Himiko Cybers was dreadfully bored. She was the younger sister of the president so she should be going to fancy parties every evening. However, her boring brother said "parties are for the uncultured", and spent every night reading books and strategizing with his dull secretary. Himiko thought that Mr. Bones was kind of cute, but she had only ever heard him talk about politics and so and she'd rather he'd get lost.
She let out a huge over exaggerated yawn as she lounged in a plush white armchair. Her brother, Amarterasu, was still poring over more of those stupid documents. And of course Mr. Bones was there too, staring blankly in that dull black suit.
"I can't imagine who'd elect a president who didn't know how to have fun," said Himiko loudly, glaring at her brother. "Can we please have a party? I'm literally the most important girl in this whole city but I have the least fun!"
"Himiko, can you be quiet?" drawled Amarterasu, looking up from his work. "I have some…pressing concerns right now."
Himiko pouted and turned away. "Ever since you became president you've been no fun…" she grumbled. To her annoyance, Amarterasu did not even respond. "Fine then!" she shouted. "I'm going to my room."
Amarterasu did not reply, so Himiko stormed off. It was a good thing that she was going back to school soon. Spending time with her drag of a brother was such a chore!
***
Once Himiko had left, Amarterasu glanced up at Kaneda. Inside his penthouse at the top of the Palace Needle, he could speak freely. However, he never discussed business in the presence of his sisters, Izanami and Himiko.
"What is the report on Fangtastic Teslamancer's assassination?" he asked, turning slightly in his white chair.
"He's dead," Kaneda replied. "Amido Amdahl was seriously wounded, and a member of his team was killed."
Amarterasu nodded. He did not care whether the assassins had lived or died. "What is the status of the other family heads?"
Kaneda took out his tablet and looked it over. "Endrick Teslamancer will be taking over from his grandfather," Kaneda replied.
"Ah, my sisters know him," Amarterasu smiled. "He's supposed to be an idiot."
"As for the other leaders, Thrysitor Dongleface is currently increasing his power. It would appear that the Jamitovs are in close collaboration with him."
Well, that was troublesome news. "Kaneda, how perplexing would it be if…let's say Thrysitor died?" Amartarasu said, his eyes twinkling.
"Perplexing enough for people to expect it was you, I'm afraid." Kaneda shook his head.
Amartasu sighed, "I suppose my sister will have to make sure that this alliance never happens."
"It shall be guaranteed." Kaneda said, politely walking out of the room.
As the door to Amartasu's office clicked closed, he relaxed in his chair. This endless political intrigue seemed to be getting nowhere. Perhaps he needed to show the city that he truly was the supreme leader.
"Kaneda," he said, picking up a small communication device, "Please tell all the guests that tommorows banquet shall be happening tonight. Some guests shall not be leaving alive."
"As you wish, I shall inform the guests shortly. And if you don't mind me asking, do you have a plan to dispose of them?"
"Of course. I have arranged for Oscar Ernest to be the one performing for us."
"If you insist," Kaneda grumbled before ending the call.
Not soon after Amartarasu had made the call his door burst open and his sister, a short girl with messy black hair and huge red eyes, came running in.
"Brother! So even you were starved for fun! I can't wait for this party!"
"Keep in mind that this is not just a party, Himiko. It's more of a political gathering." Amartarasu said.
"Maybe I'll just skip out on it then and go to the bar or something." Himiko said, slightly pouting.
Amartarasu faced the huge window behind him, half ignoring Himiko. "Whatever you want."
Himiko stuck out her tongue. "Hmph! You never even listen to me! Do you even care that your beloved little sister is becoming a total bad girl!?"
Amartasu sighed, "I'm more concerned about what's happening to my city. I have a feeling that something unpleasant is in the air. There is something monstrous that has arrived in Neo Arachnis."
"Well I sure hope so," pouted Himiko, crossing her arms. "I'd like some excitement in this stupid place."
Amarterasu clenched his hands into fists. Himiko had only been ten years old when he became president, so she could hardly remember when their parents had been alive and things hadn't been so comfortably boring. She didn't understand that a threat to his presidency was a threat to her luxurious life. "Leave, Himiko. I can't concentrate on anything with your constant whining." Himiko glared at her brother's back and then stomped out of the room.
Amarterasu felt as though the power he had been gathering over the years was slipping out of his hands. He had more enemies than allies - in fact, Kaneda was really the only one he trusted. And yet he had a feeling that the political maneuvering of the high families should be the least of his worries.