A/N: thanks for all reviews. A brief mention here. I know it's jumping around a little, but in my mind this is kind of all happening at once. Events quickly converging into what might be said a perfect storm of a sense.
Currently pissed at netflix for dropping season one of sekirei.. Licensing expired apparently. Give them a call, complain, let's get it back.. Hahah.
Oh, and just because I have a lot of perspective skips does NOT mean Minato is getting them all... But boy would that piss off Minaka.. And Takami.. For other reasons.
I apologize for skipping a week or two. I am still taking time to write for both fanfiction I have on the go, I just happened to overdo it, and lost my spark. The Weekly schedule should now be bi-weekly. At least through the end of the year. Its a busy time, with much going on. While I am sure I could hold out for a chapter a week for both fics, it would probably show in a rushed story.
Prologue Chapter 8 and 9 will be the final prologues, I will prep for the first winging with the 10th, and should have Minato his first official sekirei by the 11th. Please bare with me, and yes, there will be much excitement over the next 3 chapters if I manage to do it properly. I know a handful of you are extremely tired of the before story. I felt it important, so did it this way instead of injecting with all sorts of flashbacks and time skips later.
o - o
To the casual observer, one would think a small industrial accident had occurred. News stations were reporting mysterious happenings, what seemed to be small explosions in labs on the higher floors. Large enough to blow out windows. Glass had shattered on the semi busy walkways below. If it wasn't for the fact MBI architectural design had a liberal courtyard along the outer building more than a dozen individuals would have been seriously injured.
Minaka stood outside his office, upon the precipice watching what he deemed his city. "What the hell is going on Minaka", her voice rang out as he was disrupted from his deep reverie of what would become of the sekirei plan, and if he could justify beginning early.
"AAh, Takami-san, my dear. I see your back." He pressed the glasses back up his nose affixing them indeed more in their prime location, at least for him. "How is Minato, you give him a nice fat allowance and a juicy reward for graduating?"
Takami grunted in disapproval, "I gave him just enough that he shouldn't need anything until this bloody game of yours starts.. " she snapped back at him angrily, "but hopefully little enough he'll be gone before this stupid game begins...". Takami really couldn't help the thoughts, she really desired that her son not have any part of these so called games of the Gods, as Minaka called them.
"I see, " he smirked at her as he continued "So my dear, did you hear what happened while you were shirking your duties as head scientist?" his voice struck a raw nerve with Takami.
"Look asshole, our friend is dead, you have me pulling double shifts, causing me to miss MY SONS graduation, and then when I'm getting him settled in to his new place, you think it's my fault hell shows up on your front door in a handbasket?" She growled as she approached him, taking a swing which he nimbly ducked. "I still have to bring myself up to speed on Takehito's research, so tell me what the fuck is going on and why did you order new experiments on Akitsu?"
"Oh Takami-kun, I simply had to have a little fun, a small game within a game, within a game if you will". Takami froze, eyeing him carefully.
"What.. Do you mean?"
The director laughed, flipping his cloaks collar as if it had managed to be in disarray. "It means, that nothing yet, has been unforeseen. In fact, I might have to say, with surprising clarity, it's all going rather well as planned" his wide grin once more pierced Takami in a way she knew that it would come back to kick her ass later. Never his.
"Akitsu has flown the coup, I look at it this way, she truly was tired of experiments, besides.. The experiment was two fold. The injection might have restored her to her prior condition, where she could take part.. Instead she fled, but not before destroying the only sample that was rather expensive with rare ingredients to make." This time her strike caught him but good as he went flying towards the outer wall. A slight crunch heard as he landed, awkwardly.
He sat there dazed for a minute or two which seemed almost like days. "Don't you want to know about the two sekirei who stole a jinki? I guess I'll keep that to myself then".
Takami's jaw would have dropped at that moment had she not raised her hand into fist, prepared to hit him again. The sound of her voice growling his name could be heard echoing for a short time after.
o - - o
The brown haired youth found himself sitting on a park bench, looking at the sky, contemplating a great number of things. His life, his family, this apparent lack of friends, and the abundance of fools around him.
A fact punctuated as his thoughts were interrupted suddenly. "Hey Kid" came the voice
"Yea, you. Your one of those rich snobs from Imperial South, I recognise that uniform"
MIkogami ignored him, not having much desire to communicate with what he deemed a fool.
