"He lost you Akiza."
"What?!" Akiza's blood ran cold.
"I'm sorry, but that's why I was pushing you to take the position no matter what he said. Wait Akiza?!"
Akiza stood numb from the pain medication. For a second a dizziness almost overtook her…almost.
"Sorry Ana, I wish you the best my friend."
"Take care Amiga."
Akiza ignored the cry and beeping of the machines as she pulled off the needles and plastic tubes stuck to her. She managed to swipe a doctor's coat and made it down the hall without any of the nurses rushing by taking notice.
"Where's the patient?!"
She could hear the panicked voices from the nurses drifting down the halls. She chuckled as she could hear her friend's sassy responses. Akiza hurried to the entrance with her head lowered and avoiding any eye contact. Luck was on her side as she saw the usual guard/greeter dealing with a rowdy patient too distracted to notice the bare footed, battered doctor slip past the doors.
She flagged down a cab and climbed in the back seat and gave the driver the address. The whole ride over she stayed eerily silent creeping the driver out.
"We're here. Uh miss?"
Akiza was already out before the driver had even made a complete stop.
"Wait here I'll be back."
The driver was unsure of what to do as he watched his scary passenger walk away. "That girl looks like a ghost, a vengeful ghost."
"Yes, I concur." A male voice startled the old cab driver.
The man wore a light gray and white business suit. His silver hair flowed down his shoulders and his eyes looked void of life. He tossed the man some currency that was twice the amount the trip cost.
"This should cover her fare now leave."
"You don't gotta tell me twice thanks!" The cab driver sped away without a second thought to the strange corpse like people he had just encountered.
Goodwin sighed knowing he was going to have a hard time convincing Akiza to return to Neo Domino. Maybe he should just let her kill Sayer and then she would have no choice but to accept his assistance. Then again it would be such a mess to deal with a murder cover up.
XXxxxXX
Akiza made her way up to her apartment ignoring the stares and whispers from the people around her. She skipped the elevator and instead made her up the stairs anger slowly rising within her. Soon she stood in front of the door that lead to Sayer's apartment. She felt her arm sting, but she ignored it as she forced the door open breaking the locks with ease.
She took a few steps inside, but her anger grew in intensity as she saw the apartment completely empty.
"No!"
The room she stood in no longer contained her life. Everything was gone, empty, and all alone like her heart. She felt pain blossoming inside her. To be completely honest the pain probably had to do with all the injuries she had sustained after falling from the window.
"Now what?"
Akiza snapped at the sound of a familiar voice. There before her eyes stood a ghost from her past.
"Goodwin."
"Aki, it's been some time, hasn't it?"
"What do you want Goodwin?"
"I'm only here to collect what I rightfully won." Goodwin shrugged circling around her.
"I should be surprised, but I'm not. You're the one who defeated Sayer and won me."
"I usually don't stoop down to such levels, but after hearing from some sources your reluctance to accept my invitation well, I took some initiative."
"For weeks you sent those applications, which I promptly burned to ash. Imagine my surprise when I open my acceptance letter to your little project."
"Yeah well I had a little help from your S/O Mrs. Keller I believe. She simply wanted the best for you."
"I never belonged to Sayer, so your effort was all for null, because I never agreed to be sold. In other words, you don't own me."
"No you're right, but I think you'll still come with me tonight."
"And what makes you think that?"
"I can get you revenge."
Akiza's ears perked up. "I'm listening."
"Come with me and I can get you Sayer all for yourself. I am a man of power Aki I can keep that promise."
"What's this pet project of yours?"
"Neo Domino Prep and Neo Domino General."
"A school and a hospital?" Akiza looked confused.
"Here's my offer Aki. I need Neo Domino General to become one of the top hospitals in the country and of course I need the same conditions for the school."
"I don't follow."
"well you're a doctor- "
"No I get that part! You want me to come fix your hospital faculty and such, but I don't understand the connection of the school with me."
"I need you to become one of the instructors on campus."
"What?!"
"Well my hospital is well on track to becoming one of the best hospitals in the country, but my school recently merged and the transition has been…difficult and the scores of the students reflect that."
"So you need me to fix your school. Me a doctor, who has never taught a classroom of teenage kids." Akiza stated out loud.
"Essentially, yes. My hospital faculty may need a little guidance, but they are very competent you may only be needed for a few weeks at the most. It would certainly be a shame to waste your talents after I put in so much effort to get you home. Besides it might take me some time to locate your prey."
"Fine whatever I accept your terms, but I will need to make some drastic changes."
"Oh another point! You must live with the teachers in their building, which is near to the hospital if your needed. The on-campus dorms have a supervisor schedule in which you must take part of in at least once a month."
"Great from a doctor to a babysitter." Akiza sneered. Goodwin perked up realizing something.
"Aki do you know who I am?"
