Chapter 4

Veils of a Sekirei's love

'W-what's happening? is that U-Uzume-chan and s-someone fighting?' Minato thought in confusion finding himself suspended in midair only wearing white pajamas watching the battle. This battle taking place on a bridge area where scattered debris of metal and chunks of it flew across the area. Was this some kind of lucid dream or something? Maybe it was from the food last night making him see this strange scene.

Down below him was Uzume covered in white veils facing off with a hooded woman whose sword gleamed in the pale moonlight. Uzume was on the offensive her veils wildly slashing at the woman cutting into her skin blood spilling from the wounds woman fell to her knees shaking visibly from blood loss and looked ready for defeat. Uzume's eyes looked dead cold ready to deal the killing blow as her veils wrapped around her left hand taking the form of a deadly lance ready to kill the woman.

"U-Uzume! no! stop!" Minato called out extending his hand in a vain attempt to reach her; afraid of what Uzume would do next. It seemed to have an effect on Uzume as her eyes dilated flickering back and forth seeming to fight her Sekirei instincts. Releasing the veils from her left hand momentarily her veils flowed behind her along with the gentle breeze of the dark night.

In that single moment, the downed woman took her chance and rammed her katana through Uzume's stomach tearing through major organs asunder. Leaving a protruding sized sword hole for all to see, though the only witness present was Minato; whose eyes shut tight after seeing that and doubled over holding his stomach in pain. Bile threatening to spill from his lips from the gruesome sight before him.

Blood pooled from Uzume's lips, a look of utter despair stretched across the Sekirei's face her last words being. "Ashikabi-sama..." once Uzume spoke those final words. Minato frantically awoke opening his eyes wide letting out an ear-splitting howl of grief. Which, awoke in the inn three Sekirei at hearing the yell and raced down the hall into Minato's room.

Uzume arrive in first who was garbed in white panties and a loose white bra as she came into the room; followed by Miya and looked at Minato who was shaking in fetal position sadness and fear permeating off him like a radiator. Uzume raced over to Minato's side faster than Kazehana to a bottle of booze. Protectively cradling her future Ashikabi's head to her chest.

Giving his hair delicate brushing with her hand in a gentle manner; attempting to ease his pain worry filling her chestnut eyes. Wondering what could cause such distress in her future Ashikabi it frightened her immensely as she held him.

"U-Uzume..." Minato mumbled in his frantic state clutching on to Uzume's shoulder hard afraid to let go. He was not sure if it even was Uzume who held him in this state, but he needed someone anyone. Miya was going to ask what happened to Minato, but decided to let him rest with Uzume. Her question could wait, since Minato definitely was not up to the task of speaking, but if she were a betting woman it would have something to do with his sleep.

Miya let out a soft sigh leaving the room silently closing the door behind her and glanced over to Kagari who leaned against a nearby window his arms crossed to his chest. In the pale moonlight that reflected off him Miya could see his chest becoming more prominent.

"Is Minato-san alright Miya-chan?" Kagari asked trying not to sound overly concern, but was failing as his index finger tapped rapaciously against his forearm. Kagari did know why he was suddenly worrying for Minato he had only just met the young man last night. Something made him worry for the ronin probably just nerves if anything.

"Yes, Minato-san will be alright it seems that he just had a bad dream from the looks of it," Miya replied stifling a small yawn it was 3 in the morning after all. At least that's what the time was when she ran out of her room. Kagari nodded relieved by the news that it was only a bad dream and not something worse like an attack.

So with that out of the way Kagari returned to his room and laid down on his futon trying to sleep again. Miya watched him walk off before doing the same, though she could not shake the feeling that something was amiss. Saving that feeling for later in the morning she slumbered peacefully once more.

(Three hours later 6:28 A.M.)

The morning sun washed into the room Minato was sleeping in. Finally having gotten rest after his mini panic attack illumination filling the small room revealing a sleeping Uzume who held Minato's face comfortably to her chest. 'This f-feeling this pillow is very soft a-and squishy.' Minato sleepily thought nuzzling into what he believed was a pillow.

