Re: Freedom: Regaining Freedom In Another World

FYI

Scene/ POV

: Speech

- Thoughts

[Flashback]

"Quoting"

(Author Note)

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Trial Of The Past

Mika was in a bedroom with a man as she got up to dress herself as the man smirked handing her money.

Koji- This is my mother. I was told she was a prostitute but seeing it...

Koji sighed.

Mika walked over to a pharmacy and bought medicine.

Koji- Hold on.

Mika then walked back to her house and to a woman who was about 47 in a wheelchair as she put a pill in a glass of water and gave it to the woman.

Mika: Come on please drink it.

???: I'm fine. Please don't mind me.

Mika: Please.

???: Fine.

The lady drank the water as Mika sighed.

Mika- I don't have enough for next week.

Mika sighed gritting her teeth.

Koji- I see so it was for this woman. Most likely her mother and so my grandmother from her side.

Mika made a call.

Mika- If I can't make money in the next four hours I'll be down even more money.

Mika: Hello sir. Can I get a few extra hours?

Her Boss: Sure Mika. I've got some open shifts.

Mika walked over to the station and went to work when she saw a man with black hair and a wide grin on his face.

???: Hey Mika. Looks like we'll be working together.

Mika: Yes. It looks like it Kiyotaka.

Koji- Hm? I was named after this man?

Kiyotaka: Are you and your mom doing okay?

Mika: It's been rough but I think we'll be okay

Kiyotaka took out his wallet.

Kiyotaka: It's not much but here.

Mika: No I couldn't.

Kiyotaka: It's why you're taking extra shifts right? Because you can't afford her medicine.

Mika sighed.

Mika: Yes it is.

Kiyotaka: Why doesn't your sister chip in?

Mika: She wants nothing to do with our mother.

Kiyotaka: I see. Just take it.

Mika reluctantly took it.

Mika: Thank you.

Echidna: This man Kiyotaka wasn't a particularly well-off person. He was doing this out of the kindness in his own heart. Mika adored men like him. In fact it wasn't out of the question to say that she had quite a crush on this man.

Koji- I see.

Mika: You look more tired than before. Are you alright?

Mika touched his cheek affectionately as he blushed.

Kiyotaka: I'm fine. I've just been taking a few odd jobs here and there.

Echidna: She'll never know that he got those jobs to help pay for her mother's treatments.

Koji- He cared about her that much? Hm... I'm pretty sure I know what happened.

Mika: You have? You shouldn't overwork yourself.

Kiyotaka: It's no problem.

Kiyotaka smiled at her.

—————————————————————————————————————

A Week Later- Doctor's Appointment

Doctor: I'm sorry to say but your mother's condition is worsening.

Mika: I know. What do I have to do?

Doctor: The medication isn't going to be effective much longer.

Mika: There has to be something.

Doctor: It's even more expensive than what you have to buy right now. I don't recommend it.

Mika: Just tell me.

Doctor: You understand there is no cure. She's not going to get better. These drugs just ease her pain. Nothing else. The more you do this the more expensive it will get.

Mika: I know.

The Doctor sighed giving her the prescription.

Doctor: You're a good daughter but I think she's bee worried if you overwork yourself.

Mika: I know.

Mika left and received a message.

"If you want it. Theres a job for you."

Mika bit her lip and headed to the location and knocked on the door.

???: Hey she's here!

???: Out B-Day present to our boy.

???: He's in there. He's our friend so give him a good time okay?

Mika: Of course.

They led her in to find Kiyotaka frustrated.

Kiyotaka: I told you guys I don't want a... Mika?

Mika: Kiyotaka?

???: Oh you know each other.

They looked at each other awkwardly and left the room.

???: I fucking told you not to get a prostitute.

???: How the fuck was I supposed to know she was going to be the Mika.

Kiyotaka: This has to be some kind of cruel joke right?

Mika: I... I'm sorry.

Kiyotaka: Are you doing this for your mother?

Mika: Yes. I didn't want you to see me like this.

Mika dropped to her knees crying. Kiyotaka walked over.

Kiyotaka: Why didn't you just ask me to help?

Mika: This started a long time before I met you.

Kiyotaka sat down.

Kiyotaka: I was in love with you.

Mika: Was?

