December 22nd
Things have calmed since the day Sumika Shuhei was kidnapped and him and family are safe with Hazuki Ryu and his men imprisoned. Things are looking brighter for the holidays but it was also becoming very busy.
"After we give the tour, we have an appointment with Yukina-chan to discuss about the party tomorrow night." Shizuka points out to Yayoi as they headed to the Pearl Room of Iris Corporation, a special lounging area on the top floor with a spectacular view of Tokyo Metropolis. It was not only reserved for elite members of the Iridescent Clan, or for Shizuka, but for new members seeking to join.
"Hai." Yayoi replies.
"Which reminds me..do you know what I need? New heels without guns...we should go shopping later."
"You say that every year during this time of year, but you never get them." Yayoi answers as they laugh together.
The two wore similar light butter cream colored suits; however, Shizuka retained her signature guns on her black heels, and her garment was more feminine compared to Yayoi, who preferred pants over skirts and tights.
"So, these girls..should I be prepared for anything?" Shizuka asks as they pass by a set of glass doors into the second wing of the building.
"I personally don't think so, but, it really depends on what they say in that room right? However...I'd like to say that I don't think they have any means to taking advantage of your influence." Yayoi answers, giving Shizuka a serious look.
"I see...well, whatever the case is, they joined at a fun time. They even get to attend the party if they wanted to, speaking of which, did you get my email earlier of the names of members attending? If not then, now you know."
Yayoi nods her head. "Yes, I have, good work on that, especially with what happened two days ago. That gave everyone a freight." Yayoi glances out the windows as they continue down the corridor to the Room. "You may have avoided the Blue Clan at the scene, but they will eventually come knocking at our doors, especially since they have impounded Rush Studio's vehicles. Zel-san wasn't happy to hear that, you know?"
"He can get over it. In any case, the Blue Clan were able to kill two birds with one stone over there so I think they'll let me off, besides, I have no problem being locked up in a cell if they ever take me in, as long as my Clan can be safe there's nothing to worry about." Shizuka beams, still as worry-free as ever.
"Your sentimentality is always appreciated." Yayoi says as they approach the Pearl Room, the doors opening automatically for them to reveal a cozy warm colored room. The floors were a bronze metallic epoxy with hints of other colors inside, finished with a reflective coating. In the center of the room, the floor was cut in a circular shape and rotated, it had a set of identical eggshell colored, crescent shaped couches with an apricot colored carpet. Glass windows surrounded the room, the evening sun rays gleam inside and there was a clear glass chandelier above with crystal beading hanging from it. The entire piece casts rainbow particles on the flooring from the sun. There was also a bar to the right, the white and caramel marble shelves were filled with newly stocked beverages from around the world and under the counter were sets of elaborate glass cups for any occasion.
Shizuka eyes the two girls sitting on the rotating couches, which was turned off for the day. They were possibly around their late teens or early twenties, and dressed modestly and casually. The two look at Shizuka and Yayoi, their eyes wide with surprised as if they were caught doing something they shouldn't have been doing, which Shizuka takes note of.
One of the girls had straight chocolate brown shoulder length hair, her bangs were distinct and swept to the left and she had sapphire blue eyes. The other girl looked very similar to her, but her hair was even shorter and her bangs were swept right.
Twins? Shizuka thought as she walks down a couple of steps to the girls; Yayoi following behind her quietly.
"Good evening, ladies. I hope you didn't have to wait too long." She takes a seat across from the girls and Yayoi stood behind her on standby. Shizuka then notices that they were still anxious and took it that they were nervous of the meeting.
"G-Good evening, ma'am, but no, we didn't wait long." The girl with longer hair spoke and the other nodded in agreement.
"That's nice to hear, now lets begin with introductions. As you may know, my name is Takahiro Shizuka, I am the chairman of Iris Corporations, also known as Iris Headquarters to Clansmen, where I work as the monitor and reside as the 6th King. And you two are?" Shizuka begins, holding a hand out to the girls and they feel a little reassured.
"My name is Hashimoto Marina and this is my younger sister, Tomoka, and we are really interested in joining your Clan!" The girl with long hair, Marina, introduces herself happily and her sister, Tomoka gives her greetings with the same attitude.
"Nice to meet you, Takahiro-san."
"Hai, nice to meet you." Shizuka smiles, trying to remember their names, analyzing their features while she was at it. "I say, this is the first time I had siblings wanting to join my clan together. In the past, one would join and eventually the other follows behind, so this is quit interesting." Shizuka gestures to both of the girls and they seemed to have relaxed. "Well then, tell me about yourselves...oh, but that's a bit hard to answer...hmm...how old are you two?"
