[FICTION] The Wind and The Time Traveller -Chapter 4-

“This planet is really beautiful huh, it’s green………. Everywhere.”

“Well, from where I fell on the first time we were teleported here. This planet looks even more stunning. It’s blue, most of it. It is really beautiful.”

“That’s why this planet are called the ‘Blue Planet - Earth’ back in our universe.”

“Forget that, first you should go and tell that guy what really going on here. Looks like he fell in love with you AGAIN.”

“Stop it uncle!! I know!!! I’ll do it. Jeez!!”

Erina get inside of the house and found Makoto who’s watching TV. He’s still feels awkward about what just happened. As he saw Erina, his heart starts to pound hard. To make it less awkward he tries to strike a conversation first.

“Hey, look at this dude on TV he’s making some weird face.” Said him while pretend laughing.

Erina replied him just with a warm smile then seat beside him. His heart is pounding even harder. He don’t know what to do, his mind almost went blank when suddenly Erina said something.

“Mako, there’s something that you need to know…….” Erina starts to explain everything to him.

Right now, Makoto is in deep confusion. He’s shocked, happy, sad and angry at the same time. He keeping his calm face but there are mixed emotions deep inside. Erina who knows Makoto better than anyone knew he would react like that, slowly she embrace him while say “It’s okay my love, don’t panic. Take it slow. I’ll always be here for you.” A fragment of memory starts to awake within Makoto. It is a memory of his wedding. Makoto who’s in Erina embrace, looks warmly straight into her eyes, his right hand softly touches Erina left cheek. He then slowly moves his head towards her and he kisses her lips.

A kiss after a kiss then he whisper “Erina-chan tadaima(I’m home/back)”.

Erina reply with a teary eyes and shaky voice, “Okaerinasai(Welcome home/back) Ma-chan.

......................................................................................................

“I guess the power of love is stronger than mine huh!”

“Nah, yours is more powerful uncle. In fact I still need it to recover my remaining memories.”

“I’m not sure if I can help you to fully recover but I’ll try my best.”

“What do you mean?”

“Remember the first time that I told you about my ability and you let me to use it on you?”

“Yeah, and absolutely nothing happens…… yeah of course I remember the waste of time memory diving time.”

“Actually dude I lied to you, it’s not like there’s nothing at all. Actually there are something in your head dude that I don’t even try to do anything with it.”

“And you didn’t even bother to tell me at all after this time? Now I really feels like want to punch some face!!”

“Ma-chan stop it, you’re being rude to uncle. Remember, respect the elders!”

“Yeah dude, relax…. Hey, what do you means by elder?? Forget bout it, now to continue the story. Back then, my ability has not yet fully recovers but I saw two things within your mind. 1, your memories and 2, a door.”

“A door? What do you mean a door in my head?”

“It is not literally a door you idiot, if I would say it’s your sealed memories.”

“Sealed memories? How do you think I can unseal it?”

“I can’t say for sure, but I think I should bring you to memory dive this time just like I done with Erina.”

“Okay!! Erina-chan got her memory fine so I’ll be fine!!”

“Just a reminder, Erina doesn’t have sealed memories in her mind. That’s why she recovers fast and safe. But for you to breakthrough and unseal your memories it will be quite challenging with a possibility of memory damage!!”

“I don’t care, let’s do this!!”

“You don’t have to do this Ma-chan!! We can think of other way to recover your memories!!” Erina’s eyes starts filled with tears.

“Cry baby Erina stop it. I’ll be safe just trust me!!” He pat her head gently.

“Let’s do this uncle!!”

“Based on my experience back on our place, to get your sealed memories you have to go through some ordeal. Usually the person subconsciously made the entire ordeal just like some questions and answers to protect the memories. So, I would say the ordeals are varies it’s all up to yourself. Fight it and win your memories back, but if you give up and failed; I guess that’s a goodbye for your memories!!”

“We are not starting yet?”

