A late night snack for Mocha, Hina, and Mochi

The girls tensed up as the 5 cultists began to strut towards them. Rika anxiously reached into her jacket to grab her knives, as one cultist charged towards Helga. Helga screamed as Rika countered the cultist's' kick with her knife.

"Sheesh, how the hell are these bitches so strong!? I can't even cut through their clothes; the hell are they made with!?" Rika thought as the cultist sent her flying back.

Two of the cultists then easily restrained Helga and Matcha with tape while the remaining ones all charged for Rika. Helga attempted to scream; however, a piece of tape was slapped over her mouth. Once Matcha had also been gagged, one of the cultists ran to join the other three in attacking Rika, while the remaining one stood guard over Matcha and Helga.

"Shit, now they have hostages. Best case now it's a 4 v 1. Shit, these hive mind bitches are such a pain," Rika thought as four cultists began circling her.

Suddenly, the cultist that had been standing guard over Helga and Matcha fell to the ground dead as blood spurted out of her neck. The four remaining cultists stopped and immediately turned to see Mocha and Hina standing before them.

"Get your damn hands off my daughter!" Mocha glared as she brandished a trench knife.

"Damn the cult. I'll never forgive them for what they've done," Hina glared as she brandished a katana.

"Well, guess you're here to help. Can you take out at least one more, I can handle 3," Rika called out.

"Sure," Hina nodded as she freed Helga and Matcha.

"WHAT THE HELL'S GOING ON!?" Helga screamed.

"We'll explain later. Take shelter in the car parked over there," Hina stated as she pointed to a car parked nearby.

"Very well, we'll probably learn everything soon. I hope we do. I've honestly got some questions too," Matcha grumbled as she dragged Helga to the car.

"Ah, Matcha-nee-san. Take shelter while Mother and Hina exterminate the cult," Mochi nodded as she opened the door of the car.

Before the two could get in, Rika, Mocha, and Hina charged for the 4 cultists and quickly unleashed their attacks before coming to a sudden halt. The 4 cultists leapt towards them only for blood to spurt out of their necks as the fell to the ground, dead.

"Ah, seems they did it faster than we thought," Mochi sighed as she hopped out of the car.

"Not bad, didn't know you could cut throats as well as hair," Rika grinned.

"Not something I'm proud of," Mocha sighed.

"If you were anyone I knew, I'm sorry for killing you. At least now you are free from the cult," Hina somberly stated as she began to pray before the corpses.

"So, care to explain WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED!?" a frantic Helga shouted.

"My apologies for startling you. We have an adverse hatred for that cult. So many good friends were assimilated into them," Mocha somberly stated.

"Mother, I too want to know. Why do you have that weapon in your hand?" Matcha glared.

"Mother, she saw the finishing attack. It's time to tell her," Mochi nodded.

"Ugh, this better stay secret. So back in the day, I grew up in the slums of Bulgaria. It sucked big time. My family was poor, and I had to shoplift just to fill my belly. Then one day, my shitty folks sold me off to some visiting gangsters from Japan. Bastards inked my back and ordered me to become a killer. They did give me an education and let me go to school, though that was mainly for cover purposes and to keep an eye on the young mistress. Ironically, I ended up being tasked with tons of shoplifting jobs too. Thought I would be stuck like that for good, till I met Kiji in my last year of high school. See, I was originally supposed to kill him, but I messed up. However, he somehow ended up falling for me. We ended up having sex and getting unofficially engaged. Though when the gang found out, they tried to frame me for theft and murder, but Kiji settled the matter with money. Then I had my name changed and we were married shortly before I gave birth to Purin."

"So, you were a killer this whole time!?" Matcha gasped.

"Not by choice. Though I did kill in the past."

"Could that be the reason you're always framed?"

"Nah, that matter with the gang was settled. It's not like I'm messing with them either. In fact, I haven't blabbed a word about them, so they really wouldn't have a reason to try and get me arrested."

"I see. I assume Mochi and Hina were also aware of this all along?"

"Yes, I told them ages ago, but made them swear to keep it secret. Sorry for keeping you in the dark. I didn't want to burden you with my past. You disappointed in me?"

"I really can't be considering who I'm friends with."

"Huh?"

"You're pretty good at wielding that katana, Hina. Were you self-taught?" Rika asked.

