"Doesn't Aunty pick them up? Or Bobby?" Ky asked.

"I know you haven't been feeling well and Ma got a part-time job, and Bobby is running errands. I have an interview and am not sure when I… I thought you wanted to see them?"

Truth was, she felt better, much like an unstuffy nose after a long cold. "I do but… Yeah, yeah. What's the school?" Kyouki was unsure if she would snap, but she would not turn down seeing her young cousins.

"You sure?"

"Un-huh. What time, just text me the addy. I have nothing planned. I'll go buy some car seats now."

"Around four they let out. I'll tell them you're coming for them in the afternoon. Thank you cuz." Tracey hung up.

Kyouki sighed. Gat looked over at her. He knew she was risking having the kids with her while she was still not right. Seeing zombies would be some shit. He would not let her go alone. "Imma go with you."

Kyouki, in the middle of rubbing her temples, stopped looking over at Gat. "Nah."

"Yeah."

Scowling at Gat, she turned to her bestie. "Ish, you want to go to the store with me right now?" Ignoring Johnny, who was already up putting on his shoes. "Whoa Nelly, where you going?" Seeing that he was at the door.

"To get car seats."

"Ish?" Kyouki was massively confused, pointing at Gat as he was standing by jiggling his keys.

Aisha was not getting in the middle of that. She got up and put her shoes on. "You two trade-off confusion. You're both doing that thing again."


Aisha rode with Kyouki. While Gat took his car, they all arrived at the mall. K. D Nickles, a major department store, should have what Ky needed. Aisha looked up some car seats online, finding the best rated.

Standing in the kids' section, there were several to choose from. Ranja was coming from the back, spotted Gat over the racks of children's clothing, and came over to join him.

"Gat." She called, then seeing Li thought it was now the perfect opportunity to inform her of her speculations. "Boss, I didn't know you were here."

"Oh, hey, you work here?"

"Yeah. Listen, can I talk with you for a sec?" Leading her away from the others a good distance away, spoke what was on her mind. "I think I know what's been going on with you. If you want to hear?"

Kyouki nodded defensively. Ranja took a breath. "My grandmother used to tell stories from when she was a girl on the islands. About people, uh, cursed." Trying to find the right wording, so Li would understand and not bite her head off.

"Cursed, like what?"

"Voodoo, if you want to label it."

Kyouki looked at Ranja with skepticism. "I know all too well about superstitions. You can't stand here and say, 'Voodoo exists', and I got a hex on me."

"I see the surrounding cloud. Yes, it does. And someone must have it out for you bad. It is strong, it shifts your emotions, right? Did you lose anything, something small or personal?"

"No, nothing." Kyouki went to shake her head, then paused. Thinking back, the doctor who had examined her said there was a bruise on her arm. "I had a mark on my arm, the spot felt sore. But that's ridiculous." Ky scoffed, subconsciously rubbing the now healed spot on her arm. Nothing sounded more ludicrous than her being a target for voodoo.

Hardly did she believe some things her Obachan had said. Not changing soaked clothes if you get rained on will lead to a cold. Or Sleeping with head to the north results in a short life. Chopsticks standing upright in food containers, big no no in her home. Shoes are always off at the door, or you being in negative spirits, she's heard it all.

Ranja thought Li was taking it too lightly. Kyouki thought it was highly improbable for her to be hexed, a string of bad luck, but nothing as a hex.

Kyouki and Ranja went back and forth for a few, with the former agreeing how radical her mood shifts and headaches may have been, maybe, but she will still doubt it. Telling Ranja her dream of the island and the cackling of a man, Ranja let her know the cursor would have some object, most likely a figurine, to channel use for summoning the black magic onto the woman before her.

"A poppet or doll. It would have in it something from you. Just be safe, Boss." Ranja was concerned. Li had been good to her. If the woman had not had the spell removed, she could not see herself working under the Saints fleur de lis any longer.

"Yeah, I am safe. I'll keep my head above water." Ky smiled. "I'll keep an eye out for the poppet, thanks."

Ky and the others went to purchase their goods.


Morning came and Kyouki felt heavy, like someone was sitting on her. It was hard to describe how she felt when some of the crew asked. She crawled back in bed. Maybe a quick nap would do the trick? Maybe she felt anxious? Ky never felt like this before, knew nothing about why she would feel like this.

