Disclaimer: I do not own Sekirei.

A/N:First off, let me thank you guys for reading/following/favoriting/reviewing this story. This was something I just wrote on a whim, with very little, if any, planning. I know that's not a good thing, but I'm glad that you guys liked it.

I wrote this chapter the same I did the first: I sat down and thought of ways that Noboru could frustrate Benitsubasa, and how she could make him pay. It was quite entertaining, throwing back and forth possible situations the two could be thrown in with my friend, another fan of Sekirei. I feel the need to say this: this is primarily a slice of life fic. There will be action, considering who the Sekirei are, but it will center mostly around their interactions. It's not what I'm used to, but I need to step out of my writing comfort zone.

Anyway, enough of my non-story words, on to the fic!

Read/review/but most importantly, enjoy!

My Crimson Feather

Chapter Two

Stepping Up In the World

I looked at my new lunch, something that I gratefully accepted from the person delivering it. Though I was positively starving, I felt it necessary to simply sit there and admire the artwork that rested on my plate. The steak was so picturesque, with the garnish, potatoes, and carrots. It gave off a feel that if I were to actually start eating it, I'd end up destroying some sort of masterpiece and have some angry ghost of a long dead artist haunting me.

That is, until I took a good whiff of the cuisine. It smelled so heavenly, so delectable. Cutting into the steak, I stabbed it with my fork and took a bite.

I fell back in my seat and reveled in the great taste. At that moment, if Minaka were to say I would get as good as this, I'm sure I would've agreed without a second thought.

"Are you…okay?" I heard Haihane ask me.

Looking to the girl I had winged a few moments ago, I slowly chewed the steak, savoring the flavor. After finishing with that bite, I said with reverence, "This is… absolutely the best steak I have ever eaten…"

She released a small laugh. "Then it's a good thing you…accepted the job, then." She and Benitsubasa were both also brought something to eat, though Haihane was sitting on the couch in front of the TV, switching from watching it and examining me. The both of them were given similar meals, with only a few differences that I neglected to notice in the midst of my own hunger.

I grabbed my cup and took a sip: it was tea. Good…very good. Cutting another piece of the steak free, I said, "So, since we're going to be working together, I think it's a good idea that we get to know each other." Lifting the piece of steak, I asked, "What do the two of you like?" I took a bite and waited for their answers.

Haihane placed her head on her head and said, "A few things: fighting, TV, video games, fighting, DVR, anime, manga and fighting." She shrugged lightly.

"…You said 'fighting' three times…" I replied after a few moments' pause.

"I know." Haihane said with grin, right before she turned back to the TV.

I nodded slowly, taking in the growing insanity I was getting from the atmosphere. Slowly turning towards my former captor, I tried to strike up a conversation. "What about you?"

She simply glared at me, before facing away with a 'humph'.

"Okay…but this is going to be a very boring partnership if you continue to ignore me…" Taking another bite of steak, I waited in silence as I savored the piece.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Benitsubasa looking in my direction, the former flush on her face was still present, albeit barely noticeable. After a moment's pause, she straightened her back, lifted her knife and began to cut her steak. "I…like fashion…" She started, causing me to very slightly turn my head to inconspicuously give her my attention. "I like fashion, sweets, fighting, reality TV, romance novels, and…" She paused, thinking for a moment. "And Natsuo…but…"

"But?" I couldn't help but wonder as she clearly baited me.

"I hate you." She said spitefully, a dark grin on her face.

I blinked; a little put off but palmed my face lightly. "Wow, gee, thanks. I feel so honored." My voice came out in a complete deadpan, betraying no emotion. "It makes me so glad that you already feel so strongly about me, I'm touched." I paused, considering my next words.

Haihane let out a small snort of laughter, a wide grin present on her face as she watched TV. I figured it was what I said that caused it, because what was on the television was simply a commercial.

If anything, Benitsubasa seemed angrier than before as she held back a frustrated growl. Her eyes shot towards me, completely cold and impatient. "You really piss me off, you know that?"

