I’m My Own High School Rival: Nakamura’s Arc: Heritage

  “Who the fuck is that girl, stopping my Christina from finishing off Carter’s sister?” Ms. Tetsusen said as we peered through the circular windows of the cafeteria’s double doors. I glanced at her, eyes burning, as she raised her hand, signaling one of her four guards, who responded by approaching her without words.

  I knew her from when Trish first took the throne: Subaki Kurogane; she advised us both in our youth. But now, she was the captain of Trish’s honor guard because she was too old to be a blood blossom.

  “Do you see that red-headed witch… she just let go of my daughter’s wrist.” She pointed at Tiffany Nakamura, my prodigy student, with a narrow regal finger, “I want you to bring her to me so I can execute her impertinent ass for interfering with—”

  “Ms. Tetsusen,” I said, recognizing subtle similarities between Tiffany and… Akiri… no… Akrin, but she calls herself Emiko now.

  “What the hell is it, Rika?” She said, her arm loosely hung around Subaki’s neck like the old days when we planned an assault.

  “I… think that’s Akrin’s kid, Ms. Tetsusen. So—” Trish was never good with names.

  She gritted her teeth and took a superior stance, “What the hell is an Akrin, and why should I care?” Damn, she’s not listening to me.

  “Your grace, I only want to caution you from—”

  “Shut up!” Trish said. Her face grew flushed with anger, a face I was familiar with. I’d soon be reminded of my actual position in her life, in her court.

  “I think she’s right… Your grace,” Subaki said. My heart pounded at the thought of Tiffany being executed for stepping in.

  “I don’t know who you are talking about, Rika, and stop agreeing with her, Subaki!” Her voice was low and smoldering. In the end, Trish rolled her eyes, but her anger dissipated with her red tint.

  I had to do something to remove Trish from the school, but what… “Your grace,” I bowed, “ Instead of dealing with her here, why not surprise her at her home?” Maybe seeing Akrin will refresh her memory and spare Tiffany. She tapped the toe of her shoes, as the reflection let me see her rubbing the side of her face, a signal that my diversion had worked.

  Trish Sighed. “You may rise, Rika.” My eyes met hers and then fell to the floor. Then she gently, playfully mimicked a slow slap against my cheek. “Damn it, Rika—you always come up with killer ideas; it’s too bad you left the Court.” She turned away from the cafeteria door’s window. “Okay, gang, let’s take a field trip.”

  ***

  I’m so bored. I lay on the couch in my brown plumber uniform, waiting for the phone to ring. Slow days like this were a gift and a curse. I yawned, not bothering to cover my mouth because nobody was home. I wonder if Tiff ever claimed Antwon? I mean… she would have to fight Christina… she would probably lose, but the experience is good. I rolled onto my side because my back grew sore.

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  Another yawn escaped. That’s too bad; I think Antwon would have toughened her up.

  Knock, knock, knock.

  I rolled to my feet and made my way to the door, rubbing sleep out of my eyes. Maybe Kito lost his key again… I wouldn’t be surprised. The cold floor felt inviting against my bare feet, as did the knob against my hand as I swung the door open.

  “Kito, did you lose your—”

  “Why, good afternoon. I’m Tri—”

  I slammed the door, only to catch someone’s foot.

  “Who the fuck do you think you are!” The dragon roared before the door was kicked open, and I tumbled backwards, falling and rolling back to my feet before darting toward the kitchen.

  I turned to see if it was really Trish Tetsusen, and it was. One of her goons presented her with their Katana, and she unsheathed it. “Well, at least you’re not dumb, and I don’t have to play coy.” I grabbed Kito’s kitchen knives and positioned myself behind the table.

  “And to what do I owe the honor of being assassinated by the Iron Fant Court, huh? I didn’t think the Veil would stoop this low to keep their hands clean!” I said, holding the knife block while Trish stood on the other side of the table, katana in hand.

  “Arkin, calm down; we aren’t here to kill you,” Rika said, waving her hands.

  “Fuck you, Rika; I’m here to butcher this bitch!” Trish Said, bearing fangs and malice.

  “Well, fuck me,” I said. “It’s been a while, but at least it’s you, Trish,” I said, pulling a knife from the block. My pulse raced as memories and instructions on how to dispatch someone with a knife, regardless of disadvantage, surged through my mind.

  “Don’t make it sound like we know each other because I would never associate myself with—”

  “Emiko, Trish, calm down,” Rika screamed, “Subaki, help me.”

  Silence cleared space, measuring our tenacity.

  “Well, that’s funny; I used to know an Emiko,” Trish said, getting ready to slash across the table. Her grin was as I remembered it: filled with joy before a kill, showing those around her just what kind of monster she was.

  “And I used to know an Etsuko, but that’s behind us now.” I measured the distance between us; my aim used to be precise, maybe I can hit her before she reaches me.

  Trish lowered her blade but kept it at the ready, as recognition flickered behind her eyes. “How do you know my asobi name… are you a spy?”

  I kept my knife pointed at her, cognizant that any of her goons might try to move on me. “Why wouldn’t I know your asobi name, Trish. Don’t act like you're not here to kill me on the Veils' behalf.”

  “Emiko… Arkin… The same Emiko who used to surround herself with men and have wild—

  I frantically shook my knife, “Shut the fuck up and let me die with dignity!” My face burned because I had left that life behind me, and now it was being excavated in my final moments.

  “Well, she said, passing the Katana back to its owner, “that changes everything.” Her grin warped into something else, something that shook my soul more than her killing me. I waited in the silence of my home, knife in hand. Then the door opened.

  “Emiko, I’m… Emiko?” The sound of a paper bag hitting the ground seemed to echo throughout the house.

  I put the knife back in the block and set the block on the countertop. “Shit, Kito… Welcome home, love.” Cursed again…