Hello Guys and gals! New Chapter is out. Got little sick lately and I think this chapter is not satisfying. It was supposed to have additional scenes and an omake("-) that I'm so excited to write it on but sadly I didn't manage to do it in time.

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

Warning!: half-baked scenes, boring conversations, no fight scenes.

EDIT: got to change a name, got confused writing it. Good eye fellow reviewer!

EDIT 2/14/19: Major changes right here, also added some additional scenes right near the end of the chapter. Happy reading!

Memory 9.0

Minato, the green girl, Musubi, Akitsu and me arrived at the Izumo Inn at night. I assumed right away that we might arrive there in the afternoon but the majority of free time was consumed just because I need to retrieve Musubi who was clearly lost in the garden. It is vast after all. Minato carried the child in a piggyback style all throughout the travel. Seo took the idea of accompanying us, saying that we should be protected but I kindly refused since I am enough (not arrogant per se but it was the truth after all). Seo , with his Sekirei, went on the separate ways. I was glad that no Sekireis dared to approach us in this current condition, even though I could sense some of them nearby; it just could be they were just observing or just happened to be there.

I opened the door to find Miya standing in front of us, could be waiting for us. I doubt if the Izumo Inn has a time curfew but I knew better not to ask.

"Ara, ara, what do we have here?" Miya asked us. I felt that her intention were not threatening or menacing. She was just genuinely concerned after all ... or maybe lonely, except that I sensed Kagari was already here. Uzume was absent in my radar.

"Uhmm, I just... I went to get my relative... who was sent here... and uhmm, I was told to take care of her..." Minato answered stutteringly, struggling to search for answers viable as possible. He could have received Miya's question as something else, that's why he was scared and perspiring already. His alibi was stupendously creative but barely passable but to Miya it depends whether she bought it or not. To be honest, she could have been aware all along and played along with it.

"Hmm, what a cute child, what's her name?"

"Kusano." Minato replied.

I just realized that this is my first time hearing the green child's name. Kusano it is then. Akitsu and Musubi nodded in confirmation. At this point, Musubi should have sputtered the recent events 'accidentally' but seeing her behaved and playing along with her Ashikabi's antics made me feel satisfied.

"Kusano. What a cute name too. Bring her in, its cold outside you know... bad for children." Miya conceded, as we scrambled to get in. Kusano might get sick after all since she was still a child.

Suddenly, Kusano woke up, eyes blaring, curiously watching us. She may be innocent but I could feel that she registered as 'friendly', for now I believed that Kusano only trust Minato. She blinked twice before she said something.

Minato sensed her movement behind his back. "Kuu-chan?"

"I'm hungry." The adorable child spoke, eyes shining with delight. I bet that no one would resist that cuteness.

Miya then spurred into action. "Oh, that's definitely a problem..." She assured. "I'll make dinner right away."

No questions asked, Miya went to the kitchen right away and it seemed that we are hungry to ignore the fiasco since she mentioned the dinner. I am honestly hungry too.

...

The night was very cold for an ordinary human but to Sen it was fairly nostalgic as it reminded her of the cold-ridden Siberia where she officially made it as her home turf, even when she wore only a loose, sleeveless shirt and shorts that exposed tantamount of her pale skin. She was seen walking along the grounds of Izumo Inn. The night sky was clear so Sen took time admiring and studying the stars, which reminded her fondly about her Father. She promised herself that she will fix her own image one day when all trouble will be resolved, as she has now entangled herself deep in this war.

But she did not regret it. 'If Father was alive right now, he will actively disagree to this mockery. He will find a way to save everyone even at the great cost... even if there's anything worth saving...'

Sen felt her heart sank from that revelation. It is true that Father saved her from harm and destroyed the lab for good but at the cost of destroying experimented sentient beings that are similar to her. By that statement, she felt herself distant from her supposed 'family' (She believed she can no longer classed as 'them', its complicated, really). Sen felt depressed because she can't even bring up calling them her brethren, but her body wouldn't allow her to wallow into sadness. A single tear escaped from her eyes but she let it go as her usual demeanor set in.

She wanted to save them just like her Father did: saving her and at the same time she don't want to end up like what her Father did: saving only her. Even though Father didn't told her about it, she felt his regret since through all those years. She doesn't want to repeat the same mistake.

Sensing another presence about to go outside, she wasn't surprised that it was Minato. He made himself comfortable by sitting along the edge of balcony. She expected it; Minato might want to thank her for the rescue mission gone successfully.

However, I could feel that he is here for something different.