I paused, thinking for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, I figured as much; the slap out of the limo was a pretty big hint."

My flippant response seemed to enrage even more as she stood suddenly, grabbed her plate and stormed off.

"Wow, you haven't even…known her for a whole…day, and you already made her…leave." Haihane said as I turned back towards her. "Impressive…" She said after a pause. After a moment, she looked from me to the TV. "Wanna watch…this movie with me?"

I considered the offer and shrugged, "Sure. I don't mind a movie with my meal." Standing, I lifted my tray and walked around the couch, taking a seat next to the one female who hasn't tried to eat my head today. "What's the movie?" I asked her, but when I heard her mention the name of the movie, it caused me a moment of pause. "That…doesn't come to theatres for another three weeks…"

Haihane simply shrugged, a smirk on her face. "Perks of…the job."


Benitsubasa stomped out of the lounge, managing to catch Natsuo as he was typing away at his computer. She strode over to his large desk and placed the tray one side of it, grabbing a chair as she did so. Eating in silence, she fumed internally.

Natsuo paused in his work, giving the Sekirei a strange look. "Benitsubasa, what are you doing in here? Shouldn't you be getting to know your Ashikabi?"

Benitsubasa sniffed angrily, nearly slamming her fork on the desk. "That boy isn't supposed to be my Ashikabi. He's nowhere near as sophisticated as you, Natsuo."

The man simply smiled lightly. "You got into a fight already?" He released a small breath, "Benitsubasa, you knew what you were getting into when you accepted the Director's offer. I know you wanted me to be your Ashikabi, but the Director chose Noboru-kun. You should at least feel lucky that at least he was the one who caused you to react."

Turning her to head to the side, she upturned her chin and said, "I wasn't reacting…I had a cold…" She felt her words falter near the end. Though she knew deep down it was the truth, she couldn't bring herself to accept it.

"That you recovered from by being winged by Noboru-kun?"

Benitsubasa looked away from Natsuo, her expression unreadable. "I gave it to him…"

Natsuo released a sigh, "Give him a chance, Benitsubasa. I understand you're not happy with these circumstances, but at least try to be positive."

She crossed her arms and released a small sigh. Turning her head to face Natsuo, Benitsubasa said, "Fine. I'll try to talk with him. But if he makes any of those quip remarks of his, I'm going to punch him across a room…" She stood and took a return trek back to the lounge.

Natsuo paused, then shook his head with a smile. "Well, it's an improvement…"


The two of us finished our meals and pushed the trays to the side. The movie proved to be quite entertaining, having a good amount of action, calm moments and a decent number of explosions. All in all, I found myself having lost a few brain cells in the process, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. We had just finished our meals and pushed the trays to the side when I heard Benitsubasa walk into the lounge.

Haihane looked over the back of the couch and said, "Hey, what…took you? The movie is…basically over…"

I simply sat there as I heard Benitsubasa respond. "I figured I might as well show Noboru-san around our floor; I'd rather he not make the mistake of going into one of our rooms."

I lifted a hand, "I'm right here, you know. I'd prefer it if you don't talk about me like I'm not here." Getting up, I turned to face Haihane. "Thanks for letting me watch the movie. It was entertaining, to say the least."

Haihane simply waved her hand, "It's nothing. You're not…as bad as pinky…says you are…"

Benitsubasa narrowed her eyes dangerously in Haihane's direction, but said nothing.

I simply smiled lightly, "Thanks, Haihane." I looked to Benitsubasa, my smile turning to a smirk. "It feels good to be appreciated." Releasing a breath, I pushed my hand through my hair and said, "Lead the way; I'd like to know where I sleep. That's kind of important."

Benitsubasa simply glared at me, my comment clearly not welcome. "C'mon then, hurry up and follow me." She walked passed me and towards a closed door. Opening it, she walked inside the room.

