A/N:

Late?

Yes.

Do I apologize?

Yes. I put so many chapters out for Thanksgiving that no one would mind if I took a break for a bit. A new chapter soon after this one. Thank you and Happy New Year!

There are always things to work on and improve, especially at Ultor. The clothing company who set its sights on the city that was dubbed the least desirable, in other words… Ripe for the picking. The city, as all knew, was street war-torn, and with the prices of property at an all-time low on the market, Ultor saw this as the opportunity to swoop in and buy up for their own vision. Well, they thought they could. The city became at peace once the Saints took over, for several years until the night the city shook to its core.

That was when Dane Vogel came around with his grandiose visions of how Stilwater should be. Of course, his grandfather was the man who put Ultor on the path to multi-billion riches. Clothes people would always need, and after all the fighting stopped, there were houses also what people needed.

Though that isn't the only thing that Ultor has up its sleeves.

Of course, Ultor would pay handsomely. The Saint's leader, Julius Little, would hand the properties he gained over. They found it out. He only had less than a fraction of the documents for the payout Ultor had offered. A minor setback, but still doable.

And handsomely paid, Julius was.

All those years ago, Ultor only had the Row, and Marina they had a hand in until an overnight overseas company brought it from under them.

Dane found out that the one who once owned the areas north of the city was a young woman, didn't know her name, except she was the one who held the city of Stilwater in her hands. And he found out that she died. All the properties returned to their owners as per the agreement of the Right Hand of the Saints. On the night of the explosion, Dexter came to him with the name Masako - Justice, for the name of the security force that was trained under both Dane and Dexter.

Dane then knew that Dexter was much like himself. Ambition, and a sense of propriety to see everything wrong within the city to be righted once more.

Justice was for the fallen young girl who cleaned the city streets. With more uncovering and small investigations, Dane found out who exactly was the savior of Stilwater. A girl, a teenager, who went by the name Li.

The city mourned her loss. Even his hand-selected head of security he plucked from the Saints didn't divulge information on her when first asked.

Things were peaceful for a time, as they always are. And it wasn't long before there was more unrest that terrorized the people.

Years had come and gone, the Phillips building now stood, and with it the news that a Phoenix had risen once more taken her place in the gang-worn streets.

That wasn't the case. For months he had his people on the lookout for the one-time famously infamous Saint. Rumors and sightings of a dupe. Even the rumors yield nothing. It was back to square one.

Even when he spoke with the young Akuji heir, he found out he was here to make the arrangements with Ultor to secure their establishments and properties. More digging. There was someone who had once been on watch and was no more.

Yet one faithful day, years after he himself settled in the city, he was exiting the massive tower. He came across this vision, this exceptionally gorgeous woman crossed his path.

Smitten with her the moment he laid eyes on her, he followed her to the infamous church that the 3rd Saints had once used as their base of operations. She brushed past him in a hurry on that sunny day, sending his driver to find out who she was.

Uncovering the identity of the mystery vixen was nearly put on hold until Jones snapped her photo. Several pictures later, he asked around. Finding that her name was Kyouki, she was a friend of Dexter's, and everything about her he had the details. Dane always paid compensation for such information.

Dane went well out of his way to get closer to her, not only because she painfully attracted him to her, he later needed her. Needed her property. She was once running with the Saints which ended her life. Or so thought. She was back and doing what he needed. Cleaning the streets from the unsavory gangs that littered like the plagues they were. Except for Kyouki, of course. The only exception to this rule was her. She was not only the Ronin heiress; she was the Leader of the Saints.

Marriage was the only way to get what he needs from her without having to shell out millions. She can be stubborn, but he liked that. She was unethical and business savvy, all in the same breath. A living whirlwind swept him up into her charm, and every night he pleased himself with the thoughts of her.

Kyouki James-Akuji was to be his wife, in business and in life. Dane will have it no other way.

The day she threateningly came in, gun pointed in his face, feverish in disarray, he wanted to take her then. When she said no to the pictures of the places Dane had in mind for the remodel, he knew then for certain she owned them.

That time of the year the annual Winter Ball, commonly known as a Christmas party, was to be held in the Phillips building, and Dane had everyone of importance invited. He wanted to wait but now was as good of a time as any to announce along with remodeling, his pending nuptials to the Heiress.

A quick shareholders' meeting would take place on the same day as the Winter Ball. He had to make sure the coming year was funded. And for funding, promises needed to be made. Jamie, Dane's secretary, though absolutely loyal to her boss, was just generously persuaded by the woman Dane was seeing.

