A/N: Another Anatomy of a Scene so soon after the last one? Sure, why the hell not?

As I said last time, this idea is gold, and I should use its template more often. It's just a matter of what I should use it for. I'm starting to see its use to show you how I would pair certain characters together and that I've only used Koga and Tea so far. They don't have their own stories (that aren't discontinued), and my romances are almost always the most intricate parts of my writing. There have been a few times where my writing has turned on pairings to my editor. Don't believe me? Ask him about Callie and Skarlet because he wasn't on board there.

But with the women in question this go around, I felt like my options were limited. Only three of my OCs have been established in the KOF verse, and that's Koga, Benji, and Yao. Benji's married with kids. Yao's single, but he's gonna have someone by the end of the World Warrior Tournament. Suppose I do a KoF story (which might happen 'wink-wink nudge nudge'). In that case, Benji and Yao probably won't be Koga's teammates. Tea's gonna be the mid, but I don't know who the anchor's gonna be.

I'm getting off track. The women I'll be using are the women of the Hakkesshu: Vice, Mature, and Shermie, in that order.

With that being said, let's go.

Since I already wrote her scene, let's do Vice first. Might as well talk about her a bit.

In terms of design, Vice is my favorite female Hakkesshu. It used to be Shermie, and I'll say why when I get to her. The Cruel half of the Cruel and Ruthless duo, Vice loves inflicting pain on others. It's safe to say she enjoys her job as an Orochi Assassin.

KoF XIII was the initial game where I saw the bulk of the fan favorites since my first KoF was 99. That was when Kyo departed from the protagonist role. So, KoF XIII was my first time seeing Vice and Mature.

Gameplay-wise, I wasn't expecting her to be a grappler, which turned me off at the time. (I was like 12, and puberty just began. I liked tits, so Mai was my woman of choice. Glad that part of my life is over lol) I played CvS2 and KoF 98 a few months afterward and saw her original design. That was when I knew I liked Vice and Mature in suits. That was something I didn't realize I needed to see until later on. To me, the suits are better than their other designs. (Yeah, I said it. I'm not taking it back either)

As a result of her enjoying inflicting pain on others to the point of self arousal, Vice is very blunt and to the point like Koga and Tea are. So let's see the Cruel Seductress contrasts against our favorite detective, shall we?

The Scene

As the Sky Noah landed, I made my exit and said my goodbyes to the Bernstein siblings. Ben and Yao are waiting for me at the restaurant they chose to celebrate at. So much shit has gone down these past few days.

The King of Fighters XIII tournament is over, and I'm now a two-time champion. 'Those Without a Past' no longer exists, Ash Crimson included. Yagami's and Kagura-chan's Treasures were returned for worse and better, respectively.

The most shocking news was the fate of the Hakkesshu.

Most of them were in-fighting among one another, more like opposing Goenitz. They all hated him for different reasons. That's what you get for acting like a righteous priest only seeking the destruction of the planet.

I'm glad all this is over.

I found myself wandering the town, collecting my thoughts of the tournament's events and everything that happened in between.

Our first match with Kim's Team (and my slamming Raiden), Yao's philosophical debate with Master Takuma, my back alley brawl against Mr. Karate. Added to that, my near-death experience thanks to Blondie. (Mature)

As I passed by the streets, I noticed a small bar. This was the perfect opportunity to have some time alone before celebrating with Ben and Yao. They can wait a bit longer.

I went inside and sat at the table before ordering my drink. The barkeeper gave me my order as I took the regular potshots.

It was then the barkeep recognized me. "Hey, aren't you the Leader of the KoF XIII winners?"

"You watched the tourney?"

"Yeah, I did!" He said ecstatically. "Your team was amazing! Where are your teammates?"

"At a restaurant on the outskirts of town. They're waitin' for me, but I want to drink this all in alone for a bit," I answered.

A figure sat next to me, my face instantly turning into a noticeable frown when I recognized who it was. "Vice." Wasting little time, I chugged my beverage before leaving the establishment.

