A/N: Sorry for the extended delay. I have been very busy with the start of the new semester. Anyway let me take some time to explain myself and the direction this story is going. When I was watching this anime it was very difficult for me to even complete a couple of the episodes. It was painful to watch Minato. I found myself so angry at his cowardice that sometimes I couldn't enjoy the show. So in this story I'm trying to change him. No he will not be a completely different person. I am going to keep him in character as much as possible, but what I have written so far in the previous chapters is the setup of his new attitude. I needed to create a reason for him to change from his timidness to a boldness. It is not an outright change that is unbelievable like some sort of revelation. He is slowly going to learn how to make choices confidently and deal with the damages. I am not going to deviate too much from his character, in fact this chapter will be to greatest gap from his original character. I know that was long winded but i just needed to explain that. I will be rewriting the previous chapters for clarity and to better illustrate this change. Also as you may have already noticed this is now Mature, this gets a bit graphic in violence and language. Thanks for reading!
Children of a Lesser God
I can feel the warm blood soak through my pants as I kneel down next to him. I have only known him for mere moments, but this man has marked me. Not just a few hours ago he was shooting at me and now here he is dead on this street before me. And how the hell did he pull this off?
She is dead. Both of their bodies lay next to each other on the pavement, facing one another. It is beyond surreal. Both have tried to kill me before, both have something I don't posses myself. As I look at them lying before me on this setting sun I notice that I am the only one here. Kazehana, Tsukiumi, Musubi, Ku, Matsu, and Homura are all still frozen where I once stood. All of their jaws are slack in terrified bewilderment of the events that have just played out, but something catches my eye as I look at them.
A small tear begins to slowly build and trickle down Miya's cheek as she stands there silent. Then I realize that this death is no different than any other. Everyone here just lost a sister. No matter how much hate can divide them they are still part of a family and the finality of death is only fully actualized until it is all too late. I would like to think that Miya's tear is for Karasuba. I would like to think that even through all of her actions she is still loved to some degree or another.
The knife is still buried in her. Out of respect I carefully and slowly remove it from the gaping hole that now occupies her throat. As the knife finally slides out, Karasuba's lifeless head dips from the lack of support. I ignore all the gasps and chills that echo from Musubi and Tsukiumi as I carefully and cautiously lay her head down.
I notice that Karasuba's once beautiful black garments are now crimson as they soak up her pooling blood. Her long and grey hair once beautiful and flowing in its own measure is now stained. I think to myself, how can someone this beautiful and this talented become the monster that she was. How can all that beauty be buried by so much hate and evil? Were these Sekirei only to do just this? Were they here only to bring an end to themselves and others?
I almost didn't notice Haihane, Benitsubasa, and Natsuo standing not even a block away. They must have seen the whole thing too as they are also frozen in disbelief. Words could have been said, but nothing could sufficiently illustrate their feelings of mortality and fear at the moment. They had witnessed one of their greatest fall to what she herself believed to be nothing more than a nuisance. If this pinnacle of human and otherworldly engineering, this 'adjusted' being can be slain, then what does that mean for the rest of them?
And as for this man, I don't even know his name. I don't know where his family rests or what I can do for him, if anything at all. I sit here over him and Karasuba, in the middle of this bloodbath and think, who is going to remember these two? On the one hand you have a notorious killer who will more than likely never be forgotten for her cruelty. Then you have someone like him, someone who will never be remembered for what they have done. No family or friends that I can speak of to even mourn his passing. To die alone, with no loved ones around, no comfort to restore your own spirit. That is something I don't wish for anyone, and yet he was able to do this, able to kill a Goliath.
Suddenly I am not alone anymore. Musubi kneels down next to me staring at Karasuba's lifeless form. I look over to her but she is fixated on Karasuba, she does not even seem to be breathing as she continues to stare. A sharp chill travels along my spine as Haihane's bandage covered knees fall to the ground only inches in front of me. Her wicked smile now gone and only to be replaced by a more fitting look of gloom. Her metal gauntlets crash and clang against the pavement as the strength in her arms fail her. I wouldn't have expected her to be hit so hard by this, but she seems to be falling apart as tears begin streaming down her face.
Finally her Ashikabi arrives torn, tattered, and shaking from fear. It is obvious he took this loss the hardest. He pushes his way past Benitsubasa and almost collapses on top of Karasuba's body as the overwhelming dread steals his strength. Tears and whimpers pour out of Natsuo as he holds Karasuba closely.
