Cherry Picking
VII: Black Lie
"For every good reason to lie, there is a better reason to tell the truth."
-Bo Bennett
April 29th, 2012
4:27 PM (Yggdrasil – Ryoma's Lab)
Professor Ryoma smirked as he watched the video footage through his computer. Ryoji poured a cup of warm green tea, also smiling at what they were seeing through the video feed. Takatora, having learned of Kaito's conditioning doing better than expected, had come to check on the poor brainwashed Team Baron leader. Kaito was removed from the visor and was slammed against the wall, as Takatora took his sweet time removing the Baron leader's clothes and biting deep in his neck. Kaito's back slid against the wall, sweat covering his body as it felt like he was going to collapse from heat stroke. As the sounds of groans from the two men could be heard—especially Takatora hissing something very naughty in Kaito's ear—Ryoji took a glance at the clock.
"We should be checking up on Hideyasu and Lord Kota," he said, noticing the time. "Where are they?"
"Just be a bit patient," Ryoma took a sip of the warm tea. "Hideyasu is looking for just the perfect outfit for you to fuck him with. There's an old proverb that goes like this, 'Patience is a virtue, catch it if you can. It always comes to woman, but it never comes to man.'"
"As you wish, sire."
"But if you are bored, I do have something I need you to inspect," Ryoma clicked on something on his computer. The monitor revealed members of Team Red Hot chasing after citizens with Invase, the monsters throwing trash cans, tables and anything in their wake. "Take care of these sons of bitches for the glory of Yggdrasil, if you please."
"I shall go right now," Ryoji bowed, preparing his Sengoku Driver and the Pinecone Lockseed. "Henshin."
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April 29th, 2012
4:30 PM (Sew Sweet Costume Shop)
Luna gulped as she took a glance at the changing room. She didn't hear anything—which was a relief—but she knew that she couldn't hide Kota and Hideyasu forever. She had to get Mai out, and fast.
"Kota was in here," Mai began. "I've been trying to find him all day. I need to know what's going on with him. Could I see him?"
"S...sorry, I can't allow that," Luna answered. "For one, I only have one changing room and also because...because he's helping someone super important for this part-time job he's applying for."
"But he already has one in the Charmant patissere," Mai replied. "Why does he need another one?"
"Maybe he just wants to make extra cash around these parts?" Luna shrugged, her hands behind her back feeilng the money Kota bribed her with. "I mean, with all the talk about Invase games and such, he's going to need some cash to survive if his family inevitably kicks him out."
"But that's the thing!" Mai looked at her hands as she recalled what Akira told her this morning. "Someone was moving his belongings and his sister doesn't even remember that Kota was her little brother! I can't contact him nor Micchy and...please, I need to know."
Luna stayed quiet as she went back to the counter before pulling out an item from a drawer. Mai stepped back at what she saw: it was a gun.
"I really cannot do anything about your situation right now," Luna began, narrowing her eyes. "I'm not Kota Kazuraba's keeper, I am a simple shop owner that wishes to help her customers out. If you are not going to buy anything I suggest you leave. Now."
Mai gulped, her hands in the air. Luna had a finger on the trigger, ready to squeeze it and fire a bullet. There was some more silence, except for the hum of the air conditioning, and the small radio blaring a song called "Switch On!" that was made mostly to contrast with the serious and nerve-wracking situation. Luna tilted her head.
"I am licensed to use this weapon, and I know that your dancing skills won't be enough to stop a bullet to the brain," she continued. "Now get going. Kota will message you when he can. You just have to stop being a nosy little mouse and back OFF!"
Mai swallowed the lump in her throat and ran off, trying not to hide her tears as Luna slipped the gun back into the drawer. Staring at the money in her free hand, Luna placed the bills on the counter, shaking her head. She couldn't let Mai ruin her only chance of escaping the Family Circle and start a new life. Mai would come to understand in the end—there were things that the girl shouldn't get involved in.
Luna walked toward the changing room and knocked on the door. "Come on, Kota," she said. "Mai's gone. She won't bother you for a while."
There was some silence as Luna waited for a response. She sighed, pinched the bridge of her nose, and opened the door. There, she noticed Kota and Hideyasu making out, legs intertwined with one another—and their underwear scattered all over the floor—and the re were various bite marks on Hideyasu's neck. On the bright side, none of her dresses hadn't been soiled yet.
