I am SO sorry I haven't been posting like I usually do! First off, I've been busy with school and family. Secondly, I've been having sleeping issues ;~; (of course, it isn't anyone else's fault, it's mine xD) . But anyways, I just wanted to apologize for not posting daily like I normally do and hopefully you'll forgive me after reading Chapter 10!

Writer: BerbleGum

Editor: Kamishota

Homura slightly opened his eyes and looked up. He was still in Minato's arms. Blushing, he leaned back up and pushed away, aligning his back against the bedroom wall.

"Eh... Sorry..." Homura averted his eyes, playing with a loose strand of his hair.

No response.

Homura shifted his eyes towards Minato, his eyebrow slightly raised. "Minato-?"

THUMP

Minato's limp body collapsed to the ground from exhaustion, his faint breathing in sync with the constant expanding and shrinking movement of his back.

Homura sighed, scratching his head. "Can't blame him..."

With a big grunt, Homura hoisted Minato in his arms and gently placed him in his bed. He folded a blanket over the Ashikabi's motionless body and sat at the edge of his bed. Homura lifted his leg up onto the bed and rested his chin on his knee. He then leaned over towards Minato and poked his cheek a few times. Homura didn't know why, but this brought a smile to his face.

Minato's soothing words echoed throughout Homura's head. "You didn't do this to me... please stop blaming yourself... for me."

Homura closed his eyes and nodded to himself, moving closer to fondle with Minato's hair.

"Alright, I won't. Seeing you alive and resting right before my eyes has calmed this-" Homura cut off, then shook his head. "-has calmed my heart. Thank you..." Homura swept a loose piece of Minato's messy hair out his face. "Minato..."

Homura then leaned in and pressed his lips against Minato's forehead. Normally, he would have been steaming with embarrassment and would have probably killed Minato for causing him to do such a thing, but Homura did not regret what he had done. Instead, he would cherish this moment.

He also treasured the moment he was emerged.

Homura leaned back, gazing up at the ceiling. "For you to emerge someone like me." Homura thought to himself. "I truly am grateful... that a broken being like me could be emerged."

Homura hopped off the bed and headed towards the door. He turned towards Minato, his eyes glistening a bright red from the light that peered in from the window. "I don't know how many times I will say this, but I will say it once more, thank you, Sahashi, Minato."

Homura placed his palm on the bronze door handle, his eyes still gazing at the sleeping Ashikabi. "I promise that I will protect you from any further harm that may come to you."

Homura then opened the door and walked out. He cracked the door, to where only one of his eyes could be seen. It glowed a deep maroon this time.

"Forever and ever."

And with that, Homura gently closed the door and sauntered downstairs. He knew Minato was asleep, but it felt good to speak his mind. He left the hall with a warm smile still plastered on his face.

Minato's one good eye quivered, and then opened. He blinked it a few times before arising from the bed he was currently resting in. He observed his surroundings, realizing that he was in Homura's room.

"Homura?" He kept looking around, but still no sign of Homura. He then softly rubbed his forehead with the tips of his fingers. Although his face was turning a deep shade of magenta, he couldn't help but smile.

"You're welcome, Homura."

Minato had heard everything Homura had said to him.

Since he was wide awake now, there was no point in going back to sleep. Minato threw his legs over to the side of the bed and stood up, only to be sent crashing back down. He gasped for breath and lurched forward, his right hand clutching onto his stomach. Minato lifted up his shirt and realized that there was an enormous bruise on his stomach, swollen and throbbing with pain.

The mark that remained after Benitsubasa's finishing move. What was it called? Pulverizer?

Minato shook his head, shrugging the thought out of his head. He struggled out of the bed for a second time. The pain pulsed through his stomach, sending a a pack of chills towards his spine. Minato shuddered, his entire body shivering from the sudden shock.

"Dammit..." He told himself, shaking off the odd feeling his stomach wound was giving him. "Might as well try and walk it off... Sleeping isn't doing me much good anyway..."

Once Minato managed to fully stand and straighten his posture, he immediately toppled towards the door and grabbed a hold of the door handle, somehow managing to keep hold of his somewhat crippled body.

