoming summer sports championships.
Every year, schools from all over the nation participated in this prestigious event, competing against one another in a wide range of sports – from track and field to swimming, and even martial arts. Victory in these championships was highly sought after, as winning teams and individuals would bring glory and honor to their schools.
In the weeks leading up to the event, rigorous training sessions became the norm, with students devoting their time and energy to honing their skills. The school grounds resonated with the sounds of athletes pushing themselves to the limit, driven by passion, motivation, and a desire to excel.
Amidst the flurry of activity and anticipation, however, there was one 13-year-old middle schooler who seemed strangely disconnected from it all. While his peers eagerly discussed strategies, practiced drills, and refined their techniques, this young boy appeared to be caught in his own world, seemingly impervious to the excitement that engulfed everyone else.
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At around 5 p.m., the sun cast its golden glow across Kyoto city, in the Kansai region of Japan. On the well-manicured field of Hoshiyomi Middle School, an intense training football match was underway between the home team and one of their fiercest rivals. The air was thick with tension and anticipation, as players and some passing by spectators alike understood the significance of this match – a dress rehearsal for the upcoming summer sports championships.
The coach of Hoshiyomi Middle School had meticulously devised the perfect training regimen for his team, and their performance this year was nothing short of exceptional. Their defense was a fortress, unwavering and unyielding, frustrating their opponents at every turn. However, the team was missing a crucial element – an offensive player with the instincts and attitude to score goals.
As the clock ticked on, neither team had managed to penetrate the other's defenses. The score remained deadlocked at zero, and the final whistle loomed ever closer. The coach, perched on a chair next to his team's bench, watched the game unfold with a mix of pride and frustration. He knew that something needed to change, that an opportunity had to be seized, or the game would end in a stalemate.
With a sense of urgency creeping over him, the coach reached into his pocket and pulled out his stopwatch. "Only ten minutes left," he muttered to himself, a furrow forming on his brow. His eyes scanned the sidelines, and with certainty, he found the enigmatic 13-year-old who had, up until this point, remained on the periphery of the team's efforts.
"I guess there's no harm in asking him to play now," the coach decided, his voice was resolute and confident. As he called the boy over, the coach knew in his heart that this unassuming middle schooler was the missing piece of the puzzle – the one who could transform their impenetrable defense into a balanced and unstoppable force on the field.
The coach momentarily averted his gaze from the game towards a boy standing not far from the field. The boy seemed disinterested in the match unfolding before him. He was one of the coach's most talented players, but his recent behavior was puzzling – skipping morning practices and distancing himself from his teammates. With a determined stride, the coach rose from his chair, donned his cap, and made his way towards the enigmatic young player.
The 13-year-old boy, a second-year student at Hoshiyomi Middle School, possessed a unique, striking appearance that set him apart from the others. His hair was a radiant golden blonde, and his eyes were an intense, deep black. The contrast in his features only added to the air of mystery surrounding him. As the coach approached, the boy balanced on one hand, effortlessly maintaining a soccer ball between his feet. It was a move that showcased his incredible skill and control, hinting at the untapped potential within him.
Upon noticing the coach's approach, the boy sprang into action, using his hands to propel himself into a standing position. His athletic, lithe frame was on full display, a testament to his natural talent and dedication to the sport. The coach couldn't help but be impressed by the boy's abilities, and he knew that it was time for him to take the field – the key to unlocking the stalemate and leading the team to victory.
"Luke, are you ready? We need you out there!" The coach said, his voice firm yet full of conviction.
The boy, named Luke, looked up at the coach with an innocent expression that betrayed his discomfort. He hesitated, then stammered, "Coach, I've been meaning to tell you something..." Awkwardly rubbing the back of his head, he continued, "I think... I want to quit the tea-"
The coach held up a hand, stopping him mid-sentence. "Don't go down that path, Luke. You have incredible potential, and I can't bear to see a talent like yours go to waste!"
"But, sir, you know what I mean..." Luke said, his voice trailing off.
