Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

A/N: Just a forewarning, this chapter contains mature situations, including violence and sexual situations.

Chapter 7: Giving In

To stand firm and not become emotionally riled by the TK-Sabres antics was not an easy task. They continued to make their presence known in the area around 'Midnight Star', stirring up discord and put fear into those who refused to bow down to them. Scuffles were luckily avoided, words left unsaid, though the standoff continued to remain in a deadlock. But nobody was going to give in to the Sabres, and they played it cool and composed in response to the silent tension. It was clear the snubbing by ShenLong and his compatriots had stirred much agitation, but yet they hadn't put much effort into seeking violent confrontation in opposition. It did raise some confusion when the Sabres seemed to backed off a little in their provocation tactics, though some took it as a blessing. It seemed they had their minds elsewhere, leading to questions about what Kunimoto was really up to.

Nagi had spent the following couple of weeks making discreet patrols through the Shinjuku area, trying to pick up on what might be going on further behind the scenes. She quickly picked out certain places to be wary about staying around for too long, noticing a reoccurring pattern etched into the sides of some buildings – a rough symbol that resembled a sword. There were many of them over a wide area, signalling their continual growth. It didn't bode well for an easy resolution.

Though Nagi received some less than welcoming stares from some of the Sabres group and their supporters, there were a few people who despite their fears were willing to talk to her regarding the activities of the gang. One woman, a middle-aged bar maid at another establishment spoke secretively with Nagi one afternoon, saying that her son had shown signs of getting involved with the TK-Sabres. She had a rough idea where the Sabres main hideout was from following her son one night to discover what he was up to. She had lost sight of him late into her pursuit, though she was sure he had entered a particular place. She had been too scared to proceed any further, so had rushed home thankfully unseen. She gave Nagi the rough address. It did sound like the right place. ShenLong and his friends had mentioned during a meeting about a neighbourhood where the Sabres seemed to have their main base of operations. The woman had also mentioned that there were rumblings of a big operation that could soon be happening, something that went beyond the Shinjuku district, but she couldn't say what it was about as she had no other information about it. Nagi kept it in mind, relaying her information back to ShenLong and his group and making notes in her W.O.C report, holding out on sending the information through just yet until she could confirm that it was more than just a rumour.

With everything going on, Nagi knew she would have to keep on her toes, or things could completely get out of hand.


It was a quiet evening, calm and undisturbed. Maybe a little too quiet for those with a nervous disposition, but there were many in attendance at the 'Midnight Star' enjoying a peaceful drink, taking in what seemed like a rare moment of amity.

"You can't ask for much better than this," Selia said to her usual companions, taking in the room with a smile. "See, the minute we start doing things a little different those numbskulls lose their bearings."

While many bars may have allowed the TK-Sabres to run riot and engage in their thrills for violence, the the 'Midnight Star' stood tall and defiant. There was so much expectation on both sides for something to happen, but as of yet, no bold moves had been made. It seemed like things were starting to settle down in Shinjuku, and with that came the assumption that the Sabres would eventually grow bored and move on. But nobody was ready to believe that just yet. The calm was hanging by a flimsy thread and they didn't think it would take much to break it. People had become so conditioned to expect chaos that they were just waiting for something to come along to ruin everything. Though not if the likes of ShenLong and his comrades could help it. Whatever challenges made had been diverted by cunning words. They would fight intimidation with indifference and intelligence. And it seemed with Kunimoto not rearing his head they were just about managing to succeed in their efforts.

Koneko brought a tray of drinks to their table, handing them around to ShenLong, Ryou, Selia and Kei respectively before giddily skipping off to help her father.

"Cheers!" Kei said, clinking glasses with his companions.

ShenLong sat back sipping his beer as he listened to the others converse about recent events. He had been quite amused by how events had unfolded, enjoying this new game he'd been playing, maybe even more so for the prize he was getting aside, though Nagi had yet to reveal when he was going to be presented with it. In some ways, he was glad he'd gone down this path, somewhat quelling the aggression with more focused tactics. He'd particularly enjoyed confusing a man – who'd approached him one night with the intent to stir him into a fight – by reciting a poem he had read once about a naked woman and a crane. The man had been so bewildered that he'd simply walked away, not sure if the tiger Zoanthrope had been on drugs.

ShenLong finished his beer, handing the empty bottle to Hou as he came around in the middle of his usual procedures for closing up for the night. "Kunimoto is too busy with whatever his next big venture is to really care anymore it seems," he added into the conversation. "They're losing their power and influence around here. The less people give into their shit, the less they seem to matter. I hope he realises that he's never going to get what he wants around here."

"That Kunimoto's a smart guy," Ryou said with some concern. "It's probably best not to count him out just yet. Whatever else he's got planned, I'm pretty sure it's going to cause even more problems."