Slowly starting to stir Minato opened his eyes to an unbelievable yet incredible sight. Before Minato laid the valley of the goddess; it was glorious as his cheeks turned bright red and then a greater shade of crimson. Minato tried to get out of Uzume's rather tender hold at first, but Uzume was not letting her teddy bear Minato get away.

"N-Nuu..." Uzume lightly moaned in protest hugging Minato's head tighter to her chest in a crushing hold. Minato blinked rapidly wondering why she was so strong? her grip was practically popping a few stiff joints in his neck, that should not be popped. Everything in his body screamed to live! and felt his hands claw into Uzume's back like a fierce lion. Instead to Uzume it felt more of a small kitten pawing for food.

The busty Sekirei giggled at the attempt finding that it tickled and nuzzled her head downwards to his. "So kawaii," the Sekirei mumbled continually to nuzzle her Min-Min bear while asleep. Minato resigned himself to being Uzume's teddy bear truly not wanting to leave her side, in all honesty. So he relaxed into her arms and wrapped his arms around her waist clumsily content to just lay there.

Forty minutes later Uzume finally awoke a beautiful smile plastered on her face which made Minato's heart jump in joy. She lightly rubbed her hand through his hair the scent of her future Ashikabi wafting in the air. Uzume was more than comfortable with her face against his. His face was turning three deep shades of red while being in close proximity. Minato couldn't help it the man was prone to blushing intensely.

"Hehe does Minato-kun like what he sees?" Uzume teasingly gestured pressing her chest against his abdomen enjoying the reaction he gave. From the soft pillows that were Uzume's impressive bust, he did what most males would do in this type of situation.

Minato felt the accumulation of blood in his nose and had a massive nosebleed rocketing away from Uzume straight towards the wall. Uzume could not help, but laugh and not just laugh she was rolling on the floor in gut wrenching laughter. Minato was just way to much fun to tease.

"It seems someone has forgotten the rules of Izumo inn. No lewd activities and indecent clothing allowed," A dark menacing voice resounded in the room which Minato was in. The voice causing Uzume to shiver feeling that she was going to be in trouble again. It was none other than her landlady Miya of course it was her. Who had a very effective way of making her point across as she stood at the entryway of the room. Her Hanya mask out in full splendor all directed at Uzume.

"Haha... good morning Miya-chan it looks like Minato-kun is doing much better," Uzume spoke choking down another laugh that threatened to emerge trying to get out of the scary situation. Miya having the effect of an instant cold, cold shower. Miya shook her head at the chestnut hair Sekirei and pointed her index finger out of the room.

"No breakfast for you today now get dressed Uzume-san, I do not need my guest to wake up and have another accident," Miya gestured to the unconscious Minato who was sprawled out against the wall. Uzume pouted at Miya not wanting to leave her future Ashikabi's side, but Miya was not having anymore horseplay. So with a very reluctant sigh Uzume left the room along with Miya to go and do their own separate things for the morning.

When Minato finally awoke again thirty minutes later his head felt groggy and rubbed a hand through his hair. In a attempt to rouse himself into a more aware state. Shortly after doing this he left the room to the sight of something peculiar making him stop in his tracks. Outside of the inn in the garden Miya set in seiza position her eyes closed. She seemed to be meditating at least that is what it looked to Minato.

"Good morning Minato-san, you woke up relatively soon. Breakfast is ready," Miya spoke quite aware of his presence it was rather cute in some weird way that he was watching her. She opened her lavender eyes to meet his onyx eyes with a neutral gaze. Her eyes seemed to be scanning him for any abnormalities.

Finding none she smiled politely and waved him off. Miya was still a tad worried over Minato's condition, which is why she felt the need to look over him. It certainly was not because he looked a little bit like Takehito or anything.

The process in itself only took a second in reality, but to Minato it felt like a century. Miya stood up from the grass as she watched Minato walk off to go and wake up his childhood friend. 'He seems fine that's good.' She thought wiping the leaves off her kimono to go inside of the inn and eat breakfast with her guests and tenants.