"Aww, that's all you got for me, Stitches? I thought I made a more sizable impression on you!" Vice commented as she followed me through town.

"I had a feeling I was being stalked but didn't think it would be the remnants of Orochi's little harem." I scanned the vicinity. "Where's your bestie?"

"Bestie? Oh, you mean Mature. Heh, contrary to popular belief, we aren't friends. That bimbo pisses me off just as much as she does you."

"Then what do you want? Besides annoying me in public."

"I came to check up on you. Isn't that clear? I'm not here to kill you if that's what you're insinuating."

"Not only do I find that hard to believe, Red, but also that you're looking out for my health."

"I did so for Yagami."

I folded my arms. "Yagami has Orochi blood in him, so I find your reasoning lackluster, Vice.

As we passed by an alley, Vice grabbed my hand and pulled me away from public eyes, pinning me against the wall. Her hands were planted beside each side of my head against the wall.

"Come on, Stitches. I get that you're not trusting of me because I was with the Hakkesshu. But I'm a changed woman."

"Was? That's a load of shit. How are you not a part of the Hakkesshu anymore? Isn't that a lifetime commitment?"

She traced my jawline with her index finger, a dangerous smirk forming. "That's what I thought, Stitches. You remember where my Orochi tattoo is?"

How could I forget? Vice showed Ben her tat, and the force it summoned nearly killed him had he not dodged it. His wives would've had mine and Yao's heads if anything happened to him.

"Your right shoulder," I deduced.

"Correct. Now, pay very close attention."

Vice turned around, partially removing her shirt and blazer, the tattoo underneath... gone. Only her tan skin was there.

"What the hell? How did this happen?" I demanded despite my confusion.

"Turns out when you and your crew beat up Saiki and Crimson erased him from time, Mature and I was resurrected without the tats. Yet, I can still do everything I could with it. Seeing as we're no longer bound to Orochi, we separated and ended our partnership."

Before I could respond, Vice had her arms wrapped around my neck, chest pressed against mine. "So instead of watching over Yagami, I thought... Stitches need a watchful eye in case he does something stupid. You tend to make a lot of dumb decisions in your line of work."

I scoffed at her observation. "Like I'd involve myself with a violent, cruel, cannibal woman like you. Even if you are easy on the eyes."

She merely rolled her eyes. "Oh, stop the fucking goody-two-shoes act. The Hakkesshu know all about you and your people. That you have a body count and won't hesitate to take another life if necessary. That's why I like you, Stitches. You're not afraid to get your hands dirty. And I'm not a cannibal. I just do whatever's necessary to get the job done, like you. Although, to a lesser extent."

"And these advances?"

"All genuine. I'm not some girly girl and know what I want when I see it. And when I saw you?" The distance between us closed as Vice got close enough to where our noses barely touched. "I knew I wanted a piece."

"So why not flirt with me like Blondie?"

"'Cause I was still with Orochi and knew better than to force myself on someone else when they can be dead tomorrow. Mature uses her looks as a ploy, which I find stupid and unnecessary. Now that I'm free, I can do whatever I want within reason." Her malicious grin returned. "And pursue whoever I so choose."

One of her hands came off the wall and slid underneath my chin, going down toward my chest.

"Think about it, Stitches." She bit her lip and lined her nail against my jawline. "Give me a shot. I showed you all the evidence you can possibly need to let you know that I'm not with Orochi anymore. I'm willing to marginally change... for you. I wouldn't with anyone else."

Taking my hands, Vice placed them firmly on her ass, her words in a sensual drawl. "My word isn't all I have to offer, you know? Go ahead."

Having her consent, I squeezed her ass, granting me a moan from the redhead seductress. She wrapped her other arm around my neck, a leg hooked around mine.

"That's it, Stitches," Vice whispered with a lustful subtone. "You surely know how to take charge..."

"You'll be a good girl, Vice?" I asked bluntly, moving my hands from her ass to her lower back.

She chuckled while planting a lustful kiss on my cheek. "Haven't you noticed? If you take anything away from my time as a member of the Hakkesshu." Vice leaned into my ear. "I'm extremely obedient, and I hated Goenitz. Imagine me with someone I don't detest... like you."

