Oorchi's Rose (Private)

[Kuuroinochou]

OROCHI'S ROSE
[For Tenko and Kuu only]​

King is a very beautiful woman who, for several reasons, hides her beauty under men's clothing. First, when King was a little girl, she was sent to Thailand in order to learn Muay Thai, with her baby brother, Jan. King, despite being a woman, demonstrated to be a skillful Muay Thai fighter, and could even face the best of fighters. However, she could not fight in an official tournament because she was a woman. King was very disappointed and at certain points, she despised being a female herself. She also had to take care of her brother Jan.

In the next Muay Thai tournament, all fighters were surprised by a certain fighter who wore a shirt, and very short blond hair. They were even more surprised when that person began advancing in the tournament, with his impressive skills. The mysterious person quickly reached the final battle, where he had to face the current champion. The fight was pretty even, but the man named only "King" was getting the upper hand. In a rage burst, the champion took hold of King's shirt, but King kicked him back. The force of the impact made the champion tear King's shirt, and King's secret soon became evident to the crowd; King was a woman. Everybody was dumbfounded. The organizers considered the final invalid, and threw King away. The humiliated King traveled to the United States, where she would begin a new life with her brother Jan.

King arrived at Southtown, a city with a lot of problems and crime due to the reign of Geese Howard. King opened a bar in downtown since she always liked to drink; called King's Court. However, King hated her womanhood now more than ever, since that incident back in the tournament. She now dresses elegantly as a man, and receives all her guests.

As a result of those long ago dreams, King remains loyal to her image. Still ever the elegant woman, she continues to hide behind the facade of a man. Everyone knew who she was, what she was, but she still felt the bitter humiliation of that day. The sting that it held on her heart to know that a woman no matter how hard she tried, no matter the training and drive she put in everyday, it still amounted to nothing but ridicule and disgust.

Sighing she smiled as her brother Jan came flying down the stairs of the upper living courters to the bar. She rolled her eyes the ever familiar cocktail glass filled to the brim with the finest of wine. "Where are you going little brother?" she inquired taking a danty sip of her drink.

He turned with a heavy sigh for the umpteeth time that month she had to know his whereabouts. Was he not old enough in her eyes to do his own thing?

Damn straight. Her eyes forced back his question as she waited. Soon he spoke up swallowing hard. "I was going to go out with some friends."

"Oh.. and where exactly did you plan on being?" she inquired insightfully eyes squinting in measure.

"A club."

She snorted setting her glass down before standing to her feet with a florish. Coming up to face him she looked down at her little brother smoldering eyes baring into his. "I hope you understand that I'm your legal guardian. Don't make me regret letting you out tonight. You got classes tomorrow...understood."

"Yes." He gulped not wanting to get on his sister's bad side. With that much said she smiled locking him in a headlock. "Just stay safe. Call me if you need anything." He nodded chuckling as the tension ebbed away and soon he was out the door bumping past a man with a haggered "Pardon" before he was out of sight.

King returned to her stool at the bar taking up her drink though her back was turned to the door as she spoke with her barkeep Sally.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Iori.

It was cold, and Iori lit his last cigarette with his finger. He was in Southtown after the tournament. This Duke or whoever he was nothing to him, barely a pawn. He had managed to miss Kyo, but he had a second reason to come, always did. He puffed and let the smoke trail out. He didn't know why he liked King's Bar so much, why the court was such a wonderful place to go but he enjoyed it.

He'd never let King KNOW that though. Iori puffed and briefly wondered if she would still be mad. It had been almost a year. A year since that night he had come in, to perfrom and saw Kyo. His hnads could barely hold the guitar and the song they payed was of their own accord. Smashing the Gibson over Kyo's head andtrashing half the bar in the resulting fight hadn't been in the plan. Going into the Blood riot when the Fatal Fury team had tried to pull him off wasn't expected either. She had thrown him out over that. And the song still in his head at that time as he finally calmed. Standing over A beaten Terry and Andy Bogard. All apologies.

Of course she'd still be mad. He had put his revenge above her again. Above her home, her happiness, her business. Just above her. His rage took over, But it would be different. Iori warmed his hands over his own flame. The snow falling around the purple as he finally finished the cigarette. He ground the butt out against the wall and walked over, as the door opened. Jun walked out and bumped into him. He gave a small pardon as the child passed. King didn't notice and he took some time to see her. To look at her. How her short blond hair framed her face. How her bust was just barely kept under that shirt, he knew she bound and did it well. Her legs in those pants, So long and powerful. He shrugged the last bits of snow off his jacket and walked up to King touching her shoulder.

"Hello. I'm back."

