TRTSS20: Second Flight! – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: R1/2, SM, ST and Sekirei belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Special Note: This is a sequel to "The Winged Horse", and takes place before "Blackest Reign and a Dark Night".
Part 1
Years ago.
"This is ridiculous," Usagi said, as she observed the approaching military personnel from all parts around Kamikura Island, although it was nicknamed Krankor Island, named after a ridiculous character the old "Planet Prince" movie series, due to one of the owner predilection towards ridiculous science fiction movies. The island, located in the Sea of Japan, had been the focus of several international disputes in recent months. However, since the discoverers of the island were Japanese citizens, then Japan had the rightful claim. This was key since claiming the island also legitimized Japan's claim that the Sea of Japan was within their sphere of influence. Of course, a few of its neighbors, most notably North Korea, had something to say about it…
"Why would the Koreans want to invade US?" Takami Sahashi asked while lighting a cigarette.
"Simple: it's about pride," Minaka Hiroto said, as he adjusted his glasses. "No matter how many overtures Japan does towards its neighbors, our country will always get grief."
"You seem to by cynical about that, Minaka," Usagi replied.
"Hey, you know me when it comes to having a history of dealing with bullies. However, unlike THEN, we can fight back, thanks to all this technology…and our 'guests'."
Usagi nods her head in reply. She had purpose allowed Minaka and Takami to work with her and her Sekirei, in exchange for sharing in the spoils of what was on the ship ONLY. Thus far, through her personal resources, "Mid-Bioinformatics" (MBI) was doing well for a start-up company that specializes in bioengineering research and pharmaceuticals. Unofficially, MBI was being used to take care of her creations: the Sekirei. All Sekirei were bio-engineered clones of herself and a Juraian named Kagato. Now, with their recovery, Usagi wanted to mainstream her "children" into normal society, starting with the first generation…
"I don't want the Sekirei to be used solely for combat purposes," Usagi said with concerned.
"But you did say you want them to be heroes to this world, right?" Minaka said. "To show the world a better way, especially in a world of terrorists and super-villains?"
"Well, yes, but-"
"Guys, we have to decide now or never," Takami said. "The Koreans just breached our outer defenses, and have already engaged in our sentries."
Usagi rubbed the bridge of her nose, trying to relieve the tension that was building in her head. She did not intend the Sekirei to be anything other than companions to her husband Ranma. Whatever that they will decide on doing, that agenda will set them on a path of aggression, hero or not…
"Fine, let's do this THING then," Usagi said with a sigh.
"Alright!" Minaka said. "Now, a new race of gods will make their presence known!"
"They are NOT gods, Minaka," Usagi said.
"Then, how do you define a god, then?" Takami asked.
"Being immortal, like I am, and having power, like I do, does not mean you are a 'god'. A god has to be able to define reality around him or her, be it based on an element, like fire, or concept, like love. If that were the case, then Superman and those on his level would be rightly being seen as 'gods'. But even they would not be 'gods'."
"Then what should the be called then?" Minaka asked.
"Extraordinary."
"Well, that's not fun…"
"Anyway, I have to prep the others for combat," Usagi said, as she takes out her disguise pen.
"Why do you need to hid your true appearance?" Takami asked.
"I…I want to keep a certain level of distance, if you don't mind," Usagi replied, as she becomes "Takahito Asuma", a fellow research scientist that was another student of Usagi from Tokyo University.
"And how much of you…is Asuma?"
"In all the ways that matters…"
A short time later, "Dr. Asuma" and Sekirei #s 01 through 05 stand on a small cliff that was overlooking the sea. The defense grid was able to force the invaders into coming to this point on the island, effectively boxing them in. All overtures to diffuse the tension have been rejected, making it clear that the North Koreans were determined to prevent Japan's claim to the island and the surrounding water from being "valid".
"So, that's our first opponent, eh?" said Sekirei #04: Kurasaba, as she looked at the approaching opponents like a cat would towards its prey. "I'm not impressed."
"I wonder if they would be more reasonable if we sat down to negotiate while having a drink?" wondered Sekirei #03: Kazehana, as she snuck a flask of rice wine from her flask.
