My thanks to my readers for your encouragement and comments! Note that this contains language, and adult situations, but nothing beyond an R rating. And now more of the action…

Chapter 22

Club Nightingale was small and smoky, yet still upper crust. Victor Creed stepped out of the limousine he had ordered for the evening, and held out his hand to his young charge. Jubilee, AKA Juliet Ling, enclosed her hand in his massive one and let him tug her gently out to stand next to him. He drew her arm through his, and strode impressively into the front entrance. Other cars and limousines pulled up to the awning in a similar manner, parking at a premium in the crowded streets of downtown Tokyo. Dress code was black tie, and a big band played music from the Glenn Miller era.

"What kind of place is this?" Jubilee whispered.

"It's a fence fer high priced client's t' trade info. Dis place is one a da cleaner ones run by the Yashida family. Kinda a market fer info. Where the bad japs meet da good," he whispered. "Stick right next t' me an don't leave my sight. Even if ya gotta take a powder, lemmie know. Dey'll eat ya for breakfast, pretty young thing like you."

"So, I'm your escort?"

"Pretty much. Ya see all dese birds? They're wives, girlfriends, or high priced hookers…"

"Geishas?"

"Nope. Dis place is more like da American clubs. Da Japs got a thing for American pop culture, suckers for Americana. So dis place is where the rich cats come t' play and chase birds, info, and deals. Most are legit customers, but the Yaks keep an ear to da ground and entertain. Other places like dis one are a WHOLE lot more colorful. Stick with me, an follow my lead."

"Keep my mouth shut?"

"Make nice-nice convo… an keep yer eyes open. Far as they're concerned yer my woman, so make with da hand holdin' and stuff. Act friendly like… but nothin' crazy. Now… let's go…" Victor whispered out of the corner of his lips. Jubilee squeezed his arm, and he tugged her closer. Her head only reached the height of his shoulder, and her legs were trembling under the short skirt.

"Good evening sir," said the man in American English.

"Nice night to ya too. Got a table?"

"Reservation?"

"Creed," he said quickly. "An guest."

"Nice… I haven't seen her here before…"

"She's new in town. Wanna take her out an paint da berg red, and all…" Victor rambled. "Now, gimmie a table where I can smoke a stogie in peace an still see a piece a da action…"

"You'll fit in well here," he said. "I have a table by the band, near the ballroom floor… this way, sir and miss…"

Jubilee walked alongside him, slipping off her shoes and slipping on a pair of sequined slippers Victor dropped from his coat pocket. He surrendered his coat and her wrap to the coat check girl, revealing his black suit underneath. He pulled out the chair for her, and she sat down, before he took the seat cattycorner to her. His knee bumped up against hers because his legs were so long. Even though she saw some Caucasians, the majority was all Japanese or other Asians. Likewise, the tables were slightly smaller, and while she had no problem, Creed had to straighten his legs out, and his leg brushed her knee.

"Anything to drink?"

"Champagne," Victor said. "An' make it quick."

Jubilee folded her hands in front of her, and glanced at him, giving him her attention. "You want a smoke?"

"Sure… ya mind?" he asked, shoving his zippo lighter out with one of his cigars. The cutter on his keychain snapped and made her unnerved. However she held up the lighter and flicked it, and he inhaled slightly. Smoke curled out of the tip, and he let it out of his mouth to direct away from her face.

Jubilee's hand was shaking, because she sensed that she was being watched. She slid her hand over and lightly overtop of Creed's. He lifted his hand and enclosed hers, feeling hers sweating. Bringing her chair closer she leaned in and whispered in his ear, "So now what?"

"We wait an' let 'em come out into da open. Just relax an look like yer havin' fun…"

"Sir… ma'am, your champagne," he said, in English. Creed grunted and nodded for the man to pour them each a glass. Jubilee wrapped her fingers around her glass, and saw Victor lifting his. Lightly she tapped hers to his and he took a good-sized swig. His green eyes watched and she slowly took a small sip, knowing she couldn't let on that she was younger than her ID said.

One sip fizzled like ginger ale, and she was glad he'd chosen the beverage. Also the man brought a single malt whisky and set it down next to his elbow. Menus were provided, and Jubilee mumbled as she struggled to decipher the English and what she could read of the Japanese characters. "You read Jap?" he whispered.

"Nope. Just Chinese. I can speak Mandarin and Cantonese though… not Japanese…"

"Might come in handy den," Victor whispered back.

"Hope you weren't asking me to translate."

"No flamin' way. I speak da lingo good enough. But dese people don't need t' know dat. I also read Jap. But dat's our little secret see…"

"Okay, gotcha," she nodded, prodding at her salad that was just set before them. Victor noted she had released his hand to keep one on her lap, and she was sitting up straight and formal. Also a good sign, that she knew how to act like a lady in public instead of a rowdy teenager. That gown and hairstyle put at least three or four years on her, making it no question she appeared legal.

"Excuse me, but may we join you?" asked someone who stood up straight.

"Champagne or whisky on da rocks?" Victor asked, and Jubilee's hand reached for his.

