Thanks to Ikrani for doing his thing, really appreciate the help. Sorry Freestyle; I planned to let you have a look, but I was barely able to edit it myself due to work. If you're still up to help out with my Yugioh one, just let me know; I could really use your expertise.
The plan was simple: halt the impersonator, retrieve Minato from his captive's claws.
Tsukiumi and Kazehana took to the rooftops, looking to pincer their runaway. On the ground, Kuruse and Musubi ran as fast as their legs could carry them, looking to confront Leonidas once the other two drew him to their level. Following behind Musubi and Kuruse was Homura. He wasn't part of Minato's faction, but the way his core burned for the Ashikabi's safe return was too much to ignore. He had to do his part.
Also, no one wanted to be alone with Miya now. She decided not to fully invoke her wrath for fear that something may happen to her home if she did. The enemy could be lurking in the shadows, waiting for her to leave, and the thought of her home being destroyed angered her more than her identity being called into question. It was an inevitable revelation, but Miya wasn't anticipating a so-called dragon to announce it.
Poor injured Matsu had no choice but to stay with her elder Sekirei sister. All Matsu had to do was press a button and a motorcycle would be ready. It would be a million times better to race after Minato than being around the infuriated Miya and her suffocating presence.
To stay (slightly) calm, the Wisdom Sekirei focused on three questions she felt was the most critical.
First, why was Leonidas heading to MBI?
Second, what desires did he strive for?
And third, how did Leonidas know Miya was a Sekirei?
Matsu, Homura, Kazehana, and Takehito never mentioned a hint of the possibility, yet Leonidas was able to deduce it.
Did that mean Minato knew as well? Had he been listening?
'Minato...' Matsu worried for him. She gazed up at the starry night sky. Her husband had undergone a drastic transformation. In all her generous wisdom, the bespectacled beauty couldn't fathom the amount of hostility building up inside Minato. She was frightened, rightfully so, that her precious Ashikabi was lost forever.
'Please, come back soon.'
Leonidas could smell his pursuers gaining on him.
Five in total and there was no level of bloodlust that matched the hanya, so he knew Miya wasn't among them.
He thought about stopping. However, he was eager to see how Minato's mates handled the situation. They were an intriguing bunch; their whole species was. He wanted to see how far they were willing to go.
Speaking of Minato, it was a bad time for him to stir. Leonidas was under the impression his host would be sleeping a while longer.
'You're stronger than people give you credit for.'
Leonidas increased his wind's output. Until Minato gained complete awareness, the dragon would do as he pleased.
'They're still gaining?'
Leonidas was impressed with the girls' persistence and determination. The well-being of their master truly mattered to them. It wasn't enough to satiate his immense curiosity, though.
The dragon-being smirked as Tsukiumi and Kazehana managed to travel parallel to him. He was sandwiched in the middle with the blonde on his left and the violet-haired maiden on the right. The way they moved was beautiful. Despite the mass of buildings creating the labyrinth, they never lost him.
"Are you going to come quietly, or do we have to make you surrender?" Kazehana shouted.
"Tis not something we shall debate," Tsukiumi interjected. She wasn't going to give Leonidas a choice.
With her pointer finger extended, she launched the first wave.
"Return my husband! Water Dragon!"
Leonidas flashed his canines as a construct of his species charged him. He felt insulted. If he wasn't short on time, he would blast Tsukiumi back with his own water monster.
"If you want him, come take him!"
The dragon quickly changed his trajectory and ascended over the watery beast.
"Flower Banquet!" Leonidas heard Kazehana shout.
He moved through the air like a bird, keeping his trained eyes on the duo as they used his own elements against him.
Meanwhile, Musubi and Kuruse caught sight of the battle and nodded to one another.
The latter conjured a set of tridents and handed one off to her sister. She had to wait and watch for the opportune time to strike. Using her arms like a puppeteer yielded better control, but it lacked the necessary power and speed to catch up to Leonidas.
"Ready, Musubi?" she inquired, "Angle the prongs up a little… perfect. Don't change it."
Kuruse never tried this before, but her Ashikabi's well-being rested on his flock's shoulder. It was a situation that called for ingenuity.
How else would they outsmart a dragon?
Taking a deep breath, Kuruse leaped over Musubi and perched herself on top of the trident.
"Throw it, now!" Kuruse yelled.
Musubi hopped forward, planted her feet firmly on the ground, and hurled the trident like a thunderbolt. Her throw's reaction force cratered the asphalt under her feet, and immediately she resumed her pursuit after Minato.
Kuruse, already four score meters flown, remained steady as her trident flew faster than she could ever have willed it.
'You got this. Steady.'
She wasn't as fast a runner as Musubi, Tsukiumi, or Kazehana, but she needed the extra speed to keep up with her husband. So, in order to compensate, her fine control over her trident and the speed from Musubi's great physical strength became one. Kuruse had to split the focus between keeping her trident going strong and keeping her balance perfect. Her concentrated wavered ever so slightly while preparing another vault.
'Come on, Kuruse. You can do this. For Minato.'
She eased the tension in her shoulders and maintained her position directly behind her target. Her keen eye kept Minato in focus, her shot clear as day. Just shoot straight and hope Tsukiumi and Kazehana's distraction made Kuruse's projectile and her presence invisible.
'Give me back my man.'
The sharpshooter attacked.
Unfortunately, Leonidas destroyed Kuruse's hopes. He spun, caught her trident, and threw it back without skipping a beat.
Kuruse gritted her teeth. "He's a sharp bastard, isn't he?"
She barrel-rolled around the weapon and continued to fly on hers.
Below her, Musubi gradually pulled ahead while Homura stuck close by.
Homura noticed the way the bubbly brunette's hair hung over her eyes, giving her a darkened expression. He always thought Matsu and the others were crazy when they said something about a bear. Now, he saw it, too: the angry bear. It was a brown bear with the meanest red eyes, and while it didn't hold a candle to Miya's hanya, it was obvious to the Sekirei Guardian where Musubi inherited this sinister aura.
Musubi was livid. Kuruse was livid. All of Minato's Sekirei were livid.
Hell, Homura was livid. He was enraged at the beast who took Minato away. The Ashikabi was a genuinely good guy. He exuded friendship and warmth like a crackling fireplace.