An hour later after everyone ate breakfast excluding Uzume. Minato with Kai and a rather hungry yet happy Uzume were ready to leave at the door of Izumo inn prepared to leave. Miya bowed her head formally to her two guests seeing it customary to see them off.

"It was nice to have you two as guest here at Izumo inn, if you ever wish to live here or come back; I would welcome you two with open arms. By the way, Uzume-chan why are you going with Minato-kun and Kai-san?" Miya asked unaware she added an endearing suffix to Minato. although she knew the answer to that question and gave Minato a knowing look.

Minato did not catch the look, but Uzume did and winked at Miya an silent acknowledgment to her plan.

"Well I figured these guys would need my help, plus Minato-kun never answered my question about us doing something today. So that is another reason to go with them," Uzume commented with a wag of her index finger at him. Minato blushed at her comment and looked away finding that he could not form the words to respond. Uzume just giggled at his blush, while Kai sighed into his hand already feeling like a third wheel, and this trip was mainly about him going to get his luggage.

"Come on the faster we get this done, the more time you two have together to whisper sweet nothings in the other's ear," Kai mocked with a large smirk. Hell if he was going to be a third wheel he sure was going to have fun with it. That got the appropriate reaction Kai wanted as Uzume and Minato both turned a crimson shade of hue.

A low snicker came from his throat even Miya giggled at their blushes before waving them off once more. The gang of three heading towards Minato's apartment complex with a noticeable step in two of the members. Around twenty minutes of walking later which was fairly silent. strangely enough someone finally spoke up disturbing the ambient silence.

"Minato-kun what is your apartment like? Anything dirty you don't want anyone to see?" Uzume teased poking a finger into his shoulder wanting to know if he did things like that. More importantly she wanted to rile him up or unwind him sort of speak. the answer to that question was shortly answered by Minato's small blush and shake of his head.

"My house is fairly clean... not much in there since it is a small apartment. Just books and papers Uzume-chan I have my exams in three weeks. I-I mean Uzume-san!" Minato corrected himself having a hard time from keeping himself to call her a more appropriate honorific. This caused two different reactions in the group it made Kai practically hold in his gut from laughter. While Uzume on the other hand pouted and crossed her arms under her buxom chest upset by the fact; Minato did not call her chan yet.

"Minato you need to understand women more," Kai commented after his laughing fit and patted Minato's shoulder. Minato blinked quizzically at what Kai said and continued walking toward his apartment since, they were almost gave Kai a light nod at least he seemed to know how women functioned. Well women/Sekirei functioned was there a difference? Ok, yeah there was, but Minato and Kai did not know.

Upon arrival of reaching Minato's apartment complex he spoke "Hey Uzume-san and Kai-san could you guys wait out here for a few minutes, I need to check and see if my landlord is not patrolling the halls," Minato said not wanting his landlord to find out about Uzume and get evicted. With that said he ran down the hall of his apartment complex making sure to check every nook and cranny. In the process of doing that Uzume was left stumped and looked to Kai for an explanation.

"To make it simple Minato has a landlord that does not like women. He even thought I was a woman can you believe that Uzume?" Kai questioned with a chuckle in his voice. Absently flicking a strand of his hair out of his face in a flippant manner. That gesture alone made Uzume laugh and made her think of ways to pass the time with Kai.

"Yes you definitely are not a woman Kari-chan. Those clothes and that pretty looking face do not scream feminine, " Uzume giggled sarcastically pestering the bishounen relentlessly. She definitely enjoyed teasing others especially those who made it to easy. Kai rolled his eyes at the nickname not finding it funny. Honestly how could Uzume call him such a ridiculous name as he crossed his arms with a huff of annoyance. This only added to what Uzume teased about him and further help proved her point.

"Whatever, I bet Minato thinks of you as a man," was Kai's annoyed response to her mocking. At those words Uzume scoffed at the bishonen and began to argue with the other about feminine appeal. After their small argument which lasted well over awhile did Kai look toward the hallway of Minato's apartment complex. It had been forty minutes since Minato left and Kai was pondering to look for him.