"Ugh... let me just make it downstairs..." Minato could feel the color drain from his skin, but he opened the door anyways, and crept down the hall.

Once Homura walked into the dining area, he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms, his usual position. No one even noticed him. He sighed and looked around the room, observing his surroundings.

The backdoor was wide open, Musubi and Tsukiumi's sparring match in clear sight.

Kazehana and Uzume were napping in a corner of the room, while a very sly Matsu was sneaking something onto their clothing, trying her best to keep her chuckles contained. Oh typical Matsu...

Kuu was napping, her small body sprawled out on the ground with her head on top of Yashima's lap. This brought Homura's attention towards the other newest Sekireis, Yashima and Akitsu.

They weren't wearing their usual attire.

Yashima was wearing what seemed to be a navy blue school uniform, complete with beige slip-on shoes and a red bow tied around her waist. Her hair was wrapped up in two tiny pigtails along with a blue headband to make them stand out.

Yashima was braiding Kuu's hair, giggling at how much of a poor job she was doing. Homura couldn't help but crack a smile at the young Sekirei's enthusiasm. "Amazing how quickly she'd gotten over what had previously happened to her..." Homura thought, watching the young Sekirei with keen interest.

Then Homura's eyes slowly moved to the figure next to Yashima, who happened to be Akitsu.

Her bright brown eyes were glued to the TV, a sweet smile spread across her face. "Her personality really has changed." Homura thought, admiring the ice Sekirei's contentment. "Did being winged really do this to her?"

His eyes soon peered at Akitsu's attire, which was also different from her usual robe and chains. She was wearing what seemed to be a strapless frilly white dress, like the dress Tsukiumi normally wears, except she wasn't wearing the black sweater, brown boots, and buckles. Instead, she had long, sleek white boots that went over her knees and white gloves that extended up towards her shoulders. Her peachy-brown hair was pinned up, and a black choker adorned with an ice shard completed the look. She truly did look like an ice Sekirei.

Homura did genuinely admire these two Sekireis, no, everyone's prosperity. It was as if all of the worry in the world had evaporated in the air. "It's because they believe in him... they know he'll be okay..." Homura thought, but he looked away and clenched his fist. "Then why is it that... I continue to worry?"

The once invisible Homura was soon discovered by an awakening Kuu. "There you are, Kagari-chan!" The Sekirei child chirped, rubbing her still drowsy eyes. "Where have you been?"

All eyes were now on Homura, even the once sleeping Kazehana and Uzume heard Kuu's words.

Yashima was the first to speak up. "Homura! You're awake! Did you sleep okay?"

Homura folded his arms and grinned. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Yashima beamed and clapped her hands together. "What a relief!"

Kuu tilted her head to the side and looked at Yashima with curious eyes. "Homura?"

Yashima giggled. "Yup! That's his name!"

Kuu turned towards Homura and perked up. "Ah, so it's Homura-chan!"

Homura scratched the back of his head and smiled sweetly at the little girl. "Yeah, that's me."

Akitsu decided to change the subject and spoke up above the two overjoyed Sekireis. "What about Minato?"

"Yeah, how is our hubby doing?" Kazehana purred, shaking her wine bottle continuously for any remaining drops.

Matsu pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and chuckled constantly. "What exactly were you two doing in your room?"

Homura snapped his fingers, summoning a snake-like flame around Matsu. "Don't start with me."

"R-RIGHT!" Matsu screeched, covering her face as though the flame was looking straight at her. Homura snapped his fingers again, extinguishing the fire that threatened Matsu. She scooted backwards and cowered in a corner of the room.

Homura rolled his eyes. "Anyways, he's fine. Last I checked, he was aslee-"

"Oh god, what time is it?"

"Wha-" Homura whirled around, and right behind him was Minato, yawning and rubbing his head. "MINATO?!"

The sudden appearance spooked Homura, sending him tumbling backwards. He hit his head against the frame of the door, making everyone in the room laugh humorously at him.

Homura rubbed the back of his head and looked straight at Minato, his eyes full of bewilderment. "Wha- I thought you were asleep!"

