A/N: I have to make an apology here. I thought for sure I would get this up and published before new years. You know how it is, no excuses but holidays turn you around, you get distracted, you start reading fan fictions, you get caught up with this or that. I take alot of inspiration from fan fiction, and from canon, so its like a requirement for me. I was seriously stalled about half way through this chapter and needed refilling.
A thanks to RykOakwine ( u/3335688/ ) for letting me beta a Sekirei story he has not yet published. Check out his profile and follow him. He has a really awesome work thats about 80k-90k words over 9 chapters so far. (not yet published) but it boggles my mind that he is waiting so long. Truly an inspiration. I am not a large fan of OC stories, but his I got into fairly quickly. With his permission I give a little insight here, a shout out towards the end. Coincidentally this is the second with a Madoka in the story..
nobodyreallyimportant: I know, I really would not want to be Minato here. And yet, we know some of what is coming so, yea, I think the dark before the dawn is a good way to describe it.
revan79: I could almost feel those tears.
AbsenseofTruth: muahahahaha. Just you wait.
The Imortal Doctor Reid: NO I know eh? Shhhhhh. As Riversong says 'SPOILERS!' You aint getting them from me. Hint, its inevitable. I mean this is the Sekirei plan here we are talking about.
To my guest reviewer. I appreciate your pointing that out to me. I'll have to go back when I get time and make that correction. I had seen it elsewhere I think a couple times.. No, no excuses, I should have researched that better. Please, next time sign in so I can thank you properly.
- o -
The young girl, a sekirei laid back on the lab bed as the researcher went over various data. "Well, it seems you're doing good. Any questions? You feel any different?" Takami smiled as she looked from the young woman and back to the data pad making various notes from the medical equipment.
"No, Dost thou know when I mayest be released? Tis tiresome remaining here waiting" the blonde sekirei inquired with attitude.
"My my, eager to find your Ashikabi are we?" Takami chuckled and continued "You seem almost as eager as a couple of the others who are waiting approval", she motioned for the young woman to rise and dress.
"Thou hast me wrong. I willst win this game with mine own strength." she fell silent a moment, eyeing the researcher "If anything hast been proven by mine adjuster tis the need to be successful on ones own" she frowned as she stood, gathering her choice of clothing about her. Her eyes again falling upon Takami.
"I see. so you don't want an Ashikabi?"
"Nay, I've no need for a Monkey to test my patience. I might well kill him should one try to take me!" she continued, her attitude growing deeper the longer they conversed on the subject.
"I have to admit Tsukiumi, you might be correct, however, they do have their uses. Men I mean, you just be careful which one you trust. Last thing you need is some useless pathetic loser who doesn't -see- you."
"Its no matter of consequence" Tsukiumi began, "I have no need at all of one."
"I see.. Well, be mindful you might not have a choice. You never know what the president will do next." Takami fell silent a moment as she made further marks on her datapad "Well, Everything seem in order. You will be marked down as a possible release subject in the next batch"
"GOOD!" the young blond smiled her spirit seemed to improve. She held out her hand, and tested her power, growing a ball of water swirling about just above her open palm.
Takami couldn't help but smile as she watched on "Your adjuster will be back tonight to escort you home. She will get a call when your batch will be released." she paused "Other than yourself, all the other single numbers have been released."
"I.. see. Must I return to -that house-?" Tsukiumi inquired. She had grown, she had learned much of what she might expect to come across in the outside world in that house and she had no real desire to return.
"Yes. I will need to consult with Miyajima-san on your preparedness for release so its a necessity".
Tsukiumi bristled in an obvious manner "That old lady knowest not how I feel. She hast the desire to keep me sheltered within her home for an eternity"
Takami couldn't help but smile at that "Oh I seriously doubt that. I can understand if she is overprotective. I feel that way about a couple of you sekirei myself. Humans feel that way about our children too.." she turned, and busied herself near the desk and the larger workstation.
"Harumph" came the noise from Tsukiumi, "I doubtest that. But I will abide by such a thing and await thine approval to the real world"
Takami glanced at the clock "Your adjuster said she would be here within the hour. Relax, your part in the sekirei plan will come soon enough I'm sure" she then turned, and departed, checking the automatic locking door behind her.
Tsukiumi just laid back on the lab bed closing her eyes "I care not" she muttered to herself angrily.
- o - o -
It had been a couple weeks since it happened. Akitsu was gone, he had watched and looked for her in the following days. Before cram school, after cram school. The park bench where he met her remained for the most part empty. The occasional couple making out in contrast to the woman's odd mannerisms struck him strangely. In fact, in many ways he wondered if it was just a weird dream he had woken up from.
"I guess.. I should just concentrate on cram school and my exams. They will be coming up soon enough" he muttered to himself as he found himself trudging up the stairs to his apartment.
"Mr Sahashi" the voice boomed behind him giving him a start.
"Ye..Y.. Yes sir?" he turned swiftly as if he had done something wrong.
The eyes regarded him carefully "I am glad to see you've curtailed your 'visitors'" he continued "I would hate to have kicked you out. You've been MOSTLY reliable otherwise"
"Ye.. yes sir... Thank you sir" Minato stammered. "Why am I so nervous? It's not like Akitsu is hiding or waiting to come in.." he wondered to himself.
"Ease up Sahashi. I need you to tend to our agreement, I have company coming up this weekend and I wanted to ensure you tended to it well before hand. I know you've been studying hard" the old man grinned.
Minato nodded "Ye.. yes sir. B..b.. By the weekend everything will be do..d.. done" he then took a deep breath. "Anything else?" he finally got out without stammering.