“You big-headed kiddo!!! What do you think this is a game?? DAMN!!! GOOD LUCK KID!!!”

Makoto just smiles, they then lie on the bed in a best position. So, if the process is long they will not have any trouble when they wake up. Erina sit beside Makoto and give him a good luck kiss on his forehead. In 3, 2…….1!!! The adventure in Makoto’s mind begins!!!

[FICTION] The Wind and The Time Traveller -Chapter 3-

Chapter 3: Memory

“Yo!! Here, have some cold drinks.” Makoto handed a fruit soda to Eldrina. The cafeteria was relatively empty since most students were still attending classes.

“I’m sorry that you had to follow me to that boring class,” he said apologetically.

“Nah, it’s okay. That was actually an interesting class, not as boring as you made it sound. At least now I know a bit about video editing.” She smiled warmly.

Makoto was momentarily mesmerized by her smile. What a beautiful smile she has. Why would anyone want to harm her? he thought.

“So, where should we go next?” Eldrina asked.

“Let’s meet my friend. Maybe he can help us with your problem,” Makoto suggested.

“Is it okay? You know we’re a bit different...” Eldrina hesitated.

“Well, he’s not that normal himself,” Makoto chuckled.

“You know, I’m glad that you are the one who saved me.” She smiled again, her eyes sparkling.

Once again, Makoto was stunned, his heart beating faster than usual. He felt an overwhelming happiness when Eldrina smiled like that. It was as if he was the happiest man alive.

“Aaaah, le-let’s go now,” he stammered slightly.

---

The Journey from College to the Forest

Makoto and Eldrina walked through the bustling streets, making their way from the college campus to the forest. As they strolled, they passed various street vendors selling snacks and trinkets.

“Hey, look at that!” Makoto pointed to a vendor selling colorful balloons. “Do you want one?”

Eldrina giggled. “Do you think I’m a child?”

“Maybe a little bit,” Makoto teased, earning a playful nudge from Eldrina.

They continued their journey, stopping occasionally to admire the street performances and vibrant street art. Makoto’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he watched a mime pretend to be trapped in an invisible box.

“You know, you’d make a great mime,” Makoto said, trying to keep a straight face.

“Really? And why is that?” Eldrina asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Because you’re so expressive without saying a word,” Makoto replied, mimicking the mime’s actions. They both burst into laughter.

As they reached the outskirts of the city, the scenery began to change. Tall buildings gave way to lush greenery, and the air became fresher.

“Wow, this place is beautiful,” Eldrina remarked, taking in the sights.

“Yeah, it’s a hidden gem. Not many people know about it,” Makoto said. “We’re almost there.”

As they continued, they encountered a narrow, uneven path that was difficult to walk on.

“Uh-oh, this might be a bit tricky,” Makoto said. “How about we fly instead?”

“Fly?” Eldrina asked, a mix of excitement and apprehension in her voice.

“Yeah, I can control the wind, remember? Trust me,” Makoto said, extending his hand.

Eldrina hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. Makoto focused, and a gentle breeze lifted them off the ground. They soared above the treetops, the wind carrying them smoothly toward their destination.

“This is incredible!” Eldrina exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

“Hold on tight,” Makoto said, guiding them safely through the air.

---

Arrival at the Forest Outskirts

After a short flight, they landed at the outskirts of the forest. “From here, we’ll need to walk for about 30 minutes,” Makoto said.

They began their trek into the forest, enjoying the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze. The path was serene and calming, a stark contrast to the bustling city they had left behind.

---

Backstory: How Ismet and Makoto Met

Makoto first met Ismet a few months ago during one of his solo hiking trips in the forest. He had always enjoyed exploring nature, and this particular day was no different. However, as he ventured deeper into the forest, he stumbled upon an injured man. Ismet was sitting against a tree, clutching his leg, which was bleeding profusely.

Without hesitation, Makoto rushed to his side. “Are you okay? What happened?” he asked, concerned.