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Reflexes reacted before the voice registered in her mind. Quickly she yanked the hand up and over before flipping Iori on his back and aiming a well placed kick to his face just before his red hair caught her vision and halted all movement. "Iori?" she questioned. Kneeling down before him she sighed he looked like shit.

Brushing his red hair from his face she searched his eyes not wanting him to speak. For a while his eyes said nothing to her and she was about to stand and give him the boot but just before she looked away she saw it. The sadness and confussion. Standing she held out a hand to help him up before situating her threads and going to seat herself again. "Sally give me something stronger I think I'm going to need it." As instructed she poured King something stronger.

Reaching into her inside pocket she pulled out a silver cigar case, pulling out a single cigar. A lighter from Sally was used to light it as she took her drink in hand and found a booth in the corner some place where they could be alone and most of all out of ear shot. Setting her glass down rather abruptly she looked over at Iori, taking a long draw of her cigar before letting the smoke billow out before her. "Well whatever you have to say, speak. And please try to show some decorum. I have guests; and even though you don't seem to think so I'd like to at least make them believe their in a high class place." This being Southtown said otherwise but no one seemed to care. The Court was always alive with music, drink and dancing. She even fashioned the upper deck as small living quarters for those that needed a place to stay. Her own room fashioned as a loft however.

God he looked like shit... she reminded herself but she wouldn't tell him that.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Iori.

Iori landed on his back. the thick coat not providing near enough protection but he hardly noticed, her foot stopped just inches from him and he stayed still. Softly she brushed his hair from over his face. Looking into his eyes and he returned it. He was sad, and lonely without her. She could see that. She always could. When no-one else could see anything but Iori the monster, Iori the killer, Iori, who snuffed men's lives like discarded cigarettes. She could tell She knew how much he disliked violence. Even though he was so good at it.

She helped him and took a tipple of scotch from her barkeep. Sally. Iori followed her to a table the belt betwen his knees restricting his movement somewhat, and his tired body making it seem like a shamble. he sat and listend as she told him to say his piece, to act proper. She was concerned though. He could see that. Did she miss him too? Iori picked up her drink and took a short swallow the familar burn of her choice of Scotch tickling down his throat.

"I came back for you. I'm finished with revenge, finished with weaklings. I came back for the only woman strong enough to be mine." Iori took her hand in his and rubbed her knuckle softly. "I missed you."

 

[Kuuroinochou]

"Have you really?" she asked not so sure as she slipped her hand from his. To busy herself she dranked something she always did when she wasn't fighting. She had a high tolerance for the fiery liquids; quite high indeed. "You've been gone for a year... no word, not even a simple 'hello how ya doing'. Nothing Iori and now you suddenly return with 'I miss you'?" she sighed snuffing the cigar as it was starting to give her a headache, or was it the man before her.

One thing they had in common was the secrecy behind their relationship. Often he'd come to visit the bar but she knew he came for her... most of the time. The many other times it was that damn Kyo. The bane of his and her existance. She didn't know the reason or why behind it, what drove those two to their insane skirmishes, why they hated each other. But as long as they continued neither would find what they wanted... or so she thought.

Here he was missing her. Wanting to give up his quest to take Kyo down... for her? She fidget a bit in her sit crossing her leg idly over the other. Sitting back in the booth she let the dim lighting of the room cast her in a soft glow as she thought. "Is this truly what you want? Do you think you can just waltz in here after a year and expect everything to be okay." she huffed. "Its not your endless fighting or trashing my joint that pisses me off... but you always seem to run away when things get rough. After the smoke clears you run away. For once can't you just own up to your mistakes, stay here, face consequences..." she pouted slightly more unconscious then anything else.

"I'll let you stay the night but... I don't know... I just don't know." she confessed in confusion. So long she'd been telling herself that she was okay. That she could handle herself without him and for a while she believed it. Her bar was lively, she was well received by her peers... but it was at night when she was alone that mattered most. No one to warm her bed like before. Despite putting up her masculine appearance she knew deep down she was a woman and nothing more. And it often pissed her off that of all the men out there this one before her had some how managed to break through her defenses. Figures that she'd find solace in a violent man such as Iori. Even more so that he was as gentle as he was violent.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Iori.

One night. Ok, he would make do with that. And make it another and another. If he had to live with her one night at a time he could do that, he would do that. Iori took her hand in his again and kissed it softly.

"I truly want you. I can't waste my time and my life anymore. I can't look for a cure, I can't hope to have revenge. But I can hope to have you. To be together with you."

