Standard Disclaimer
Wow work has been hurting lately, its just everything needs done now and nobody knows but they're all yelling at me to get it done. A buddy that moved away...is moving back and family needed money! Yeah depression!
X-X
On Angel's Wings
Chapter – 3
Sitting on the veranda, Shinji couldn't take his eyes off the tree even though he knew he should be watching Musubi. Was he going crazy, that vision he had when he tried to touch it and the dream last night were playing on his mind. A young girl with long blondish hair, devilishly cute was calling out to him to help her. Before this Sekirei stuff, Shinji would have just thought it was something he saw on television or a game. Now, he wasn't sure. Was a Sekirei calling out to him? Could he have more than one, or would it be a choice?
"Something on your mind, or you just don't like watching your Musubi-chan fight?" Uzume asked as she pressed herself against Shinji's back playfully. Girl was another of the residents at the Izumo Inn, and she was the cause of this early morning spar session between Miya and Musubi. Uzume made the mistake of taking a bath with Musubi and showing her Sekirei crest to Shinji's over anxious little punching machine. Apparently Musubi had been trained by 'the director' to fight any Sekirei on sight…it ended when Miya effortlessly stopped her assault and set the rule of 'no fighting on inn grounds' into effect. This inn was a crazy place.
Trying not to feel the rather large and warm pressure against his back, Shinji shuddered a little. "Not a fan of fighting, but Musubi-chan wants to improve for this whole ordeal you're both stuck in. Is there no way out but to fight?" Shinji hoped there was. Why fight, why force these Sekirei into something so barbaric as a city wide fighting pit? Oh and, were all female Sekirei this flirtatious? Musubi was driving Shinji a little mad, but she was (maybe) unconsciously wracking Shinji's mind while Uzume was doing it fully intentionally. Pointing at the dueling pair, "Do you train with Asama-san?"
"Not if I can help it. I don't like fighting either, neither does my Ashikabi-sama. And also no, I don't want to deal with that one if I can help it. She's a demon when angry," Uzume thankfully sat alongside the lad. Clad in jeans that only went down to mid-calf, and a tight fitting blue t-shirt with a star embolden on her sizable chest. Playing with her side tail as her longer brown pony tail pooled at her side, "How are you feeling about this place? First few days go well? Don't see that guardian of yours." Uzume did snort at saying that, Misato was guardian in law only at this point.
To prove Uzume's point, Musubi was frantically bounding around the lavish backyard as Miya hardly moved. More and more of Musubi's top was being torn and showing more flesh with each attack. Each punch however made wind blow, trees and bushes ruffled, and Musubi was fully into the fight and seeing nothing but a challenging opponent and way to improve. Any human trying to fight that woman would be obliterated.
"It's different than the old apartment. Pen-Pen likes the baths," Shinji saw the bird further down the veranda with a can of Yebisu between his feet. Wincing as Musubi's lunge was met with Miya twirling to her side and tapping her on the side of the neck, all energy ended and Musubi fell to her knees. Defeat, but that had to be expected. Miya had to be a Sekirei as well…how many Sekirei were at this inn? Oh and the attack caused the last of Musubi's top to shred leaving her exposed again. Head down, eyes shut, and face burning red, "Does she HAVE to get exposed each fight? A-and Misato-san is not a morning person."
Poking Shinji in the side, Uzume's laughter was anything but cruel as she then hugged him lightly from the side. "You're just as pure as she is, well maybe not that pure if what I see is there. But you are just as fun to tease. And you're right, I swear every fight Musubi-chan is in ends with her topless. Bet you enjoy that view, she is perky and wants to flaunt that to you at a moment's notice. You two ever…" Uzume suddenly stopped her teasing and a shudder went up her spine and transferred to Shinji.
"Uzume-chan, you know the rules of the inn, you shouldn't be leading the poor lad astray. I shall go start breakfast now if you're finished with your lewd talk. Shinji-kun, is your room still to your liking?" Miya did not even look winded, unblemished no less. Shimmying as best her kimono would allow, the beautiful woman put her hand to her cheek as she glared balefully at Uzume. Rules? What Rules? Other than 'no fighting', Misato and Shinji hadn't really been told anything about rules.
