Found
Mary ruffled her hair, almost to the point where her co-worker was actually worried that her scalp would come off. Mary rushed to the counter, grabbing the phone with her wet hand, punching the numbers quickly. Her co-worker almost thought that her raincoat was leaking. It was as if she wasn't wearing one because she was covered in sweat. She has been running aimlessly around the Zoo, looking for Aoi and now she at the souvenir shop for a quick stop to use the phone.
“He-”
“Saya! Any updates?” Mary asked impatiently. There's no time for formality. If Sayaka had found Aoi, she could drop the boulder off her shoulder.
“Mary, it’s you! Hello!!” Tsuzura answered cheerfully, hearing her voice.
“Where’s Sayaka?”
“She’s on the phone though and seems like she’s pacing a lot! I think someone’s missing. Someone called Ri-” The line was cut off with the dead tone following next.
“Hello…? Tsu?!”
Mary slammed the phone back into the holder and it gave a little bounce. She wondered if she heard her wrongly. All she heard was “Ri”. It could have been anyone but the first person that filled her mind was Ririka.
Great… If it was indeed her, what am I supposed to do now? To look for her or Aoi?
Before she knew it, she was already standing at the entrance. She looked to her left then right. It's like a gamble with a lot at stake. With the storm continuing to brew heavier, not even a human would be able to withstand the weather. The Gods were not kind to Mary. It doesn’t matter which pathway she takes, there also lies the chances where she will be unable to find either of them. She looked at the options presented to her: Left? Or Right? Would it lead to Mary or Aoi?
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“My apologies President. I have not heard of the Vice-President yet. The powers are down at the moment. Yes. I understand. Of course. Yes. Yes President. The technicians are working double their speed. It will be up again in no time. I will make sure to find her, even if I had to head out myself. No, you don’t have to be here. Goodbye, President.”
Sayaka held her phone tightly, just in case Kirari would call again, even though she had just ended the call with her. Kirari was alerted of the power shortage at the Zoo and was unable to contact Ririka when she tried to call her. She called Sayaka under the pretext of showing concern for the Zoo but soon got anxious when Sayaka had informed her that Ririka was nowhere to be seen, even more so when Sayaka had mentioned that the rest of the shops and buildings in the zoo were uncontactable as of now.
She knew that there wasn’t anything to be done for now until the technicians fixed the lines. In this kind of weather, you could only wait and hope for the best. Ririka wasn't weak, if you throw her to a pack of wolves and while she wont come back as an alpha, she would be a shadow leader, advising and leading in the darkness. That was how they were like. Ririka wasn't interested in being the head of the clan and Kirari put on the mantle. While the family only looks to Kirari for issues and matters, it was actually the both of them that made the decisions. They are one. Nevertheless, she was still her sister. She was of course worried.
"Bring me to the Zoo."
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Mary pulled up the raincoat to cover her head and started running forward. She had wasted precious seconds standing there pondering which way she should go. There weren't any pathways leading straight, she just doesn't like the choices given to her. Why confine yourself to only the options given? If anyone blocks her way, then she would build her own and not even the Gods could stop her.
The water splashed with each step she took. If it wasn’t for the raincoat she was wearing, she might as well have gone for a swim. When she finally stopped in front of a tall bush, she wasn't sure how long it had passed. She lost track of the time and was running aimlessly like a headless chicken. She had only stopped because she was at a dead end.
Behind the bushes was a shelter. She wondered if she should take a break for now.
No, there are still out there. I can't afford to take a break now.
“Choo!” It came from the bushes in front of her.
There’s still someone here?
Thinking that she was just hearing things, she turned the other way, preparing to continue her search.
“Choooo!” The sneeze froze Mary at her spot. It was faint but that was definitely the second time she heard it.
“Sorry, that I couldn’t keep you warmer.”
Mary groaned, she was “forced” to put her search on a hold. Even though she couldn't hear the person’s voice clearly, it sounded like she had a child with her and Mary couldn’t just let it go.
Sorry Aoi and Ririka. Wait for me for a while more.
She pushed her way through the bushes and emerged from the other side. Her heart almost dropped from the sight in front of her. A woman with straight long hair with her back facing her. She could only make out the back figure of the woman. You can’t really blame her. Anyone who sees that, would assume it was anything but human.
Taking a deep breath, she carefully made her way towards her and tapped on her shoulder. She held her breath when the figure did give any response and proceeded to tap again.
“He-GAWK!!!!” Mary choked even before she could finish saying ‘Hey’.
