Jealousy isn't inherent, or maybe it is. It isn't necessarily taught, though it could be. It's a feeling. A feeling that runs deep. Why, that may be anyone's guess. But when you are jealous, it is thought to be of a complete stranger, someone you would never in life have a chance meeting with, still likely to be someone you are close to.

There can be a number of reasons that jealousy rears its head. He has so much money, she's so tall and beautiful. She has the coat I wanted; he has so many girls falling over themselves. Anything and with that… Some people met their end to complete strangers, or close personal friends, or even family… over jealousy.

Now, yes, you can say Shogo is jealous of his cousin Kyouki. His father treats her as his own blood. His mother was excommunicated from the family because of her. Not even he knows where his mother is.

So when Shogo looks at his Golden cousin who was whisked away to America, he didn't see what's so great about her. They had the same upbringing, even though she lived far away. Same training, same treatment. Until one day, his father stopped speaking to him. The day he beat that filthy dog to death.

Kyouki ran to tell his father what happened, bawling her eyes out, and he received the worst beating ever. The only beating ever in his life. He reasoned that if the mutt didn't nip him and played with him like it played with Kyouki, it would still be alive.

Though not everyone saw it that way. It cost him more than Shogo realized.

Ky smiled when she turned to face her cousin. "[Good to see you. Where have you been?]"

His actually being present made this visit easier. Now she wouldn't have to hunt him to drag him back.

Shogo gave a half-hearted smile. "[Well. You? My room mostly, I am not allowed from father's sight.]" He was in no mood to deal with his cousin. He had heard she had arrived and when he left his room, he also sent Guy to find Johnny.

"[Ah, I'm alive. I needed to speak with you. Both of you. One reason I'm here is for you. You have broken our agreement.]" Kyouki said.

"[What agreement?]" Kazuo looked at both children.

Facing her uncle, she smiled. "[A verbal agreement that he keeps the Ronin from a few neighborhoods that are under my protection.]" Ky pulled out the paperwork that showed the strip club and the recreation center that is hers. Handed them to her uncle.

Kazuo narrowed his eyes at his son, frowning and shaking his head when he read over the papers. "[A man always honors his agreements and listens to his elders.]" Saying finally in disappointment.

"[Yes, father. I wasn't trying to disrespect. I was making sure no one else pushed in.]" Shogo knew he had slipped up just a little. And Ky gave her word she would kill any on sight. She hadn't, but word had it that Johnny Gat fired first. "[A Johnny Gat, initiated the first shot against one of my boys.]"

"[That doesn't matter. I asked you to keep your men back. Why were they in the neighborhood I specifically asked you to not be in? I warned you.]" Kyouki no more believed he was helping than the Pope shitting in the woods and using golden leaves to wipe his ass. "Shogo. Really, I know why you are doing it. And I'm asking in front of Uncle for you to stop it."

"What are you going to do if I don't?" Shogo knew she wouldn't hurt him. She is loyal to her family. She had never once caused him pain other than after the dog incident.

Kyouki clenched her teeth. "[Uncle. This is what I was talking about. He is doing it again.]"

Kazuo nodded. He sighed. "[Kyouki, do what you must. Shogo still refuses to see his wrongdoings.]"

Again! Kyouki was turning his father against him. No more. Both of them would know his pain tonight. "[Why must you constantly take her side? When will you ever see me and hear what I have to say? I am worthy of the same amount of respect you give this half-breed!]"

"Half breed! No wait, that's true. So?!" Kyouki shrieked.

"You were dead, gone! I was glad you died, then MY FATHER saw me." Shogo shouted. "He sent me to lead in your place. Who would care once I was here? You fucked up and died. And I'm still living in your fucking shadow! You are a half-breed who doesn't deserve to run this family! That's why your parents were murdered!"

"[SHOGO ENOUGH!]" Kazuo slammed his hands down on the table as he was on his feet immediately. "[How dare you insult me, her, my departed brother? My decisions!]"

"[You act like she is your blood. I am your son. She is just some orphan. You refuse to see me because of her. Yeah, I was glad she died…]"

"[Shogo. I am warning you. One more out burst…]"

Kyouki threw a spoon at Shogo as she stared at him. Kyouki heard what her Uncle Kazuo said. Heard clearly what they both said. But one thing at a time. "[Fight me.]"

