Chapter Text
The Boardroom, if it could be called that, was dimmed as an old fashioned projector was flipped on. Immediately a blank wall was filled with graphs and data points. A girl stood in front of the room at the ready with a clicker in her hand.
Terano frowned at the sight.
She was young. Perhaps a year or so younger than Terano herself. Her dark raven hair was braided into a pair of twin tails that rested perfectly on her shoulders. The crimson of her school uniform marked her as Kirari’s, though they were not at any academy.
They were in an emptied room designed for meetings like this. It was one of a few that had been modernized recently- courtesy of Kirari. The remaining estate was more traditional in its eastern aesthetic, and as untouched as the bloodline that ruled it. This was the Momobami’s main estate, and the girl did not belong here.
"Leave it to Kirari Momobami to turn a serious meeting into a school field trip." Miyo hissed from beside Terano. They sat seated at a long table along with the acting branch heads and their chosen heirs.
Terano tilted her head to peer at her least favorite cousin sitting at the head of the table. Kirari, usually observant, did not meet her eyes. Instead their clan head’s attention remained fixated on the girl and her presentation. Terano sucked in a breath in agitation. She was about to reprimand her cousin but a heavy hand rested atop her shoulders.
“Let her be. The Late Matriarch was prone to such fancies as well.” Her father commanded. His voice was a low whisper but carried within an authority that was used to being unquestioned.
Terano frowned. She wanted to protest, but her father’s words and rules were gospel. His commands were often the path of peace and compromise. She could only hope for his wisdom someday. So she kept her silence as Kirari’s little friend continued their 'family' meeting.
At the very least she was thorough.
The girl summarized each Branch’s net earnings from the year, as well as their failings. She even went so far as to explain each branch’s next goal for the new year, and apparently Kirari expected quarterly reports.
This was so surprising to Terano, that she immediately whipped her head back to Kirari. The truth was in the stillness of Kirari’s body. The stiffening of her shoulders as she took a moment to process her thoughts before continuing to breathe. It was so casually done that Terano would have missed it if she did not know Kirari better. And of the family, outside of Ririka, she knew Kirari best. Or at least well enough to know that their so called leader did not care about quarterly reports.
That must have been someone else’s idea.
She eyed her father then. He was a stoic man that was once very handsome. Time has since mocked his scowl with wrinkles and painted his dark hair a dull gray. There was no truth to be gleaned from his neutral expression so Terano returned her attention to the presentation.
The girl seemed determined to stare past the bodies at the table,and look only at Kirari. Whatever unspoken exchange the two shared seemed to make the kid nervous. Her cheeks grew pink with blush, and she began to stumble through her words.
She knew then that a servant was not to displease her master.
Still, she continued her report and finished with out any more mistakes. When she finished she looked to the family and bowed before returning to her place beside Kirari.
“Well done as always, Sayaka.” Kirari praised, not yet acknowledging the rest of the room, nor the girl's obvious displeasure. There was no mention of the reports. Instead Kirari smiled sweetly at the girl, presenting herself as a picture of perfect patience. The girl, Sayaka, seemed to be comforted by it.
But Terano knew by now just how much of a mask that smile really was.
"Of course. Thank you President!” Sayaka said. She was either ignorant of or completely ignoring the narrowing eyes and sneers of the rest of the neglected family. To the Elder’s their little exchange was a display of pure arrogance. Doubly so considering Sayaka seemed little more than a mouse.
Terano felt her Father stiffen beside her and she found herself mimicking his body language. They came from a prestigious line, one that commanded silence and respect from their servants. Kirari was pushing propriety as she reached forward to twirl a braid in her hand. A blatant disregard for the men and women in front of her, and the traditions they covet.
If Kirari cared at all for the girl she would not paint such a blatant target on her back.
But Kirari didn’t care for the girl. Kirari didn’t care for the rules written by stuffy old men either. In fact Kirari always found new creative ways to spit in their faces. It was her own little game to see how far she could go. This was just another one of those games, and Terano pitied Sayaka for it.
The elders sat stewing in their impatience, some clenching their teeth in shame from being called out by a waif of a girl. Yet no one spoke out against Kirari. Each of them, a God of their field, were cowed by the Matriarch's favored grandchild and chosen heir. An heir they had supported and enabled since she was seven years old, and would apparently continue to support.
Even if others were more worthy of the title.
Terano felt her patience waning and looked to Rin who was seated across from her, and beside his father. He met her gaze and simply shrugged as he continued to smile innocuously towards Kirari and her little assistant.
Yumi and Ibara were not worthy of the room. Erimi, Miri, and Nozomi were still too young. Miroslave was watching them in the game room, with only her father representing the Honebamis. Yet Kirari's latest doll was allowed entry. That burned Terano the most.
When Kirari finally turned towards the others, she began with an insult. “Now see how much time Sayaka saved? Honestly, if we managed our time better, perhaps your earnings wouldn’t have dropped. Right, Uncle-Obami?”
The room erupted in anger after that. Respectable men began yelling at one another, pointing blame every which way. They were supposed to be a family, yet death threats being thrown about. Everyone here had the means and the will to make good on their threats. No matter how foolish.
All the while Kirari's grin never faltered. It was like she enjoyed the chaos. She loved it when good people debased themselves like this. She was a devil. Inhuman. Evil.
She made Terano sick.
Kirari cut them off with a single raised hand. “Well, this is getting rather redundant. You all know what I expect of you next year.”
Once again she returned her attention to Sayaka who had the audacity to watch the family with such blatant judgment in her eyes. “Dinner?” Kirari asked sweetly.
Sayaka tilted her head. “Should I prepare a plate for you and the Vice President?”
Kirari let out an amused giggle as the other Elders began to grumble about being hungry themselves. Another raised hand was all it took to silence them.
“You’re always so straightforward. But that's not what I meant.” Kirari said, with a practiced laugh in her tone.
Terano narrowed her eyes. It seemed her cousin was already trying to escape her dinner obligations.
“What did you mean then?” Sayaka asked. Her dark brows knit in confusion. Her eyes flickered between the sisters. As though the ever silent Ririka would help.
“I want to go out!” Kirari exclaimed. “Theres a lovely sushi restaurant nearby that I think you will enjoy.”
This was a family reunion. There was enough food prepared for an entire village.
"Will you not be joining us for dinner then?" Her father asked, before Terano could speak.
Kirari turned towards him. She seemed almost surprised that he had spoken at all. Amused eyes danced between her uncles and cousins, ancient and young alike. She let out a single thoughtful hum as a single finger tapped her chin.
"I suppose I really should join everyone. We only meet up once a year after all. So Sayaka, how does dinner with my family sound?"
The girl looked terrified. "P-President, I don't think that's appropriate."
"It isn't." Elder-Obami growled. His cheeks were still red from the shame of being called out. "This is a family reunion."
Kirari laughed. "Goodness Uncle. With a temper like that, it's a wonder how you still get invited to these meetings. Shouldn’t you trust Rin more as your representative?”
"Kirari! You give me too much credit. I still have a lot to learn!" Rin laughed, in a show of false humility.
“I suppose thats true. The Obami’s would have made their quota had funds not been funnelled into the little side project you’re running. How is that going by the way?” Kirari asked, amusement dripping in every word as Rin’s smile grew more frigid. His father beside him looked ready to kill.
It was unsightly.
"I still have student council work to finish." Sayaka said, speaking before another wave of arguments could be had. "You eat with your family President."