"There was an old sword master that used to work for my family that trained me. Though YOUR moves were insane girl! I thought you were a chef," Hina whistled.

"Yeah, the hell were those moves!?" Helga trembled.

"Rika, you have to tell them. No need to worry about Hina, Mochi, or my mother, but if Helga blabs, I'll shave her head," Matcha glared.

"The hell!? What are you-Mmph!?"

"I'll keep the peanut gallery quiet, now tell them," Matcha said as she covered Helga's mouth with her hand.

Rika took a deep breath before telling her tale. "Alright, now listen closely and please don't freak out until I'm done explaining. So, I was born into a family of assassins..."

...

"And that's the gist of it," Rika stated as she finished telling her backstory.

"Wow, we have a lot more in common than I thought," Mocha smiled.

"I feel for you girl. I know what it's like to have lousy overbearing parents," Hina said.

"Yeah, worst part is my father's so powerful I can't just move away or take him head on," Rika sighed.

"If you think your sob story will make me hate you any less your wrong. Hell, I hate you even MORE now! Thanks to you, I've now got freaks trying to kill me!" Helga glared as she removed Matcha's hand from her mouth.

"Wasn't asking you to hate me less. Just don't go telling everyone about me. Especially everyone else at the restaurant. I'll tell Masaru when I'm ready."

"Tch. Can't even tell the guy you love your dark past? Well, he'd probably reject you and ditch you if you told him."

"That's my fear. But if we become close, like really close, maybe there's a chance he'd still accept me."

"Does Mimi know?"

"Yeah, heck it's thanks to her that I even became a chef. I owe a lot to her, which is why I want her to live a happy carefree life."

"Guess if she knows it's fine," Helga grumbled as she went to lock the door.

"Hold on, it might be booby trapped," Rika shouted as she grabbed Helga's arm.

"BOOBY TRAPPED!? The hell didn't you say sooner!?"

"Well, we got ambushed, then I told you my backstory. Don't worry, my distant cousin will swing by and scan it for you. Actually, now that I think about it, maybe you should spend the night elsewhere."

"Oh, come on! First I can't go in my restaurant, now I can't go home!? My penthouse has some tough-"

"If the cult is after you, I.L.U. might be too."

"What do you mean?" Hina asked.

"I.L.U. is the largest shadow organization in the world. My family along with its parent families are members of it. Even though the cult technically aren't members, their leader is at the very least a close affiliate with them."

"I know what you're talking about. I watch tons of videos exposing their misdeeds," Mocha stated.

"Those conspiracy videos?" Matcha groaned.

"THEY'RE REAL!" Mocha retorted.

"I'll admit Rika's story gives some credence, but I still think the woman you watch is full of crap."

"Well, isn't all this just great. So, what do I do now!? I'm not staying at your place," Helga grumbled.

"Guess we could do a hotel. Once Matcha gets back and gets her stuff we'll book a hotel room for the night," Rika suggested.

"Wait, I'm included as well!?" Matcha asked.

"Yeah, it'll be a party. I'll even see if the others are down."

"Funny you should mention a hotel. I was actually gonna go spend the night at a fancy one with Kiji and Mochi before all this happened," Mocha stated.

"The Tall tower hotel, right? For the worldwide gourmet elite society gathering conference tomorrow?"

"Yes, but how'd you know?"

"Cause our restaurant was asked to cater it, well mainly just Masaru and Itsuki, though Masaru vouched to have me included as well."

"Well how bout we give you a ride? We were heading over there ourselves when we spotted you getting attacked. Though it might be a tight squeeze in the back."

"Thanks for the offer, but our place is actually just a block over."

"Oh? It's THAT close? Well in that case we can drive alongside you as you walk. Though we're happy to give any of you a ride if you need it," Mocha smiled.

"Want Matcha to make you something when we get there? We don't close for another 5 minutes?"

"That sounds wonderful!"

...

"What a lovely place you have! Matcha! Why didn't you tell me about this sooner!?" Mocha pouted as she entered Ryokoma.

"To keep you from embarrassing me," Matcha grumbled as Waki approached the group.

"Huh? Wait, you know the girls from Punk maiden rebellion, Matcha?" Waki asked.

"I'm her mother actually. You remember Hina, yes? And the young girl is my youngest daughter, Mochi," Mocha smiled.

