House of Spades.

[Zammy<3]

"The Mizukage is no longer an issue to us. Kirigakure is entirely ours, to do with it what we wish."

No longer an issue?

"What do you mean he's no longer an issue?" Zamarron asked, concern edging her tone; a rare event that only happened on occasion. The man's face flashed within her mind's eye, his eyes sick with compassion. He had taken she and her sisters under the protection of his own home at their very worst state, and had given them a place to live so they could survive. There was only one thing that earned the woman's respect, and that was when a debt was to be repaid. The Mizukage had preserved her very life, and she would never be able to repay him for that. As a result, he had become a dear friend, someone she could go to for anything.

Hiromasa...

"So, we're setting our sights on other villages. How would you feel about being deployed to Konoha, Zamarron?"

Hm. Konoha. And she was asking him how she felt about it, too. But Zamarron, in her own sick, twisted mind, knew people better than that. Knowing herself, and knowing her master's hostile tendencies, he probably meant it as a rhetorical question. It wasn't up for discussion. It was an order. Yet there was one thing that had gotten under her skin. He wanted her to travel all the way to Konoha, all by her lonesome? With no one to bitch at, no heads to bite off? It seemed incredibly lonely to the chuunin and she dreaded the very thought of it. "All be myself?" she asked, retracting her arm to place it on her hip. Was that attiitude detected in her voice?

Her master's attention would be redirected however, for what seemed like the same being that had summoned her from the streets of the village was now indiscreetly whispering something into the man's ear. The musician's curiousity sparked, but she would look out the window out of respect to give Kouketsu his privacy. Finally he deployed his subordinate, and his focus was shifted back to Zamarron.

" Is something bothering you?

The woman's gaze swiftly went back to her master's. Yes, in fact, there was something bothering her, but the very concept in which troubled her was indeed a new one. Respect was hard to earn from her, but feelings of attatchment... that was even harder to come by.

"Master... I-I..." She'd stuttered. How articulate. "I've been... thinking. I wanted to thank-thank you. For saving me. I owe you my life, and I am prepared to give you everything I have to offer." And then, whilst still standing,

she bowed.

[King]

Perhaps, if the situation was a bit different, the Oyabun's would've widened with surprise at the girl's sudden gesture. From the moment he'd met Zamarron, she'd been nothing but a royal pain in the ass. From her rebellious demeanor to her hard lined mannerisms, she absolutely refused to bend to Kouketsu's rules. Strangely enough, he had allowed her carry on in such a way.

Surely, no one else would be fortunate enough to say the same.

But, perhaps it was always in his game plan? Victory was always sweeter when your opponent admitted their defeat. Her submission, at long last, had come in the manner he had expected it to. Despite the truth in her words, it couldn't dampen the pride swelling beneath his calm front.

"And your loyalty shall be rewarded, Zamarron." He snapped his fingers, though she wouldn't have seen it through the shadows obscuring most of his body. Why? She'd find out very soon.

---

The woman's eyes narrowed as the boy approached, extending her lengthy, slender fingers to snatch the piece of parchment from his hand. Naturally, she opened it, and her eyes glistened with interest as she skimmed the document.

That's when she heard the snap. The others accompanying her vanished without a word, while she turned and motioned for the boy to follow. "Come with me. The girl you're sssssssseking is up here."

---

The ebon-clad woman became visible only a few moments after the Oyabun had snapped his fingers, bearing gifts for all. Zibishi would be guided to Zamarron's side, while the hissy bitch made her way to the Oyabun. His reaction was far different from her own, as he merely glanced over the paper's contents before folding it, and then sliding it into his kimono.

"This is your friend, correct?" He already knew that he was. "Assuming you want him, he will be your companion on your mission. And as for Hiromasa, he stopped by here earlier this evening. We had a minor disagreement about some things concerning the village. However, we managed come to terms with one another."

[zibishi]

Zibishi watched her reaction and the glimmer in her eyes instantly told him she was interested in what the document said and that he was out of hot water. His eyes deactivated and returned to their icy blue color as she finally finished skimming the note. He himself wondered what it said, but it couldn't be helped. Her goons disappeared almost as fast as they appeared and Zibishi began following the woman.