I followed after her, opening the door and seeing her heading up a flight of stairs. Walking up the steps, I managed to catch up with the perpetually angry, rather cute, petite girl.

Wait…did I just think 'cute'? Eh, I'm not blind.

Benitsubasa stopped at the top of the stairs and waited for me to reach her. When I did, she pushed the door open. "This flight of stairs specially connects out floor with the lounge, so if you need to get out of your room to stretch your legs." She also motioned to another set of stairs, which led another floor up. "Also, one floor above us is a practice floor, which is essentially holds a gym area. You know, if you ever feel inclined to use it." She gave me a questioning glance, to which I responded with a shrug.

"I'm not sure; maybe, maybe not."

Rolling her eyes, she beckoned me to follow. I walked after her as she walked onto the floor proper. Allowing the door to shut behind me, I followed her as she pointed to a door that had the numbers '105' on the front, near the top. "This is my room. You are forbidden to enter, upon pain of death." She glared at me.

I gave her a thumbs-up, my face remaining a neutral mask. "Good to know."

She frowned and turned, leading me farther down the hall. After walking a few feet, she pointed to another door, which held the numbers '104' in the same spot as the other door. "This is Haihane's room. I don't particularly care if you go in here." Benitsubasa mumbled, not meeting my eyes.

I cleared my throat, "Uh, please let me clarify one simple fact about myself. I am not the type of person who would casually walk into someone else's room."

Benitsubasa simply released a breath, "Okay, then. That's a good thing because the next room I'm going to show you belongs to a real monster." She strode forward and pointed to a room on the opposite side of the hall from the first two doors. This door had the numbers '04' on it. "This room belongs to Karasuba, the third member of the Squad you'll work with. She's a real monster, so just make sure you don't piss her off."

I scratched my head lightly, sighing lightly. "Alright. So I have to deal with someone who's a monster and a girl who's more than willing to slap me out of a stationary vehicle." Shaking my head, I crossed my arms. "You know, I'm starting to think you want me to into that room." I gave her a pointed look.

Benitsubasa stared at me with a look of utter shock. She clenched her fist and walked right up to me, grabbed me by my collar and pulled me right up her. "Listen here; you are my Ashikabi now, as much as I hate it, so you have to stay alive. If you die, then I'm pretty much dead too. Because of that, you have to stay alive and out of my way." She shook me lightly, looking me straight in the eye.

I simply widened my eyes at her. When she finished, I lifted a hand and placed it onto hers, trying to placate her. "Okay, okay, if it's that important to you, then I'll avoid the room like the plague." She simply held me there, her eyes locked with mine.

After a moment, she released a breath and let me go. Her hand fell to the side and she spoke, a light smidgen of color dotting he cheeks. "Well, as long as you understand." We were silent for a moment as she led the two of us to a fourth door. This door had no markings on it like the others; it was just a normal, blank door. Gesturing to this door, she said, "This will be your room." She grabbed the knob and turned it, opening the door.

When we strode inside and I paused in silent wonder. To call it simply a 'room' was an understatement. It basically had an entire house in one area. We walked into a smaller version of the lounge and to our right was a small kitchen area with a counter, a sink, a dishwasher, a fridge and several cabinets. When Benitsubasa lead us farther into the room, I saw that it had it's own walk-in closet, something I felt was a waste of space. Never in my life will I need the amount of clothes to fill even half of it. Next to that was the bedroom, which housed a king-sized bed and a view that would easily allow one to wake up to the sunrise, which I hoped was something that wouldn't be the norm now. Attached to the bedroom was the bathroom, which had very ornate and fancy accouterments and a large tub/shower combo.

After she showed me that, Benitsubasa lead me out of my room and to a fifth room on the floor. I actually paused and allowed my jaw to drop in the sheer ridiculousness of the concept. Struck silent by everything in my own room, I couldn't help but finally feel myself freeze in a mild stupor from the sight before me. A swimming pool, no smaller than the one I had at my high school, was right in front of me, the waters swaying lightly under the sunlight. A few feet away from the pool was a window that was as long as the entirety of the wall, spanning the entire pool length.

