[[ Hello everyone! It's been a while, I apologize for that!
Here's an update, do leave review and let me know your thoughts.
This chapter is pretty long so I wanna apologize again.
Another chapter will be in the works, thanks for staying with me and reading this story. ]]
In Soul Society, a familiar teal haired scheduler was seen in the Captain-Commander's room.
"Nori." The Captain-Commander greeted, "What news do you have today?"
Nori bowed before the Captain-Commander and greeted him, "Captain-Commander, I'm here today to tell you that number 4 on the list is going to arrive in Rukongai by tomorrow night. Upon agreement, I am to release the boy's memories."
"And you are sure she won't come willingly?"
"I've been watching over her for most of her life, once she sees the life of those in the Rukongai, she will be reluctant to leave and will want to stay to help the people there. The only way to convince her to leave is to use the boy."
"Drastic times call for drastic measures. Chojiro, please fetch Abarai Fukutaichou here immediately." Yamamoto ordered his white haired Vice Captain.
After a few minutes, Chojiro returned with Renji by his side. Upon entering the room, Renji was surprised to see a scheduler in the room alongside the Captain-Commander.
"Abarai Fukutaichou, I'd like you to meet Nori, a scheduler as you could already tell. We have news to share with you today."
"Eh? No offense but what does a scheduler have anything to do with me?"
"You've felt it haven't you?" Nori asked as he walked toward Renji, "You feel something react within your body as you get closer to Kisumoto Hajime."
"How do you know Hajime? Are you the scheduler that showed interest in her?"
"Yes, and I'm the same scheduler that brought you into Soul Society."
"Nani?" Renji asked with a face of bewilderment.
"My job today is to release your sealed memories."
"My… sealed memories? Are you telling me that when I came here, I chose to forget it all? If it's like that, I don't want them back. I forgot them because my life was probably horrible, who are you to release them as you please?"
"Please stay calm Abarai Fukutaichou." The Captain-Commander assured him.
"When you crossed into this world," Nori continued, "You told me directly yourself that you wanted to seal your memories until Hajime also crossed into this world. The time to release your memories have finally come."
"Are you telling me that Hajime is going to die? If you know that, shouldn't you protect her?"
"The first rule of a scheduler-"
"Yeah, I know. Can't interfere with a human's life but haven't you already broken that rule?" Renji questioned with a scoff as he gave a look of disbelief towards Nori.
"It wasn't her time then but there is nothing I nor you can do about her impending death."
"And why are you telling me all this?"
"As you know, I have been asking the Taichou's and Fukutaichou's, as well as the schedulers, to compile a list of potential Academy enrollees. Number four on the list compiled by the Schedulers is Kisumoto Hajime." Yamamoto explained. "With Miss Hajime's pending arrival to Rukongai, I have a mission to hand to you."
"Mission?"
"You are to guide and persuade Hajime to join the Shinigami Academy. If she's as impressive as Nori explains, she will make a perfect seated officer in the Gotei 13."
"And how am I supposed to do that?" Renji then looked at Nori, "You know her as well as I do, you know once she sees how run down the Rukongai is she won't leave. How am I supposed to convince her to come with me? She'll decline every offer and she won't leave unless there's a good reason for her to."
Yamamoto and Nori exchanged a glance at each other and Nori lowered his gaze as he turned his attention back to Renji, "Then make that reason you, Abarai Fukutaichou." Yamamoto declared.
"What does that mean, Captain-Commander?" Renji asked with a confused expression.
"It means, make her fall in love with you. If you must, manipulate her feelings and have her become a Shinigami for the sake of being with you. That is your mission Abarai Fukutaichou. No matter the actions, the ultimate goal is to have Hajime join the Academy that will be enrolling students in three years. When she crosses to our world, you are to find her immediately and start training her, the Captain seats must be filled immediately and with Shinigami gaining promotions, we need higher level skilled Shinigami in our Gotei 13. Do you understand what your mission is Abarai Fukutaichou?" With the suddenness of it all, Renji had no idea what to say to the Captain-Commander about this. What could he say anyway? The Captain-Commander's orders are absolute and that definitely was an order.
