Disclaimer: I don't own The Darkness or Sekirei.

(Speech)

Regular

Thought

Flashback

Darkness

Darkling

Chapter 2

Jackie was confused. The woman who was named Uzume not only saved him during his fight, but kissed him during the fight as well and the next thing he knew she grew wings made of light and cloth, said that she was his Sekirei and he was her Ashikabi. Jackie then decided to ask the obvious question "Okay while I'm grateful for the save back there I'm still confused. So what the hell is a Sekirei and the hell is an Ashikabi?" Uzume looks at Jackie and said "Well I am Sekirei and you're my Ashikabi. That means I belong to you." Jackie was still not getting it and was about to asks some more questions when he heard his phone going off. When Jackie looked at the phone he didn't recognize the number, so he cancelled the call and was about to talk to Uzume again.

When his phone began ringing again with same caller ID, Uzume looked at the number and said "Trust me when I say you're going to want to take that call." Jackie then answered the call and gave a curt hello when he heard someone on the line yell out Ta-Daw. Jackie waited and then he heard someone say "Congratulations! You have just won a magnificent prize and have the privilege in participating in the new age of the gods." Jackie thought it was some asshole trying to sell him something and was about to hang up when the voice said "No wait don't hang up this is important." Jackie decided to give this dumbass a chance and he replied "Who the fuck are you?"

The voice on the other end laughed and replied "Such a crude and vulgar person. But then again I expect nothing less from a criminal of your caliber, Jackie Estacado." Jackie was surprised that this guy knew his name and Jackie asked in a voice that said he was in no mood for games "Who the hell are you and how the fuck do you know about me?" the voice laughed again and said "I know that you just came to this country a while ago, but seriously Jackie my boy you should really consider watching the news or reading the paper. Oh but where are my manners, as for who I am my name is Minaka Hiroto." Jackie thought about where he heard that name before and then he remembered that while he was getting settled in his suite he had the TV on and heard that Minaka was head of a very lucrative pharmaceutical company called Mid Bio Informatics, or MBI for short and that this nut has just purchased over 80% of the city and he was the dipshit that renamed Tokyo to Shinto Teito. "So you're the asshole that has been buying up the city. So why the hell did you call me?" Minaka then said "As I was saying you have just been selected to partake in a legendary story of love and war, a true drama for the ages. This all happened when you caused Sekirei #10 to emerge."

Jackie then asked again "Uzume was about to tell me about Sekirei, so what the hell are they?" Minaka then answered "Sekirei are beings that are beyond humans and are the treasure of the gods that fell from the sky. But the most important thing you need to know is the Sekirei Plan which is the name of the game that you are currently apart of." Jackie listened intently to what Minaka was talking about and he continued "There are 108 Sekirei that have been released into the city, desperately trying to find their Ashikabi and when they have found their Ashikabi all the Sekirei will fight to the death. They will fight and fight and fight until there is only one Ashikabi and Sekirei standing and they will hold the fate of the world in their hands and a new age of the gods will finally begin." Minaka then began laughing like a maniac.

Jackie on the other hand was not impressed, the idea of 108 people being forced to fight to the death made Jackie's blood boil and when he heard Minaka say "I know, I would be speechless too if I heard such fantastic news. Think about it the whole world in your hands being able to decide the fate of all of humanity, it's amazing isn't it." Jackie on the other hand just spoke his mind "You stupid fuck, you really think that forcing people to fight to the death is entertainment? You know for somebody who is supposed to be respected and lauded as a super genius you have got to be the dumbest sack of shit I have ever met." Minaka was taken aback by Jackie's reaction usually people would jump at the chance for an opportunity like this "Mr. Estacado I don't understand you. You're in a game where 108 beautiful women are looking for their destined one and are in a tournament where the prize is you become god. People would jump at the chance for this heroes, villains, beautiful maidens and the ability to change or destroy the world this is the greatest game of all time."