"No. and good luck on your entrance exams when they come"
Minato nodded and turned "Th..Thank you" he got out successfully. He was at the top of the stairs, and inside his apartment within minutes, in fact he was so quick he didn't hear the snort come from the landlord behind him as the landlord mused quietly to himself, "amusing. well at least you were good for a few extra yen"
Minato took a glance at the mall calendar hanging on the wall. Various dates marked, circled. A couple different colours indicated various meanings. Some marked with circles, some with squares. "Time to study..." he muttered to himself as he dragged out an english textbook and began flipping through pages, reciting various phrases.
o - o - o
The small figure adorned mostly in black, a long skirt fluttering in the breeze watched on as the exchange took place across the street. The larger fat man approaching and surprising the younger. Her current target. As she crouched she stretched out with her hearing to listen in.
"Old man, if you only knew who you're messing with.. I would make you pay..." she muttered quietly. All she could do now, is watch.
o - o
Minaka sat back eyeing the lists before him on his data pad. Details on various Sekirei a touch away. The occasional line would update as researchers input updated information to the sekirei database elsewhere. Number 9, Tsukiumi's font, colour and rating and number shifted and Minaka let out a sudden WHOOP!
"Very very good. Another little bird ready for fate to guide to her course. Where might you take flight to my little darling. Might you drown your future ashikibi's troubles?" he then spun around in his large chair gleefully. It was then that his reverie was disrupted.
"I don't know Minaka. I have serious concerns about her", the voice was Takami's.
"Oh? what concerns? You telling me she isn't ready for release?" Minaka indicated the data on the display near him.
"Oh, she is ready. I just don't know.. I'm concerned she might hurt someone. She seems to have a distinct anger against men, holding some sort of grudge"
"Oh pish Takami. You assault me all the time and look at me. I survive nicely!" he grinned raising his arm in a grandiose gesture.
"I don't think you get it Minaka.."
"Oh pish posh Takami. Worst case we treat anyone she harms." he continued "Besides. I'm sure she would be able to escape any 'mere monkey' that tries to wing her!" he grinned.
Takami just pinched the bridge of her nose lightly "I seriously don't think your taking the potential problems here serious enough Minaka. You have to"
Minaka's hand came slamming down on his large desk "No. Takami you fully know nothing will stop me. If it means paying out damages to see it through, its a risk, a price that must be borne. Why do you think MBI has been built so large? Its all for the sake of this fabulous game!" he continued, and soon he had lost himself "The sake of the game, the fabulous game of Fate. A Game of the gods. A new Era..."
Takami had turned, and simply walked out. It was a good hour before Minaka realized he was alone. It didn't bother him in the slightest.
- o -
The tall dark figure bounded around the center of the room, as the younger brasher figure defended. The shrine maiden outfit shifted and fluttered as she took each attack and defended.
"You're SO STRONG Karasuba" she cried.
"Of course I am. You're going to need to practice hard if you want to survive, and if you want to live up to our promise" came the reply from the taller figure.
"uhm... why?" the frown came across her features as she stopped to think.. "OOH yea. To prove love" she grinned finally.
Karasuba of course lunged in with her practice sword, and sent the younger one flying to her ass. "OOOWE!" he cried out suddenly "Meanie!"
"I told you, if you want to fight me you'll have to be much better. I'm only using a fraction of my strength".
Musubi jumped to her feet, frowning for a moment before smiling once more "I know. Thank you, your such a good friend! I don't know what."
"Can it. Thank me by getting stronger. I want a good fight, nothing more, nothing less. Make me sweat for my win. Thank me like that" she shot back as she shifted her body, swung her leg again at the younger sekirei legs which here avoided but while her target was in midair, she turned lifting her elbow into Musubi's stomach. This sent her flying into the nearby reinforced wall leaving a slight dent in the special matting.
"Like I said, you need..." she paused and then re-emphasised "NEED to get stronger. Find a strong Ashikabi, and practice. Its all I need from you"
"I know! I know!" Musubi cried back, grinning as she lifted herself off the floor. "Can we go again?"
Karasuba nodded "I have another half hour. In the meantime I will TRY not to hurt you". In a flash Karasuba advanced on the younger sekirei
"I won't LOOSE" came the cry from Musubi as she raised her fist and advanced in on Karasuba in turn.
- o -
"Miya? Where's Kazehana?" spoke the red haired be speckled sekirei.
"Kazehana? I've not seen her for a couple weeks. I think she said something about.." Miya replied as she busied herself in the kitchen "Seeing the sights. Taking part in some festival.."
"Oh. I see" the red haired girl frowned "Well that stinks"
"Now Matsu. You can't really expect Kazehana to just sit around here keeping you company all day. She has to have a life. Specially if it means she stops drinking sake."
Matsu gulped and nodded "I know.. it gets lonely with just the three of us here. And Homera.."
"Kagari"
"Sorry, Kagari is no fun. He spends most of his time outside, doing his thing. Work work work is all he is about"
Miya sighed as she set a small pile of plates in their respective home. "Matsu. first, be more careful. He wishes us to call him Kagari. You will abide by that until he say otherwise. You know he's trying to keep his work life, and his sekirei life separate." she took a breath and continued "you know too, that he has important work to do. Not only is he trying to find an Ashikabi, he also pays his rent. Not like someone -else- I could mention?" she stared straight at Matsu who was shivering in fear at the Hanya drifting behind the purple haired lady.
"Y...yes Miya, I understand that bu..."
"No, no buts. He is also trying to keep all the other sekirei safe until they can meet their ashikabi's. " she paused again watching the former compatriate in the discipline squad and eased up on the aura "Its his choice He wants to do it this way let him. The time will come where it won't matter"
Matsu found herself just nodding "yes, of course"
"Oh, and is that -thing- safely tucked away where it will do no harm? Where no one will find it?" she went about her tasks in the kitchen, she began checking her stocks for dinner "Beef Curry I think for dinner tonight Matsu.. "
The other nodded "Yes. I doubt anyone will find it or think to look for it where I've put it. " she paused, and then nodded again "Sure, Curry is always good!"
