A/n

And this is the last additional chapter for the story that I added in the rewrite. It will lead up to the point that my original chapter 2 starts. Enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 4: Premonitions

-Ashe's pov-

Living as a family was an amazing experience for the early years of Kai's life. The boy was a hand-full, there was no question in that, he proved himself good at getting into things he shouldn't once he was able to propel himself. Kai even took a liking to Takehito, seeing him as an uncle I believe which I had no problem with.

However, it was around Kai's second birthday that things began changing in ways that weren't so nice. The first sign of change was the information that I was getting from those that had infiltrated MBI. It had been gradual at the beginning, but Hiroto Minaka was doing as Takehito said he had thought about and was making changes to Sekirei for a contest or 'game' as it was being referred to as. Learning those facts had irritated me, had worried Takehito and troubled Miya. The second point of note was MBI's expansion which had accelerated the year after Kai had been born. Along with that, MBI started aggressively expanding its influence and control over Tokyo. The northern sector was not an exception in the attempt, but there was no success, I and others made sure of that.

Nonetheless, that also brought up an issue that I wasn't wishing to face, which was Kai's safety. Takehito did mention that Minaka had entertained the idea of wishing to see a child of a Sekirei and another and not in a nice way. The best option would be to have Kai not around Izumo Inn and so not accessible by others who would potentially harm and abuse him. But that would then mean that Miya and I wouldn't get to spend the time with him that we do now and neither of us wants that to change. Yet, for the moment, that choice need not be made and so, Kai stayed at Izumo Inn. He was still a blissfully ignorant boy, happy with living with his parents.

It was the start of fall of the same year that Takehito had got contacted by some who knew him and still worked for MBI. For a few days, Takehito would simply talk to them over the phone and from what I heard things were not going well within MBI. Yet Takehito decided that it would be more efficient if he were to temporarily go to MBI, hopefully, to get things back in some order. The following months had Takehito not be around the house much and when he was he looked tired and drained. The more time that Takehito was helping around MBI, the more his health declined.

I began to seriously worry about Takehito when he started disappearing for days at a time before he would drop by. I wasn't the only one that was concerned about Takehito Miya was as well, and also Kai asked about where Takehito was sometimes too. It was a few weeks before Kai's third birthday when Takehito appeared one night and asked to talk to me alone. I was normally fine with such a thing but Takehito asked that our conversation is at a place that others wouldn't overhear us. That brought us to the Inari Shrine and that did fit the requirements that Takehito requested.

Once it was just the two of us, Takehito began telling me about what had been happening that had needed him to work with those at MBI. Apparently, Minaka had been doing more changes and alterations to Sekirei than Takehito, Miya or I had imagined he would. The number of corrections that Takehito had made already were ridiculous and showed that Minaka was an idiot. Yet, there was more as Minaka had found other objects on the Sekirei ship that he should not play and toy with. Honestly, Hiroto Minaka was worse than a child playing with fire, more like an ignorant fool using magic without thought of the consequences.

The issue was that one collection of objects that Minaka was playing with felt dangerous as Takehito said. And though Takehito doesn't use magic regularly, he still can use the sense those who can use magic naturally have. Those senses are good at warning of danger around someone or something. "Ashe," started Takehito, "I want you to promise that you will do something before I tell you what it is."

I gazed at my friend, "I would assume that you have a very good reason for wanting me to promise you something before telling me what it is," I posed. Takehito nodded, to which I sighed, "Very well, I will defer to your judgment, I promise that I will do what it is you want me to do."

Takehito brought out two objects that he called "Jinki" and the moment he brought them out, I felt the energy emanating from them. What was shocking to me, was what was coming from them was energy that is similar to what deities tend to have just less magnitude. Takehito wanted me to take the two Jinki he had smuggled out and kept them safe and out of the hands of Minaka until further notice. I had no issue with that other than it felt like Takehito was making contingency plans as if he may soon meet his end.

The second half of the promise was much less okay with me as it was that I say nothing about the two Jinki to Miya. Miya and I didn't like secrets between us and did our best to not have any the best we could. I understand the reasoning Takehito used in order to justify not letting Miya know, she had been responsible for the Jinki. And to Takehito, he believed that it was imperative that all eight Jinki should not be brought together in the same place. They apparently, increased power when there were more of them together and the energy level dropped when there were less of them.

