The kings rebel
Chapter 2
Several months later
Japan is as beautiful as the picture I once found in an old glossy magazine. A picture of Japan in its heydays. The image I thought only existed in my dreams has sprung to life. Tachibana is slowly adjusting to this new world I'm living in. The metallic smell of blood, eye stinging smoke bombs and all other manner of atrocities have been buried away in a dark attic. Hopefully never to resurface. What's left are these luscious plains of grassland and captivating scenery. For the first time in Tachibana's life I've learnt what peace is. The civil wars have long since ended and now there is no more blood shed. I am free for once in my life. Tachibana doesn't want to sound ungrateful but every ying exists with a yang. The monarch is yet to approve asylum seekers back into Japan. That means Tachibana's parents can't return to Tokyo. This is all because a new law has been passed down that all those who seek or sought asylum will be exiled from the land of Japan forever. People tried to escape after the law was approved but those who attempted to do so vanished from the face of the earth never to be seen again. Those who managed to come back after their failed attempt committed suicide after a week of their return. The survivors were mentally unstable and prone to violent behavior. It struck Tachibana as odd that all the survivors had the same symptoms. But it's been a while since anyone tried to defy our king. Our ruler went by the name of Lord Nagamasa. Noone has the gall to go against the new king. It's a known fact that all rulers revel with pride in the public eye. The power hungry mongrels enjoy seeing their subjects cower in their presence. But Japan's reigning ruler governed from the shadows. He never showed his face nor did he attend important press conferences. We were all accustomed to his voice. The disembodied voice that calmed the heart of the nation. It's unheard of to have such a kind of a king who exists in the dark. But since he resolved the countries problems the people didn't say much about his ghostly tendencies. They ignored his awkward mannerisms. The nation ignored the first warning alarm.
"Hey Hotaru," Kanae said. Kanae and I became friends at the beginning of high school. In fact she's my only friend. "Hey Kanae. Do you want to walk together after school?" I ask. Her bouncy pink curls bob up and down as she nods her head. "I'd love to. Especially since I've some extra good news to tell you," she giggled. Probably she landed another job. Kanae spends extravagantly on clothes and cosmetics so I'm not surprised. "Hotaru I met a cool hot guy yesterday. He has the dreamiest pair of blue eyes and when he talks he's so smooth," she gushed. "Uh huh," I replied. "He offered me 1 million yen ," she said. "Kanae tell me you refused the money. Please," I begged. "I spent it all Hotaru. He set a pack of wolves loose on a flock of sheep. I used all the money," she sniffed. "This is unreal Kanae. How did you spend so much in one night? How are we going to repay the money to that creep you now owe. He might harvest your organs or trade you for slavery. God knows what he'll do with you," I cried. "I don't care about that. I need more money Hotaru. Money is my oxygen," she cried. My pent up frustrations got the best of me as I smacked her with the end of my rolled up assignment sheet. "Ouch. You didn't let me get to me good part yet. My only duty is to serve in the king's bed chambers," she said. "Heh? Kanae you idiot," I said smacking her again. "Ouch Hotaru it's not what you think. I'll be serving his concubines that's all. It's more like I'll be their personal assistant," she said. "How long are you taking this job?" I asked. She counted her fingers. "The next five months. Then after that I'll be receiving twice the amount," she prattled. Tachibana should have been more watchful of Kanae. This road she was taking was going to ruin her. "Do you know where he usually hangs out?" I asked. "Yes. By this classy bar. He pulled some strings for me to enter without revealing my I.D card ," Kanae said. "Let's pay him a visit," I said dragging her with me.