“I... I tripped and cut my leg on some sharp rocks,” Ismet replied, wincing in pain.

“Hang in there. Let me help you,” Makoto said. Using his wind powers, he gently lifted Ismet and carried him to a nearby stream. He cleaned the wound and wrapped it with a makeshift bandage.

“Thank you, young man. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help,” Ismet said, breathing heavily.

“No problem. What are you doing out here alone?” Makoto asked, curious.

“I live nearby. This forest is my sanctuary. But it seems I ventured too far today,” Ismet replied with a chuckle. “My name is Ismet, by the way.”

“I’m Makoto. Nice to meet you, Ismet. You should be more careful out here,” Makoto advised.

Over the next few weeks, Makoto and Ismet formed a friendship. They would often meet in the forest, where Makoto learned about Ismet’s past and his special powers. Ismet, in turn, became a mentor to Makoto, helping him understand and control his wind abilities better.

---

Present day, Ismet's house

“Welcome, buddy!!” greeted Ismet, who had a muscular build and a bearded face, with eyes that hinted at a lifetime of experiences.

“Yo, Ismet!! I guess you’re expecting us,” Makoto replied.

“So, this is the girl? Well, she’s a beauty, dude!!! Your girlfriend??” Ismet teased.

Both of them blushed and looked a little shy for a moment.

“What are you talking about, dude!! Look, you just made her feel shy,” Makoto said, pointing at Eldrina.

“N-no, it’s not like that. We just met,” Eldrina blushed as she finished her words.

Ismet laughed after seeing their reactions. He found it amusing. After that, both Makoto and Eldrina were invited to enter Ismet’s house. Makoto told Ismet everything that had happened so far, not missing any details.

“Hmm hmm, so it’s like that. By the way, have you even told her about me?” Ismet asked.

“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean? ........AAAAHHHH!! Not yet!! Listen here, Eldrina!!” Makoto said, suddenly realizing.

“TOO LATE!! I’LL ENTER HER NOW!!” Ismet declared.

“Huh, wha..” Eldrina fainted.

“Damn it!! This guy did it again. Now I have to wait for 20 minutes before I get anything out of him. Geez.” Makoto sighed, adjusting Eldrina’s position so she wouldn’t feel sore when she woke up.

Makoto cared deeply about Eldrina. He didn’t leave her side since she fainted. Deep inside his heart, he always wondered why he felt this way. Sometimes, he felt like he had known Eldrina for a long time.

---

Inside Eldrina's Memory

Eldrina found herself in a vast, ethereal landscape, surrounded by shimmering lights and swirling mists. It was a place that felt both familiar and strange, as if it existed in the depths of her subconscious.

“Where am I? Makoto, is that you? Hey, what are you doing here.....” Suddenly, Eldrina stopped talking. Her eyes focused on some point, as if she were watching a movie in which she was the main character. The lights and mists began to coalesce into vivid scenes from her past.

She saw herself as a young girl, playing in a lush garden with a kind-faced man. They laughed and chased each other, their joy echoing through the memory. The man’s face was gentle and loving—a fatherly figure.

“Father...” Eldrina whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.

The scene shifted, and Eldrina found herself in a grand hall, surrounded by people dressed in elegant attire. She was holding a glowing orb, her eyes filled with determination. She remembered the weight of responsibility that came with the power she held—the power to manipulate time.

In another memory, she saw herself training rigorously, honing her abilities under the guidance of a wise elder. She felt the strain and the triumph of mastering her powers, the sense of purpose driving her forward.

The scenes continued to change, each one revealing fragments of her life. She saw moments of triumph and joy, but also of loss and sorrow. The memories flowed like a river, each one adding to the tapestry of her identity.

“Aaah, so it is true. How wonderful it is,” Ismet murmured, his presence now felt beside her in the memory landscape.

“Uncle Ismet..... are we now??” Eldrina asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

“Yeah, now we’re inside your mind. Do you remember me now, Eldrina?” Ismet smiled gently.