"H-e-hehe, y-yeah, Well think I'll take a quick bath now! Talk to you later!" Uzume fled the scene very quickly. Spinning around to get on her hands and knees and tearing off deeper into the inn, a loud yelp and crash the proof that she found something in the darkened halls.
Not knowing where to look, Shinji felt his shame growing as he felt what else grew. Uzume had been accurate, seeing the woman he was growing to love bounce about in all her naughty goodness had been a little stimulating. Now Musubi was collecting the shreds of her top, Miya watching him watching her, so he went back to the tree and the confusing thoughts of the girl. "Y-yeah, it's very nice here. Room is a little tight with all three of us, four if Pen-Pen is out of his fridge. But I like it here, h-homier than the apartment had been. C-could I help with breakfast? I like cooking," Shinji shuffled trying to hide his little problem.
A small touch, the back of her hand against his cheek, Miya calmed him down as best she could. "Not today, but tomorrow if you'd like. I think I would appreciate that. You haven't met everybody yet, but the inn is quite populated. Now tend to your Musubi-chan, she needs to watch her sides, leaves herself to open. I think you may help her to see around her more. And I do believe I need to prevent that guardian of yours from drinking that swill of hers!" Miya was not a fan of Misato's morning beverage of choice.
"Landlady is really strong! You're not upset that I lost to her are you?" Musubi rushed over to Shinji's side. Arms laden with scraps of top and pressed against her chest making an already large issue look doubly so to the young pent-up lad. Must she always be so happy and peppy? Even in defeat, Musubi was smiling and energetic, really ate at Shinji's bedrock of depression.
Keeping his eyes above shoulder level, Shinji stood up and extended his and to this woman that had the audacity to sneak into his heart. Shaking his head, smiling despite all the issues on his mind, "Not at all, Musubi-chan. I think Asama-san is very strong, Uzume-san is afraid of fighting her! Are you wanting a bath, Uzume-san was heading there…you could offer to wash her back as an apology for attacking her yesterday." Musubi owed Uzume something for that, just up and trying to punch a woman in the back of the head in the bath…Shinji would discipline his Sekirei in what ways he could.
Her face just bloomed in joy, "We could both go do it! I could wash both of your backs! You haven't let me do that since we moved in here. I miss bathing with you, Shinji-sama!" Letting Shinji lead her into the inn towards the bath, she dropped her hands down the moment they were inside, the destroyed top at her side.
"N-not today. Back at the apartment it was…well it was our place. I think they have rules against coed bathing here," Shinji turned and noticed Musubi exposed again. Heart lurching in his chest, Shinji spun around fast enough to trip over his own feet and fall back into Musubi's embrace. Gods it was warm and inviting there…she was always offering…always there…could they just…
Stumbling down the hallway, a very bleary eyed Misato yawned and scratched at her exposed tummy, "Breakfast ready yet, Shin-chan. New futon so I'm not used to it, to soft…I…didn't interrupt anything did I? Little early morning petting? Try to keep it in the room for now, alright?" Misato was just a little more awake now thanks to seeing a topless Musubi hugging Shinji from behind.
Tearing himself out of that tantalizing embrace, Shinji took a few steps away from Musubi. Waving his hands, "No-not yet, Asama-san started a few minutes ago. And Musubi-chan was about to take a bath with Uzume. I-I guess you could as well if you wanted Misato-san. The bath is big enough." Now that was an image that popped into Shinji's head and he refused to leave. All three of them just…he needed to leave the inn to clear his head! His Sunday was going to be spent cleaning their shared room to his liking, and now it was time for some 'private time'.
"That is a great idea! I can wash YOUR back!" Musubi was just happy to wash backs a times it felt. Grabbing ahold of Misato, Musubi pushed the not quite reluctant woman down towards her fate. Shinji heard Misato stumble a few words, but Musubi didn't quite care about any rebuttals Misato made. It was Musubi's world at the moment, and everybody else was at her mercy.
