Femme Fatale

“Put me out of my misery.”

Kanon grumbled as she hid away in a dark corner of the venue. She loved Reika, she truly did, but the reception had been going on for hours at this point, and the raven-haired woman had long since reached and surpassed her limit on socialization. Not even the copious amount of cake she had been eating had helped with her mood. 

“What I’d kill to be in my quiet little home right now.” The mad scientist huffed as she finished her nth slice of wedding cake of the night. She would’ve gone for another, but she had been warned about leaving cake for the other guests, as if she cared about their feelings. 

“Still, I have to give the couple my wedding gift first, and then I’m out of here.” 

“Mama?”

“Yes, dear?” Kanon asked, her face softening when she saw it was only her daughter Kyoka who had come over to her little corner. The only person she was willing to tolerate right now. Good because anyone else and she would’ve sent them running away with a harsh glare. 

“Are you okay?” Kyoka asked in wide-eyed wonder.

“I’ve just reached my mental limit, Kyoka.” Kanon exhaled. “Festivities like this take a lot out of me. I’m surprised I’ve lasted this long.” 

“So we’re leaving soon?” The young girl pouted, not quite wanting to leave the fun.

“Don’t give that look, dear. It’s already late as it is for someone your age, but we’re not leaving quite yet. I still have to give my gift to the couple of the hour.” Kanon explained. 

“I thought they already opened all the gifts a while back?” Kyoka tilted her head in confusion, remembering how the newlyweds had opened all the gifts they had gotten from the comfort of their sweethearts’ table. 

“I’m afraid opening my gift has to be private for…reasons. The average person doesn’t exactly give someone what I have planned, and we don’t want to scare anyone’s sensibilities, do we?” Kanon rolled her eyes at the thought of people being horrified at her gift. “Plus, I’m sure your Aunt Reika and her wife are going to surprise everyone in a few months with what I got for them.” 

“What did you get?” Kyoka’s mind was already running through all the possibilities in her head. “They already have everything they could want.” 

“Almost everything dear.” The mad scientist smirked as her hand reached out to give her daughter a head pat. “But can I get you to do me a favor, Kyoka?” 

“Like what, Mama?”

“Bring your Aunt Reika and Takahashi to the unused ballroom. I'll be giving them their gift there.” 

-Later- 

“Soooo, why does your spooky escaped mental patient of a leader want us to meet her in the unused hotel ballroom? Cause it feels like we should be concerned.” 

“Honestly? Probably. Kanon is a twisted bitch on a good day and a demented psychopath on a bad day.”

“Not filling me with confidence right now, Reika,” Lola side-eyed her wife as they walked arm in arm down the hall. “She’s not gonna test something out on us, is she?” 

“Given that she sent Kyoka to bring us over. I think we’re in the clear on that end.”  Reika snorted, thinking about how her surrogate niece had started dragging her and Lola, saying Mama had a surprise for them. “But as for what she’s got planned for us? I’m not sure it could be anything with that woman if I’m being honest.” 

“Well, I guess we’ll just have to face the music then.”

“Ugh. I just know she’s got something in that evil, demented mind of hers.” 

Lola just patted Reika’s arm in support as they finally reached the ballroom Kyoka had mentioned. Stepping inside, the first thing they saw was Kanon sitting at one of the various tables the room had, her attention fully on the small metal container in front of her. 

“Took your sweet time getting here, you two,” Kanon rose from her seat. “I was wondering if you had gotten lost on the way here.” 

“Alright, Kanon,” Reika huffed, crossing her arms across her chest as she approached the mad scientist. “Why did you want us to come here?”

“Yeah, we’d like an explanation,” Lola chimed in, trailing behind her wife. “Because a dark, empty room isn’t telling us a lot. It’s also just a touch out of a scene from a horror movie.” 

“Isn’t it obvious?” Kanon raised her eyebrow. “This is me giving the two of you your wedding gift from me.” 

“Huh?” 

“What the hell do you even mean by that, Kanon?” 

“The pair of you gained two wedding gifts from me. The first was me attending your wedding with minimal complaint and in this outfit.” The mad scientist began rolling her eyes as she motioned to herself, still in the purple bridesmaid dress she still wore. “The second was this.”

Kanon’s hand gently touched the metal container beside her, immediately sending the newlyweds’ eyes to it. It was small with a faint pinkish purple glow signaling it was active. 

“Well, that’s one hell of a looking gift,” Lola muttered, eyes still on the container. “But I’m guessing it’s what’s inside that you got for us.” 

“Excellent observation, Takahashi.” Kanon deadpanned as Lola threw her hands up in defense. “But yes, this is my gift. I spent quite a while working on it for you two.”

“Kanon, given some of the birthday gifts you have given me over the years,” Reika stressed, pinching her nose. “Which includes a mutated king cobra and a sentient carnivorous plant monster. I’m hesitant to see what on god’s green earth is in that container.” 

“Yeah, Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors got nothing on the one in Reika’s garden, but she’s great at getting rid of evidence.” Lola hummed in agreement. “If what’s in there is as deadly as that, I’m going to be a little concerned.” 

“Nothing as dangerous as those things, I assure you.” Kanon defended. “This gift is practically harmless compared to them.”