'Knowing Minato that guy is probably lost. He was after all lost in the forest with Yukari back when we were kids.' The bishonen thought with a nod of his head that making up his mind. Just when he was about to take a step forward Uzume dashed off before him seemingly having the same idea and ran down the hall.

'Whoa! where'd her fire come from?' Kai questioned with a puzzled look on his face now running off behind her and still fail short to catch up to her. Uzume sure could run fast was she some sort of track star? when Kai caught up to Uzume a minute later he saw her standing outside Minato's open door. She visibly shook in place and had her hands over her mouth in shock.

"Yo Uzume-chan what is the problem?..." Kai drawled out the question upon arrival and saw the problem with his own eyes. It was utter disaster for what was in front of Uzume and Kai. Minato set on the floor shaking in despair; his room had been ransacked evident by the scattered papers everywhere, books were ripped out, his toppled couch, and the robber or robbers had the nerve to steal Minato's futon for some odd reason.

"M-Minato-kun..." Uzume whispered slowly walking into the room toward him and upon reaching him she pulled him into a comforting hug. The same reminiscent hug of comfort from earlier in the morning. She didn't know what to say to him a sigh escaping her soft lips as Uzume rubbed her fingertips on to his shoulders in a relaxing manner.

"U-Uzume-chan... they stole my money and K-Kai... I am afraid they have stolen your luggage. I-I looked all around for it and double checked, but it's gone. I'm sorry," Minato apologized feeling like it was his entire fault and looked down at the floor. If only he had stayed home maybe none of this would have happened. Uzume shook her head to what he was saying and comfortably rubbed a hand through the locks of his black hair.

She felt his growing sadness and it made her shed a small tear, even though they had not kissed and officially become Ashikabi and Sekirei respectively. The emanate bond between them was manifesting itself already.

'Minato-kun I swear to you, I will find the bastards that dare harm my Ashikabi and steal from him.' Uzume thought with a look of constrained anger on her face just waiting to find whomever did this to her Ashikabi. She had already started formulating a plan, but knew she would need help in this plan Sekirei help that is.

"Minato just wait here I am going to ask around and see if anyone spotted someone suspicious around here," Kai growled an edge in his tone as he left the room and immediately began to do just that. Minato acknowledged him with a nod of the head and wondered what had he done to deserve this. Did he earn someone else's ire? maybe it was all the times he had been late for paying his greedy landlord. Was this some divine act of retribution.

Shortly an hour later Minato and Uzume both were collecting whatever remained of his belongings. The process did not take long all that was left really was Minato's toothbrush, spare cloths, and a broken picture of his family when he first came to Shinto Teito. After collecting what remained in a small knapsack Minato looked out the window seeing the bright sun. At least the sun was bright it made Minato feel a little better, but not by much though.

Uzume's gentle gaze was on him and bit her lower lip still angered by the fact someone stole from him. She gripped her left fist in anger not realizing that a small portion of her white veils were starting to show from the sleeve. Minato turned to look over at her and smiled reassuringly feeling anger come from Uzume. Announcing that things would be alright for him. Under that radiant smile of Minato's; Uzume visibly calmed down her pent up anger being warmed away by his smile. He sure knew how to make a Sekirei feel better that was for sure as her veils slithered back up her sleeve.

Minato for a split second could have swore that he saw a veil hang from Uzume's wrist as his eyes lingered downward for a moment. 'U-Uzume-san... with veils? maybe this incident has made me hallucinate.' He thought and was about to ask Uzume about it just to confirm it. Before Kai came running into the room with police behind him breaking the situation in a flash.

"Here's the police I called them while searching for clues," Kai chuckled as everyone around him sweatdropped with an audible sigh. Shortly after that moment Minato explained to the cops about the intrusion of his home. While that occurred Uzume talked to Kai about any information he had found about this situation and something private as well. Needless to say Kai had retrieved little to no information which infuriated both Uzume and Kai.

Two hours later having nothing else to do in the day Minato along with Uzume and Kai sat inside of a cafe eating a pastry with tea. The looks on their faces differed completely Minato was rather calm, Uzume had a light expression on her face in the form of a giggle. Kai was the least happy of the group and sported a scowl.

