Late February to early March in Stilwater, like anywhere else in the states, came early. Like the old saying, March comes roaring in like a lion. But instead of lions, we have a quiet battle of Dragons and the Phoenix.

"She's ruined my life! You'd think she was a cat that always comes back. How many lives does this woman have? She has to have a weakness."

A few weeks to go until it was all hers. The Ronin, the City, Ultor. She will officially be the most powerful woman in the history of Stilwater.
Currently Kyouki at in her office in Purgatory making a checklist for the things for the Saints and for things to come. Her time was stretched as it was and she was feeling the strain. Is this what her uncle does? Managing everything, but from what he has told her that there is much more that she will have to oversee. Ky wasn't even gone yet and yet she was missing the things she used to do before. Working, movie watching on the weekends with Aisha and Gat. Already she missing racing, and it wasn't height of the season yet. With a sigh, she silently sulked. There was going to be no time for anything anymore.

Coming to sit with Dane, she always found him in heated arguments that could be heard in the corridor with Anton Heyward, who was continuously berating Kyouki to Dane. Jamie even voiced her opinion on the older man and his deplorable attitude.

Kyouki stood politely, scaring the man when she had appeared from nowhere, when just he and Dane were alone. Ky sat, her back to the window, going over her own paperwork while Dane tried to hold a conversation with her. Just to be rejected with a look that would scare death away.

The lab was unsalvageable, according to Dane. He checked the site and the Ultor salvaging crew confirmed. He had shared with her he sold whatever he could from the ruins of the lab. And it was the files alone, plans that had years, months, weeks and days accumulated to come to fruition. Gone. All he had worked on countless nights. He told Dexter to find someone who would buy the project plans.

He also expressed his sadness at his sudden retirement. Kyouki softly smiled and assured him he still has his family fortune to fall back on. Providing they do not marry. Dane was adamant that they will marry because of his ever-growing feelings for the woman.

"I could devote my time to you."

"Whom do you take me for? Desperate housewives used to sleep with the milkmen starving for attention." Kyouki reminded him.

Even with Dex's warning, evidence of the break in. Dane brushed it aside and knew she would do no such thing, knowing it was her property soon. How and why would she do such a thing? Dex did as asked, finding a buyer. Also made it a point to stash money away as soon as possible. Skimming off the top as he helped with the little boy from his fling, and his family.

At the pagoda style hotel, Shogo had been patiently meditating, focusing not on Kyouki, but the capture of Aisha. His luck was not with him, as with any new reports that came in. The small crew said she was never alone.

Yes, it irritated the fuck out of Shogo, and yes, the meditation wasn't helping, but he knew this would work.

Kyouki has been by several times to talk to him. Her mere presence sent him into a furry unseen. His beloved cousin was trying to reason with him. Reason that she never asked to lead. It was his father's wish and if she had a choice, she would bow out. If he would leave Johnny Gat alone, she will give him anything he wants.

When he says her position, she had to refuse. As long as his father was alive, the decision was his. That singular thought fueled the flames for him to shift the tide.

Shogo laughed, he laughed so hard and long he had tears trickling from his eyes. That was it. That's what he needed. Just when? Where? Shogo sobered up. "When and where indeed. What is the saying? Two birds, one rock? Find all who will be at my side."

"Yes, Boss."

Shogo quickly wiped his eyes and nose. He had it, just had to wait a few weeks and everything would be his in one go.

Sitting with Dane to pretend she cares was a tiring task. Though not as tiring as she stood on the block with the sweeping rustle of generously rich colored fabrics at her feet. Fittings, they get easier. Just not the damn pins. "Ow!" Kyouki hissed as she was stuck with another pin from the tailor.

"I love that color on you.." Aisha said, trying to ease the pain her girl was in.

Kyouki looked in the mirror. "It is pretty, isn't- Ow!" Ky whined.

"(Stop moving around Ane- san. You wanted it altered.)"