Ignoring his statement, Minato bent over and extended his arm out. "Did I scare you? Sorry."

Homura sighed and grabbed his hand. Minato pulled him up and allowed him to regain his balance.

Homura dusted himself off and sighed. "It's no problem-" But everyone else in the room was already climbing on top of Minato. Homura rolled his eyes and leaned against the doorway.

"Wai- Everyone!" But Minato was already sprawled out on the floor, with his head in Akitsu's lap and a naughty Kazehana crawling up his legs (of course, that earned her an accidental kick to the face). Kuu clinged her body to his right arm while Yashima was sitting on his upper chest.

Uzume stood above them, her hands on her hips. "Well, look who finally had the guts to come down here!" Uzume knelt down and placed her hand on his cheek. "How are you feeling?"

Minato groaned and rolled his eyes in a joking manner. "Never been better!"

Yashima's eyes sparkled, her face showing that she'd obviously fallen for Minato's sarcasm. "That's great!" She then stood up, pulling Akitsu along with her. "Hey, hey! Do you like our new clothes? I think they suit us!"

Minato managed to sit up and get a better look at the two Sekireis. "You two look amazing! I'm guessing Tsukiumi gave you the dress, Akitsu?" Minato gestured towards the ice Sekirei, earning a nod in return. Minato turned back to Yashima. "And who gave you that?"

Yashima twirled around and laughed. "Musubi gave it to me! Doesn't it suit me?" She continued to twirl in circles, lifting one leg up. "She said she got it from Yukari!"

"Yukari, huh? Oh yeah, I remember that..." Minato laughed along with the jovial Sekirei.

Suddenly, Uzume hung her head and straightened her posture, her fists clenched. "That reminds me..." Uzume grinded her teeth. "Excuse me, everyone..." And with that, Uzume bust out the door of Izumo Inn.

Minato looked puzzled. "Uzume? What's wrong-" Then it struck him. Uzume warned him about this... about his sister...

About Yukari being captured.

Minato snapped. "SHIT!" The sudden outburst caused Yashima to slip and topple forward. Luckily she landed on top of Minato, but it was not lucky for him.

"Oopsies!" Yashima giggled weakly, pushing herself off the ground. "Sorry Minato-"

"AHHH!" Minato wrenched forward, sending Yashima falling backwards. Yashima broke out in a cold sweat, along with a look of concern on her face.

The once cheerful atmosphere had vanished, and was replaced cold silence.

Yashima leaned forward, extending her arm towards Minato. "Minato... I-"

She noticed that he was clutching his stomach, the area that was wounded the most. Yashima looked at her trembling hand. Realizing what she had done, she covered her mouth to muffle her scream. "Minato! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to push on your stomach! I-"

"It's okay Yashima... I was the one who spooked you..." Minato rubbed his stomach, but the pain was still latched onto him. "I'm just a little... sensitive... that's all..."

Kazehana held his quivering body. "Sweetie, you are not just a little sensitive! This is causing you serious pain!"

Kuu began to lose control of herself and started crying. "Onii-chan! He looks sick!"

Soon enough, all the color in Minato's skin had vanished and he broke out in a cold sweat. His body was shivering as though he was cold. Kazehana rocked his body, trying to calm down his overexcited body. "Damn that Benitsubasa! Just what did she do?"

Akistu ran out of the room. "I'll get Musubi and Tsukiumi!"

This time, Homura decided to get involved. He knelt down and placed his hand on Minato's forehead. It was ice cold. Just looking at his face made the void in Homura's chest grow larger. "Dammit..."

Only one idea popped in Homura's head. "Kazehana, let me borrow him for just a second..."

Kazehana looked at Minato and then back Homura. "R-Right."

Homura held Minato's trembling body in one arm and held his other available hand over his stomach. His hand then began to grow a bright orange, the heat that it gave off sinking into the wound. Within a matter of seconds, Minato's pale skin returned to its normal apricot color. His body stopped shaking and his strained face relaxed. Homura laid Minato gently on the ground, watching as he breathed without any struggles.

Kazehana took a deep breath and exhaled. "What... the hell... just happened?"