Kiyotaka: I get it. I'm insecure but I just can't do this. I... My mother was the same and I can't do this.

Echidna: I hope you don't blame him. He was traumatized by it when he walked in on his mother and a man who he didn't know. Seeing his mother like that at his age? It must have been terrifying.

Koji- I see. This woman really is a witch for taking pleasure in that expression on his face.

Mika: I...

Mika pushed him onto the bed.

Mika: Then you'll be my final client. I'll quit.

Kiyotaka: Even if you say that I can't do it.

Mika: That's okay.

Mika had tears in her eyes.

Mika: It doesn't have to go any further than this.

Koji- I think I understand my mother better now. She gave up on all types of emotional happiness and so she sold me to my father.

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Morning

Mika woke up in the morning next to Kiyotaka, got her clothes back on and left not even buttoning them up as she walked onto the street and fell over into a puddle getting mud on her hands and dress, tears still leaving her eyes as she looked up to see the mud had stained some very expensive looking pants. She looked up further to see the face of Ayanokoji Atsumi.

Atsumi: You're perfect.

Atsumi grabbed her by the arm pulling her up onto her feet.

Mika: What are you doing?

Atsumi: My pants are permanently damaged. You'll have to pay for it. I'd like to talk to you so come with me.

Mika resigned to it as they entered the park. Atsumi took out a card.

Atsumi: I have a business proposition for you. Meet me at this location tomorrow at 5 pm. Even if you choose to reject that proposition you'll still need to pay for the pants.

Mika: Okay.

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The Next Day- 4:55 pm

Mika arrived at an estate as she showed the guards the business card showing her face to the camera.

Guards: Verified. Let her in.

Mika walked in astonished by the extravagance surrounding her. She eventually came to the room Atsumi was sitting in and sat down.

Mika: Sir.

Atsumi: I need a child.

Mika: What exactly are you suggesting?

Atsumi: You will fill that role.

Mika: Why would I agree to that?

Atsumi: I looked into you. Your mother's treatment is becoming expensive to, isn't it?

Mika: You...

Atsumi: I'll give you enough money that you'll be able to pay for all the treatments and still live comfortably. Of course if the child is born and you wish to back out you are free to do so but that would mean forfieting the reward money.

Mika: I'll do it.

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???

Mika: Please. Just take care of her until I get back.

???: No. You're insane Mika. That kid would be your child. You can't do this.

Mika: I'm doing this for mom.

???: Why? That woman is as good as dead. She's getting what she deserves.

Mika: You just don't understand...

???: No you don't understand. Because she didn't do this to your face.

??? turned to face Mika. ??? had a scar that went from her top left of her forehead that went down to the right side of her lip.

Mika: Sayuri please. She's our mother. I know you were born after she became like that but you have to believe me when I'm telling you she was a good person once. She's lost her memories. She forgot about our father so she's back to her old self. She's waiting in that house for you. I daughter that won't come home to see her.

Sayuri: I want nothing to do with that woman and you don't owe her anything either.

Mika: I'm the reason our parents split up. My father couldn't handle how reckless I was becoming and how our mother wouldn't punish me for it. I did it all for some stupid guy too. They started to argue more often until the arguments brought up bad moments in their past. Before I knew what I had done he left and when he did she snapped and became like that. You were still a baby so you didn't know about this.

Sayuri: I'm telling you no.

Mika: Then don't do it for her. Do it for me who protected you from her for your whole life.

Sayuri: Sister.... fine. 9 months. That's it. She can die for all I care after that.

Mika: Thank you.

Sayuri: You're really going to agree to that deal? THe child will still be your's. You're going to regret this later on.

Mika stayed silent on this.

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9 Months Later

Mika looked at a newborn Koji through the glass.

Atsumi: He's healthy. Well done these past 9 months. Why don't you name him?

Mika: Kiyotaka.

Atsumi: You're naming him after that man? Fine. It will suffice. 

Nurse: Do you want to hold him Mrs. Ayanokoji?

Mika: No.

Mika- I'm not his mother. A mother wouldn't do this.

Atsumi: Last chance. Do you want to take him and go?

Koji: Even if there were parts of it I didn't know how is this a past I didn't know? 

