Chapter 8 is now right here folks! Read at your own discretion.

As usual, Sekirei and its characters are owned by their respective owner. The OC is mine. Also Please review.

EDIT: Managed to edit some errors, particularly the Homura scene part. Thank you, fellow reviewer!

Warning!: Short Teaser, Boring Fights, Poor executions of scenes, little or no sound effects.


Memory 8.0

Even though they were outside and the winds are liberating. Sen noticed that the surrounding was so tensed and constricting.

Minato was so quiet.

Musubi, alternate her sight on Sen, Akitsu and Minato, also was quietly observing.

The lightning twins are also very quiet; one of them gave Akitsu and Sen a judging eye before them. Also for the first time, Sen met their presumed Ashikabi standing between the twins. A man of brazen attitude who was chuckling and winking at Sen for the most of the time.

The lightning twins are currently wearing their maid outfit, which made Sen remember about the cafe she have seen some time ago and seeing their uncomfortable stance, it could be that it is their working uniform and possible worked there. Sen assumed that the S&M outfit could be their battle outfit.

Akitsu was silent all the time beside me. After hearing about the rescue mission she decided to join Minato and Sen. Sen was content that Akitsu made a choice without asking for permission to me. It seemed that Akitsu was determined to save this green girl. Akitsu said that the she/he deserved a worthy Ashikabi, like Minato or Sen(?).

Akitsu was already wearing her battle outfit compose of chains, kimono and all. Sen hoped that it doesn't impede her performance in the real battle.

By the way, Sen dropped her package back to her own room after returning to the Izumo Inn for safekeeping, as it is not wise to use it right now.

Also, Sen tried to forward this situation to Miya as easily she was the strongest one Sen perhaps encountered, barring Karasuba of course, and she could be proven to be a powerful ally but Minato hastily refused, saying they were sworn to secrecy by Minaka.

Sen don't get it, why wouldn't they ask for permission to help them by Miya? Well the reason why Sen thought can help them because Musubi thought Sen was Karasuba (again) and told her about the green girl before it was too late. Therefore, they have no other choice but to let me in.

Minato firmly believed that the text message he received was not a scam, in fact, he didn't based his proof on the cellphone but rather to the strange dream that he was having that last night; it's about the little girl who was crying for help within the heart of a certain forest. He claimed that it wasn't a coincidence.

Sen accepted his pleas for various reasons and one of them was to see how Sekireis fight each other and to gauge their abilities. If this is an actual rescue mission, then it inevitable that there would be a battle.

"So you're his Ashikabi?" Hikari was the first one to broke the silence, whilst glaring at Akitsu and Sen respectively.

"... no wonder you're damn powerful."

"Err... no. Akitsu and Sen-san are not my Sekirei." Minato interjected, his hands casually waved in denial.

"Then whose—"

"Kara—I mean Sen-sama will become Minato's Sekirei someday, I believe on it!" Musubi interrupted. Her current predicament, the puffing of her cheeks and the eyes closed but full of emotions and her firm belief made Sen think that she must have earned a head pat but she knew there was a consistent error in her statement.

'W-what, you're both unwinged-?" Both Hibiki and Hikari gaped in disbelief on what they've heard recently.

"I am broken, I cannot answer Ashikabi's call." Akitsu nonchalantly corrected them as if it was a matter-of-fact needed to remind everyone.

"That's it, I'm getting rid the both of you!" Hikari exclaimed as she prepared her attack. Her right hand sparkled with electricity and pointed it to them. Her most likely reason was to get her revenge on Sen.

"Hibiki don't!" Her counterpart, Hibiki, pleaded not to hurt them, which is a wise decision. Hikari was well aware of the difference of the strength between Sen and her company and the twins while Hibiki was acting solely on her impulses. She immediately pulled Hikari's arm to halt her hot-headed twin's actions immediately.

"Girls, girls, calm down!" the man commanded. His heavy hands immediately draped over his two Sekireis. For starters, This is the third time Sen met an Ashikabi. Minato already mentioned this man who was also an Ashikabi just like him, the two of them are friends within the last day, they claimed. Sen has the right to be suspicious about this man.