"KID, stop ignoring me" the older boy's figure shadowed his own, others began to gather behind him. "You should really show some respect to your seniors brat"
MIkogami simply stood, and attempted to leave. They were beneath him after all. Not to mention they were fools who he wished nothing to do with.
"No you don't. You aint gettin away from here without paying. So, you got one of them fancy money cards you get at the school right? Buy us food, and you can go" the bulky youth growled as he blocked Mikogami's path.
"I don't make a habit of associating with trash, move", Mikogami attempted to pass again; finding a wall of muscle, and fat bound youth at least a year or two older than himself.
It was then that he felt it, a fist had landed itself in his gut "I said, you're buying us food, don't you understand you rich snob?"
Mikogami stepped back, holding his hand across his gut, and took in a stance "I'm not as weak as you think I am" it was then that he attacked, his leg swinging about, foot making contact with his opponent's face; he spun again, and jabbed his open palm into the older boys plexus sending him flying backwards. Mikogami moved swiftly and had one other of the older youths down before they collected themselves and all three were upon him. His arms pressed back. His attacker had hollered out a command to the others, and he was now held motionless.
The youth snarled, wiping blood from his cheek, a long gash marking his flesh. "I'm gonna make you pay for that brat". It was then that the oldest of the youth clenched his fist, "Hold him still boys" he muttered as he began landing blow after blow on the young Mikogami.
"You know self defense?" "Don't make me laugh" "You're so going to pay" the words rang out with every strike landed on his body, he felt his body going limp as he called out silently for help.
"Pretty stupid to be be like this without friends" "Real stupid" "Not to bright, just a rich snob aintcha onee-kun" the taunts and ridicule became almost unbearable for him as he felt each punch landing on him.
"I bet this kid dont even have friends, hey Kid, meet your new friend, my knee" and at that moment a knee appeared in his midsection as he doubled over grimacing; still being held.
"I.. Help.. Please.." he winced to himself.. crying out silently knowing there was no use.
"Where's your money card. I know all you rich brats have one" a hand grabbed him at the collar, and lifted him upwards "Search him, he owes us". The larger built of them seemed to be clasping in his pockets, searching.
A yellow scarf fluttered in the air, as feet landed perfectly behind the attackers. Sword hanging from his side he approached. He stood silently and spoke "I hear its rather rare" he began "for one of your kind to call out for us".
It was then all activity halted, the fists stopped landing, the searching of his body came to an end as their attention seemed to turn on the new arrival
"Beat it old man, don't get involved" snarked the would be leader of the group
"You called for me did you not? For a sekirei?" Mutsu ignored the others, and watched Mikogami carefully. The dazed boy looked at the figure.. thoughts running through his mind. Racing through what was happening. Had he called for help? Yes.. but it was a silent plea, what.. ?
"Did.. You.. Call.. for Help.." the figure repeated, again ignoring the older boys who had been plummeting the younger.
"Listen mister, get lost before we turn on you next"
Mikogami, in the state he was in, knew he needed help, he hurt, he didn't want to hurt any more. He wished he could change the world, but knew that wouldn't happen. His pitiful eyes looked at the figure and closed as he nodded, uttering silently "yes".
What occurred next could barely be called a fight. The yellow scarf fluttered and the sword still hung at his side, he stepped forward. The three older boys had been thrust back, however remained threatening. The figure took the brown haired youth to him "You look like you've been beaten pretty bad."
Feeling like a lost and rescued puppy, Mikogami suddenly felt safe. Mutsu looked about at small gathering of miscreant youth and taking the sheathed sword from his belt, he knelt slightly, smashing its handle against the ground "Smashing Point" he hollered.
The ground shattered, pavement broke, thrown at the youths, who in turn were blown backwards. When the dust cleared, both Mikogami and Mutsu were gone.
oo - oo
"Where am.. what?" the boy looked down wards only to see the cityscape flying past, he heard someone talking, he heard a voice, but could not place it. It was close, and yet his understanding was fleeting at the moment "This, this is far too surreal.. what.."
