Welcome to Tokyo, Japan. January, 1991. The world has entered the technology era, portable phones, home computers, internet, video games. Japan quickly became the epicenter of the latest and greatest. Companies and factories flourished. Where money was, people followed. And while many rose to live a comfortable, happy, and delightful life from this new found money... Others did not. You see, money has this effect on people that can't be outdone. People will do anything for it. And when it starts slipping into the wrong hands, it's impossible to stop. Benethe the day time laborers and the double-shift workers, a seedy underbelly of syndicates exists. Narctics, black market, organized crime, money laundering, you name it and it's been growing as fast as the upper world economy. While many do it just to stay alive, there's those who make it their posh lifestyle. Either way, there's only one question. What would you do if the money was good enough?
JAN 29 2021: Welcome!! ƎLEMENT has been open for two weeks now and we're so happy to see such a bright beginning! If you're new feel free to drop into the discord and say hi before joining.
It was a miracle that Akito managed to withstand the droll of these events, the blubbering fools who'd found a home in his profession thoroughly unfit, in his eyes, to be in their positions at all. Their ineptitude was made all the more apparent at these elitist gatherings, where they wined and dined and guffawed about their successes in the courtroom all while partaking in that ever-overflowing fountain of debauchery that was liquor, scandal, and corruption. He'd have laughed in their faces, their hypocrisy disgusting, had he not needed their support, had he himself not been actively participating. [break][break] The woman at his side was enough to warrant his inclusion on the list of power-abusing bastards that populated Tokyo's upper-class. Beautiful and exotic, adorned in those flashy fineries he'd bought for her, Mei was just another piece to that perfectly-put-together picture he'd made of his life. Bought as a piece of eye candy, invited to this event as she slowly became a favorite, she was nothing more than an adornment for him to flaunt, an accessory for him to display and an entertainment for him to take part in. [break][break] "That's Moriya Gihei, director of a local bail association," he murmured to his date, his grip firm and possessive on that red-clad hip, his lips ghosting across the curve of her ear, "You notice how he shows up as the party's winding down? Bastard always gets distracted by whatever employee he's guilted into accompanying him and just ends up late, most of the time with his damn zipper still undone." A judgmental scoff, humored, slipped from his lips. "Surprised he brought a young woman this time; you should see the old men's faces when he shows up with a young lad at his side." [break][break] The evening had been proceeding at about that pace, Mei taking on perhaps a bit more of a comforting position that Akito would have liked. Only a few dates in and that charm and wit had lent itself to a more serious invitation, the prosecutor generally only inviting his girls to these large social gatherings after a few months together; Mei had warranted an invite after three nights together. Akito tried to avoid thinking too deeply on what exactly drew him to the special treatment. [break][break] Getting to see her in something like that probably, he internally chided himself, gaze trailing that curvy form as he pulled away from her ear, whispers on his lips replaced by the whiskey tumbler in his free hand. It was more than that, though, he knew. It took far more than a pretty face to strike his interest; he could purchase that whenever he wanted. Mei provided as much mental stimulation as physical, something far more worth the price than a mere enticing form. [break][break] "Ah! Miyasaki! I thought that was you!" [break][break] Tugged from his perusal of Mei's finer offerings by the familiar voice, Akito flashed that well-rehearsed, friendly grin across his features. Uesato Ichiyo, an older man, just retired a few years prior. At his side was his son, Masao, a man near-enough to Akito's age, though far less successful than his old schoolyard rival. [break][break] "Uesa-sama," he greeted, nodding in greeting at his old mentor. "Wasn't expecting to see you here; don't you usually avoid these functions now that you're a retiree?" [break][break] "Ha! Like they could keep me from free hors d'oeuvres and booze," Ichiyo responded, flashing a particularly wolfish grin as his gaze fell on Mei. "Ah, I get it! Trying to keep all the pretty young things to yourself I see!" A large, bellowing laugh left the man. "Who's this little vixen, then?" [break][break] "Mei," he introduced, intentionally slipping away from honorifics, his grip tightening ever so slightly on that curvaceous hip. "A very good friend. Mei, this is Ichiya Uesato and his son, Masao. Uesa-sama was my mentor back during my law school days. Gave me my first job out of college."