Also, Kusano followed him. My eyebrow scrunched in scrutiny as I've noticed that she wasn't still winged yet. Kusano has a potential and a powerful ability but common sense dictates that she was too young to fight this mockery of war, even if she was a Sekirei—which proc a memory of mine when I'm still in the lab, I could have been a year younger that Kusano when I first realized my awareness and reasoning. I am still ambiguous on what will happen to Sekireis who are yet unwinged, besides the weakened state but Kusano will be in danger of being terminated once she was winged. Minato flinched slightly as if he understood my dilemma. His eyes juggle between me and Kusano who was approaching.

Was he seeking for approval to wing Kusano? It was amusing to think about it since I do not own Kusano either. I knew Minato wasn't guilty about it but he seemed to be putting the blame on himself.

From just a glance, I could tell that Kusano was ready and willing to be winged by Minato, his savior. So this is what Minato was avoiding. It's not my decision though; Kusano already decided out of her own will, Minato was already capable, naive, and I bet he wouldn't hurt a flower, and Kusano will be in his care. I don't see much of the argument here.

"Sen-san, thank you for helping us." Minato said as he stood up and bowed down in respect. I observed him for a meantime. Kusano waited for a while then went beside Minato. Kusano eyed me critically, puffing her cheeks adorably. It seemed that she was seeking for Minato's attention ... and privacy? But it seemed that she have no other choice.

Well who wouldn't resist that cute treat, huh?

"Onni-chan." Kusano cheeks reddened as she begged for his attention. She tugged at Minato's clothes, which made Minato aware of Kusano presence suddenly.

"Oh, Kuu-chan, you're here."

Not waiting for a beat, Kusano declared immediately. "I-I want to be your Sekirei, brother."

My intuition was right after all and that made Minato sputtered. Was he ready about this? Well everyone came in an unexpected events. Minato then eyed me, seeking for approval. I, on the other hand, just gave him a slight nod, just like I have said, there is no room for argument and I am not being pessimistic this time and it was mind-boggling that he was asking for my permission which in the first place he doesn't really need to.

Did she see me as older sister? Is Musubi again involved in this? Well who knows?

Minato meanwhile sighed in relief and stooped down so that he can converse with Kusano properly.

"Kuu-chan, I don't know how to say this but are you sure?" 'Gentleman rule: always ask for confirmation' I thought as I listen to him intently. Kusano nodded excitedly, eyes sparkled innocently with joy. The sight of it was beholding for me.

I just want to pinch those adorable, flabby, soft cheeks of hers but I knew better—so resist the temptation. Kusano held Minato's cheeks softly and pushed her face to Minato's gently.

"Please be my Ashikabi." She whispered as their lips contact with each other.

...An innocent form of love...

As I continued to observe, Kusano glowed with greenish hue and her back sprouted a visible pillar of light energy and formed into wings and spread majestically. All around us grew all forms of plant in tremendous rate. Kusano's ability to manipulate plant life was involved in the scenario.

For an ordinary human, this would be a breathless scene and worthy to be immortalized in one of the photos—if they have a camera.

Eventually, the light died down, plant life cease growing and the wings disappeared. Minato and Kusano parted away but I did not fail to see glowing (literally) Kusano's face filled with contentment and genuine happiness. I have become a witness to their winging technique and it was incredibly fulfilling since it was my first time seeing someone being winged in action.

Oh, and also Musubi managed to watch the entire scenario and clapped in recognition after that.

"Congratulations!" Musubi cheered. It was slightly confusing that Musubi wasn't jealous about the kissing but then again it could be that Kusano's was too young or she doesn't care about it or that they are Sekirei. Speaking of which, it could be possible that Minato can have more than two Sekirei's in his harem.

Maybe Musubi was being childish and wasn't aware of ethics, custom or law but I admitted that some other countries practiced polygamy so I don't really reacted to it.

Well, I'm looking forward to it and oh, I forgot something so I went inside the house immediately.

...

It was midnight.

Everyone should be asleep.

After dinner, almost everyone retreated to their room. Minato contented himself in the room and Miya decided that Musubi and he should be in separated room but Musubi being Musubi, just sneaked in Minato and slept there instead. Miya would overlook it sometimes.

Kusano was decided that she would be sleeping together with Miya. No questions asked.

Akitsu was asleep in Sen's room but Sen herself was in the kitchen, working onto something. All of the room except the kitchen are lights out. She might have been choose the other rooms but the she favored the kitchen most as she can get a light snack easily there.

Sen was in her night clothes compose of pajamas and silk shirt for she was planning to sleep after this. She has also asked permission to Miya to stay up for the majority of the night, in which Miya hesitantly agreed.

She was working on a formula about Wagner's phenomena*. The tablet was in front of her, tapping and writing on it. Being trapped in the Shinto Tokyo does not excuse her for not being able to submit and pass files to her students abroad. Also, real professor or not, if her students did not receive the assignment upon the deadline will made her a failure as a 'human' and she strictly does not tolerate it. The signal here wasn't restricted and the data that she sent wasn't encrypted, does not contain any hidden message, just a regular formula for the students assignment and she's confident that it will not be blocked by the authority.

