A/N: when the writing bug has you by the gonads. Better know you best write. What comes, can just as swiftly go. I've been writing now for approximately 12 hours, and one full chapter ahead. This includes one additional one set to go live shortly.
Hopefully I can keep up this pace for both ff's I have going... Damned if I didn't kill the iPads battery writing...
aboz567: I hope so too, but it will take time. I do not plan on supercharging him as some seem to like doing. Part of the charm I find in the original is Minato's slow rise to being able to realize what he can do. Its just that in the canon story, well, he takes far to much time to come to that realization. For me especially. Regardless I hope you enjoy. I do firmly believe tho that life gives you opportunity to renew, and make changes without luggage...
- o -
The old man sat comfortably back in his chair, surveying the city out the huge expanse of windows, the cigar billowing smoke about his head. The doors to his office swung open, and the two younger men stepped through.
"You wished to see us father?"
"I did indeed, I hear there was a failure on your part to complete an assigned task?"
"Yes, but it was unforeseen, we didn't expect.." The young mans words were interrupted.
"If your going to take over this company, then you must be brutal, you must expect the unexpected. I thought I drove that into you long ago. It's your responsibility after I'm gone..". The old mans voice was angry, but became raspy, as if it was having difficulty breathing
"Yessir, there was a development.. However.."
The old mans eyes shone at the news, "news from MBI?" He inquired, "if it's nothing to do with them then.. I.."
The young man who entered with the other stepped forward, "it was my failure sir, however, I also received the news, I informed Higa right away, and he desired you to know.."
"Go on", the old man waved his hand waiting..
"This morning I was.. Let's say abducted by a agent from MBI.. It was.. Interesting to say the least." The young man adjusted his glasses slowly back up to the bridge of his nose.
"In any case, it seems MBI is preparing some huge event, which, if I understand, could shape the fate of Tokyo. The fate of MBI and your enterprises also."
The old man stood, wavering a bit but propped himself up, leaning across the desk before him, "oh?"
"If I understood, it could foster a seemless merger if.. We succeeded.. Not that it would be easy, or quick, but.. None political in nature?"
The older man eyed the lad a moment, a bit puzzled at the information then looked at the other. "You are to dig deeper into this, find out everything you can, and take part of any events which could eliminate them as competitors, understood?"
"Hai!" They both responded.
"Now get out! I have work to do" he growled. The two youths disappeared promptly.
"Watch MBI carefully, if you see anything out of the usual, even for them, report it immediately".
The slightly younger youth, nodded "it might well be interesting.. At that.." Kakizaki affirmed as they disappeared down the corridor.
- o o -
Takami had departed, Minato himself found himself within a sparsely furnished apartment. A fair sized main room, a small adjoining kitchen a part of it. Almost like the typical bachelor apartment. He didn't need much, and he might have thought it was fate when they had walked into the first rental agency, and heard of the recent opening. The old bald man had been livid at the staff, something about constantly sending him irresponsible students, and young workers who, either did not pay, or didn't understand single occupancy only. The staff seemed relieved when his Oka had stepped in and indicated a promise of not only two months ahead on rent, but a full security deposit. Hearing her it shocked Minato's ears also. Never had he seen her throw money about like that. True, the rent was more then reasonable, but they had not even began to look. To just jump on the first unit sight unseen seemed odd.
Here he was however, it was his first apartment. The old bald man has assented, he seemed satisfied simply to have another tenant. It struck Minato as odd again that he rushed into an agreement. He himself couldn't be picky, he didn't have much and needed to make it last. His allowance from his mother would be in excess of the rent, so he would be able to live and only draw slightly from his account. It COULD last two years if he spent it wisely...maybe longer.
A futon was set aside the wall, and the apartment had a reasonable washroom, complete with full bath and shower. Not that he needed it. He would be spending most time studying. He even had a huge bedroom, larger then the second floor unit seemed to permit.