Though it wasn't a bad or real uncomfortable feeling, it may have been the talk she and Ranja had the night before. Who knew? Still things she had to tackle for the day before she got the kids. Kyouki threw the covers off and headed to the shower.

First on her list was visiting the hotel. There was a quick chat she needed to have with the Ronin leader.

Standing at her wardrobe, she also needs to see Dane. Even though she said she would be gone for a while. Lingering thoughts in the back of her mind, her cousin needed to know where Dex was. So she had no choice but to go to the building office.

Looking at the clock on the wall, she needed to hustle. There were only so many hours during the day and she wanted most of them to go smoothly, with no hiccups. Or interference from her prime suspect.

Dressed and grabbing keys, she hurried out of the door.

"Hey Boss." Some called after.

"Yeah, hey." She answered back. Skipping two steps at a time, in heels, she carried up the two flights of stairs. Not seeing the wall walking towards her on the way out of the mission house. "Damnit!" Rubbing her forehead, nearly dropping her phone.

"You not looking where you going today, Jefa?"

"Hey Ro. Today no, inna hurry. See you later."

"Later." Ramon said.


Ky pulled up to the hotel, parking in the garage. The whole place was crawling with Ronin. Suits lingered about for business dates, she could tell. Jawing over money.

"May I help you Ms?" the hostess greeted.

With a smile, Kyouki asked for the Ronin leader.

"Pardon?" the hostess queried.

Kyouki's eyes narrowed, and irritation grew. "Shogo. Where is he?"

Someone from his sect, overhearing the exchange, interjected. "No one is allowed to speak of our boss like that lady. You got no business with him." The man demanded.

It was when he touched her elbow Ky reacted. Her arm defensively reacted, moving out of the way, instantly elbowing him in the face.

"Never put your hands on me. You don't know who you're fuckin' with." Kyouki snorted, looking down at him. "The next time that hand touches me, you will never see it again."

Few others caught wind and called upstairs. As the members who went to inform the Second to handle the unruly guest, several of the business people looked on, murmured about the young woman being assaulted.

The elevator let out Jyunichi, led by a few beneath him. Already irritated by Shogo's lack of leadership, him constantly being the lead the others looked to was grating.

"I will not ask again before I go to find him myself!" Kyouki ended in a shout. The hotel owner had gone to call security, as the woman clearly would not settle down. 'Just enough commotion to find that brat.' Kyouki knocked several papers to the floor.

After seeing the Ronin's head, he hurried to the tall bald man. Sweating, he bowed respectfully. "Jiro -san, please, this woman." Gesturing to an irritated Kyouki.

"Where is Shogo Akuji!" Kyouki shouted once more.

Jyunichi's eyes scanned, seeing the woman with her arms folded glaring and threatening the surrounding people. Stomping over to her, he tossed his crew out of the way. Bowing deep, he addressed the cross Kyouki. "Ane… James-sama."

Much to the confusion of the others, they were not sure if they should follow. It wasn't until Jyunichi reprimanded them, did they bow too.

When Ky stopped, she guffawed. "About time you showed. Please take me to Shogo, now." Kyouki walked past them and to the elevators.

Jyunichi nodded, stood, ordered his people to clean the mess, hurried after the woman, and stopped the others from following them.

They were confused. One, who was this woman? And two, why was Jyunichi bowing and scraping to her? Was she Shogo's girlfriend? He had pretty women come in and visit practically every night. This one seemed to know Jyunichi, but had never once seen her before. Was she coming in from a different state, country? These were the many questions that flew from person to person about the woman who caused a ruckus in the lobby.


The ride up Kyouki pondered for a minute. "Junjun, they assigned you to me, didn't they?"

They had assigned Jyunichi as her bodyguard. Then the news came in. Hearing her call him that nickname made him smile. He may not be assigned to her now, but he will still respectfully do as she wishes.

Jyunichi nodded. "Hai." He answered softly, seeing her twice. He was glad she was well. It tore him to not be able to inform the others. Though it was what she requested, she had to have her reasons.

Just as he and Kyouki rode the car up to the rented upper floors. Nothing really said as they heard the music playing. Jyunichi watched her reflection in the polished door finish. She was bobbing along to the music.

"How is he?" Breaking the quiet. Her eyes trained to his, in the polished door, forcing him to look away.

He answered her question. He glanced back when he heard her sigh.

"Listen, I have a ton on my plate right now. Understand? 私は叔父と話す準備ができていません. I know you have been thinking about it. You are much too loyal." Had she made her point? Maybe not. This was a chance she was going to have to take. She needed something, and this was the only real reason she was here.