Takehito was gone by the time I woke up the next morning, and a bad feeling that had come to me wouldn't leave me. I believe Miya was able to tell that I was stressing during the day, but she was watching after Kai and so didn't have much opportunity to ask me why I was acting the way I was. It was in the afternoon, that the flow of energy from the charm I gave Takehito stopped completely. That made the feeling of horrible things coming increase a great deal and the feelings broke shortly after Kai was put to bed when one of my informants personally came to the house and told me of what events had occurred.

The visions that I had seen of Takehito meeting his death returned to me when I was told that my friend had died. I had suspected that he was dead, the flow from the charm ceasing inferred that as it was either that or the charm had been destroyed and the latter is much more difficult. At MBI's tower here in Tokyo, there had been a test being done where the Jinki were made active to see what would happen. That alone common sense should have urged and stated loudly would not be a wise idea if continuing life was the goal. Those that had been overseeing the test had been made unable to move by the Jinki and would have been killed if things would have kept going, Hiroto Minaka included in that group. Takehito hadn't been affected, which was being attributed to him not being an 'ashikabi-type' human. In the end, Takehito's actions to stop the Jinki in fully activating was successful but gave his life as the price of doing that.

MBI was classifying the series of events which got Takehito killed as a series of unfortunate accidents. And I have issues with that view as 'accidents' would imply that those involved were very ignorant of the risks or dangers of their actions. From the conversation I had with Takehito last night, those with MBI weren't completely ignorant with what the Jinki could possibly do. In other words, they had been playing with an ignition source around prime fuel for fire thinking they wouldn't start a fire and so get burn when it was approaching impossible that it wouldn't be happening.

As if to further justify my suspicions, my informant told me that Hiroto Minaka had been the one that had wanted the 'test' done. When others had brought up how much risk there was and how unwise doing such a thing was, the man waved it off. Minaka had replied with something to the effect of 'the worry was unwarranted and paranoia' and 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' lines. Those lines said to me that what happened with the Jinki and Takehito weren't 'accidents' as it was being stated. When an individual does things that not only have serious risk attached but bring the circumstances that pretty much guarantee issues and problems, then it is not an accident. The idea these days is called premeditative intent for they intend harm to either oneself or normally others involved.

That in mind, the so-called series of accidents that Takehito had been involved in looked far more like Minaka getting rid of those that weren't in agreement with his views. Takehito had stood against that which Minaka wanted to do and others stood with Takehito on that. Thus, were Takehito to disappear or die, one major voice against Minaka would be silenced. Twisted as the logic was to most, myself included, it made the most sense with what facts there were. Yet, knowing that it angered me greatly to understand that Takehito had been sent to his death merely to be silenced and not be able to bring reason that would stop a delusionary fool.

Takehito had not been evil in any way, he was a good person that had a great deal to give to the world. Now, the world would be denied the potential Takehito had all because a fool wanted him out of the way. I thanked the one that had brought me this information and they left, probably seeing that my mood was dropping fast. Having someone that I cared about not just taken away but killed hit me in the heart. It also made it extremely difficult to hold in the negative and violent emotions and thoughts clambering for attention. My tails had come out of their own accord and were whipping around chaotically giving voice to my pain.

-Miya's pov-

I had gotten Kai to bed at last, it was taking a bit longer than it used to I admit, but that is fine. While I had been working on that task someone had come to visit Ashe I believe, what for I couldn't say. Ashe had been acting odd all day and I just hadn't gotten the chance to ask him what was bothering him. Our bond had grown to the point that I could clearly feel the emotions that he was having, even those he didn't show outwardly. There had been feelings of worry and negative foreboding from my husband all day and I couldn't figure out why. The only guess I had was something from whatever he and Takehito talked about was haunting him. Then in the afternoon, it had gotten worse for no visible reason, which had me very concerned.

I was heading for the living room to hopefully find out what was going on, but along the way, things changed drastically. The feelings from Ashe instantly gained a dark quality to them which is extremely rare for him, that was followed by a crash. That got me to speed up my pace to the room and upon reaching it I found Ashe standing in the middle of the room. His tails were out and thrashing around violently, Ashe was shaking in clear fury, but I still couldn't figure out what put Ashe in this state. I raced forward and hugged my husband, "Ashe, what is wrong," I questioned.