"It's all rumours!" Kei waved off. "He's nothing more than a punk with an inflated ego. Whatever he's up to, it's probably just another scheme doomed to fail. People are starting to stand up and show that they don't take him seriously anymore!"

"We'll see how things go," Selia added with a shrug. "It's early days yet. We can only hope they'll eventually back off and go away permanently."

If only they knew what that the Sabres not only had plans for them, but also for those in more powerful positions.


Nagi stepped out of the bathroom, towel drying her freshly showered hair. At the same time, the phone on the bedside table began to ring. She strode over, sitting down on the edge of the bed with a bounce as she picked up the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Long time no hear!" Yugo's voice jovially greeted. "What's been happening? Why haven't you called me?"

She rolled her eyes, tucking her legs under her panty-clad rear. "Because I've been working hard, that's why. I've been compiling a big report for you to skim-read."

"Oh?" He pressed, rolling on the word.

"Well, we've got more details on the true hideout of the TK-Sabres, which should be a help in case we need to round them up all at once. And well, we've managed to slightly quell some of the looming violence with a more tactical approach. ShenLong and the others have continued to ignore their demands while creating a little bit of confusion to distract them from pursuing hostility. I think a lot of people are picking up on the Sabres loosening grip and are being bolder when dealing with them. But I do think a lot of the calm is coming from Kunimoto not being around so much. I'm still trying to find out what this big operation is that seems to be his new focus."

"And you've not come up with anything so far?"

She flopped back onto the soft cotton covers. "Nope, nothing."

"It'll probably come out at some point. But with the Sabres, as long as you guys know what you're doing, keep it up, as long as it's not just pissing them off."

"Well, that's part of the plan," she said chuckling.

"Well, I hope it's not making it any worse."

"Doesn't seem like it. But I'm not letting my guard down."

"You better be careful, Nagi. You've already taken a beating once already."

She rolled over onto her front, staring into a mirror on the wall opposite, touching peachy unmarked flesh. There was no evidence left from the attack, all thanks to her accelerated Zoanthrope healing. "I'll be careful. I'm a lot more prepared this time, so hopefully I'll avoid getting anymore bumps and bruises."

"YUGO! Come on! We're going to be late!" A voice called out in the background to the young man. It sounded like Alice.

"Are you keeping your woman waiting for something?" Nagi asked sweetly.

He sighed. "I'm taking her, Uriko and Kenji to see a movie. Some lovey-dovey action flick. I'd better go before I get more of an earful."

"Be good to your little lady, she does a lot for you!" Nagi scolded.

"Yeah, I know," he answered sheepishly. "Right, we've got to go pick up Uriko. I'll talk to you another day, Nagi. Stay in touch."

"I'll try. Have a good evening."

"Later!"

"Bye." She jumped up and set the handset down, turning her attention to a box peeking out from underneath the bed. Kneeling down, she brought it up and placed it on the covers in front of her.

The box was rectangular-shaped and pure white, neatly wrapped with a bright red ribbon. Inside was the pink and white rose-patterned dress, the one ShenLong had pointed to in the shop window. He had been keeping his promise, not teasing her and steering clear of violent confrontations. She had left him wondering when he would get his little 'reward', just so she could enjoy the surprise on his face. As much as she wasn't a fan of cute pixie-like dresses, she had kept her word. And she'd even purchased some strappy white heels to match.

As she stared at the box, she could feel her face heat up, feeling slightly foolish. This was a little outside of her comfort zone. She wasn't a girly-girl in any respects – 'prettying' herself up was not something she usually partook in. Give her a leather jacket and matching skirt any day. But a promise was a promise. And it was for ShenLong.

For ShenLong... She blinked in shock as the sudden thought. When did I start wanting to do stuff for him?' This little dress was opening up something in her that she'd never expected; something softer and more amiable.

She'd spent her life hardening herself up to prevent any sort of soppy emotion from slipping out. She'd suffered far too many let downs and betrayals, particularly from the people closest to her. Maybe she was a little too used to people treating her terribly that she acted out and took a poor attitude with people. Though, the people who proved themselves to be good friends were forever held in high regard.

But what about ShenLong? Why was he suddenly a different matter altogether? He didn't seem the kind of guy to give up everything for just one person. And what was with him wanting to dress her up like a doll? Was it really a fetish of his, or maybe she was getting to peek behind his tough exterior and see something softer, something that he was probably seeking out in Nagi herself. But was this newfound connection they'd seemingly built just exploitation or was there some sort of 'need' hiding behind it all?

Whichever way, she had put her trust him in, seeing that he was a man who could keep a promise and prove there was some ounce of control in him. These past weeks had opened up a sort of bond between them. The way they had been together hanging out at 'Midnight Star' with his friends had been very relaxed, as if she'd always fit in there.

