AN/: Hello again! :D I've posted another multi-chap Hitsuhina for me to work on this summer (with Shirou the Dog and other one-shots) Unfortunately, this is all I could do for now. My workload in school reached the peak this week, but I really wanted to post at least an intro, hence this! :) I hope it would give out a few hints on how the story will unfold. ^_^
Some important points: It's in AU. For now. Some OCs, violence and heartbreaking moments in the next chapters . [Disclaimer] I can never own Bleach.
R&R~
Prologue: The Journey Back Home
A pair of brown hazed eyes scanned across the skyline through the thick, small window of her private jet. Feeling nostalgic, she kept on gazing the clouds below from the very second she sat in her comfy wheel-chair until she could vaguely see the unfamiliar dots that made up her hometown.
She was left on her own space, wondering when the airplane would be landing. Once again, for so many years, she felt the impatience of a child, albeit sitting still. Yet, as much as she showered herself with excitement came nostalgic sadness, regret and longing. All in a single shot, by the exact moment the silence was broken. The quiet shaking of the plane signaled that it has already landed. And the announcer's voice boomed from every corner around her, mocking her constricted throat.
Tokyo, Japan.
Her wrinkly hand swiftly swept the silent tears that managed to escape from her old, wise eyes. She sniffed her snot back to its place like she always used to do since she was little, and chuckled about how she never grew out from that disgusting habit.
Even if that was already a long time ago.
"Hinamori-dono…" called a tall, brunette man from the neighboring section. He was dressed in a formal black suit, which contrasted the brightness of her plain peach-colored dress and a light purplish shawl wrapped around the old woman's neck and shoulders.
The two remained quiet for a minute. From a short distance, the brown-haired young man was prying deep into the woman's tired-looking eyes holding a bit of hesitation about this little excursion. He could feel the tension within her as she tried to open her mouth and closed it again, unsure of what to say.
Yosuke could only be sure that she was here for a big reason. Or else, 63 year-old Hinamori Momo, the CEO of the biggest global Medical firm network, Seireitei Inc., wouldn't escape from her demanding work in Washington.
"Chairwoman." He tried again. He knew she hated formalities.
But she didn't flinch nor frown.
The suit-clad man waited for a while to get a response from his boss, who was now looking again through the window, peering at the fading lone star adorning the changing sky. A small smile was brought to her lips, and she stopped whatever she was doing. He thought she was mouthing a prayer, or talking to someone who wasn't clearly with them, before turning back her full attention to him.
"Yes."
And it worked automatically. The steps were laid down, and he realized he was gripping the handle of her wheel-chair tighter than the usual times. He pushed her to the exit door and decided to pause for a moment.
Feeling the gentle, winter breeze of the dawn, he softly spoke, "Welcome back to Japan, Hinamori-dono."
The old woman closed her eyes, savoring the familiar coldness that reminded of her purpose.
Finally
"It's good to be back."
...
I'm home, Shirou-chan.
AN/: Yeah, Cliffhanger. : )) Apologies, but it's a must. Anyways, watch out for the next chapter. More and more shocking details will be revealed so stay tuned!
-suikatomomo
すいかともも