2013. April 8th, Tokyo, Japan.
It was a few days later which saw him confronted by Rie. Surprisingly the woman was not berating him for what he thought she would.
"Why do I hear from Nora that you won't go to Britain and receive your honours?!" the scientist demanded, slapping both her hands harshly on his desk. Nearly causing his drink to spill.
By now somewhat used to Rie's temperament when it came to him, Harry replied calmly. "They're just pieces of metal and I didn't do the things I did with the intention to get them." he shrugged nonchalantly, completely disinterested in such meaningless awards. According to Nora, Rie normally didn't have nearly so many outburst. Apparently he got under the scientist's skin like no one else. A skill Harry possessed since early childhood as his history with Snape, Voldemort and Vernon proved.
"It doesn't matter for what kind of reason you get them. You could've bought them for all I care! The important part is that it's incredibly positive press for your image and therefore the image of NswF!" Rie ranted, not comprehending why he apparently did not want to understand that. Working with an utterly corrupt man devoid of morals was easier than one who possessed those qualities as she found out. Anyone else in his position would've already 'humbly' bragged about it to everyone in their vicinity.
Blinking in surprise, Harry rubbed his chin in thought. "Huh, I didn't think about that." he admitted sheepishly, only having thought of not wanting to expose himself to the press or public. Something that was greatly helped by NswF being a Private Company with just him and Rie as shareholders and not having to make their records public. Harry didn't fancy having to explain some of the decisions of NswF to outsiders. Like the existence of Neogenes and how they were made.
However, a great public image was a good thing to maintain. 'Which would've made my time at Hogwarts considerably easier.' he thought regretfully. Then again, it never had mattered that he was the Boy-Who-Lived when rumours were flying around aplenty in Hogwarts. Any and all good deeds he had done, real or imagined, were forgotten or ignored in favour of idiocy. No matter how much he ignored them, gossips and the press would always circle around people in positions of power or influence. He doubted the award ceremony was a trap for him. But if it was he had many aces up his sleeve nobody would expect.
"Fine, I'll do it." he finally acquiesced before changing the subject. "Anything else you want to talk about?" Already thankful that the ceremony was on the First of May, nearly whole month away. And he therefore didn't need to worry about it right now.
Satisfied that he finally saw sense Rie nearly forgot to mention the second thing on her mind. "Yes, the public saw your prosthetic and it stirred some debate about if you'd make it available for sale." most seemed to see him as an eccentric foreigner and not much more. Not aided by him apparently not having any credentials to his name. Though, it made him an intriguing foreigner at least. "It could boost the income of NswF dramatically, depending on the material and manufacturing cost, of course."
"You do know that it's not really a normal prosthetic?" Harry asked rhetorically, one eyebrow raised as he leaned against his comfy chair. "It's powered by magic for one thing and I doubt everyone will just leave it alone and not break it open out of curiosity." Harry knocked against the metallic arm to emphasize his point.
"And? What you call magic is just a source of energy. Why wouldn't you be able to convert electricity or other forms of energy into magic?" Rie questioned passionately. For her what he described as magic was just a manipulation and transformation of energy.
Harry was momentarily speechless, not knowing what he could say to that. When you could generate heat or even electricity with magic, why not the other way around? It seemed only logical. After a few moments of silence he went with. "I can only promise you that I'll look into it." Having no idea if it would work or not, but it didn't sound inconceivable.
Not quite satisfied but also having no leverage, Rie did not press the issue further. "Here are your passport and the other documents you requested." the scientist opened her bag and took a folder out of it, throwing it on his desk so the contents slightly spilled out. "I also wanted to thank you for supplying these fascinating substances to me." this time true gratitude was clear to hear in her voice. Or as much as Rie could express anyway. No sense in alienating the one who could give her more of these thrilling research opportunities.
"No problem. It benefits us both, after all." Harry waved her thanks off while taking the documents and sifting through them for any discrepancies. It seemed everything was in order, though he didn't ask how she got official versions. Most likely with Matsu's help. Sadly, Rie was unable to get him a dual citizenship due to the restrictive laws of Japan in such matters. You were either a Japanese citizen or you weren't. Only people under the age of twenty-two could be a dual citizen. Anyone older had to choose which one to keep. Making him just a British citizen with a visa for now.
Before she could leave he remembered something and asked. "How's Maria doing, by the way?" he hadn't seen the girl since their last encounter and he was admittedly a little worried about her mental state.
Without being able to say anything the door to his office was thrown open. The person in question chose to appear just now. Nora, Akitsu and Matsu, with her tablet, just a few steps behind.
Ignoring the rude way Maria stormed in, Harry waved a hand to stop Nora, who clearly was in the process of throwing the girl out. "What can I do for you four?"
"I overheard four-eyes over there blabbering about having found my mother!" Maria said in her best spoiled brat voice. "I wanted to go find her but neither she nor tits-for-brains will tell me anything." she and glared at the two Sekirei before glowering. "Command them to tell me!" came the fierce demand.
Harry only raised an eyebrow at Maria and proposed with his fingers steepled. "How about you apologize to them and ask nicely? After that I'll decide if I grant or deny your poorly worded request." he could've ignored her, but that was not a good idea. Correcting her behaviour followed by positive reinforcement should hopefully yield better results.
Maria seemed to be struggling with his request, staring at him for longer than necessary before turning to his Sekirei with her eyes fixed on the floor.
"I'm sorry for insulting you." she didn't sound sorry at all and was visibly restraining herself from lashing out verbally and physically. Maria grit her teeth, looked up from the floor and at the Sekirei and grit out. "Can you tell me where to find my mother?" much rather looking at something behind the two than directly at them. When neither approval or denial came she looked back at Harry. She only saw him observe her expectantly, as if she forgot something. Scrunching her nose up in thought Maria finally brought out hesitantly. "Please?" the last part sounding unsure and more like a question than anything else.
Thinking that was the best he'd get at this moment in time, Harry said with a sigh. "Matsu, please tell us what you found out."
"Of course, Harry-tan." Matsu agreed after pushing her glasses up and poking her tongue out at the young Neogene, who responded in kind. "After still not finding many clues and only cold trails as to where to find Reina I grew suspicious. No one should be able to hide for so long from the city's CCTV system." she straightened her back and proudly proclaimed. "That's when I noticed different things. Some of the cameras failed everyday, while other days none malfunctioned at all. However, most of the incidents occurred around or in Kabukicho."
"So, your theory is that she is hiding in that particular area?" Harry mused aloud. "But she must've been seen a few times when disabling the cameras."
