"I don't mind you guys being here early. But maybe three hours early is a bit much," Chisato whispered to Erika who quietly was slamming her head against the countertop of LycoReco. The entire café was decorated with streamers and other colorful paraphernalia with a poster saying, 'Welcome Back Everyone!' hung from the ceiling. Chisato was currently the only one there, getting refreshments and snacks ready with the others grabbing some disposable plates along with desserts, and had let them in despite their timely arrival.
And for the last couple minutes, Ruriko had not spoken a word to either of them. All she did was sit at the table, her eyes darting around from corner to corner as if she was being watched. From time to time, she would stand up as if making a decision and then sit back down. From time to time, she would make eye contact with Erika and open her mouth only for it to shut back down. And in those moments when they locked eyes, Erika swore that in her eyes she saw…
Paranoia?
"Sorry, Miss Nishikigi, Ruriko, and her dad had…a fight? She's sort of just dragged me here," Erika apologized as the two Lycoris stared at the quiet girl. She took a bite out of a McRonald's Miller Maxie Bun Chisato had given her. "Like really dragged me here. I've never seen her so...distraught. I think whatever happened with her dad really stressed her out. Like really stressed her out."
Erika wanted to say more but remembered what Ruriko said on her bike. Another patron walked into the café, and they took a seat at a table. Chisato quickly greeted them, and they gave a slight wave. Ruriko looked at the patron and Erika could've sworn she saw her look shocked for a second. Chisato gave the menu to the patron, but he waved her off, as he wanted alone time. Chisato went back to Erika who finished the last of her burger, "Have you tried talking to her?"
"Yeah. But Ruriko's not one for emotional openings. Well…. usually not open for emotional openings," Erika explained. "I mean Ruriko never really seemed to like her dad, but this was…. scary and weird."
"Scary and weird?"
Erika looked back at how hard it was to get out of DA. She chose to keep that to herself, "I mean, I've never seen Ruriko so mad. And she kept trying to tell me something but then she kept stopping or getting interrupted."
"Love confession?" Chisato joked but saw how distraught Erika was taking this. "Let me see if I can help."
"Are you sure? She can be kinda cold."
"I remember Takina mentioning Ruriko to me one time super briefly. She said she was nice and gave her jelly pouches. Nothing more than that though," Chisato responded as she took off her apron. "Also in terms of dealing with cold people, I've been partners with Takina Inoue for a whole year."
"Never mind, go ahead," Chisato walked up to Ruriko, and she sat down next to her. She slid over a cup of tea as Ruriko made a side glance at the girl, her focus still slightly on the wall that interested her so much.
"Hi! It's nice to meet you. I don't think we've ever met. The name's-"
"I know who you are, Miss Nishikigi. You're the Lycoris who single-handedly stopped the Radio Tower terrorist attack. In addition, you assisted in stopping the terrorist, Majima, during last year's event at Enkuboku. Your birthday is September 23rd. You are currently eighteen years old with a height of approximately five foot and seven inches with bright hazel eyes. Many individuals claim it's red but it's hazel. You simply say it's red because you think it makes you look 'cool'. Your file describes you as a cheeky, lazy girl whose only saving grace is their anatomically miraculous eyes capable of calculating bullet trajectories making them virtually untouchable. But beyond that, you're well-known across DA for your pacifistic nature. While the files don't state why you have this superhero-esque moral code, I've suspected that it had something to do with the artificial heart implanted in you by Shinji Yoshimatsu, a known and missing associate of the now-defunct, Alan Institute. You mainly use armor-piercing Kouta Class Rubber Bullets supplied by Mika Kurama resulting in a kill count number for the entirety of your DA career to be zero. Although the only time you ever used a live round against Shinji Yoshimatsu to save the life of Takina Inoue. And even then, he survived. You're quite the marvel, Miss Nishikigi."
"Aren't…. aren't you a nurse?
"Doctor's assistant."
"Oh. Well…uh…it's nice to have a fan!"
"I'm not a fan, Miss Nishikigi. I make it my business to be aware of key figures within DA."
"Say what."
