The Great Shift is such a turn on

 

Story: Dont mess with the timeline

"Don't mess with the timeline". That's what every sci-fi book and movie will tell you. I would have liked to think I would have followed that rule, being the huge nerd that I am. It all started when I touched down in Japan. I was granted a work visa through the J.E.T program and couldn't have been more excited for my year long stay in the land of the rising sun. Exiting the plane I met with an ambassador of the program who taught me how to navigate the city by train, and even drove me to my new apartment, which was even smaller than the pictures showed. The ambassador helped me unpack my bags and showed me around the mountainous town I'd be calling home for the next year, as well as the school I'd be teaching at. After that the ambassador left me, but not before telling me about some good places to eat. I was enjoying my walk home when I came across an old shrine hidden in the woods. I immediately wanted to check it out, but with it being night I decided that I'd rather see it during the day. The rest of the walk home was peaceful, and I ran into my neighbors as I was unlocking my door. Heading inside I crashed on the futon I laid out previously and fell fast asleep. The next morning was warm, and I woke up slowly, still feeling jet lagged from the time difference. After an hour I finally decided to get out of bed. I folded my futon, took a shower and headed out for the day. My first thought after exiting my apartment was to check out that shrine that piqued my interest last night. Heading there I spotted a vending machine and checked out the selection. "Ugh coffeee" I muttered to myself as I inserted 500 yen into the machine. I grabbed the cold drink and continued on my way. Heading up the winding stairs I finally arrived at the old shrine. The whole are had a certain tranquil air to it, and I was shocked to notice I was the only one there. As I looked around the shrine I noticed an odd glint out of the corner of my eye, and decided to inspect it. What I assumed had been a nail in a tree, was more shockingly an oily blackish purple orb, hovering in place. I couldn't believe my eyes as I looked it over and wracking my brain for an explanation. Against my better judgement I reached out my hand to touched the orb. My hand seemed to slip right inside of it with no resistance. However when I tried to pull out my arm I found that I couldn't, in fact the orb had been slowly consuming me. I started to panic as I tried to free myself, and that's when my vision went black as it consumed me.

Lingering thoughts and probing questions

 

Story: Advanced witness protection

 

I hate the Great Shift!