"Did you call for me" the voice repeated "I hoped for a pretty lady but, I repeat again, did you call for us, did you call for sekirei"
"If.. If.. I answer yes. What does it mean? what.. what will happen?" Mikogami struggled to make sense of the nonsensical. It almost seemed like a story in one of his virtual worlds. A game.
"Worst case, You could get a power to destroy the world", Mutsu flew through the air, leaping from roof to roof, youth protected and held under his arm. "Damnit, I think I might have said too much" he thought.
"If it means the tediousness of this world might end. Then yes. I called"
o - o
Akitsu wandered. Occasionally she looked over her shoulder, sensing something, and yet nothing ever seemed to be where she felt the presence. She shook her head once, shaking off the feeling, and slowly made her way to the park. "I might be able to hide here, at least for a short time. I don't .. I dont know what to do.. but it has to be better. Has to be better than being there, experimented on" she muttered to herself. Soon she was collapsed, leaning back, hidden on a park bench, a broken lamp leaving her vaguely silhouetted in the darkness.
o - o
The sound came loudly at the door. "Help, Help, let me in! Miya!" the voice came and the fist wouldn't stop until the wood door disappeared"
"Oh my, what?" the door had opened, as the slim purple haired woman peered out.. "Matsu, what?"
"Please, Please, you have to hide me, MBI, Minaka, they.." she stumbled into the house, exhausted. Doing so the jinki slid from its hiding place within her top, she barely caught it as she landed on the floor, back down.
"Matsu, is that..? Why are you here with a jinki?" Miya's eyes grew wide, not only was her friend frightened, and seeking aid, she had brought a jinki with her. "No, never mind that, upstairs, quickly. Takehito.."
"YES, Takehito, he said… "
"Never mind, upstairs quickly" Miya responded as the door closed. She lead the way up the stairs.
o - - o
Her body flung itself over the rooftops, leading MBI's troops astray. She paused, looking back, holding the rather large, bulky if not overly clothed likeness of Matsu in her arm. Again she lept, knowing they had caught sight of her. East, always east, away from the north, away from where she would seek protection and safety.
"OOh Uzume, Enough of your running.. I shall enjoy rending you from head to toe. You won't ever find your Ashikabi"
It was then, hearing that voice made her sweat. She knew the dangers, and this was no longer a game. Karasuba had been sent, and she seemed to be enjoying the chase far too much. Uzume lept again, taking care to duck and weave around various buildings, and finally within minutes was at street level moving briskly praying she wouldn't easily be found.
A quick glance around her, told her that MBI's security was out in force, taking great care she made her way, and seeing a large park, near a hospital, disappeared within.
o - o
Minato found himself within the large hospital. He had arrived and promptly gotten lost. A quick inquiry with a floor nurse and he was back on track. He stood in the empty hospital room puzzled.
"Can I help you?" young orderly inquired, he had entered with small cart full of linen.
"Yes, you see.." Minato scratched the back of his head nervously "I was told I could find a old friend here, but its empty"
"Oh, I see, They took her down for some tests. She's likely to be couple hours"
Minato nodded, looking about himself a moment "I see. I guess I will have to come back then". With that he departed.
He had not gotten far from the front doors of the building when his phone went off. "Hello?"
"Oh yes, this is Minato"
"uhm, no. That should be fine."
"Alright. Within the hour", and with that he hung up. "Wow, finally time for that entry exam. I better hurry" he spoke them aloud to himself.
- o -
A small body watched from a building top as the dark haired youth seemed to hurry off. She smiled watching as she followed behind him. Ever watchful.
"Sahashi Minato, so interesting. Will you do well?" her eyes studied him carefully.
- o o -
"Miya, Th..Thank you. I don't know.. "
"Hush now, you know Takehito never turned anyone away, now, rest, drink some tea and tell me what happened. Why are you here?" the purple haired woman spoke kindly a smile on her face, an edge of concern seeping through.
"Minaka... MBI... " Matsu stuttered. "He plans to give away jinki as prizes".
Miya's eyes grew large as she sized Matsu up. Sure she was a bit perverted, but knowing what she knew, and proficient with information and computers, she had little doubt.. "If you say you saw it, say no more. I believe you. You'll be in danger"
Matsu nodded, "So, you'll hide me?"
