Thanks for the feedback on the last chapter, I really appreciate it. Now I wanna make two things clear. Taki will be one of Viktor's Sekirei, his first one actually. Karasuba will also be one but later on, as you can imagine winging someone like her would take a lot of balls and effort. Anyone have any suggestions, let me know. Anyways on with it.

Built to destroy

Chapter 2: The blackest Crow part 1

It was getting dark on the approach to the inn. They had two blocks to go and Taki had opened up considerably.

''So what foods do you like?'' Taki asked. Viktor glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes again. He'd been enduring these kinds of pointless questions not long after they'd left the park. He didn't mind so much, it was just weird for him.

''Well, I don't really have foods that I like more than others really. To me food is just that, food.'' he replied evenly. She nodded happily.

''Do you like animals?'' She asked, continuing to look up at him intently.

''Some.''

''What ones?''

Viktor was growing irritated with the questions. It wouldn't be so bad if they were informative and worth asking, but they were the questions of a curious child. It then struck him.

'Of course, as a Sekirei it's doubtful that she's had any real exposure to people outside MBI. I should just calm down and indulge her. At least for now.' he thought in resignation.

''Dogs, cats, venomous reptiles, birds of prey. What about you?'' he replied. She beamed up at him.

''Oh, well I like fish, dogs, oh and those little duck things with fur!'' she said excitedly. Viktor smiled at her energy and cheerfulness. It wasn't often he encountered someone so carefree and energetic. It was refreshing as opposed to battle hardened soldiers and blood thirsty Sekirei murder machines. One specifically as he recalled.

''You mean a platypus?'' Viktor asked. Taki nodded vigorously, becoming starry eyed at how adorable they were to her. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Taki spoke up.

''Hey, you still haven't told me where we're going.'' she said. Viktor kept his gaze straight ahead.

''We're going to a safe place. A friend of mine owns an inn and that's where we're going.'' he replied. Taki became silent after that. Soon they got to the gate of the Maison Izumo and Viktor felt like smoking one more time before entering the inn.

He pulled his collar down, produced a cigarette and lighter, and lit it. He took in the fumes again feeling satisfaction once more. Taki looked at him with a small frown.

''What?'' Viktor asked with the cigarette in the corner of his mouth.

''You know that's bad for you, right.'' she stated with her hands on her hips. Viktor chuckled to himself.

''Trust me, when you've done some of the things I have, little things like this don't seem so life threatening.'' he said with a small smirk. Of course he knew she was right, but habits are habits.

''I don't care. I don't want my Ashikabi doing this to himself.'' she retorted sternly. Viktor just levelled her with a look that said 'Explain yourself.'

''Back in the park when you saved me from no.38 and 39, I reacted to you.'' she said. Viktor nodded with a grunt.

''I know. As you may have noticed, I'm not normal. I pick up on these things.'' he stopped to inhale more. ''Question is, do you want to be winged by me? I want you to know that this is a permanent thing, and my way of life is a dangerous one. I can't guarantee you'll come out of it unscathed.'' he said a firm voice.

Taki nodded with no hesitation. ''I know that, and trust me, I wouldn't be so friendly with you if I didn't legitimately want this. If your goal lies at the end of all this, then I'll be right with you all the way, whether we win or fall.'' she said resolutely. Viktor was impressed. That was the most mature thing he'd heard her say the entire time.

''Alright, let's do this.'' he said. He leaned down, just over a 45 degree angle because of the height difference and Taki stood on her tiptoes. She gently placed her hands on his face and brought their faces together, bringing their lips together. Suddenly, Taki felt a rush of power and the feeling of having an ethereal weight lifted off of her. Misty white wings of vapour sprouted from Taki's back, painting the front of the inn with ghostly grey-white light. The two then parted.

''Sekirei no.65 Taki. May the mist of my contract cloud the eyes of my Ashikabi's enemies, now and forever.'' She said with a sweet smile. She grabbed his arm and hugged it to her ample chest, leaning into him. Viktor couldn't help but feel a little bit taken aback at her words. He could feel the sincerity of her pledge and understood its meaning in its purest form. Simply put, she'd surrendered herself to him and was at his disposal.

If he'd been the man he was eight years ago, he'd have felt nothing and wouldn't have cared if the orders he gave her were suicide, as long as it aided or completed the mission. Truly, Takehito worked wonders on the people that knew him.

''We should head inside. I still have to sign my agreement with the Landlady here.'' Viktor said, tossing his burnt out cigarette to the side. Taki nodded with a bright smile and went in with him, still clutching his arm.