Yeah, he was going to need to go on a LONG walk. So many beautiful women, Musubi constantly being made topless, Uzume's teasing, and…gods to much stimulation for a depressed lad. Aside the growing issues with his hormones, the growing fear of fighting (angels, Sekirei, you name it), and his anxiety about reaching out to others he had…well that was a pretty full plate of emotional issues.
Walking into the kitchen, Shinji felt another small pang of mental anguish roll over him. Moving about the room with grace and beauty, a dance for one, Miya cooked. He hardly knew her, only a few days of experience with her, but for a sudden moment Shinji saw Miya as a mother cooking for her family. That was the final nail in the coffin for now, he needed some alone time to just absorb it all. "I-uh…Asama-san, I feel…I need to go on a little walk. L-lot to think about, so I'll leave Musubi-chan in your c-care, is that alright?" Shinji just needed to go. So many emotions were threatening to overwhelm him and he'd either cry, laugh, mess his pants, he didn't know…but it would be something!
"Oh my, really? Without breakfast, well if you think that is what you need, I shall insure she doesn't do anything bad. Can I help you with anything?" Miya turned from her chore. Her kimono sleeves were pulled back showing off her thin and creamy arms. Shuffling to the fridge she pulled out a small box and handed it over, "A lunch in case your walk goes long. Enjoy yourself, and we shall be here when you get back." For a moment, Shinji was afraid she was going to hug him, she loomed close, arms moving in a way that was bothersome. If she did, if she did that one little thing, Shinji knew he'd break down.
When she backed away, Shinji held the bento in both hands, head down, "T-thanks. I hope it doesn't take to long. I just really need some time to think is all. Tell them for me?" He could write a note, but he just wanted to de-stress as best he could, and walks were his premier method. Rushing out of the inn, into the early morning world, he didn't consider it running away, just a tactical temporary retreat. Waving the bento about, "Just need to accept what I can, acknowledge what I can't, and do my best."
So he walked. He walked past the school, past a few Nerv stations, past the MBI headquarters, all over the city. He just walked, and thought. First and foremost in his mind was Musubi. He wanted to open his heart fully to her, let her in to his deepest and most private place, but that fear was equally large. They had to fight. What happened if a Sekirei lost, did they get retrieved or did they stay with their Ashikabi? He didn't want her to leave! But if her destiny was to leave, how would he handle that if he did admit he loved her?
Another small…well…big…or was he small…gods! With all the flaunting and flesh thrown in his face, Shinji did admit he was powerfully attracted to Musubi. The typical teenage worry came to mind. If they did make love, would he be good? He had no experience with it! He wanted Musubi happy, and wanted to do his best as her Ashikabi, because as much as he feared letting her fully into his heart, he knew it was inevitable. He owed up to that, owed up that eventually he would fail to keep her out, and he'd have to deal with the outcome. Maybe Izumo Inn was the best place for them, if Miya could teach and train Musubi so she doesn't lose.
As for the other things, what could he really do about it? He would have to keep fighting the angels, his hormones would just require a few trips to the bathroom and…
"HEY! You made me drop my lunch!" a man called out after Shinji stumbled into him. In his fugue state of wandering, Shinji ventured closer to a construction site and bounced off a roguish looking man, gruff and a little dirty. Sniffing his nose a few times, the man actually pointed at Shinji's lunch box, "What you got there, kiddo?"
For a moment Shinji nearly ran, he stumbled into an adult and made him drop his lunch. But upon seeing said lunch, Shinji saw only a plastic wrapped sandwich. Handing the bento over, not even hungry, Shinji bowed his head a little, "You can have this. I'm not hungry." It was almost funny how reverent the man was when he took the box, sat, patted the pipe next to him, and beset the food. "You must have been very hungry," Shinji actually laughed a little.
"Famished, Kiddo! Construction work is a real pain and my girls are late! Hikari and Hibiki should have been here before lunch! So what has you out here when you should be out having fun? Oh, Seo Kaoru," he rubbed his hands on his pants and extended it to the lad.