Jyunichi turned to look at her fully. The ding of the elevator let Kyouki walk past him to stand, waiting for him to take her to where Shogo was. Jyunichi, over his initial stupor, led her to the door at the end of the long corridor.

Sliding the doors open, Jyunichi went to the curtains on the tall windows, letting in the morning sun. Kyouki looked to see Shogo lying with three women, dressed as newborn babies. Kyouki sneered. 'He cares more about his bike and his hair.'

"Oshiri, you have no idea." She was fuming. Snapping several pictures, she then saw a wine bucket with melted ice water, picking the bottle up and a few cubes still floated, tapping on the sides of the bucket.

Jyunichi stood, arms folded, with a smirk. He knew what was about to happen and it was high time it did. The scream of the women was enough to send others into the room. But Ky was not done. Taking the bottle, she shook it and sprayed it all over them.

"Wake your bitch ass up!" She ordered the subordinates to get more ice water. Jyunichi nodded his agreement when they looked at him. When they came back in, she was on the bed pouring all and any liquid she could find, daring them to move. "You are old enough to know better, to lead. You are old enough to not act like a little shit!" Jyunichi handed her the bucket, and she doused them, hearing them shriek from the cold, cruel wake up alarm.

If Shogo didn't piss himself from the first bucket of water, the second sure did. Tossing the bucket hard enough to put a dent in the wall by the windows, with a loud dink. When she saw who was in the bed, she growled. "Get your whore asses out of here now. Don't think about coming back!" The fleas from the race who were trying to get with Johnny. Glaring at the trio of women scramble over each other for clothes with their trots of shame, Kyouki had Jyunichi send them home. "As for you, get up and clean yourself." Climbing down from the bed, she took a seat by the window. "Jiro-san, order another bed. Also breakfast, please."


When Shogo arrived after his shower and deep contemplation, he was greeted with a different Kyouki.

"Come eat." Kyouki glanced at him, gestured for him to sit, and went back to her texting.

Leery he wasn't sure he should, this massive moody mood swinging was confusing. He took a step forward. Her hand darted out. He flinched. Seeing she was just reaching for her glass of juice, he settled down. He swore he heard Jyunichi chuckle.

"Gogo, come eat. I have other places to be." She sighed, seeing him still standing there.

Doing what was asked. He shook his head. "Then why are you here?"

Kyouki regarded him. What to tell him exactly? His people are in the one area she doesn't want. She took another long drink, her glass now empty, placed it on the coaster. "True, not normally would I drop by unannounced…"

"You announced with that gift basket." Shogo grumbled.

Kyouki laughed. "But you ate it didn't you?" she was kidding when she sent the gift. Sobering, she looked at Jyunichi, then back at Shogo. "I don't want what I can have."

Shogo looked at her, confused. Then laughed, digging into his food. "What you can have? My father gave me this opportunity. You think you can just waltz in and take it? You are dead." Talking around his food.

A raised eyebrow, Kyouki shook her head. Still, he lacked manners. "True, just between us… I am. If I say to Jiro-san, to make the call. What do you think would happen?"

Shogo drank his soup and thought of what she had said. There was no way his father would waste the resources to shift the positions. Looking up at Kyouki, she stared at him.

"I don't want your position. I have other things to deal with. But I will ask you to move your people from the suburbs across town. I will kill them myself if I see them. I am asking nicely and I won't bother with pleasantries next time." Kyouki stood, bowed, leaving Shogo with his thoughts.


Next stop was Ultor, on the way to the tower that stood in the middle of what was hers, theirs, the Saints' territory. Filled with flashes, it had covered the ground with blood at her feet. "No, not now. It's not real, get a grip. One foot at a time." She took several deep breaths. Dialing Dane informed him she was there outside.

Dane made a call to his secretary, who called to the security desk on the first floor. They escorted Kyouki up the moment she stepped through the door. Who she didn't see was the very man who she was coming there to ask for. Kyouki has eyes on her all the time. It was nothing new, but Dexter was seeing how, now, from when they were younger to now, the way she carried herself she owned where ever she went with every step. The male staff, even several of the female staff, watched as she walked from the front door to the glass elevators that led up to the upper floors.

"What the hell is she doing here? Fuck, she's here to see Dane?" He thought aloud. "Leon, get me the cams for the eighteenth floor." He would have had the access if he was in the dungeon. He needed eyes on her now. "Send it to my phone." Dex hurried to the cam room.