"I'm going to release your memories now." Nori explained as he walked toward Renji who already had so much on his plate. Positioning himself in front of Renji and opening up his hand in front of Reni's forehead, Nori yelled out the command, "Kaihou"
With the memories of his previous life flowing into his mind, Renji remained where he was with a wide-eyed expression on his face. When the release finally finished, Renji stood from his position and looked Nori in the eyes, "It's finally time, huh Nori? I can see her again?"
"As you requested, you will be able to regain your memories for two days max, whatever you do in those two days will remain with the man named Renji. You are not allowed to tell Hajime that you are indeed Akashi, if you do, you will no longer be referred to as Abarai Renji and once that happens, everything you did under that name, will erase itself from your life and memories."
"I understand. I'll do my best not to stand out. Just being able to see Hajime again with my own eyes, I can't believe it's actually happening."
"You must understand that her course of death is not a pleasant one, I suggest you make your appearance when necessary."
"Even though I have my memories back, I don't think I'll have the guts to face her like this so I understand, only until the last second, I'll make my appearance."
"Now that everything is all set, you both are free to go. Do not fail me Abarai Fukutaichou." Yamamoto exclaimed.
"Hai!"
At Karakura High, the senior class was rehearsing for their graduation ceremony that will be occurring tomorrow. With the excitement that is buzzing around the school of the upcoming graduation, everyone is in good spirits.
Hajime, Ichigo, and his friends have been spending more time together these past two weeks since Hajime will be attending Tokyo University after graduating at the top of her class.
With today being Hajime's last day of class, Ichigo and Orihime invited Hajime to have lunch on the roof with them. Unfortunately, Chad and Ishida had school business to attend to and couldn't make it to lunch.
"You're finally graduating Hajime, you excited to leave?" Ichigo asked.
"You have no idea. I'm really thankful for meeting you guys in my final months here. It really has made my school experience better and you guys even made Dia stop with the bullying since last week. I'm going to miss you guys. I hope you guys do well in your last year here."
"We'll definitely do our best!" Inoue exclaimed in excitement, "Hajime-San, I wish you the best in college."
"Thank you, Orihime. I hope this new experience will be a pleasant one." Hajime looked to the sky and there was not a cloud in the sky; today was a beautiful day.
In the red light district, many of the women were picking up overtime since the weather was getting warmer. One of those overtime workers was Aiko and she has been exhausted out of late but she was able to make almost double her usual pocket money.
Upon returning to her own personal room and changing into her casual clothes, she observed her body in the mirror and saw all the bruises and scratch marks that were displayed on her skin. Looking at her wounds, she immediately applied ointment to prevent scarring and proceeded to get dressed.
"Aiko-San?" A voice was heard at the door followed by a knock.
"Ah, come in."
The women that entered the room was Shizu, she was a newly appointed worker in the red light district and was placed under Aiko's supervision.
"Shizu, what is it? You have questions about today's schedule?" Aiko asked as she was putting on her jewelry.
"No, it's not that, you have a visitor. Shall I send him in?"
"Please." Aiko said as she then proceeded to put her makeup on.
Shizu bowed to Aiko and left the room allowing Aiko and her guest to talk in private.
"Must you put all that makeup on, your natural beauty is diminishing." The man's voice was rough yet gentle and upon hearing his voice, Aiko froze and slowly turned to face the man.
"Loki… What… are you doing here? How… did you find me?" Terror struck Aiko and a sense of urgency to leave the room filled her mind.
"You think I wouldn't be able to find you? We've been friends for years, I know everything about you."
"Friend? If you're my friend, why are you on Kazuto's side?"
"Aiko… Before he turned all crazy, we were best friends. He knows my strengths and my weaknesses; he knows that targeting my family will make me do his every whim. I'm sorry Aiko but I came here to warn you. Your time is up, as well as Hajime's and he knows where you both are. There's no escaping, you're going to receive your punishment as I will receive mine. Enjoy your last few moments you have left." Finishing his threat, Loki left the room and left Aiko in a panic.
It's been ten years already? Oh no, I have to protect Hajime; we have to leave quickly.
In a rush, Aiko gathered her things and left her dressing room to make her way home.
Finally making her way home, Aiko ran inside in a panic. What is she to do? Hajime's graduating tomorrow and if they run away now, Hajime won't be able to attend Tokyo University and the last thing Aiko wants is to strip away Hajime's education. Then Aiko thought maybe it would be best to trick Kazuto into thinking that the two of them have run out of town.
