It was her day, all to herself, and she needed the rest after the past weekend. But it wasn't meant to be. Right now, it was a plant lesson, first thing in the morning. Ranja had sent a message sometime around 7:47 am. Ky was already up and in the shower. Seeing her messages, she headed down to the makeshift greenhouse.
"Alright, the soil is too wet…"
Ky rolled her eyes. "Duh, won't grow and will kill it. And not enough will kill it too. But for these, how long should they be watered?" Pointing to the growing plant in the pot.
Ranja chuckled. The basics her boss knows and watering cannabis is not hard, just finding what the plant likes was hard.
Kyouki was almost ready to have a fit. "I'm thinking we can keep with the same system that is set up. But turn it on maybe every three days for about two minutes. Not even now that I think about it. That could still be over watered."
Crossing her arms, she was mentally calculating. How much water would be good for the plants? One plant was looking ill, could have been several things from the change in environment to root rot. From what Ranja told her and what she had been reading.
Ky was touching the plant and talking to it to coax it to grow. "Listen you. You are one of us. No more sulking. Tell aunty what you need and we'll get it for you. I need you to be big and strong."
Laughing, "Lord, ya talking to them like I do at home." Ranja sighed dramatically. She felt her pocket buzz from her phone ringing. "Leave. You'll do nothing but upset the plants."
Kyouki made a sound, feigning offense, as she was forced to leave the nursery. "Keep me updated." Hearing the woman acknowledge headed to her room.
It was still pretty early to be out to do anything, or should be doing. As nothing was of any major importance, again. Ky relaxed. This was her day. Big Birthday. After the past weekend, she needed time to think. She sighed.
Once the door locked, Ky headed to the bathroom. Washing her hands, she ran out with a giggle, taking a leap plopped right on the large bed. In the shape of a star, she laid for a minute, stretching. Sitting up cross-legged in the middle of the bed, atop the plush thick blankets, she decided that today was to be "less stress the better" day. Reaching for the remote near her switched the television on. Thoughts from the weekend filtered in as she flipped through the channels.
Humming to herself, she would occasionally sigh. There was nothing on. She smiled at the thought of Gat setting up the cakes for her, and Aisha, but left during the middle of the party. A program caught eye during her second pass through. Her eyes narrowed in response before her mouth caught up.
"Fuckin morons."
The night spent with Dane, the morning that led her to running to save Shaundi. Kyouki grunted. It was time to clear her head. It was apparent it still pissed her off about what went down all Saturday.
There Dane was on the screen on a talk show speaking about the refurbished Row. Then she thought about the decent night she had with him. She pursed her lips in irritation. His little lie. Before she could continue entertaining the bad thoughts, her phone interrupted.
The cell chimed, blinking its blue notification light. Picking it up flipped the screen open.
~ Good morning Beautiful. Is everything well? I haven't seen a message from you or seen you in the club. Please call me.
"Be lucky if you see me at all." She huffed, tossing her phone behind her. Then it rang. Shaking her head, she refused to bother to look at the ID. When it stopped, it rang again at the same time a knock announced on her door.
Getting up from the bed, she cracked the door to peek out. "Oh, go away." Seeing who it was on the other side.
Not bothering to look up from the phone. "You eat?"
"Yeah." Then her stomach growled.
He scratches his head, clicking his tongue. "Get dressed. Workout clothes."
"I no wanna. Today is my day."
He looked up from his phone. Just that look without raising his head over his glasses. She knew it would be the hard way if she did not comply. "I mean, I can come in and we spend the rest of the day in bed."
"Rain check."
"Seriously?"
With a loud suck of her teeth, she groaned, closing the door to dress. "No!" Hearing her mutter, snorted as he went to wait in the car.
By 9 am they took a drive, Johnny drove well past the several gyms in any of the locations they hit up before. He went out away from the 'burbs and far from the city.
"Thought you wanted to workout?" She sat confused when Gat just looked at her without saying a word. She sat back and enjoyed the ride.
Ky got comfortable and looked out of the passenger's window, watching the scenery go by. As endless tree grove came into view. The music was on, as Johnny wanted he got her singing. They dragged off the highway.