Jackie just raised an eyebrow and said "Now I get it, your mom wasn't around as much, and your dad would usually beat the crap out of you for sport. So the only things that made you happy was playing D&D by yourself. You my friend have a very sad life." Even though Jackie couldn't see it Minaka was shaking with rage and yelled "How dare you show such disrespect to the Game Master, I…."Jackie laughed and said "Really….. You call yourself the Game Master? I think someone needs to get back on their meds." Jackie then saw Uzume laughing at the whole thing while Minaka was stewing.

Minaka then took a few deep breaths and said "You are a very interesting person Jackie Estacado. I look forward with anticipation to see how you will affect the game." Jackie sighed and said "Sorry asshole, but I don't have time to play your demented game. I'm only in this country for business and once that is done I plan on going back home." Jackie was confused when he heard Minaka laugh "What the hell's so funny you little shit." When Minaka caught his breath he said "Jackie from the moment you winged Uzume you already became a part of the Sekirei Plan. Now that you are an Ashikabi, you can't leave Shinto Teito until the game is over." Jackie was surprised to hear this but then he thought about the military checkpoints at the airport, at the subways and around the city it wasn't for security purposes it was to keep Sekireis and their Ashikabi trapped inside the city and force them to play this infernal game. Minaka then said "Also this plan is top secret so you can't tell anybody about this. If you do then the Discipline Squad will be forced to take action. If you plan on escaping the city let alone the country I want you to know that MBI will use all its resources to hunt you down and…..deal with you and your Sekirei."

Jackie already hated this man and he took great satisfaction from imagining his darklings ripping Minaka limb from limb and devouring him. Jackie heard the Darkness chuckle at his thoughts. Minaka then said "I will be looking forward to what you will contribute to the new age of the gods and be sure to take care of Sekirei #10, Ciao." Jackie then hung up his phone and looked at Uzume who looked a little nervous; Jackie then asked "Is what that schmuck said true?" Uzume then looked at Jackie and said "Yes it is, soon we Sekirei will be forced to fight one another if we want to stay with our Ashikabi." Jackie is disgusted by this but he hears the Darkness give its thoughts on the matter "Why don't you stay awhile, Jackie. Soon this city will be turned into a warzone were blood will flow through the streets and we will be right in the center of it all. This could be fun." Jackie ignores its thoughts and sees that Uzume was trying to get his attention and Jackie looks at her and says "Is something wrong?" Uzume shook her head and asked if he was okay. Jackie said he was fine and Uzume smiled before she looked passed him and began move to the back of the ally to pick up something. When Jackie saw what she was doing he sees that she is picking up what looks like groceries.

Jackie then goes to where Uzume is kneeling and helps her collect her things and when he was about to pick up the last can both his and Uzume's hands touch. Jackie looks into Uzume's eyes and he sees that while she is blushing he can tell she is very happy just being near him. Jackie didn't understand why but thought it had something to do with him being her Ashikabi, whatever that meant. When the two of them then got back to their feet Jackie asked "So do you live somewhere close?" Uzume nodded and said "Yeah, I actually live in an inn and my landlady wanted me to…" Uzume then becomes panicked and Jackie worries about her. "What's wrong?" Jackie asked and Uzume replied "My landlady sent me out to go shopping 4 hours ago and between me being chased and meeting you I realized just how late I am. Miya is gonna kill me." Jackie then says "I can walk with you to your home, and tell your landlady that you got into some trouble and I was able to help you out. Besides I don't feel comfortable letting you go by yourself when you were attacked last time." Uzume smiles at him and says "I'm very lucky to have such a handsome gentleman be my Ashikabi." Jackie smiles and says "What kind of man would I be if I let such a pretty girl like you walk home all by herself on a night like this." Jackie then moved to Uzume's side and the two of them began to walk back to the inn that Uzume was staying at.