Aiko grabbed two suitcases from the attic and immediately went to fill them with both hers and Hajime's most valuable items. With the suitcases packed, Aiko was about to call Hajime with an excuse when she heard the click of the lock to the front door.
Hajime was home from school and Aiko ran over to her with a worried expression.
"Mama… What's wrong? You look like you saw a ghost."
"Ah, Hajime-Chan, you're home already? I-I just came home to pack some clothes. Actually, my boss requested that I work through the weekend starting tonight. I told him that you're graduating tomorrow so I'll definitely be there for that but I have to work the weekend shift again sweetie."
"But, you packed two suitcases." Hajime said as she looked at both full suitcases on the ground with a questioning look.
"Ah, one's for you! It's not really safe here in the neighborhood at night and you know how I worry about you. Also, it's almost time for his release, it's best to keep our guard up and be home as less as possible. I know it's sudden but since you've gotten really close with your friends, I thought maybe it'd be best if you stay with a friend for the weekend. You know, you're graduating tomorrow; it'll do you some good to spend time with your friend Orihime before you leave for University."
"That's right… Papa is getting out soon, I hope by that time I'm already in Tokyo. I'll give Orihime a call and ask if it's alright with her." Hajime made her way to the kitchen to call Orihime and Aiko let out a sigh of relief for being able to lie to Hajime successfully.
I'm sorry my daughter, Aiko thought to herself as she looked upon a picture frame of her and Hajime together, The only way to protect you is to lie to you. Please stay strong my darling.
Later that night, Aiko took her suitcase and made her way to her friend's home.
Hajime, on the other hand, was able to stay at Orihime's for the night. Hajime hasn't disclosed about her father to Orihime but Orihime already knew from the rumors that were spreading around the school. It seems that Hajime hasn't heard about the rumors of her father that have been spreading around.
"Thank you for allowing me to stay over last minute, Orihime. I promise I won't be a burden."
"It's okay Hajime, don't worry about it. Besides, this just means I get to spend some time with you before you leave for college. Have you finished your speech yet?"
"Not quite. I think I might have to stay up a bit and finish."
"Well, if you need anything let me know." Orihime offered with a smile.
"Thank you."
"Kisumoto Aiko, you have a person requesting you for the night. He says he'll pay triple the usual amount for you so you better do a damn good job." A large muscular man wearing sunglasses and a flashy red and white tuxedo ordered. "He's in room 3C, it's soundproof so make sure you satisfy him, understood?"
"Yes sir." Aiko replied with an expressionless face.
As Aiko approached room 3C, a familiar face greeted her.
"Loki… I thought you were a warning, what are you doing here? Where's Kazuto?" Aiko questioned him as she tried to slowly walk out of the room but Loki's intimidating presence made it hard for Aiko to leave.
"Did you enjoy your last few moments with your daughter?" Loki stared into Aiko's silver eyes and walked closer to her. Reaching toward his back pocket, he pulled out a gun and Aiko instantly knew that this was the end. "In the end, I only lied to her… Loki… We were friends… Must you do such a thing? You really cared for Hajime, how could you leave her like this? Without a mother…?"
"I'm sorry, Aiko but I have no choice. Kazuto wants to end the game and I have to end it now. However, I will grant you one last conversation with your daughter but if you warn her or anything, you will get a bullet to your head and she will as well. Understood?" Loki motioned his cell phone to Aiko who took a deep breath and dialed Hajime's number. The cell phone, however, had to be placed on speakerphone.
Hajime, who was still up trying to finish her speech for tomorrow, answered the phone and thought it was weird for her mom to call her since she's working at this time.
"Mama? What is it, is everything okay? Did something happen?"
"No, I just wanted to check up on you. Why are you still up?"
"I'm still struggling with this speech, I don't really want to write it." Hajime explained as she gave a small laugh.
"It'll come out perfect, just write out your true feelings. Whether they are negative or positive, I'm sure someone will relate."
"Ah, I suppose. Thanks mom. Since you're able to call me, are you on break? You should try to squeeze some sleep in, you'll be exhausted if you pull another all-nighter without even a slight nap." Hearing Hajime's caring and gentle tone caused Aiko's demeanor to break.