"Your choice," came the answer. The suited gentleman sat down, and they saw the blend of Japanese and Caucasian features. Oddly he reminded Jubilee of someone she had seen in the X men's file.

"So, ya knew I was in town, right? Sent da reception which was so warm n' all… didn't ya…"

"Wasn't my idea that she had other ideas, Creed. However you should consider yourself fortunate for our hospitality… after all, you wouldn't want your new lady to have a poor visit," said the man. "And I haven't had the pleasure…"

"Da bird's Juliet Ling. First time in town, an I'm showing her da sights…" he said as the man kissed her hand. His blue eyes sparkled with intrigue, something that reminded her of Gambit's charisma.

"The pleasure is mine, Miss Ling. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mr. Shinobi Shaw… an old friend of Mr. Creed. I'm to understand that you had some travel difficulties…"

"Victor's taken good care of me, right sweetie?" she said as she stroked Victor's hand. He nodded.

"Yep. Ya made sure we got settled in ok. But since I was in town, thought I'd pay ya a visit."

"Considerate of you. You and I have a reputation to keep, after all. And you have not failed to deliver in the past, although your methods are… unorthodox, and you lack a certain je nes se quos… but you get the job done."

"Always. Fer the right money. But enough of da small talk… ya wanted to meet up with me, and I figure we have the same goal in mind…"

"A certain problem has happened. It seems someone has the idea that I aspire to somehow become unpopular with some very close friends… certain revelations have come to light… which you are doubtless aware of…"

"Yeah. I heard. An' also seems like I'm a popular guy…"

"So I've seen. We have a common rival. It would be a shame to have something happen to a certain young lady, which we both know well… since she has only just come back out of obscurity. Seems intriguing how she has suddenly returned to Japan when she is most needed…"

Back at the Yashida Ancestral home, the banquet had wrapped up. Logan and Lady Mariko had been escorted to her private chambers, in the heart of the palace main building, and left alone. Both were sitting or rather kneeling by a low window that overlooked the garden from the third or fourth level of the massie building. Logan could see the inner courtyard not far away, and other buildings adjoining theirs. Now, dressed in a less impressive yet still ornate kimono, she sipped a bit of saki, and watched him pace the chamber.

"Darlin I need to know just why in the hell Creed would want to be mixed up in all this. Sure I know there's money and power an' all with the Clan… and that he accepted you as some sorta payment for something, but why in HELL would he suddenly help YOU? I thought you melted the fucker's face…"

"That's what I want to know, Logan-chan," Mariko shivered.

"Ya shoulda let me skewer that goddamn Cajun… I wanted to waste him so badly," Logan growled, and then kneeled next to her.

"That would accomplish nothing. Like it or not, he DID the Clan a favor by recovering the sword, albeit by stupid luck, and as such we owe him much…"

"Even though the stupid shit brought more trouble on us?" Logan asked.

"Even so, he'll be able to make it up to me… to us," Mariko said softly, stroking Logan's face. "And the other X men, if they stand by me in this… they'll have to have the proper training as you will get in Clan etiquette and customs… I know that you've trained Kitty Pryde in martial arts… and I know Gambit is quite adept at hand to hand but Kurt and Colossus…"

"They'll learn. Both are scrappers. And ya gotta admit they aren't trained in the same martial arts I'm guessing as the Yakuza. You know as well as I do that in Weapon X they taught us the styles to counter whatever we were up against…"

"Dirty and deadly… and I fear that Colossus and Kurt will have to face the possibility of killing… I know the X men swore never to take lives… and I only fear their sense of duty…"

"Gambit can deal. So can Kitty. She may look innocent, but that kid's faced a nasty couple of things already. Her parents are all screwed up. Divorced. Lots of stuff that she didn't tell nobody but me… an'…"

"I have seen you two occasionally sparring… you've taught her much Weapon X knowledge… and she has the necessary intelligence and a maturity that comes out in a pinch… I know we can count on them… but asking them to fight for me…"

"You're still leader of X men red. They chose to come here, and the Professor I'm guessing didn't raise holy hell. If Hydra's involved, and Lady Deathstrike we'll need other mutants fighting with us… I just wish that I knew who ELSE was going, and where the FUCK Creed was…" Logan muttered, his hand forming a fist.

"Ironic, isn't it? Thinking that I'd never be drawn into my family's problems again, and here I am being expected to lead… Logan, I'm scared. Terrified. And I don't like it… I mean I was terrified before, but now…"

"I'm here darlin'," Logan shushed her, seeing the vulnerability in her dark eyes. "You're a scrapper too, remember…"

"In this culture, for women… nobles to fight is an anathema. Only if my very life was threatened… that's the need for a champion. If this were 16th century, you'd do all the fighting on my behalf…"

"Then ya gotta let me fight these bastards. You gotta stay alive. I'm not an expert on Japanese culture. Hell what I learned was pumped into my head for some mission, and half of its… damn… but my gut tells me they're expecting ME to slice n' dice, and you to act all prim an' proper. And I know ya hate it after being able to fight your own battles… you did the right thing pickin' me… cause all these guys are male chauvinist shitheads, no offense… and you bein' noble blood will make sure if ya even lift a finger to fight… they'll lose their respect or whatever for ya…"

"You are more correct then you know…" she said, frustration burning in her dark eyes. "The martial arts I learned before Weapon X were only because my father thought it best for me to know basics in case I had nobody to defend me. Shiro and my half brother learned FAR more than I."