“Kanon Hojo, if you don’t tell me what that is right now-”

“Fine, allow me to show you two then.” Kanon scowled, cutting Reika off. “Last gift you’ll get from me if this is the reception I’m getting.” 

The raven-haired woman turned to the metal container beside her and, with a click, unlocked it. A harsh puff of steam escaped as the device opened. Kanon, with a softness she rarely showed, gently pulled something out just barely large enough to be held in both hands.

“Holy shit-” Lola jumped, eyes not moving from what was in Kanon’s hands. 

“Kanon, what the fuck is that-” Reika demanded, her heart nearly jolting from out of her ribcage at what her teammate had pulled out. Her thoughts raced at what Kanon had done. 

“I told both of you they’re not dangerous,” Kanon snorted at the newlyweds’ reaction as she lifted what was in her hands in front of them. “In fact, I’m positive you two are going to adore this.” 

There, gently held in Kanon’s hands, was a pod filled with a pinkish purple fluid, but that was not the part that had shaken the usually unflappable married couple. No. What had shaken them was floating inside the liquid, connected by an artificial cord, was a developing fetus the size of a plum, unaware of the shock they had caused. 

Deep breaths…in…and out…

Lola closed her eyes as she exhaled, shoulders sagging as she relaxed the tension in them, she was alone in her dressing room, Kureha and the others had already moved to the altar, the ceremony was about to start in just a few minutes and her nerves and intrusive thoughts chose now to be a good time to strike her.

She was not having second thoughts, she was not, but even she couldn’t deny the sheer overwhelming feeling she felt when she thinks about how her life will change drastically the moment she walks out those doors and to the altar where she will be waiting for her wife.

Her wife.

She was going to have a wife, God, she was going to become someone’s wife, her, the people eating bombshell model who treated relationships like a checklist and drops significant others when fresh meat comes along.

Lola wasn’t stupid despite what people desperately tried to make others believe, sure, she admits that she can be pretty heartless but never once did she try to delude herself into thinking that she could ever be somebody’s stay at home wife nor that there was anyone worthy of even making her consider the possibility.

For the longest time, she was fine with that, made peace with it even, she was perfectly content being single, having a few flings here and there while living vicariously through her teammates, both of which had seemed to find love in the strangest of places but were thriving all the same now.

But then her old childhood friend and first crush came back into her life, under a new name and identity so far removed from the one she used to know and the feelings that came back with it wanted vengeance and blood, demanding that she face the things she had left unsaid and topics left untouched.

She ignored it of course, no fucking way was she going to open that can of worms, because that means being vulnerable and being forced to admit that somewhere along the way of her path to the top, she had messed up and lost sight of the one person who made her believe that love wasn’t some bullshit gimmick.

Then Reika invited her to that gala and the two of them had clicked like they haven’t been separated for years and changed into different people, the reunion had transformed into friendship, then after a few romps in the sheets, Lola had done something that she thought she would never do. She stayed. She started sleeping in beside Reika, waking up alongside her and joining her throughout the morning when she should’ve left during the middle of the night.

And if that wasn’t enough, after genuinely making love for the first time, the two of them ended up dating. One year later, she is now looking at herself wearing a wedding gown she had sewn herself, standing in a venue she had paid what most people would have to sell an arm and a leg for, just minutes away from being the wife of a wealthy socialite, minutes away from spending the rest of her life with the love of her life.

She’s happy, unbelievably happy, ecstatic even, her perfect life was finally complete, she had quite literally everything she could ask for and more.

So why the fuck was she terrified?

A knock on the door caused Lola to startle and cursed under her breath, heart pounding in her chest as a result from her emotions and the slight scare, she pushed back a few strands of hair hanging in front of her face and cleared her throat.

“Come in.”

To her surprise, it wasn’t Kureha or any one of her bridesmaidens coming to check on her or remind her to get going to the altar.

It was Ivan. The man who saved her from being swallowed by the city’s underbelly when she was just a dumbass kid and the closest person she has to a genuine father figure.

Lola blinked, stunned to see him in the flesh, she knows she shouldn’t be, she had personally sent him an invitation—taking special measures not to alert the wrong people of their involvement with each other—she knows that he would stop whatever fucked up criminal act he was doing just for her and that’s before finding out about her engagement.

“Ivan…you came…” She breathed, eyes taking all of him in like he would vanish if she looked away.

The old Russian man chuckled lowly and stepped further inside the room, shutting the door to give the two of them privacy, afterwards he held out his arms for a hug, one that Lola reciprocated without hesitation, slotting in his embrace perfectly like she had never grew up from that bloody teenager he found sitting on the curb.

“мой ангел, why do you look so surprised? Did you really think I wouldn’t come see you on your own wedding day? I’m hurt.” Ivan teased as he wrapped his arms around his daughter, holding her close, he noted how tall she had become since the last time he saw her despite it being partially from her heels, he made a mental note to start visiting her more often, before he knows it, she’ll be his age.

Lola rolled her eyes, a smile on her lips as she huffed playfully, “Well, can you blame me, old man? You’re still running around with the killers and the criminals like you don’t have metal in your hip.”