'This is NOT the time for my flames to stop listening to me.'
His fire continued to ignore him. This curse was exasperating, and with each passing second, his dreams of freedom grew more distant. Despite this, Homura sprinted after the Ashikabi in trouble. If his end was near, Homura would use what little time he had to ensure Minato's safety.
A few yards ahead, Musubi willed her legs to run faster. She had to catch up to Tsukiumi and Kazehana. She ached with exhaustion from her previous bout with Kensei and Mutsu; the bubbly brunette had an Ashikabi to bring back - her Ashikabi.
"Hang on, Minato. We'll save you," Musubi vowed.
That was why she had to run faster. To catch up to the beast parading in her master's body, Musubi had to run faster. Her Minato needed her. She couldn't let him down.
Leonidas, as well as Tsukiumi and Kazehana, sensed a spike in pressure. Immediately, their raging winds and crashing waters ceased. All three turned around to observe the situation, only to raise their brows in bewilderment.
Leonidas was the first to voice his thoughts.
"What in the...?"
Were his eyes deceiving him, or was there a brown bear making a mad dash towards him? Upon closer inspection to the oncoming one-creature rampage, yes, they were. And yet at the same time, no, they were not.
"Bear... Rush!" Musubi's voice came thundering in as the bear sped through the streets at a breakneck pace, closing the distance between it and the trio in moments.
"I want my Ashikabi back!" the fist-type roared.
Musubi launched herself at Leonidas, the claws of her fists lunging for the beast. Leonidas took to the air, slightly discombobulated by the sudden assault, but it wasn't enough to get away from Musubi's extended reach.
She managed to grab her master's shirt and, with a firm grip, wrenched him along with her descent.
'It's still Minato's body. I have to be careful.'
"Forgive me, Minato!"
Leonidas tried to summon the elements, but Musubi managed to get both hands on him and break his concentration, crushing the strength from him.
Once she landed, Musubi body slammed Leonidas on the road and pinned him down.
"Bring him back," she ordered adamantly.
Leonidas was processing what just transpired. He had only questions.
"You heard her. Bring my darling back," Kazehana said after catching up. The Sakura petals spiraled amidst the orb of squalls.
"And never make thy presence known again," Tsukiumi added with a water blade extended.
Leonidas took heed of the situation. Next thing he knew, he had Kuruse's trident dead in his face, and Homura was looming over him with looks that could kill.
It made him laugh.
"What's funny?" Kazehana questioned.
The beast shook his head.
"I'm impressed. You would go this far for Minato? Is he truly worth the effort?"
Kuruse scoffed at the question. "You're one to talk. You brought Minato into this side game of yours, stole his body, and made him the enemy of our landlord."
"That still doesn't answer my question," Leonidas retorted. He looked Musubi dead in the eye. "Why do you care about Minato so much?"
"He's my Ashikabi," Musubi stated without hesitation.
"Yes, your so-called 'special someone'," Leonidas said. "So, if Minato weren't your Ashikabi, you'd want nothing to do with him? If the situation remained the same minus his status, would you still go out of your way to help him?"
Tsukiumi decided she'd had enough of these worm-tongued questions.
"Thou hast nothing more to convey. Take thy deceitful presence away and givest back my husband. I shan't tell thee again."
Leonidas looked to Homura. "And you? After all, you still lack a master."
"That's none of your business," the Sekirei Guardian snapped back.
"Really? Then take note of where we are. How is it significant?"
The girls followed Leonidas' line of sight. Several meters away, there stood MBI.
At last, the dreaded tower was in sight, but that only raised alarms in Kazehana's head. If she thought MBI was too close...
Leonidas shattered her train of thought. "I hear what Minato hears, so I know of your hatred towards that man who started this game. Now that you're closer and have a better shot, are you going to finish what you initially set out for?"
Before Homura could even answer, a hard punch struck the pavement and sent dust and debris scattering.
When the dust cleared, Musubi had a fist stuck in the road, a couple of inches from her possessed Ashikabi's face.
"Give. Minato. Back." She had a fuse a mile long, but it had just about burnt up. All could see at the end of that fuse lay an extinction-level event.
Leonidas, despite the circumstances, chuckled louder.
"You'll get him back when the fire one gives me my answer."
Homura furrowed his brow. "Why are you so concerned?"
"Because your stupidity nearly got my host killed," Leonidas stated. He saw Homura flinch and decided to press him further. "He could've died saving you, and who's to say it won't happen on the next mission? I won't leave things to chance. You have the shot. However, are you willing to take it? Or, will you heed Minato's words and back down, thereby ending your path to revenge?"
He flashed Homura a smirk. "Fire doesn't just consume its victims. It devours the caster as well. All the times you've thought about your revenge and ways to end your suffering, the fire had plenty of time to grow. So, this is the last time. What will you do? If you want Minato back, give me what I want."
Homura clenched his fists. He tried to ignore the beast's obvious attempts to rile him up, but it was quite the wordsmith.
'You don't have to face it alone! I know how you feel.'
Minato's words touched his core.
Homura wasn't sure if Minato just said that, or if he'd been telling the truth. Regardless, Homura was heartened the Ashikabi went to such lengths for him. Even though Homura glared at him constantly and brushed him off whenever he was being nice, Minato wouldn't stop lending a hand.
"I'll give him a chance," he said with his head down. "But I still plan on killing Minaka. That won't change."
Leonidas contemplated Homura's response.
"Hmmm, I see. I can't wait." He gave one last soft chuckle. "A deal's a deal. You can have him back now."
His eyes closed. There was a lot of information he needed to organize.
"And I won't apologize for my actions. What's done is done. Just remember: I hear everything."
The pressure he gave off immediately died down, and Minato's features softened. The nightmare had finally ended.
The girls all let out a sigh of relief and lowered their guards. Musubi snaked both arms around Minato and smothered him in a deathly tight hug, burying her head on his shoulder and letting a stream of tears cascade down her cheeks.
"Welcome back, Minato," she whispered softly. "Welcome back."
It was a happy moment, so Tsukiumi allowed Musubi this pleasure… for about three adjacent seconds before pushing the girl off her husband and taking her place, pressing Minato's unconscious face deep into her generous bosom.
She stroked the back of his head. "Do not fret, husband. Thy wife shall soothe thy troubles."