"We were supposed to take the world, you and I." He softly whispers as he slowly rocks back and forth gently kissing her head. I've never seen anyone break so bad as I watch him try to hold on to her, trying to hold onto something that is no longer here. As I look over at this man, her killer, I wonder if this loss, this suffering, is similar to what he went through with his daughter. I am not sure if someone's passing is more or less greater than another. It seems that all losses are equally heavy laden.
The deep bellowing roar of helicopters gains everyone's attention. I knew the cleanup crew had to arrive sometime soon, but I don't think they will expect the outcome that they are about to witness.
I frantically shield my eyes from flying debris and dust as they begin to hover and finally land around us. M.B.I. personnel quickly jump out of the choppers and begin to form a tight perimeter around the area. And then she jumps out running towards me, eyes welling up with sheer relief as she sees me unharmed. Then Takami's sprint comes to an abrupt stop as she finally gets a clear view of the butchery that we are all huddled around. Her eyes lock and her hand quickly reaches up to cover her gaping mouth as she views the blood drenched bodies lying on the ground.
At this moment I realize something, I have never really known how involved my mother actual is with this game. Until now I thought she was some sort of third party affiliate, not really involved at all. The way she is affected by this scene of carnage makes me think twice. Sure, I would expect anyone to be horrified by these two bodies, but the way she looks at Karasuba make me feel uneasy. It is the same look upon Natsuo's face. I don't want to think about that, I hope she is farther away from this thing than I am.
"Mom" I softly breathe, snapping her out of a mortified gaze. Her eyes are now flowing with tears as she hurries closer and grabs hold of me.
"I'm so glad…I'm so glad you're safe." Her words shake as she holds me close. Despite all the bloodshed and morbid chaos that surrounds us I feel a wave of comfort and reassurance flow over my body as we both stand here together. I rarely experience this side of her, but this love she shows washes all my troubles away. Unfortunately the moment couldn't last as M.B.I. goons begin their clean up and questioning.
"We're secure here ma'am. We'll prep the bodies for transport back to M.B.I. headquarters."
"Wait, you can't take him back, he is not a part of this is he?" I frantically question as I remember what he has lost. I don't know what they would want with his body, but he deserves better.
Takami keeps her eyes focused on me as she remains silent. My blood rises; they are not seriously going to do that are they? "No! He's not going to be some kind of test subject at your god damn lab! He deserves to be buried with his family, he deserves more than this!" All the MBI agents snap their heads in my direction as I yell in protest. Everyone is silently staring at me, all content with letting this man be cut up in a lab. I look back to Takami hoping she would intercede, hoping she could see how wrong this is, but she continues to stare at me with a lifeless doll expression.
"You can't be serious!" I look to Musubi and the others desperately hoping that someone else would agree with me, but they are all breathlessly standing there, watching in shock. In my rage I quickly grab the blood crusted combat knife from the ground and bring it to arms.
"Minato!" Takami yells, concerned for me and the others. I know she doesn't want any more violence, I know she only wants to see me safe, but how can she let this happen. I can't stay here, this is disgusting, this whole thing. Everyone here has lost their god damn mind. I don't want any part of it.
I lower the knife and kneel down grabbing the sheath and carefully slide the blade back in. I hadn't noticed it but all the MBI agents had raised their weapons as well, ready to blow me away at the smallest misstep. I feel powerless now. I can't change anything and no one is willing to help.
I walk away from this god awful catastrophe shoving a couple of agents out of my way. If no one can see the morbid lack of empathy, then I have no business being here. I can feel all their eyes watch me as I continue to storm away down the street. As I rage further and further away I can hear Musubi calling my name, I don't care what she has to say. I don't even look back as I hear her sprinting steps catch up to my own.
"Minato wait!" She earnestly begs as she follows close behind.
"So now you want to speak up?" I fire back.
"Minato please…"Her tone changes to genuine concern "I'm just as hurt by this as you are, but please stop."
I feel a shot of intense heat sear up my forearm as she grabs my wrist. I turn around to see her face near tears. Not tears of sadness but of fear, fear of losing something special, something that cannot be replaced. I know it would be selfish of me to put my own anger fueled goals and well being in front of hers.
"I…I'm sorry Musubi." I hadn't noticed it but as I searched for something to say I see that now I am holding her hands. "Please walk with me; I just have to get away from this right now." She simply nods as we turn and begin making our way down the sidewalk towards the sun now buried beneath the horizon.
Takami stands in the street thinking about all that has transpired. She is afraid now more than ever. The threat that she thought was going to take her son's life is now over, but she is now farther away from Minato than ever. It seems no matter what she tries that this divide between them grows and grows. Thoughts of regret enter her mind as she watches MBI agents bag Karasuba's body and secure it on the helicopter. Natsuo and the rest of the discipline squad follow somberly behind.