Meeting them, well, that would be impossible. It was a bit disappointing since I looked like a bloody psychotic killer with large-rimmed glasses.

My feature are not student-friendly now.

She was still working on a series when she sensed a presence approaching, a disturbed soul at least. Fortunately, she was about to finish the task and was considering closing the tablet.

Homura appeared by the pathway, clothed in a white buttoned shirt unfastened at the upper part and rugged pants while barefooted, and pale as ever than what Sen remembered and stricken, to be noted. His white hair partially shadowed his eyes. He clambered carefully along the cabinet .When he noticed Sen, he froze up.

"Kagari-san, you're not feeling well." Sen duly noted, even though her eyes are still on the tablet. Homura was shaking but he forced himself to relax.

Darn angel of death judging him...

"A-ah, it's nothing." Homura croaked weakly. He couldn't find strength in his voice. He was supposed to fetch a drink as he was not feeling well but seeing Sen already here, he mentally panicked. He purposely missed dinner just so he wouldn't see Sen. He wanted to ran away as possible as he can. He was feeling weak right now and he felt the chill in his spine.

"You missed breakfast, Kagari-san. Are you really ok?" High-blood pressure. Persistent sweating. Chills. Rapid Hearbeat. Trembling. Breathing difficulties. Weakening of muscles. Sense of confusion and terror. Sen can pinpoint the symptoms affecting Homura and she knew it very well, especially when one was affected by her killing intent that could trouble a mind and body. This is no ordinary panic attack and it clearly told her that Homura was present at the botanical garden during the release.

Recovery is impossible through mundane means and Homura was suffering for it and since Homura was no enemy and was inflicted accidentally, (especially, Homura was one of the tenants of Izumo Inn, she didn't want to experience the wrath of Miya), especially when it is partly her own fault. She decided to help him at once. She place down the tablet, closed it and waited for Homura.

Homura turned away, seeing that he no longer wanted to drink since Sen was there for some apparent reason. If he left Sen alone then there's nothing to worry walked slowly and retreated to his room and when a strike from his nape made him wince. Homura can hear Sen's whisper of apology at him.

"G-gah!?" Homura yelped from unexpected pain all over his body. It did not help either that it was followed by a rapid series of pinpoint strikes all over of his back that he couldn't count and it did not abode well with Homura. He tried to retaliate out of fear so he produced a fireball in his palm but was quenched by Sen quickly due to being too weak to throw it.

It was gone well for half of the minute before Sen finished the 'session' and realized that there is something else bothering her about Homura's body on her first contact and unexpectedly triggered about it. Homura meanwhile lay down flat on the floor, body too tired and weak to move but Homura was still conscious after all. He tried to move again but his body protested.

Sen always chose the best options. Quick and brutal but most effective options.

"W-what did you do, you—!" Homura exclaimed. It will be damned if this is something sinister that Sen created.

"It is a procedure similar to acupressure to stimulate your nervous system." Sen said in technical term.

"W-what?!"

"You were suffering from mental attack so I treated you."

"Treat me?! But you just knock me down and go limp!"

"I chose the fastest route to recovery but with already minimal chance of recovery. That procedure's chance can increased by twenty folds if my patients have no prior knowledge as patient's with awareness will have a little bit tolerance to pain, which is a main ingredient for the treatment and also other words, Impromptu treatment to speak." Sen explained to Homura as best as she can before she stooped down and observed Homura carefully.

"I-I don't understand!"

"Then just trust me, Homura-kun."

Sen reached for something at Homura's face, which instinctively made Homura closed his eyes, afraid that Sen might gouge his eyes or worse only to find out the back of her hand was placed on his forehead. He could feel the heat on himself but Sen's back of her hand was so cold but enticing at the same time. This made Homura further reddened from his predicament and stupid assumption.

"What are you doing?" He said softly. No use to argument with her.

"Checking your temperature ... still warm but at safer level. Paralysis is just temporary, about fifteen minute, but you need to rest."

Without further ado, Sen slipped her arms at Homura's fallen body. One at the under his knees while the other at his back.

"Oi, oi!" Homura protested when he realized what Sen was about to do but Sen ignored him quietly.

With one strong jerk, Sen stood up, lifting Homura as well. Sen did not expected Homura to be light but she partially attributed it to her undivided strength.

To be carried like a princess or being bridal carried was one of the worst thing Homura could ever wish. A flush of embarrassment rose to his cheeks as he tried to pry his face away from her bosom but due to being unable to move, he ended up pressing it lightly.