"Very well." Kirari said, rising from her seat. "There is some time before then though. Let's play a game."
Terano watched as Kirari led the girl out of the room, with Ririka trailing behind. There was silence in the room, broken only when Rin began to giggle.
"What?" Terano asked before her uncle could speak.
"It's so cute seeing her with a little friend." Rin said honestly. "I didn't think someone like her would have any."
Terano stared at her cousin, taking in his sneer and the ire in his eyes. He sensed an opportunity that simply was not actually there. It wasn’t just him. Looking at the table, it was obvious that the others thought the same.
"Kirari is incapable of real friendships. The girl was simply an assistant. Likely a servant won at that school of hers." Terano said, projecting her voice so that everyone could hear.
The other heads nodded, some of them whispering amongst themselves. Her uncle looked ready to burst. She braced herself for his complaints, already coming up with counter arguments that would spare her cousin or Sayaka from his wrath.
Her father shook his head. The motion was enough to silence the others. "For your sakes, Terano, I hope you're wrong."
Terano did not think he meant it as a threat. Yet she watched a lot of the Elder’s sigh or grimace in resignation. It wasn’t quite fear she saw in those eyes, but it was close.
Terano scoffed at them, "When it comes to Kirari, I'm rarely wrong."
----
Sayaka was brought to the next family Reunion as well. A year had passed and with it came changes. Gone were the twin braids and glasses, as well as the lingering childhood in her cheeks. She was still a small thing, but her shoulders were sharper, the muscles beneath her sleeves more evident. Kirari on the other hand did not change. She had the same taste for frills. She wore that same ridiculous hair hairstyle. She had that same unchanging expression, and irresponsible attitude.
Until now, Kirari’s frivolous attitude never affected the Clan’s finances. That had changed this past year.
She had Yumi roll her to the game room where Kirari was watching Erimi and Noizimi playing cards from the doorway. She was flanked by Ririka and Sayaka, both of them standing just behind her. Terano frowned at the oddity of the quiet moment. It was rare that Kirari simply watched. She was a woman plagued by boredom, and needed to inject danger into every situation. If not for the contented smile and her surprisingly relaxed posture, Terano would have feared for the kids.
A quick glance their way, and Terano knew they were playing Old Maid. Noizomi was loosing, judging by the tears running down her cheeks and Erimi’s cocky taunting. Perhaps the petty cruelty of it was what kept Kirari entertained.
“Kirari a moment please.” Terano called.
Kirari turned away from the game of cards to face Terano, her expression unchanging. Ririka and Sayaka turned as well, in eerie unison. Sayaka’s smile fell as an air of professionalism took over. Terano kept her expression as neutral as she could as well. She determined to not give in to her temper this time.
Calm wisdom. That was the Totobami way.
“How can I help you, Terano?” Kirari asked. Her attention lingered on the game however, indicating that she wasn’t really interested in what she had to say.
Terano felt her teeth clench as she forced a smile. She could keep calm in many situations, yet Kirari was always her weak point somehow.
“You’ve been using family funds for your school. Why?”
While Kirari gave nothing away, Sayaka’s eyes widened in surprise. The honest reaction almost reminded her of Yumi. Kirari’s smile quirked upwards as she spun to regard her secretary.
“Sayaka, I’m suddenly craving some tea. Could you run to the kitchens and prepare some for me?” Kirari asked.
It was a clear dismissal. There was a flurry of emotions that flashed across the girl’s face. Hurt, embarrassment, and finally resignation. She nodded and politely bowed. “Of course Madame President.”
Terano frowned as she watched the girl leave. She had always assumed Kirari would choose an assistant similar to herself. Or at least someone with a better poker face. Yet from her expressions alone, it was very clear that Sayaka had no idea about Kirari’s spending. As a supposed ‘best friend’, as Rin and Ibara referred to her, it was forgivable. Kirari was never one to be forthright about anything. However, not knowing made her a rather poor secretary.
Oblivious friend, or an incompetent secretary, whatever Sayaka was Kirari had no need for either. Yet Terano knew from legal meetings and reports that Sayaka was far from incompetent. When it came to attendance, and matters of finance with the clan, Kirari had never been as present than she had been that year.
Somehow that made it worse. As the alleged student council secretary, Sayaka should know about construction projects happening on the school. Yet, despite being an outsider, she was more privy to Clan affairs that Hyakkaou’s. It irked Terano to no end.
“A proper host would offer tea to everyone .” she scolded.
“There are servants for that.” Kirari replied smoothly, “Though Sayaka is more diligent than I am. Want to make a bet on if she prepares enough for all of us?”
“No.”
Kirari laughed softly, “Honestly, you’re no fun Terano."
Terano frowned. "I'm not here for fun. If you don't explain your spending to me right now, I'm going to have to bring it up during tonight's meeting."
Kirari was already looking away from Ternao and back towards the card game. She seemed illegally wistful at the moment, and it threw Terano off. Kirari was not wistful.
"Do you think my progeny would have my features, or my partners?" Kirari asked.
Ririka's shoulders slumped, while Terano's felt hers grow tense.
"Excuse me?"
Kirari giggled. "It is not something I considered before. There are a lot of things I think about now that I never have before.”
“...Such as?”
Kirari beamed, “The Moon, and my inability to catch it in my hands. I wish to decorate it in bows and flowers…. Oh. You like receiving flowers, don't you Terano?"
"Not really. Where are you going with this?"
"I think flowers are quite lovely to receive as a gift. But what's the point if you can't pair it with the moon? Or one's heart for that matter?"
Terano stared at her cousin, feeling completely at a loss. She hated it when Kirari was obtuse. Yumi, ever straightforward and earnest, gasped behind her. "Oh!That's awfully romantic Kirari!"
…What?
Kirari giggled again. "Why Thank you Yumi."
"Soooo are you building some sort of garden?" Yumi asked, bouncing from foot to foot.
"Do you think it's a good idea?"
A sigh escaped Ririka's mask. It was distorted and exasperated. Terano's patience went with it.
"Bullshit. You've Hired contractors. This is too expensive and too big to be a garden." she growled.
Kirari shook her head, as though she were disappointed. "Well, as I said, flowers alone simply wouldn't do. Anyone can buy flowers. I felt the need to be more intimate in my gifts."
Terano continued to frown, "Intimate?"
"Indeed. A gift like this needs to represent something close to my heart."
"....another gambling den?" Terano groaned, feeling almost foolish.
"Close." Kirari mused, "I designed two buildings. One was for an interactive gamble. Something I could play alongside Sayaka… either as a player or the game master."
Terano processed just what she was saying. Yumi was being drawn in. She felt the tip of her sister’s chin atop her head as she leaned forward in excitement. It only encouraged Kirari, who paused dramatically. Her eyes twinkled in smug satisfaction as she held Yumi’s attention only to shake her head and release a theatrical sigh.
"Sadly I had to scrap it. It wouldn't be something Sayaka would enjoy playing in. It's seemingly too random for her tastes, and involves too many people. What's intimate about that? The second project is better. A tower that will give her the moon.”
Kirari took a step forward and towards the edge of the walk way. She faced the gardens, but Terano knew she wasn’t looking at the pond nor the flowers. Kirari was looking at something that simply wasn’t there. She gestured towards it before reaching for the sky.
"A building that combines my love of gambling and games, and her love of problem solving and math. Surrounding it, a field of lilies. What could be a better representation of what's in my heart?"