"I can't believe we have to twiddle our thumbs and wait for the police. This is such a bummer," Kai muttered with a small sigh and sipped from his cup of tea. Uzume had to agree with Kai it was rather annoying to just wait around. At least there was good food for company and friends around.

"Kai-kun if it is not a problem could I stay at your house? I don't think staying at my apartment is viable anymore. I packed lightly," Minato asked with a chuckle, scratching the left side of his cheek with a finger in trepidation. He did not know why he was so nervous maybe the apartment break in had him rattled up still.

Kai was about to answer when Uzume practically jumped at the prospect of Minato needing a place to stay. She slammed her hands on the table almost splitting it down the middle in her haste; luckily it did not break, but it did gather unwanted attention from everyone else in the café especially the eyes of a certain duo.

"Minato-kun can stay at the inn! Miya-chan would love to have you back over! of course Kagari would too especially me..." Uzume cheerily declared mumbling the last part to herself, while hiding a thin blush. At Uzume's declaration Minato scratched the back of his head in embarrassment whilst Kai could only chuckle hiding it amongst the palm of his hand. Uzume sure was gong-ho about getting Minato to stay with her at the inn.

"Well Minato you can stay at my house, I have no problem with it. Plus, I have my keys good thing I had those in my pocket. Though, I believe Uzume-chan... I mean Miya-chan by the looks of it would definitely love to have you back. Isn't that correct Uzume-chan?" Kai questionably teased the busty Sekirei with another chuckle even Minato was chuckling in tow.

Kai did love putting people on the spot it was a forte of his. Even the other patrons in the café quietly laughed. Uzume's nostrils flared in a cute manner of defeat as she crossed her arms not having a witty comeback this time.

Kai continued to chuckle for another minute or two relishing the win, although it did not last long not at all, because Uzume abruptly stood up from the table and looked at Minato. Her eyes gleamed with importance and grabbed Minato's hand dashing out of the cafe leaving Kai who sipped from his cup of tea again chuckling mildly.

"You go ahead and get 'em tiger!" He cheered earnestly and then thought about the situation he was in. 'So for now it will be just me at my home and boy will I need to clean it. Not liking forward to that.' He thought somberly while flicking a strand of his hair nonchalantly. A waitress walked up to him bringing him out of his thoughts and gave Kai the bill with a warm smile, before walking off. "Great those two left me with the bill... aghh damn you Uzume!" Kai shouted with comical rage and flipped the table cursing out Uzume's name.

"Did you hear that Mutsu-kun it looks like that Sekirei's name is Uzume. By the looks of it she's going to pick Minato as her Ashikabi that's not fun I want her in my collection," Mikogami mumbled finishing the last slice of his cake and stood up from the table. Mutsu sighed not wanting to be the one to hunt for this Sekirei he did actually know her from a time ago.

Unlikely as it was Uzume had heard him and giggled making Minato question what she was laughing about and was going to ask, but decided against it.

"That'll serve you right Kai-kun for making fun of me," Uzume muttered while lowly smirking hiding it beneath her hair in a charming manner. After saying that she dragged Minato toward a quiet secluded park this being the spot she would wing him. Yes, Uzume had come up with this romantic spot a day ago she wanted it to be perfect for him and her.

"M-Minato-kun I know we've only known each other for a very short while a-and I hope you feel the same about this... b-but will y-you..." Uzume began to trail off as a red blush coated her face with each passing word and soft look Minato gave her. It was making her weak in the knees as her breathing came out in heavy pants. Her hands gripping into his shirt started to sweat a little she needed him. Her Sekirei core was practically ready to burst out from her chest in a display of love/

"U-Uzume-chan what are you talking about? are you ok? you look like your burning up badly," Minato spoke with concern and placed his hands gently against her cheeks slightly rubbing them. This only caused Uzume's breaths to sound more of lustful pants as she drew her face closer to his. These small little actions were making her Sekirei core burn brighter and saw the cute blush on his face.

