Chapter Eight: Secret Song

The rest of the day was just a blur in Aimina's head now... She remembered not feeling well after lunch and having Bashouna bring her home. She remembered giving him a solid reassurance that she would be fine. This wasn't a common occurrence but it was one she was familiar with. She remembered calling Soushi on the way home and telling Night to drive himself home. Now she was laying in bed feeling the worst she could remember feeling in her life. Even though she was laying down, she felt as though she was falling and spinning all at once. It was all she could do to stay awake let alone move. Where was her phone? Why wasn't going off? Had she left it somewhere? This feeling in her chest couldn't possibly be normal. She needed help but it seemed that her nightmare was coming true despite all her efforts to prevent it. At least she would die in the comfort of her bed she thought to herself as she tried to roll over.

There was a sudden crash she decided had been the glass doors to the balcony shattering. Burglars? They came at a good time she supposed. Someone started talking but she just couldn't make out what they were saying or see them for that matter. Everything was hazy... It was a man and they were picking her up. Night? She wondered trying to clear her vision. He did seem to have a second sense for how she was feeling but could he really tell from all the way across town? It was too much now she couldn't even stay awake.

"Thank... you... I really... didn't want... to die... alone..." She muttered with the last of her strength. As everything started fading to black she heard a loud thump. Perhaps they fell over...

"Thank goodness you had her phone and were able to break in Bashouna!" Ariia sobbed in a voice muffled by his shirt.

"Well even if I hadn't Night here was right behind me... He certainly had a part in all this too don't forget... That sixth sense of yours is mighty impressive!" The much less metro sounding Bashouna beamed trying to comfort the sobbing girl.

"I was afraid of this..." Was all Night said from some distant corner of the room. "She had started declining ever since this body was finished... I should have never left her alone... I failed her as a friend... I'm the worst..."

"Night..." A familiar girl's voice sighed in a comforting tone.

"You were only acting... humanly..." A familiar young man's voice chimed in awkwardly. The voice's stirred open Aimina's eyes slowly and she looked around. The first thing she noticed were three young people sitting across the room. It was Soushi, Night and Riiko... holding hands...

"Everything... is as it should be..." Aimina sighed with a slight smile as she let her eyes fall closed. Everyone gasped and looked at her wide-eyed. "You all honor me... I never... thought I could have such good friends... You really shouldn't worry about me just yet Night-kun... When I said I wouldn't die until I finished what I started... I didn't necessarily mean your body..." Night looked stunned and surprised as he stood up and moved to the side of her bed Bashouna hadn't taken up residence. "I couldn't just die and leave you all alone... I had to be sure that you could... be happy... But now everything is as it should be..." She had never looked so happy and peaceful in all her life but everyone couldn't help but feel like this was a good-bye. Though they didn't want to admit it, they knew the likelihood of her getting a transplant anytime soon was slim.

"Aimina-kun... Is it possible... Could Ariia put me on that artificial life support and you could have these lungs you made me?" Night wondered gently taking her hand in his. The question made her eyes shoot open and tear up.

"I REFUSE! I absolutely can not ask that of you!" She burst out before coughing violently and painfully. "I will not take from you what you deserve so greatly..." She whispered trying hard not to cry.

"I can be replaced and have my parts exchanged easily... But you... He was right you know... What Bashouna said... For figures like me... figures who come to life... They need a bright star to give them hope to guide them to their happiness. This world... their world would become very dim without you. So you see I could sleep a while longer if it meant... your smiling face being there to greet them..." Riiko felt her chest growing tight and hot tears welling up in her eyes. She had just gotten back this person she held so dear and now she might lose him forever... Aimina noticed her right away and felt a wrenching in her own chest, one unrelated to her failing health.

"I can't..." She sighed starting to cry. "I'm sorry Night-kun I just can't..." Her crying was abruptly stopped by Bashouna chuckling. Everyone looked at him as if he were completely indecent except for Otaoko. She looked at him as if she were shocked. The wily salesman had been known to hold more than one Ace up his sleeve so she couldn't help but wonder why he was laughing.

