Disclaimer: All rights to the name "Lucky Star" belong solely to Kagami Yoshimizu. I neither own this franchise nor do I profit from the writing of this story.

Author's Note: Well some many things have happened this past week or so. Baltimore beat the Houston Texans which is sweet cause I'm a Raven's fan. Plus the Tebownator gets shot down by New England. Patriots vs Ravens game is gonna be hype. Classic offense vs defense. Brady and Wes Welker going up against Suggs, Reed and Ray Lewis, can't wait!

Aside from that I'm glad that this story has started to pick up. I was originally afraid that I was rushing due to the last chapter but I have to say that things needed to get moving already. Anyway, once again, want to give a shout out to those who have stuck by the story and reviewed. You know that I appreciate. Enjoy the next chapter.


Izayoi Izanami could only smile as she took a sip of non-alcoholic wine. She was in a great mood and there was very good reason for that. Just earlier that morning she had single handily managed to get Mr. Takahashi, rival company owner, to agree to merge with their company.

She did not want to put on airs but she knew that this was going to happen. None could withstand her charm and she knew that. Izayoi was not ignorant of the harsh rumors going about her and she had to say that most of those rumors were true. She really did charm, steal and sleep her way to the top.

Many people could say that this was not decent but she could only laugh at their self-imposed morals.

Izayoi growled at the thought of morals.

She had grown up in a rigid, uptight family whose sole pride was in its morals. Both her mother and father were extremely conservative and overbearing. As a child she could not participate in many of the activities as other kids. Her mother prohibited her from playing sports, for example, because she felt it was too unbecoming for a growing woman.

Likewise she was prohibited from any extra-curricular activities, such as joining the Book Club or Science Club by her father. As a very stern, traditional man, he felt that such things were a waste of time for his daughter. She would not need the knowledge from science or math. Why should she if she was to be a housewife whose sole duty was to care for children and make sure the house was clean?

She had two other siblings, also girls and both older than her. The thought of both of them made Izayoi tighten the grip on her wine glass.

How perfect and pristine those two bitches were in their parents' eyes. Always doing as they were told, never questioning their authority, they were nothing but dolls held aloft and guided by the strings of their parents. Neither of them went to college and married as soon as humanely possible. Already her oldest sister was on her way in having her fifth child. The next oldest already had three and the last time Izayoi saw her she seemed to be carrying a fourth.

All the while her parents raved about her older sisters they would scorn her, thinking that she was some bad fruit. They belittled her dreams of working and going to college. They scorned her desire to remain single. Most of all, her parents were appalled by her decision to not have children.

She remembered it well. The memory was so etched into her psyche that she still held her hand up to cup the cheek where her father struck her after she said that she would not have children.

Worthless...good for nothing ingrate. How dare you go against our wishes?

And Izayoi remembered. As she lay on the ground her head ringing in pain neither her mother nor sisters came to her defense. They all stared at her blankly as if she didn't even exist like she was beneath their notice.

That was over eight years ago.

Since then Izayoi had not spoken to her parents and only occasionally visited her sisters. Despite all the pain that she had gone through for her decisions in life she could not help but feel like she had dodged a bullet. The few times she had visited her sisters she noticed something in their eyes.

Empty.

That was all she could see. Their eyes would light up at the sight of their children but darken when the children would leave. Izayoi could tell that her two older sisters were miserable.

Yet, being the good, well mannered women that they were, they never complained nor did they voice their dissent. They just plastered a smile when it was convenient and deluded themselves that everything was right in the world.

Izayoi never hated her sisters even though they abandoned her when she needed them. However she did not pity them either. They were foolish enough to not think for themselves and now they were in a situation in where they had no escape. It was sad really but that was their price to pay.

All of this seemed to bring Izayoi's mood down even though she had contributed to the merging of their company with a rival.

Why am I being so gloomy about? All of that is just ancient history. I'm going to be senior executive. Just one more step in my quest to get to the top. And when I do I'm going to show them. I'll show mom and dad just what a success I am despite being a woman. Especially you father. I'll make sure to repay that blow for you. I'll grab a wad of cash and throw it in your face. More money than you can make in ten years and I'll throw it in your face and show that I can make that much in hours. I'll whittle your pride and destroy it just like you did to me.

And thought of her father seemed to bring someone else in mind.

She was wrong when she said that she could charm everyone. There had been one person who had managed to keep her at bay, even for this long.

Hiiragi Tadao.