Hibiki's electrified arm was interrupted in the process.

"Seo-!" Hibiki barked. No matter how gruff this man, Hibiki surprisingly didn't follow up the threat. The man, named Seo Kaoru, ignored Hibiki's cry.

"I see that Minato already introduced my name to both of you, eh ... but nevermind, I'll reintroduced myself!"

With those words, he immediately grabbed and kneaded Hibiki's breast and groped Hikari's butt as if he doesn't care about the world.

"I'm Ashikabi, Seo Kaoru, and these are my beautiful Sekireis!"

"Seo~!"

"Seo you son of a bitch!"

Both Hibiki and Hikari are surprised and tried to argue out of him but was later replaced by gasps and moans. Minato was baffled by the scene, and was embarrassed later on, evident on his reddening of cheeks and evaded his sight purposely but Musubi was totally ok with the situation and Akitsu seemed to be fine with it.

Does this scenario already a norm? In other countries this would led to life imprisonment or execution as it was labelled as indecent in public and sexual assault. Well, Sen would later found out and she needed to get herself out of her mind when Seo was eyeing her for a mean time and his perpetual smirk means something fishy is going on, especially if his eyes are set on her bosom and her thighs, alternating on both.

"Well, my fair lady... I still have a vacant slot just for –GYAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"

Seo tried to woo someone but Sen already suspected that Seo targeted her and his words were poorly executed and it was even in a worst possible moment. As a result, the lightning twins electrocuted their own Ashikabi as an instant punishment and ... karma was it?

"That's it. You've overstepped again, stupid Seo!"

Hibiki scolded irritably after she was done punishing Seo. Seo dropped down the ground, his body all charred all over and he burnt odor emanate around as and it is not helping that Seo's body was still smoking. Sen was seriously concerned if the twins committed a murder here... or not.

"I-I'm just joking, I swear!" Seo groaned before he stood up again. Sen's attention perked as she saw that Seo was resilient and perhaps has tasted more of the twin's electricity to the point he might have well developed immunity to it and shrug it off later on. Seo was still patting his clothing of the soot although he was still blackened from shock.

"A-anyways, I didn't expect you to bring some back up." Seo added after glancing toward Sen and Akitsu. Seriously, Seo didn't mind after what happened to him and Sen thought that Seo might be thrilled being electrocuted. Therefore, Seo might be suffering from masochism.

"You have a good eye, Minato! They were really strong." Seo remarked as he showed his grin. It could be that the twin told him about their encounter and Sen was worried that they will painted it in bad light.

"Thanks."

"This rescue mission might be just a breeze, after all."

"Excuse me but if I were you, I will not underestimate this mission." Sen committed, seeing that she was particularly annoyed that Seo was overlooking important points and ignored all potential dangers. Seo's attention was onto her then and his twin Sekireis was becoming more wary than ever.

"Oh, why would I, Miss-..."

"Senmetsu Tsubameko." Sen replied and was now visibly irritated that Seo didn't even bother knowing her until now. It was rude for her and it was awfully disrespectful but she didn't bat it an eye.

"... if you and Minato received that text then chances are other Ashikabi's will target the green girl too and Minato might be harmed." Sen's eyebrows scrunched from mild concern.

"Why is that? Are you concerned with Minato's well-being?" Seo smirked after teasing her. He might be expecting that Sen to blush a little and to deny his accusations like a typical girl with a crush but at the instance Sen spoke without any reaction he hoped for, he knew he failed it.

"Not to the extent but yes. As a fellow tenant and a witness right here, I am partly responsible for his own safety and to the extent, Musubi... "

All of them turned their attention to her.

"... but do not misunderstood, I want to save the green girl too." Sen assured them.

"D-don't worry, Kara-... I mean Sen-sama, I will protect Minato-kun at all cost!"

Musubi suddenly declared, pumping her fist up in the air excitedly. Sen saw this as amusing as Musubi is. She knew that Musubi was naive but also capable at the same time. Musubi's intense dedication toward protecting Musubi was not something to belittle. Musubi really meant it, albeit, naively. Also, she was still annoyed that Musubi was still calling her Karasuba, even though Musubi was really trying to correct herself.