"I can't let you have all the fun Niiight-kun..." He mused unbuttoning his plain white dress shirt. "I have a secret... Aimina... do you remember when I said a figure saved me and that's why I wanted to be your friend?" The Director nodded slowly though she was growing increasingly confused. "That figure was one of your experimental new models with non-machine organs. They never reported it but two were lost in transit to your lab from the Biomechanics Division... One of them lived with me after I found him in an alley... I should have died but somehow he erased himself and transferred my thoughts and memories into this body..." He explained activating the mechanism to open his chest. "The other came looking for him but freaked out when she found him dead... She went into a coma and never woke up... She's in stasis in a Biomechanics Lab right now... If you think it would take... I know a few good surgeons over there..." He smiled and pulled his chest closed. Aimina, much less everyone else looked at him in awe and shock. "You know it really is a testament to your craftsmanship and genius if even YOU couldn't tell I was a figure of sorts..." He smirked as he did the last button up.

"I guess... It's worth trying..." Otaoko sighed still dumbfounded by what had just happened.

"Exxxxceeeellent..." He hissed donning the evil plotting face Otaoko had become so famous for. "Niiiiight-kuuun! Take good care of our dear Aimina... I have some work to do!" Night perked up and nodded with a huge smile on his face as Bashouna skipped out of the room in his old fruity way.

"Are we... still even?" Night wondered looking sad again. Aimina looked at Riiko's relieved face then back at Night's and just smiled.

"Very much so..." She replied lightly as she got comfortable in bed. "I'm feeling better already!" She chirped before drifting off to sleep again.

"Welcome to Haven! Do you have an appointment?" A perky receptionist chirped to the young couple that had just walked in the glittering white marble lobby.

"We heard from some friends that this company might be able to help us. My girlfriend... She's a figure and I think she may be fully self-aware..." The young man stammered unsure at all what to say.

"Excellent! Please if you'll have a seat I'll page the Director right away!" The couple took a seat and a few minutes later the company Director came out of an elevator. She was a stunning woman full of confidence and charm. "This is the couple I was telling you about Aimina-kun!"

"Thanks Riiko-kun!" Aimina cheered before sitting down across from the couple. "Welcome to Haven. My name is Aimina Otaoko and I'll be performing the initial evaluation today. You are familiar with the company otherwise you wouldn't have traveled the great distance to be here. My company specializes in many things but the priority is identify and helping figures of all makes and models who have become self-aware. It just takes a few minutes to assess your level of awareness. Once you are accepted into the program there are several options you can choose but we can discuss those later. If you would please allow me access to your data port..." The girl knelt down in front of Aimina who plugged in her portable diagnostic device.

"So... Is this company safe? I mean you can tell me the truth... I won't tell your superiors... I just really need to know..." The young man was visibly nervous and looked around shifty eyed.

"There are no superiors to report me to anyways... I'm the company's owner and CEO..." Aimina mused as she watched the screen intently. "I used to design and build prototype figures for the popular Kronos Heaven company. I am just like you now though... I have met a self-aware figure and they changed my life... These figures are my children and I feel compelled to help those who need it most." She was kind and passionate so it wasn't hard for the man to feel at ease.

"I really brought her to the right place then." He sighed with a smile. "What a relief." Aimina giggled then unplugged the girl.

"It seems you have full detachment from the majority of the original protocols which makes you a perfect candidate for our program!" She beamed standing up. "If you'll come with me, Riiko-kun at the desk will get you set up with a room and a consultation time. We provide free room and board to program enrollees."

"Thank you for all your help Otaoko-sama..." The girl sobbed hugging Aimina as she turned to walk away. "It's so nice to feel... accepted..." Aimina smiled and patted the girl's arm.

"Awe... don't call me '-sama' I hate that. In any case... Welcome home..."

"Welcome to the Haven Figure Conversion Program!" Riiko chimed handing the young lady a clipboard of paperwork. The goal of the program is to provide work and a safe environment in which self-aware figures can adapt to being alive. The program has several levels depending on the experience you would like from your newfound life! If you would please fill these out I've scheduled you for your introduction and tour tomorrow at 2pm! Please enjoy your stay!"

"Riiko really is the perfect choice for the front desk. She's so kind and accepting... It's just what people need when they come here." Aimina whispered to Soushi as she greeted them for their marketing meeting.