"W-what?" Shogo sputtered.

"[Kyouki!]" Kazuo warned.

Kyouki raised a finger, and she took a deep breath. "[Uncle, he is entitled to feel the way he does. And pardon my disrespect, but I'll deal with you after him.]" Ky glared at her cousin. "I said fight me, you little bitch. If you win, I will abdicate and the Ronin are yours. On the condition you leave Stilwater and never return."

"And I kill Johnny Gat?" Shogo sneered. "If I win."

Kyouki snorted with a smirk. "If."

"[Kyouki-san, don't do this, you just recovered.]" Jyunichi spoke for Kazuo and himself.

"Ya'll need to stop being so damn nosy." Kyouki glanced at Jyunichi before turning to Shogo again. "Well?"

Shogo was always speaking first before considering the consequences. Now he would be locked in a one on one. "Yeah. When?" He will have to cheat, need to. Her skills were what their trainers wanted of him. He knew she was still not healthy enough to go toe to toe. So he has to use that to his advantage.

"Right now." Kyouki said flatly.

Taken aback, though he refused to show it, Shogo grew a smile that could have been interpreted as menacing, that didn't phase Kyouki.

"Bet."

Kyouki breezed past and left the dining room. With the others behind her.

They arrived in the foyer and Kyouki ordered everyone out. "Move it or you will definitely lose it today!"

"[Reconsider this, you have just recovered.]" Jyunichi was trying to stop her before she went through her demand.

One frosted glare they scrambled. The suits, the Ronin, they all stood back. Jyunichi moved the tables and chairs with the help of others. The foyer now looked like a ring. Kyouki was still sore. She shouldn't be fighting, but Shogo needs to prove something to his father, and he wouldn't dare issue a challenge if she was eighty percent better.

Kyouki braided her hair quickly. Pinning it with ink pens from the counter in a high bun atop her head. She unzipped her hoody, reaching for a third pen she signaled she was ready.

Shogo looked at her like she was crazy. "A ink pen? You think you are so tough. I'll have the Ronin control for sure."

"You plan on talking me into defeat? Let's go, bitch. I have been too nice to you, now Imma shove my foot up your ass." Repeatedly clicking the pen, she rolled her eyes. "You get first swing. Come on."

Johnny and Asha waited until Johnny couldn't wait anymore, which was about the third time ringing her phone. He wondered just how long Kyouki was going to be. Aisha was busy packing plates for them and helping to clean up.

As the hours ticked by, it was getting later. Purgatory was neat once more, the crew was having a drink, or listening to music, even gaming or just watching tv. Hours, that the sun had sunk into the horizon and the moon was the white, blue color of ice.

Little did he know he was being fought over, fought for. He was in the worst bet for his life, ever. And Johnny had no clue.

Ky knew she couldn't win in her condition. But that didn't mean she was going without a fight.

Johnny called again before grabbing the keys to leave and only got her voicemail.

Several hisses filled the air when she stripped her hoody and her bruises peeked out at people. Ky dodged another sloppy punch of Shogo's and she was hurting. He landed a few hits, and she felt it. Boy, did she feel it. She was gripping her side and panting.

A pull in her stomach, a Charlie horse from a cramp in her side? Yup, she overdid it.

Kazuo stepped in. He had to stop the fight. It was too much for him to see Ky hurting.

"[Enough! Everyone leave now!]"

Kyouki was on her knees, wheezing. "Just….. so you know…. I tried to stop him from being shot. Asshole." She pulled up her sleeve, showing the bullet wound Gat had caused. The reason he isn't out in the streets. He has been on suspension still.

Shogo didn't see it that way. Kazuo had Shogo dragged to his room, while whisking Kyouki to a room for her to be examined by his doctor.

It was a draw for now. After Shogo missed the first punch.

Kyouki was laying in the plush bed looking up at the ceiling. Her uncle chastised her for fighting in her condition.

"[Bah. Nothing I haven't endured before.]" She winced. The older man grunted. Kyouki pouted, then sighed, readjusting her position as she wanted to know. "[What did Shogo mean by my parents were murdered?]"

Kazuo could kill Shogo for this. "[Another time.]" Kazuo went to get up to leave.