For a while their journey was taken in silence, but Uzume looked at her Ashikabi and was happy with what she saw. Jackie was a tall man, with long black hair and lightly tanned skin, she could also see that her Ashikabi was very fit if the muscles underneath his suit was anything to go by and when she tackled Jackie to save his life she was able to feel him up and found that he was ripped and she really liked that. Uzume also saw that Jackie was a good man who was willing to help her out even though he didn't know her at the time which spoke well about his character. But aside from that Uzume really didn't know anything about him so she thought that maybe she could get to know him a little better and strengthen the bond between them. "You know after all the excitement back there, I never got my saviors name." Uzume said in a flirtatious manner. Jackie then looked at her with a playful smirk and said "My name is Jackie, Jackie Estacado." Uzume mentally repeated the name and she liked it. Jackie then asked "Uzume, even though Minaka explained that I am stuck in what he calls the Sekirei Plan. I still don't know anything about Sekireis or Ashikabis, so do you think you can help me out?" Uzume then smiles and says "Well as you know I'm Sekirei #10, Uzume. A Sekirei is for lack of a better term an alien, you see MBI discovered our ship in 1999 and has been helping us learn about human society and they have been using our technology to help make them the leader in both pharmaceuticals and modern medicine in general."

Jackie still couldn't wrap his head around this. While Jackie believed in the occult and the supernatural thanks to him being the host of The Darkness. He still found it hard to believe that not only was mankind not alone in the universe, but that he was having a conversation with a hot alien chick and that there were 108 of them just like her stuck in a tournament where the prize was the fate of the world, and the one in charge of it all looked like an escape mental patient who made Johnny fucking Powell look like he was sanest person between them. Uzume saw his confusion and smiled "Cheer up stud, not only do you know aliens are real, but you got a beautiful one right here as your girlfriend." Jackie did a double take and said "Wait, What?" Uzume giggled at Jackie and continued "You see an Ashikabi is a Sekirei's destined one, the one who we are supposed to serve and protect. When you saw me breathing heavily and blushing when I tackled you Jackie, I was reacting to you. My body knew that you were my destined Ashikabi and when I kissed you it caused me to get my wings or what we call it, emergence." Jackie was still confused "But what does that have to do with you being my girlfriend?" Uzume then looked at Jackie and put a hand over her heart and replied "You see when I kissed you to get my wings, among us Sekirei it is a sacred ceremony that bonds the two of us together. In human terms it was like a wedding ceremony, so I guess instead of being your girlfriend I'm actually what would be considered your wife and you're my husband."

Jackie's jaw hung low, so that little light show back at the alley between them was some kind of alien marriage ceremony. He really didn't know how to feel about this; don't get him wrong, Uzume was a smoking hot bombshell and if Jackie was ever going to think about marriage or just dating again in general he would jump on Uzume first chance he got. But then Jackie thought about how he literally had no say in the matter and not only that he was still saddened and dealing with Jenny's death. The moment Jackie thought about Jenny he felt a sharp pain in his heart after all it was his fault that Jenny died, would it even be right to pursue another relationship when he felt he didn't deserve it. Before Jackie could continue his thoughts he felt someone wrap their arms around his right arm and Jackie saw Uzume looking at him with worry in her eyes "Are you okay?" she asks with concern. Jackie then shakes himself of his thoughts and says "Yeah I'm fine. I was just lost in thought."

Uzume then looked down and said "I know that this is a lot to take in. I'm sorry that I basically jumped you and didn't even give you a chance to think about what this would mean. But when those two cornered me I thought that I was done for and that I would never truly meet my real Ashikabi, and just when I was going to lose hope you came in like a knight in shining armor and you were trying to rescue me. I didn't think that the Ashikabi that I was looking for…might not want me." Jackie then saw a tear going down Uzume's eye and he brought his left hand under her chin, turned her to face him and he gave her a kiss which caused her wings to illuminate the darkness. Jackie then decided that even though he might not have had a say in this he knew it wasn't Uzume's fault. She didn't even know he existed until today and from the look on her face when she straddled him before she kissed him, Jackie could see that it was out of her control as well because she herself didn't have a say in who she would react too.