"I am giving both of you until the shop closes at 5 PM to get yourselves clenaed up before I have to kick you out," Luna snarled. Hideyasu smiled.
"I bet that won't look good on your recommendation papers," he giggled. Luna rolled her eyes, shaking her head a bit to fight her growing anger, and exhaled.
"Listen you two," she said, leaning close. "I just saved your ass out there, Kota. The least you can do is give me some compensation other than cash. I want that interview tomorrow morning. No exceptions."
"All right, all right," Kota placed a kiss on Hideyasu's ear. "Someone will come pick you up at 9 AM and we'll proceed from there. Um, do you have spare underwear on you?"
"No, I'm not a lingerie store. If you want some lady panties, it's down the block and it's the first store to your left." Luna pointed to her right with her left hand. "Now will you please hurry up, pay for 'Annabelle's' wardrobe, and get going? I don't feel right lying to Mai about this whole situation."
"She'll get over it in time," Hideyasu replied. "Thank you so much, Luna-chan. If there's anything you need from me, don't hesitate to ask. I...I don't know what to say."
"How about 'I'll hurry up and put some underwear on'?" Luna replied, covering her eyes when she saw how Hideyasu's cock was exposed, along with the ring that prevented him from having an orgasm. "For the love of Nidhogg, you're lucky that you're the only customers here right now."
She left the changing room for the cashier as Hideyasu tilted his head in confusion.
"For someone who knew that I was a guy, she really doesn't like seeing boys get up close and personal," he mused.
"Never you mind," Kota chuckled, placing a kiss on Hideyasu's forehead. "Come on, you need a nice dress for Ryoji to fuck you in later tonight."
"Hai~" Hideyasu smiled, preparing to try out a black dress with white feathers sewn across the shoulders and upper back.
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April 29th, 2012
4:40 PM (Team Red Hot Hideout)
It wasn't hard to find Team Red Hot. Ryoji remembered all the times he challenged Sonomura, the Red Hot leader, to Invase games. He won the majority of them, and it always seemed like it would end up with Red Hot and Raid Wild going at each other's throats, if Ryoji wasn't itching to go after Team Invitto at the time. As the black Armored Rider Kurokage, he was easily able to sneak through the docks and into an abandoned warehouse where the Team Red Hot members—all easy to identify for those red baseball caps that the wore on their heads—were laughing and looking at all of the gold and jewels that were piled up. It disgusted him to no end.
"Any news?" said Ryoma through an earpiece in Ryoji's ear. Ryoji nodded his head in reply and answered, "I'm in position."
"Good," Ryoma chuckled. "Strike in the Shadows, Kurokage. Expose these brats for the scum they truly are."
"Understood." Armored Rider Kurokage hid beneath a pile of discarded oil barrels and crates, noticing four Elementary Invase flanking Team Red Hot. He smiled; having grown up brawling in the streets gave him an edge when it came to the Invase's slow and sluggish movements. He had this in the bag.
Sonomura cackled, as he looked up, only to see Kurokage leap over him and stab the Kagematsu spear into the Invase's heart. The three other Invase growled and charged after him, but Kurokage was ready, spinning around and stabbing another Invase in the forehead and knocking him down. Team Red Hot scrambled to their feet as Kurokage continued to clean house.
"Ryoji?!" Sonomura screamed. "What the hell do you think you're doing here?"
Kurokage said nothing as he tapped the small blade on the Sengoku Driver three times.
Matsubokkuri Squash!
Kurokage rose into the air, an energy construct in the shape of a pinecone materializing at the tip of the Kagematsu, stabbing all four Invase and causing them to disintegrate. Sonomura growled, fishing out a Mango Lockseed from his pocket.
"What is with you?" he snapped, pulling Kurokage to the side. "Don't you see the beauty in the Invase? We can be rich beyond our wildest dreams! We can strike fear into the hearts of those pathetic bystanders! Come on, Ryoji, what do you say?"
"..." Kurokage tilted his head as he listened to Ryoma's instructions through the earpiece. Ryoma just said two words.
"Kill him."
Kurokage nodded his head, and pressed the cutting blade on the Sengoku Driver a few more times, the tip of the spear becoming encased in shadows.
Matsubokkuri Sparking!
Kurokage brought the Kagematsu back, just before it pierced through Sonomura's heart. All that could be heard were Sonomura's screams.