'Save me, Onii-chan! Please Find me!' the voice of the young girl pulsed through Shinji's mind.
Hand hanging in mid-air, Shinji had to shake that image out of his head, but it was so clear and powerful! It was a drawing, he felt a call to head towards the botanical garden for some reason. "I-Ikari Shinji, and I just needed a little walk is all. Been a lot of things happening and I needed to c-clear my head," Shinji scanned the city and felt that tug pulling at him. He felt he had to go, follow that summon…and when he shook this Seo's hand he saw him following his gaze out towards the garden.
"Master we're back, and…you're the master to the flasher!" Hikari pointed at Shinji as the bag of food she held swung from her finger.
Still holding Seo's hand, he clamped down as he recognized the voice, Shinji turned to see the two scary looking girls that first attacked Musubi! And she said Master meaning this man was an Ashikabi?! Was this a trick or a trap?!
"Hikari, Hibiki, this is Ikari Shinji, and I do think I've something cool to show you. Did you get the email?" Seo pulled out his cell phone. Flashing the lad some email he had gotten, Shinji reached for his own phone and only felt nothing…he left so quickly he forgot his phone!
"I-uh…email?" Shinji said lamely and was stunned when Seo actually smiled wider. Soon he was running towards the garden with Seo and his two Sekirei…guess you could have more than one. And despite himself, he found that Seo was actually a kinda funny guy, and those two scary girls apologized for him eating Shinji's lunch! A sudden change in fate for sure!
X-X
Listening to Duck-san relay the discourse from the bath, Miya felt a little growing unease. Continuing to cook, she replaced the lunch that the young Ikari took as well as finish breakfast. This Misato was a bit too much like Kazehana with her love of alcohol and propensity to be obscene. Miya did not like obscene things, did not like violence, and was livid with MBI's plan. But she would protect those that found Izumo as best she could.
"But to force those this young into such a thing," Miya sampled her broth with a nod. Not her best, but far from her worst. Setting the plates for Uzume, Misato, and Musubi she heard somebody approaching. Closing her eyes and focusing on the sound…light on their feet, the sound of fancy clothing rubbing, and they were walking on the balls of their feet. "Homura, are you going to be eating breakfast with us today? I've enough as the young Ikari boy has went for a morning walk," she hoped the boy was alright.
Pulling on his collar as he entered the kitchen, Homura shook his head, "No, going to take a nap and then get ready for a little patrol then a night shift at the club. And remember its Kagari while they're around alright?" The butler clad man did take a glass of milk and drank it. Looking deeper into the house, "Where are the others?"
Taking the now empty glass, Miya cleaned it and refilled it, "Well the two you are worried about are taking a bath right now." Miya listened as Duck-san let her know Musubi was a bit too forceful with her back cleaning and Misato more pained than relaxed. Following 'Kagari' down the halls towards the end of the inn, "So which are you more worried about, Katsuragi or Ikari? I can see you avoiding them." Being un-winged would make Homura worried about an Ashikabi being nearby, forceful winging was a thing. The demon visage popped out as the image of somebody forcing that upon her chilled the air, thankfully nobody saw it.
"I'm not afraid of him! Just leery that his Sekirei will notice me and attack like she did Uzume. I fight for un-winged and to stop MBI, nothing more," Homura opened his door and stole inside. Holding onto the door for a moment, he paused and peaked back at Miya and cringed a little, "I'm not afraid or worried or anything…I mean it."
Letting Homura have his moment, Miya didn't say anything. She didn't need to, she would support Homura as best she could, as it was Miya's way. It was possible that Katsuragi could be an Ashikabi, but Miya didn't know. But one of them was causing Homura to react, what that would be would be its own thing. Her little spying device let Miya know she had a little time left as Uzume and Misato were talking about the young Ikari…information was needed. This Katsuragi was very tight lipped despite her outward appearance. Nerv…she did not know enough about them, but they worried her as well.