Jackie then broke the kiss and looked at Uzume who was surprised by Jackie's action. She was both pleased that he kissed her and disappointed when the pleasure she was felling stopped. Jackie then said "I really don't know how to feel about this whole Sekirei Plan or this marriage thing. But I do know that what is done is done and that I promise to be by your side and take care of you." Uzume smiled and was shedding tears of joy and immediately kissed Jackie again both of them really enjoying the kiss and the pleasure it offered. When the both of them came up for air they smiled at each other and continued their journey with Uzume's arms still wrapped around Jackie's arm and her head laying on his shoulder. While walking Jackie heard The Darkness say "You are making a mistake, Jackie." Maybe he was but he meant what he said. Jackie wasn't sure if he would grow to love Uzume like she did with him, but he was going to take care of her no matter what because it was the right thing to do. Half way there Uzume said "Jackie can I ask you something?" Jackie looks at Uzume and nods. Uzume then asks "Do you think you can tell me a little about yourself? I just want to know more about my Ashikabi." Jackie didn't know what to tell her but he decided to tell her a little bit about himself and keep things like his business and The Darkness a secret from her.

Jackie then began by saying "Well there isn't much to tell. I was born in New York in the U.S. my mother died from childbirth and my father was left to raise me by himself, but when I turned seven he died and I was sent to the St. Mary's Orphanage." Uzume was saddened to hear that Jackie's life stared out rough but he continued. "Then when I was 12 a man named Paulie Franchetti came and adopted me. Even though he adopted me he really didn't raise me, the one who took care of me the most when I came to the family was my Aunt Sarah. My Aunt Sarah raised me and took care of me like I was her own son." Jackie then said "Later on when my Uncle Paulie died I took over the family business which was a pharmaceutical company." Jackie had to come up with a lie about what he did for a living and he thought that him being in the business of making medication was a good cover; of course the only drugs he ever sold was usually just weed and coke, besides he doubted that she would ever find out that the true cover business for his family was a bakery. Jackie then continued "I came here to Japan because an old friend of mine had a business proposition for me, but now because of the Sekirei Plan I guess I can't go back home until that is finished." Uzume said that she was sorry but Jackie said "Don't worry about it like I said it wasn't your fault." Uzume was about to ask something else when she noticed that they arrived. The two of them then walked to the front door and Uzume knocked on the door.

When the door opened Jackie was surprised, he thought that the landlady was going to be an old woman. But instead before him stood a beautiful woman with long lavender hair that was tied in a hime-style. She had fair skin, bright brown eyes, she was very shapely as well with curves in the right places, her breasts while not as big as Uzume's still held a nice soft and firm shape, and she also wore traditional Japanese style clothing that was attributed to a priestess. All in all she was extremely beautiful to the point where if Uzume was considered to be an angel, then this woman was a goddess. The woman ignored Jackie and looked at Uzume and said "Ah Uzume, welcome home. I was beginning to worry about you when you didn't come home…..with my groceries." The moment she finished her sentence Jackie saw dark purple miasma coming off the woman making her seem really creepy. When Uzume saw this she immediately hid behind Jackie and said "It wasn't my fault Miya I swear." Jackie decided to make is presence known "Its true ma'am, Uzume was attacked by a couple of people who cornered her in an alley. I came in and was able to help her get away."

Miya then looked at Jackie and narrowed her eyes at him. Jackie knew she was sizing him up, then afterwards she smiled and put her hand over her mouth "Oh my, that sounds dreadful. Well thank you young man for saving our little Uzume and returning her safely home." Then Miya eyes popped open and she chuckled "Oh excuse me, where are my manners. My name is Miya Asama and I am the owner of this inn, Maison Izumo. May I please ask the name of my tenant's rescuer?" Jackie smiled and bowed his head as was custom in this country "My name is Jackie Estacado. It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Asama." Miya chuckled into her hand and said "Please call me Miya. Ms. Asama makes me sound old." The minute she said this Jackie could have sworn he saw the purple miasma grow in intensity and the next thing he saw was what looked like a demon mask; Jackie recognized that mask being called a Hannya mask.