The face Ky made had Aisha in a fit of the giggles. "I can't believe it's already here!" Aisha watched with interest as the kimono was coming together before her eyes.

Kyouki sighed, testing her arms outstretched beside her, resting on two empty clothing racks. "I know. It's overwhelming. One day I was being fitted for my first kimono, the next…" She went to gesture but thought better of it. She was certain the tailor was poking her on purpose.

Aisha sat on the couch curled up, watching excitedly. She heard the paper crumble under her when she shifted positions. A schedule laid out next to Aisha. Looking it over, there were events that were highlighted spanning two full weeks from morning till night. "Ky, you.. You have so many events to go to in one week?" She exclaimed, boy did she remember the day gone where she herself swept up from one place or another.

"Yes. The… uh.. Two dinners, starting tomorrow… So I won't be here for dinner. The big shit is the week after." Ky ticked off the list of places she was to attend. "But the Asian-American festival is the most important one that I have to be there for. After that, it's a tea ceremony. Uncle Sheng is coming in between now and tea… we are going to go greet him. Then.. Let's see… The week after that you'll see I will head to Japan for another ceremony. And you and G are going to be there as my guests."

"How do you remember all of that? I could barely remember what I had to do daily when I was singing." Aisha gasped.

Johnny came from the bedroom hearing what was going to be the new norm. "Too busy. I don't like it." He knew it. They discussed it before.

Aisha turned to face johnny and pursed her lips at him. "Oh, you were perfectly fine with it when I was busy."

"Well.. Like I said, you were the Saint's Mascot."

"Oh, really?" Aisha chucking a pillow at Johnny's head. "I got your mascot!" She chuckled.

Kyouki snorted. "You don't have to like it. I told you… This is your fault." Ky pointed out.

Johnny nodded. It was. He admits it, and Ky points it out every time. Even he regrets not listening. Kyouki said it herself, there will be no more time for normal. He went to the kitchenette getting him something to drink. Pouring a glass, he listened to the two chatting away. The doorbell rang and there was a general excitement. A large box was opened and this pitch black and pure white kimono filled his vision. He leaned on the counter, watching both his girls. Even if one is engaged to another.

Yeah, this was all his fault. "What do you want to do tonight? Movies?" Johnny asked.

Kyouki shifted and turned to look at Johnny, nodded. "Ow!" She groaned a sigh.

The doorbell rang, and Ky hopped down when the tailor took his hands from the fabric. A large package was presented.

"You two order something? Oh, is mine." Going to an empty spot in the living room set the package down, gently opening the brown wrapping paper. "Oh! Look!" she gasped as she lifted the white tissue paper.

Kyouki loved the way the kimono fit. The first one made beforehand had just arrived from Japan. Truth be told, Kyouki James is a typical girlie girl. She loves to dress up and sit pretty. It was no wonder she had Gat drive to her aunt's.

With a ring of the doorbell, Bobby answered the door. Ky held her finger to her lips. Tracey came down as Ky crossed the threshold. Aisha came in with Gat, greeting Bobby.

"Aunt Mimi~!" Ky called when she came into her aunt's home.

"Yeah, in the Kitchen?" The disembodied voice called back.

Tracey had her mouth covered, smiling when Kyouki walked in full dress. "Where?" Ky teased.

"Girl, I said the kitchen!"

Kyouki stood in the kitchen doorway. "I came to ask you something." Ky was smiling from ear to ear. As much as she feels this shouldn't be her shining moment, she had gotten so much encouragement from Aisha and Tracey over the past few months she saw the good in it, seeing a better safer life for her family. Free from worries. One step at a time, that was all she had been doing since her agreement and commitment to the 3rd Street Saints.

When Mimi turned around, of course, all the emotions of 'This is really happening.' swept through all three women, four as Aisha came to stand proudly with them.

"If you would honor me to attend as my guest in a few weeks?"

"Oh Baby..." Mimi started.

"What about us? Are we invited too?" Tracey smiled, lifting the long sleeves feeling the soft fabric.