Well, her intentions were made very clear. Vice actually made a good argument, though she knows she's wild and unpredictable. That makes this somewhat unsettling. However, I can expect some degree of honesty and loyalty should I even entertain the thought of courting this woman.

"Alright, fine..." I relented. "We can see where this goes, but do know that while you have faith in this, I don't."

Vice scoffed again before licking my neck to my ear. "You'll see, Stitches. There's no other bitch for you like me."

We separated as Vice led me out of the alley. "You're gonna meet up with your posse, right? Guess I'll have to make amends before I go with you. So I'll be heading out now. I'll see you later, Stitches."

*SLAP*

Out of nowhere, she firmly slapped my butt, laughing all the while. "Nice ass."

Walking in the opposite direction. I flipped Vice off while continuing into the outskirts of town. Feeling on my cheek, I rubbed off some red lipstick.

"Shit."

Great, now I have to explain this encounter to the others.

What would a scene of mine be without some exposition?

But besides that, I think I hit Vice's character on the head and then some. In terms of aggression between Vice and Mature, the former wins by a landslide as she attempts to be the top in this blooming relationship. Yet, Koga shut those attempts down, save for Vice's butt slap and her sneaky kiss that left lipstick on Koga's cheek. That might as well be Vice marking her territory since he did reluctantly agree.

Will this relationship last if they take it seriously? I honestly don't know. Everything Vice said was eerily accurate. If she was loyal to someone as hated as Goenitz, I imagine it'd be hard to get rid of her if Koga wanted to. Like him, Vice might as well be immortal. Plus, Koga and Chizuru would still be good friends to the point of will they or won't they. Vice would become territorial around Chizuru. My editor says that the relationship would be volatile, and I believe him.

Yet that's what makes the dynamic so interesting.

From Cruel to Ruthless, Mature is up next.

The older, narcissistic woman of the two, Mature is more of a tease than Vice. She loves toying with her victims, adding to her allure since she uses her looks to do so. Apparently, she adores and loves to show off her legs despite not having the same thighs as a certain Chinese Heroine. I can see the appeal since I am a legs man myself.

Still, I prefer Mature's suit over her original design, the eyepatch adding some intrigue. Mature knows what she's doing, and her fans eat it up. Gameplay-wise, Mature's my character of choice because I like Rekkas. Being a more sensual woman than Vice, Mature knows how to optimize her appearance and will undoubtedly approach Koga differently than her counterpart. It's universal that Mature almost kills him due to him being weakened from his fight against Serious Mr. Karate.

Let's see how all of that plays out in the scene.

"And that's what happened, Adelheid."

"I see. Botan was controlling Rose as she did with Miss Kagura. How did you and your team free her?"

"When we transported to the Canvas, we had to fight Ash, who was possessed by Saiki. As such, his flames were tainted black. Knocking him around a bit allowed Ash to regain control of his body. Using what free will he had left, he decided to erase Saiki from existence, and 'Those Without a Past' went with them both. There's no one to manipulate Rose since Botan doesn't exist anymore."

"I see. I thank you, detective. You have seemingly done the impossible, which is normal for you from what I hear." Adelheid bowed at me. "Don't tell your teammates, but I put an extra amount of money from my family's wealth in your winnings as an act of gratitude. I will tell the Colonel what you've told me. I expect him to reward you as well."

"I wouldn't count on it. But I appreciate you trying, Adelheid."

"That sounds like him. But still, I'll try to put in a good word for you. This is your stop."

The Sky Noah lands. Adelheid got up from the pilot's seat and shook my hand. "Thanks again, detective."

"Koga will ll do, Adelheid. I'm just doin' my job. Catch you later, and tell your sister I said hey."

"I will, Koga. Until next time."

As the Sky Noah rises and flies out of my sight, I find myself wandering the streets and plan on meeting Ben and Yao so we can celebrate. However, while walking through town, I notice a shifty feeling.

Like someone was watching me, stalking even.

