Chap 7
A/N:
Disclaimer:
I do not own Sekirei
[Previously]
"Kocho-chan. It seems that I have encountered Higa of the East today. It seems that he wanted me to talk about something but I declined his offer. He may be asking me an alliance or something."
"I see. I don't see why an alliance will be bad thing to have Marshall-san. They could help you eliminate some opponents from the game rather quickly." said Kocho.
"I'm not fond of alliances that much. Connections are good but alliances are just in the way. After all, I have some powerful sekirei so it shouldn't be a problem. Lest I bump into some unwinged ones here in the capital." Marshall said to her.
"Well there are few here in the city that you might want to look at. However, be aware that there is a scrapped number here as well as a numbers three, nine, and six."
"Who are they?"
"Well number six is named Homura and this sekirei lives in Izumo Inn. However, Homura is what you would considered to be an unstable sekirei simply because he or she hasn't been winged by an ashikabi yet."
"What do you mean by he or she?" asked Marshall.
"Since Homura is an unstable sekirei, his gender may be changed depending on the ashikabi's will."
"That's...interesting. Can you tell me about the other two?"
"Number three is named Kazehana and from what I could tell, she was an Ex-Disciplinary Squad member. Karasuba has told me that she has seen her one time going into a bar called 'Sakura Afterlife'. Number seven's name is Akitsu and as I have already told you, she is a scrapped number."
"What does it mean when you say a 'scrapped number'?"
"What that basically means is that she can't be winged due to some adjustment issues. When you find a scrapped number, the sekirei usually has the symbol on top of their foreheads. I could tell that some of MBI's researchers probably placed some chemicals in her when they were fiddling around. After that you know the story."
Marshall was utterly pissed at that.
"Once this game is over, I'm going to have to kill that bastard." Marshall lowly growled.
"Easy there Marshall-san. Don't let your feelings get the best of you."
"My bad Kocho-chan. But what about number two?"
"Sekriei Number Two Matsu is already winged by Sahashi Minato."
"So Mina has already winged her eh? This might be interesting indeed. So how many does the kid have?"
"Besides Matsu, he has already winged Number Nine Tsukiumi, Number 88 Musubi, Number 84 Yashima, Number 57 Yahan, Number 78 Nanami and Number 40 Shi. A total of seven sekirei."
"Huh. Never knew that this kid had a spine or something. But I could tell that anymore than seven that poor guy is gonna end up having a hard time. Well I guess I have to pick up both Akitsu and Kazehana. I'll contact you later."
"Be safe Marshall-san."
"I will."
So Marshall began his trek to find his two other sekirei and of course he'll have to get to know them first before he could even wing them since he doesn't want to force them against their will.
[Present Time]
So Marshall found the bar that Kocho was talking about. As he entered into the bar, he used his phone to see where he could find Kazehana. Somehow, he was able to find her via profile.
"Let's see here..."
Marshall saw her profile and he wasn't surprised at the information he was given. Thanks to Kocho, he was able to continue his job as she has the power to analyze situations perfectly.
"So she likes to drink...has a habit of nitpicking bars around the area...and also pick up some sake eh? Well here I am."
So Marshall sat down next to her and the wind sekirei was surprised to see sit next to her. Usually she would always sit alone in this bar and ask the bartender to serve whatever good drinks that they have. Then of course men would come up and ask her if they could buy her a drink and get to know her more. She flirted with them a bit but of course she rejected them since they aren't really that handsome. Kazehana also knew that they just want to cop a feel since she has a nice, curvaceous yet toned figure.
"Yo bartender. Give me a frozen daiquiri drink." said Marshall.
"Sure thing sir. Be right up."
As Marshall waited patiently for his drink, he noticed that Kazehana stared at him with what appears to be with interest. Also the robotic prosthetic that he had also caught her eye.
"So miss. What's your name?" said Marshall.
"K-Kazehana." said the woman.