Mount Claflin was their apparent destination. The mountain had many trails, as well as scenic views and campgrounds. They passed several cars parked in one of the designated areas. Gat parked, getting out, went to Kyouki's door, opening it before going to the back to get a backpack out.
"Ready?"
"Yeah, I guess." She followed behind quietly.
Gat trotted ahead and Kyouki caught up, keeping time with Gat. They climbed to a plateau, a vista that overlooked the city in the distance. Gat handed her a water bottle. Kyouki gladly drank. Gat expressed his quenched thirst.
Johnny cleared his throat. "I'm sorry."
"You aight, you say that a lot… like, a lot a lot."
Gat thought he could say what was on his mind. Taking another drink, he doubled back. This time, he wasn't going to ruin it for her. He was going to let it all play out. He then heard her phone chime. This particular ringtone is annoying as hell.
"You need to change that shit." Johnny said, taking another drink.
"I happen to like it." Ky read over her message.
Gat scoffed. "No shit."
"Like seriously, I think I'll text you when I feel like it. Bitch."
Gat looked over when he heard her snap her phone closed. Then she went in.
"You know that fucker, Dane? Yeah, ya do. Anyway. He had told me his last name was Whitmore right, well, guess what? I had Pierce do a bit of digging." She didn't take a breath. "I mean, Ish was trying to tell me right. But then she just stopped. Thank you for the cakes B.T dubs."
Ish and him had discussed what was on his mind when he returned to the club that night, Ish brought it up when they were on their home. Gat said nothing. He wanted to say you're welcome.
He just listened to Ky vent, what played out that night, and she finally stopped when he tossed her in the tub. Ky flicked the bottled water at him. He deserved it. But the most interesting piece of information out of all of what she said… Dane lied.
"Can I kill him?" He opened another bottle of water.
"What? No." Ky made a face that went from mad to confused, then back to mad.
"So what you planning?"
Kyouki shrugged. She wasn't sure if she should condemn the man. Not just yet. "I'll say I lost my phone for a few days or whatever."
Gat nodded in agreement. "Ready to head back down?"
Ky looked out over the city for a bit. The skyline was beautiful and just at that moment; she realized. "This is really happening, isn't it?"
"What?"
"The Saints. It's really happening?"
Gat leaned back on the rock bench they sat on, then sat forward resting his elbows on his knees, looking out over the city too. "You just realized that?" Admiring her profile.
Kyouki frowned, then nodded. "Yeah. I mean, I knew before. But…" Her head tilted as the wind blew. Straightening up, her eyes closed, taking a deep breath, the warm smells of spring filled her nostrils. With an exhale, looked at the city. "I think I just woke up looking at all of this."
Grabbing the empty water bottles, she took them to the can nearest them.
Gat reached into his backpack taking a box out. "Here, Happy Birthday."
Ky's head tilted. "You didn't have to." She reached out her hand to take it, Johnny grabbed her, tugging her wrist. "Woah, ow stupid."
Gat ignored her protest by opening the box, and from it an identical bracelet like he wore. Ky looked at it as he slipped it on. "Johnny!" allowed her wrist back, she admired the thick chain bracelet.
"Yeah, I know you kept trying to steal mine, so I got one for you."
"Does it double as brass knuckles like yours?" Kyouki punched out her fist. It wasn't the same, but it didn't matter. She appreciated the gift.
Johnny laughed. "Glad you like it. Come on." He put the backpack on, making his way down the mountain path. Noticing Kyouki not next to him, facing her, he tilted his head towards the way down.
Her cream-colored Skeeters sweatsuit looked good on her. Pants on her waist rolled down and baggy, crop top hoodie with a black sports bra and bike shorts she wore underneath. She still had a tomboy style in her.
Playing with the bracelet, she smiled at him. "I just wanted to say thanks, and I'm sorry."
The wind blew, sweeping loose strands of her hair danced. As he stood there watching her. "Nah, all good?"
"Yep. I'm just sorry." She brushed her hair back.
"For?"
Kyouki turned from him to overlook the city again. "The song." Taking a deep breath, she didn't want to allow herself a feeling that could end in disaster. Even after Aisha's pushing, Kyouki couldn't do it.
If things didn't pan out and some shit happens, she would lose one of her best friends, or worse, both. Kyouki would rather be friends than catch feelings.