“Uhmm..... Thank you, Uncle Ismet, but can we go out now?” Eldrina requested, her heart heavy with the weight of her memories.

“Sure, it’s no use for us to be here anymore,” Ismet agreed, still smiling.

---

Returning to Consciousness

Eldrina...Eldrina... a faint familiar voice echoed... Both of them then awoke from their sleep.

“Eldrina....Eldrina, are you okay? I saw you crying while you were asleep. I feel so worried. Are you o-...” Makoto’s words were cut off as Eldrina hugged him.

“I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m fine. Don’t worry. Sorry. I will never make you worry again,” she said, still crying.

“Youth sure are great,” Ismet smiled.

Makoto, who had been shocked, now felt relieved knowing that everything was fine. He hugged Eldrina tightly. “Thank god.” he kept repeating those words.

---

- To be continued -

[FICTION] The Wind and The Time Traveller -Chapter 2-

Chapter 2: New Chase / Journey

Day 2, Makoto’s House

Makoto yawned as he stretched, the early morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. "Good morning~~" he greeted groggily.

"Ah, good morning," Eldrina replied with a cheerful smile. "Thank you for the soup yesterday; it was very delicious. In exchange, I made you breakfast and a bento to take to college."

"WOOAAAAAH!! Thank you very much, Eldrina!!" Makoto exclaimed, his eyes widening in delight. He eagerly dug into the breakfast, savoring the taste. It was the first proper breakfast he had eaten in a long time. After finishing his meal, Makoto got ready for college.

"I think you should follow me to college today, Eldrina. It’s better than you being alone," he suggested.

"I don’t think that will be nice," Eldrina hesitated.

"Well, I think it’s okay, since I only have one class today. You can even be with me in the class; the lecturer won’t even notice," Makoto reassured her.

"Well, if you insist," Eldrina agreed, and they headed to the college together.

---

At the College

Makoto and Eldrina walked through the bustling campus, blending in with the sea of students. Eldrina marveled at the buildings and the lively atmosphere, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Is this your first time at a college?" Makoto asked, noticing her fascination.

"Yes, it’s...different," Eldrina replied, her voice tinged with wonder. "I’ve never experienced anything like this before."

"Well, welcome to my world," Makoto said with a smile. "Let’s head to class. It’s a lecture on modern literature, so it should be interesting."

As they entered the lecture hall, Makoto found a seat near the back where Eldrina could sit unnoticed. The lecturer began speaking, and Makoto took notes, occasionally glancing at Eldrina to make sure she was comfortable. Eldrina listened intently, trying to understand the unfamiliar concepts.

During a break, Makoto and Eldrina stepped outside for some fresh air. "How are you holding up?" Makoto asked.

"It’s fascinating," Eldrina replied. "There’s so much to learn in this world."

---

A Few Minutes Later

A man stood outside Makoto's house, knocking on the door several times. When no one answered, a neighbor approached.

"I think the owner of the house is not home right now," the neighbor said.

"Ah, I’m sorry. By any chance, do you know where the owner is right now?" the man asked.

"Today at this hour, he would usually be at the college. It’s about 30 minutes from here," the neighbor replied.

"Thank you for the information. Have a nice day," the man said, tipping his hat.

"You’re welcome," the neighbor responded, walking away.

---

A Few Hours Ago

"Is she ready for the procedure yet?" Henkel demanded.

"Not yet, sir. She will be ready in another few hours," replied one of the underlings.

"It doesn’t matter!! Just bring her here!! We need to locate that girl as soon as possible!!"

"But sir, it may be dangerous for her if we force her to do it now," the underling cautioned.

"I SAID NOW!!! I DON’T EVEN CARE!! WE NEED TO GET THAT GIRL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!" Henkel kicked a chair in frustration, his command reverberating through the room.

"Yes, sir!!" the underling hurried to comply.

