Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2014 4:09:59 GMT
(I would like the starting PL of the race and zeni please.)
The rain droplets hit the clear plastic windshield of Katsuo’s antique sky-blue mini convertible. The driver was forced to squint every few seconds to see as the wipers pushed the water off to the side in a wild tsunami which splattered onto the gravel road beneath her. Dr. Sashimi drove up the hill to her family’s manor house with dampened spirits. It was a miserable morning and she expected their weekly brunch to match the day. The house sat high on the hill overlooking several acres of garden. It was stone grey and three stories tall at its highest point. The roof was characterized by unique overhanging eaves with upturned corners; it was covered in rows of maroon ceramic tiles. She was greeted by a valet as she pulled up to the front of the driveway, which circled around a large fountain. She turned off the ignition and opened the door to hand the keys over to the valet. She would have rather placed the vehicle in a capsule, but her father had become a little paranoid as he had grown older. He recently implemented a rule banning capsules in his house.
The double doors opened to reveal a familiar face. Her brother Aemono was equal to Katsuo in height and shared her electric purple hair and murky blue eyes. However, the similarities stopped there. Aemono’s hair was carefully slicked back in the typical business fashion while Katsuo sported an unruly ponytail. She felt underdressed for the occasion as she noticed her brother’s designer suit, but she didn’t really care anymore. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone; was she? She had dressed for comfort in a light blue button up blouse with a wrinkled collar and plain black slacks. Aemono smiled and wrapped his arms around his sister as she came in out of the rain.
He spoke quickly, “How have you be-?”
“Blue is so last year.” A voice behind him interrupted. Katsuo rolled her eyes and Aemono gave her an apologetic grimace. Her brother’s wife stood near the door popping her annoying pink bubblegum and twirling a strand of curly platinum blond hair with her finger. She was the daughter of a former competitor and their sham of a marriage had been arranged by Katsuo’s father. In some ways the scientist felt she had dodged a bullet by not inheriting the family’s company. A more shallow and pedantic bride couldn’t be found. Some men would cherish the thought of having a beautiful trophy wife but Katsuo knew her brother well enough to know he did not fall into that category.
“Thank you Pocky, I wasn’t aware.”
She detected the aroma of an expensive cigar and continued into the drawing room. Her mother Misu stood near the fire enjoying a few moments of solitude before the family meal. The willowy woman stood in a cloud of smoke wearing a green turtle neck and black pants. Around her neck was an expensive silk scarf.
Katsuo approached her mother, “Having a rough day?” She knew Misu only ever smoked when she was feeling stressed.
The ginger quickly put out the cigar, “I don’t know what you mean.” She smiled to cover up whatever she had been thinking and moved in for a hug. “I haven’t seen you in weeks. How have you been? Are you seeing anyone?”
Katsuo pulled away from her mother’s tight embrace, “This already? I’ve told you I am not looking for a husband. I do fine on my own.”
Misu furrowed her eyebrows, “Kat, you’re getting older. I just don’t want to see you end up alone.”
The purple haired scientist frowned, “Right, because Aemono seems so happy.” The hurt in her mother’s eyes caused Katsuo to regret her words immediately, “Anyways, let’s go eat.” She turned and made her way to the dining room.
Just before she reached the door Misu spoke up, “Now, please don’t be angry with me.”
The room was large with a high ceiling and white walls. The only furniture was a rectangular oak table in the center with an antique chandelier suspended above it. A delicious brunch of bacon and egg sandwiches was laid out on the able and at the far end sat Katsuo’s father. Nimono Sashimi was an imposing figure. Even sitting at the dining room table he moved with a strength and dignity she could never hope to emulate. His dark blue hair had only a hint of grey and his intense almond shaped blue eyes had been passed down to both of his children. He had deep laugh lines on his face as he conversed with a man she had never met before. He looked like a successful business man around Katsuo’s age.
She quickly backtracked into the drawing room and turned to her mother, “Did you set me up with this guy?”
Misu had an apologetic but desperate look about her, “Please give him a chance.”
Katsuo sighed. It would be impolite to leave now.
She turned and entered the room, opting to take the chair furthest from the stranger. She was soon joined by her mother, brother, and sister-in-law.
The family ate in an akward silence for several moments before the stranger spoke, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Kat. I hear you’re a Marine Biologist?”
Katsuo looked up from her sandwich, “You can call me Dr. Sashimi.” She hadn’t intended to be so abrasive, but she would never allow a stranger to call her by her nickname. She tried to soften the mood by feigning interest, “I study deep sea creatures. What do you do Mr…?” She trailed off unsure of his name.
“I apologize for my rudeness Doctor. I’m Tonkatsu Kinpira of Kinpira Robotics.” Katsuo nodded. Of course he was a CEO.
She smiled and turned to Aemono in an attempt to quickly change the subject, “Brother, how is the research division coming along?”
Aemono smiled back playfully, “It would be better if you would agree to come work for me. Although, I hear they are very close to finalizing a cure for hair loss.”
Katsuo’s hand began to shake and dropped her sandwich onto her plate, “Why would you waste resources on something so trivial? Don’t you understand the opportunity you’ve been given?!” Without realizing it she was on her feet yelling.
Nimono’s voice cut through the silence, “Aemono has a business to run. He must consider profits before philanthropy.”
Katsuo gave her father an icy glare before storming out of the house. She called for the valet to bring her convertible around and stood waiting in the rain. Her hair was dripping wet and her bangs stuck to her forehead hiding the frustrated tears that welled up in her eyes.
“Are you alright?” She turned to see Tonkatsu pulling out an umbrella which he held over her. He smiled reassuringly, “I’m sure it isn’t easy being a Sashimi.” He pulled out a business card and handed it to the woman, “Call me if you ever want to talk.” Katsuo nodded before climbing into her car.