"Wait, YOU'RE Matcha's mother? Pleased to meet you properly. I'm Waki Kasegawa, Matcha's girlfriend," Waki smiled.

"Girlfriend!? Congratulations Matcha," Mocha clapped.

"SHE'S MY STALKER NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!" Matcha fumed.

"No need to get all tsundere. I have no problem with girl's love."

"Same for me," Hina smiled.

"I as well," Mochi nodded.

"Want me to cook for you three or not!?" Matcha fumed as she dragged Waki with her back to the kitchen.

...

"Matcha! You're amazing! I'll come here every day from now," Mocha tearfully smiled as she ate her food.

"Mmm, this is good, Matcha," Hina complimented.

"Thanks, I'm not the most skilled here, but it scrapes by," Matcha embarrassingly smiled.

"No need to be humble, it tastes good," Mochi stated.

"I'm not sure how I feel hearing that from you, sadly," Matcha somberly sighed.

"The food's great Matcha. I know you feel Mochi's just saying it to make you feel good, but it's truly good," Hina smiled.

"Thanks, Hina. But I know how strict Mochi can be when it comes to food. Mochi, it's fine. I know I'll never be at your level, but please at least tell me where I can improve."

Mochi let out a loud sigh as she looked Matcha in the eye. "I'm at no liability if you become depressed and refuse to come to work..."

...

Matcha sunk to the ground in tears as Mochi finished her critique.

"Wow, who knew you could put Gorman Randy to shame," Rika shuddered.

"Yeah, maybe it is a good thing you never became a chef," Helga trembled.

"Thanks, Mochi. I know I'm on the ground in tears, but I'm glad you critiqued my dish," Matcha tearfully smiled as she rose.

"Why was I not told there was a world-renowned food critic here!?" Masaru glared as he appeared.

"Oh, hey Ryono-kun, doing well?" Mocha smiled.

"GAH! Miss Myouchi. Apologies, but your appearance always startles me," Masaru bowed.

"Sadly, that's par for the course," Matcha grumbled.

"Come on girl, don't diss me like that. You're pretty rebellious yourself when it comes to styling yourself," Mocha pouted.

"How so?" Rika snickered.

"Oh, when she was younger, she had me dye her hair and brows green after she got in an argument with Kiji. Oh, and when she was little, she gave herself a reverse mohawk and drew tattoos like mine on her face with a marker-"

"MOTHER!" Matcha cried as her face went red with embarrassment.

"Mother, do be merciful to poor Matcha-nee-san," Mochi sighed.

"Alright. Thanks for the meal," Mocha smiled.

"I'm gonna shave my head and dye my eyebrows purple if you embarrass me like that again," Matcha mumbled as she huffed away.

"She really is a sweet girl. Thanks for looking after her. Feel free to drop by the salon anytime," Mocha smiled.

"Sure thing. Hey Masaru, got any preference for how I style my hair?" Rika smirked.

"Style? What do you mean?" Masaru stuttered.

"Ya know, like how I style my hair. You like what I'm currently doing with my hair, or do you want me to change it up? I could simply style it a bit differently or get it cut shorter. I could even dye it or do something wild like get a mohawk or shave it all bald."

"B- BALD!?"

"Looks like we got a hit. Well Mocha-chan, looks like you'll be shaving me bald like a monk."

"Eyebrows too?" Mocha giggled.

"NO! Er- please don't. I'd prefer you don't look like your sister," Masaru stuttered.

"Heh? You like me with hair?" Rika cooed.

"Y- Yes. I- I like how your hair looks now. P- Please don't change it up like that," Masaru blushed.

"Well, you heard the man. He likes it when my hair's all silky like this, so I'll be dropping by the salon again," Rika smiled.

"Pleased to hear that. Besides, I think you're more suited to rocking the ginger locks anyway," Mocha smiled.

"Well, we better head out. Thanks for the meal. We'll be sure to come back in the future," Hina smiled as she left with Mocha and Mochi.

"AH! I forgot to ask Myouchi-san to critique my cooking!" Masaru shouted.

"Well, she'll probably come back in the future. Matcha can always speed dial her," Rika shrugged as she headed for the changing room.

"Yes. Perhaps it is for the best if she doesn’t critique me tonight," Masaru mumbled as he put his hand on his head.

...