Benitsubasa simply looked at me, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Well, what do you think? Impressed, huh?" She paused, cocking her head to the side. "You know, you're actually pretty cute when you're not talking."

I threw a small glare, before saying, "Thanks, I really appreciate that." I then turned to look around the expanse of the room. "This is…a lot to take in." Rubbing my forehead lightly, I released a small groan. "If I wasn't so sure I was awake, then I'd have to say I was dreaming, because this is all so unreal…"

At that, we heard footsteps approaching us from behind. Turning, I saw that Haihane strode into the pool room. "You're…things are here…" She paused and looked down, a small smile growing on her face. Snickering lightly, she said, "I see…that the two of you…are getting along…"

I arched an eyebrow, confused at her statement. Tracking where she was looking, I finally realized something that had escaped me.

Benitsubasa and I were holding hands.

I honestly don't remember when we had started, but it was kind of strange for me to just realize this when it was clear that we were doing this pretty much the entirety of the tour. Truthfully, I took it in with stride, not overreacting at all. It was a simple misunderstanding, after all.

However, I cannot say the same for my pink-haired companion as she froze in shock, her widened eyes staring at our casually entwined fingers. She released a small breath, closed and opened her mouth, then quickly ripped her hand from mine. I tried to say something, but I was quickly shoved backwards by her surprising strength. I was thrown back and splashed into the pool. I wish I could say that I was surprised, but sadly, I was not. I had a feeling the moment I saw the indoor pool that I would be taking a swim that day, whether it was voluntary or not, I knew not until now.

I have to say, this was a great start to my stay in the capital.


I plopped down on my bed, rubbing my damp hair with a towel. I just recently got out of the bath, having been drenched earlier. Deciding to kill two birds with stone, I decided to just take a bath and change into a clean set of clothes. Thankfully, my things had been brought over, which was what Haihane had come up to tell me.

Allowing my towel to rest on my shoulders, I reached over to my night stand and pulled my cell phone from its charger. Flipping it open, I found that I had a missed call.

"Mom?" Sighing lightly, I went to my contacts and selected the the number for home. Pressing the phone to my ear, I waited for someone to pick up.

It was only a few moments until someone did answer. "Hello, Shizuka residence."

"Hello, mom."

"Ah, Noboru! How've you been? Have you found a place to stay yet?" My mother quickly bombarded me with questions, her worry evident in her tone.

"I've been fine." I felt myself smile lightly. "And yes, I've found a place to stay." I looked around my bedroom slowly, taking in the empty feeling that it gave off. My things were still in the main living area, next to my couch.

"Already?" She sounded relieved, if a little surprised. "Well, haven't you been busy. How does the rent look? Is it cheap or will you have to get a part time job?"

I paused, clearly trying to pick the right words for my response. The truth of the situation was incredibly unreal if a little improbable. "Well, about that…"

"Oh, what's wrong? Is it that bad?"

"Uh…I'd say it's the opposite…" I tried and failed to put the right response together.

"So, it's expensive? Noboru, what have we told you about trying to live outside your means?" My mother chastised me.

"Um, actually, it's the opposite… I'm pretty much living here rent free…" I paused, falling back on my bed. It was extremely comfortable, forming to my shape as I lie there. "Also, I seem to have found a job…"

My mother was silent for an extended period of time, as if struck dumb. I could understand; it was pretty unbelievable. "I'm sorry, but could you repeat yourself. I think I may have misheard you, Noboru."

I cleared my throat, "What I said was that I had found a place to live, rent free and that I found a job… More like, it found me."

Once again, my mother was silent. Then she said, "You're not in trouble are you? You didn't get involved with the Yakuza, right? No one's holding you against your will, right?" She was beginning to sound worried.

I released a tired sigh, clearly letting her know how I was. "Mom, I'm perfectly fine. I assure you that everything I'm doing is of my free will and that I'm not held against my will. I also have no idea where any Yakuza are and I plan to keep it that way."

