Forgotten (Book 1 of the Remembrance Series)

The End Is Simply The Beginning Of Something Better

   "Orihara Izaya."
   "What?! What do you want?!" The man cried to the voice over the phone, face red and eyes wide with anger. There was silence before the voice replied.
   "I want to help you." The raven paused, labored breaths slowing as he gathered himself.
   "I don't need help. My plan is going fine." There was a muffled scoff.
   "Red Moon and the Yellow Scarves work together often. A sudden rumor like this will easily be put to rest between the two new leaders. The Yellow Scarves are no longer led by Masaomi Kida, you cannot expect the results you do."
    "...What do you have planned, then? What could possibly work better?" Papers shuffled and crinkled before the raven could practically feel waves of malice and insanity rolling off the man.
   "Total annihilation of the special project. I can have all their work, findings, everything- erased within a day. Hermada Mioku and Heiwajima Shizuo will have full protection during this period of time."
   "And in return? What will you want?"
   "I will want you to disappear for a bit, until you're allowed back." No. No! I wasn't going to leave Shizuo and Mioku alone!
   "I know you plan to say no, but hear me out. They will quickly catch on once they figure out they were set up. They know you will do anything to protect the two. And if they know that, they will consider you an enemy. You'll just make it harder for yourself. Now, would you rather bring pain and fear to your household, and possible death, or would you rather destroy that chance, with only a small cost? It's up to you, but we both know what the right answer is." I sighed, pressing the heel of my palm to my forehead. He was right... but could I put Shizuo through that again? Could he handle that? Mioku would be with him...
   "Fine." I mumbled, just before he hung up.
   I growled, throwing my phone into oncoming traffic. It scattered into a million pieces.

                                                               ◆♥◆

   Tears streamed down my face, sprinkling the paper. I was almost done writing the letter, my last letter to Shizuo.

     Dear Shizu-Chan,

  I guess we're back to the beginning, huh? Writing letters?

  I hate to do this, but it's the last option I have. The only way I can fix this. Ha, me, and no plan? So much for 'God.' Please, do not worry about me. Don't worry about Red Moon, or people trying to get to you and Mioku, either. I'm fixing that all with what I'm about to do.

  Please take good care of Mioku. The house is yours now, as well. Namie will come by and work still, I'll have her help you pay for the bills. She'll take over my job.

  I love you so much, Shizuo... please forgive me for doing this, but I can't think of any other way! I want to keep you safe, but it's become impossible for me to do so. Red Moon has more power than anyone ever knew, and I can't risk loosing you for good. I'll be back someday, when they say it's okay. Please take care of Mioku, and don't, please don't, don't hurt yourself! You're too beautiful for pain, my love. Things will get better, I promise! This is not the end!

  I hope to see you soon, goodbye, my love. Tell Mioku I love her, too.

   Love, Izaya

   Tears poured down my face even more, soft sobs shaking my body. This was the twelfth attempt at the letter, and I felt this was as good as it could get. I didn't have much time left, either.
   Setting it on the counter, I took some money and picked up my luggage before hurrying out. I brushed my tears away and made for the train. Two men stood in the alley and watched, small frowns on their faces. They were the ones hired to protect Shizuo and Mioku... Hopefully they knew what they were doing...