Tales of Ruh-Being: Queen of The Berbers (VOL. 1)

PROLOGUE

"Destiny is not set in stone, but a path waiting to be shaped by the actions and choices."

This word's playing in my head when I want to change someone's fate. Sometimes, I don't like it when I give them a 'good' ending and lead them to greed and chaos. But, I don't have sympathy for them because it's my duty as Ruh-Being, The Fate Changer.

How many years I'm doing this… Decade, century, a thousand years or almost a million years? I can't count because the timelines are messed. At least, I've recorded it in my 'book'. I sit on my throne while I'm reading and flipping a page by pages of the history of the universe.

"Not this one." I spoke to myself. I close the book and put it back on the shelves and take my next book. When I look closely and read the title of this book, it sounds interesting. "Queen of the Aures, Dihya Al-Kahina." I read.

I wonder what's her history. And so, I want to find out about the content. After I read this book it took about an hour to finish it and I doubt myself. "What a tragic end. You died like a warrior, Al-Kahina." I took a deep breath and started thinking.

In the end, I've got an idea about her 'fate'. I smirk and I want to start my new plan.

CHAPTER 1

703 AD. Aurès Mountains, border of Tunisia and Algeria.

That night, Hasan Ibn Al-Numan and his armies are striking us in the city of Aurès. Many buildings and houses were burned down by him also, I've been betrayed by my own comrades. They're joining with Hasan and his armies to take me down and conquer Algeria.

We're outnumbered and my trusted men are killed by warriors led by Hasan ibn Al-Numan, the general of the Arab army. When I fought him back then, we won because of my strategy and trustworthiness. But now, the tables have turned. This time, he won. But, I've never given up on this land… TO HIM!!!

"Dihya Al-Kahina!" He shouted my name with an arrogant smirk. "You already lost. Thanks to him, your adopted son supported me and betrayed you. I can't believe your leadership can shake up your trusted relationship between your people and your family."

My adopted son, Khaled ibn Yazid al-Qaysi stabbed me with his sword on his hand while Hasan watched me suffer. They want to bring me alive to the kingdom with the shame on my face. I, Dihya Al-Kahina, rather died than being humiliated by the Arabs. I can't talk back because my mouth is full of blood and suffocating because of losing too much blood. I pick the poison from my pocket and drink because i want to die like an honour.

But, it's too late because Khaled, my adopted son, already cut my head with his sharp sword. Before, I took him out of prison and raised him like a son of mine. I can't believe in my eyes he paid his debt for taking care of him with bloodshed and death. "Forgive me, mother." Khaled spoke to me in my final end.

My vision turned dark and I stopped breathing. Thus, I died…

"Destiny is not set in stone, but a path waiting to be shaped by the actions and choices. Arise! Queen of The Berbers."

I heard somebody whispering through my ears and I slowly opened both of my eyes. I'm in a grey room and in front of me, there is a round table with a teapot and two cups.

"You're awake, queen. Or, should I call by your name… Dihya Al-Kahina?"

There is a mysterious person in a brown robe covering his face sitting on the chair while holding a book in front of me.

CHAPTER 2

"W-Who are you?!" I question him with a serious face. I stand up and want to reach my sword on my hips but my sword is gone. Maybe I lost it during the battle with Khaled and Hasan.

He said with a calm voice. "Please calm down. I'm not your enemy. I'm the one who brought you here into my domain. Although, you noticed that you're dead. Am I wrong?"

I slowly take a deep breath and look at him then I sit down on my chair. I continue the conversation. "Why did you bring me here? Is this a judgement room where people will go to heaven or hell? I forgot the main question. Are you a God?"

"No, Dihya." He denied. "I'm not a God like you imagine. I'm just passing through the dimensions of time and space. Remember that." He then poured water into both cups (probably tea) and he continued the conversation. "I have more than one title. Some people call me an angel, demon, a diety, an alien etc. My name is Ruh-Being."

After he introduced himself, he opened the book and started flipping the pages and looking at me back. He said "You died in 703 AD during the Battle of Tabarka in Aurès. In the future, this land is a border of Tunisia and Algeria. In this record, you are 128 years old when you die. Actually, I want to stop here. I can't continue because this is very hard for you to hear."

I question him. "Why? What happened after my death???" My head is spinning like crazy because I'm worried about my land.

"Fine." He closed the book and stood. He says with a serious tone. "The Arabs won in battle and your armies died in the battle too. Some of them are still alive but they're joined the ranks of Arabs military. The caliphate already conquered the Aurès Mountains. Basically, you lose."

I can't believe it. I thought after the Battle of Tabarka ended, there would be an army avenged me but… it's over now. I laugh and start to cry of pain and misery. "I failed as a leader, as a warrior and as a mother. There is no hope for me to continue. I want to vanish from existence." I feel depressed while holding the cup of tea when it's warm.

Ruh-Being silently watched me in tears and he started speaking. "You're right. You cannot continue your old life back. Unless, I can give you a second chance- No! A new journey for you. How about it?"

I declined his request because I lost hope for living and let me rest in peace. After I'm done crying, my throat feels dried and I'm thirsty. So, I drink the tea in my hand. The taste is delicious and the aroma is sweet. I wonder where this tea herb came from? Later, I accidentally drop the cup and it's shattered to the floor. My head is spinning and I feel tired after drinking this tea. My body also feels warm and painful. What happened to me? Is he poisoning me but I'm already dead?! Shortly, I blank out.

When I lay on the table, I woke up and Ruh-Being was still sitting on his chair in front of me. I scream with anger in my voice. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!"

He said with a cheerful tone. "Congratulations, Dihya! You are now reborn from the dead." He clapped his hand. (By the Gods! His skin is pale like a dead body?!? I wonder what his face looks like.)

"What do you mean? I'm reborn?" I'm so confused by his compliment. "My voice? Sounds different?!? What are you doing to me!)

