The Invisible String

Chapter 1 - Where it all Started

Athena’s POV

October 12, 2021

The clock made its way to wake me up.

Kringg kringg”

Stretching my arms to turn it off. Feeling the ambiance of my room. It’s so peaceful and quiet. Well, it’s still 4:00 in the morning. You can’t blame me; I am just excited about this day. I prayed to God- including on my flight to Japan. I want to start my day right. That’s why I woke up this early.

I got up and brushed my perfectly yellow teeth; I mean white teeth. I’ve made a bucket list of things to do in one of my favorite places to go to. I am done packing my things, taking a bath, choosing my clothes, and wearing my makeup, but it’s still too early. I checked my watch, and it was still 5:30. It’s so obvious that I am super duper excited. While waiting for my manager, I checked my messages- mostly from another artist, Mom, Dad, my sister, and my fans. They are complimenting me about my latest movie- but a message pops up and I accidentally pressed it. It was from an unknown number.

From: Unknown

“Hello! Excited about your trip to Japan? I see why you’re getting up so early, but if I were you, I would just stay home” ….

While reading the text message, I become conscious of my surroundings. Is someone spying on me? Or

- I immediately checked my room if there were any bugs planted. I saw one on my lamp stand. It would be disgusting and creepy if they were also putting bugs in the bathroom. I breathed heavily, I have already experienced a lot of threats and this one is no biggie for me. Guess, they picked the wrong artist ;)

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It’s already 7:00 am and I’m just waiting for the plane to take off. It is longer than I thought. I’m on the front seat near the window. It’s my favorite spot. My manager/bodyguard is just beside me. We’re not really close, but I told her about the threat. She just looked at me and nodded.

So, that's it? But I kind of expected that though. Women can really be serious with their job.

“Fasten your seatbelts, for we are ready to take off” – finally, the moment I’ve been waiting for.

I got bored, so while waiting, I learned some Japanese words that might be useful.

“Hai – Yes”

“Iie – No”

“O-negai shimasu - Please.”

“Arigatō -Thank you. “

“Dōitashimashite - You're welcome.”

“Sumimasen - Excuse me.”

“Gomennasai. - I am sorry.”

“Ohayō gozaimasu -Good morning.”

I scanned and read these words aloud, it really helps me to memorize faster when I’m talking to myself.

My manager looked at me and examined if I was still in my right mind. I turned to my right, and I saw a lot of people staring at me. I forgot that I’m not alone on this plane.

I avoided their gazes by looking out the window, hiding my face instead. There are a lot of clouds covering the plane like fog, now I know how birds feel. Soaring through the air, with cotton candy around them- I meant clouds. It’s like heaven.

I was starting to get jealous of the birds, imagine the freedom they get. They don’t need to pay money just to go to a certain place. My thoughts were wandering again, so I decided to just close my eyes and rest.

“I fell asleep when I woke up. I was in my apartment; someone was standing there. Dressed in black as if someone just died. He looked at me with an expression willing to kill- it was my brother, carrying a knife in his right hand. My hands are trembling, and I can't even move. My body is stiff, and I don’t know what to do. My tears started rolling down my cheeks and my breath became shallow as if I was running out of air.”

.

.

.

.

“Ma’am”

“Ma’am”

“Ma’am we are almost there” – someone was tapping on my shoulders begging me to wake up. I opened my eyes, and we were still on the plane. I sighed- So, it was just a nightmare. A nightmare that has been haunting me for years….

I keep getting flashbacks of the past. My doctor said that it’s normal because of the trauma I’ve got. Flashbacks can be triggered by a sensory feeling, an emotional memory, a reminder of the event, or even an unrelated stressful experience.

------------- Shinsekai, Osaka-------------

* Somewhere in Japan*

We finally arrived at our destination; it was a long ride, but it was totally worth it. This place is full of lights, different kinds of lights; it’s so colorful. I couldn’t understand the words written on their borders, so I just focused on the road. There were a lot of people, gazing at me as if I looked weird. I’m just wearing a long turtleneck, a pencil skirt, long socks with a coat, and matching sunglasses even though it is night.

“Manager, do I look weird?” she didn’t even hesitate to nod. Ouch, it's true that I have poor fashion sense, and at significant events, I occasionally go overboard or appear too basic.

*@ The Hotel*

“Kon'nichiwa, konbanwa, dōsureba otetsudai dekimasu ka?”-I know some parts of what she was saying but I couldn’t understand.