"Yeah, except I don't think Reina is responsible for that." Matsu spoke up a little hesitant, glancing at Maria. "Remember what you told us of how technology reacts to certain things being present in abundance?"
Harry's good eye widened a fraction, but it was back to normal so fast it seemed to have never happened in the first place. "I see." if wizards were responsible then the situation got a whole lot more complicated. 'The question is what business the reclusive Japanese wizards have with Reina.' he thought unable to come up with a viable reason. "Do you have a way to track her down?"
"Yeah." Matsu nodded and laid the tablet down on his desk. With a few fast and precise swishes across the screen she showed him a map of Tokyo. "I used the MBI satellite I slowly and covertly configured. It's in an advantageous position right now and scanning the area for the Witchblade's energy signature. It should remain in range for a few hours, giving us enough time to track her down." it had taken her a little longer than she thought, mainly because she had to be careful to stay undetected. Not wanting to catch MBI's attention in any way. Another tap saw a red dot appear in the middle of the Kabukicho district. Sure, she could've used her Norito, but that didn't help with the covert part of her mission. Meaning they would've had to wait anyway.
"Excellent work," he praised, causing Matsu to blush and preen. "Let's go at once." he turned to Rie and asked. "You can take over for me for the rest of the day, can't you?" it wasn't much time left until he'd call it a day anyway.
"Of course." the scientist agreed clearly reluctant. Not all that eager to leave her new research for any amount of time. Still, displeasing the man delivering her that exact research opportunities wasn't a good idea.
With that out of the way Harry stood and made to leave the room. Only to turn to Maria as she made to follow. "What are you doing?"
"I'm coming with you to get my mother!" she told him as if it was obvious. Nothing more than stating a fact. Maria crossed her arms in front of her with her foot tapping impatiently as she defiantly stared at him.
Knowing that she'd meet her mother sooner or later Harry agreed. "Fine, but you'll stay in the car." his voice brokering no arguments. He saw her nod but was also fully aware that she'd try to follow anyway.
2013. April 8th, Izumo Inn, Tokyo, Japan.
Miya hummed a tune her late husband always enjoyed as she prepared dinner. A small smile playing on her lips as it always did when she thought of him. Though, today reminiscing about Takehito also brought someone else to the forefront of her mind. Unruly hair as black as raven's feathers, a single emerald eye and a smile that told her he'd die for his loved ones. As well as not even being afraid of her.
'So similar to Takehito.' she thought wistfully, remembering her husband's kindness and resolve. Yet, the British man was also different. Formed by hardship and betrayal more than Takehito. So much more that she saw herself in him.
The noise of all her tenants stomping down the stairs brought her out of her reverie.
She expected Homura and Uzume, but not Kazehana. Sure, the woman visited completely drunk from time to time, but usually she announced herself. That she did neither spoke of her focus on alcohol worsening or she forgot, which Miya would also attribute to her excessive consumption of sake. 'It's a wonder the woman has any braincells left at this point.' Miya thought. In truth she pitied the woman, but could also empathize with her.
"Kazehana, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?" Miya greeted her fellow Sekirei with a demure smile as she put the food on the table. It was accompanied by what Miya thought was a healthy dose of her killing intent that summoned her Hannya Mask.
The other Sekirei shivered in response. Kazehana smiled weakly and replied. "Oh, you know, just visiting to see how you're doing." followed by a nervous laugh, hiding a bottle of excellent sake behind her back.
Of course, the action did not escape Miya's notice. She moved as if to embrace her former colleague, snatched the bottle away and delivered a swift ladle to Kazehana's head. "No excessive drinking is permitted in Izumo Inn!" she scolded and swiftly threw the bottle in the trash, shattering it.
"Miya!" Kazehana cried comically, looking at the broken mess and sobbing as if she'd lost a loved one. "How could you?"
Without mercy Miya gave Kazehana another taste of how dangerous she could be with just kitchen utensils. "Any other questions?"
Suitably chastised Kazehana shook her now lumpy head and sulked, twiddling with her index-fingers like a child. "No."
With her residents suitably cowed dinner began. Conversation was sparse, mainly consisting of Uzume and Homura complaining about not finding their Ashikabi fast enough. The two did not notice Kazehana growing uncomfortable, but Miya did and decided to change the topic. Though, she was a little too late when Matsu's Ashikabi came up.
"That pervert found her Ashikabi?" Kazehana exclaimed with a strained smile. She was happy for her fellow Sekirei and did her usual dance about love with none of her usual enthusiasm. "Who is it?" the scantily clad woman finally inquired eagerly.
Uzume answered after swallowing, eager to answer. "He's a foreigner called Harry James Potter and already had the Scrapped Number as his Sekirei before Matsu."
Now really intriuged, Kazehana leaned forward and asked. "Oh, how did he manage that feat?" everyone she met had been convinced Akitsu was unable to be winged. That this Ashikabi was able to made him extremely interesting to her.
"I don't know how, but he has some kind of power." Uzume explained enthusiastically and promptly described what she and Matsu spied on. She even had recorded Matsu's winging with the pervert's own cameras and showed Kazehana the video on her phone. Incurring Miya's wrath as a result for violating someone else's privacy. As it was that act alone got her a terrifying glare and a strong hit with that damn ladle.
Kazehana didn't even grin at Uzume's misfortune. Much too focussed on the man's words. "Seems like Matsu got a thoughtful, romantic and vulnerable Ashikabi." the Sekirei of Wind said absent-mindedly. A smile on her lips that didn't reach her eyes. 'Why would that pervert get someone like that and not me?!' she thought displeased. Happy for her former colleague but also reminded of her own failure in the department of love. "I should visit her to make sure he takes good care of Matsu and Akitsu."
Any objections from the others were artfully ignored as she half-stumbled out of the inn. Leaving the other three Sekirei worried, but knowing Kazehana could handle herself. Even if they didn't know how she planned to find Matsu without knowing her location.
2013. April 8th, Tokyo's Kabuki District, Japan.
Night had already settled in as the group arrived, having picked up Shiori on the way. The woman being very insistent to come with them to get Reina and be their driver.
"I'll leave Maria in your capable hands, Nora." Harry said into the car, glancing at his assistant and Maria. "I know you will keep her safe." which basically meant don't let her out of your sight.
The strawberry-blonde woman simply nodded. "It will be done, Harry-sama." one hand restraining Maria who'd been trying to get out for a while now. Her other hand covered Maria's mouth to stop the river of profanities from escaping.
After closing the door and locking the car, he went deeper into the bustling streets with Matsu and Akitsu on his arms. All of them looking at the spectacle around them with wide eyes. Shiori walked a short distance behind them, but with a noticeable urgency to her walk.
