"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you
something else is the greatest accomplishment."

                                           
                                                                                                                                —Ralph Waldo Emerson

 A very succulent and tasty piece of meat was flattened in between two toasted sesame buns, along with the lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mustard. And this burger, in Nene's mind, was the best fucking thing to ever bless her mouth. Currently seated across from Nene Yubari in Vickie's Diner at 9:30 in the morning, was her personal assistant, Yoko.

Also known as Nene's sidekick, caretaker, fashion stylist, hair and makeup artist best friend and sister-from-anotha-mista. Nene also liked to give her names nicknames like Yokosie, and grumpy bear - because Yoko could be a real killjoy at times. Not only that - Yoko was a timid girl, very paranoid, heavily observant, but there has to be a reason that Nene employed her as her special assistant right? Of course! Isn't it good to have an assistant with eyes in the back of her head, always alert, punctual, resourceful and and organized? Yoko was all that. Even though she could sometimes be a hard nut to crack because of how guarded she is around strangers, Yoko was loyal to a fault and she vowed to Nene that she'd be by her side wherever she goes. 

And that's why, Nene loves her very much. Yoko was always her first point of contact whenever she was in any times of trouble. Nene's car broke down? Yoko can change the tires. Nene with a wardrobe malfunction? Yoko was there with a second outfit change. Nene had a booger in her nose? Yoko was there to pick it. Okay.. Maybe not that extreme on that last example, but it is definitely a perfect description of how comfortable they are with each other.

Nene eyed Yoko from across the table, particularly enjoying the taste of her breakfast burger. It was still warm when she took a bite into it. "This burger is really good. Do you want to take a bite?" Nene chewed in delight. Yoko cleared her throat after she looked around the restaurant in a state of anxiousness. "Nene, we have to focus." 

"Fuck damn girl, I know... I'm just saying though- do you want a bite?" Nene wiped some sauce off the side of her mouth with a napkin, before taking another big bite again. It was a rarity to go out for some breakfast food, so of course - Nene had to go all out. Usually, it was just milk and cereal. Kind of boring, if you ask her. Breakfast burgers are where it's at. So, while Nene continued to eat, Yoko seemed to be jittery in the way she acted. 

Yoko shook her head no. "No. I do not want a bite, Nene. Thank you. So what was I saying again?" She raised an eyebrow, testing to see if Nene was actually paying attention. Nene's response only made her angrier. 

"Are you sure you don't want a bite?" Nene chewed.

"I'm su-" Yoko was fuming now. 

"It's reaaaallly good. Remember that last restaurant we went to? Their buns made my poop green?"

"NENE! PLEASE! FOR FUCK SAKE!" Nene could see now that Yoko's face was going all red... And it was a signal for her to stop. Her mouth froze as she stopped chewing on her delicious burger, put it down on the plate and wiped her mouth of the excess grease.

"Okay. I'm sorry. Yes, where were we?" Nene says, tempted to roll her eyes. 

Yoko relaxed her shoulders, but there was still some imaginary steam coming out of her ears. She just wanted to get some information across to Nene, but that seemed to be taking up too much of Nene's precious time, distracting her from the burger she was indulging in. The information was more important though. And Yoko realized that she should probably stop thinking of a hundred ways to burn Nene alive right in that moment for the sake of time, so she resumed their conversation. "We were talking about you working for someone. They want your services." 

Nene's elite bodyguard services were internationally known, commonly used, and she had impressive things in her resume. Although she didn't have the pleasure yet of serving the president of America. In the future maybe, but not now. Nene squinted her eyes, feeling hesitant in response to what Yoko said to her. "How much are they going to pay me? I'll do whatever they want me to do, but I come with a price. You know that." These bodyguard services were definitely not for free. For one month protection, hell even just one week of protection it does cost a fortune. That's what happens when you ask for the best. 

Yoko continued with a quick nod of her head, "I know, I know Nene. That's what I told them too. But apparently they don't care about that. The money is nothing to them. What matters is their protection." Yoko remembered clearly what the conversation with the client entailed. They were very straightforward and blunt. Who could blame them? When it's a matter of life and death, you have to take shit serious. 