Jackie then noticed that Uzume began to visibly shake with fear, Jackie then looked back at Miya calmly and said "My apologies, Miya. It's just that I have been taught to respect women and I thought that calling you by your last name was appropriate considering this is our first meeting." Miya eyed Jackie impressed that he didn't flinch from her Hannya stare and replied "My, My, you're such the gentleman, Mr. Estacado. Well now that Uzume has returned safe and sound, I was just about to make dinner and I would love it if you joined us." Jackie then said "That is kind of you to offer Miya, but I really don't want to intrude." The truth was that Jackie has been out for a while and he wanted to check on Vinnie and his boys to see if they were able to get a hold of Saito. Miya smiled a friendly smile and said "I don't mind setting a place for one more person. Besides it's my way of thanking you for saving Uzume." Between Miya wanting to thank him and Uzume looking at him with pleading eyes Jackie sighed and said "Well I am a little hungry. As long as you don't mind, then yes I'd love to stay for dinner." Miya then invited Jackie in and he entered the inn. Before Uzume could do the same Miya stopped her and asked "Uzume is he your Ashikabi?" Uzume then smiled and said "Yes I reacted to him when he was trying to save me." Miya then smiles warmly at Uzume and says "I'm happy for you, Uzume. You finally found your true Ashikabi." And with that the two women went inside and closed the door.

When Jackie entered the house he was surprised by how nice and cozy the place felt. "You have a very lovely place, Miya." Miya then chuckled and said "Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Estacado." Jackie laughed and replied "If you wouldn't mind, Jackie is just fine." Miya smiled at him and Jackie went to the table where he Uzume and another person sat down for dinner, while Miya put on the finishing touches. Jackie looked at the other person and saw that he was a man, a pretty boy if he was being honest with silver hair. The male looked at Jackie and said "Wow, Miya didn't say anything about having a guest over. Hello my name is Kagari." Jackie smiled and said "Hi, I'm Jackie Estacado. Are you related to Miya or are you her husband?" Kagari waved his hands and said "Oh no, nothing like that I'm just another tenant like Uzume." Uzume then said "This place is great to live in, because that it's so old and worn down the price for living here is cheap." Just then Miya entered the room with dinner and said "This coming from a freeloader who can't pay rent on most days." Miya again used her Hannya stare and Uzume quickly shut up.

Jackie then looked at Miya who then smiled and said "My husband was the one who turned this house into an inn; he believed in never turning anyone away even if they were in trouble. So I follow the same creed." Jackie was impressed and asked "So where is your husband?" Miya then smiled sadly and said "My husband is no longer with us I'm afraid. He died a long time ago." Jackie then said solemnly "I'm sorry for your loss." Miya then smiled at Jackie and said "It's alright, you had no way of knowing." Jackie nodded but his thoughts went out to the widowed landlady, he too knew what it was like to lose someone you loved dearly. Miya looked at Jackie who saw that he still had a sadden look on his face and wondered what he was thinking about. During their dinner Uzume was trying to lighten up the mood by telling jokes and it seemed to be working, even Jackie is staring to enjoy himself until he heard a demonic hissing coming from his mind "What's wrong with you" Jackie was careful to make sure no one heard him. The Darkness hissed again and said "All of this love, friendship, and everything else I sense from these maggots is just sickening." Jackie just smirked at The Darkness' discomfort and continued his meal.

When dinner was over Jackie helped Miya with the dishes and she was grateful for the help and just when Jackie was about to leave Miya then said "You're not planning on leaving already are you?" Jackie looked at her and said "Yeah I am, thank you for dinner but I need to get going." Miya then add "But it is very late and the streets are not very safe at night." Jackie chuckled and said "I can take care of myself and besides I'm used to the dark." Miya then said "That won't do, you're my guest and I wouldn't want anything to happen to you, especially since you helped Uzume. Why don't you stay here for the night?" Jackie then said "I'm grateful for the dinner, Miya. But I don't want to over stay my welcome." Miya then smiled and said "Nonsense you are my guest and I told you I never turn away anyone in need." Jackie then realizes that Miya won't take no for an answer and he agrees he will spend the night. Miya smiles and says "Normally I would let you stay in one of the many empty rooms, but Uzume wants you to sleep in her room and against my better judgment I will allow it. Only if you promise me that the both of you won't do anything lewd. I will not allow sexual acts between unmarried couples in Maison Izumo."