Maybe... Her fingers clenched against the sides of the box, the thumbs rubbing over the edges of the ribbon. Just maybe... I'm starting to fall in love with him...

She swallowed hard, the sudden jolt of emotion like a sharp slap to the face. The moment she thought the words, she felt something surface inside her that had previously been trying to hide itself. She was left reeling.

"Oh my god…" She whispered. "It can't be, can it? Is this really love?"

She stared at the box for the longest time, not sure whether she wanted to keeping engaging with these notions, in case she was just opening herself up for a world of hurt. Eventually, she shook her head, scattering the thoughts and emotions. Instead of considering such things too much, she decided to just let things play out as they happened. She knew she was going to face him that night, but what would the outcome be? Would she feel such strong emotions surface again when she came face to face with him, or would they hit an emotional brick wall on both sides?

There was only one way to find out.

Affirmed, she pulled on the ribbon and began to open the box.


"Bye bye!" Koneko waved to her friends as they parted company in town. She'd been out all day shopping and playing games at the huge arcade and amusement centre nearby that she hadn't realised that time had gone by so fast. After a milkshake, they'd all decided to call it a day and Koneko hurried back, practically skipping all the way home.

With recent changes in the atmosphere, she couldn't help but feel happier. Things were going a lot better for her father and the business, and there had been much less trouble happening close by. How many times had she had to stand by watching the Sabres spread their fear, even slap around some of the regulars at the bar? Shaking off gloomy thoughts, she let her mind wander to happier, fluffier things.

Checking her watch, she bit her lip slightly, realising she was almost at her curfew. "I hope Papa won't be too mad," she prayed. She sipped the last of her chocolate milkshake and tossed it into a bin along the way.

She was barely a street away from 'Midnight Star', when her path was suddenly cut off by a number of very dubious looking men. Coming to a stop, she glanced between them, counting about six or seven in the group. She gulped fearfully but remained composed.

TK-Sabres... Her face scrunched up with annoyance. "What's the big idea?! Just let me by!"

Her words fell on deaf ears as the men chuckled at her sardonically.

"You and your friends have been playing games with us…" One hissed, slowly approaching her. "Now that's a very silly thing to do."

"We don't like games," another bluntly added.

Though nervous, Koneko stood firm. "You're imagining things!"

"Is that so?" The first man said, and then suddenly cracked his knuckles. "You see, I think you're lying, little girl. But that's okay; you've given us a good reason to play a little game in return."

Sneers drifted around the group before Koneko, who was now frightened and had retreated a few paces, wanting to keep distance between them, but they were closing the gap very quickly, grubby hands reaching out for her.

Squealing, she ploughed forward through them unexpectedly, managing to knock the front men over, giving her an opening to run away. But they were hot on her heels.

Her legs pumped hard as she bolted away. She was so close to home yet it felt like a thousand miles away. She cried out, yelling at her pursuers to leave her alone. Their heavy footsteps pounded after her aggressively, making her heart beat loudly inside her ears. She could see a few people milling around, but seeing her situation, most ducked away, not wanting to get involved.

Two more Sabres appeared out of nowhere in front of her and she was forced to slam on the brakes. Instead, she turned right down an alleyway close by to evade them. She knew that if she ran around the back there, she would eventually arrive at the rear of 'Midnight Star'.

She only got so much further before a hand reached out to tug on the back of her hooded jacket. The motion made her pull away sharply and she lost her footing, skidding into a stray beer bottle and tripping. A burning sensation ran through her foot as she landed on the side of it before falling face first to ground.

She howled in pain, tears streaming down her cheeks. The agony didn't stop her trying to get away though. On her hands a knees, she scrambled, but one of the Sabres stood on her ankle – the one she'd just injured. The scream that ripped from her throat was pure agony. Spots flickered across her vision, nausea bubbling in her stomach – she fought the need to pass out, forcing herself to keep her focus.

Through blinding tears, she swiped at the offending leg with a balled fist. "GET AWAY FROM ME!" She yelled, sobs filling her voice.

She managed to punch him hard in the kneecap and he stepped back, yelling profanities, though a hand quickly came down and grasped a fist full of her dark hair and pulled her up. She screeched, struggling against the prickling pain. She thought he might rip chunks of her hair from her scalp.

Her lungs were on fire as she continued to scream into the night, that was until she was sharply backhanded into silence. Blood poured from her now split lip, splashing her clothes and onto the concrete below her.

"Filthy bitch!" The offending man growled into her ear. "I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget…" His other hand tore at her top as fingers groped for her small breasts.

Another scream bubbled in her throat, but before she could let it out, she felt herself being thrown away by force. The burning in her scalp disappeared when the man's grip was released so suddenly. She was surprised, almost breathless as she tumbled onto the concrete. She rolled over, clutching her ankle, though was surprised to see the man who'd grabbed her suddenly flying overhead, slamming face-first into a side of a dumpster.