"I've seen ya scrap. You're deadly…"

"Only because I continued to train, and the necessary knowledge was forced into me, by Creed. He helped make me the warrior I am. The other techniques were reinforced by my cousin Shiro. He taught me what he know because he was a mutant… the rest I developed through my exposure to Creed and his own skills…"

"I didn't know the bastard knew any martial arts other than Weapon X… we used some other katas… but with half my memory gone…"

"Creed never forgot. I think he's FAR more familiar with Japanese culture than he'd admit. He hated Japanese with a passion, because he mentioned he'd served in WWII as an OSS operative for hire. And he mentioned you a few times… alongside him and the other X 5 series. In fact he speaks fluent Japanese and a considerable number of other Asian languages. Though he acts the bigot, he knows his 'enemy' well."

"Still can't get my head around the fact that he wants to HELP you? He wanted to kill you… unless… that asshole thinks in some sick way that he can make you HIS…"

"I think that might be so. And yet if he knows, he must know we're together… and there is no way in hell to get to me unless through you… but there might be another reason he's helping me…"

"He sometimes likes to save his enemies so he can have revenge his own way, darlin'," said Logan with a shiver. "Or else it's that you two have the same blood."

"Wouldn't he kill his own flesh and blood?"

"No. Not if they're mutants like him. Yeah the jerk thinks ya betrayed him, but that pack instinct and the fact yer a female might be enough to get that son of a bitch to have some damn loyalty… otherwise why would he have kept ya alive?"

"Alive and suffering is a far greater revenge. To live with the dishonor is worse than dying," she said quietly. "If I were still the Lady Mariko they knew, I would have committed hara-kiri a long time ago… killed myself… but because I've been an X man and been exposed to western ways, I see that dishonor can always be changed. And as Michelle there is no stain of dishonor… for I have a new purpose to live… but Logan… I miss it so much… and to never…"

"Don't say never. For all we know yer uncle may still be alive, an' maybe he'll let us both go back to that life…" Logan said as he cupped her face. "You're the best that's happened to me that I can remember, baby, an' that's gotta mean something in this screwed up world."

She slid her arms around his neck and he gripped her upper arms in his strong hands. Afraid to dig his fingernails into the silk of her robe and ruin her ceremonial garments, he tugged her towards him and received what he thought was going to be a dainty kiss. However it was deep and full of the passion that he had shared before. Under the surface she was very much not the dainty and proper lady, but a wild and passionate woman simmering under the façade.

Shinobi Shaw's green suit set him out against the other patrons of the club. Spiked hair fringed his forhead and the crown of his head, blending into a slightly modified long cut that fell past his shoulders. Blue eyes watched Jubilee and Victor carefully, his gloved hands long, slender and graceful, matching his equally tall and slender frame. A head and shoulders above the typical Japanese, his angular cheekbones suggested British ancestry, and his accent was laced with a hint of proper Queen's english. Immaculate manners added to the picture that he was a gentleman of fine breeding, who perhaps had a Japanese mother and an English or Canadian, perhaps even American father.

Sebastian Shaw's son. Creed had filled her in the details of this man, and what to say and what not to say. Only in his mid twenties he had resumed his father's financial empire in the East, while his father continued Hellfire club activities that privately funded parts of Weapon X program. The fact he was a son of a powerful benefactor spared him from the typical processing, and most did not know he was the son of a mutant. The old boys network DID protect its own.

"You seem disturbed, miss," said his lovely companion, and she turned to see a purple haired Japanese woman sitting in the chair next to him. Her wrapjacket smock was high collared and buttoned, her hair pinned up in a butterfly shaped comb. Violet eyes fixed Jubilee in a penetrating stare, and looked with some disdain at Victor Creed.

"May I present Miss Kwannon, my personal assistant. As you doubtless have guessed, she is a mutant with a certain eye for… authenticity. Your concern for the Lady Mariko seems touching…"

"It is heartfelt and genuine, especially coming from you, Miss Ling… rest assured we mean her no harm. Only the fools that would stand between her and a most satisfactory deal that would protect Yashida from dishonor…"

"Now… shall we dance with the rest of our guests… and perhaps you may show us how well you remember what I have seen last time," said Shaw. "Miss Kwannon… if you will do me the honor…"

"Yes Mr. Shaw," she nodded. He took her hand and slowly led her away. The men standing nearby made Jubilee nervous, and she took Victor's hand without question. The band music covered their conversation, and she noticed that they were surrounded by other patrons that seemed to resemble those he had walked in with. Even the ladies with them were carefully watching without watching.