Squeezed into the side of a wealthy customer on a Saturday evening was simply custom for young women like Qian Mei. Others would complain and whine about how demeaning this was for the female sex, but they were more than likely too unattractive to even be considered as a lovely little accessory. Hanging off the arm of a man whose luxury car cost more than your own life while fighting the gnawing urge to scoff or roll your eyes at the foolhardiness of elitists and their shallow conversations. Fortunately, the man who wrapped around her with one strong arm this night wasn’t the usual piggish sleaze with a gut bigger that overtook their entire body mass or wrinkles that drooped to the ground. [break][break]
No, Mei had seemingly hit the jackpot with her most recent suitor. [break][break]
Miyasaki Ayato, an eligible bachelor whom she heard was a questionably flawless lawyer, began to request her services only recently. He was the epitome of what one would consider a proper provider, making it clear from their handful of dates that he was in this deal for equal pleasure. The gleaming jewels that adorned her thin throat, which were worn at the request of the man himself, were proof enough of their two-sided transactions. The rubies matched impeccably with the crimson hue of her skin-tight dress and even complemented her magenta pools, each facet of her outward appearance was perfection in order to impress the socialites at the event. [break][break]
Mei’s split attention was instantly pulled by the presence of familiar lips reaching the shell of her ruby-clad ears. Her gaze flickered from the pool of bickering middle-aged men and landed on the object of the juicy gossip that was suddenly slipped into her ear. ”Hm?” an inquisitive hum purred in her throat as she eyed the target that stumbled in with a familiar girl, that she could’ve sworn went by the alias of Himeko, clipped to his side like a sultry keychain. Mei could sympathize with the poor girl, having had many sloppy clients herself, but her interest was focused more on the business man that roused an abundance of stored knowledge into her head. Gossip got around fast within the underground world of escorts, wealthy pigs had an issue with not gloating to attractive people except for the closed off lawyer with an iron grip, but this was the one of the first clients she heard openly criticize their acquaintances. And one of the first to fill out his suit amazingly with his toned figure. [break][break]
”Well, I can tell you a lot of the men in my department think his dirty money isn’t worth a possible drug addiction and permanent lock jaw.” A coy grin poked at her rouge painted lips, her head turning so her own flighty whisper could meet his ears. Before the Chinese beauty could even attempt to elaborate further, which she wasn’t planning on at the moment for the sake of mystery, the shouting of a voice that she couldn’t quite place her finger on until the pair turned their attention to the pair of swaggering males that strolled towards them. With the flick of a switch, her grin shifted into a demure and polite smile that was nearly robotic if it weren’t for her gentle facial features. [break][break]
Flicking her lavender tresses behind her dainty shoulders, Mei silently watched the boyish exchange between the men that she only recognized after they were addressed. Upon feeling the attention shift in her direction, you’d have to be blind to not notice the intense leering on the curves of your body, her glance flickered towards the hand on her round hip that ferociously tightened. It didn’t take long to notice how territorial Akito was, it was evident but the insistent request to wear his gifted jewelry and clothing, but the simple shift in his grasp was enough to keep her quiet for yet another moment. ”Oh my, so you’re the man I have to thank for Akito’s success.” following his example, she was sure to refer to him in an obviously personal manner as one of her hands sneaked up his chest to adjust his matching tie. Her strappy black heels allowed her head to reach the junction of his chest and shoulder, which she leaned on as her dazzling magenta pools faced his companions. [break][break]
”It’s a pleasure to meet you both, I’ve heard that you were a real force to be reckoned with before you retired, Uesato-san. I believe I was told that your son has followed in your footsteps. Right, Akito?” like the conversating pro she was, the smitten Chinese doll was captivating enough to charm the strangers but intelligent enough to keep her temporary beau at the center of attention until the dreaded event came to an end.