Sen was smiling genuinely at Musubi as if all problems can be absolve immediately however she needed to confirm something and that she needed to be alone with Seo this time. Sen can ignore the twin's threat even if they were to accompany Seo; their threats are nothing but empty for her and she can handle them alone quite easily. Also, she also put some trust in Seo that he would rein them in the case of anger management.

"Minato-kun."

"Y-yes, Sen-san?" Minato jolted upon hearing his name called out.

"I need to talk with Seo alone. Just go over there and wait for us." Sen said while briefly pointing somewhere at the distance. Minato nodded obediently and walked away followed by Musubi, who was torn between staying with Sen or joining Minato but at last decided to follow her Ashikabi at the last moment. Akitsu just stood alongside Sen, her calculating eyes observing carefully Seo and his flocks, with what Sen was up to made her wondered about it quietly.

When Minato was already at a distance he can't hear them, Seo was the first one to break the silence.

"I am not lying that you are indeed strong together with that woman."

Sen stared at him begrudgingly arms, crossed this time when she heard those words. If she were an ordinary woman, she could have slap him many times, considering he was very rude at the very beginning. 'It's time to gauge your worthiness, Seo-kun.'

"Seo-kun, are you a sensor?"

Seo was visibly shook from Sen's abruptness. Of all interesting questions she could ask, Seo was mildly surprised. Could it be that Sen was something more? Well that could make more things more interesting but also it could be a million dollar hit-or-miss question.

"Maybe ... maybe not?" Seo shrugged it off at the last sentence. He was still quite uncertain in the end. He subconsciously wandered his eyes around for no reason. At least, Sen was satisfied somehow with his answers even if it is vague enough.

"Then what can you say about me?"

Seo was now confused rather than surprised. Yes, he admitted that he was somehow knew the answer –if that's what she was aiming for—but as long as Sen was trying to be oblivious he will be still in the dark so he answered honestly.

"Uhmm... you're like them but at the same time not ... also ridiculously powerful." Surprise. Surprise. He also gave a vague answer back and hope Sen was satisfied with and hoped that she would gave him sensible questions this time. Earning her trust seemed to be very difficult. In addition, he can't stop thinking about ... pfft. Never mind. As if.

"Informative answers, I see." Sen said after a second of thinking.

"Yeah, I know." Seo was wondering if Sen was being sarcastic this time. Sen was now thinking again this time, could be deep as Seo bet. He can wait patiently here with his Sekirei –oh they were patient this time, not even arguing or threatening Sen like a whimsical cat, add to the point that the ice Sekirei, namely Akitsu, was guarding them both beside Sen—but time is essential , the longer they are here, the more the green girl was vulnerable.

"Why do you trust Minato... as an Ashikabi you should have strike him down anytime but you didn't take any opportunity prior to this meeting."

Seo just smirked at the question. At least it was the sensible one and easy to answer.

"It's because I like him for some reason."

Seo chuckled. It was short but it was genuine. He like Minato at the beginning and he could see it that the kid will have many Sekirei in the future. He could feel it and he honestly bet for him.

"I've heard everything."

Sen said precariously as she turned back, walked away together with Akitsu, and preparing for the assault.

Well, that's it? Nothing more? Seo felt as if Sen was joking all along; as if he were to compel to play with her fiasco. He didn't hate Sen for that and he have this sudden urge to laugh right now because he was already sweating for some reason.

It is time to rescue the green girl then.

...

The area of the battlefield was in front of the Botanical Garden. Through to my observation, the garden was overwhelmed with lush vegetation, and which is impossible to achieve within one night so therefore it could be connected to this 'green girl' Sekirei. I admit that my scientific attitude perked up upon my own conclusion, particularly its benefits to the humankind, but I knew it was too foolish enough and dropped it in favor of our mission.