"That was our song, so to speak. And Dane just showed up. I didn't expect him to, honestly. But I apologize for that. I'll sing for you one of these days." Turning her head, she grinned at him. "I promise." She stretched, then trotted past him.
He watched her disappear around the trail. Gat shook his head. He isn't getting his hopes up. As much as he would adore her, she is currently seeing someone. "She's alive. For now, that's good enough. Yo Ky, wait up!" He trotted after.
By 12 pm, they were well away from the mountain. "G, drop me off at the real estate office I plan on getting the house I told you about." Ky said just as they entered the city.
"Really, now what happened to waiting?"
"I need to at least get the pricing and look for a suitable spot, right? No time like the present. We don't know what will happen tomorrow."
The look Gat gave her made her close her eyes in thought. Even for her, that was thoughtless. Gat nodded. She was right. It would be no time to enjoy simple shit. He was dragging her to clean up the city. When it would be done, then they can breathe. Pulling up to the office, Kyouki asked if he was coming in.
Both of them entered the office. The secretary sitting there was going over some files. "Just a moment, please."
"Take your time." Ky and Johnny sat down, Ky was playing with the weighty bracelet. "I have to hang with Aunt Mimi and the kids today. I might not be by until later tonight, k?"
"Yeah, we was just going out for dinner." Johnny sat, looking at his phone. Raising his arm, he tugged Ky over to him and took a picture of the two of them.
Kyouki giggled, posing as she leaned closer to Johnny's cheek. Causing the big man to laugh. The Secretary cleared her throat. Kyouki got up and went to the desk. "Yes, can I speak with Javier? I spoke with him yesterday."
With a nod, the woman picked up the phone. "Javi, you have a client. Mrs?"
"Ms, James, Kyouki."
"Ms. James." The secretary announced. Hanging up, she gestured for the woman to have another seat. "He'll be right out."
Kyouki turned to take a seat, and the door opened with a man wearing a silk scarf, eyeshadow and matching lip gloss. "Kyouki!" The man greeted her. Gasping, he pointed to Johnny. "Is that? Are you two official?"
"What? No… what makes you say that?"
Rolling his eyes, he tapped her with his fan to whisper in her ear. "That rampage. Everyone has heard about it, Girlie."
Kyouki scoffed. "Heh, sorry to burst that bubble, but we are just really good friends."
Pursed lips and the shade cast, Javier snorted. "Most lovers are Hunny, most lovers are." His hands went up to signal he was done with the topic. "So what do you need from Javie again?"
Kyouki looked at Johnny for a second, turning back to the top estate agent, who came highly recommended. "I am looking to buy a home for my family. But it has to be like five bedrooms. You have anything?"
Javier thought for a minute. "Step into my office." He turned towards the office behind the secretary, who took notice of Johnny.
"G. I'll be right back. I need to speak with Javier." Seeing his nod, she went into the office.
Sitting at his PC, the estate agent clicked away, looking for anything that he may have on the market that Kyouki was looking for. There were some that were in development, but because the market in Stilwater was high as it was, the chance of anything panning out would be a slow process.
"Girlie, first tell me, when do you need the house by?"
Thinking about it, she wasn't sure, but her family couldn't stay in the hotel forever. "I want to say a week, but then I know nothing about how this works. I just need a large enough house with a yard for two kids."
"Oh, congratulations in order, hmm?" A sassy smirk crossed the man's face.
Blushing, Kyouki laughed uncomfortably. "Stop, he and I are just friends. I was talking about my niece and nephew." Pulling out her phone, she showed off the new additions to the James family.
"Aww, Girlie they are too cute. Well, let's keep looking huh?" Clicking away once more he looked, pursed lips and a few eyebrow raises later he picked up the phone after it rang.
Hanging up, Javier clicked around again. "Ok, I'll be up front with you. Nothing. Anytime soon, that is. But looky here." He turned the screen to face Kyouki. "Here there is where new construction is expanding, so we can get you in here, and a house that will be big enough but."
"Uh oh… I know that 'but'" Kyouki admitted.
Javier sighed. "The properties are sky high, nothing under three hundred thousand. And if you want that fenced-in yard, Girlie, nothing happening." Javier sadly shook his head. Then his cell rang.