Terano scowled. Hopefully it hid her apprehension well. There was no hope for Japan if Kirari was growing bored of high-stakes gambles. Puzzle-box rooms, with high consequences was a few steps away from cartoonish villainy. How long did her cousin have before earning a proper body count?
“You don’t have a heart.” she said at last.
Kirari laughed, "Well in any case, I only used my private funds for both buildings. I wouldn’t dare involve Momobami Funds in something so…personal."
Terano was about to demand bank statements when Yumi moved from her post behind Terano's wheelchair to grasp Kirari's hand. “I don't really understand, but good luck Rari!”
Terano’s scowl deepened. Good luck with what?
“Hehehe. Why thank you, Yumi! Let's keep this a secret though. I want Sayaka to be surprised."
“Yeah! You can count on us!” Yumi exclaimed. “Right Terano?”
Terano blinked as the three of them looked to her expectantly. She knew she missed something vital here. Why should she be quiet about the clan head spending so much on trivial games to play with her secretary?
But this was a request from Yumi as well.
"Fine." She sighed.
Yumi squealed and even Ririka gave her a thumbs up. Kirari beside them gave a little clap. "Good. The tea should be ready by now.”
“Right!” Yumi exclaimed.
Before Terano knew it, she was being rolled towards the kitchens.
"Yumi, wait-" Terano protested. But before she could come up with an excuse to not join Kirari for tea, they were cursed with quite an unseemly sight.
The doors to the kitchen slid open to reveal Uncle Obami looming over Sayaka. He was going on and on about job opportunities at his company. His hand lingered on the girl’s lower waist while his gaze dipped low despite the conservative cut of the girl's clothes. Sayaka politely refused his offers, as she continued to prepare the tea tray. Her gloomy eyes remained hyper focused on the task.
Terano was about to speak up, and make their presence known when Kirari placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and was struck by the curious expression on Kirari’s face.
It was unsettling in how inhuman it seemed.
She had always considered Kirari evil. She still believed that was true. But wickedness often goes hand in hand with ignorance. Kirari could never act with sympathy, let alone empathy, because she lacked the emotions that could help her understand humans fully- no matter what she might think of her powers of insight.
For the first time though, and only for a moment, Terano felt that Kirari wished she could. Her blue eyes were wide as she took it in. A contemplative frown replaced her usual smile as one hand rose to her chest, the other towards her pocket to pull out her phone.
There was a clicking sound as Kirari took a photo of the scene in front of them.
“Uncle. I do believe Nozomi’s father needed to discuss something with you.” Kirari said, her eyes on the photo. Her smile was back, but there was no playful lilt to her voice.
Sayaka and Uncle Obami turned to the group in the doorway. Relief was evident in the girl’s dark eyes, while their Uncle’s cheeks puffed out in anger. Or perhaps shame. Terano averted her gaze. While the behavior was inappropriate, the heads of the family were like princes or emperors in their own right. She held no real authority over him.
She felt Yumi begin to squirm uncomfortably and Riraka, in an attempt to help, gave her a gentle pat on the back. The gesture was kind, but there was a stiffness in it that betrayed her.
“Cousin Komabami can wait.” he huffed.
Kirari remained unmoving as she observed Sayaka. Uncle Obami was still far too close, and Kirari was reading- or perhaps savoring- the discomfort in the girl’s rather expressive face. Then, without answering Uncle, the phone was locked and Kirari wordlessly strode forward.
“He still owes me! Theres no need for me to go to him!” He spat. His trepidation rose with every step that brought Kirari closer. Sayaka on the otherhand seemed to grow more confident as she remained fixated on Kirari.
“President! This-- I’m sorry.”
“What for Sayaka? Would you have accepted?” Kirari asked as she slid between her secretary and uncle, forcing Obami to retract his hand and take a step back. Sayaka shook her head as Kirari’s arm wrapped almost possessivly around her.
“Of course not President!” Sayaka cried, burrowing her face into Kirari’s shoulder.
It was like watching a kid embrace a leopard or a shark. It filled Terano with an aprehension that left her feeling nauseated. A predator had no real comfort to offer. The only thing they could promise was pain. Thats what being close to the Clan was like, Kirari especially.
Uncle scoffed, “Aren’t you above playing messenger anyways?”
But Kirari had already lost interest in him. She made a show of counting the cups, and let out an airy laugh that silenced Uncle and sent a chill down Terano’s back.
“We both lost the bet Terano! She didn’t include a cup for herself!”
Terano groaned. “That's because your secretary has a proper sense of propriety.”
"Sayaka, if you didn't want to drink tea with Terano, you could have said so!" Kirari scolded.
Sayaka flushed and pulled out of Kirari’s arms to bow towards her. “I didn’t mean to insult you. I apologize!”
Terano shook her head. “There is no need. There was no insult.”
“But-”
“Sayaka, its more rude to question her decision.” Kirari teased. The Secretary looked devastated.
“Right. I will set the table!”
Sayaka moved to grab the tray, but was halted by Kirari. She reached over her to grab an extra cup for Sayaka. She spoke as she prepared the cup. "Oh Sayaka, did you bring your taser?"
"Y-Yes. But currently its locked away as per the rules."
"Good. I will be sure to talk to the guards, and Uncle Honebami. From now on you will be the only one allowed to remain armed inside of the estate. Outside the guards of course."
"But-"
“The rules are there for a reason.” Uncle Obami spat, “Even as the head, you do not have the authority to change it.”
Kirari ignored him, but Terano saw the shift in Kirari. Doting eyes went cold. Graceful motions became sharp and efficient. Pale hands held Sayaka still by the waist and cupped her cheek gently, as blue lips smiled wolfishly down at Sayaka. The girl looked up helplessly as Kirari spoke.
"If Uncle or anyone from the Clan touches you again, you and you alone are allowed to retaliate. Don't worry about the repercussions.” Kirari said, “Understood?”
Uncle Obami grew red with fury as the threat sank in. He was about to protest when his eyes narrowed on Terano and Yumi. He bowed, promising to find Unlce Komabami and left without another word. Only then did Sayaka reply, her eyes closed and her face as red as her uniform
"But President, you're touching me!"
Terano's eyes widened alongside Kirari’s.
"So I am!" Kirari laughed. She did not step away from the girl however. Nor did she remove her hand from Sayaka’s waist. If anything they seemed frozen in place, and joined at the hip. Terano watched, something unknown taking root in her chest.
"This isn't appropriate." She chided, signaling for Yumi to take her away. Beside her was the metallic groan of Ririka’s mask. Apparently Ririka was just as exasperated as she was. They five of them did not share tea.
---
Terano had thought that was the end of it. In a saner world, that would have been the end of it. However, the next morning would prove to be disastrous.
Kirari had called everyone to the breakfast table. A splendid display of traditional dishes sat waiting for them. Seated were all of the cousins, and the elders that had joined this year. Those that couldn’t make it were represented by a small radio. Yet Sayaka did not join them.
“Where’s Igarashi?” Terano asked as Yumi rolled her to her seat. Her sister patted her arm and prepared her plate, and squealed at the greasy mini sausages in the middle of the table.
“She has council work I’m afrain.” Kirari hummed. She looked back at Ririka who was flanking her, and not taking her own seat. The first real sign of trouble.
The one who sat beside Kirari, taking Ririka’s usual seat at the table was her father. Rin and Ibara were sitting rather close to her as well. Often the boys kept their distance, lest Rin felt particularly combative or brave.