"M-Minato-kun please be my Ashikabi your the one for me and only me," Uzume panted out near his lips they were only four inches apart away from sweet bliss and she was closing in.

Three inches.

Two inches.

And finally one last crucial inch

Before Uzume could kiss him she was rudely interrupted by a woman crashing down in front of the two only five meters away. This forced apart Uzume who was in her lustful state and pushed Minato away from her making him fall back on to his rear painfully. Whomever disturbed their quiet time was about to meet a very upset Uzume and it was not going to be pretty.

"Stop right there unwinged Sekirei I must give you to my Ashikabi. You will make a fitting prize in his collection," The woman said in a melancholic tone almost sounding bored by it. The woman well Sekirei in question was number #86 Katsuragi who was adorned in a Bruce lee style of jumpsuit. Her messy dark short orange hair swayed in the breeze as she adopted a fighting stance similar to that of a boxer. Katsuragi was more than ready for this Sekirei and wanted to eagerly please her new Ashikabi who she met recently.

"Hehe Mutsu-kun now you don't have to fight my newest birdy will prove herself," Mikogami spoke in a crude tone of voice hugging on to his Sekirei's arm. The two obscured from sight by Mutsu holding an umbrella over them since it would be raining soon. Mutsu only sighed facepalming himself he knew that the new bird would soon fly the coop.

"I was in the process of getting winged thank you very much. Before you came along and ruined it. I am number #10 Uzume and my future Ashikabi is that man before you," Uzume gestured proudly behind herself as her clothing ripped to pieces revealing white veils underneath giving Minato and the Sekirei an eyeful. Minato had to cover his nose again feeling blood drip down it why oh why was this happening?

Katsuragi only nodded and looked at the male behind Uzume and could only tilt her head. What was so amazing about this man? he seemed truly weak like a newborn.

"That man is your future Ashikabi?" She questioned in disbelief after giving him an appraising look which did not meet her standards at all.

"Yes! Minato will be my Ashikabi soon enough," Uzume smiled at the thought in a gleeful manner her veils dancing in agreement with her thoughts.

"Well he looks like a fish out of water," Katsuragi said her piece, before dashing towards Uzume's at a speed that Minato could not even hope to follow. Uzume watched the Sekirei come towards her and threw out a right jab towards her stomach. Which the veiled Sekirei easily smacked away with one of her veiled fist and sent her other veiled arm into the exposed stomach of Katsuragi.

That caused the sporty Sekirei to be sent flying backwards along the balms of her feet approximately ten meters away.

"Is it over?" Minato questioned getting a shake of the head from Uzume who ran over towards the direction of the Sekirei wanting to finish this off and claim her Ashikabi. Katsuragi once Uzume reached her location feigned being down and out. Before arising from her ground position like a cobra directing an uppercut into the veiled Sekirei's jaw that sent Uzume into the air at least by thirty feet. Katsuragi was not done yet and followed up her uppercut by jumping after the veiled Sekirei. Uzume was caught off guard by the uppercut and cursed in her head while righting herself in midair in time to see Katsuragi heading towards her. Thinking on her feet well technically off her feet Uzume's eyes took on a split second red hue as her veils wildly swayed behind her and before Katsuragi could react ensnared her like a trapped snake.

"Your going down! all the way down!" Uzume exclaimed and spun herself along with the now ensnared Sekirei in a move similar to a spinning drill headed towards the ground. Katsuragi tried to unbind herself from the thick veils desperately, but despite her strength could not break free a lone tear trailing from her eyelid as she awaited the end.

"Goodbye my Ashikabi," were Katsuragi's final words as her gaze lingered over to where her Ashikabi was tears cascading down her cheeks. A small smile on his face as he waved her goodbye cheerily and turned around leaving with Mutsu. Mikogami knew he could have saved her easily with Mutsu, but like all toys they eventually break. it seemed this one broke very early. Back to the factory she was going or not Mikogami did not care since he had was already on the move for another one.

When Uzume and Katsuragi reached the ground it resulted an a earth shattering crash sound which rocked the area. Creating a crater about 10 meters wide and 5 meters deep.