"Of course you're director Goodwin. You have a son Jack Atlas, and during your time you have been successful in bringing prosperity to Neo Domino." Akiza's eyes narrowed.
"Answer me this. Why did you leave Neo Domino?"
"To become a doctor and make a difference someplace else."
"Then why are you so reluctant to come back?"
"Well, I-I…I honestly don't know." Akiza answered confused.
"Oh Aki."
"Dr. Izinski call me Dr. Izinski director." Akiza's voice became emotionless.
"Dr. Izinski, do you accept my offer?"
"Director you promise me revenge correct?"
"Yes I do."
"Then director, I look forward to working with you."
XXXXX
That had been a year ago in her old life. She sighed, 'how many times do I have to be 'reborn' before I can live a happy life?'
She had held up part of her end of the deal. Neo Domino General was one of the most prestigious hospitals, but she only played a small part in it's success. Goodwin had been right about having brilliant doctors, surgeons, and even the nurses were competent.
"Akiza." Goodwin cocked his head trying to get the girl's attention.
"Sorry I was just thinking; I am one step closer to holding up my end of our deal."
"Ahh yes congratulations are in order I believe you should feel happy."
"I will only feel complete once you've delivered your end of the deal to me."
"Very well then you start Monday for the next and final part of our deal."
"I am brimming with anticipation." Akiza commented.
"You don't have to be so sarcastic."
"Whatever."
Akiza left to prepare for her new journey.
XXXX
The next day…
"Hey did you see that lady in our class today?"
"The scary mean looking one?"
"Yeah! I heard she's gonna be teaching us."
"Wha… I hope I don't get her."
"Well I heard she's supposed to be some kind of prodigy or something."
"No I heard she was a doctor."
"Maybe…she's a witch!"
"Hey! Get to class!" A man with fiery hair and multiple markings called out.
"Yes sir Mr. Hogan!" The group of students ran off to their respective classes.
"Rotten kids."
"Like you're any better cher?" A teasing voice surprised Crow.
"You heard that?"
"'Course cher."
"Since you seem to be in the know. What's this rumor about a new teacher about?"
"Beats me cher. Je ne sais pais.I don't know." Sherry shrugged her shoulders.
"I think you do!" Crow accused as he heard Sherry stifle a chuckle.
"Why would I know?! Honestly, if you ask me I think it's all rumors started by the etudiants." Sherry crossed her arms and cocked her head smirking.
"I did ask you." Crow mumbled.
"I believe cher, it would be in your best interest to get to your class seeing as the late bell sounded 'bout 3 minutes ago."
"Really?! Gotta go! Wait what about your class?" Crow asked as he hurried to the end of the hallway.
"Planning period!" Sherry shouted out chuckling.
"You're so mean Sherry." Crow grumbled.
"Heard that."
As Crow approached his classroom he stopped in his tracks realization hitting him like a ton of bricks. No one stood outside his door waiting. His students were all already in his classroom, which he was sure he had locked before leaving. He checked the room number twice before taking in a deep breath and walking in.
"Ahh Mr. Hogan I presume…. You're late." A female voice scolded.
"Thank you for gracing us with your presence. Please do proceed to your regular schedule pretend I am not even here." The woman was facing the board never sparing him a glance. She gathered her things and proceeded to the back of the room.
As their eyes briefly met he froze stupefied. The woman he could never forget her, yet apparently, she could as no sign of recognition crossed her face. Confused the woman gave him a stern glare.
"Any day now Mr. Hogan."
"Uh.. right." He managed to stumble to the front of the class and somehow teach his class.
At some point the bell rang and his students quickly piled out of the room. The woman wrote quickly in her folders. She gave him one last look and stepped out. Crow was too stunned to move or speak.
'Could it be? Aki?'
XXX
Akiza walked through the halls avoiding the bodies of students as best she could. She pulled her schedule and map trying to figure out which class she would observe next. She decided to move on to the English department next. She sighed hoping that she wasn't going to walk into a mad house.
The reason being; Luna. She was one of the youngest instructors in the school; the other being her twin brother,Leo. Her resume was impressive enough on it's own, but her age was so close to the students, she wondered if she could teach objectively.
She heard the final bell and found herself alone in the hallway. She could hear the clicking of her heels as she made her way down the silent corridor. Finally, she found the room, but before letting herself in she took a deep breath. She took her keys out, courtesy of Goodwin, and unlocked the door.
She entered silently observing the students. She found herself slightly surprised to see students with their hands up actively engaged and interacting. She quickly scanned the room looking for the instructor. Students were in their seats; another was at the board writing a sentence.
Everyone wore a uniform, so Akiza was confused.
"Where's Miss Luna?" A teal-haired girl got up giggling.
"You're looking at her. Wait have we met before?" Luna held her hand out puzzled. Akiza shook it hesitantly.
"I don't believe so."