"Of course. But as for that thing, you best hide it well. I don't even want to see it."
They were sitting in the middle of a hidden room upon the second floor. In the middle of the room sat a small table, from which they drank tea which had been prepared and served minutes ago.
"You can use this room, Takehito was setting it up for a private lab after quitting MBI, but sadly..", The purpled haired woman paused, emotion beginning to brew deeply within.
"He never got to use it, did he?"
"No, all the computers over there are new, or were rather." Miya nodded to a stack of boxes to one side. "Feel free to use anything you need" Miya stood, having stepped towards the hidden door "Matsu? You know you won't be able to go out looking for your Ashikabi, so think on that carefully".
The four eyed orange haired woman nodded, her spirit seemingly deflated as the truth of that fact being evident. That was perhaps something that worried her even more. She wanted nothing more than to meet her fated one, and experience her emergence. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to daydream "I know. I know.. Still, I have to hope right?" she replied as her mind drifted to the experiment she might run. Her mind slowly began to sink into her own version of debauchery and experimentation on a unknown Ashikabi imagined in her minds eye.
o - o - o
"MIYA, hello, MIYA? You here?" came her voice echoing through the house as she tipped back a bottle of saki to her lips gulping
Minutes later Miya's form slide gracefully down the stair, to come face to face with the owner of the liquored up voice.
"Hic...I did it.. Hic.." the purple china dress hugged her form as she stumbled into the hallway.
"Kazehana, what..?"
"I.. Hic.. confessed to hi.. HIC .. him.." The large breasted woman took a gulp of the nearly empty bottle of saki.
"To who?" Miya stared at her seriously, "and I thought you had given up on saki" her eyes shifted to the large bottle and then back to its possessor.
"Mi..Hic, Mina..HIC" she took another long gulp before Miya managed to remove the large half emptied bottle of saki from her grasp.
"Minaka.. HIC.. I confessed my. HIC.. love.."
Miya just shook her head "He refused you didn't he" frowning slightly, speaking matter of factly.
Kazehana just stared at her with a glassy look in her eyes "Whaa.. you knew...?"'
Miya just nodded "Any fool can see he wants another. Now, come, lay down and sleep off this stupor of yours"
"Hic, Hic.. Ohh.. HIC.. OHKAY HIC" and with that Kazehana found herself curled on the floor, having collapsed where she had stood.
Miya ensured her newest guest was comfortable as possible as the larger breasted woman drifted off to unconsciousness. She paused long enough to watch over her, then shaking her head she disappeared into the kitchen. "I guess I might as well prepare dinner" she whispered mostly for her own benefit. "They'll both be hungry".
o - o
The figure hid among the tree top branches watching the path she had traversed carefully She had abandoned her decoy scheme a short time ago, and simply sat carefully back against the tree trunk, eyes towards the street. Behind her stood a large building, a hospital. It seemed an eternity since she had left MBI; she had no idea of her accomplice was safe or not. She watched as MBI security vehicles and manpower wandered the streets, some came into the park where she hid but none seemed to find her. For this she was curious but relieved.
"Hello?" came the voice from below her and her heart skipped a beat or two fearing she had been discovered.
"Oh, Hello" Uzume smiled back at the small wheelchair bound figure.
"It must be nice"
Uzume eyed her carefully as she dropped to the ground, carefully ensuring her back towards the tree, hidden from the street. "What must be nice?"
"Climbing and exploring the trees"
"Oh. yea, I guess it is. " Uzume's eyes studied the young girl carefully for a minute.
The young girl looked from the busy street to the girl before her, smiling "Trying to hide from someone?"
"Well, uhm, its not obvious is it?"
"Not really. Just blatantly.", suddenly Uzume found herself quirking a large smile at the girls sass and bright grin.
"How about you walk me back to my room. You can hide with me. Its been a long time since I've met a new friend. Maybe you have some fun stories?" she looked at the white clad sekirei hopefully.
Uzume was soon pushing the wheelchair through the park, towards the hospital "So, you come here often?"
- o -
Minato found himself exiting the small office at the University. He had been sitting for a couple hours in the small room, monitored by a large rotund professor from America. He scratched the back of his head "Well, I hope I did well enough. Mom.. no forget that, I'll be disappointed if I can't take advantage of this early opportunity."