She managed to sit up, relief welling in her chest at the sight of the newcomers before her.

"Kami-sama…" She muttered weakly.

ShenLong, accompanied by Kei, Ryou and Selia, blocked in the gathered group of Sabres. As much as they'd tried to maintain their non-violent plan, this unwarranted attack had changed everything. They looked ready to put these hoodlums down for good. Kei had already given the closest thug a slap that had cracked his cheekbone against the other wall.

Despite the Sabres enjoying a good fight, and clearly outnumbering them, most already knew of ShenLong's reputation as a fighter and didn't want to take him on, as they were sure they would have life changing injuries if they squared up to him. With looks between them, the men scattered, pushing past their foes. Only the man who'd been tossed against the dumpster remained. He slowly picked himself up, dazed from the attack. He didn't quite realise at that moment that he was alone, and failed to notice ShenLong's shadow crawling up his back.

Selia rushed to kneel beside Koneko. "Are you alright?"

"My ankle hurts…" The youth whimpered, dabbing her bloodied lip with her sleeve.

Ryou sighed. "So much for peaceful times, eh?"

"Hey, ShenLong, leave him for the dogs," Kei shouted after his friend. "He isn't worth the effort."

"Strange to hear that coming from you," Selia commented over her shoulder, handing Koneko a handkerchief.

Kei shrugged. "Hey, I like a good fight, but those Sabres are peons."

She shrugged. "That's true."

The Sabre stood, steadying himself using the handle of the dumpster. "You… cheap bastards…" He ridiculed, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

ShenLong was rigid, turning to look at Koneko whom was being helped to her feet by Selia. She was stemming the flow of blood from a nasty cut on her lip, which had already stained her bruised chin, torn top and the ground at her feet. Tears streaked her pale face as she sniffled weakly. Their eyes met. The fear that flowed from her was a cold slap of reality.

He was a fool to think this situation would easily go away.

Koneko was his family. Not a true blood relation, but close enough. They'd bonded when Hou had given him a job and a place to stay when he'd first arrived at 'Midnight Star'. He might have teased her constantly with her giving as good as she got, but he cared for her wellbeing. She didn't deserve this at all.

The Konoma's had offered him a second chance when he had nothing and nowhere to go, and this sweet young girl had done her best to try and make him smile every time she saw him.

He could smell Koneko's blood, sense her fear and sadness as it flowed over his skin. His eyes went to the tear in her top, which she was feebly trying to cover up to hide her bra from showing. To think that this usually carefree girl had been defiled in such a way, beaten and treated like a toy. He'd never expected to have become emotionally attached to anyone, but he had, and now his blood boiled, his mind swimming with fierce emotions. A lot of it stemmed from pent up rage against the TK-Sabres.

He'd had enough. This was too much for him to maintain any rational thought or composure. He grabbed the man by his hair and yanked him backwards. There was a yelped response but he ignored it as he – followed by his uncertain friends – dragged the man around the corner to the back of 'Midnight Star'.

"ShenLong!" Selia called over to him but she quickly realised he was blocking everything else out. There was no way to stop him without getting hurt. They just had to let him get it out of his system. Shit... Don't let this lead to something dire...

He was finding it difficult not to transform right there and then to rip the guy to shreds. The beast was just under his skin, waiting beneath the boiling surface. His eyes shone redder than ever, the irises feline-like as they focused on the Sabre lackey. The man looked up into the impassive eyes of the man above and realised he might not survive the night.

The others could only stand by and watch as ShenLong pinned the man up against a fence and proceeded to beat the man into a bloody pulp. Warm coppery liquid sprayed across everything in its path. The more he struck the man, the more blood exploded from his torn skin like a macabre rain. Shot after shot was heavier and deadlier than the last, and soon, all sorts of bodily matters was sent flying with blatant disregard. The man was screaming, but the sound was lost amidst the sickening crunches of every blow, and soon his voice was lost in gargling chokes as blood filled his throat and mouth. His body had become a meaty punching bag, his insides turning to sludge with each violent blow.

Koneko grasped Selia's arm, horrified by a side of ShenLong she had never thought existed. Had he really been so on edge this whole time, holding back his rage against the TK-Sabres? She couldn't believe the attack on her had been the catalyst to tip him over the edge, sending him into this insane frenzy. She didn't want this all to have been for her sake.

"Kami-sama!" She shouted to him, hoping he might stop.

"It's no good," Selia soothed, leading her towards the back entrance.

Hou had suddenly appeared at the back door to his bar, first taking in the dreadful state of his daughter before turning to see what ShenLong was doing to the man, or now, the bloody meat sack at arm's length.