My mother released a relieved breath. "Okay, good. You had your mother worried there for a moment." She paused and I heard her say something away from the receiver. After a moment of silence, she asked, "So what's the job you have now?"

I paused in thought as to what I should say. "Well…you could say that I'm keeping an eye on important people."

"So…you're a babysitter?" She hit the nail on the head.

"Exactly." I let my exhaustion seep into my words.

"Well, I hope it…goes well. Your father wants to speak with you."

"Okay. Love you, mom." I said with a smile.

"I love you too, honey." I then heard her mutter something and heard someone take the phone.

"Noboru, what's this I hear of you finding a place to stay rent free?" My father's deep voice boomed from the speaker.

"It's just as you hear. I managed to find a place to stay for free as long as I do the job they asked of me."

"Which is?"

"To watch over three important individuals."

He paused, "I see. Is there anything else you have to do? You didn't just sign a contract without reading the fine print, did you?" He interrogated me.

"I made sure to know what I was getting into, dad. I'm not stupid. Besides, they're willing to pay my way through the University if I pass the exam."

"Really?" He sounded a little shocked.

"Yeah, as long as I keep doing the job they give me, I'm pretty much set."

"What is the name of the company that's giving you all of this?"

That gave me a slight pause. I mean, it's not everyday someone is given what I was given. It only really happens if you're one hell of a lucky guy or the CEO of a company is completely bonkers. I'm pretty sure my situation is because of the latter. "MBI."

"I…see…" He released a breath. "You've only just graduated and you're already moving up. It's great that this has happened. I'm proud of you, Noboru."

"Thanks…" With that, he hung up after saying his farewells. I closed my phone and stared at the ceiling of my room. Releasing a small breath, I sat up and slid my cell into my pocket. Standing up, I turned lightly to see Benitsubasa standing in the doorway. She had her arms crossed and a sour look on her face. "Can I help you?"

"I…uh, I wanted to apologize for earlier." She muttered, looking away from me, a small blush on her cheeks. "I overreacted and pushed you into the pool, so…I'm sorry."

I grabbed my towel and cocked my head to the side. "You know…you're pretty cute when you're not trying to injure me." I couldn't help grin at the flustered look on her face as she tried to reject my words. "Okay, okay, calm down. I accept your apology." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I was kind of a dick today…"

Benitsubasa steadied herself again, leaning slightly against the doorway. "Oh…well, if you're apologizing then I accept." She paused, rubbing her arms lightly. After a moment, she narrowed her eyes lightly, "Why are you being so nice? I was sure you would say something smart."

I shrugged, "I didn't get a lot of sleep before I left, so I was antsy. You just happened to get the brunt of it." I said, apologetically. "I'm sure after I get a full night's sleep; you'll see a much less snarky version of me." I smiled lightly.

Benitsubasa simply shrugged, "Whatever, it's not like I care." She said half-heartedly. "It is a bit late, so hurry up and go to bed." She then quickly turned and strode away from my room, leaving me in silence.

I released a sigh and muttered, "This is going to be a very long partnership…"


I slowly woke up the next day, feeling a little disoriented. Sitting up on my bed, I rubbed my head, looking around with an absent expression. Standing, I stumbled out of my bedroom and into the bathroom. Staring sleepily at my reflection, I could help but mutter, "Where in the hell am I?"

Brushing my teeth and doing all of the necessities, I walked out of the bathroom after a shower and pushed a hand through my hair. Yawning lightly, I went to my bag and grabbed a change of clothes. Walking back into my bedroom, I then began changing into a new set of clean clothes.

As did though, I heard someone quickly open the door to my room and walk up to my bedroom door. Said door was quickly pushed open, revealing Benitsubasa standing there. "It's about time you're up. We've been waiting on yo-." She froze mid-word, her face becoming darker than her hair.