"[Oh no you don't. Tell me.]"

Kazuo stopped. She is old enough to know the truth. He never intentionally denied what happened. He himself is furious about it still.

"[Shogo's mother.]"

Kyouki's eyebrows twitched. Her aunt, if her uncle, refers to his wife as Shogo's mother, and not by name. Something must have happened.

"[She had a fiery temper, the reason I married her. I thought she was a good match. How wrong I was.]"

Kazuo explained she was jealous of his older brother having fallen for Kyouki's mother, and having a gentle manner, not suited, she claimed, to be a leader of their growing family. It wasn't until years later that the still waters rippled, exposing her deeds.

"[There were several incidents that now I can say were on purpose. The car your parents drove just after you were born, th- there was a type of gas that, over time, put a person to sleep. Behind the wheel asleep… Someone followed and saved you before you drowned in the lake.]" Kazuo sniffed. "[I lost my brother, and his beloved wife. Everyone loved her. Except Kozume. When she realized you were still alive, she tried to murder you as you slept.]" Kazuo touched a spot on her head, gently, remembering the cut that once bled on his infant niece.

Kyouki listened. The details of her father and mother, her uncle committed to memory were painful. He shielded her from a power hungry murdering monster. Kyouki's phone rang, looking at her uncle Kazuo excused himself, leaving her alone.

"Yeah?"

"Where are you?" Irritated, it took her so long to answer.

"I'll be back soon."

Gat grunted. "That doesn't answer my question."

"You'll live. See you in a bit. I have no definite time." She hung up before Johnny could say another word.

She sighed. Couldn't feel sad. She never knew her mother or father. Kyouki knew they loved her from the stories her uncle shared with her. Stories aunt Mimi told her. And her estranged aunt deserved what she got and more.

Kyouki just sat for a while. Just the quiet hum of lights, distant sounds of traffic, and people outside her door. In thought of what was said. It was definitely a lot to take in, more to process. Her parents were murdered.

Ever so slowly did she swing her legs over the side of the bed. 'Tell Aunt Mimi and Bobby first. Then the crew. Tell Troy… Reschedule the wedding. No, my wedding.' Kyouki was at the door when she finished her thought. When she opened it, her uncle was back with a long, black polished wooden box in his hand.

"[For you. Open it later. I will monitor Shogo and his men at his side. Until you decide what you wish for him.]"

Placing the box in her hands, it felt heavy. Kyouki swallowed. This was it, she had no choice if what was in the box was what she thought. She needed to go. More thinking was needed, a shitton of explanations. There was no way for her to drive back; she was still sore. Kazuo instructed Jyunichi to drive her wherever she needed to go. There was no protesting. Kyouki was on her way out and heading to Club Koi.

From the hotel to Club Koi was met with a slight delay, an accident on the bridge. Gave enough quiet time for Kyouki. Rubbing her hands on the smooth polished box, she looked down in the dark at it. Feeling the heavy weight, a heavy burden. One which her uncle held for so long. Was she capable of leading the men and women who were under the Akuji banner? She was and can run the Saints. Were they so different?

Trained men and women who have honed for years against common street thugs? No, her men and women were anything but common.

Would the Ronin clan follow her? Would they do so on her uncle's order, or would they be willing? Many, many, many thoughts surfaced she had never thought of before.

Jyunichi looked in the rearview mirror at the young woman. He would follow her and give his life for her, as he would her uncle. He cleared his throat. "May I speak freely?"

Kyouki's eyes slowly met his. Jyunichi paused. Those eyes were terrifying, but now they did not hold malice. They held many questions.

Jyunichi nodded. "When you lead, I will be by your side. If it is any consolation."

"Aren't you loyal to my uncle?"

"[He asked me to be at your side.]"

Kyouki snorted. It was settled, all sorted out, nice and neat for her. Would she be pivotal or a pretty figurehead? Here in Stilwater, she has what she needs. "I have a Gat." Kyouki said. "He… he wouldn't allow anything to happen to me. I just cannot afford to have him by my side."

Jyunichi nodded. Shogo was still highly determined to turn Gat alive or dead to his father. "I am ordered to protect you as well."

"I don't need to have someone ordered. Willingly is fine. I do the ordering around." Kyouki smiled softly. She pet the box again as they drove past the fender bender. "Stop the car offer to buy them new cars, say from Santa."