Seeing a minor exchange when Dane greeted her outside of his office, Dexter sent everyone on an early lunch so he could have audio along with his video.


"Kyouki. My lady, it is wonderful to see you. I thought you had a trip out of town?" Dane went to hug the woman.

A soft hum, Ky held a hand up, pushed him back. "Hands to yourself. I told you before, you gain my permission first."

Dane was smiling. He thought she was joking at first, but she is continuing this little play. He loves it. "What may I do for you?"

"I am looking for someone, and I heard he works here. Dexter Jackson."


Dex's eyes went wide. He was glad he hired others with the same name. "Why is she looking for me?" If Dexter was paying attention, he would have heard that she gave his description, along with a photo she carried with her.

His phone rang. Dex jumped. He fumbled in his pocket and answered. "Yes, Dane, how are you this morning?"

"Dexter, could you come up to my office for a minute? I need to speak with you."

"Certainly. I'm on my way up." Hanging up, he was sure she was coming for his job. She did it before, she's come to do it again. Getting up, he buttoned his jacket and headed up from the cam room.


"Kyouki, may I ask you a question? Something had been bothering me since the dinner." Dane did not find any information that he was looking for on her and Shogo. He had in mind then to ask her, and when she first stated she couldn't meet, now the opportunity presented itself. The interactions between them that night left him needing to know more.

"Go ahead."

"About you and the young Akuji heir. Had he displeased you in a past relationship?"

Ky laughed. "No. No relationship, I know him is all, from my younger years. Playmates, you could say."

Dane sighed with relief. He hadn't wished to tangle with a past lover. He would if it came to that. But he opted to forgo avoidable altercations.

Jamie allowed Dexter in. "Mr. Jackson to see you Mr. Vogel."

"Thank you Jamie. Dexter, please come in, allow me to introduce…"

Old habits are hard to kill off. No matter how mad he was, it washed away seeing her. "Hey, Kid."

Kyouki smiled. "Dex, it's good to see you."

"You too."

Dane watched their exchange and once more it left him to wonder how many past lovers has this woman had. He cleared his throat. Kyouki jumped. She was seeing the past, how Dex, her cool big brother, was dressed in baggy clothes with the growing twist he twisted when he was in thought, now shaved and neat. Dressed for business, times have changed, and her eyes felt warm. "Dex is like my big brother. He looked out for me when we were younger."

"Yeah, this one. She's a good kid. Stubborn and destructive." Dex finished.

Kyouki laughed, scratching the back of her neck. She knew what he meant. It got the job done, and without Gat, Dex and her, the Saints would have been running in circles still.

Dane chuckled, quelling his suspicions once more. Kyouki sighed heavily. "Dex, I came to give you a message."

Dexter's wall went back up, and he braced for what was about to be said. "Yeah?"

"Tracey asked about you. She wants to see you, and I came here cause I heard you work here. It was luck that you are in today. So, I can give you her number? You two can talk." Kyouki took her phone out and held it up for Dex to input into his.

"Tracey? You both could have looked me up." He chuckled as he let out a breath.

Kyouki snorted. "You know how many Dexter Jackson's there are? I went to the old house, but…"

Dex nodded. She wasn't here for his position in the company. She was here about her cousin and his ex–girlfriend. No, someone he had a good time with, someone he could relax and kick it with. He breathed a bit easier, but still. The suddenness of it. Taking his phone out, he took her number down. "Uh, Li, listen I'm married so…"

Kyouki coughed. "What! You settled down? Oh, congratulations, how long?"

Dex smiled. "A couple years, had a kid." Seeing Kyouki smile, he showed pictures of his little girl. "Her name is Irrisa."

Kyouki looked from the phone to her friend. "You gave her my name?" Kyouki's eyes welled with tears.

Dex nodded. It was because of the accident. Kyouki may have been infamous, but she made sure the city didn't fall down around their ears. He may have had his grievance with her, as what went down those years ago. But he could not deny she was one of the realest. "Yeah. It was something to honor you. Corny I know. Regardless, you deserved better than what Julius said."

Kyouki's smile faded. She remembered the plaques that told the story. Dex must have heard it as well. Another smile she replaced. "I appreciate that. I want to meet the woman who stole my brother's heart."

"No chance. You are a bad influence." Dexter chuckled.