Meanwhile...

Mitsuha arrived at main road in southern Teito in front of a pristine white limousine, supporting Mitsuki on her shoulder. The door opened revealing a teenage boy wearing a white formal suit. He had brown hair and brown eyes that twinkled with superiority and entitlement. Beside him sat tall man with shaggy silver hair and grey eyes with an orange scarf around his neck and shoulders. He wore a black shirt with a large V down the centre with two strips of leather forming an X, black trousers and a pair of sandals.

''Ah, Mitsuha. What happened to Mitsuki? And where's the one I sent you after?'' The boy asked. Mitsuha placed Mitsuki in the car and bowed in apology.

''I'm sorry master Mikogami. We were pursuing her when we were stopped by a man defending her. We were beaten.'' Mitsuha said, dread filling her. Mikogami's face became one of annoyance.

''What do you mean beaten? Who was this man? Was it another Sekirei?'' He rattled off. The silver haired man put a hand on his shoulder.

''Calm down Mikogami. Let her collect herself.'' he said in a deep voice. Mikogami huffed and turned back to Mitsuha.

''Thanks Mutsu.'' she said gratefully. Mutsu nodded and waited for her to continue. ''He looked like a regular human, just really tall and wore some kind of big grey coat. He told us that he wasn't gonna let us take her but we thought he was just trying to be a hero. But when we attacked him, he dealt with us so easily. I still don't know what happened to be honest. But after taking out Mitsuki, he started talking about being some Commissar or something.'' Mitsuha explained.

Mutsu's eyes widened. ''Wait, did he say anything specific about it? Anything at all?'' Mutsu asked quickly.

''He said he was 'Every Sekirei's worst nightmare.' You know something Mutsu?'' Mitsuha asked him. Mutsu looked troubled and nodded.

''If it's who I'm thinking, then you're lucky to have escaped, both of you are.'' he said gravely.

''Who are you talking about Mutsu?'' Mikogami asked, feeling left out. Mutsu looked at him with a very troubled expression.

''This person is incredibly dangerous. I'm not exaggerating when I say he's a living, breathing war machine. I've seen what he can do, but that was a long time ago and it wasn't something I'd like to face myself. Stay away from him Mikogami.''

''What makes him that bad though?'' Mitsuha asked.

''He's a Sekirei deterrent from the early days of MBI. There were a few others, but he lead them. I can't go into too much detail, but he was MBI's insurance policy against the older Sekirei at the time, namely myself no.04, 03, 02 and 01. But after the death of one of the top researchers, he left like no.01 had a couple of years before. I'm only speculating, but if it's true and he has returned to this city, the Sekirei plan could get derailed at any time.'' Mutsu explained.

Despite sounding grave, he was secretly grateful. If the Commissar had returned with the intention of destroying MBI, more Sekirei would be able to peacefully find their Ashikabis and live long lives. But he was hinging his hopes on whether the Commissar had changed at all since he left, or simply returned having grown tired of the Sekirei and was now on a mission of mass termination.

''So he's not a powerful Sekirei? Damn. Oh well, he can't be an Ashikabi on top of that right?'' Mikogami said hopefully. How wrong he was.

Maison Izumo

''I see. So those two were the Sekirei of a person called Mikogami?'' Miya asked as she sat before Viktor and Taki. Viktor nodded.

''You say that name as if you've heard it before. Are they reputable or of a powerful position?'' he asked her. Miya pondered it for a moment.

''I believe he's from a wealthy family with business ties to MBI. It wouldn't surprise me if he saw Sekirei as some sort of collectible or toys.'' Miya then turned her gaze to Taki. ''Did they say anything to you before encountering Viktor?''

''They only said that I was going to join Mikogami even if they had to force me to go with them. Other than that, it was just vulgar language and insults.'' Taki said with obvious distaste.

''Either way, they posed little opposition. Half decent warm up I suppose but I really had to refrain from kicking no.38 clean in half.'' Viktor chimed in. Miya was thankful for his restrain. Mainly because she'd seen him do it before, but also because she didn't want to be cleaning blood off of her floor should he bring it back with him.

'It's really quite strange to see that he's learned what mercy and restraint are. I admit, I was no better back when I was head of the Discipline Squad, but he was far worse. What have you been doing for the last eight years Viktor?' Miya thought to herself.

''I need a drink.'' Viktor muttered to himself.