Ruh-Being gave a small mirror to me while he replied. "Look at your face now. This time, you're not the infamous Queen of The Berbers anymore. You are now a Miss Universe!" He shouted with joy.

I carefully looked at my new face into the small mirror and I was shocked. The wrinkles on my cheek and forehead lines are gone. My eyes are round and it's so beautiful. My hair is long black, the bangs are covering my forehead and it's silky to touch. Don't forget, my skin is tan now. I look so young and beautiful like a dreaming princess. "Ruh-Being! Is this your power?!? Are you re-created me when I'm dead..?"

He chuckled. "Nope. It was from the tea you drink. I use a little spell in the tea you drink except mine. Also! This is my favourite beverage during afternoon tea time when I'm bored in this domain." Later that, he stood up and pulled something from the door. That thing is huge, round and full of colours. He continued. "This is a spinning wheel! This is not the usual spinning wheel like people use. This is a new 'fate' to enter your next life after rebirth. There are many options but it can only be used once per life. I called it 'Fate of Wheel'."

Is he a mysterious entity or a clown? Can be both perhaps.. By the way, he is right. That wheel is my fate and it has many choices. Sadly, it can only be used once. I want to ask a question. "What happened when I died again? Can I use the wheel for the second time?"

He responded immediately. "NO! When you die again, it's game over. Your soul goes poof!" He answered my question while making an awkward gesture. "Okay! Look closely on this wheel and be ready. You're never gonna be disappointed!"

My heart is pounding and my palms are sweating. I wonder where I would go to the next world. Is it paradise??? Right now, Ruh-Being pulls the wheel and it's spinning at the top speed till I can't see the word. It takes several minutes to stop. Forgot to mention, there is a small arrow at the right corner of the wheel and there is a fate he's choosing. The wheel has stopped.

"Let's see…" Ruh-Being watched closely to the arrow. "Oh shit..!" He's snapped. "Dihya, you go to Hell."

"WAIT WHAAAAT!!!" I scream panicky. "What does this mean?!? Why am I going to hell?!?" I grab his shoulder and shake him with disappointment on my face.

Ruh-Being said. "Chill, woman! This thing is broken. I can fix it. Patient!!" I released my hand on his shoulder and he started to fix it. "Stupid fucking wheel! Don't humiliate me in front of my client!!" He kicked the leg of the wheel and shouted in weird slang. "WAAYYYAAAHHHH!! Tryna show off your gangsta energy huh punk?! SOOYYYAAAAHHH!!!" Is he mad?!?

After half an hour, the wheel was fixed.

"Man..! My feet hurt. Whatever, this thing has been fixed." Ruh-Being felt relieved after the awkward situation. "Alright, Dihya! Your fate has been decided right… NOW!" The wheel is spinning again after he pulls and finally, it's stopped. Ruh-Being look closely. "Wow..!" He stood silently and turned towards me. He praised me. "Congrats!!! Your next place is in Japan! Woohoo!!! That's every person's big dream to live in this country. Besides, you're in the Reiwa era!"

I have mixed feelings about this. I never heard of this country in my entire life and what is the Reiwa era? I asked him. "Japan? What is that and where is it located?"

"Japan is like a paradise for otaku and nerds. Oh sorry, I meant it's a peaceful and harmonious country for you. Remember before you died. You want to make a peace relationship with Arabs but they don't. This wheel chooses your fate based on your heart and soul." He answered.

He's right. I want to make peace with the enemies but they won't and that's why I'm angry until I burn their basement and small village. And the sad moment is, my fellow comrades betrayed me because of my actions and consequences. I made a mistake. But, Ruh-Being gives me a second chance to redeem myself even though I'm dead and reborn as a new person although I still keep my old name. I want to change so badly!

He continued again. "In Japan, you will land in… Chiba prefecture. Oh, you're lucky because there is a town for you and it's not too far if you want to go to Tokyo." Then, he moves his finger and it shows the magical map in front of my vision. "This is a world map and Japan is an east asia region. Their neighbour countries are Korea, China and Russia where it's located to continent of Eastern Europe. Look here." He zoomed the map. "This is where you go. Chiba. And don't worry when you're in foreign country. I've already got your luggage. Inside, it has clothes, towel, toothbrush, shampoo, passport, money to buy food, a map and lastly, a book of basics to learn Japanese. You must learn this language for easier communication. It's very important."

This bag called luggage has a small wheel and it looks bizarre. I wonder if this is a future item he said. I thanked him. "I don't know how to pay your debt but thank you so much, Ruh-Being. It means a lot to me." I wiped my tears of joy. "So, when can I go now?"

And then, he said, "Right now!" Ruh-Being pushed me and… I fell in the sky.

That was fast… THAT WAS FAST!!!

He looked at me from above while waving his hand and shouting. "Until we've seen each other again, Dihya Al-Kahina! Have fun in your new world in Japan! SAYONARA!"

I scream with a fear of falling.

CHAPTER 3

I'm safely landing after the fall from the sky. Thanks to this weird luggage, it has an automatic parachute. Why did he not just land me on the road rather from the sky? Is he embarrassed of me?!?

It's nightfall. Here, I'm at the kids playground and there is nobody. I'm tired and so hungry. There is a bench beside me and I want to sit down first. This country is modern because they don't use a fire to light the darkness. I think this is a magic light rod and it's tall. Is modern day still used magic? I should get used to this modern time.

I open the luggage and there is plenty of bread and a bottle of clean water. When I'm hungry, I grab bread and eat till I'm full. "So sweet and tasty. What is this brown cream? It tastes like milk and is creamy but different from what I used to eat in my hometown." After dinner, I brought out a map and navigated the area. "This is too complicated to understand this marker. The cities are wide and plenty of houses and buildings. Where can I sleep?" If I'm kinda lost here, maybe I should make a small tent from a blanket and sleep here. Hope there are no wild creatures attacking me during my rest.