"and cheap" Miya smiled giggling as Matsu joined in nervously.
o - o
Seo glanced around the dingy little room he had managed to arrange for since departing the last living arrangements. "Well, rents coming due next week girls. I think -WE- ought to find a few yen to cover enough for another month.." he pulled in each of them to where he was sitting, beside him in front of the TV watching a rather static filled movie.
"What do you mean WE. its your job to take care of us" Hikari chimed in, giving him a slight slap on his shoulder
"Maybe, but see. I figure its better if we all do things together. This way we earn more and can live a bit easier right?"
"Yea, but Hikari, if he hadn't overspent on our cards.."
"Oh don't give me that. The bastard lied about it being unlimited funds"
"I'm not so sure.."
"Girls, Girls, that's not really important. What's important is we have no more beer left. I need my beer. Sake in pinch but beer, mmmm" his hands were suddenly groping each of their breasts.
"SEO you swine!" yelled Hibiki
"IDIOT" hollered Hikari
They both simultaneously gave him a shock holding his shoulders.
"GGAAAAAAAH!" came the noise from Seo. "Damnit. Why?"
"Don't be an ass then" chimed the twins in unison.
"You two are scary when your angry. Sexy, but scary"
"PERVERT" chimed the twins as they again gave him a shock from their powers.
"AAAAAAAAH!" Seo exclaimed again . "Ok, Ok, but in the meantime we need to earn some yen,
o - o - o
"Sir. I have the new list of potentials being released soon" Kocho remarked as she looked over to her Ashikabi.
"Oh good. You've made your recommendations then? Any choice picks?"
"Yes. There is a high probability that at least one elemental, a water user will be released in the next batch. All others with the exception of the Disciplinary squad member has been released"
"I see. so Minaka is keeping one of the single numbers for MBI is he?"
"It appears so. Even then she will need to be winged to take full advantage of her abilities" Kocho paused. "It would still be beneficial to stay clear of her for the time being. None of the sekirei would be able to handle her easily. In fact, you might end up losing more than half, if not all of whom went against her"
"I see. That would definitely be unfortunate. Any others of note?"
"Yes sir. I've marked them all down, with my arguments for, and against each."
Kakizaki picked up the datapad beside his sekirei and stepped away "I will have to consult with Higa, remain here and see what else you can find out. Like when." He was then gone.
- - o - -
Mikogami sat in front of the huge 90 inch display with the latest version of 'Far Cry' playing. "Take that, UH, no, damnit, there we go, take that.. no you don't you bastard. There we go. ah, good, some health.. OOH, there's the ammo pack.." he was mostly talking to himself, a gathering of sekirei behind him just watching dumbfounded.
"Mikogami" came the voice
"Just a second"
A long pause, and then again it came "Mikogami!" Mutsu raised his voice a bit pressing.
Mikogami sighed and put the game on pause. The huge lettering flashed across the video screen from the side as the theme song played annoyingly in the background. "What. can't you see I'm in the middle of an important quest?"
"But thats just a game"
"No, its the latest release. The best game, the best video. They upgraded the imagery. The realism is spectacular, and the sound. Oh my gods the sound" and with that Mikogami turned and took the game off pause starting to blow random things away.
Mutsu just shook his head and turned to the small gathering of sekirei nearby "Well. He's totally engrossed in that thing again today. I don't think any of us will be going out."
Akitsu nodded, she didn't seem to really care. Not really one way or the other. The others kept clear of her. She wasn't being thrown away, nor was she being called on. "I kinda miss Minato-sama. " she thought to herself "At least when it was boring with him it was a better boring" she continued to muse. Shrugging her shoulders she turned, and slipped off to her private room.
"What's with her?"
"I don't know. I don't really care'
"She's weird, so it doesn't really matter"
"Naw she was abandoned by MBI. Its why she has the mark on her forehead. she can't even be winged"
"Must be a pathetic life"
"yea. I know."
Mutsu turned, and eyed the gathering carefully "Each of you have your uses. This is a game after all and who knows which one of you Akitsu might save one day."
Mikogami sighed deeply and put his game on pause again "Mutsu." he began " do we know when any more sekirei will be released? This waiting is getting boring. I want the game to start already"
"Oh, so now you want it to start" Mutsu grinned "I'm sure there will be more sekirei released soon. Minaka has been regularly sending out small groups every couple weeks. "
Mikogami nodded "oh. and I want Akitsu with us next time we go out. " he paused, and looked over his shoulder looking at one or two of the others "And you Yomi, and you also" he pointed to a random sekirei not really paying attention to which one "Its important I gather as many of you as possible. You all want to win right?"
"YES!" came a dis-collected unity of voices sometimes as much as 5 seconds off of each other. Excitement was lacking but they seemed enthusiastic to get outside, if not to take part in the game itself when it began officially.
"Good" muttered Mikogami, the young boy again enabled the game and began shooting and blowing things up at random.
"Tomorrow we head out early to make rounds" he grinned as he suddenly threw himself to one side as if he was avoiding a rocket launcher in real life "WOW, hey, thats sneaky you little..."
Mutsu just shook his head and disappeared, the other sekirei following him
- o -
Takami smiled as she entered the lab. "So, how was your spar with Karasuba today?"
The young sekirei smiled excitedly "She was sooo strong! I barely laid a finger on her!"
"Really? You touched her?"
"Well, I think she let me. She said she wasn't using her entire power" Musubi frowned slightly "But still, I loved fighting!" she then pumped her arm excitedly again.