"Yeah. Of course, the kids can come too. I don't quite remember but, this is what uncle Kazuo had planned, before…"

"Lookit you baby. Your mother and father would be so proud… I don't know about you leading a gang, but as long as you are healthy and happy." Her aunt gushes.

"Thank you. Here." Ky pulled the invitations from her sleeve pocket. "They will pick you all up and don't rush. There will be plenty of time to get there." Ky smiled. "Love yous, see you later."

They said their goodbyes for the night and the trio headed to pick up pizzas, then back to the loft for movies.

Dinners with Dane and some big, deep money pockets. Kyouki and Dane looked gorgeous together, smiling, with looks filled with love at every glance. Many compliments came to them as they greeted, chatted, and danced the night away.

Kyouki could not wait to get away. She would only have to put up with this for a few weeks more, and they couldn't come fast enough. With the evening drawing to a close, Kyouki bid Dane a goodnight.

Dane noticed her evasive attitude. As much as he liked it, he has his limits. He assumed she would find some place else to be when Mr. Heyward was present.

"Jamie, when is the Gala?" He said behind the glass of wine he had been nursing.

"The first Saturday of next month, sir."

"Send Ms. Akuji an invitation." Dane would have to make an example out of Heyward. As well as the rest of Ultor's board.

Kyouki was showing the past and most recent books to Ren's mom.

"I had done this when I was able. I have to make sure that everything is in order before I leave."

"I understand."

"Aunty, you need not be stiff. Think of this as a favor and not a job. I may have a slight reputation, but don't let rumors change your opinion of me." Ky smiled.

She nods again, taking the book for the young woman. From when she first met her, she had done nothing but help her and her daughter. She would gladly return the favor.

Ky left the woman in her office. She needed to pick up some groceries for tonight's dinner.
Pierce comes up with a look of confusion on his face and an envelope in his hands.

"Boss, this arrived for you."

"Hm?" Ky took the envelope, looking it over. It was a pretty cardstock gold paper in her hands with a black ribbon that tied it closed. "Who dropped this off?"

"Some guy." He shrugged.

Ky pulled the ribbon and a piece of newspaper fell out. Reading the invitation Pierce had read over her shoulder.

Pierce smirked. "Lookin' to crash a party?"

Ky sighed. "Not a matter of crashing. It's a legit invite." She mumbled.

Pierce thought a bit about it. It was on a yacht. The last time Ky was on one, it did not go well. "Well, your history with boats is pretty solid, so..uh… this is seems like a good idea…"

Kyouki looked up at Pierce as frowned. "Really? You really got jokes." Ky scoffed, walking away.

"Aye, I'm just saying…" The look that crossed Ky's face told Pierce to shut up. "I think I'll go find something to do."

"Crackerjack idea!" Ky stated with false enthusiasm. Kyouki just didn't want to think about it, she didn't want to. The newspaper clipping was an old one of one of the previous galas. Tapping the fancy invitation, she started for the elevator. Maybe it wouldn't even be on a boat this time.

"Don't you care who sent it?" Pierce seeing Ky leaving.

Kyouki turned, waving at the invite. "I know who sent it. I'm trying to figure out why he would send it when I told him already I was 'busy'."

Pierce frowned again. He can't help the feeling that maybe he should go with her, or Johnny. "But it's probably a trap..."

Kyouki sighed again. She had been going non-stop for several days and the one time she gets a moment, something else comes up. The thought that Heyward would be there would be the only downside. "Nah, this is safe." Seeing Heyward choke, that would make her night.

Pierce nodded. There were slow changes going on. If he could notice, he was sure others might notice too. Since the announcement in the paper, the Boss had been spending less time in Purgatory. "If you say so. You know, to call."

"Of course. Later." Ky headed out.

The battle of Dragons and the Phoenix begins.

Dane checked his tux in the mirror. Smoothing his tie down. He made sure not a hair was out of place.