Kyouki felt disappointed. To have a house built would be cheaper, but then there is the land that needs to be purchased, and with the market high, it seems no one is selling, and near impossible to get a foot in. Her family would have to just have to wait a while longer than Kyouki had wanted.
Hearing Javier hang up with a beep, he tapped her attention. "Girlie. Guess who I just got off the phone with?"
"Who?"
Javier leaned in and whispered. "Listen, I just got off the phone with Alexi. It seems Stefan is having another one of his soirees today, and I'm not missing his pool boy this year. Here's the deal... I've been tryin' to sell real estate in this area for a few months, but no one's buying because, like I said, sky high. So I got this idea. We go talk to Stefan."
Ky nodded. "What's talking to him going to do?"
Javier smirked. "I can get you what you need, for pennies, Hunny, but if you need something now, talking to him will be beneficial. My cousin runs a septic company. I figure you could borrow one of his trucks, drive around the area, and, well, ya know..." He nodded knowingly.
Kyouki got the idea and wondered if it would be wise. "You really think people are gonna wanna buy houses if we covered the area in shit?" Thinking back to what she just did not to long ago.
Javier shrugged. "Girlie, it's really hard to find cheap housing in Stilwater… But if you need something right now, I know Stefan can make it happen. Let me give my cousin a call. His name is Tony. You come to Stefan's and we will talk to him to get you a temporary house for your family."
Already dialing Tony's number. "Hey cousin. I need a favor. It's Javier. Yeah. I need a truck. Can you drive my girl around? Yes, I'm still gay, my friend, you dolt. Yeah. Ok, sending her to you now." He shooed after Kyouki while he got up to hang up and see her out.
Kyouki exited the office with a smile. "G, come on, I need your help." Taking him by the hand pulled him to his feet.
"What's up?" He asked curiously.
"Javi, Love you, thank you!" Pulling Gat out of the door.
"Bye Girlie, see you tonight. Love you too!" Javier fanned himself as he watched Gat walk away. "Lookit the ass on that man. Gina, look." He tapped his secretary with his fan.
"Yeah, he is handsome." She swooned.
"Girl, he is spoken for. Twice over. He needs to come play for the other team. Mm." Stepping back into his office to handle some paperwork.
Gat had pulled off and Kyouki explained what went down.
"So Javie got a call that Stefan was having a soiree tonight, and he should be able to help with the house."
"What's that got to do with you?"
Kyouki grinned. "One of your favorite hobbies… Defacing and destruction of public property!"
"Well, Happy Birthday to me!" Gat chuckled.
Kyouki's phone rang. It was Shaundi. She didn't want to speak to the girl, but she had no choice. Finding out that the girl had information from a fling of hers, Kyouki put aside her ire and went to see what the girl had.
"G, can you go without me? I need to see your friend. The guy you're meeting is named Tony." She texts him the address Javier sent to her. "I need to meet Shaundi at some place near the Uni. Then I have to go to this party." Kyouki checked the glove compartment and saw a handgun in there. Checking the magazine, she placed the gun in the back of her sweatpants.
Gat felt Kyouki patting on his hip. He couldn't move to help her look for what she needed. "Bet." Johnny agreed, to dropping her off.
Kyouki held out her hand. "Gimmie."
"Left hip for right now." He said. She felt the dagger on him. Holding her hand out, he placed it once more. It was her old dagger he had given her for protection. Not questioning it, in its leather sheath, she slipped it into her cleavage. The way Gat watched her, he closed his eyes. "I'll pick you up later."
"Yeah, I'll call if I need anything. Laters." Ky waved, heading into the frat house.
Kyouki walked through the door of the frat house. She assumed it was the right one. It was one of the three big parties that was going on in Frat Row. Looking around the house, didn't see the girl, but heard chanting over the booming music blasting. Following the chants headed to a large dining room.
"Shaun-di! Shaun-di! Shaun-di! Shaun-di!"
Rolling her eyes, she knew this chick was up to something. Ky found Shaundi on her knees chugging a beer bong surrounded by sloshed Uni-boys. The crowd was cheering her on. When she finished, she flinched seeing Kyouki standing there.
"Hey Boss." She greeted, wiping her mouth and chin with a half smile. Seeing the look on Kyouki's face, Shaundi dropped the familiarity.