The blonde woman yelped and laughed when he gave her a warning pinch on the arm, “Watch it, кукла, you’re lucky I’m trying to be on my best behavior today in front of your friends…and for your information, the metal is in my knees, not my hips but even that doesn’t stop me from showing these new cocky shitheads to respect their elders.”

“Of course, well, just be mindful okay, Ivan? I’d hate to have to find your remains after I get back from my honeymoon because some short tempered trigger happy nutjob decides to act on impulse.” Lola pulled away from the hug, sending him a knowing look.

“No promises but I’ll try just for you, now, don’t you think you should be getting on the altar? I heard from Moonlight that the wedding starts in just a few minutes, are you okay? You’re not hurt or sick, are you?” Ivan questioned, peering into her veil to get a better look at her face.

Lola opened her mouth, then closed it before nodding. “Yeah, I’m fine, just…thinking.”

Ivan raised an eyebrow before nodding himself. “Right, just thinking.”

Lola sighed, she knows that Ivan didn’t believe her, that excuse was weak even for her. “It’s nothing bad, I swear, I’m not getting cold feet, I’m just…reflecting, it’s finally hit me that I’m going to be going from ‘Ms’ to ‘Mrs’ in just a few minutes and it’s…mind boggling to say the least, you of all people know how I used to view relationships, what my opinion about love and marriage and the like, now here I am, about to become the one thing I never thought I’d be. It’s weird…it’s…what if I mess up? What if I’m such a shitty wife to Reika? Or god fucking forbid, what if I hurt her because I’m too fucked up-“

“Natalia.” Just that one word was enough to clamp Lola’s mouth shut, flinching like an abused child at the sound of her birth name.

Ivan sighed as he looked at the girl he had semi-raised in front of him, his gruff and stern face softening, of course, it had made complete sense, this was her first real relationship after all, she was not used to being loved without any strings attached and it’s not registering in her mind.

“My dear, I will never tell you that your feelings are invalid but I highly doubt that you could ever cause harm to Reika, not when I’ve seen you worship that woman like she is your goddess, and don’t you ever say that you are ‘fucked up’, you have your baggage, yes, but need I remind you that your future wife has murdered five men for their fortune—I can definitely respect the hustle—but sweetie, you must talk with her about this, a marriage remains strong with good communication and I know for a fact that if Reika truly loves you and wants to make this work like she so claims then you two can work through the hurt and pain you’ve both been through and finally learn what true love feels like, it’s not perfect, absolutely nothing like those fairy tales and ghost stories but it’s real and it’s yours, nobody can take that away from you and if they try? Well, guess they’ll experience what true horror feels like.”

Lola didn’t know when her eyes got misty in the middle of Ivan’s reassuring words but she felt lighter, more confident after hearing them and when he went to wipe a teardrop that threatened to fall from her eyes, she threw her arms around him once more and brought him into a more fierce hug.

“Thank you, папа, I really needed that, you’re right, whatever happens next, I have Reika by my side, we’ll get through it together.”

Ivan held her and rubbed her back, a rare soft smile on his scarred face just solely for his daughter. “Of course, мой ангел.”

After a minute, the two of them parted and Lola took in a deep breath before looking Ivan straight in the eyes.

“I’m ready.”

— Reika

“...Marrying for love, huh? That’s a new one for me.”

The words are foreign to Reika. Marriage and love? Two concepts that were never supposed to meld together for her. Yet here she was about to be married again, but this time for love.

“But this is the only marriage that counts for me. The others were only steps in my climb to the top. They meant nothing.”

Reika thinks back to her past marriages and husbands. Husbands she did not love, married only for their money and status, and how she felt nothing on each of her wedding days with them. Well, all but one. Her wedding to her first husband. She still remembers pushing down the murderous rage she felt as she choked out “I do.” to the man who killed her mother. She shakes her head. This day wasn't about him. Today was about the one person she loved.

“Today is the day I marry the woman I love most in this world, and I wouldn’t trade her for all the money in the world.”

And Reika means every word of it. No amount of money, jewels, or power could compete with her immense love and devotion to her beloved Lola. The one person in this godforsaken world who knew her, her struggles, and her pain. She’d do anything for her, and if anyone tried to harm her…well, they’ll quickly get acquainted with the “Black Widow” of Shizuoka.

(To Kanon) “Kanon, my dear, finally leaving your lab for once? Now, don’t you look absolutely stunning in the dress I got for you! You even left behind your lab coat for once. You should do it more often because it makes you look more approachable to the masses.”

Reika laughs, enjoying seeing the mad scientist scowl at her. She meant it, though Kanon looked gorgeous in her outfit, if not standing a bit awkwardly.

“Really, Kanon, thank you for coming and dressing up. I know this type of thing isn’t your usual event. You don’t know how much it means to me seeing you here and even having you as a bridesmaid. God knows how someone like you and I became friends, but I wouldn’t change it and you for the world.”

She reaches out to hold one of Kanon’s hands, squeezing it, and to her surprise, Kanon squeezes back, and to Reika’s even greater shock, Kanon’s lips turn from their usual dull look to a small smile.

“You….you retched mad woman. Don’t make me cry, I’ll ruin my makeup, and it took forever to get perfect.”