Nene stretched her arms behind her and yawned. "How important is he or she, and why does he or she insist on their protection so much?" 

"Nene..." Yoko added. "This isn't like any other work you've done before." Hell no, it wasn't. That was for sure. Yoko was certain this could be a major boost in Nene's career advancement. But with a big benefit, it comes with its usual risks. Protecting someone, or rather - an organization with such a high level of notoriety could potentially harm TNC Services if things don't go smoothly. But Yoko had strong hope. TNC Services are full of high level, trained professionals. Nothing could go wrong. For now, at least.

"Right.." Nene replied with uncertainty. 

"Yeah, remember when you were protecting Vita de Clermont? That was nothing compared to who you'll be working for now." 

"Hey... I never said yes to working for whoever this person is that you're telling me about." Nene was still clueless about who this client was, and she stared back at Yoko suspiciously. 

Yoko leaned in and whispered, "you sure about that missy?" 

She continued speaking without waiting for an answer from Nene. "Five million dollars payment up front for our services, that's what they said."

"They?" 

"They also want you to be on duty for them 24/7, drive them to their destinations, memorize their daily agendas to the T, obviously do everything that we've been doing for the past three years, except there's no breaks. And we'll have to put a lot more guards now on payroll because they requested-.." Yoko was rambling nervously, her mind going back to the conversation with the client. 

Nene didn't mind it, but she also didn't want to get bored with the details. Putting the guards on payroll and all the extra stuff was no problem. She wasn't worried about that at all. She knew that TNC could handle it. But before that, she needed to know who this mystery client was. "Yoko. I get it. You had me at five million. But who is 'they'?" 

Yoko paused mid-sentence, realizing that she hadn't even revealed who Nene would be protecting. She almost kicked herself under the table. See? She can be so anxious and paranoid sometimes. Yoko took a big sip of the orange juice that Nene ordered and swallowed hard. "Okay. Sorry. I got carried away. I'm just a little nervous." 

"Nervous? What for? Tell me already." Nene waited. Yoko spoke, more slowly now. "They're an esteemed family in the underworld. They have connections all throughout the world. Sweden, Paris, you name it. They have alot of money and lawyers in their pockets, Nene. We can't afford to let them down." 

She continues speaking, "The Serpent Sisterhood. Their cover up is a professional ballet dancing company. 'We move with grace', is their slogan." Nene did like the sound of that slogan, but she was unconvinced with their cover up for whatever they got going on. Nene looked bored. She was about to drink from her OJ, before she realized that Yoko had drunk the rest. Oh, giddy. Nene was dehydrated after that greasy burger, and now she had nothing to wash it down. She called over a waitress, asking for a glass of water in ice. The waiter nodded in accordance and went away to get her drink. Few minutes later, she came back with a warm smile on her face. The kind of smile that made you feel welcome. No wonder Vickie pays her well. 

Nene took a sip, felt refreshed, then spoke to Yoko again. 

"Oh, right... Okay. But why me? There are plenty of bodyguard services around these days."

"You shouldn't underestimate your capabilities." All those years of training and discipline, and Yoko was always shocked whenever Nene would try to undermine herself. Nene was a strong girl, destined to be great, but her insecure mindset had hindered her progress on more than one occasion. 

"I'm not. Just saying, why me?" Nene shrugged as she picked up her burger again and began to chew. 

Yoko made a face. "Please don't make me gas you up right now."

"A girl needs validation sometimes!"

A brief silence interrupted their conversation. Yoko forced a smile. "... Hurry up and finish your burger. We have to get back to the office soon." It was going to be the afternoon very soon, and Yoko wanted to get alot of things done before that. She stood up from her seat and put her expensive beige coat around her shoulders. Nene took sight of her outfit today, and she sighed. Girl is a wonderful sight to see. As Nene finished the remains of her burger, she started to wonder why Yoko never settled down with a man to this day. Nene went both ways, so she'd date her herself, but like... They treated each other like sisters. Nothing more, nothing less. 

"Sure you don't want a bite?"