The coach nodded. "I know exactly what you mean." He paused, letting out a heavy sigh before crouching down to meet Luke's gaze. He placed a reassuring hand on the young player's shoulder. "Son, I understand what you've been going through, and it's tough. But you can't let these obstacles define you. If you give up now, you'll be haunted by regret."
Luke listened intently to his coach's words, feeling a deep admiration for the man who seemed to truly understand him.
The coach continued, his voice brimming with empathy and wisdom. "You have the power to change your situation, Luke. If you go out there and give it your all, you'll earn the respect and friendship of your teammates. The world is full of challenges, but I believe you have the strength to overcome them. Can you do that?" He ended his pep talk with a warm, encouraging smile.
Luke's hesitancy lingered, but as he looked into his coach's eyes, he found the strength to nod in agreement.
The game was intense, and despite the high stakes, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. However, when the coach announced a substitution, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The players realized that Luke would be joining them on the field.
"Ugh, not him again..." one of Luke's teammates muttered under his breath.
"I know, right? I just can't relax when he's on the field with us," another agreed.
Luke was undeniably skilled, but his teammates couldn't bring themselves to like him. He was well aware of their feelings, but there wasn't much he could do about it. So, as he had done countless times before, he did his best to ignore their words and focus on the game.
The atmosphere on the field was electric as the game entered its final ten minutes. Every movement, every pass, every shot carried the weight of impending victory or defeat. And in the midst of this intense battle, Luke's entrance onto the field was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
From the moment his foot touched the ball, it was clear that Luke was in a league of his own. He made a blistering shot on the opponent's goal, barely missing by a hair's breadth. The opposing goalkeeper, sensing the imminent danger, launched the ball into the air with a thunderous kick.
Hoshiyomi's defender, with cat-like reflexes, intercepted the ball and executed a lightning-fast pass to an attacker who was quickly swarmed by a sea of opposing defenders. Desperately searching for an escape route, he glimpsed Luke on the right side of the field, completely unmarked and waving for a pass. The perfect opportunity lay before them, but the attacker hesitated.
"Yamato, pass the ball now!" the coach roared, his voice echoing across the field.
Jolted by the urgency in the coach's voice, Yamato finally relented and sent a high, arcing pass towards Luke. In a gravity-defying display of athleticism, Luke soared through the air, plucking the ball from its apex. Upon landing, he sprang into action like a panther on the hunt, weaving through the bewildered defenders with a breathtaking combination of speed and agility.
As Luke charged towards the goalkeeper, the crowd held its collective breath, anticipating the climax of this exhilarating play. With an explosive burst of power, Luke drove the ball towards the net. The goalkeeper, frozen in place, could only watch as the ball rocketed past him and tore into the back of the net —GOAL! In that heart-stopping moment, Luke's exceptional talent was undeniable, leaving the entire stadium awestruck.
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As the ball found its way into the back of the net, the atmosphere on the field changed instantly. The few students who had been milling around nearby, not really paying attention to the training match, suddenly turned their heads in astonishment as they caught sight of the incredible goal.
Their eyes widened in disbelief, and they nudged their friends, pointing excitedly at Luke. "Did you see that shot?" one student exclaimed, his voice full of awe.
"I've never seen anything like it!" another chimed in, still reeling from the breathtaking display.
Even the opposing team's players couldn't help but marvel at Luke's undeniable talent, as whispers of admiration and amazement spread among the small crowd.
The exhilaration of scoring that amazing goal coursed through Luke's veins as the referee blew the goal whistle. He leaped into the air, unable to contain his joy at having helped his team inch closer to victory. With his heart pounding in his chest, he turned to his teammates, expecting them to share in his happiness.
But instead of the warm congratulations and camaraderie he hoped for, he was met with cold, unfriendly gazes. Not a single teammate reached out to celebrate with him or showed any gratitude for his impressive feat. All he could see in their eyes was a mixture of resentment and rejection.
A heavy weight settled on his chest as the harsh reality sank in. Despite his best efforts and undeniable talent, his team would never accept him. The hope he had been clinging to crumbled away, replaced by a painful certainty —he would never truly belong, and the feeling of being an outsider would continue to haunt him.