"Uhm… Excuse me." I heard a stranger speak foreign language to me. So, I turn around and there's a local woman in the town. How do I say hello in japanese?

I pick up my japanese language book and start to memorise some basic lines. I respond with "Ohayo gonzaimasu!" Wait! Hold up a second. It means 'Good Morning' in japanese. Uh huh! I finally found it.

"Oyasumi nasai."

WHAT THE HELL!!! I'm so embarrassed. The language barrier sucks.

"Gaijin? Oh, sorry. I didn't know you can't speak japanese." She apologised to me while bowing her head. Did I just heard she speak in english? She continued. "My english is not g-g-good. I want to help you!"

This is a pretty awkward situation.

After that, I re-read the book and memorise it in a short time. I'm already half-mastering the japanese language. When done in conversation, I need to learn the alphabet or 'Hiragana' for writing some.

"I'm sorry for troubling you, stranger!" It's my turn to apologise to her. "Actually, I'm a foreigner who was lost in Chiba. I didn't know where I could sleep? Can you suggest a safe place to rest around here?"

Suddenly, she giggled at me and said, "There is a nearby cheap hotel when you go to the left lane in 200 meters. The hotel is near a convenient store and fast food restaurant. By the way, miss. You speak japanese so fluently. Are you residing here too?"

I answered her questions. "No. I just arrived here by taxi and I asked the driver to stop here." I had to make up a fake story about how I arrived in Chiba. If I told her about my true identity, she never trusted me. Period! Then, I thanked her and decided to leave. Unfortunately, my money is not enough for sleep. Why did Ruh-Being give me 500 Yen? That's not enough to buy food for the next day?!? He's a jerk!! I have to save up and find a job…

"Is your money not enough after grab a taxi? I feel sorry for you." She sympathies. "Where are you from really?"

I replied. "I'm from Algeria. I've come here to change my career after working hard from my hometown. I've seen plenty jobs for gaijin like me." Another make up story to her. I feel so bad for her when I'm lying.

"Algeria?!" She was surprised. "So far you've come." She made a sweet smile on me and I smiled back. "I want to help you!" Unexpectedly, she offered help for me and I wanted to deny it but she refused. "You can sleep in my apartment. It's not far here and I live alone. You can live with me. Please?"

"It's okay, miss. I don't want to trouble you."

Blink of an eye, she grabbed both my hands and held them with hope in her eyes. "You're not troubling me. And besides, I want a housemate so bad because I'm living alone. You don't need to worry about paying me back. I truly want you to be my bestie!"

Bestie? Modern word is surely bizarre.

I want to deny her now but… I can't resist her cute eyes. Finally, I'm lose. So I talk. "Sigh… Fine, I live with you in your apartment. Satisfied?"

She's smiling and jumping with feelings of happiness. I've never seen a stranger treat me like this. Back in my old life, strangers saw me as afraid and disgusting.

When we're chatting, she introduced herself. "My name is Ayame Tachibana. Nice to meet you!" She bowed her head and resumed her question. "What's your name, miss?"

I gave her my real name. "My name is Dihya Al-Kahina. Nice to meet you too!"

Her attire is modest and minimalist. She wears a long skirt and yellow jacket and she wears a beanie on top of her head. Also, she has a backpack too. Unlike my fashion, I wear skinny jeans and a long sleeve leather jacket. What modern people call a woman who wears men's attire? Tomboy probably…

Her face is round and small eyes yet so cute when you look closely. She has a small nose and small lips. Her haircut is short but not too short. She's not wearing heavy make-up. In short, I like her styles.

"Dihya-chan! Your name is beautiful and cute…" She impressed me by my name. (I love it.) "Have you already eaten dinner? If you are still hungry, I have some food at home. We can dine together."

"I have bread. I don't eat much but, if you offer me a delicious dinner, why not? I love it too." I accepted her dinner offer.

"Nice! You can try my cooking. I bet you will be addicted hehe… Let's go, Dihya-chan."

We walked together to her apartment and I cancelled my plan to sleep at cheap hotel. I felt relieved because I've finally save some money. "Alright, Tachibana-san."

"Don't be too formal to me. Just call me Ayame."

Finally, we're here at Ayame's home. Her apartment is not too big or too small. It takes 20 minutes from the kids playground when I rested for a while. She grabbed her key in her jacket and unlocked the door.

"Home!" She's happily walking in her home and the lights are shining after she turns on the switches. I take off my shoes and walk inside her apartment. In the living room, there's a small kitchen near the dining table. There are 2 bedrooms and 1 toilet with a bathroom. I love this apartment. Minimalist yet so modernised. There is black rectangle like mirror at the rack in the nearby bedroom. Modern people call it 'Television'.

"Your home is so clean and bright, Ayame-san." It's my turn to compliment her.

She smirks. "Make yourself at home. I'll prepare dinner shortly. You can take a bath first. I shower later after I'm complete my task."

I thanked her and I wanted to grab a shower. I feel so sluggish… Wondered what Ruh-Being is doing now..?

After I took a shower and we had dinner (more like supper), I gazed at the star through the balcony outside the sliding door and thought. What happened after I've been reborn and living in japan? What's my next path… Ruh-Being said to me…. 'Until we've seen each other again. Have fun in your new world in Japan!' Will I meet him again someday? I have many questions from him and I want to know who he really is….. Then, Ayame called me.

"Dihya-chan, I want to show you a bedroom." I'm inside my room and she continued. "The room isn't big but it's comfortable for you to sleep. I'm sorry if I make you disappointed. Nowadays, apartments are so expensive that I can't rent because I have financial issues. This is the only cheapest flat I can rent to live in." In the blink of an eye, she was doing the dogeza.

I responded. "No no no! It's not your fault. I'm glad that I can stay for longer. You don't need to worry about money. Tomorrow, I will find a job around the city so we can live comfortably." I lift her up after she was doing dogeza.