The thought of that man really seemed to stir something nasty inside the young woman. How she hated to pretend to be in good terms with that overly sanctimonious bastard. That while she smiled and pretended to want to frolic and bed him she could not help but want to vomit on the inside.

The man reminded her so much of her father. So stuck up in his values and beliefs. That if did not shackle himself to his misguided honor he could have been at the very top already.

It was more than that however.

She had managed to convince other men of honor to forsake their values and do something dishonorable. Cheat on their wives to bed her. She would then use their sin against them once everything was over. She would blackmail them to be her little personal slaves otherwise she would spill the beans to her family.

And these men would be like puddy in her hands. They would let their values override their reason and they would endure any kind of humiliation in order to keep their honor. It was so simple.

Tadao was not a hypocrite however, and that was what angered Izayoi the most. He stuck by his values and did not falter. Just like her father. And it was because of that that she started to hate Hiiragi more and more.

But now she was in a position of power. No longer would she have to toady to that self righteous bastard in order to get a leg up on him. As Senior executive she now has power over him irregardless of the situation.

And she knew that she had the upper hand.

She knew that Tadao was a part-time priest with a family of five waiting at home. Feeding five mouths certainly wasn't easy that was for sure.

And the thought of this made Izayoi grin evilly.

She was going make Tadao's work a living hell. She knew that he was bound to his job and would never quit, not with his family holding him hostage. Izayoi would force him through the worst of job assignments, make him travel constantly and have him as her personal little bitch. He would be getting her coffee, getting her lunches and constantly praise her. If he so much as stuck one toe out of line she would remind of him of his place and her power over him. How she could ruin his life with just two words.

The sight of Tadao's face turning white in fright and fear over his family's well being seemed to make Izayoi giggle in a fit of mad delight.

At once Izayoi opened up her planner. Her promotion was already announced and she could start work on her new assignments immediately if she wished. And she knew just exactly how to start.

Izayoi started to scribble madly with a deranged smile on her face. Her writing was frantic and quick, almost as if she was possessed. She slammed the planner down in triumph. Already phase one of her plan was complete. There was a small social over at the hotel in order to celebrate the merging in a couple of hours. It was there that she planned to make her move.

Let's see you put up with this Tadao dear. It doesn't do me any good to have everyone but you under my thumb but just you wait. You, just like the others, will be nothing but my little puppet forced to do what I want.

I can't wait to see the look of despair in your face.


Tadao sighed as he took a small piece of sushi from the cold snack really did not want to be here.

All around him his co-workers were laughing merrily and having a good ole time but not him. Something was going inside of him. He had a sick feeling and at that moment the only thing he wanted to do was go home.

I wonder what Miki and the girls are up to right now? Watching Hisahi's Quiz Games without me I'm sure. I wonder who's winning right now? Probably Inori. She's been on a roll for the past couple of weeks.

It was not often that he got time to spend with his family but with this new development it was already announced that there was going to be a small pay raise for everyone for their contributions to Sumitomo Domestic Good and Supply.

Perhaps I can ask for a vacation. Knowing Miki she's probably steamed at me for having left when I did. I don't blame her but still I have the girls to think about.

As Tadao wandered around not really mingling with anyone he felt someone tap on his back. He turned and wished that he never did.

"What is it Izanami-san?" asked Tadao in an exasperated voice.

"Oh nothing much Tadao-san. Just wanted to know if you wanted to spend a little time with yours truly is all. I have gathered some friends over and we're going to have a small private party celebrating my promotion. You are welcome to come." said Izayoi with a smile.

"I ask that you don't refer me by my first name. We are not friends." replied Tadao rather harshly. He really did not want to put with the woman right now.

At once Izayoi's face darkened as she heard this and immediately stepped forward and whispered menacingly into Tadao's ear.

"Now you listen here. I'm your boss now and you should know what that means. You better watch your mouth lest you find yourself...having more free time than you like." threatened Izayoi.

Tadao felt as if his heart had stopped at that moment.

Is she serious? Did she say what I think what she said?

"I have done nothing wrong Izanami. To threaten me by termination is not very professional on your part. I will report you if you continue to make childish threats." replied Tadao, not wanting to play Izayoi's game.

Izayoi seemed to smile at this.

"Really? You do know that any inquires need to be sent in by formal letter. Don't think that I'm so ignorant that I haven't accounted for this." said Izayoi with a gleam in her eye.