I could see about dozen of Sekireis fighting each other like a rumble fight and the destruction of this place is nigh possible aftermath. Several military vehicles are either burning up or overthrown and bodies of soldiers lie everywhere. It is unknown whether they are still unconscious or dead already.

The gate of the garden was torn apart already but I did not sense any humans sans Ashikabis inside that garden and that means the green girl is in no danger of being forced winging, an explanation courtesy of Matsu, but it is a different story when at least two Sekireis are inside that jungle. It is no doubt that one of them is the green girl.

We must hurry.

The lightning twin Sekireis seemed to be hesitant to enter the chaos in front of us. Accordingly, they should have at least experience in fighting Sekirei so it is understandable what their dilemma is. They value their self-preservation rather than being thrown to the chaos.

But Musubi recklessly jumped forward fearlessly, her face painted with extreme delight. She earned an instant knockout of one of the Sekirei who stumbled away after being hit in her face by Musubi's kick upon her grand entrance.

"Musubi No. 88, here I come!"

Meanwhile Minato was being restless, then suddenly rushed forward to the Botanical Garden, ignoring the commotion around him. I did not blame him for running away from me, his sure insurance of being unhurt, or myself, who should have stopped him the moment I realized his intention. To my relief Minato managed to disappear inside the garden unharmed but it will be another problem once he encounter some Sekirei inside the garden. He also forgot Musubi, so I took the liberty of reminding her.

"Musubi!"

I exclaimed in a reasonable volume, just enough to be heard by Musubi.

"Karasuba-sama!?"

Musubi replied, albeit, shouting. She was busy punching and parrying a Sekirei who wields a makeshift spear.

"Protect Minato at all cost!"

"Yes, Karasuba-sama!" Musubi nodded before she abandoned her opponent and jumped toward the Botanical Garden. Her opponent was still dazzled from Musubi's lucky strikes.

*CRASH*

Turning sideways, I found the lightning twins are already fighting someone, their lightning strikes briefly illuminates the battlefield. I did not see Seo but I deduced that he is somewhere within the eyesight of the twins. Akitsu meanwhile entered the battle with graceful movements, ice sprouting everywhere near, knocking away Sekireis and making herself a makeshift shield out of ice. Her passion for battle really shined through.

I was slowly moving until I was in the middle of the continuing battles. I did not intend to fight anyone and hoped that I could proceed the garden without intrusion, just like what Minato did, albeit while running quickly. Ashikabi's like him could be ignored in favor of fighting someone competent so it is no surprise that I found three Sekireis in front of me blocking my way. It can be possiblity that they form a temporary truce over facing me or that they have the same Ashikabi. Their battle lust is barely noticeable but it was already there. I pity them for they have no idea who they were facing.

I admit that I held back my strength when I faced Karasuba for the first time and when Miya wounded me with her blade. Well, there's explanation for everything; I don't want to expose myself in the airport, I don't want to hurt Miya because she's the landlady, I want everyone to perceive me as weak...

... I just wanted to be a human and do things normally a human can do but when violence is involved...

Well, why not?

I hissed wickedly and released my bloodiest killing intent they will ever experienced. It was successful and almost covered a kilometer like a plague. The wind displaced around me, as if it was trying to get away from me.

The three of them was struck headfirst the full blast of my killer's instinct and they fell down with a thud without even landing a blow on me. Surprisingly, this led to their level 2 termination, courtesy of Matsu once more who explained to me about termination. Well I did not expect it could terminate a Sekirei. Their crest on their nape disappeared, a proof of their termination.

I've noticed it earlier but concerns are already begun to build up on me. Again, I shouldn't be quite excited when I released my intent earlier and it served me confusion since I've already halted my emotions in order to boost my performance but I suspect that there's something more but I willingly set it aside.

Sekireis who are far from me but just in enough distance to experience my killing intent froze instantly, turning their fullest attention to me and became extremely terrified that they either fainted, wet themselves, fled, retreated immediately or a combination of two.

Good. Thinning the enemies means fewer complications.

Even the lightning twins became terrified of me right now, even though they weren't hit by the wave. It could be they witness my real strength for the first time. I should apologize to them later once this is over.

