Chapter 1
If anything, I was never a social butterfly.
I looked around the fancy hotel ballroom where a lot of Elite kids from mid-upper class have gathered, and felt like I don't belong. I never did.
"Excuse me, Miss. Care for some petit fours?" A waiter handed me a tray full of little cakes and savory pastries. I smiled for the first time this evening. This is what I came for, to be honest.
"Yes please," I took at least six pieces of the delicacies, and placed them in a little silver plate. He gave me a polite nod, then proceeded towards other guests inside the ballroom.
I briefly said hello to a few people who made eye contact with me, and smiled out of courtesy. They would smile back at me, before continuing their lively conversations about last month's fashion week in Milan that they attended as VIP guests, or their upcoming summer trips to old castles in Eastern Europe.
My phone vibrated from an incoming call, and I unconsciously sighed in relief upon seeing the caller's ID.
"Mikan, where are you? Geez, it's so hard to move around when I'm dressed up like this."
Dressed up?
I stared down at my navy A-line dress decorated with pale ivory embroidery, which I bought on sale might I add. Pretty sure it's good enough to fit in the crowd, "I'm near the restroom, it's -"
"Oh, I see you!"
A young woman with curly green hair was walking towards me, and I smiled. Her hair bounced as she moved, and she was wearing a black strappy bodycon dress that reached slightly above her knee.
I gave her a long hug, grateful that she agreed to become my plus one again. "Thanks for coming, Permy. Where were you earlier?"
"Just taking care of stuff, sorry I was late!" She grinned nervously as if she was hiding something, but I decided to ignore it. "You look amazing as always!"
"I know," Permy winked then flipped her hair, "Now let's get some food. I'm starving."
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"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present Miss Luna Koizumi as the hostess of tonight's Social de Fortuné!" The emcee handed a microphone to a tall girl in long wine dress and black stilettos. Her long strawberry blonde hair was in a stylish updo, and she looked really classy with a big diamond necklace on her neck. She is currently the president of this elite social circle.
Permy rolled her eyes as she took a handful of chocolate-dipped strawberries from a nearby table, "She always brags that she was born in France, but she can barely speak any French."
Somehow Permy doesn't really like Luna from the start. She usually has good judgement and won't dislike people for no reason. However, I never really talked to Luna in length so I don't have anything against her. At least for now.
"All of the events she held previously were always French-inspired too."
Luna started her speech on how enchanteé she was, and my mind couldn't help to wander elsewhere.
This Elite gathering started many many years ago, when a group of young and wealthy individuals in Tokyo decided to form a clique and call themselves the Elites. Literally, they were the real elites in Tokyo. Business tycoons, politicians, actors, models - you name it. They were the people who shaped the country's economy and enjoyed creating numerous networking events from charity fundraising, to social gatherings like today.
Even though I hate to admit it, I am part of the Elites simply because I have the Yukihira blood. My great-great grandparents founded Yukihira Corp., the once largest multi-national company that owned real estate properties and skyscrapers across Japan. They were very successful in their business, and passed the company to many generations after them.
My dad eventually became the CEO of this big business, until he passed away twelve years ago. Somehow, the government ended up taking all of our assets, leaving me with just enough money to pay for tuition until I finish higher education.
Luckily, my mom's old relative decided to take me in, and I stayed with him until I graduated High School. I call him Grandpa and consider him my real grandfather, because my biological grandparents passed away long before I was born.
Nevertheless, people see me as the girl with 'old money', the descendant of a wealthy family line who was rumored to have royal blood. So yes, I'm still included in their little group because of this specific and somewhat petty reason.
"Why do you have to come here again?" Permy asked as we sat on the empty sofas.
"Takeshi-san threatened me to go to these events, or else I won't get my allowance," I grunted as I remember the tantrum I threw to my lawyer when I was younger. He emphasized how important it was to expand my network from an early age, and thus going to socials was a baby step. If only working part-time was enough to pay for rent and daily expenses, I wouldn't be bothered coming to this event at all.
"He can do that? So not fair!"
"Sadly. Thanks for being my plus one, Permy. I really mean it."
"Well, if that means I get to eat free food and feel somewhat rich on a Friday night, then count me in, girl!" She winked then continued looking around the room, "I wonder if every Elite kids actually go to these events."