Ashe didn't answer immediately, a sign of how strong his anger and fury was, but eventually, he did speak. "Wrong," he uttered, "There is a delusional fool out there who there that believes that he can commit evils and pass their actions off as a series of accidents." Hearing the magical tone coming in was worrying me more, Ashe doesn't use those tones often if at all. Ashe continued, "And because of that idiotic fool, Takehito is dead and he unlikely has any thought about that other than another that would cry out against him is gone."

Ashe had started growling halfway through the tirade and hearing Ashe says that Takehito was dead shocked me. I glanced at his face and saw the tears coming from his eyes, which said that he wasn't joking about Takehito being dead. And yet that wasn't all, his eyes were gold instead of the grey they normally were and the pupils were slitted. It was clear that Ashe was losing control of himself over this, which Takehito dying could be part of the reason, but I feel that wasn't all. "Ashe, who are you talking about," I questioned, "How do you even know that Takehito is dead?"

Ashe let out something between a snarl and a growl, "Hiroto Minaka is the one to whom I refer, and he is the one responsible for Takehito's death!"

What Ashe was saying didn't make sense to me, Takehito knew Minaka enough to not be involved in the man's foolish decisions. However, Ashe was furious enough to have me believe there was more to what he was saying. It took time and effort from me to calm Ashe down enough to get the whole story from him. And when I was told what had happened, I wished that I had not asked Ashe to tell me for I understood why he felt as he did.

I feared that Minaka would at some point play around with the Jinki which is what I believe Ashe was referring to by his descriptions though he didn't use the name. Playing with those things is begging for trouble for all involved in the practice, not that such would deter Minaka. I had counted on there being enough around the man would have common sense that Minaka wouldn't toy with the Jinki yet, but apparently, I was wrong. And now, Takehito had paid the price of Minaka's idiocy which was bad in a few ways. Takehito was one of those that spoke out against Minaka and his stupidity, one of the foremost that did. With him gone, most would be silenced which Minaka would prefer. But for Ashe to take that and accuse Minaka of killing Takehito is a bit of a stretch to me.

Nonetheless, Ashe was close to heading out this night, hunt down Minaka and kill him for what occurred to Takehito. Yet, I knew that Takehito would not want Ashe to do horrible things to another because of something that happened to him. It took hours to convince Ashe it wasn't worth going after Minaka even if I kind of wanted him to do things to Minaka for what had been done to Sekirei. However, if Ashe does end out punishing Minaka, then I didn't do it for the reasons that he had in mind.

It was over the next few months, that things around MBI began changing even more and it was clear Minaka was doing what he liked now without issue. That brought up a problem for Ashe and I for it did put Kai in danger. Were Hiroto Minaka to find out about Kai's existence, I fear that the man would have someone fetch him before he has horrible things done to him, in fact, I expect that of him. The best way to prevent that was to not have Kai around the house, but that means we wouldn't see him often and that was a painful thought.

Yet, on Kai's third birthday, Ashe and I knew what had to be done even when it would bring hardship for us. Kai didn't understand why we told him he would have to live somewhere else for a time and didn't much like the idea. But in the end, Ashe and I convinced him and Ashe took him to one of the places he can go that others could not. It was hard to watch Kai go knowing that it was for his safety that we sent him away. Hopefully, soon enough Minaka will be ousted from MBI and that would start some much needed changes for the better. The year didn't bring that wish, things merely got worse with MBI and their activities which translated to problems for those around them.

When the fifth Spring season came, I was left to reflect an amount on what had changed for me over the years that had passed by. Back when I had been the leader for MBI's Disciplinary Squad, life had been dark and bleak looking towards the future, there had been little to no hope. Then had come the meeting of Ashe, and oh, how things had changed for me from then going forward in ways that I didn't imagine they could. My life with Ashe was wonderful for everything seemed so much brighter than they had been before. Having learned the simple things that life involves now filled each day where they hadn't before with MBI.