I immerse myself in the growing crowds to lose my stalker, moving and sometimes pushing my way through the sea of people to avoid confronting this woman. I already deduced exactly who my stalker is.

Immediately, I start thinking of how I'm going to stop this woman from potentially attacking me again if she even fucking dares. I'm not wounded from my fight against Mr. Karate anymore, so if she tries, I'll send her ass to meet her vindictive crush, Rugal, in hell.

She's very relentless. I learned if my nearly killing her in retaliation during the KoF Finals was any indication. So she's still following me after all that?

Seeing an alleyway, I spring my plan into action, turning around to grab her wrist since I knew moving wouldn't be enough to put some distance between us. I lead us through the alley until we were away from public eyes...

Before I grab her by the neck and slam her back against the wall. I immediately cock a fist and lace it with enough electricity to not cause a big enough discharge for a power outage. My face couldn't be more anymore angry if I tried as I scan my stalker.

Mature.

She was still wearing her suit, but the eyepatch covering her right eye was gone. Regardless, I was not happy with seeing her after all she's done. This woman nearly killed me and has the gall to try again?

"Blondie," I say with a quiet fury, my eyes squinted in anger. "Came to finish me off? I'm fully recovered since last time. You're not gonna get the drop on me again." I tighten my grip around her windpipe. "Now tell me why I shouldn't send you to hell right now?"

"I... I'm not here... to kill you," Mature somehow croaked, struggling to keep her breath as my hand tightened again.

I lift her off the ground, not content with her short answer. "I don't believe you. I've been a thorn in yours and Vice's side since I got here. So why wouldn't you try to kill me? I'm an obstacle in the Hakkesshu's plans."

Mature was starting to cough badly, her life force draining. "I'm *cough* not with the *cough* Hakkesshu anymore."

What? How's that possible? The shock of what she said was enough where I let go, causing Mature to fall. She started coughing fiercely as air returned to her lungs.

"What'd you say?" I simply said while looking down at her.

Feeling bad for almost killing her without allowing her to explain herself, I kneel down so we're leveled and offer my hand so she can stand back up. Smirking with a mixture of malice and softness, Mature took my hand and gets back to her feet.

"You heard me the first time, Koga. I'm no longer with the Hakkesshu." She feels around her neck. "Though I felt my life flash before my eyes when you nearly choked me to death."

*Tch* "Where's Vice?"

"We separated. When 'Those Without a Past' was defeated, Vice and I were resurrected without our Orochi Tattoos. We're no longer tied and bound to him."

"I don't believe you, Blondie."

Mature then wraps her right arm around my neck and erases the distance between us, that smirk still present. Her eyes slant and turn sultry. "I had a feeling you'd say that. For proof, look into my eyes, Koga. And all will be revealed."

Looking into her gaze that was concealed with her eyepatch, Mature's retina no longer holds the shape of a snake.

She was telling the truth. Each of us found ourselves erasing the distance that Mature already lessened with her embrace. Her breathing slows to a crawl as I find myself lost in her lovely blue eyes.

Fighting whatever this feeling was, I shake my head and push Mature away as I feel my head throbbing.

Mature chuckles before moaning. "Hmmm. Even a man as mentally unshakeable as you aren't immune to my charms."

"Fuck off, Blondie," I say bitterly. "What the hell else do you want with me? There's a reason as to why you're telling me this."

"Because I can finally act on some feelings that I was forced to shelf away." She casually sways toward me, this time caressing my face with her palm.

I throw her palm off my face. "Why in Din's name would I go out with you? Let alone involve myself romantically with a woman who almost ended my life, and who enjoyed doing so?"

This fucking idiot. For the first time in my adult life, I feel powerless to do anything.

Mature had me feeling like I was the same blind, obedient punk in Kakariko who was just a glorified 'yes' man. Now she's saying that she wants us... Us... To be a couple? Can she hear herself talk?

"Because, Koga," Mature begins. "You intrigue me. When I had you on death's doorstep, screaming out in anguish and pain." She then hugs her own body, becoming aroused by the memory of that night when I was at her mercy. "You spat blood on my face in defiance while I had you by the hair, my hand forming a killing blow."