"What about him?" an MBI agents asks, pointing to the body.
"No, we are not taking this subject with us. Arrange a ground unit to get his body to the morgue and have the local authorities come take a look at him; he could be on their missing persons list." Takami states as she continues to stare at the corpse.
"We are going to need a temporary replacement on the squad, luckily there are a few who have some experience close by."
The streets begin to empty as MBI's curfew draws nearer. It made for a peaceful walk, but I could not put my mind at ease at that constant reminder that MBI was still here enforcing their rules. The light of day has now completely retreated below the horizon and is by now shining brightly upon Eastern Europe. As Musubi and I hold hands I spot the many lights that illuminate the park as I continue to think about Karasuba and that man.
The many glowing orbs swing and bob lightly with each step as we draw nearer. It is no surprise that it is nearly deserted; I'm not sure why the city bothers to keep the lights on at this rate
I always loved going to this park. It is the sound of crickets, especially their chorus in the hundreds. The sound of their symphony grows louder and louder as we enter the park. Nowhere near organized, or even close to being in sync, but they still create a very calming and relaxing melody. To me it is a sure sign of summer, a time when I didn't have to care about class. I wish I was back in that time now, I wish I had nothing more to do with this game.
My thoughts are derailed as my arm is jerked back. I look back to see Musubi glaring just over to my right.
"You alright?" I ask as she continues to glare at another couple not fifty meters from us.
"I know her, number eighty-four." Musubi's voice grows in disgust as I realize what is happening.
He is a pig, my mind cracks as I witness this brutality. I don't care married or unmarried, Sekirei and Ashikabi, or any other form of union there is no excuse to hit the ones you love. Sure discipline has its place among children but I don't see any kids around here.
The two are arguing, no it's more like this asshole is slapping his Sekirei around. I can't tell what he is screaming about as he raises his hand and strikes her again leaving her face painfully red. I look down to see my own hand begin to shake as my heart now races towards its limit. Before I knew it my feet were marching right towards him and my other hand tightly squeezing Musubi's own. I knew she shared my feelings of revolt as she gripped my hand in kind.
"Hey you! What are you doing?" I demand as we continue to march towards him.
He stops mid strike and turns to address us. I see his hands are almost as red as her cheeks from the 'love' he was showing her.
"None of your damn business," He looks over at his Sekirei and notices that same look they all share when in close proximity to one another. A look void of emotion, like this is some requirement of them, that they have no part in it but to simply obey and fight. "Another Ashikabi right? Well, if you don't like the way I treat my Sekirei then try and stop me."
"My pleasure." I growl lowly.
I hadn't noticed it but this Sekirei is a little deceptive. Her small and timid frame left me in disbelief as she grabbed her weapon. I don't know how she can wield such a thing; the hammer must have weighed close to a metric ton.
"Yashima, number eight-four, hammer type." She proclaims as she lifts the massive weapon with ease.
"Musubi, number eighty-eighty, fist type." Musubi takes one step back as she brings her fists up and ready to fight.
A small pause marks the beginning of their duel. Suddenly a rush of air knocks me off my feet as Yashima swings her hammer from left to right. I quickly get out of the way as Musubi dodges her attack as well.
The hammer smashes violently against a park bench shattering it to pieces. The impact didn't even stop her momentum as she continues to swing full circle.
"Give us some room please." Musubi asks politely as she shoves me further away from their fight.
I bounce and roll against the hard pavement and then finally come to rest face down. As I lay there on the pavement I hear the low whooshing bellow of the hammer as she continues to swing it through the air. I quickly stand to my feet and am relieved to see Musubi unharmed and still in the fight.
"Looks like your Sekirei may have underestimated Yashima." I hear the Ashikabi remark, the sarcasm in his tone clearly present.
I look at him directly, this game I hate so much, the reason I am here in this park is to get away from all of this. Somehow I have ended up doing exactly what I set out not to. Something inside of me breaks; I want nothing to do with this game. And even still, in this messed up competition we have people like this, people who abuse the love of others, people who only care about themselves and their own gain, regardless of the cost to everyone else. These Sekirei are still people.
"You like hitting women right? Why don't you hit a fucking man for a change!?"
I don't give him time to respond as I rush towards him with all my might and tackle him to the ground. He yells in pain as his back crashes against the pavement. He desperately tries to shove me off of him but I quickly pin him down and deliver an elbow smash to his sternum knocking out all of his breath.