The elder Konoma gaped, much like the rest of them, in complete shock. "Holy shit…"

The lone Sabre's shirt tore and he fell with a wet slap to the ground, spitting out teeth and unidentified globules onto the dirty concrete.

ShenLong stared down at his victim, completely soaked in dark viscous liquid. His clothes and hands dripped with blood, while his face was splattered in thin streaks. His body quivered, muscles twitching involuntarily. His skin shuddered in a particularly unearthly way, indicating the tiger was moving underneath barely being contained.

He slowly reached out again for the barely conscious man with every intention of beating him some more but was stopped by the sound of approaching footsteps. They echoed with a click as high heels slowly came to a stop close by. Everyone turned to the figure, who was bathed under the glow of a wall mounted lantern.

Nagi was rooted to spot, staring at the sight before her. Hou and Selia were holding a battered Koneko between them, who was clutching her torn top together timidly, all the while balanced shakily on one foot. Ryou and Kei stood a few metres away from the scene of the carnage, at the heart of which was ShenLong, hand inches away from the barely human looking creature writhing at his feet in pools of blood and other body matter.

She could feel it; the power of the beast tickling off her skin. In his glowing eyes she could see it – an animal hungry for blood. She couldn't believe it. After the promise he'd made, this had happened. Her feet were frozen to the spot, her face a mask of distress. The sweet scent of blood had started to fill her nostrils and she began to shake.

Something stirred deep inside her and she clenched her fists, willing it to go away.

With ShenLong, the world had gone into slow motion, everything around him so alive and loud. The air smelled rich, not only with intoxicating blood, but now with a hint of something else flittering through the breeze. A perfume of vanilla and magnolia floated around him, coming from the beauty standing a few metres away.

The gentle breeze jostled her auburn hair, and with it, he caught sight of the small ribbons tied on each side. His own words were conjured back to mind, reminding him of what he'd asked. And she'd gone through with it. She was wearing the dress, which was absolutely gorgeous on her. It flattered her hour-glass frame with such delicate splendour. She stood there all pale and enticing, almost glowing like a bright star in the darkest of nights. He couldn't take his eyes off of her luscious form, despite her face being cast with disbelief.

His stark eyes locked onto hers. He could almost taste her racing heartbeat through the air. Her expression, a mask of sheer shock, intrigued him. In the back of his mind, he'd realised he'd broken his promise, but he was so enticed by her in that moment he just didn't care. The man at his feet was promptly forgotten and he stepped over his broken limbs silently, approaching her with cat-like grace.

The tap of her little heels resounded around them as she stepped back a few paces, shaking her head.

"No…" She breathed and began to turn away.

He moved quickly before she could leave and grabbed her by the arm.

A shudder ran up her spine as she felt the lukewarm blood touch her skin. Disgusted, she yanked her arm away, but he promptly grabbed her again, by the wrist of the same arm and pulled her inside the backdoor of the bar, pushing past Hou and Koneko who followed after them, leaving the other three to crowd at the doorway.

Overcome with horror, Nagi shrieked, pulling away again and this time, took off as fast as she could in her heels through the back quarters of the bar.

ShenLong for a brief moment stood still. His face twitched, eyes flickering with animal hunger. Selia, who had stepped inside, reached out to touch his back, but a sharp glance at her with an inhuman growl stopped her mid-motion. He soon went in brisk pursuit of Nagi.

"Shit…" Selia muttered, bring her hands to her face. Kei came in, putting a hand calmly onto her shoulder.

"Kei!" Ryou called from in the doorway. "We should deal with him." He thumbed towards the horribly broken man still laid out on the ground.

"Okay. Uh, the city dump then?"

"Uh, I think the hospital would be more appropriate," Ryou more wisely suggested.

"Well, we aren't using my car!" Kei told him firmly. "I don't want blood on my seats!"

"We'll use my pick up. Come on." The men left.

Selia followed Hou and Koneko into a small kitchen area. The girl was set up onto the counter top so her injuries could be properly checked over.

"Kami-sama… Nagi…" The girl whimpered sadly, worried about what might happen between the two.

"Leave them to sort it out," the older woman insisted. Hou nodded in agreement.

Koneko prayed for them silently as her wounds were quietly attended to.


The sweet scent had been traced to the stairs, leading up into the rented accommodation above. ShenLong noticed a sleek white shoe on the bottom step, discarded. He followed the flowery fragrance upwards towards a spare bedroom, first on the landing. The other shoe was just inside the doorway. He stepped in without knocking. The light bulb was broken; the only illuminations in the small room came from a couple of neon signs outside, flashing on and off in timed intervals.

Nagi was at the window, bent forward, head pressed against the glass. His sharp hearing could pick up the distinct sound of her breathless sobs.