"For the purpose of my job as a doctor's assistant of course. Due to your unique biological status, I spent a great deal of time reading up on you in the event you required my assistance. You're an interesting figure, Miss Nishikigi."
"No need to be so formal, you can call me Chisato!"
"Okay, Miss Nishikigi."
"So, have you ever been to LycoReco before?" Chisato stammered as she made a look toward Erika. Erika simply shrugged her shoulders. She had warned Chisato of Ruriko after all.
"No."
"No worries! This place is pretty much like any other café. Of course, you've got this cutie around to help serve you."
"I've never been to a café."
"No worries! This can be your first time! So exciting!"
"I am not worried. Nor excited."
"Uh…. sorry."
"Do not be. I am simply here as a favor to Miss Janome."
"Hm. Not 'Erika'?" Chisato responded cheekily, trying to lightly tease Ruriko but the emotionless girl didn't budge.
"Hm."
"So…. uh…you came because of her?"
"While I do not care particularly for her, the answer is yes."
"Aw, that's sweet! I guess..."
"It was either that or deal with Doctor Midorikawa."
"Oh. Dads, am I right? Mika's pretty stern at times. I mean, he even forced me to have a bedtime when we lived back in the States! Crazy right?"
Ruriko looked at Chisato and Erika cringed. Despite her neutral look, she recognized her left eye slightly twitching: a sign of utter annoyance. She took a breath, "For the love of non-existent God, seeing is your special skill, not your annoying voice!"
"Uh…I was…uh…."
"You were what? Please continue."
"Uh…sorry."
"I thought so."
Chisato walked away from Ruriko, who once again stared at the wall, and sat next to Erika, whose face was bright red with embarrassment, "I am so freaking sorry! She's really nice! I think we should just leave her alone for now. She probably needs to…cool down or something."
"No worries, I believe you. All is forgiven and all that."
"You're certainly something, Miss Nishikigi. You're a freaking saint."
"I am awesome but not 'something awesome' if that makes sense."
"I mean you're skilled at everything, super beautiful, and like the nicest person I've ever met. You really are something else."
"So are you. I'll just leave your friend be for now 'cause there's something else I've been meaning to talk about," Chisato laughed as she sipped a cup of steaming tea. She passed one to Erika who sipped as well, "During our break in the States, Takina did tell a little about you although not much since you two weren't particularly talkative. She just said that you were the one she almost shot during that incident a year ago."
"Oh."
"But she always did state you had a really good heart!"
"Oh!"
"But I did learn a little more today. Me and Takina had to go to DA this morning for some administrative stuff. While we were there, we heard some Lycoris talking about you…. Chisato Junior."
Erika's face reddened, "What! I…uh…um…. I'm not trying to imitate you or anything! I just really admire your work! Professionally! It's nothing weird, Miss Nishikigi!"
"Hey relax. I know the deets. You're like me. Well…sorta. Also please calm me, Chisato!"
"Oh…. okay! Uh…um…Coolio!"
"Coolio. So…. Chisato Junior, huh?"
Erika didn't know how to respond for a second as she stared at her steaming tea, "I wish I was you, Chisato. But at the end of the day…. Sometimes the bad road is the only way to save everyone around me. I…I…wish it wasn't but…Never mind. I'm sounding like a freak."
"Don't worry, Erika," Chisato responded gently. "You have your code and I have mine, but I'll never judge you for it. At the end of the day, you're a good person."
"Thank you."
"No problem, Mini Me. If anyone else gives you trouble, tell me. I'll challenge them to a mock battle."
"I don't think you're allowed to do that anymore. Plus, it's kind of unfair."
"I'll use a blindfold."
The two shared a quiet laugh as they sipped their tea.
"Still though, I'd like it if you choose another nickname besides 'Chisato Junior'. There's only one Chisato Nishikigi and you're looking at her!"
"I…I don't really get the choice in my teasing nickname."
"Still though…maybe you should give yourself a cool nickname or something so people would stop calling you that."
"I have an idea: Erika Janome."
Chisato laughed, "You know what I meant."
"I dunno. When I think of a cool alias, I'll tell you."