He wondered what Zammy would think about seeing him here and he was sure her greeting would be bittersweet. Various patrons and hookers stared at him as he followed behind the woman into the room Zammy occupied. Whoever the man was, her master seemed very powerful he could feel it the moment he set foot into the room. She handed him the note from the daimyo and Zibishi fixed his eyes on Zammy.

He decided not to speak first to her and would let her agitation show itself and then disappear though something was different about her. She seemed almost subdued in the man's presence and Zibishi's mind began to wander until the man said:

"Assuming you want him, he will be your companion on your mission. And as for Hiromasa, he stopped by here earlier this evening. We had a minor disagreement about some things concerning the village. However, we managed come to terms with one another."

Zibishi raised his eyebrow at this and was sure that "disagreement" and "managed to come to terms" were a big understatement and Zibishi had felt that the note had found its proper owner. He awaited for Zammy's response so he would be educated on the current situation and their upcoming mission.

[Zammy<3]

Zibishi.

Her previous submissive disposition had left her not only a vulnerable state, but a quick-to-be-volatile one as well. Especially when the very person who she did not want in such a place as the House of Spades was very much in it, and right by her side! Straightening her back so that she stood to her full height, she turned to Zibishi and gave him a scowl; one of her softer ones, anyway. She was glad to see him, but at the same time didn't feel the need for the boy to be in such an influential environment. Obviously he'd been following her... Zamarron clenched her fists. She regretted ever meeting him- so far, she had only dragged him down.

And now her master wanted him to accompany her on her mission to Konoha?! What, did he think she couldn't take care of herself? She wasn't about to have any of that shit. "Why him?!" she demanded, refusing the urge to stomp her foot. One, she didn't want Zibishi in the middle of her affairs with her master. Two, what was Zibishi going to do, besides get in the way? And three, she didn't want a thirteen year old boy trailing her, watching her every move and being influenced by her. Because four, she was a bitch, and even she knew that. She didn't want to rub off on such an innocence.

The woman relaxed her hands, though, once Kouketsu had confirmed that he and Hiromasa had only had a simple disagreement. She didn't think anything of it, for she trusted the man.

"And you!" she shrieked, whirling around on Zibishi. She pushed him- not hard but not soft, either- and began spewing venom at him. "What the fuck do you think you're doing here?! Get lost, flower girl!" Indeed, "volatile" was an understatement.

[/blockquote]

[King]

Surprisingly, Kouketsu's reaction to the girl's outburst was a calm one. She may not have noticed it, but almost everyone in the room had prepared themselves to draw swords and slay her where she stood the moment that he voice raised above in-door levels. Her life was spared solely by the grace of the Oyabun's mercy.

"You will do well to mind your tongue in my presence." Volatile or not, he would not be questioned. She knew better than that. "You know the consequences for trespassing, Zamarron. However, as he is clearly someone dear to you, I presumed you would wish to spare him from that fate. However. . . "

The long, exaggerated slither of blades being unsheathed permeated throughout the second floor of the house of spades. Zibishi might've been able to escape before, but now, surrounded by nearly thirty armed and fairly skilled individuals, his death would be inevitable were his friend to abandon him now. ". . . If that isn't the case, I'll simply have him executed now."

[zibishi]

Zibishi sighed almost silently as Zammy began her outburst. It was a side of her that he was becoming all to familiar with and sometimes he wished she would control it a tad bit better. Her fiery disposition was going to rue of both of them one day Zibishi predicted as his eyes began scanning the room observing armed guards preparing to leap upon the moment her tone reached an unsuitable level for them. His eyes moved to her and glared back at her and his tone was quite, but full of strength.

"You can show your concern later. Save the ridiculing and the cursing for when we're on our way to Konoha."

The man then spoke it a calm, cool manner towards Zammy, but there was nothing but command in every syllable he spoke. What kind of man was he? Zibishi, who was young and chaotic slowly began admiring him already, no he admired his organization and his presence, but he wasn't sure about how strong he was yet though if he could tame such a woman as Zammy with such a calm disposition then his must've been strong. He would test his luck and speak briefly, but sincerely to the man.