Jaime stepped into the office to see her boss dressing. "Mr. Vogel, will you be needing a car to take you to the party now?"

Dane turned his head to his secretary and smiled. "Yes Jaime, has Ms. Akuji confirmed?" Adjusting his watch.

Jaime nodded. "Yes sir? She will be arriving."

Dane smiled. After tonight, he will have swayed the board. "Oh, and Jamie? Please move my things to my new office upstairs." He adjusted his watch, preening just once more with a tug of his shirt sleeves.

Jaime's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. If he means what she thinks, he means. "They promoted you, Mr. Vogel?" She saw nothing in his mail

Dane smirked as he walked past the steward secretary. "I will be." He stated boldly, grabbing his coat and gloves.

Jaime's confusion heightened. "Sir?"

"Come on Jamie, time's ticking."

The pounding of her heart, mind flashing back to the night she went up in flames. Hands clammy and damp, trembling as she rooted to the spot. The sight of the massive yacht was enough to make her a coward, to give into any demand her capture wished.

A hand on her elbow to hold her upright. "Hun, it's alright. We are here."

Others were stopping to glimpse a scene of peculiar emotion. Ky looked around. She nodded. "Thank you." She whispered. One foot in front of the other, small tentative steps, legs felt like liquified jello not yet firm.

His hand on the dip of her back. On her left, patting and smoothing her upper. They were here, not alone. Nothing will happen. The ship is docked.

Dane swept in. Taking her hand, she stumbled forward. She glared at him, anger now seeping to give her strength. Righting herself, she snatched her hand away. An incline of her head. Taking his arm, they boarded.

"Will she be alright?" Aisha asked.

Johnny crooked his arm. "I never seen her like that."

"We keep an eye on her. I refuse to let her out of my sight." Aisha stated.

"That's the plan, babe. I don't trust Vogel."

"Same. Let's get this over with."

Announcements throughout for who paid how much in donations, as chatting, clinking glasses and soft music filled the yacht hall. They fit a ballroom and dining hall like the size of a mansion. Most guests toured the impressive floating death trap, but not Kyouki. She was busy stuffing herself with fruits, trying to maintain calm and collected. It helped her some that Johnny was at her back and Aisha on her side.

"I don't want to be here." Kyouki stated.

Johnny looked at her from a side glance, then out at the crowd of people on the main floor.

"I don't want to be here." She repeated. She scanned the crowd, looking for the fastest route off the ship.

Three familiar faces were coming through a door that was her chosen escape. "Thank god. Uncle is here." Ky was off in a flash with her hand gripping like the jaws of life, Aisha trailing behind her.

Excusing herself, she wove through several clusters of chatting irritants who were oblivious to Kyouki's plight. "Uncle!"

She was still shaking, the look in her eyes desperately pleaded under the guise of calm that cracked before the older man.

Shogo smirked, watching the woman fail miserably at forming sentences. But beside her. He quirked an eyebrow. She had a guest. Did her guest have a guest? He looked through the crowd of people.

'Damn to many people. He might not be here.' Shogo thought to himself.

"Mr. Akuji, so you had Kyouki this whole time." Dane's voice called over.

"Shit." Ky said aloud. She had been hiding way in the back, out of plain sight, as she was trying to escape. "You were looking for me?" She teased.

"Yes, I have a surprise for you. It's getting late. I just need you for a moment. If you please. Alone."

Ill feeling does not bode well. Aisha returned the death lock-like-grip when she heard 'Alone'.

With as many people as there are in the sea prison, she knew Dane would not dare harm her. Ky gestured to Jyunichi, and Aisha went to his side. They well warned Johnny to keep a safe distance because Shogo was still harping about him.

"Of course. Excuse me." Ky bowed her head to her uncle before disappearing into the sudden growing crowd.

Dane held her hand, noting the clammy feel of her skin. "Is everything well this evening?"

"Yes, though I had no appetite. The food was tasty." She silently watched the direction they had been going, if need be quickly go back the way they came, if she needed to knock Dane out.