"Well, I can tell you a lot of the men in my department think his dirty money isn't worth a possible drug addiction and permanent lock jaw." [break][break] It was moments like those, the brief exchanges of information and gossip, that were, in particular, setting Mei apart. Flirtation came easily enough with the other women in Akito's life, flattering as well; this type of exchange was something a bit more enticing. Why have something pretty on your arm if they couldn't be useful as well? [break][break] Unfortunately, Ichiyo had interrupted that little playful exchange, Ichiyo making a mental note to ask Mei about further details once they were back alone. With Ichiyo, though, that may not come soon enough. The man was a legend, as skilled in the courtroom as he was happy to brag about those endeavors outside of it. For as much as Akito owed him a hell of a lot of his current success, he could certainly be a bit much, and that was without mention of the lechery, dishonesty, and underhanded dealings that frequently plagued his evenings. [break][break] "Oh my, so you're the man I have to thank for Akito's success." [break][break] Well, that was certainly pleasant to hear, a pleased grin spreading across Akito's features as he glanced at Mei, appreciation and perhaps the slightest tint of admiration in his gaze as she straightened his tie. He let that thumb continue its faint caressing along her curvature as she leaned against him, his own gaze following hers back to Ichiyo's form. [break][break] "Correct. How is all of that going for you, Masao-kun?" he posed, not in the slightest actually interested, but knowing how infuriated his old competitor would surely get at having to address how severely un-successful his law endeavors had been. [break][break] "Well enough," Masao shot back, clearly perturbed by the topic, knowing all too well Akito's antics. [break][break] The latter had to stifle a chuckle as he noticed the way the other man's gaze purposefully avoided Mei's form, a prideful smile hidden behind another sip of his whiskey. He probably shouldn't have taken such pleasure in that form of flaunting--it wasn't the most productive of habits--but gods did it feel good knowing how severely and noticeably he'd surpassed that once-rival. As if fate were rewarding Akito for something, it chose that moment to interject, Masao's following words interrupted by his father's guffawing. [break][break] "Well enough!" he exclaimed, clear bitterness in his tone. "Hardly! The firm's been losing cases left and right since I retired. I don't know why the hell you didn't teach him a bit more of your tricks back when you both were in school, Miyasaki. Kid could've used them." A large, bellowing laugh left the old man, his elbow jabbing at his disgruntled son's side as he gestured to Mei. "Maybe then YOU'D have someone like that fawning over you." He turned his attention to the woman, smiling like the lecherous old fool he was, gesturing to the man at her side. "Fill us in lass; how'd you two meet? And how long did it take ya to want to follow this lad around? I bet hardly a few minutes, am I right?" [break][break] There was an expectant pause, Ichiyo waiting expectantly, Masao's face flushed with silent rage and embarrassment. This sort of show was surely not uncommon for the father-son duo, though it was certainly more entertaining with that little minx thrown in the mix, Mei becoming some symbol of power and success. Made her all the more enticing, really. Akito decided to let her lead, shooting her a quiet, brow-raised look of encouragement as he took another sip of whiskey, curious to see what she came up with. She knew how to keep secrets--the truth behind their relationship surely not about to leave her lips if she had any intention of continuing that little affair--so Akito was more than a little interested to see what fantastical story left those pretty lips.
And there it was, the fruits of her labor were handed to her in the pleased grin that spread across the lawyers face as her pleasing answer hit his ears. Years of experience allowed for her to build a repertoire of phrases and wording that was certain to keep her client satisfied with what he was paying for. The slight twinkle of admiration that shone into the onyx abyss that were his eyes was proof enough that she made the correct steps and that he wasn’t in any way offended by her vague remark from earlier. [break][break]
Similar to a content feline, the curves of her body that were caressed elicited a positive bodily response from the minx clad in sinful red. Maybe it was the few sips of bubbly champagne that she consumed in the beginning of this dragging event, or maybe it was the fact that her ‘daddy’ for the night was a suave fox rather than a sleazy pig that caused her to feel a little less on edge than usual. Unlike the occasional nights where she would have to swallow down the bile in the back of her throat whilst pudgy fingers attempted to slip up her dress, the atmosphere around this man was almost always sophisticated and classy, a stimulating mind game beneath their outward pleasantries that kept her vibrant. [break][break]
”Oh?” A curious hum slipped beneath her breath as the curt answer to her beau’s prodding cut through the air. It was obvious that he shot the question towards the other young man in order to garner an amusing response, one that was obviously a lie the second it fell from his lips. Mei herself knew little of Ichiyo and his son, other than that their law endeavors had taken a massive hit in the last years. And now that she was confirming the rumors that their was a change in ownership, it was crystal clear that Akito’s old acquaintance was the sole cause of it all. [break][break]
Before the aforementioned lawyer was able to further push the young man’s buttons with more of his prodding questions, the older Uesato boldly scoffed at the excuse of an answer. While he barked about his son’s pitiful losses that caused their legacy to be sullied, Mei’s lack of drink allowed her free hand to trail over the expensive fabric of his suit. From the beginnings of his bicep to the cuff of his wrists, her fingers trailed random patterns whilst her amused ruby gaze remained glued on the animated fool that openly berated his child and complimented her dazzling looks. It was a natural instinct, one of the various facets that caused her clients to favor her- not only was she a beautiful face but her body language was alluring enough to keep her temporary partner on their toes even in the most mundane of conversations. However, her fingers halted in their path when the gesturing Ichiyo suddenly turned towards her with an inquisition of his own, he wanted to hear the story of how they met. [break][break]