Every colour of artificial light illuminated the streets of Kabukicho with their blinking lights in different rhythms and colours. Bars, Host Clubs, Love Hotels, Robot Restaurants, Maid Cafés, Massage and Pachinko Parlours lined it's streets. Tokyo's entertainment district definitely showed itself from its brightest side, literally. All over the place were feminine looking men with a wild mop of hair offering escort services. A few Yakuza in suits openly going about their more legal business. As well as other people sort of harassing you to go into this or that establishment.
Harry even spotted a statue of Godzilla in the distance. Occasionally lighting up and roaring at the crowd below. The screaming racket emanating from the glowing halls of Kabukicho combined with the noises from the crowd around him and various unidentifiable smells was an offence to Harry's senses, who were unused to such an assault.
"Where do we need to go, Matsu?" Harry asked loudly after somewhat getting his bearings, trying to let his voice not be drowned out by everything else. All the while ignoring people approaching them. Already knowing they were looking for easy prey from a single glance alone. Harry had enough experience with visiting a new country to know that foreigners were seen as easy prey by locals for scams of all kinds. Luckily, they seemed to have enough sense to abort upon getting a good look at him. Either noticing his experience with their type or it was his slightly scary appearance. As long as they stayed away that was fine with him.
The Sekirei of Wisdom took out her tablet to get a brief look, pointing in the direction Shiori was already walking. Apparently following her Cloneblade to where it seemed to guide her. Normally Matsu would've preferred to stay indoors, but she enjoyed any time with her Ashikabi more.
Shiori led them down a seedier ally, aptly named Piss Alley or Memory Lane for the polite version. Looking darker, grimier and more oriented towards food than its counterparts. Hordes of Salarymen squeezed themselves through the narrow passageways, trying to evade Harry and his Sekirei. The small stalls had a variety of food on display. As well as plenty of beer, plenty of meat and a risk of possible food poisoning by overeating by how delicious it all smelled. The street also had a certain sense of adventure to it.
Harry enjoyed the more sheltered and quiet nature of the alley, with its subdued light provided by paper lanterns. Briefly reminding him of various magical shopping districts. Causing him to revel in the various smells and sights, but also resisting being pulled into a booth. Not that he actually could've entered all of them due to some of them not serving foreigners. The signs reading 'Japanese Only' on these stores making that much clear.
Instead he was focussing entirely on the mission and what they came here to do. He let his gaze sweep over the crowd to look for one or more wizards unsuccessfully blending in. Which should be easy given how little Japanese Wizards would know of fashion or customs in Muggle Japan. His artificial eye was active and scanning for invisible people, as unlikely as that was with such a crowded place.
The further down the alley the got the flow of people was reduced to a trickle until it ceased altogether. Abruptly, like entering another world, the noise grew more subdued until it was only a murmur around the corner. "A Muggle-Repelling Ward is up around here." Harry warned as quiet as he could, looking around the now empty alleyways. "Be careful!"
Knowing what that meant Shiori transformed. As a result her clothes were shredded to pieces as her armour replaced them, while her brown hair changed to grey. In a flash she was on her way. Only focussed on getting to Reina and annihilate anything in her path.
It didn't take long for them to encounter a pair of wizards standing in front of a Love Hotel. Both wore very traditional looking Kimonos. Harry noticed that they looked extremely uncomfortable in front of such an establishment and decided to use their distraction to his advantage. However, Shiori ruined that by announcing their arrival with all the care and grace of an avalanche. Already charging the two with her scythe at the ready and a manic grin on her lips.
Showing that Japanese Aurors weren't as worthless as British ones, both cast spells with speed and precision immediately upon spotting her. Yet, it did not matter in the slightest because Shiori was able to simply ignore them due to her resistance to magic. That changed when Harry saw the eerie green glow on both wands. He completely forgot that other countries did not necessarily treat the Killing Curse as an Unforgivable. Immediately his opinion of these Aurors went down considerably.
Without any delay he swiftly took action. With silent casting he banished Shiori to the side, letting the Killing Curses be intercepted by nearby object he banished into them in the same motion. Twin explosion of green fire rocketed the small alley, scorching walls and floor black with soot.
A quick and soundless apparition later Harry was behind the two reckless idiots. Elder Wand in hand he fired off two Petrification spells that raced towards the two guards, who were too preoccupied with watching the cloud of dust to notice, causing his attack to hit them directly in the back. Both fell over with a dull thud. Another flick saw them blindfolded, silenced and divested of their wands, as well as any potential portkey and other magical items that could be used to escape. The objects heaping themselves onto a pile nearby.
"Why did you stop me?" Shiori demanded to know after righting herself, glaring at him and getting directly into his face.
Not taking it personally Harry simply explained it calmly. "That spell could've easily killed you, despite your resistance to most magical attacks." it could've been weakened, but Harry did not want to take any chances with that. While casting Anti-Apparition and Anti-Portkey wards over the building he got a good look at the hotel's exterior. It's walls held messages to entice customers to come inside. Such as 'It is a room that became new' and 'There are settles down room'. Though, Harry's favourites on first glance were boast such as 'A Room where Adult Atmosphere is tossed.' as well as 'Exceeding the Sky of Time'.
Sadly, he didn't have enough time to look for more funny slogans in bad English as the quiet of night was killed by a crash and explosion from upstairs. Rocketing the building and blowing the windows out of it together with some smoke and debris. Before he could stop her Shiori was already on her way to the door of the Love Hotel and vanishing into it, followed by Akitsu, Matsu and himself.
Inside were no receptionists of any kind, instead there was a machine where one could request a variety of rooms for certain prices. "Matsu, can you try and look for Reina and erase any possible evidence?"
"Already on it, Harry-tan." the Sekirei of Wisdom grinned with closed eyes. Checking the cameras in the rooms with her mind's control over all things technological. In the meantime Akitsu stuffed as many pamphlets down her cleavage as she could. Harry did not comment or inquire how exactly she managed that. "On the second floor, she's being attacked and seems to have a child with her for some reason." any further investigation was halted as every electrical equipment short-circuited abruptly and began emitting smoke. Clearly an overload of magic in the area the cause of it.
"You both, please stand guard outside in case they try to leave!" Harry commanded quickly, not even waiting for a reply. With no more time to waste Harry took off in the direction Matsu pointed him.
Taking three steps at a time he arrived quickly on the second floor. Already able to hear the commotion Shiori was no doubt causing.