"Well Musubi. You certainly have come along way. Your tama seems stable. Your body seems healthy.."
"My tama?" Musubi looked at the head researcher a little confused.
"Musubi.. Your tama is.." she then paused and pinched her nose lightly shaking her head. She pulled out a cigarette and lit it.
"Yes? My tama is..?"
"In short its what makes you walk and talk. It's what makes you feel alive. Its what will let you find your Ashikabi.." she explained "I explained this to you before, a NUMBER of times" the cigarette dangled from her lips as she took in a huge drag through the cylinder.
Musubi nodded slowly. "I understand.." she began.. "No, I don't, not really"
"It's ok Musubi. Its something that's hard to explain any more than what simply is" again she shook her head as she went over data listed on the data pad. The cigarette danced about in her lips as she seemed to slip into deep thought.
Again Musubi nodded, a confused look on her face "OOH, Is Takami's tama healthy?"
"Musubi, I don't have a tama Human's don't have Tama's" Takami found herself explaining, yet again to her young charge.
"Uhm. Then how can you walk and talk? how can you find your Ashikabi?" Musubi seemed depressed over the fact her adjuster was lacking something that seemed to be serious.
Takami took an exasperated breath as she remained silent and in thought "Its because only Sekirei have tama's. its like a Dog has a tail, and Musubi doesn't. Neither do I. The dog needs a tail. I don't need a tama. Musubi does need a tama cause she is a sekirei with special abilities" she let out another long breath as smoke enveloped the air. "Dear god I hope she understands that.."
"Ah, I see. So tama is like a tail! " she then turned to look towards her backside "Musubi doesn't have a tail though" she muttered disappointed, seeing she didn't of course, have a tail.
"Of course you don't. Your tama is inside you. Like in your heart. Your tama is like food when you eat its inside you"
"oh. I understand"
"Good, Im glad" Takami smiled softly glad to finally have gotten through. She started then for the door "You should stay in tonight. Minaka is deciding when you'll be released"
"Oh good.." Musubi grinned "Takami-san?"
"Yes Musubi?"
"I.. I don't really understand."
Takami laughed, almost losing her cigarette in the process, however dropping any number of ashes from its end on the floor and the front of her smock. "Its ok. sometimes I don't understand either" she replied, putting the whole conversation to bed. "Now, rest up. I'll see you in the morning!"
oo - oo
Minato had spend the last week sitting up late, studying his courses. "Tomorrow, a sample exam. I need to do well on this. I think. I know I have it. I really need to get into the university this time around"
He glanced out the small window and stood, stretching. The window was open letting some of the cooler air in which helped him remain awake. It was the weekend, no classes but he remained vigilant and studied regardless. He would learn the material, and learn it well.
He closed his eyes taking in a deep breath of the fresh -city- air. "where are you.." he found himself thinking before giving his head a shake. "No, it wasn't like she was my girlfriend" he let his mind wonder before he began thinking what it might have been like if she was "Akitsu.. where.." again he shook his head. "No, no, no no.. I don't need the distraction, and the landlord was already suspicious.."
"Suspicious of what Sahashi?" came the voice.
"Whhhhha? " Minato startled as he looked towards the door
"what was I suspicious of? you got a girl up here again like you know you shouldn't?" his gruff non-amused voice came off annoyed.
"No, nothing. I was just remembering that friend who visited. I've not seen her in a long time is all"
The old man nodded "When you're done, come grab a some food. My guests will be gone around 7, and there are gonna be lots of leftovers I don't want going to waste" he paused as he turned, eyeing Minato carefully "Unless that is, you don't like my cooking!"
Minato just shook his head "no, no, is fine, its great! I.. I'm just worried about a cram exam coming up."
The older man nodded and disappeared through the door "I see. Study hard Sahashi."
"Yea. Like I can study any harder. Oh well, lets get lunch.." Minato muttered to himself.
- o -
The twin figures darted over the rooftops in what appeared to be a search pattern. "There she is, you see her?" called the larger breasted of the two
"yea, I'll flank her, you keep driving her"
"yea, go" It was then that she paused, and shot off an electrical attack that sent the young girl darting off into a new direction. Down a dark alley. "Good, good. Just where we want you"
Hibiki dropped down in front of the sekirei and raised her arm, a ball of electrical charge seemed ready to spring forth
"wh..wh.. what do you want?" the young girl cried
"The only thing we ever want" came Hikari's voice suddenly behind her "Our Ashikabi is going to make it real easy on you. He want to help you"
"Help me?" came her worried voice. "How? I need to find my ashikabi.. he going to help me find him?"
Hikari shook her head "No, but he wants us to eliminate you so you don't have to take part in this game of Minaka's"
The young girls eyes opened wide. "No, I need to find him, I need to find my.."
Both twins let loose with their electrical attack, destroying a huge patch of pavement in the alley. Sparks darted up along the walls and the ornamental and practical iron works upon each wall. "damnit we missed!" came Hibiki's voice.
"S... S.. Sorry but I need to find him, My Ashikabi." and she jumped off, running, leaping from roof to roof.
"After her!" Hibiki hollered out
"No" came Seo's voice
"Seo, what do you mean?"
"No, You two have to get to work. You're working at the cat cafe down the street in 15 minutes. You can't be late" he grinned as he held out the uniform they'd be wearing. "Cute cat maids eh?"
"Seo, you perverted ass! First you want us to work, then hunt un-winged sekirei, and now work this silly job?"
"Hey, nothing is silly if it puts food on the table, and keeps a roof over our heads. Right?" he grinned "I already bought the beer, so we good for at least a week there"
"SEO!" both twins let off a jolt of electricity which caught him unguarded.
