"Your flight will soon arrive at Kansai International Airport. We hope that you enjoyed your experience with HoloAir, and that you will fly again with us soon. We wish you a pleaseant stay in Japan."
I'm awakened by the soft droning of the automated voice announcement — as well as the aches that seem to cover my entire body. Serves me right for choosing a low-cost company... It's honestly a miracle the plane didn't fall apart mid-flight.
I look out the window to my side, catching a glimpse of the airport on an artificial island, as well as the coastal cities that surround it. The only link between them is a single bridge that stands alone against the ocean.
The airplane banks to line up with the runway, and I drum my fingers against the armrest. While going to Japan is exciting, I can't say I'm not worried, either. The reason is simple: I don't know Japanese. In fact, I even hired a local to serve as my guide and interpreter. And it's not like she did much to alleviate my stress.
I fish my smartphone out of my pocket, quickly opening the messages she sent me before my departure. "So you will be at Gate 6, right? Meet me at the arrival hall, you won't miss me!" And that's about it. Not reassuring.
The plane lands, and I end up awkwardly standing around in the arrival hall. I take the opportunity to quickly write her a small message:
"At the hall near Gate 6. Wearing a blue jacket, you won't miss me."
I hit send — only to immediately receive an answer.
"Behind you."
I whirl around, and there she is. An elegant woman with white hair and sapphire blue eyes stands in front of me, a teasing smile etched on her face. The two fox ears perched on top of her head and the nine fox tails that emerge from her knee-length brown coat indicated that she wasn't quite human.
I freeze in place, gawking at the sight of her.
"Hello, Anon! I'm Himeko, and I'll be your guide in Kyoto."