He was proven right as he saw the Neogene being blasted backwards outside of a room and through a wall into another room. "Shiori!" from inside the room came an exhausted and worried sounding female voice, followed by more sounds of battle, spellfire and the cry of a child. Hurrying to the room, Harry cast a quick tracking spell in case the Aurors were able to escape with Reina or Shiori. Cascading waves of golden dust erupted out of the tip of his wand shortly after. The substance blanketed the whole floor in a thin layer of glittering dust that clung to everything magical.
A moment later he arrived at the entrance and saw what he assumed to be Reina standing protectively in front of a dark-haired girl. Said child was cowering behind Reina and looked around six years old. A hole that had not been there before was now in a wall facing the street, showing the tiled roofs of neighbouring houses.
Reina currently had blood red hair and golden eyes sitting in pools of black ink that were busy glaring at the three wizards opposite of her. Much like Shiori and Nora she had delicate features, long legs, smooth skin and an hourglass figure. All in all the body of a model. And much like her Neogene sisters she also had armour that clung tightly and sensually to her body.
Hers was black in colour with red lines running through it and equally as revealing as the other Neogenes'. It ran along her legs sensually but leaving her arse, right inner thigh, complete left thigh and crotch bare. Only a small patch of armour in the shape of a trident maple leaf teasingly stuck to her pussy. A corset-like armour hugged Reina's torso, causing her breasts to be pushed up as it cupped the underside of the fleshy mounds, but left her stomach free. Small patches of armour extended from around her back over her breasts and nipples, serving as a make-shit bra and the only real coverage in the chest area. From her right forearm a straight blade extended outwards while each finger on her left glove had small blades on its fingertips. Bladed heels and four whip-like attachments originating from her hair completed the ensemble.
A look alone told Harry that Reina was at the end of her rope. Heavy breathing, one eye closed and the other on the way to join, together with cracks running all over her armour indicated an immediate breakdown. That she held on so long was a miracle.
"Stop, why are you doing this?" Harry inquired as calmly as possible, holding his wand at his side in a non-threatening position. Hoping to get them to explain so the issue could be solved peacefully. All of them saw the wand and didn't hesitate to fire spells at him in the least.
"None of your business, outsider!" one of them snarled as he fired a bone-breaker at Harry.
His hope for a better outcome dashed, but also having expected such a foolish move, Harry wasted no time. His wand grew into a blur as he unleashed a flurry of stunners, disarming charms and other incapacitating spells while shielding from and reflecting their own. Easily switching from offence to defence smoothly and without difficult. As a result their own attacks were thrown back at them on top of Harry's own. Overcoming their defence with insulting ease as their own spells broke through the shields and his own took them down for the count. Promptly ending the confrontation with them disarmed, stunned, petrified and divested of any Portkey.
Killing Japanese Aurors would only bring trouble to him and wasn't worth the consequences, after all.
When turning towards the pair of females Harry had to sidestep a sloppy and easily evaded strike from Reina. She only hit empty air, overextended and fell on her face in utter exhaustion. Her armour cracking once more until it seemed like an elaborate mosaic made of stained glass.
The little girl was at Reina's side quickly, trying to shake her awake. "Mommy! Mommy, wake up! Please!"
Acting quickly Harry knelt down near the woman, startling the small girl as he laid a hand on her mother's neck. "Don't worry, little one. I won't hurt her." trying to put her at ease with a smile. It seemed to work, but if it was because of his effort or the girl having little choice in the matter he didn't know. Nor did he have time to worry or contemplate the issue.
Like with Shiori and Nora he put his mark on the nape of her neck, pouring considerably more magic into her to counterbalance the Witchblade's battered state. It was a slow and steady process, but a few minutes in and most cracks were repaired. Allowing Harry to look after her wounds, which luckily were shallow.
He heard the noise only rubble being rearranged could make outside the room and assumed Shiori was about to rejoin them. A moment later he was proven correct when rapid footsteps approached frantically, only to stop suddenly and abruptly.
"Who's the brat?" came the baffled question from the Neogene, staring at the girl clinging to Reina's unconscious form. She wore pink shoes with white socks, a pink skirt and a white shirt. The child's dark hair was done into very small and thin pigtails, due to how short it was.
For now ignoring Shiori and finished with healing the wounds, Harry said to the young child. "There, all done. Your mother should be completely fine." a genuine smile erupting in relief directed at the small girl, his face now used to the motion after a week of near non-stop experience. Be it out of fondness, amusement or laughter.
"Mother?!" Shiori exclaimed incredulously, eyes wide in disbelief. Yet, upon seeing the striking similarity between the girl and Reina there was no way for this to be a lie. No matter how much she thought it unlikely or even impossible. But, come to think of it, Shiori knew that Reina had pursued her own work and had been absent suspiciously often after that. Many months at a time. Much more than before and yet the late Furumizu seemed to allow it easily. Always favouring his favourite daughter's whims, as seen by Reina holding the original Witchblade.
The wizard nodded, saying. "Yes, it seems she's Reina's daughter." he turned towards the little girl knelt down on her level and asked softly. "What's your name, little one?"
After a small moment of indecision the child answered. "Rihoko." a look towards her still unconscious mother betrayed her worry and intentions. "Will my mama really be okay?" tear tracks still staining her cheeks from the recent confrontation and its results.
Patting her head in what he hoped was a comforting gesture, Harry nodded. "Yes, she's going to make a full recovery."
Not shying away from the touch, Rihoko nonetheless seemed much more mature and sombre than a child should be. Though, Harry attributed that to being hunted for a period of time.
With that done Harry made to turn towards the unconscious Japanese wizards. Intent on finding out just what their business was with those two. Though, he could guess from the fact that Rihoko seemed to possess magic from what Harry could feel. Wild and untrained as it usually was for children.
Before bringing the wizards back to consciousness, Harry formulated a rough plan. "Shiori, please take Rihoko, go downstairs and join Matsu and Akitsu. I'll be with you shortly." Shiori looked like she wanted to refused, but nodded reluctantly and did as she was told, taking Rihoko's hand and guiding her away. The little girl looking back to her mother's still form with fear in her eyes.
Once the two were gone, he brought the Auror's back to consciousness. Harry waited a little while for them to gather their wits before he demanded. "Why are you hunting my property?" Pure distaste clear to hear in his tone, but the Aurors would think it directed at them and not at their laws. The Dark Mark wasn't just a fancy sign of an exclusive club of murderers, but much more. By most countries' magical law a Muggle with one was seen as property of the Witch or Wizard. Something that was convenient right now.
Two of them only glared at him, while the last one seemed more reasonable, considering his current position. 'Must be an Obliviator.' Harry thought, knowing that they had to keep a cool head and be reasonable, lest they mess up in a big way.