---

In the Procedure Room

Isamelia sat in the procedure room, her face pale and drawn. Despite the restraints on her wrists and ankles, she exuded an aura of strength and determination. "Now, Isamelia, please locate that girl for us," one of Henkel’s subordinates instructed.

"...............yes..........." Isamelia closed her eyes, focusing all her energy on a point in her brain. Suddenly, a blurry image appeared before her.

"Sir, we got the image!" a subordinate announced.

"Record it!! We will try to figure out where that place is supposed to be," Henkel ordered.

"Yes, sir. But this image is too blurred; there will be many places that look like these in this city," the subordinate replied.

"Isamelia... I hope you can give us a clearer image, or there’s no vaccine for you again after this," Henkel threatened.

"Ugghhh....But my ability can’t be used at its full potential without enough rest!!" Isamelia protested weakly, her voice strained.

"DO IT OR JUST DIE!!" Henkel’s voice was cold and unyielding. He knew that without the vaccine, Isamelia would be dead due to the effects of her ability.

"Ugh.....Grrrr....aaaaaaarrrghhhh!!!" Isamelia forced her ability to its maximum potential, and suddenly a clearer image appeared. She collapsed just a few seconds after she got that clear image, the restraints keeping her from falling off the chair.

"Did you get that?" Henkel asked.

"Yes, sir!!"

"Good, now analyze it and find out where that place is. I will get her with my own hands. You two bring Isamelia to her room and inject her with the vaccine as well!!"

"Copy that!!" the subordinates responded, hurrying to carry out his orders.

---

Back at the College

After the lecture, Makoto and Eldrina decided to take a walk around the campus. They explored the library, the student union, and the various clubs that were set up along the pathways.

"Do you have anything like this in your past?" Makoto asked, pointing to a group of students practicing martial arts.

"Not quite like this," Eldrina replied. "It feels new and refreshing to me."

"Yeah, it’s a way for students to stay active and learn new skills," Makoto explained. "Do you want to check out the garden? It’s a nice place to relax."

As they strolled through the campus garden, Eldrina took in the vibrant colors and the peaceful ambiance. "This place is beautiful," she said softly.

"It’s one of my favorite spots," Makoto replied. "Whenever I need to clear my mind, I come here."

Eldrina looked at him, her expression thoughtful. "Thank you for bringing me here, Makoto. It’s...comforting."

---

- to be continued -

[FICTION] The Wind and The Time Traveller -Chapter 1-

Chapter 1: The Hunt Begins

    The airship emerged from the swirling vortex of the portal, its sleek metallic hull glinting under the blue skies of Malaysia—a stark contrast to the crimson heavens of Rearth. Inside the ship, the crew moved with practiced precision, their faces tense but focused. At the helm stood Henkel, the current king of Rearth, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. His once-kind demeanor had hardened over the years, replaced by a cold determination that left no room for doubt or hesitation.

“We’re almost out. Switch on the stealth mode!! We don’t know what lies ahead of us,” Henkel commanded, his voice cutting through the hum of the engines. The crew obeyed without question, their loyalty unwavering despite the moral ambiguity of their mission.

“Sir, it seems that we’ve arrived in a country called Malaysia,” reported one of the crew members, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity.

    Henkel’s lips curled into a faint smirk. “So, we didn’t travel across time? We just teleported to another country. How interesting.” He paused, his gaze narrowing as he considered the implications. “What do you want to do, Erina?” he muttered under his breath, though the name carried a weight that suggested it was more than just a casual question.

“Sir, it seems that the portal will be closing in about three days,” another crew member interjected, breaking Henkel’s train of thought.

“Three days is plenty of time,” Henkel replied, his voice calm but laced with determination. “Find a hidden place for us to lay low and send out our platoon for the search. And don’t forget the disguises. How long can the stealth mode stay active?”

“The stealth mode can remain active for about five more days, sir.”

“Good. That’s more than enough. As soon as our platoon is ready, send them out—two groups per hour. We’re going to find that girl as soon as possible.”