Kyouki sucked her teeth. "Give me your address. I'd like to send gifts."

Dexter did that. As Kyouki called him on how he just gave away the home location, they all shared a laugh. "You always do that. I should get back to work, though. Com'er." Pulling the young woman into a hug.

Dane smiled. "Sir. That is my girlfriend you are hugging."

"I've known her longer." Dexter smiled back before heading to oversee the recruits that will arrive later that day.


"Thank you Dane. I'll consider this a step forward. You are still my bitch." She leaned to kiss his cheek before she too left for the day.

In the elevator, she looked at the city. She could see a majority of the city in its stark contrast from where she was to what was past that border. The difference was alarming. Much like Dex, from what was as she remembered, to what was in her present.

Circumstances change, times change, things change, people change, she's changed.

Her thoughts interrupted when the car stopped to let in some workers. More suits, it mattered not about the dress. Business people hold an air about them. Normally she pays little attention unless directly asked to, but what caught her ear was her property.

There was a meeting going to go on about development in Sunnyvale. Still, like most business people, they all talk way too much when they shouldn't, at least one in every group. All she needed to hear was that they had plans for her property. Of course, it didn't matter what they planned; it was the fact they spoke of it at all. Kyouki looked at her watch. She did not have the time to be nosy. She did, however, make a mental note to question Dane about it. In the meantime, she needed to call Javier and possibly Legal Lee.


"All I know is they said something about Sunnyvale. If I wasn't needed somewhere else, I would have slipped into the meeting to find out more."

"Girlie, you have your contract, I do too. If you need anything, just call me. I'll fax them over. Call Lee. I'm sure he'd love to take the case."

"Thanks Javie."

It was still early, but she wanted to be on time, crossing town.

"Oshiri, I'm heading to get snacks for the kids. Yeah, it's early, still. Yeah, meet you there."


Tracey finished her interview and felt it went well. As soon as she exited the building, her phone rang.

"Hello." She heard nothing on the other end for a few minutes. "Hello?" She asked again, ready to hang up. It was bad enough for the number she didn't recognize, and for them to not answer. She had too many things to think about than some random pervert.

"Tracey?"

"Yes? Who is this?"

"I heard you were looking for me."

When Tracey realized who it was on the other end, she stiffened. "Yeah. I am. But now is not a good time I'm out for interviews. Can I call you back later, when I finish my last one?"

"No. Later, I have a meeting. How about I call you back this evening?"

"Yeah, yeah. That's fine. Later then."

"Later."

Dex sat back in his chair. He looked at the number once more; he took a chance to call. Not like he was looking for her. Dex packed his old life away. That included people. It was a wonder what it was she wanted to see him for. They hadn't spoken in so long. He would call later after work. It piqued his interest. The James women were potent.


Tracey had one more stop. She was certain that one or both would call. She had a lot to offer, and if she takes the one with the Ultor Corporation, it would set her for life. Tracey figured it would take only a few more hours. That would give Kyouki enough play time with the kids. Dex calling was not how she thought it would happen, and she was dead certain that it was Kyouki who managed it, or Gat. How, she wasn't sure, but now, on top of the interview, she was thinking and expecting the phone call from Dex later that day.


"AUNTY!"

"Hey E.J. How my big man?"

"Good."

Kyouki hugged the little boy but had paused. Her mind was playing tricks on her once more. Blood coming from the boy's eye and nose. Taking the little boy by the hand, she quickly passed him off to Gat, who was watching her like a hawk.

"Again?" Gat's voice cut through. Seeing Kyouki nod, he picked the boy up and distracted him. Kyouki went to thank the teachers and all she could do was mouth a thank you, smoothly take the little girl from them. Even the caretakers looked like they were rotting.

Kyouki was going to kill Sunshine. She was going to kill him, bring him back, and kill him again for sport. Putting the kids in their seat, Kyouki could not look at them. It was hard, hard to see their eyes dead, looking as if they were walking corpses. She was going to make Sunshine pay.

"Oshiri, I umm.. I may need you to watch them." She felt her skin crawling now. "Why now? Why in the evenings of all the fucking times?" She could not look at Gat. "I can't even look at them. I can't look at anybody." Her head was down as she spoke.

He understood they had a Plan B, to take the kids to Aisha's either way. If Kyouki needed to go, she would meet with them later, Gat text Tracey and let her know where they were all going to be. Handing Ky the keys to his car, Kyouki opened the door and kissed Nimani on the forehead, then quickly trotted over to Elijah's side, kissing him as well.