I took a glance at the semi-crowded ballroom and raised my shoulder, "I don't think so. I wouldn't go if I didn't have to, really."
"Now you should socialize more, Mikan-sama, make more acquaintances if you must." Permy smirked and I stuck my tongue out at her.
"These kids ignored me when they found out that I'm not rich anymore," I shook my head as I remembered my first gathering. In less than an hour, most of the people decided to avoid me like I carry bad luck.
It was mutual, I guess, because I am simply a normal third-year student in Tokyo University who take no interest in such luxurious lifestyle.
Me and Permy met during orientation in freshman year, and were never apart since. We even live in the same apartment. Permy is studying Politics & Law -a very competitive major I might add- while I'm in the Business school. Yup, it had always been a pressure as the heiress of a bankrupt corporate, to one day return it's former glory.
"This taxi is taking forever, really," Permy grunted as she looked at her phone, "It's almost midnight too. I should've drove today."
I smiled as Permy started complaining about public transportation like always. She hates waiting, and usually chose to drive her silver Prius instead. I tried calling the taxi's number, but the driver didn't pick up, "Do you think he bailed on us?"
"He better not. I am not taking the bus in this dress."
I never really liked the idea of taking the bus from downtown Tokyo after midnight. I heard enough crime analytics from Permy to know that it could be dangerous especially for young girls like us.
"Let's wait for five more minutes. If he doesn't pick up the phone, we can try calling another taxi."
Permy nodded and sat on the bench while looking at the Gran du Hotel across the street where we were just inside. I was sure one of the Elite kids' family owned the place. Usually they would book a couple rooms for the night for an after party, but I never bothered to join. They're not the right crowd for me, besides, I just wanted to spend the rest of the night in my own cozy studio room.
Out of nowhere, Permy quickly stood up, stared at the hotel entrance, then looked at me in the eyes, "Curse it."
I tilted my head in confusion, "Curse what?"
She muttered a few more curses before typing furiously on her phone. I walked towards her then looked at the hotel lobby. Did she see something? Someone? Maybe her ex?
"Mikan, I know this sounds weird, but please trust me okay." Permy sighed exasperatedly. "Apparently there are a couple of bad people who had been following me, and they are inside the hotel now. Can we please leave now? Let's run somewhere before they find me."
I squinted my eyes at her, then at the empty entrance doors to the lobby. I don't see anyone, really. Something's not right. "Bad people? Permy, are you sure? Because I don't—Wait, hey!"
She dragged me before I finished my words and led me to the pedestrian crossing quickly.
"We're going to miss that taxi! Hey, Permy!"
Instead of stopping, she walked faster, and I had no choice but to follow her, "Really, Permy? Ugh, say something at least."
I tried to convince her, but she looked really pale. Now I'm very worried. She didn't touch any of the alcohol drinks earlier, so she should be perfectly sober. I decided to just shut up and comply to whatever she's up to.
We took a turn into a small alley, where a few garbage containers were placed at the back door of nearby bars or restaurants. I cringed at the smell, and looked at my best friend in disbelief. There is no way Permy is going to make us hide here of all places. She's a major clean freak, and I felt even more anxious. Something is definitely not right.
She shoved me behind one of the garbage containers, and squatted down with me.
"Be quiet. They can hear us." Permy still looked pale, and I sighed, "You better have a good explanation for this."
A few minutes passed, and I was about to tell her that she's overreacting before I heard a few footsteps approaching. I glanced at Permy, whose eyes seemed to look darker, and I gulped nervously. What's going on here?
Unexpectedly a loud ringtone echoed through the whole alley, and I scrambled to shut my phone off. I swear Permy looked like she's going to kill me as I mouthed nervously to her, 'Taxi driver.'
"Come out now, kitty cat," a rough male's voice called with a very impatient tone. "We know you're here."
Another man spitted on the ground, and the next thing I heard was a gunshot.
.
My eyes shot open as terror went up my spine. Is this really happening? Is that a real gun?
Sweat started to form on my forehead. I couldn't believe Permy was involved with these kind of people. Are they drug dealers? Or even worse, Yakuza or some sort?