Fewer Sekireis meant that I can now see Seo by the distance, who was dumbstruck from watching me. Even better. It means that Seo will trivialize things with me later on. By the way, I've noticed that the already few Ashikabis bar Seo around me have fled already.

From a dozen, excluding the lightning twins, who are now content of their interrupted battle and felt relieved just by watching me from now, all ended down to just five. Even though I am amused that they chose to stand valiantly and I couldn't help but spot some mild shaking from their arms and legs as they hesitantly face me.

I felt guilt for the first time. Even if this turned into a 1v5 bout, which really happened, I couldn't help but feel pity for them.

They are bound by the will of their Ashikabis.

They did not understand what freedom was really is.

They did not experience bloodshed (The current battle was less than Sen's version of child play)

It is a fanciful thought that they might be my distant cousin but it is really impossible.

It is time to end the fight right now.

...

Dammit.

Dammit.

Dammit.

Minato screamed internally as he zoomed through the forest, not caring if his clothes caught on something or gaining wounds and scratches along the way. When they have arrived at the battle scene, he knew there is something wrong. The green girl was in danger and he only felt it but it was seemed to be real. He could sense the green girl screaming for help. He should have stayed near Sen but he foolishly ran out of extreme concern.

Even though he was running blindly, Minato entrusted himself from navigating aimlessly inside the forest. He felt that the entire forest opened a path just for him, to help the green girl whom he thinks in trouble right now.

He was thoroughly focused.

Then he slowed down the pace when he saw the light. Minato breathed in relief.

Yes, he was in the right direction after all.

...

"Stupid brat!" yelled a scythe-wielding Sekirei who mercilessly pulled a little girl who won't budge from hugging on the tree. The little girl was on the verge of tantrum and it is visibly weary but she kept on fighting.

Hours earlier, the scythe-wielding Sekirei was ordered by her Ashikabi to retrieve the green girl and make her one of his collections after inciting pandemonium in the Botanical garden, which resulted in that humongous forest. Of course, the Sekirei obeyed dutifully and due to her persistence she found her right at the heart of this forest where unnatural illumination occured. She wanted to be quick and efficient but the little brat was just too resisting.

"That's it, you need punishment in order to learn your lesson, brat-!" warned the Sekirei before she raised her scythe above, ready to strike the little girl. The scythe-wielding Sekirei was visibly enjoying the scene, evident when she smirked contently. She faltered when someone tackled her.

"Nooo!" Minato exclaimed as both of them stumbled and fell to the ground awkwardly. Minato immediately crouch down, stood up wearily and breathing heavily. His clothes already soiled from sweat and dirt. Running really took its toll. The little girl immediately recognized Minato and hurriedly hugged him on his legs.

"B-Brother!" The little girl cried and cried until she limped away from exhaustion in Minato's arm. Minato, being tired already, slumped down, albeit carefully since the little girl's wait was on him, and he crept away from the woman and settled down between the roots of a large tree.

The scythe-wielding Sekirei already recovered from her recent fall and was now very pissed off. Scorn adorned on her face.

"You pervert! How dare you touch my body!" The Sekirei gritted and argued as she fixed her clothing and then grasp her scythe tightly. Eyeing Minato as her target, she readied her strike again with the intent of shredding the boy and the little girl. She no longer cared if the little girl will be harmed, as long as she can retrieve her. To hell with them!

She brandished it in a wide arc, releasing a wind capable of cutting anyone within its reach. Minato knew he had to fight his way but with his current condition he can't. With nothing else to do, he covered the little girl's body with his in order to shield her from the worst treatment. Then he shut his eyes, praying that he would make it out alive.

He could feel the wind disturbed his hair and slicing sounds of it before someone grasped his clothing behind and pulled him on his butt with ease. He instinctively held on to the little girl, afraid that she might be left behind.

When someone stopped him from dragging further, Minato opened his eyes carefully to see his savior.

"Sen-sama?"

He gawked from what he saw. Indeed, Sen was right behind him, one of her strong hand tightly grasped on his clothes and from her face Minato realized that she was concerned for him. His cheeks reddened as he felt embarrassed from that moment.