"Ms. Osprey, if you could give me all and any details about remodeling plans, I would very much appreciate it." Kyouki smiled sweetly as she sipped the tea before her.

Jamie had thought for a moment before she could answer.

"If there is a problem with telling me, I can assure you I own this city and by rights, if I am to be his wife, I need to know what plans he, this corporation's plans, has for my city."

That piercing gaze, Jamie thought once more and nodded. "It was long in planning from what I had gathered before your coma. I am putting together invitations to a Winter Ball two days before Christmas that we hold. There is to be a shareholders' meeting that very day."

"If there is anything else you are witness to. Please, send it to the address that is here. Have a blessed day. I hope to see you at the Ball?" Kyouki reached into her clutch and pulled an envelope out.

Jamie opened the small bank envelope and gasped when she saw the amount. "Yes. You will." She could hardly speak.

Dane Vogel stood up, clapping as he walked once more to the podium. "Let's give another round of applause to Mr. Gryphon and his mining project. Thank you, Eric."

The clapping came to quiet once more that the many fat-pocketed men and women gathered here along with the members of the broad.

Dane Vogel cleared his throat. "Thanks once again to all of you for making it out today. As you know, it has been a big year for all of us in the Ultor family, and I think we owe a lot of that to our legal team. Three hundred indictments, no convictions!" He chuckled, amused.

There were several clapping and chuckling at the known fact Ultor was dealing with underhanded tricks.

"But we're not here to celebrate past victories, no matter how impressive...no...we're here to discuss the future. Which I could say is an insignificant victory, not just for me, but for you. As many of you know, the restoration of Saints Row was a tremendous success, but that was just the beginning of what Ultor has in mind for Stilwater."

There were illustrations on the screen that Dane had just pressed a button to illuminate what he was speaking about. "This is Shivington. Once a pristine set of tenement homes, this neighborhood has devolved into a dangerous ghetto filled with undesirables such as these." Showing several people shown, strung out on Loa, and huddled over burning trash cans.

"Now, I'm sure a lot of you are wondering, deplorable, dilapidated buildings, unwashed masses, what the hell is Ultor thinking? My friends, we're thinking about the future. Picture this... glass towers, clean streets, and no one below the poverty line trying to wash your car. Impossible? For a lesser company, maybe. Now I'm not here to make idle promises or vague predictions, no offense to you politicians out there..." Dane smirked.

Once again, several chuckles filled the room.

"No, I'm here to show you how we're going to do it. Now, obviously, before we can remodel Shivington, we need to own the land, so how do we do that? By directing the gangs towards Sunnyvale, not only have they lowered the number of our detractors, we're lowering the property value as well, which means when we buy the land, the savings get passed onto you, the stockholders. The gangs cripple each other. We direct funds to the Stilwater Police Department, they increase police presence and before long, all those nasty little gang bangers are gone. Crime stops, the property value goes up, and now your population looks like this."

The 'ooh's' and 'ah's that followed the images that popped up on the large hanging screen were the ones that Tracey put together, the beautiful ivory towers, glass towers, green parks, and clear waterways transitioned from one to the other in breathtaking imagination to be realistically possible.

Dane let them take in the images as he smiled. He was certain he had them right in his vision. "This isn't some distant plan, some hypothetical solution. The future is happening now. They have already swept away most of the undesirables. All that's standing between us and a better world is The Third Street Saints. Now I don't know about you, but I'm feelin' pretty good about our odds."

"And what of the Ronin? Are their hold also present?" One guest asked from the audience.

"Tonight, my friends, tonight I shall present you all with a big announcement. Now, if you will rest and refresh. Please enjoy the Winter Ball we are holding this evening." Dane smiled. Several applause followed the presentation as he exited the meeting room.

And Jamie Osprey sent a video to Kyouki James.

No sooner than the shareholder meeting ended, and the video reached Kyouki was sour before she heard what Dane said last. There was the Eve before Christmas Eve and a last-second call.

"Yes, Dane?" Kyouki was watching the video with her headphones on.

"Kyouki, my lady, will you be able to attend the annual Ultor's Winter Ball?"

"As if I'm not busy, such short notice." Kyouki was just about to get ready.

He grinned from ear to ear. "Come by whenever you are ready. I'll make certain the night will be one to remember."

"I'll be there in two hours." She sighed with displeasure. As it was still enough light to make it in time, an interruption came from behind.