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April 29th, 2012
5:30 PM (Kureshima Residence – Takatora's bedroom)
"I'm bored..." Micchy groaned, looking at his homework. "Hey, nii-san. Do you think we can-"
"No," Takatora interrupted, immediately knowing that his brother was going to ask for some brotherly love. The elder Kureshima was sitting in a chair, looking through some video feed of Helheim Forest that Ryoma sent him just a few minutes ago on his laptop. "You know you can't be bothered with that when you have your studies to worry about."
"Says the one who is having Kaito nii-san sucking him off." Micchy scoffed, noticing Kaito on his knees, head bobbing up and down to give Takatora a blow-job. The poor Team Baron leader was naked, his eyes showing nothing that showed the true power and strength of the Baron Armored Rider. "You're not even letting him feel good about it. Come on..."
"Ryoma asked me to break Kaito down, Micchy," said Takatora, smiling as he saw how his little brother blushed at the nickname. "Besides, Kota and Hideyasu are returning from their shopping trip, and Ryoji will be need of some tender TLC for getting those dark bruises on him. I'm sure you'll find someone you'll love to spend time with tonight."
Micchy smirked, just as someone knocked on the door. The younger Kureshima sat up from the bed and rushed to the door, seeing Hideyasu at the door, wearing in a pale green knee-length dress with a pair of large moth wings marked with a yellow and blue circle on each side to resemble a Luna Moth. He even had a headband with little fuzzy antennae on top of his head, and a pair of matching white stockings and black flats to complete the look.
"Kawaii..." Micchy cooed, placing a hand on Hideyasu's face. "You look so good enough to eat."
"Thank you, Master Mitsuzane," Hideyasu curtseyed, grasping onto the edges of the skirt in his hands. "Lord Kota helped me out, of course."
"Takatora-san," said Kota, bowing toward the elder Kureshima. "We have found an aspiring model for Yggdrasil. She wanted to come work for us in exchange for keeping our 'family' a secret." he smiled. "She also wants the interview for the job tomorrow morning, if that's fine."
"Hmph," Takatora scoffed, fingers laced between each other as he leaned forward. "Fine. Let her have her time in the spotlight. As long as she's keen on keeping your little escapades a secret, then she is a welcome member to the Yggdrasil name."
"Speaking of member," Hideyasu looked around. "Has anyone seen Ryoji?"
"He said he was returning from an important fight," Takatora answered, lightly pushing Kaito out of the way. The Team Baron leader just collapsed onto the floor, eyes looking toward the ceiling. "He'll need a bit of help in the shower..."
"I'll do my best, sire!" said Hideyasu, bowing once more. "What about Lord Kaito? Will he need assistance?"
"Kota will take care of him...personally," Takatora turned to Kota, seeing the Gaim Armored Rider kneeling near Kaito's side, running a hand through Kaito's hair. "In the meantime Hideyasu, make sure you put away your dresses in your room. Then, we'll need you to start preparing dinner for tonight."
"What about the other servants?" asked Micchy, tilting his head. "Can't they take care of the cleaning and what not?"
"After the Invase attacks and everything, they've decided to call it quits," Takatora sighed. "It's hard to find good help these days."
"That's why you have Ryoji and I, sir," said Hideyasu. "I'll make sure you have something full of love...and aphrodisiacs..."
"What was that?" Takatora tilted his head, a sly smile on his face.
"Nothing~" Hideyasu smiled, rushing out of the room, closing the door behind him. Micchy sighed as he turned to Takatora.
"Say, nii-san..." he began. "What are aphrodisiacs?"
Takatora's answer to that question was to throw a pillow at his brother's face.
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April 29th, 2012
5:45 PM (Kureshima Residence – Hideyasu and Ryoji's Room)
Hideyasu hummed to himself as he began to hang his new dresses in the walk-in closet. The bedroom was very spacious, having a large dresser and vanity mirror, enough drawers for backup socks, underwear and extra necessaries, a bathroom with a bathtub for relaxation, and so much more. The only downside was that there was only one bed to share, but Hideyasu didn't mind at the slightest. That meant more cuddle time with Ryoji, of course!
A knock was heard. Hideyasu poked his head out of the closet to see Ryoji enter the room, hand on his shoulder and staggering to the bed. Hideyasu was at his lover's side, turning Ryoji onto his back and removing his butler coat and buttoned shirt to reveal a scar running down his shoulder. Ryoji took a deep breath as Hideyasu shook his head.
"What happened out there?" he said. "Ryoji..."