I do wish Kai was still living with us, but with circumstances as they are, that isn't wise to have him around the house. Ashe and I had known that Minaka with the control and influence he has was too dangerous for our son to be around us. Although, it was mostly me as I suspected that MBI would or is keeping tabs on me. That being the case, it was just Ashe and I these days and where that is okay, it still could be better.

The cherry blossoms in bloom had just started to fall recently, which brought happiness and warm feelings to me and as a horrible event is nigh, I needed such. Minaka's Sekirei Plan or 'contest' is to start soon and at this time were I to guess and there's nothing that can be done to prevent it or stop it. It forced remembrance about all of those I was supposed to watch over and how they are going to be forced into a fight to the death. And why is all of this happening, because a delusional mad man is obsessed with bringing about some sort of new age that he wishes to shape has been working on this. Those that tried to stop him have either disappeared or are dead so none have really been able to stand in the way of Minaka.

I am a failure as a watcher entrusted to look after the surviving birds that I was given responsibility for. I was tasked to keep them safe from those that would use and abuse them and I have not done that. If not for Ashe being here for me, then I would be at a loss of what I could do or would do.

In fact, I was looking around for my husband as he was not around any of the places that I searched for him thus far. Yet, as it is Springtime, he's probably outside watching the cherry blossoms as he likes to do so when he finds the opportunity. The simple activity brings him peace and calms the storm of chaos that can plague him. I would never wish to deny him of that, not after learning more of his history. And once I went to the back porch, I found my husband sitting simply watching as the cherry blossoms fell. "Ah ha, so this is where you are Ashe," I said to inform Ashe I was behind him.

Ashe perked up, then twist around to see me standing in the doorway behind him and he smiled. "I beg for your forgiveness and patience Miya. I have always liked watching the cherry blossoms in bloom and then see them fall, it brings a feeling of tranquility. Such a feeling can be hard to obtain sometimes for me, especially at certain times of the year. So it's a habit that I can't help, I tend to lose track of time when I see them flutter by on the wind," Ashe paused, "care to join me, love," he asked, gesturing to the place next to himself.

I accepted his offer and took a seat on his right before I leaned up against my husband, to which he responded by wrapping an arm around my back securing a hold around me. I smiled at the action for it was one of the small ways that Ashe shows that he loves and cares about me. "I wish peaceful times like this would continue forever," I said softly.

The wish that every Sekirei could have the chance to know the joy that I've been able to experience with Ashe was strong. It is akin to wishing happiness for one's children to a degree which I knew through personal experience now. It is also why knowing what is going to happen to Sekirei is harder. "If there's one thing that I have come to understand, it is that peaceful times do not last forever. There have to be hard times for there to be peaceful ones, without the contrast then none would be able to tell the difference between them. Although," Ashe stopped to take the opportunity to hug me to him, followed by him tilting his head to have it lie on the top of mine, "I would have to agree with you my darling, I too wish times like this would continue indefinitely."

Warmth blossomed in me at Ashe's comforting words, he somehow always knew what to say, how he does it, I don't know. My only guess is that with the time he has lived for, he has learned the skill. Memories of the events and experiences that we had been through together went through my mind. After a few minutes, I couldn't help myself but ask the question on my mind, "What are you thinking about Ashe?"

Ashe turned his head and gazed at me, before he replied, "Oh, just recalling other happy times my dear. In fact, I was remembering when we first met for that was an event that I will never forget."

I giggled at the event he brought up as I snuggled against him a little more, "Ah yes, I remember that day very well too. Takehito had asked me to come by the day before so he could do some testing with me. So, when Takehito had me come in, he mentioned that he had been talking with a friend. That made me curious as Takehito hadn't appeared to be 'friends' with really any of the other scientist, he was just nice to them. There was one that he seemed to be on good terms, a woman by the name of Takami Shashi but that was all. So, with that, as it was, I couldn't think of who Takehito was referring to. Then, when I entered the room, I caught first sight of you and," I trailed off and blushed a bit.

The first sight I had gotten of Ashe had been truly unlike anything I had known before that. Looking back, I see that I was reacting and did so going forward which was something I never thought would happen to me like it is supposed to work for the other Sekirei. I am different than the other Sekirei that I was asked to watch over though the reacting and emergence should work similarly.