"I'll see you guys later. You go with Uncle Gat to Aunty Noel's ok. I'm going to pick up a few things and it may take me a while, ok?" Getting the conformation from the little boy. "Love you two, see you soon as I can. Keep them safe, G."

"Always."


Kyouki went to Purgatory and showered, dressed, then braided her hair. Black catsuit and wearing a black tracksuit over, she pulled her black steel-toed boots on and laced them up. Wrist guards, blades. She also packed two expandable batons. Walking out of her room, she needed to go to the weapons case that was behind the bar. When she came out, she was greeted by Laura and Shaundi, who had been secretly planning the decor of the HQ.

"Boss. You look like you are ready for an intense workout." Shaundi came over, closing the distance.

Kyouki backed up, avoiding her. The images she saw were grotesque. "Back up." Kyouki warned.

Shaundi looked at Laura and then took a few steps back, pulling the older woman with her. "It's happening again, huh?"

Laura was concerned. "What's happened again?", "I'll tell you in a minute." Shaundi whispered.

"Yup!" Kyouki finished after she check her clip and made sure she had a few extras. Stumbled back, momentarily forgetting that Shaundi and Laura were so close. "Christmas, I am going to put an end to this. I can't even look at my cousins, and I get the chance when I'm not busy, and I am seeing shit worse now." Ky started for the stairs.

Shaundi grabbed Laura's wrist and followed behind her Boss. "Oh, wait up, I'm coming with you!" Shaundi was right on her heels.

"No." Kyouki was on a mission.

Shaundi paused for a split second. "I'm coming too..."

Kyouki kept walking. "No."

Shaundi was confused. The Samedi was her thing. Assigned to her, and Ky was now in Li mode, not letting her do what was asked of her. "This is total bullshit. You can't just cut me outta the loop."

"I can do whatever the fuck I want. It's one of the perks of running a gang." She was already clear to the first landing by the angel statue.

"Is Pierce talkin' shit again, isn't he? Cause I don't care wh…" She knew Pierce was feeding her with shit he doesn't like about her again, and if she summoned him Pierce walked in at just that moment.

Kyouki turned around and her skin crawled and tingled wildly. This shit has to stop. She can't do this anymore. "This doesn't have shit to do with Pierce. If a hopped up DJ can come the fuck in here almost taking you out. Or did you forget, cause you damn sure can't fend for yourself. A crazy motherfucker like Sunshine'll tear you apart. I do not have time to babysit you."

Shaundi was trying to point out that she remembered, and she kept taking steps closer to Kyouki. "You won't have to babysit-"

"I said back up! I am not in the mood or frame of mind for this. You are not going, I am. I cannot have you in the middle of some shit while I am fucked up. Sunshine is no laughing matter. Whatever he did to me, he can and would do to you."

"But I can handle myself. I was not strapped… Please let me come, it was my faul…" Shaundi gasped, making the mistake of getting too close while Ky was seeing things. Did not think for one minute Ky would send her flying backwards down the stairs.

Li kicked Shaundi in the stomach. Li gave her an order, and she was talking back. First mistake. Begging after she was told to drop it, her second. "Stick to tactics, Shaundi... this conversation is over."

Pierce, Laura, and a few of the crew attended to Shaundi. "You aight girl?" Pierce asked.

"What's going on? What happened to Kyouki?" Laura asked, checking over Shaundi, who groaned in pain.


The Mills, where the meat packing plant was, all the cattle, fowl or fish that came into Stilwater, came through here to be sliced up and fed to the masses. It also was where the second hand of the Samedi packed their drugs to be shipped out regularly. That was until Li wanted the drug problem removed like it had been many years ago. She tore through factories just north of where she once had her two cars resting. She floored it. Today was that day the Sunshine sunsets.

The area showed signs of Samedi, tags of skulls and snakes in various places of the industrial area. This place was once crawling with the notorious Los Carnales. More, even crazier fuckers replaced those crazy fuckers. Not what she planned for the day, not the visions, either. The things she's seeing as she was ripping through the district were more than she could bear, but she had to. She jumps more than once when she sees insects crawling from the corners of her eyes. The people walking about, shambling. Kyouki was looking, searching. The area was turning up nothing. A few cars, green, she knew those cars, the same cars that were at the University the day she was taken. She followed them and parked well away from them, out of sight.