"Ah, we're both 19, turning 20 on February the 3rd, but I'm three minutes older than Tomoka though." Marina answers and her sister nods her head.
"Any parents or other siblings?"
"It's just us right now."
"You don't have any relatives?"
"We have an uncle who took care of us until we were old enough to work." Marina says and Shizuka crosses her legs, resting her left arm over the top of the couch, leaning back while Yayoi remained silent as she watches the discussion continue.
"But beyond that, we were on our own throughout high school; however, we have no intention of tainting your Clan with falsehood, we really want to work under you-with manga!"
Shizuka watches the girls pull out folders from their bags.
"We used to stay late after school reading books in the library since our uncle was never home, when we were in middle school, we discovered that our library carried a few manga books and our high school did as well when we became first years. Back at home we didn't have internet either so we normally drew and read during our free time" Tomoka adds.
"That's how we became interested, so we are taking our chances with you and hoping you would accept us." Marina finishes as Yayoi walks over to the girls, taking their portfolios and handing them to Shizuka, who opens them carefully, flipping through and analyzing their works. They had their own different styles and one could have never guess that they were sisters with their drawings. She skims through a one-shot Marina made, enjoying her detail with characters and the development of the story. Next, she skims through Tomoka's, interested in her would-be manga's story as well; her use of toner and landscaping was excellent and she can visually see how well they both express their individuality despite being twin sisters.
It seems like they are doujinshi artists...and still starting out since none of these are finished yet.
After a few minutes, Shizuka closes the folders and holds onto them while the sisters give her anxious looks.
"I can see how much passion, love and care is put into this...although I do own several companies, we have a procedure for anyone interested in producing manga, or assisting with it." Shizuka explains and the two girls tense up. "First, you have to decide which company you want to contract with, right now, Coffee Royale and Spire Publishing are fighting for the number one spot in sales and popularity, so they will be a challenge to get in if you don't meet their expectations. Next, you submit your works, which will be reviewed by the board of directors, and if approved you will be notified as soon as possible." Shizuka holds her fingers up as she explains the process. "But the good news is that to solely commit to my Clan is fairly simple, if that makes you feel any better."
"Yes, we understand the process, we've done our research into this many times." the two sister say in unison, which astonishes Shizuka and she leans over, resting her chin in her palms and her elbows placed on top of her thighs.
"Spire Publishing is the company we plan on going for, and we won't give up even if we don't get contracted." Marina clenches a fist with a fiery spirit and Shizuka was very pleased to hear that.
"Very interesting..." She says softly. "I feel like things are going to look good for the both of you then, if you can keep up with deadlines however. Now...as a Clansmen, I provide housing and basic needs. You are free to roam and do as you please within the Iridescent territory, but I will warn you that we are not a clan of violence. Please do your best to keep it this way and stay out of trouble...although a clansman is not obliged to obey the King."
Her last words stun the girls and it was quiet for a moment.
"H-Hai..but you...you provide housing to your Clansmen?" Tomoka asks.
"Aha! Sorry if that was rude, please excuse her." Marine covers her sister's mouth with a hand but Shizuka isn't bothered since she was used to the reaction.
"Yayoi is charge of registering you to live here, after that, you are free to move in whenever you like." She explains, gesturing to Yayoi. Marina and Tomoka were both astonished, feeling like they could see a future within the Iridescent Clan.
"Is there anything I forgot to mention or if you have any questions? I can't think of anything else to cover." Shizuka taps a finger to her lips, looking at Yayoi who shrugs, then she glances at the girls, who were questioning each other if there was anything needed to be said.
"I think later on I'll have some questions, but I can't think of any right now." Marina says, scratching the back of her head.
"Hmm, are we allowed to have pets?" Tomoka asks.
"Yes, pet owners reside on one half of the building to keep members who are allergic at bay, but you are fully responsible for maintaining a clean apartment and controlling your animal. Failure to abide will result in its removal from the building." Yayoi states in a professional manner, impressing the girls.
"I see...that's all I have to say then." Tomoka laughs nervously.
"Excellent!" Shizuka claps her hands together then she sets aside the portfolios and stands up, gesturing for the girls to as well and they oblige. "With all things considered, I will now accept you as new members of the Iridescent Clan...may the colors dance in your honor."
