chapter 1: apocalypse beginnings pt1

Japan is stepping in to another year, there were festivals all over the city. Fireworks are lighting up the sky above, people fill the streets rejoicing together with their families, friends, lovers... Together they pray for a new year filled with blessings and joy. The festive air was lively and heartwarming, the crowd of people gathering in the center city and their voices could be heard from even the outskirts of the city. Looking out from my window I could see rows of car driving toward the city for the Red Lantern Festival and the streets lit up with the light of lantern from stalls selling holiday delicacies or souvenirs.

Overall, the atmosphere in the city was lively, unrecognizable from 30 years ago where the Japan was in turmoil due to the war. Thirty years ago Japan was involved in a war known as Chinese-Taiwan war, China wanted to reclaim it old territory of Taiwan but the war's nature was beyond that. It was a war between communism and capitalism as such there were a lot of countries involved in this war-Japan included. The war lasted 5 years with China's defeat but even as the winning country, Japan still came out of the war with lots of problems. The population of Japan-which was already in decline due to low birth rates-went down even further and along with it a bunch of economical and political problems.

It was estimated that Japan would take at least another century to recover from this, but thanks to a new prime minister- Haruto Kurosaki, Japan avoided an era of stagnation and decline. His policy involved strengthening relations with Western countries like America allowing foreigners to move in Japan and join the labor force without discriminations boosting Japan out of economic stagnation. The city I'm currently living in is a result of a joint effort between Japan and America to build a city of the future and the symbol of cooperation between the two countries. The city is called Gaijin and is home to the brightest minds in the West as well as big tech companies from all around the world. The city has a lot of foreigners living in it because of it's Western architectures providing a homey feeling to Westerners. I live in the outskirts and was only been to the city a few times but even I could tell the city lives up to it's name.

Japan was slowly but surely recovering from it's loss. People were happy again and streets felt lively, it was completely different from two decades ago. Looking out into the festive air surrounding the city, I sighed. 

" The city is lively again this year, such a shame the guy responsible for it isn't around anymore."

" You mean the Prime Minister? "

I was a bit startled by a familiar voice. Turning around, I see a man in his late 30s with chin stubbles and a short ponytail- It's my father. 

" You just came back from work Father?"

He was still in work clothes, his weathered face still tinge with tiredness. My father works as a director in my grandpa's construction company aside from paperwork, he also have to personally oversee construction sites so it would be normal to see my father looking tired all the time.

" Yep, what are you thinking about?"

" Just thinking is such a shame the president isn't around to see the fruits of his labor, that's all"

" Ah that guy, such a pity he got killed before he could see his hard work pay off"

My father commented as he took off his tie and make his way to the clothing rack. 

What he said was the truth, just five years ago the president was assassinated in his own house. News of his death made headlines all over the world. One of Japan's greatest leader was killed in his sleep, many suspected it was the rival party that put the hit on him but no one knew for sure. Police looked into it and like always write it off as another suicide. Since then he was replaced by a member of the opposition party, a hideous looking sonuvabitch.

Seeing me deep in thought, my father asked curiously.

" Since when were you so interested in politics?"

" It's not like that, it just.... if I was him, I would be very sad if I can't see my project that I put my heart and soul into anymore."

" So it's like that huh.."

My father had a look of understanding on his face.

" All creators think alike son, they all don't want to see their passion project gathering dust in the shed. They want to see it shines."

He continued

" You're just like that aren't you? Always quick to throw a tantrum whenever your science project doesn't get first prize" he said teasingly.

" Dad c'mon that was a long time ago"

" Okay change of subject then. You wanna hang out tonight?"

" With you and gramps?"

" Yeah, you always shut yourself away in your room. Why don't you go outside for a change?"

He's right, ever since mom left I never went outside save for school. It's just doesn't feel right without her. This is good opportunity to deepen my relationship with father, we haven't been close since mom left and I could see him drinking alone sometimes.

" Alright, you got a date"

" Alright wear something nice then, me and your grandpa will be waiting by the car"