Well, I had to get the last laugh, convinced no one was coming to save me. I was severely beaten from that fight with Mr. Karate. Then, Ben and Yao came and knocked Mature away from me. But before they did, I swear Mature's visible eye shrunk, like she was going rabid.

"That's when I knew I wanted to see more of you. Plus, you performing the Genocide Cutter like... he did. And the Kaiser Wave too. You somehow had a better understanding of them than him.

Adelheid taught me how to do them both, and he even said that I used them better as he was learning how to control his powers.

"Please, Mature. Rugal will always be the love of your life. I'm not going to involve myself with someone who will view me as choice number two."

That remark offended her before Mature points an accusatory finger at me, her eyes slanting again. "Do not play the victim card, Koga. You brutalized me in front of millions of people in retaliation during the finals. I knew when you walked away from my body at that moment as the power came back to the stadium..." She places a finger on my chest, a softer expression there as her smirk returns. "That you're just as ruthless as me, even more so than Rugal."

She breaks eye contact and begins to blush, a sight if I ever saw one. "But my ties to Orochi bound me from pushing me into seeing where this might go. So when I awoke to find my seal gone?" Mature laughs victoriously. "I had to find you."

Her arms coil around my neck, deleting what little space remained as she caresses my face again. This is surreal. This surely can't work... can it? Am I really thinking about this?

"Koga." Mature broke me out of my stupor. Her face was... Is she seriously looking at me like she's worried? For my well-being? "You looked lost for words."

"Don't act like you're genuinely concerned for my welfare. We almost killed each other in a week. And calling me more ruthless than Rugal. Was that supposed to be a compliment?"

Mature tightens her embrace tightened, that soft expression turning serious. "You think you're the only one confused, Koga?" Fury was present in her tone. "For the first time in my life, I've been given free will, and I will act upon it. You're expecting me to have my feelings in order? All I knew the moment I woke up was to find you. And I will not waste this chance. I must have you to myself."

The next surprise came when Mature gave me a kiss against my cheek, moaning in self-satisfaction all the while. We stared at one another for what seemed like an eternity.

Damn it all.

We both surrender with a hot kiss, failing to fight each other off anymore. Mature moans gruffly as she pushes herself against me as much as she could.

Shit... I lost.

"I hope I don't live to regret this decision, Mature," I breathe as we separate.

She giggles before kissing the center of my stitches. "You won't."

Damn, that sultry tone. Mature bites her lip as she looks at me, her new partner. In what, I don't know.

Finally, Mature lets me go as she sighs heavily, her face reddening fiercely. "Oh, my. That was incredible. Don't you think so?"

My face reddens as well, but my look of conflict didn't change as I enter what I think was a genuine relationship with the woman who almost ended my life.

Mature then smiles in triumph. "Hehe. After all these years, I finally got one over Kagura."

Huh?

"What are you talking about, Mature?"

She laughs again, malicious intent behind the subtone while kissing my lips again. "I did the one thing she could never do. I got you." Mature caresses my cheek as her smirk fails to disappear. "Just wait and see, Koga. This is the beginning of a long and loving coupling. You have to go see her, don't you? She is one of your clients. Go ahead. I may have a second chance at life, but making amends with her is not one of the things I plan on doing. But for you, I will try to change."

Well, at least there was genuine honesty in her words.

"But don't expect it to happen overnight... and over one session." Mature winks at me before giggling. "I'll see you later..."

Her goodbyes follow an exit out of the alleyway, but not before glancing at me. "Sweetie."

I look around the immediate area. That just happened... I don't know what I'm more afraid of now. Confronting Kagura-chan, or the fact that Mature's right? But I don't feel like I lost this exchange.

Fuck.

I hate when I'm not in control of things like this. Not wanting to be here anymore, I angrily left the alleyway.

What the hell? I wasn't expecting this scene to be this long AND end up like this!

I just kept writing and writing until the scene felt like it was done. At least that shows that I did Mature's character justice, too. I felt played, and I wrote the damn scene. But the vulnerability Mature expressed felt genuine and earned, in a way.