"Uzume! Uzume!" Minato called out in worry running over to the impact sight and watched with bated breath. Soon after five minutes a person emerged from the crater it being a smiling Uzume who jumped on to Minato promptly landing her on top of him who threw her arms around his neck and smirked victoriously wanting her prize.

"With this I take my Ashikabi Minato as mine," she decreed in a strange oath and pressed her lips passionately against Minato's. The kiss at first shocking Minato, before his body gave into the passionate yet strangely loving kiss not making sense of what had occurred all rational thought leaving him. Even stranger was when Minato saw white wings erupt from Uzume's back like angel wings which eclipsed the two in a midst of her veils.

"By the veil of my contract, my Ashikabi's nightmares will be crushed," Uzume breathlessly spoke her Norito against Minato's warm lips. After her short chant she deepened the kiss with Minato; trailing the edges of her Ashikabi's lips hungrily desiring more from him as her tongue prodded his lips wantonly.

Unfortunately for Uzume, the overall stimulation and utter surprise of this day was to much on the guy and succumbed to blissful unconsciousness.

"Minato-kun left me high and dry bad teasing Ashikabi, " Uzume scolded releasing the kiss reluctantly, before getting off of him and looked up to the sky spotting the clouds rain dampening them and sighed as she looked over at the defeated Sekirei whose crest faded away minutes ago.

Uzume waited for M.B.I to show up this was after all her first official match and per rules regulated she did need to stay with the defeated Sekirei until choppers came. This gave her time to think about things as of late and gazed at the sky in deep contemplation while her veils swayed in what could be called regret as the rain came pouring down harder.

Izumo Inn 10:34 P.M.

In the middle of the night Minato began to stir and opened his eyes to the sight of a sleeping Uzume on top of him whose body was slightly moist at least their bodies were wrapped in a large blanket. Minato looked around the room taking in his surroundings, it was vastly different than the room Minato slept in before. This room had more of a female vibe by the types of clothes that were piled in one corner of the room and a rather lacy pair of white undergarments that should not be worn in public hanging off the desk. Swallowing a heavy gulp and blush did he look down at his own attire and blink with a puzzled expression. Minato was now in a white lab coat and black track pants did someone change him out of his clothes?

"Hello Minato-san may I come in? I believe you are awake now," Miya announced her presence from outside the room. The landlady had been waiting patiently for Minato to awake for three hours.

"Yes please come in," was Minato's response and like a crack of lightning the wooden door opened Miya coming inside without delay. She took a seat beside the upright Minato who was supporting a still sleeping Uzume on his lap. It was kind of scary how fast Miya took to his side. 'Is she one of t-those Sekirei or something?' he wondered. If only he knew how right that thought was.

"Minato-san I am sure you have plenty of questions about what happened today. Would you like for me to answer them if Uzume does not wake?" Miya asked politely if the ronin was going to be in the plan. He should at least know the situation he was headed in. Miya noticed Minato's gaze linger downward to his clothes a hidden blush coming over her face. They were after all her late husband's clothing. 'He certainly fits those clothes.' She thought downing her faint blush to say "Minato-san it was not me who changed you it was Kagari. Sorry, but I could not have a guest of mine be left in wet clothes and catch a cold. Luckily he was here, though he left an hour ago for work," she answered what was most likely Minato's first question.

Minato nodded glad it was Kagari who had done it and not Miya who had done so. It would had made things awkward between them if it occurred and Minato did not want that.

"Thank you Miya-sama for informing me of that. No need for awkward moments around us which is relieving to hear. U-Umm... Miya-sama about Uzume-chan do you know anything about her?" Minato stuttered slightly not knowing how to direct the now awkward conversation.

Fortunately for his sake the awkward silence was broken by Uzume waking up with a small yawn stretching her arms outwards to the ceiling. The veiled Sekirei blinked utterly unprepared at the puzzled blushing look Minato gave her. Was she not wearing clothes? looking down at herself she still had on her veils from earlier, which were dry after her snooze with him.