Walking down the well-oiled and cleaned halls of her home, Miya went to her little hidden spy/hacker and tapped on the entrance to the den of computer. "Perverted Four-Eyes I have a question for you, I believe you know what I am referring to," Miya announced her entrance into the secret room. True to form, Miya found her hidden resident was basking in her lurid observations. Various images of Shinji and Musubi were on monitors, a few videos of Musubi's wings popping out, and… "What did I say about using satellites to see into the bath?"
"Ah! Miya-tan! I uh-was just testing them! Nothing else is all…" Matsu pushed her glasses up and quickly shut off a few monitors that just about showed the young man's private parts. Empty bags of chips, bottles of soda and tea spilled everywhere as Matsu rolled about her floor and away from her bay of monitors. Her peach colored cheongsam hitched up on her thigh as she crawled over towards Miya, her braided hair just hung limply to her side…been awhile since hacker-lady took a bath. Dusting herself off, "S-so what are you wanting to know?"
Scanning the dirty room, Miya reevaluated plans for the evening, she was going to have to clean this room up or they'd get insects. Glaring down at the perverted little internet troll, "What have you learned about our new guests. I would believe you'd have looked them up once they moved in, as per your nature. Or have you just been watching those two in their…going to have to tell them no lewdness aloud on Izumo grounds. If Katsuragi wasn't sleeping in that room…"
"They'd be going at it hot and heavy! That Musubi is so gullible and overly affectionate! If it wasn't for…" Matsu's exuberance dimmed. Jerking away from Miya and her disapproval, she hurried over to a data pad and timidly handed it over to the landlady. Bashfully, "Yeah I hacked the Nerv Magi and some MBI details about the two of them. Interesting woman…Shin-tan…" The glistening eyes and reddening cheeks lead Miya to wonder if maybe another Sekirei would be choosing their Ashikabi soon.
Taking the tablet, Miya would let Matsu make her own choice in that matter if she wanted. She had to do a little background research on her new residents. Reading Misato's info first, Miya's eyebrow rose a little. High intelligence, great tactician, daughter of the lead researcher for the Antarctic project during Second Impact? Medical history was sketchy, few years in a coma. Psychological report has the woman obsessed with revenge against those giant monsters. Few friends…small list of lovers…a few choice pictures of her flirting with 'Kagari'. Ah…infection from the injuries made her barren so likely latent maternal instincts for the wayward Ikari child. "I can see why you're a little upset by this, woman had a hard life. But her focus is Nerv business, it won't interfere with MBI's madness.
"I was more upset with what happened to Shin-tan actually. Misa-tan is bad too, but she seems fun and its funny as hell to see Kagari and her together. Wonder if I can get them to…" Matsu sagely shut up and crawled back to her computers. Word to be done, people to spy on, and a lot of action was happening in the city. Ashikabi and Sekirei were converging on the botanical garden it appeared on Matsu's scanners.
Waving her hand at the woman, Miya took the tablet and headed back to her kitchen. Her guests were heading there for breakfast, and a proper host was there to aid them. Reading on Shinji however, Miya felt a pang of something she hadn't expected. Much like Misato (she thought at least), Miya was overcome with a massive sense of maternal rage. "What sort of man would do that to a child?" Miya clenched her fist tightly. Seeing the image of Gendo Ikari however, Miya saw the familiar resemblance to Hiroto…that made all the sense.
"Poor child, that poor child," Miya took a moment to collect herself as her sense of bitterness rose. Not the worst childhood ever, it was far from what a child deserved for sure! Watched his mother die, abandoned to a teacher two days later? No closer, no words of care, just dumped like an unwanted suitcase at a train station. Further details that Matsu had highlighted as being from heavily secured Nerv files…that beast he piloted hosted his mother's soul and he didn't know?! Emotional review stated he was likely suicidal, suffering high depression, abandonment issues, and fear of attachment to others…
"Well that can be rectified," Miya sniffed hard and dabbed her eyes just in case with the sleeves of her kimono. They were dry, but she had to blink a few times to clear her vision. Horrible men, different ways of being horrible but this Gendo was very much like Hiroto. Going to have Matsu investigate this Nerv a bit more now, not like the perverted girl had anything else to do right now, would keep her odd wants at bay. Finding her guests sitting down, "And how was your baths, was the water to your liking? Katsuragi-san you are looking a little tired this morning, something wrong?"