"Let's drink up!" Mizuki Nakahara yelled as the guests and staff of LycoReco all clinked their tankards of glorious, mind-numbing alcohol. Erika giggled as she got handed a tankard by Kurumi and prepared to drink some. Alcohol resistance was something taught to Lycoris in their second year of training. While the age of a Lycoris would guarantee they would never drink alcohol, it was still a just-in-case measure. During training, if a Lycoris showed any signs of being drunk or woozy in any single way, a shock anklet would activate forcing them to try and focus.
Erika probably was shocked by an amount of electricity that could've powered a small town.
"Café LycoReco's back in business!" Chisato cheered out as she pulled on part popper followed by the other patrons responding in kind. Kurumi smiled as she pulled out a tablet and soon, the newly installed speakers around the café began to blast with a jaunty Claris tune. Mika smiled as he poured the patrons of LycoReco more drinks.
Amongst the streamers, cheers, crying, and more, Ruriko quickly grabbed the tankard from Erika as she sipped from it, "You are the designated driver. I'll be the one drinking."
"Uh…you're only fifteen. And we have a cop here," Erika pointed out although her warning was in vain as Detective Abe was already face-planted into a table, three empty tankards right next to him. Chisato laughed as she placed a blanket on him, careful not to get any alcohol on the fancy red dress she was wearing.
"Here ya go. I have a feeling we won't be able to move ya!" Chisato laughed, her cheeks slightly red as she snapped a picture with her phone. However, Mika soon stepped in as he grabbed her phone and deleted the photo. Erika laughed as Chisato let loose a pout, looking more like a three-year-old than an eighteen-year-old.
"Chisato, that's rude."
"But daadddd, it would've been hilarious."
"Still very rude."
"Pfffff," Chisato responded as she stuck her tongue out. Mika sighed with equal amounts of annoyance and amusement as he handed her phone back.
Erika scratched her head, "Well…. We had a cop here. Still! You're fifteen!"
"I don't care," Ruriko responded as she chugged it all in one gulp without any signs of discomfort. Some of the LycoReco guests noticed this as they were amazed at her drinking abilities. "I am very alcohol resistant, and the law hasn't mattered to me in a very long time.
"Holy crap!" Mizuki responded amazed as she pushed up her glasses to make sure she saw what she saw. "How old are you?"
"Fifteen."
"Well…. Meh. Also, hi, Erika," Mizuki shrugged as she downed her tankard down and went to go talk to Late Manga Lady. Erika never really knew her name just that she was really bad at her manga deadlines, who was downing a storm. Erika sighed as she got up and went to go grab some cake slices. She scouted out the desert line as she grabbed one slice completely smothered with chocolate.
As she went to go grab it, another hand grabbed it causing their hands to touch. Erika quickly pulled it back as she realized who it was, "Takina! I'm sorry! I….uh…um…I didn't mean to."
Giving a tiny smile, Takina grabbed the plate and presented it to Erika, "No worries. You were here first. You can have it."
Erika tried to move to grab it, but she was frozen as she stared at Takina. Erika had only ever seen Takina in either her Lycoris Uniform or seen pictures of her LycoReco appearance. But here? The girl was wearing a dark blue dress with black stripes, her long hair tied back in a neat bun. Erika could also make out what looked like a rope burn on her shoulder. She was also wearing some jewelry, specifically a seashell bracelet adorned her wrist which matched one Chisato was currently wearing.
Erika's face was as red as a first-rank uniform.
She was absolutely stunning.
"Ugh…...um…"
"Are you all right? Your face is very red," Takina queried as she placed the plate down. "You haven't had that much to drink, have you?"
"I uh…um…. uh…. uh….um…uh…. I….uh…..err…um….."
"Hey, Takina!" Kurumi called out like an angel descending from heaven. Erika let loose a breath of relief as the little girl (wait…. now that Erika thought about it…. how old was she?) tugged on Takina's arm as she pointed to a drunk Chisato currently having a drinking contest with the Late Manga Lady. Late Manga Lady was currently winning with Chisato on the verge of heaving out the contest drinks, "You might want to check on your hubby."