He was surprised that she was so cold to touch but he couldn't avoid smelling her scent. Nuzzling his nose to her chest, it was mesmerizing and unique—

'S-Stop doing that idiot. Think, think of the other things!' Homura screamed in his mind. He should be the one that should make the maiden's heart flutter not the other way around!

"I'm bringing you to your room." Sen declared while her voice was in a monotone. Her eyes lingered a little on his face that made Homura look away. He knew she was just trying to study his expressions but this is just too embarrassing. He bet that she saw his cheeks reddened from humiliation.

"Oh, Kagari-san? Kara-chan?" Oh great, Miya of all that he would encounter. Miya was standing right in front of them eyes staring at them with undetermined expression. She was studying them meticulously, wondering why and how did Kagari and Sen ended up in that position. Passively, she was demanding an explanation to soothe her bewildered mind, not that Kagari and Sen needed to know. Sen actually felt Miya's presence during the quick session but she prioritized being focused on the treatment. Timed strike after strikes are essential and she does not tolerate inconsistent failure.

"I was about to check on you but it seemed that something happened here?"

Sen strategized for she knew Homura will be ashamed later on and normal explanations are unacceptable. Besides Homura and Miya has mutual relationship and she's in big trouble if Miya would misunderstood her explanation. Yes, her explanation have greater chance of delivering wrong message. Giving exaggerated claims will confuse Miya and will swerve the conversations away from Homura. Yes, Homura will hate him later but this is necessary—evil.

"Kagari-kun was slipped at the kitchen, and his knees hit the edge of the cabinet and hurt, a lot."

"But I didn't heard any sound—"

"The cabinet was sturdy enough so it didn't make any sounds."

"Oh, Kagari should be able to walk and that position—"

"No, he was hurt a lot, he even said to me that 'it was so painful he was gonna die'"

"Wait, wait, I didn't say tha—" Homura tried to argue but found himself stuffed into Sen's chest as she tightened her hold.

"Oh, poor Kagari..." This is so stupid. He felt his dignity lowered down. He wondered if Miya heard him or not.

"Yes, poor Kagari. This is the only position that I know that will relieve his pain." If he wasn't wrong, he heard Miya chuckled quietly.

"Then you would bring him to his room?"

"Of course, I'll be going now or Kagari's bruise will worsen."

"Then... go on." Miya said as if she has no other choice.

"Thank you, Miya-chan."

Sen, while carrying Homura, went to his room. Regardless of whether Miya bought the explanation or not, Sen felt it was successful since Miya let them be. At this point, Miya would be probably trying to make sense what happened truly and then will leave it as it is as long as no one was hurt. Plus points since Miya saw Sen in the act of helping someone.

Upon arriving at Homura's room, Sen carefully placed Homura on his bed, plopping him on the soft sheets before Sen fixed his bed dutifully. For Sen, Homura's room was a little bit messy at her first entry but Homura didn't care.

Homura felt himself comfortable but he was aware that Sen wouldn't stop at this point. Turns out that he's right; Sen approached his bed ridden body, crawling along the sheets and studied his vulnerable form. Homura blushed again, in greater intensity when he realized Sen was unbuttoning his shirt.

"S-stop..." Homura wheezed awkwardly. He already aware of the sweats appearing all over his body but exposing his chest was somewhat top-notch embarrassing already. He may tolerate bridal carry right now but just don't undress him, ever.

Thankfully, Homura felt relieved as Sen stopped unbuttoning midway, just enough to expose fully his glistening chest. Homura's cheeks flared with redness.

"Kagari..." He heard her saying his name softly. Sen was looking at his face intently. Homura looked on Sen's cold, calculating eyes, reminiscing memories about how Karasuba would look but he was fully aware that she's not Karasuba that he knew.

Sen meticulously observed Homura's face, seeking for his facial expressions to which he didn't fail to deliver. She was amused contently, but she has something to say.

Inch by inch, Sen's short, white hair carefully dip onto Homura's face and body as her face gets closer and closer. Homura trembled slightly because of this.

"I'm so sorry, Kagari-san. What I have done earlier was completely necessary." She apologized.

"I I-think, I understand, Sen-san. My mind was not troubled this time. Now please, can you move your face away, it's too close to mine!"

Sen elicit a small chuckle but returned to a serious and calm face once more.

"Kagari, you are still not well."

At this point, Homura was sneering quietly, as if Sen just cracked a joke.

"Hahaha, you beat me up, claimed that I have healed already and you now you take it back?! Are you ok?!" Homura was almost shouting but due to his weak constitution, he did not.

Sen swayed her head in disapproval. "You are unstable, Kagari-san. Your abilities are eating away your life."

Homura frowned with discontent. He never thought that Sen would know his dilemma. He just turned his head away from her. It was too hard to be honest on someone Homura recently knew. Sen didn't waited for his reply either; his silence was his confirmation after all.