She looked around the room. Honebami men, marked by their military cuts, and particular suits, flanked the doors. No one seemed to notice that their signature gloves were on. Terano blinked as the morning light shone through the windows, muting the room’s colors in its brilliance. Everyone was grinning and piling food on their tables, with only Sumika picking at her rice. It would have been a beautiful sight if she didn’t suddenly feel so sick.
“Terano, you should eat! It's really good!” Yumi said with a cheerful grin.
She was going to refuse when she caught her father's eye. There was a warning in his solemn expression, and simply shook his head. Beside him Kirari watched the family eat and bicker amongst each other, sipping her morning tea at an almost lazy pace.
It was Sumika who finally spoke up. “Kirari, thank you for the meal. However, I do have a morning flight to get to. Are we allowed to leave?”
Some of the family kept eating. Though Ibara made a show of stuffing his face nervously. Others looked up, noticing the gloves.
“What is going on?!” one of their aunts demanded from the radio that acted as her place holder.
Kirari smiled softly at Sumika. But it gave no comfort. She was embracing the role of predator this morning.
“Why, this is my little gift to Uncle Obami.” Kirari replied with a delighted lilt.
Rin and Ibara stopped eating. Terano’s grip on her own tea tightened. The Obami head seemed confused. “Pardon?”
Kirari gave a single clap as she addressed the man. “Congratulations on your early retirement uncle!”
“Excuse me?”
Kirari giggled. “Oh, enough with this charade. You’ve worked hard and have earned your rest! The paperwork is already done. Your branch’s assets shall be split between Rin and Ibara. At least until Rin and Ibara become of age. You can decide between yourselves who will continue as head when that time comes… Preferably with a gamble!”
Obami rose from his seat. “You can’t do that-”
A gloved hand shoved him down.
“Do not worry. Uncle Totobami will monitor everything from now on. Rin will act as head, yet Totobami will hold the right to veto any decisions that put the clan or your name at risk.”
“You can’t-- On what grounds?” He demanded.
“Now now uncle, I’m not the only one to realize you’re just not quite there anymore. Your age has made your judgment and manners rather poor lately, hasn’t it? Best to quit while you’re ahead.”
Terano spoke above the rising voices. “Kirari, you can’t just-”
“Terano. Silence.” Her Father spoke, his voice was deep and effective in drawing everyone’s attention.
“Lady Momobami,” A voice spoke from the radio. Ibara’s mother. “This is not the way your clan does things, is it?”
There was a silence at the table as Kirari’s expression grew more manic.
“You’re right! We gave the Jabami’s a chance as well! Tell me, are you willing to gamble for your position Uncle? Challenge Rin and Ibara to a game? The winner will remain as the acting head. Whoever looses however will not get to enjoy retirement.”
Uncle Obami, who was red in his rage suddenly went pale. He was always a problematic man prone to anger. Yet he had led his family well all these years. The Obami throne was lucrative despite being built on an industry of lies. Now his face was sweating and tight with terror.
His only mistake was that he had dared touch Kirari’s personal servant.
Terano was torn as she watched her uncle’s terror twist into despair. Kirari laughed at the sight. “Well, what will it be?”
“I’m game.” Rin said.
Terano looked down. Why should a servant’s comfort be above the family’s?
“Uncle, you look like a pig with that expression.” Kirari mused. They were all waiting for her uncle’s answer.
“I choose retirement.” Obami said, his voice horse and to Terano’s dismay, he really did look like a pig.
-----
Terano caught sight of Sayaka again in the game room with Kirari and Ririka. She and Yumi were about to leave the estate, but her father had to handle some last minute contracts between the Obami’s. She was not invited to those discussions and it left her feeling bitter.
Their clan leader was clearly making Ririka and Sayaka play a game of War. However whoever had the weaker hand got their forehead flicked. It was an innocent enough sight, sickeningly so. Though on the rounds the secretary lost she was forced to flick Ririka’s mask. That surely must have been uncomfortable.
Kirari seemed entertained though. Her cousin always did revel in the misery of others.
Terano felt a growl rise from her chest. Her hands which were laced perfectly in front of her tightened as she struggled with her temper. She never understood why her family went along with Kirari’s whims. There were others more capable. She would never let The Family bleed for her entertainment. It would be better for everyone if Kirari wasn’t….
“Kirari shouldn’t have done that.” Terano said at last. She was ashamed of the bitterness in her own tone, but the anger needed a release.
Yumi, who was sitting beside her, perked up. “Why not?”
“She fired and shamed uncle, not because of his business incompetence, but because he insulted her. She didn’t even give him a chance to make up for the slight, and put the branch in the hands of Rin's greed and Ibara’s incompetence.” Assuming her father did not have his own ambitions…
He wouldn’t…. Would he?
Yumi’s face scrunched up in confusion. “But Rin and Ibara will do well. Plus they’re nicer.”
“Perhaps to you, but that's not the point.” Terano sighed.
Still, she offered her sister a small smile and felt a bit of her tension leave as Yumi returned the gesture. The warmth Yumi provided was like a balm for wounds Terano never realized she had. With every small gesture, an ache was revealed and made lighter.
Because Yumi was here, Terano was not alone. Because of Yumi, Terano was not like the rest of the family.
If it was Yumi her uncle was harassing, would Terano have done the same as Kirari?
Yumi continued speaking, her lips pursing into a pout as her brain was focusing doubly as hard. “Well… you always say she never acts like a proper leader. But today she seemed to be a very scary boss. No nonsense! That's something, right? Besides, uncle was always gross.”
Terano’s smile fell upon hearing Yumi defend Kirari. "The other heads should be off limit. Besides-"
The sound of heels on wood approaching them gave Terano pause. She and Yumi looked back to see Sumika was coming towards them with a suitcase in hand. She joined them in observing Kirari’s playtime.
“Oh!” she said, sounding genuinely surprised.
Terano returned her gaze back to the game just in time to witness Kirari catch Sayaka’s hand, and kiss the injured finger. She then flicked Ririka’s masked forehead herself. Yumi squealed at the sight, and Terano shook her head.
Kirari always took her jokes too far.
“I see. Uncle must have done something naughty then.” The actress said, sounding absolutely delighted. She was always away. Terano forgave her for not understanding the gravity of what Kirari has done.
“Thats right!” Yumi confirmed with a whisper that was far too loud to be secret. “Just yesterday!”
Sumika hummed as she took the gossip in. “Well, I can’t say these turn of events is uninteresting. I will even go so far as to say I’m relieved. If Kirari can get a girlfriend, then maybe she’s ready to grow up some.”
“They’re not girlfriends.” Terano said, her voice flat.
Sumika startled at first, chuckled softly, her eyes trailing back towards the trio. Ririka was now the dealer and Kirari was waiting for Sayaka to flick her forehead. Except the secretary couldn’t even manage that.
“Are you sure ?” Sumika asked skeptically.
“Yeah! Kirari hasn’t confessed yet!” Yumi said. “But that's a secret~!”
“Ha! That would be the day.” Terano said, deadpanned. “If Kirari was capable of such emotions Father and I would not have to worry so much. As it is, Kirari is incable of it, let alone with a woman.”
Yumi pouted. “But… the building of flowers.”
“The Momobamis covet gambling and nothing else.” Terano barked.
She felt Sumika’s eyes on her. "You sound a bit too defensive about the subject Terano."
"I don't like what you're implying." Terano replied.
They stared at one another for a while, silent accusations flying back and forth. Finally though, Sumika relented with a shrug. “Well her love life doesn’t really matter to me. I’m off. Until next year you two.”