"Thank you for the oppurtunity to prove myself useful, to both you and Zammy."

He shot a stare towards her, because he understood what she was feeling. He was a Sansutsomu and no doubt the man probably recognized this as well. He could handle himself and after their mission with the daimyo she should've been sure of his uses, but the boy would have no problem easing her doubts and catching attention of the new man whom he assumed was now pulling the strings in Kirigakure.

[Zammy<3]

"You will do well to mind your tongue in my presence."

[/right]
Immediately after this statement was made, Zamarron backed down from Zibishi and her eyes regretfully found their way to Kouketsu's own. "Yes, master," she said quietly, her fangs still grinding against one another, for she was having trouble controlling her temper. She glared over at Zibishi as the notion of his own death filled the air. For a moment, she considered letting him die; he shouldn't have followed her into such a place as this in the first place. But then she sighed.

"Please, master," she implored, closing her eyes and shyly raising a single hand to stop whatever method of execution the man had had in mind. "There's no need for that. He might..." She cleared her throat. "Even be useful." She hated the thought of it, but if Zibishi's life was on the line if it meant he wasn't going to Konoha, then that meant that he would assume the role of her companion, after all.

"But master, if you don't mind me asking... what's all of this about being deployed to Konoha?" She implied the obvious; she and Zibishi would take on the mission.
[/font][/blockquote]

[King]

Despite the woman's internal conflict, she was learning quite fast. Raising his hand in a manner that mirrored Zamarron's, the swords of the room were slid back into their compartments. Things would remain civil, after all.

"I see." The Oyabun's calculating eyes had already scrutinized the everything deemed interesting about the boy. His dojutsu, for instance, was considered somewhat rare among the Akumabito. "Rest your eyes, boy. Zamarron has spoken for you - you are safe."

Standing from his seat, Kouketsu approached the pair with a casual pace. There were certain procedures that needed to be followed, even if just for the sake of tradition.

"Out of the other great nations, Konohagakure is by far the superior. Establishing a base of operations within their village would be a incredibly profitable for us." As he spoke, his right hand would've cupped the smooth curve of her cheek in the crescent of his palm. "I need someone with persuasive means beyond the norm, hence why I'm sending you."

That's when his eyes would fall upon Zibishi.

"As for you, there is only one thing left to do." As in on que, a plume of smoke erupted just several feet in front of the boy. In its wake, a young girl no older than ten sat bound and gagged; and beside her, handle up, was an elaborately decorated katana. "This is the child of a prominent opposer of our cause. By killing her, you will be pledging your allegiance to both me and our cause."

[Susumu]

Nearing the slums of the village he rubbed his face. "What am I doing...heh, they'll most likely try to kill me ont he spot! Ehhh..."

[/color][/i] Sighing he continued on, soon finding himself near the entrance to the House of Spades. Taking in a deep breath he stepped towards the entrance. "He's the only one who can help me at this point."[/color][/i]

Looking about he rubbed his nose for a moment before speaking. "I wish to speak to the man of the house."[/color] Hopefully this could all end with him still being alive. He doubted this though.[/left][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[zibishi]

He listened to the man's world carefully and ignored Zammy although he noticed her relieve at his life not being taken. Little did the Chuunin know he was taking note of everyone of her sentimental actions and wouldn't let her live it down without a good explanantion. His face remained rigid as the man began focusing on Zibishi. He swallowed his throat as the girl appeared in front of him and he was given his requirements to show his allegiance.

Zibishi hesistated for a moment and he eyed the girl and then the man, but then he noticed his surroundings and knew he didn't have much of a choice. He stepped forward and clenched the Katana and held it in his soft hands analyzing it and shitfing its weight. Once he was satisfied with his weapon he stepped forward to the girl and looked back towards Zammy and didn't seem to receive any objections from his superior. He took a deep breath and prepared to do something gruesome.