She gives a smile on her face with little tears on her eyes. "I will help you too if you can't find a job. I had many acquaintances from this neighbourhood. I had a cousin live nearby in Chiba. Maybe, I can ask him to help you." I smiled and thanked her kindly and she continued again. "Oh, Dihya-chan. Can I have your phone number and SNS? If anything happens or so, you can call me."

I'm clueless right now. What is SNS?

I shake my head. "Ayame… I don't have a phone." She shook.

"WHAT?!? Did you lose your phone??? That's awful! No wonder I saw you eat bread at the playground. You must be worried. Don't worry, I have a spare phone in the closet. Wait a sec!"

The truth is, I REALLY don't have a phone. Ruh-Being should alert me before he dumped me from the sky about modern things in this world. And, What is 'phone'? Later she came back with a small rectangle thing on the palm of her hands. She gave it to me and explained about the phone. "This is your smartphone now. You can send me a message or call me with voicemail. Even though this is an old model, it is still functioning and useful. Oh and, you can download the games. But, don't play the high-demand graphics. This phone can't handle too much."

My brain's too slow to capture her guides. Thus, I want her to teach me how to properly use it. Modern people now rely on 'smartphones'. Back in my era, I used the horn to communicate my armies.

Finally, we've gone to sleep.

CHAPTER 4

Next day.

It's morning already and I woke up from a good sleep. I hear birds chirping outside of windows. The sunlight translucent to the door gap and I stretch my arms and do light exercise.

I opened the window and saw a random high schooler walking past the flat and there was a vehicle driving on the street. The weather is nice and cold.

"Morning, Dihya-chan!" Ayame greeted me while she prepared a small breakfast. On the table, there was a bowl of rice and fried eggs with green tea. Before I started to eat, I washed my face and cleaned myself in the bathroom.

"Dihya! I forgot something." She gave me a spare house key when we're eating breakfast. "I don't know how long I'm in the office because my shift is unscheduled. If I'm coming home too late, there's food in the fridge and there's a cup of ramen in the rack."

I nod while drinking the tea. And, I ask small questions. "What kind of work are you working? Is it far from here?"

"To be frank, I work in the anime industry at Nakano City. I'm an animator and my job is drawing on paper and screen. For me, this is my dream job but…" She turned pale suddenly. "I'm involved in the biggest project for an upcoming shonen anime for TV broadcast. And the deadline is 1 month left before the show is released!" She looks so tired when trying to explain to me.

"Y-You look really tired, Ayame. Have you taken a day off lately?" I feel bad for her.

"IN TWO WEEKS NOW I NEVER GET MY DAY OFF!! OF COURSE, I'M TIRED LIKE HELL!!! My payment is average and I have to take overtime if I want more money. My back hurts sitting on a chair and staring at the screen for 16 hours every day!" Ayame screamed and smashed her head on the table. "Oh God, please end me."

"Ayame! Don't say that. You jinx yourself!" I stopped her thinking negatively. "So, what is the biggest project you're working on?"

"The show is 'Kami no Kami-sama. In english, it's 'Gods of Paper'. It's the highest rated manga and it's the biggest demand project by the studio to be adapted on television. Frankly, I love this manga and I still have the biggest collection on the shelves! You know, my favourite seiyuu also voices the protagonist in this anime! I love this project but I'm exhausted…" She sighs and smiling.

Gods of Paper, huh? Why does the title of the manga sound familiar to me? Some kind of foreshadowing for real… I asked her another question regarding the manga. "Who's the author of this manga? Is he or she so famous?"

Ayame shock. "You never read Kami no Kami-sama?! You must READ! This is the best of the best manga and it's the GOAT!!!" She's too over hyped. "Oh, sorry Dihya-chan. I'm too excited hehe… The author's name is Jiyū-san. She hides her face and identity because of her private life. Me and other coworkers have met her in a meeting. I've also autographed her manga. It was blessed. I want to meet her again.

"A woman wrote a shonen genre. That was PEAK!" I give a compliment to this mangaka. "Well, Ayame. You've got my attention. When I'm not busy, I want to read."

Ayame looks happy and will lend her manga to me.

After we're breakfast, Ayame's on her way to the workplace in Nakano City. It's 50 kilometres and it takes half an hour if taking a train at the station. Ayame said farewell to me and she's gone to work. And now, how about me? I must've surfed the internet and found full-time jobs for foreigners like me. What jobs should I sign up for?

I found one! It's a convenient store around 1 kilometre from home. Not bad! Even foreigners can work here. I want to apply now. However, when I saw the job descriptions, this company needs experience and a latest resume. Back in my day, I used to be a trader and sell fruits and spices to the local people and I exchanged some weapons to the neighbour's kingdom for gold. It was a bestseller, especially the spices when I traded with an Arab merchant. Should I write it? No freaking way! This is the Reiwa era, modern people never trusted me if I'm telling history in my resume. Better start with the lowest one. I should choose a part-time job to gain experience before landing a full-time job.

Sometimes later… I'm really drowsy!

I've surfed all the jobs on the internet and there is no job for me (as a foreigner!) I just want a part-time job, but…. They want experience! Should I lie in my resume??? No can't do. It's a bad omen! If any websites can't help me, I have to do it in a classic way. Go outside! Oh shit! It's already mid-afternoon?!?

Am outside of the apartment. I wear a pair of sneakers and lock the door by using the spare key given by Ayame. The weather is cloudy and not so hot outside. A perfect day for walking around the neighbourhood. Hope the people are not suspicious of me because I want to find a job.

Hour by hour, I walk and take a bus to ride around the city. Chiba prefecture is vast to explore. By walking, it takes too much energy and a lot of sweat if you are patient enough. I've found a bike-to-rent next to the road. This country is very advanced! (And the price for rent is far cheaper than fast food.)