The now exposed mark on the unconscious woman's exposed neck also helped. "We were alerted of the first bouts of accidental magic from a Muggleborn. Per standard procedure we were sent out to bind the targets magic and mind-wipe any witnesses." the reasonable one added. "We didn't know they were property of a wizard, otherwise we would've ignored it."
Just like Britain had the Book of Admittance and Quill of Acceptance to tell them which child was going to attend Hogwarts, Japan had a similar artefact. Only theirs told them of a child's first accidental magic of sufficient strength and the location. Like that they were able to erase their memories, bind their magic and thus keep them out of their society.
Harry sighed and dispelled his binding spells. "Seems this was a simple misunderstanding then." with no direct way to enter the magical side of Japan Harry couldn't have informed them even if he wanted to. "I'll be more careful in the future and keep them close by." he told them, hoping to never encounter them again.
"See that you do, Outsider!" another Auror sneered before promptly trying to Apparate away by spinning on his heel. Only to keel over as his body snapped back into place after briefly twisting into himself as was usual for Apparition. Another Auror called out in alarm. "Headquarters!" When nothing happened he began patting himself down, followed by the others. Clearly looking for their Portkeys.
Smirking slightly, Harry felt the Portkeys in his pocket grow hot at being prevented by his ward. "I divested your of possible forms of escape, not knowing your intention or allegiance." He levitated each portkey back to them and added. "Also my Anti-Apparition ward must still be up." with a simple flick of the Elder Wand the wards were down. Even the Muggle-repelling one around the area. The Last Potter added with a false smile. "There, now you can go."
Glaring at Harry the arrogant one left, followed by his colleagues. Not wishing to stay outside of their own world any longer than necessary. Though, Harry did not mention that in their hurry they forgot the two other Aurors waiting outside, bound and helpless. 'Seems they're not that much better than British Aurors.' Harry briefly mused, disappointed but unsurprised. Seeing the destruction around him he flicked his wand, causing all of it to assemble and fuse itself back together.
With that done Harry began to make his way downstairs with Reina in a bridal carry. Just in time for the Witchblade to recede and leave the woman completely exposed. Her hair turning back to it's original colour that she shared with her daughter. A sigh later Harry conjured a sheet and wrapped it around her with a quick spell.
Once he was back with the others Harry noted that Akitsu and Shiori were missing. Only Matsu was there with Rihoko in her arms, the little girl looking around anxiously. "Where are Shiori and Akitsu?" he inquired, looking around the room before his eyes landed on Matsu. Demanding answers with a look alone.
"Shiori decided to guard the entrance of the hotel and Akitsu went to look for other potential enemies in the building." the Sekirei of Wisdom explained, inspecting the woman in his arms. "This is Reina Soho, I presume."
"Indeed." Harry replied with a nod at Matsu. "Let's go outside to look how Shiori fares and wait for Akitsu to return." he proposed and made his way to the exit after his Sekirei's nod.
Clearly unsure, Rihoko squirmed in Matsu's hold but hesitated a few times before asking. "Did you make the bad men leave?" she had been terrified of them and their ability to pursue her and her mother basically anywhere until there was nowhere left to run.
"Yes, Rihoko, I made them go away." Harry reassured Rihoko with a small smile. Seeing that she could barely keep awake with her eyes dropping shut multiple times without her consent and more than a few yawns.
His words caused the girl to grace him with a shy one of her own. Somehow knowing that she could trust him after he saved them. The tension accumulated over the stressful weeks left her body as a result. After one big yawn Rihoko uttered a brief. "Thanks." and was out like a light a second later, going slack in Matsu's arms and forcing the Sekirei to adjust her hold.
Once outside there was only Shiori standing in silence among the grimy alley, illuminated by artificial light from the hotel. A weak breeze of evening wind just so reaching them, carrying the enticing scents of the many vendors to them. Gently he put Reina down. Followed by piling all of the unconscious Aurors' possessions onto them and using the activation phrase the Aurors had tried to use for their Portkey.
Once the Japanese Aurors were whisked away he turned and asked Shiori. "Any other enemies incoming?"
"Everything is fine." was the crisp reply. Her eyes scanning the surrounding area, taking in escape routes, hiding spots and possible points for enemies to lurk in wait for an ambush. Resisting her desire to look at Reina and ignoring everything else but the task at hand.
Not really knowing it for sure but feeling something was wrong, Harry asked. "You sure?" her behaviour since finding Reina, someone Shiori apparently greatly admired, didn't seem to match her earlier need to find the woman. Not to mention that his gut told him something else was coming.
"Yes, everything is absolutely splendid! Why wouldn't it be?" came the short reply with a voice that sounded tight and angry and much too fast to be anything but a poor attempt at evading more questions. Aside from not wanting to talk about it she still remembered her behaviour on their first meeting.
Harry smiled a bit in amusement at the words so similar to the ones he still used in such situations. However, he didn't point out that something was obviously bothering her. Now wasn't the time to do so.
Yet his instincts proved themselves once more as figures in suits appeared from around a corner. Evidently either Yakuza or Triad members by their clothes and tattoos that could be seen peaking out here and there. Not many Japanese wore tattoos due to everything attached to them. Mainly the social stigma of the Yakuza and their past. Leading them was a pretty, but not beautiful Asian woman. Though, Harry admitted he could be biased due to his Sekirei. She was wearing a blue cheongsam with bronze flowers embroidered onto it.
"Oh my, what's the infamous Tombstone doing in my humble part of Tokyo?" she said in perfect English, just a hint of an accent in her voice.
Harry immediately went on guard, his suspicion roused by a nickname only a magical person would know. It had started as a jest early in his career as a Curse Breaker. With many joking that he'd need a tombstone soon enough. Later on it stuck mainly due to Curse-Breakers operating in tombs and his bounty hunter side jobs. "Do I know you?" The Elder Wand easily slipping into his right hand.
"I'm hurt," the woman gasped in a slightly exaggerated manner, but her brown eyes were filled with mirth. "Don't you remember our time together?"
Her voice did ring some bells as the dust and cow-webs sitting on old memories was dusted off. He inspected her more clearly this time, taking in her petite figure that was more than a head shorter than him. As well as her long shiny dark hair and freckled nose. "Cho? Cho Chang, what're you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing, Harry." her gaze went around and settled on the unconscious woman lying nearby in a clearly compromising position. "Should I be worried that the great Harry Potter took to crime after paying of his debt? Maybe even before?"