Then, out of nowhere, seemed to appear yet another man behind Izayoi. He was a tall, gaunt man with black rimmed glasses who appeared to be in his early fifties. His nose was crooked and his ears seemed pointed. He smiled and Tadao could not help but think the man's teeth to be unusually sharp.

"You may not know him Tadao dear but he has been a rather useful...ally to my cause. This is Takeda Yoshimoto HR director of our branch. And as you know he is responsible for any inquries and documents that are sent over to the Board members, Mr. Sumitomo included." boasted Izayoi.

Tadao wanted to growl as he saw this man. He knew who Takeda Yoshimoto was alright. He was one of the biggest rats in the company. The man was a masterful manipulator constantly setting people against each other. He even went so far as to sabatoge his coworkers and have them terminated for it. One of the biggest examples was when the former HR director was caught with child pornography in his computer. He was promptly fired for it and Takeda was promoted.

Tadao was one of the very few who knew that it was this overgrown rat that had placed the files in there in order to covet the position for himself. However Tadao knew that there was no direct proof of Yoshimoto's involvement and Tadao dared not get himself involved in something that could get him fired. So he kept quiet.

"What does this man have to do with anything Izanami?" asked Tadao harshly.

"Everything." said Takeda Yoshimoto.

"What do you mean?" asked Tadao once more.

"Its very simple Hiiragi. If my colleague, Izayoi, has treated you unfairly then you are more than welcome to lodge a formal complaint in writing to the Board. However there is a good chance that I may...loose it. I'm a very busy man after all." said Yoshimoto with a snake like voice.

It was hearing this that made Tadao see red. He could not believe just what he was hearing. This was simply unbelievable.

"How dare you." growled Tadao harshly.

"I haven't said anything Hiiragi. Its best that you keep yourself under control. Don't want to attract unnecessary attention." replied Yoshimoto.

Izayoi grinned evilly. Her plan was going smoothly.

"Its as you heard Tadao-san. You, along with the majority of this branch, are under my direct supervision. You are to do what I say at all times lest you lose your job. As you can see Mr. Yoshimoto has found it to be quite profitable to be on my side. So you had better not get any that said here. This is my planner and this is what I have in mind for your next work schedule." said Izayoi with a gleam in her eyes.

Tadao quickly snatched the planner from Izayoi's hands and promptly scanned over it. At once his eyes widened and he felt like throwing the planner into the ground.

"You like what you see?" asked Izayoi with a grin.

He could not believe it. This was simply unfair, no it was cruel!

He was supposed to have Monday and Tuesday off after the trip to rest before going back to work again. However Izayoi had taken the liberty in changing his schedule and had promptly sent him off to a business function in Osaka come Monday. He would not be able to go home until next Friday. What was worse was she was double shifting him for Saturday and Sunday, both of his shifts coinciding with hers. What was worse was that underneath in italics was the word "secretary duty".

T-This bitch! Secretary duty? What the hell is that? Double shift on Saturday and Sunday? Twenty four hours in one weekend all of it working directly under her? I-I can't afford to spend more time away from home. I already promised Miki that I would be home on Monday and we would spend some quality time together. I can't just tell her that I have to be out for yet another week.

"Oh, what's wrong Tadao-san? Don't like what you see?" asked Izayoi with a smirk.

"Y-You expect me to follow this schedule? That you are breaking all the rules and keeping me far longer than what is allowed? Not only that but secretary duty?" asked Tadao in confused anger.

"Oh, yes that. I need a good lackey to do some of the tremendous paper work that I no doubt am going to be bogged with soon. I'm sure that you can find time to do some of my work once you are done with yours." winked Izayoi.

Tadao narrowed his eyes as he heard this.

This is bad. What am I supposed to do? Its not like I have any choices here. If I leave then I risk our family falling apart financially.

As if guessing his thoughts Izayoi snapped her fingers and Yoshimoto came forward with a photo. Tadao looked up and suddenly felt rage erupt from his insides. It took everything he had not to step forward and tackle the taller man.

"How the hell did you get your hands on that?" asked Tadao lethally.

"Its simple to find personal information on the employees that work here. I managed to find this picture stored in your computer and merely printed it out." said Takeda Yoshimoto.

The picture in question was that of Kagami, Tsukasa, Inori and Matsuri standing close to each other and smiling. It was a family portrait taken about a year before. One which Izayoi now took off of Yoshimoto's hands and promptly examined herself.