"I see. Really nice name. My name is Marshall Caldwell. You can just call me Marshall. Is there something wrong?"
"Hmm. I'm really curious as to how you like to have a nice and simple cocktail yet there are so many extravagant ones on the board." Kazehana was really curious as to why he would order it.
"This was the cocktail that they always serve in the bars back in the states. It brings back the feeling of home."
The bartender gave the drink to him which he gladly took. As the hacker was drinking Kazehana started to feel a bit of heat course through her body. Her face was a bit red but she suppressed it a little bit.
"Let's change the topic shall we? I could tell that you had an accident since you have a prosthetic forearm." said Kazehana.
"Oh this. I got it from the war back in the Middle East."
"I see. It was quite dangerous I presume?"
"Yeah. With all those compound houses out there, you can't be too sure even if you check out all of them. After all, those terrorists know how to utilize the houses and that's how ambushes frequently occur."
Then all of a sudden, a man came in and saw Kazehana and Marshall conversing. As he approached the two, he told Kazehana,
"Yo pretty thing. Want me to buy you a drink?"
"Thanks but I'm fine really."
But it seems that he only heard the first word and so he ordered one for her. Kazehana wasn't really impressed but she took the drink regardless. After she was done, she then left. But before she left, Kazehana told Marshall,
"Let's go somewhere else shall we? Maybe we can talk around in a restaurant or something?"
"Sure thing."
So Marshall left the bill and followed Kazehana. But it seems that the man from earlier wasn't going to give up. Leaving the bar, he chased after the two.
"Hey wait! I could show you the best restaurant out here in the city. You could leave it to me."
"What do you want me to do with this man? I could tell that he won't stop bothering us and from the act he did earlier, he didn't even listen to you when you politely decline." said Marshall.
"Hmm. Maybe we can break his heart by showing some affection?"
"I'm not really into PDA but how about telling him that you aren't interested in him. That should keep him away."
When the man reached them, Kazehana told the man,
"I'm sorry but I'm not interested in you. Besides, I'm rather curious and interested in this man beside me. Plus I could tell that he'll treat me somewhere nice."
"How would you know? For all I can tell, this guy might be one of those guys who may only want you because of your body."
"Listen here. I don't treat women that way okay? I'm a gentleman and I treat a lady with respect and care. Also I don't see why she would be interested in you. First off, she politely declined that she didn't want a drink yet you bought her one. Second, it seems that you are doing this just so that you could impress others and tell your friends or whatever that you already bagged a beautiful woman. I could easily tell that. Many women would be utterly disgusted and leave you."
"How would you know? For all I know, that may be you."
"Yeah right. I've seen men do that to women and their relationship didn't even last for a week or two. I suggest that if you want to get a girlfriend, then go somewhere else. Now if you don't mind, the lady and I have lunch to go for. Ready?"
"Sure thing! I can't wait to know more about you!" said a happy Kazehana.
The man was stupefied at that claim as he just watched the two go somewhere else. When the two didn't see the man again, Marshall asked her,
"How was that?"
"Impressive. I could easily tell that you and I are going to have some fun."
"You sure about that?"
"Did I stutter?"
"No."
Kazehana giggled but the two continued to go towards the restaurant. Once they finished eating they talked about their past with Kazehana in the Disciplinary Squad, her broken heart when the MBI CEO didn't reciprocate her feelings while Marshall talked about his childhood, his brief army life in the Marine Corps, the murder of his family and the current occupation he is in right now. Kazehana wasn't really scared when she heard the deeds that he had done. Rather, she said that she'll support and love him regardless of what he did. Then the two went back home. As they were walking in the middle of an empty area, Marshall was suddenly kissed by Kazehana.
"With the blades of my wind, may my ashikabi be kept safe from harm. Sekirei Number Three Kazehana. Now and forever."
When the wings of light died down, Marshall then said to her,
"I'll make sure that you aren't lonely or heartbroken my dear. But I must warn you that I actually winged an old friend of yours."