Kyouki shook her head, looking at Shaundi. It still pissed her off. "What's going on..." She leaned in to ask over the music.
Shaundi answered with the most obvious. "Beer bong." She smiled and moved out of the way of another drinker.
"No shit. I mean, why the fuck are we at a frat party?"
Shaundi shrugged. "If I can drink free, I'll meet anywhere…" The look on Kyouki's face said it all. With her current standing, she knew she fucked up and now has to earn the respect of her Boss. "My ex had called me and said he got some dirt for us."
Ky had a look of confusion on her face. "I thought I killed your ex."
"Different ex. Come with me." Shaundi led the way down into the basement of the flophouse. There was a various assortment of drugs laying about, and several sparking up a dude saw Shaundi coming down, calling her over.
"'Sup Shaundi..."
Shaundi introduced the two to each other. "Hey Blake, whatchu got for me?"
Blake, nodding to Kyouki, handed the piece to the petite woman. "White Widow."
Shaking her head no, she kept taking a glance at Kyouki, who looked fed up. "I was talkin' 'bout the info you called me about, but pass the piece." Slinking away from Kyouki, to take a seat on one couch. Kyouki sat on the arm of the couch. She wouldn't dare place her entire self on the filthy couch. "So what's up?" She nodded to Blake.
"Earlier today I went to Shivington to find party favors for tonight. While I was buyin' I noticed some Samedi wheelin' in a bunch of chemicals into a building."
"You sure?" Shaundi puffed again.
Blake seemed offended. "I know a drug lab when I see one."
Ky nodded. "Okay… Looks like I'm gonna blow up some dust labs, you wanna come? Blake, may I borrow your car?" She asked Shaundi, dusting her behind off.
Shaundi puffed again and stretched out with a smile. "Eh, you go have fun. I think I'll stay here..."
Blake handed her the keys. Thanking him, Kyouki turned to leave she raised an eyebrow. "That was, 'Yes'. Unless you want me to embarrass you in front of your little friends, I suggest you carry your ass outside with me."
A chill settled within Shaundi, and she was up and out of the door without so much as a word of goodbye.
An hour or more had passed the sun was creeping low. Sweaty and feeling odd, Kyouki and Shaundi cleared the labs that scouted by their crew. It was having to chase down one other the Sons boys was what exhausted the two women. Standing over the man's bleeding body, she called Javier once more.
"Hey Javie, you work in Shivington? Yeah? Great, there's buildings I want to buy. Lemme call the Fire Department first, for this shit is unuseable. Thanks, see you in about an hour. K, bye." Looking at Shaundi, she shook her head again. "You shoot for shit, and I guess you did alright. Go on back to your party." She handed Shaundi the key to Blake's car.
Shaundi offered to drop her off at Purgatory first. Taking the girl up on her offer, she hopped in the passenger's side and they pulled off, with the cops and fire department racing to the buildings that were lit with flames.
High on the rooftop of one of the occupied buildings, overlooked two of the most frightening men in the Sons. Mr. Sunshine smiled at the plumes of smoke that carried the smell of Loa on the winds.
The General patted his long-time friend on his shoulder. "What are you thinking, my friend?" Looking at the smoke and fires that lighted the city's abandoned buildings they once occupied.
Mr. Sunshine nodded. "It's beautiful." gesturing his arms open wide with the chaos before them.
The General raised an eyebrow, his smooth accent even and cool. "And expensive."
Mr. Sunshine nodded once more, stuffing his hand into his pockets, taking a deep breath. "More money will come..." He knew that with destruction comes rebirth, it wouldn't be a total loss of profits.
The General looked to his friend, then back out at the cops and fire department scurrying, water spraying everywhere. This is a problem. With several of their members having lost their lives, there were fewer to run as needed for the money that now needs to be collected. The General Spoke as if he wanted to believe his Second. "You had best be right. Between the farm and this fire, we can not afford to have anything go wrong with our next shipment."
"Don't worry General, the shipment will be safe..." He reassured the General. He will have to oversee matters if push came to shove.
Some of his people had informed the General of the Saints and their machinations knew they were the ones pushing them out and killing their people. An idea came to mind, if it is as simple as all that. "These Saints are proving themselves to be quite the nuisance. Like mosquitos on a sweltering summer night."