Jyunichi pulled to the shoulder of the heavily trafficked suspension bridge and did as instructed. Kyouki looked out the window. They were in the middle of the bridge, over the deep channel water.

'Why is it always water?' She thought. Water that took her parents, Lin, and that fucking yacht. All three times nearly claimed her. She closed her eyes.

The door opened and closed, with Jyunichi driving off once more. The rest of their trip was quiet. A right and left they were some ways to their destination for the night.

"Junjun, stop here. In case they followed us." Kyouki asked.

"[Akuji-san instructed me to drive you.]"

"I can guarantee you I will not be driving. I will call when I need to be picked up. Deal?" Kyouki smiled at Jyunichi in the rearview.

The tall man sighed and let her out in front of the club. Watching as she walked in, he pulled off. Ky walked through the people, greeted as she went, box held tight in her arms to the back exit. Cold the night was and winds whipped up through the shadowy alleyways.

Her steps quickened when she was closer to Purgatory. Johnny was at the mission doors, just about to come out. Ky brushed past him. Grabbing him by his jacket tugged him to follow.

"Where's your car?"

Ky didn't answer. They made their way downstairs, and Ky handed him the box. She went to get Aisha, who was at the bar. Seeing Ky signal for her to come up, she excused herself and headed to the office. Kyouki also flagging Pierce and Shaundi, and they made their way up too.

Once all in the office, Kyouki dialed Ramon.

"(Holá Jefa.)"

"You with Carols?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

Deep breaths. "Ok. Now that I sorta have you all here, I just wanted to let you all know some shit." Ky took a seat as they all stood around. "Oh boy, ok. You all have to keep your mouths shut for now. Johnny, Noel and Ren already know, but the reason there's been little movement from the Ronin is because of me."

Ky looked around and listened for either Ramon or Carlos to say anything. Nothing.

"Well, yeah, Shogo is scared." Shaundi stated.

Ky smiled for a second. "About that. I got I to a fight with him tonight."

"What?" Johnny stretched out before anyone could say a word.

"It was over you, as a matter of fact."

"Me?"

"Who else got caught on the cams the night of the casino robbery? Anyways, they aren't moving because of me. And they will clear the two places Shogo has people out by tomorrow." Kyouki looked between them and asked if Ramon and Carlos understood.

"Now, the thing is. In this box I got from my uncle is my inheritance. And it means I'll be leaving Stilwater after my wedding."

That was it. They whooped so much Ky just folded her hands and waited for them to settle down.

"Ya'll done? Cause if that got you, this will really get you. Pierce, your boys were right. I was coming from the hotel because I had business there with Kazuo Akuji, my biological paternal uncle."

"WHAT!" Came from the collective four.

"I know right, crazy!" Kyouki mocked sarcastically. "If Johnny did what I asked, what we agreed to… I wouldn't be getting married, I wouldn't have to hide Johnny, I wouldn't have agreed to take over the Ronin because I needed help. And because Shogo, oh my cousin if you didn't guess, wasn't so asshole-ish. So there it is. Take from it what you will. I'm going home. No one say shit right now. I still have time before I leave. When Carlos is discharged, we meet at my place. Goodnight."

She got up, took the box, grabbed Aisha's hand, and Johnny followed. "You drive, I'm not allowed to." Was what the others heard as she walked out of the office, leaving them all flabbergasted.

"What do you mean, you got into a fight?" Aisha asked.

Kyouki huffed. "I will throw my inheritance away to keep Oshiri safe." A chill and gooseflesh tingled her when she said it.

Aisha nodded. "Shogo challenged you?"

"Other way around."

Aisha was stunned. Why would anyone launch a fight over someone? "Why? You just got out of the hospital today!" She guessed it could happen, but Kyouki's body was still healing.

"For Johnny."

"You said that already." Aisha said, exasperated.

"I don't know what else to say, other than… I also found out tonight… my parents were murdered."

Aisha didn't know what to say. "What?" She was stunned, the casual way Ky just said her parents were murdered. Come to think of it, Ky never talked about her parents. Aisha hugged her arm as they walked out into the frosty night. It seemed like there was more to talk about but will wait until all were present.