"Jyunichi, allow me. You make poor company." Shogo took Aisha by the hand, leading her to the dance floor, where others have taken similar action. "You look lovely. Though I have seen more skin on your album covers. I prefer this look much more." Shogo complimented.

Aisha wasn't sure how to answer that. With a simple. "Thank you." She needed to broach the topic that has been hanging over their heads for a long while now. Johnny.
With a clearing of her throat, she glanced up at the cousin of Kyouki, then back to the others as she steeled her emotions while they glided along on the dancefloor. "I, while I have you here… Would like for you to leave Johnny alone. Let us live our lives in peace. He has done nothing to you."

Shogo's eyebrows went up. A quick glance down at the smaller woman. He looked over her head as they continued to spin. "I am afraid I cannot do that." He spun her out.

The look of confusion on Aisha's face when she came back into his arms made him chuckle. "He disrespected me and killed one of my friends."

"He has never met you or done anything to you!" She whispered harshly for him to hear.

Shogo sighed. "He stole from my family, making me look bad. That half-breed bitch cousin of mine has been hiding him-"

Aisha snatched herself away from Shogo and soundly slapped him. "Don't you ever call Kyouki that again." Aisha warned. The surrounding people moved away slowly, gasping and murmuring, as they watched the arguing couple. This bitch dared to hit him, disrespecting him in front of all these people. "Where the fuck do you think you are going?" Aisha went to turn, but felt a rough grab on her elbow.

"Away from the likes of you! Ow! Let go of me!" Aisha went to snatch away, but Shogo was not having it.

Seeing Aisha and Kyouki together meant that Johnny was nowhere to be seen. And that was perfect. For now, Shogo could go ahead with phase two of his plan. Dragging Aisha through the dancers and other mingling peoples, out into the cool night air.
Aisha gasped as Kyouki does not know the ship sailed away from the dock. Shogo had to struggle a bit to hold her. She was fighting for all that she could to get away from him and back to Johnny. Having no idea where Kyouki was, she kicked out, causing Shogo to release her. Aisha turned to run. Shogo recovered, darted after her, grabbing the flowing fabric trailing behind her of her half dress, lurching hard to land ungraciously on the wooden deck.

"I said, where the fuck do you think you are going?" Shogo growled.

Aisha hit her head at the same time a loud shot rang in her ears.

Kyouki stood mortified. Dane had the board members sitting bound to chairs, with a bloody strung up Heyward. Men in dark suits brought back a raising fear in Kyouki. "W-what… i-is t-t-this." She stuttered, cursing herself. She needed to get out of there fast.

"Surprise. You know how I am. I could hardly wait. This has been prepared for you. I present the now agreeing Ultor Board members. As if you need no introductions, but Anton Heyward has insulted you one too many times, and out of your presents, I might add. I feel as if he should be the first to apologize. Anton?" Dane asked as he looked over at the bloodied man hanging by a ceiling fixture.

When the portly man did not respond, Dane looked to his driver. "Jones, you rendered him unconscious? Now, how is he supposed to apologize?"

Kyouki looked each board member in the eye and saw the terror and fear withing them, gagged as to muffle their whimpers, Dane continued to reprimand his right hand.

Jones bowed his head. "My apologies Mr. Vogel."

"Whichever. Well, either way, this is my gift to you. Jones, if you please."

Jones pulled from his hip a silver gun and fired a shot into the closest woman next to him. Kyouki jumped near out of her skin. Visibly trembling, the muffled whimpers grew to noises she wishes she could drown out.

"Dane, w-what the hell are you d-doing! S-stop this in-instant!" Kyouki shrieked, stumbling to stand between Jones and the others.

Dane took her by the arm, having to catch her to keep her from hitting the carpeted floor. "My Lady, I will be CEO after tonight. When we marry, we will be on equal footing." Another shot rang out.

The fear held in Kyouki's eyes as she watched Dane having execute one by one the members of the board before her; she ran to the door wrenching it open, tripping out into the hall.

