The king's rebel
Chapter 4
"Hotaru I can't believe you ditched an interesting weekend with me to hang around some pampered royal jerks. I'm starting to believe that you prefer them over me," she pouted. "Kanae you know that it's not like that. Matsuoka-san specifically asked me to be present. Besides Tachibana caught you begging him to attend the soiree. You're not so innocent either," I said. "You never even texted me afterwards Hotaru. I have so many questions to ask but you switched off your phone the whole weekend. What's up with that? It's almost as if you're trying to hide from something or someone," she complained. "Anytime, any place and every dark corner you might think of. I will find you Tachibana-kun. Try as you might to avoid my eyes but know this. I'm omnipresent Ho...ta...ru." Why is Tachibana thinking of that man on a school day? Tachibana shook my head. I'm surprised that the swat team hasn't surrounded me yet considering what took place between me and him. Perhaps Midori-san's concussion resulted in temporary amnesia. Uh there is no point in thinking of unnecessary things. The bell sounds for lessons to begin. "Kanae let's go. I don't want to be late. Tachibana's school record has always been clean and I want to keep it that way," I said grabbing her hand and speeding through the corridors. Tachibana is surprised to find the homeroom teacher standing in-front of the class. This wasn't the day for the assigned meeting then why was he gracing us with his presence. But why is Mr Ito standing beside two government official. And why are they wearing such serious looks. The official with jet black hair stares in my direction for too long to be comfortable. Has Tachibana already been busted. I can't help the clenching feeling that I'm doomed crushing my lungs. I can't breathe. Midori-san must have ratted me out because of what I did to him. And now those two government officials have been deployed to apprehend me. "Hotaru will you get a move on. Everyone is staring at us. Mr Ito asked us to sit down a while ago," Kanae whispers harshly. I didn't even hear him saying anything. I gulped audibly and hurried to my seat mumbling a brief apology. Mr Ito loosened his neck tie. What was he so nervous about? "Good morning class 1 A. I know that this is quite unexpected but such is life. The reason we are meeting in this manner is up to these two special agents Mr Ishikawa and Mr Maeda to explain. Please proceed gentlemen," he said seating himself. The students began mumbling. The one who had been staring at me earlier stepped up to the front desk. Worst part is he is still traing his eyes on me. I can feel myself sinking slowly into my seat. "Good morning students. I am honoured to stand before such an elite class of the future of Japan. I am special agent Ishikawa and I've been assigned to lead you in today's proceedings. I think you'll be happy to learn that class has been cancelled for the rest of the day," he said. Why have classes been cancelled without any prior notice. "Instead we'll be improving your safety using the new security system but the system will only function if you have this microchip," he said lifting up a little black microchip. "This is an Omega-chip that all Japanese citizens will be required to have with them at all times as a new law passed down by the public safety bureau. This law was approved by Lord Nagamasa hence it applies to all citizens. However what we'll be doing today is taking down your details and inserting the microchip. The Omega microchip will eliminate the need to carry items that will make you vulnerable to attack by crooked people. Instead if the microchip is somehow removed from your body by any means the authorities will be immediately alerted ," he said. Why are my classmates so quiet? Why won't anyone reject this new rule were we are being treated like animals? "What happens if someone tries to leave the country without the proper paper work. Will the chip make them blow up or something? " someone asks. "I assure you that they won't. Unfortunately I don't have the authority to dwell into that subject further," Mr Ishikawa said. "Thank you for your time," he said stepping back. "Student's from here we will all proceed to the hall were we will receive the next set of instructions," Mr Ito said. Is this really happening? Will Tachibana be under constant monitering from now on?