Mature's definitely the better choice for a romantic partner for Koga, but I feel there's manipulation going on both sides. I think she's confused due to being in servitude for her whole life, and it's rubbing off on Koga.

But are they both being manipulated? Nah, but it sure feels that way with how the scene went. Sheesh. This felt like a one-shot within another. I wonder how Chizuru would react to this? Especially since the Kagura family is one of the things Mature openly despises.

If this scene has shown me anything, however... It's that Mature has been overlooked for too long in my eyes.

Sheesh, how in the hell is Shermie going to follow that rollercoaster of emotions up? Oh, well. The show must go on.

The strongest of the three and the most mysterious as well, Shermie was my favorite of the three in terms of design like I said earlier.

So what happened that made me change my mind? Her redesign in KOF XV.

I do not Shermie's new outfit at all. Maybe it's the bias of seeing her classic outfit for so long. I shouldn't be this angry with it since the lore reasons make sense. She's a fashion designer when not performing with CYS. So of course, she wanted to create a new outfit to commemorate her return to KoF.

Some say that Shermie was a sleeper member of the Heavenly Kings, but I don't believe that. And since her team's new name is Team Orochi, that might as well be straight-up false. She, Yashiro, and Chris knew what the fuck they were doing.

Shermie's a grappler like Vice, and I actually used her in the games she appeared in, which was only two canon games. She was also an honorable mention in my Top 10 Women in Fighting Games list. Making a canon appearance in KoF 97 and SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy was the main reason why she didn't make the list, losing to King in the end. I don't even have her as my main grappler anymore, as a result. Clark took her spot, and Shermie isn't getting it back.

Like Koga, Shermie's an enigma, never once showing her eyes in all of her appearances. And having a few showings as a playable cast member has left fans with little to go off of. She's outgoing and friendly but is a bit antisocial and hates people. Sounds like me in High School.

She's known for blowing a kiss at men she finds attractive so that can mean she's bold. We'll see how her personality coincides with Koga's in the following scene.

Ben and Yao left the spot where we ate our celebratory dinner. I stuck around to have some alone time. My shirt was back without the coat which hung on the place's coat rack.

When the barkeep asked us to pay, I gave him a green rupee. He thought it was an emerald and practically said it was enough to pay for everything on the menu four times over. So I sat and drank in the silence, only the noises of my glass, the rocks, and the drink I was consistently imbibing.

The spot's tv was still on, showcasing the news with everything updated. It's still midday. I can get to Kagura-chan's in an hour or two to update her on everything before going back home. After sleeping in that shitty hotel bed, I miss my own. I hear the newest headlines from the news station.

"Four o'clock, and we're still recovering from the fieriest KoF tournament to date! The new kids on the block, 'Team New World,' have taken the crown of this year's King of Fighters Tournament Champions! This marks the second KoF tournament the team's Leader, Koga, can say he has one, and in his first as the team's leader. Alongside his teammates Benjamin Maddox and the man simply referred to as Yao, Team New World might also be called Team Tyrant. They rampaged their way to one of the most dominating KoF tournament wins in recent memory! More info on the aftermath in a bit," the reporter chanted to the cameras.

Glad I'm leaving soon, so I won't get hounded by people who watched the damn thing take place.

"Wow, looks like you're famous! May I have a drink with the leader of the winning team?" A womanly voice asked from behind me.

Turning to see my inquirer revealed a woman with red hair. Her bangs covered each eye, but she held an amiable smile, white teeth and all. Her outfit was well-designed and intricate, yet simple while showing a lot of her legs.

I decided to humor her. "Sure, why the hell not? Hey, barkeep! Two more drinks if you don't mind."

My drinking compatriot lined herself up against the table as she crossed her legs.

"So, Red. You gotta name?" I ask her.

"You can call me Shermie. You're Koga, right? It's nice to meet such a handsome young man."

It was present, but her accent really showed itself as Shermie blew me a kiss. Shermie, huh? That name sounds familiar. I immediately tried to figure out where I heard that name before while continuing the conversation.