"You're always drinking, you know that?" said Sekiei #05: Mutsu. He was the only Sekirei that had been purposely made male, though he, like the other Sekirei, could become female if needed.
"Oh, you just don't know how to the have fun, Brother Stoic," Kazehana said mockingly.
"Humph."
"Matsu, what is our tactical?" asked Dr. Asuma.
"Just a minute," Sekirei #02: Matsu said, as she linked her mind to all relevant machines towards their present situation…
"Working," Matsu said in a weird voice that sounded artificial. "Access. Search. Found…"
As Matsu began to list the composition of the enemy, Dr. Asuma/Usagi sighed. The North Koreans were determined to hurt them in a way that would clearly send a message to the Japanese government. Being as long lived as she, it disgusted her that human kind has yet to reach its true potential. Even knowing what the future will bring about has not yet mollify her concern…
"That's it then," said Sekirei #01: Miya, as she shook her head. As the leader of MBI's so-called "Disciplinary Squad", also called the "Guardians of the Sekirei", it was her job to defend her younger brothers and sisters, but she did not relish the thought of combat…
Miya then looked to Dr. Asuma with loving eyes. Ever since her "Tuner" made her smile by chewing out his personal assistant, an undergraduate student intern named Seo Kaoru, while using the dreaded "Death Glare Technique" on him, Miya hoped that one day, Dr. Asuma would wing her as her Ashikabi. In fact, she was overjoyed when Dr. Asuma had explained why a Sekirei would wing another.
"Sigh," Miya said, as she continued to give Dr. Asuma goofy eyes…
Dr. Asuma notices this.
"Hmmm?" Dr. Asuma said, wondering why Miya was giving "him" that weird look again…
"Oh, sorry," Miya blushed, as she turns away slightly. "I was just about to ask you for any final instructions."
"You were trained for years to defend this island and your fellow Sekirei," Dr. Asuma said. "That is why I had had each and every one of you learn from 'The Dao of the Izanagi', so that you can emulate his example."
"You mean the womanizing part or the misadventures he had?" Mutsu said sarcastically.
"Hey, that's the part that's most popular, Mutsu-kun," Matsu said.
"Yeah, you and the alcoholic WOULD."
"Huh?" Kazehana said between sips.
"I prefer the lessons on how to kill efficiently," Kurasaba said with disappointment. "To think he had so much power and skill, and used it for heroics only…"
"The point of those lessons is so that we used discretion in the administering of violence," Miya replied. "We kill only when necessary, and only in the defense of others."
"Whatever," Kurasaba said dismissively.
"But that is the point," Dr. Asuma said, as "he" addressed the entire group. "You are named the Disciplinary Squad because you have a role in protecting your fellow Sekirei like a well-oiled team. I…wished that you could have met the Izanagi, since you were made to be his companions, but those days are long since past…"
A look of determination could be seen on Dr. Asuma's face.
"Now, you have a new purpose. Go for it with determination and honor."
"We will, Dr. Asuma," Miya said with a smile. "We will."
Miya then turns towards her fellow Sekirei.
"Let's defend our WAY!" Miya said. "Move out!"
After the Sekirei moved to "greet" the invaders, Minaka stepped up from behind.
"Nice 'pep' speech," Minaka said. "Do you think they'll believe it?"
Dr. Asuma turns towards "his" partner.
"As long as I do, they will," Dr. Asuma replied, just as the Disciplinary Squad and the invaders make contact…
Present day.
Miya the Lady sighed, as she looked at her wedding picture of herself and her husband, Dr. Asama…
"Please, come back to me, my beloved," Miya sniffed, as she wiped away her brimming tears. "I don't care what 'mask' you wore, when I fell in love with you…"
Earlier that day, Miya met a proverbial ghost from her past.
FLASHBACK!
"What a nice man he was," Miya said with a smile, as she waved the shopkeeper good-bye. "I should make him some treats for allowing me to have such good deals…"
As Miya continues her journey back to her home, the Izumo Inn, she swore that she felt a familiar presence…
By the time she made it close to home, on a street that was secluded, Miya had had enough of being watched.
