Ice Chronicles

Chapter 10:

It was about ten in the morning when me and my newest sekirei, Uzume arrived at a hospital called 'Hiyamakai Hospital'. Last night, Uzume told me that she has a friend here that she wanted to see and she wanted me to meet her. It was hard convincing Yomi to let me go for a while, but she finally agreed so long as I don't waste my stamina. I knew exactly what she meant and just agreed to it.

We entered the hospital and I followed Uzume down the corridors. When we made it to a room, she turned and looked at me.

"Hm? Is something wrong Uzume?" I asked.

"Before we walk in, I want you to promise to keep your hands off my friend. She is a girl and I don't want you flirting with her," she explained. I chuckled and scratched the side of my face, but she kept the same serious expression.

"Okay, I promise to keep my hands to myself," I replied. She smiled and turned back around.

"Good, now you can meet her," Uzume said.

"And I'll have you know that I am a gentleman," I told her. She giggled at me.

"Yeah, keep telling yourself that, hehehe," she retorted. She opened the door and inside was a small room with a bed, window, and medical equipment. Sitting on the bed was a cute girl with long blond hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a pink hospital gown. She heard us walk in and turned her head. Her beamed in happiness when she saw Uzume, who ran and hugged her tightly.

"Oh Chiho, I'm so happy to see you again."

"Uzume… you're squeezing me a little too tight," Chiho replied. Uzume let go of her, and she breathed in as much air as possible. She continued smiling as Uzume hugged her more gently.

"I'm happy to see you too Uzume."

I just leaned against the wall, watching the girls with a smile on my face. Chiho then noticed my presence.

"Uzume, who's that?"

She broke the hug and walked to me. She wrapped her arm around mine and smiled.

"This is my new boyfriend, Ren. I wanted you to meet him," Uzume answered. I waved with my free hand.

"It's nice to meet you; I hope I'm not a bother," I said. She smiled and shook her head.

"No it's alright; I'm happy really. My name is Chiho Hidaka, nice to meet you too Ren," Chiho responded. "But if I may ask, how long have you two been together?"

"Since yesterday; he confessed his love and took me out. My heart loved the moment with him and so did I," Uzume explained.

"Oh that's great, I'm happy for you guys. Ren; you better treat Uzume nicely," Chiho stated.

"I promise to love her with all my heart," I replied. She smiled again as well as Uzume, but with a small blush. She let go of my arm and sat down next to Chiho.

"Are you feeling any better?" Uzume asked.

"Yeah, I'm feeling a little better; I just can't overexert myself," she replied.

'Hmm, if she's being hospitalized, then I wonder what her condition is. I can tell by her skin that it's not minor.' I thought. 'The way Uzume looked yesterday makes me nervous a little.'

Suddenly, my phone vibrated. It was my uncle calling. That reminds me that I need to call my parents afterward.

"Uzume; I'm going into the hall for a little bit," I told her. She nodded and gave me a peak on the cheek. I walked into the hall and answered the phone before it stopped.

"Hey uncle, what's up?"

"Nothing much, I was bored as hell again. Where are you right now?" he asked back.

"At the hospital," I replied. "I'm sure you know I've winged Uzume."

"And you already got her pregnant? Damn, I didn't think you had the balls. I can't wait to tell your auntie, hahaha," he replied laughing.

"No! That's not it!" I yelled. Everyone's eyes turned towards me. I could hear my uncle laughing over the phone.

"Now I'm glad I called. But if she's not pregnant, then is Akitsu pregnant? I know you had sex with her the night we left," he said. I couldn't help but turn a little red.

"So how does it feel to finally have sex? And remember that you are in a hospital."

"Why do you want to know that!?" I screamed in a whisper so no one would hear me.

"What? We're both men, so what's wrong with talking about this? Do the other girls know? Are you gonna tell them?" he asked back. I only face palmed myself.

"No I did not tell them; but I bet Akitsu will. The only thing I practically have to worry about is an angry Tskumi," I told him.

"What about the others?" uncle questioned.

"Matsu and Yomi will only want something more, so that's not exactly jealousy. Uzume, I just met and pretty sure she doesn't care. Musubi; I bet she doesn't even know what sex means," I explained. He laughed again, but harder this time.