She holds both of her hands out to them, smiling gently as Marina and Tomoka shyly take her hand and their bodies begin to emit a white, transparent glow, as if they were entrapped inside a crystal prism. With the sun peeking into the room, the Iridescent Aura sparkles, then suddenly it shatters like glass, but it had a soft sound, like the breeze brushing against sand dunes. The pieces pulse different colors as they spread out, then they slow down midair, coming to a halt; the girls watch in awe as the Aura then begins circling inward, focusing on a certain areas on their body.
Marina's upper left arm gleamed and Tomoka's right arm did as well as the two receive the Clan insignia tattooed on their skin, but to their confusion, there was nothing there.
The sisters and Shizuka release their grip and the two ran their hands over their arms.
"What happened?" Marina says, looking troubled as she examines Tomoka's arm and Shizuka places a hand on her hip.
"I will leave that as a surprise for you, but as a hint, just look towards the light. Come now, shall we give you a tour of Iris?" She walks behind the girls and pushes them towards the door, happily.
"W-What? Really?" Tomoka asks, then Marina links her arm with her sister with excitement.
"That would be really amazing! Let's go!~" Marina adds and Shizuka gestures them to go ahead for a moment. The two walk off discussing the wonders they will see while Shizuka and Yayoi catch up, who was holding onto their portfolios.
"Do you think you can keep up with identical twins?" Yayoi asks as they begin to leave the room.
"Hmm...I like a bit of a challenge. We'll just have to see what the future holds won't we?" Shizuka jests with a smirk and Yayoi brushes side her bangs with a soft smile as the two join the sister in the corridor, the doors to the Pearl Room silently close behind them.
Ito Yukina was excited for tomorrow night, for it was going to be the grandest holiday party ever conducted in history! She was a short, average twenty-four year old woman with very long somewhat wavy black hair; distinct, jagged bangs swept to the right, dark gray eyes and red glasses. She has been an Iridescent Clansmen for as long as Shizuka has reigned and was well acquainted with her.
She was a stereotypical hipster, knowledgeable with camera and art tools, and she enjoyed wearing men's jackets over women's during the winter, finding their clothes much warmer.
"It's too bad Shizuka-san said not to have any alcohol." She mutters to herself as she carefully adjusts the strap of her camera bag on her shoulder, since she had her Sun 600 Polaroid and Canon 600 D inside, then patting her left side to make sure she still had her fold-up baton was in tack, which she calls her anti-pervert weapon, and making her way back to the subway so she could meet with everyone at Iris.
"Haa, oh well, I guess there'll be under age kids there, so apple cider it is!"
She was currently in Shizume City, taking pictures of different areas as references for her new manga and to pass the time as she continued day dreaming about the party. She was walking through Shizume crossing, waiting for the streetlight to turn green, scribbling in a small notebook of ideas, biting the end of her pen and wondering how she could get a hold of a young model to wear a Gothic Lolita dress for a character design. I'll have to think about that later when it's not Christmas, for now I'll just look around the internet and hope to find a good angle. She thought, twirling her pen between her fingers. She then adjusts her red glasses, wondering how long it was gonna take until the light turns green and she glances around.
Hmm, I still haven't figured out what I want to wear...eh, but it's so cold. She continues pondering, shoving her hands into her jacket, hiding her face in her scarf and trembling. She turns her attention back to the streetlight and it finally turns green. Everyone around her shifts forward and she moves along with the crowd, keeping her eyes forward and watching her step so she doesn't get swallowed. She had brushed aside her manga project for the moment to focus on the party again, until she catches a glimpse of red among the gray crowd and whips her head to the side, seeing a small girl with snow white hair wearing a red Gothic Lolita styled dress walking away.
"AH!" She shouts, pointing at the girl, startling the people around her and she chases the girl down as quickly as she could. "Oi!~ Little girl! Wait for a bit pleeeaassee!" She shouts, seeing that the cute girl was walking with a taller, overweight man, who she didn't see earlier.
She catches their attention with her outburst and they turn around and she slows her pace down, but before she could ask for a favor, she sees another guy quickly approaching on a skateboard, coming in fast in a crouch position, soon jumping upwards in a very high ollie. Yukina notices that he intends to land and attack on her and she reaches in her coat, grabbing her hidden fold up baton, flowing her Iridescent Aura into it to strengthen her defense, and blocking his onslaught. The actions cause a disruption and people began running away from around them.
"O-Oi, what's the meaning of this?!" Yukina shouts, thrusting her arm and retracting her Aura as the skateboard guy flips backward, landing perfectly on his feet between the cute girl and the overweight man.