“Yes, sir!” The crew responded in unison, their voices echoing through the ship as they prepared to carry out their orders.

---

Makoto’s Room

    The small, cluttered room was bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. Eldrina stirred on the bed, her body aching from the strain of overusing her abilities. She groaned softly as she tried to sit up, her mind still foggy from exhaustion. The last thing she remembered was the portal, the fall, and then... him. The boy with the kind eyes and the strange power.

“You should rest; you’ve used your ability too much,” Makoto said as he entered the room, carrying a bowl of soup and a glass of water. His voice was gentle, but there was a firmness to it that suggested he wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

    Eldrina blinked up at him, her expression a mix of confusion and suspicion. “Are you not scared of me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Makoto chuckled, setting the bowl and glass on the bedside table. “Nah, even if you have powers, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re still a human being. Besides, have you forgotten how you landed just now?”

    Eldrina frowned, trying to piece together the fragmented memories of her fall. “How? Wait, as far as I remember, I fell onto a cloud that slowed down my descent. And then you came out of nowhere, and I teleported us here.”

“Exactly,” Makoto replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“What do you mean?” Eldrina asked, her confusion deepening.

“This,” Makoto said, gesturing toward the door. With a gentle wave of his hand, a gust of wind pushed the door open, then closed it again. He turned back to Eldrina, a small smile playing on his lips.

    Eldrina’s eyes widened in realization. “That’s why...” Her voice trailed off as she processed the implications. She looked at Makoto with a newfound respect, her earlier suspicion melting away.

“What’s your name, by the way?” Makoto asked, breaking the silence.

“It’s Eldrina. What about you?”

“Makoto,” he replied with a nod. “So, Eldrina, mind telling me what’s going on exactly?”

Eldrina hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She began to recount her story, starting with the fragmented memories of her past and ending with her desperate escape through the portal. She didn’t expect him to believe her—how could he? Her story sounded like something out of a science fiction novel. But as she spoke, she noticed that Makoto’s expression remained calm and attentive, as if he had already accepted the unbelievable as reality.

When she finished, Makoto’s face darkened. “Order of Justice, huh? Justice... justice my ass!!” he exclaimed, his voice tinged with anger. “How can misusing someone else’s power to change the past be considered justice?”

Eldrina was taken aback by his reaction. She had expected skepticism or disbelief, not this fiery indignation. “You... you believe me?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“Of course, I do,” Makoto replied, his tone softening. “It’s okay, Eldrina. They’ll never find you. I’ll help you, I promise.” He smiled, his expression warm and reassuring.

Eldrina felt a wave of relief wash over her. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt safe. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.

---

Somewhere in Kuala Lumpur

The search for Eldrina was in full swing. The platoon had been dispatched in groups, each one scouring the city for any sign of their target. But so far, their efforts had been in vain.

“Sir, it seems that we haven’t found her yet,” reported one of the crew members, his voice tense with frustration.

Henkel’s expression remained stoic, but there was a flicker of irritation in his eyes. “Call the previous groups back to the ship and send out four groups this time. Make sure they search every area thoroughly.”

“Yes, sir.”

As the crew member hurried off to relay the orders, Henkel leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. “If we still can’t find her today, we’ll have to use ‘that’ to locate her,” he muttered to himself, his voice low and ominous.

The airship’s engines hummed softly as it hovered in the sky, a silent predator waiting to strike. The hunt was far from over.

---

A New Alliance

Back in Makoto’s room, Eldrina and Makoto sat in comfortable silence, the weight of their shared secrets hanging in the air. Makoto broke the silence first. “So, what’s the plan? You can’t stay here forever, and I doubt they’ll stop looking for you.”

Eldrina sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I don’t know. I’ve been running for so long, I don’t even know where to start.”

Makoto leaned forward, his expression serious. “Then we’ll figure it out together. First, we need to understand what they want from you. You said they’re after your power, right? What exactly can you do?”