It's already dusk now. Time passed quickly and the sky turned to reddish. The crows start cawing while flying back to their nests. Many vehicles on the road and street lamps start to turn bright. I'm very disappointed today because there is no job suitable for me! I tried to work part time at a local supermarket but they're refused because they won't take citizens nor foreigners. This era uses mechanical things called 'robot' labour work. Yeah, every labour work now uses robots to this day. When I saw the news yesterday on television, many people protested to their employer how they treat their trusted workers who work hard for them. How could their own bosses replace them with things?!? Maybe the economy reasons and cheap payment than use human energy probably. What should I do next?

"Aargh! I hate kendo!! I GIVE UP!!!"

When I was cycling, I heard a kid screaming so loud. Then, a random bamboo flying around my right to the bicycle and it hit the front of the tire. I lost my balance and an accident fell on the road. Who is trying to hit me?!?

CHAPTER 5

"Oh no!" When I fell, I heard a kid running to me and apologising with panic on his face. "Are you okay, Miss?!? I'm sorry you've got an accident because of me! Are your legs okay?!? Oh my God!! I damaged your bike!! I'M TRULY SORRRRYYY!!!"

He wants to help me by pulling up but I stand up by myself. Gladly, I'm not getting hurt by accident. Except, this rented bicycle. The chain is not pretty damaged but the front tire looks badly bent. I relax my mood and flash a smile to him. "Nah, I'm okay. My legs are okay."

His face was already wet with sweat and I tried to calm him down and said. "Don't worry, young man. I can fix this bike."

"That bicycle looks badly damaged. How can you fit it back?" He questioned me back with a teary face. "I can pay you back! Take my money, please!"

I refused his money. So, not wasting my time, I bent the tire and it turned round. It looks new! Lucky me, the tire is not turning flat when I'm forcing use my arm.

That kid looks terrified to me and starts running away while screaming. I blurred for a second… Oh darn! He forgot his bamboo. When I was examining, it's a bamboo sword for practising sword fighting. By the look of his age, he is 16 or 17 years old and a high schooler. When I meet him again, I will return his sword.

Well, time to go home… I must return this bike first!

…At home.

It's 7:30 P.M. and I've arrived. The door is not locked. I knew it! Ayame is already going back first. But why was she so early?

I put the bamboo sword into the umbrella rack beside the door and gave a greeting like I saw from J-drama yesterday. "I'm back!"

She greeted me back. "Welcome back, Dihya-chan! Perfect timing because dinner is ready! Go wash yourself first."

She treated me like her daughter. *chuckle*

After I locked the door, I'm going to the bathroom to take a shower, I look surprised at Ayame because she looks different today. I shouted! "A-Ayame?!? Is that you!!"

She responded with giggling. "Hehe… I wear eyeglasses. Wait, you never saw me with glasses, am I right? It is really me." When I first met her, she never wore glasses. She continued. "The truth is, I have nearsightedness. I wear contact lenses because I've lost the glasses at work and these lenses are for emergencies only. Thanks to my friend, he found it at the train station when he accompanied me. Wearing lenses is painful and I don't want to wear them anymore. Hmm hmm!"

"Even if you wear lenses or not, you are still Ayame, I know. There's no cons when you wear glasses. You look cute." I compliment her and she starts blushing. "Your friend is 'he'? Is he your boyfriend, right!" I am trying to tease her.

"N-N-No! He's not mine. We've just a co-worker, that's all. Dihya! Go bath now before dinner is cold!" She shoo-ing me with her red face like a fresh tomato.

After showering and grabbed dinner with my housemate, Ayame. We're watching the news on television while eating snacks on the small table. I sit on the floor and munch. Ayame, playing games on her mobile phone.

The news anchor showed footage of protesters about robots taking advantage of work labour. Many people are yelling and angry while holding the banner in their hands. The next news is, there are many foreign tourists who are rude in Japan. They're throwing rubbish in residential areas, making noises at night and fighting with the locals. People nowadays never learned a lesson about respecting each other when in foreign countries. If these rude civilians lived in the conquest era, they're going to be executed because of bad behaviour.

"Dihya-chan." Ayame poke me. "When did you buy shinai? Are you practising kendo?"

She pointed her finger to the bamboo sword in the umbrella rack next to the door. I said. "Shinai? Oh, that sword. Actually, someone left it when we bumped into it on the road. It was a kid running away from me after he accidentally threw it on me. Glad I'm not having a serious injury."

"What a rude kid! If I see him, I want to pull his ear." Ayame's grudge and clench her fist. "Is he a thug? Better report to the police before it's too late."

When she uses her phone and calls the cop, I'll stop her and say. "It's okay, Ayame. He's not a thug. He just has a problem at school. Just let it go."

"How can you be so sure?!" Ayame pouted her cheek like a pufferfish. For real, she's too adorable. "What if he called his gang and planned to beat you??? Absolutely NO!"

When she was angry, I pulled her cheek not so hard and said in a relaxing node. "Don't worry. I know how to take care of myself. I hate using violence unless it's necessary. By the way, he's a high schooler and besides, he's afraid of me and runs away after I want to return his shinai. He looks tough but he's too cowardly when he sees a woman like me."

I released, pulled her cheek and cleaned the table after eating snacks. Ayame stretches her arm and massages her shoulder while watching the television.

After the news, my favourite drama is coming next. Yesterday, it premiered and I was hooked up. Ayame and I can't wait for the next episode. The show is a rom-com genre and it's a popular J-drama when it comes to live action. This show was adapted from a manga series. Speaking of manga, I forgot to read Kami no Kami-sama that I borrowed from Ayame this morning. After I'm done with the show, I start reading it.

…The next morning.

I wake up from sleep and it's 6:30 A.M. O'clock. Woah, too early!