Iori brought his hand up to her face. She still let him touch her, he was amazed and grateful for that. He brushed his hand over her face, soft and slow, tracing his thumb across her cheek. Lower and across her sweet lips, cupping her chin teasing the underside of her throat. He had made her purr before, he would again. Softly he placed a hand on thetable and Lifted himself forward to her, Kissing her forehead with soft, calm, lips.

"I left looking for forgivness. For something I could do, that I could bring back for you to make it all better. I sent money for the bar, and I found Kyo, before he slipped away again. But I missed you. I could see Ryo coming here, laughing and I was jealous. I looked for the missing magatama, and still I could only think of you. That even the sacred treausre of my line, My clan was not worth your touch. Your body next to mine. I can't promise I won't leave again, but I can promise that I'll always be with you. That I'll always be the man to your woman."

Iori stood over her, he couldn't for long, soon she'd stand, but he bent to kiss her. Passion welling inside it. Barely contained as his lips brushed hers, and his hands cupped her face, the cruel claws he used for fighting, no more than gentle breezes on her skin. After what seemed eternity to him he broke the kiss knowing he needed to clean.

"I'll go wash up."

 

[Kuuroinochou]

"Let's not kid ourselves Iori you..." she trailed off as he began touching her face. Always with the touching he knew how to calm her, unnerve her if you will. She shivered visibly but bit down on her lip to keep from purring, for once she didn't want to give him that satisfaction. It didn't mean her mind wasn't purring with anticipation. How after a full year did she still feel close to him, yet there was a distance just the same.

A slight moan escaped her when he finally removed his hand from her. She looked away her blonde hair falling over her face to shield her eyes. Always those orbs blurting things out that she would rather keep hidden.

"Iori..." she sighed looking up to him as he stood only a sparkle from her eyes visible with the dim lighting. When he kissed her she was barely able to contain herself wanting to get lost in his kiss, his touch but she snapped out of it, just as he released her and made to leave. Snapping a arm out she tugged him by the arm. For a moment she was silent only holding on to his arm. She let go after a while...

"I know your clan is important to you. They put a lot of presure on the two of you to keep the orochi contained... but shouldn't you be allowed to rely on someone else. Can't someone else carry the burden with you?" If she could she would have long ago taken the strain of the orochi blood from within him. But he was too stubborn to let her help him always wanting to do things alone... men.

"Go shower...we can talk later."

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Iori.

King's hand on his arm sent shivers, her touch even through his coat was almost electric to him. His words were almost a blow, but he supposed he deserved it. he'd never told her, Never explained, always ran from his problem to find another, never solving anything, never finishing it. But his clan had only him, the last Yagami. And he would be the last. Finally she let him go and he felt cold for it.

Iori shrugged his way to the shower upstairs in her loft, he still had a key and the locks hadn't changed. he smiled at that and walked in. stripping his clothes from his body, and simply leaving them, a trail on the floor. He'd pick them up later if ever, It seemed he never did, Someone always Picked them up, From his father's home to the hotels even here. He secretly suspected Jun did it not King, He'd have to learn. His jacket lay on the floor and his faded shirt as well. His boots managed to make it to a tray hapahazardly. His pants and boxers actually made it to the Hook on the door. What would he wear after this shower?

He threw a towel around his waist and went to check King's wardrobe. A large benefit of your girlfriend dressing like a man is that you can raid ehr wardrobe. He opened the shutters and stopped. there was his coat, light it was spring, and the pants the leather, his white shirt. He'd left it, he'd left so many outfits here and they were still here, he shut the door softly, and went to take that shower.

"You redecorated." Iori said to no one. The bathroom was huge, a whirlpool tub in a clam shell and glass divider with a waterfall shower. He turned on the water and it trickled then rushed, she had such marvelous pressure, in everything she owned or did. He dropped the towel Finally naked and free of all his constraints and stepped under. The hot water washing away a year of waiting and wasted time.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

"Ma'am are you okay?" Sally came up beside her boss holding a martini glass to her. Knowing her boss would need a drink right about now, she was always vigil of the other.

Shaking herself out of her daze she smiled. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you." she said and took the glass drinking heartily. That hit the spot got her back in the game. Iori was back, no big deal. She would just have to resolve herself, stick to her guns. He couldn't stay any longer then tonight. All this was way to hard on her, managing a business, her livelihood and expecting too much form a man that just ran away... no he had to go.

With a mournful glance to Sally she headed for the stairwell. "Hold the fort for me Sally I shall return." Terry was about he'd keep the rowdy patraons in check.