Eldrina hesitated, then extended her hand. A small, shimmering portal appeared above her palm, no larger than a coin. “I can create portals,” she said softly. “But it’s not just that. I can... feel time. Like it’s a river, and I can navigate it. But it’s dangerous. Every time I use it, I feel like I’m losing a part of myself.”

Makoto’s eyes widened in awe. “That’s incredible. But if it’s hurting you, we need to find a way to control it—or stop them from using it.”

Eldrina nodded, her resolve hardening. “I don’t want to run anymore. If we can stop them, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Makoto grinned, a spark of determination in his eyes. “Then let’s get to work. First, we need to find out more about this ‘Order of Justice.’ And if they’re as bad as you say, we’ll take them down together.”

---

- to be continued -

[FICTION] The Wind and The Time Traveler -Prologue-

The Wind

    The hospital room was cold, sterile, and suffocating. The faint hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, and the scent of antiseptic filled the air. I sat on the edge of the examination bed, my hands gripping the edge so tightly that my knuckles turned white. The doctor’s words echoed in my mind, each one a hammer blow to my already fragile sense of reality.

“Makoto, we are so sorry, but the analysis has shown that there is no cure for your disease. That virus is like a time bomb. When the time comes, it will spread, and in the worst-case scenario, it may cause death.”

    My breath hitched, and the room seemed to spin. I was only 20 years old—barely an adult. I had my whole life ahead of me, or so I thought. College, friends, dreams of traveling the world—all of it felt like it was slipping through my fingers. And now this? A disease with no cure? A virus so rare that the odds of contracting it were 0.00001 percent? It felt like a cruel joke, a twist of fate that I couldn’t comprehend.

“Why me?” I whispered, my voice trembling. The doctor looked at me with pity, but there was nothing he could say to make it better. No words could undo the diagnosis or erase the fear that was now gnawing at the edges of my mind.

    I left the hospital in a daze, the weight of the news pressing down on me like a physical force. The world outside felt surreal, as if I were walking through a dream—or a nightmare. The sun was shining, people were laughing, and life went on as usual. But for me, everything had changed. I was no longer just Makoto, the ordinary college student. I was Makoto, the guy with a death sentence hanging over his head.

    Days turned into weeks, and I tried to carry on with my life as best as I could. I went to classes, hung out with friends, and even managed to laugh now and then. But the shadow of the virus was always there, lurking in the back of my mind. I couldn’t escape it, no matter how hard I tried.

    Then, one evening, something extraordinary happened. I was walking home after a long day, my thoughts swirling with the usual mix of fear and frustration. Suddenly, I felt a strange sensation—a tingling in my feet, as if the ground beneath me had shifted. Before I knew it, my feet were no longer on the ground. I was floating, suspended in mid-air.

    Panic surged through me, and I flailed wildly, trying to regain my balance. But it was no use. I fell, tumbling through the air until I landed hard on the grass. For a moment, I just lay there, staring up at the sky, my heart pounding in my chest. What had just happened? Was I hallucinating? Was this some kind of side effect of the virus?

    But as I sat up, I realized that something had changed. I could feel it—a strange, almost electric energy coursing through my body. I focused on it, and to my astonishment, I began to rise again, this time with more control. The wind seemed to respond to my thoughts, swirling around me and lifting me higher. It was as if I had become one with the air itself.

    I laughed, a wild, incredulous laugh. This was impossible, and yet it was happening. The virus that had threatened to destroy my life had given me something in return—a power beyond my wildest dreams. But what did it mean? And what was I supposed to do with it?

The Time Traveler

    Meanwhile, in another place—or perhaps another time—a young woman was running for her life. The world around her was a blur of chaos and noise. The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke, and the ground trembled beneath her feet as explosions echoed in the distance. She ran, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her heart pounding in her chest. Her legs burned with exhaustion, but she couldn’t stop. Not now. Not when they were so close.