Besides my pillow, there was a bunch of manga I read last night and just finished in 2 volumes. Kami no Kami-sama plots are interesting and it makes me addicted. My head is fuzzy after too much reading.

Did Ayame wake up? I've better check it out.

Outside of my room, the living area is pitch black because the sunlight got blocked by thick curtains on the balcony. As usual, I open the curtain and it's so bright outside even in the early morning. I turned around and got a mini heart attack because Ayame is outside and she's drooling on the sofa. So, I woke her up.

"Ayame, it's morning. Wake up!" I pushed her shoulder and squished her cheek but it's not working. Maybe, a little teasing might work. "~Morning, Ayame-chan~".

This sounds weird when I use a flirty voice and it really works! Ayame's face turned red and shivering. What is she dreaming in her sleep? I tried it again…

"~Don't force me to touch you, Ayame-chan. Wake up~". Oh God, this is cringe..!

Finally, she opened her eyes and she fell from the sofa. "Sousuke! Wai- Ouch!"

I knew it. She dreams about the MC in Kami no Kami-sama, Sousuke Shin. He's the number 1 protagonist and most beloved among the readers. (Including me!)

"Ayame! Wake up now. Before you are late to work." I advise her while opening the balcony door to get some fresh air.

She wiped her lips from drooling and said. "Morning, Dihya-chan. I saw him. My husbando-kun, Sousuke!" She grinds her teeth and smiles from her dream just now. "Why did you wake me?! Today I finally have my day off."

"Really? I didn't know that. And why you not tell me yesterday? I'm sorry to interrupt your sleeping." I apologise to her.

She stands up and goes to the kitchen to boil the water to make a cup of coffee. "It's fine. Actually, my throat is dried up and I want to drink something."

I asked her why she slept outside. "Why do you sleep on the sofa? Did you sleepwalk when dreaming of Sousuke Shin?"

Ayame just giggles and scratches her head and no response is given. What a funny girl.

After I grab a coffee, I wear a tracksuit because I want to jog around this area. While I'm jogging for exercise, I want to return this bamboo sword from a kid who bumped me yesterday. I bet he lives nearby.

"Ayame, I'm going to go jogging. Do you want something at a convenient store I can buy?"

"Nothing. But, can you go to the supermarket? Buy me eggs and soft drinks. Wait a sec, I get the money." She's rushing to get her wallet but I refuse to use her money. I can pay by using my money. I hate to give her more burdens.

I'm outside and ready to leave. I closed the door and Ayame forgot something. "Dihya-chan. Hold up! Can you buy some snacks? In the kitchen rack, it's all empty. I can pay you back if you short on money!"

"No problem. And I told you already, I don't need your money cause I hate burdening you. I can pay half of the rent and bills only. Get it?" I smug.

Lastly, I can't forget the bamboo sword in my hand. I must return to this kid I met him yesterday. Where is his school exactly? By that time, he must be walking to school.

…At the ground floor.

I check the letter in the mailbox and there's a bill that must be paid. I didn't get a job yet and I don't want Ayame to pay her own rent and everything by herself. I must get a job as soon as possible! The prices are…

"260,000 yen excluding electricity usage…"

WHAT THE HELL!!! Is freaking expensive for a single person to pay rent. If I'm living alone, I definitely eat sand to survive! That's why Ayame looks skinny because lack of nutrition. Moreover, I can't blame the price because this area is very strategic with public transportation, school or university and supermarket.

Birds are chirping and the skies are blue. I jog on the side of the road and greet the locals I've met nearby. The people around here are nice. In the morning, people go to work and nobody is home during the afternoon and evening. That's why yesterday it felt empty.

"Good morning, young girl!" The uncle greeted me with a bright smile on his face. "Are you practising kendo? It was nice that a girl trained very hard these days."

"G'morning! Actually, no. I'm jogging and this shinai, I want to return it back to its owner. Yesterday, we bumped into each other and he forgot his belongings." I stopped and told him. "Well, uncle. I've gotta go now. Good bye!"

"Be careful when you meet wild dogs nearby."

Half a minute later, I'm crossing the road and look left and right. Many school kids are going to school. There are elementary students, middle and high schoolers. But, I don't see 'him'.

I keep jogging and breathe some fresh air with good moods. The air breeze on my hair and the sweats are cool on my skin. I love humid weather… When I'm slowly running, I see a golden bird up into the sky and it's landing up on street lights. I rested a bit and took a picture with my phone. Even though this phone is an old model, the photo quality is beautiful. I focused on the shot and I finally took it perfectly.

After that, I tried to whistle to that golden bird and it turned their head to me. I'm so happy to see and I want this bird to come to me. So, I hold out my index finger without shaking my right hand. Voila! It landed!

"...So cute! I want to pet you so bad." I mutter. I don't want to waste my chances! Now, I grab my phone in my pocket again and try to take a picture again and I finally get it. But, time goes on… The golden bird flew away. Back in my old life, I used to love watching birds outside my home and I saw a golden bird just like this. In my free time or after meeting with comrades, I'd paint the bird drawing on a white canvas alone. Today's technology just snaps the pic.

A moment later, I saw him! The kid yesterday who threw his bamboo sword at me. Better sneak behind him or else, he ran away from me again.

Is he reading a manga while walking? That's too dangerous! He better watch out if he bumps into someone. Without wasting a second, I grabbed both of his shoulders tightly and didn't want to let him escape.

"What's up, kid! I've finally found you here! Muehehehe…" I give him a little horrifying face.

"UWAAAHHH!! DEMON LADY! Please don't kill me!!!" He tried to escape again but this time, I won't!

"Hey! I'm not a demon lady! It's rude to call me when you're the one causing an accident. Lucky you, I'm not getting hurt. I'm going to return your shinai." I gave him his bamboo sword back but he refused to take it.