As she went up to her penthouse, an uneasiness coursed through her, causing her to lose her nerve. But she stiffened her back. Entering her room she found Iori's cloths on the floor leaving a trail to the shower. Should she go in get a peak out of him? No. Seeing him naked or anywhere close always had a way with her. He was a sleek man, like a panther and those eyes... they did things to her... things that made her act more of a woman then she liked herself to believe. Why was she still fighting that? She had always asked herself, with Iori she didn't feel the need to hide but their relationship had always been a mystery. No one was really sure what was going on with them. They didn't go out in public like normal couples mainly because she felt uncomfortable with his romantism... it was always expected for the man to do for the woman. But she had such a hard time letting him be the man, he knew that and had been so patient with her utnil she finally melted and started dressing a little feminine going out of town to wine and dine just for peace of mind.

Stepping up to the door she peeked inside, "Iori..." she spoke softly barely above a whisper but that man had inhumanly ears. Slipping out of her tie, vest, shirt then shoes she let her slacks fall to the floor til she stood in her garter and lingere. She slipped into the shower with him leaving her under garments on... she knew he liked to peel her cloths off but she had to be her own woMAN sometimes so met him half way. With a smile she caressed his face, his red hair plastered to his face covering that one eye just as the water did the same to her blonde hair, the two of them standing toe to toe. "Now what?" she asked, all the way up here she knew exactly where she was going, what she might end up doing... he just had that effect. "Sometimes I hate what you do to me..."

 

[chronicle_tenko]

"Sometimes I hate what you do to me..."

"But I love you for it." Iori placed his hands on King's firm muscled ass slwoly squeezing the prt flesh in his hands. Slowly his hands trailed up her back and over the interplay of muscle. She was tense and he dragged his fingers back down. Holding her close to him Letting her head res against his shoulder. Or as much as possible. She was only a couple of inches shorter than he was. His hands, so powerful gently massaged the sore and aching lower back. carrying her bust was hard. They moved dancing along to ease tension from along her obliques to trace under the swell of her breasts. His hands rested on her hips as he kissed her face and began to speak.

"I've wanted you to be with me for a long time. Since I ran out in the riot looking for Kyo. When I woke all I could think of was you, And yet I tried to find something else. I don't know why. But all my travels, All my fights, and the only thing I really know now, is that I need to be with you."

Iori rested his head against hers and let his hands run down over her hips and back up to her shoulders. He loved how curvy King was. A fact she hid amazingly well under her clothes, but King was a woman through and through. Iori peeled her bra-straps down the water cascading in her cleavage, and traced circles along the tops of her breasts. His hands so soft under the water as they teased and cupped her breasts, his thumbs slowly hooked underneath the fabric to pull it down, leaving it on While Iori sunk to a knee and began to suckle at her teat, licking the nipple at first and biting the flesh to it's side after.

"My lover, What will happen? I'll use this night to stay with you and to buy me another, And then the next night I'll buy another, And if it has to be one night at a time I will be with you. Forever."

 

[Kuuroinochou]

He new how to work her buttons, one by one, he knew what was appropriate and what she would not allow. Being touched so soon between the legs would set her off and yet her breasts were often sensative no matter how ripe a mood she was in.

She watched him dropped to his knee, rubbing a hand through his silkened wet hair. She let him suck on her, teaser her, enjoying it for the time. She loved this man but sometimes she hated him more than she could explain. For a moment more she let him work letting her head lull back for a time but then she got her wits about her.

Stepping away she made Iori get to his feet, watching him with leveled eyes. "I said tonight is the only night. I meant it." she said. "I'm seeing someone else Iori... we've been talking on and off. I didn't know if you were coming back or not and I dont' think it's fair for you to expect me to wait. So... I accepted Ryo." She searched his eyes for any sign of his rage, this was the only way she knew to bring it up to him. Standing before him in a vulnerable state as all she could think to do but if he grew violent she would resolve herself and stand her ground.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Iori.

Ryo.

Iori slumped a little, as if he had suddenly been dealt a blow, more greivous than any other. Ryo had come into her life. Iori's head slunped forward down to her thighs, and let the water run down his face Dripping off him as he stared at the drains in the floor. He laughed.

"Does he matter. What can he be that I can't, What can he do for you that I don't already know. He beat you and barely stopped from raping you, and now he has come back for a real taste. Don't throw yourself away on trash like him."

Iori backed from her in pain. his words were hollow, and truly as much as he wanted to stay as much as he wanted to be in control, as much as he didn't want to resort to violence, he wanted to break Ryo's head like an egg. Ryo was so close to Kyo as well, So simple to change the faces. He shook his head, and came back to hold King.

"If you want to try to see him, I won't stop you, and I won't back down. You are mine, and I am yours. and I'll make him see that."