"I ordered Musubi to follow you here but it seemed that she's a little busy." 'Also, she might be a little lost...' Sen stated but was a little tempted to say her present thought. Sen managed to track Minato after that one-sided fight. Of course, as one of her past profession was assassination, one of her skills was tracking. Her skill does not dull after these years.

"W-what?"

"Musubi has encountered another Sekirei... it seemed that the one in front of us wasn't alone." Sen replied. Even though Sen knew that Musubi was naive, she believed that Musubi will not be defeated easily and her proof was the recent battle.

Sen glanced toward the child held by Minato. She honestly thought that the green girl was an entirely different person but seeing Minato intent on protecting her then there's something wrong here.

Sen felt her blood ran cold. She couldn't stand hurting a child and she will not accept anyone who is willing to hurt a child. Seeing that the child was a Sekirei and now sporting bruises on both of her arms only made it worse for her to accept the situation. At this moment she dropped all emotions and faced the offensive, immoral Sekirei with contempt.

How dare is she!

The scythe-wielder could not help but eavesdrop in their conversation and continued smirking. Sen did not purposely have their words leak but when she felt the oozing confident from the scythe-wielder, she dropped all issues instantly and forgets it. She wanted to test her overconfidence in the first place.

"Oh, you must be that 'trash's Sekirei—"

The scythe wielder spotted her nape earlier and seeing that she's not yet unwinged brought some ridiculous ideas in her mind. She chuckled.

"Forget it; you didn't even let that 'trash' wing you, don't ya? Deserving for him, hehe..."

The scythe wielding Sekirei then swung her scythe in threatening manner. Minato was obliged to give the scythe wielding Sekirei his explanation that he has a Sekirei and et cetera that could have included Sen but Sen stopped him and urged him to be silent. He quieted himself immediately. In other words, He was agitated.

"I'm Sekirei no. 43 Yomi... hmm; Mikogami-sama could found some use in you if you join us." The Sekirei named Yomi offered an offer that sounded stupendous for Sen and Minato. Minato was now irritated but only stopped by Sen's comforting hand.

'Mikogami. That could be the name of Yomi's Ashikabi.' Sen mentally noted it. She was glad that Minato resisted the urge to talk since Yomi perceived Sen as an ordinary unwinged Sekirei.

"But first why not bring that child brat over here and beat that piece of filth? I will be sure to treat you very well." Yomi scoffed. She expected that the Sekirei beside the 'trash' obliged to obey her. Well why not? She was sure that Mikogami, her beloved Ashikabi, will be very happy to bring not just one but two Sekirei for his growing collection and then she will be surely praised for it. Sen didn't even considered it, Yomi wasn't even convincing either.

"What if I don't?" Sen answered curiously, even though she expected that Yomi wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.

Yomi felt as if the woman was testing her patience. "Then I'll just beat you up, and that 'trash' and present you to my precious Ashikabi!"

That's it. Without even waiting for a beat, Yomi dashed forward exhilaratingly. She quite expected that this foolish Sekirei will refuse and so wanted to harm her to her heart's content. Scratch it, she doesn't want her gave up easily without even a fight. That would be booooring. Also, she must be extra careful not to kill the woman as per Ashikabi's order.

Her basic knowledge about her fellow Sekireis who are still unwinged is that they are very weak, except the single-digits of course and by the looks of that woman, she might not be a single digit, so that's why she's awfully confident that she can defeat her without breaking a sweat.

Her scythe was right behind, gathering momentum for an awesome blade winds. With a grunt, Yomi brandished it in one wide arc, releasing a wind blast akin to a rampaging mini-tornado. It scratched, peeled and skinned the nearby trees.

Minato was shocked and was forced to close his eyes and continued covering the little girl. Meanwhile Sen pulled them further and placed herself in front of them. Sen didn't even flinched from the incoming wind and precisely struck her hand forward with a surgical force.

The maelstrom immediately ceased.

Yomi was wide-eyed, disbelief written on her face. "W-what!"