"I'm his wife, too!" Musubi declared as she puffed her cheeks out. "And I wasn't done!"
Tsukiumi scowled at the brunette. "Nay! Thou hast thy moment, and now tis mine to see to my husband's weariness."
Kazehana quickly put an end to the bickering. "We need to leave, now!"
A Flower Banquet blew the duo back as Kazehana lifted her Ashikabi's slumped form.
"We're in a dangerous area. We need to get Minato somewhere safe this instant, before more trouble starts brewing."
Kazehana didn't like the bad feeling washing down her spine. Not only did they spend a lot of energy trying to stop Leonidas, but they were also dangerously close to the one area Sekirei weren't supposed to return to. This would alert unwanted attention.
"Ara, Ara, leaving so soon?"
Too late. Kazehana nearly cussed.
Normally, Musubi would be happy to see her good friend, but that wasn't the case this time.
Kazehana shoved Minato into Homura's arms.
"Get him out of here and don't leave his side," she ordered, "When you're safe, phone Matsu and Kai. Let them where you are and what happened. We'll figure something out. Go!
Homura glanced at the MBI monolith down the road. The enemy's base was right before them, and Minaka's personal guard dogs just so happened to be absent. A well-placed fireball could turn the building into cinders in a matter of hours if Homura's aim was as true as his hatred for the Game Master.
But, he had to put that on the back burner for now. He had an Ashikabi to protect. Homura rarely saw Kazehana behave this way, so with much reservation he accepted the mission given to him.
"Homura," Tsukiumi called out, "protect my husband with thy life."
He didn't need to be told the obvious but Homura nodded anyway. "He'll be safe with me."
The Sekirei Guardian beat a hasty retreat. So close. He was so close. The opportunity couldn't have been better. It was like Leonidas planned this. The coincidence made Homura think. How much did the beast know? It was a question that haunted him the entire way to the closest MBI hospital, which just so happened to be the one where Minato, Kai, and Jacob ended up after the bridge fiasco. He would've gone to Kai's house, but the hospital was closer and had equipment to treat Minato.
Homura gave the staff the important credentials and followed a special group hired by MBI to a room prepared for Minato. There, he remembered to contact Takami. No doubt she'd want to know how her boy was doing.
There was nothing threatening Minato that the medics could detect, which was a load off Homura's shoulders. Still, the Guardian remained vigilant, patiently waiting for Minato's flock to return.
He hoped they all returned safe and sound. If someone else important to him… Homura didn't want to think about it. Watching him now, Homura started to move closer to the prone Ashikabi's bed as Leonidas' words echoed in the Sekirei's mind.
He was reacting again, and his chest was burning up. He couldn't hold on much longer. It was at its most potent, practically setting Homura's very core on fire. No one could bother them; Homura was alone with Minato to do as he pleased.
Homura accepted Minato's words and decided to put his faith in him. Whatever may happen, Homura would take it in stride. He was tired of running.
He took a deep breath, gave in to the desire, and kissed the unconscious Minato on his lips.
He opened his heart.
His body was aglow, with streaks of fire swirling together. The flames that threatened to devour him started to retreat, such a blissful experience.
Homura could feel his fears fade away as his heart connected with Minato's and fiery wings expanded from Homura's back.
"So this is how it feels," he said to himself. The thoughts did cross his mind occasionally. How would it feel to be winged by an Ashikabi? What unique sensation would he experience that only he was allowed to feel? It was different for every Sekirei, but at this moment, for Homura, the word that came to mind was serene.
Homura never felt more alive.
Once the light faded, a rejuvenated Sekirei Guardian stood up straight. The only remarkable changes were his, or rather, her body. It was changed according to Minato's desire and became more curvaceous and slenderer with larger breasts. Her hair kept their silver strands and merely grew to her shoulders.
"You're not even awake to hear my vows," Homura frowned. "I guess it's for the best."
She turned her frown upside down as Minato's peaceful face gave her relief. Homura took her Ashikabi's hand and gave it a firm squeeze, thankful she was alone to do this. The way her hand fit with Minato's was flawless.
"By the flames of my pledge, I'll burn away your karma, my Ashikabi. Sekirei No. 6, Homura; I'm finally yours, now and forever."
Team Minato stared down the Discipline Squad: Sekirei No. 105, Benitsubasa, No. 104, Haihane, and the leader, Sekirei No. 4, Karasuba.
The leader of the Squad was throbbing from the sensation given off from her claimed adversary. She noticed how brilliant Musubi's core shone and let a sinister smile enlarge on her face.
"It's been a while, Musubi."
The bubbly brunette planted her feet firmly on the ground. She told herself to remain steadfast. Minato's life hindered on her actions.
"Karasuba, it's good to see you."
Except it wasn't, but Musubi was too nice to admit that. For once, she didn't want to fight anyone. Reuniting with her husband was priority number one.
"What do we have here?" Benitsubasa cracked her knuckles, grinning from ear to ear. "A few melons separated from the patch?"
She never forgot what happened that night on the bridge. To be forced into a tactical retreat, Benitsubasa had never been more infuriated in all her life. It didn't even come close to the rage she built up when someone mocked her chest.
Team Minato got into defensive stances. They had the number advantage, but with Karasuba on the scene and their energy tanks running on empty, it was not looking up for them.
"We didn't come here to fight," Kazehana told them. She didn't like running away either, but like her sisters, there was someone more important to worry about. "We had a little incident. It's taken care of, so we'll be on our way."
Yeah, that did not sit well with the Crimson Sekirei and especially the Black Sekirei. Karasuba failed to find the outsider that intrigued her greatly, but now that her ultimate challenge was staring her in the face, she could finally have some fun of her own.
She released her overwhelming bloodlust and wrapped her fingers around the hilt of her sword. The images were already coming together: a destroyed city, buildings toppling over as Karasuba and Musubi danced, and the former's grin growing more and more twisted as the intoxicating scent of their destruction filled Karasuba's nostrils.
Why imagine it when she could make it a reality?
"I don't care who you fight," she told her subordinates. "But if you dare lay a finger on Musubi, I'll kill you."
Benitsubasa and Haihane immediately nodded. Hands off No. 88, they got the picture.