''There is some sake in the cupboards in the kitchen.'' Miya offered. Kagari entered the room just as she said it.

''I'm heading out to the club now Miya, so how about he comes with me? After all.'' He turned to Viktor. ''You did say you were buying.'' he said with a smirk.

''Yeah, I did say that didn't I.'' he grumbled. ''Alright then, let's get going. Don't wait up for me, I'll find the cosiest looking back alley and crash in there.'' he said to Miya who giggled behind her hand.

''If that fails there's always the roof.'' she retorted jokingly. Taki stood up and walked up to him.

''Be safe, and stay out of trouble.'' she said sternly, dropping her cheerful demeanour.

''Ugh, yes mother.'' Viktor said rolling his eyes with a sigh. She then hopped up and pecked him on the cheek.

''Alright then enjoy yourselves.'' she chirped with her usual energy.

Fire Bird Host Club

Kagari and Viktor sat at the bar in the host club Kagari worked at. It was a decently sized place with a definite touch of sleaze to it. Waitresses in tiny dresses moved about serving customers their drinks, while hosts chatted with their clients before their nightly activities.

''So, you been to many places like this?'' Kagari asked breaking the ice.

''A few while I was in Europe. Amsterdam has a few nice places but I've been to some downright nasty ones. How'd you end up working here.'' Viktor replied. Kagari sighed as he recalled his circumstances.

''It's probably no secret to you that I'm a Sekirei. I work here trying to find my Ashikabi but, so far I've had no luck. I'm seriously doubting it's gonna happen at all.'' Kagari said downtrodden.

''Listen, Homura.'' Viktor said, surprising the host. ''I know nearly everything about every Sekirei. It was my job to know. I know about your difference from the others but don't let that get to you. I understand that you want to find an Ashikabi but really, you should just watch and wait. They're called destined for a reason.'' Viktor said.

Kagari, or now Homura sighed. ''I suppose, but seriously I've been looking for so long it's tiresome. How long can you really expect me to just sit by and do nothing?'' Homura said irritably.

''Look, I'm willing to help you out so answer me this. What are you looking for in an Ashikabi?'' Viktor asked.

''Well you're gonna have to be specific.'' Homura said referencing his being of interchangeable gender.

''Male Ashikabi.'' Viktor said.

Homura gave it some thought for a few moments. ''Well, they'd probably want me to become female so I suppose what any female Sekirei would look for. But if they didn't mind me being male, I guess I'd like a friend in them. Someone to joke around and have a drink with.'' Homura replied.

Viktor nodded thoughtfully, his eyes boring into his glass. ''And a female Ashikabi?''

''Well, I haven't really given that one much thought.'' Homura said. After a few more drinks and chatter, Homura's client for the night strolled in. She was good looking woman with pride in her gait and stood tall. She wore an elegant evening gown that was dark blue, which accentuated her flowing blonde hair.

''Well this is where my shift starts. See you later Viktor, and thanks.'' Homura said gratefully. Viktor nodded to him, pleased with himself for at least attempting to help. He decided he didn't have much else to do right now, and so under the slowing influence of booze, he bought himself another round of sambuca shots. How he would regret that later.

Fire Bird Host Club, 04:53am

Viktor staggered out of the host club doors and out into the cold, quiet street. No one was around cars were few and far between. Right now, he wanted some food and to make his way back to the inn. Even in his current state, he figured Taki would be pissed with him and Miya would probably just scold him. So began the drunken slog towards northern Teito, which at normal walking pace usually took about an hour and a half from the south.

About ten minutes of staggering and tripping over inanimate objects had passed when Viktor heard someone chuckling behind him. He turned slowly as not to make himself dizzier until he had eyes on. Standing there was a woman with long grey hair in a ponytail, steel grey eyes, wearing a grey haori across her shoulders with the Sekirei emblem on it. She also wore a tight leather top, miniskirt, stockings and high-heeled shoes. On her left hip was a long nodachi blade.

''My, my. You've gotten yourself into quite a state, haven't you.'' the woman stated. Viktor's senses sharpened immediately.

'Oh, so it's her.' he thought as he recognised her. 'Karasuba. Sekirei no.04. The Black Sekirei.'

''It's been a while Kara. How's life?'' He asked, feigning cheeriness. Karasuba narrowed her eyes at him.

''And how would you know my name when I've yet to know yours I wonder.'' she said neutrally.

Viktor chuckled. ''Of course, I figured you wouldn't recognise me.'' he then pulled his collar down, making Karasuba's eyes widen in shock.