"Your wind cutter thingy was good but there's several holes where I can put my hand and pull it out unscathed." Sen explained, although she was still perplexed on why she gave the explanation easily. She compared it to a crumpled thread and pulling its end straightened it out.

"But that's impossible!"

"I cancelled it out with my strike." Sen replied in a simple term. She located the weakness inside the maelstrom akin to an 'eye'. She destroyed it with a simple forward force resulting in a chain reaction, or a reverse shockwave.

Yomi gritted. She didn't expect it.

Yomi gritted. She didn't expect it. She's thoroughly dedicated on that strike that she entirely depended on it for her fights. Sen nullifying it as if it's nothing meant that she has hardly any options but to resort to a melee instead.

"Then cancel this!"

Yomi taunted as she swung her scythe, aiming for Sen. Sen wasn't unperturbed a little bit; she fully expect that Yomi may lash out during or after her explanation as expected of a rookie one. As what Sen observed, Yomi was just playing/toying with her opponent with shallow to none skills and acted out as if she was a full fledge sadist and Sen can mentally list all the faults why Yomi was a terrible fighter to the core.

... and oh her swing were so slow Sen can still think for a moment; it was so sloppy, badly imbalance and started with wrong execution. She can still think of other disadvantages and the blade will not reach her yet. Even with the facts established, Sen doesn't relinquish on underestimating her opponents.

With one steady slap at the dull edge of the blade, it broke apart. Sen also take note that her weapon was not fitted for an actual combat, since it is on par with various substandard materials she have seen before.

The destruction of Yomi's blade cause her to be startled and brought imbalance to her position. Sen greatly took advantage of her midflight and aimed for her abdomen.

"Guh!"

Yomi's face all scrunched up from the solid pain and was about to reel back from the impact when Sen managed to twist and elbowed her nape with such force that her body planted down the ground.

'Too fast!'

Two surgical strikes it takes to knock Yomi down. 'But do not aim to kill.'

If this is an actual assassination, Sen would have to chose more brutal methods such as breaking her neck, shutting down her heart or fracturing her skull to end her life instantly. Yomi didn't qualify as a target or found any reason to, even her taunts and her maltreatment of the child does not count as one. She registered Yomi as an unimportant mook.

Yomi was still awake and tried to stand up, pain flaring all over her body and then successfully did it within a minute, albeit while wobbly and with great difficulty. Yomi's face twist and then scrunch up again when another wave of pain overwhelmed her senses once more while forcing her body to take up weight and move.

Sen knew that she can still knock Yomi down once more but enough is enough. She will let the system work in favor of her. Sen turned back and approached Minato instead. Her job is finished right here and they should leave now.

In her present condition, Yomi only felt pain, terror and resentment. Seeing her supposed opponent turned her back and seemed to belittle her only served to make her feel humiliated . With intense shaking from being totally owned by Sen, Yomi acted on instinct wearily.

'Not this time!' She gritted painfully. Even if she's near death state, Yomi wasn't afraid to play dirty. She no more energy to panic, escape or fully retaliate but she knew she can still throw a weak range attack that could instantly end her life in a whim but can possibly put a humiliating wound on that damned Sekireis back. 'I don't care anymore!'

Yomi believed she would not be noticed. She smirked painfully.

Her enemy showed mercy on her. 'Ha, stupid Sekirei!'

Her eyes are now blurry but she can manage. 'Cancel this, bitch!'

Yomi swung her scythe as hard as she could, even if her muscles practically screamed from pain, burst some blood vessels in some part of her body and/or fractured bones already gone to its limits.

...

...

...

Nothing happened. Yomi was perplexed.

There was supposed to be a wind that should wound that stupid girl but there is nothing.

'But how!?´Yomi tried to voiced it out, throat and mouth be damned, Even if the scythe's blade was destroyed she can still spike up some wind.

'But how!?' She looked to her scythe...

Its missing but why she can feel it there earlier?

She was seeing red. Consequences caught up with her.

Hearing dulled.

Pain erupted once more.

Numbness follow.

Yomi vomited blood.