“Sudeni yoyaku ga arimasu” – my manager answered.

“Watashi wa anata no heya o junbi shimasu okusama” – the clerk responded.

My manager just nodded.

“I prepared 2 rooms for us” – she said, probably noticing my questioning look.

Our rooms are just opposite from each other. She knows I have trust issues after what I went through, so I’m not comfortable sleeping with someone in the same room.

I surveyed the room. It is not too big and not too small; it looks elegant in its own way. It has big curtains to cover an enormous window where you can see the city lights, a king-sized bed, a flat-screen TV, and a bathroom.

Their toilets are cool too. It’s super hi-tech to the point that you don’t have to use your finger to clean your butt whenever you do the number 2. Do you know what I mean?

They have a small kitchen with just the right appliances.

It’s close to perfect but I must check if there are any hidden cameras first. Who knows? The owner might be, who knows? Well, good thing I didn’t find any, cause I don’t know what I will do to them if I ever find one.

I changed my clothes, wearing comfortable pajamas and a shirt, it felt like my legs finally got to breathe, those jeans were so fit that they were choking me.

I made a planner of what I’m going to do tomorrow. I was so excited about going to these places that I’d been thinking of; it was already getting late and my eyes were getting tired. I didn’t notice that I fell asleep.

“Wake up”. I opened the curtains and the sun passed through, her eyes squinted, and they grew bigger when she noticed me in my room.

“Hi! Manager, it’s a great day today so I was thinking that I should make a vlog and you will be my camerawoman?” I just can’t wait to sit around here all day; it would kill me.

“Did you already eat-?” –

"Not yet", I said, even though she hadn’t finished saying it yet. She just nodded and left. She didn't even ask me what time it was...

I waited for her to finish her bath and skincare routine; no wonder she looks young even though she’s in her 30s. Looks like I’m the manager now. ; )

We went downstairs together and looked for a restaurant near here. They serve food in the hotel, but it costs a lot and I’m staying there for a week, so, I need to use my money wisely.

We picked a cute restaurant and I heard they serve good food. The place is made of wood, giving a coffee shop vibe. I scanned my eyes looking for a place to sit and, good thing, there was a table for two.

While I was preparing for my camera, I heard the door open; so I’m not the only customer here.

“Anata wa koko ni iru” - (“You are here”)

The waitress said - I couldn’t understand what she was saying but her eyes twinkled with joy meeting him as if he is an anime character coming out, from TV.

I fixated my eyes on him, eyeing him from head to toe.

His hair is messy like he just woke up, but why do I find it so attractive? He is tall, he would probably reach the ceiling if he raised his hands. It would show his biceps. He is only wearing pajamas and sleeveless. Maybe he is the son’s owner, but I couldn’t stop myself from staring at him. His eyes were so deep and cold that I was stuck for a moment. Then his eyes met mine. I felt a tingling connection; I had never felt anything like this before and I noticed his eyebrows furrowed. Maybe I was staring for too long. I avoided my gaze and pretended to look at the menu.

How can anyone look good like that, even though they just woke up? Maybe it’s normal here in Japan to walk in like that.

I took a glance one last time, but he was not there. I was searching for him, but he was gone. I shook my head, no; I’m not here to find love, I am here to rest my mind from them, to stay away from boys.

My manager arrived bringing a lot of food that I was not familiar with. I only know sushi and ramen, so I can’t wait to dig in. She placed the large tray on our table, and we prayed together before eating.

I looked and she ordered a Japanese savory pancake dish with different ingredients on top, partnered with juice and sushi. My mouth watered; what a heavenly sight.

“How is it?”

“It’s dey-liy-scious.” I said while devouring the last Okonomiyaki. I ate my full and drank some juice. It was the best breakfast ever. Not only was my stomach stuffed, but my eyes were as well..

I turned my camera on, and I gave it to my manager. She had a puzzled look on her face, not knowing what to do with it.

"C'mon we came here to enjoy,, right? Let's record it. " I am really sorry, manager, if I'm making your work harder than it is.

"I think calling you manager is too formal. What should I call you? The one that sounds respectable and at the same time friendly..."

"Lexine"

"Cool name, it means helper and defender ,,right?" She just smiled at me in response.

I looked around and I noticed a bunch of people climbing the tower. It sounded fun.

"Hey, Lexine! Let's go there" I pointed, to the top; smiling like a seven-year-old kid.

" It's too high."