The final three minutes of the game seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. Luke, weighed down by his emotional turmoil, found it difficult to muster the energy to contribute any further. Nevertheless, his incredible goal had secured their victory, with a final score of one to nothing.
As the game concluded, both teams came together for a show of sportsmanship, shaking hands and exchanging respectful nods. The two coaches engaged in a conversation off to the side, dissecting the game and discussing their teams' performances. Once these formalities were completed, the coach escorted the visiting team to their bus, wishing them a safe trip back.
Meanwhile, the members of Hoshiyomi Middle School's team trudged towards the locker room, ready to shower and change out of their uniforms as the day's light began to fade. The air was thick with the unspoken tension that lingered between Luke and his teammates, casting a shadow over their victory.
As Luke sat alone in the corner of the room, quietly dressing, his teammates engaged in lively conversations. He felt isolated, but the sudden escalation of an argument between two players caught his attention. Haku, the goalkeeper, was ruthlessly berating Sawamura for his poor performance. It wasn't long before the conversation turned into a vicious onslaught of bullying.
Haku had a cruel streak, reveling in belittling others, and he was all too skilled at it. He went beyond harsh words, mocking Sawamura's appearance and questioning his intelligence. "You really think you belong on this team with those clumsy moves? You're an embarrassment, Sawamura," Haku sneered. He even dragged Sawamura's family into the insults, saying, "It's no wonder you're like this, with a family like yours," as they were poor.
Sawamura stood there, his face flushed with humiliation and hurt. He was known for his gentle and kind nature, which made him an easy target for bullies like Haku. His eyes were downcast, and he bit his lower lip, trying to hold back tears. He felt helpless and small, unable to find the courage or the words to defend himself against Haku's relentless attack. The laughter and whispers of his teammates only made him feel more vulnerable and alone, reinforcing his sense of powerlessness in this situation.
The other teammates snickered and whispered among themselves, fueling Haku's cruelty. As always, nobody stepped in to intervene.
However, Luke couldn't bear to witness this any longer; Haku's behavior had to be stopped. With a surge of anger, Luke shouted, "Cut it out already!" and stood defiantly in front of Haku.
The laughter that had filled the room at Sawamura's expense came to an abrupt halt when Luke spoke up. The atmosphere grew tense and uncomfortable, as it always did when Luke tried to say something.
Feeling challenged by Luke's intervention, Haku shot back with a spiteful remark that the school had forbidden students from uttering to Luke. "What are you going to do about it? Kill me too?"
Hearing those words was Luke's worst nightmare. Whenever someone uttered them, he would be haunted by distressing memories from his past, causing him overwhelming anxiety. He instinctively took a small step back and clenched his fists in frustration. Sensing the escalating tension, some of Haku's friends intervened, pulling him away and warning him that the coach might arrive at any moment, and he could get into trouble. Haku resentfully backed down.
The atmosphere in the locker room remained heavy and awkward after the confrontation, so the other teammates quickly gathered their belongings and left. Luke turned to Sawamura and asked with concern, "Are you okay?"
Sawamura was deliberately avoiding eye contact with Luke as he hastily collected his things. Just before leaving, and without meeting Luke's gaze, he muttered, "I'm sorry, but my parents told me to stay away from you." With that, he slipped out of the locker room, leaving Luke alone and disheartened.
Luke sat in solitude, his thoughts drifting to the day's events. He often found solace in imagining a normal life, one free from the burdens and challenges he faced. This fleeting sense of comfort gave him hope that a brighter future might someday be within reach.
As he lost himself in this reverie, a soft, persistent voice echoed in his mind, calling his name over and over again. It was a voice he'd come to recognize, one that seemed to surface only when he was alone. The source of the voice remained an enigma, yet its presence gnawed at the edges of his sanity. Had he finally succumbed to the pressures that weighed on him? Could this be the breaking point he'd been dreading? Doubts and questions swirled in Luke's thoughts, as he struggled to make sense of it all.