The bartender served the blonde male another glass of vodka on the rocks. For the life of him he had never encountered anyone as charming as the blonde man. The elderly bartender noted that the young man always came in at the same time. 5 o'clock in the evening. He wasn't the only one who had studied the blonde's clock. Every night a bevy a women would swarm around him to give him 'company'. The young man was never fazed. He even entertained the little vixens each and every time. His usual counterpart tipped the blonde's face towards herself. She took away the lighter in his hands. "You don't need a lighter Matsuoka. You can share my fire," she said directing his head towards hers. Her cigarette ignited Matsuoka's. Matsuoka dragged in the intoxicating taste of raw tobacco. He held it in for a few seconds before exhaling slowly in a tiny stream of smoke. "Shizuka that was amazing. If I might add it made the experience ten times more exciting," he commented. "I was hoping you'd say that. You did say that you were taking me tonight," she whispered into his ear. The young man's brow perked up at the subliminal message. "I wouldn't want to disappoint you Shizuka. A refined woman like yourself deserves only the best. And I'm the best around," he said. "Tachibana has warned you for the last time! Let me through or you'll find yourself unconscious!". There was no way that person was entering. The door was fiercely guarded by a modern day nephilim. Matsuoka shrugged his shoulders and continued talking to Shizuka. The bouncer flew across the room within the blink of an eye. Matsuoka was shocked seeing the undefeated bouncer lying on the floor like a broken doll. What was the monster called Tachibana made of? What manner of man was he? The 'monster' happened to be a high school boy clutching his girlfriend's hand protectively. Matsuoka recalled seeing the girl's face before. No way. The boy-beast stood at the center of the bar scanning everyone's face. His eyes stopped at Matsuoka and he pointed his finger at him. "You over there. You fit the description of the criminal who's tricking high school girls into becoming escorts!" he yelled. Matsuoka felt accusatory eyes watching him. He wasn't into that trade! "What are you talking about? " he finally asked. The pink haired girl hid behind her boyfriend to avoid his gaze. "The lowliest of scum denies their wrong deeds. Tachibana has no time to waste. From this moment on forget that you ever knew Kanae Yajima. Preying on high school girls is just despicable you depraved old man," he said. Matsuoka wanted to settle this in a calm manner. Given that he had finally remembered where he had met the high school boy's girlfriend. But that boy had just crossed the boundaries when he called him old. Nobody ever called him old. The blue eyed man stubbed his cigarette. "Fine then. I'll break my ties with your girlfriend. So return my money to me," he demanded.
Shit. In Tachibana's fit of rage I'd completely forgotten about the money. Kanae's hand felt clammy. What was she so nervous about? Tachibana was the one dealing with the pampered prince. "Tachibana doesn't have the money right now," I said less haughtily. The blonde man snickered. Tachibana doesn't recall telling a joke. "Oh? Is it a game then? Do you send your girlfriend to con people out of their money and then try to act all chivalrous Mr Tachibana? " he asked. This made no sense. Kanae's hand clamped mine more securely. And why did that bird brain insist on calling Kanae my girlfriend? Tachibana is well aware that I lack feminine attributes but for him to continuously poke at me like that. Tachibana is finding it more difficult to forgive him. "Explain to Tachibana what you are talking about. Tachibana did not send my girlfriend to trick anyone!" I yelled. "Eh? Maybe I should let your girlfriend explain. From where I stand she is Kanae Yajima. Age 21. She's studying to be a make-up artist at Kanebo cosmetics. Is that true Miss Yajima. If that's even your real name," he said drinking his vodka. Cool air breezed past Tachibana's recently vacant hand. Kanae knelt of the ground face down. Tachibana has been deceived by my own best friend. The blonde man smiled smugly having won this round. My body tensed as the shock sank in. Tachibana has been defeated by evil today. "I'm sorry Hotaru for not telling you the truth earlier. I could have avoided wasting your time on this matter. But I couldn't bring myself to tell you that I had gone against your principles. I'm supposed to be your best friend. So what kind of person does that make me?" she hiccuped. Kanae didn't need to hide things from me like that. I knelt down beside her and wiped away her the dark runny mascara. "You should have used waterproof mascara considering how much you're crying right now," Tachibana joked. "Kanae I won't push my beliefs onto you. If you had told Tachibana I would have helped you get out of that mess. But good work on fooling blondie over there. I can't believe he bought that crap," I said. A ghost of a smile touched her lips. "He was looking at my boobs most of the time when we were talking. So he didn't get a good look at my face," she bragged. The blonde haired man cleared his throat. "I'm glad that we have all that cleared up. Your girlfriend owes me money so how is she going to pay up? I don't allow minors to work for me. It's bad for my image," he said. Tachibana picked up Kanae and put my jacket on her shoulders. We walked forward to the blue eyed man. "Listen here old man. Tachibana would like to make a proposition with you," I said.
Shizuka brushed her knee against Matsuoka's thigh. She appreciated the satin sheets that whispered illicit secrets to her skin. "Matsuoka you seem to be in a good mood after meeting that boy and his friend in private. Do you want to share the good news? " she asked. Matsuoka rarely opened up about his private life but he shared the rest with her. Maybe this one time he'd grace her by telling her a little bit more about himself. "Oi Shizuka. But that's a story for another time. I didn't realize that you were still awake," he said. "I'll wait Matsuoka. Take as long as you need," she whispered more to herself than him.