Homura fell backwards, his hand across his face. "I don't even know..." He could feel the pit beginning to fill back in, along with his heartbeat slowing its quickened pace. But he did agree with Kazehana... what just happened?

Kazehana placed her hand over Minato's forehead and sighed with relief. "He's stable..." She looked up at Homura and gave him a playful wink. "Look's like your little trick saved the day!"

Homura rolled his eyes, returning the playful gesture. "I guess I just did whatever came to mind..."

A soft moan peered from beneath Kazehana and Homura. They looked down and realized that Minato was awake.

"What... happened to me?"

Kazehana wrapped her arms around her Ashikabi and squeezed tightly. "Minato-kun!~ You're alright!"

A very pitiful Yashima knelt down and buried her face in Minato's sleeve. She began to weep. "I-I'm so happy that you're better! I thought I had killed you!"

"Yashima? Are you okay?" Minato put his arm around Yashima, which made her cry even more.

Homura backed up and made way for Kuu, who hopped in the air and clutched onto Minato's waist. "Onii-chan!" She buried her face into Minato's stomach. "I was so worried! I thought you were sick!"

Homura put his hands on Kuu's shoulders. "Kuu! I wouldn't put your face there-"

But Minato didn't react.

Minato looked down at Kuu. "My stomach... it doesn't hurt... why is that?-" As he lifted up his shirt to look, he immediately dropped it again.

"The bruise... it's... gone..."

Homura's eyes widened. "Wh-what?"

Minato pushed down on his stomach, making no sign of pain whatsoever. "The injury! It's gone!"

Minato then attempted to stand up, and he succeeded. He began to pace around the room, and soon his pace quickened into sprints. Minato stopped and raised his arms to stretch, soft laughter erupting from his mouth as he spread his arms. "Nothing hurts anymore!" Yashima and Kuu were cheering in the corner of the room, they're tears long gone.

Homura's face was blank. He was speechless. "That... was all it took?" Homura thought, his mind now fuzzy.

Kazehana leaned on Homura, giving him another wink. "I told you! You did the trick, you little savior you!"

Minato lowered his arms and gazed into Homura's eyes. "You did this?"

Homura could feel his cheeks growing hot. He scratched the back of his head looked in random directions. "I- uh..." Kazehana snickered at Homura's shy answer.

Minato smiled warmly, his eyes glistening. "Homura..."

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Someone was repeatedly beating on the door. Kuu raised her hand high in the air. "I'll get it!" The young Sekirei skipped to the door and opened it. "Hello?-" Kuu's face was then replaced with one of sheer surprise.

"Sh-Shii-chan?!"

Sure enough, Shiina was outside the door, bent over and gasping for air. "K-Kuu..."

Kuu could feel her body quivering. She then jumped into Shiina's arms. "Shii-chan!"

"Kuu, no!"

Kuu backed up, puzzled by Shiina's rejection. "What is it?-" As she looked down, she realized her arms were covered in blood. Before she could scream, Shiina covered her mouth. "Kuu, please! I hate for you to see me like this... but..."

"What happened to you?" Kuu gaped at the young boy, her mind flooded with shock. His clothes were stained with blood, while his exposed skin was covered in cuts and bruises. There was even an enormous purple bruise on his left cheek, like someone had punched him in the face.

"Kuu, please..." Shiina bent over and placed his hands on Kuu's shoulders. "I don't have much time... where's Minato?"

As if on cue, Minato poked his head out in the hallway and walked towards Kuu. "Kuu, who's at the door?"

Kuu turned towards the Ashikabi and pointed at Shiina, Minato's body now stiff at the sight before him. "Sh-Shiina?"

Hot tears strolled down Shiina's face. "I-It's Yukari..." Shiina covered his face, his tears seeping through the cracks in between his fingers. "She's... in serious trouble... I-I'm weak and I... need your help..."

Minato crept towards the two Sekireis at the doorway. "Shiina...?"

Shiina removed his hands from his face and screamed, "Minato, help me!"

"THERE YOU ARE!"

Two Sekireis emerged from the air and grabbed Shiina from both sides. One had long, forest green hair with a purple and white outfit, while the other had mocha skin with a purple and yellow outfit.