The lady had turned and grabbed her by her throat, cold blue devilish eyes staring into her soul.
A lighting's flash then shone some temporary light upon the both of them. The hand retracted as quickly as it came on her.
“Mary? I’m so sorry!” Her voice pitched, definitely doesn’t sound like someone who would grab someone else by the throat with that kind of stare.
“Remind me not to sneak up on you like that...” Mary mumbled and gave a shiver, remembering those cold eyes staring at her soul. She rubbed her neck, easing the weird sensation. She removed her raincoat and took a seat beside Ririka, giving a short sigh.
At least I found one of them. Sorry Aoi...
Mary’s eyes then float towards the figure in her arms.
“You… you have a child!?” Mary sounded disappointed. She didn't think that Ririka was already married. She clenched her fist, trying to suppress the anger, wondering if Ririka was just playing with her all these while. Perhaps she was bored with her husband and had wanted someone fun to play with.
“Choo!” The ‘child’ gave another jump in Ririka's arms and her white ears popped out of the jacket.
The child is innocent. I will bring this up later.
“Wow, such cute rounded ears.” Mary forced herself to say it. She was disgusted with Ririka and tried her best to hide it.
Round ears… Humans have round ears?
Mary patted her hair as if she had ears there but only felt her twin tails. Ririka looked as confused as her and started giggling, watching Mary tapping her own hair with a frown on her face.
Aoi reached up to rub her ears and her face. The jacket moved and revealed her face.
“AOI!?” It finally registered in Mary’s simple brain.
“Rawr?” Aoi tilted her head.
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“I THOUGHT I HAVE LOST YOU!” Mary cried, grabbing Aoi into her arms and hugged her tightly, squeezing to her cheeks. Aoi had no problem recognising Mary because she’s her keeper. Besides, who couldn’t see when you’re pressed up tightly against the other person.
Aoi started struggling, trying to get out of her face and eventually settled with sitting on Mary’s lap.
“How did you find her?” Mary turned to Ririka happily. She managed to kill two birds with 1 stone. She was tired and now she could finally take a break.
"Ah choo!" Ririka answered with a sneeze instead. Mary then looked at the girl who was drenched from the head to toe.
”So Madam, how’s the swim in the zoo? Any suggestions or improvements we should make?” Mary chuckled and quickly removed her t-shirt, revealing her sports bra underneath.
Ririka's cheeks turned rosy at the sight in front of her. Mary wasn’t muscular but she was definitely well-toned. She does her fair bit of exercises and since she’s required to carry the equipment and animals around, it would be hard for her not to gain those muscles. Ririka bit her bottom lips, looking away but her eyes kept darting back towards Mary.
“You had better changed out of that. You’ll catch a cold.” Mary asked concernedly, hand still holding out the shirt, waiting for Ririka to take.
Ririka competated whether to take up Mary’s offer. She had her head down but her eyes were at a low level. She wasn’t sure which was better: looking at Mary with her flushed face or remain silent while staring at those presented to her.
It was only when Aoi decided to change ‘seats’ that broke her thoughts.
Aoi, having decided that she has sat on Mary’s lap long enough, decided to crawl back to Ririka’s lap where she felt more comfortable.
“Tch. Aoi, she needs to change. Come back here!” Mary tugged on her leg but she clenched her paws tightly on Ririka’s shirt, refusing to bulge.
“Grrrr...”
“Don’t use that tone on me, young lady!” Mary was taken aback by the soft growl Aoi gave.
“Aoi be good. You can sit here but your mum says I need to change.” Ririka patted on her head and Aoi immediately released her hold, as if she understood her.
Ririka reached for the helm of her own shirt and lifted it over her head. She quickly slipped on Mary’s t-shirt, she was already embarrassed to change in front of her to begin with. The shirt was slightly bigger but somehow it just fits. Maybe it was because of her height. It was a possibility but nevermind that, she can always find that out later. For now, she felt comfortable and grateful that she’s no longer wearing the soaked shirt.
“Enjoyed the view?” She teased, realising that Mary was staring at her the whole time.
Mary snapped her neck to the side immediately. Despite the freezing weather, she felt the heat rushing to her face. She had totally forgotten that she’s supposed to give some privacy to Ririka.
“I merely just wanted to make sure you won’t catch a cold! I didn’t ask you to change in front of me. If anything, you’re violating my eyes! How are you going to compensate me for that!”
Ririka giggled at the sight of Mary continuously rambling and how her feet were shaking. It’s obvious that she was nervous.