"Where are you going?" Gat asked.

"Where else, an Ultor Christmas party. Would you and Ish come for a dance?" Leaving her seat, the video on pause, she went to shower, then dress for the Claus ball.

Aisha stood in the doorway with a sigh. "The ball is open to all. I would like to go. This will be something new. I can finally wear my new shoes." She hummed as she turned.

And Gat went to do the same. Though he sneered in disgust, a fancy-ass party with Dane as the host. He might get to show him Kyouki is his once and for all.

The city was cold and bustling. People are coming to visit their families on this new year Holiday. Another Christmas, with new chapters having been written and closed. An hour it took to get from the loft downtown to the skyscraping tower that stood in the middle of Saint's Row with the traffic that accumulated like snowflakes the harsh winter brought from years before.

The place was jampacked with cars and people entering the building, from what the three could see. Kyouki sang along to the songs on the radio, leaving the car with the valet when Eartha Kit's ~ Santa Baby was on, humming the popular holiday tune as she walked through the glass carousel doors with Ish and Gat in tow.

Decorated the interior was as there were many people who were present, photographers and other media personnel were in attendance. Throngs of big shots were there, laughing and drinking, speaking of their yachts and riches. Kyouki rolled her eyes. She detested these snakes in fine threads. Dane was nowhere in sight and as she walked, everyone turned a head.

The sleek white crystal adorned dress, with Ish in an ice blue and Gat in a black suit. The trio was the murmurs that flowed to Dane's ear. He looked, and he saw her. As the crowd parted the room, several stopped her for pictures and to have an autograph. She was more famous than he realized. She was not an heiress; Kyouki was The Songbird.

A talent that made him propose the way he did. With her on his arm, she could pull more money in. He would have to get her to sing for tonight, a few songs.

'Just two.' Dane thought. Then he paused. "Who is this man with a hand on her waist? If you all would just excuse me for a moment." Dane bowed his head and hurried to Kyouki's side. "My, my, my Lady, you garner attention where ever you go." Dane came in squeezing between Gat and her, smiling at the guest who was occupying her time.

Gat let out an audible growl Aisha had to place a hand on him to stop. "Johnny don't…"

Dane looked around behind Kyouki and saw her girlfriend with her, too. "Ms. James, another pleasure." He extended his hand in greeting. "My, you are a vision as well."

"And taken. Both of them." Johnny said just for Dane to hear as he places a protective arm leading Aisha away.

Stopping Gat from moving further away. She didn't like the feeling of being trapped. "They are with me. And I need to have them close. He is my bodyguard. Right, Mr. Kim?" Kyouki interjected.

Johnny knew to nod and say nothing more. They discussed that there is a high possibility of a crowd and that her uncle could be in attendance, and possibly Shogo. So Johnny had to play it cool and just for the night.

Dane nodded briefly, excusing his date and her friend. As the others continued their conversations, they guided Kyouki to smile and mingle. They greeted Kyouki as expected, a piece of art, a voluptuous vixen who bewitched those around. Having not said one word, Dane led the conversations.

"Well, I have captured the Songbird as she has captured me." Dane chuckled.

A raised eyebrow was hidden beneath the hair that covered part of her face. "The shit this man says is heavier than elephant shit." Ky whispered to Aisha. Who snickered into her wineglass.

An older woman with a young man on her arm was smirking at Dane. "Mr. Vogel, how long have you been dating, and does your father know?"

"A while now, you know I like to keep some things private. My lady, would you do the honor of gracing us with a song or two?"

Aisha choked on her drink. Gat coughed as he turned his back, hiding his smile. Kyouki patted her girlfriend and smiled at Dane.

"Oh, this is what you have me here for? To entertain?"

Aisha waved she was alright fanning her face. Dane paled, sputtering as he looked at the men and women who were just as surprised as the singer. Of course, they knew her. Several of them were in attendance during the Casino heist. They were with their wives this go round.

"Does one just ask someone to come out of retirement?" A guest around them smirked.

Kyouki smiled. "Only for good causes. I didn't realize this was a Charity Ball. I would have brought my checkbook." Kyouki turned to take Aisha, whispering to her as they headed to the large circular stage in the middle of the room.

A live band was playing softly from the time they arrived. Kyouki stepped up to the side, croaking a finger for the band director. Asking her if she could play the song she had been humming. It seemed fitting for the occasion. Maybe she could get something out of this herself if she were lucky.