(To Sakura) “My my, it’s my favorite yakuza boss and my maid of honor. My wedding wouldn’t be perfect without your hard work, even if I just added to your already heavy workload, but that’s the job of the Maid of Honor, no? Supporting the bride on one of the most important days of her life.”

Reika leans against Sakura, taking a moment to soak up the mobster’s presence for a bit, ignoring her huff of annoyance.

“But what makes my wedding perfect is the fact that you’re here to support me. My beloved red-haired Amazon. If you had told me years ago, when we first met, that the yakuza boss in front of me would become someone dear to me. I would’ve laughed, and yet we opened up and gave each other something we rarely hand out. Trust. Something so rare and precious in this world we live in. I’m lucky to have met you, Sakura, and I have no regrets about it.

She tilts her head up, looking Sakura in her face, a smile on her lips even in this moment of vulnerability.

“Thank you, Sakura, for being my friend and my sister in this life.”

(To Kyoka) “Thank you, Starshine, excited aren’t you? You haven’t stopped buzzing since you woke up this morning. We should call you a shooting star for that.”

Reika giggles at the sight of her surrogate niece hopping all around her in excitement. Looking nothing like her “mother” with her huge smile on her face. It still stunned Reika that Kyoka existed, having never expected Kanon to create something so humanlike, let alone for her to make a daughter. Still, she poked Kyoka’s nose, gaining a chime of giggles in return.

“I keep forgetting you’re not as old as you look. You’re still very much new to this world. You haven’t had a chance to see all of it. Seems like it was just yesterday your Mama introduced you to me. Just promise your auntie that you won’t ever lose your joy and wonder, Starshine.”

Reika leaned down to press a kiss on Kyoka’s forehead.

“Thanks for keeping the rings safe for Lola and me, sweetie. You took your job very seriously, and I’m thankful for that. I couldn’t ask for a better ring bearer and niece than you.”

(To Sayaka) “Sayaka, dear! I’m glad to see you were able to make it. I know you’re in a bit of a…position right now. I can’t imagine how you’re surviving like this. However, I’m delighted to see Lola’s handiwork looking wonderful on you. I imagine she enjoyed the challenge of designing an outfit for a pregnant woman.”

Reika looks down at Sayaka’s heavily pregnant stomach and how the brunette placed her hand over her stomach. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be pregnant, let alone be pregnant with triplets.

“Now come on, I can’t have you standing while you’re this heavily pregnant. What kind of host would I be if I let one of the closest friends of my future wife stand while she’s like this?”

She linked Sayaka’s arm with her leading Sayaka to a chair so she could get off her feet.

“Plus, you have to tell me if there’s any wedding in your future, or else that paramedic is a fool.”

(To Kureha) “Hello, Kureha. Has Lola drained you of all your patience yet today?”

Reika looked at the young woman who had at one point in her life worked under Lola in the mafia. Who had been her loyal companion throughout the brutality of it all. A rare sense of gratitude filled the bride as she smiled at Kureha.

“Thanks for being there with her…back when she was the mafia’s Angel. I’m glad she was able to have someone with her during that period of her life. Regrettably, I could never be there for her, but life, you know? It gets crazy.”

She placed her hand on Kureha’s shoulder, her eyes flickering to a tall, red-haired man standing in the corner.

“So, then wanna tell me the story about how you met him? Because naughty girl Kureha, that man is a worse criminal than me, and that is saying something.”

(To Yoshiko) “Hello, Sweetpea.”

Reika kneels in front of the small girl, a smile on her face as she tucks a stray hair behind Yoshiko’s ear.

“You don’t know how happy I am to see you. Your auntie Lola mentions you all the time. So, of course, you had to be our flower girl. Hope you don’t think I’m taking her away from you. You’ll always be her favorite niece after all. But if you want, you can call me Auntie Reika. I certainly wouldn’t mind the title, and I’m sure Auntie Lola wouldn’t either. She’d be ecstatic seeing us bond.”

Reika brings Yoshiko in for a tight but affectionate hug.

“Lucky me for getting an adorable new niece today.”

(To Lola) “Hello, Love.”

Reika’s voice is soft and warm as she stares at Lola with the most lovestuck expression ever.

“You truly look like a goddess in this dress. I can hardly keep my eyes off you.”

The blonde always looked beautiful to Reika, and that will never change, but that was something about seeing her future wife in her wedding dress that made her look downright divine to her right now.

“Who would’ve thought we’d be here right now, Lola? About to be married and at the very top. Certainly not Natalia and Yukari all those years ago.”

Reika laughs, thinking back to those ambitious little girls from a long time ago who wanted more than what the world gave them. She thinks they would enjoy the fact that they were marrying each other in the future.

“Yet here we are, and it feels a little unreal. I certainly never saw myself marrying anyone…well, for love, at least. Marriage was always a stepping stone for me to gather more wealth. I was fine with marrying for money, with the occasional lover on the side to satisfy my urges. True love was for fairy tales, and I had long since stopped believing in them. But then we reunited, and maybe…I could believe in them again.”

She chuckles softly, a smile forming on her face, and her eyes softening as she looks at her.

“And I don’t want this fairy tale to end anytime soon. Whatever the future holds together, we’ll face it together, you and me, just as it was always meant to be.”

— Kanon

“How did Reika manage to convince me to wear this outfit? It’s demeaning to have so many people see me in this.”