"Um… Vic…" she asked.

"Follow my lead, Jujube," he whispered. "It's gonna be okay. We're just making nice…"

A slow waltz drifted out from the floor, and Shinobi tossed his coat to one of the other men who had entered with him. Reaching out a white-gloved hand, he extended it to Kwannon. Her long skirt was slit up to the mid hip, and spilled around her knees with purple silk. Her long hair in two buns had pieces hanging down from it, and Jubilee noted the butterfly motif woven in the silk, and in the twin combs. A purple ribbon belt was tied about her waist, and hung down her back. Shinobi and Kwannon moved with a fluid grace that came from a lifetime study of martial arts.

"Dance along with us, and we shall continue the conversation… uninterrupted. Those hear will not repeat what is spoken," said Shaw. "But dance close…"

Creed grasped Jubilee's hand and pulled her one arm around his waist, and clasped the other. She felt his hand at the small of her back, and began to follow his movements. Indeed he moved with a catlike grace that belied his bulk, and he was surprised to see her follow far easier than he figured for a girl her age. "Fine… as long as this ain't some waste of time…"

"It is good of you and your young companion to do us this honor…"

"Uh huh, pretty funny how dat works out, isn't it?" Creed nodded. "An' if ya know dat, I tink ya know why I'm here…"

"She has brought some friends, and it seems she's quite worried about where her poor uncle has vanished to. She suspects that perhaps I had something to do with it… but unfortunately it is only my own interest to have him returned safe and well. Now that his niece has returned home, it would be nice for them to have a reunion…" said Shaw as he twirled lightly around and moved in the same space near them.

"Lady Mariko," Jubilee said. Victor nodded.

"You are well informed. Lady Mariko is back, and she seems to think I have some stake in the disappearance of her uncle, Lord Shingen. At least she was given that impression that I was somehow… responsible… and I suppose it would be her cousin that gave her that impression… I only wish to reassure her somehow that I have only her family's best interests in mind. After all, I can help her ease the pressure and dishonor of certain… past unfortunate associations…"

"Yeah, I heard. So, ain't anything bad gonna happen to da Lady is dere?"

"Not at all. I'm sure you will see that she stays safely out of the way, and stays inside the palace where she belongs, whilst I assist her brother in the search. I know where he's disappeared to. And I also know why you are so popular…"

"Uh huh… why Pocahontas, da bird, an da maverick are on my tail, huh?" he nodded.

"They are foolish pawns of the creature with many heads. An unholy alliance is using those that you trained. And it seems they are QUITE unhappy you are here, and that someone you knew well in the past has been chosen as her champion…"

"Uh huh. I know she got da urban cowboy to play Sir Lance," said Victor. "An he's dere now. He ain't gonna let anyone get close…"

"Indeed. But I am sure that he will have his hands full. I have been informed that there is a chance that your… Pocahontas knows that someone thinks our Lady would serve a better cause as a martyr… so it is in her best interest to keep well out of our way. Your job is to keep them guessing. Flies in the ointment as it were…"

"Shall we sit down and rest this one out, Mr. Shaw?" asked Kwannon.

"Indeed. Join us for a glass of wine to the side here…" said Shaw. He led them off the dance floor, his arm tucked in Kwannon's, over to the bar area. She sat down on a nearby stool, and Victor took the one next to him. He reached down and grabbed Jubilee by the hips, sitting her on one knee as he rested his foot on the brass rail. She felt his arm around her waist as he moved close enough to where Shaw sat in between him and Betsy.

"Cigarette?" Shaw asked, reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out a silver case.

"No thanks, got my own smokes," said Creed. Jubilee pulled something out of her purse, and set it down in front, since Creed's one hand was occupied keeping her in place on his lap. He watched her hold it up and seized it lightly between his lips, while she flicked his silver zippo lighter.

Kwannon reached over with a flash of purple in her fingers, and Jubilee saw a small disposable lighter in her purple-gloved hand. Shaw inhaled the smoke, and let it curl over the bar. "Two whiskies please… and whatever the ladies want…"

"Saki," said Kwannon.

"Rum and coke," Jubilee said, watching the violet eyed Japanese lady carefully. Something darn familiar about her, she figured.

"So, I keep 'em occupied… while all you guys beat up on each other and make nice, right?" Creed asked.

"Yes. And should anyone see fit to… take advantage and something unfortunate should happen to Lady Mariko, it is your job to see that her champion is suitably distracted, and somehow prevent her from coming to an untimely demise. They will suspect that I have some hand in his disappearance, and it would be very unfortunate if she were to disappear as well…"

"Where is this Shingen guy?"

"In Madripoor," said Shinobi Shaw, inhaling on his cigarette. "He is quite safe and protected, thanks to my associates. He merely has to consider a generous offer, and he will be granted safe passage away from the many headed monster who wishes his clan's resources for himself…"

"Um… sorry to interrupt, but we're supposed to what again?" Jubilee asked, and was afraid when Kwannon lifted an eyebrow. Victor squeezed her lightly and shifted her back onto his lap, because she had slid forwards.