This was not good. Kazehana could practically see Karasuba's psychotic vision. Even when they formed the First-Generation Discipline Squad, Karasuba had a ruthless performance. She got the most pleasure out of keeping away intruders that invaded their first base.
'Why can't we catch a break?' Kazehana asked herself. The Sakura petals came to her side. It wasn't a good idea to fight, but if it meant protecting the big fish in her life, Kazehana would give it up a million times to save Minato's one.
'Wait for us, Minato.'
It was time. Karasuba couldn't wait any longer. She drew her blade slightly from its sheath and leaned forward.
Team Minato steeled themselves for combat. The air was thick, and tensions were high.
Out of the fray and back into battle, the cycle seemed to loop.
It was a good thing Sekirei lived for the thrill of a good fight.
"Oi! Senpai!" A voice interrupted them, just in the nick of time, too.
Falling from the sky, an honest-to-goodness wyvern landed beside the leader of the Discipline Squad. It shrunk in size and regressed back to human form, revealing the face of Hachū.
Kuruse was the first to breathe easier. She nudged Kazehana and whispered to her, "This one's friendly. He helped Minato out of a tough spot not too long ago."
Kazehana wasn't going to drop her guard though. "He just called them Senpai."
Matsu never told them the Squad had new members in their ranks.
"Hachū, what's the big idea butting in like that?!" Benitsubasa demanded of him.
The shapeshifter bowed to the Crimson Sekirei. "Ah'm mighty sorry, Beni-senpai, but the boss has an important message for us. He needs all of us at his office pronto. Said it couldn't wait, neither. Ah hurried on over like a cat chasin' a mouse."
Benitsubasa scoffed. Of all time to be called back. "You can't be serious. Now?"
"Ay-Es-Ay-Pey."
"…."
Haihane wasn't the only one aware of her leader's shift in posture. She feared for Hachū's life now.
"… Hachū?" Karasuba called out.
He stood at attention and turned about-face.
"Yes, Karasuba-senpai?"
The Leader of the Squad rounded on the shapeshifter, drawing her blade fully and let it fly with her pivot. She attacked swiftly.
Hachū squeaked and quickly raised his arms to defend, hardening his skin with draconic scales. He almost didn't make it.
Karasuba's blade clashed against Hachū's diamond-like scales. However, its defense was made in the heat of the moment, not enough time to properly set. Because of this, it wasn't strong enough, and a trail of blood trickled down Hachū's arm and Karasuba's sword.
The Squad's leader released an evil aura as she pressed the attack, slowly cutting through Hachū's armor and making him wince.
"If you ever get in my way again, I will kill you. I don't care if that bastard is dying or your Ashikabi gave the command. Never get in my way again."
Hachū told himself to stay strong. Do not cower, as it would only make things worse. He knew the boss lady wouldn't like the news, but he didn't expect her to take it out on him.
"Yes, ma'am. Ah'll take it to heart."
Karasuba had the meanest look right now. Her excitement did a complete reversal and became a cesspit of rage. The aura emanating off her turned colder and more potent.
Someone needed to die. At this point, she obviously didn't care who. Hell, Hachū's rolling head seemed to entice right now.
"Change of plans." Karasuba's bitterness was without reason.
As Karasuba walked away, she didn't pay a second glance towards Musubi. She was too infuriated at the moment. The only thing keeping her from going off the deep end was the fact Musubi was getting stronger. That and the prospect of an even better fight down the line.
That was it.
"You haven't seen the last of us," Benitsubasa stated. "We'll clip your wings next time."
"Beware the Discipline Squad," the Indigo Sekirei warned Minato's squad.
The two girls followed their leader while Hachū pressed a hand to his wound, no doubt thanking his lucky stars for diamond defenses.
"That's gonna leave a mark," he hissed. "Quick Evolution!"
After a quick change back to his wyvern form, Hachū began to ascend.
"Ah ain't forgotten bout y'all," he finally acknowledged Minato's flock, "but Ah got mah own mess to get through. Tell Minato he still owes me a story. His ma said he's at the hospital, said y'all should know which one."
With a loud screech echoing in the distance, the shapeshifter flew back to base. He continued to hiss as his wound aggravated him.
"Damn hot-blooded temper of hers. Ain't something to lose yer head over."
Minato's group ran like the wind, with Kazehana's giving them a boost. With no time to waste, the girls proceeded to the hospital in question. None imagined Minato would end up back at the same hospital, especially for something his partner caused. Ironic how the beast that had landed him there had also allowed him to tap into a stronger power.
Maybe that was the start of Minato's spiral into darkness. The more he used his powers, the harder he was pulled down, and the easier it became for Leonidas to take control. Minato's mental fortifications had been obliterated.
It didn't take long to reach the hospital. Once Kuruse, the only calm one at the time, learned which room Minato was being held in, the quartet rushed to his side, ignoring the staff's rules of no running.
Homura lifted her head and raised a brow as she gazed around the room. She felt the ground shake and nearly jumped out of her skin after the door burst open and in came the quartet of Kazehana, Musubi, Tsukiumi, and Kuruse.
"Minato!" The girls shouted.
Lo and behold, the man of their hearts rested soundly in his bed. It amazed Homura how the Ashikabi could sleep despite the loud greeting.
"Glad you all made it in one piece," Homura said. She placed a hand to her chest, her heart slowly returning to its normal pace. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"
"Homura?" Kuruse looked at the newly emerged Sekirei up and down. She hardly recognized the firecracker. There was a different air about her that Kuruse noticed, one more relaxed and in control.
"Is that you?"
Homura smirked. "Were you expecting someone else?"
Musubi gasped happily. "Did you-?"
Homura turned and revealed the crest on the back of her neck. She was a member of Minato's flock now.
"The thought of another man winging me still bothers me, but I'll get used to it... eventually. I'm more in touch with my feminine side, so… yeah."
Kazehana nudged Homura in the side, a teasing smile on her lips. "Stealing a kiss from your sleeping prince? My, how romantic."
Tsukiumi, on the other hand, wasn't as thrilled.
"I asked thee to protect my husband, not throw thyself upon him! And to announce your marriage whilst he slept, hast thou no honor?"
Kuruse patted her newest…sister? Brother?... teammate, on the shoulder.
"I'm just glad you decided not to kill yourself, but we got another problem."