Dane had hurried after as he clinked his glass with his ring. He announced a super special performance from his captured bird. Ky stepped up the small flight of steps as Gat had stood near. Dane does not know what she would sing, but he will make the wedding announcement just after her first song. The merger would bring in more money if they knew that his woman was at his side.

The music cued. Ky took the mic in her hand. She chuckled a bit as the music played around her.

"Not normally do I improve. I also brought a guest." Kyouki smiled. They met her with whistles and claps. Aisha walked on stage next to her, bowing her head with a soft smile.

"You all are too kind. How about our host, hmm? Dane Vogel. Yes. I really did not know I was called from the comfort of my warm bed to sing." Again met with agreement and chuckles.

"Here's a song you should know. I have had it lingering in my mind. Now.. get your wallets out Santas, we've been good girls…

Santa baby… just slip a Sable under the tree for me… Been an awful good girl, Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight."

In the back of her mind were the things Dane was trying to do with her property. No, not that, how he went about it. He has been lying to her from day one, day one! And she fell for it. He didn't know who he was fucking with. And tonight he would. Down the steps, Kyouki was going to put him in place in plain sight. Her hand held out touching shoulders as she greeted her Santas. Dane paled whiter than a bleached sheet.

"Think of all the fun we've missed… Think of all the fellas that we haven't kissed… Next year we could be just as good if you check off our Christmas lists…"

Amongst those in the crowd, Dex was there with his wife. Tracey and Bobby came in soon after. The latter was stunned to hear their cousin singing, and with another popular voice. But saw nothing of either.

"Santa baby, I want a yacht and really, that's not a lot…"

"That's a lot for me…" Kyouki smirked.

Aisha chuckled, still keeping the tune. "Been an angel all year, Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight…"

Dane was being pushed to the side by the oglers for touches by the singers who would hip bump, shoulder nudge or peck the cheeks of anyone there.

Kyouki smirked. "Santa honey, one little thing I really need… The deed… to a platinum mine…"

"Just had to one-up me, right?" Aisha snorted.

"Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight." Kyouki smiled and nodded.

"Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with the duplex and checks… Sign your 'x' on the line.

Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight..."

The crowd was having a better time now that Aisha and Kyouki were singing and mingling amongst them. Laughs, chuckles, with light conversations filled the air as dancing couples held each other close to the song.

Dane was beside himself. It attracted him to this side of Kyouki, but these men, his woman. He was not expecting her to seduce the room! Just stand and be gorgeous.

Kyouki and Aisha smiled, with the guests, at their gestures and coy girly-ness of the items they sang had the ones being sung to blush.

"Come and trim our Christmas tree. With some decorations bought at Tiffany's.

We really do believe in you. Let's see if you believe in we…"

"Don't look at me, it rhymed." Aisha said, causing more laughter. Kyouki smiled wider.

Kyouki gasped and covered her mouth. "Santa baby forgot to mention one little thing… A ring, I don't mean on the phone. Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight…"

She slid into someone's lap who was minding their business, enjoying the performance. That man had an idea. He would pitch it later once he knew the names of the ladies. She slid off his lap and made her way back to the stage.

The duet stood back to back in a dreamy, faraway look. "Hurry down the chimney tonight… Hurry, tonight…"

Generous applause fill the large hall.

Gat took several deep breaths. He will have popped several blood vessels. But he knew why she was turning on the charm. He watched some of the video. Kyouki was kicking him down a few pegs. Johnny saw the last part of the mailed video that Ky paused on the announcement. Dane is a dead man. Not just by him, Li, being used. That's not her M.O. once before that happened, and the former Chief of Police paid for it.

Kyouki was more meticulous. She will drive him insane and tear him apart.

The Chief of Police made his way into the hall as they sang the last note. The mood was less stiff than it has in previous years. Unbeknownst to Troy with several people Kyouki knows, the announcement of the decade was just about to take place.

Dane took the mic, getting everyone's attention. "Wow. That is all I can say. A hand for these Christmas Angels." Holding onto Kyouki, he gave a slight tug so she wouldn't leave his side.

"Now the announcement you have been waiting for! I couldn't wait to share the news. Earlier today, someone asked me about our upcoming project. With many thanks, hours of sheer manpower."

Kyouki was eager to hear what Ultor was doing. A new theater, or park for children. Ultor has its grubby hands in everything. So along with the Ultor Dome, what else could they be doing big?