“Faster!! Search for her in every single area of this town!! Her power is something we need!!” a voice roared, cutting through the din like a knife. It was a voice she had come to fear—a voice that belonged to the man who had hunted her across time and space.

“Yes, sir!!” came the reply, followed by the sound of boots pounding against the cracked pavement. She could hear them gaining on her, their shouts growing louder, more urgent. She didn’t know who they were or why they were after her. All she knew was that she couldn’t let them catch her. If they did, it would all be over.

    She darted into an alleyway, her eyes scanning the shadows for a place to hide. But there was nowhere to go. The walls were too high, the exits too far. She was trapped. Desperation clawed at her chest as she pressed her back against the cold brick wall, her mind racing. What could she do? Where could she go?

And then, as if in answer to her silent plea, she felt it—a strange, almost magnetic pull in the air around her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, and the world seemed to slow. Before her eyes, the air began to shimmer and distort, forming a swirling vortex of light and energy. A portal.

    She didn’t hesitate. Without a second thought, she leaped through the portal, the world around her dissolving into a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. For a moment, she felt weightless, untethered from time and space. And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the sensation stopped.

    She stumbled as her feet hit solid ground, the impact jarring her senses. She looked around, disoriented and breathless. The world she had left behind was gone, replaced by a quiet, unfamiliar landscape. The air was calm, the sky clear. But the peace was short-lived.

“A portal... Gentlemen, we are going to enter the portal as well. Full speed ahead!!” The voice was faint but unmistakable. Her heart sank as she turned to see the massive airship charging toward the portal, its engines roaring like a beast unleashed.

“Wait until I get you, girl,” the leader of the platoon said, his voice dripping with malice. She could see his face now, twisted into a cruel grin as the airship plunged into the portal after her.

    She didn’t wait to see what would happen next. She ran, her legs carrying her as fast as they could. The ground beneath her feet was soft and uneven, the air thick with the scent of earth and vegetation. She had no idea where she was or when she was, but she knew one thing: she couldn’t stop. Not yet.

The Wind and The Time Traveler

    It had been two years since I discovered my ability, and in that time, I had learned to control it with surprising ease. The virus, for all its terror, had not progressed as the doctors had feared. It was as if the power it had given me was keeping it at bay, at least for now. I had no idea how long that would last, but I wasn’t going to waste the time I had left.

    I lived every day as if it were my last, savoring the small moments—the warmth of the sun on my face, the sound of laughter, the feeling of the wind beneath me as I soared through the sky. It was a strange kind of freedom, one that I had never expected to find.

    One afternoon, as I was flying home after a day out with friends, something unexpected happened. A portal appeared in the sky, its edges crackling with energy. Before I could react, a figure tumbled out of it, falling toward the ground. Without thinking, I sped up, catching her just in time. But the weight of two people was too much for the wind to handle, and we began to fall.

    I struggled to control our descent, the wind whipping around us as I fought to slow our fall. We landed in a forest, the impact jarring but not fatal. I groaned, rubbing my head as I sat up. “Ouch, ouch. Even though I slowed us down, it seems we can still get hurt if we fall from that height.”

The girl looked around, her eyes wide with confusion. “Where am I? What year is this?”

“Kuala Lumpur. The year is 2022,” I replied, studying her carefully. She looked disoriented, but there was something about her—something familiar, though I couldn’t quite place it.

“Kuala Lumpur? Arrghh...” She clutched her head, as if in pain, and then her eyes widened. “I remember... I came from Japan to meet someone. Thank you for helping me just now.”

“Japan? Meet someone?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. But before I could press further, she grabbed my hand.

“We can’t talk for long here. Let’s go somewhere else.” In an instant, we were gone, teleported to a small, cluttered room. I looked around, my jaw dropping. “What the heck!! This is my room. How did you even... So, that portal was your doing too!!”

“Yes...” she murmured, her voice weak. And then, without warning, the world went dark as she passed out.

- to be continued -