"Oh my you mean Miya or Matsu."
"Neither but rather Karasuba."
"Hmm that is quite interesting to say the least. Normally she wouldn't be reacting towards a human as she has that blood lust but for to do that. To me I say that she has changed."
"I also noticed the behavior changed that she had as well. She wasn't seeking to kill out humans or whatever. She'd still do it, but only if I ever come into a pinch or something."
"That is something indeed. But regardless, let's go home honey~."
"Sure thing."
As they arrived, all of his sekirei looked at him and the newcomer. Karasuba was smiling dangerously towards Kazehana as she never liked her at all. Jealously welled up in her as she saw her clinging onto her ashikabi rather too much for her comfort.
"Ara ara Kaze-chan. Would you rather explain what you are doing with my darling~?"
"Hmm. Depends on what you want to hear."
"Do you want to fight to see who is the better suited one for Marshall-kun? I wouldn't mind settling old scores."
"With pleasure."
"Ladies ladies. Please behave. I don't want this house to be in a wreck as it would be a pain to fix it. Let's try to get along regardless of past experiences and what not." Marshall said to them.
The two women did as their ashikabi told them but they still had that electrical spark going on between them. Marshall sighed at this. If they ever go into a fight, he would have to do something about it. Even if it kills him.
Marshall went towards the large bathroom and to his surprise, he spotted Uzume taking a bath. As he was about to get out, Uzume grabbed his hand.
"What's the matter Marshall-kun? Do you not find me attractive."
"I do Uzume. Its just that I barged in the wrong time."
"Yare yare. I'd rather not have number 10 start me ne Ichiya?" Toyotama said to her short haired friend.
"Indeed. Plus we haven't had that much action so we want some right now~."
The bathroom resonated with a lot of moans, screams, and groans of pleasure. For Marshall, it was both heaven and hell combined. But for his sekirei, they had the time of their lives. Marshall thought that he would have blue balls after that crazy and rough sex session. After taking a bath and cleaning himself, he got dressed in his usual attire and told Kocho that he would be finding Akitsu. Kocho gave him the coordinates of where she could be which he thanked her for that. But he took Toyotama and Ichiya with him just in case there are other ashikabi that wanted to challenge him. Getting into his car, he along with his two other sekirei headed out.
As they arrived at the destination that Kocho gave him, the three occupants left the car. Marshall placed his white mask on and scanned the area to see if there is anybody out to fight him. It seems that he got some people out there trying to get to the scrapped number. To his dismay it was that kid Mikogami and it seems that he has two other sekirei with him. Marshall, Ichiya, and Toyotama decided to hid behind a bush so that they wouldn't be seen.
"Damn its that kid again." Marshall muttered under his breath.
"You've met him before?" Ichiya asked him.
"One time. But it seems that he didn't bring Mutsu with him so that's a relief."
"Well we can always attack his sekirei and get this done and over with." Toyotama chimed in.
"True. For all I know, he may be after Akitsu so I might as well do that."
Toyotama and Ichiya then emerged from their hiding place and attacked the other sekirei. This surprised the two as they didn't see that incoming attack.
"Who are you and who's your ashikabi?" asked Mikogami.
"Why it's me kid. Don't you remember me?" said Marshall.
"Tch. Listen up here. I don't know what you are doing here but if you leave right now, we might as well forget that this ever happened at all."
"Mmm let me think...no can do kid. Toyotama. Ichiya. Be careful okay?"
"Sure thing darling~!" Toyotama said in a flirty tone.
"Well then. You might as well do the honors here Marshall-kun."
So Marshall kissed both Ichiya and Toyotama and their wings of light spread throughout their backs. The two sekirei fought the enemy and they were able to repel them with ease. Ichiya and Toyotama pressed on their sekirei symbol causing them to be terminated. Mikogami had no choice but to retreat. Marshall sighed at this. Surely that kid must at least know that the key to winning this plan is to give each sekirei a loving bond.