"Well good luck with that. I'm gonna tell your parents and auntie that you're not virgin anymore. And there. Is nothing. You can do. That will change my mind," he stated. He hung up, leaving me stuttering. I sighed and closed my phone.

'I worry about auntie. I better call her before uncle does.' I thought and dialed her number as fast as I could. The phone rang three times before she picked up.

"Hello?" my Auntie Amaryllis asked.

"Hey auntie; it's me, Ren," I replied.

"Oh hi sweetie, I'm happy to hear from you," she stated. I chuckled a little.

"So am I. I'm sorry I haven't been in touch lately. I have been a little preoccupied," I said.

"That's alright, I know you're growing up and meeting new people, but I do wish you would talk to me more," she replied.

"I will; I promise," I told her. "Also auntie, the reason why I called is because I wanted to see if you're doing okay."

"I'm doing really well. Why do you ask?" auntie questioned.

"I just got done talking with uncle," I answered.

"Oh. Then yes, I'm doing fine; I can see why you were worried, but everything is fine I promise," she assured me. I smiled and chuckled again.

"That's good then. Also I'm gonna give you a heads up, he will call you soon and tell you something I'm sort of embarrassed to say," I said. She giggled, making me nervous again.

"I understand. Well I'm sure you're busy so I'll talk to you soon, okay?" she asked me.

"Mmm-hmm, see you later auntie; I love you," I stated.

"I love you too sweetie," she replied. We hung up the phone.

All of a sudden, I heard Chiho coughing severely. A doctor walked down the hallway and entered the room, where I could hear her better. Next thing I know, Chiho is being carried on a stretcher; her face pale. Uzume walked out of the room with her head down. Her expression depressed.

"Uzume, what happened?" I asked even though I regretted it.

"Chiho…her condition worsened. She suddenly felt weak. They're checking her condition now; I hope it's not too serious," she said. Her expression became more depressing. I could see tears forming in her eyes.

"Come here Uzume," I stated. I held out an arm, signaling her to let me comfort her. She took the sign and rested her head and hands on my chest. I wrapped the arm around her waist and embraced her.

"It's gonna be okay Uzume. I may have known her for a few minutes, but I know she's tough. She has you to comfort her. I know she doesn't want to give that up."

I rubbed her back gently. Then I heard someone walking towards us. I didn't turn my head, but I kept looking at him out of the corner of my eye. It was a bespectacled man with black hair. He was tall and relatively slim. He was wearing a black suit with a white shirt underneath and a yellow tie. I wasn't looking at him, but when he was directly in front of me, it was like time slowed down. I don't know why, but I shot him a dirty glare out of the corner of my eye. I got a bad feeling from him, and the way he looked at me tells me that he does too.

He continued walking off until I couldn't see him anymore.

'Who was that guy? Why do I feel angry just by looking at him; I just don't get it.' I thought. I looked down at Uzume, who seemed calm now; but I continued to hold her just in case.

"Are you feeling better Uzume?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. I'm just worried about Chiho," she replied. I could feel her despair emanating from her. Personally, it pisses me off. It's one thing to see her sad, but when someone I love is about to cry, I ABSOLUTELY won't stand for it.

"Uzume, I know you're worried about what happened, but listen; moping over it won't help anything. You need to have faith in her. I'm sorry if I'm being harsh, but it will only make things worse. When Chiho sees you, the first thing she wants to see is that beautiful smile; not that fake grin that you call a smile," I told her. "I…also want to see your beautiful smile."

I wrapped my other arm around her waist and hugged her a little tighter.

"This isn't how you normally are. You're more like Musubi. You're cheerful and always smiling. That's the REAL Uzume. That's the Uzume I want to know, the Uzume I want to see."

I let go of her and walked past her. With my back turned to her I stated,

"I know you're depressed, but since you're with me, let me tell you a very strict rule. You are FORBIDDEN from feeling depressed. If you cry, it better be tears of joy."

I walked back to her and grasped her hands together.