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Bring on the drama. King ran a hand through his hair as the water poured over them both. She looked up to the ceiling sighing deeply. "Please understand Iori. I'm moving on, that's why you can only stay the night." she knelt before him brushing his hair from his face before planting a kiss on his lips. "Face it, I've already had plenty of hot nights where he's warmed my bed. He's taken me in ways I've only dreamed and even shown me new things... things you have yet to show me."

She stood to her feet stepping out of the shower and letting his sulk. "Just finish washing I have to tend to my bar." she spoke calmly heading into the main room. Discarding her wet garments she rummaged around for something dry to wear.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Iori.

Things he hadn't shown her, nights where he warmed her bed, Iori was vastly beginning to lose his temper, Still he stayed under her, listening. When she left to find dry clothes he came with her. Moving silently, the belt no longer restricting his movements, he caught up quickly as she stood in front of her dresser searching for clothes. Nude, Iori placed himself behind her. His hands easily roaming her body.

"One night. You only give me one night? You've moved on, have you?"

Iori's fingers scraped across her skin, his teeth sunk into her collarbone. Then softly, kissing the affected area, letting the blood flow to it, his fingers massaging the wounds, the gropes, tracing her taut stomach, holding her thin waist. Then it all stopped, Iori was leaning on a far wall, hands behind his head. The same cruel grin that was usually reserved for opponents.

"Then you can wait, tend to your bar and our night will come eventually. Who says it must come tonight?" I'll be waiting here for you, I will wait for once, to see how it feels."

 

[Kuuroinochou]

King shivered upon his touch, her eyes closing to enjoy the of him against her skin. She couldn't help the way he knew how to work her, to push her buttons. And then as soon as it all began he was moving away, leaning against a far wall.

She turned to face him noting the grin on his lips. He was in challenger mode, and she was the enemy... or was it Ryo? Either way, if he wanted to play this game so be it.

She walked up to him caressing a hand along his cheeks, staring into his deep smoldering eyes. "If you want to play it like this. So be it..." she said and quickly fisted her hand into his hair bringing him forward for a long hard kiss. She poured everything she had into it, anger, annoyance, love, affection, and promise. She reached between them to massage his cock in her hand wanting to feel his heat against her skin once more. If he wanted to wait, then she would make him wait.

Soon she pulled away looking to him. "I have to go." she said and quickly found something to wear. Turning to look at him before she descended the stairs.

Once back in the bar, she found a large crowd, and smiled as someone took up the mic on her makeshift stage to sing.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Iori.

Her hands were still as he remembered, hard and soft all at once. Mixed signals as she grabbed his hair and pulled him to kiss her, anger, frustration, and her hand slowly stroked up and down on his shaft hardening it under her touch. Finally it seemed just as he was risen to full mast she stopped and walked away from him. His eyes followed her but he let her go. Determined if they were playing a game, He'd win. He always won, it was the Yagami way.

He dressed, his typical attire. The Red pants. The long white shirt and his cut off Jacket. He carefully unbuttoned the shirt sleeves and took the cufflinks from them. Dropping the jewelry in his pocket. He went to the small belt and looped it around his neck once more. Then he walked downstairs easily fluidly. Leg by leg step by step, he knew how to make an entrance.

As he walked through the bar there was an open stage. This may be too easy But he glanced at King. Making her way around the bar. Someone was finishing a butchering of traveling Man. He hated that song. Iori walked up the stage an old Acousatic was there and Iori claimed it as he got up. Some mild cheers came from the audience, Some people knew who he was from his band.

"Alright, I have a special little number to play. I'm sure people know that everyone makes mistakes."

Iori's hands breexed on the guitar a few chords then a stop. Then a few chords then a stop. By now evveryone knew, and Iori began playing flawlessly the easy melody of "Time of your life" By Green Day.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

King order herself another drink as usual for her and took a seat somewhere in the back of the bar. Out of shot from Iori on stage but they could watch each other, he'd seek her out from the crowd.

It was then that Mai entered the bar with a squeal, people left and right shushing her. She blushed looking for King and hurried to the bar to speak with Sally. Pointing King out, Mai bounced her way over and sat with the tomboy surpreme. "I've been lookin for ya. There's another tournament in town, are you going to join our team again?" she asked.

For a moment King didn't seem to be acknowledging the bouncy ninja. In fact she was watching Iori completely on stage taking short pauses to ship her drink. Only toward the last of the lyrics did she notice Mai. Nodding her head more so to Iori but then paying more attention to Mai now. "I will." she said. Then turned a smile to Mai.

"What's the prize money this time?"