Yet, MBI had been 'adjusting' things for the Sekirei so that winging would happen 'more easily', at least that was the idea from what Ashe said. To me, it is wrong what MBI has done as it alters Sekirei's nature on a level that should not be touched. For winging to occur with just a single contact as it is supposed to be now violates many things that shouldn't be. I hadn't participated in the procedures that were meant to go in that direction or any other adjustments even though there had been scientists that were insisting that I should. I had threatened them, and they left me alone normally going forward for those that didn't they would after I shooed them away a few times.

I had originally thought that all humans other than the odd one like Takehito were selfish and cared nothing for anyone but themselves. That was what I saw with those on the ship and the records I accessed on the human race showed much the same overall. But then, I met Ashe and my views shifted with him acting so different than any other had around me, that did help that along. Ashe hugged me a smidgen tighter before I kept going, "I had never met anyone like you before. And when you greeted me with a smile, complimented me, I was at a loss of how to react. The few scientist or guards that were around the laboratory, had never been like you were with me, only Takehito would treat me nice."

My voice had fallen by the end with remembering just how fearful those on Kamikura had been of me. Ashe I just held me showing how he cared about me along with him moving his head a bit nuzzling my cheek with his. "I didn't know I made such a strong impression with you at the time Miya. It must be one of the reasons we're happily married now, what do you think," posed Ashe continuing to softly nuzzle me and chuckling a bit.

Ashe's nuzzling felt very comforting, but I wasn't interested in him having all the fun at this. So, I reached a hand over and started scratching under Ashe's chin gently knowing that was a sweet spot for him. I heard a quiet sigh escape my husband from my action and I smiled knowing that I was able to prod him as much as he could me. When I glanced upward, I saw that Ashe's fox ears were outstanding tall but twitching a bit as I kept scratching. Then the slight breeze behind us that came up told me that some of his tails had come out and were wagging with vigor. Ashe's fox features when they are visible showed what he is feeling even if his face doesn't give any inkling.

Shortly after Ashe's fox features appeared, I slid into his lap and settled in before I leaned back into my ashikabi happily. His response was to wrap both his arms back around my waist and hold me securely against him as well as one of his tails curling around my front. I felt the joy emanating from him and it matched my own, "If you wanted to have your seat in my lap Miya, then all you had to do was say so," he commented, moving his chin to sit on the top of my head. He inhaled deeply before I felt him grin broadly, "Since Kai isn't able to keep this spot to himself often. Or was it that you wanted me to bring my fox ears and a number of my tails out for you to see as you enjoy seeing my fox features dear?"

I began petting Ashe's tail that was across my front, running my fingers through the bushy yet silky fur. My other hand slid to come to be on top of Ashe's right hand, "I might have wanted both," I returned in a playful tone.

Ashe chortled at my answer before he brought the conversation back to where it had been previously, "You implied that I made an impression on you like you did with me, how so," he asked.

The question was one that hit a sore spot with me, so I didn't answer him straight away. In fact, I started shaking a bit out of shame as I remembered the times before I had left MBI and dark days those were for me. Ashe instantly twisted his right hand and held mine, interlacing our fingers, letting me know he was there for me. Honestly, I know that he has been through far more than I, and yet he wishes to comfort me and walk through the hardships together regardless of what that requires. It's endearing of him, and it's one of the qualities that I love about him. I didn't verbally respond to him, but I did show that I accepted his gesture by squeezing back.

"Well then, I can go first as you definitely made an impression on me," Ashe said, to which I hummed in response to say for him to go ahead. "Very well my dear, your beauty entranced me then and does so even now, captivating even. I've never met or seen someone exactly like you, nor smelled one like you either. But I think that what caught my attention was the feel I got from you for it was different than any other than I'd been around before. That's saying a great deal with the many things and beings I've encountered during my existence as I've seen more than most. The feelings that developed between us explain the rest I would think if you ask me. And yet still, I consider myself extremely lucky to have you by my side to cherish and adore now and for a long time to come."

I couldn't help the smile that appeared at hearing that last phrase from Ashe. The thought of him cherishing and adoring me while I did the same in exchange was a happy thought that I had often. I snuggled into Ashe's front a bit more, "Is that so, entranced by me that much are you?" I giggled before I continued, "I don't know whether you rehearse such flattery, or it just comes to you naturally." Ashe is just such a charmer, and I still can't say whether the majority of that is a talent he was born with or that he practiced the art. "Although, I can't say that I have any complaint about you cherishing and adoring me any more than you do me showing you the same," I returned.