''Viktor Arturo. Well I'll be damned. You finally decided to come out of hiding did you?'' she asked teasingly.

''Depends on what your definition of hiding is. What has you out here?'' he asked trying to keep things friendly.

''Looking for a good kill, and it seems like a prime opportunity just drunkenly swayed into my sight.'' she said with a cruel grin. She set her hand onto the scabbard of her nodachi and pressed her thumb against the tsuba (guard), making it click free from the sheath.

''Really Karasuba? I thought we were on better terms than this.'' Viktor said with fake hurt. Though he really did think they were on friendlier terms.

''Oh? So after you ditched MBI and left me bored and without an equal you think I'd just welcome you back without attempting to kill you even once? Sorry to disappoint you.'' she replied with scorn. Viktor shrugged and raised his fists. The main good thing about this was that he was finally able to have a good fight, this was why he liked Karasuba. Always willing to fight, wherever, whenever and was even ready to take him on in verbal battles back in his MBI days, of which they were still at a stalemate.

Karasuba drew her nodachi and in a split second slashed at the spot he was not a second before. He threw three punches that she dodged with two weaves and a duck at the last strike. She knew he wasn't close to getting serious yet as his punches weren't breaking the sound barrier as they used to.

She slashed at his right side and he slapped the blade away and stepped in with a kick. She side stepped and jabbed at his chest. He ducked and rolled forward, sweeping at her legs. She flipped over him with a horizontal slash, which missed his face by mere inches. As she landed, she lunged forward but delayed her strike as he dodged to the right. By delaying her strike, he was caught off guard as she swing diagonally at his throat. He quickly blocked but the blade bit into his forearm.

She'd drawn first blood and she grinned savagely. ''You've gotten sloppy Vik. Eight years ago you would have put me through a couple of walls by now.'' she said tauntingly.

''I suppose you have a point. I've been enjoying myself in my absence. I've been living.'' he said as he rolled his neck. He shook his damaged left arm to get the numbing sting out of it, reducing it to a dull throb as he mentally blocked it out. Luckily for him, he'd been adjusted to have supreme regeneration, so in a few minutes only a scar would remain. Nothing short of dismemberment and decapitation would keep him down.

''Still, I don't suppose you've given up on the idea you could actually beat me?'' Viktor taunted back. Karasuba smirked evilly.

''As if I would.'' She then launched forward again with an overhead swing. Viktor dodged to the left with a spin and kicked the blade from her hands. With her disarmed, he grabbed the front of her top and slammed her into a lamp post.

''You know I like to play rough Vik.'' she said sultrily. She then took advantage of the close proximity and kneed him right in the crotch. Viktor went down straight away. No matter how powerful he was, whether it be a knee or a fist, a strike to the crotch would always take him down.

''Should have seen that coming.'' Viktor growled as he held his wounded manhood. He stood slowly and turned to find Karasuba beet red from trying not to burst out laughing. She fanned her face with her hand as she tried to calm down.

''I'm glad you find this funny.'' but much to his shame, his voice cracked. That was the tipping point at which Karasuba must have woken up the entire neighbourhood with her loud and cruel laughter. After a couple of minutes, she was clutching her midriff in pain as she tried to stop laughing, reducing it down to short bursts of breathless chuckles.

''This-is-haha...Why..I love...hahaha...fighting you. I never would have thought that...that...'' She burst out laughing again as Viktor scowled at her. ''Oh, I think I'm gonna pass out. That was too funny.''

She flashed him a sweet smile. ''Look, I don't feel like killing you after that. That was too much.'' she chuckled again. ''How about a coffee. We can catch up and you can tell me what it's like to live as one of those pathetic little monkeys.''

''Coffee would be great actually.'' Viktor said standing up. He was feeling the beginnings of a headache, not a hangover as he didn't get those anymore. ''For that crotch shot, you're paying.'' He said firmly.

''My, my. It seems chivalry is indeed dead.'' Karasuba replied. Viktor merely grumbled to himself.

'You haven't changed at all Viktor Arturo. I can still see the fire in your eyes, the blood on your hands, your aroma of death and ash. Yes, you're still the Commissar I knew back then. You can never change. Monsters like us don't.' Karasuba thought to herself with a small benign smile.

Well that's that. What did you all think. For me capturing Karasuba's personality in a social setting like talking with Viktor is a bit difficult. I don't want to stray too far from her canon personality. As always, review, follow, whatever if you have ideas let me know. Peace.