Lord Nagamasa pressed a cold compress to the side of his head. The ache was great but there was an even greater ache in his chest. He'd been outsmarted by a high school girl. "Fujimon," he called. The tall , white haired male rushed to his lord's side. "I want a detailed status report on mission Omega. Tell Kamenashi to bring the results to me as soon as possible," he said. His lordship desired to have Japan under his thumb so that he could do as he pleased. But his instincts warned him that his new move was going to face much opposition. "Why can't they just be obedient? I am not asking for much. Fufufu. Okay maybe I'm asking for a little too much but I'm the king. The people live to serve their lord," he said rising from his throne. He walked to his window and lost himself in the beautiful scenery. He appreciated anything beautiful. "Midori-sama pardon me. The Minister of Defence wishes to see you," Kamenashi said. The king gracefully turned around to face him. "Uh? I knew he'd come crawling back to me. The coward finally found his spine I see. Send him in," he said. His lordship swayed when he felt as though his scalp was being pried open from the splitting head ache. All because of the deadly blow he had received from the little assassin. He hissed when the pain persisted. His lordship rummaged through his drawers for some pain medication. Swallowing two tablets he settled into his chair and closed his eyes to reminisce. The night of the soiree was exceptionally excellent. The green haired king acquainted with his subjects easily and he understood them better. He spotted his little assassin not too far from where he was standing. The green haired king had even entertained the thoughts of asking her for a dance. The desire to punish her had mysteriously vanished. But she was too busy entertaining the brown haired young male to notice him. His eyes saw red. She was his little assassin hence no one else would share her company but him. When the opportunity presented itself he grabbed her and left the ball room. Lord Nagamasa thoroughly enjoyed watching her squirm. Her skin prickled as they walked further into his mansion. He found her fear amusing. Each and every cell in her body recognized him as her master. She had every reason to fear him. Normally tears didn't deter him from doing as he pleased but seeing the salty liquid brimming in her eyes made his chest tighten. His sadistic side retreated and he felt a tinge of compassion. His lordship let his guard down momentarily. Remembering himself he told her what he'd been yearning to say. No sooner than the words left his lips when the side of his head was pounded. The last thing he remembered seeing was Hotaru's petite frame hovering over him. By the time he regained consciousness he was in his bed chambers. To his great displeasure she wasn't around anymore. The door creaked open as a heavily decorated Minister of Defense was ushered into his office. "Please come on in. I've been waiting for you," Lord Nagamasa said leering at him. "Time is an invaluable asset. Once lost it can never be regained. A word of advice. In the future please avoid wasting my time minister."
Kanae dusted the western wing's ceiling silently cursing her predecessors for living her a tonne of bad luck. She , the reigning queen of make up and a devoted fashionista was required to wear a tacky maid outfit. Her work entailed cleaning and dusting. Just like a maid. The head of the cleaning staff regrettably held her waist as she shook her head. "These walls have seen better days. But with you in charge I believe that they won't stand to see another year. Considering the fact that you are rough with your work I believe that I have a task that suits you. Scrubbing toilets and bath tubs," she said. Kanae sighed. "Anything but that," she cried.
Matsuoka reloaded his gun and shot at the practice target. He normally resorted to shooting to expel pent up frustrations and anger. And the blonde man was extremely annoyed. Shizuka wasn't picking up her phone. She hadn't shown up for work for the past couple of days. He shook his head, banishing any deep-rooted fears from messing with his head. He needed his head in the game if he was ever going to be of any service to his long time friend and the king, Midori. "Yosh. Why does everyone around me have to worry me like this? Hey Hotaru. Do me a favor and grab me some fresh towels," he said. Hotaru rolled her eyes and removed her ear muffs. "Why don't you just call Tachibana Spot? Every two seconds you send me to fetch something for you," Hotaru said. "Why not? You seem to be exploding with good ideas Spot. Off you go," he said shooing him away.
Argh! This mansion is not boding well for me. With every foot fall my mind checks all the dark corners in the corridor. My situation has become even more dire with the appearance of this new hurdle. This Omega chip is just a conspiracy to subjugate all of us more freely. Tachibana can bet that there are more uses of implanting this device in us than they mentioned. Poking my wrist isn't any help. Once they inserted it it's existence almost goes unnoticed. I enter the male shower rooms. Matsuoka registered me as male so all the women in this mansion except for Kanae expect me to act like one. Tachibana will just tolerate it this one time. It's only a few more weeks until I am released from work. Around this time nobody hangs around the showers so Tachibana is free to roam around without the fear of bumping into an exposed