"Sorry, kid, but no one escapes us!" The one with the green hair spoke.

"Now you're really in trouble!" The second called out. She clenched her hand into a fist and delivered a straight blow into Shiina's chest. Shiina lurched forward, blood pouring from his mouth. The blood splattered everywhere, even on Minato and Kuu's face.

"Mina...to..." And with that, Shiina blacked out and the two Sekireis disappeared with his body.

"Shiina, wait!" Minato toppled forward outside, only to realize that they were long gone. Minato whirled back around when he heard Kuu yelp.

"SHII-CHAN!" Tears began to stream down her face as she stared at her trembling hands, which were covered in Shiina's blood.

Minato bent down and placed his hands on Kuu's shoulders. "Kuu, everything is going to be alright! I promise!" But Kuu continued to wail and scream out Shiina's name. Minato shook his head and lifted Kuu over his shoulder, making her kick and punch.

As he walked back inside, Homura, Kazehana, and Yashima were already watching them in the hallway.

"Oh my!" Kazehana and Yashima spoke in unison, the same look of horror on both of their faces.

"Minato!" Homura ran up to Minato, peering at the blood stains on his shirt. He dabbed his fingers on his shirt and rubbed the blood on his hand. Homura peered into Minato's eyes, his eyes filled with fear. "What happened?"

"We don't have much time to waste..." Minato replied, grabbing the still whining Kuu from his shoulders. "Yashima, Kazehana, take Kuu and keep her safe. I don't want her to be traumatized anymore than she already has been."

Kazehana and Yashima nodded, dragging the young Sekirei upstairs. Minato walked back into the dining area, Homura following.

"Matsu!" Minato turned his attention towards the passed out Sekirei in the corner. She opened her eyes and immediately arose from the ground when she saw Minato. "Mina-tan! You're here! Are you okay-"

"Matsu, I need you to hack the satellites and find where Higa's location is currently."

Matsu blinked a few times, her expression puzzled. "Higa? What's going on-"

Minato narrowed his eyes at the brain Sekirei. "Higa has my sister and possibly Shiina and Uzume, we need to get them back. Don't question it, Matsu!"

Matsu grinned at Minato's sudden change of attitude. "Someone's feeling protective!" And with that, Matsu raised up her arm and marched upstairs. "I'm on it!"

Minato looked around the empty room. "Where's Akitsu, Tsukiumi, and Musubi?"

Right as Minato spoke, Akitsu walked back into the room with Tsukiumi right behind her. "Sorry, blondie here wouldn't listen to me unless I admitted that she was the "first wife"... the hell?"

Tsukiumi folded her arms and growled. "Didst not, thee skank!" Her eyes then made contact with Minato's. "Minato! Husband, art thou alright?" Tsukiumi strutted towards Minato and wrapped her arms around his arm. "Akitsu told me about what happened..."

Minato smiled slightly. "I'm fine... where's Musubi?"

"MINATO-SAN!"

Minato swiftly whirled around, an incoming Musubi with her fist extended flying towards him. Minato raised up his arms in an X-pattern, Musubi's fist ramming into the center of the formation. Although it hurt like hell, Minato braced himself once more. "Musubi, wha-?"

"You didn't let your guard down... very good!" Musubi landed gracefully back on the ground and clapped her hands together. "You're ready to face Higa!"

"How did you know?!" Minato questioned how Musubi already knew about Higa. She simply narrowed her eyes and grinned. "I can just tell..." Musubi then opened her eyes and hopped in the air. "Now, what's the plan, Minato-san?"

Minato nodded and grinned. "You four, Musubi, Tsukiumi, Homura, and Akitsu, we are going to reclaim my sister and anyone else who might have been captured. We will more than likely get in a battle. Are you all in?"

Akitsu placed her hands on her hips and smiled. "Always."

Tsukiumi stood tall and proud, a jet of water spiraling around her. "Anything for thee, Minato!"

Musubi jumped up, her fists punching the air. "Alright! Let's do this!"

Everyone turned towards Homura. Minato gazed into his eyes. "Homura?"

Homura nodded and crossed his arms. "I'm in."