Author's Note: Hi, I know it's been forever since I've written anything. as to quote a line from the movie, Kuffs, "Life happens when making plans." This has been another extreme year. But nonetheless, in regard to the story. This is a non-armored fic. I have no claim on any of the characters from Ronin Warriors. The main ones I have are the other characters who are brought into this story. -
Under the dim glow of the streetlight, Kento stood beside his motorcycle. The cool autumn air brushed against his skin as he prepared for another shift as a bouncer. He clenched his cell tightly to his ear; the voice of his contact at the local police station, Detective Shaw, crackled through the receiver, "Come on, Rei Faun, you're in way too deep with this. You need..."
"I'm telling you, Shaw. I can't, no, I won't involve the others in this," Kento insisted, his brow furrowing with frustration. "We had a deal, just me, not any of the others; this isn't their fight. I've seen and heard things they shouldn't have to witness. We can't drag any of them into this mess." The surrounding shadows danced around him as he spoke. The sounds of the city provide a backdrop to his urgent conversation.
Just then, the door of the nightclub swung open, and Kaye stepped outside. Her silhouette framed against the warm light spilling from inside. She squinted into the night and caught sight of Kento still standing there with his phone pressed to his ear. "Hey, Kento!" she called out; her voice sliced through the tension of his conversation.
Kento turned in the direction of her voice; he was momentarily distracted as a flicker of warmth broke through his worry. Kaye's presence reminded him of what he was trying to protect, even as he navigated the murky waters of the investigation. He hesitated, being caught between the connection to his friends and the gravity of the information he held from them.
Kaye walked closer; her eyes searched his face for clues to the unseen turmoil swirling within him. "Is everything alright?"
Kento hung up his cell and shoved it in his pocket as he ran his hand through the back of his head. "Yeah, everything's fine. Why?"
"You raced out here like there was some kind of Dynasty invasion."
Smirking a bit as a chuckle escaped his throat, Kento shook his head as he wrapped his arm behind Kaye's back and brought her close to him. "It was a call from someone I used to know back in the day. He was playing a prank on me to get my attention." He replied on the fly; internally he winced because he hated to lie, but ever since he's been inducted into this sting, it's all he's been doing. He hoped the investigation would be over soon enough; then he could stop lying to everyone.
Kaye frowned a bit as she locked her gaze with his. She was trying to see if what he said was true. For the past month she noticed Kento has been a lot more secretive. Receiving and sending late-night texts, secret phone calls, the distant look in his eyes. Why wasn't he being straight with her? Closing her eyes, she sighed a bit and then opened them once more.
Seeing the hurt reflected in her eyes as she closed them, the hurt he saw twisted his heart. This was the one thing he was trying to avoid: hurting the woman he loves. He reached towards her hair with his other hand and brushed it back behind her ear. "Hey, what about this? What do you say you and I will get out of town for the weekend?"
Hearing this, Kaye smiled at him, "You mean it? But what about work?"
"I'll ask the manager later to see if I can have the weekend off. I know it's going to be busy, but there are more than enough bouncers. I can't see why the owner wouldn't allow me to have it free." Kento replied as he leaned in close and was kissing her as he held Kaye close to him.
Wan came to the door and opened it; he searched the streets and saw his bouncer making out with his woman. Clearing his throat to get their attention, "Ah hem, gomen for disturbing your moment, but I need Rei Faun to return to his station."
Kento and Kaye broke their kiss and turned their attention towards Wan. "Sorry, sir, I was just taking a break and spending some time with Kaye."
Wan raised a brow and then gave a slight nod. "Yes, I can see. But now your break time is over, and I expected you at your station five minutes ago."
"Yes sir, I'm on my way," Kento replied as he guided Kaye inside ahead of him. He glanced back at Wan as he passed the head of security and then walked Kaye back to the table where the others were waiting. "Can't stay; I'll see you guys later." Waving to them as he weaved his way through the crowds of people making his way back to his post.