Chisato burped as she chugged down another tankard, followed shortly by her covering her mouth. The Late Manga Lady laughed as she chugged down another tankard, "The Great Chisato Nishikigi doesn't need any checking!"
The Great Chisato Nishikigi promptly vomited.
"And we're doing this again," Takina sighed as she rubbed her temples. "I better go take care of this. Good to see you, Erika."
Erika sighed as Takina set down the plate of cake, to go check on Chisato, who was currently trying to drink away the bad taste in her mouth. The young Janome picked up the cake and then looked at Takina. The girl was laughing as Chisato managed to sit down in her seat, sipping (thankfully) some water. The black-haired Lycoris gently placed her head on Chisato's shoulder as she sipped.
They…. They were really good friends.
Very…. very touchy friends.
Erika felt someone tug on her sleeve and found Kurumi straight at her, "Oh, hello Miss Kurumi. Do you want this?"
Kurumi took it and quickly swallowed in one gulp. She let loose a little burp as she wiped her mouth and set the plate down, she looked directly at Erika, "It isn't gonna work. Sorry."
The young girl walked away as she went to go check on Mizuki, who somehow managed to duct tape herself to the wall along with the passed-out Detective Abe.
"What…what did she mean by that?" Erika stammered as she sat down. She didn't have much time to process as Ruriko took a seat next to her, sipping on another tankard. "Hey, you having fun? I'm…. uh…."
Erika looked at how touchy the two were.
"Something."
Ruriko burped, "No."
Chisato finally stopped sipping water and was leaning her head back on Takina as Late Manga Lady was telling them how one of her stories was currently on board for weekly serialization, "Hey….do…do you think I have a chance…. with Takina?"
Ruriko didn't respond.
The Late Manga Lady laughed as she went to go get another drink leaving Chisato and Takina sitting together. The two smiled as they talked to each other, laughing at whatever comments they made. Chisato then made one comment that got on Takina's nerves causing Takina to pinch Chisato's cheek. Chisato didn't seem bothered as she responded by nuzzling her cheek against Takina's, causing the normally stoic girl to blush.
"I…I mean…they seem like good friends."
"They're roommates," Ruriko responded as she sipped her drink. She made eye contact with Late Manga Lady who gave Ruriko a slight smirk. Erika rubbed her eyes because she thought she saw them flash green in Late Manga Lady's eyes for a second. Must be a trick of the light.
"Really…really good friends."
Ruriko didn't respond as she burped. Erika sighed as she went to go grab the tankard of beer in Ruriko's hands. However, the young Midorikawa quickly pulled it away, "M…muine."
"I kinda need it."
"Yur…. fourtween."
"I'm fifteen and need to numb my brain."
"You…you have no iwdea how gwood you got it. Despite everything that you are, you're still just normal. Just…enjoy being…. nwornal. Cause it's not gwonna wast."
"Okay...?"
"I don't care."
"Uh…Ruriko?" Erika responded as the girl began to sway a bit.
"I don't care about you or anywjing. Idiot."
"Okay, that kinda hurt," Erika muttered as she reached for the tankard. "Maybe you should put that down."
"I don't care about anyone. I don't care. I don't care. I don't care. I don't care. I don't care. I don't care. I don't care. I don't care."
Ruriko tipped the glass to her lips but dropped it as she began to grip her heart. Quickly, Erika rushed to her friend as she got out her meds. Ruriko tried to push Erika away once again but as she did, the girl let loose a little burp. Erika quickly threw a capsule in her throat as she did. The girl tried her best to spit it out but couldn't as she instinctively swallowed.
"That…that was a dirty trick," Ruriko coughed as Erika handed her a glass of water. Amongst the chaos, the entirety of the party surrounded the girl, concerned about what happened. "I'm all right everyone. Just a little tired."
"Are you sure, Ruri-Ruri?" Late Manga Lady asked, Ruriko giving the woman a sharp glare. Before Erika could ask why Ruriko was being rude, Chisato and Mika came into the scene, the two adults having faces of concern and fear.
"No, you just weren't tired," Chisato responded as she looked at the girl with a sad familiarity. "You've got heart problems. Don't hide it."