Jackie agreed to the terms given, besides he wasn't in the mood for sex he just wanted to get some sleep. When Jackie went upstairs he knocked on Uzume's door it flung open and Uzume came out and gave him a big hug and dragged him into her room. Uzume then said "I'm so happy you decided to stay the night, I had to promise Miya that I would help around the house with no complaining for a month just to let you sleep here with me." Jackie then began to look at Uzume's room and saw that aside from being neat, it was the stereotypical girls' room lined with stuffed animals and giant stuffed animal pillows. In the middle of the room was a futon, but what caught Jackie's attention was the closet which was filled with customs that anyone could think of, from cute mascot costumes to sexy lingerie and maid outfits. Jackie smiled a perverted smirk and imagined Uzume in some of these sexy clothes. Uzume saw Jackie looking at her closet and with a perverted smirk of her own said "If you like some of my outfits then just you wait. Because I have a special treat for you." Jackie looked at Uzume and replied "Really?" Uzume just kissed him on the cheek as her response.

Jackie then began think about the Sekirei Plan and thought that the whole idea sounded crazy, but then he decided to ask Uzume something "Hey Uzume, what do you think of the Sekirei Plan?" Uzume then turned to him and said "Why are you asking me that? You know everything you need to know, right?" Jackie nodded and added "Yes, but I never asked what you thought about it though. I mean even though I might not know everything about Sekirei I can guess that the other Sekirei we will be forced to fight might either be your friends or your family, right? I just wanted to know how you feel about this." Uzume then looked down to the floor with a defeated look and said "You're not far off from the truth. All the Sekirei that we will most likely encounter are my older and younger siblings. I will be forced to fight my own family." Jackie could see her trembling not with anger but with sadness and hopelessness. The Darkness then began to make its presence known to Jackie "Such sweet and delicious suffering. I enjoy that look of despair on her, host. Her misery is delightful."

Jackie ignored the beast and said "Isn't there any way we can just escape? I mean there has to be some way to get out of here scot free?" Jackie normally isn't one to run a away from a fight, but he saw that Uzume really didn't want to fight at all and that her and her siblings were nothing more than pawns forced to fight in some sick man's game for his amusement. To be honest that more than anything infuriated Jackie, no one should be forced to fight or kill their family. Uzume just shook her head and said "No there isn't. MBI has DNA scanners to look for Sekirei that are trying to make a run for it. Plus even if we did get away MBI has its own private military armed with some of our technology and other equipment and Minaka has the Discipline Squad at his beck and call. That group is made up of very powerful Sekirei and they enforce the rules of the game. MBI would hunt us down to the ends of the Earth to find us." Jackie knew that the situation was grim but he didn't expect this. There was no way they could run forever.

Uzume then hugged Jackie which surprised him and she said "Thank you for caring about me, but don't worry. I will never lose and I won't give up until you and I are the last Ashikabi and Sekirei left. I promise I will always stay by your side forever." She then backed away and gave him a carefree smile and said "So don't worry about it okay." Jackie then nodded okay, then she saw that Uzume began to get undressed when she took of her shirt, Jackie was truly in for a treat for Uzume never wore a bra leaving her beautiful breasts to bounce and jiggle in all their glory. Jackie was impressed if he had to guess Uzume's bust size must have been 95 cm at least they were also a nice shape despite how big they were they didn't really sag at all. Uzume looked at Jackie and said "Are you enjoying the show?" Jackie smirked and nodded yes, but then he remembered his promise to Miya and immediately cursed that he even made that stupid deal. Jackie then said "I'll be outside while you change I promised Miya we wouldn't do anything lewd. No matter how fun it might be."