"So THESE are your daughters. I must admit I have a hard time believing that a man like you can father four such lovely women. Now imagine this. Your kids unable to go to college because you were fired. That they are now going hungry because their father no longer has a job. I'm sure you'll like to see that, won't you. Face it Tadao-san, the very lives of your children are in my hands. Of course it doesn't have to be that way. All you have to do is just do as I say. If I say get me coffee then you will. If I want you to work on my assignments then you will. Simple, right?" asked Izayoi with a cruel smile.

Tadao felt a feeling of complete despair wash over him. It was no use. There was no way out of this. He could not afford to get himself fired. His very children's future depended on the income he was making.

There was no use in fighting. He would have to suffer yet another indignity here at work. He only hoped that Miki could find it in her to forgive him. He knew that she was already frustrated with him but he could not tell her of his stresses at work. He could not do that to her, not when she was already suffering from his absence and taking care of the girls.

I'm sorry Miki. Looks like we'll have to make more sacrifices yet. I only hope that you can understand and not leave me. You're the only friend that I have left.

Izayoi could not help but feel triumph over the despair in Tadao's form. She knew that he was very close. That only a bit more and he would be hers. She would be able to wring him around her thumb just like every other fool who had crossed her working here. She had friends in high places. Tadao never had a chance against her.

So Izayoi chose to goad Tadao once more.

"You know you should be thanking me. I'm sure that after having four children your wife must look like a walrus. I'm doing you a favor by having you stay away from her. Maybe you can find someone a bit more...capable then a used up housewife." cackled Izayoi.

At that moment Tadao's soul seemed to have been yanked from the depths of despair and into the sky roaring in anger.

Without even thinking Tadao threw the planner in his hands down to the floor, splashing papers everywhere. The violent display soon got everyone's attention in the hotel lobby but Tadao did not care at this point.

"H-How dare you speak of my wife like that! You are not even worthy of speaking her name. She is ten times the woman you are." growled Tadao angrily.

Izayoi looked stunned at the sudden violent display and unconsciously took a step back. She had not anticipated Tadao reacting this way. However she would not show fear and soon retorted.

"Don't you compare me to that housewife of yours! She's nothing but a slave, a fool who threw away her future having children and playing house! Don't associate me with such trash who refuse to think for themselves!" snapped Izayoi back as she lost her cool.

"Let me tell you something Izanami-teme! My wife made her choice to have children and stay at home. She willingly took that chance even though she was perfectly capable of going to work. And I will be the one to take care of her and my family. However I won't suffer this indignity. I refuse to work in a den of rats and vipers at the expense of my family. I refuse to waste my time here and away from my family where they need me. I've missed out on so many important events in my family's life, just to toil like a slave in this hell hole! I'm done. I QUIT!" roared Tadao as he hastily took his blazer off and started to storm after the elevator so that he could gather his luggage and leave.

Izayoi felt herself trembling. This was not supposed to happen! Hiiragi was not supposed to quit and leave like this. Her plans were getting ruined!

"Damn it Hiiragi get back here! I refuse to let you go, you can't!" roared Izayoi.

"Well guess what! I already quit so there is no stopping me!" replied Tadao hotly.

"What about your family? Don't you care what happens to them?" said Izayoi harshly in an attempt to get Tadao to change his mind.

"Let me worry about that thank you very much." retorted Tadao as he soon got into the elevator and was soon gone.

Everybody in the lobby was stunned at the outburst. Most of all, Fusashi Sumitomo had witnessed the entire thing. At once he was upon Yoshimoto and Izayoi.

"I don't believe this! What the hell is going on?" barked Sumitomo harshly.

Yoshimoto, just like a rat exposed to light, scampered off not willing to face the wrath of the owner of the company.

Izayoi was like a deer in the headlights and could not help but remain paralyzed at the sight of the owner towering over her.

"W-Well, Mr. Sumitomo sir, I was just-"

"I don't want to hear you right now if you can't get your words straight Izanami-san. You will meet me in the conference room. You and Yoshimoto. I demand explanations. I hope for your sakes that they are good enough to warrant you driving one of my best workers away." growled Sumitomo harshly.

Izayoi could only start sniffling over the scolding she had just received.

Meanwhile Fusashi Sumitomo looked over to where Tadao had just left and could only sigh.

Hiiragi what have they done to make you do this?


Author's Note: Yeah, yeah I know you all want to know what is going to happen with Miki and the other girls but I felt that this chapter was really necessary to push the story along. Anyway hope you all enjoyed.