“Until next year!” Yumi said, jumping into Sumika’s arms for a hug. Terano simply nodded. “Until next year.” she confirmed, the sound of Kirari's laughter ruining an otherwise peaceful goodbye. Terano sighed.
Perhaps in the new year, Sayaka will slip up only for Kirari abandon her as well. Maybe then Sumika and Yumi would see reason.
----
The next year brought change. More and more of the Elders met through phone calls, or radio boxes. The family meeting was likey to be cancelled. It was why she was surprised when everyone responded to Kirari’s emergency call.
Terano listened beside Yumi and her father as Kirari began the introductions. It was strange that she was doing so alone.
“Three. There are three reasons I summoned everyone.” Kirari said, already sounding bored.
Silence followed as she waited.
“What are they Kirari?” Rin asked. If Terano closed her eyes, she could imagine his false smile and Ibara’s challenging stare.
“One:” Kirari spoke through the radio, “I don’t know how many Elders will be able to make it to the New Year. I need everyone to mae arrangements accordingly. I have no patience for any more fueds as petty as the one between the Inbami and Yobamis.”
Terano spoke before the others could. “What the Branch’s do to handle conflict has nothing to do with the Momobamis.”
“How convenient for the Totobamis. I hear that your father benefited the most from the split. Isn’t that correct, uncle?”
Her head whipped to her father, who did not even spare her a glance. He was not so stoic at the moment. With only his daughter and Yumi around, the man did little to hide the hatred there. Terano felt at a loss as the family exploded on one another after that. Old mouths were screaming about old hurts. When her father berated them, she did not blame him. He had lived a selfless life keeping the Clan from devouring itself. As the peacekeeper of the family he was privy to too many secrets. How the weight of it must have hurt him through the years.
Terano hated Kirari for showing her this sight of him.
“You’re all so worthless.” Kirari said. It was barely above a whisper, but it managed to reign everyone in. Her Father took a breath. His hands were shaking. He would have been a better leader.
“Is no one worthy of me?”
For years, the family had been cowed. But deathbeds had little room to fear. Those fangs fell on Kirari. Unlovable. Monster. Cruel. Unworthy. Words that Terano had been saying for years, yet it was too late. Far too late. The power she had gathered at Hyakkaou will immortalize her rule. The Blue-Collar trafficking ring. That was what the Clan called her school.
So long as Kirari controlled the school, and its student body, she had no real need for the clan. They all knew it.
“If you have the will, come and take.” Kirari said, “Reason Two: I am hosting an election soon. The Prize will be my Presidency seat.”
Terano felt her heart stop.
“But… why?” It was Miyo sho spoke. Terano winced as she hear the sound of a slap echo through her Radio. Her mother most likely.
“Well, That would be reason three: There is a snake in my garden. She has really put a strain on my council. While Jabami has the right to come for my throat, I would rather it be one of you.”
With those words, Kirari had declared war on herself. They all clicked off, leaving her and Yumi alone with her Father’s heavy silence. He looked at them with a sad smile. “At least she kept it from becoming a blood feud.”
“Its her fault for allowing it to reach that point.” Terano countered.
“No. The fault would lie with us, the peacekeepers of the family.”
“You don’t want me to go?” She asked. The question snapped him back. He was not a pitiable old man with worn out ambitions. He was a devourer, intent on keeping the Clan alive.
“No. If a compromise can’t be reached, then there can only be war. If the branch is too sick to lead, then cut it must be pruned. But no matter what, the winner must be of the family.”
Yet who in the family could be more worthy that her?
Terano had little time to process his words and only a week to prepare. The election had the illusion of equality, yet Kirari held the advantage. Her wealth alone made it impossible to win at a normal one on one duel. She had time to build a support network as well, and that only accounted for the ones loyal to Kirari. There was the rest of the students to account for as well. She and Yumi could not take them all out without help. That was why she teamed up with her cousins.
Yet the school grounds were not a battlefield at all. For all Kirari went on about Hyakkou being an aquarium designed for the strongest to rise to the top, Terano saw it as nothing more than a playground for children to run buck wild and free of consequences. It all screamed of a Peter Pan complex more than anything.
Kirari sat, unchanged by time as Sayaka introduced the family to the council. Another year, and Sayaka had matured even more. Gone was the nervous energy that marked her as prey. In its place was the confidence and devotion only the best servants held for their master’s.
Peter played cruel pranks on his lost boys. Kirari abandoned the council asking them to fend for themselves. Yet like the fairy that granted Pan flight, there was Sayaka managing both the school and Kirari in the council’s absence. The only one missing now was Ririka.
---
The days passed, and Hyakkou proved to be a reality check for some of her family. Kirari remained unphased by everything. Yuriko nearly dying to poision. Ririka joining Mary. The family butting heads with eachother. All of it just meant a slightly more fun month of school for Kirari Momobami.
It was why she wasn’t surprised to see Kirari resting her head atop Sayaka’s lap, as her secretary ran her had through silver hair. Kirari looked to be reading aloud from a book, but was cut off when Sayaka jerked up at their guest’s sudden arrival.
“Sorry President! Is your head okay?” Sayaka asked, her cheeks as pink as ever.
“Its quite alright. Did you enjoy the poem?” Kirari asked, not rising from her languid position.
“Well… the beauty of poetry escapes me…” Sayaka confessed. She eyed Terano warily. “I’ll prepare some tea for our guests.”
Kirari did not move though. She did at least greet her. “Terano! What a pleasant surprise. Could I help you with anything?”
“I’ve come to inquire about your recent gamble with Ririka.”
“Apologies Terano, but that was a private affair between sisters.” Kirari replied, finally rising from her spot. Sayaka immediately rose from seat and made her way to the wet bar that Kirari must have installed.
Terano looked to the window. Already the sky was shifting towards night. The campus has long since closed.
If Sayaka wasn't armed, Terano might have considered shooting her cousin then and there. Instead she spoke towards Kirari's servant, her voice sharp with authority, "Nothing too strong. It is late."
"Of course Miss Totobami." She replied. Decorum was broken by Yumi,
"Can I have a lot of honey in mine?"
"...Of course."
Kirari giggled. "If we have honey, I would like mine prepared like Yumi's, please."
Sayaka grimaced at that. "...If thats what you want.”
Terano watched as Kirari regarded Sayaka with that same amusement she held back during that first meeting. It irked her then. It irked her now.
“Saotome was there. She’s not even family.” Terano insisted.
“She was Ririka’s partner. Whatever the outcome of the election, I trust that those two will make it through together." Kirari replied, bringing her focus back on Terano.
"That's rather careless of you. Highschool Relationships rarely last beyond graduation. If you abandon Ririka now, you'll be setting her up for ruin."
"You almost sound worried Terano!"
"Of course I am."
"What a good cousin Ririka has then. I'm almost jealous." Kirari laughed.
Terano was at a loss for words. She felt heavier and heavier the more she and Kirari spoke. It was a strange alternative to her anger. Her dark eyes stared at her cousin, a memory of a pair of sisters sitting side by side.
"You can have the title of Momobami, if you wager the Totobami clan."
"Sumika? You’re thoughts?”
"I couldn’t say. If two identical-looking people consider themselves the same on the inside, then they’re not really lying.”
If they were both Kirari, then there was no wrong answer and no real way to lose. Yet Terano was not willing to risk her family on that outcome. Not then, and not now. Though, such a game was impossible now. It was just Kirari and Sayaka here. Ririka was somewhere else, and with someone else.