He didn't even have much to unpack. Two suitcases of clothing, and spare linens he had grabbed, he would head shopping in the next day or two, but for now, it was enough for the raven haired youth to sit collapsed in the middle of the main room. Shortly thereafter he was collapsed, asleep.
- o -
The figure had stood perched atop the two story house. She had followed stealthily behind. While she had been expressly informed to halt any surveillance on Takami, she was here for another reason. Another that was less official. Curiosity.
'Thin, wiry, yet, he seemed to carry himself well. He carried himself well' she thought, her eye never straying from him for a moment as they disappeared into the second story door 'The plan wont start for some time, but, this, this could be interesting. He actually came.. '. She had followed the pair to a local shopping center, watching over them, carefully remaining out of sight until they where done, and had followed when they departed once again to return. She watched him silently as he had dozed off.
It was then that her cell phone vibrated. A quick glance, and she was off. This young man wasn't going anywhere, she could certainly take her time. She also did not want to tip her own hand before the game began. Destination? Unspecified? She smiled having a task ahead, and plans of her own forming.
- o o -
Minato had slowly settled in. Two weeks had passed. No word from the University, it was not surprising to him as they where setting up a special entry exam for him. He wouldn't press the matter. Glancing over at the on the wall he stood stretched, and decided it was time. Stretch the legs, get some fresh air. Make a visit.
Hearing his phone buzz, he picked it up.
"Hey Yasaka. hows .."
"No, not yet. I was actually thinking about going today."
"I see. Well, yea, I'll tell her. When's the funeral?"
"No, I wont be able to be there, so your having it at home then, not in Tokyo?"
"No, no, I'm sure she will understand. It was their wishes right?" Minato listened for some time as his friend spoke on the other end, "sure, sure, don't worry about it. I'll visit her shortly and let her know.". With that, he flipped his phone closed, grabbed one of his smaller study book, and was out the door.
o - o
Eyes focused on a computer display, lit with words, plans, graph charts and images of the involved devices. Deft fingers scrolled down using the keyboard before her. Long orange hair fell down her back as she gazed upon the details. 'Im so glad I checked on this I can't.. I can't believe the director would plan this. This is crazy even by his standards.'. A image of a gemlike item sat to one side with various details in windows surrounding it. One listing out details around the plan, the game about to begin in Tokyo.
Her fingers quickly darted over the keyboard, looking at various screens. "alright, director and Takami-san are occupied arguing, Security seems to be falling asleep after week, months of nothing to do on this shift.. there isn't really going to be a better time..'
The glasses wearing Sekirei carefully pulled out a phone, hit a couple digits, and spoke. "Yes, I was right. It now or never". She flipped the phone closed, and shutting the workstation down, she slipped from her private quarters. Destination in mind, she had a world to save, or at least, try to protect.
o - o
"Akitsu, hows my favourite depressed Sekirei today?" the nurse inquired, setting a tray to one side.
The ice user looked at her, then to the tray, it was laid out with various needles and syringes. "Whats that?" he inquired, not caring to reply to the asked question.
"tsk tsk tsk, so rude.. The director asked that I give you some required shots before the plan begins."
She looked at the nurse, confused but stoic. "I.. I was promised no more after the.. the last round. I couldn't.. I was sick for two weeks, and in pain, he promised.." she continued, eyeing the woman.
"I have no idea about that. I do know, that I have an order here, to give you an injection, and that what.." she didn't get to finish her sentence as Akitsu had stood, her back to the wall, lifting a hand to the young woman. "No.. no more.. just.. no more.."
"You dont have any choice in the matter. Its not like anyone wants you, your not going to be released, and the results of these experiments all go to help your fellow Sekirei. so calm down, sit, and let's get this over wi.."
"NO" her voice raised, a flash came from her as ice crept along the floor, freezing the bed, the rolling table near it, and various fluid filled vials into place. A syringe exploded from the temperature drop.
Akitsu's eyes darted about, seeking an escape, any escape.