To be continued!~

Yoko stood in the middle of The Neko Clan headquarters and cleared her throat. She was waving her hands around and speaking in a loud voice, different from her usual hushed tone. It had been some twenty minutes since the breakfast meeting with Nene. "Alright guys, assemble yourselves. Meeting in the boardroom in three minutes," Yoko said. A crew member of TNC passed by her and said in a monotone voice, "yeah, we're comin."

This earned a glare from Yoko. She really was a grumpy bear. Nene knew it. Everyone knew it. But she was loved there at TNC because Yoko was basically the glue of the company. She worked hard and it paid off. Yoko stopped him with an expression, one that would make anyone tremble. "Don't be late like last time! Or else..." Yoko pointed at him. He knew better than to talk back, so he just nodded slowly then walked away.

"Yes ma'am." 

She was satisfied. However, her stomach didn't seem to think the same way. Being hangry is a real thing these days. Yoko felt a low grumble in her stomach and she made a face. "And can someone get me coffee please?" The same guard she was talking to from before muttered before walking away and heading for the office kitchen area. "Yes ma'am..." She nodded, smiled and started to walk to the office elevator. She thought she'd be able to get some time alone in the lift, but she was suddenly stopped by Nene's ass. Nene smiled at her, like the cutie she was and joined her in the escalator. 

"Yoko, can you take a chill pill please? Since this morning you've been acting all jittery. Calm down, girl." Nene said to her as she leaned against a metal bar inside the elevator. Yoko let out a snicker. "Calm down? No. I can't calm down. Besides being your most trusted friend, I'm also your personal assistant and advisor. I can't have any of you slacking around!" This amused Nene very much, seeing her friend like this kind of gave her some reassurance. It was a good thing though. It meant that if Nene was slacking around, at least grumpy bear was around to save the day.

Nene pointed at her and laughed playfully. "Does that come with ordering the guards around for your daily dose of caffeine?" Yoko smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. 

"Get your butt in the office, missy." 

"Yes boss! I'm one step ahead of you."

Papers were being shuffled by Yoko who was sitting at the end of the large and narrow glass desk in the boardroom. The chief operating officer of TNC and of course Nene walked in. A few high ranking guards walked in as well, but they kept their head low, just anticipating the words that were about to be spoken in the board room. Yoko was really in stress mode, and felt like she had so much stuff to discuss, but she did her best to keep her cool and stay calm. Just as they were all coming in, she raised her head and smiled. Nene threw a brief nod to Ambrocio the COO and Yoko before taking a seat next to her wonderful bestfriend whom she loved. Right now though, Nene was slightly irritated at Yoko. Yoko never got like this. Ever. She was always a chill chick, but today... Wow. The client must have really made her point. 

Yoko gave a brief nod to everyone and pointed to the board behind her, where a map of The Serpent Sisterhood office was and countless lists of their expectations.

"Great, now that everyone is here, we can talk about our new client's expectations for our services."

"As you guys can see here on the screen, this is their main headquarters, which we will be guarding 24/7. Plus peresonal guards with them to drive them around, do any trips to the bank for them, etc..."

Yoko and Ambrocio looked to each other with some uncertainty. With this new client, Nene would have to dedicate her whole life to The Serpent Sisterhood. It wasn't that part that irked her, it's the fact that she felt like there'd be no time to hang out with the ones she cared about the most. Although it helped that she was always with family at work. She cleared her throat awkwardly and pointed to the board. " Apparently there are no breaks, right?" This was followed by a nod from Yoko. She wasn't a happy chap about it much either, but one of the most upheld rules in TNC is to make the client the priority no matter what. 

"Yeah, unfortunately."

"I'm sorry, but what are they trying to do, kill us?" Nene scratched her head, shooting uncomfortable glances towards Ambrocio. Yoko nodded again, beginning to get a little irritated with Nene. "Yeah, unfortunately." This made Nene slouch in her chair. "Oh. Right. Of course." As for Ambrocio, he was still trying to get his head wrapped around it. He made a face. "I don't think we've ever done something like this before. 24/7 guarding? We'll all be on rotating shifts right?" Rest assured there'd be time to eat, sleep and shit but he was getting old very soon and was overdue for a appointment later to get his back stepped on by an asian lady at a massage place he frequented. For now though, he was here and trying to get all the details from Yoko and Nene. This was his main job, and he did his job very well, no doubt about that. 