- o o -
The dark clad masked figure stood at the precipice of the building not to far away watching, he smiled slightly "Well, you got away this time." he extinguished a small flame from the palm of his hand, and looked about. "it been far too quiet lately. What ARE you planning Minaka.. what ARE you planning."
He then leapt, catching the ledge of each building as he came down and threw himself again. Cool air in his face as he took a leisurely pace. "lets see. I've kept some 20 sekirei from harm, watched at least 12 emerge safely without force.." he half muttered to himself "And yet we are far from having all the sekirei released into the city. Minaka... I should just kill you and be done with it.."
"NOOOOOOOO" came the scream from the street level. He halted and waited for the scream again, and finally registered the direction it came from "Hold on.."
It was minutes before Homura had managed to arrive. It was minutes too late. A small group of sekirei, holding another down, with an ashikabi atop her; Wearing a dark Kimono, and long black hair tied back. Her wings had activated just moments before. Homura growled angrily "To late, far too late" and with that let loose a flash of angry fire from his perch on top of the building.
"WATCH OUT" cried one of the sekirei as she leapt and pushed her Ashikabi aside protecting him from the brunt of the flame.
The young boy looked and to the top of the building, smiling "Mitsuha, you and Mitsuki bring me that one too. I like the fire he shows!" he called excitedly.
Soon, the duo were leaping upwards towards Homura's location.
It took all of a couple seconds to realize he was their new target. "Are you nuts?" he called out, neither aimed towards the Ashikabi nor the Sekirei now targeting him. "I won't be so easily captured and forced!" he angrily raised his hand and a new ball of flame erupted and let loose barreling towards the pair.
"Mikogami gets what Mikogami wants. Now come along nicely!" the two of them jumped to either side of the flame as it passed between them.
Homura laughed and leapt backwards "And yet you endanger your own Ashikabi's life. Maybe you should worry more about him then me!" with that, he leapt away, taking his time to look over his shoulder for a brief instant, the two had halted and darted back.
"Oh Crap. he's right Mitsuki. Hurry up, save him" called the blonde Mitsuha
"I got it, go after HIM" the young sekirei called out as she stretched out with a net of wires, suddenly embracing not only their Ashikabi, but their prey also. Panting she set them down against a nearby wall. "Damn, far to close".
Mitsuha landed moments later beside them, frowning "Its too late. He got away"
Mikogami frowned "Disappointing, but no loss. We got what we came for anyways" his gaze shifted to the sekirei curled up to one side eyeing the group of them.
"You're mine now, so, won't you tell me your name?" he addressed her excitedly.
"Wh... wh.. why? Why did you..." her fingers went to her lip, as she closed her eyes nearly in tears "I.. I wasn't reacting to yo.. you.."
Mikogami just smiled, his brown hair ruffling a bit in the wind as Mutsu watched on. "I desired you. Isn't that enough? Besides. I couldn't let some ruffian take advantage of you"
A moment of thought and the sekirei looked at him carefully. "Buh.." she stammered then sighed "Sekirei number 15, Himeko" she stated dryly.
"Well Himeko. Welcome aboard. I, and Mutsu here will personally make sure you have anything you need. A room of your own, food, clothing, protection now that you belong to me"
Himeko just nodded. She glanced for a moment to the precipice where the lone figure had stood and attacked this boy. She couldn't help but wonder if he had arrived moment earlier.
- o -
Minato smiled. He sat back in cram school looking at the exam he had taken the previous day.
"Most of you did really well, Exceptional notes go to Sahashi, Homikae, and Banrei. You improved remarkably over the last couple weeks. Keep working hard and you will surely do well" the instructor called out "Next week, we will begin the next session, and I'll be even rougher. So read chapter 12-20 of the english text. Also review Chapters 13-17 of the sciences text. These are what we will be focusing on and I expect much of you"
"You are all dismissed, Sahashi, I need a moment".
The students rose, bowed and began filing out as Minato sat back down in his seat.
A few minutes passed, and the straggling cram student eventually filed out. The instructor made her way from the head of the class to where Minato sat.
"Sahashi. You're doing very well, I don't know what's happened over the last month, but your grades took a dip, you seemed distracted but I'm glad to see you got your act together"
Minato nodded, "Yea, I had some things happen. It's fine now"
"Look. I know you're in the city alone, you should get out more. I don't even see you socializing with the other cram students. Do you ever even do study sessions with any of them?" she inquired to which Minato shook his head.
"My mother said I should be able to do it on my own, if not then it useless"
"Well. Thats true, but sometimes its helpful to have a hand. For instance.. would you dream of learning english or science without a instructor to lead you?" she offered helpfully.
"Well, no." Minato's voice replied his hand shifting to ruffle the hair on the back of his head.
"This is the same thing. How many families rely on the banks, or their employers? The banks to borrow for a home, the employers to provide work in exchange for yen?"
Minato nodded
"So, when I see one of my student trying to do too much on their own, I get concerned. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it" she smiled, and rose "You understand?" she began walking towards the head of the class and her desk.
"I do sensei" Minato replied. "I'll try harder"
"Good. That sets my mind at ease. Your talented Sahashi-san, you just do not work well under pressure. You need to work on that. Life is full of pressure."
Minato nodded and having stood, smiling shyly and departed "Thank you sensei for taking care of me".
o - o
"We currently have 5 sir" Kakizaki stood there giving his report "16. Toyotama, 18. Ichiya, 31. Sai, 40. Shi and 62. Kaie" he smiled "There are more being released in the following week and Kocho has indicated the following of that group would be useful. "Kaie, Katsuragi, and Kaiha. The others seem to be minor or too much trouble to compliment. I will however watch for them and if its convenient will apprehend them for you"
Higa just nodded "Sounds promising. I suppose she gave a full report on why each of her suggestions are prefered to the others suspected to be in the next group released?"