My left hand which had been petting his tail rose up and brushed Ashe's cheek in an affectionate manner as I gazed towards my husband. Ashe smiled a little more broadly at the gesture and that sent warmth to my heart to counteract the pain that came from past memories. "Yes indeed, and I'm still entranced by you and intend to do the best I can to bring you happiness. So, how about you," Ashe posed continuing to nuzzle my head.

My smile faded at the thought, "Well… other than Takehito, everyone else on Kamikura was afraid of me, so much so that they would run away whenever I would approach or come near them. It is partially my fault that was the case, but," I trailed off into silence.

Yes, I had been cold and unfeeling back then, my purpose was to watch over and protect the little birds that had been placed in my care. When the ship had left the world of our origins, the world had been dying and much of the Sekirei race had been lost due to many factors. The ships that were sent away were seen as the final hope of survival that our species had for none of the ships were to return for any reason. So, for those of us who were chosen to be their watchers and protectors, it was a task we were not to fail in for any reason! But, to be seen as a monster was not what I intended to happen with my actions, yet that was what had come about.

Ashe started whispering words of encouragement and sweet words of comfort and love as he does when I'm feeling down. At the same time, he was slowly and gently turning me to face him and I didn't resist his actions. After I was slightly facing Ashe, I couldn't stop myself as I buried my body into his front and cried quietly. To be hated and feared was such a horrible experience to have gone through and it hurt badly! Ashe bless his heart wrapped me in his warm and loving embrace making sure that I knew he was there for me. "I never once feared you Miya, I can state as an undeniable fact, you're not a monster as others may have thought… not to me and certainly not to Takehito either. We were and are able to see who you genuinely are," Ashe said to me firmly.

I stayed against Ashe soaking in the comfort he brings me for a little while before I pulled my head away from his chest and gazed at Ashe's face. "Thank you for saying I am not a monster. It means a lot to me for you to say that" I said truthfully in a quiet voice.

Ashe leaned forward and lightly kissed me on my lips before pulling back slightly, "You are a wonderful woman Miya, I feel fortunate and lucky to have by my side as my wife along with the family we have. There's no way you are a monster," Ashe paused for a moment, "and I would know as a number of people would claim that I am a monster among other things I've been call," he replied, chuckling a bit.

We stayed on the back porch, me twisting around in Ashe's lap so that I could view the cherry blossoms while Ashe kept his arms loosely around me. As the sun was setting, we went inside the house that we had been alone for more than a year. There was the occasional visitor or those who would come to see Ashe from time to time. But currently, we had no tenants for the house, which kept the house quiet, but that wasn't necessarily a good thing.

-Ashe's pov-

As the evening came to a close, Miya and I were prepared for bed like we normally did. However, it was easy for me to tell that Miya was plagued by something, whether it was from the subjects we talked about or something else, I can't say. I know that neither of us had grown used to Kai not living with us even if both of us agreed to the reason why we needed to have him separate from us. Yet, being the type of person I am, I couldn't leave Miya in whatever was causing her to be in the hurt and sad mood she was. So, once we had got into our bed, I turned myself to face Miya and caught her attention, "Miya, what's bothering you darling," I asked.

Miya looked away and broke our eye contact, but she didn't answer my question. I reached forward and pulled her in an embrace, "You know you can tell me anything Miya," I whispered to her. "Whenever you feel unhappy, then so am I and I wish and feel the need to do what I can to help you."

It was the truth, in a relationship, when one feels unhappy or down, then the other will feel it too and so it was for me. And due to that, I wish to help my wife in any way I can to have the sadness go away. It was also clear that Miya was agonizing over something, even if she didn't say so, and I think I can guess what it is. But, with Miya not talking to me, it left few options for me, and so I went with one of those.

I hugged Miya close and began to sing one of her favorite songs, which is a traditional children's song called, "Sakura, Sakura".

"~Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms~," I sang softly.

Miya, who had been trembling softly as I had been trying to comfort her, stopped and I kept going, "~In fields, mountains and villages, as far as the eye can see~."