"Da frail wants to know a little something… she's new to dis all. She kinda likes to be in da know if she's gonna help me out…" Victor explained. He did not seem angry, as he glanced at her and nodded slowly, smoke curling out of his lips while he rested his smoke in the ashtray before him.

"Granted. And I'm sure you'll make SURE she behaves herself…"

"I'm doing what big Daddy Vic says," Jubilee said, and thought how cheesy and lame that sounded.

"She's a good girly," Creed nodded, kissing Jubilee's cheek lightly and shifting as she slid her arm around his neck and sat sideways across both thighs.

"Well, Miss Ling… you and your 'daddy' have a big job for Mr. Shaw and friends. We saved you from the agents of Hydra… who wish Yashida's assets for themselves…" said Shaw. He tipped the bit of ash on the end of his smoke into the ashtray and peered at them through the haze generated by Creed's smoke sitting next to his.

"How do you help out…" Jubilee narrowed her eyes, sipping more rum and coke.

"I am prepared to offer them a compromise. Safe passage for the return of her dear Uncle Shingen, with her word of honor that she will cooperate with me… she can convince her cousin that a partnership with me and her dear brother is most advantageous…"

"Who was that lady with the long metal fingernails?" Jubilee asked.

"One of my bright birds. One of the best for hire…" said Shinobi with a smile.

"I got one question for ya, Mister Shaw. You aren't gonna end up wantin' to marry da broad ar ya?" asked Victor, tapping his smoke against the table.

"Who, Lady Deathstrike?" chuckled Shaw. "No. She is a fighter and a most good one. But no, my interests lie elsewhere… as you well know…"

"Mister Shaw is MOST generous," Kwannon answered, and Jubilee glanced at Victor with a puzzled look.

"I know that she technically belongs to you. That voided any marriage proposal that could exist. I am no longer interested in the Lady. Merely her cooperation, and the loyalty she can assure. And it seems that your own claim is tenuous considering she has named a new Consort…"

"So, what's the deal?" Jubilee asked.

"Excellent question… Miss. Ling," said Kwannon. "I have no ill will towards Lady Mariko. She is Japanese as am I. We knew each other well. We only wish her to be safe, and remain in Japan, performing the duties she seems so adept at. And to be in harmony with her Brother, and safely greet her uncle when Mr. Shaw ensures his safe return. In turn we will help keep Hydra and the unsavory away, and protect the clan's honor."

"So all she has to do is stay an' behave, dat it?" asked Creed. "And ya want me to make sure of dat…"

"You are to watch her and the estate carefully. Stay close… and keep quiet…" said Shaw. "Use your skills to make sure nobody is foolish enough to get too close. We only need time to complete the deal. And arrange a meeting… so she and I, and her brother and honorable cousins can talk… in a weeks' time. Then we will send for her uncle…"

"Why a week?"

"It takes that long to come up with the necessary dissolution of funds to pay for the expense of his release from Hydra's tentacles. We are merely a go between."

"That would put him in yer debt…"

"Yes. But we only ask for partnership, the protection and blessing of the Clan, and we will provide our own protection of their honor. You stay in contact with Kwannon, and you stay out of the way, and keep Lady Mariko out of the way if she's foolish enough to try and leave. And if her champion fails to protect her… watch the house… and make regular reports…"

"How close?" asked Creed. His warm breath tickled Jubilee's ear, but his grip was only firm enough on her body to keep her from sliding forwards off his lap and bashing her chin on the bar, not a crushing embrace that indicated severe possession of a more than passing nature.

"Oh, just watch the social comings and goings… it isn't hard for you to somehow slip into state functions as a private security guard alongside myself and Miss Kwannon. Where I am not able to be, she will be. And you will grace her with your not so immediate but present company… as part of my business entourage… and there will be dinners at the Yashida complex…"

"Um… well how WELL does she know you guys… and um… does she um… care if two people she doesn't know show up?" asked Jubilee.

"I am to understand that is an issue. Her consort will not recognize you, Mr. Creed. I know that you use our product to mask your scent. One of Miss Kwannon's talents is telepathy… to blur the minds of others so to disguise appearance. If Lady Mariko or her consort should recognize you, they will not for long…"

"Nice trick," said Creed. "And does she know YOU, missy?"

"Lord Shingen knows me to be a fellow schoolgirl of his niece. I will be present at state functions to represent Shaw Industries as Mr. Shaw's personal assistant. And both of YOU will be my protection. But make no mistake… try to be foolish in ANY way, and I'll not hesitate to convey my disrespect to Mr. Shaw…"

"Okay, that's the deal then," said Creed. "So, we shake on it?"

"Yes," Shaw nodded, stubbing out his smoke.

Both hands clasped and shook firmly. Victor picked up his drink and took a last swig, then clinked the glass down on the bar for emphasis. Jubilee shifted in his lap again, because the slick fabric of her dress was making it close to impossible for her to stay put for very long on his dress pants.