"Yes sir. From what I understand some of these harbour some ill feelings towards Minaka but in general just don't care. They just want to win and find a way to 'pay back' MBI in some way."
"I see, so minimum fuss, maximum gain for my use." Higa's voice trailed off
"Yes sir. it might not be optimum but that seem to be the case"
"Alright, you will target those indicated. If you can capture or wing the others to our service do so, but not if you can't do it without loosing these" Higa continued "I grow tired of waiting, the board is on me for more information, and it appears these Sekirei do not simply give up their secrets so easily. We've had each one scanned probed poked and prodded and the only thing we do know, is they are exceptional specimen with great powers and ability." he shook his head as he turned again to look out the window.
"I know sir. The board... they must realize.."
"The board does not care. They press and push on their timetable. They do not understand Minaka's time table, truthfully neither do I." he fell silent "However, I will say this much, by not releasing all these -things- at once, he has improved our... my chances of gathering more to win this silly game of his. In the end, I suspect it will be his downfall."
Higa smiled as he fixed his tie. His eyes gazing out the window over the night lights spread over the city.
"Yes sir.. I am sure you're right sir"
"You're dismissed. I will trust you to it, I am sure Kocho has a strategic plan ready so go ahead and follow that. You're dismissed"
"yes sir" Kakizaki placed his finger to his glasses to replace them in their optimal spot a he turned, and was soon out the door.
- o - o -
The months had passed, seasons changed. Minato had been vigilant about attending cram school and had taken his instructors words to heart. He had worked harder, tried to put himself in a position to feel a bit more stress when it came to educating himself. Taking a bit of the initiative in whatever was required of the class instead of just existing and trying to hide like he traditionally would have.
Yes. He felt good about himself for it. While it was far from perfect, and the memories of Akitsu and her company had not yet fully faded. It was certainly now a distant memory. Its not like they were lovers, not that he knew what that really meant.
The instructor had actually given him praise after this last set of trial exams in preparing for the larger ones. He was obviously doing well. Life was changing. He could feel it. He just hoped that it wasn't just a figment of his imagination.
He paused to look to the tree's, mostly bare with the coming winter season. Christmas would arrive inside a couple months, it would grow cold, and of course in the new year entry exams would be written. His chance was coming for a second try. He smiled to himself confident he could not fail.
He decided to pause with his books at a small cafe on the way home. They had grown accustomed to him spreading out, and were fine with it as long as it didn't interfere with their customers. Once or twice he had to pack up and depart, when they got too busy and needed the space for more profitable patrons. He understood this, it was practical. It was a necessity.
Today wasn't one of those days. He had delved deep into his studies. So far in fact that he had lost track of time. The skies had grown dark, and the manager had tapped him on the shoulder
"Sorry son, closing up" he smiled as he began to turn away.
"Oh, ok, sorry about that. I lost all track of time"
"Naw, its good. it was dead tonight, It was good to have someone around that I didn't have to pay even if you were quiet" the manager piped back to Minato.
Minato chuckled lightly and ran his fingers through his hair as he customarily did "Ah, well I guess that works too.", within moments he had bundled up his books into his bag, slung it over his shoulder and taken a look at the last items on the counter "I'll take these two donuts, how much?"
"AAh, go ahead. Already a day old, they get tossed tonight if not eaten. Knock yourself out!" he paused, "Consider it payment for cheap labour" he laughed disappearing in the back, having placed them into a small paper bag. "Good luck with your studies!" the man had disappeared into the back out of sight.
Minato smiled, looking in the bag a moment and nodded "Yea, thanks. I appreciate it." he turned, and slipped out the door, and within minutes he was heading towards the station.
He looked at the sky, and then his eyes fell upon the large digital clock hanging above one of the more fancy stores along the stretch. "Great, 11pm. I guess I really did lose track of time" he muttered to himself. "I gotta be up early.. Need to " he paused at that moment, that exact moment she stumbled in front of him.
"WAAAAAaah" the noise came from the obvious large breasted woman teetering before him, he looked up at the establishment and couldn't help but shake his head.
"Come back when you sober up" he heard called out as a door closed behind him, where the woman had come out from.
The woman before him teetered back and forth, and seemed to be steady for the most part, a brief sobbing noise coming from her quietly.
He took care to keep two or three full paces back, it was obvious she might run him over if he wasn't to careful. He could only guess at how inebriated she was. As his bag slung over his shoulder pinched into his shoulder a bit he couldn't help but smile at the woman before him. "Must be amazing to be so carefree. Not a care in the world.." he mouthed the words, nothing came out. He paused, to look at the sky, which some minutes ago had been clear, but had certainly become cloudy.
His attention returned to the full figured woman teetering in front of him. For a moment he felt a bit like a creep for watching her, he felt like a stalker for a brief second until he realized he had no choice but to follow this route to the station. He knew from the time he had two more trains before he would have to walk a much longer distance
He regarded her long legs, and were they ever long. Thick but long, climbing.. he gave his head a shake, he was getting far too distracted as the woman stumbled but caught herself. She was mumbling something unintelligible to his ear.
She swerved, and stumbled for another block. Minato swore he almost left forward to catch and support her so she wouldn't fall but at that moment, something held him back.
"Nice dress, is that, black? a china dress in black? No.. " he paused as she stepped under a street lamp, "Ah, purple, I see. Certainly an odd colour for a china dress.. but what do I know.."
The woman paused, and ran her her fingers through her hair, as it collapsed from the partial updo creating a tail at her back. He watched as he remained standing still, as she seemed to throw her hands through her hair, leaving her appearing to be more unkempt than before. Hair was was frizzy and all over. Again she began walking, and Minato followed suite. Briefly he wondered why he had waited, he could have simply pressed on, leaving the woman behind.