He rose the blade slowly and clenched the hilt with both of his young hands. He began searching her body for the spot to end her suffering quickly while not being so grotesque. He had no remorse for the girl as he knew this was how the world was and hopefully his family wouldn't have to experience such madness. He steadied the blade and moved it back slowly aiming for her heart and with a quick, powerful thrust he sent the blade rushing towards her heart and with little fear, he felt the blade crash through her bones and slice into her beating heart. Blood oozed from the wound and onto the blade. Zibishi stared at the now lifeless corpse and observed it.

He pulled the blade away quickly and then sheathed it without cleaning the blood and various tissue and muscle remains. He held it out towards the man who had just gotten his allegiance as his light blue eyes remained stoic and unchanging though he felt inside he commited a great astrocity.

[Zammy<3]

She wanted to scream.

No! Zibishi was too young, too innocent to comply with what Kouketsu was suggesting. And not to mention, the very fact that he had even been put up to something so heinous was all of her fault. Had she not invited him on their first mission to the Daimyou's home, she would've never lead him into this horrifying situation. She knew that killing was not in Zibishi's character, she knew that he didn't have it in him to-to murder. That was supposed to be her duty, taking another's life ran in her blood. Not Zibishi's. He was just a boy. She knew he wouldn't dare, not in front of her, she knew he wouldn't pick up that katana. She knew that even as he raised it, poised, that he wouldn't end that little brat's pathetic life.

She knew, even as he thrust the blade into her heart, that he thought it was wrong.

And that knowledge, knowing that he had been put up to something so demonic and cruel did satisfy her. But it shocked her as well, and that shock sent rage surging through her veins. Yes, she had wanted to be the one to kill her; but that was just it. She should've been the one to kill her. Not this mere child, who's words and actions exhibited a maturity that reached far beyond his years. And what was this? This feeling over him? It was against her very nature to develop protective instincts over anyone, let alone someone who even she wished dead sometimes. She was angry, she was proud; she was confused.

Fuming, and without knowing why, she chanelled her chakra into her hand, slowly approaching the table. Her countenance shown with its trademark crimson shade, but she didn't shake as she raised her fist, fast and silent, before bringing it down upon the table where so many were seated at. Upon impact her chakra was released, resulting in what was probably the utter destruction of the piece of furniture. She didn't care what consequences were to be acknowledged in the future; all she cared about was now, and what was in the present. Zibishi had just killed a little girl.

That was supposed to be Zamarron's responsibility. Not his.

She raised her voice, not knowing what she was saying. "Great job, Zibishi!" she yelled, her sarcasm predominant. "You should be proud of yourself..."

Were those... tears?

She turned away in shame.

[/blockquote]

[King]

For quite some time, Kouketsu had shown Zamarron mercy for the sole fact that she had great value to his cause. He'd dealt with her attitude, her snide remarks, and her practically bi-polar attitude much to the disdain and advice of his his closest partners and associates. However, she had stepped over her boundaries for the last time:

Enough was enough.

Considering the circumstances of her distraught, volatile state, it was highly unlike she saw what was coming next. Before she could even speak toward Zibishi, the Oyabun had cleared the room in a single bound¹, not that it was much of a distance anyways. The time it would've taken for her to evade the hand to throat would've been infeasible, borderline precognition if she managed it. Likewise, the blade that would've thusly skewered her punching hand in the same motion, through the center of her palm, was equally as difficult to perceive and evade.

Zamarron would find herself pinned firmly against the nearest wall, denting its smooth surface, with her impaled hand anchored parallel to her head. The dim lighting of the room wouldn't have done his eyes justice, otherwise his Sharingan would've probably been perfectly clear. Still, his face seemed apathetic to it all.

"If you ever disrespect me like that again, Zamarron, I'll kill you myself." His vice-like grip would've been all he needed to keep the girl from mustering that titan-like strength and turning it on him, as it was pretty difficult to fight when you couldn't breath. "The boy chose his own fate, as did you. He's no different from the rest of us. He knows his place in this world - it's time you learned yours."

All the while, the blade in her hand would've been twisted, widening the wound. The excruciating pain, coupled with the trauma from impact and lack of oxygen would've surely left the girl shaken.

