(Narrator) There in his apartment sits Ryo. Ryo is a 17 year old high school student. He sits at his desk confused at the paperwork lied out in front of him.
*earlier that day*
*Daytime Cityscape - Ryo*
*Ryo walks down the bustling city street, lost in thought. The sun casts long shadows on the pavement as the sounds of the city surround him.*
**Ryo**: *Narrating* "Just one more exam, and then I'll be free for the summer."
*Scene transitions to: Daytime School Corridor*
*Ryo walks through the corridor, surrounded by his classmates. They are preparing for the upcoming school festival.*
*Interior - School Festival Venue - Evening*
*Ryo helps set up decorations for the festival, working alongside his classmates.*
**Ryo**: *To a classmate* "I hope so too. Maybe he's been busy with work these past few days..."
*Scene transitions to: Evening Dining Room - Ryo's House*
*Ryo sits at the dinner table, eagerly waiting for his father's return. The clock on the wall marks the passing time.*
Ryo: ugh! This is ridiculous...
*he looks up*
Ryo: 8:00 pm... seriously?
*Ryo's father walks in*
Ryo's face lights up as his father enters the dining room. He stands up from the table and hugs him.
**Ryo**: *Gladly* "Welcome home, Dad! How was your day?"
Ryo's father smiles warmly, returning the hug.
**Ryo's Father**: "Busy as usual, but nothing that can stand in the way of my son's school festival."
Ryo leads his father to the kitchen, eager to share a meal together. As they sit down at the table, the aroma of home-cooked food fills the air.
*Evening Dining Room - Ryo's House*
*Ryo and his father enjoy a meal together, catching up on each other's lives.*
**Ryo's Father**: *Smiling* "I'm sure you've been studying hard for your exams, Ryo. Any interests you want to pursue this summer?"
Ryo looks at his father, and a serious look crosses his face.
**Ryo**: "Actually, Dad, I've been thinking about studying abroad over the summer. There's a university in the city of Luminon that offers a program for students like me."
Ryo's father's expression turns to surprise, and he gently sets down his utensils.
**Ryo's Father**: *Curious* "Luminon? That's quite a distance from here. Why such an interest in studying there?"
Ryo's Father: 😕 you remember what today is right?
Ryo looks at his father, slightly confused, as he tries to recall what exactly he is referring to.
**Ryo**: "Um, today's the school festival, Dad. Is there something else I'm forgetting?"
Ryo's father nods, a hint of sadness in his expression.
**Ryo's Father**: "Yes, it is that, but today... today would have been your mother's birthday."
Ryo's eyes widen with realization, and his face turns somber.
Ryo sits in silence, his chest tight with emotion as he tries to come to terms with the sadness he feels. He looks at his father, who also seems affected by this reminder of their loss.
*Evening Dining Room - Ryo's House*
*Ryo and his father sit in silence, lost in their thoughts and memories of Ryo's mother.*
Ryo's father breaks the silence with a comforting smile.
**Ryo's Father**: "I know it's tough, but I believe she would want you to chase your dreams, son. If studying in Luminon-
Ryo: I need to take a walk dad...
*Evening City Streets - Ryo*
*Ryo walks alone through the bustling city, hands in his pockets and a pensive look on his face.*
Ryo's thoughts wander to his mother and the emotions he feels. As he walks deeper into the city, he eventually finds himself in a quiet park.
*Evening Park - Ryo*
*Ryo sits on a bench, looking up at the clear night sky as stars begin twinkling in the distance.*
Ryo: Mom? What are you thinking right now? Are you proud of me...
*Evening Park - Ryo*
*Ryo speaks softly under his breath, his words carried away by the gentle breeze. A single star shines brightly, as if responding to his question.*
*Ryo: "...I hope you are..."*
With a heavy heart, Ryo stands up, his mind made up.
**Ryo**: "I guess studying abroad it is... I'll make you proud, Mom."
As Ryo makes his way back home, the star in the sky seems to glow even brighter, filling him with a new sense of determination.
*Whoosh* *something in the distance moves*
*Ryo walks home, his footsteps the only sound disturbing the night. The air grows colder as the city lights flicker, casting shadows along the streets.*
In the distance, a faint rustling catches Ryo's attention. He looks around, but there's no one in sight.
Ryo shrugs and continues on his way, unaware of the eyes now watching his every move...
*suddenly the bush next to him rustles*
Ryo slows his pace, curious about the sound. He narrows his eyes, trying to see what's lurking in the darkness.
**Ryo**: *Whispers* "Who's there?"
He cautiously approaches the bushes, unsure of what he might find. As he reaches out to part the leaves, his heart races.
*he looks in the bush and there is girl but she has a unique attire adorned with a rank on her kimono with a unique sword at her side* *her kimono has a unique symbol with the words "Reisen" (meaning traveling or wandering)*
Ryo: ?! Who are...
(Narrator) "As the stare down begins Ryo begins to wonder who is this? And why they are in his home world?"
CHAPTER END.