"Who's there?" Miya demanded, as she whirled around. "Show yourself-!"
Miya now faced the presence from behind. She quickly turned around to see a familiar face…
"T-Takahito?" Miya said with alarm.
"You know who I really am…Miya," Usagi said, as she slowly walked up to her Sekirei. "So why do you continue to insist on calling that?"
"Because that was who you are when we first met," Miya said. "And when…we got married."
Pause.
"And when we consummated."
"Why I did was wrong," Usagi said, as she looked away. "I should have been more involved in the Sekirei Plan, but I was too trusting of Minaka and Takami to actually do right by you."
Pause.
"Miya, I married you and winged you because I wanted you to be free of your obligations to MBI, and, at that time, I was lonely and sought companionship."
"And yet you died, only to be reborn in some shinobi?" Miya replied. "Only to be reborn so that you can return to your husband, Ranma? What about me, your wife?"
"It's funny how you mention Ranma's name," Usagi said, as she slowly walks up to Miya.
"What, what do you mean?" Miya asked, as she slowly step back.
"I find it curious that Uzume was able to deliver the retro-virus into Ranma's system, especially with all that surveillance system at the inn…"
SNATCH!
"Ulp!" Miya said, as she was grabbed by the throat, and raised up in the air. With her powers neutralized, Miya was helpless in the face of Usagi's wraith.
"Why did you participate in Minaka's scheme to turn my husband into a Sekirei?" Usagi said, as her Sith-like eyes (orange-red-green configuration) appeared on her face. "I understand Uzume's reasons for her actions, since HER Ashikabi is essentially being held hostage. "But you…?"
"I only wanted for us to be together again!" Miya struggled as she coughed. "With Ranma being a Sekirei, he…she would be forced to love another."
"Even after knowing who and what I am?"
"I don't care. Man or woman, you are my Ashikabi!"
Usagi sighed, as she realized that Miya could not be held responsible for her actions. A Sekirei were designed to be a companion for those that they are linked to, even if it meant their deaths.
"I'm sorry for everything, Miya," Usagi said, as she gently lowered her wife down. "I'm to blame for all this."
"Taka-kun…Usagi, I choose to love you because of who you are not what you are," Miya said, as she rubbed her neck. "I…I guess I was jealous of Ranma, after I learned who he really was, when you asked me to look after him for you."
Pause.
Miya then goes up to Usagi, and take her hand.
"Come home with me," Miya said with gentle smile. "We…can work things out."
"I can't, not now," Usagi said, as she removes her hand. "But…I need for you to continue to look after Ranma for me, for REAL."
"But-"
"I promise you that we'll spend time together, and work things out," Usagi said. "Right now, things are far to complicated to deal with in any meaningful fashion."
Pause.
"Please?"
"Okay," Miya said. "I will hold you to your promise."
"Thank you," Usagi said, as she begins to turn away. "Oh, and Miya?"
"Yes?"
"For what it is worth, the night of our honeymoon was…special," Usagi said.
And then, with a leap, Usagi was gone.
"Don't go!" Miya called out, as she reaches for her beloved. "Please…don't go…"
END FLASHBACK!
As Miya ponders her thoughts, she hears the sound of a commotion.
"Hey!" Ranma yells. "Cut it out-!"
"Get away from him, you drunk!" Tsukiumi yelled.
"I only want to properly greet my husband," Kazehana replied.
Miya sighs, as she gets up from her seat…
When enters the foyer, she sees Ranma and Tsukiumi standing by the doorway, with Kazehana there.
Unfortunately, Kazehana was dressed only in an apron.
Still, that could be taken care of quickly.
BOP!
"Ow!" Kazehana said, after being smacked on the head with Miya's ladle.
"Remember what I told you," Miya said, as she smiled sweetly. "No perversions in the house."
"Aww…"
Although Miya was not happy about her present situation, she will honor her promise to look after Ranma. After all, she, a Sekirei, was doing so for the love of her own Ashikabi…
Tbc.
Next Time: The third stage of the Sekirei plan begins!