He managed to speak, but it came out in a growl. He was teetering on a line between human and beast, finding it hard to make his voice do what he wanted. "Why?" He managed to ask, his vocal cords rumbling deeply. "Why do you care so much?"

For a moment, she was silent, shaking as she forced her sobs into silence. Slowly, she moved to stand up straight, though remained staring out the window.

"I don't care for that man… I don't care if he live or dies," she spoke softly. "That's the scary thing. A long time ago I would have cared, even just a little, but now…" Her eyes clamped shut as the tears spilled more freely. "… I seem to enjoy it. The smell… I couldn't believe it. It was so… tantalizing."

He started to step closer, but she turned sharply, putting her back to the window.

"Don't!" She commanded sharply, raising a shaky hand before her. He did as he was told and stopped, waiting, though it was taking a lot of effort for him to comply with her request. The smell of blood hung around them heavily, the scent coming from him as it was plastered to both his skin and clothes. It blended with her perfume, creating a strange concoction, but it still drove him wild. He wanted her, right there and then. The beast within urged him on, but he held back for the moment.

"It's starting to make sense now... everything..." She muttered dolefully. "And I hate it... I hate that it wants to take over me... this need... for blood, for violence..." She stared at her palms, her lips quivering. "I never use to be this way," she whispered, slowly lifting her hands to pull the ribbons from her hair. They fluttered forgotten to the floor. "I was human once... and you know, sometimes I miss it – the uncomplicated nature of the human condition... but sometimes... I don't. But right now, I miss it so much... because... I'm afraid... of what's inside me... afraid of what it wants. The smell of blood in this room... it makes me lust so much for violence and death, and I know that's bad, and I keep telling myself until my stomach twists in knots that it's not right, but I can't stop the thoughts." She looked at the blood marks on her arm from where he'd touched her before, and then turned her face away, eyes closing tightly. "I guess, even when I was human, I got a little violent sometimes, just because I'd been hurt so much. I was weak and I hurt other people to protect myself, just so that I felt safe. But fighting was always the last resort. I knew I was better than that, knew I could fight my fights without raising my fists. But... with becoming a Zoanthrope, it's always inside me now, this need to challenge everything physically... to fight above all else." She gave a long, shaky sigh. "I've accepted what I've become, but sometimes it hurts... when I think I'm losing control of who I am." She looked back to him, the conflict in her eyes plain and clear. "I'm scared of it. It's just sometimes I don't understand it... this animal instinct, this need to cause pain. These feelings keep trying to take over me." Tears, like raindrops, fell onto the woven carpet as she gave in to her despair. "There's supposed to be a moral line inside me, but I can't seem to find it. What's happened to me?" She sobbed. "I don't really know who I am anymore. I'm fighting against myself, struggling against two minds. I don't know what I should do, or who I should even be. Sometimes I don't know which thoughts are really mine!"

He moved forward again, not waiting for her to consent him. She took a step back and hit the window ledge with a jolt.

"You don't have to fight it," he growled. "Every thought inside you is yours whatever part it comes from." She clasped her hand to her mouth to try and stop herself from sobbing, though the tears kept falling. His expression tightened. "You say you've accepted what you've become and yet here you are crying for what you've lost, crying for what you're failing to understand about yourself." He had to pause to take a moment to control himself, so close to just letting go and shedding his human skin. Taking a deep breath, he began speaking again, tone strained. "You know it yourself, trying to stop the fighting is just like caging wild beasts. In the end, your confusion and stupidity brought us here, Nagi! This is what happens when you don't know what you're really doing. We've tried playing it your way, but the blood is still hitting the floor." He tilted his head to the side, almost cat-like. "And the minute it does, we bask in it, wanting to taste it, because it's what we are."

"We're not monsters!" She cried out with anger. "We're people! We have choices!" She moved her hands to press on the window ledge, gripping it hard enough to crack it. "I just want be good, to live a peaceful life and put aside the violence, but I know I can't! I can't escape it, because it's in here." She pointed at her chest, stepping away from the ledge towards him. "And I know that it's pushing me right now, telling me that I should follow you, walk the same path as you, and follow my instincts. I wish there were an easier way to handle this, but there isn't, and I have to walk down a hard path which is making me question who I am."

"Who are you then?" His voice questioned huskily, bending forward so that their faces were close together.

"I'm... me... I'm Nagi... but I'm also the Spurious..." Her breath hitched. She was a woman and a beast – human rationale with animalistic drive – the perfect amalgamation of a creature born to fight and survive. She was a product of conflict, born of violence. But it wasn't always down to the beast to cause violence. Humans were pretty capable of that too, while animals could also be calm and tame. Did she really have to make a choice between them? Why cause internal conflict when she could be both? I'm a Zoanthrope. I am whatever this is supposed to be.

"And what do you feel, Spurious...?" He murmured.