A brief silence followed before Yoko looked up again and nodded slowly. "That's the plan." A sense of anxiousness filled the room and Nene decided to speak up again. "Guys, it's fine, we're ninjas. We can do this." 

"We're not all like you Nene. Some of us do need sleep."

Nene pouted and she crossed her arms like a child. "I can't help that I don't sleep. The insomnia is acting up again." 

Yoko rubbed her temples with her hand. The meeting should be a short one, but it seemed like it was going to last for more than an hour if they kept talking about things that weren't on the agenda for today. "Guys, please, focus. Look I know this is too much to ask but please just pay attention to the task at hand here." Ambrocio and Nene felt bad inside so they agreed to not interrupt. No promises though. "Now as I was saying, there are lots of responsibilities and routines that you guys must pick up. I will increase pay by a slight percentage. Need to work hard still, though." Ambrocio put a thumb up and somehow forced a very genuine looking smile, "you got it, grumpy bear! We'll do what we can." Yoko raised an eyebrow, then she lifted up the confidential folders she was fiddling with earlier and turned to Nene.

"See? I knew I could count on you guys. Nene can you hand this out please?" 

Nene smiled, "sure. Hand 'em over will ya, love?" The paper's content was all the information needed for this mission. "What's this?" Ambrocoio asked as he held the folder, opened it and looked through some documents with slabs of text and a series of images. "Those-" Yoko was about to answer him, but Nene intecepted knowing that she was tired of speaking already. Plus Nene knew her very well. She didn't like to talk much, she was more of a doer. Usually Nene will do all the talking. 

"Everything you need to know about The Serpent Sisterhood. The main entrances and exits of their building... Daily appointments... Passwords to the safe..." Nene winked at Yoko and put her hands up in gang signs. "You know I always got your back, Yoko. It's fine. Take a seat." From hereon, Nene took the center stage, as a bad bitch like her should. "So yeah, anyways, all the info we need is stored in the neatly organized folder you guys have now. Don't lose it." She started to walk around the boardroom, unable to sit down still in her chair because of how much information there was to dish out. "One of the sisters, Caroline or whatever, has five other villas we need to protect... Do we even have enough guards for that?" Nene said as she froze in her step, turning back to Yoko. Yoko was lost in her own world, looking out the window. Ugh. 

"Yoko?" 

She snapped her head around quickly and cleared her throat awkwardly. Then her eyes lit up. "We always have room to hire more, don't we?" Nene nodded slowly but unsurely. "Yup. Yes. What Yoko said." 

"Hmm.. Yeah. We got this." 

Nene pumped her first in the air, smiling. "That's the spirit! Kay guys, board meeting for today has come to an end. We'll touch base again tomorrow morning." Yoko nodded, hands in her lap and looked up at Nene. She was proud to have such an awesome and fun spirited friend like Nene. Even if she could get on her nerves sometimes, the bond will never break no matter what. "Agreed." 

Ambrocio cleared his throat after he put back all the papers in the folder. "I'll prepare the guards and get more if that's the case." 

"Amazingballs!" Nene chirped in approval. Everyone was starting to get out of their seats now, head for some lunch, when Yoko spoke again. "Yes... That'd be nice. Thanks Ambrocio. Just remember guys, we're not rushing this. Last time we rushed things, the client ended up making so much complaints that we had to transfer them to one of our sister companies." 

Nene was already halfway out the door when she looked back and winked at the two. "Heh. I'll try and not be the one to fuck this one up guys." Ambrocio felt himself melting inside at the beautiful sight. He did have a little crush on her... Things have died down a little, but the feelings are still there. 

"What a cutie." He whispered to himself. 