"You can throw it in the garbage. I don't want it…"

CHAPTER 6

His face suddenly changed when I gave his sword back. He responded so bitterly while clenching his fist. I have never seen this kid rage like this. What's the matter with him? Does he have trouble with kendo practice at school???

"Are you giving up on kendo? Why? How could you say that?"

He shouted. "Listen, Miss! This is my problem only. You shouldn't intervene in the trouble I've made. I'm sorry if I said a bad word to you but…" He paused for a second.

"But?" I questioned him.

"I QUIT KENDO!!! I HATE KENDO!!!"

He ran too fast and gripped his manga too tight and he vanished like smoke. I can't believe he left everything because he hates something. Now, what should I do with this bamboo sword? Gosh! I forgot to ask him where his school is?!? Even if I asked, he wouldn't tell me.

"Excuse me, Miss. Is that Hideki's sword?" I heard a young girl speaking behind me and I turned around. Based on her outfit, she has the same logo on her clothes like that kid ran away from me. Is she his classmate?

"Sword? Oh yeah, his bamboo sword. It his belonging. Are you his friend?"

She paused a second and she continued. "I've been his childhood friend since elementary school and yes, he's my classmate. Where's my manners? My name is Tomoe Sasaki and I'm a kendoka like Hideki." She bowed her head and flash her little smile.

Based on her looks, she's of slender build type and her height is the same as an average female teenager. Her haircut is 'Hime Hairstyle' just like a princess in historic japanese women. Her skin's pale as white like fresh snow who tears from the skies. She was almost perfect by her standard beauty because her eye shape is a 'dead fish eyes' type. Overall, she's beautiful.

"This is his shinai. Here, please take it." I gave this bamboo sword I'm holding right now and the girl named Tomoe took it. I compliment her for a bit. "You're a kendoka too? You're so cool even though you look like a real-life princess from a historical drama I've seen on TV."

She smiled and thanked me because I've praised her coolness. "Thank you for your praise but I'm just a normal girl like everyone in Chiba. When I started training, I always tied my hair to wear a full set of Bōgu. It's pretty hot inside because it's too thick. At least, it's good for protection from hard swings." While she is chatting with me, she looks back at the sword. "This shinai does not belong to him. This is a school property and if he loses it, he must pay back for compensation. He's too immature after losing…" *sigh*

I nod. "And, who did he lose to?"

She moves her index finger and does the 'shh sign' and says. "It's a secret." She made a smirk on her face. "Till we meet again someday, Miss. See ya!" She walked away to school and I waved my hand. She stopped after the third step and looked back at me. "What's your name, Miss?"

I don't know why, but I can feel her aura energy. I bet she's the one who defeated Hideki during training in the school. Even though she's small and beautiful, she's pretty strong! "My name is Dihya. Dihya Al-Kahina. Nice to see you…"

I bowed my head and she replied to my introduction. "Dihya… You are unique and you speak japanese fluently. I thought you were from Okinawa prefecture." She looked so surprised and I smiled back.

After I returned the sword to Tomoe, Hideki's classmate. I felt relieved because my problem was done. Except, I don't get a job yet. Oh shoot! I forgot to buy some stuff at the supermarket! Better run now because it's already open.

Two weeks later… I am still unemployed.

Ayame has paid the rent including other bills. I had to owe Ayame and she seems alright but I'm already giving her more burden. I'm already short on money and I don't remember how much I've spent?

Since I'm jobless and too broke to buy food, Ayame made a request to me. She want me to dress as her maid like in the anime she watch a long time ago and greet her when came home. Such as, "Welcome home, master." or "Master, are you tired? Here, I will give you a good massage. Please lie on the bed." Hold up! Does that mean I'm not just her maid… Am I her slave??? What's happening to her!? Why do I feel creep? Please someone… HELP MEEEE!!!

"That's enough, Ayame! I don't want to wear this dress anymore!" I insist on this maid theme.

Ayame object. "Why not!? I am your master and you are my beloved maid. If you not listen to me, I'm going to punish you!" She hold a belt and is ready to spanking me.

She walked slowly to me with a disgusting smile and it creeped me out. "A-Ayame? Is this really you or are you being possessed?!?" I hold her shoulder and beg her to be normal like she used to be. "Ayame! Please don't do this to me anymore!! Wake up!!! PLEASE WAKE UP TO REALITY!!!!"

After an hour of 'fight' with her, Ayame has gone back to normal. The reason she became like this is because she's too stressed at work and she wants some entertainment. Can't believe her dark side was a masochist otaku lady. When I read in the blogspot, there was a case that a creep otaku forced his female colleague to wear a lewd cosplay outfit due to a challenge. And then, that girl feels creeped out and is shouting for help. Some passerby heard and stopped this guy. After this incident, he got arrested and found guilty of sexual offence and fined for ruckus or sent to jail.

Ayame And I lying on the floor and tired after this mess. She laughed and wiped her sweat on her forehead. She said, "That was fun, Dihya-chan. I never see you afraid of me. Like a puppy." She looked at me and gave a big smile on her sweaty face.

"I'm not… Huh, whatever." I started blushing because of her compliment and she giggled. "This outfit? Isn't it like cosplay? Do you wear this in public."

"No! Why would I wear it in public?! It's too embarrassing except at the Comiket event." She woke up and grabbed her phone to show me something. "This is me cosplaying as a magical girl when I'm studying at college. Even this pic from ten years ago… This is my favourite moment ever!" She flipped the screen on her smartphone and showed the pictures in her cosplay. She looks so happy and beautiful also, she has a lot of friends with different outfits. She continued. "This is me wearing a Yellow Rider Rangers costume with friends. Look! I've met the super star himself and I shake his hand!! O can't forget this moment!!! This was five years ago." She's so excited to share her memories with me.

"I didn't know you're a cosplayer like I see on TV. Lucky you… I have never attended an event once in my life." I said. (In my past life, there was no anime convention in Algeria. But, I've always attended feasts in many countries. I don't remember where because I'd forgotten. Can't blame it because I've been reborn and my old memories are already half wiped out.)