Furthermore, wouldn't have even had a chance to retaliate to his new master's actions, even if he wanted to. The surrounding peoples were already waiting for him to make a wrong move, and the instant he did, his life would be over. Hopefully, he had better control over his emotions than Zamarron.

SPOILER: Click to show

¹Shunshin no Jutsu

---

"I'm sorry." The woman that greeted the boy bowed as she spoke, her almond shaped eyes almost shimmering in the moonlight. "Our master is occupied at the moment. Please, have a seat or come back later."

[zibishi]

His ice water eyes broke open in a wide eyed stare as the man seemed to vanish before his eyes and take hold of Zammy. His lips began trembling and he was wondering to himself, fastest Shunshin I've laid my eyes on, damnit... Due to the sudden movement of the man Zibishi hadn't even moved his hands toward his halbred which would've been instinct, but he was left stunned still wth the thought of the dead girl in his mind. She was a neccessary casualty, but neither him or Zammy needed her fate.

He didn't make a move as he noticed all the darkened figures preparing to eliminate him before he could even make it halfway to their leader. He only a Genin and outmatched even with his Kekkai Genkai. He hated the feeling of being utterly helpless and without power. He clenched his fist and kept searching the room for answers, but only got the cold stares of well trainined warriors and the reflection of their steel blades. He shook his head and sighed.

"She was expendable. Not everyone is gonna make it, its just the trade and how life is."

His words were calm and he noticed his tearducts were dry and the young boy felt his heart slowing down as the adrenaline was subsiding and he was fully taking in his environment. Being surrounded by this man and his powerful lackies and in his powerful aura did have a slightly calming feeling, but it felt more of submission than tranquility. He actually meant his cold spoken words and felt himself changing before his eyes.

Survival of the Fittest

In this case it was survival of the calmest and the smartest. He glared at Zammy and begged with them for her to control her temper. If she cared as much for him as she acted she wouldn't leave him stranded to work in such a dark environment without her guidance. It was the sort of place where one would lose their humanity and their inner self.

"Zammy understands my decision and supports it. I think she'll be fine...Master."

Master rolled off his tongue with a ease that even surprised him. He was usually defiant and the smart aleck, but he always knew his cards and when to play them. He straightened his posture and already his face seemed to be much older than the average face of teenager. He awaited for the tension in the room to lower so they could quickly leave.

[Susumu]

Glancing towards the female he listened in, nodding he quickly took a seat. How long would he have to wait? Did it matter? No it did not as he was willing to wait a while considering he had waited several of his years away on training to become strong enough to bring a legendary group back together. And the man he was waiting on could help with this.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Zammy<3]

Pain.

It was all she could think as Kouketsu turned on her, thrusting his kunai through the center of her palm. In a matter of moments she was pinned, her long ebony tresses flying as she was sent soaring into the wall. Promptly after she was restrained, her master was over her, his face forever apathetic even as he twisted his blade further into her hand. Her tears cascaded over her cheeks at an alarming rate now, her body having been sent into shock. The last time a man had executed such dominance over her was years ago, and the sudden agony had forced her mind into dangerous territories; memories of cruelty, of violence.

"If you ever disrespect me like that again, Zamarron, I'll kill you myself."

A threat. He had threatened her, something that she had never expected to happen. "But... m-master..." she choked out, her eyes squeezed shut and her voice full of cowardice and fear. No. She'd learned her lesson from questioning him. He was just as volatile as she was; she would have to watch herself around him from now on, for her sake. She listened as Kouketsu told her of her place, and her mind went back to when they had first met. Purpose. He'd given her a purpose, as well as a place... did that mean she finally had a home? Not if she didn't "learn her place", she didn't.

"Please, master," she begged, the edges of her eyes going black. She was being deprived of oxygen and if she couldn't talk her way out of her predicament, she'd surely pass out. "You're... hurting... me..." Her opposite hand had found its way slowly to the colloused fingers enclosed around her neck, her attempts to try and pry them off futile. "I'm sorry!" she managed to whisper, opening her eyes. They were stained red and their fire had died down dramatically. She hadn't been tamed, but she'd been disciplined.

Had she learned her lesson?

[/blockquote]