Marshall turned around towards Akitsu and she looked at him with emotionless eyes. He knelt down and said to her,
"You alright?"
"Yes ashikabi-san. I feel so hot...I need an ashikabi like you..." Akitsu kissed him and to his surprise, her sekirei symbol went from her head to her back like the other sekirei Marshall encountered.
"With the power of my ice I shall freeze all dangers from my ashikabi. Sekirei Number 7 Akitsu. Now and forever."
"Akitsu. I have some good news for you. You are winged and you're no longer a defect. I don't know how but there you have it."
Akitsu's eyes widened a bit but she nonetheless felt happy for the first time. At first she thought that nobody would want her as she is nothing but a scrapped number. But this man, she could tell that he is a kind ashikabi. The one that would accept anybody regardless of who they are. Marshall noticed the state she is in so he grabbed his trench coat and placed it on her shoulders as she isn't wearing anything. Well he'll have to buy some clothes for her tomorrow if that were the case.
Akitsu, Toyotama, Ichiya, and Marshall went back to his car and drove home. As they four arrived at the place, he had a feeling of dread creep up his shoulders.
"For some reason, I have a feeling that Karasuba and Kazehana might be fighting." Marshall muttered.
When he placed the car in the garage he gave Bow his food and patted him on the head. The Siberian Husky woofed at his owner in appreciation and started to eat his food. As Marshall entered in the house, he saw Karasuba and Kazehana having this little electrical spark again.
"I'm home. We also have a new guest here with us so please treat her nicely."
"Oh? Another sekirei eh? I hope that is all because I highly doubt that there would anymore reacting to you." Karasuba said to her ashikabi.
"I guess that is it then. Well I'm not going to have anymore because I would say that this is more than enough to stop this crazy plan of his." said Marshall.
"But regardless, I'm going to have to go do some shopping tomorrow. If anybody wants to come, then please do so."
"Oh yay! I would love to shop with you my precious ashikabi-kun." Kazehana hugged Marshall burying his face into her soft breasts.
"Well we don't have that much food left and all so I might as well come along." Yomi said.
"I'll come along as well. I need to buy a phone so that I contact you in case if things go bad." said Uzume.
"Anybody else?"
The rest of the sekirei didn't say anything. Marshall then went back to bed as he wanted to have some peace and quiet for the night.
[Few days later...]
After Marshall and the girls went shopping, Kocho told him about the latest news in regards to Frank. He was surprised that the meeting is tonight at his hideout which is located in one of the grand hotels here in Shinto Teito. Marshall had no idea why he wanted to push the meeting so early but he probably didn't want Black Organization to screw his plans over. I mean they are on the rise and with an organization like that, Jade Ember would want to make sure that they don't interfere with their work. It makes sense.
Marshall told his sekirei that he would be back as he has business to take care of. He went to his room and grabbed his Thompson SMG along with his silenced M9 pistol. You see, he decided to give away his PDW weapon and his combat knife to his friend which he appreciated it very much. All he has now is his taser (in the form of a stun gun), Thompson SMG, M9 pistol. The Thompson SMG isn't like the WWII replica but rather had a black metal modern finish to it. (I just looked at PSGunLabProject's Thompson SMG in deviantart but instead of the straight vertical magazine it has a curved magazine). As Marshall arrived at the Hotel, he grabbed his phone and slipped his mask on.
"I've detected some of enemies inside the hotel armed with rifles and machine guns." Kocho said to him.
"Thanks. I'll hack into the security system and disrupt the cameras. Once that's done, I'll bust in."
"Be careful."
"Thanks Kocho."
Once Marshall hacked into the system, he disrupted the cameras permanently and he busted in the door. He got to cover and so did Bow. He killed some of the guards in there while he hacked into the elevator system. He then shot the remaining guards down and entered inside the elevator.
"Kocho. Can you tell me where Frank is?"
"He's up in the 23rd floor meeting with the rest of the other top members of Jade Ember."