"I feel... strong... I feel like... my heart knows what it wants, and..." She forced herself to take another deep breath, her eyes firmly fixed on him, going with an impulse deep from within. "... I love you."

He froze upon hearing the words, taken aback by the revelation. Her face heated up, and she looked away. She couldn't believe she'd said it out loud.

"I... I'm sorry... I understand it's so sudden, and I get it if you don't feel the same. It's just, in many ways, we're alike. We want to protect the things that shape our worlds, the people, the places... and we do that through fighting." Her breath shook as she exhaled slowly. "It's thanks to you that I've finally faced up to who I am. I wanted to prove people wrong, that I wasn't driven by such coarse things, but I guess I didn't know myself all that well. Maybe I've blocked it out, tried to put a smile on, so people wouldn't know what I was like. But you've looked at me and seen straight through it all, and you haven't treated me like I'm insane. I just feel something here between us, something comfortable... safe even. You make me feel unashamed of who I am." Her hair hid her face as she looked at her feet, finding the courage again to repeat her sentiments in a soft voice. "I love you, ShenLong. You're the only one I want to see me for everything I am, and... I want you to feel it can be the same for you as well." She covered her face, suddenly nervous now that she'd imparted the very basis of her emotions. "There, I've said it."

These last few weeks had been an experience for them both, and the memories of laughter and common understanding shared had finally laid out everything in a substantial way before them. It highlighted a certain something that had been underlining everything, waiting to be said. It had been inevitable that their close interactions had caused something to become rooted between them, and it had begun to grow and blossom.

A spark had been ignited. There was no going back.

His hands suddenly grabbed her shoulders, careful not to touch the dress. His eyes burned hungrily.

"Take it off," he ordered. The words were so deep they barely sounded like words at all, as if they were caught between a human and animal voice, but her keen hearing had understood them. He was fighting the change. There was just so much pent up energy wanting to burst out of him in waves. Desire pulsed off his body, touching her with a prickling heat that suddenly stirred her own carnal needs.

Without a word, she slipped her hand behind her back and pulled the flimsy zip down. The sheer material fell from her in a flutter onto the carpet. She was left standing in pearl-white lacy underwear. Just what he'd wanted as well, but neither took this fact into account in that moment.

He literally tore his bloodied shirt off. Buttons bounced around them and skittered across the floor. The material fell heavily to the carpet next to her dress.

His lips hovered above hers, his warm breath brushing her face. "I want you."

She couldn't find a single thing to say. Instead, her body answered for her, moving her forward to wrap her arms around him.

He took the opportunity to capture her lips in a passionate kiss. His tongue invaded her mouth in one fluid motion, seeking out her own demandingly. She wanted to resist him, but her body ached and yearned ardently for him, and before she could conjure a single rational thought, she pressed herself fully up against him, trying to mould herself against the contours of his body. She let herself be led, burrowing her fingers into his tousled hair. Their kissing was thirsty, without comprehension of what it was leading to. She could feel him drawing her in, seeking out a place to spill his overflowing power.

He directed her towards the nearby bed, and she jumped a little as she felt the soft mattress press against the backs of her knees. She was resistant at first, wondering if she should really let it go this far, though his hand decided the situation for her as he pushed her backwards. She bounced a little as she hit the springy mattress and sat up using her elbows, watching him with fixation as he started to strip off the last of his apparel. With the clatter of a belt and the snap of elastic, items were scattered in all directions, discarded and forgotten in the darkness.

She lay there breathless, realising in that moment that it was just him and her bathed beneath flashing neon – her simply clad in lacy undergarments, and him with just bare, excited flesh on display. However much she tried, she just couldn't look away. She let her eyes wander across every delightful inch of him. She was unsure how to proceed with this encounter and felt herself hesitate, but she could clearly see by his eyes that he was the one in charge, and she relented to let him to do what he so desired.

He wasted no time in crawling on top of her, leaning down to take in her exotic scent, lips and nose tucked against the curve of her neck. His breath at her throat sent a shiver down her spine.

He lifted her arm up, the one that he'd marked with blood. His red eyes looked hungrily over the crimson liquid smeared on her pale skin. In the blink of an eye, his tongue flicked across her flesh, lapping up the trail blood, each delicate drop at a time. He looked like a cat that had got the cream.

She should have been sickened by the spectacle, but her body said otherwise, suddenly awash with an intense need that left her gasping soundlessly. She'd never been so turned on in her entire life as she was right then. Warmth was spreading through her, quickly growing into a heated fire that sent a tingling sensation from her fingers to her toes.

Slightly trembling, she reached out and took his wrist. His eyes fixed on her, watching her with intrigue. He let her pull his hand towards her, her own tongue flicking out to coil around a bloodied finger, guiding it into her own mouth. The taste was coppery, maybe even a little sweet, though intensely luscious. Intoxicated, she lapped up finger after finger, wanting to get as much of the crimson liquid as she could.