"I understand your situation very well, Kagari-san." Sen said as she let her eyes wander around his bland room. "Yours a unique one... this is my first time seeing your gender being unstable too..." She instinctively caressed Homura's abdomen out of emphasis. Well, being curious was a double-edged trait.

"H-hey...!" Homura scolded Sen. "So, why do you care?"

"I've stabilized you..."

Homura's quickly turned his head toward Sen, with eyes filled with hope.

"...temporarily."

Once again, Homura felt downcast once more. What's good in something temporary?

Sen cleared her voice. "I cared because I am responsible because you caught in my killing intent radius." Added to that, Sen also remembered on how Homura saved her from Miya, thus owing him. No matter how small or unimportant, Sen always made sure to make payments as soon as possible but there's no need to tell this to Homura at this point. "With proper instrument and treatment, I could have treated you completely... but my laboratory was far away and certain circumstances made it impossible to reach it right now."

Homura tossed away from her. If what Sen said is right, then he will do anything to heal her right away, for the sake of being a 'Sekirei Guardian'—

"However... there's an alternative."

Homura turned again to Sen.

"Let me hear it."

"Wing someone as soon as possible." Sen recommended, even though she loathed their method of winging and its results because its negative aspect are somewhat heavier. The best chances are with worst comeback after all.

Homura sighed. "I know you would say it. Everyone is expecting it, why do you think I go to the host club every night."

Sen was still in deep in thought before she spoke again once more.

"Judging by the tone of your voice, you're not entirely focused on saving life, don't you?"

"I-I, well—"Homura stuttered. Sen has a point. He was a 'Sekirei Guardian' after all and he was thoroughly dedicated in saving others' lives before his.

"Your gender is dependent on the potential Ashikabi, am I right?" Another point slammed into Homura.

"You wanted to remain as a man but you're afraid that there might a chance you will turn into woman when you're winged."

Homura's only answer was silence and disbelief in his face. Sen observed his hesitant looks before she spoke again once more.

"... and you hope that by being winged by a 'female' Ashikabi, you will remain as a man and when winged by a 'male' Ashikabi you will turn into a woman."

There was stillness in the air. Eventually, Homura weakly nodded. "I don't know whether you can read my mind or not but you're right, I wanted a female Ashikabi... I wanted to preserve who I am."

Seriously, when did Sen became a psychologist... or is she?

"I'm a scientist, Homura, and upon my words, I declared your belief as ... wrong. Sorry to disappoint you."

"What?"

"It doesn't matter what type of potential Ashikabi , your stabilized gender is still in random. You will remain as a man or change into a woman in due time."

Homura groaned in denial. He clutched his head in confusion.

"I give up. What do you want me to do?" He said as he flayed his arms away. Good, the paralysis was gone. He looked as if he is asking Sen for prescriptions.

"I still recommend winging with an Ashikabi as soon as possible. Your best chance is Minato."

"Whaa—no! Not him!" Homura said in disgust. He threw away his face away from Sen to let him prove his emphasis.

He. Will. Not. Sen sighed. She was hoping at least that Homura will cooperate with her since she realized that his life was in danger already. She's concerned about him.

"Kagari-san, the temporary relief will only last for 24 hour, once it will expire, you'll be unstable once more, and the pain you'll receive will increase to two folds."

"Are you kidding?! Is. That. True?!" Homura exclaimed eyes wide as saucers then glared at her angrily. Sen rubbed the back of her head whilst remain inconspicuous. Intimidating Sen did not work its magic.

"I am partly responsible for your present dilemma so please listen to me. I just want to help you."

"C-Can you repeat that *gulp* rapid strike? I'm willing to bear the pain. For the sake of—"

Sen swayed her head in disagreement. "I'm so sorry but that will be completely detrimental this time. It was a lucky strike from a right time. Expecting it right now will no longer be effective."

Homura groaned again. He was about to give up.

"Alright! Since you're so insistent I've decided..."

Homura clasped his head, thinking deeply.

"You said that I have 24 hours?" Sen nodded softly upon Homura's words. "...Then let me find a worthy 'female' Ashikabi. If I didn't find any then within 24 hours then I'll choose Minato whether I like it or not!"

Sen was quiet for a moment, rubbing her cheeks with her cold hand, weighing the disadvantages and advantages, and then she finally decided. She was worried since Homura still stick to what he firmly believed, even though she already presented the facts. She knew it would only led to many problems, aside from the fact that he has some lingering resentment on someone Homura loathed the most.

"Alright, it's a deal."

Sen then left Homura on his bed, expecting that the conversation ended up nicely. She gave one last glance to Homura before she leave completely.

"I'm warning you, please don't overdo yourself tomorrow." She said before she eventually disappear from the door.

...