"Nothing to worry about..." Ryoji smiled. "Team Red Hot started beating me to death before this yellow Armored Rider came and knocked them down. They won't bother us again."
"That's a relief..." Hideyasu smiled and kissed the wound on Ryoji's shoulder. "Say, Ryoji...do you notice anything about my appearance?"
"...Did you get a new haircut?"
Hideyasu giggled as he laid near near Ryoji, placing another kiss on the wound and wrapping his arms around his lover...until an alarm clock blared and told him that he had to get dinner ready. He jumped out of bed, grabbed the apron hanging near the closet door, and tied it on. Ryoji sat up and raised an eyebrow.
"Pink with black butterflies?" he chuckled. "Who would wear something as tacky as that?"
"You're just jealous because I have such great fashion sense!" Hideyasu winked before skipping out of the room and closing the door shut. Ryoji stayed quiet as he noticed the wound on his shoulder before buttoning his blouse once more.
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April 29th, 2012
5:50 PM (Kureshima Residence – Bathroom)
Kaito groaned, opening his eyes to find himself in a bathtub filled with warm water. His head felt so fuzzy. All he remembered was following Kota somewhere and then after that everything was black. There was a strange taste in his mouth also.
"Are you all right, love?" asked Kota, also in the bathtub and scrubbing Kaito's body with a soapy sponge. "You looked so beaten up."
"Kota...what happened to me?" asked Kaito, still a bit confused. "My head...what...what am I doing here?"
"Takatora asked me to take care of you," Kota answered, scooping some of the bath water to wash away the soap. "Do you remember anything about your childhood?"
"Why do you ask me this?"
"It's important for us to understand our fellow man sometimes," Kota began. "For example, I used to live with a sister and parents...but they're all dead. Yggdrasil brought me in and have saved me from losing myself into despair. What about you?"
"I..." Kaito searched his brain for answers, his memories feeling so fuzzy. "I..I used to have a shop in Zaname, but when Yggdrasil moved in...they..."
"Yes?" Kota smiled and kissed Kaito's forehead. "Continue."
"Yggdrasil brought a change in my life," Kaito answered, his memories clear this time. "My parents left me to fend for myself and I began to see Yggdrasil as a shining force for the future. They supported the cause of the strong surviving, and the weak dying off. I wanted to do everything I could for them...ugh, my head..."
"Remember the poem, 'Hugin and Munin fly every day over the wild world," Kota smirked. "I fear for Hugin, for he will not come back. Yet I fear more for-"
"KOTA!"
Kota turned to see Micchy rushing in, almost jumping into the bathtub as he exclaimed, "Takatora nii-san is taking us to the local onsen! Let's go, let's go!"
"Well, that was unexpected," Kota slowly rose out of the water, grabbing a towel to dry his body. "Why the late announcement?"
"He wanted to treat us for being a complete family now!" Micchy giggled. "We'll have so much time together. So let's go!"
"And what about dinner?"
"We'll eat somewhere fancy, so come on!" Micchy whined, shaking Kota. "Onsen now!"
"Fine, fine," Kota handed a towel to Kaito. "Let's get dressed. "We'll talk a bit more at the hot springs."
Kaito slowly nodded his head, stepping out of the bathtub and grabbing the towel. Something in his mind was telling him to refuse, but Kota smilingat him just made him feel so warm and peaceful inside. How could he not resist something like that?
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April 29th, 2012
6:03 PM (Luna's Apartment)
"Hi, this is Yumeria! If you hear this, I'm off to deal with costumes and other things cosplay! So leave a message after the meow! Meow~"
"Hi Yuko," said Luna, looking outside her balcony. "It's Luna. I got your message about leaving the Family Circle, and you know what? I'm leaving it also. I have to move forward.
"Send me a text message when you get this voicemail, and let's see if we can meet up in Zaname City in the future, okay? See you then."
Luna hung up before sighing, taking a quick glance at the gun on her computer desk. She didn't want to put Mai in a dangerous situation, in regards to whatever Kota was getting into. She had to keep outsiders away—it was for the best.
"I better get going," she said, looking at the time on her cellphone. "Have an appointment in the hot springs tonight, and then dinner plans with Souji-kun! I can't believe Souji Ripper wants to meet face-to-face for the first time! We've only been an online couple for three months!"
She giggled as she skipped toward her bedroom, preparing her clothes for tonight's excursion, whistling a samba tune under her breath.