"Well, I guess I will find out in a couple days." he murmured to himself wandering along the street, dusk had set in. Glancing briefly at the schedules, he considered heading to the hospital once more but determined it would be much too late by the time he arrived. "Better to get a full nights sleep I guess"
For a moment he paused, looked over his shoulder at a set of trees. "huh, I must be imagining things".
o - - o
"Apparently there was a 'break out' at MBI recently" the man stood there, his finger pressing his eyeglasses upward over his nose.
The youth before him eyed him carefully, "Wait, did you say break OUT?"
"Yes. I don't have many details, but I suspect, from the rumours I've heard that it might have something to do with this grand scheme of MBI's president has for this game of his. Lets just say 'Colourful characters' were seen departing the tower in a hurry."
"And what makes you think they have anything to do with this event that you were informed of by MBI?" Higa replied, he had raised his feet to the desk, his fingers steepled before him in thought as he awaited a response.
"The colourful characters, where similar.. that is to day, their dress was similarly outlandish as they departed. While its only a guess, I would hazard its a very educated guess"
"I see. Find out what you can. If I can take advantage of this and get a early start in whatever this 'event' MBI plans, I will."
"Certainly sir." the young man paused a moment having turned. "Hows your father doing, I heard he took a turn for the worse"
"He seems fine. The doctors are trying to restrict his hours here in the office. They claim the resulting stress is harmful to his condition."
"I see, send him my regards please", and with that, the dark suited young man had exited swiftly.
Higa swiveled is large leather seat about to look out over the city before him. His mind raced over the reports he himself had received of occurrences. "What are you doing Minaka. What are your security goons doing all over my city." His eyes traveled from one end of the large expanse of windows to the other.
His eyes seemed to almost strain under the possibilities and questions of the future.
o - o - o
"Well Dear, it seems tomorrow is the day." the old lady spoke over the table as she stabbed took a portion of the food served for herself. The old companion of hers sat near her, watching the younger girl carefully.
The blond girl simply grunted "Tis better be sooner than later" she half muttered eyes never leaving the older man for a moment. A look of near disgust apparent in her gaze.
"Now now Tsukiume, I told you time and time again, Hiragi-san is my guest, he deserves better treatment from you"
Tsukiume simply shrugged, and attended to her serving of food. "So, I shall be allowed outside on my own once thine experiments and needles are done?"
"Well. Not right away. I'll need to monitor you but soon yes. Remember, President Minaka has yet to release ANY sekirei into the city officially". Miyajima looked at the young eager girl carefully. "And I doubt you will want to stray far at first anyways. There are many dangers you won't know how to handle"
"Meh, They won't darest look at me a with a second glance or they shalt be like a drowned rat" and with that, she held her palm out, as a small ball of water formed, her eyes never departing Miyajima's gentleman companion.
"Don't be foolish dear girl, there are many dangers which lurk around each corner. There are many who would take advantage of you for what you can do" the older gentleman spoke up, only to receive a dirty look from both young, and older female alike.
"You don't need to terrorize the poor girl, and you know she doesn't trust you"
Tsukiume scowled, and nearly let loose with her power directed at the older man if it wasn't for a returned scowl from her adjuster. The old womans terrifying aura seemed to impress on her the importance of her holding herself in check.
"You will be at MBI headquarters for at leasts 3 full days of tests, so make sure you have what you need for that time. As for me, I'll be taking a short trip I think." Miyajima's hand shifted to encase the old mans as she smiled sweetly.
Tsukiume scowled as her body shivered. The memory of what she had seen the man do to her previously terrifying her. She looked at her food then, imagining the Ashikabi and what he might attempt of her.
o - o
"Hibiki" the voice came as the woman entered through the door. "Hibiki, it looks like Minaka has you two on the first groups expected to depart the tower in the coming weeks"
The two young sekirei smiled, plans and ideas within their minds "Can you tell us who else will be released also?"
"It seems most of the original disciplinary squad are already gone. Unofficially of course. along with Number 10. They've left in the last week.." her voice trailed off. "Other then that, I can't share much with you, Tho it seems at least one has been winged so you need to be careful", Takami spoke carefully to them
"Oh, I don't think thats a problem, I know where I want to go first.." Hibiki silenced herself at a glance from her sister.