Kanon scowled as she felt quite exposed in the dress she had worn to the wedding. She tugged the skirt lower to cover herself up more.

“Ugh, I dislike festivities on a good day; however, this is one of the few weddings I will attend without much fanfare.”

Kanon looked at her reflection in the window closest to her. She’s as happy as she can be happy for Reika. Truly, even if she can’t express it outwardly. Even if she assumed the black widow of a woman she called a friend would never marry for love. Still, a hypothesis could always be proved wrong, and perhaps this was one of the few times she was glad she was wrong.

“Now, where is that dear daughter of mine? The ceremony is about to start soon, and she has an important role to play.”

(To Reika) “You’re very lucky that this is your wedding, Reika, because I never would’ve worn this dress otherwise. Now consider seeing me in this one of your gifts because this is one of the only chances you’ll get to see me in something like this.”

Kanon crossed her arms across her chest as she gave Reika a deadpan look at her teasing smile.

“Reika, you are, by some unknown reason, one of the few people in this world that I care for despite all your incessant teasing. Nothing will change that. So if I have to attend your wedding, I will because you mean more to me than any discomfort I may feel right now.”

Kanon squeezed Reika’s hand, her ghastly pale skin looking even worse next to the bride’s natural deep tan. A small smile spread across Kanon’s face, and she had almost….almost wanted to laugh seeing Reika’s shocked face.

“Reika, you deserve a chance to have love in your life. Granted, I never expected it with someone so…pink, but if Takahashi makes you happy, then I’m…happy for you. Truly and utterly happy that you’ve found joy in your life. Never in my life have I known anyone more deserving of it than you, my dear friend.”

(To Sakura) “Hello, Sakura, glad to see your hair hasn’t grayed with all the planning Reika has made you do with her. She truly was running you ragged.”

Kanon thought back to when Reika first announced she was getting married to Takahashi and how she assigned the position of Maid of Honor to Sakura. The redhead had proceeded to be dragged around by Reika as they planned every bit of the wedding perfectly, and that wasn’t to mention all the usual workload Sakura had to do as a yakuza boss.

“Thankfully, she gave you the position and not me because frankly, I would’ve been miserable, and I’m too busy with work to deal with her when she’s like that. Not to mention, Reika is very lucky I’m at this wedding, and that’s not even mentioning this outrageous dress she has made me wear to the event. Well, at least you’re wearing a dress to this event too.”

The mad scientist smirks at Sakura’s disgruntled expression, knowing very well the crime boss would love nothing more than to whack her across the head right now.

“But we both know that we’re both glad to see Reika be treated with so much love and respect by someone who adores her and knows her worth. If anyone dares to try to take it from her, they will feel the full force of our wrath.”

(To Kyoka) “There you are, Kyoka. I’ve been looking for you all over. The ceremony is about to start.”

Kanon lightly scolded her as she tapped Kyoka’s forehead.

“But I do suppose this is your first wedding, isn’t it? Most weddings aren’t dear; your aunt just has very extravagant tastes. Now you know what your role is, correct? The responsibilities that come with it?”

Kanon nodded her head when Kyoka showed her the rings she spent all day watching and guarding. Her face softened as she stroked Kyoka’s hair, taking care not to mess it up.

“You’ll be great, Kyoka. Do you know why, dear? Because I know you will be great. I try to. Now come on, let’s get a quick sweet treat in before the ceremony to calm your nerves.”

(To Sayaka) “Miyuki….I would question how you’re surviving several months deep into your pregnancy, but I know that is perhaps one question I would prefer not to have answered.”

Kanon responds cordially because, while she may have no issue with Miyuki, pregnancy was perhaps the one aspect of biology that she never wanted to truly dive deep into. Frankly, she had a whole list of reasons why she would never want to get pregnant.

“Still, congratulations are in order, I suppose, but now, if you excuse me, I have a shooting star of a daughter to corral from her excitement before she decides to pull out one of her inventions to make ‘the room sparkle’ in her own words.”

(To Kureha) “Koizumi, I suppose you would prefer to hide near the wall before the ceremony begins, not that I would blame you. Reika and Takahashi are both truly extravagant people, and their wedding is no different.”

Kanon looked around for a moment, taking in the decorations that she had no doubt were outrageously expensive. Her eyes landed back on the artist as she gave her a small nod.

“Good luck, then the truly headache inducing moments are going to be happening soon, and I’d like a moment to compose myself before the festivities truly explode.”

(To Yoshiko) “Ah, you’re Miyuki’s daughter.”

Kanon looked around, trying to spot Sayaka and point Yoshiko in her direction.

“Your mother should be around here somewhere-”

She stopped mid-sentence at Yoshiko’s wide-eyed staring up at her. Kanon sighed. She had no experience with young children, and it showed.

“I suppose you can stay next to me for a while if you wish. I can’t promise it’ll be anything interesting while you’re here.”

(To Lola) “Takahashi...the woman of the hour, well, one of them. Yes, yes, take in the sight of me in this outfit. You’ll never have another chance if I have my way. So savor the rarity. However, this is your wedding just as much as Reika’s, and I would be remiss if I didn’t also give my congratulations.”