Permy whispered to me to stay still, as she slowly crouched with both of her arms on the ground. In the next few seconds, she looked up and I almost yelped. On her head was a pair of cat ears, and her nose transformed into a dog snout with whiskers on each of her cheek. Her wrists were covered in short fur, while her hands and feet looked like paws. Her stilettos were nowhere to be seen.
I looked at her in disbelief, but what surprised me more was when she gracefully did a backflip, landed on top of a pile of sturdy boxes, and charged the men with full force. I raised my body from behind the garbage containers so I could watch her closely.
At that moment, I knew I would never forget what happened that night.
There were three armed men in dark jackets, and Permy attacked them like an animal. She punched one of them until he fell, and in less than a second, she was already kicking the other guy's stomach and leaped towards the third man. I can't believe my eyes. My own best friend is a kick ass and she managed to hide this from me all these years!
It suddenly hit me in realization that I should ask for help. I was dialing 911 before my phone was abruptly gone from my hands, and a cold metal was positioned at the side of my head. I froze and glanced to my right, where a guy with military buzz cut menacingly stared at my face.
I tensed and slowly squeaked, "What do you want?"
He ushered me towards the fight, and the fear slowly started to hit me.
I'm going to die.
He literally has my life within his fingertips, and there's nothing I can do about it. I've never felt so weak and helpless.
Permy looked at me with shock as she stopped kicking the second guy, giving him a chance to hit her from behind and tied her wrists behind her back. I saw blood running down her temple, and I can feel my head spinning, "Permy, I….I'm sorry."
The man next to me laughed, and pressed the gun on my head as he stared at Permy, "Now, Catwoman, where did you hide the files? Tell us or your friend's dead."
Permy stared at me helplessly. She is now kneeling on the ground, with her hands tied behind her back, and biting back a snarl, "I don't have it."
The second guy kicked her back, and I gritted my teeth. I want to run there and make sure she's okay, but I can feel the gun next to my head, and decided to not do anything stupid.
"Bring it to me then. You took what's ours, and it's only fair that you give it back."
The gun that was pressed next to my head became colder and longer, until I finally realized that it transformed into a thin sword; a Katana none the less. "You may have heard of me. My name is Senshi, and I have the Weapon Alice."
Permy snarled as Senshi pressed the blade on my neck, "Leave her alone. She's a N/A."
I was about to sigh in relief when he pulled his sword away, until I felt a sharp pain on my right abdomen. My body went limp and fell to the ground, holding the wound as my hands were covered in red.
I looked up and saw Permy broke free from the ropes, and charged Senshi in amazing speed. Everything happened in slow motion, and I felt my head became heavier by every second. I tried my best to focus on Permy. She avoided all the attacks that Senshi delivered, what a relief.
Suddenly I heard screams coming from the other two guys. I looked back and saw a blur of fire on their backs, where a new figure was now facing them. The men ran away, desperately trying to put out the fire, and the shadow turned around.
I blinked as I saw a familiar face; tousled hair and intense eyes. I know I've seen him somewhere, but I can't remember where.
He looked at me with surprise, then briskly helped me to stand up, "Are you alright?"
I grimaced as I showed him my wound, and his eyes widen. He took out his necklace and put it over my head. It's a small round clear quartz stone with silver chain, and it gleamed when I touched it. I gasped as I felt a tingling sensation on my wounded stomach, and he looked at me in the eyes, "Stay here."
With that, he walked towards Senshi and Permy, flames on each of his hand. Within seconds, Senshi yelped as his wrist caught fire, and his Katana disappeared. Permy looked at the fire caster in relief, and she gave me a weak smile.
They both fought side by side for a good 2 minutes, but Senshi had numerous weapons up his sleeves. Permy's sneak attack was countered by automatic guns, while our new ally had to stop casting fire as Senshi showered him with gun powders.
At one point, Permy yelped in pain and was thrown a few feet away when dodging the bullets. Senshi raised his gun towards her, and my eyes widen in terror.
Without thinking twice, I jumped forward to protect my best friend, and my chest throbbed with a tingling sensation.
I heard the gunshots, followed by Permy screaming my name.
A glimpse of blue light came into my view, before everything went black.
.
.
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