First thing you expect when you wake up in the morning is the bright sun shining through the blinds and warm cup of hot chocolate. Or maybe reading a book, snuggled in a blanket and listening to a jazz tune in the background. In the morning there is supposed to be joy in your steps, but as Nene pushed past the entrance doors of The Neko Clan headquarters, she started to wonder if this morning could get any worse. Yoko was currently pacing back and forth in the office, stressed and overwhelmed by what was going to, and about to, happen. "I feel like you should come with a warning sign on your head not to mess with you in the morning." Nene said as she entered the vicinity, placing a cup of coffee on her desk, which she brought for Yoko and one for herself from The Desert Bean. She put extra sugar without Yoko knowing. She was going to need it. Knowing Yoko to be who she is, Nene had to make sure she could keep her relaxed, but it didn't seem like coffee or sugar or anything at all would help her situation right now. As Yoko kept on pacing back and forth, she put her hands to her temples and breathed out slowly. "Everything will be fine. Hang in there. Just remember your lines." Nene raised an eyebrow as she lifted her leg on Yoko's desk while she sat down in her pink swivel chair. "Girl, you should take your own advice. You're sweating like a madman. Me? I'm chillin'." 

As for Ambrocio, he was the person he always was. Patient, understanding and... Not stressed? He knew himself that he could keep the two girls sane when not even Nene could help herself. He came walking into the office holding a cup of coffee. He took a sip and sat beside Nene. The coffee warmed his throat and made him relax. "Nene, Yoko, we're good to go. When will this, uh... Serpent Sisterhood arrive?" Yoko spoke first without looking at them, "they said they'll be here soon, so just hang tight guys." 

"Ya.. But when is that 'soon'?" Ambrocio raised an eyebrow. Nene leaned in closer, curiously. Yoko looked at the two of them now. There was uncertainty written all over her face. "Ugh, sheesh.. Well could be 20-25 minutes. I mean, they don't live that far." 

"Great. Nene, did you get to take a look at our list of guards?" 

"Yeah, I did earlier. I'm not going to stay with one group though. I'll  be moving around." Nene waved her hands in the air. "As you do." Ambrocio gave a brief nod and sipped more at his drink. Just like they had talked about in the last meeting, they were going to have to put alot more guards on the payroll, and Nene being, basically, the best bodyguard, she needed to memorize everyone she'd be working with and make sure she's on her toes. She removed her feet off Yoko's desk and randomly got up to do some stretching. She stretched her arms behind her, yawning. The two didn't realize Yoko was freaking out until they took a good look at her face. Her eyes were wide and her jaw stretched open. A nervous feeling swam in Yoko's stomach as she looked out the window of her office. 

"Um... Guys..."

Nene giggled as she took out her glass case from her backpack, putting on her white framed specs. "Why do you look like you just seen a ghost?" She checked herself out in the little mirror stand that Yoko had, feeling satisfied. She was actually shortsighted. Just a little bit. There came a nod from Ambrocio as he stood up from his seat and followed Yoko's gaze. "Oh. They're here. That's why." He had put his coffee in the trash and buttoned his suit blazer at the top. He wasn't ready, but he wasn't going to backdown either. "Already? Thought you said 20-25 minutes. Did they travel here in a jet or something?" As for Nene, she couldn't believe it. She stood up as well and spat out the strawberry gum she had in her mouth. 

"I wouldn't be surprised. They're filthy rich, right? If my sources are right, last month they brought a company for a billion dollars." Ambrocio said. Nene shrugged in defeat because she knew that was probably true. She was able to get a read up on the confidental document that Yoko handed out in the last meeting. Their stocks and shares were just.... Yep. You already know. 

"Well, geez. Okay then. I'm going to take a quick piss. Yoko is making me nervous." Nene willed her legs to the office toilets right after letting them know she'll be right back. It only took a couple of seconds. She touched up a bit of her makeup and came out looking like a million bucks again. Nene was waiting at the elevator. Yoko smoothed down her hair and primped herself. "I'm... fine. Let's just... meet them at the entrance. Coming?" She looked back at Ambrocio. 

"I'm right behind you, boss lady." He put his thumbs up. 

When the two could finally be seen from the elevator, Nene smiled at them. Then she held out her hand for Yoko. "Yoko honey, do you want me to hold your hand?" DING! Yoko swatted it away before stepping forward into the elevator. "Pfft, no, course not. Hush missy." Ambrocio followed behind her, then Nene last. 

"Then let's go slowpoke!"