"but.. it will be worth it." before she could even say anything, I had already climbed the tower.

We were both panting. When we reached the top, there were a lot of people staring at us. Looks like we made it?

This is the highest floor.

There were a lot of people near the window. I couldn't see the view. Good thing someone had already left, giving us space to butt in and capture the view.

"Wow, this is free therapy...." the girl beside me said..

Yes it is! The slanting rays of the setting sun gave a warm orange tinge to the sky, making it look more splendid. Good thing I made the right decision to climb all the way to the top. Just watching this sight makes me forget all of my problems. I waited for the sun to set and went home.

I changed my clothes and watched my video over and over again. I can’t help but admire the beauty of God’s creation.

The mountains, the sunset, the people talking naturally like they are not robots, something that no human can do. I rewatched it again for the 5th time and I noticed a thin girl, maybe around 9 years old. She was wearing a loose white dress. She kept on appearing on my video. Her eyes are dull,her hair is long, her skin is fair and she has a lot of bruises on her legs. She looked familiar, I think she was the girl beside me, when I captured the sunset.

After a couple of seconds, someone passed by her- a tall man wearing a suit. It was too fast, the girl vanished together with that man.

I know that look on her face when you want to ask for help but you just can't..

My mind went blank for a second and, because of my trauma, I didn’t want anyone to experience what I had been through. I hurried back to the place that’s miles apart from my hotel. Because of the adrenaline rush, I arrived faster than expected. I looked for her everywhere and it was getting dark. There are fewer people now. I am sure she's still here......somewhere.

Then icy fingers gripped my arm. I was frozen for an instant.

“Tasukete”,

- her voice was quivering. It was the girl;I faced her, and tears started rolling down her cheeks the moment I hugged her.

I read that earlier and it means help me.. Good thing I memorized some important words on the plane.

A man came towards us in our direction, panting heavily like he was chasing this little girl. Is he the bad guy this girl is running away from?

“Stop right there” – hoping that he could understand English. I used my right hand and motioned a hand gesture to stay at least 5 meters away from us. He looked familiar though.

I hid the girl behind my back, and I didn’t know how or what to say to him. It would be easier if I could speak Japanese fluently.

if only my manager had been here. Whaaa! I totally forgot to call her and the police. She would totally kill me for doing things on my own. I slapped my forehead.

Why do I always end up in trouble?

Good thing I have my necklace right now. I pressed it and the police would know my location, including my manager, if she noticed it, but she would totally kill me.

“I can understand you” – the man said. His voice was deep and husky. He probably noticed my lips moving as if I wanted to speak, but I couldn't. I squinted my eyes and I pointed at him. I know that look.

“Mr. Sleepyhead!” wait, he looks different right now. He is not wearing pajamas anymore. His outfit made him look like a fully fledged man, wearing a suit. His hair is fixed and not messy, making him look like a business man. I examined him carefully, he looked tired though. Sweat laid down on him and his skin became more glowing, it enhanced his other features, making him look hot and too temping; but still, he was a bad person for making this girl cry.

“Akari, Ie ni kaerimashou”.- (Lets go home.)

Did he just ignore me? The wind blew past us, the air was running cold. I stared at him; his eyes were shooting daggers at me. I swallowed the lump in my throat trying to concentrate.

What should I do in this situation? Run and leave this girl behind? But that's not how I do things.

I noticed my shirt tightened,it hugged me and showed my curves. She was holding it like she didn’t want to let me go.

So, her name is Akari. The way he said it made this girl shiver.

“ Who are you, to take this girl with you?” I said,

He gave me a look that brought shivers down my spine. The look that tells you not to get involved in their business.

“And who are you to defend that girl?” In fairness, he can speak English fluently, but he’s giving me a headache.

“ -I aa-m her uh-hm, I am her older sister,” I think that was a good excuse…

His eyes gawked at me as if I had said something hilarious.

“ I am his older brother. I don’t remember you being part of our family”, he smirked.

“If you are his older brother, then you are not doing your job as one.”

I said and smirked at him; his eyes were now turning black. Maybe that was too insensitive of me? Is this the end? Am I gonna die here? I prayed to God,

“Lord please forgive me and all of my sins, this may be my last prayer to you.” I sighed at that thought.

He is now getting closer and closer to us. I am now bathed in cold sweat. Every step he is taking subtracts the amount of lives I have. There are a lot of people staring. I still have hope to live. There are a lot of audiences. For sure, if I die, someone will help me before I die.