Kuruse shared the news about Hachū's group being part of the Discipline Squad. After that, there wasn't much more left to say. The excitement of tonight left them winded. It was a shame none of them could crawl into Minato's bed and fall asleep.
No, there was too much in the air to sleep without Minato. With Homura's addition to Minato's team, that just left one Sekirei left un-emerged.
However, like their Ashikabi, the girls also had a sister to mourn: the youngest Sekirei in the entire game, No. 108, Kusano.
She'd been precious to all of them. Although the youngest, she'd had the biggest heart: pure and innocent. Her smile could light up bottomless chasms with its radiance. As sweet as can be, that one, but she was gone now, and the heartless soul who committed the deed continued to roam free.
Justice needed to be served, and if the gods smiled upon them, Minato and his faction would see heads roll. Even Musubi, optimistically forgiving as she was, knew that James had to die.
Regarding the Ashikabi, he finally reclaimed awareness. He stayed silent. His mind went into hyperdrive, but there was a huge lapse in memory between now and when he relayed the news to Kai. All he remembered was returning to the inn and meeting an injured Matsu, who confirmed the proclaimed death Yukari and Kusano. It wasn't a dream. It wasn't an illusion.
The murderer's psychotic laughter haunted Minato's mind, that sinister smile of James taunting him.
Minato tried not to leak any malice, but like the memories, it came out full throttle. There was no holding back his animosity for the malevolent Licothian.
The girls, sensing their Ashikabi's vindictiveness, crowded around his bed, firing a million questions about his well-being.
Minato threw the covers off him and sat up, shutting everyone up. He then turned his body ninety degrees to let his feet touch the floor and leaned his head into his right palm, his matching elbow perched on his knee.
A heavy breath escaped his lips.
"Kuruse," he called out suddenly, "What happened after I got off the phone with Kai?"
The Sekirei looked to one another.
"What do you remember last?" Kuruse inquired.
His growl spoke ill of his current temperment.
"I remember running back to the inn. Matsu was injured, we just learned about what happened to Kusano and…"
He couldn't bring himself to continue.
"After Matsu filled us in on what happened, you passed out," the trident wielder answered. "However, a lot went down once you did."
She began retelling the incident with Leonidas and Homura's addition to the team. The only piece of information left unspoken was Miya's true identity.
Despite being away from the inn, the Sekirei could still feel Miya's pet watching them.
Minato couldn't believe it. "He really did all that? Is that why my head is so fuzzy?"
"Thou must cease use of thy weapon," the Water Sekirei stated. "It cannot be trusted."
"But-"
"Minato, he almost got you killed a while ago," Homura reminded him. "That's not something a partner does."
Kazehana placed a gentle hand on Minato's shoulder. "It's for your own good, Minato. We don't want to lose you."
Minato lowered his head. He made no promises. Kazehana sank to the bed and leaned her head on his shoulder, continuing her plea in silence.
Something was wrong, horribly wrong. There was a bad itch irritating his hands, for no matter how much he rubbed them together, the tingling wouldn't go away.
Minato was having thoughts. Thoughts he never contemplated were gathering like moths to a flame inside his subconscious, and as the number increased, so did the severity of the irritation.
There was a simple remedy. However, Minato, until recently, never had the urge to take his sword and fight someone. He never looked for a fight with murderous results. He always tried to handle things with his words and logic, but since his sister's disappearance and learning of her and Kusano's recent death, that sensation had grown stronger.
For the first time, Minato wanted to actively murder someone. He recalled the single phrase that never left his lips hours prior.
'I'll kill you.'
When he said that to James, he didn't stop to think how it just came out. It all flowed so naturally.
'What's happening to me?' Minato pondered. He needed to talk to his brother.
"Is Kai here?"
"I called him along with Matsu once I got you settled in," Homura said. "Kai said he'll get here when he can, but Matsu is still stuck with a leg injury. One of us will have to get her. I also talked to your mother. I'm not sure if she can bring herself to come, not from the hysterical conversation I tried to have with her."
"Mom," Minato whispered. The thought of his strong mother, breaking down before him...
He unclenched his fists and snatched his phone from the nightstand, nearly elbowing Kazehana off of him. His mind was a ticking time bomb. Any jolt might set him off, so he had to get away while he was still sane. He needed to vent.
The Sekirei were intending to chase after Minato as he made a brisk walk to the door while punching numbers into his phone.
"Don't follow me," he told them, shooting a look that made them freeze.
Those eyes. Why was such a gaze coming from Minato? They'd just seen one like it, while… While Leonidas had been in control. His aura of authority was staggering.
The Ashikabi made great strides as he waited for the recipient to pick up. By the third ring, Minato was already at the rooftops. He didn't waste time with idle chit-chat and got straight to the point.
"I need your help."
He gripped the metal railing tightly, unintentionally letting his draconic powers seep through. The increase in strength gave Minato enough power to bend the metal and crush part of it with his hand.
"I'm sorry," he told the recipient, "but listen, I know you have some info for me. I need everything you got. Please."
Minato did his damnedest to reign in his increasing fury.
"Yeah, I'll be fine," he lied. After the day he'd just had, not even he would believe that. "Don't worry about me, I have my backup, lots of it. What I need is more figures. There's only one Sekirei left, and they're inside the enemy's HQ."
Minato memorized each bit of data he received. The time for action was now. He was certain Kai had already announced their intentions. It was up to Minato to finalize the plan of attack. It was the only way to get rid of this hollowness binding him.
They needed to pay.
They WERE going to pay.
"Thank you, I really appreciate it."
Minato took deep breaths. Being riled up was all part of the scheme, and Minato couldn't give in.
"Hmm? They're doing fine, really fond of the family. I'll let them know you missed them."
When he finally got his breathing right, Minato straightened out his posture. The fuse fizzled out, but the string was dangerously short. There was barely a thread to see.
"Do you want the truth? …I'm changing on the inside, and it's not for the best. I'm... sincerely thinking of murdering someone, and it's scaring me."
He flexed his left hand and called upon his draconic powers. The nails on his fingers elongated and sharpened. However, it was the first time Minato looked upon his features with apprehension. Humans didn't have claws.
"…Yeah, easy for you to say."
Minato promised not to speak with his tenant, but if he didn't, he'd be lost in the dark. There was some explaining to be done.