"Don't praise me. I'm not so active in cosplay nowadays because of money and all of my friends are married." She slaps my back pretty hard. Ouch! My back. "During last year, I stopped cosplaying. It's not that I don't like it, this hobby makes me burnt out and I'm disappointed with communities. You see, when I'm cosplaying and doing skits with my friends, it was fun. I love it so much and my cosplay friends want to meetup again this year. Until someone in SNS harassed me and my friends with cursing and insults. There was a teenage girl who just joined the group two years ago and she loves the handicraft of cosplay. She's like my kouhai to me. Sadly, she quit cosplaying after those incidents after her debut. I miss her but she is ghosting me…"

Her past is sad and broken. I feel bad for her problems. Maybe, I can step in. "Ayame, better you don't have to quit your beloved hobby. Cosplaying is not just your hobby, it is part of you!" Now, I'm encouraging her to be a cosplayer again. "I know why you burnt out. It's not because of communities, it was your friend ghosting you."

She looked sad and she turned off her phone. "She really hates me forever. It was my fault I introduced to her my hobbies. Before she's a cosplayer, she was just an average otaku and loved collecting action figures. She wants to change her lifestyle and she has confidence in dressing up as her favourite character. If I knew this would impact her life, I would prevent it."

I stand up quickly and hold her shoulders with tension on my face. "It's not totally your fault, Ayame! You actually do the right thing. Remember why she want to cosplay even though she's too shy to approach you? You're the one encouraging her to love this hobby! She's ghosting you not because she hates you. She doesn't want to worry for herself. Someday, she'll contact you back. If she's not respond, you can change her mind by finding her back. I can help you if you want my help. I'm your housemate and we're sharing our problems together. I remember you said to me you want to be my bestie but I'm curious because we're strangers when we first met. Now, I really like you to be my first friend in Japan."

Ayame starts crying her tears and she wipes with her hand. "I'm sorry if I cried. You're such a good motivational speaker. Your speech makes me believe in myself. Thank you, Dihya-chan!" She's standing and she hug me as her thanks.

This is really awkward. At least, I've tried helping her. "By the way, Ayame. I want to change my clothes now."

A moment later, the night has falls. We're going to eat dinner but I'm already bored with rice. Maybe we can change the menu?

I'm in the kitchen and looking through the refrigerator. "Ayame! What do you want to eat? I can cook the chicken nuggets if you want."

"No need. We're eating outside. My treat!" Ayame dressed in cool clothes and she invited me to eat at the restaurant.

"Don't need to treat me. We have to save up our money. And I'm really broke right now."

Ayame's smirk and she pulls out the piece of paper inside her handbag. "Today is Friday night and this restaurant has an offer for us! Their new menu looks delicious."

I look at the brochure and it's a ramen advertisement. The food looks delicious! I meant, the soup and tender meat are so fine. I'm drooling right now and I want to crave this! "Ayame, you make me super hungry… LET'S GO!!! WE'RE EATING RAMEN!" We're both excited and left the house as fast as we could before many customers came.

Five minutes later, we arrived!

To be frank, it's not far from our home and we don't need to take a bus. Luckily, the customers aren't too packed and we're satisfied.

"Here we are, Katsumi's Ramen Oishii! I've always eaten here at the end of month when I get my paycheck. It's too boring to eat the same food everyday. Have you ever tried this ramen here?" She's talking to me.

"I never eat ramen in restaurants. Usually, I only eat cup noodles I buy at the grocery. Finally, I can taste real japanese food!"

Ayame pulled my wrist and said. "Let's dine in, Dihya-chan!"

…In the ramen's restaurant.

The premise looks so beautifully decorated and there are many tables for customers. The smell inside the restaurant's so delicious and my hunger sense is kicking! The aroma of spices and meat are savoury enough for us.

""Welcome!"" The owner of the ramen shop and a female employee greeted us.

"Good evening, owner-san! Long time no see." Ayame said hi to the owner with a smile on her face.

"Oh, Tachibana-san! I see you every month. I never forgot my patron. Come come, have a seat." The owner knows Ayame and he looks so happy to see her. Thus, we walked to the table beside the window next to the main door.

The owner looks so busy handling the food and the female employee (possibly his wife because I can see a wedding band on her left ring finger) helps the customer to make a payment. Behind the kitchen, I saw one male employee cooking the food. Hmm, there aren't many employees here…

While we're waiting, I looked at the menu and there were many choices of food and selection of drinks. They also have a dessert too?!

"What do you want to eat?" Ayame asked me. There's too many and it's so confusing to choose. I'm a big eater and one bowl is not enough for my tummy. I feel bad for Ayame because she treats me so kindly. Guess I picked the discount ramen choices.

"Miki! Leave the noodles awhile and please take an order to the customers here." The owner called his employee to take the order from us.

"Yeah, father!"

Hol' up?! I knew his voice somewhere…

He walked with a digital tablet in his hand and greeted us. "Welcome to Katsumi's Ramen Oishii, May I take your order, Misses?"

I was shocked because I know him. He is a kendo boy when I want to return his bamboo sword. That means, he is the owner's son!

"Aargh! Y-You?!? The demon lady!!!"

…How rude to call me that!

EPILOGUE

So far, so good. Former Queen of The Berbers, Dihya Al-Kahina has managed to live in the modern world. She made a new friend and I'm so surprised that she already mastered the foreign language in such a short time.

…I see, she is trying to help this young teenager by not giving up to his problems. Bet she can be his mentor in the future. I, Ruh-Being… Can't wait to witness your destiny.

Just as the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, allow yourself to undergo a rebirth in a different place and emerge more beautiful than ever before.

…When the time comes upon us, I will descend to Earth and meet you, face to face. But right now, I'll have to wait till your conclusion has closed your own story.