Kiyotaka felt his eyes being closed as he opened them. He looked in front to see that his hands were tiny. Like that of a baby's.
Kiyotaka: (What now?)
Echidna: [Let's see now. A memory that you erased from your mind for being "Useless".]
Kiyotaka looked around, seeing doctors in a white room without colour or shadows. He saw his father through a window along with a woman who was next to him. She had black hair and emerald-green eyes.
Kiyotaka: (I remember your face... my mother. Matsuhara Mika.)
Kiyotaka inspected their lips, reading what they were saying.
Atsuomi: [All that's left is for you to fulfil your role for 1 year, Mika.]
Mika: [Already know that.]
Atsuomi: [He's healthy. Well done, these past 9 months. Why don't you name him?]
Mika: [Kiyotaka.]
Atsuomi: [You're naming him after that man? Fine. It will suffice.]
Nurse: [Do you want to hold him, Mrs. Ayanokoji?]
Mika: [No. I'm not his mother. A mother wouldn't do this.]
Atsuomi: [Last chance. Do you want to take him and go?]
Mika looked to Kiyotaka as she grimaced.
Kiyotaka: (Is that... regret? No... hesitation. She looks... worried? For me?)
Kiyotaka considered it all for a second.
Kiyotaka: [Was she... concerned for me?]
Echidna: [Well, you researched her after you got that chance to leave the White Room. Now that you have a clear and solid impression of her, I'm sure you know what happened. The truth that is.]
Kiyotaka: [Just move the trial forward.]
Echidna: [While I can't confirm any of this to be true, but since it's based on your own rationalisations, with some tweaks made from your new understanding, it's most likely correct.]
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Mika was in a bedroom with a man as she got up to dress herself, as the man smirked, handing her money.
Kiyotaka: (I found out she was a prostitute, but seeing it is different from reading it.)
Kiyotaka sighed as Mika walked over to a pharmacy and bought medicine. She then walked 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, drink it.]
???: [I'm fine. Please don't mind me.]
Mika: [Drink it.]
Mika was the type of person who chose logic over emotion. She focused on the goal she wanted to accomplish and would do anything to achieve it. This goal was to keep her mother alive, and for it, she would even sell her own body. After all, the last time she let emotion win, she had done something that had ruined her life. The issue was that she knew herself that she wasn't nearly smart enough to be able to turn her life or the life of her mother around.
???: [Fine.]
The lady drank the water as Mika sighed.
Mika: [I don't have enough for next week.]
Mika sighed, gritting her teeth.
Kiyotaka: (This is her mother, and so my grandmother from her side.)
Mika made a call.
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: (This man is Takahashi Kiyotaka. The man I was named after.)
Takahashi: [Are you and your mom doing okay?]
Mika: [It's been rough, but I think we'll be okay]
Takahashi took out his wallet.
Takahashi: [It's not much, but here.]
Mika: [No, I couldn't.]
Takahashi: [It's why you're taking extra shifts, right? Because you can't afford her medicine.]
Mika sighed.
Mika: [Yes, it is.]
Takahashi: [Why doesn't your sister chip in?]
Mika: [She wants nothing to do with our mother.]
Kiyotaka: (Considering what I read, that's understandable.)
Takahashi: [I see. Just take it.]
Mika took it.
She had given him the chance to back out, and he hadn't taken it, so she accepted the money without hesitation.
Mika: [Thank you.]
Mika's emerald-green eyes then noticed something about Takahashi.
Mika: [You look more tired than before. Are you alright?]
Mika touched his cheek affectionately as he blushed.
Takahashi: [I... I'm fine. I've ju... just been taking a few odd jobs here and there.
Mika: [You have? You shouldn't overwork yourself.]
Takahashi: [It's no problem.]
Takahashi smiled at her. It was clear they had feelings for each other, but Mika didn't have time for a relationship. She set aside romantic pursuits despite wanting to be with him for the goal of saving her mother.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
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'll be worried if you overwork yourself.]
Mika: [I know.]
Mika left and received a message.
If you want it. There's a job for you.
Mika bit her lip and headed to the location.
Mika: [Just don't think about it. Do the job. Get the money. Buy the medicine. Get her to drink it.]
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Mika knocked on the door, and after a minute, it opened as she saw two men.
???: [Hey, she's here!]
???: [Our B-Day present to our bro.]
???: [He's in there.]
He showed Mika the way.
???: [He's our friend, so give him a good time, okay?]
Mika laughed awkwardly.
Mika: [Of course.]
They led her in to find Takahashi frustrated.
Takahashi: [I told you guys I don't want a...]
He saw her, and his eyes widened.
Takahashi: [Mika?]
Mika: [Takahashi?]
???: [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 someone he knew.]
Takahashi: [This has to be some kind of cruel joke, right?]
Mika: [I... I'm sorry.]
Takahashi: [Are you doing this to pay for your mother's treatments?]
Mika: [Yes... I... didn't want you to see me... like this.]
Mika dropped to her knees, crying as Takahashi walked over.
Mika: [Why? Why did this have to happen?]
Takahashi: [Why didn't you just ask me to help?]
Mika: [This started... long before I met you.]
Takahashi sat down.
Takahashi: [I was in love with you.]
Mika: [Was?]