She wanted to stop teasing her but then she remembered what happened earlier. Mary was with someone else in the enclosure. Her brain flashes the questions. Who’s that girl? Were they together? What were they doing? Did they kiss?
From that angle they seemed like they did. But she didn’t stay long enough to see that. She has seen enough.
So yesterday she called me hers and today, she’s with another girl. Mary Saotome, if this is how you want to play, then you better not complain.
Ririka smirked and dropped her chin on Mary’s shoulder.
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“But you weren’t complaining when you stared at me though… Am I wrong?” Ririka whispered in her ear.
“I-I-I…” Mary stuttered with the hot breath on her ear. She froze, stopping mid-sentence. Scrape that, she couldn't even start her sentence. Her brain had long stopped working, unable to comprehend the situation. All that was left was her stammering.
“mMmm?” Ririka took her earlobe in her mouth and dragged her teeth across it. When she felt that Mary seemed to relax at that action, she gave a bite, hard enough to leave a mark but not to draw blood.
Mary yelped. It definitely hurts but with whatever she was doing,she would be lying if she said she wasn’t aroused. Her breathing became heavy. Her head was spinning. Just when she thought there was more to come, Ririka suddenly stood up with Aoi in her arms.
“Would you look at that, the sky has cleared. Can we hurry to Sayaka? There’s something that has to be discussed with her.” Ririka looked serious suddenly.
Mary blinked once and then twice.
What… just happened…
She covered her face with her palms, elbows on her knees.
“AHHHHHH!” She screamed into her palms. She was beyond embarrassed to even move an inch now. She felt like a complete idiot, dancing in the palms of the woman in front of her.
“I’ll lead the way…” She dropped her head in dejection, walking forward like a zombie.
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Sayaka had many things on her mind. While waiting for the technicians to fix the power shortage, she had watched the security camera footage. She grasped, covering her mouth with her palm. Someone had kidnapped Aoi. How was she supposed to tell Mary now? How did he manage to get inside? Is there a breach? How did they know Aoi was there? Aoi’s enclosure was walled off. No one should have known of her existence yet. Except... the staff here. The locks in the Zoo couldn’t have been broken easily and even if they happened to do so, the system will ring it up as a malfunction of lock. This was an inside job.
Sayaka didn’t understand where the lapses were. She had done background checks on all employees here. They were clean.
Unless …
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Sayaka hugged the clipboard tightly, the pen on her lips as she was sent to a deep thought.
Zeke noticed the look on her face, placing one of his hands on her shoulder giving her a light squeeze.
“You know, if you need anything, I’m always available.” He spoke in his attempted husky voice.
“I’m not in the mood for your sweet talks, Zeke.” She shrugged off his hands, obviously uncomfortable with it.
“Does that mean I have a chance?” He tried again.
“If you still want to keep your hands, you should really let go of my Secretary.” Kirari was seated opposite Sayaka with her elbows on the table, propping her chin up with her hand. Her bodyguard had twisted his arm behind him and slammed his face on the table. Kirari gave her signature smirk, staring down at him with her chin up.
“ALRIGHT ALRIGHT, I GOT THE MESSAGE. HANDS OFF! I’LL LEAVE!”
Kirari slammed her hand down on the table, fingers inches away from his eyes. He flinched but couldn't even shut his eyes as he was paralyzed from the stare she gave. Tears automatically followed next.
“I thought you would put up more of a fight. How boring.” She gave a nod to her bodyguard who dragged him away.
“Hello Sayaka.” She turned her attention back to Sayaka who was staring with her mouth ajar.
“President…?” Sayaka rubbed her eyes. She never realised that Kirari had come. To be able to come at a short notice, that’s something only the Momobami could do.
Why is the President here? When did she come over? Helicopter? Impossible, the storm is too horrible to even fly. Drove? You couldn’t even see the road. How...
“I know what you’re thinking. I was driven here. I came to look for you and of course to ensure the safety of the guest. Wouldn’t want complaints now, do we?”
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Mary led Ririka in from the backdoor, she wanted to avoid the girls from this morning. She imagine it would be worse now that her shirt was off her. It was also for Aoi so that she wouldn't panic when she sees so many people.
She pushed open the door and let Ririka walk in first before following behind her.
“Vice-President! Aoi!” Sayaka stood up from her chair and rushed towards them. Aoi hid her face into Ririka.
“Ririka found her actually and I found Ririka.” Mary grinned sheepishly.
“Thank heavens. Wait, why is the Vice-President wearing your shirt? And why are you... shirtless.” Sayaka looked at Mary then at Ririka.