Terano glanced to Yumi. The future would have them separated someday, but Terano could never do so willinging.
“Igarashi wasn’t there.” Terano said as a tea cup was placed in front of her.
“Sayaka hates gambling!” Kirari countered, sounding scandalized. “Besides…”
Terano arched a brow as Kirari’s voice trailed off. Her cousin’s attention had left her and had settled on the secretary instead. Sayaka blushed as she gave Yumi and Kirari their cups. She still did not serve herself.
“... I keep Sayaka busy enough as it is. She is allowed her own free time.” Kirari finished.
"And Igarashi spent that free time helping you." Terano stated.
Sayaka's brow furrowed at the words. For a moment the girl was lost even as Kirari pulled her back to the sofa. "Well, she's my number one for a reason." Kirari purred distracting the girl from the depths of her mind.
“What happens to Ririka if Yumeko wins?” Terano asked.
“That won’t happen!” Sayaka growled, “I won’t let it!”
You already did.
Terano did not voice the words. If Kirari knew she did not let it show.
“If it happens though, I do not imagine anything bad will happen to Ririka. If so, Mary will save her.”
“You sound so sure.”
“Mary wouldn’t be able to help herself.”
“And you?”
“Me?” Kirari asked.
“Kirari. Please don’t be coy.”
Kirari let out a giggle. “I don’t really have an answer to that. It would depend on Yumeko I suppose. You should try asking her. Though between just us four, I don’t see her holding powered effectively.”
"And you do?!" Terano scoffed.
"Well, somehow I'm still here." Kirari sighed wistfully.
Terano somehow hated the sound of it. She opened her mouth but there were no words of comfort to give. She was a predator as well, and besides that, Kirari deserved no comfort. That did not keep Sayaka from trying though.
"Kirari…” Sayaka said, her eyes misting over as she leaned closer to Kirari. She must have lost herself, because she rested her head on Kirari’s arm without being prompted to. It was scandalous considering her position as secretary. Not to mention that she did it so blatantly in front of Yumi.
“Well I suppose you have your answer Terano.” Kirari hummed, the somberness gone from her voice.
“No I do not.” Terano growled. Yumi giggled as she drank her tea.
Kiraru hummed, “Well… no matter I suppose. I am glad we have one last chance to speak like this before the results tomorrow. We never did get to share tea back then. Though Sayaka still doesn’t prepare enough for herself.”
“Well she has some sense of propriety then.” Terano stated. She brought her own cup to her lips, and missed the incredulous look the other three shared.
“Are you a fan of poetry Terano? Sayaka and I were just reading some old classics. Care to listen?”
Tomorrow would be the end of Kirari. Terano knew from the moment she and Yumi arrived that her cousin had wanted to be alone. Yet Sayaka was there. So Terano would be too.
“Why not?”
Kirari beamed “I’ll continue where we left off then: and what did I especially desire for myself in my frenzied heart: “Who this time am I to persuade to your love? Sappho, who is doing you wrong? For even if she flees, soon she shall pursue. And if she refuses gifts, soon she shall give them…”
Terano didn’t really hear the words. She simply watched as Sayaka and Kirari nestled closer to each other. It was a moment of peace that she was again intruding on, despite the invitation. The only thing that was missing was Ririka, and that begged the question: Was this the last time Terano would see Sayak like this?
Terano decided that she was not a fan of poetry.
---
The next time Terano saw Sayaka, she was standing between Kirari and a mob. Terano watched the screen in muted surprise as the crowd honed in on her. A living shield that protected the true villain of this tale. Kirari simply sat at her desk as her servant dealt with the crowd.
Her cousin had won the election, but still lost. Terano held her breath and leaned forward in her seat. Terano wished she was in the room. She needed to see Kirari's reaction, and the shared screen did little to reveal the little nuances of her emotions.
Half of her expected Kirari to be a sore loser. It was a family trait after all. Something that Terano was forced to accept during this election. Knowing Kirari, who thought she was above it all, Terano expected her to blame Sayaka. It was her foolish misstep that led to this outcome.
She would have to thank the girl for that.
Yet the reproach never came. Terano stared, dumbfounded as Kirari shielded Sayaka from the cameras.
"It's okay Sayaka. I don't mind being the Emperor with no clothes, so long as you're there with me."
Terano frowned as Kirari's affections echoed from the screen.
"Damn. I can't see her face." Rin huffed. "Though I guess we shouldn't be surprised."
"Shouldn't we be?" Terano asked. She made an effort to relax, but the muscles felt tight between her shoulders. A new migraine was introducing itself.
What was the point in winning or acting freely if it’s alone?
Kirari said that she couldn’t understand what she meant that day in in the Fascination Hall. What part of it did Kirari not understand?
Did she not understand Lonliness?
Through this election, she burned out her good will with the Family. Through her ‘us versus them’ mentality, she offered no aid to her formal council who proved to be little more than opportunists themselves. She even pushed her sister away.
The only one that she kept was Sayaka Igarashi, though all Igarashi got in return was pain.
Terano watched as Kirari remained close to Sayaka as Yumeko approached. As always, Kirari’s attention was not where it was meant to be. Kirari didn’t even seem to notice Yumeko approach as blue eyes remained fixated her secretary.
Why?
“I kinda feel bad for Igarashi.” Ibara replied, scratching the back of his neck. He almost looked embarrassed at admitting it.
“Why?” Miyo huffed “She knew what she was getting into when she started…”
Her cousin stumbled over her words as she met Terano’s eyes. “...acting as Kirari’s secretary.”
Terano frowned. Only the kids seemed as oblivious or confused. Even Yumi shared in the knowing look that passed between the others.
“What is it?” She demanded.
“I-Its nothing,” Ibara assured. His shaking hands and comically strained grin was as good a tell as any.
Rin rolled his eyes. “If you don’t know by now, then theres no point.”
Terano thought about it, her eyes going from Kirari and Sayaka on the screen to the others.
They continued talking, but their voices became muted as Terano continued to think on it. Games. Gaudy yet grand gifts. Poems by moonlight. Terano buried her head In her hands.
It was almost like Kirari actually loved the girl.
"Terano, what's wrong?" Yumi asked. She had moved so that she crouched beside her. Ternao ignored her for the moment, as she ran the past few years in her head.
"How long have they been together?" Terano asked begrudgingly.
Yumi blinked, confused by her question. "Who?"
"Kirari and her secretary."
Yumi blinked in feigned ignorance. "What are you talking about Terano?”
Rin shook his head, and sounded actually annoyed when he replied. “It's been obvious from the start. Kirari has never bothered hiding it. We all thought she was just defying the elders again."
“I thought so too… I just never considered them in a relationship of that sort.”
Rin chuckled darkly. "Maybe there's a reason you didn't notice?"
Terano glared at him, but then Yumeko began to speak. She was inviting Kirari to a gamble, and the Momobami clan leader had no choice but to accept.
"How does tomorrow sound?" Kirari asked.
"I insist that we play right away!” Yumeko insisted. She reached for Kirari’s wrist, and held to her tightly. “I simply can not wait any more!”
"I'm sure you can. You just said waiting makes it all the better. Besides, I need to get Sayaka home." Kirari said. As she spoke Kirari had shifted their positions. Yemeko, the crowd, and the camera’s were all focused on the Momobami head. Sayaka was shielded in from them all. Little good it did now.
"No!"