"If those are tears of sadness, then I'll everything in my power to make them stop. I won't let the girl I love feel depressed. That's how I'll prove my worth, by making you happy."

"Ren," she whispered. Everything was silent, until I remembered where we were. Suddenly, there was a loud round of applause from everyone in the hall and the rooms with open doors. I looked at the clapping people, feeling a little embarrassed. Then, Uzume surprised me by pressing her lips against my cheek, making the applause even louder. She leaned back with I could say as the most gorgeous smile I have ever laid eyes on. I returned her smile and hugged her again.

"You're right Ren, I have to be strong; for Chiho and for you," she stated. "Thank you,"

She grabbed my hand and started walking to the entrance.

"Come on let's go, I know she'll be fine; I have faith in her."

We walked out of the hospital hand in hand. I could see Uzume smiling; it was a beautiful smile.

"Ren, before we go home; I need to make a detour,"

"Okay, let's roll," I replied. About twenty minutes later, Uzume landed us at Maison Izumo. I was confused at first. Then I started feeling nervous, like I shouldn't go in there; but it would be rude to come all this way and not visit. Uzume rang the doorbell. A few seconds later, Miya opened the door and greeted us. Now the three of us and Takehito are sitting in the living room. I explained to them what happened, but I still felt nervous for some reason.

"So that's what happened to Uzume. I'm glad she's alright and found her beloved," Miya stated. Then Miya suddenly emanated her dark aura, making the color fade from my face. Uzume immediately hid behind me.

"I know I said I would be strong, but you have to agree that no one can stand up to that," she whispered to me.

"But Ren, it seems lately you've done nothing but take my tenants away. First Matsu and now Uzume; you haven't been corrupted have you?" she questioned. I put my hands up like I was blocking a blow.

"No no! That's not what happened at all. Honestly, I didn't know she lived here until now; and I would never do anything to hurt her," I stated. I looked at Takehito.

"Takehito back me up on this one."

That didn't work either because Takehito started emanating the same dark aura, but it was even stronger. I felt like I was about to die.

"Take good care of your sekirei Ren," he told me. I could only nod for my answer. The aura died down and everything went back to normal. I heard someone running downstairs and pop into the living room.

"What happened? Who made Miya angry?" the person interrogated. Surprisingly, it was the boy with the blond hair. Beside him, hugging his leg in fear was little Kusano. They looked at me.

"It's Mr. Gentle Giant," Kusano stated. I sighed as the others laughed.

"Everything's alright Jason, I was just confirming something," Miya said.

"Oh. So then do we have a new tenant?" Jason asked.

"No, but he's taking one of my tenants," she replied. Before I could reply, the television came on. On the TV was a slender and bespectacled man with tall and spiky white hair. He was wearing nothing but white clothes. He had a white suit with a white shirt underneath, a pair of pants, gloves, and robe.

"Greetings fellow ashikabis; I am Hiroto Minaka, President of MBI and Game Master of this wonderful game. I have come to let you know that ten percent of the sekirei are left unwinged. Because of that, it is now time to initiate stage two. From now on, the city will become a closed city. No sekirei and ashikabi can leave and those who try will be met with the Disciplinary Squad. Good luck and try to wing those last sekirei," Minaka explained. He disappeared and the TV went to its original viewing.

"So now the second stage has been initiated," Takehito stated. I put my chin on the circle of my palm in thought.

"If there are ten percent of sekirei left, then that means at least eleven are left," I replied.

"That's correct Ren. So what are you gonna do?" Takehito asked. Before I could answer, my phone went off. I checked the ID and saw it was Matsu.

"What is it Matsu?" I asked.

"Did you see the television?" she asked back.

"Yeah, I did. We'll talk about it when I get back," I told her.

"Be careful on your way back. Things are gonna get more dangerous," she warned.

"Gotcha," I replied and hung up. I looked back at Takehito.

"The answer to your question Takehito is something I can't answer yet."

He smiled and chuckled.

"Then I wish you and Jason the best of luck. Now that it's begun, sekirei battles will be more frequent and more ashikabis will try and wing those sekirei," he replied.

"Takehito, you're one of the higher ups in MBI. Do you like watching this plan unfold?" I interrogated. He sighed.