I looked over to her, feeling my own face heat up in response. I was leaning down, reaching to pull on a pair of boxers. My current stance allowed the intruder a full view of the one place that should be kept hidden form the general public. For a moment, words failed me. My first defense against the insanity of the world, my smart-ass reflex was failing me when it would be best employed. As the two of us stood there in complete silence, I felt my mouth move of its own accord. "There's a reason that door was shut, you know. I mean, if you wanted a show, you could just…" I caught the growing anger in her eyes. "…ask?"

She quickly slapped me again, sending me flying onto the bed.

I laid there, my boxers still not pulled up. Looking down then at her, I felt my mouth moving of its own will. "Should I take this as a hint?"

Benitsubasa growled in frustration and stomped out of the room, her face still flushed with embarrassment and rage.


A few moments later, I was sitting in the passenger seat of one of MBI's company vehicles. Natsuo was in the driver's seat, as he was the one who planned this venture. Also, Benitsubasa and Haihane were both in the back seat, for some reason deciding to come with us.

"You see, Noboru-kun, as a new employee of MBI, we'll have to make sure you're able to adequately represent us. Right now, we'll have to get you the appropriate clothing for your position." Natsuo explained amicably as he drove.

I had to fight the urge to look at him hopefully while saying, "Armani?" Instead, I simply leaned on the door and nearly touched my bruised cheek, flinched as a fingertip grazed it. "I see, that's makes sense. It's a good thing we're heading to the tailor then, because I don't have anything that remotely resembles formal clothing." I took a moment and looked to the rearview mirror, "Though, I have no idea why the two of you are following us."

Benitsubasa simply looked away, ignoring me.

Haihane shrugged, "I don't…have anything…better to do."

I released a tired breath, "I guess I better get used to the both of you doing whatever strikes your fancy." It was already becoming tiresome to get used to Haihane frequent pauses. Though, I preferred her company, considering Haihane didn't smack me every time I said something, like her associate.

Natsuo smiled, "Just wait, you haven't met Karasuba yet." He paused giving me a slight look out the corner of his eye. "Though I think she may like you."

With that, the rest of the ride was rather silent as we made our way to the tailor. After a few moments, Natsuo pulled into the small parking lot and got out of the car. The rest of us followed suit and shut our doors, allowing the man to lock the car completely. Beckoning me to follow, he walked into the front door.

I followed him inside and heard someone say, "Ah, Ichinomi-san, what do you need today?"

He replied with a smile, "Hello, I'm here today to help a new employee get his attire. He was only recently hired, so we'd like to make sure he's able to properly represent his workplace." He then turned to face me, "Noboru-kun, would you please come over here?"

I walked up to the two of them. "Hello."

The man pointed to a stand and told to get on top of it. I did as asked and was quickly assaulted as he tried to wrap the measuring tape around several limbs. I flinched at the man's sudden actions, but managed to not scramble away from him in shock whenever his hands traveled to uncomfortable places. When he finished, the tailor quickly walked away to catalogue the measurements.

Benitsubasa smirked at the uncomfortable look on my face. "What's wrong? Don't like the traveling hands?"

"Not…really?" I stepped down from the stand.

Natsuo then cleared his throat to catch my attention, "Now that we have your measurements down, let's get you a suit to wear until your personal ones are made."

"Um, sure." At that, he quickly took hold of my arm and led me into the store proper, taking Benitsubasa along with us. It was at this point that a lot of time was taken up with pointing out various types of formal suits that all look the same to me, but are miraculously different. There was plenty of jostling of me and the pushing and pulling off of jackets, shirts and shoes.

In the end, the two of them, along with Haihane's occasional opinion input, were able to find something that was able to adequately fit me. Pointing me towards the changing room, the three of them waited for me to change into my new attire.

Grumbling at the treatment that could be equated to being a living dress-up doll, I slowly began changing into the formal attire. When I finished, I had to say, it made me look like a badass. I could get used to this. Stepping out of the changing, I allowed the others to see what I looked like.

