Yo-kai Watch: Into the Shadowside story preview (Chapter 1)

College.
Oh, if you think about that word, think about how this would sound like any other normal day. Anyway, I need to introduce myself. I’m Justin. Lately, I’ve been having this strange imagination come through. But, I’m just your normal college student who just has a knack into this thing called “Yo-kai Watch”. Apparently, I’m not the only person who would think otherwise. Because, let’s just say that what happened one day, was unlike any other.
On that day, I got to see this Nekomata. On that day, my life never really was the same ever again.
This was how it all started. This was how I went Into the Shadowside.
On my way to the bus stop, it was just the start of any other day on a Tuesday. This time, I was planning to get there early to finish up on my mid-term exam that was rescheduled. But along the way, there was some kind of stone capsule machine. No, seriously. It looked as if it was made out of stone. But then, I recall hearing a voice. And it sounded like it called out to me…
“Feed me, feed me~”
That was the voice I heard, in a sort of chant. I looked around. I would have thought it would be my own imagination, or that I must have been thinking too much.
“Feed me, feed me~”
Okay, I thought, this isn’t going to go anywhere, if it kept singing. But then, it resonated more into a full song.
“Feed me, feed me~ Feed me, feed me, feed me right now~!”
And when all that was done, when I finally looked at the capsule machine, right there on the ground was a sort of oversized coin. But this wasn’t like a collector’s coin at all, it was at a size where it would only fit in the machine. So, I did insert it in the slot, turned the crank, and out came a sort of capsule. When I tried opening it, it was tight at first. Right until I gave it a bit more force in opening it-
Pop! The capsule opened, and a bright light shined out of it. It went on for a few more moments, in a sort of light show, until the smoke cleared, as it was staring back at me. And by that, I meant seeing an orange cat-like creature with scars, and an outfit to match a delinquent…
“Finally, I’m out of that tight prison! About time I got freed by someone much like you. And besides, I needed someone to be with…”
The more I look at it, the more I’m getting a strange case of déjà vu. It’s not like this is something I knew of, but more or less, something like it!
“Wait, whom might you be?” I must have been crazy to think about asking such a question, but this cat replied with,
“I’m Gintarjo. Many just call me Jo.” He said this, with a smile that made me question if he’s just intimidating, or just cute.
Yo-kai Name: Gintarjo
Tribe: Mononoke
Rank: A
Attribute: Fire
“And I’m a Yo-kai, spiritual beings that are known to cause mysterious events! Anyways, whom might you be?”
“…Justin…”
“…that’s it? I’m pretty sure there’s more to it than just a name like that. Now, you’re probably wondering how I got myself into that mess. It’s hard to explain, really.”
“Do tell.” Now I’m curious about whom he is.
“To put it simply, it was about a few years ago or so that I happened to wake up inside the capsule, and with it, my past memories being erased, and replaced with another one’s memories. There wasn’t a swap or anything, but it was so intense, I was involved, as well as others too. It wasn’t until now that you managed to free me, a Nekomata, who has gone through all the pain just to finally have redemption on the one that caused me to feel different!” And Gintarjo was just talking like he was okay! How is THAT okay???
“…Nekomata?”
“…a sort of spiritual cat, given why I kinda am looking like I’m bipedal…”
“….I guess that kinda does make sense. For a regular college student like me, do you really think that I’m worthy enough to be a chosen one?” I must have been dreaming about this, because I can’t even recall seeing him before…
“Now that we’re all introduced to ourselves, allow me to grant you this.” And from in his jacket pockets, he pulls out a watch, but not like anything I recall. It’s white, has faceplates that look like a big compass, and under the faceplates is the working of a regular mechanical watch. But also, a keyhole…? Why would he give me such a watch?
“…and what is this?”
“This, is a Yo-kai Watch. More specifically, the Yo-kai Watch Elder Version J. All custom-made to fit to your likings.”
…hold on. Did he just say that the watch was custom-built for ME?! I don’t recall any of that being mentioned before!
“…you look surprised. It’s hard to say why, but it’s like there is a feeling that we know each other, but you seem to be having a hard time understanding what’s going on. Don’t worry. Just put the watch on, and everything will make sense.” He’s assuring me to put it on, and I still question myself about it.
Nonetheless, I put it on. Surprisingly, it fits nicely.
“Now, I’ll you something about Yo-kai and humans. There are two different realms: The Yo-kai World, and the human world. Even though they’re two different realms of existence, they’re all on the same parallel. Your Yo-kai Watch acts as like a link between both worlds, meaning that with the Yo-kai Watch’s influence, you’re able to interact, see, and hear all the Yo-kai, which others don’t see otherwise.”
I’m just amazed at how simple that took, even though it would seem like forever. “Right, so how is this going to affect me?”
“That’s a tough question. Personally I never thought about it otherwise. Nonetheless, it seems that you have been chosen to solve the problems with Yo-kai. In short, you’re like the mediator of Yo-kai problems.”
“That sounds pretty hard to do-“
Gintarjo just cuts me off, with an assuring tone. “Don’t worry about it! Your life would still be fine as it was, so you don’t have to worry about this interfering with your college life! Think of it as like a dual personality. On one side, you’re a normal student. On the other side, you’re the chosen one!” That’s when he remembered one other thing.
“…Gintarjo? What is it? Something wrong?”
“…it’s just as I thought. Besides you, there’s at least seven other Watch holders, each with different Yo-kai partners. And somehow, they’re all spread across the area. You’ll need my help. But we don’t want to be obvious about it. Let’s get going before things get strange, shall we?”
That’s when I realize that I’m going to be late! So I dashed my way to the bus stop, and right on time, as the bus was arriving at the stop. I got on board, and soon, I was on my way to the college…