"She really is something else isn't she?" He replied smiling as she tried to give the couple directions to their room but seemed to be failing. "In any case I finished the printed presentation you asked for to submit to the U.S. Department of Health. Although I doubt anyone will bite if we don't get approval from the major world organizations." Aimina looked over the packet he had handed her and nodded in approval.

"This is awesome Soushi. I couldn't hope for anything better." She beamed handing it back to him with a broad smile. "Let's just pray I haven't pissed the heavens off too much for them to smite us now..." She joked before ducking into the elevator.

"Aimina-kun! Big news! The distribution center is set up and ready go now that we've been given the green light by all major world powers! All I need is for you to sign these papers to put it into motion." Bashouna called running Aimina down as she traversed a long hallway.

"Really?! That was so much easier than I thought it would be! Things are really clicking now Bashie!" She exclaimed happily as she tackle hugged him with great exuberance. "Thanks to you and Gaku's awesome salesmanship thousands of people can now have the replacement organs they need through nanotechnology! No pills, no fears of rejection! This is so AWESOME! Soushi just finished the print to distribute to individual countries for their approval. You should really check it out!"

"Well you need to sign these first but yeah... This is a great day for Humans and Hybrids alike. Soon all the Hybrids will be able to live normally as well. Your dreams are coming real... And I'm so glad I can be such an integral part of them Darling." He tipped her over and kissed her passionately. "Now sign these so we can get the show on the road!" He beamed pulling her back up and handing her a clipboard and pen.

A giant screen in the club flickered on and a female reporter's voice echoed out of the speakers. "In music news... Singing sensation Ishina Iekizuno, adopted child of night club genius Tashikara Iekizuno, and her partner Kuma Otaoko, adopted child of technology genius Aimina Otaoko struck platinum today. Their third album sold one million copies worldwide it's first week and sales are yet to slow. The group went platinum on their two previous albums within a month of release.

In a related story, Aimina Otaoko's company 'Haven' announced distribution of their nanomachine manufactured and enhanced organs has been approved. The company formed when Otaoko independently patented her own program and figure designs just weeks before litigation was final for her sale of both items to Kronos Heaven. The 'Companions' line has grossed trillions of yen worldwide which was used to fund the research. The announcement means a virtually instant and unlimited supply of organs without using controversial stem cell research. Otaoko herself was the first human to use a set of nanotech lungs when a genetic condition caused hers to shut down."

"And that's why I have invited you! Our nearest and dearest friends here tonight!" Tashikara beamed from the stage as the screen flickered to showing him. "Today we celebrate a triumph of art! A triumph of technology and medicine! And a triumph of humanity!" The crowd cheered and shouted loudly for several long minutes before it was quiet enough for him to speak. "So let's take tonight to count our blessings and be thankful for all the loving support we have around us!" With that the spotlight shifted to Ishina and Kuma who started to perform.

"It was really sweet of them to change their last names to honor you! To think that they would write their own background stories to be like that..." Ariia squeeled as Tashikara joined the party on the VIP terrace. "See she didn't really hate you after all!" Tashikara blushed but his face soon faded to pure shock when he heard Ishina speaking.

"And this next song is very special to me. It's on our latest album and tonight I want to dedicate it to my darling father! Thank you this song is just for you!" Tashikara teared up and started sniffling.

"This really has been a crazy road hasn't it?" Night wondered aloud as he sat on the arm of Riiko's chair. "I can't believe everything that's happened the past few years..."

"It's true that a lot has happened. But through it all I'm glad to have made this journey with all of you. I couldn't imagine this company taking off like it has without the hard work all of you have put in." Aimina sighed happily as she danced with Bashouna. "I have the best sales Reps..." She looked at Gaku and Bashouna. "The best Creative Marketing Director..." She smiled and pointed at Soushi who simply chuckled and blushed a little. "An awesome face at the front desk keeping the whole company in order and organized!" She bent over and hugged Riiko. "And of course two brilliant minds in the Research and Development Department!" She beamed to Ariia and Night. "But more importantly... You are all the best friends I could have ever hoped for..." A few tears welled up in her eyes but they were obviously happy ones. "I'm excited to see where the road will take us!"