The light from the kitchen goes out and all of the inhabitants are expected to be asleep right now but one meek individual was present along the corridor. Kusano was walking along, in the middle of the night, aiming to go to the bathroom after leaving Miya's room.

She was still in a cute orange pajama as I observed, hidden in unsolicited darkness. Of course, I didn't intend to scare the cute child for I already masked my presence to the point that I might be mistaken for a corpse but not definitely a ghost – if she managed to see me.

The light in the bathroom flickered on and Kusano entered hastily while I am guarding her unexpectedly like an entity similar to an angel somewhere near.

Of course, for every action serves a purpose and motivation. I just coincidentally found her along the way after my conversation with Homura. I would have ignored Kusano already but a malicious presence made me think otherwise. I immediately hid within the shadows in order to identify the present threat.

Kusano was about to look on the mirror when I finally found her.

*SWOOOOP* *swoooosh*

Like an owl in the night, I grabbed my prey with eerie silence.

Kusano looked away after she heard the noise. She tried to discern where it came from but after a few seconds, she finally dismissed it as just a wind with a slight shrug.

Well good for her, I hope she's well.

After a minute, and making sure that Kusano was indeed inside Miya's room and sleeping soundly, I descent quietly, whilst holding the perpetrator within my grasp. She was struggling to be set free but once again underestimated my strength.

"Matsu..."

She eventually stopped struggling and started to perspire. To be fair, this is my first time seeing Matsu out of her room and now I'm wondering how the hell did she survive without being seen while under one roof.

If I could have ignored this, then surely Kusano will be have nightmares for life as Matsu was not so exactly stealthy and she could have mistaken Matsu for a ghost.

I released my hand away from her mouth in order to make her speak.

"Sen-san?" She tried to confirm my identity.

"Yes?" My voice should suffice for her question.

"I- I thought you're ghost!" She exclaimed, albeit in a volume just enough just to be heard by us. "... reading ghost stories doesn't really help at all." She said will making herself trembling wilfully.

"Then, tell me? What are you trying to do?"

I have theories within my mind: One, she was trying to wing herself to Minato without first his consent, two, she could have been observing Minato and was trying to check on him while he's asleep ... and then tried to be winged.

Well, not much a difference either.

Matsu turned around and stared at me curiously. Even with those huge glasses, I could still see she was on the verge of crying.

"I-I just want to c-check on Minato, that's all." She reasoned while fiddling with her fingers. Cute but does not affect me a little bit. Does not help that her face was reddened already. Matsu probably was imagining already a scenario. It was impressive; Matsu managed to create an imaginative sequence in a short amount of time.

This time she was drooling.

"...and?" I bridged her answer quickly, interrupting her train of thoughts abruptly.

"... wing by him." She exclaimed a she sported a smile that is fitting for a maniac.

She really did want to be winged by Minato, either because of curiosity; Minato was interesting or a combination of both. Maybe, she was reacting to him.

"You could have waited for morning and ask him directly, I think he does not take 'no' for an answer." I think I knew Minato by a margin. That man would wing someone out of consideration and willingness; he will not force anyone without their consent. He's a good man, albeit a little bit of naive at heart.

This time, I think I have answered straightforwardly without even thinking. Why would Matsu hide in the first place? Thinking a bit harder made me realized that Matsu was a Sekirei connected to information and if she's unwinged yet means she's a very valuable pieces. Ashikabi's here and there would be painstakingly search for her once her identity was exposed.

Miya was indeed strong, and that's the reason why not a single Sekirei with malicious intent can go toe-to-toe with Miya.

She's really strong.

"I – I..." Matsu was still trying to find the right answer, which is very rare for an intellectual Sekirei. She was scratching her head in worry.

"Stop right there. I think you need a rest."

Matsu was perplexed, unable to say the next word right now. When she recovered she spoke.

"Uhm, thank you?"

... and proceed to upstairs and finally into her hideout.

I'm also a bit sleepy and seeing that my submission report has been passed, I was satisfied. Sleeping is the next best thing.

I couldn't help but think...

Could the next morning be interesting?

...

Sen was sitting on the floor, legs splayed apart and arms carelessly served as a supporting pillar behind her. She was looking at someone in front of her and she recognized it as a cute, little bundle of joy that was currently pouting; desperately making herself look intimidating. It was amusing at least for Sen.

Sen, Akitsu, Kusano and Uzume were the currently left within the house. Miya went to the market together with Musubi buying for vegetables for dinner while Homura left a little early and Minato went to work. Sen hoped that Homura kept his promise. Uzume, well, she locked herself in her room, maybe sleeping late.

Kusano was trying to look angry while puffing her cheeks as hard as she could and magnified the emotions with her crumpled cute fist on her straightened arms.

"JJJJJJJJIIiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii..."