"This is Lady Kyouki Akuji, heiress of the Ronin and Saints' Empire. So my dearest Ultor family and friends, we are so excited to announce that we will marry in the coming Spring! We are still planning on celebrating with all Ultor family and friends. An invitation for our wedding and the reception will be mailed out as soon as we have a definitive date."

The sound of a collective 'What?' query sounded in a few spots throughout the crowd. Troy, Dex, Tracey, Bobby, and the loudest Gat. Kyouki said it was a merger, something small, business. What has just been announced was a wedding. One of those things Ky was going to have him and Ish do!

Kyouki was just as shocked. Several cameras flashed like light, hitting gemstones. This was not what she agreed to, nor what was discussed. A business suit she picked. She dismissed all the other books; she said what she did to break things off cleanly with Gat. Never once agreeing to physically marry!

"The Saints and Ronin Leader. How is that possible?"

"When has the leader of the Saints been a woman?"

"How is it to lead the infamous gangs?"

"Are you happy with your upcoming wedding?"

"Who designs your dresses?"

"How long have you been Songbird?"

"Look here!"

Questions flew wildly, voices overlapping each other. The lights were blinding, shielding her eyes as she trembled. The many flashes of lights caused her to stumble back. Gat came up behind her, sweeping Kyouki off her feet and out of the hall with Aisha behind them.

"Dane, how did you two even meet?"

Dexter looked at his boss on stage and frowned. Kyouki was at it again. She was worming her way in. Someone would surely assign her to his position if she asked. Kyouki would not have security slacking.

Tracey and Bobby both looked at each other. Gat brushed past with the to-be bride, and they followed.

Troy, words escaped him. That asshole was trying to tie down a cold killer. Gat will kill him, Troy will kill him. No one would be stupid enough to make a deal with the devil. Now that she's been pulling rank. Then Troy thought, does she know he was working for the Brotherhood? Yeah, Dane Vogel was a dead man walking.

This was not what anyone would have expected. Is Ultor affiliated with gangs? And Kyouki was The Songbird. They only knew her as the Songbird. Now there was a name to the voice that people would place. Phones to ears, plummeting stocks as people were separating from the company. Jane was present and instantly called the Saints Leader, not seeing her on the stage.

"He blindsided me. We were going to announce it after the new year. Ms. Valderamma, I told you I would give you the exclusives."

"I'll work it out. Do we go with your last name or your last name? Give me something!"

"Shit… I need to go. Just do the announcement as a surprise because it was. And say that I haven't said yes."

The line dropped, and Kyouki called her uncle. They were supposed to announce it at the New Year's Event. He would be furious.

Furious was an understatement. Jyunichi picked up the phone and Kyouki could hear her uncle screaming at Dane for making the announcement before they could. Kyouki hung up, dropping her arm, and held her head in her other hand.

"Damn him. Gotdamn him!"

"I can go in there now and kill him if you would like?" Gat offered.

"Yeah… no wait. No… just give me a bit."

"Cuz what the hell?" Bobby and Tracey found them in a corner of the massive building. "They are looking for you. You need to go!"

Ky sighed. A rush of people was coming to get answers she was not ready for. "Let's go." The five of them left out of the building's back exits.

"Wedding bells will surely ring for the former world's most eligible bachelor Dane Vogel, to the Songbird who came out of retirement for a song for the Christmas Season. But has the Groom lost his canary bride-to-be? This is Jane Valderamma with the Channel 6 News. Back to you Jack."

"Ultor stock prices reach an all-time low after the Wedding announcement to Gang Leader! "- Stilwater Gazette.

"[Uncle, do you still use Toiu Sukai?]' Kyouki called her uncle the next morning. After going through the morning paper, she was surprised to see the front page. This was something that she would surely need. She's never taken up stocks before, but that would not stop her from informing her uncle.

"[Yes. Why do you ask?]"

"[However you go about it, buy Ultor stock. As much as you can. If I have to marry him I may as well get something out of it right?]" She could hear her uncle laughing on the other end. He told her not to worry and hung up.

Aisha walked in wearing a frown. She didn't sleep well. It was like the night she first went io hiding. She thought anyone would pop out of the closet or peep in through the windows. The chase last night brought that feeling back. Kyouki and they got out without being seen. Thankful for the dark window tint, they safely got away from the party and home.
Aisha just thought of what to do to help her best friend. Ky has done so much for her. Now it was her turn to lend a hand. She went into the bedroom, pulled out the phonebook, and made a few phone calls.