There was a dangerous edge to Yumeko’s voice, one that promised violence. She had a crowd of students practically frothing at the mouth, waiting to attack again. Kirari hummed as she considered her options. Then her blue eyes looked to the camera directly and reached out.
“Ririka, will you come here please?”
“What for?” Yumeko asked. Then she looked down towards Sayaka still on the floor. “Ah.”
“Since you’re so impatient,” Kirari hummed, grabbing Yumeko’s cheek and roughly jerked it up so that they were looking eye to eye again, “Theres a small den down the hall. It is nothing extravagant, but it will suffice for our purposes. We have to be quick though..”
The screens went black. Terano wondered if Karari would have refused if it wasn’t for the hoard of students. What was stronger? The urge to play or the urge to protect what was hers? Her entire life, she would have never bet on Kirari choosing a person or thing over a gamble. Now though?
“Miroslava…” Terano said, her eyes still lingering on the screen. She was about to break some unspoken rules here, but she felt it was necessary. "...Get to Sayaka before Ririka."
Everyone looked to her then.
“Why?” Miro asked.
“Because I finally think we can come up with a compromise.”
----
Hyakkou had no shortage of gambling dens. The one Kirari had chosen for her gamble with Yumeko was not the fanciest. It was small, and non decorated. Desks were pushed against the wall, and the light bulb was beginning to dim. It was a disappointing setting for a final battle. But Terano noted that it was near the office where Sayaka still sat.
Yumi rolled her in. Terano felt her wheelchair took up too much space, yet no one complained. Kirari didn’t even look her way, but when she spoke it was addressed to her.
“I had hoped that you would be my final opponent, Terano.” Kirari mused.
“I did my best. Your secretary really made a mess of things.”
“That's right,” Yumeko said, “Blame Igarashi for keeping us apart for so long!” The utter delight in Yumeko’s voice was bordering from girlish to manic. Terano raised a brow, taking her cousin in fully.
From the very beginning, Yumeko had held a cunning that she and the rest of her family underestimated. She had built a support system that was more versatile and more stable than Kirari had. In fact, with Mary’s and Ririka’s partnership, Kirari practically gave Yumeko her strongest asset.
Yet all she was done thus far was play the part of a lost boy. Kirari could make her lose. Kirari could trap her in Hyakkou forever. From the very beginning, neither was concerned about destroying the other. It did not matter so long as they got to play.
“I would rather it be one of you.”
“Don’t feel so restrained, take it all!”
“Yes,” Kirari hummed, pride filling her voice, “Sayaka always has a way of surprising me.”
“Not to sound jealous, but I did help!” Yumeko pouted.
That headache was growing into a terrible migraine. Yumeko almost sounded like a jealous lover. Perhaps the goal was to replace the legal wife? Terano bit her lip. Could it really be as simple as that?
Runa began shuffling the deck as she explained the game. Crazy Eights. A simple game for a simple den. All the players had to do was be the first ones to lose all of their cards. No convoluted rules. A quiet quickie to satisfy Yumeko so that Kirari could return to and tend to Sayaka.
“Are we okay with the stakes?” Runa asked. Her light eyes danced between the two players.
“Of course. If I lose, Yumeko can have the Momobami clan and all that entails. I will leave Hyakkou if thats what you want. If I will, Yumeko must leave the school never and never gamble again.”
Yumeko shuddered in anticipation. “A death sentence would have been more merciful.”
“You said it yourself,” Kirari said, her smirk returning, “Gambles to the death have become to tame for you.”
Terano groaned.
“Terano?” Yumi asked, “You okay?”
“Perspective has a way of humbling people.” Terano replied. Yumi looked like she wanted to speak up, but Terano shook her head. “The game is starting.”
“If you guess right, you will rule the family!”
“What the Branch’s do to handle conflict has nothing to do with the Momobamis.”
“How convenient for the Totobamis.”
Yumeko starting with a jack of hearts. Had this been poker, she likely would have have a strong hand. It was a testament of the Jabami luck. Kirari laughed at it, and began to draw a card from the top. Terano bit her lip as Kirari drew and drew and drew.
“You knew right away that Kirari was in love with Igarashi.” Terano said.
Yumi nodded, looking a tad confused. “Well… yeah. I mean… I think you’re the only one who didn’t know.”
Terano frowned at that. “So it would seem.”
Kirari continued to draw and draw until her eyes lit up. “Ah. Jack of spades.”
The room was quiet. The Dealer laughed, but it somehow sounded strained. Try as she might for ‘absolute neutrality’ its human nature to want your friends to live. Yumeko who was bursting with lust and excitement just moments ago had become withdrawn. Her lips set into a displeased frown. A sick branch had to be pruned.
“I would rather it be one of you.”
Yumeko wanted to win, sure, but she wanted Kirari to actually play even more. Still smiling, Kirari placed her Jack on top of Yumiko's. Wordlessly, Yumeko placed a three of spades down. Kirari a two. If Yumeko had thought of Kirari as a similar soul, she was only half right. Above all Kirari was selfish. She would do everything it took to achieve her goals.
If it got her away from the Clan, Kirari was willing to lose, even if she had to do it herself. As if death or an out would absolver her from her crimes.
The door opened as more cards were placed on top of one another. An ace from Yumeko. A two of the same suit from Kirari. Every so often Kirari would draw more until she found the matching number or face she desired. Rin quietly slipped through the doors and made his way to Terano, handing her a tablet.
She arched a brow at his disheveled appearance. His uniform was ripped, and her normally combed hair was a mess. “Should I even ask?”
“For a girl experiencing shock, she is quite the handful.” He replied whilst adjusting his uniform.
Terano frowned. “I had sent Miroslava.”
“Who ran into Ririka and Soutome on the way.”
Ririka bringing Mary made things messy. Still she unblocked the screen to see Sayaka bound and gagged with what was probably Rin’s missing neck tie. Her ponytail which had survived the mob was gone. Hard hair fell loosely at her shoulders. It did little to hide the swelling that was already forming at around her cheek and chin. Bruises would likely decorate her body tomorrow.
How much of that was from Miro, and how much of that was from the mob of students?
Terano did not see Ririra or Mary. Likely they were moved to another location. Most concerning was that Mri and Miyo were not there either. There was no chance of that being a coincidence. That was a problem for later.
Sayaka was all she needed. Finally, everything was in her hands.
Miroslava walked into view as Sayaka’s squirming became less and less subtle. In two motions, she was able to pull and hold the Secretary upright. She whispered something in the girls ear, and Sayaka jerked her head up towards the cameral. It was video call, and Terano flicked the tablet to reveal Kirari was drawing more cards. Tears filled the girl’s almost violent eyes as the gravity of the situation finally fell on Sayaka. Miro adjusted her ear piece and nodded from behind the girl, indicating that she was ready for her orders.
Terano hesitated then. She could prune the branch. Let Yumeko lead until she destroys herself. Become the head herself. However, that would be like giving Kirari what she wanted.
Kirari was unworthy. She always was. Terano had despised her cousin and how she acted as the head. But the cows that bowed to a seven year old were also to blame.
“Terano?” Yumi asked, sensing her hesitance though she likely didn’t understand it. Terano took a breath, and leaned towards her sister. As though proximity could refuel her resolve. Instead, memories of her looming uncle played in her mind.
If it had been Yumi, what would she have done?
Likely nothing. That was the difference between a peacekeeper and the King.
“Kirari,” Terano called out. Kirari had just drawn another card. She looked to Terano, smiling merrily. “If you lose, Igarashi Sayaka does as well.”
