Chapter 2: A Meteorologist Forgotten His Job, Suspected Due to Agoraphobia (1)
Arc 1: Unfulfilled Paper Wishes on Summer Night
Right at that moment, a catchy and explosive electronic synthesizer chord of Dimensional Warrior Spielban opening could be heard from once static TV. Otto found himself reeling as a tight formal shirt of a corporate worker was on his body complete with the suit and tie.
The sliding door was opened revealing a bright cute short-haired young woman, carrying her little brother into the room. Her brother however wriggled himself off the young woman’s hand as he quickly found himself a spot on the tatami mat right in front of the TV.
“Ah.. mou, don’t embarrass your Saki-nee.”
Alas, the toddler who had plopped onto the clean and warm tatami mat was completely mesmerized by the flashy chrome suit on the screen. His older sister could only smile apologetically towards Otto while Otto himself was still confused about what was exactly happening. How did the once old and rundown showa style building suddenly turn into this homey living room of a family.
(Just what the hell is happening?! Did she just introduce herself as Saki? Where am I?)
Saki however misunderstood his confused look as disapproval as she promptly apologized,
“Ah! I’m really sorry Otto-san, Hiro-chan didn’t mean to offend you, he just.. let’s say he’s extremely excited to finally be able to watch his favorite show once again.”
“Truly, we are very thankful that you’re willing to help fix our family's old Television, thank you so much.”
Otto, even being confused, decided to play it cool as he waved his hand meaningfully.
He said, “Right Saki-san, then I’ll be off right away.”
“Ah, won’t Otto-san have dinner in the house?” Saki asked, perplexed, after noticing the strangeness in Otto’s gesture.
“Ah, sorry, but it turns out I’ve got unfinished business somewhere else, so I’ll be leaving now.” Otto, recognizing the awkward atmosphere, played it off masterfully.
“Ah, so that’s how it is, please wait a moment, let me pack the food for you.” Saki, who lowered the volume of the television so that little Hiroshi wouldn't be bothering anyone, quickly got up and ran towards the kitchen. Otto was unable to stop her in time so he just sat there on the wooden veranda in front of the glass shutters. Instinctively he began to put on his shoes as he waited for Saki.
The night was warm and humid, in front of him was a rural road, with a vast expanse of the dark, swaying rice paddies. Above him was an expansive night sky lit with colorful stars, being unmarred by modern Tokyo light pollution, The Milky Way is cutting a bright, terrifyingly clear path across the heavens.
At that moment however, the only terrifying clear thought on Otto’s head was,
(Dammit… Where the hell I am!)
Just as he realized that he might never find his way back ever again, panic was starting to form inside him as his heart beat wildly. Fortunately, just as he began to lose himself, Saki’s voice could be heard faintly from across the room.
“I’m sorry for the wait Otto-san, here are the food boxes. I’ve prepared plenty for you to consume at the observatory, please don’t reject it.”
Regaining his calm Otto promptly thanked her as he took note on the word observatory, “Aw thanks, now, you don’t need to be so generous.” “Right, speaking of the observatory, are there any other paths from here to the observatory?”
“Huh? You mean to ask for a faster track?” Saki asked him back.
Otto nodded calmly, “Right, that’s what I mean.”
“Um, well there’s actually a faster way by crossing the river just on the back of Old man’s Kazuo field.. but you sure want to go that way? Even though the water is shallow and you might not need a bridge, your clothes might get wet due to the splashing water, not to mention it’s quite dark at this time…”
“Ah I don’t mind.” Otto said reassuringly.
“Right, of course you don’t want your expensive business attire to be ruined by the water… Eh~ what did you say? That won’t do! You sure want to cross the river like that?” Saki asked him worriedly.
“Really, I don’t mind…”
“No way, what if you slipped on the slippery rock bottoms? Please wait here, I’ll accompany you… Besides, you won’t be able to carry these food boxes by yourself that way. Please just wait a little bit, I’m going to tell my parents that I’ll be going away for a while.”
Once again, Saki went away just before Otto could stop her. He looked at the food boxes wrapped with patterned cloth. Right there’s no way he could carry those by himself, not even if he actually knew the proper way back to the so-called observatory where he was supposed to be.
(Oh God, if you even existed, just what kind of situation have you put me into?)
On the first dream. Our protagonist found himself dreaming of the Showa era, what does the truth contains? Is it really just your ordinary Showa era or there's a much deeper mystery that surrounds it?