"The price we agreed. The money, Miss Kwannon…" he said. She lay a handbag on the table, and slowly opened to show the contents. Shaw pulled out what appeared to be a stack of bills and folded them over double, pinning them with a moneyclip. Victor slid it into the breast pocket of his jacket, and nodded, still holding Jubilee's hand.

"One quarter up front, an' the rest in increments a 100," he nodded. "Pleasure doing business with you, Shaw."

"And please let us continue to spend the evening together. Perhaps in dancing… and provide safe escort back to your hotel, and transport to where you might find a good place to stay…"

"We'll see…" Victor said. "So, that all?"

"We shall see you tomorrow, at ten AM. There will be an ambassadorial luncheon and meeting in Tokyo. Miss Kwannon will arrive to escort you both as part of our team to sit at my table. I will meet you there… and we shall make ourselves visible. But I will not be on hand when she may ask what my corporation wants. Merely observe, and any further instructions will be related to you, by Miss Kwannon," Shaw nodded.

"All right then."

"I bid you a good night. A limousine has been ordered for you, and will drive you back to your hotel within the hour. A pleasure meeting you, Miss Ling," he said, taking Jubilee's hand and kissing it.

"Goodbye. We shall see each other again, young lady," Kwannon nodded meaningfully.

"Bye, and later, pretty," Victor waved.

While his arm steadied her, she did feel somewhat comfortable where she was. Also, someone else had elbowed into the bar and taken the two empty seats left by Kwannon and Shaw. Jubilee exhaled when both of them left surrounded by their crowd of fellow black suited men and evening gowned women. "Relax frail, they bought it…"

"Victor, she's a telepath… she probably knows…" she exhaled.

"Nope. She doesn't know anything more than what you were thinking…" said Victor, and tapped on the bar. The tender set two more drinks in front of them, and Jubilee watched his arm snake out and grab the beverage, than take a sip.

"But I wasn't able to shield my thoughts… she could have…"

"I can smell when the frail was usin' her powers. She had ta screen out a whole lotta crap from everyone else. Also too, she couldn't get into my noggin with those psi powers."

"Won't she be suspicious that I couldn't be read so easily?" Jubilee asked.

"She did know you was an X man at one time though…."

"Oh shit I'm dead…" Jubilee whimpered.

"No you ain't. They were expectin' me to pull something an' get one of da X men. You're my insurance policy. I make it look like yer my hostage, an' dey tink dat keeps da runt from playing dirty if he happens to catch me. I don't trust dem an inch. And since yer close to Yum-yum and da runt, it legitimates my story."

"Victor, I'm confused as hell."

"Don't be. All ya need to do is what yer told, and ya stay safe and alive. I aim to keep dose clowns from doing her in. Cause she's flesh an' blood. An' she's better off alive to me den dead, even if I can't have her cause of da runt."

"I feel like everyone's watching…" Jubilee whispered.

"Cause everyone is," Victor said matter of fact.

"How do you explain THAT?" she asked, squirming in his lap.

"Cause I'm notorious for doin' tings my way," said Creed, grabbing another smoke. Jubilee lit the end, and shifted again.

"So are we going to sit here and get plastered, or let 'em come get us…"

"We let 'em give us a ride. But I'll smell if it's foul play or not. Just relax, an' enjoy yer drink…"

"I'm kinda feeling a bit tipsy…"

"I'll take it then…" he said. "Get me some of dat perrier stuff… quick."

She was relieved when she switched to the perrier. "Won't they notice now… I've switched."

"Yer a little slip of a thing. They'll just figure I'm tryin' t' keep ya from getting smashed," he chuckled. "Now you guys got any eats around here? Me an' da frail are starving…"

"M'iko…" Logan moaned into her neck.

Something hard pressed between them, and Logan realized that they were the honor swords she'd given him. However this close contact was addictive and it felt maddening not to be able to touch her, so he really did not want to let her go. As if reading his mind she shifted the wide belt so they were positioned to the side, and there was nothing but the garments between them. Silk heated up incredibly fast, and he was burning up with hunger and protectiveness, directed towards the woman kissing him hard. Threading fingers through his hair and drinking in each kiss as if it were her last. Groaning he slid his hands down the silk and gripped her backside to tug her hips into his.

"Wonder what your cousin would think if he caught us doin' this," he mumbled against her lips.

"What I do in my chambers is my business alone. He would not dare…"

"But that half brother o' yours… he gives me the creeps. I don't like him…"

"Nor do I. That's why you must stay close to me…"

"How close would that be?" Logan lifted an eyebrow, a lascivious smirk coming over his once serious face.

"Very close… it is not improper for you to stay with me… after all, you are not only champion but consort as well… and I think you know what that means…"

"Nobody sayin' stuff about us bein' together, right?" he chuckled.

"Not at all. They would not dare. You're within your rights to take satisfaction with the blades I've given you to defend my honor as well as your own…"

"Hmm this Japanese bushido might not be so bad AFTER all…" he chuckled. "You seriously mean if I ended up stickin' a blade in some moron who said boo nobody would look at me cross-eyed?"

