Lapdogs

A black sedan cruises through the Chiyoda Ward, carrying the four individuals who hasn’t been in the best shape of relationship. Bitter lost in his own thought on the passenger seat, counting passing pedestrians at the sidewalk. Lemon fell asleep in five minutes after they got in the car, and Lime finishes the strawberry pancake she had for takeaway.

“I apologise for my unthoughtful words back in the cafe,” Todachi breaks the silence. For a second, Lime perks up, before she goes back to her inattentive self.

“Lime-chan.” Todachi invited the uninterested girl to the conversation.

“What are you apologising for?” She asked.

“For singling you out. Calling you out for being a powered. That was an unprofessional of me.”

“Well, that is a fact. Can’t really blame yourself for that.” Lime scoffs, throwing the box container she had and crumpled it as green-like aura engulfed its outline, “I would be disturbed as well if there are pests in my place.”

“Hmph. Can’t blame you to start thinking that I am that kind of person as well.” Todachi chuckles.

“…Just focus on driving the car. You’re gonna crash us if you stress it too much.”

“Sure, sure.” Todachi pull the steering wheel to the right. The car has lost its voice again as they finish the awkward interaction.

“Make sure you apologise to Lemon as well.” Lime catches the ball of cardboard, stuffing it in the door side storage.

“That I’ll do,” Todachi smiles lightly. The short travel feels less suffocating as time goes on.

#

“You guys go on first. I’m gonna have a short talk to Lemon.” Todachi raises his hand, signalling to Lime and Bitter. Lemon leans on the car, crossing his hands as he tries to look inattentive. Bitter raises his hand without much thought, as the both of them goes inside the building. As they entered the lobby, a big sign titling the infrastructure gives whoever enters some sense of pride, justice, or intimidation — depending on who enters. The sign says ‘Sera-Domini-Princi Containment Facility Headquarter; Tokyo Branch’. Across the many fancy buildings in the Roppongi district, it is obvious the building holds the record of being the fanciest.

“We’ve been expecting you, Bitter-sama.” The receptionist greets them. “If you like to wait for Todachi-sama in the lounge —”

“I know, I know. I know how things work here. I’ll keep an extra eye on the girl as well.” Bitter rubs on Lime’s head, to which she promptly escapes. “We’ll wait here. He shouldn’t be long.”

“Thank you, Bitter-sama.” The receptionist bow again. Just as Bitter about to get comfortable on the receptionist desk, an elevator next to them. A group of men in a suit comes out of it — probably around 10 of them. As the group went out, all the personnel in the lobby stops whatever they’ve been doing, stands up and give them a deep bow. Curious, Lime peeks to the elevator. The group of men encircle a single man — a man who had wrinkles all his face, yet feels like a hint of youthfulness still reside in his soul

“Ah—“ Lime recognises the man. Of course she would be. There are no individual in Japan — no. No individual in the world who wouldn’t recognise the man. After all, his face is plastered everywhere.

“We are once again, indebted to your great care, Yamamoto-sama!” They all shouted. The man raise his hands lightly — a faint smile raises from his lip. As he goes on his way, he notices the two distinct individual near the receptionist desk. One man in a very casual clothing, and one girl — observing him very close. The man gives a smile to them, before getting distracted by the lobby door opening in front of him. There, a man that he recognises more appears before him.

“Todachi.” He greets the man, now bowing before him.

“I assume you’re going for the national assembly, Yamamoto-sama?” Todachi raises his head, giving Yamamoto a very pleasant face.

“You know my schedule well.” Yamamoto chuckles, as he glances to the boy next to him, “And this will be the guy that going to solve The Ark case?”

“Along with the two individual over there,” Todachi points to where Bitter and Lime stands. Bitter approaches the groups, dragging Lime with him.

“Ah—“ Yamamoto examines Bitter face. “You must from the one Todachi often mentions — the special Kuzumi Agency.”

“Bitter of the Kuzumi Agency. Along with Lime and Lemon,” Bitter gives a light bow, as he points out the kids under him.

“Bitter, Lime, and Lemon.” Yamamoto caresses his chin, connecting the dot. “Like the drink?”

“You know your drink very well, sir.”

“I do vaguely remember an unusual drink — somewhere in the West.” Yamamoto reminiscences the fresh taste of the beverage, “Any reasons of the naming?”

“That’s…” Bitter scratches the back of his neck, “That’s a little bit embarrassing to explain…and personal.”

“Sure, I don’t mean to pry at all,” Yamamoto raises his hand, opening his palm. “I would love to share a drink with a fellow patriot,”

“It would be a great honour.”Bitter receives the handshake, strong and tight.

Yamamoto glances at the green-haired girl, who has been avoiding eye contacts with him, and to the yellow-haired boy. His smile rises a little bit further, “Then, I bid my farewell for now. I’m expecting great things from you and your agency.” And the suited group disappear into the parked limousine right in front of the building.

“Well, aren’t you guys lucky.” Todachi wrapped his hand on Bitter’s shoulder. “To meet with Yamamoto Katsuo-sama himself — The one and only man who planted the seed of the SCF.”

Todachi can feel the his arm vibrates, though not for the reason he thought. He can see the smile rising on Bitter’s face, but not getting the vibe he was expecting.

“Todachi…” Bitter voice’s cracks, “I feel like I’m close to harvest the fruits of my labour. After year and year and years. Am I actually close to be a billionaire?”

The giggles he had is quite creepy. It definitely creeps out Lemon and Lime. Todachi, again, massages his forehead again.

“Let’s just get going, shall we?”

#

A dozens of footsteps can be heard outside of a room, and stops. A high beep can be heard, as the door to the room opens. As the groups enter, what greet them would be the vast landscape of Tokyo, with the Tokyo Tower standing elegantly. The glass window traces the side of the room, as if it is just a huge plasma TV. In the middle of the room, is a meeting table with a bunch of chairs at the side — and at the very end of the table, sits one girl. Her red hair traces her back, and her face is not of the facade she was wearing. She has a more elegant look, though her expression is rowdier than ever. Her hands cuffed into one, as seen on top of the table. She glared at the group — especially to the green-haired girl.

“Long time no see, Rinka-san. Oh! I mean, Cham-san…” Lime sneered at her, putting up her sly smile.

Cham replies her cheeky comment with another, “Good day to you too, —“