She flipped the tablet over to reveal the secretary at Miro’s mercy. Kirari simply stared at the screen, her smile gone yet her face was still unreadable. There was a gasp that echoed around her.
“Why would we want Kirari to win?” Rin scoffed. His temper stretched his sneer in a disgraceful fashion. Not unlike his pig father. She didn’t look at Yumi. She didn’t want to see the betrayal or judgment in her eyes.
“That won’t work.” Yumeko replied bitterly. She looked down at her small hand of cards with utter disdain. “They’re both already prepared to die. Sayaka was trained quite well.”
Kirari never looked away from the tablet as she set her own hand face down. In her search for the jack alone she had picked up more than a quarter of the deck.
“Not at all. Everything Sayaka does now is of her own will. But it is true, though she may not like to hear me admit it. I want to see my fish swim as much as I desire to witness a supernova.”
Terano considered that for a moment before conceding. “There are worse punishments than death.”
That was all she said. Kirari could come up with the rest. Beside her, Yumeko lit up. “Oh. I think I love that! Kirari,” Yumeko said excitedly, “If you won’t play for yourself, will you play for Sayaka?”
Kirari didn’t hear her. Her eyes were fixated on the screen. Her expression was the same as when they had walked in on their uncle harassing her. Blank. Considering. At a complete loss. Maybe, just maybe, she was experiencing distress for the first time.
Terano could only hope.
“I’m surprised you would turn to violence Terano.” she said at last. “Its not the Totobami way. Not to mention the bad example it sets for the others.”
“I’m surprised you’re willing to quit while you’re ahead!” Terano countered. “Why can’t you compromise just this once?”
“Why must I? I’ve never gone after Yumi or Ibara. Why go after Sayaka.”
“Because no one gets everything that they want! Do you want to leave the Momobami clan, separated from Igarashi? Or do you want to face the Clan together, with her and with me?!”
They stared at each other then, and maybe it was the first time they ever truly saw one another.
Runa cut in then. Her tiny hands seemed to be struggling with a candy wrapper. Apparently, hostage situations had no hold on her attention span. “I’m okay with the upped ante if Sayaka is. Otherwise, I’m calling this gamble void.”
All eyes went to the screen where Sayaka still sat gagged and bruised. Miroslava undid the tie gage, though kept a firm hand on the girl's shoulder. Sayaka did not move. Her dark eyes remained focused on the ground. Terano watched Kirari as her cousin sucked in a breath. To her, this state of Sayaka was not for the world to see. Sayaka was a part of Kirari’s ‘us’. Yet here they were.
Runa took a disgustingly large bite of chocolate. “If she is unable to give consent, I’m calling the bet-”
“Miroslava, her fingers.”
Kirari flew from her seat but Miroslava was already moving. She leveled Kirari with a knowing stare that, finally, finally, made Kirari pause. Blue eyes focused on the screen again and Terano saw surprise tense Kirari’s form and pink color her pale cheeks. Terano looked back down. Somehow, Sayaka had managed to slam her head into Miro’s nose. Hard. A futile move, but Terano would be sure to commend her later. If there was a later.
Still, dark eyes that had been dimmed from shock and sorrow now glared at the screen.
“I…” she hesitated. Terano had to fight the memory of the shy kid Kirari had brought to their family reunion three years ago. Sayaka swallowed, and tears fell freely down her cheeks.
“President! I don’t mind dying for you. But please… I don’t want to hurt you any more than I already have. I don’t want to be the reason you---”
A gloved hand of the Honebami cut Sayaka off. She twisted and snarled, filled with a petty rage that honestly suited their family well. Terano looked up towards Kirari and hesitated. The room, their murmuring, the gamble behind her, it was all lost to her cousin. For the first time, Terano saw genuine hate in her cousin's eyes as the sound of muffled struggles filled the room.
“Oh my, she is something!” Yumeko cheered.
That hate leveled on Yumeko then. Her lips curled upward into a blue painted sneer. “Runa, you know well enough that my will is her will And hers is mine.”
The blond seemed to think on that as she took another chomp of her candy. The sugar must have gotten the better of her small body because her fingers shoulders began to shake. A cackle followed soon after.
“Yeah. You two have always been gross like that.”
“Wait, no!” Sayaka screamed from the tablet. She had somehow fought off Miroslava’s pin. “I won’t be your weak point! You’re supposed to be untouchable! You’re--”
“Sayaka… It may not be the way you desire, but this is me exercising my own will. More than that… this is Terano finally fighting for what she wants. With her actions today, she risks what will equate to a blood war that will likely break the clan. We can’t disrespect that, now can we?”
“But-”
Terano muted the tablet, cutting Sayaka off. “We would not begin a blood fued just because Yumeko won.”
“But that just raises the stakes.” Yumeko sais, shivering in her seat. Runa bit into her chocolate while Yumeko bit her finger. There was nothing in her eyes except ecstasy. Terano glanced at Rin, who already seemed to be calculating something. Terano gulped. He would support her here, but she knew Rin would not back her in the future. Not after betting on Kirari.
Kirari placed a ten of hearts atop Yemeko’s last played five of the same suit. “Let us continue then.” It was all the invitation Yumeko needed.
Crazy Eights was an easy game to play, especially if you shuffled the card yourself. Runa however was honorable. She stuck to her Absolute Nuetrality. Even if more cards had to be drawn and the deck reshuffled. With half the deck in Kirari’s hands, Terano had hoped for more eights. As it was, everytime Yumeko needed one, she played it. Sometimes only after needing to draw two. Terano reached for Yumi as her head throbbed in protest. Her stomach and heart were rebelling as well. She wanted to gag as Kirari placed and eight, declared a suit, only for the deck to need to be reshuffled again. Runa used a new deck each time.
“You know, I’ve wanted to play with you for some time.” Yumeko said. A four of spades atop Kirari’s six. Kirari responded with a four of her own. Terano tried not to think about the Honebami’s taking Yumi away from her.
“Its only natural.” Kirari mused. They matched numbers for a while, switching suits half haphazardly. Yumeko did the same. Terano could see Rin roping Erimi or Nozime in, and using them as hostages.
“I hope you enjoyed playing with the family. This election is but a taste of what growing up in the Clan is like.”
Terano bit her lip. Was it?
“It was lovely,” Yumeko replied. She had played the last eight of this deck. “Thank you for the experience!” She places a six on top of Kirari’s five of hearts. Kirari a seven. Then a three. There was one last four left. Yumeko just declared clovers. Would Miri and Miyo survive a blood feud? Terano doubted it. They would destroy themselves, rather than lose each other.
But why was Kirari the same way?
“You’re welcome. Though you could have played much more had you not broken my Aquarium.” Nine. Five. Ten suit switch to spades. Queen. King. King again, suit switch to diamonds. Kirari didn’t sound bitter about it breaking. Apparently, she didn’t mind it if her world burn. Ternano reached for and held Yumi tightly.
“I’m sure something new will come out of it.” Yumeko mused, playing the third king. Kirari eyed it, and the deck. There were two cards to draw from, and only one in her hand. “Isn’t that exciting?”
Kirari smiled. “Typically. Though nothing has really changed for me.”
She spoke like she was the only one that suffered.
Terano spoke up then. “You idiot, everything has changed!”
“Ah. I’m being scolded again.” Kirari pouted, dropping her king. Relief hit Terano at the sight of it.
“Thats game Yumeko.”