- o -
'Its time, Takehito-san was worried, and its like he could read the directors mind. It almost exactly what he worried about', the four eyed Sekirei glanced around a corner, at the main lab, with at least 4 heavily armed guards. 'shit, to heavily guarded' her eye shifted, saw a nearby workstation, and was suddenly quick at work, her fingers racing quickly. First flipping to one screen, then another. A moment later, buzzing was heard from around the corner.
"whats this?"
"I don't know, but seems the direct needs us urgently"
"he said to not leave.."
"Oh the bastard is bat fucking crazy, you know that. You want to be the one to explain to him why we didn't jump when he called?"
"Hell no" came the voice from the other as the Sekirei kept from sight watching the scene 'was it working? was it really going to work?'
"Besides. I heard a rumour he was going to be picking someone in advance to lead this so called discplinary squad. Its supposed to have MAJOR perks, including one or more of those hot Sekirei'.
"Well, I know which one I'd want, that Karasuba is hot, but mean as shit, scary. When she looks at you, you can almost feel her hodachi slicing your neck." the man shivered, as all four of them disappeared around a distant corner, the figure waited a minute longer as she heard the elevator open, then close again. Now was her time to act.
Her figure was quick to move to the door, pressing a number of digit on the pad the door swiftly opened, and she entered, letting the door close behind her, her finger where next on the safe. A large reinforced box re-bared into the actual structure of the building. She reached out with her mind, examining it closely, and then her fingers deftly teased over each button.
Pausing long enough to listen for sounds, she knew she wouldn't have much time. If all went according to plan, she could be a mile away before they knew what had happened, and what had been taken. Plenty of time to find safety. Plenty of time to be in hiding. Assuming Takehito's widow, assuming Miya would take her in after leaving in disgust, and stepping down from the gods seat.
Her fingers slid the door open slowly, and danced over the various gem shaped devices. 'now which one should we.. GO' she grabbed the last one, tucking it in a wrap of simple cloth and then again into her shirt between huge breasts. With it nestled away she took the time to re-secure the safe, was at the door within seconds, and had it secured behind her as she heard footsteps racing towards her...
"Damnit, don't scare me like that, I thought.."
"No, the guards are all occupied. I made sure of it" came the reply from a white clad Uzume. "But we better move, before they do catch on."
It was then, at that moment the alarms sounded. All hell broke loose, emergency access lights flashed.
"what the, this wasnt in the plan"
"No, but it might work for us, come, lets hurry"
Moments later a huge spearlike formation of clothing had pierced a huge expanse of windows, the glasses wearing Sekirei in Uzume's arms as they descended, swan like, floating into the distance.
- o -
"Akitsu, be reasonable. This is all part of the last set of tests", "Just calm down"
"No, No more.." the ice user replied, it was then she saw it, her only opportunity. The door was closed, secured, and the nurse was in the way besides. She didn't hold ill will towards her, she was imply complying with her instructions, but Akitsu did see the window, she reached out, the glass froze and began to crack as the temperature sank drastically in the room. More syringes exploded, a pipe near the sink was gushing water from bursting, only to suddenly freeze mid pour. A brief moment later, the sound of frozen glass was heard shattering, and Akitsu lept, throwing herself from the room into midair. Her chances where better outside, even unwanted, unloved, broken then remaining behind at MBI, with their broken promises.
It didnt even take a moment for Akitsu to land on a adjoining building, she looked back over her shoulder for a split second, and saw another pair leaping from the side. Another window broken. 'Disciplinary Squad?' At the mere thought of that, she darted, and was quickly gone from sight.
- o -
"Director-san" came the voice as the ear piercing alarms sounded. Disturbing the former peace of the huge centerpiece of MBI at Tokyo's core.
"First shut down that infernal racket. I can't hear the will of the gods with such noise!" a wide grin on the mans face as he glanced over to his newly promoted Head of security. "Report"
The sound of the klaxons and alarms eased, an alarm still sounded, but a low dull sound in the distance.