Harry snorted, looking at the men behind Cho. "You're one to talk about that. Besides, does everyone and their mother know that I've worked off my debt?" At the end of his sentence the words came out growled from the back of his throat. "I thought after around 15 years interest in my life would've finally died down." Sure, his friends knew it, but Harry assumed that was the case due to Bill or Fleur Weasley, who also worked at Gringotts. Though, evidently it had been all over the news.
Cho chuckled in amusement. "I see you still don't know just what you mean to Magical Britain and the other parts of the Magical World." she gave him an odd look as he scowled fiercely at the mention of his so called home. Her voice a mix of curiosity and incredulity. "You really don't know anything about what happened in Britain after you left, do you?"
Harry shrugged in a way that showed how little he cared. "Not really and not interested in knowing either." He didn't read the Quibbler or the rag named Daily Prophet. "I also made it so owls can't find me." the charm had been reapplied after the encounter with his ex-friends. That way meddlesome witches or wizards wouldn't be able to reach him in the Muggle World without ridiculous effort.
Their chat was interrupted as Shiori interrupted them by loudly clearing her throat. "You know her, Harry-sama?" remembering her manners, but also only calling him that in front of others. Unlike his Sekirei the Neogene wasn't aware of his past.
"Yes, I know her." he confirmed, following up with an elaboration. "We are acquaintances from school." the brief period of them dating, if it could be called that, was a complete disaster and barely worth mentioning.
Cho wisely didn't mention their brief relationship, viewing it in the same light as Harry. A bittersweet mistake and not much more.
Before anyone could say anything else, they were interrupted by noise coming from inside the love hotel. "Hey, no need to be so pushy." Harry could make out a slightly panicked voice that clearly belonged to a man. "Can't you just let me go, please?" It was followed by short nervous laughter and stony silence.
Soon Akitsu came into view, leading a man before her while holding his arms behind his back. Showing on further inspection that he wore shackles of ice that fused his hands together behind his back. She also carried a camera.
The man was of average height with slightly curly brown hair and brown eyes, possessing a small goatee and prominent stubble from lack of care. He was wearing a dark blue shirt with a pink collar, a thick belt on well-worn jeans together with practical brown shoes.
A few minutes earlier.
Yusuke Tozawa was sweating bullets, nervously looking around for a means of escape but unable to find any way to free himself of his current predicament. The deadpan stare and iron grip of his buxom captor as she pushed him forward doing nothing to lessen his trepidation.
It all had started when he woke up in his room in the love hotel; his usual choice of places to sleep. It being cheaper than other establishments. Something that was necessary due to him being a freelance photographer/reporter/detective and not always being solvent. Yet, Yusuke took pride in his talents and being a jack of many trades. Though, he was master of none.
It didn't take long after waking up for his life to be turned upside down. First he had felt the strange urge to leave and develop films at his usual haunt, convinced that he'd need to do that immediately despite not having anything to develop. The only problem was that the door of his room was locked and his key did nothing to change that.
The urge to leave nearly drove him mad, even going so far as to try and jump out the window. Luckily, the windows were too small for a human to pass through.
Things got better or worse, depending on your perspective, when the building was rocketed by an explosion of some kind. Blasting his door open in the process and giving him a good view of the happenings outside. He barely believed it even after seeing it, but evidently magic was real. A moment later his trusty camera was ready to shoot some juicy pictures and secure him a killer story. And with his focus firmly on the happenings the strange urge to leave vanished.
It only got weirder from there as more and more insane things happened and more people appeared. Most notably was a woman crashing into his room and fortunately not noticing him. Though, of all the new people the most interesting was the Head of NswF, easily identifiable with his unusual attributes. With a fervour previously unknown to himself, Yusuke took picture after picture so fast the result could nearly be a video. When everything seemed over he tried to stay hidden, knowing there was no way out but the normal exit. The hotel not being up to safety standards with no functioning fire escape. When he left his hiding place in form of a closet Yusuke noticed that his room looked completely undamaged. As such he couldn't help himself and investigated where the fight had taken place. Nothing seemed out of place there either and it looked just like before the altercation.
His snooping and taking photos is what caused him to be discovered by a woman that wore clothes a second away from indecent exposure. Before he could get a word out the expressionless beauty had his hands in a unforgiving hold behind his back and frozen together in make-shift shackles. She also took his camera from him to inspect it.
Talking didn't help, neither did pleading or anything else as she pushed him forward with a surprisingly strong hold.
Soon enough he was out of the establishment, but right now that is not where he wanted to be. With what looked like either the Chinese Triads or the Yakuza in front of the hotel.
"Who do you have there, Akitsu, and why?" the scarred man questioned his Sekirei. Switching from looking at her to the man, his natural and artificial eye staring at Yusuke with an intensity that was eerie.
Akitsu threw the digital camera of Yusuke to Harry. "Pictures of you." she simply said while easily forcing Yusuke on his knees.
With a raised brow Harry took the device and skimmed through the recent photos with Matsu and Cho looking over his shoulders. After a few normal ones the camera revealed the incriminating images it held. Clearly showing him using magic from start to finish.
"Thank you, Akitsu." gratitude clear to hear in his voice, causing the Ice Sekirei to blush adorably. After all, if she hadn't inspected the building it could've been very ugly for him. His gaze then was fully on the freelancer. "It seems we have a problem here, but what to do with you?"
Yusuke didn't say anything, knowing when to keep his mouth shut or risk digging himself deeper. Feeling much like he was on trial with all of them looking down on him. Unfortunately the jury did not consist of his peers in any way shape or form.
"Oh my, it seems you still attract problems like a flame does moths." Cho said, a tinkling giggle flowing forth from her lips. Despite a Muggle-Repelling Ward having been up around the area one of them still managed to be where it was the most inconvenient for Harry. Some things always stayed the same it seemed.
Harry ignored her with an ease born out of practise. His mind occupied with the opportunity this man represented. He could've seen it as a problem or lamented his bad luck like he constantly did in the past, but the last decade and more taught him differently. He could mind-wipe the man and send him on his way, but why do that when he could be useful? The fact that the man somewhat reminded Harry of himself also helped. Namely simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
"I take it you're a reporter or journalist of some kind?" Harry inquired in a relaxed manner, interrupting the silence, waving the camera around a little and pointing at it with the Elder Wand. Though, his complete focus was on the man and his reactions. At the reluctant nod Harry smiled. "Excellent, I'm in need of someone like that. Someone who doesn't obscure things or outright lie, and only reports the truth." a reporter on his side would make sure his version of events would be told no matter what.