Kyouki left her spare phone. On the other end, Ramon and Carlos sat quiet, the other end was quiet as well. Words wanted to form, but neither of them knew where to start. Several times, the four started before Carlos got them talking.

"I get out next week. We… she's getting married… to who, though?" Carlos announced.

"Good. Don't know. But imma find out. I can't believe she related to the Leader of the Ronin." Pierce said, picking the phone up off the desk.

"I know who it is!" Shaundi shouted out in excitement.

"Who?" Ramon and Carlos' voices mingled with Pierce's.

"Some guy named Dane."

"Oh… shit." Pierce gasped.

"Who is that?" Carlos questioned.

Ramon knew, Pierce knew, he dug into him. While Ramon saw him that one time at the airport. The boss marrying Dane, and leading the Ronin covertly. He had to laugh, that caused the other to question what was so funny.

"Nothing, just Kyouki James is one crazy, scary woman."

Kyouki James can move mountains with a smile, freeze Hell with a glare. She makes the impossible possible and you either live to tell about it or lost to the body count she has.

Mr. Sunshine and the General crossed the wrong woman when they mind fucked her.

Jessica and Maero crossed the line when they went after innocent people, namely Carlos and Ren.

Ky had been body blocking Shogo, giving him the runaround and playing the ultimate game of hide and seek. It can only last for so long before you tire out.

Dane's office was quiet. Dane is not in sight. They delayed the man arriving; he had a meeting off site. And Kyouki had access to his office, and his secretary.

Jamie Osprey has worked for Dane Vogel for the past nine years. She isn't greedy or manipulative; she does her job, and that's that. His secretary, a go to for anything he needs as he had climbed the Ultor ladder. She knows things have been privy to many things. And that's what Kyouki was hoping for.

Kyouki arrived in the early hours of the morning before the tall brunette.

"Ms. James, a pleasure to see you."

"Ms. Osprey, how are you this morning?"

It shocked the woman to see Kyouki in the waiting area. "I am well, thank you. But uh, Mr. Vogel isn't here at the moment."

"I know. I came to talk to you, actually."

"With me? I am of no importance." Jamie flustered.

Kyouki smiled reassuringly. "No, you are. You work for Dane. That's more than enough."

"How may I help you, then?"

Kyouki stood and gestured to the office doors. "Let's talk."

As the weekend was going to be a busy one. Just two nights ago, she spilled the news to her trusted crew, had a long detailed talk with Dane's secretary, and decided what she should do.

A warm cup of tea felt good. A second warm cup felt better. A chance to relax and not feel anxiety kicking. Christmas was around the corner and she hadn't time to pick anything up for anyone. Needing to get that done was immediate.

A relaxed sigh, she got confirmation her runners did their stock collections of blankets, sweaters, socks and other necessities for the Saints. There was enough food for dinner for them. And they got gifts for the kids around the city. Something nice for them. She had several churches, host dinners not necessarily on her behalf, more like Santa.

Ky will go out later and grab something for her family, and the two living with her. Carlos is getting out of the hospital later in the evening and will be by, along with the others.

Ky just took this minute to relax. The sound of feet on the hardwood floors caught the Saints leader's ear.

"Good morning." Kyouki said to the approaching guest. The sudden lift to her feet was unexpected as lips met hers.

Gat held back the few days before, droplets of water tickled her face. Hugging her close. "Morning beautiful." He said against her lips with a satisfied sigh.

"Hm." Ky hummed. "We need to talk."

"Uh-oh. Am I in trouble still?" Letting her slip from his embrace.

"Always. We need to talk about us."

"Heh." Johnny took a drink from his freshly poured cup. "What about us?"

Kyouki returned to her seated position at the low table, turned to see Gat leaning on the counter of the kitchen island. "I'll just come right out and say it. We cannot continue to have sex while I'm engaged."

Johnny's light brown eyes squinted at Kyouki, his brows furrowed as he stopped mid drink. "I said Dane can't have you."

"Un-huh. What makes you think I want him? I just have to marry to get rid of him. He already cheated on me."

"Then the hell you marrying him for? If you don't like the muthafucka, why bother?"

"Business."

"Nun-ya?"

"No, it's an actual business proposal. It didn't dawn on me right away. He asked just as my uncle was about to end the current partnership."