Kyouki's phone vibrated in her pocket, scaring her from her focus on the number of people patrolling the lower area. "What!" She whispered harshly.

"Jefa, I swear, the next time you blow past me, watch where you are going."

"Listen, I do not have time to shoot the shit with you. I need to kill…" Several shots rang out, and the Samedi took off in that direction, while the workers scrambled out of the back door.

"We got you Jefa. Take care of Sunshine. Tenemos tu espalda." The call dropped.

Kyouki could now do what she needed. The place reeked of blood, and the visions were getting worse. In the distance, there was cackling as the shots fired echoed through the slaughterhouse. A straggler or two were no match. A bullet to the head took them down. They were monsters anyway to her. That was just her excuse to justify killing them. Kyouki ran through the maze until she came to several sets of stairs that led up. Much more a confusing maze. What led to where?

"Damnit, how the hell am I going to get up there?" Kyouki flinched at a drop that landed on her cheek. Wiping the spot, it was fresh blood. She looked up, more blood dripped down to where she was standing, and through the metal grates, she could see an altar, or something that looked like an altar. Following the path back down, she saw one path that led to where she needed to go investigate.

It was like a giant metal cage of stairs and bars. The center of this place must have been the main office, and where she needed to go now was further up. Several of the bars broke under her weight. Many times, she had to catch herself. One curse after the other as she swung and jumped from one side to the other. Finally reaching the stairs, she ran along the catwalks. Then her body came to a sudden stop. She stood there, trying to get her body to move, but it refused to listen. Slowly, she turned. Ky was not turning herself. She felt like it forced her to move.

"Oh, shit." What she was looking at was an altar, a massive altar, and in the middle of the blood and lit candles, was Mr. Sunshine with a small doll in his hands.

"Now, you have finally arrived, and there is nothing you can do other than die." He cackled that horrendous laugh, the one that echoed in her dreams.

Kyouki's blood ran cold. Her body was not her own right now, and she realized the closer she got, the worse the visions were. "Oh.. No… I am going to have so much fun tearing you apart piece by piece. I will have your head, much like you have been in mine! Eye for an Eye, they say." She spat.

Sunshine smiled, waving the poppet in his hands. "You would have to get to me first. En ya got no control ova you. I do."

"I got back up. Shoot him!" Kyouki called out. A shot rang past her ear and hit Sunshine in the shoulder, causing him to break concentration. Kyouki felt her body back, and she ran leaping off the catwalk to the center platform where the Voodoo Priest stood. Crashing into one of the many altars that Mr. Sunshine had, she landed on his legs, taking him down to land hard on the metal flooring. "Fuck!" She called out. Her arm and head were hurting, getting to her feet. She pulled both batons out and taunted the man to get up. "Fight me like a man, you bitch! Get up!"

Gripping the poppet in his hand tight he heard her cry out. A wicked smirk crossed his lips. "You forgot one thing… I still have this." He jerked the doll, Kyouki fell to the side.

"You fucking bitch! Ah!" she screamed in pain as he took his machete, cutting into the arm of the poppet. "Bitch, you bitch!" Kyouki was in so much pain. "FUCKING SHOOT HI- AH!" She felt like she was being torn, her head was throbbing and her limbs felt like they were on fire. A Shot rang out, then another, and the grip slacked.

Kicking the man in the legs, she took his feet from under him. The poppet fell from his hand to the altar, away from them. Kyouki grabbed the baton and hit him with it. "Get up!" She continued her assault. "You want to fuck with people? You know what the fuck I had planned for the day?" She whacked him several hard times in the ribs and face.

Sunshine never thought he would be at the mercy of this woman. He tried to fight back. He needed to put some distance between them. If only he held tighter to the poppet, would he have the upper hand? His machete was not far. He grabbed it and swung. Kyouki backed away.
The hard heels of his boots kicked Kyouki in the shins. She hissed in pain, jumping she had to roll out of the way of the swinging blade. Sunshine was on his feet, looking around. He spotted the poppet. Going for it, Kyouki saw where he was heading and lunged after it as well. It was a mistake, for the blade came down right before her, stopping her. Sunshine had just reached the doll and Kyouki shot the back of his leg. His turn to scream.

Grabbing his leg he growled, turning on Kyouki swinging like a madman. The heavy metal blade cut through the air, catching her across her chest and her arms. She could barely get out of the way. She was tired. She hurt. And another shot hit the man in the wrist. Causing him to drop the blade, grabbing his arm. Panting, and rolled out of the way and grabbed the machete that lay ownerless on the floor.