Kanon looked at the blond woman in front of her with an unreadable look before speaking, her voice taking an uncharacteristically softer edge than what most people would ever hear from her.

“I suppose all I can ask of you is to keep Reika happy. Not that I imagine you’ll have much trouble with that. I can see the way she looks at you like you hung the stars in the night sky for her, even if I find it quite nauseating.”

Her one visible eye quickly sharpened as she looked at Lola with an emotionless face, her voice now quite sharp.

“However, so we can both be on the same page. Harm her, and you’ll quickly see what lies in my lab for yourself since I’m positive Reika has told you the stories.”

— Sakura

“You had to give me the role that requires helping the bride, didn’t you, Reika? When I’m already busy enough as it is.”

Sakura grumbled as she smoothed out the skirt of her expensive dress. She at least hoped she could wear a suit, unlike everyone else in both bridal parties, who wore some form of dress.

“Never in a million years did I think the woman known for murdering her five husbands for their fortunes would ever marry for a sixth time, let alone for love. But who would’ve thought she would marry a wife this time?”

The redhead looks around the venue room and gives each of her men that are stationed a sharp nod. Sakura thinks back to Reika asking her to provide security during her wedding. Not that the socialite thought anyone would try to make a ruckus at her wedding, but better safe than sorry. The yakuza boss had readily agreed, and now all over the hotel, her men were making sure no one ruined the special day, and if anyone did? Sakura had given orders that they were to be dragged to the Kito-gumi cells for Reika to deal with later.

“Still, I’m glad to see her excited for her wedding, even if she kept calling me at all hours of the day to get my opinion on what cloth napkins to use, of all things. Ugh, remind me to never be anyone else’s Maid of Honor.”

(To Reika) “Of course I’m here, Reika, you’d gut me if I even thought about missing your special day. Yeah, and whose idea was it to make me Maid of Honor? I’m already swamped with paperwork that doesn’t include me organizing your bridal party.”

Sakura scowls even though her voice doesn’t carry any bite. She doesn’t even say anything when Reika rests her head on her shoulder.

“As if I would be anywhere other than here right now, Reika. As crazy as it sounds, you’re one of the people I care for in this life, you sadistic witch. But you’re right, never in my life did I expect that the woman known for being a black widow would be one of the few people I’ve come to trust. Yet here I am as your Maid of Honor, and I’m grateful for meeting you and the bond we’ve developed over the years.”

Sakura threw her arm around Reika’s shoulder, giving her a firm but gentle side hug. Her usual harsh silver eyes softened as she stared down at the bride.

“No matter how much you stress me out, Reika, I’ll always have your back in this life.”

(To Kanon) “Hello Kanon, glad to see you too, and yeah, would it have killed you to have helped out with the planning at least a little bit?”

Sakura scowled as she remembered threatening various flower suppliers and even decorators to accommodate Reika’s frankly outrageous demands. Truly, she knew Reika adored flowers given her garden of deadly plants, but did every square inch of her venue need to be covered in them? She almost pitied anyone with allergies right now.

“Your work consists of tearing people open and seeing what makes them tick, Kanon, something I’m sure you could’ve taken a break from at least for one day. We had to drag you out of your lab for outfit fittings, and it only worked because Kyoka used her kitten eyes on you. Oh, please, Kanon, as if Reika would let you wear a suit when she’s been dying to dress you up.”

The yakuza boss huffed, pushing down the urge to hit the mad scientist upside her head after seeing the smirk on her face.

“You’re right, though. Reika deserves the love Takahashi gives her and a real marriage, not the shams she’s had with her husbands before this. We’re Silent Tragedy after all, one of the most dangerous teams in the Division Rap Battles, and if you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us.”

(To Kyoka) “Well, glad to see you’re having fun here, Kyoka. How many people have you threatened for stepping near the rings so far?”

Sakura snorted at the sight of Kyoka waving around her magical wand in the air. How a thing like that could cause so much damage, Sakura didn’t know, and she was hoping that Kyoka didn't accidentally fire it in the room during this event.

“Kid, I’m begging you to put your wand on safety mode cause I’m not sure anyone is going to be happy at the sight of a giant hole in the wall. The bill alone from that is making me shiver.”

The redhead chuckled at the magical girl fan’s explanation, reaching out to lightly pinch and pull Kyoka’s cheek.

“Kyoka, if anyone tries to ruin the wedding, you leave that to my men stationed around the venue. While I’m glad you want to make sure no one ruins your Aunt Reika’s special day your’re still a kid, and that should be left to the adults, aka me. I’m the Maid of Honor, after all. You just have to keep those rings safe, minus any laser beams being thrown around.”

(To Sayaka) “Hello, Miyuki. Glad to see you’re doing alright. Is everyone still treating you like you’re made of glass while heavily pregnant?”

Sakura questions because she was curious about it. She’s never been pregnant before or been close to anyone who’s been, but Sakura knows she'd lose her mind if she had to spend nine months being treated like a fragile thing while growing a child.

“Personally, I think I’d come close to firing a bullet at someone if I kept being treated like you are right now, but you seem to be dealing with it better than I would. Anyways I suppose I’ll see you at the reception later. The ceremony is about to start, and certain brides want it to go perfectly.”