Mr. Sunshine smirked. He saw the girl and woman who were at the nightclub the other day. His memory has never failed. He knew that woman would know the whereabouts of the Saints head. "Then perhaps it's time we speak to their leader..."
The party proved useful. What went down years ago between Stefan and Kyouki was forgotten. Stefan provided Kyouki with a use of one of his houses in one of the more well-to-do areas of the city. Kyouki brought several dresses and suits that only Stefan knew how to stitch together and design. Mingling with several people who hovered around the famed tailor, one Dane Vogel graced the party, homing in on Kyouki.
"Kyouki, I am surprised to see you here!" It amazed the man to see her once again. "I haven't heard from you. I thought something happened. Is everything alright?" Genuinely concerned, the night they slept together was still on his mind as he pulled the woman to the side.
For Kyouki, she smiled politely. "I'm sorry, Mr. Vogel, or is it Whitmore?"
The man paled, fervent apologies poured from the man. Kyouki was tired. It was then Javier stepped in, saving her from the discomfort he could see she was in. "Girlie, I have several contracts that I need you to sign. Pardon me, Mr. Vogel. I need to steal her way."
"Thank you. How's the area for Shivington?"
"All yours. Come to my office tomorrow afternoon." Javier winked, then let the woman go as he returned to the pool boy that he so admired.
Kyouki slipped off into the night to her last stop before heading to bed. That evening the news was a buzz with what went down in the run-down section of the city on the news when Kyouki made it to her Aunt's room, gave looks of disapproval.
"Chaos. It's the only word fitting to describe the results of the conflagration that's consuming Shivington. Earlier tonight a series of meth labs exploded, creating a chain of events that is nothing short of catastrophic. As the neighborhood burns, emergency teams are desperately trying to treat anyone they can find. As burn wards throughout the city get filled to capacity, one has to wonder. What sort of sociopath could be responsible for causing this? I'm Jane Valderamma, channel 6 News.
Thank You Jane. In other news, it seems the disgruntled employees have struck yet again. This time, the areas of New Hennequet and Quinbecca were the targets of the attack. People in the area have cleared out and surveying the damages done in this vicious attack. Clean up begin immediately. Who could be responsible for this? I tell you, twice in the same year. Heh, it seems like the Stilwater Butcher will visit this city, if this keeps up..."
Kyouki stared wide-eyed at her aunt, then at the screen. "Hey Aunty, listen…. I had a valid reason!" Kyouki tried her best to explain that the fire was an accident and the property destruction had no hand of hers. "Aunt Mimi, you believe me, right?" The young woman pleaded.
The Ultor Times had sprawled on the front page, the news from last night.
~SHIVINGTON IN FLAMES!~
What began as an innocuous raid on drug labs run by the Sons of Samedi has ended in unimaginable tragedy. In their continued quest for dominance, the Vigilantes descended onto the Samedi territory intent on destroying the Samedi Loa Dust labs in the projects of Shivington. In the resulting chaos, it is assumed that the fire from one of the labs continued to spread until the entire neighborhood was engulfed in flames. Witnesses say they have never seen anything like it, and many are suspicious about the city's claims that nothing could have been done to prevent it.
"Ya know… We gonna be in some shit if we keep this up." Kyouki looked over to Gat as Aisha chuckled. "Well, Johnny had his turn covering shit in.. well shit." Johnny and Kyouki burst out laughing.
"I know Mimi lit into your ass, didn't she?" Aisha smirked. Getting up from the table, she walked into the kitchen.
"Yeah, Gat had too much fun, and I had to force Shaundi with me to clear out some drug labs. Like serious, this one dude was trying to shake us. I was sliding over car hoods like in those chase shows. It was fucking wild." Kyouki had wanted a snack, and she could only find it at one of her favorite food trucks near the University. "I'm going to S.U. Food trucks. Then talk to Javier. Not in that order. You two want anything?"
Gat pulled a couple of dollars from his wallet. "Two Fat Bitches."
"Ok. Be back soon."
That was when an APB was called out by the Saints for their leader was missing.
Fat Bitch
Ingredients…
Steak, American cheese, Chicken nuggets, Mozzarella sticks, Fries, Mayo and Ketchup. All in one sammich… yes… Sammich.