"Yes, I know, but if you want my advice, stay clear of that scum. He'll be nothing but trouble for you if he finds you, or you him"
Hikaru frowned slightly "But Takami-san. He's sweet, and attentive, and he knows all sorts of cool things"
Takami just shook her head "Maybe, doesn't mean he's the right Ashikabi for you" she paused as she went over the paperwork in front of her "Just don't rush into your winging ok?"
The twins nodded slowly seemingly taking the advice seriously.
"Now, looks like Takehito-sensi had you scheduled for an extra round of shots. His notes are atrocious but it has to do with your being twins, if I understand its to help tune your powers to better work together if you choose the same Ashikabi" Takami smiled as she prepared a couple syringes with the injections.
"Oh, nice, so will it make us stronger?" Hikaru spoke up, glad to have changed the topic from that of Seo.
"Honestly, I don't know. I do know from his notes that timing is a key issue, so instead of risking harming the outcome, doing you two harm I'm going ahead with it. The one thing stressed in his notes was the importance and timing". A moment later, she wa wrapping a rubber band about each twin's arm and was injecting the cocktail into each of them in turn.
oo - - oo
Karasuba stood silently, watching the Hospital into which Uzume had disappeared. She had stood watch for over a couple hours and her 'target' had not yet come out. "Ku Ku Ku, she must be hiding really good, right of you to worry so Uzumi my little bird. Would you be so fearful if you knew the presidents instruction?" A moment later, watching a certain bank of windows along the outer wall, she turned, and departed, sending her own body flying above the buildings.
- o -
"Wow, you've been here that long?" Uzume smiled as she sat next to the hospital bed.
Chiho smiled "Yea. My parents died tho a little while ago. So it gets really lonely sometimes. No family nearby, even a friend was supposed to come today but he never showed. I guess he got busy"
"I see." Uzume had listened to the young girls story, and in her heart, she felt a quickening, a thumping that only seemed to get louder and more persistent. "No, No Uzume, now isn't the time to be worrying about an Ashikabi. You have Matsu to worry about, to protect. Takehito wanted.." she couldn't help but try to bring her thoughts, her emotions into check. "Besides, there will be lots of time later, won't there?".
"Hey, what's wrong?" the younger girl spoke, breaking Uzume out of her moment of deep thought. "You went all serious, sad like something was wrong"
"Oh it nothing. I had a friend I was helping, and I've left her alone for awhile now today. I hope she got where she needed to go"
"I see. Do you need to go then?" the look in Chiho's eyes could well tell that the thought of the new friend departing was disappointing.
"No, I think, I can remain for a short time longer. So, tell me about this condition you have."
Time seemed to fade, as minutes turned into hours.
o - o - o
"Sir", The young man stood, glasses already adjusted high on the bridge of his nose. He stood waiting to be acknowledged. Both by his best friend, and the interim power of the pharmaceutical he worked for.
The white suited man turned, and glanced at him after setting the phone device on its cradle shaking his head. He had apparently received some bad news.
"I bring important news I think."
"If its not about MBI, I don't want to hear it..." Higa retorted, he seemed almost lost in his own thoughts.
"Actually. I can't tell. But I think so. In fact, there might be an even closer opportunity then we thought possible"
Higa frowned, slamming a fist down on his desk hard enough to cause himself great pain. "Then don't fuck me around, what is it?"
"Well. remember when we reported to your father, this so called event taking place from MBI? Two of those colourful individuals have been seen near the hospital holdings."
"I see. Are they still there?"
"Far as we know, she is visiting with one of the patients, has been here for a least a couple hours now"
Higa nodded "Keep her under surveillance then. I want to know when she comes, when she goes." he paused a moment "and bug the patients room. I want to know everything they talk about".
With that Higa turned again, looking out at the night that had descended upon the city he called his, "I will crush you Minaka, you and your stupid MBI". "You can go"
"yes Higa-san. I will return with more soon". Kakizaki was already on the phone shortly after bowing his exit. Arranging with security personnel to monitor a certain patient and her guests.
A/N: Seriously considering a Freezing mini-fic or two. Been seriously into that series lately. Ideas welcome, feedback on the thought also welcome.