"Any movements out there?"
"You might want to place a silencer on since there's some top notch guards out there."
"Roger that. I'll contact you once I'm in."
"Good luck."
So Marshall switched to his M9 silenced and killed most of the guards without letting a single one spot him. Before he busted in, he checked the dead body of one of the guards and found a flashbang grenade and also two pairs of handcuffs. Taking a couple with him, he switched to his Thompson. Throwing the flashbang out there, he breached the door and shot the rest of the Jade Ember members inside the meeting room leaving Frank Costably to cower behind a chair. Marshall kicked the chair and punched him at the gut. With him knocked out, he grabbed the man and placed the handcuffs on the chair.
"W-who are you!?"
"Don't play stupid with me you damn prick! You know real well who I am. Haven't you forgotten the incident two years back where you killed a certain family of a former US Marine?" said Marshall.
"I don't know what you are talking about!"
"Wrong answer buddy."
With that Marshall grabbed his M9 and shot him on the shins making him cry out in pain.
"Playing stupid with me aren't you huh? I don't blame you as you wanted to save yourself from getting killed by me. Let me refreshen your memory a bit. One of your men that was captured by the police told them that you killed the members of the Caldwell Family."
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't you remember two years ago, in Chicago that you went inside the humble abode of the Caldwell Family and killed them. Their blood painted the rug and I was really traumatized by it. The ungodly smell of death lingered in the house."
"So what?! They are nothing more than pests!"
Marshall shot a round on his arm making him grunt in pain.
"Alright alright! I did! Happy now!"
"Well then. You got your memories back. I see. No matter. Your time here ends. Before you go, let me introduce myself. My name is Marshall Caldwell. Last surviving member of the Caldwell Family."
"I thought I killed all of them!"
"Well I stand before you as a living proof that your work wasn't complete. You have no idea how I really wanted to relish in this revenge. I'll do a favor to all those who have their families taken away by you. That is to take you out."
Marshall shot him until he emptied the magazine of his pistol. He knew that he is dead and didn't even bother to check his pulse. Marshall and Bow left the hotel through the back entrance and drove off. As he stopped at a red light, he called Kocho.
"Target eliminated Kocho. At last my revenge is fulfilled."
"You must be happy now huh?"
"Well with that guy taken out of course I'm happy. That fucker has been hiding from me all this time and now was the chance to take him out. I can't let this guy continue to live as he has done numerous crimes around the world. I've saved the police some trouble of finding that guy. With that taken care of, I have to focus on taking out Minaka and end this crazy plan of his. I have a feeling that this second phase of the plan will begin."
"Indeed. I can tell that once all the sekirei are winged, there will be some chaos that would ensue."
"We'll be fine Kocho-chan. After all, I can't depend on you guys too much. I have to pull my weight on this."
"You know I thought that you would be one of those ashikabi who would just use us as tools to succeed in this game. Once the game is over, I feared that you might throw us out."
"I'm not one of those guys if you haven't noticed already. I see you as people even though you guys are from a different planet. You show emotions that aren't foreign to us such as happiness, sadness, anger, depression, joy. In the end, you aren't aliens. Rather humans with capabilities that surpasses the average human being. I don't really see a difference out there."
"Thanks Marshall-san. That means a lot to us sekirei."
"Anytime babe. Anyways, I'm nearly home. Just hang on tight."
As Marshall arrived home, he parked his car and entered in the house. After such a long and exhausting day all he wanted is to have some sleep. His sekirei already felt the tiredness sweeping their ashikabi's body so they didn't disturb him with their usual antics. They knew what type of job he does and they can't blame him as he is stuck in this place forever. He can't go back to his homeland since he is in exile after all. But now it just eases him as he got that freaking nightmare out of his mind for once in his lifetime. Two years may not be long but with these reoccurring nightmares of your family getting killed does prove to be long.
Well the rest of the day went by quietly without anything alerting them.