Even though her eyesight are now blurry, she took one last glance at Sen, who paused and looked at her with disdain.

Her scythe was in her hand.

Her eyesight eventually black out.

'But how-?!'

Consciousness drifted into nothingness...

"I'm so sorry, Ashikabi-sama..."

...

Sen observed Yomi fell and slumped down finally on the ground, unmoving with no chance of recovery but she was still alive. Their fight was short but efficient. During Yomi's flight, she has managed to seize her scythe unnoticed, seeing she did not even dispose it after. It might be possible that she has some use for it.

Yomi was still alive, Sen cemented the fact. Her heartbeat is still noticeable, albeit faint but she made sure that she can make it alive amidst broken bones and bleeding. Also, Yomi's crest disappeared due to termination. Sen expected it.

Sen went to Minato and helped him stood up, the little girl was still in his arms sleeping.

"T-thanks."

"No problem. Mission complete. Is that the green girl." Sen already knew the answer but she wanted Minato reassure once more. Minato nodded.

Unsurprisingly, Seo, the lightning twins and Akitsu burst out of the foliage. It seems their navigation were way off but they are just in the right time since Sen and Minato are now going home, bringing the little girl with them. Staying here was dangerous.

"So, Hiya—that's the green girl, isn't it?" Seo wasn't spunky as usual, seeing that he also witnessed Sen capability to equalize in the battle. Sen realized that he was being a little careful from now on which is a good omen. His voice wasn't even loud but controlled. He was still smirking though.

Even the lightning twins seemed to be quiet and calm but fear are written all over their faces. They were still wary as usual. Sen optimistically admitted that the twins did not hit the killing intent directly or there would be consequences. She viewed them as an allies as long as they do not act as an adversary.

Akitsu was just indifferent but Sen could see determination on those eyes. Musubi was still not present but the fighting has been ceased, probably her opponent immediately after Yomi was down and no, Musubi's wasn't terminated yet.

She's kind of lost in the jungle that's all.

"Yes, she is." Abrupt but informative. Seo chuckled as he was satisfied with the answer. In turn, they both went away, leaving us but not before exiting the garden. They admitted that they kind of lost too but called it a miracle when they managed to find them. I trusted Seo minimally but enough that I Minato and the girl to them temporarily in their care in favor of retrieving Musubi, who was still wandering inside the garden.

It's time to go home.

Little did she know that she would be infamously known as the Angel of Death later on...

...

*Yomi's presence vanished."

"Damn, she's useless."

Someone stirred inside the car.

It's a boy with a bandage on his cheeks.

"... but that woman..."

He smirked.

"... I want her... she's a powerful individual..."

Immediately, the car started and it was gone in a minute. Business was over. He admired her reluctance to be winged and he is willing to test it.

Then, he will wing her instead no matter what.

...

It was so real. Shit.

He was palpitating really badly. Homura hastily grasped his chest from phantom pain. He was trying to control his senses but failed everytime she calmed herself.

That woman. That Sekirei. What is wrong with her?

Earlier, Homura has been guarding the Botanical Garden but multitude of Sekireis came in assault, knocking away all soldiers and overturned all war vehicles. He defended himself really well but the gates are finally overwhelmed.

Homura tried to enter the gates but the battle was turned into a free for all fights, which suddenly culminated into full-blown chaos. He was overwhelmed.

It was right where Sen entered where real shit happened. That bullshit-incarnated death descended on the battlefield, terminated most of Sekireis on the spot, and ended the fight!

Homura dropped himself on his own bed. After the shenanigan, he return, no, scampered away, to the Izumo Inn and straight to the room. He was lucky that Miya didn't spot him.

He was perspiring heavily, and he knew it wasn't normal but he doesn't know what is wrong with him, added to that was his unstable condition which only worsened.

He gritted his frustration. The future was uncertain for him.

'Who are you, Senmetsu?'


And that's it, please look forward for new chapter.

Stay tune! next deadline might be on February 9.

No additional comments! also no teasers for now.

P.S. working on an omake. Feel free to suggest an idea. just PM me or review.