(To Kureha) “Kureha. Glad to see you’re still alive despite the brides’ attempt to end us to an early grave with their planning.”

Sakura acknowledges the artist with a calm tone that whatever annoyance she may have felt toward her years ago has long since disappeared. They had surprisingly gotten along mainly because of dealing with the wedding couple’s insanity becuase one was bad enough the two of them had forced them to work together to survive.

“For the brides’ sake, whatever animosity we had years ago is under the bridge. Cause otherwise we wouldn’t not survive their onslaught. We’re just here to make sure they have the best day of their lives, even if they seem to be running us ragged. Hopefully, we’ll be able to send them off to their honeymoon soon enough. It won’t come soon enough.”

(To Yoshiko) “Hm?”

Sakura looked down when she felt something tug on her dress skirt. Surprised to see Yoshiko staring up at her with large eyes.

“You’re the flower girl, Yoshiko, right? Reika mentioned you once or twice during planning. You should probably go and get into position since it’s almost time. You have flowers to throw into the aisle after all.”

(To Lola) “Hey Takahashi, you really know how to pick ‘em, don't you? God knows how much Reika loves her theatrics, and now she’s yours to suffer from, but knowing you? My money is on you joining her to make someone’s life hell for your entertainment.”

Sakura sighs as she places her hands on her hips, looking down at Lola with a half-amused, half-exhausted expression before taking a breath. Her face was the picture-perfect definition of “cold as steel”.

“I know I don’t have to tell you to take care of Reika. You’re too devoted to her to harm her on purpose, but it’s the principle of the matter. You hurt her in any way, and you have to deal with me. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, you've got a wedding to attend Takahashi, and I don’t want to make you late. Reika would hate me for that.”

— Kyoka

“Today’s the day Auntie Reika is getting married. I’m so excited.”

Kyoka cheered, twirling around in her dress and letting her skirt swoosh around her. The box carrying the rings was safely stashed in the pocket of her outfit.

“This is going to be so much fun. I’ve never been in a wedding before. I even get to play a role in it, too.”

The moment was important to the young girl who wanted to learn everything in the world. Who still saw it with bright eyes and innocent wonder.

“Research tells me my role as the ring bearer means I watch over the rings for safekeeping. That means I can threaten anyone who tries to take them. I won’t make it easy on them. Oooooh, I should take pictures to show Kumu-kun later.”

(To Reika) “Hi Auntie Reika! You look so pretty in your wedding dress! Like you stepped out of a fairy tale.”

Kyoka bounced on her heels, just excited to see her aunt look so pretty in her dress. She had so much energy in her right now. The urge to spill about everything she learned about weddings, wanting to come out of her, but she held back.

“I’m just so excited right now, Auntie! This is my first time at a wedding, and they’re so interesting! Like how there are so many traditions around in the world, and how people view them has changed over time-”

The young girl was stopped mid-sentence when Reika kissed her forehead.

“This is your special day, and I want to make it special. Of course, I’ll keep your rings safe, Auntie. You’re one of my favorite people, and I love you a lot. I’ll do anything for you.”

(To Kanon) “Oh, hi, Mama! This place is so pretty with all the flowers, and there are so many of them all around the room. Are all weddings like this-”

Kyoka blinked at her mother’s forehead tap. The raven-haired girl stared up and pulled the rings out of her pocket to show her mother.

“I make sure the rings are kept safe before I walk them down the aisle to Auntie Reika and Miss Lola. But…do you think I’ll do a good job? Like I’m not going to lose them or mess up walking down the aisle?”

The young girl confessed as she leaned into her mother’s touch.

“Thanks, Mama. You always know what to say to make me feel better. Ooooh, can I have some of those mini chocolate bars you carry around? Those are some of my favorites.”

(To Sakura) “Auntie Sakura! You’re here! Don’t worry, no one is taking the rings away from me! They’ll meet Raging Stellar if they do!”

Kyoka held up her personal invention. The destructive weapon she called “Raging Stellar” which allowed the young girl to destroy quite a bit around her whenever she used it.

“Don’t worry, Auntie, I wasn't going to use it, not really. It was only just as a threat. I’d only use it on people going to mess with Auntie Reika’s wedding. Anyone who tries to do anything is going to get one of Raging Stellar’s beams to their face.”

The magical girl fan rubbed her cheek at her aunt’s teasing.

“Awwww, but I wanted to fire a beam at someone, Auntie. Why do you get to have all the fun? I guess you’re right, you have the most important role. I’ll stick with keeping the rings safe, no lasers included.”

(To Sayaka) “Mrs. Sayaka, you look so pretty in your dress! I’m doing fine but are you feeling okay though? I’ve read that pregnancy takes a lot of people and you’re carrying three babies.”

The scientific gears in Kyoka’s brain were now turning as she closely looked at Sayaka who waved off her concern.

“Don’t worry I’ll look after Yoshiko during the ceremony and the reception so you don’t have to worry about her. She likes listening to all the magical girl anime I watch. Well bye bye Mrs. Sayaka, I'll see you soon. But first would you like a piece of candy? They’re really good, trust me.”

(To Kureha) “Oh Hey Kureha! My dress is really pretty isn’t it?”