Stunned for more than a few moments Yusuke took a while to respond. His voice a croak of disbelief. "You want me as your spokesperson?" that was way bigger than anything he'd ever got. A far greater opportunity than the usual crumbs he called work. In Japan, if you weren't a journalist working for a select group of companies, your chance of getting any major scoop were all but nil. Not to mention that all of the news outlets reported the same stuff with no deviation from one another. Nor any kind of criticism directed or allowed at certain areas of society. It was what had driven him away to do what he did today.
"Kind of; I'd give you exclusive rights for interviews, provided you don't twist my words around." Harry proposed, knowing the power of a well-place article.
"Are you sure, Harry-tan?" Matsu questioned, unsure if this was a good idea. Though, that could only be her paranoia and secretive nature talking. Akitsu on the other hand shattered the icy shackles, following her Ashikabi's wishes. Easily feeling them through the bond. Yet she still kept a watchful eye on him.
Harry gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, there will be contingencies. I'm sure it will be beneficial to have someone who knows the full picture about us and is willing to help us." he turned towards the still kneeling reporter. "What do you say, Mr...?" Harry trailed off, extending his left arm in an invitation while keeping his wand ready within his right in case the man declined.
"I'm Tozawa Yusuke, Potter-san." the reporter answered, grasping the metallic appendage which hauled him to his feet swiftly before shaking it. "And I agree to your terms." some would say he was reckless in doing so, but that was part of his nature. Rarely leaving any stone unturned in search for a good story. Be it dirt on influential people or shocking events. He also was well aware of the possible consequences should he decline, knowing how some corporations disposed of unwanted people. He'd just be another poor suicide victim that couldn't take the stress of work anymore. Not implausible with how many people jumped from rooftops to their death for that very reason every year. A Number that only kept rising. However, here was also an opportunity. Yusuke had a pretty good intuition and it told him Potter was different from the usual head of a company. He'd seen the veiled disgust directed at reporters during his interview.
Harry nodded in satisfaction at a job well done and glad that he did not have to erase a man's memories. "Excellent, we'll finalise the conditions back at Headquarters tomorrow. Let's say around lunchtime?"
"Sounds good." Yusuke replied with a small grin, followed by stretching out his hand, motioning for Harry to return his camera.
"Seeing as you don't have a place to stay you can sleep at Headquarters. Shiori will take you there." it was not an offer, despite marginally sounding like one. Harry not even waiting for the acceptance of Yusuke before already going on with removing the SD-Card from the camera. Even giving the man a smile as he did so. "After all we wouldn't want you vanishing on us, would we?" He asked with false pleasantness, crushing the card with his left hand. Harry knew enough about technology to know that copies could always be made. Disliking the idea of someone having blackmail material on him, this was the prudent course of action. Most Muggles would believe the pictures to be edited, but why take the risk?
The freelancer gulped in trepidation at the smile. He'd seen it enough to be intimately aware of what it promised. Namely only pain and suffering. Accompanying this were the man's eyes, mismatched pools of unfathomable depths that simmered with a promise that was undeniably lethal. "Of.. of course not." he stammered out, having not even planned to do anything of the sort his new employer was implying, but got the message clearly. 'If I go against him my body will vanish and no one will be able to tell how or why.'
Seeing that everything was in order Harry gave some clothes to Reina and Shiori, whose armour receded back to where it came. 'I'll have to look into something that let's them keep their clothes or something when using the Cloneblades.' Harry thought. While he enjoyed the view, it was impractical. The former of the two took Rihoko and Yusuke carried Reina. It hopefully did not look too suspicious but the way to the limousine was not too far. From there they would go back to NswF Headquarters.
With the Neogenes, Rihoko and Yusuke gone Harry turned his attention to the witch. "So, Cho, why are you really in Japan?" While fifteen yeas had gone by the last thing Harry would've connected Cho with were gangsters and criminals.
The Asian woman ignored the question entirely and instead proposed. "How about we discuss that somewhere else? I know a cosy establishment that is nearby." she made a show of looking around the grimy alley littered with trash and sniffed in distaste.
Harry shrugged and thought about it before answering affirmatively. "Sure, why not?" it would also serve to show his Sekirei the outside world a little.
Cho sent her entourage away with a look and simple dismissive gesture. She then lead them deeper into the labyrinth of alleys until the sounds and smell of people were present once more. Though, much less dwelt here than on the bigger streets intended for tourists. From there she led them to an old-looking bar situated on a leafy corner. There were paper lanterns hanging outside instead of blinking lights and whimsical fan-shaped windows at the front. The sign above the entrance, illuminated clearly but not completely, told them the bar's simple name: Hoshi.
Once past the traditional sliding door made of rice-paper the interior dominated by dark wood from the floor to the ceiling greeted them. Similar to the Leaky Cauldron, it was dark and rustic, however not nearly as shabby or dusty. At the counter stood worn yet well-cared for stools that invited one to rest. Behind the bartender were all manner of spirits and alcohols arranged in no particular order. All around the establishment tables were scattered, many occupied.
The smell of various foods mixed with the cigarette smoke hanging heavily in the air and drifted around them in lazy swirls from all over the establishment. Finally, his stomach complained from him smelling all these new and titillating things but unable to taste them. On either side of him Matsu and Akitsu had the same problem.
"Seems we arrived just in time." Harry chuckled with a teasing grin. By now familiar with the appetite of Sekirei and their needs after their time together. Those two burned through food at such a pace that the bill for foodstuffs possibly would've bankrupted him on a normal salary. Not to mention the Neogenes on top of that.
Both Sekirei blushed but nodded, eager to get a good meal in their stomachs.
"Then follow me." Cho said with a smirk, walking further inside as if she owned the place. All patrons chatted away, sharing news from their day or what happened locally. The waitresses seemed to know almost everyone, serving drinks without even asking what people wanted. Harry felt like a stone in a river, surrounded by the conviviality, but not a true part of it. Completely unused to being in such a scene. He half-expected someone to come up and challenge his presence here. No one did. In fact nobody paid them any mind aside from a few curious glances sent their way before hurriedly looking away.
Only a single patron drew Harry's eye as he looked for escape routes out of habit. It was a woman with long black hair, sitting in a secluded corner away from most eyes. She was surrounded by an air of sadness while sporting red cheeks on her face. She must've been a Sekirei judging by her bombshell figure and outrageous clothes no normal Japanese would wear in daily life. Said garments consisted of just a very short Chinese dress that hugged her body tightly, revealing smooth skin where triangles were cut out of it to show her belly-button and cleavage. Besides that she was still conscious despite consuming an ungodly amount of Sake, chugging straight from the bottle with more than five empty ones already sitting on the counter near her.