"Personally; I hate this game and wish this didn't have to happen, but Minaka has more power than you might think and any rebellious acts will only meet with failure. And you heard what he said about the Disciplinary Squad. Those sekirei aren't afraid to hurt humans; especially, their leader," Takehito explained.

"Yeah, I met Karasuba the other day. Let's just say, she left a good impression," I responded.

"She does that," he told me.

Uzume went to her room while I stayed downstairs with the others. Miya and Takehito decided to run some errands so that left only me and Jason. Before they left, they specifically told us to obey the rules and even summoned their demonic auras to ensure us. We quickly agreed and they left.

"Hey Ren, how many sekirei have you winged?" Jason asked.

"I have six," I answered. "The other five are waiting at home."

"Do they fight over you?" he interrogated. I sighed.

"Constantly; I don't like it when they do that, but I guess it's because I show one sekirei more affection than the others," I explained. "How about you?"

"I have two sekirei. She's outside sitting on the patio," he told me. As if on cue, a tall sekirei with short black hair walked in. She was wearing bloomers and a Chinese style looking shirt. On her left thigh was the number 19 printed. On her sides were dual kodachis.

"Hey Ikki, I want you to meet Ren."

"Nice to meet you," she replied. "Is he also an ashikabi?"

"He is and has winged six," he said. Ikki wrapped her arm around his neck, making Kusano pout in jealousy, so she sat herself in Jason's lap. I could only laugh at his situation.

"Glad I'm not the only one with girls fighting over me," I said. He scratched the side of his face with his finger.

"Yeah, it's become a habit, but the moment Miya reveals her hanya it becomes dead silent," he replied.

"Ren! I need your assistance," Uzume called from upstairs. I stood up, but the three looked at me funny. I sighed again.

"Yes I know, I'm tall; I don't get what's so fascinating about that," I said.

"Kusano told me the first day she saw you she feels like a dwarf," Jason pointed out.

"I get that a lot," I said and walked upstairs to Uzume's room. Upon entry, I saw a big ass box in the center.

'You gotta be fucking kidding me.' I thought.

"I hope you don't expect me to lift this huge ass box."

She smiled and laughed, but I didn't like it.

"I know it looks heavy, but just give it a try," she told me. I sighed and walked to the box. I thought it was going to weigh a ton, but actually; I could lift the front with just one hand. I was amazed at how light it was.

"Okay, I can lift it, but how do you expect us to get it out of the door?" I questioned.

"We're not going out the door," she told me.

"Huh? Then how?" I asked.

"The window," she said pointing at the window behind her.

"What are we, robbing a house?" I joked.

"Do you have a better solution? If so, then I'm listening," she replied.

"You also expect me to haul this thing all the way back home," I pointed out.

"Well you're already carrying it so why not haul it all the way?" she asked me. I didn't bother replying. She opened the window and jumped down to ground level. The box and I wouldn't fit, so I dropped the box beside her and jumped to the ground. She used her veils and caught me before I touched the bottom.

"I'm gonna tell you right now, you better have a good place to put your stuff," I said.

"Oh you worry too much. Now come on, we're burning daylight," she stated.

"At least go back and close the windows," I demanded.

"Sigh, fine," she complained. While she did that, I hefted the box back on my back and walked to the front. Uzume was already there waiting. She then took the lead, taunting me to move faster. As were walking back, I had a strange feeling. Another strange feeling, like the first time I came to Maison Izumo.

"Uzume, do you feel someone's presence?" I asked.

"No. Why do you?" she asked back.

"I feel as though we're being watched from somewhere," I said. "This is the second time I felt like this. I just can't put my finger on it though."

"Hm, maybe someone is reacting to you, hehehe," she said laughing. "I knew you were a womanizer."

"Don't joke about that, you girls are enough trouble," I retorted.

"Speaking of which, what are you and Yomi doing for her date?" Uzume asked.

"Do you really have to ask?" I asked back.

"I suppose not, but I wanted to anyway. I suggest you work on your stamina," she told me.

"Yomi already told me before we arrived at the hospital," I replied. Uzume started laughing.