"Minato-kun are you ok? still a bit dazed about what you saw in the evening. Or are you just very happy to see me?" Uzume giggled pressing her ample chest against his starting to straddle his waist making the ronin blush scarlet. At the indecent act being performed before her Miya promptly slapped a ladle over Uzume's head her Hanya mask out in warning to the rule-breaker.

"Scary mask Miya-sama you hit hard to much," Uzume commented while rubbing her aching scalp.

"Well if a certain rule-breaker would just follow the rules of the inn maybe she would not receive as much punishment," Miya replied with a bone-chilling smile that sent shivers down Minato and Uzume's spine.

'Scary landlady.' Minato thought and looked at Uzume both thinking the same. Once Miya's Hanya mask vanished glad her point was across she left the room to give them time to talk.

Miya wanted to see that Minato was better after being soaked in the rain and happy she was for some unknown reason. Dispelling any further thoughts down that road she returned to her room silently and made a silent prayer to her deceased husband's picture frame.

"Uzume-chan please explain to me what a Sekirei is? and an Ashikabi too, since you claimed me as your Ashikabi," Minato asked not understanding the total gist of this foreign situation. As his hand out of instinct by now touched his neck to find it barren his white scarf not being there. Panic arising in his system worried that he may have lost it.

Uzume sensing her Ashikabi's panic through their bond gently placed her left hand on his cheek; rubbing the spot affectionately in attempt to calm him.

"It's ok Minato-kun my veil, your scarf is right here," Uzume pointed toward her chest specifically where her core was. As she used her free hand to grab his hand and place it on her veiled covered breast . Minato blushed at the soft feel of her veiled breast and thought Uzume was playing a game with him, but she was not this time. Her hand starting to glow a pure white over his extracting from her veils. A pure white veil which although, identical to any other veil upon her glowed within their shared hands.

"This my Ashikabi is my special veil my heart. Remember no matter how far apart we are, we're always connected," Uzume spoke in such a tone of sincere love it made Minato's heart skip a few beats almost double-taking as she fastened her veil on his neck smoothly. It was strange seeing Uzume who was in all rights a super tease be so loving in this moment.

"T-Thank you Uzume-chan," Minato thanked not releasing the gentle hold of her hand as he stared into her big brown eyes getting lost in them again. Uzume smiled at him glad he was calling her chan frequently now and without prior warning captured her Ashikabi's lips in a sweet loving kiss. Minato not expecting the kiss slackened his back on the futon, Uzume already on top of him as her Sekirei crest lit up covering the room in a sea of angelic white light. Breaking the kiss tenderly Uzume relaxed herself on top of him using him as her pillow, a bright warm smile plastered on her face.

"Minato-kun this is what happens after a Sekirei finds her destined Ashikabi. We Sekirei are as you saw earlier are a race of beings with extraordinary abilities. There are a total of 108 Sekirei. We Sekirei find our chosen Ashikabi to bond with and fight in the S-Plan known as the Sekirei plan," Uzume told him what she generally knew of the Sekirei plan.

Minato nodding to it at least that question was answered, though with it raised plenty more questions. He was going to ask another question, but a pang in his chest resonated through their bond Uzume was growing tired again and did not want to answer anymore questions. She had carried Minato all the way back to the inn rushing to get home not wanting him to get sick due to the rain while avoiding onlookers and other potential Sekirei who wanted to fight her.

"Let's rest Uzume-chan," Minato softly spoke as Uzume smiled closing her eyes letting sleep whisk her away while hugging her Ashikabi tightly. It felt so wonderful to establish her bond with him and be his Sekirei. Minato blushed at the hold having never felt this type of loving affection before with a woman and clumsily reciprocated the hold falling asleep himself with a warm smile. It was definitely going to be pleasant dreams that awaited him this time, instead of horrible nightmares.

Author's note: Uzume has finally been claimed by Minato and Mikogami shows how cruel he can be to his Sekirei. Ashikabi's actually do grow stronger some in a physical sense depending on their Sekirei. While others have latent abilities form from their Sekirei especially in regards to the number of Sekirei they wing. Minato's empathy for one will lead to changes in him and his Sekirei along with a few other people.