Wan closed the door after he went back inside. He glanced over towards the table where Kaye rejoined Ryo, Cye, Rowen, and Sage. He remembered them from before when Rei Faun brought them in a few nights ago. Taking note of how close they all were with one another, these people might be needed to keep his new bouncer in check. But for now he didn't think it was necessary and went along with his business.
When Kaye returned to her seat, the guys could see her expression, a mix of curiosity and concern. Her gaze remained fixed on the enthusiastic crowd, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. The electric atmosphere of the festival around them faded into the background as she focused intently on Kento. He was effortlessly maneuvering through the throng of people. His boisterous and infectious laughter echoed over the chatter. It drew her attention like a magnet. The way he engaged with people, flashing his infectious smile, reminded her of the warmth he brought to their group. Yet, something in his demeanor—a small hint of uncertainty as he darted between the groups. It had Kaye's mind racing with concern.
Ryo noticed Kaye's distraction. He exchanged knowing glances with the others, who were also noticing the tension in the air. He nudged her, breaking the trance. "Hey, everything ok?"
Snapping back to reality by his voice, Kaye realized her friends were watching her. A sheepish smile crossed her face, but the worry lingered in her eyes as she continued to keep watch over Kento. "Yeah, just... making sure he's alright," she replied, her voice laced with uncharacteristic hesitation.
Cye leaned in closer; he sensed her unease. "Kento can handle himself, you know."
For some reason, Kaye wasn't entirely sure. Something about the way Kento interacted with the crowd made her heart race—an inexplicable feeling that something was wrong.
Ryo, Sage, Cye, and Rowen went back to their conversations, while Kaye's mind drifted back to Kento. His joyful energy seemed to be at the moment masking the inner struggles she suspected he was facing. Despite the laughter and revelry surrounding them, she wasn't able to shake the feeling there was more beneath the surface.
Kento stood at his post. The dim light casting a long shadow on the ground as he remained alert, fully engaged with his surroundings. He could hear the sounds of laughter and chatter as they drifted from the nearest table where Kaye and their friends were seated. The joyful expressions were a major contrast with the weight of responsibility pressing on his shoulders. Every so often, he allowed himself a fleeting glance in their direction. His heart tugged at the sight of Kaye's carefree laughter. Yet, the unsettling guilt burned in his stomach. It was a reminder of the secrets he harbored. He understood that keeping them in the dark was for their own protection. But knowing his reason did little to ease the pangs of remorse accompanying his silence.
As the night wore on, Kento's thoughts continued to wrestle with each other; he understood the necessity of his actions. But at the same time, he felt the emotional distance growing between him and the woman he loves. They shared everything. Their bond forged in trust and companionship. Now, he stood guard over a truth way too dangerous to disclose. The weight of this choice felt heavier with every shared laugh from the table of his friends. For a moment, he caught Kaye's eye. A mix of longing and resolve surged through him. A silent promise—one day, he would share everything with her. But for now, the burden he carries was his to bear alone. Right then and there, he reaffirmed his commitment to their safety, knowing sometimes loving someone meant making the hardest choices.
During Wan's climb to the top floor, the rhythmic thumping of the music below reverberated in his chest. It mingled with the excitement in the air. Keeping his eyes trained on Kento as he navigated through the crowd, he was making sure the atmosphere remained lively and secure. His friends, a close-knit crew, occupied a table nestled in the corner. He could see their animated gestures and smiles drew Wan's attention like a beacon amidst the swirling chaos of the club. With every step upward, Wan felt a mix of anticipation and adrenaline. He was eager to reach the apex of tonight's festivities.
At the very top floor, the exclusive owner's box waited for his arrival, where Lou Yan sat with an air of expectation. The dimly lit room was both intimate and imposing. It was a sanctuary that overlooked the pulsating energy of the club below. Lou Yan's head of security stood watchful, his gaze fixed on the soundproof room through the sleep plexiglass window, where the ambiance of the outside world faded into muffled echoes. He was far from stupid, by understanding how high the stakes were. Tonight was not just another night at the club. It was a convergence of old friends, new alliances, and unspoken tensions. All were waiting to unfold as Wan finally made his approach, more than ready to step into the whirlwind waiting for him.