"Hah?! I should be asking you that! What do you want with Anna?" The skater guy asks, kicking up his board and glaring at Yukina with golden eyes, and then he suddenly jerks back, blushing and stunned."What, you're a girl?!" He points at Yukina and she was drawn aback.
"Excuse me?!" She snaps, feeling offended and she wanted to grab the kid and strangle him.
"Oi, Yata, cut it out. You always act so weird around girls." The tall man smacks the kid in the head, grunting at the gesture and the he looks up at him.
"I-I'm not acting weird! Shut up, Rikio!" He shouts angrily, hitting the other guy name Rikio back and the cute girl reaches out to them.
"Please stop." She speaks in a soft voice and they cease.
"What...what is going on..." Yukina mutters to herself, folding her baton back and putting it inside her coat again.
"A-Anyways, just tell us what you want with Anna." The skater guy, who Yukina remembered the other man, Rikio, calling him Yata, avoided eye contact with her, and although she felt like he should apologize to her, she didn't really have the time or cared at the moment.
"Don't mind this guy." Rikio says.
"Uh...okay, but I was just wondering if I can take her picture." She gestures to the cute Lolita girl, who was called Anna by Yata.
"M-Me?" Anna asks, looking a little surprised but calm and Yukina nods happily, kneeling down to her height.
"I'm Yukina, a mangaka and a freelance photographer starting a new series. One of my supporting characters likes to wear Lolita fashion and you fit the perfect image of her!" Yukina forms a rectangle shape with her thumb and pointer fingers at Anna, who just blinks and watches her shuffle about.
"Ah! I have an actual camera, what am I doing? So you don't mind right? By the way, what's you name? Ah, if you're busy right now, we can always schedule another time and I can give you my business card? Please accept because I don't know when I'll be able to come back to Shizume City!" Yukina claps her hands together, begging the young girl who looks up at Rikio and Yata, both of the guys hesitating, finding Yukina a bit strange.
"It's up to you." Rikio says, looking at Anna gently. Yata grumbles, his hands clasped behind his head, turning away.
"Y-Yeah..." He grumbles and Anna looks back at Yukina.
"I'm fine with it then." She says calmly and Yukina cheers."And, my name name is Anna. These two are Rikio and Yata." She introduces herself along with the two other guys, which Yukina can confirm calling them that for now. She was then feeling excited, quickly taking out her Canon camera and then looking at the guys.
"Ah, nice to meet you." She says, bowing. Rikio was nice enough to return the gesture but Yata just nods his head, still feeling uncomfortable. "Alright, let's just get a normal front and back shot first, ne?" She asks, ignoring people as they walk by, staring.
"O-Okay, but I'm not so sure how my face should be like." Anna stands still as Yukina turns her camera to get a vertical portrait.
"It's fiiiine, just stand like that!" *snaps* "Peerfect." Yukina was excited and instructs Anna to pose in different ways. People walking by found the shoot a bit weird and Rikio and Yata step a few feet away, minding their own business.
After a few more shots, Yukina was satisfied, shutting her camera off and shaking hands with Anna.
"Hee hee~ That was fun, ah! I'd like to work with you again sometime if that's okay?" She asks and Anna was hesitant.
"Noooo waay!" Yata interrupts, approaching the two. "Anna only belongs to HOMRA and no one else! S-So since you're done now just leave already!"
"Hah?!" Yukina scoffs. "Why should I listen to someone who hasn't even apologized to me earlier yet?" Yukina stands up to argue, which makes Yata even more infuriated, causing Rikio to step in between them and Yukina suddenly realized something.
Huh? Did he say HOMRA? She had paused for a moment while Yata and Rikio peacefully settle things once again and she sees at the underside of his skateboard the Red Clan's insignia, which surprises her a little.
"Um..excuse me, but...can I see your camera?" Anna tugs on Yukina's coat and she looks at her wide eyed.
"E-Eh? Oh, um...maybe not this one, but I have another you can check out. It'll probably be easier for you to use." She kneels down again, pulling out her Polaroid and placing her Canon inside her camera bag. "Here you go. It's a Sun 600 Polaroid camera so it takes photos right on the spot, and as thanks for being my model, I'll let you use it for a bit. Free of charge.
She winks at Anna, who examines the camera carefully, her face calm, but sad, and the two guys, who had finally calmed down, look over at her.
"There was...a man I knew who had something old like this...but it records things instead, and it had a handle." She spoke and Yukina blinks, cocking her head to the side to think of what she was talking about.
