pursuit • nakahara chuuya

Chapter I

~ [f/n] POV

The flash goes off as I take a photo of the scenery before me.

The photo was bright and clear. Showing the tall gray building in the background along with the not so distant trees.

I was asked to take a picture of my everyday scenery. So I did. I snapped a shot of one of the multiple buildings along with nature and the bright sun.

After taking the shot I continue walking towards my destination, the slums.

Once I reached the slums, I slide my backpack off my shoulders and begin to pull out bags of bread. Immediately people in torn clothes and ripped shoes slowly walked towards me.

Naturally, I gave off a soft smile reassuring the ones who are hesitant.

"One bread for each person and one bag for four people. I'm sorry this is all I can bring." While handing out the bags to the group of individuals surrounding me.

"I-I believe e-each of us here are just g-grateful to be able t-to have some k-kind of f-food to eat." The pale male before me gave a light smile while stuttering upon his words.

"You're very welcome." Having finished passing out the bags of bread; I put the backpack on. "Then I'll be going now."

The group of individuals glanced at me once more then continued eating. With a gentle smile still plastered on my face, I began walking farther into the area.

I scanned my surroundings to find a good place to take photos.

The buildings were a nasty gray color and had graffiti.

It surprisingly enthralled me. Which lead to my hand grabbing the camera around my neck and taking shots of the scenery.

Some photos came out beautifully; perfectly displaying the color of the buildings and graffiti.

As I was taking photos, from the corner of my [e/c] orbs I noticed the sky getting darker. Once I look up the color of the sky is dark gray and rain drops began to slowly fall. After a few seconds to a minute the rain started to pour down.

I wrap my camera in my arms attempting to keep it safe.

I run into a building that looks to be abandoned. Before I deal with my drenched clothes, I study the camera to make sure it isn't damaged. Once I was sure it is safe I set the camera to the side.

I take off the backpack and place it against the wall then pick the camera back up.

I eyes begin to roam around the room. The wallpaper was falling off and the floor creaked when walked on. There are stairs that looked as if they are going to break if stepped on.

I place the camera close to my eye and begin take shots of the sight before me.

"The lighting doesn't look right." I mumble to myself. "Even with the flash..."

I decide to turn myself and head back to the front of the building. Once I get there my eyes begin to stare out at the rain from the window.

Once again I pick up my camera, but this time I snap a shot at the pouring rain coming from the clouds.

The photo has a light gray tint with puffy clouds covering the sun, keeping it from shining.

While studying the photo I notice a medium sized white filled-in circle on the corner.

As a test I decide to take another photo of the same area. It comes out as the same except this one doesn't have the circle. Because of this I decide to just ignore the circle and delete the photo with it.

Gently, I let go of the camera to let it fall back onto my chest. Next I look down to the side of my feet where my backpack was placed. I pick it up and swing it onto my back.

As I allow the sound of the rain to sink into my ears; I explore the first floor of the building this time without taking any photos.

My feet stop at the beginning of the stairs. Afraid they might break I decide not to go up.

Without anything to do I sit myself down under the window I was looking out a few moments ago. I bring out my phone to play games while silently listening to the rain.

--

About an hour or two later the rain finally stops and I, fortunately, leave the abandoned building.

Once again I pick my camera up and begin taking photos of the scenery.

After snapping a few shots I decide to take a look at the most recent photo.

It's of a building with the words hope written on it. Next to the e was a figure which looked to be a man.

I look up to the building to see no one there. "Maybe it's my ability..." I mumble to myself.

I have an ability called 'Future Photo' it allows me to see future events in the photos I take.

I must have accidentally activated it.

Out of curiosity, I begin to slide my feet towards the building.

Once I get there I turned to my right to see an alleyway with no one there.

Again out of curiosity, I activate my ability and take a photo of the sight before me.

In the photo there was five men in black suits. They looked to be business men but definitely couldn't have been.

While studying the photo the voices of men reached my ears. I panic and run around the corner behind me.

It didn't occur to me that I was able to run farther.

Fear strikes me once I hear the men discussing who they should kill and who they should take from the slums.

Just as I was walking away from the scene a hand grabs me, covering my mouth, from behind.

"Sorry. They'll kill you if they find out you were here. Also no one has given them orders to kill, so don't worry."

The voice sounded like a male. It spoke in a whisper but loud enough for me to hear.

"I'll tell them to leave so you run before they notice you."

The male removes his hand and I look back at him.

From the back he looks to be short, not much taller than I. He has a hat with a brownish band and a coat reaching a little lower than his knees.

"What are you guys doing here?" The male said to the men.

"Chuuya-san!" One man responds in a panicked voice.

Before I can hear the rest of the conversation my feet move and I begin running. Holding onto the camera around my neck to make sure it doesn't bounce around.

I didn't run very far when I decide to turn back.

In the alleyway there was only the male I assumed to be the said Chuuya-san standing.

I quickly raise the camera to my eye and snap a shot of him.

Fortunately, he didn't see but as I am exiting the slums a voice calls out to me.

"Miss photographer!" It's the same voice I heard in my ear a few moments ago.

Since he grabbed me from behind I don't think he saw my camera. Also my hair has been down the whole day so he couldn't have seen the strap around my neck.

Was it really a good idea to come to the slums today?