man. Tachibana could pass out. Towels. No towels. Is today the day they send everything for laundering? Maybe I should check the sauna. Something must be left there. Tachibana hurried to the sauna and yanked the door open. A man collapses on top of me "My head hurts. Now this," he complained. My eyes are squeezed shut. Tachibana's hands are on his chiselled pectoral muscles trying to keep his weight from crushing my chest. "I'm only wearing a towel Tachibana-kun," he laughed. "Midori-san," I said. They say that seeing is believing but at that moment I didn't want to believe what I was seeing. His body, his almost stark naked body pressing against mine. I can't help the heat that spreads from my neck to my face. In my sixteen years of living this is second time a man has ever been in contact with me like this. But this time its worse. Tachibana can hear his soft breath in my ear. Midori's heartbeat reverberates against my hands. "Midori-san why aren't you moving?" I finally asked. He focused his stormy pale blue eyes on me and smirked. "Are you feeling uncomfortable?" he asked quietly. "Yes I am. Tachibana can't stand physical contact with you," I said. "Hn? That bad huh. That reminds me, you almost killed me on Saturday. You even tried to walk in on me whilst I took a shower. You're seriously naughty Tachibana-kun. And you're quite rude too. As compensation I get to name the price you should pay," he concluded. Why is my heart beating so fast? "A kiss," he said with an innocent smile. He was demanding the unthinkable. "Tachibana can't give that to you," I said fiercely. "After all it'll be two guys kissing. Doesn't that seem weird to you?" I asked. "Not at all. I don't remember ever meeting a guy who wore chest binding. So I'm fine with a kiss," he calmly said. "So what ? Tachibana prefers wearing straps of cloth around my torso. It's a fashion accessory," I said. "Phew. For a moment there I almost thought you were a girl. I don't know what I would have done with you," he chuckled. The likes of him were never to know Tachibana's true gender. "I'm slightly disappointed but oh well. I'll kiss you anyway," he said. Midori's face inched closer to mine. "Don't be rigid. We might have to repeat this activity if it displeases me," he said. Midori's wet hair brushes against my forehead. His nose touched mine. This was not how Tachibana imagined my first kiss would go. "Any last words before I take the purity which your mouth so fiercely guarded?" he asked. "Midori-san I don't want to give you my first kiss," I said. His face was blank for a second before his eyes grew dark and sinister. "Do you intend to give it to someone else perhaps?" he asked. His voice is spilling with silent threats. But he has to know the truth. "Maybe," I replied. "I'm sorry to say this but I don't follow. I want to give you your first kiss. Nobody comes between me and what I want. You should feel honored Tachibana-kun," Midori said. Before I could reply his soft lips ghost over mine. I can feel myself trembling. "Don't be afraid. Follow my lead," he said. His tongue, Midori's surprisingly soft tongue, traces my lower lip. He sucks on my bottom lip deliberately taking his time. Midori's knee parts my legs to gain easier access to me. One hand grabs my waist while the other supports him. Tachibana's heart is fluttering fervently. Midori feather kisses on my jaw. Why does this feel good? He stopped. "Should I continue?" he questions. "N-No," I mumble. "Look at me when I'm talking," he demands. Focusing my gaze on him I shake my head no. "Why do you insist on lying to me? Then why are you clinging to my neck like that? You really are bad," Midori said. What is Midori talking about? Oh Kami. Tachibana doesn't remember doing that. "Never-mind. I'll give you what you need so that you can learn to be honest with yourself. After all I have to customize you to my preferences," Midori said. He roughly folds my leg over his bare back. I can't help the gasp that escapes my lips. "Make the first move Tachibana-kun. My towel is about to fall off," he comments lazily.I can't have a naked man hovering over me. I pull him down and clumsily press my lips against his. He smiles at Tachibana's efforts. "That was fun. You really are innocent. That makes me even more eager to sully you," Midori said sliding his tongue into my mouth. He tastes like nothing I've ever had before. Sweet and minty. His hot tongue hungrily devours my mouth. I don't have the time to catch my breath. Midori's slick tongue wraps around mine slowly sucking on it. Tachibana's head feels light as I respond to his touch. My mouth moves with his in sync. Kissing him isn't as bad as I imagined it would be. His free hand pins my hands above my head. He deepens the kiss and I feel Midori's pulse increasing. But that doesn't really matter because there's something in his touch that's disrupting my normal thought process. A light whimper passed by my lips. Despite the fact that it was almost inaudible Midori's ears picked it up. His lips left mine. I panted greedily sucking in air. "I don't want to leave you after such a fiery moment. But duty calls Tachibana-kun. As a bonus my head ache healed. Kisses do solve everything," he said helping himself up. Deciding to ignore whatever happened I sit up. "Midori-san where are the towels?" I finally ask. "You'll find a couple of them hanging by the rail in the sauna. And Tachibana-kun I really enjoyed this. Let's try this again some other time when we meet," he said walking away.