"I better go. I really appreciate your help. Hopefully, things will go as planned."
Another lie, once again told knowing better. What was going on with him? Just how deep did these changes run?
"If you want to see them, I'll ask Kai to oblige. …I will. Thanks, I'll talk to you later, Seo."
Minato closed his phone and held it firmly in his hand.
With the other hand, Minato grabbed the bent section of the railing and yanked it off with considerable strength.
It wasn't enough.
The itchiness was relentless, growing stronger as the thoughts of Minato driving his claws or sword through James sounded more and more alluring. He wanted to shove his weapon deep into that man's chest and rip out his entrails. He wanted to take this metal bar and smash every tooth out of his smug face. He wanted to pull off his arms and legs like a child torturing a fly. Imagining his blood gushing from his beaten and broken body like a geyser made Minato elated.
…
This wasn't like him. This wasn't like him at all. He couldn't believe he had such thoughts, and worst of all, he found joy in them.
Minato turned off the claws and gripped at his hair, ready to tear it out as hot tears fell down his cheeks. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to stop these thoughts, but they were gnawing at him like a rat: inexorable and unceasing.
"Do not downplay the severity of the situation, Minato," Leonidas growled.
The Ashikabi's eyes snapped open, and he found himself face to face with the beast within. It felt like forever since Minato saw Leonidas in his entirety.
Leonidas greeted his host with a small nod.
"You understand what must be done."
"… My Sekirei told me not to talk to you anymore."
"And yet, here you are, wanting answers," Leonidas retorted. "When did you become so rebellious?"
Leonidas closed his eyes and let out a heavy breath. He appeared to be sleeping.
"Leonidas," Minato called out, "Is it true you took over my body?"
"I did. You were having trouble keeping yourself together, so I intervened. I need you to stay with me, not fall apart."
"… Thank you for stopping me," Minato replied. He wasn't dumb. He knew there was more to the story, but Leonidas wasn't going to divulge that information so easily. For Miya to attack Leonidas, he had to have done something to set her off. Although the landlady was normally composed and elegant, her temper was quick when things didn't go her way. Minato learned that a few days after moving in at Maison Izumo.
"You're welcome. I'll answer what questions you have, but I suggest asking your mates instead. If they're adamant about you abstaining from me, they should be able to satiate your curiosity."
Minato couldn't really argue with that logic, but he really wanted answers from the instigator rather than the witnesses.
"One question," he said. "What did you really do?"
Leonidas opened an eye and simply smirked at his host. "Enough."
He said no more on the matter.
Minato narrowed his eyes, which resembled Leonidas'.
"Do not take over my body again, understand?"
"Understood," the beast agreed, still smirking. "Until next time, then."
Minato found himself back in reality, Leonidas' sword clenched firmly in his grasp. He didn't know when he drew it, but the implications made him ponder. Was dominion of his weapon being stripped away also?
"Am I losing control?"
The Sekirei Plan had changed his life, but it was this sword that changed him.
Kai helped Minato better himself as a person, but Leonidas made Minato see a whole new side of him that no one would've anticipated. On that warm Christmas night with Kazehana, he thought he'd been tapping into a separate set of instincts, exploiting them to better nurture and pleasure his beloved wife. Now it was clear those instincts weren't separate at all.
But was it for the better?
One last time, Minato called upon his draconic powers and let his eyes see his reflection from his phone. Claws, sharp teeth, and the eyes of a powerful beast. Humans didn't have these things. Commanding the tides or bending the air around them to their wills, humans aren't capable of such a feat.
What was Minato then?
Was he human, or monster?
More hesitantly, Minato began punching in a different sequence of numbers on his phone and held it up to his ear. The recipient answered after the first ring, but Minato's sniffles kept him from speaking immediately.
"Hey, mom. …Think you can spare a few minutes for your baby boy?"
It was too much. Something needed to give, and Kai felt himself being the one to explode.
Minato desperately needed him, judging by his recent conversation with Homura. His brother was losing himself and didn't know how to cope. Kai needed to help him.
However, he had Yomi to deal with.
The female reaper remained insentient, but the instant she reassessed her surroundings, she'd throw a fit.
Kai wanted to be present when it happened, but his thoughts of Yukari haunted him. He pictured her crying out for help, her agonizing screams only joined by James' psychotic laughter as she was mercilessly cut down.
He muffled a scream. It would only make James more satisfied to hear him.
Kochou and the team watched Kai pace, scattered as they were about the living room of their abode while gathering their thoughts. It was a heavy silence, only broken by Kai's occasional seething.
Akitsu was the first to break position. She calmly approached her master and took his right hand in hers.
"Master."
Kai stopped pacing, his back to the girls. He turned his head, and Akitsu gauged the emotions he allowed her to see: rage, self-loathing, and uncertainty were at the forefront.
Akitsu clasped her other hand over Kai's and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She had long grown accustomed to her Ashikabi's spikes of anger.
"May I speak freely?"
Kai nodded to Akitsu's request, unable to find his words at the moment.
"You should see Master Minato," suggested the Ice Sekirei.
Kai blinked once. Twice. Then he gave his eldest Sekirei his full, undivided attention.
"You and Master Minato just learned a horrible truth. You want to be there for him, but you do not want to leave without saying your thoughts to Yomi. Allow me to do so in your stead."
Still silent, Kai looked to Kochou for her opinion.
"Please listen to her," she concurred. "From how Homura described it, Minato really needs his family right now. He needs you a lot more than Yomi does."
Kai remained conflicted. "But-"
"And," Kochou said, cutting him off,"When Yomi wakes up, she'll just scream her head off. She won't give you a chance to say your piece. She might be more inclined to listen to us, though. At least, that's what Akitsu believes."
"It's what my heart is telling me," the Ice Sekirei stated, "I mean no disrespect, Master, but I believe I can get through to Yomi better than you can. So, if you'll allow it, I wish to take care of her. I will accept whatever form of punishment to compensate, but please, let me do this."
Akitsu, gripping her master's hand like a lifeline, lowered herself to her knees and bowed her head deeply, patiently waiting for her master's decision. She didn't cower, not one bit, when she felt Kai's eyes drill into her soul.
Kochou and her sisters waited, too, observing Kai's left hand extend towards Akitsu.