He watched her eagerly as she suckled each long digit, savouring each and every second her tongue touched his warm flesh. She glanced up at him, almost able to feel the intensity of his need rippling throughout his body. He was becoming desperate to sate his wanton hunger, and appease the power threatening to tear his humanity to shreds.

She'd attempted to reach for his other hand to give it the same loving attention, but he refused her, instead, he pinned her hands by the wrists to the bed and assaulted her mouth once again. He wanted to share the bitter-sweet taste with her. Tongue against tongue, it was a fight for each and every last drop of the sanguine fluid.

She was truly at his mercy, no way to escape his desire. He overpowered her tenfold, his strength doubled by the power of the beast, almost ready to burst from within him. But she didn't want to escape; she wanted to embrace each and every part of him – both his physical body and the very essence of his being.

He broke the kiss sharply. A deep growl rumbled in the base of his throat. "Release me…" The words were forced out through a growl, only just perceptible to her ears.

She was uncertain at first as she stared up into his stark eyes clear with animal hunger. He needed to release that inner power, and her body was the only outlet for it. She needed to accept the beast's lust and cravings. There was still so much raw energy left to extinguish from after his violent encounter, and it was down to her to help him. She knew she was ready to take it into herself, let him fill her core with his power; with it, she would absorb his carnal passion and calm the beast's unruly temper.

I'll be your prey, food or lover... Feast on me, fill me up... I'm not afraid... She let her inner voice speak through her expression and he read her perfectly. And with a smile on her soft lips, an agreement was sealed.

Nervous excitement crept up her spine, and she basked in the fact she had driven him right to the edge. And now it was up to her to alleviate him of his beast power.

Purposely slow, she began to remove her bra and panties, never breaking the eye contact between them. She wasn't going to let him trash these expensive garments, not in his irrational, agitated state. With the items tossed safely away, she too was bare, all her creamy flesh on show. She almost seemed to glow with radiance beneath him. He pressed their bodies together, needing to feel every part of her intimately; to be close to inhale her sweet scented perfume.

Tanned and peachy flesh moulded together in perfect unison. He almost crushed her into the spongy mattress in their embrace, not that she minded one bit. Her eyes fell closed, absorbing the warmth as his hands worked their magic on her. His touch was electric, creating metaphysical sparks across her skin as the very tips of his fingers explored her most sensitive areas, sending tantalising tingles throughout her body. Her responses came out in gasps and moans of pure delight as her skin prickled eager for more.

But he didn't want to play games anymore. After hearing her sweet cries, he knew he wanted everything she could give him. She was just as eager, the sound in her voice signal enough that she had a similar need. She gave no resistance as he spread her legs, and with a powerful thrust he penetrated her, connecting them completely.

Her back arched, her eyes seeing stars as a new sensation flooded her senses. At first there was pain, but it slowly started to melt away into unyielding pleasure. She wanted to scream with delight, but the sound never came, lost somewhere deep inside her ardour-ravaged body. Instead, she dug her fingers into his back, resisting the urge to drag her nails down his flesh, driven to the edge of insanity.

Compelled by the beast energy roaring through his body, he gave himself to her, each thrust more intense than the last. She rode with the power, letting throaty cries slip passed her lips until her voice disappeared in a mixture of gasps and blissful tears. His own guttural groans tore through the dark room like a knife. His pace never slowed, fuelled by her vocal passion; and the louder her voice, the faster and harder he went.

She could feel a blinding heat surge up through her, and she knew she was nearing the end. She tried to say his name, tell him she was close, but it was if she'd forgotten how to form words. He suddenly sunk his teeth into her shoulder, and that's when it all came crashing down, like a huge wave hitting the shore.

Nagi was almost certain she'd gone blind as the desire exploded deep down inside her, clamping her muscles tightly around his manhood.

His power filled her up, searing through her veins hot and sharp, making her whole body feel alive. She screamed hoarsely with pain and desire, locking her legs tightly around his hips. He literally roared above her, slamming against her one last time as he relinquished the last of his passion and power into her body.

In the aftermath of the release, there was nothing but a thick silence, the room settling into a welcomed calm. It seemed darker then it had been before, the room blanketed by the obsidian night. With emotions spent and their bodies exhausted, they settled into the soft mattress still intertwined, riding the waning pulses of energy flowing beneath their skin. She was too tired to open her eyes again. Her head drooped against a pillow as she listlessly pulled it beneath her head. He nuzzled her gently, settling down with her, one hand stroking her arm idly in an almost loving gesture.

What did we just do? Nagi might have tried to spare a thought for what she had just done and if the emotions behind it were honest and real. But for now, she just revelled in satisfaction as she drifted off to sleep, a smile on her lips.