Kyouki laughed in pants. "You are… not walking… out of here. This ends today."

"This… This fight… Is far from over."

"What fight do you have left? Huh? I… I will enjoy fucking you up." Kyouki came down hard, slicing off his left arm. She sliced across his right wrist, severing his hand from his body. Catching his head as he threw it back in pain, she took a hold of his dreads.

"You think you can stop me, girl?" He chuckled.

He was delirious. Kyouki's face said it all. This man was delusional. "Sweetie…. Imma take your head. I ain't scared of a filthy freak like you." Kyouki slit his throat. Dropping his bleeding body to the cold, hard metal floor. She was not going to just leave it like that. She gave her word and aimed to keep it. Raising the blade high above her head, came down with a mighty swing, severed his head cleanly removing it from his shoulders.
Kyouki fell to her knees. She sighed.

"Jefa, you good?"

She could hear Ramon calling to her from below.

"Yeah, I think." She answered back. Ky could hear him chuckle. With all the energy she could muster, she got up to her feet. She grabbed the machete, went to grab the poppet, and finally grabbed the head of Mr. Sunshine. With a quick look around, she noticed a switch that lowered a set of steps. They led her down to the set of catwalks that had led her up.
Meeting Ramon and some of her injured crew, they all wore twisted faces with the head she carried in her hands.

"What. Oh, please. You bitches will see much worse. A head is nothing. You should see what I did to the guys on the way up." She laughed, tossing the head into a meat grinder after having her picture taken with it.


At Aisha's, Kyouki pulled up. She was tired, but she was going to keep her word to those babies in there. She had Ramon pick up a couple of small toys for them to take with her.

Told her crew to treat injuries and tend to any fallen. She thanked Ramon and them for being there for her. No doubt who has her back. "Thanks again. See you all later." She waved.

Key jangled, bags in hand. "I'm here~!" She sang out.

"Aunty Kyky." Elijah ran up, hugging her legs.

"You didn't miss me, did you?"

"Yeah!"

Aisha came up holding Nimani. "You alright, what happened?"

Kyouki shook her head. Tickling the little girl in her best friend's arms. Ky needed to sit; she limped over to the couch, pulling Elijah on her lap. "Got the thing I had to fight for, for you and your sister." Reaching in the bag for the cute stuffed bear and toy cars for Elijah, and a toy horse and bear for Nimani. They sat at her feet, making sounds as children do.

"Are you alright?" Aisha whispered.

Kyouki rolled her head to the side and smiled. Pulled her phone from her hip pocket, and opened the pictures. "I won by a head." Kyouki snorted and closed her eyes, sinking further into the couch, dozed off.


Dexter pulled into his driveway, reached for his phone, dialing the last number he called earlier that day.

"Hey."

"Can you tell me what you need now?" Dex asked.

"I have a boy, your son. I just wanted you to know." The call ended.

Dexter looked at his phone and then to the front door, where his wife stood with his daughter. Thinking back, he quickly did some mental calculations. Taking a deep breath, he got out of his car, smiled, and waved as he walked up the walk. "How are my Ladies this evening?"

Like he said, the James women are potent.


Morning came and the Samedi crew were, at best, terrified. The morning headlines from the night before came to one of The General's personal men. When he looked at the others, they all wore similar expressions.

With his usual breakfast, morning drink, and newspaper neatly tri-folded on a silver serving tray.

"Good morning General. Your breakfast and paper."

"Good Morning to you. Very good, thank you, you may leave." A soft smile of dismissal as the woman let the curtains open before hastily escaping out of the room.

With a sigh, the General chuckled, lifting the paper and reading the latest headline.

Slaughterhouse becomes a Slaughterhouse!

"A meat packing plant in the Factories district is home to a grisly scene. They massacred countless Sons of Samedi inside earlier in what we presume to be another chapter in the gang's run-ins with the Third Street Saints.
Identified among the dead was an individual known to many as "Mr. Sunshine", a high ranking Samedi lieutenant, thought to be the Sons of Samedi's second-in-command."


The General roared in fury. His second, his long time friend murdered. The food was the first to feel his rage. Slinging the double doors open with a bang, startling his servers, he issued his decree.

"All of you, prepare for war. Find them, all of them, round them up. I want the Saints cut down!"