Rin Yukiko's Story

Rin had just finished school, slowly skating toward the HOMRA building in a lighthearted manner, humming to herself as she listened to her iPod. She typically skipped school, but she had an important exam today, so skipping was out of the question. She turned on her skates, gliding herself backwards along the sidewalk as she stared up at the sky. So beautiful.. She thought to herself, a giant grin crossing her lips. She always felt a peace knowing HOMRA was close.. and nature was just so calming. She eventually turned once more, returning to watching where she was going.

She wasn't really in a rush, but she always felt her best once she was with her clansmen and the Red Queen. Something about their presence kept her at ease, despite their reputation as a whole. She wasn't fond of the other clans, but she didn't necessarily hate them either. She had not qualms unless they aimed to harm someone important to her. Her hair blew in her face with the wind as it picked up for a moment, tickling her and causing her to wipe her face with her long sleeved hoodie. That's enough nature for me.. She thought with a pout on her face as she sped towards the bar. She zipped by the civilians on the sidewalk, doing her best to make her way through the bustling streets without touching anyone. When she saw the building in front of her, she silently giggled to herself before adjusting her hair and opening the front door.

"Izumo-san!!! We don't give a dam about your bar! You're idiotic bellowing is bound to wake Anna up! Instead of fussing over your bar so damn much,think about the rest of us for once!!" Mayu snapped. She blinked surprised, lowering her headphones without pausing her music. She regretted it instantly, covering her ears with her hands. O-ow.. She watched the angry red haired girl continue, poor Izumo getting interrupted almost immediately.

"But. . . Mayu,they--"

"I DON'T CARE WHAT THEY DID!! JUST SHUT YOUR MOUTH BEFORE YOU WAKE UP ANNA!!" Mayu roared at the bartender,paying no mind to the pedestrian who scrambled out of the bar. Nor did she pay attention to their newly arrived guest,who stood in the doorway watching the scene unfold.

She tilted her head, until the pedestrian bumped her shoulder. Rin's eyes instantly narrowed as her aura began to flare up, but before she could retaliate the frightened stranger was around the street corner and out of sight. She was still fuming, aura pulsating in annoyance around her frame. She eventually lowered her aura, before proceeding inside, forgetting to remove her skates, probably much to Izumo's annoyance considering the wheels could scratch and dirty the floor of his beloved bar.

She sat down, "Apple juice.." she muttered softly to Izumo, big brown eyes waiting expectantly. She wasn't really demanding or asking for the drink, more of just stating she wanted it. His angry expression baffled her, that is until she noticed her skates still attached to her ankles.

"Sorry.." She added just as quietly, chewing on her bottom lip as she began removing them. Well I guess I can forget the apple juice... She placed them beside her stool at the bar, shoes still tied together over her shoulder.

Mariko was sipping on her tea as she looked out the window gazing out towards the city. It hadn't been long since she took the role of queen and the woman was already going into thought. Although currently, It was more so on a personal level. Her eyes went down towards her cup, looking into her reflection of the liquid only noticing a few ripples as her hand moved slightly. A gentle sigh of stress came from her lips as her left hand cupped over the other side of the cup. The woman's eyes lowered down as she lifted the cup up to take a long sip of her of her tea before speaking among herself.

"What am I going to do about it...?"

Mariko sat the cup on a small plate sat upon a small table next to her before lifting her right hand and setting her chin to it gently. Her mind could only think upon her curse after that as time went on yet quickly did it changed due to the one of the difficulties at hand. The other clans were still out there with unknown intentions at this point. Her hand formed a fist as she thought of Mikoto's death wondering as to why "she was unable to do anything during such a time" but quickly the woman felt the need to release it. Mariko closed her eyes to meditate, calming her aura that seemed to gradually become stronger although slowly. At least that was her plan until suddenly she heard a yell.

"You little shits!!!"

Her eyes slowly opened and her calm expression became a frown. Without a thought the woman rose up before re-adjusting her gloves. The voice was very known and familiar to her although most of the time, she left these "difficulties" to him. It was up to her now and sadly she figured it'd best be quick as she heard a little more from him and then from the princess. Her head shook rather annoyed as she closed in on the door to outside of the hallway. She stood with her hand upon the nob as she listened to Mayu's words.

"I DON'T CARE WHAT THEY DID!! JUST SHUT YOUR MOUTH BEFORE YOU WAKE UP ANNA!!"