"Oh there's more at stake they say but no one is talking. There's talk of orochi again. We were quite positive that Kyo, Iori and Chizuru had sealed him away but they're saying that isn't the case. Still... no one is giving the two fly boys any information. They say not to tell Iori or Kyo, there may be hell to pay if they find out."

King nodded she wasn't about to let this leak. "At any rate I have to get going. Andy is suppose to take me out tonight. You going ot be okay? I mean with Iori back and all things are a little shakey as they are... does he know about Ryo?"

King shook her head. "No I haven't told him... I but I did lie."

"Lie?"

"He thinks we are going out."

"Why would you tell him that?"

"Cause... he hurt me."

Mai bit down on her lip to keep from speaking. Standing to her feet she gave King a hug. "Stay in there. He's back you shouldn't push him away."

"I can't push him away fast enough. He shouldn't even be here...I hate him."

"I know. Its hard to give your heart to someone that keeps breaking it. I know that all too well. I'll see you around" With that she took off winking to Iori as she bounced out of the bar, a flash of silver from Andy's hair could be seen. Shortly thereafter, Terry popped in shaking his head at his brother.

He noted Iori on stage and only tipped his hat. It was King he was after... "Mai told you."

"She did. Now what do you want?"

"Nothing. Company, some good beer if you got it... entertainment." He leaned back in his seat his hat covering his face nicely. "You know Mai said you lied to him."

She glared. "So."

"So shouldn't you tell him the truth you know how violent he can get. He's not going to like his chains being pulled. And what about Ryo does he deserve this?"

"Terry don't. Just leave it alone. What he doesn't know what hurt anyone... now drink up." she said snapping her fingers as Sally nodded fixing his usual and handing it off to one of her waitresses that slipped the drink on the table. "Not another word."

Terry smirked looking from under his cap to Iori. "Fine but don't say I didn't warn you." He said and reached over to give King a quick kiss on the cheek. Maybe to get a rise out of the violent redhead perhaps just cause he knew he could short of King kicking his ass all up and through her bar.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Iori.

He sang. Slow and easy for King. Iori sang this song for her, and only her. When he finished people clapped some politely many because the song was done well, Iori almost always succeeded in what he did. It was what the Yagami did. what he did, He was the last Yagami. And he likely would be the last. Mai had come and spoken to king, she had winked and Iori was glad there were no hard feelings. Terry Bogard had crawled out to speak as well, and he tipped his hat. Again Iori was glad he'd taken the loss in such good grace.

As he finished he walked past Kings table to the bar. He nodded to Bogard, and to the younger recognising Andy. He stopped to drop to speak to Terry,

"Do you suppose that Blue Mary is interested in another suitor, because King has enough it seems without you."

He kept walking and he barely gave Mai a glance, she wasn't for him. Someone had come to his attentipon, And he had to speak to them. His teamate, Chizuru.

"I quit. Remember. The magatama is lost."

"Iori you can't just abandon us that easily. Kyo won't allow it. I won't allow it, and you have a duty."

"Not to you and him. I'm done."

"Iori, Rugal lives. You have little enough time. Soon you may awaken and unless you can be stopped you will kill. You will come see us both, and we will see you through this. Or stop you before it happens. It is your duty."

Iori sat silently. Mulling the information over, there was nothing to decide. he had a duty. And it broke his heart, but he had to tell King, a glimmer hit his eye though. A silver lining, If they were here there was a tournament, and that meant that Ryo would fight. Some good came of this, some good always did.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

King talked with Terry for a while longer, the lone wolf only smirking at Iori's obvious desplay of jealous annoyance. Still he would give Iori something to be upset about as more drinks were brought to the table. The two seemed to be having quite the fun, with King's feminine laughter peeling from the corner booth they were in.

Terry joined her in laughter raising his glass to clink with hers. After a while he leaned in to seemingly whisper something to her. That got an obvious blush from her but she nodded in agreement to whatever it was he had asked. Terry looked to Iori under the hood of his cap before standing and taking King's hand gently in his.

"I can show you its upstairs in my room, come one." King said audibly as she passed Iori on her way upstairs. "Hold the fort for me Sally I'll return."

The barwhence chuckled as she served more drinks to various patrons watching her boss lady head upstairs. No good ever came from men going upstairs with her. Unless they were renting one of the few rooms she had on the second level. Other than that the third level was fashioned as a loft for all of King's need.

Sure enough, Terry was given the run of the second floor checking each room and deciding on one. "I'll take this one, its most roomly." He spoke.

"Good. I need a little extra help around here. So are you joining the tournament this year... you know Blue Mary is going to join up with Mai and me."