She had long hair. It was hard to tell in the dark, but it seemed to flow almost to her legs. "No.." Minato thought as they passed the next street lamp, "just below the ass" his silent musings continued as he admired it. Women seemed to be far and few between who could manage that sort of hair.
The woman stumbled again, only this time she went to the right, into an ally, and crashed into a pile of trash. She could be heard muttering something between soft sobs which were kept mainly to herself. Nothing intelligible.
Minato's eyes went wide, and he darted forward, while he was too late, he knelt over the woman and gave her a nudge.. "Hey, Onna no hito? Onna no hito?." he inquired worriedly. His eyes looked up and about at the empty street. The occasional car passed by but it seemed oddly quiet for the time of night. Not that he really understood nightlife in this section of Tokyo.
The woman groaned a moment "aah, uuuh… " as she shifted and tried to get up.
"You fell, can I help you home? Can I get you a cab?" he inquired hopeful he could just call her a cab, or there might be some simple solution, like her suddenly sobering up.
"nnnaaah, Imma fine.. You gooo.." she managed to get on her feet as Minato assisted her upward "ooh, yer nice.. muuch niccier than Mina-tan.." her words came slurred and her breath… Minato cringed at it when she turned to face him his eyes had closed, "Za Pres.. za prez.. " she then hiccuped in rapid succession before trying to continue.. "he rejeHECKed me.." Minato barely made out her words after the brief shock having heard a shortened version of his own name wore off; he had an idea of what had happened. She had obviously confessed, and been refused. He frowned a moment wondering if that was the same as having someone disappear on you. He gave his head a shake as he shifted to support her..
"If you can tell me where Onna no hito* lives, I'll get you as close as I can.." he began.. and then the woman, stumbling so badly Minato thought he would himself take a header. That in itself was not much of a worry but if this full bodied woman landed atop him. He grimaced for a moment at the thought and then he heard it.
He looked around thinking he dropped something and he shook his head, smiling saw a room key for a hotel. Carefully shifting "You dropped your key, hang on I'll get it.. easy" he found himself muttering. Why was he doing this? She was a complete stranger, and it wasn't his job. All he could do was hear his mother's voice in his head "Take responsibility for yourself Minato, you're never gonna amount to anything otherwise" The words echoed strangely as he managed to collect the keycard and the small chain from the sidewalk. A quick glance, told him the hotel was a nicer one, and he knew it was on the way.
"Come on Onna no hito. You're certainly on my way, lets get you to the hotel at least." he muttered as she leaned on him.
It took no longer than a five minute walk, however stumbling and wavering as they had been. The journey took an extra ten. Minato had glanced at her on the way, but had been unable to get a clear look at her face, besides those breasts, how could a young man like himself be expected to look at a face, with huge things like that.. "No, no no no no" he muttered to himself as he looked forward, finally seeing the hotel's advertising marker come into focus. This woman's hair was a mess, and the streets dark enough he really did not have a clue what she looked like. He tried hard not to think about her body pressed against his as he navigated her to the destination.
A quick glance at the interior of the foyer told him, screamed at him that he certainly did not belong. He glanced to this full bodied woman he was supporting, and wondered how she could be found in a hotel as ritzy as the Shinto Elite Ritz. He gave his head a shake as he guided the woman towards the doorman.
"Can I help you sir" came the voice, seeming to tower over him. The man scowled, obviously displeased a boy like Minato would attempt to gain entrance.
"uhm.. so..sorry. This Onna no hito here.. she had a room keycard for.. here.." he shifted as he supported her carefully. She was getting rather heavy while they stood in one spot..
"Roomph 7niiiiaaahteen" came the voice of the full bodied woman in purple, the sloshed speech, and the breath was enough to intoxicate just by breathing it.
The doorman took a look at the keycard, then looked at the woman as she stumbled back and forth "Oh. Yea, I remember her. She got kicked out of our own bar.." he fell silent a moment later, he had already said far too much.
Minato nodded "Then, I.. Listen I need to catch my train.." he looked at the doorman hopefully. "can you..?" he began.
"Train.. shmain.. sh-aake.. need sh-aake" the purple garbed woman slurred.
The doorman simply nodded while ignoring the woman's request; while not pleased, he found himself taking possession of one of his patrons; or rather his establishments patrons, slapping a button near the door. He escorted her inside.
Minato just stood there and watched while others rushed to his aid once in side. He could do nothing more then shake his head. A moment later, and a glance to the nearest clock, he suddenly adjusted his school bag on his shoulder and was off towards the train station.
Somewhere on a rooftop nearby, a smile formed, as the small bodied female giggled, watching the actions of the boy below. Perched as she was, squatted on the ledge; the skirt flowing in the wind over the edge of the building, her eyes could not be peeled from him. "So cute" she whispered through giggles.
o - o - o
Weeks, months had passed. Christmas came and, New years was upon him and Minato still studied. Cram school was closed for the holidays, yet he still made the journey. Every weekday to the park to sit for little while and read. Sure, it was a textbook, yes; It was english. He hoped that by getting outside and getting fresh air, it might keep his mind clear for this particularly troublesome subject. "2020, a new year, I will be successful with my exams" he whispered to himself.
English. He hated it, but he knew he would need it. The cool winter air was also helping him stay awake. For some reason he had began drifting off with studying lately.
Minato looked up, hearing a commotion in the park, and watched as a scene unfolded.