Echidna: Just watch. I'm going to show you now. I'm going to show you and unreachable past.

Koji- What?

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???

???: Kiyo. Wake up! Today is your big day.

A Young Koji woke up in a bed. He flung the sheet off of himself and got up stretching before going into he bathroom and brushing his teeth.

Koji- What's going on? Am I smiling? I'm not in control of my body.

Young Koji walked down stair and sat at a table as Mika walked over with breakfast.

Young Koji: Goood Morning Mom.

Mika: Good morning Kiyo.

Koji: What is this Echidna? What lies are you showing to me? None of this happened.

Koji- She's staying silent now?

Mika: You'll be heading off to Tokyo Advanced Nuturing High School today. I'm going to miss you.

Young Koji: I'll miss you too.

Mika ruffled his hair.

Mika: I'm proud of your Kiyo.

Young Koji: Can I ask about my father?

Mika: I'll tell you when you're a bit older. How about you graduate first okay?

Young Koji: ... Okay.

Koji- What even is this?

Sayuri walked down from the stairs.

Sayuri: Oh you're already awake.

She walked over placing her hand on Young Koji's head.

Sayuri: Going to the best Highschool in the country. You're incredible you know.

Mika smirked proudly.

Mika: My son is a genius with an Eidetic memory.

She puffed her cheeks proudly as young Koji blushed.

Young Koji: Mom! Please never do that in front of my friends!

Koji: Friends?

Young Koji got in the back seat of the car as Mika got int he driver's seat and Sayuri in the passenger's seat as they drove towards ANHS. When they got there everyone got out as Mika and Sayuri hugged Young Koji.

Mika: Do well at school okay. Make some friends.

Sayuri: Don't get a girl pregnant.

Young Koji: Auntie!

Mika: Sayu!

Sayuri: What? He's a handsome guy. I wouldn't be surprised if he was popular.

Koji- Is this what my family dynamics would have been if she had taken me?

Koji: Echidna! Is this some kind of way to try to get under my skin?

No answer.

Young Koji entered the school and sat in class next to a girl with Liliac coloured hair.

Koji- I was placed in Class A huh?

Young Koji: Hello. My name is Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.

???: Ah yes. My name is Sakayanagi Arisu.

They shook hands as their homeroom teacher Mashima entered explaining the S-System. Arisu stood up explaining what she knew about it. After class ended Young Koji approached Arisu.

Arisu: What is it Ayanokoji?

Young Koji: Have you ever played chess?

Arisu: No not really.

Young Koji: Want to try it? I always have trouble finding someone to play with.

Arisu: Fine.

They sat down playing.

Young Koji: Checkmate.

Arisu: How... Hm... I see.

They continued playing until Arisu finally won a game.

Arisu: That was actually a lot of fun.

Arsiu tilted her head closing her eyes and smiled.

Young Koji blushed.

Young Koji: Um yeah. It was.

Koji- Sakayanagi huh?

Echidna: What did you think?

Koji: What was the point of that?

Echidna: That was your unreachable past.

Koji: My question still stands. What was the point?

Echidna: You don't get it do you? You don't understand that you were loved unconditionally from the moment of your birth.

Koji: That's a lie. When I was born I only had one purpose. That purpose was to win. I am a vessel for that. Nothing more and nothing less. I never received unconditional love from my parents.

Echidna: Still not willing to believe. Sure sure. I guess I'll have to show you a bit more.

Koji- What?

Echidna smirked.

Echidna: The look on your face will be absolutely delicious.

She licked her lips.

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???

Mika stormed into Atsumi's campaign building meeting Atsumi.

Atsumi: Oh Mika. I heard about your mother's funeral a few years back. I heard the possessions were good.

Mika slammed her hand on the table.

Mika: I know what you're doing. The White Room. You sick fuck. Give me my son back.

Koji- She didn't know? Mother? What was I to you?

Atsumi: No you agreed to hand custody over to me.

Mika: I thought he would be the son of a politician. Living a happy life. I thought this would be better for both of us. I ever agreed to send my flesh and blood into that hell!

Koji- What is she?... I...

Echidna smirked.

Atsumi: I told you already. The deal is done.

Mika: Please he's still only 5. Give him back before you hurt him. I'll pay back all the money I owe you. No even more just please give him back.