Uzume pouted cutely and said "Ohhhh well hurry back, I have a surprise for you." Jackie nodded and he left the room. While Jackie was waiting outside for Uzume to finish changing he saw Miya coming up stairs and she spotted him. "Oh my, what are you doing out here?" Jackie then replied "I'm giving Uzume some privacy so she can change. What are you doing up here, Miya?" Miya chuckled sweetly but had a dark underline to it as she said "I thought that you might break your promise and give in to your beastly desires, and then try to ravage Uzume right under my nose." Jackie then saw the purple cloud of miasma surrounding Miya again. Jackie chuckled and said "While that is extremely tempting. I gave you my word that I wouldn't do anything lewd or sexual while I was staying in Uzume's room and I keep my word." Miya then looked at Jackie in both surprise and admiration "A man of honor and a gentleman. You're quite the catch Jackie Estacado." Jackie just smiled weakly. Miya smiled and said "Have you thought of living here with Uzume by any chance?"

Jackie hadn't really thought of it while the idea was tempting he couldn't do it one he wanted to keep Uzume from finding out his ties to the mafia, two he didn't want her in his business and lastly he was still grieving over Jenny and he still didn't know if this relationship was a good idea. So he didn't really want to explore it because he thought he didn't deserve the chance. Jackie then said "Thank you but no. I only came to this country on business and I already paid for my room in a hotel." Jackie didn't see the look of disappointment in Miya's eyes before she gave a warm smile and said "Well if you change your mind I charge 50,000 yen a month and I'm sure Uzume would love it if you stayed here as a resident." She then said goodnight to Jackie and went back to her room. Jackie then heard from Uzume that she was done changing and Jackie went back inside the room only to stare intently at his Sekirei. Uzume had chosen to wear a white frilly lingerie top that framed her bust perfectly and it had a little bow under her breasts; she also wore a pair of silk white panties. Jackie was stunned but was very pleased, Uzume smiled seductively and said "Looks like I made a good impression. I only want the best for my Ashikabi." She then slowly moved to where Jackie was standing and wrapped her arms around his neck and looked deeply into his eyes.

Jackie then saw something in Uzume's eyes that surprised him more than the lingerie, in Uzume's big brown eyes he saw nothing but deep devotion, admiration, lust but most of all love. Nothing but pure love shown from her gorgeous brown eyes. Jackie was honestly a little stunned by this even though they were technically married by her standards they still just met, so to Jackie this didn't make any sense and he found himself saying something before he could stop himself "Why? Why did you really choose me?" Uzume was surprised by this question but once again smiled and began to caress his cheek and replied "Like I said before, my body reacted to you before I even knew. But even then I could tell that you were a really kind and caring person. You came to my rescue even though you didn't know me, you could have died but that thought didn't stop you, and you just jumped in without any hesitation and tried to protect me because to you it was the right thing to do." Uzume then grabbed Jackie's hand and put it on her chest and Jackie could feel her heart beat rapidly "it was then my body knew you were the one. We Sekirei are specifically created for our Ashikabis to help them, care for them, and guide them to the higher sky above. It is also because that you are my true Ashikabi that I love you, Jackie. With all my heart and soul, I will always be there for you. Now and forever."

Jackie was taken aback by Uzume's speech and her declaration of love he then realized that while he found her body very appealing he realized that it was her personality and her soul that made her truly beautiful in his eyes. Uzume then began to lean in and Jackie followed suit almost like he was in a trance and they began to kiss only this time it was slow and much more romantic. Jackie began to enjoy the kiss, the feeling of her lips against his, his tongue exploring each and every corner of her mouth while her tongue wrestled with his and the feeling of her skin and warmth against his body felt wonderful. Jackie began to lose himself to the heat of the moment, until he heard The Darkness in his mind "No Jackie, this is a mistake she is nothing but a burden. She is beneath you and she will do nothing but hold you back. She will be your downfall." Jackie then felt his head throb with pain and he broke the kiss early and turned away from Uzume.

Jackie heard what the Darkness said about Uzume but that wasn't why he stopped the kiss; it was because a very painful memory rose to the surface and ruined whatever happiness Jackie was feeling.