"Are you French by chance?"

She gasped. "How did you know?"

"Well, your accent is thick enough where I can notice it. And I've met a couple of other Frenchmen. You all have an aura of friendliness."

If Ash was anything to go off, that friendly attitude was hiding some very suspect information underneath.

"And I'm a detective. Figuring things out quickly is in the job description," I answer as the barkeep came out with our drinks. He was surprised to still see me sitting correctly.

"Jeez, you can hold your liquor! I swore you would've passed out by now!"

"I'm just built differently. Thanks."

"Monsieur Koga, how long have you been here for?" Shermie inquired.

I'm starting to recognize that name now but still can't remember where exactly.

"In total? About three hours. Alone? About a half-hour. My team was celebrating our victory here with good food and drinks together. But I wanted some peace and quiet. Drinking alone with nothin' but the sounds of my glass and the tv." I answered honestly.

Shermie raised her glass, her now admittedly lovely smile still present. "Well, Monsieur Koga. It was an honor to meet you. Here's to you."

"Thank you, Shermie."

We toast chugged our drinks.

'Shermie. Shermie. Shermie.' I repeated her name to myself as it was starting to come together.

"Wait. I recognize that name now." I stared at Shermie, who was confused, my expression turning dead serious. "You're a Heavenly King."

I double-checked to see if there are other patrons. When the coast was clear, I charged my entire right arm with electricity, not worrying that the power might go out if I discharge too much. We're in the outskirts, and the keep says that power goes out all the time.

Shermie vigorously shakes her head while waving her hands. "Please don't, Monsieur Koga! Believe it or not, but I've been dead for a few years now."

"Then how are you even here if you've been dead?" The seriousness in my tone remained, my eyes now slanted.

"I have you and your team to thank for that, Monsieur Koga. When you bested 'Those Without a Past' alongside your teammates, the group's erasure undid some deaths. Me and my group, CYS, were resurrected. Our memories of loyalty to Orochi were still there, but we didn't feel the need to bring him back. We were freed from his clutches. And with Goenitz still dead, we have no obligation to do so."

"He wasn't well liked among them, wasn't he?"

"I assure you he was the scum of the Earth, Monsieur Koga. No one in the Hakkesshu liked him or working with him. That I can guarantee."

I pulled out my mask. "I hope you don't mind, but I don't really believe your story, though it holds merit."

The Mask of Truth revealed that Shermie was scared for her life as she looked when I first threatened her. I couldn't believe it.

What she spoke was the truth.

I took my mask off and clipped it behind my pants as usual. "Turns out you were telling the truth, Shermie." Quickly, I restored my electricity as Shermie breathed a sigh of relief. "So now that you're free of Orochi, what are you and CYS gonna do now?"

"Continue making music. I still have my job as a fashion designer, so I'll happily return to that. I may not like people, but I enjoy my job," Shermie answered honestly. "So, Monsieur Koga." She leaned forward in her chair. "Are you single by any chance?"

"Are you serious, Shermie? I did just threaten your life, you know."

"Yes, you did. But you were careful, which I find respectable. But you did not answer my question. Are you seeing anyone?"

Shermie casually erased the distance between us. She's quite the flirt. But unlike Mature, who also flirted and nearly killed me, this seems genuine.

So like when I accepted her offer to have her drink, I humored Shermie once again in flirtation. "And what if I say that I am?"

Shermie grew even bolder and stood up before sitting down... in my lap. She wrapped her arms around my neck before crossing her legs again. Oh, wow. I don't think I've ever met a woman who flirted like this.

"Well, Monsieur Koga. I propose a date between us. Since no other woman is smart enough to notice a knockout like you. Surely you realize that?"

"Can't say I have, Shermie. I typically drown myself in my job and barely have time to socialize. I gotta keep the lights on, y'know?"

"Good looking, humble, and professional? My, my. I think I might have hit the jackpot!" She matched the energy seamlessly.

"What about Yashiro?" I joked.