The little piece of jewellery swung around repeatedly hypnotically. The gold grew even more lustrous in the candle light. Ever since Lord Nagamasa met the blonde haired boy he conducted this ritualistic candle lit ceremony every fortnight. Candle light worked best to reflect the light magnificently from the pendant. It was a reminiscent of his encounter with the feisty blonde. The pendant stopped moving. Lord Nagamasa frowned. "Ichi? " he called. Akabane Ichi served as the king's loyal body guard. His highness praised her highly for her keen eyesight and acrobatic abilities. "Yes Midori-sama " she answered. "What do you think would happen if I blew out this candle? " he asked. "There'd be complete darkness," she replied. "While that's true it's not entirely correct. The candle stick remains luminescent in the darkness. But if the whole candle was to burn out there would no hope left for light. Everything will be shrouded in darkness. I wonder how long it will be until my little assassin discovers that there is no end to his nightmare. Will he descend upon my throne then? Pffffft I can't wait," he snickered. He flicked open the pendant and gazed upon the image of the glimmering blonde. Lord Nagamasa hadn't forgotten the sting he'd felt from the slap. The only hit anyone had ever landed on him. He closed his eyes and let his imagination run wild. Lord Nagamasa was growing weary of waiting for the little assassin with each passing day. "Tachibana-kun. That's strike two for making me wait for so long," he said with a manic grin.
3 days later
Four days have passed since the altercation at the bar. The man called Matsuoka-san accepted Tachibana's sincere apology and my sole offer. This marks my fifth night on the job were the blonde man asks me to wear a stiff collared white shirt and charcoal grey tailored pants. "The mansion is short on hands since the new king is extremely selective. He won't mind if I temporarily add you to the serving staff. Or rather I'll pull a few strings for you since you're such a fine little man. You'll break more hearts in the future," he whispered. Is the lewd blonde man suggesting that Tachibana will start by hurting Kanae. The nerve of the Casanova. "Here Hotaru. Use my hair pins to hold your hair back. We wouldn't want strands of hair in the food," he said tucking in the pins. Tachibana wants to get this over with. Breathe Hotaru. It's only four months of this burden then we'll be free birds once more. Tachibana is stuck as a waiter until the debt is repaid. Kanae on the other hand is fairing even worse. But it's only four months. I have the excellent stamina so I will fight on. The king's mansion is enormous. The ominous black electrical gates swing open and our black SUV drives into his grand estate. The car parks in front of the royal courtyard. Why is this place so beautiful? From the well manicured grass to the perfectly pruned rose bushes. The fountains imported from Spain jets clear sparkling water into the minuscule pool down below. Tachibana can't help being mesmerized by such a delightful attraction. Outside the mansion there are guards stationed at each and every corner. It's almost impossible to penetrate the well established line of defense. Matsuoka-san signals Kanae and I to exit. We all closely follow behind Matsuoka-san. The guard at the door I.D's Matsuoka-san. As usual we enter. The stately mansion is more impressive in the inside than on the outside. From the grand sparkling chandeliers that hang from the ceiling like suspended pieces of diamond to the exquisite decor. Maybe Tachibana should become a king too if it means living this comfortably. Tachibana now knows where the kitchen is and I proceed to do my job. This will be my life everyday for the next four months. Matsuoka-san isn't evil incarnate as Tachibana once thought. He takes care of everyone including Kanae and I. He's like the older brother Tachibana has never had. This is my first week on the job and Tachibana has noticed a peculiar trend. Non of us are allowed to enter the king's dining room whilst he's present. Only a select few are allowed to gaze upon his highness. Tachibana can't understand why his majesty never shows his face in public. Does he have a weird deformity that erodes his self esteem? Tachibana pity's him a bit. But Tachibana can not waste anymore brain cells worrying about someone I've never met. Tachibana is cleaning the working area when the new cook accidentally spills soup on my shirt. "I'm sorry Hotaru," she apologizes. "Hanako-san don't worry about it. I have a spare shirt stashed in the staff closet," I said. "I'm truly sorry," she say's again. Tachibana walks in the direction of the west wing. I don't quite remember were the staff closet is. I've never required use of the staff room until today. Tachibana finds myself getting lost in the maze called a mansion and the sticky soup is soaking into my shirt. Further down the hall Tachibana spots a plain wooden door to my left. That must be the room I'm looking for. The door clicks open as I turn the handle. Tachibana is officially screwed. I can feel the blood draining from my body. I want to shut the door and flee but I'm stuck gripping the door handle. He finally notices me and his mouth cracks open to reveal a crooked smile. This is bad. Tachibana wasn't expecting to find him here.