“You did not. Please tell me you did not do anything to her.” Sayaka gasped, pretending to be in shock. She knows that Mary would never take advantage like that but she just enjoyed the reaction she gives when it comes to Ririka.
“She what! Did she do anything to you?!” Kirari rushed over to her sister, arms on her shoulder, looking up and down at Ririka.
Mary remained silent, her brain replayed the scene at the shelter. Her face turned red and couldn't utter any word to defend herself.
“You’re really a Prince, Mary! You found them! Here’s a towel!” Tsuzuru rushed over, throwing a towel over her head, wanting to help her to dry her head.
“Thanks but she needs it more than me.” Mary removed the towel and walked over to Ririka, handing over the towel.
“No. I got it myself. Wouldn’t want the PRINCE to get cold.” Ririka turned and walked with her sister to the table. Even Aoi who had changed position, hugging Ririka’s neck, took a glance at Mary and turned her head to the front, ignoring her.
Sayaka patted on Mary’s bare shoulder, shaking her head and left her standing there with the towel in her hand with Tsuzuru.
“Huh?!” Mary was confused from the change of Ririka's attitude. One moment she's sweet to her and then the next, cold. She slummed herself into the couch.
What did I do now...
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The storm passed and all visitors were given a free ride home as an apology for the disrupted day at the zoo. They were also given another free pass, valid for the year itself. Sayaka gave the final bow to the visitors who went up the bus and balled her hands to lightly knock on her shoulder. It has been a long day. She still has to write up more paperwork and look into the kidnapper.
The ladies gathered at the entrance of the Zoo, preparing to head home.
“Tsuzuru. Where will you be staying at?” Sayaka asked out of curiosity.
“mMmm... Mary’s house!” She took her time to think before answering.
“Huh?” Mary and Ririka said unisonly.
“That old lady did not tell me anything!” She quickly whipped out her phone and saw a few(more than a few) text and voice messages from her mother. She has been trying to reach her to inform her to get Tsuzura home as well when she comes home.
"If you're home without Tsuzura, she'll sleep in your bed instead!" The last voice message.
“Tch, I deserve an advance notice.” She eyed at Tsuzura.
“I could help you look for a nearby 5 star hotel then to stay at her house.” Ririka offered immediately.
“Thank you but it’s alright!” Tsuzuru clinged herself to Mary’s arm, giving her bright smile. Mary gave the annoyed face but did not push her away.
Ririka clenched her hand tighter. After she had ignored Mary in the control room, she had expected some form of explanation or engagement from her, but not once, did Mary do it. Mary was with her the whole time and Ririka swore she could see her eyeing on her Mary as well. It was obvious to Ririka that Tsuzura likes her.
“Are you sure, it’s on me.” Ririka tried again. Maybe she would take up on her offer and they won’t be staying together. Ririka detested the idea of them having to sleep together, in that household.
“Thank you, Vice-President! But I love to stay with Mary!” Tsuzura giggled, mimicking Sayaka on her ‘Vice-President’.
The word 'love' caused a further drop of Ririka's heart. Kirari was amused, her sister has never reacted like that before. It intrigued her further, wondering what would be Ririka's next move.
“Goodnight then.” Ririka wasted no time turning and pulled her sister along with her. Sayaka followed suit since Tsuzuru would be heading home with Mary.
When Ririka went into the car and sat at the window side, glancing out. Her hand is still gripping tightly onto Kirari’s hand, forcing her to take the middle seat with Sayaka beside her.
Before they head off, a knock came from her window. It was Mary on her bike. Mary lifted up her visor, smiling and waved at Ririka through the window and mouthed 'Goodnight'. Ririka soften her grip and gave a smile back. It dropped immediate when she saw Tsuzura hugging Mary tightly against her back as they drove off.
“I would appreciate it if you would lighten the death grip on my hand, my dearest sister.” Ririka immediately released her hold and kept her hands on her lap, afraid that she would break anything from this moment forth.
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“I’m surprised that you could go that long outside without your mask in the public.” Kirari stretched out her hands and looked at her nails, noting that she would need to give them a manicure soon and then took a glance at Ririka.
Ririka touched her face. While she was used to impersonating her sister, she had never taken it off for that long, especially when there were strangers around. She stayed silent and refused to say anything else throughout the ride. She wasn’t bothered by Kirari’s comment. She had more things to be bothered with. "Idiot." She mumbled, looking at the contact name in her phone - Stupid Mary.