"Even in this modern times, you're within your rights to do so, seriously," she said quietly.

"Damn…" he trailed off. "Sorry to joke darlin…"

"Takes more than your sense of humor to get me upset, you know that by now," she said with a lopsided smile that was far more the Michelle than the proper lady she had become. Funny how the makeup and costume hid the feral traces he had seen coming to the surface. Little wonder she kept her lips closed, and her eyes slightly downcast. Granted because they were dark black, they could not so readily notice the pupils that were slightly feline in nature, or the wild hair that was becoming curly with streaks of reddish blonde, that she had been dyeing for the past weeks since she admitted her feral side inherited from Creed was asserting itself with a wicked vengeance.

He thought how ironic, remembering with a slight blush about the increased savagery of some of their lovemaking sessions. Not that he minded in the LEAST, because it was wonderful to have a lover, no a MATE who could keep up with him. An ornate jet-black wig, makeup, kimono, and sleeves hid these traits well enough. Manicuring and tonsuring could hide slightly feline features and her slender muscular build, and the feline grace only enhanced her graceful stature and movements as a noble. Yet that slight growl that was inaudible was still there in displeasure. Also the deep purring he felt vibrating through their bodies as he held her stirred a rumbling from his body that answered.

She stopped, and looked slightly embarrassed because she had become aware of it. "Don't stop that on my account. Ya said these were your private digs. In front of me ya don't have to put up the mask. You know that, right?"

"I do," she whispered.

"Thought I was gonna go NUTS during that dinner, havin' to smell ya just next to me an not be able to touch ya…" Logan growled. "It's maddening…"

"I know… it took all my self control not to want to throw you onto that table and have you make love to me…" she laughed with a shyness that amused him.

"Might wanna take these threads off, cause what I'm about t' do might not make 'em last for long," Logan gritted his teeth. "I hope we're all done with the pomp n' circumstance…"

"We are… they left us alone, knowing that there are affairs that happen between two adults that must be honored. Another trait of Japanese society is that we know sex is a natural urge… and therefore…"

"I've seen enough movies n' pop culture thanks to you, an' everyone else to know better," he grinned. "All that prim an' proper an' you're just as horny and imaginative n' kinky as the rest of us crazy minded people…"

"I don't' think I still have my sailor outfit from girl's school here…" she winked.

"That's one thing I don't get… wantin' to bang little girls… though I guess it's a fetish that Japanese men find a turn on… but that floats their boat… me I like a mature well endowed woman… with CONSIDERABLE assets… thought they GOT the right idea about keepin' used underwear…"

"No vending machines here," she joked.

"Cripes, listen to us here… you'd think we were back at the mansion," he teased, resting his head against hers. "No matter the clothes or the trappings we're still the same underneath it all. An' I won't let ya forget that for a second… at the proper time n' place a' course…"

While Logan had been teasing her she felt her robe being removed and slid down her arms. Silk glided to the floor, and she reached up to remove the ceremonial wigs and other trappings that inhibited her. Only in bare flesh before him, he feasted his eyes on her, and buried his nose in her neck. Reaching up she unfastened his robes as well, letting them whisper to the floor beside hers. Servants would straighten them up, and new ones would be provided tomorrow. Now he was clad only in the loose silk pants, the hakima that men wore, and he glimpsed himself in a mirror, chuckling. Still the swords were slung on his hip, his feet bare socked and his hair lightly mussed like something out of a late night martial arts flick.

A three-quarters silver moon peeked in through the edges of the rice paper framed window. Logan felt his blood boiling at the silvery threads of light working their magic on her body. Smooth skin was only slightly interrupted in the fading scratches and abrasion marks that were almost gone from the day before. Reaching up she gently unfastened the weapon belt and lay it down to the side. Before he could stop her she was starting to pick up the garments and arrange them. A hand on her arm stopped her, and with a growl of hunger he pulled her close to his body.

"Enough of that, darlin… c'mere…" he whispered throatily, tugging her hips and rubbing her belly against him through the silk. Reaching down he picked her up in his arms and carried her towards the bedchamber. He had wisely noted the location when they had been left alone in her private quarters. Though his night vision was excellent, the hot kisses made it difficult for him to see around her sweet face blocking his view.

Unlike in the movies, she had a proper bed that was vast and wide. Set with silk sheets and rich linen coverlets, with a thin veil canopy fluttering in a night breeze. Electric lighting had been turned off in her room, and Logan had noticed someone had lit the lanterns to give the room a sensual glow. Incense stung his nostrils, obliterating all scents but hers and those immediately around.

He set her reverently on the bed, and climbed on top of her, growling with need. To be away from her but right next to her was enough to arouse him. She felt the evidence through the silk pants, and wasted little time in helping him remove them. Sighing with immense relief, he parted her hips and slowly buried himself in her. Eyes were closed and he lay on top of her, purring deeply, not wanting to move. Stretching under him she wrapped herself around him, and let his chin lay in the hollow of her throat, his entire body weight pressing her down. Was it the surroundings that suddenly put a damper on the wildness? Whatever the case, Logan was simply enjoying himself immensely by lying completely still and letting her feel his hardness pushed deep inside her body. Sliding his arms between silk and her body, he wrapped her body in a grip of muscles overtop adamantium that seemed safe and unbreakable.