Determined, he grabbed his bag and exited the room. As he passed by the coach's office, he noticed its emptiness. Taking advantage of the moment, he slid a letter under the door - his resignation from the team. This decision marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, as he sought to find his way in the world.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a reddish glow across the sky as it succumbed to the encroaching darkness. As Luke meandered home, the mysterious voice continued to plague his thoughts. He knew he'd never forget the first time he'd heard it, for it was inextricably linked to the day he lost his best friend, Shimizu Kei. That fateful moment, forever etched into his memory, continued to shape his path as he strode into the uncertain future.
During his first year at the school, Luke formed a close bond with Shimizu Kei. The two were inseparable, their friendship a beacon of camaraderie in their daily lives. It was Kei who had persuaded Luke to join the football team, and for a time, life seemed to be progressing smoothly. Luke felt a sense of belonging and acceptance within his social circle, and everything appeared to be going well... until that fateful day.
As the year drew to a close, tensions rose between the two friends, culminating in a heated argument on the football field. The fallout was immediate, and they found themselves estranged for days. It seemed as though their once-strong friendship had been irreparably damaged.
But on an otherwise ordinary school day, the unthinkable happened. Kei was discovered on the football field, his life brutally snuffed out by a vicious knife wound to his throat. Not far from the grisly scene, Luke lay unconscious, his proximity to the crime painting him as the prime suspect. The entire school reeled in shock and disbelief.
The surveillance footage only served to deepen the mystery, as it depicted Luke ruthlessly stabbing his friend after a physical altercation the night before. But Luke vehemently denied the allegations, insisting that he had never attacked Kei, and that they had, in fact, been working to resolve their recent disagreement. The truth remained elusive, shrouded in layers of suspicion and doubt.
During the trial, the evidence against Luke was damning, and it seemed inevitable that he would be sent to a juvenile detention center to continue his education. However, in an unexpected turn of events, an inspector named Jonathan Willow took an unusual interest in the case. He uncovered fresh evidence that exonerated Luke, and as a result, the young boy was released.
Despite his newfound freedom, the surveillance footage and the dark rumors surrounding the case led the students and their parents to brand Luke a murderer. From that day on, he found himself ostracized, completely cut off from any semblance of companionship.
The burden of these experiences weighed heavily on the 13-year-old boy. At times, he wondered if the mysterious voice he heard was Kei reaching out from beyond the grave, while at other times, he feared it was merely a manifestation of his own fractured psyche.
Exhausted, Luke returned home, slipping off his shoes before retreating to his room. His parents, recognizing the telltale signs of a difficult day, worried for their child but gave him space.
Luke quickly changed into more comfortable clothes and collapsed onto his bed. As he lay there, he tried to banish the memories of the day, just as he had done countless times before, eventually succumbing to the solace of sleep.
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At 8:30 a.m., Luke was jolted awake by the mysterious voice, now more vibrant and intense than ever before. The clarity of the voice shocked him to the core. He couldn't believe it; the voice was no longer confined to the recesses of his mind, but resounding loud and clear through his ears, unmistakably coming from outside. He muttered to himself, unbelieving, "Am I really hearing this? Is it possible?"
Since he had quit the team, he didn't have any obligations that day and hadn't planned on waking up so early. But the voice was so insistent, practically shouting his name: "Luke! Luke!" Feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension, he hastily threw on some clothes and bolted out the door to investigate. His family was already gone for the day, leaving the house eerily quiet.
The sky was overcast, hinting at the possibility of rain. The streets were deserted and silent, the voice abruptly ceasing its calls too. Undeterred, Luke continued to search for the source, certain that he had heard someone calling his name. He couldn't shake off the shock of the voice's intensity and clarity. Eventually, though, he grew tired of his fruitless pursuit and finally, just for a moment, he paused to admire the moody clouds overhead.
Suddenly, a tremendous figure landed just a few feet behind him. Luke heard the heavy impact and spun around to see what had caused it. The sight that greeted him was so terrifying, so unbelievable, that he was frozen in place, paralyzed by fear.
It had been millennia since anyone had encountered one of these creatures, but there it was, right in front of him... a shimmering, blue silhouette of death!