"You're enjoying yourself aren't you?"

"Any girl would be happy after what you told me. Plus, you're the one who said to show you my true face. Now you want me to go back to the way I was," she teased.

"No, that's not what I meant. I meant that this is the first time I've seen you so happy. At first I thought you hated me and regretted coming along with me, but" she cut me off by jumping on the back of the box, making me lose my balance. I moved all over the place trying to regain my footing. I managed to regain my balance with a lot of effort.

"You thought wrong," she said. She jumped down and landed in front of me. She then pressed her lips to mine, making her veil like wings flutter. She broke the kiss and stepped back with a smile and blush on her face.

"You definitely have proved your worth, but I thought that the night we met. You just made me fall even more in love with you. I want you to remember that."

"Hm, I will," I replied returning her smile. We finally made it back home. I set the box down and opened the door, but was grabbed by the collar by an angry Tskumi. She then started shaking me angrily.

"Tsku…mi…what's…the…prob…lem?"

"Ren! How could you do something like this behind your wife's back?" She questioned. "How could you?!"

She continued shaking me violently.

'Why is no one helping me?' I pondered.

"I…don't…know…what…you're…talking…about," I replied. She then stopped shaking me. My eyes were spinning. When they stopped, I was seeing double everything.

'I think I'm gonna be sick.' I said in my mind. I finally regained focus and saw veins popping out of Tskumi's head.

"Hehehe, seems like you're in trouble. Have fun, I'm gonna put my things away," Uzume said grabbing the box and walking away. This leaves me and Tskumi outside.

"Okay Tskumi, I can tell you're angry; but why are you?" I questioned. She didn't respond. Instead, she dragged me by the collar and into the living room where Akitsu, Yomi, Matsu, and Musubi were.

"We've heard it twice, but I want to hear it from you," she stated. "Is it true that you had sex with Akitsu the night your parents left?"

"What does that mean?" Musubi asked tilting her head and putting a finger on the side of her face. No one bothered explaining.

"Akitsu and my uncle told you didn't they?" I asked.

"While you were gone, your uncle popped onto the TV and told us. Akitsu then confirmed it, and Tskumi has been angry ever since," Matsu explained. All of a sudden, Tskumi resumed shaking me again.

"Ren! How could you do this? Am I not enough for you?!" Tskumi yelled. I put my hand on top of hers, making her stop shaking me. I was dizzy as hell and could only look up at the ceiling.

"Now listen Tskumi, you know I love each and every one of you. And yes, I did have sex with Akitsu, but that doesn't mean I don't love you girls just as much. All of you are special to me and I don't regret what I did. When it's your time, I will show you the same love I showed her and I'll still show you love regardless," I reassured her. She looked at me in awe and released her grip on my collar.

"You really mean that?" she asked with a blush on her face. I smiled at her.

"Of course! I mean every single word," I replied. That's when Yomi latched onto my arm with a smile on her face.

"I'm glad you feel that way. Actually, I'm happy you had sex with snow woman here. That means you have more experience. And now I get more pleasure because of that," she said. "Now it's finally my turn, so let's get moving."

"Wait! First, let's show him the surprise," Matsu stated. Everyone nodded in agreement and Uzume walked back down just in time.

'Surprise?' I wondered. They pulled me to the new room and showed me the inside. When I saw the inside, I was amazed. There was a huge king-sized bed, a double door closet, a tall dresser, and a double window with curtains and blinds. I looked back at the girls, whom were full of smiles.

"Did you girls do this?" I asked.

"We've been preparing this room since you first found it. Now you can use it to your heart's content," Matsu explained. I was really happy as I checked out the room. Then as my own surprise, I hugged and kissed all my girls.

"Thank you girls; I love you all," I stated.

A/N: I'm gonna end this chapter off right here. I hope this makes you guys feel better about Uzume and if not, please tell me what I should do. I have an idea for the next chapter, but I'm still working out the kicks, but I will give you a hint for a later chapter. It will involve Benitsubasa and Haihane, BUT it's not the whole escape from the city thing like in the anime and manga. Well I hope you enjoy this chapter. This has been MalevolentDarkness16. Until next time, BYE.