Mei’s initial reaction was to glance towards the man wrapped around her curves, but once she caught sight of his curious and encouraging expression an amiable grin of her own slipped back onto her painted lips. ”I’d be a fool not to follow this dashing man around.” A reminiscent sigh escaped her form, her gaze slipping back towards the older man with a quirked brow of her own. ”If you must know, Akito-san was actually representing my uncle in a super complicated case. I won’t go into the dirty details but let’s just say there was some mathematical errors in his tax forms.” She removed her hand from his arm in order to shield her mouth from the rest of the party in an obviously joking manner, as if anyone else actually cared about her “uncle’s” legal troubles. ”One day I was at this uncles house for dinner when this suave man in a suit waltzes in and barely even acknowledges me, which certainly wasn’t something I was used to. But over the next couple visits I got him to speak to me more and more until he was able to finally help my uncle win his case, to which he then finally asked me on a date.” A melodious giggle slipped from her lips along with those pretty little lies. [break][break]
”He actually told me he was just trying to keep things professional until the very end of my uncles case, not many men would be so valiant~ Right, Ichiyo-san?” Her gaze flickered from the man on her side to the one in front of her, practically goading him into spilling more lavish praises on the successful lawyer, much to the chagrin of his pitiful son that gloomed behind him. While the old guy in front of her was sure to eat the story up, she had to wonder if Akito would enjoy the delightful spin on their story that she conducted, but the end of the event was nearing and she wasn’t sure if she’d have time study his true reaction. This uncle was non-existent and actually one of her old clients that was busted for tax evasion by the government. The manner in which they met was actually true, although he managed to catch her in her own birthday suit in a not so graceful first meeting as that old sleaze didn’t care enough to keep track of what time his lawyer would show up. There were also many secret rendezvous beneath her poor clients nose, Akito had practically stolen her right from his arms. [break][break]
Well, the old fool did actually win the case in the end, but it cost him millions of dollars and his pretty little pet.
It was difficult, even for a performer like Akito, to stifle an amused chuckle at Mei's explanation, covering up the gesture with a long sip from his glass, finishing off the last bit of his whiskey. The tale wasn't far from the truth, but his mind spent the majority of her storytelling time remembering those first encounters, those secret rendezvous behind locked doors. His hand instinctively trailed a little further up and down her curves as he recalled just how many times he'd pressed her up against the sheets while that old fool had floundered about. [break][break] Akito had made the decision immediately that he'd steal her away; she was a far too precious delicacy to possibly leave in the care of that buffoon. It had been all too easy, too; he wasn't one to beat around the bush and Mei had responded in kind. A mutually beneficial agreement was staked and the rest is history. [break][break] "He actually told me he was just trying to keep things professional until the very end of my uncles case, not many men would be so valiant~ Right, Ichiya-san?” [break][break] A laugh actually did escape him at that final remark, though he covered it up well enough with some show at clearing his throat. Gods, she was perfect, wasn't she? He made a mental note to reward Mei handsomely for that little show, his lips finding the top of her head in some theatrical affection, a well-placed facade that garnered an approving nod from the elder Uesato. [break][break] "Sounds like our Miyasaki," the old man agreed. He reached forward, placing a firm, affectionate pat on the younger man's bicep, shooting him a not-so-subtle wink. "Keep up the good work, kid." [break][break] "Oh, I intend to," Akito replied smoothly, pulling his lips away from that field of violet. Feigning apology, he added, "Unfortunately, that does mean I'll need to cut our reunion short. I promised Mei we'd grab some dessert from our favorite shop before I dropped her off." And he glanced down at the woman at his side, smile filled with that--mostly--feigned adoration. "Shall we, my dear?" He waited just a moment for her to nod or comment her approval before flashing a grin at the Uesatos. "Excuse us, gentlemen." [break][break] And with that, he was turning away, hand easily smoothing to the small of Mei's back, a show of sensual possession as much as a guiding gesture as they angled towards the door. They were by no means actually heading out on some romantic escapade, though Akito certainly wasn't planning on sending Mei home anytime soon. No, there were plenty of activities he was more interested in pursuing that evening with his enchanting date. As he dropped off his empty tumbler with one of the lingering waiters, waiting for Mei to do the same, Akito leaned down to murmur in her ear. [break][break] "Lovely work back there," he cooed, warm breath coasting across the curve of her neck. "I'll have to give you a call next time Uesato invites me over for some boring family dinner." [break][break] He pulled away to nod his thanks at the waiter before continuing their trek out to fresh air, the stuffiness of that garish event and its blustering guests driving him batty. He stopped, however, when they exited the building and found themselves amidst a heavy rainfall. Akito's lips pursed, an aggravated sigh slipping from them. He'd dismissed the driver for the evening, his penthouse just a few short blocks away, closer if they made their way through a portion of Asahina Park. [break][break] "Great," he muttered, annoyance clear in his tone. Not much of a setback, but not ideal, and Akito Miyasaki always liked his plans to execute perfectly. "We'll have to call a cab, I suppose."