Matcha pouted as she finished changing into her casual attire.

"So, when you gonna shave your head and dye your eyebrows purple?" Rika teased.

"I was threatening to do that if she continued to embarrass me. I'm not going to do it for real," Matcha glared.

"Guess you really are still in your rebellious phase," Rika teased.

"Want me to shave your head!?"

"Sorry, Masaru likes the ginger locks so no."

"Ugh, fine. Just please don't tease me because of my mother."

"Why would I? I think Mocha-chan's a badass woman. Besides, she really made you look good. You should try and be a bit nicer with her considering how good she is to you."

"Badass huh? Maybe I'm a bit too hard with her. I guess I can make food for her again if she comes here again," Matcha mumbled.

"That's the spirit. Oh, where'd Waki go?"

"I put her in here to keep her from embarrassing me," Matcha growled as she pulled back the curtain on a changing stall.

Inside the stall was a bound and gagged Waki. "Mmph ngh mmph," Waki blushed as Rika and Matcha stared at her.

"Never knew you had a masochistic side, Waki," Rika grumbled.

...

A little while later, Rika and Helga headed back to Helga's place as Izumi and Hanabi showed up.

"This is my cousin Hanabi and her partner Izumi. They'll check your place for traps as well as act as your bodyguards until you're no longer in any danger," Rika stated.

"Are they assassins?" Helga nervously glared.

"Bounty hunters. Don't worry, our prices are good," Hanabi grinned.

Suddenly, 7 demon queen cultists showed up. "Like, where's our girls?" they glared in unison.

"Great, another ambush. Is there a spawner laying around somewhere?" Rika growled as Hanabi lobbed some explosives at the cultists.

The cultists dodged and immediately leapt in front of the building. "Idiots," Hanabi grinned as she chucked a knife with a stick of dynamite attached to it at the door.

The entire restaurant immediately went up in a giant fire ball along with the cultists. Helga's jaw dropped as her mind was overwhelmed with shock at the spectacle before her.

"Huh, guess the place really was booby trapped," Hanabi shrugged as she confirmed the cultists were dead.

"Uh, weren't we supposed to disarm the traps?" Izumi nervously asked.

"Geh! Sorry Ri, hope you got a savings cause your friend is probably gonna demand compensation and then some," Hanabi sighed.

...

"You're damn lucky I have insurance!" Helga fumed as she sat with Rika in the back seat of Hanabi's car.

"Sorry, I didn't know they rigged the whole place. I just thought only the door would get busted," Hanabi nervously chuckled.

"Izumi's sorry too. We'll make sure to do a good job guarding you," Izumi nodded.

"Well, you better not blow me up too! Though I'm honestly more terrified that they rigged my place like that," Helga trembled.

"Hmm, maybe I should try calling Itsuki," Rika thought as she dialed Itsuki. "Hello? Itsu-"

Clang!

"She hung up. Guess she hates me," Rika sighed.

...

In an underground holding cell, a girl in a middle school uniform scowled as she twiddled Itsuki's smartphone in her hands. "My, my, I'll have to punish Onee-sama for failing to confiscate this," the girl fumed.

"What's the problem, Fujiko?" Yumeko asked as she entered the cell along with a middle-aged female officer with a blue buzz cut.

"You forgot to take her phone! Damn thing was on and still had battery too."

"Imbecile! I knew it would be too risky to hold them here!" the blue-haired woman glared.

"My apologies, Chief Sakaguro," Yumeko bowed.

"You two were damn lucky I allowed you two to torture the prisoners. The cult prefers to shave their new members themselves you know."

"Tch! If those yoga girls weren't already devoid of hair and part of a hivemind, I'd shave and humiliate them all. I'm quite angry I wasn't allowed to shave that ice cream girl you know. And when I was about to break this bitch, her phone started ringing!" Fujiko fumed as she threw the phone to the ground and stepped on it.

"I believe the girl is broken. Come now, we already loaded up the other one, now it's time to take this one to the middleman," Sakaguro glared as she gazed at a woman restrained to a chair in the cell.

The restrained woman was clad in nothing but a bra, dark green ripped shorts, and sneakers. She was completely devoid of hair, had spray tanned skin, a large tattoo on the left side of her head, and a large block of glue sealing her mouth shut.

"Rika...please...save me," the prisoner thought as tears rolled down her face.