'Perhaps a crying sound of an excited bird. Its sound patterns are exactly as its mating calls too... even cute Kusano was no safe from being too cuddly..' Sen tilted her head as she tried to look at Kusano at the weird angle. When Sen did not respond to Kusano's cry as she intended, she devised another way to treat her seriously.

"Onni-chan is mine! Hmpf!" Kusano teased with her shrill voice. The competition was lively as it could. Her Onni-chan's Sekireis are so many but Kusano knew she would marry Onni-chan one day when she's old enough—

Ok, Sen was interrupting her innocent thoughts this time with her silent chuckles. They were quiet but it was irritating for Kusano. Auntie Sen was also her competitor for Onni-chan and the alpha indeed. If she could make her feel afraid of Kusano then she wins!

"Oh Kuu-chan, you're thinking deeply again." Sen reminded with playful tone. Kusano was slightly irritated and then she approached Sen and grabbed her clothes.

According to Sen, Kusano was extremely territorial and she loved dear Minato so much as a big brother. She identified Musubi, Sen and Akitsu as her rival and competitor.

Near them was Akitsu, who was sitting along the balcony, admiring the blue skies and the few flowers that adorned the bare ground.

Minato wasn't here since he's working so it was a priviledge for Sen, and Akitsu to take care of Kusano. Currently, Kusano was tampering with Sen's glasses with her little hands.

"Auntie Sen is very funny!" She chirped. The new glasses that Sen 'ordered' was still adorned with swirling patterns on the thick opaque glasses and Sen made sure that the material infused in her spectacles are sturdy and not easy to break, thus, Kusano has a liberty to touch and hold her glasses upon her heart's content and only under Sen's supervision.

She's confident that Kusano could not break or bend her spectacles this time but once Kusano gobbled it big time she would be in big trouble!

Kusano completely removed Sen's spectacles from her pale face, revealing Sen's pale, cold facial features. It naturally scares Kusano that she couldn't help but froze on the spot.

"A-Auntie Sen is scary!"

Kusano teased as she hastily puts on Sen's glasses, albeit clutching the handles to make it remain on her face, and tried to ran away from Sen while sneering but the huge depth difference seeing through the lens made her feel trippy, stumbled along the way and eventually the glasses came off due to being too large for her head. Sen approached Kusano, retrieved her glasses and wore them.

"Kuu-chan, please be careful..." Sen said as she helped Kusano stand up.

"Ok, Auntie Sen." Kusano replied happily. It never failed to amaze Sen how Kusano's temperament changes time to time. Sen gently patted Kusano's dress to get rid of the dust. Akitsu meanwhile has now taken attention toward Sen and Kusano, who are playing together so she decided to join them.

Suddenly, Sen felt a familiar presence coming toward the Izumo Inn, akin to an Ashikabi. Sen can identify it because both Seo and Minato exuded it when nearby. It may be an Ashikabi but it doesn't felt like Minato, then that means...

"Yo." Seo greeted them at the gate while showing a toothy grin, waving at them to catch his attention. Both Sen and Akitsu stared at him disappointingly while Kusano automatically hid behind Sen. She may not know how Seo manage to locate house where Minato resided but Sen was confident that Seo has no sinister intent upon arriving here so she would need to open the gate to show her courtesy.

If Seo has one, then he would need to face the wrath of Miya.

...

It was cozy and warm inside an expensive restaurant.

Sitting casually, Homura was fixing his black necktie, while waiting for someone. He was currently donned in a black suit while a rose was hanging by his pocket. When he arrived earlier and took a sit on a reserved table, a couple of women approached him every minute has passed, his charismatic smiles and beautiful looks lured them helplessly.

With a warm smile and apologetic face, Homura couldn't help but respectfully deny their woos and start-up conversations, saying that he was waiting for his fiancée and it was damn right effective. He might have indulged a little bit but none of them are potential Ashikabi or made him react, well that's his second aim and nothing followed.

A little lie helps preserve the privacy and loneliness he wanted.

To be honest, Homura was frantically restraining himself from smoking.

This elegant place is where they will rendezvous with Dr. Takami after the Botanical Garden was resolved. He was determined to tell Takami about his previous witnesses. He was still wondering why would Takami would not rely on the phone this time.

Homura instinctively looked away and admired the presence of Takami, who eventually arrived. He stood up and offered a seat opposite of him. This is the first time Homura have seen Takami wearing a black eyepatch that match her dress. Whether he remarked on it or not, Homura kept his mouth close. The scar was barely visible but it was clearly there.

He bet that a fancy limo was waiting for her.