"It appears, one of the jinki are gone. Sir. The new security system I insisted on, captured the whole thing on video."
"I see. But it couldn't alert us to its theft while taking place?"
"No sir. The I.T. department was using rolling updates for the software. Unfortunately while we captured the video, the alarms did not trigger until .. to late"
"Ok, the Gods must be setting up something exciting. Still.. " he paused a moment "Natsuo, I want you to take Karasuba, and,, "he gave it a thought a long moment "Benitsubasa, and Haihane and try to get the jinki back. I want to make this clear however. I don't want any sekirei terminated. Not until after the official game begins"
The tall security advisor nodded "Yes sir. Can I send Mutso out also? He's still kicking around"
"I don't think he would be much help, but you can use him if he hasn't left, he received approval last night to depart into the city" the white haired director declared.
"Oh and Natsuo, remember, no one bothers Izumo Inn. If she makes it there, report, no touch"
Natsuo looked at the director strangely "You almost sound like you knew this.. was.."
Minaka interrupted his sentence "Of course I expected it. Would I have built MBI so fast if I wasn't able to foresee the unforeseeable?" he laughed "its the will of the gods, so amusing, I can't wait to see what happens.. next. Dismissed"
Natsuo just stood there as the director had turned to return to the wall of windows, looking out over -his- town. "Sir?"
"Oh, was there something else?" the man smiled, turning again towards him
"Yessir. Seems number 7, Akitsu, the disposed number escaped also".
Minaka just howled at that news "Good for you Akitsu!, good for you. I expect much from you. Let us see if you can find an Ashikabi and ascend! Nothing is impossible in the will of the gods!".
Natsuo just stood back, for a moment he wondered what he had gotten himself into. The man, although a certifiable genious before him, was also certifiably crazy. He found himself slowly backing out of the room "So, don't persue the disused number?"
"Yes, but just enough that she thinks she is pursued. A couple men should do it. I can't say I am disappointed Natsuo, I cant in fact be more pleased!" the director grinned, continued grinning, his face must have hurt from how long he laughed, and smiled at how his game seemed to be beginning.
- o o -
The pair had watched carefully, and while it didn't seem anything would be coming after them, they also knew within minutes security would be swarming through the company campus and searching the surrounding areas. "I have an idea.. Think you can get to the inn while I distract them as a decoy?" The busomy white clad woman inquired.
"Yes, but.. What do you.."
Uzume grinned as she set down to street level. Cloth began to spin, and a nearly identical bundle approximating Matsu's size, build, and three measure stood in Uzume's arms. "Full decoy ready, be careful oneesan" the girl smiled, and leapt upward to the rooftop, the across towards the east, first, she would swing slightly towards MBI to hopefully grab their attention.
- o o -
Takami had just entered her office. It was a dizzying amount of files strewn about tables, sofa and desk 'damn you Takehito.. Great at the derails, you certainly loved to leave files a clutter.'
She was about to begin sorting when the alarm klaxon went off. Takami shook her head, and darted off. Flipping her phone open, the line ringing.
O - - O
A young boy sat in the back of a limo, carefully studying the scenery. He reflected on his family, and life in general. 'What the hell is wrong with this world. It doesn't matter where I go, I'm surrounded by fools, and incompetents who just can not understand. They can't even argue against a view well to be respected'. His mind drifted, and finally, he called out "stop".
The driver of the limo complied. But certainly did not expect what happened next. The boy he was charged who overseeing and transporting was out the door, and running headlong towards a large park.
- o -
'So, finally, this is the great grand city of Tokyo? So much to take in, and all without a Ashikabi.' The slim svelt man thought to himself as he leapt from yet another buildings precipice into the distance. He could certainly hear alarms to someplace north of him.
He carefully tried to put out of his mind thoughts of MBI or the director. Flinging himself swiftly over the roofs.
A/N: I apologies for a much shorter chapter. Working carefully on which details to include in the prologues, and better integrate to Minato's "first" sekirei.