Natsuo smiled and clapped his hands together. "Not bad, Noboru-kun!"

Haihane arched an eyebrow, smiling appreciatively.

Benitsubasa simply gave me a wide-eyed stare, a flush on her cheeks. As soon as our eyes met, I gave her a slight smirk, which caused her to walk brusquely around and walk out of the store. She brushed passed the tailor as she did so, causing him to look quite bewildered.

"My, what got into her?" The tailor asked, confusion clear in his voice.

I grinned, "I wonder what it could be." I said knowingly.

The tailor took notice of me and nodded appreciatively, "I have to say, sir, you look quite handsome." He looked to Haihane, "Don't you agree miss?"

Haihane paused, her smile still in place. "That's…one way…of putting it."

Natsuo turned to the tailor, "We'll, take that one please. Just so he'll have it while we wait for our orders to finish."

With that, he rung it up after I changed back into my regular clothes and we left the store. Benitsubasa was leaning against the car, waiting on us. I couldn't help but grin when I saw her look at me for a second, then quickly look away. A part of me wanted to ask why she ran off, but the side of my brain that housed common sense took control of my mouth and kept it shut. In silence, we drove back up to MBI and when we reached the lounge, I noticed a new individual sitting in one of the seats, casually holding a sword in front of her.

I'm no warrior, I won't be stupid enough to claim I am, but I value my life enough to realize that the…monster sitting in one of the chairs was exceedingly dangerous. She had slightly shaggy grey hair and cold grey eyes. She was dressed in a short kimono and a light grey overcoat was over the back of the chair. She held her sword in front of her, casually cleaning it, slowly dragging a small cloth along the side of the blade.

I froze in my steps, giving the new individual a wary look.

Natsuo, unafraid, strode forward. "Ah, hello Karasuba. I see you're back. How are you?"

She slowly regarded the man, her eyes tracking him as he walked towards her. "It was…satisfying. Needless to say, they won't be causing MBI any problems for a long time."

I simply stood there, not moving. At my side, I noticed that Benitsubasa was standing there, also not moving. She noticed my look and gave me a knowing smirk, but it wavered as she looked from Karasuba to me.

Natsuo smiled at the woman, "That's good to hear. Also, we managed to find the Ashikabi for your Squad. Noboru-kun is right over there." He turned to me and beckoned me to approach.

My first step was hesitant, but I noticed the small, predatory smile the woman gave me and solidified my resolve. Walking confidently towards Natsuo and Karasuba, I stood next to them and said, "Hello, I'm Noboru Shizuka and I'm the Ashikabi of your Squad…"

She eyed me lightly, a smiling playing upon her lips. "Oh, you are? I wonder when this happened…"

"It was just decided yesterday." Natsuo explained. "It seems Benitsubasa was reacting to him, so the Director decided to go ahead and make him the Ashikabi of the Squad."

"I see…" Karasuba lifted her sword and stood up front of me. Unlike Haihane and Benitsubasa, who were shorter than me, Karasuba was more or less eye-level, but even though we were basically the same height, it felt like she was towering over me. "You're the one who made Benitsubasa react? Hmm, I always figured it would be someone else who would wing her." I noticed her eyes slowly moving towards Natsuo and go back to me. "However, if you're the Ashikabi of the Squad, then I guess you'll be mine." She sheathed her sword and placed it against the chair. Stepping up to me, she grabbed me by the collar of my shirt.

"Make sure you're smart, Noboru-kun, and on my good side. If you do, then your time here will be pleasant. If not…" She leaned over my shoulder and whispered, "Well, I don't think you'll want to know…" Moving so that we were face to face, she continued to smile. "Well, I hope you're not a light weight, because this is going to be a fun Game and I'd hate to have you drag me down." She suddenly leaned in and pressed her lips against mine.

The only thought I had before the kiss was this:

She's crazy… She's crazy… Why do I have to kiss the crazy ones?

Right when our lips met, I thought:

I wonder if there are more people on the Squad…