Atsumi: Not a chance.

Mika: You scum.

Atsumi: Security.

Mika: Atsumi! I'll make you pay! I swear I will!

Security dragged her away.

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Bar

Mika was drinking.

Mika: Kiyotaka I'm sorry. I'm a horrible mother I know but I'm sure I could do a better job than him right? I chose a dying woman over you because I was hoping they would find a cure and then we could go back to how things were. I should have held you in my arms. If I did I would have known that I couldn't leave you with that man.

Mika started crying.

Koji- Mother...

Mika turned her head when someone put their hand on her shoulder.

???: Hello madam.

Mika: You're...

It was Tsukishiro. 

Koji- Wait a second. No. Hold on.

Mika: You spiked my...

Suddenly she fell unconscious.

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???

Mika woke up tied to a cremation table.

Tsukishiro: Oh you're awake.

Mika: Please don't do this.

Tsukishiro: Willing to stop bothering Mr. Ayanokoji about subject 401.

Mika: Subject 401? You sick fuck! Give me back my son.

Tsukishiro walked up to her sighing.

Tsukishiro: If only you had agreed. I wouldn't have to do this.

Tsukishiro put his hands to her throat.

Mika: Wait... I haven't told... him yet... Kiyotaka.

Koji had tears in his eyes.

Mika: I love... you...

Mika died.

Tsukishiro: Start the machine.

???: Yes sir.

Koji got up grabbing Echidna by the throat.

Koji: Who the hell do you think you are showing me this?

Echidna: Are you going to kill me the same way your mother died?

Koji dropped her to the floor.

Echidna: You shouldn't be so rough with women you know.

Koji: What kind of lie is this?

Echidna: It's not. That's what really happened.

She died trying to save you having loved you since the day yo were born.

Koji fell to his knees.

Koji- This has to be some kind of cruel joke. Why do I feel this way> As if my heart has been ripped out of my chest? I didn't even know the woman. 

Koji gritted his teeth in anger.

Koji: I'm not supposed to feel this way! I'm an emotionless vessel that seeks only victory.

Echidna wiped his tears with her hand licking her hand afterwards.

Koji- This woman...

Echidna: This is the full truth of course. Do you wish to see her?

Koji: Yes.

Echidna: You know it will only be an amalgamation of her memories. It won't be entirely accurate.

Koji: I know. I would want to meet her even if it was 100% inaccurate. I'm smart enough to fill in the gaps.

Echidna: Alright.

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ANHS Gates

Koji waled out of the gates.

Koji- Graduation?

He walked over to see Mika waiting.

Koji- It's a continuation of my unreachable past.

Mika: You graduated. I'm so proud of you.

Koji bowed to her.

Koji: Thank you for everything.

Mika tilted her head in confusion.

Mika: What do you mean?

Koji: Thank you for loving and fighting for me all these years.

Mika: Where is this coming from all of a sudden?

Koji: I just really wanted to see you.

Mika walked over hugging his head to her stomach.

Mika: Silly boy. It's only been a year since the parent-teacher met up. Crying over something like this. 

Koji: It just felt a lot longer than that.

Mika: You're such a crybaby but makes me happy that you missed me that much.

Mika chuckled pulling him u to look her in the eye.

Mika: You're pure and serene just like your name. You were named after the man I loved because I knew I would love you even more than him. You're my pride and joy. My precious son. I would die for you.

Koji: Mother...

Mika: Whatever happens in your life and wherever you end up. Know that I'll always find you.

Koji: How would you eve know that for sure?

Mika pressed her hand to her chest over where hi heart was with you.

Mika: Because since you were born with a piece of me inside here. 

Koji: What is that piece of you?

Mika: My love of course.

Koji hugged Mika until eventually she faded away and the dream ended.

Echidna: Have you come to accept your unreachable past?

Koji wiped away his tears.

Koji: I have.

Echidna: You know I could summon her to this world like Satella did for you. I'd just need a place to put her soul...

Koji: No. Knowing I was loved by her without condition is enough for me to move forward. I know this isn't what she would have wanted.

Echidna smiled.

Echidna: I guess I can't use that method then.

Koji: You really are a conniving witch you know.

Echidna smiled.

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To Be Continued

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