"Oh, it was probably one of those retro video cameras." She replies and Anna looks unsure, shrugging her shoulders. Yukina was then curious to know who that man was she was talking about, as well as the camera he had.
Anna then looks over at the guys, holding the camera carefully.
"...Will you two take a picture with me?" She asks, surprising them and even Yukina.
"Anna.." Yata says.
"Of course! Anything for you, Anna!" Rikio says excitedly and rushes over to her side.
"O-Oi!" Yata bursts, following after.
She then looks at Yukina and she knew immediately what she was going to ask.
"Hai, hai. I understand."
She takes the camera and peers through the lens, making sure the three of them were seen.
"One, two, three, smile~"
*Snap*
The camera revs, processing the photo and the four of the watch as a developed film pops out from the mouth of the device. Yukina takes it, fanning the photo and handing it to Anna once it reveals the image of her and her friends.
"Wow." She gasps quietly, smiling softly and Yukina feels bashful of the scene. So adorable! She cries in her head.
"I wanna see!" Yata beams and she hands the photo to him. "Sugoi na...Not bad." He eyes the film and Yukina stares at him and he notices her gaze and blushes, turning away. "I-I'm not saying you're great or anything! Tch!"
"Heeh~ You seemed impressed though, kid." She teases and he tenses up angrily as if he wanted to make a comment.
"Me next!" Rikio snatches the picture and Yata was drawn aback.
"Oi, I was still looking! Rikio!...Oi!" He shouts.
Wow...they're actually not bad people. I didn't think HOMRA had this side to them from the rumors I heard. Yukina thought.
"Do you mind if you and I can take one as well?" Anna suddenly asks and she was surprised.
"Eh? Us?"
She nods and Yukina smiles gently.
"Alright, come here."
Anna joins her side and she holds the Polaroid in front of them, they smile and there was a flash, once again a film shoots out and Yukina fans it until it clears up, handing it to Anna and she looks delighted. Yukina then gives a chuckle, thinking of the man Anna had told her about earlier and looks at her Polaroid, then back up at the Lolita, who also makes eye contact with her.
"Here. I'll let you borrow this...I feel like you and that man are pretty close so use it to make more memories together...with those two as well." She hands Anna the camera, who was hesitant but Yukina beckons and she finally takes it.
"Thank you, but...how will I give it back to you?" She asks and Yukina grins, whipping out a metallic light gray card embossed with a silver emblem on the left and inside of the symbol was an elegant coffee cup with steam rising from it. She takes out a pen and writes down her cell number and name on it, handing the card to Anna.
"Here, this is my personal number so call me anytime you have a question or if you want to return the camera, but you can keep it for as long as you like." Yukina gently smiles as Anna takes the card.
"Coffee...Royale publishing..." She reads. "Ito Yukina."
"Hai, that's me!~"
The two smile at each other; Yukina giggling softly and she watches Anna's smile fade and she continued looking at her, finally opening her mouth to speak.
"Are you...also a Strain?"
The question surprises her.
"No, why do you ask?"
"I saw your power when Yata tried to hit you...I don't know what color it was though." She explains while looking down as if she was trying hard to remember something and Yukina muses.
"Ii e. I'm just a regular clansmen, but if you're asking that, does it mean you are one yourself?"
Anna carefully nods her head, wondering which Clan the woman was from while Yukina stares at her, thinking how this meeting was very interesting and eventful, then suddenly, Yukina's PDA goes off with a familiar tone.
"AH! I was so caught up on all this that I totally forgot about that!" She cries, standing up quickly and digging her hands in her hair. "They're gonna kill me if I'm late! A-Ah..um! I'll see you later so call me if anything goes wrong! Take care of it please!" Yukina runs off, shouting at Anna as they both wave at each other. "Thank you agaaaaain! Bye bye!~~" She disappears in the crowds and Anna holds tightly onto the Polaroid, hearing Yata and Rikio approach from behind her.
"Ne, Anna...why didn't you tell that person that Totsuka-san isn't with us anymore?" Yata asks in a low voice, a foot on his skateboard as he rolls it forward and back, kicking it up and spinning it around with his palm.
Rikio was quiet as he looks at Anna, handing back the photo to her and she was quiet for a moment.
"I felt that...he was with us again with her around...that's why." She answers, turning around to look at the guys.
"Heeeh..." Yata sighs, jumping onto his skateboard and shoving his hands in his jacket. "Whatever, that chick was weird, giving googly eyes to kids and taking pictures of them."
"Let's just go back now." Rikio says and she nods, the two follow after Yata and head back to the HOMRA bar.