Terry chuckled. "Is that so.. three pretty ladies to deal with at once. I don't know..." He turned stretching as he placed an arm over her shoulder. "So tell me. Is everything okay... with the two of you?"

"It will be. He has tonight to recoop and then he's out."

"I wonder why are you being so cold toward him?"

"Doesn't matter. I'm just not in the mood to play the same sad love song with him. He'll just leave again."

Terry said nothing looking away. "What's that look for Ter..?"

He smiled coming over to hug her close. "Nothing. You really shouldn't push people away like that, but I'll respect your wishes. So for my first line of duty I'll go monitor the bar. But first..." He listened for a short moment just waiting until the right moment.

"Huh?"

With a smirk, Terry leaned in to kiss King just as he heard the door open. It would be interesting to have Iori walk in but this would work in any case. King herself wasn't so sure what was going on. Terry never showed signs of affection toward her, why now?

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Iori.

Chizuru had left him angry, and bitter. Bitter enough to drink, and he ordered a quick hot whisky from sally. Hot scotch burned his throat but he welcomed it, the Amber liquid drawing some of the tension from him. He watched sullenly as Terry talked to King her laughter like a bitter music. Green covered his vision as Chizuru tried to get his attention, Terry looked over at him a wry grin on his blond headed face. Did the fool want another beating?

"Bogard is pushing his luck, and what does Mary think of all this? I at least was faithful to her when I left." Iori growled out to no-one in particular the words strangling out. He growled and watched them more. then King spoke something, loud enough even he could hear. Was it bait? What was she doing? her room, What was there, This seemed private but at this point Iori had to know. He stalked up the stairs silent and easy, hitting her room, they weren't there, and he walked back down. Then he heard them, barely, just voices, sounds. A "but first." He walked to see Terry take King in his arms and kiss her. For a moment the laughter took over, the song in his blood roared it chorus and his hands curled. ewasily as if it was nothing Iori's fingers crunched through the wall, he was gripping, gouging the drywall and even the stud behind it. Iori waited for it to finish, before he growled. It was amazing he considered that he had made it this far without painting the room red.

"Bogard, outside." Iori glared evilly, the words dripping with the promise of violence. "Either through the bar, Or through the window, it's your choice."

 

[Kuuroinochou]

Terry opened one eye just barely acknowledging Iori as he stepped into view. He continued to kiss King long enough to get a whimper out of her. The icing on the cake so to speak. Before he pulled away he nipped at her lip whispering something to her that Iori couldn't over hear.

He then looked up from under his heat hell in his eyes. It was always fun to taunt Iori but he wasn't going to get his ass handed to him so easily this time around.

"Just one thing. Are you sure you want to start throwing those mitts around so soon after you're return?" He questioned fixiating his hat firmly on his head.

King came between them placing a hand on Terry's chest. "Dont' start this. Terry just go do you're job." He smirked looking at her before removing her hand from his chest and kissing her on the cheek. He then slipped passed Iori not a word from his lips.

King then turned to Iori taking him by the arm. "Come with me." She said. Taking him up to her room she closed the door behind her staring him down. "I told you I'm not longer with you. If someone wants to kiss me they are more than welcomed. You can't do anything about that." she spoke smoothly.

Gliding across the room she went to her mini fridge pulling out some drinks and pouring some scotch in a glass. "Here." she handed him one and then made herself some. "Just stay in here. Cool off... show me that you've changed and you might buy yourself another night."

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Iori.

Iori glared at the scotch and tried hard, so very hard not crush the glass in his hand. He'd come honestly, sincerely thinking that he should change, and she was seeing someone else, and flirting with another man, a taken man. Had this always been the way? He stared into the scotch, thinking if she'd betrayed him more than once, and if this was just the first time she told him.

Earn another night, maybe he'd find out the truth. But he loved her. He knew that, and men made him angry, but ti didn't matter as long as he was the last. He'd wait and buy his time, day by day night by night. He'd make her his.

"Doesn't it matter to you? Does it matter that Mary is your teamate? Is Bogard better than Ryo? Does Mai know this, does Mary?"

Iori got up calmly, inside fires sang in his blood. Fires for battle, to feel Terry's blood run over his hands, to pick the man up by that long blond ponytail and smash him back down, to keep doing it till he couldn't even crawl away. To burn an X in Ryo's chest, to show him that his Ha-sho-ko-ken was nothing compared to the Yagami flames.

Flames that burned him to have King. Have her his queen, astride him once more. Moaning, and trembling as she rode on top of him, crying out on her knees as he took her, hands against the wall to hold herself, as his fingers dug into her hips. His woman, no matter how much she tried to be something else, She was a woman, and he saw that, in every step in every move, how strong and how powerful she was. She was a woman to him.