They knew Kai, though.
He petted Akitsu on the head softly.
"I won't punish you, Akitsu," he assured her. "I have no reason to. Now, stand up. I don't ever want to see you on your knees."
She did as Kai requested. "Thank you, Master."
Kai thought over his Sekirei's request, something he rarely heard from Akitsu, who never made wishes unless she felt strongly about something. He recalled Kazehana's words from earlier.
Don't you see what you two are doing to each other?
"Akitsu, answer me this," he said. "What makes you so sure Yomi will be more cooperative?"
Akitsu released Kai's hand and clasped her fingers together, holding her hands in front of her.
"I need to be the Onee-sama for my imoutos," she answered clearly.
It was the exact same thing with Kazehana. Like hers, Akitsu's eyes hardened to icy steel. This wasn't the normal expression of Kai's loyal ice maiden.
"I should've stopped Uzume from abandoning us, and I've felt guilty over it ever since, but I have a second chance with Yomi. I don't want another one of my sisters to leave, not again."
Akitsu was really close to Uzume. They were the first of Kai's flock, and Uzume had helped Akitsu embrace her emotions. They'd bonded, sisters-in-arms to love and protect their Ashikabi.
However, when Uzume turned her back on them, it wasn't just Kai's heart she had broken.
Akitsu wished it was she who'd confronted Uzume instead of Kazehana. There was a plethora of words she still had for the Veiled Sekirei.
"…I see," Kai said softly.
It wasn't going to be that simple. Kai knew that. He also knew that Akitsu understood the difficulty of her goals, too. Yomi was as stubborn as they come.
"Okay," he nodded to the ice maiden, "I'll leave Yomi in your hands, Akitsu."
A tiny small grew on her lips. "Thank you, Master."
Kai folded his arms. "I just hope you're right about this."
He gazed at the unconscious Yomi one last time. She looked more at ease while resting, when her temper could be at peace for a while. Hard to believe she was trying to slice him to ribbons a couple of hours ago.
"Yahan, Hikari, and Hibiki, you three come with me to see Minato. The rest of you hold down the fort."
"Right," they all replied.
This was Akitsu's chance. Before her master could depart, she embraced him tightly.
"I won't let you down, Master," she told him. A purr nearly escaped her lips when Kai's hand stroked the back of her head. She loved being petted.
"Stay safe, alright? All of you," the master said.
"You as well," came the group's reply.
"Group hug!" Oriha cheered and ushered the others to crush their master in a bone-breaking cuddle.
"We love you, Master," all the girls sighed.
"Yeah," Kai grunted, "I can tell by my crumbling spine. How long is this gonna last?"
"Longer now that you've asked," Hibiki retorted.
Finding her way through the crowd, Kochou managed to find her husband's hand and fit hers inside it. She knew it was his because there was a small tingling sensation running back to her.
Kai clutched her hand and rubbed the back of it with his thumb. He was aware of Kochou's nerves.
"You all know I'm not great with words," he spoke up, despite his compressing lungs. "I know I'm not the easiest person to deal with, but I'm grateful to each and every one of you. Even when I have my problems, I'm glad I can count on everyone to calm me down. So, thank you for being patient with me throughout this whole ordeal."
This wasn't the time to be getting butterflies in his stomach. He was more of a man of action than a wordsmith. What kind of man would he be if he didn't return the gesture?
His cheeks were rosy pink. The normally stoic Sasaki Kai was blushing.
"I… I love you all, too."
The girls became elated.
Several beautiful smiles enlarged as the Sekirei felt their cores burn from sheer enlightenment. It was as if Kai kissed them. The lovely feeling from the intimacy was barely short of making their wings emerge.
"Not great with words, he says," Hikari snarked.
"More like a poet in the making," Hibiki commented.
One by one, the girls relinquished their hold on Kai, but not without a well-deserved kiss on his cheek. They were rejuvenated.
"Let's get going," Kai said.
"Shall I transport us there?" Yahan inquired. "It will be faster that way."
Kai swiveled and tilted his neck to work out the knots. Stress had his body all wound up.
"There won't be any big exits at this time of night. We'll make better time running," he said while stretching. "I want to run there at least."
The girls also decided against shadow traveling and joined Kai in a sprint, the faster the better. However, the girls just now remembered how fast Kai was. They had an arduous time keeping up.
As for Kai, the swift acceleration of the world passing by brought up fond memories with Minato and Yukari. There was this area the three always played in, a small forest, and poor Yukari never failed to get lost, tasking Minato and Kai with finding her and escorting her home.
Minato was the best at navigating through the forest. He had a great sense of direction, never hesitant to correct Kai or Yukari when one went the wrong way. Every in and out, the critters lurking around every branch or bush, Minato could tell which one with one hundred percent accuracy. On the return trips, Minato always took the paths with less danger. The forest was a haven for some snakes, and Yukari had a secret fear of the reptiles, much like Oriha.
Yukari was an eager explorer, and the forest was pretty big, especially for kids. It was like a whole new world to chart. Of course, it was when the realization kicked in that she grew afraid, but Minato always warned her to stay in one spot if she ever got lost. Every time, he and Kai found her. She would smile so brightly when her brothers found her.
That smile… Kai would never see it again.
Her laughter… Minato would never hear it again, even directed at him.
Yukari….
She was gone. Gone forever.
When the quartet arrived at the hospital, Kai immediately went around to the side.
"Kai, where are you going?" asked Hikari.
"To the roof. It's where Minato is."
"How do you know that?" Hibiki inquired.
Kai was already climbing the fire escape.
"Minato is the type of person to shoulder his worries alone," he started to explain, "Whenever Yukari got herself lost, Minato tracked her down. When Minato hides himself away, I'm the one who finds him."
Climbing to the top, Kai had the girls find Minato's flock while he checked the small corners.
As he'd imagined, the one spot no one occupied was taken by a silent and lonely Minato, who had his legs drawn up to his chest and his forehead resting against his arms.
It was the first time Kai saw his brother figure so melancholic. Not even the harsh words from his family brought Minato down this far.
"Hey," Kai greeted him softly. "You okay?"
Why he asked such a stupid question, Kai didn't know. He was never the best at offering condolences, which was one of the reasons he stayed quiet.
Minato nodded, refusing to lift his head.