"Serious?"

Kyouki nodded, handing her cup to Gat. "I wouldn't have to marry him and my uncle says I don't have to be bothered. It's just Dane is up to something. Spoke with his assistant. I saw plans. At least, I remember some pictures of Sunnyvale Gardens. Like… Tracey did one I remember. I think I was just feverish. Anyway, I am securing my property. I am reworking the completing of our prenuptial agreement."

"I still object. But you knew that shit. I will kill him."

"Now, now, we play nice. Besides, what if I end up owning half of Ultor? It's in the prenup."

Johnny raised an eyebrow while he sipped his tea.

Long day is almost over. Kyouki went to dress for shopping, picked up something for her young cousins first, Aisha and Johnny, then came back, having had the gifts wrapped and whisked away to the Wardill penthouse where the Christmas dinner will be held.

Aunt Mimi, older cousins, will come to the Downtown loft for dinner tonight with the crew. It was past time for a little normalcy and it was still serious business that needed to be discussed.

Johnny went to pick the children up from Aunt Mimi, who was off that day, with her and Aisha. Kyouki's mood was light, she was in a good mood, and the downtown area was decorated nicely. She didn't have far to walk to the mall for her shopping. The girls took a photo with Santa with the kids. Had lunch and all headed back to the loft.

The last dish prepared was just on the table with the sensitive topic of course spilled out of Pierce's mouth and was laying like a dropped ball in the middle of the court.

"Excuse me?" Mimi was just as stunned, if not more so than Tracey had been the other day.

"It is business, nothing more. And there's something else too. Now don't have a cow, but… I am considering what Uncle Kazuo offered."

"Which is?" The older woman folded her arms over her chest as she sat back in the chair.

"I am going to take over all the businesses and everything attached to Uncle Kazuo's… legacy." Kyouki put it tactfully.

"Meaning? I don't think I u understand what you are implying."

Kyouki looked at each person around the table. Gat nodded with Aisha. That was her go ahead.

"I was supposed to lead the Ronin, and it was set for me too from the time I was born?"

"What?" Came from the two now clued in James'.

"Ok! Short version. The Saint's but bigger, more organized. Look, I'm a Saint, and if I… When I have the torch passed to me… the Ronin will be Saints." Kyouki finished.

"Better weapons and damn global domination… I'm all for it." Johnny knocked back a shot of Jack.

"The language." Ky said, reprimanding Johnny.

"Mass marketing, I can see it now - we will have our own clothing line, mascots, and a banging ass energy drink and tacos." Pierce received a few questioning looks.

"Aye man!" Gat called out.

"Pierce the kids, mind your mouth." Kyouki and Aisha said.

Shaundi, Ren, and Carlos looked at each other, then at Pierce. "Tacos?"

"My bad. Yeah, purple corn tacos. Eh?"

Bobby agreed, Pierce nodded, Ky shook her head no. Tracey, Shaundi, Ren, and Carlos just followed with what Kyouki did.

Ramon chimed in. "That's up to you Jefa, we will be behind you with whatever you do." They all lifted their glasses.

Mimi was still grasping what it meant. Ky reassured her it wasn't so bad, and she may be gone for a few months to persuade, or when she goes with Kazuo, the pomp and ceremonies will be short and sweet. Ky smiled when her aunt agreed with a sigh.

Ky went to announcing her next move.

"Right, with that out of the way, I need to know more of what Ultor is doing." She looked at Tracey. "Stilwater is in danger. Not the literal sense. All of Stilwater will look like the Row. All under Ultor."

Murmurs, the group considered the meaning of what their leader said.

"Is that a bad thing?" Tracey asked.

Kyouki shook her head no. "Not really, but if you want to lose your identity, sure." Ky shrugged. "I spoke with his secretary and she let me know that development for the whole of Stilwater has been motioning for a while. Mostly while I was in a coma."

"Damn." Came from Pierce.

Kyouki rolled her eyes at Pierce. "When my uncle passes his businesses to me… I will own this city. I didn't bust my as.. booty, the first time for nothing. We grew up here. I don't want to see the city and everything I know gone. I did that once already."

The group agreed.

Kyouki still needed to cover all bases. "Hey Bobby?"

"Sup?"