A woman he wanted at the head of the Yagami Empire. He'd brought a ring. Nothing really but a symbol, a piece of metal with a hole. He'd stay in this place and make it grand, as large as she could want, and send Jun to a better school. Get him a proper education, not like the public one he was recieving. A trust and admission to a good school, and her in his bed every night, even just to sleep, to hold. To make him calm and content, as he watched her breathe.

Some of the very few who knew that they were a couple, said that she tamed him. No. She made him want to be a better person. So Iori sat drinking the scotch, the question in the air. He was no less angry with Terry, but he'd let it burn away slow, till the tournament. He'd Excise all his demon's then.

Ryo.
Terry.
Rugal.
Kyo.

King. In love and war they were suited compatriot's and all was fair in both.

 

[Kuuroinochou]

She went to sit on her bed crossing her leg over the other she dranked her scotch a confusion on her face as much as he. "I know Mary is my teammate; I'm just as confussed as you. Why would he do that?" She sighed drinking more and watching him over the lip of the glass.

Setting the cup on a small platter at her side she looked to Iori; patting the spot next to him. "I don't know what's going on. I let my guard down which it won't happen again. Still if someone wishes to show their affections toward me, I don't want any interference on your part. Understood..." she said.

She could see hell in his eyes, murder, depression, need... pain all of it sang to her but it was over. It had to end. No more... and yet, "You can stay with me tonight." She had a small living room area in her room, just like a loft the expansion of the place was huge. "Sleep on the couch... just promise you won't lose it this time."

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Iori.

The couch. Was she serious? How could she be, moments ago she had followed him into the shower, true she had told him things he hated and it had only spiraled from there, but hadn't she still walked in the garter set he bought? It may have been coinciedence but still. The couch? Was she expecting someone else? It confused him, they'd made love on the couch as well, actually pretty much everywhere in her loft they had made love before. In that first week, Iori and her hadn't left unless it was for Jan. They'd simply stayed and sent the old girl, Anna for everything, for more ice, for food, she hadn't even known, simply thought King was ill. Iori had made a subordinate bring him more condoms.

Now the couch? Would she be sleeping there with him. He shook his head and turned to look at her, unsure of what and how to say what he thought. He let the scotch take his voice, the sweet burn of it flowing down his throat. Iori never coughed but it always took his voice. His eyes he could tell as she sat to tell him were saying more than he meant. Far more than he wanted, telling her everything he'd so recently learned himself. How pointless his revenge was, How the competition with kyo was not part of his duty, and the Orochi and the theft of the Magatama had only drove these points home. How his clan if he fell fell too, and how much he'd let it, because he didn't want anyone but her, and he wouldn't getr her pregnant. He couldn't. Searching the NESTS, K', meeting Chizuru, now Rugal's rebirth? hadn't the man been sent to hell? hadn't he and Kyo done just that. Even thinking of Kyo and Rugal made his hand clench tight enough that the ridged sharp surface of the crystal dug into his fingers and he put the glass down. It would shatter soon and he needed his hands.

"King, Unless someone is sharing your bed, I will. I can find my own room, pay my own room, buy my own hotel. You know that. I came here to your bar because I don't need a five star hotel I need you. And unless you have someone with you right now I know that you hate how cold your bed can be."

Iori trailed his hand up and down her cheek, unwilling to let it all pass. "Let me warm it for you. Even just to have it warm."

 

[Kuuroinochou]

"Then you may utilize those means of getting yourself a comfortable bed to sleep in because I am not moving from my choice. Either sleep on the couch or leave now." she said sternly, it was close to closing time and they could talk about this more later.

"Make your decision before closing time." she said. And left the room to let him think a while. About an hour passed before 'last call' was given and everyone who'd had heavy drinks were sent on their way. Packing it up Terry smirked heading up to his room.

"You gonna be okay with him?"

"Don't worry about me. I just need to talk to him is all... this is hard on both of us." she stopped in the hall hearing Sally down below.

"I'm closing up King!"

"Okay good night, Sally!"

"Night!"

Turning back to Terry, King leaned against the wall. "Why did you kiss me? Mary isn't going to like that."

"Don't worry I told her what was going on. And I'd be lying if I didn't want to do that for a long time. But it won't happen again, it was just to smooth the ice. Talk to him."

"I will just... don't do stuff like that no more."

"I wont. Go to bed."

With that said between them she headed up to the loft where Iori waited. It was time for them to talk, seriously talk. As she closed the door behind her she began to undress ignoring him for the time being.