Hotaka: Through My Eyes - Natural Disaster Zones Excerpt
Hotaka: Through My Eyes - Natural Disaster Zones Excerpt
Hotaka: Through My Eyes - Natural Disaster Zones Excerpt
HOTAKA
JOHN HEFFERNAN
Yamada
Otsuchi
Kamaishi
Sanriku
Omori-wan*
Rikuzentakata (Hotakas Town)
Kesennuma Hirota-wan
N
Utatsu
Shizugawa
Minamisanriku
Ogatsu 0 10 20 30 40 km HOKKAIDO
Tsugaru Strait
Iwate Prefecture
Sea of Japan
Minamisanriku
Sendai Earthquake Epicentre
N Miyagi Prefecture
A Fukushima
P
J A
Tokyo
HONSHU
Pacific Ocean
SHIKOKU
HU
N
US
KY
Prepare to die!
The young demon-wizard readied himself for combat.
His skin flared blood-red and his luminous hair lashed at
the air like lightning, as ogres, beasts, ghosts and ghouls
hovered menacingly around him. With deadly talons and
spiky horns, he kept his foes at bay, waiting for the right
moment to attack.
You dont frighten me! he snarled. I, mighty
Oniwaka, will tear you all to shreds and scatter your
scraps to the winds. Your end is nigh, cowardly denizens
of the deep!
Oniwaka gave a howl that echoed right through the
puppet theatre and set its audience cheering.
Oniwaka! Oniwaka! they yelled.
The theatre was packed that afternoon on March 11th
for a school matinee, and the air bubbled with excitement
as Oniwaka worked himself up for battle. In the front row,
Hotaka Yamato was on the edge of his seat. He turned to
his best friend, grinning up at him. Takeshi was standing,
Quickly, boys.
Sorry, Abe-sensei, Hotaka called as he and Takeshi
ran to catch the others. But the Puppet Man said we
could see the rest of the show next week maybe.
Cant wait! Takeshi shouted, punching the air. Go,
Oniwaka!
Yes, of course, the young sensei, teacher, replied.
But right now we have to keep moving.
Miss Abe was Hotakas favourite teacher, young and
happy. She wasnt so happy now, though, he could see,
with her brow creased and her eyes darting about for the
best way to lead everyone to safety.
We need to get out of this lane. Tiles could easily fall
from the roofs.
Eight teachers were shepherding the children down
the narrow alley from the puppet theatre to a wider
street. The main force of the earthquake had eased,
but there were still tremors and aftershocks. Electric-
ity poles wobbled and swayed, wires bounced up and
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