Takahashi: [I get it... I'm insecure, but I just can't do this. I... My mother was the same, and I...]
Mika: [I...]
Mika pushed him onto the bed.
Takahashi: [Mika... I...]
Mika: [You'll be my final client. I'll quit.]
Takahashi: [Even if you say that I... I can't be with you.]
Mika: [That's okay.]
Mika had tears in her eyes.
Mika: [It doesn't have to go any further than this.]
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Mika woke up in the morning next to Takahashi, 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.
Mika: [And another mistake. I'll have to pay for this man's pants now.]
She looked up further to see the face of Ayanokoji Atsuomi.
Kiyotaka: (They met before this, but this is when their relationship began.)
Atsuomi: [Matsuhara.]
Mika took a second to recognise him.
Mika: [...Ayanokoji!?]
Atsuomi grabbed her by the wrist, pulling her up onto her feet.
Mika: [What are you doing? Let me go!]
Atsuomi: [I'd like to talk to you.]
Mika: [Fine! Now let go.]
Atsuomi handed her a business card.
Atsuomi: [I have a business proposition for you. Are you interested?]
Mika: [I...]
Mika thought about her mother abandoning any thoughts of Atsuomi being suspicious out of desperation.
Mika: [What kind of business proposition?]
Atsuomi: [I need a child.]
Mika: [What exactly are you suggesting?]
Atsuomi: [You will fill that role.]
Mika's face went beet red with anger.
Mika: [Why would I agree to that?]
Atsuomi: [I looked into you. Your mother's treatment is becoming expensive, isn't it?]
Mika: [You...]
Atsuomi: [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 forfeiting the reward money.]
Mika: [I...]
Mika tensed up a little at the decision.
Mika: [I'll do it.]
Atsuomi nodded as he left.
Mika: [Just do this and then... everything will be over... my life... can finally be normal again. I can live peacefully without getting into any more trouble. I can be there for Sayuri, and she'll eventually get married and have kids. I'll be an Aunt after that... A... normal... life.]
Kiyotaka: (Normal... peaceful. I definitely got those desires from you, but I can't follow that path anymore.)
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Mika was in a house as she was talking to her sister.
Mika: [Please. Just take care of Mom until I get back.]
???: [No. You're insane, Mika. This deal you're making is insane! That kid would be your child. You can't do this.]
Mika: [I'm doing this for mom. After this, everything will be over.]
???: [Why? That woman is as good as dead. She's getting what she deserves.]
Mika: [Sayuri, you just don't understand...]
Sayuri: [No, you don't understand. Because she didn't do this to your face.]
Sayuri turned to face Mika. Sayuri had a scar that went from the 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. A daughter who 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. It was my stupidity and me being too emotional and selfish, so please!]
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 yours. You're going to regret this later on.]
Mika stayed silent on this, not wanting to confront that idea.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
She had tried to ignore that feeling, but her sister had been right. She had ended up regretting it. Especially upon learning about the White Room. Mika stormed into Atsuomi's campaign building and into his office.
Atsuomi: [Oh, Mika. I heard about your mother's funeral a few years back. I heard the processions 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.]
Kiyotaka: [Mother...]
Atsuomi: [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!]
Echidna smirked.
Atsuomi: [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.]
Atsuomi: [That's not possible. I'm afraid it's too late for that.]
Mika: [You scum.]
Atsuomi: [Security.]
Mika: [Atsuomi! I'll make you pay! I swear I will!]
Security dragged her away.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Mika was drinking alcohol.
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. If I had thought about it properly. About you. If I had just put aside my goal, you would...]
Mika started crying when someone put their hand on her shoulder, and she turned to see who it was.
???: [Hello, madam.]
Mika: [You're... ugh... I'm feeling... dizzy?]
It was Tsukishiro.
Mika: [When did you spike my...]
Suddenly, she fell unconscious.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Mika woke up tied to a cremation table.
Kiyotaka: (I knew it would come to this, but...)
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!]
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... Kiyotaka...]
Mika: [... I love... you...]
Mika died as Kiyotaka felt his eyes getting heavy.
Tsukishiro: [Start the machine.]
???: [Yes, sir.]
That world began to fade to white as Echidna walked in, and Kiyotaka felt his body materialise.
Kiyotaka: (Why do I feel this way? I didn't even know the woman. Why do I feel this warmth and pain in my chest at the same time? So this is what it's like... to know you were loved from birth... and to know that the person who gave you that love is gone.)
Kiyotaka sat down as a single tear fell from each of his eyes, and his face contorted slightly in pain.
Echidna: [So much emotional devastation was needed to make you cry just two tears... so fascinating.]
Echidna wiped his tears with her hand, licking her hand afterwards with a satisfied smirk.
Kiyotaka then smiled and stood up as he felt parts of the world around them break off.
Kiyotaka: [Echidna. Thank you for this. I was able to learn that I was loved from the moment of my birth. Knowing it is a good feeling.]
Echidna: [Of course it's fine. After all, I'm an evil witch that occasionally does nice things.]
Kiyotaka: (Occasionally does nice things...)
Echidna's lips curled up into a smile as the world completely broke apart, fading to nothing.
Echidna: [I wonder what you will show me on your face in the next two trials.]
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To Be Continued
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Rating Out Of 10 For This Part:
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