"This close enough for ya?" he whispered.

"Don't move Logan… don't' move… just protect me," she whispered, and he did just that. It wasn't long before they were both fast asleep in each other's arms, joined as close as two could ever be.
Jubilee murmured, feeling a great weight lying across her chest. She blinked to alertness and felt something soft and furry wrapped around her bare back. The rest of her body was sheathed in sheer silk, while blankets cocooned her in the slight cold of the hotel room. Turning her head slightly she realized that she was wrapped in the arms of the man who had protected her and she had bantered insults with daily. The clock showed four AM but she was wide awake. With relief she noticed that she was covered in the gown, and her fellow occupant was also safely covered. Even though her dress lay over a chair, amist stockings and a pile of his suit, nothing had happened. All she recalled was screaming at night, and feeling him complain and insist that she quiet down and lay close.

Clad in silk pajamas, Creed lay on his side, spooned into her back. Jubilee felt his body pressed close, yet he had remarkable self-control because she felt nothing to make her nervous. Except that he was extremely close and snoring in her ear. He had insisted they share the bed, and she did not think it wise to disagree. However he had further insisted that nothing would happen. Other than sleep, because he was too damn exhausted and he didn't bang underage frails.

That didn't include not sleeping curled up to them. Rubbing various body parts inadvertently to them. He had his other hand thrust between her backside and his groin, which was twisted slightly away. Strangely Jubilee was not repulsed at the pressure of his back against his spine, or his knees immediately behind hers. Fear of the violence had driven her close, and she had seen the horrible faces of the Yakuza operatives all that night. Had Creed known this, because with his strong arms trapping her she had felt some measure of odd protection? In fact she had fallen so deeply asleep that she had forgotten where she was.

This was the first night in Japan, that they had shared a bed, and she felt a weird affection towards this surly, cursing jerk of a wild man. Was she nuts? Yeah he was a bastard, but he had protected her. Was it some sick game that he'd suddenly decide he was sick of her and kill her? Jubilee was scared momentarily, and shivered. Mumbling he frowned and wrapped his arms more tightly around her, effectively trapping her closer to his body. Also she was painfully aware of something else that was making her squirm. Something that many teenagers undergo, when reaching adulthood.

It was actually making her squirm being so close to a very hard-bodied man. Make that an incredibly buff and well-toned man, who towered to a height of almost seven feet. His hands were huge, able to wrap around her arms and encircle them easily with thumb and forefinger. Yet he embraced her in his sleep like a doll, tightly enough to stop her from leaving, yet not so tightly as to crush her or suffocate her.

"Vic…" she whispered. "Vic… I gotta… um you know… powder my nose?"

"Go on then," Victor murmured sleepily. She realized he had been awake this whole time? His arms released her and she scrambled out of bed towards the bathroom.

When she emerged later, he was still laying there. He lifted the sheets, and motioned for her to get back in alongside him. "There ya are. Thought you'd fallen in… c'mere…"

"Um… couldn't sleep very well…"

"Damn cold under here…" he mumbled. "Still too blasted early to get up… c'mon under here an' keep ol' Vic warm will ya?"

"I..." Jubilee whispered.

"Don't worry, I'll protect ya, Jujube..." he said. "Ol' Vic will drive the bad dreams away. What's scarier than me, huh?"

"When will we get up?" she asked slowly, hugging herself as she climbed timidly on the bed, and Victor motioned for her to lie down next to him again.

"Not for another few hours…" he mumbled, again wrapping his arms around her and pulling her tightly to him. "Now lie still an' get some more sleep. We're gonna need it for whatever happens today…"

He kept his hands well away from any forbidden territory she noticed. Simply tugging her so she was close, and she realized she was pressed with her front to his. Victor lay on his back, and repositioned her with ease so her head was pillowed flat on his chest, and she was tucked in the groove of his arm, trapped against his side. He turned her three-quarters of the way over with a grunt, shifting his shoulders as he wrapped one arm around her, and then slid his large hand to enclose hers.

Under her ear she heard his heart thundering, and the movement of his chest up and down with each breath. He tugged the sheets around them both, and lay with his head facing towards her, eyes shut. Long curly hair partly covered his face and splayed out over the pillow like a fuzzy lion's mane. There were few things cuddly and fuzzy about this deadly living weapon, Jubilee shivered. She had seen him bare chested, and Victor was no exception. His chest at least was covered in fine furry fuzz that was thick and gold, almost like the coating of body hair on Logan.

Nostrils flared in his sleep, and he grunted, gnashing teeth slightly and mumbling as he shifted against him. Fortunately his hands remained safely in very platonic positions, and she realized she felt some measure of safety here. Letting her eyelids droop, she surrendered to sleep.