"You never said that you had heart issues," Mika responded as he got his phone. "That's dangerous to keep quiet about something like that. Party's over. I'm calling an ambulance."
"Do not worry. My meds, Kitoakase, will take care of the issue. Please do not worry," Ruriko responded, trying to get a handle on the situation. "Miss Janome, may we leave?"
Erika groaned as she put her phone away. She had tried to text or call Doctor Midorikawa, but he wasn't responding. She was about to call the ambulance, but Ruriko grabbed her wrist and glared at her, "I. Am. Fine."
Erika looked around as they all saw the party worry about Ruriko's condition and then looked back at Ruriko. She wanted to trust Ruriko's judgment but didn't want to worry the people of LycoReco either. She didn't know what to do.
Fortunately, Mika decided as he placed a hand on the panicking Erika's shoulder, "Erika, you've got her medication, correct?"
"Yeah."
Mika sighed as he made a decision, being familiar with the situation due to raising Chisato, "Miss Midorikawa, please sit down for a bit and drink some water. I recommend that you leave an hour after that. If I see one single twitch or spasm from your body, I'm calling the ambulance, I'm I clear?"
"Mister-"
"Party is over everyone," Mika said with a sense of finality. The rest of the party looked at him with concern, but he quickly established his authority as he stared at all of them with a sense of strictness and determination. "Thank you all for coming."
The small number of partygoers, albeit very doubtfully, slowly dispersed out the door with Late Manga Lady helping Detective Abe to his feet. Soon, the café was empty.
"Chisato, can you please clear the tables?"
"Dad…are you sure about this?" Chisato asked hesitantly as she looked at Ruriko, who was swaying around like a leaf in the wind, her mind poisoned by alcohol. "I still think we should've called an ambulance. Maybe call Doctor Kitamura?"
"I'm sure, Chisato. As long as Miss Midorikawa listens to what I say…Everything should be fine."
Erika sighed as she got up to help only to be stopped by Mika, "Erika, stay with Ruriko for now. We'll do the cleaning up all right?"
Erika slumped down in a chair and her phone buzzed.
LINE V.3.0
SAKURA_PETALS: Heyo! Is the party going all good? Wish I could see you but duty calls!
ERIKAAAA: Uh…..
Erika looked at the slightly drunk Ruriko rubbing her face against the wall.
ERIKAAAA: It's…. going…. uh…. yeah.
"Just hold on tight all, right?" Erika responded gently as they drove through the cool night air. The girl's GPS was currently on as it was directing them toward a nearby hidden DA vehicle entrance. Ruriko did as she laid against Erika's back, "Just relax."
"I'm not feeble, Miss Janome."
"Please, let's not fight."
"We both know I'd win," she snarked.
"When were you so…. sarcastic?"
"What?"
"With your father and just now…. You were sarcastic. In the three years, I've talked to you…. You've never been sarcastic. I think today's the most I've ever heard you talk really."
"It wasn't sarcasm," the young Midorikawa quickly responded causing Erika to laugh a bit. Embarrassed Ruriko was very adorable.
"Ruriko, I don't mind if you are. I think you being snarky is really cute!" Erika laughed. "I…. I don't mind if you showed me more of you. I know you aren't cold and unfeeling all the time. I…I want to see the real you for once."
"I don't follow."
"Ruriko, I don't really know you."
"We've known each other for three years."
"Knowing someone and actually knowing someone are two different things. You've never really talked about yourself. You just listen to me, and I will always be thankful for that. But I want to know more about you. What's your favorite part of Redman? What anime do you like? What music do you enjoy? What's your favorite food? Do you like the taiyaki I bring? Have you ever liked anyone? What do you really think about me? Did you like Café LycoReco? Just…anything."
Ruriko didn't respond.
Erika's face reddened as she realized she may have hurt Ruriko, somehow, "I'm sorry."
"Why are you being sorry?"
"Because I feel bad. For never noticing more about you I guess," Erika laughed, "But…I really do want to know more about you. I don't think you're this cold. I mean there isn't anything wrong with that! But…. let me see you."
"Miss Janome, there isn't anything worthwhile about me."
"Don't…. don't say that. I don't like it when you insult yourself."