"Ne, I was talking to my friend today and she told me something that I wanted to share with you… There are a lot of people there that will want to hurt you Hajime-Chan, like that old bully of yours. Do you know what automatically makes you better then them?"
"What, Mama?"
"You stay strong. I'm so proud of my little girl and how you've grown into a woman with a kind heart. However, even with a kind heart, you're a strong fighter. Fight for what's right my dear and you will achieve what you desire most. Remember my love, even if your heart wavers, know that you'll always have Mama by your side, okay? Good luck on that speech honey, I know it'll be great."
"Thanks Mama. Be careful at work, I'll see you tomorrow at the graduation ceremony!"
"I'll be careful, thanks sweetie." Aiko then hung up the phone and she tried her best to put a strong face in front of Loki.
"That was all, no 'I love you'? You do realize that that will be the last conversation your daughter will have with you."
"'I love you' was not needed, she is my daughter. She already knows I love her. If you dare touch a hair on my daughter, I will definitely come back to haunt you and kill you myself Loki."
"That won't be necessary." Loki said with a smile as he raised the gun to Aiko's head.
Two gunshots were fired and the lifeless bodies fell to the ground with a thud.
. . .
The next morning, Hajime woke up early to get ready to head to her graduation ceremony but before she left Orihime's she received a phone call from the Police Department.
"Hello, is this Miss Kisumoto Hajime?" A woman's voice asked.
"Yes, this is she."
"Miss Kisumoto, I'm terribly sorry to inform you about this over the phone but your mother, Kisumoto Aiko was killed in a shooting last night in the Red Light District."
"W-what?" Hearing the news, Hajime dropped the phone and she was unable to comprehend anything that was happening around her. Her body went numb and she stayed frozen in place.
There was an hour left until the graduation started and Orihime was getting ready to leave when she saw Hajime kneeling on the floor with her phone dropped beside her.
"Hajime? Aren't you supposed to be at the school, you'll be late if you don't leave soon."
Hajime stood from her position and spoke without facing Orihime, "I'm not going. Sorry Orihime but do you mind going to the school and letting the principal know that I won't be attending the ceremony?"
Orihime was caught by surprise by Hajime's sudden declaration, "What do you mean you aren't going? You stayed up late last night to finish your speech and you even got dressed, what happened?"
"I changed my mind, please notify them for me." Hajime then proceeded to the room Orihime lent her and left Orihime with a bewildered expression.
Orihime made her way to the school and bumped into Ichigo and the others in front of the school.
"Yo, Inoue, where's Hajime?" Ichigo asked.
"She suddenly changed her mind and decided she didn't want to attend the ceremony today."
"Eh? Do you know why?"
"I have no idea, I think something happened but I'm not sure what."
Then they saw Dia walking past them and heard the latest gossip that she had to spread today, "Did you guys hear? She's dead, someone shot her last night and the shooter killed himself too. I wonder if they told Hajime yet. I feel kind of bad, I would hate to lose my mother like that, I should probably apologize to Hajime later if I see her."
Hearing the news, Orihime finally understood what happened.
"That's terrible… We should do something." Orihime commented.
"I think the best thing we can do right now is to let her be alone for a little. Since there's no reason for us to be here, let's go try and cheer up Hajime, shall we make her something to eat tonight? A home cooked meal is always good in situations like this."
"Curry is Hajime's favorite, I'll make some for tonight. You guys are welcome to come over."
"Thanks, we'll be over around 7 then."
The group decided to leave school grounds after informing the principal that Hajime would not be attending today and went to the grocery store. They bought all the ingredients needed to make curry and went their separate ways for now.
By the time Orihime got home, it was around five o'clock. Orihime thought if Hajime helped her cook dinner, it'll help her feel less depressed and she didn't want to see Hajime look so sad. They cooked curry for dinner and managed to finish around seven.
During this time, Ichigo and the others were making their way to Orihime's when a hollow's presence was felt near Orihime's house.
"That presence… Hollow? It's quite close." Hajime said as she looked out the window.
"I'm going to go take a look, Kurosaki-Kun is probably already hunting it down. I'll be back, okay?"
"Take your time." Hajime said as Orihime went to assist in the purification of the Hollow.