Miya turned back to look at me, "~Is it mist or clouds? Fragrant in the morning sun~," I crooned.

As I sang, Miya hugged me back and began to hum the tune as I warbled the rest of the simple, yet delightful song, "~Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms, flowers in full bloom. Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms, across the spring sky, as far as the eye can see. Is it mist, or clouds? Fragrant in the air. Come now, come now, let's go and see them~."

Now, I may not have the voice that many singers do, but it's not bad, and when it's singing to Miya, I couldn't care less if my voice were to sound horrid. The song had the intended effect and got Miya to open up, and once again, I heard about what was soon to occur to the Sekirei as a whole species. And no matter how many times I hear about what was going to happen to them, it sickens me and is painful to hear and comprehend!

The 'Sekirei Plan', the terrible competition that was a fighting match that was of the free for all type. Simply put, it would basically be a war to the death that had been thought up by one who is deranged. The one that was mostly responsible and is in my view completely lost in his delusions and has foregone common sanity, the head of MBI, Hiroto Minaka. He had turned the plan that had been to protect and observe Sekirei originally, into something that should never ever be done. He took the horrible idea of war and twisted it further into a sick form of entertainment or terrible game! War isn't a game, it should never be seen as any kind of entertainment, it's horrible and evil for it only destroys!

Takehito had helped come up with the 'S-Plan' which was the name of the original plan, which was to observe Sekirei and not interfere. When the change in the plan and the new intentions of the changes were brought up by Minaka, it sickened him as it does me. Takehito had been fully against the proposed changes and with him opposed, there were enough people resisting the suggestion to prevent the changes at the time.

Thus, the urge and desire to hunt down Minaka still cable to me from time to time, and the frequency had increased a bit as of late. I had a number of reasons to wish for the end of the man Hiroto Minaka, some that could state with surety and others not so much. The things he had done and had others do are wrong and there was enough evidence to convict him. Yet the worse crimes he had committed are ones that I can't prove with the information I have. Takehito's death is a prime example as the official record said that they were a collection of unfortunate and unlikely accidents.

However, it was passed off as a series of accidents, but what I see from what had happened that all of it had been done in the intent of getting someone killed. It's still possibly a twist of fate and was as the record said a series of unfortunate events. But, the odds and chances of the events just being accidents are lower than low. It was profoundly more plausible that someone had mastermind all the events to have someone die and Takehito fit that bill in that way. Really, for there to be another explanation, it was slim to none… decidedly closer to none on that spectrum.

Takehito's presence is missed here around Izumo Inn since his demise. I had held a funeral days after learning of his death, my way to honor him and send him off on the best terms possible. Many that had known Takehito had attended, both human and non-human, but there were those I would have expected to show that hadn't. I wouldn't doubt some of those had their reasons and viable ones, but others I'm not saying anything but am disappointed that they hadn't made the time.

Shortly after those events, the changes that had been proposed by Minaka were made with no resistance as there had been previously. And that's how the Sekirei Plan had come to be what it is now and was soon to begin. Takehito would be rolling around in his grave if he had one, his body hadn't ever been found, or so the records say. His soul would be tormented by what was being done, that's for sure! That doesn't sit well with me at all…

With what I know about Sekirei from Takehito and Miya, there's little I can do to change things for them right now, even though I wish I could. Takehito had told me many things during our discussions he would sometimes ramble and say some very interesting things, even if he didn't know it or realize what I took away from our talks. Then there were the notes my friend had made, and the sheer amount of those notes aren't small in any way!

Then for Miya and me to have to keep our son away to protect him from a ridiculous fool having his way is yet another reason I have against Minaka. It was a matter of time I believe before either I go and force Minaka to face the consequences for his crimes, or he does something stupid that has me do similar. All of it was causing horrible feelings for Miya and me, unfortunately, there was nothing I could really do. And yet, I couldn't leave Miya as she was, but I could do very little for her and it seriously irked me.

A/n

That's where I leave off for this chapter, I hope that you readers do enjoy the extra bits that help show how the relation between Ashe and Miya came to be what it is. I did want to show that it didn't just suddenly come to be, there was more background to it and I hope I've shown that. So, please some of you take some time to write a review and tell me what you think.