"Well…. what do you know about me anyway?" she snapped. Erika looked back at Ruriko, who was avoiding eye contact altogether, "Sorry. I lost control."
"It's…it's cool."
Silence permeated between the two as the sounds of cicadas buzzed around them. Despite what just happened, the girl felt relaxed and in control of her world as the wind blew past her. Part of her was tempted to take off her helmet and feel the wind on her face.
"Miss Janome."
"Ruriko, please I don't want to fight."
"Do you like…yourself?"
"Not really. I think my hair's too orange, I'm a little short, and I still can't tell Takina I like her," Erika continued. "And…and I have too much blood on my hands."
"That…that isn't bad," Ruriko countered. "That's what makes a person. And that's nice. Being a regular person is nice. No worries. Just be you. Be huma…Be a person."
"Ruriko…. what's going on?" Erika responded, very confused about this situation. "Is everything going okay with you and your dad?"
Erika's brow furrowed. She wasn't annoyed since she knew Ruriko was drunk. But she now was getting concerned more than anything, "Does…. does anything you've been asking me to have to do with what you and your father were fighting about?"
"No. Stop trying to peak into a business that isn't yours," she snapped with a tone of finality. Erika was taken aback at her tone but also by the fact that she was lying. You didn't need to be Sherlock Holmes to know that she was.
"Ruriko?"
"Are you happy?" Ruriko suddenly blurted. Erika almost crashed her bike into a rock but managed to swerve around it.
Erika didn't respond.
She saw her dad bleeding out in front of her.
She saw her mom try to fight off the intruder only to get shot.
And then her brother attempted to get her out of there, only for him to get shot.
And then…. she became a Lycoris.
While being a Lycoris has had its fair share of high moments, there were times the bad moments outweighed the good.
The innocent mother she had attacked.
Her suicide attempt on Kachidoki Bridge.
Getting taken hostage.
Ruining Takina's career.
Every time Ruriko said she didn't care.
Erika would never admit this and even haven't told anyone before but….
There was always a certain pain in her heart accumulated from these years of experience.
Like a feral animal gnawing on every atrium, ventricle, artery, and more.
While it wasn't big enough to draw attention to…
It was there.
A tiny speck of darkness amongst the light.
And now with Ruriko's question in mind….
Was she really happy?
And in that moment….
Erika's head went fuzzy with rage.
She quickly shook it off.
She was…. she was just tired.
That's all.
They both were.
"Ruriko…." Erika asked hesitantly, her voice so quiet that the sounds of cicadas and locusts seemed to be amplified amongst the dark night. "Are you happy?"
Ruriko didn't respond either.
So good news and bad news.
Bad news.
School's coming up and I've gotta focus on that so there won't be a lot of updates anytime soon!
Good news.
I've got everything up to Chapter 18 all written up!
Where Do I Go is looking to be about 24 chapters. I've also got everything up to a hypothetical end all planned out.
So yeah.
From September to December, I will be releasing two chapters every month.
Where Do I Go - 7 and Where Do I Go - 8: September 19th
Where Do I Go - 9 and Where Do I Go - 10: Week of October 16th to 21
Where Do I Go - 11 and Where Do I Go - 12: Week of November 13th to 18th
Where Do I Go - 13 and Where Do I Go - 14: December 11th to 15th with a possible third and fourth chapter but don't get your hopes up
While it seems like I'm taking a really long time to get to Kamen Rider stuff, it's really important to establish how Erika is prior to well...you know. To me, the way a hero is prior to them receiving their powers is really important as it helps shape who they are. Plus, I sorta started off without a plan and well...things got pretty messy. Sorry!
Plus, during these two weeks of me not posting, I took a lot of time to really figure out and discover what themes Kamen Rider Lycoris should really embody. The result was this arc going pretty long in order to make sure everything is established.
In addition, sorry for posting late. I actually posted on time on my AO3 account so just search up Kamen Rider Lycoris on AO3. Be sure to check it out there as well and leave a comment. If you enjoyed anything, please leave a review as well!
Thanks for reading!
They ride in solitude and ponder...
What really fuels their happiness?