"Well I'm Ruka Luna, and you are?"
"Akiza Izinski."
"Did you say Izinski?"
"Miss Luna!" A girl frantically waved her hands.
"Help! Tho she can't breathe!"
Akiza's instincts kicked I.
"Take this." Akiza handed off her things to a shocked Luna.
"Get out of my way." She moved through the separated class and found the girl struggling to breathe. Akiza recognized the signs of an allergic reaction. Tho's skin was breaking out and her face was quickly swelling.
"Where's her Epipen?"
"No she isn't allergic-" Luna began.
"Clearly she is-call the ambulance she needs medical attention stat. Someone lead me to the nurse's office now!" Akiza took the girl in her arms with difficulty, but she managed to cradle her. As she burst through the door she followed the girl from before.
"It's this way."She took off and Akiza tried to follow, but the girl was too heavy for her small frame. Just when she thought she was about to collapse she ran into two teachers. One was a petite brunette with large glasses and the other a tall blonde man with piercing eyes.
She pushed past their bewildered expressions and tried to find the student from earlier.
"Hold on Tho we're almost there."
Akiza looked down at the girl who had fallen silent and she began to panic. 'Calm down Akiza.'
She stopped her arms were giving out and her legs were shaking. She wasn't going to make it. Suddenly, the girl's weight was lifted.
"Come on." The blonde man from earlier had Tho in his arms. She followed obediently.
"Martha!"
They arrived to the nurse's office after heading down another staircase. An older woman came out calmly.
"Come on my boy just set her down on the cot." The man did as he was told and Akiza pushed past him and began working on the girl.
"I'm going to need an epinephrine dose uh an epipen preferably."
"She doesn't have one."
"Then find one I- she needs it."
"Hey don't speak to her like that!" The blonde man snapped.
"Jack its ok. Here my dear." Martha handed her an epipen and Akiza tore the girl's shirt open and delivered the dosage straight into her chest.
"What the bloody hell?!" Jack shoved Akiza to the ground preventing the mad woman from hurting the dying girl.
Akiza shocked by the sudden outburst fell hard to the ground. Her vision swam and darkness began to creep.
"This way!" The petite brunette from before, walked in followed by two men holding a carrier.
"About damn time." Jack grumbled.
Akiza recovered from the shock ignoring the pain she stood giving the men instructions. Everyone in the room was confused as the EMT followed her directions without a question. As they loaded the girl and left Akiza started to follow, but stopped abruptly.
"Thank you." Then she turned on her heel and followed the men out.
Martha pulled Jack's ear hard.
"You need to apologize to her!''
"What?! Why?! She-"
"She just saved that girl's life and you nearly knocked her unconscious!"
"Wait what?!" Carly's eyes widened shocked Jack would ever lay a finger on a woman.
"Well how did you expect me to react?! She was on top of the girl and suddenly she shoves a fucking needle into her chest!"
"JACK!" Both Martha and Carly were shocked.
"What?!"
"First of all language!" Martha scolded.
"I get it Jack you didn't know, but I agree with Martha, you need to apologize to her. Jack I think we should also go check on Tho after school." Carly stated worried.
Jack sighed.
"Fine, but I have one nagging question."
"Yes?"
"Was that woman who I think she was?" Jack asked.
"I don't know, but she sure looked like Aki, but she's different."
"You two should get to your classes! Your students will be worried, and you miss Kira." Martha turned towards the silent student from before.
"You can go back to class if you feel up to it, but I don't mind an extra pair of hands to help around here for a bit." Martha stated softly.
"I think I'll go too nurse Martha, but thanks for the offer."
Jack and Carly made sure Kira got to class before they each headed off to their respective classrooms. The rest of the day was uneventful.
XXXX
Neo Domino General
Akiza watched as the medical team rolled the now somewhat stable girl into a room.
"Sorry doc, but you know the rules." A male nurse apologized.
"If she's okay I'll be fine."
"She's in good hands."
"I know. I made sure of that."
"You sure did." The man bowed and retreated.
Akiza walked to the receptionist up front something had been nagging at her.
"Oh! Dr. Izinski!" The woman quickly stood up and bowed in one swift move.
"What can I do for you doctor?"
"Has Tho Oh ever been seen here?"
"Oh doctor you know I can't-"
"I know, but how about this; just pull up her record and simply look down if I guess right ok?"
The receptionist was conflicted. She pulled up her chair and with uncertainty, but she finally relented nodding slightly. She pulled up her chair and began to type furiously.
"This isn't the first time Tho Oh has made a visit to the ER due to anaphylaxis."
The nurse kept her gaze down.
"-So that explains why she got so sick so quickly." She mumbled.
"Was there an unfulfilled prescription, do you know?"
The nurse looked at her unsure.