A rage comes over me; it feels as though that my hands are not moving on my command, but from someone else's, as if I have no control. I have never felt this angry before as I tighten my fists and punch him across his right cheek. I can feel my fist connect to his face as it swipes across dislocating his jaw. I send another violent blow with my right hand. I can feel and hear the satisfying crack of his jaw bone as I am now completely on top of him sending punch after punch.
"Fuck you! You like hitting people so much, how do you like it now!?" I yell at him as I continue to pound away at his face. My hands turn red covered in blood as I strike him in the nose causing it to pour out copious amounts of the red fluid. With each blow my anger rises and boils over. Why am I here!? I hate this game and what it has done to this city, I hate seeing people I know being hurt by all this! I hate not being able to do anything to stop it! I just want to live quietly without this game; I just want to go home!
"FUCK YOU!" I roar loudly as I continue to send my fists wildly towards his face. Each blow sends splashes and tiny streaks of blood all over me. I hate them all, Minaka, the discipline squad, and MBI. They can just die for all I care; better yet I would love to kill them myself! I see that smug smile on Minaka's face, how can he be happy about what he is doing to all of us!? I want to tear that smile off his face and throw him off of his own god damn tower!
Finally my arms grow tired; my knuckles are scraped and completely white from hitting his face with such ferocity. My rage had blinded me. I look down to see this Ashikabi, the red pulpy mass that was once his face leaves him completely unrecognizable. His eyes are bloodied and swollen shut, and his nose completely broken out of place. He can barely breathe as his mouth is full of a crude mixture of blood, saliva and tooth fragments. Out of reflex he gags and chokes for air sending all that mess into my face.
"God Damn it!" I yell in pure unrestrained rage.
I send one last, half hearted blow across his face, but as my fist strikes him a sharp pain travels through my hand and up to my shoulder. I felt my wrist crack and break before I heard it.
"Shit!" I scream in pain as I quickly stand up holding my now broken wrist.
I look down to see that he isn't moving. I violently kick his side in pure frustration from my injured arm. His body is still, I can't hear his blood gargled gasps anymore as I stand over him. I don't know if he's dead or not, and frankly I don't care right now. He deserved much worse than what he was dealt.
My adrenaline finally subsides but unfortunately the pain in my hands begins to surge back to full measure. I look down at them as they shake; my knuckles are nearly stripped of all flesh and the blood on my hands begins to dry and crust.
The loud clang of Yashima's enormous hammer dropping on the ground echoes throughout the park. I turn around to see Yashima staring at me and then to her Ashikabi on the ground. Musubi has stopped too as her combatant has looked away, paying her no attention. Her eyes search for what Yashima is staring at and then widen explosively as she sees me.
I see that face again. That same look she gave me not a moment ago. Musubi looks at me in fear. I'm not sure if she is afraid for me or of me at this particular time. Me, her Ashikabi, now drenched in blood that is not my own.
"Junichi!" Yashima screams in fear, running to her injured Ashikabi. She kneels down next him and gently touches his broken face trying to aid him. Junichi releases a low groan which is probably all he can do at this point. His Sekirei begins to cry, her tears fall to his face and mix with the blood.
I look back to Musubi, now walking towards the crying Sekirei and slowly realize what she is doing. I quickly rush over to her and grab her arm before she has a chance to make this sick victory official.
"Musubi…" she snaps her head towards me in fearful surprise. "I think we have done enough here."
I see her eyes scan my broken and bloody hands and then slowly search my blood crusted face. This moment is painful as I can see the hurt I have caused her, seeing me do something terrible like this. I feel a gap that I never felt before as I continue to stare at Musubi.
A lonesome fear washes over me as I take a step back and fully realize what has happened. I have done nothing differently. In my effort to escape this competition I have done exactly the opposite. I have done even worse, I may have killed someone.
Looking down at those two my heart drowns in disgust. Sure, he was being a terrible person for hitting those who only wished to show him love, but what have I done? I have destroyed that love that she gave to him. Maybe… no, I know he didn't deserve his Sekirei's affection, but as I look at him barely hold onto what life he has left I can't help but feel that what I did was wrong.
And then I remember something. I have heard rumors of a Demon Ashikabi, someone who does exactly what I just did myself. I have heard rumors of this Ashikabi torturing their victims without mercy. Looking at the pain I have caused these two I find it revolting that some Ashikabi finds joy in doing this to others. I hope for their sake that I never meet this Demon Ashikabi because if I get the chance, I will make sure they don't survive.