About 20 minutes later, there was a knock heard at the door. Hajime thought it was Orihime that was at the door so she didn't hesitate to open it but the person that greeted her was Kazuto. He had on a menacing smile and a gun was hidden in the back of his pants.
Seeing the face that haunted her for years caused fear to take over. This man ruined her life and took away her mother's life. She hated him down to the very core of her being.
"Hajime-Chan, you know who I am, right?" The man questioned as he slowly walked toward Hajime.
Hajime tried to back up the closer he got but she ended up hitting against the wall with no where else to go. "You're my father, no, my mother's murderer… What do you want?"
"My my, how can you say such a thing. I wasn't the one that killed her it was Loki. Even the cops figured that one out. You think I forgot what happened 10 years ago? I'm here to exact your punishment. Remember Hajime, we're a family and family always listens to the one in charge."
"I had a family and you killed her!"
"Now, now, calm down. If you wanna blame me for killing someone, I'll definitely kill that sweet girl that left not too long ago if you want me to."
"You stay away from her!"
"Then come." Kazuto demanded as he stretched out his hand.
Hajime had no other choice but to protect her friends and so she willingly went with Kazuto. They walked back to Hajime's house and made their way to the roof. "Why are we here?" Hajime asked.
"I told you, I'm here to punish you and what better place to do that then the place you and your mother decided to run off to." Kazuto took out his gun and aimed it at Hajime. Hajime completely froze.
"So your plan is to kill me? That's how you're going to end this game?"
"My plan is to kill you and then myself. Your mother, you and I will be reunited as a family again. That is the plan."
"You've got to be kidding me. There's no way you would join mother and I. Have fun rotting in Hell."
"Prepare yourself, my sweet Hajime. We'll all be in Hell together." Kazuto cocked the gun and two gunshots echoed throughout the air.
. . .
When Orihime left to assist with the purifying of the Hollow, there were groups of low-level hollow that were not much of a fight. However, Orihime's assistance was not needed since Rukia and Renji were in the area at the time. When they all finished purifying the hollow, they saw Orihime and surrounded near her.
"Hey Orihime. You didn't need to come out it was no big deal." Rukia greeted.
"I didn't know you two were here." Orihime said.
"They were in the area and I invited them to come eat but we got caught up with these hollow. Sorry Inoue." Ichigo explained.
"It's fine, we should probably head back, we gotta keep an eye out for Hajime." Orihime explained.
Everyone made their way to Orihime's apartment and noticed that the door was left wide open.
"You leave your door open when you leave Inoue?" Ichigo asked.
"No, I'm pretty sure I closed it when I left." The group of six walked closer toward the door and noticed that the living room was empty; there was no sight of Hajime anywhere.
Before anyone was able to search around for Hajime a drop in a certain someone's spiritual pressure caused them to all stop in their tracks. They all shared concerned glances at each other before they made their way toward the source of the spiritual energy. Ichigo, Rukia, and Renji shunpo-ed to their destination as Ishida, Chad, and Orihime ran as quickly as they could following the trail.
Renji was the first to arrive at the scene, his heart completely shattered, even if he knew she was going to die today, he didn't want to see her suffering like this. The others arrived shortly thereafter and everyone was in shock at the saddening scene in front of them. The bodies lay on top of the roof with pools of blood surrounding them. Hajime's white hair was stained red and her body was slowly losing its warmth.
"Orihime, are you able to heal her?" Ichigo asked in a low voice.
"It may be too late." Orihime said with an expression of guilt.
Renji slowly walked over to Hajime and gently lifted her into his arms. With every bit of energy she had left, Hajime opened her eyes and as she looked into Renji's eyes, she saw an image of Akashi in his place. Slowly, She motioned her hand to Renji's cheek and gave a small smile, "Akashi…"
Hearing his name coming from her gentle voice, tears were welling up in his eyes. "Hajime-Hime, I'll find you." He whispered as he held her close.
Hajime hasn't heard that nickname in years and the only person that called her that was supposed to be dead. Finally receiving the truth, she gave a genuine smile and mouthed the words thank you as her hand fell to the ground and her spiritual pressure disappeared.
"I'll find her, if that's the last thing I'll do." Renji explained as he performed Konso on Hajime. As Hajime's soul was sent to Soul Society, the only light that shone that night was the sparkling moon that echoed Hajime's silver eyes.