"You wouldn't know if it was unfulfilled only the pharmacy would duh. Um do you know if an epinephrine auto injector was prescribed, an EpiPen?"
The nurse looked down.
"Hmm. You can look up now. Thanks." Akiza left hastily leaving behind a bewildered nurse.
"Jack come on!" Carly dragged her boyfriend behind her.
"But Carly the nurse said she's okay. Besides the nurse also mentioned she was on her way to check out." Jack protested.
"Come on Jack maybe we can catch her before she leaves." Carly ignored Jack's reasoning. They entered the hospital and Carly continued to drag Jack along towards the receptionist's desk.
"What do you mean it's been covered?" A woman who looked tired and had a resemblance to Tho, was speaking to the receptionist. Carly and Jack exchanged curious glances.
"You don't owe the hospital anything ma'am. Your account must have been taken care of, because no information registers in the system." The receptionist assured.
The woman stood shocked.
"A-are you sure? Y-you aren't lying? Please tell me you aren't playing some cruel trick." Her voice wavered and Carly felt her heart clench.
"Ma'am you and your daughter can rest assure that you no longer have any outstanding balances of any kind. You can go home worry free." The receptionist gave the woman a kind smile. The woman feeling overwhelmed began to cry of relief and happiness.
"Mrs. Oh?" Carly spoke up causing the woman to turn her attention towards them.
"Yes?" She wiped her face quickly.
"Hi um I'm Miss Nasiga and this is Mr. Atlas," She motioned to Jack, "we're instructors at Neo Domino Prep."
"Oh? Are you the teacher who saved my Tho?" She asked.
"N-no, no Jack I mean Mr. Atlas. H-he carried her to the nurse's office, but-"
"Oh! You're the one who saved my baby! How could I ever repay you?" The woman bowed her head.
Before Jack or Carly could correct her, a doctor called out to Mrs. Oh.
" ?"
"Yes that's me! Oh um Thank you again."' Tho's mother bowed again and quickly followed the doctor.
"Well that was a waste of time." Jack sighed rolling his eyes he began to walk away. Carly bit her lip as she followed her boyfriend out of the hospital, but as she finally caught up to him she spotted a familiar figure.
Carly tugged on Jack's elbow to catch his attention.
"Hey Jack isn't that Aki?"
"Hmm?" Jack looked over to where Carly was looking.
"Looks like her-" He agreed. Little did he know…
"Come on let's follow her." Carly began to drag him with her.
"H-hey!"
She ignored his protests as she attempted to keep up with the fast woman. "What do you think she's doing?"
"I dunno Carly-"
"Wait I think she's headed back to the school." Carly answered her own question.
Jack finally wriggled out of his girlfriend's surprisingly firm grasp.
"Alright Carly we found out she lives at the school, so let's go before she finds out we've been stalking her." Jack grabbed Carly's wrist.
"Didn't she come out of the pharmacy by the hospital?" She ignored her boyfriend, mind churning possible stories.
"Carly come on." Jack began to tug her along. 'See how you like it.' Jack thought.
"No Jack I need to know why she's acting so strange and what she's doing here…wait, are you avoiding her?" Carly stopped noticing Jack's strange behavior.
"W-what? No of course not." Jack stopped and crossed his arms across his chest. They stood there arguing with each other.
"Miss Nasiga and Mr. Atlas, what are you two doing here after hours and bickering like children no less?" Akiza stood before them with a scowl and her arms crossed across her chest.
"Wh- we were just discussing-" Carly began.
"We wanted to know why you're here." Jack stated bluntly.
Akiza's face stayed still.
"That's none of you concern Mr. Atlas. Now if you can excuse me I must take my leave. Do try to keep to yourselves, my personal life is none of your concern. Good evening." Akiza turned on her heel and began to walk away from the school.
As Akiza's back faded jack finally spoke up.
"No way Carly, I mean she looks and sounds like Aki Izayoi, but she speaks and event acts differently. She's like another person entirely almost like an emotionless android."
"Jack!"
"What? That's what I think! It's not my fault you asked!" He shrugged.
"B-but she looks so much like her."
"It can't be her, no one can fake-"
"But what if she has amnesia or something?"
"Carly stop. Stop trying to change the past, Aki Izayoi is gone." Jack began to walk off towards the teacher's apartments. Jack scoffed annoyed that every night they had to live in the same building as everyone he saw at work every day.
"Jack?" Carly followed slowly worried that Jack would push her away. Jack sighed.
"Come here." Jack pulled her towards him in an embrace and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Carly buried her head in her boyfriend's chest.
"I'm sorry I just feel so haunted by her…what we did to her."
"Carly we were young and scared. Maybe she's moved on with her life and we're the only ones stuck in the past. I think it's time for us to finally move on also."
"Jack what-?" Jack lowered himself as he took her hand in his.
"Carly marry me."
"..."
Hope you enjoyed! -MMXX