Wan entered the office, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor. As soon as he crossed the threshold, he spotted the owner, Lou Yan, seated at his desk with an air of authority that was both imposing and reassuring. Lou's eyes were fixed on a pile of papers, but there was a keen awareness about him. It was like he could sense Wan was there even before he stepped in the office.
Leaning casually against the sleek, transparent plexiglass was Wan's partner, Shen. He caught his eye and offered a slight nod. His relaxed demeanor was contrasted sharply with the tense atmosphere of the room; it hinted at the unspoken challenge that lay ahead.
In the corner, Oni loomed like a storm cloud. He was a menacing figure with a reputation of being ruthless in his tactics, both in and out of the fighting arena. His reputation as the top street fighter in Lou Yan's stable was well-deserved. It was marked by a trail of opponents who fell to his unpredictable and often unscrupulous methods. When Wan came closer, Oni barely glanced in his direction, his expression inscrutable. Then silently, he returned his gaze to the bustling scene below, where fighters sparred and strategized their ambitions, clashing like swords in the night. Wan felt a shiver of anticipation; he understood the unspoken dynamics at play. The office buzzed with an electric tension. It hinted the stakes were about to rise astronomically in their world of underground fighting.
Lou Yan motioned for Wan to take the seat on the other side of his desk. He waited for the head of security to be settled into his chair. "So, any prospects?"
Wan wasn't taken by surprise by his sudden question. He knew his boss was direct and to the point. He thought it over carefully and revealed that their new bouncer, Kento, could possibly be a good candidate, but he did have reservations about his loyalty.
With this news, Lou Yan thought over the recommendation; he wasn't going to be hasty in his decision. Because the last time there was a recruitment, the fighter turned out to be an undercover cop. To say the least, the cop had to be taken care of. Still to this day there were no leads to what happened to him, only speculation, and there was no way the department would be able to bust Lou Yan on speculation alone. So this time around, he decided to test Kento's loyalty before any commitments were to be made. He got Oni's attention and instructed him to stir up trouble on the main floor in order to see how the new bouncer would react. He had to know if Kento was going to be a steadfast ally or a potential liability.
The three watched as Oni left the office and then moved to a better view. Shen walked over to the desk and took a seat when Wan motioned him over. Then a TV screen came down from the ceiling, and it turned on to the club floor and focused on the main area where their main fighter was starting to make trouble.
Oni was so ready to cause chaos. His adrenaline coursed through his veins. With every stride, he embraced the mayhem. His laughter echoing off the walls as he reveled in the pandemonium he started to unleash. There was no care for who or what was in his way; in his mind they were mere obstacles to be disregarded as nothing. With a savage glee, he shoved people violently to the side, sending drinks flying and bodies stumbling as he carved a path through the crowds. He had a clear target. It was the table where Kento's friends were seated. Oni's focus was on target; the tension in the air was electrifying. The sight of getting closer to his targets fueled his determination.
Meanwhile...
Kento recognizing the impending chaos, sprang into action. He raced after Oni, desperation etched on his face. He was hoping to cut off the approaching threat before getting to his friends. There was no time to yell a warning. He tackled the oncoming threat, trying to knock him out of the way. The moment his shoulder connected with the fighter's midsection, the air whooshed from both their lungs, and they tumbled to the ground in a chaotic mix of limbs. The sudden clash drew everyone's attention. Their chairs scraped against the floor as Kaye and the guys sprang from their seats and out of the way.
Punches and kicks flew between the two muscled fighters, a blur of sweat and sheer determination.
Kento, fueled by pure adrenaline, aimed swift jabs at Oni's jaw as he tried to gain the upper hand. But Oni, with his years of experience in street fighting, countered every move. His retaliation with powerful kicks echoed throughout the entire room. The sounds of fists meeting flesh and the grunts of exertion filled the air. It was a visceral reminder of the stakes at play. Both were determined; neither one was going to back down from this fight.