"You think you can handle looking after the Saints when I leave? With Gat's help?"

Bobby choked on his drink.

Johnny pulled Ky's elbow and signaled to one of the nearby spare rooms. He waited for her as he took a seat on the bed.

Kyouki excused herself, walked in, closed the door behind her and took a seat next to her lover, sighing as she settled into the plush mattress.

"Pigeon, I need you to know that I am right behind you in what the fuck ever - you are trying to do. I will walk through hell for you, but are you going to be aight with this shit?" Gat laid his glasses down on the night table next to him.

With a much needed stretch, she leaned back. Ky smiled briefly, then her look went a bit more serious, her entire attitude went dark. She sat up and placed her elbows on her knees.

"I wasn't sure about this shit either. This fell into my lap and I have been riding this shit out…" She paused as her eyes narrowed slightly in thought. She continued with a faraway look in her honey eyes. "This shit got me 'killed'." Kyouki got up, pacing. She looked visibly agitated.

Ish filled Gat in on the murders, but she still hasn't brought it up. If she wanted to tell Gat what went down, she can't even do that now.

"Me getting my ass sent into a five-year coma was not what was supposed to happen. I don't even know where to begin with that. It killed my Obachan, hell it killed my parents. People I never met! And then we got Shogo after you. I had zero plans to be married, none." She stopped and looked at Johnny, who sat back and listened.

The look that crossed Kyouki's face sent a chill through Johnny. "My mother died because of me. A supposed fellow Ronin killed my father for going outside of race, by my uncle's wife. Obachan took me to Uncle Kazuo and presented me as the daughter of his eldest brother."

"I'm just a half-breed who is loved by the man who got Lin killed, who having property secured for the man I have to marry, who cheated on me, to save this fucking city again!" Kyouki was livid. "If you had just listened to me. None of this, abso-fucking-lutly none of this would be happening!"

Aisha and the others heard the shouting, and Aisha went to check on them. Ky was in tears, her hands balled at her sides.

"It was said that Kazuo held me. He had the Shinto bless me and declared me future leader of the Ronin–for his brother and wife, even though his wife was due with Shogo in the following year. The bitch was jealous and tried to kill me, twice, and here I am." Throwing her arms out for emphasis. "Kyouki Irissa Akuji, Leader of the Saints. I never even wanted this."

Aisha had her arms around Kyouki. Ky leaned her head on Aisha's. Slowly, the pieces of her life came together, none of them fit. But she would make them fit. She has to.

Ky wiped her eyes, rubbing Aisha's back. She stood looking as defiant as ever, even in her infancy. She still survived, albeit a hell of a lot of help, but here she is.

Gat agreed, if he had stuck with the plan, things may have been different. Kyouki has been shouldering his cross. Held up the city, riding it of every negative she could. Hiding it away. He hung his head. He has to let her go. She's the biggest force this city had ever seen.

Kyouki sighed. "I have been to Japan many times and there were always talks. When the phone rang here or Obachan called Uncle. I never knew what had been planned..."

Johnny cleared his throat and nodded. He smirked as he stood, crossing the room to pull them into his arms.

Ky scoffed. Pulling away from Johnny. "No please. There's another thing. After Christmas. I'll stay in Wardill. You two can stay here." Kyouki could feel the words hurt her as they were coming out of her mouth. "From now on, this… thing we have…" She looked at each of them.

Aisha was getting what she was meaning as she went to take Kyouki's hand in hers. With a loving squeeze, Ky shook her head. "We have to end this relationship. I won't be around much, and I don't want to do anything that I have to." Kyouki looked Johnny in the eyes.

It felt as if there was a wall between them. He couldn't move to touch her. His fault, his fault for her having to go through this. Her family, who she had never had once spoken of, was a new painful memory she didn't need. Because, hot headed Johnny Gat was being reckless once again.

"Ky…." Johnny started.

Kyouki shook her head. "I'm sorry too." With a nod and a deep breath, Ky returned a pleasant smile to her lips. "Come on, dinner is getting cold."

Johnny watched as they both left the room. Kyouki was right, no longer kids from the Row. It is adult time, and Kyouki held more responsibility. If he has any chance of keeping her, he has to fall in line.

"Dane will never have you." Johnny joined the others for the rest of the night.