Takami arrived in her black nightgown, carrying a black purse; both Homura and Takami looked like a couple in their respective classes. People around them looked at them with awe, jealousy and elegancy before going with their usual banters. Following Takami was her personal bodyguard, who has muscular body, a baldhead while wearing a classical tuxedo and a pair of black shades. Takami took a glance at her bodyguard, which he understood and he stood by a respectful distance at them, but at the same time prevents nosy individuals from interfering their business.

Takami offered her hand toward Homura, who gingerly take it and kissed it gently before he helped her sit on the chair.

"I apologized for not being able to contact you lately. I was rather...sick." Homura said as he fix himself upon sitting on his own chair. He remembered what happened that night.

"No. I should be the one who should apologize. You're the one who have a hard time because of me."

"Don't be, it is my duty after all."

"Straight to business... How is No. 108?"

"She's stable, for now. Fortunately, her Ashikabi was a capable. So that's a few things to crossed out from your worry list."

"I see. She's in the Inn, right? Then, nothing to worry about... especially that scary landlady there ought to scare everyone out of the house."

"You have nothing to confirm about her Ashikabi?"

"I believed everything you have said about her Ashikabi and I believe there is nothing to say. Besides, I know more him than anyone could have been."

"Of course."

Takami sipped a red wine at the wine glass, the ice toppling to each other as she gave it a gentle whirl. Takami observed it amusingly.

"Hmmmm... then how about Dr. Ptichika." She said as she maintain her gaze on her half-filled wine glass.

'Senmetsu?' "What of her?"

"You should already know how she was deeply involved at that battle."

Takami produced a tablet from her purse and immediately showed the footage of the battle at the garden. Sen's fighting scene was given emphasis.

"She has involved herself in this Sekirei Plan without being a potential Ashikabi... however, she displayed qualities similar to a Sekirei and basing at the video, her strength could have been equal to an unwinged 1 digit Sekirei or more. This could be more or less not an ordinary human or perhaps an unknown Sekirei. So far, she is labelled as dangerous."

"She was also the reason why Kusano's Ashikabi managed to save her from harm with little consequences. She's not a danger to the S-Plan."

"Orders of her arrest and capture are now in effect, the MBi will likely wanted a rare specimen like Dr. Ptchika, and her forced involvement has made herself reveal what she is. Thanks to her, she just made herself a fine target of many Ashikabis. She's interesting at this point."

Homura gasped. "You can't do that, they will die!"

"Yes, I know that... that's why I'm putting it on hold, we can't risk the landlady's wrath. She's still living in that house together with Kusano, right?" Takami sighed.

"Yes she is but listen carefully, Dr. Takami, you do not want to risk Dr. Ptichika's anger too."

"Homura!" Takami gave him a glare.

"Yeah?"

"Does she have displayed abilities of shape shifting?"

"Err, no?"

"Then why does she look like No. 4 now? It was an interesting note since she looked different the last time I visited her at the airport together with no.4."

"Never heard of it… I might just have been busy." Homura said honestly but his ears perked up contently, curious on what Takami just have been said. If what she said was true then Sen has met Takami.

"So far I tried to find any reasons why and most of them disapproved, others unverified. It was so confusing. Does the landlady react at her in the first place?"

"Violence? Absolutely at their first meet but nothing happened drastic after that. It's as if they were now friends."

"Interesting to note...you have entertained me so far."

"But please consider my plea: do not aggravate Dr. Ptichika. I'm warning you. The powers she displayed during the battle might have been not her overall strength. Do not underestimate her."

Takami kept her mouth shut while she was thinking of alternatives until she just breathed deeply.

"Understood. I'll hold on to your words. She's lucky that she managed to befriend the landlady. If things do go worse, I'll search for an alternative route."

"Deal."

"Keep your line open, I might be considering favors from you." Takami said as she prepared to stand as the meeting is adjourned.

"… By the way, if you see no. 4 nearby, stay away."

"W-what?"

"I can't keep her on leash for long. She even refused the Ashikabi offered by Minaka. She's showing signs of reaction lately but it is not directed toward Natsuo. It seems Dr. Ptichika is connected to this."

"If what you are saying is true then we should be really careful."

"Dr. Ptichika has made no. 4 deeply interested over her and it might have been stemmed from our first encounter at the airport."

Takami stood up and motioned her guard that they are now leaving. Homura too stood up as he were leaving as well. The atmosphere was getting flamboyant to his taste.

"If no.4 and Dr. Ptichika ended up in a fight then God help us all." She said as she stole a glance at Homura as the guard made her a way.

As what I've said folks, these chapter is unsatisfying for me. Expect something to change sooner or later when I'm feeling better.

Also for now, I won't give any deadlines until I'm getting better.

P.S. omake is coming whether I like it or not but not for now.

EDIT 2/14/19: Thank you for waiting and reading my fanfiction. It seemed that I am in healthy condition and I am confident that the my next deadline will be on March 9! Keep an eye for my omake!