The woman sighed before turning the nob only hearing the door to the outside of the bar open first and with that she entered the room unsure if anyone noticed her. As she stepped passed the door way she quickly slammed the door hoping she didn't use too much strength on accident but hoping it was also loud enough for everyone to hear. Mariko looked around the room first to Izumo, then to Mayu following by the locals and then to Rin whom she smiled wryly and waved knowing it was her to come in. The woman sighed before speaking, her eyes veered over to Mayu.

"Calm yourself, at this point you're only louder then he is and we can't escalate this any further. Unfortunately, I understand you had a purpose for such things but at the same time. With this atmosphere I will not have it." Mariko then looked over to Izumo.

"You're not off the hook to begin the scene but you owe everyone an apology for disrupting the peace. I don't give a shit what a person or two did. It's not about you when you're sharing a building but of the others including myself besides and this goes for you too. Mayu" Her eyes moved towards Rin.

"Are you really going to display yourselves to Rin this way?"

The woman sighed folding her arms.

"Now lets start from the top and get a glimpse of what really happened. I'm sure Izumo has a story to explain to me"

"Eto . . ?" Spinning upon her heels,Mayu jumped back at the sight of her Queen. However,she was not afraid of her,not as of now,anyways. She simply always gave the other female space,since she for one knew their Queen was easily upset if one were to crowd her,so it was best to give her space. "A--Ah . . Sorry,Mariko-sama. But I was afraid he would wake Anna. She hasn't been sleeping well since. . ." Mayu paused for a while. Memories flooding through her brain. Sure,she was worried about Anna,but as of now,she was more upset about the thoughts of her King. The one who accepted her as a member of HOMRA,then like that,vanished forever. Nonetheless,Mayu couldn't allow herself to fall into despair at the loss of her beloved King. She had to stay strong,for Anna's sake,it least. And with all the constant wars going on between the clans,remaining calm and secure wasn't exactly the easiest thing. ". . .Since Mikoto-sama. . .Left. Anna hasn't been sleeping well. I just didn't want Izumo-san to awake her. I didn't seem to realize I was making the whole thing worse within the process. I am sorry,and will return to using my . . . "Inside" voice." Finishing her sentence,the red haired girl gave a swift bow to her Queen. Mariko would always and forever be someone Mayu loved and respected. However,she was not Mikoto. The man who first saw potential in her. Now that he was gone,Mayu found herself lacking in self-esteem. And in result,she turned to composing a rough exterior upon the outside. Though what was secretly buried withing her heart,may forever remain a mystery.

With a heavy sigh,the red haired female staggered over to the couch,located beside a window within HOMRA. Flopping upon it,she groaned out in both boredom,and frustration. There was nothing to do,and outside,the blood curdling screams from pedestrians filled her ears. A sound she has heard by far too many times since the death of the Red King,the arrival of the Queen,and the newly uprising clans,that have began to tread on territory that was off limits to them. "This whole thing. . . This whole damn thing is just a cat and mouse game. But the rules are changing. . The clans have started to go after the innocent. . I'm afraid to let Anna out and about,even with one of us with her. We don't know when an ambush will come. Every second we sit here,someone out there is being beaten to a pulp by the other colors. I hate it. . . Yet love it at the same time. I love the screams of those in despair. Yet,I hate the lack of protection I provide for Anna,for HOMRA." Mayu mumbled sleepily too herself,her blood red hues dazing with a tired fog. However,she wasn't able to fall asleep. Instead,she laid there. Sleepy eyes rolling over the forms of her Queen and clan members. However,she did close her eyes,and gave a small sigh once the screams of pain and dismay ceased. ". . . One hundred thirty five. . One hundred and thirty five people have had their lives taken in the past three months. . Some of those children,other mothers,a few elder folk,and even some pets. I'm starting to wonder if we should continue to sit here. I don't give a crap about the citizens,I care about HOMRA'S good name. If we don't do something fast. . . We may fall into the clutches of the other clans. Picking up her head,Mayu allowed her body to follow,and swung her legs off the couch. Standing up,she staggered for a moment,before regaining her balance,and the blood within her head,and walked towards the door. Waving goodbye to those inside,the female stepped into the open. Inhaling the fresh air. And best of all,it least to her,the fresh scent of a victim's blood.

Rin's eyes widened a bit as she looked up and saw the Queen of HOMRA, Mariko. She instantly felt a nervous knot in her stomach as she witnessed the next events, She heard everything, already scolding Izumo and Mayu. She swung her feet back and forth from the stool she sat on, trying to lay low out of the line of fire. She'd also wore her skates inside the building, but she'd already apologized for that, so no harm done right?