"I talked to mom," he said softly.
Kai sat down beside his brother and drew one of his legs up.
"How is she?"
Minato shook his head in response.
"Figures," Kai sighed. "… Are you hurt? Physically?"
Minato didn't have a response just yet. Physically, he felt weak, like he could sleep for days. Mentally, well… he had nothing to say on the matter.
"I'm changing," he replied back.
Kai spared him a glance. "Changing?"
It was at this moment, Minato lifted his head and showed Kai his face, the face of a monster.
"They won't turn back," he said.
Kai saw what his brother alluded to.
Minato's eyes, red from crying, were stuck with slitted pupils. They were the same ebony-black, but they were no longer round. Instead, they contained his draconic force: narrowed and imposing.
"I'm turning into a monster," Minato stated.
"You're not a monster, Minato," Kai assured him. "You're the last person that comes to mind."
"Kai," Minato scoffed while shaking his head, "Look at me. Look at what I'm becoming. What human has eyes like this? Who has claws and a mouth full of shark teeth? Name one human who has the power of water and wind at their beck and call. No one. Humans don't have the power to control the elements. We're not human."
"…"
Kai was too transfixed on the desperate countenance of his brother, whose eyes pleaded with Kai to help him.
Minato was lost.
"We're unique," the silent swordsman replied. "We have abilities no one else does, but while we may be different, that doesn't make us any less human. We still have our humanity, and that's what separates us from monsters. The fact you're having this struggle proves your humanity's intact."
Minato lowered his head again.
"You're changing alright," Kai continued. The swordsman looked up at the night sky. "You're evolving but haven't learned to cope with it."
He sighed. "On the other hand, I'm regressing to how I used to be."
Despite the situation, Kai managed a small, albeit painful, smile. "After all that trouble to manage it, my anger management problems continue to haunt me. I guess it's more deeply rooted than I thought. All that work, and my defenses already have cracks in them. I'm well beyond the notion of forgiveness. Anyone who stops me now, I want to cut down."
Minato's body trembled, soft sniffles coming forth once more. He thought he put a lid on it, but the agony wouldn't go away, the hatred wouldn't die down, but the need for revenge became all the more insatiable.
He was in so much pain.
"I don't like how I'm feeling," he said.
His brother reached over and rubbed his backside. "Now you know how I feel, always angry, always looking for ways to make it go away. It's not pleasant."
Unlike Kai though, Minato knew exactly what he needed to do. He knew how to go back to his old self. Of course, that was assuming he could ever return to the way he was.
Kill Higa.
Kill James.
Two objectives. Complete them, and Minato would return to his pure and innocent self.
Two tasks. It sounded simple, but if he was being honest, it was the complete opposite. Worse still, Minato was actively considering committing the deed. All his thinking led him back to the simplest solution, but that was the frightening part. His thoughts have sunken so far that he was actually set on killing someone in cold blood. It scared him the most.
No, he took that back. It was his willingness that scared him the most. The more he struggled with himself, the more afraid he became.
It wasn't in him. He couldn't see himself turning into a murderer, but he couldn't think of another way to escape his pain.
"Kai, I need you to listen very carefully," he said.
Kai nodded back. "I'm all ears."
Minato nibbled on his bottom lip. He didn't want things to come this far, but he didn't want to give in to the demon. He couldn't give in.
"I'm praying it doesn't come to this, but I don't want to take any chances. If I change too drastically, I want you to kill-"
"No," Kai interrupted. He frowned deeply and glared at Minato for even daring to ask him.
Minato straightened up rapidly. "But Kai-"
"No," the brother stated with an adamant shake of his head. "Don't even think like that."
"But there's no telling what may happen. What if I lose control again and don't make it back?"
Kai folded his arms. "Then I'll knock some sense into you, plain and simple. I can't raise my sword against you. I won't. How could I live with myself knowing I had to kill my own brother? What would auntie think? She just lost her daughter. God forbid she loses her son at the hands of her surrogate one."
Minato closed his agape mouth.
"You said you'd cut down anyone who got in your way," he pointed out.
"Don't you dare," Kai growled, little sparks of lightning coming to life. "I had to put up with this shit from Kazehana. I don't want you entertaining the idea as well. I should've warned her when she declared her intentions, but if she stops me and Uzume, I will make her head roll."
"No you won't," Minato stated, rising to his feet. "You won't hurt her, you won't touch her, and if you even think about trying to..."
His reptilian eyes turned on his brother. "You'll answer to me."
Kai rose from his spot and challenged Minato to a fearsome staredown. "I've had enough of people trying to tell me what to do. Uzume is mine. She's my responsibility, and I will go about her punishment as I see fit. Anyone who opposes me will get stabbed. The only reason I didn't make Kazehana an example is that she's yours. If not for that status, I would've sliced her up sooner."
Realizing the weight of his words, Kai turned his head, hanging it low. He panted as regret filled his chest. Those words weren't supposed to leave his lips. He was supposed to keep that close to his heart.
"We just lost Yukari, and I'm already past the breaking point as it is. Then, I'm just supposed to stand aside and let Uzume off for betraying me? Don't you get it? She's with Higa now. That makes her complicit in Yukari's death," he declared, covering his face with his hand. "You're my brother, Minato, and I love you as such, but unless you want another loved one to mourn, keep your Sekirei out of my affairs. This has nothing to do with them, and I will not hesitate to attack one if they cross me too. You're the wall keeping them safe. Do not crumble at this crucial moment. After we take care of business, we can fall apart then, but not a moment before. That's my advice to you. Please take them to heart."
The storm of words came to an end, and the silence that started them off came back and wrapped the boys in a warm blanket, but it left their blood feeling cold.
Minato, knowing Kai had nothing left to say to him, looked down at his hands and clasped his fingers together.
"If Uzume's complicit in Yukari's murder, then she's also complicit in Kusano's murder," Minato said coldly. "That makes it my business."
"Don't go there," Kai warned. "Do not go there."
Still looking down, Minato turned away and lowered his hands. "If someone attacked Uzume, even someone who knows nothing about James or any of this, would you protect her?"
There was a moment of relative silence, before Kai's answer pierced through. "If I said no, I'd be a liar."
Minato straightened out, and before walking away said, "I'll keep that in mind."