In the time it took to build their company Night attended and graduated from college in an astounding one year stint. Ariia graduated top of her class. Soushi and Riiko were married and had two beautiful children. Their oldest was named Tenjou, Night delighted in babysitting. Bashouna and Aimina became engaged but were yet to marry. Ishina and Kuma became the hottest pop stars on the planet but expanded their work by collecting and placing abandoned figures in new roles. Tashikara helped by opening three more wildly popular all figure clubs. Each club had its own associated quarters for all the figures. The photographer Bashouna hired to stalk Aimina published a photo journal of sorts telling the tale of love and life through the eyes of a figure. He became an overnight success. With the rise of Haven he became a chronicler of the figures and their families the company helped along the way as well as its true history.

Haven Incorporated manufactured a sizable island in the Pacific Ocean over the course of the next decade. Upon it's completion the company relocated to the island. The company and island continued to expand to accommodate it's growth and the number of self-aware figures that continued to emerge.

After rumors of self-aware figures began a social firestorm, the production of figures was legally halted in most countries. As an extra measure figures were ordered to be rounded up and destroyed as well. The company declared itself an independent nation and continued to house figures of all kinds in the wake of this decision. It continued producing hightech organs for use by anyone who requested them. Eventually the existence of "Hybrids," people who chose to become fully integrated into a biomechanical body was announced. They didn't tell the public Hybrids had been mingling with the populace for decades...

The advent of Hybrids slowly ended the tensions between society and figures as more and more of them surfaced. Aimina chose to become a hybrid in order to see the situation through to the end, a task that took almost a century. She and Bashouna eventually did marry but didn't have any children. When the production of figures became legal again Aimina funded the grand reopening of Kronos Heaven. Children were no longer allowed in its ranks.

"It seems like the world will have little use for us soon Darling." Bashouna sighed as he stared out one of the windows that made up a glass wall for Aimina's office. She was silent for a few minutes as she looked around at all the pictures in her office. They were the pictures he had taken by the stalker photographer along with some they added through the years. There were bookshelves of the albums of living figures lining an entire wall of the office as well.

"I don't know if we should just leave them with all this..." She sighed sitting down a framed picture on her desk and standing up. The picture was one of all them: Gaku, Ishina, Kuma, Riiko, Soushi, Night, Ariia, Bashouna, Tashikara, and herself in the pear orchard. The picture she had always wanted... "I don't think I'm ready to go just yet... We have finally reached the end of the path we started walking all those years ago. Maybe now we could walk down a normal one..." She added wrapping her arms around his waist and gazing out the window. "Like them..." She mused spying Ariia and Night playing on the beach below. "I like our agreement though... and you're right... We shouldn't strive to be immortal... We have left good people here to take care of things for us and for all of them. We should go now..."

"That sounds very nice..." Bashouna sighed happily as he hit a button on the wall by the window and it flew open. "NIIIIGHTT-KUUUUNNNN!!!!! ARIIIIIIIIII-KUUUN!!! Wait for us!" He shouted ripping off his shirt and flying out of the window.

"Bashie!!! You shouldn't be so reckless!" Aimina squealed angrily before sighing in defeat and jumping out herself. She felt the wind in her face for the brief moment of free fall, felt very alive. The breeze that flowed in from the open window blew a paper off of the desk and onto the floor. It was a copy of a transfer of power for the company. The new company owners were Tenjou and Kami Asamoto, Riiko and Soushi's children. The window closed when the timer was up sealing the room up with only one person able to enter. He had been directed to keep the history alive and add to it the new chapters to come.

As Aimina made a break for the beach she swore she saw the smiling faces of her friends who chose not to stay. Their smiling faces gave her comfort and in that moment she decided maybe it was time to move on... It's not like they wouldn't be together once again soon... "Wait for me!" She shouted with a smile as she ran as fast as she could to get to them. "Wait for me! If we're going to go now let's go together!" She tackled Bashouna and pulled him together with Night and Ariia and they all hugged. Without saying anything else they held each other's hands and looked on at the crashing waves. Hand in hand they walked out into the ocean under the beautiful orange setting sun.

From the beach a sad young man looked out with a camera to snap a shot and sighed. "So perfect... I'll be sad to see them go... I can only pray that when the sun rises tomorrow... new, bright supernovas will be there to warm the world..." He took a deep breath and started walking away toward the office building. "Thank you... Riiko Izawa... For just being you... Who knew? Who knew it would change the world..."