"Mom, I don't care"
"It's decided"
"But"
"No, no butts. I'm not leaving you here with him and that girl"
"That girl is my friend"
"Oh you don't even know who that girl is, you lied, he lied, I'm just as angry with you as him. That girls name? it does not exist, at the least certainly not in your school." the mother seemed to continue "and I mean who names their child '37'"
Minato glanced around, he noticed the vast majority of japanese unlike himself had decided to ignore the drama unfolding. His eyes came back to the mother and teenager like he was watching a train wreck and he could not draw his attention away.
"Fine, then leave me here too, go back to America, go back to New Hampshire."
"No, not happening."
"MOM, I have my school here, Tomo is here, my entire life is here"
"Mishi, for one, stop making a scene, two, you can get a new boyfriend, a new life in New Hampshire. Life is not ending, its changing."
"What? A new.. No, mom, listen, stop, talk to dad, its not what you.."
"Not what I think Mishi? He lied to me. Two weeks he lied. To make matters worse, YOU lied too. I am NOT leaving you here with him. I will not have my child lying to me. He had every opportunity to kick your mystery friend out. he didn't. I'm done with it." the woman's voice had raised further "No girl with a body like that has a place in my house, especially when I'm being lied to about who she is" the older woman's grasp on the younger was firm, even tho she was clearly struggling. "YOU didnt even know her two weeks ago. Mishi, come on, you helped your father lie to me"
The young girl, maybe two years younger than Minato was struggling, her arm was being held by the older woman, supposedly her mother as they made their way through the park. The young teenagers pleas seemed to be ignored by the elder. Minato couldn't help but grimace at the thought. For a moment he was thankful he didn't know his father, but he did indeed sympathize for a moment with the young girl. Memories of his mother's willful nature drifted back to him. He noticed an American couple, hand in hand, had paused and held back from entering the park, the scene of the drama playing out.
The young girl had began slapping and beating at her mother's arm, struggling to get free "No, I want to stay HERE!" she suddenly screamed. Minato watched on, remaining silent. His eyes closed for a moment knowing full well how rumours went. Americans, always so emotional. So boisterous. Always loud and dragging drama where it didn't belong. This was actually the first time he had seen it up close and personal.
"If you stop being such an uptight bitch and talk to him" the young girl had erupted suddenly
The sound came at that moment and it nearly echoed through the park. The woman was standing there, in tears, her hand having flown across the youngers cheek. Onlookers throughout the park had stopped, and focused their attention on the two women.
"Stop this now Mishi. There is nothing he can say. Nothing he can do. You're coming with me. The flight is already booked.". The woman grabbed the youngers arm again and forcefully dragged the stunned and suddenly quiet teenaged girl away from the park.
It took a minute, maybe five before the park seemed to return to normal. The normalcy that did not return was the peace that Minato felt. It was like he had witnessed some drama on tv. Glancing around, he sighed and putting his book in the bag, decided his mood was spoiled.
Crossing the street, he glanced behind him once more, and furrowing his brow he thought he saw a woman, clad in a white gown with chains dart quickly through traffic and disappear. He shook his head, knowing he must be seeing things. "Yup. the peaceful study spot is disturbed now" he frowned.
Somewhere above, unseen eyes watched, the black outfit fluttered in the brisk air as she frowned. She had recognised the dramatic exchange in the park and pressed a button on a small device, speaking into it "Note, check Sekirei 37 and Ashikabi O'Donnell. Status seems to be clear but verify. Family seems clueless". She was soon swiftly leaping from one building to another, slowly flanking away from Minato's path.
- o - o -
Takami was livid. She had stormed through the halls. She had stewed in the elevator, and she had thrust the doors wide open to Minaka's office.
"What the Fuck are you doing" she was angrily charging the MBI president with a fist clenched, ready to strike "Why am I reading reports of a family being torn apart". She was clearly enjoying the new year opening the way it had.
Minaka smiled with glee, dancing backwards behind his desk, the high collared cloak floated behind him as he ensured the chair, and desk where creating a safe no mans land between him and Takami Sahashi. The head of research on well, everything.
"You" her eyes boiled as she lifted the data pad, the tablet, displaying details on a report dated a day or two previous, including the photo of a sekirei, her ashikabi, various other photos attached. Takami seethed in anger as she slowly made a move to come around the desk, targeting Minaka. Death was in her eyes.
"You, you're going to fix this. This game is not about tearing families apart".
"Now Takami. I'm not the one who choose a family man for an ashikabi. Its fate, its fate I tell you. Just think about the possibilities. He has a chance to ascend, ascend to the greater sky above!" he declared, his rant had began in the shadow of Takami's seething anger.
"No. You. Will. Fix. This. Man's. Family."
Minaka looked at her seriously for a moment and seemed for a moment like he was going to agree. "I would Takami, but, they have already left. It would be unsafe to contact them now. The Sekirei must be protected from the outside world" he swung himself about declaring in his mind a very valid reason to not help "Besides, once the game, my oh so glorious game is complete, then it can be fixed. The entire world will bask in the greatness of the game!"
Snarling, Takami threw the data pad tablet at the president "I swear Minaka, I'm gonna kill you".
It was too late. The tablet had hit its mark, and Minaka had fallen unconscious to the floor. The datapad screen shattered. Takami's threat went unheard.
A faint sense of having accomplished something for the sake of a disrupted family somewhere in Tokyo, she turned and stormed out as Minaka lightly groaned as he began regaining consciousness.
A/N: Well, here we are everyone. Chapter 11 will be the kick off. No more prologues. I promise. I got most of it out of the way and I think I'm pretty happy with the warm up. I have most everything in place, however I have something I think I am gonna subject Tsukiumi to to highlight her anger issues. I want to thank RykOakwine for the idea.
Onna no hito - Polite honourific for 'woman' Used here for Minato to be polite and yet express that he has no clue who she is.