Lou Yan and Wan exchanged glances, their eyes wide with admiration as they watched the relentless intensity of Kento's fighting spirit. Each strike he delivered was fueled not only by his physical strength but also by an unyielding determination that seemed to defy the very limits of his endurance. As the two continued to clash, it was clear the bouncer was not merely battling his opponent; he was waging a war against his own limitations. The way he absorbed the blows and retaliated with equal ferocity left an extreme impression on all three. They have seen many fighters come and go, but this type of ferocity was a rarity with an extreme fiery spirit for the heat of combat.
Every single punch and kick, Kento's unwavering resolve resonated throughout the room. It ignited a spark of inspiration in the people who were still in the club. Lou Yan admired how the bouncer seemed to tap into an inner reservoir of strength. He drew upon a fierce will that propelled him forward, no matter how dangerous the challenge.
Wan and Shen were equally captivated by the onslaught as well. This battle stirred their own competitive spirit from back in their fighting days they lost a long time ago. This spirit his new bouncer displayed as he was pushing past the fatigue that would have sidelined any lesser fighter. The two looked over towards their boss, and all three agreed at that moment they wanted to induct Kento into their world of underground street fighting.
Lou Yan, Wan, and Shen made their way through the chaotic scene. They were determined to put an end to the escalating fight before the entire club was in shambles. Their presence seemed to resonate with a sense of authority. It cut through the tension that crackled in the air.
Oni caught wind of their command and pulled away from Kento. But not without casting a seething glare in his direction as he brushed past the bouncer. The intensity of their brawl lingered as a vivid reminder of the extreme hostility they displayed.
Kento, still recovering from the adrenaline surge of the brawl, narrowed his eyes at Oni's retreating figure. A mix of frustration and defiance etched across his face.
Just then, Kaye rushed to his side. Her concern was evident when she started assessing for any signs of injury. "Are you alright?" She asked, her voice blended with worry and urgency. She had seen him fight fiercely many times before, but those times were with armor; this was not.
When Oni rejoined Lou Yan, Wan, and Shen, he turned around and faced them when he heard Kaye speak. He smirked a bit when he turned his attention towards her, "So, you're his woman. I'm a bit surprised, but then again maybe not. Are you the kind of woman who likes rough men?" A deep guttural laugh burst from him when he saw the bouncer growl and started to go at him again after he pushed Kaye behind him. Before the others held him back, or at least they were trying to hold Kento back from another fight.
Lou Yan narrowed his eyes a bit, his voice cold, "Oni, enough. Call it a night and go home."
The fighter knew better than to disobey when Lou Yan gave an order. "This is far from over, Rei Faun."
"Count on it, Oni." Kento shot back, glaring at him as the fighter flipped a few more tables over as he left the club.
Ryo studied the three who stood in front of them. The tension in the air was still evident. "All right, what in the world was all of that about?"
Lou Yan gave a small apologetical nod. "My apologies to all of you. I had no idea Oni was going to go on a rampage."
A frown creased upon Kaye's face. "Why don't you call the authorities and have him arrested? He totaled your club, and hurt people?"
Lou Yan shook his head. "Because my dear, the authorities are scared shitless of Oni. They won't even approach him when he's out in public."
Rowen mused over what Lou Yan told them and frowned; something still bothered him: "But yet, he listened to you when you told him to go home. Plus, from what I can see, the three of you are not even a little scared of him at all." He pointed out as he crossed his arms, "Care to tell us why?"
"Out of respect for Rei Faun's fighting spirit, I'll tell you. It's because Oni has been with the three of us since his early teens. He was living off the streets until we gave him a roof over his head and food to eat. He owed us a life debt and agreed to work for us with no questions asked." Lou Yan explained as he, Wan, and Shen turned their backs to them and started to walk away.
Wan glanced back and studied Kento. "Earlier, when you were on your break with your woman outside, I heard you tell her you were going to ask for the weekend off. I think after tonight, you earned it. But you're to come back on duty Monday night. So go home yourself, get taken care of. We will lock up and deal with everything else later." Turning his attention away from them and continued to walk up towards the office.