"Calm yourself, at this point you're only louder then he is and we can't escalate this any further. Unfortunately, I understand you had a purpose for such things but at the same time. With this atmosphere I will not have it. You're not off the hook to begin the scene but you owe everyone an apology for disrupting the peace. I don't give a shit what a person or two did. It's not about you when you're sharing a building but of the others including myself besides and this goes for you too. Mayu"

She smiled a bit at the woman's harsh, but peaceful words. She wasn't taking sides, she was looking at the scenario from both perspectives, something that Rin couldn't help but smile at. Then she tensed as the Queen's eyes landed on her, rubbing the back of her neck, Rin fumbled for her pockets as she attempted to turn her music off. Once she achieved silencing her device, the brown eyed loner let her eyes fall to looking at the floor.

"Ano..." She trailed off quietly, "I'm okay.. I just hope Anna can rest.." she replied, looking to the wall after her statement. The simple reply seemed strenuous on her, despite the seemingly minimal effort of conversation. Rin didn't know how to talk to others, so it was harder for her to express what she is thinking and feeling to them, especially when put under a spotlight.

"Now lets start from the top and get a glimpse of what really happened. I'm sure Izumo has a story to explain to me"

"A--Ah . . Sorry,Mariko-sama. But I was afraid he would wake Anna. She hasn't been sleeping well since...Since Mikoto-sama... left. Anna hasn't been sleeping well. I just didn't want Izumo-san to awake her. I didn't seem to realize I was making the whole thing worse within the process. I am sorry,and will return to using my . . . "Inside" voice."

Rin listened to the explanation, looking towards the door. Something didn't seem right about the streets. Everything was far more dangerous since Mikoto died and she wanted to figure out why. Though she couldn't act on her own. She'd wait patiently for her Queen's orders, but she had to admit she was getting restless. She wouldn't know what to do if HOMRA was attacked. This was more like home than her real house.

Her eyes brightened up as she heard Izumo slam her apple juice upon the counter, and she spun around to take it, "Arigato.." She replied before stabbing it with the straw and immediately drinking. She was quite fond of the drink, actually he stocked it almost completely for Rin, though there was always someone else drinking it now and then too... She looked over to Mariko, tilting her head curiously, wondering if she needed anything done..well.. Anything that wasn't extremely social. She dreaded the day she'd actually have to talk to strangers for the sake of the clan. She hoped such a day would never come. She found it hard enough conversing with those already in her clan, let alone strangers or those from rival clans..

Mariko listened intently to get an explanation from the two. Her eyes looked upon the princess and never swayed towards Izumo who was quiet through it all. Silence to Mariko when posed a question means “You have no explanation”. Going off the only answer was simple enough and probably for the better at this point. The woman did feel slightly sympathetic knowing that things haven't quite been ok since Mikoto left and she for one knew this personally but Mariko did her best not to show it. The woman had nothing to say. That is until Mayu began to talk again.

"This whole thing. . . This whole damn thing is just a cat and mouse game. But the rules are changing. . The clans have started to go after the innocent. . I'm afraid to let Anna out and about,even with one of us with her. We don't know when an ambush will come. Every second we sit here,someone out there is being beaten to a pulp by the other colors. I hate it. . . Yet love it at the same time. I love the screams of those in despair. Yet,I hate the lack of protection I provide for Anna,for HOMRA."

It was faint but noticed, the woman turned towards Mayu as she continued. Her right hand moving towards her lips in thought. While listening intently.

". . . One hundred thirty five. . One hundred and thirty five people have had their lives taken in the past three months. . Some of those children,other mothers,a few elder folk,and even some pets. I'm starting to wonder if we should continue to sit here. I don't give a crap about the citizens,I care about HOMRA'S good name. If we don't do something fast. . . We may fall into the clutches of the other clans.”

The woman smirked before looking over Rin and then the others in the room. The woman walked over to the bar before picking up a tea that was made without asking by Izumo and sipping off the top for a short moment. Mariko then sighed as she sat the glass down while there was a little silence before looking towards the lieutenant.

“You know I'm here for every one of you, to carry this on and finish it. Do not think I'm just sitting here wasting time. Mayu, keep your mind sharp and straight, we must take our situation and use it as an advantage. If a king dies a clan should declare defeat and mostly would disband. For the public and most people, we are no more. Let us use this to our advantage, we must and should lay low yet at the same time, find out what the others are doing.” The woman said lifting her glass and moving it around. Only half of what she said could be heard by Mayu who had left. She then looked to Rin who was looking to her.

“We don't have much time, I'm sure you understand that.” Mariko said sitting down beside Rin.