I changed my stance into a fighting position. If he wants a jutsu, I’ll give it to him.

I waited for his move but he just passed by without even looking at me. He took the girl swiftly and I didn't even notice it.

Now that was embarrassing- I looked at the people around us and they were staring at me, forcing themselves not to laugh at my situation right now. I didn't mind them and was worried about the girl instead; I couldn't just let her leave like that...

“Wait, let me talk to her first” - I insisted...

He sighed, slowly bringing the girl to me. I knelt down on her level and gave her my necklace. It was a heart shaped pendant and it had a small button in the center. It is one of my greatest possessions. I bought it online after what I went through. I communicated with her using hand signs.

“If someone is hurting you, just press this button, it will help you” -I said using hand gestures

"Are you done?" he said in a boring tone, as if I had been talking to the girl for an hour.

I rolled my eyes. Couldn't he wait for a minute?

I hugged the girl tightly, she reminded me of my old self...

I watched them as they left together. His older brother held her tightly, making sure that the girl would not run away again. They’re gone. I hope I made the right decision of leaving her with her brother. They look pretty similar though, so maybe they are really siblings.

I stretched my arms. Looks like my day won't end without letting me have an adventure.

I was waiting for the police to arrive. It's been minutes now. They are still not here. I watched the stars twinkling in the sky just to pass time and then realization hit me as I remembered something.

"Oh! Shoot". I pressed the button earlier, allowing me to track my location, but I gave it to the girl. So they are now chasing after her-

Before I could even think of anything, I started panicking. My feet started running towards the direction where they had left.

I have to find them before Lexine does, or else it's the end of the world. My feet are now aching, but I won't give up. If they find her, they will ask why she has my necklace and I need to be there so that I will be the one to explain. I checked everywhere but they were no longer to be found. I was losing hope, my senses became blurry, there are fewer people now, it's dinner time, so they are probably in the restaurant. My tummy is growling and I can't focus right now. Whenever I am hungry, I can't think properly. That's why all my wisdom is gone right now and I can't even help myself.

I decided to walk back but I found myself lost in a dark hallway, rain started pouring down and I didn't have an umbrella. Now my white shirt is drenched. I found a shed near me and decided to rest there for a while until the rain stopped. I feel very cold right now,

and my shirt is completely useless. I wonder if they have already found her. I sighed, somehow I couldn't escape this creepy feeling in me like someone was watching me from afar. I heard footsteps coming in my direction. I looked at the back but no one was there. Now its getting creepy! I ran fast, not knowing where to go. I just ran to escape that place. I ran and ran, but it's now a dead end. A wall blocked me and I had nowhere to go. I turned around and a drunk man approached me with lust in his face.

It felt like a deja vu. Without my necklace, I couldn't call for help. Only God knows my situation right now.

Instead of thinking about the past. I reminded myself of this verse instead.

Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

All my fear was washed away and courage swept back into me. I grabbed a stone in my right hand and threw it to him.

Blood was pouring down on his head like waterfalls. It did not stop him, in fact, it provoked him.

"Blood" I closed my eyes as I began to remember a dark memory of my past. I was snapped back into reality when I heard a loud groan. It looked like the drunk man was still alive. My body froze reacting to one of my greatest fears. My hands are trembling and I can't even clench my fist. He is now approaching me like a mad man coming out of the cave devouring his prey. He touched his forehead and tasted the blood, then he smiled at me like a psychopath. He is now coming closer and closer to me, but it's a dead end. My back hit the wall and I had nowhere to run to. I closed my eyes, praying for help-that's all I can do right now. I closed my eyes again as his hand was about to hit me.

*THUD*

.

.

.I heard a loud noise and a big impact. - The drunk man was on the ground when I opened my eyes. I couldn't look at him because his head was almost split open and his eyes were bruised. I turned to thank the man who had landed a blow on him, but...

"Mr. Sleepyhead?" Our eyes met and they locked for a couple of minutes. It formed a strong bond; something that I hadn't felt before. I don't usually look into other people's eyes, but there's something in him that draws me. I shifted my gaze first and looked around because I couldn't take his stare anymore.

" Where is Akari?" I looked around searching but I didn't see the girl. I turned to him, waiting for his answer, but he just gave me an emotionless look.

" You shouldn't worry about others when you can't even protect yourself" - it sounded more like a warning to me. I was badly confused because those were his last words before he left.