Lord Nagamasa was in his study reviewing the routes to take to complete the redevelopment of Japan when an uninvited guest entered the room. He assumed Ichi who had gone out to patrol the area had returned. When the silence dragged on and she didn't give him the mandatory report he grew suspicious. He focused his eyes on the door and his blood fizzed with excitement. What an interesting turn of events. His little assassin had resurfaced. He stood up from his seat and motioned the blonde boy to enter. "Please enter Tachibana-kun. I've been awaiting your arrival. It seems as though you've been curious about me too," he said. The blonde gulped visibly. His lordship was confused. For some unknown reason the young boy was afraid. "It's rude to continuously stare at someone who just offered you a seat. I might have to discipline you," he said with an undertoned threat. Hotaru found her shaky feet moving on their own despite the effort she put in co-ordinating her limbs to make a break for it. Lord Nagamasa walked around the desk and pulled out a seat for him. "Please sit," he said. He sat down and eyed the green haired man warily. Finally finding his voice he spoke. "Midori-san. Tachibana doesn't know what to say except that I didn't think I'd ever see you again. Apart from that Tachibana can't comprehend why you didn't report me to the police," he said. The king raised a brow in question. He leaned against his desk and lowered his gaze to the blonde boy. "What I'm doing here is a secret. Maybe I'll share with you some other time after we get a chance to be reacquainted. And the reason why I didn't report you is simple. You intrigue me," he said. The blonde's skin prickled from his open study of his being. "State your purpose of business Tachibana-kun," he said. The king poured himself a glass of whisky. He swirled around the liquid gold before downing it in one gulp."I'm a part of the serving staff due to some unavoidable circumstances. It was my best option out," he said. The green haired man peeked one eye open before sighing audibly. "Seems like you're always at war with the law. Even the elements are against you. Why don't you take that filthy shirt off," he said. "I can't. I have nothing to change into. And Tachibana definitely can't do it in front of you," he said. "Pffft. We're both guys aren't we? Here I'll cut you a deal. I'll lend you mine only if you promise to see me tomorrow," he said already unbuttoning his expensive looking shirt. His pale blue eyes were rooted on the young boy as he did it. "Come closer Tachibana-kun," he commanded. The young blonde stood up and closed in the distance. His face grew hot feeling Midori's hands dexterously unbuttoning his shirt. Midori took the boys shirt off and tossed it onto one of the chairs. His lordship removed his own shirt and helped him dress up. The green eyed boy watched him all the while. "Why do you insist on helping me? I've slapped you before. Tachibana even ran away after you saved me. Then why?" he asked. "You're an enigma to me Tachibana-kun. In other words you fascinate me. I want to see how this ends. Besides you're cute. How could I possibly let you be?" he said with eyes sparkling like gems. "Since you're a runner I'm not distinctly certain that you'll honor our promise. I'll give you a parting gift then Tachibana-kun. A memory that will forever be burned in your mind," he said smiling sadly. "Tachibana unfortunately has to accept it. Proceed," he said. His lordship had pondered in his mind about whether he was taking the right course of action. But the line between right and wrong blurred whenever he was in the blondes presence. He placed his hand on the small of Hotaru's back and rested Hotaru's arm on his shoulder. "Dance me Tachibana-kun. There's going to be a soiree in the mansion in three weeks and I'm all rusty. Will you allow me this one dance?" he asked. "Tachibana has two left feet. Since you insist I hope you have some handy pain meds," he said. "Pain is the greatest teacher. Shall we? We start on three. One, two and three," he said. Ten minutes passed with the young blonde in his arms. His lordship liked messing around with the kid but his heart was thundering in his chest. Adrenaline rush or maybe the alcohol. Whatever the feeling was he never wanted it to go away. Hotaru stopped and looked at her wrist watch. "Midori-san I'm sorry but I have to leave. I'll get fired," he said grabbing his soiled shirt. He bowed once before he bolted out of the room. His lordship grabbed another shirt from his drawer and dressed himself. By the time Ichi returned he was approving some of the plans. The blue haired guard bowed her head in apology before explaining her prolonged absence. "Midori-sama there was a breech of security in the southern wall. Suspects were found with fire arms and explosives. They are in custody now," she said. "Oh? That's terrible news. Is there a possibility that knowledge of the new system software has leaked out. That's not good," he said tapping his cheek. Ichi's sharp eyes noticed the king's different shirt color. Earlier that day he was wearing a black shirt and now it was blue. "Midori-sama I know that it's non of my business. But did something happen in my absence?" she asked. " Brilliant eyes as always Ichi. Nothing bad happened. As a matter of fact I saw her again," he said laughing lightly.
==============end of chapter 2==============
I seriously hope you enjoyed this chapter. :p.