Flashback

Jackie stood there on the other side of the door unable to do anything for The Darkness bound him and forced him to watch his bastard Uncle Paulie drag Jenny the only woman he ever loved to the door so he could get a good look. "You know why we're here, Jackie? We're at this point 'cause you hurt me, Jackie." Paulie said while waving his gun in one hand and held Jenny bound and crying in the other "I took you in when I found you in this shithole, I treated you like you were my flesh an blood. I trusted you and you betrayed me." Jenny then began to speak through her sobs "Jackie what's going on here? Please get me out of here." Paulie then yells to her "Shut the fuck up you dumb broad." Jenny cried out and kept silent. Paulie then looked at Jackie again still tied up by the Darkness tendrils "Do you see a happy ending here, Jackie? Tell me, do you think you have anything to bargain with me to keep me from blowing this whore's brains out her fucking nose." Jackie once again tried to struggle but to no avail.

"Cause the way I see it you've got nothing." Then Paulie's lapdog Eddie Shrote decides to join in the conversation "It just keeps getting bigger and bigger don't it Jackie boy. You hurt us then we hurt you, it's almost like some fucking game we're playing here." Jackie once again tries to break free of The Darkness' hold only to fail once more this time with The Darkness saying "Your flesh is mine, your will is mine." Paulie then walked towards the door with Jenny in toe. "You were family to me, Jackie. I loved you like a son and in return you only took from me. You took my respect and you destroyed my trust; and when blood takes from blood someone always pays." Paulie stopped in front of the door and forced Jenny to kneel down and pressed her face against the glass and put his gun to her head "So now…I take from you." Jackie then begged for this to be a dream or for The Darkness to finally let him go but none of that happened. Jenny then looked at Jackie in the eyes and Jackie saw that she was calm and there was no anger or fear shown in her eyes. Jenny then said with tears forming in her eyes "Jackie this is not your fault." Time seemed to slow down as Jackie internally screamed and then Paulie's gun went off and Jenny fell to the floor. The only thing left of her that was on the door was her blood and bits and pieces of her brain.

Flashback end

Jackie felt his heart tear in two when he remembered the night he lost Jenny. Even though her last words were her telling him not to blame himself that it wasn't his fault, the fact of the matter was that it was. Jackie could have run away with her, he could have tried to leave the mob life behind and live with her, he could have dropped her off at his Aunt Sarah's to be safe or he could have left her with Butcher Joyce. But he did none of those things, Jenny died because of him and there was no way around that fact. Now here he was, frenching some alien girl he barely knows who tells him she loves him and all Jackie can think about is that he is betraying Jenny's memory. Jackie was afraid that if he either pursues this relationship or gives into his feelings for Uzume, then the only thing of Jenny that he still kept alive would die along with her and he couldn't let that happen. Then he felt Uzume's hand cup his cheek as she softly turned him to face her a look of worry written on her face "Jackie…are you alright?" she asks softly. While Jackie blames himself for having these feelings for Uzume, he can't bring himself to hate her it's not her fault she doesn't know of the pain he suffered, the woman he lost because of his damned curse and blatant stupidity.

In the end Jackie lies to Uzume to calm her down and to try to get his mind to rid itself of that horrid memory "Yeah I'm fine, Uzume. Just a little headache, if it's alright with you, I think I want to go to sleep right now." Uzume knows that there is more to it than that while it might not be strong, through the bond between Uzume and Jackie she can feel Jackie's anguish, pain, sadness and most of all guilt. Uzume wishes she could take all the pain away from her Ashikabi to stop his suffering and she almost pushes the question, but she ultimately respects his privacy and hopes he will tell her when he's ready.

When Jackie got undressed, the two of them shared the futon and Uzume snuggled against Jackie who welcomed the physical contact. Just as Jackie himself is about to fall asleep he hears Uzume mumble out in her sleep "I love you, Jackie." Jackie then looks at Uzume who has a sad smile on her face he almost wonders if she could feel his pain. Jackie then reaches under his shirt and pulls out a locket and when he opens it he sees a picture of Jenny. Jackie then touches the picture and sees Jenny smiling at him and he asks her quietly "I wonder Jenny. Would you feel angry at me for betraying your memory, or would you feel happy and encourage me to move on from this pain and find new love." Jackie really doesn't expect an answer he just stares at the picture for a while longer before closing the locket and putting it back under his shirt before he himself nods off to sleep.