'Must be that alcoholic Sekirei Matsu told me about.' Harry concluded unconcerned. Reassured in the knowledge that drunk woman wouldn't react to him due to already having an Ashikabi. Her Ashikabi may have rejected her, but that only meant he'd not have to worry about her. With a mental shrug he resumed following Cho with both his Sekirei on his arms.
As a result he did not notice the drunken woman looking up and inspecting him with her black eyes, which widened when seeing her old comrade on his arm. Kazehana had intended to look for Matsu and had done just that. Though, she'd gotten thirsty during the beginning of her search and needed some Sake to quench it. Luckily, fortune seemed to favour her for once with the object of her search coming to her. 'I knew I made the right choice going in here.' the Sekirei of Wind thought happily, swaying in her seat with a silly grin on her face. It was even an excellent opportunity to spy on that intriguing Ashikabi. Matsu was distracted and hadn't noticed her, too occupied with tightly pressing herself onto her Ashikabi with an expression of contentedness on her face and a look of pure adoration directed at the man.
A pang shot through Kazehana at the sight. A familiar pain in her chest no amount of alcohol could dull. She knew, still futilely trying to do just that right now. The Sekirei of Wind shook her head, which did nothing aside from disorienting her and making her head swim. When the headache went down to manageable levels Kazehana put all her focus on the Ashikabi, fortunately able to spy on them from her seat.
Once at the table Cho sat down followed by Harry. Akitsu and Matsu took the seats at his side. Service was fast, taking their order right after sitting down. Giving each a hot towel and a glass of water.
"You're a regular here?" Harry guessed after using the towel to clean his hands. He relaxed a little in his chair while memorizing easy escape routes. By now used to not commenting on Akitsu scooting as close as possible to him, her chair scraping on the floor. Matsu mirrored her a moment later.
Cho watched it happening with mirth in her brown eyes before shrugging her shoulders. "Kind of, it belongs to the organization I'm working for. My husband and I come here from time to time."
Not interested in her personal life, Harry repeated his earlier question. "So, why are you here in Japan?" after meeting his ex-friends Harry had little faith in Cho's intentions here. Not outright thinking she was out to get him, but also not letting his guard down, just in case.
Cho rolled her eyes at that question. "It has nothing to do with you, in case you're wondering." while she could understand him being suspicious by nature due to the life he led, she didn't appreciate the insinuation. "I'm actually on vacation with my husband, but something came up with my job here."
"And you're job is being the boss of the local Chinese Triad?" Harry asked amused, an raised eyebrow. "How did that come about?"
Cho replied, her head leaning on her left hand. "My father is a Muggle. In the past he was a cop in Hong Kong, but corruption ran rampant there. Ironically it drove him to crime and let him become the boss of the branch in Thailand. He wanted for me to have a better life, which is why my mother and I went to Britain originally." she took a sip of her beverage. "As you know that didn't work out. My mother was killed during the Second Blood War and afterwards things didn't really improve either. Sure, the Blood Purists were mostly dead, but that didn't change the behaviour of the average person. Those that enabled the Purebloods' rise to power in the first place."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Harry said sympathetically, a frown marring his face at the reminder of Voldemort's reign.
"No you're not. You didn't know her." Cho scoffed and waved his apology away. "Anyway, I couldn't stay there any longer. Instead I returned to my father and now, here I am!"
Their orders arrived just then. A normal sized serving of Tsukemen for Harry, while his Sekirei had easily triple his amount of food. Matsu with her Katsudon and Kamo Nanban for Akitsu. The two aliens insisting to feed him bits of his and their own food. He saw no reason to deny such a simple request.
Conversation stayed light afterwards, never straying too far from idle small talk. Yet Harry did enjoy his time there immensely, spending time with his Sekirei with nothing interfering. So much so that they were the last people leaving.
At the end both magicals were relieved to be out of each other's hair. With Harry glad to know that Cho had nothing to do with Britain anymore.
However, Fate was not done with Harry Potter for today.
They paid the bill and made to leave the establishment. Barely out of the door and turning a corner Harry literally ran into the Sekirei's arms he had seen at the bar. Harry knew immediately she was drunk by the smell of her breath and her cheeks being as red as a traffic light. Intense brown eyes focussed on his own. She held him tight, allowing no escape and leaned down with a whisper full of longing. "Ashikabi-sama!"
Her soft and supple lips met his own an instant later. Too shocked to lean away or try and use magic, Harry could only taste strong sake. Swiftly wings of a pale pink light erupted out of her back, illuminating the alley as the wind picked up softly. "Wind of my pledge, blow away the dark clouds that befall my Ashikabi!" she cried out her Norito into the night.
"Kazehana?!"
"Matsu,.. long time... no see!" came the cheery greeting interrupted by hiccups. "I found my Ashikabi!" A giggle and big smile on Kazehana's lips. She turned to give Harry a smouldering look that would've aroused him any other time. However, the next thing she wanted to say or do was interrupted by her heaving, leaning to the side and puking her guts out.
"Lovely." Harry deadpanned, giving in and simply holding the Wind Sekirei's hair out of her face. When she afterwards proved too drunk to move straight he picked her up in a bridal carry. Yet, he couldn't stay mad at her when she snuggled into him with a smile followed by succumbing to sleep.
2013. April 8th, Japan, NswF Headquarters.
Maria paced anxiously to and fro in front of the room her mother was treated in.
It had taken hours for these useless doctors to accomplish anything at all! What good were they if they couldn't do their job?! Any failure was something Maria would make sure to let them regret dearly. Finally someone who loved her unconditionally was in reach and the young girl was damned if she'd let it slip through her fingers!
'She'll hold me. Tell me she loves me. Give me gifts for being me.' she fantasized, biting the nail on her thumb in anxiety. 'Do all things mothers are supposed to do!'
Her nervous energy found a release when the door opened. One could hear a voice coming from inside, demanding. "Where is my daughter?!"
The words served to let Maria's heart soar higher than at any point in her life. 'She wants me!' she thought gleefully, emboldened. Practically throwing herself at the chance wildly and recklessly. Without any warning she pushed the idiots aside and entered. On the bed sat a beautiful woman that could only be her mother. Having the same features, eyes and the original hair colour as Maria.
Such was the resemblance that, for the first time in her life, words failed Maria. Instead staring at the woman with a wide smile and equally wide brown eyes.
"Who are you?!"
Those three simple words served to let the world crash around Maria in an instant. A pit opened in her stomach as she looked into the confused frown occupying the woman's face.
Hope you enjoyed it. Until next time.