“I was going to explain this while you both were here but, the fact of the matter is like I said, we were to be unknown. Someone who has been spreading “rumor” of me. They do not know who I am but If word reaches the other's ear. There are a few possibilities of what could happen.” She stopped before taking a long drink before looking by the corner of her eye to the girl beside her.

“One, they will seek to immediately end us, believing that because we have a new leader, our morale is less capable for command and that means we'll lack the strength to defend ourselves. Now granted we may believe we're fine but we're not. Some of us unfortunately are still in a devastated state and some although they respect me, still aren't comfortable and compare me. The second, is that they will investigate us, specifically me and if we play this like a game of chess. Any investigations and key observations will become like a game of chess and we'll eventually become cornered. They will try to reveal information and most suspected would be of revenge and rebellion. Do not think we're out here for revenge. We simply have to do what we must to survive and keep this clan alive.” The woman sighed before finishing her drink. She looked towards the door before looking to Izumo who was listening in which was expected.

“The last option would simply be a bit risky but can be done. If the clans did learn of “The Red Queen” its safe to say we'll be assigning decoys to hold the title of Red Queen. They will already know by that point that we're alive but they won't know who the real focus is. These are what I've come up with. This is why we're going to find this person as a priority and try to end the seed of information before it goes further. Any objections or thoughts?”

Rin kept drinking her juice as the women in the room continued their assessment of the past year since Mikoto died. She felt her mood lower as she thought about the amazing man who recruited her into HOMRA. She stopped sipping at the apple juice carton, remaining silent for a moment as she missed the King of HOMRA. She wanted him back, but she didn't want to offend Mariko, Mariko was great too, just it wasn't the same.

“You know I'm here for every one of you, to carry this on and finish it. Do not think I'm just sitting here wasting time. Mayu, keep your mind sharp and straight, we must take our situation and use it as an advantage. If a king dies a clan should declare defeat and mostly would disband. For the public and most people, we are no more. Let us use this to our advantage, we must and should lay low yet at the same time, find out what the others are doing.”


She nodded her head, smiling to the Queen, giving her approval with a nod of her head. She didn't want to leave HOMRA. She didn't want to have to find a new clan. At HOMRA she felt she could be herself without anyone interrupting her. She could just be the shy, broken, irritable girl she was and no one would question her.

“We don't have much time, I'm sure you understand that.”

Rin jumped slightly once she realized Mariko was addressing her directly, nodding her head, "Time is of the essence.." She replied agreeing with her, she wanted to do anything she could to help HOMRA, even if it meant changing herself a little.

“I was going to explain this while you both were here but, the fact of the matter is like I said, we were to be unknown. Someone who has been spreading “rumor” of me. They do not know who I am but If word reaches the other's ear. There are a few possibilities of what could happen.”

Rin swallowed hard, realizing the severity of the situation, "We have to do something.." She agreed, taking a drink from her juice before throwing it into the trash can, across the counter. She pulled a piece of pocky from her jacket, chewing on it as she continued to listen to her Queen patiently.

“One, they will seek to immediately end us, believing that because we have a new leader, our morale is less capable for command and that means we'll lack the strength to defend ourselves. Now granted we may believe we're fine but we're not. Some of us unfortunately are still in a devastated state and some although they respect me, still aren't comfortable and compare me. The second, is that they will investigate us, specifically me and if we play this like a game of chess. Any investigations and key observations will become like a game of chess and we'll eventually become cornered. They will try to reveal information and most suspected would be of revenge and rebellion. Do not think we're out here for revenge. We simply have to do what we must to survive and keep this clan alive.”

She closed her eyes, trying to think of a way out of their situation, and nodded her head again, "As much as I'd love to avenge King Mikoto... We couldn't accomplish that as we are.." She added, then looked over to her, smiling, "I respect you, and I do miss Mikoto.. but you're two different people who can't be compared. It's like trying to compare a car to fruit.." She stated flatly, deciding to not sugar coat anything she chose to say.

“The last option would simply be a bit risky but can be done. If the clans did learn of “The Red Queen” its safe to say we'll be assigning decoys to hold the title of Red Queen. They will already know by that point that we're alive but they won't know who the real focus is. These are what I've come up with. This is why we're going to find this person as a priority and try to end the seed of information before it goes further. Any objections or thoughts?”

"Mayu would be a believable Red Queen... She's got the fire and anger.. She may not always direct it properly, but it would keep the attention off of you while we make a battle plan... I would do it myself, but if they were to watch me it would interfere with my intel work.. I can't sneak around if everyone suspects me.. " It was possibly the longest reply she'd ever given since Mariko took her role of power. The typically quiet girl then stood, taking a deep breath before staring determinedly at her Queen, "What can I currently do for our clan?"