Kyoka twirled her skirt around to show off to the older girl making sure not to disturb the rings that were on the pillow she held.

“Yours looks real pretty too though! And don’t worry I won’t trip. Auntie has been teaching me how to walk in heels recently just for this event. The rings will be safe on their pillows, mark my words. But I’ll see you soon then Kureha!”

(To Yoshiko) “Hi Yoshi! Excited for the ceremony?”

Kyoka giggled as she watched Yoshiko rapidly nodding her head, holding up her flower basket to the older girl.

“I feel ya, I’ve got the rings in my pocket right now and they feel so heavy. But Mama saw how nervous I was earlier and gave me some candies. I think we could share a few before the wedding starts, but just keep it between you and me.”

(To Lola) “Hi, Miss Lola! You look so pretty in your dress! All shiny and glittery!”

Kyoka’s eyes sparkled at how pretty Lola looked in her wedding dress. Hands clapping in front of her as she bounced around.

— The Bride (2/2)

— The Maid of Honor

— The Bridesmaid

— The Ring Bearer

(The Genus Divina; Get on the Mic)

[Sayaka:]

Get on the mic legendary MCs

[Genus Divina:]

Queen of Queens

[Sayaka:]

Alright, four queens stepping on the beat 

A battle royal between the divisions’ elite 

So welcome all and sit tight

Saitama has no intention of losing this fight 

Betting it all on a butterfly’s pride

With my girls by my side 

Rhopalocera flies high in the sky 

Can’t catch me, no matter how hard you try

Warning from the Underground

You made a mistake threatening the ones I care 

Better come prepared, I’m the “D.R.B’s Mama Bear”

Queen of Queens 

[Yuriko:]

The grand stage has finally been set 

In this battle, there’s no room for regret 

Yet you still made a fatal oversight 

Because Edogawa owns this wicked night

Pride, greed, and wrath, a trio of bats made of sin 

Tonight is where it all begins 

The Black Dahlia is set to bloom

Best be prepared for your doom 

Warning from the Underground

You had your chance, now take your final breath 

Your life belongs to me, the “Flower of Death”

Queen of Queens 

[Genus Divina:]

The new era dawns, send rhymes flying no hesitation,

Free your emotion

Just begun, just begun,

We’re the Queens of Rap

Legends strike like lightning with a peerless Hypnosis Mic

Are you ready?

Get out, get out, get out of my way

The Genus Divina, the Queen of Queens

The Genus Divina ain’t nothing afraid of

[Kanon:]

Four queens battling for the throne 

Let’s see who will sit on it alone 

But what fools to commit such an error

Shizuoka is here, so kneel in terror 

Daggers to your back, laced with cyanide

There’s nowhere left to hide 

Screaming for mercy means nothing to my black heart

You’re Mz Hyde’s next experiment to tear apart

Warning from the Underground

You should fear what I have devised 

I’m the “Devil’s Scientist”, challenging me is ill-advised

Queen of Queens

[Ritsuko:]

Against you three, this crown is mine 

A victory of my personal design 

Even in this pathetic little game

Shinagawa lies in wait for the moment to maim 

Three spiders weaving a web of madness 

Close your eyes and accept the blackness 

Strychnine will poison you down to the bone 

I’ll make sure you’ll die frightened and alone 

Warning from the Underground 

Nothing will be spared in the pursuit of my ambition 

I’m the “Immoral Scientist”, silencing any and all opposition 

Queen of Queens

[Genus Divina:]

The new era dawns, send rhymes flying no hesitation,

Free your emotion

Just begun, just begun,

We’re the Queens of Rap

Legends strike like lightning with a peerless Hypnosis Mic

Are you ready?

Get out, get out, get out of my way

The Genus Divina, the Queen of Queens

Yeah! And we don’t stop!

Our four Mics roar at the top of our Queendom

Say Genus (Divina) C’mon Genus (Divina)

Yeah! Keep on, don't stop!

We’ll crush you with our superior skills

Say Genus (Divina) C’mon Genus (Divina)

[Sayaka:]

Don’t worry, dearies, Mama’s here 

[Yuriko:]

The sound of your funeral is near 

[Kanon:]

Nothing left of you but a bloody smear 

[Ritsuko:]

Foolish to think I can’t sense your fear 

[Sayaka:]

You get one warning, now get out of my way

[Yuriko:]

Going against you is child’s play 

[Kanon:]

Butterflies, bats, and spiders had better run away 

[Ritsuko:]

Against me, you’re nothing more than prey

[Genus Divina:]

Pushing it to the brink, pushing on ‘till it hurts

With our words we can live like this

Straight from the Genus Divina

Warning from the Underground

Get on the Mic, Legendary MCs

Queen of Queens

The new era dawns, send rhymes flying no hesitation,

Free your emotion

Just begun, just begun,

We’re the Queens of Rap

Legends strike like lightning with a peerless Hypnosis Mic

Are you ready?

Get out, get out, get out of my way

The Genus Divina, the Queen of Queens

Heralding a new era

Warning from the Underground

Striking you down, Four Warring Queens and their Mics

The Genus Divina ain’t nothing afraid of

Warning from the Underground

Disses takin’ us to the top of the world

The Genus Divina ain’t nothing afraid of

Queen of Queens