Emptiness. Why does seeing his back turned on me make me feel hollow inside. Seeing him walk away made me realize one vital fact. There was no way Tachibana would let this one slide. My body is incinerating from the inside like the raw flames of an open fire are rapidly licking my flesh. Tachibana is infuriated. This grave sin is unforgivable. Worst part being that Tachibana felt something similar to pleasure as Midori touched me. Why did he make me feel that way? I'm terribly confused. My teeth grate against each other as the frustration heightens. Tachibana is mad for letting him play with my emotions like a fiddle. I've never been touched by any man and he has taken upon himself to help me pass my rites through womanhood. And Tachibana's body had no qualms about it. What does he take me for?The humiliation that is coursing through my veins is enough to hold me motionless for what seems like an eternity .Tachibana fights for the justice of others but I let Midori-san walk all over me. Pathetic. This isn't like me. My legs find their strength as I boldly face the retreating figure of the green haired man who is slowly turning my world upside down. The restrictive measure that always exists when I am in his company is soon discarded. My mind is screaming that Tachibana should grab the towel and leave whilst I still have the chance but my pride won't let me. "Stop there," I whisper. Midori-san continues his leisurely retreat even though Tachibana knows that he heard me. "Tachibana can't tolerate any more of your nonsense!". Tachibana is also surprised by the raw emotions in my voice. But this is the end of the line. Midori-san will continue taking everything until I'm nothing but an empty shell. Midori-san deliberately ignores me again. He finds me unworthy to talk to in my pitiful state. "Tachibana is going to turn myself in to the police," Tachibana said. He stopped in his tracks. "Pfft. Hahaha," he laughs. Midori turns around and wipes away the tears from his eyes. Did he earnestly find my honest opinion ridiculous. My fists clench and unclench as he continues to ridicule me and my newly found resolve. "Didn't you hear what Tachibana just said. I'm going to jail," I repeated. Pale blue eyes sparkle with amusement. "Oh? " he says. I just told this man that I'm surrendering myself to the police and all he says is 'Oh'. Tachibana is infuriated. "Tachibana's is serious about this. I've had enough," I said. He massages his temples. "Don't get mistaken Tachibana-kun. I won't stop you. Go ahead and throw the rest of your life away just because you feel like throwing a tantrum. And why? Because things aren't going the way you want. But that's the way the circle of life is. Somebody has to pay the price so that everyone else can live in ignorant bliss. You just happened to stumble upon that unfortunate role. So do it Hotaru. Disappoint everyone who has ever had their faith in you. Let them see just how cruel this world can be. But don't expect me to care. If you decide to waste the remainder of your life in a prison cell be my guest. It's not that difficult for me to find a new toy," he said. The storm is brewing yet again in Midori-san's eyes. Tachibana can tell that he's dead serious. Tachibana does't want to admit it but it's true. The reason why I'm this sticky situation is because I wanted to rescue the lives of those who mattered the most to me. And I know that I'm being selfish but I failed to find another solution. Midori-san has me trapped. "Tachibana can't do that to them. I ...I wasn't... really..." I stuttered. I found myself facing my tormenter yet again. His index finger tilted my face up. Midori's mouth tilted into a halfmoon smile. "Bad little boy. Words are cheap Tachibana-kun," he began. I hate the fact that he's right. His eyes darken for an instant before he drops his hold on me. "Tachibana-kun. This little rendezvous of ours got my blood heated up. But look at the time. I'm running late now," he chuckled. I maintained my silence feeling too mentally exhausted to reply him. "It's annoying when you ignore somebody who's talking to you but I'll pardon your bad manners. Expect a call from me anytime this week Tachibana-kun," he said in a sing song voice. He waves his hand in the air as he leaves. With his departure I regather my thoughts and remember why I entered the sauna in the first place. "Matsuoka-san!" I shrieked. Tachibana grabs a few towels from the rail and makes a mad dash for it. By the time I return to the shooting range Matsuoka-san is on his fifth cigarrette. Celestial blue eyes run me once over before he drops the cigarrette butt to the ground and puts it out with his shoe. He grins widely. "I'm so sorry Matsuoka-san. Something came up," I explain. "I'm sweaty and soaked. But I can tell that you've been busy. Don't say another word. I know what happened," he said ruffling my hair. My heart dropped for an instant. How could he know how shameful Tachibana has been and act non-chalant about it. "For a young man who has absolutely nothing but an overinflated ego and good looks you sure have your way with the ladies. All I want to know is her name and cup size," he adds. Name? Cup size? All the information he is requesting for is implying that Tachibana was seeing a woman as a man would? Tachibana releases a silent breath. The cassanova isn't completely off the mark. An image of Midori-san pops up in my mind. I shake my head vehemently willing the thought away. Matsuoka-san grins at me suspiciously as he wiggled his eye brows. "How on earth did you come up with that crazy idea?" I finally ask. Matsuoka-san laughs heartily. "Amatuers. Next time when you meet up with your girlfriend try to come back with your shirt tucked in. Maintaning your composure after scoring a homerun is a part of the game," he said tapping his nose. Tachibana will not ask him what he means. Nothing good ever comes from him when he gets like that.
End of chapter 4
A/N . Hey guys. It's been a while but I've been so busy. I tried to update when I finally got the time. Keep those pages turning. I will try to update as much as I can.