"Sacrebleu! Yashiro and I will always be friends, nothing more. Are you going to ask about whether or not I would lie with a little boy next?"

"I'd never, Shermie. You may have been a cultist, but I wouldn't strike you as a pedophile."

"Good." Shermie then kissed my cheek, making a loud popping sound when she disconnected. "So, when is that date of ours, hmmm?"

"Oh, I don't have a choice in the matter? I can't say no?"

"No, you cannot. I know what I want, Monsieur Koga. Though I am young, you gave me every reason to pursue you. Plus, I am a brilliant lay."

"Oh really, Shermie?"

"Yes. I figure skate in my spare time, did you know? So I'm very flexible. Despite knowing the answer already, will you take me out, Monsieur Koga?"

She indeed is a confident one, that's for sure. For being a former harbinger of the end of the world, Shermie knows how to respect her boundaries.

To an extent, since Shermie's sitting on my lap.

"You can touch them if you want."

"Huh? Touch what, Shermie?"

"My legs. They're smoother than a baby's bottom."

I chuckled before politely refusing. "Maybe later."

"Your loss, Monsieur Koga."

"Just Koga will do, Shermie."

"Fair enough, Koga. Now how about a couple more drinks before we go?"

"After you," I accepted as she got back in her seat.

"Wonderful! Oh, one thing you should know about me, Koga." Shermie got my attention. "I would have you know that I am a mother."

"Of?"

Shermie laughed giddily. "I can't get one over you, can I? I look forward to getting to know you better in the future. I'm a mother to two hamsters, Achu and Ururi. You'll love them; they're so adorable."

"Oh, I bet. They must take after their mommy." I chimed.

She gasped happily. "Quite the wit you have there, Koga. That silver tongue will get you in trouble one day, you know?"

"You're not the first one to say that, Shermie. And I can bet that you're not going to be the last one either." Our second round came out. "To you, Shermie."

"To us, Koga." Once again, we chugged our liquor before Shermie became bold.

She practically tackled me off of my chair and gave me a deep French Kiss on the floor. Her moans were so loud, the keep can probably hear them in the back. Shermie separated with a loud smack. "Oh! It must've been the whiskey, Koga."

"You couldn't restrain yourself, Shermie?"

"Desole, Koga. But you're so handsome, I could no longer restrain myself. How about you take me home? Madame Kagura can wait a little while, don't you think?"

"Sure she can with a well of patience. Let's go before the keep comes back out."

"I like the way you think, Koga. Let's go."

What, you were expecting something more serious? Sorry to disappoint, but when not under Orochi Form, Shermie is outgoing and friendly. This couldn't be any more in character.

I don't think I lived up to the hype after how the Mature scene went. But I didn't expect the pair to have chemistry like that. This is like Koga and Chizuru all over again. Unlike Ms. Cruel and Ms. Ruthless, Shermie doesn't have any underlying malice with her flirtations.

Her being a bold, flirtatious woman sounds suitable with her character. If you're not worth her time, Shermie will blow you off. But if you are like Koga, she'll make time for you and then some. Shit, she was pushing for the pair to go out on dates. Well, after successfully defending herself.

Out of the three, if they were no longer bound to Orochi, Shermie would definitely be the most genuine. Not to say that Vice and Mature's approaches weren't, but if you read between the wrong lines, you could've thought that there was an ulterior motive. Shit, in some sense, there was.

Vice hated Mature, and while she didn't say so, she pursued Koga to spite Mature on top of a legit attraction. Mature didn't have one at first, only realizing that her getting Koga put one over Chizuru. (Poor girl) Shermie got lucky and, realizing her luck, acted on it by being bold. If you noticed from Koga's redone A-B-C Challenge, this turns him on since he likes women who know what they want.

That also explains why Koga was so hostile towards Mature since she acted out an influx of emotions - confusion and attraction the most powerful ones.

A/N: And so closes this chapter of Anatomy of a Scene. Which scene was your favorite? Which woman would you pair yourself or your OCs with if given a chance? (Ooh, I want to answer this one) Let me know with a PM or a Review.

Now, I have a threesome to write.

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