Dazed, Aisha punched and kicked Shogo as he was dragging her to the lifeboat. Hearing several shots she hit Shogo so hard she left a cut on his face, Shogo backhanded her, forcing her to sit down and behave. "If you don't want to die right here, I suggest you sit there and don't make any other moves."

Holding her cheek, Aisha did as instructed. The lifeboat started, gliding across the water at a decent speed, headed back to land. Aisha turned to look at the ship getting smaller in the distance.

Johnny had an eye on Aisha and Kyouki when they went to the Oyabun. He watched Dane lead Ky away, and Shogo dance with Aisha, knowing that Ky can handle herself well despite the situation. He took a glass of wine and drank it, waiting for either of the woman to return.
He choked on his wine after overhearing how much each plate cost for the night. Then the shot, a dull sounding bang, then one after in several successions, people scrambled.

"The fuck?" Johnny went to look for Aisha. When he saw the Oyabun, he know he saw Aisha with them. Jyunichi went to stand in front of the elder Akuji. "Where is Aisha?" He glared at Jyunichi.

The bald man looked confused, then out to the crowd of squirming, frightened people. "She was with Shogo for a dance."

Johnny looked back. She was no longer on the dancefloor. "Where is Kyouki?"

"With Dane Vogel. No, there she is." Kazuo answered, heading to his niece with Johnny and Jyunichi behind him.

"Kyouki, come back!" Dane called after. "Shit. Jones, finish here, then turn the ship around. And clean up." Dane left after the woman.

Kyouki was stumbling her way back. Gripping the dress in her hand, she climbed the steps and tripped into Johnny's grasp.

"What the fuck, are you aight?" He looked her over. Her breathing was hard, and she was sweating.

"Get me off this fucking ship now. Dane…" Before she could say anything more, Dane was coming up. Jyunichi and her uncle blocked the man from approaching her, as Johnny led her away out of the door across the room. Kyouki looked back and shook her head. "Where is Ish?"

"Funny, she was with Shogo when you left with Dane." Johnny said. He felt her grip on him tighten.

"With… Shogo? Well, where is he?" Kyouki looked back once again, and to Jyunichi and her uncle, to the full room. "Johnny?" Kyouki looked out onto the horizon. They were far enough from the city that Ky grew furious.
Kyouki back in the room, stormed over to Dane and slapped him several times, much to the astonishment of the people around. "Get us back to the shore, NOW!" she screamed.

"We are, my lady, I assure you." Dane held his cheek. Her full anger towards him. That he was unprepared for, but it aroused him.

Kyouki held his tie wrapped around her hand and dragged him out to the railing. "This shit doesn't look like it's moving any faster. Or should you get out and push it?" Leaning him over the edge.

"No, no! Hold, just..." Dane fumbled for his phone. "Jones, get the ship back to shore now. Just do it later, NOW!"

"Where are you taking me?"

"Where Johnny will have to come find you. It's not you I want." Shogo led Aisha to a parked car on the side of the road that awaited them when they arrived on shore.

"Then, Johnny? But what do I have to do with it?"

Shogo grinned as he faced her. "Why, you will bring both Kyouki and Johnny. Then I and I alone will lead the Ronin."

"Your father won't allow it. Kyouki told me."

"She did, did she? Well, guess what, he won't be around for much longer either." They pulled off, heading to Aisha's house in the suburbs.

The look of dread fill Aisha's face.

"It was to be the gala to end all galas... and regrettable for the Ultor Board of Directors... it was. The mirth born of profits and over priced vodka gimlets was drowned out by gunfire, as an unknown assailant killed the party with more efficiency and brutality than any line dance could. Bodies of the Ultor Board of Directors littered the water this morning, as a corporate gala turned into a bloodbath. This is the second time a massacre has occurred in the open water here in Stilwater... fortunately there were no explosions. I'm Jane Valderamma, channel 6 News."