Being Chosen

Ichiro finished up his day at the convenience store in downtown Tokyo. In his early twenties, he'd already worked at the store long enough to be tasked with the responsibility of closing down and locking the store each night shift he works. That night was no different. He locked the doors and began his final rundown of the night. Ichiro stocked the shelves and cleaned the store before collecting his belongings and leaving for the night. Already eleven thirty at night, Ichiro knew he would be exhausted for his college classes which start at nine the next morning.

There never was much remarkable about Ichiro. He'd been average height, weight, and build for his entire life. He got average grades in his classes and lived a completely unremarkable life. Even his haircut is what you'd typically expect. However, as fate would have it, Ichiro's mediocre existence was about to change for the incredible. He only lived a few blocks from his work and regularly walked to and from work. It was a bit cool since winter was fast approaching so Ichiro zipped up his jacket and pulled his hood over his head. The city became much less busy late at night and that night was a slight exception. Ichiro casually passed a spattering of people as he headed through the mostly silent streets of the city.

His mind swam with what he should do when he got home. With only a fifteen minute walk home, he'd have some time before needing to sleep.

"Maybe I should have a small meal while I get some studying in" Ichiro thought to himself. "Maybe I should just go to sleep when I get home. I'll have to eat and study in the morning, but I'll at least get some sleep in. If I do eat maybe I should..."

His thought was suddenly interrupted by the overwhelming feeling that he was being followed. He whipped his head around looking in every direction to see if he was right. Nobody seemed to be stalking him through the streets, but he simply couldn't shake the feeling that someone was after him.

"I should probably hurry and get out of here. I should be fine if I get home. Just have to get home" Ichiro rambled in his mind.

The looming paranoia only grew stronger as he progressed down the street. He broke out into a full sprint but no matter how hard or fast or far he ran, the thing that was following him crept ever closer. A pain in his side exacerbated his struggle to catch his breath. Realizing it was too late and now unavoidable, Ichiro slowed his gait to a walk and eventually paused on a street corner. He slowly looked around again while trying to catch his breath and, again, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

"Maybe it's all just in my head." Ichiro thought.

…

…

…

The city around him began to dim as if all the light in the world started to burn out. After a few moments, nothing but darkness remained in the eyes of the young man. Panic set it.