Stretching her hands above her head, Misato yawned after reaffixing her shoulder towel. Shaking her head a little, "Nothing really wrong. Just that futon is so soft, not used to it yet. My old one was hard and thin. Yours is almost too comfortable. So sleep is a little off. Where is Shinji-kun?" Reaching across the table, bypassing milk, juice, coffee, and taking the one can of Yebisu on the table, Misato cracked it open. Tapping it to Uzume's orange juice, "Cheers."
Spying the blissfully ignorant Musubi filling her plate with food, Uzume shared a drink with another victim of Musubi's exuberance. "Bath was fine as always Miya-san, just a little too much energy in my apology wash. How Shin-chan can suffer her doing that to him…but betting she does the front too," Uzume started to fill her own plate from the offerings provided.
"Now no such talk of lewd things. Such are forbidden on the Izumo Inn grounds after all. Your ward…Shinji-kun…went for a walk. He said he was a little overwhelmed, and I can see why now. But this does give you and I time to talk about the rules," Miya poured herself a cup of tea. Knowing what she did now, she wished she had hugged the boy this morning. He looked so lost, and Miya considered it when he was holding the lunch box. Something in how he was standing was just crying out for it, but she was worried of overstepping her bounds. Well, now she'd be a bit more open, let him know not all people were bad and deceptive…boy his age shouldn't shoulder such burdens.
Pulling out her phone, Misato held her hand up, "If we're going over rules, I'll call him back. He's the one that wants to know such things. And what is lewd about a guy and girl in love having a little slap and tickle?" Misato worked her phone to send out a call…and they all heard the phone ringing deeper in the inn. "Thought you said he went for a walk? Musubi could you go get our little Shin-chan?" Misato flinched her head towards the shared room.
"I like tickling Shinji-sama! But isn't slapping bad, I don't want to hurt him," Musubi said innocently enough as she got out of her chair and scampered off to do as asked.
Snickering, Uzume put her head down to try and hide her mirth, "She just doesn't understand anything does she? If it isn't fighting, she just believes anything you say to her. Misa-chan, you best be careful or you'll get her to do things to that boy that might get you evicted." Once the giggle fit was contained, Uzume continued to eat.
"I won't evict them, but maybe it would be best to put him in his own room. Not fitting for a young man to sleep with two non-family member women. As I said, no lewd actions allowed. I will expect you to tell Shinji-kun about this rule," Miya was adamant about that. Only married couples should do such things like that, and only in private!
Sipping her booze, Misato let out one quick snicker, "Not on your life! You know how expensive Love Hotels are? I'd rather they do it here, someplace safe and known, and not some tacky rundown hell hole." Eating at a leisurely pace, the captain of Nerv's mightiest weapons was quite firm. Eyes on Miya, showing no fear despite seeing the events between Musubi, Uzume, and Miya the day before. Tapping her chopsticks on the plate, "Those two are stupid for one another, they'll eventually have sex, and I rather it be romantic when possible. Who are you to say otherwise?"
Challenged in her own home, Miya summoned up the most frightening Hannya Mask to impress her point, "I am the master of this inn. So if I say no lewdness I expect all of the residents to abide that request. Who are you to say it is fine for those two to engage in such acts?" Loaming over Misato, Miya expected what always happened when she performed such an act, the instant back peddling of the person before her.
"I'm his legal guardian, his superior officer, and his friend. And I say if this 'no sex' thing is going to stick, consider this our two week notice. I will not have my ward denied love and affection because the landlady is a shrew who doesn't know the current age! You don't know the stress that kid is under, the fucking world is at stake and he's one of three people that can save it! So if he wants to make love to his…girlfriend I fully embrace it! He needs something to help him relax, show him life is worth living!" Misato was not standing up and not a foot away from the owner of the Izumo Inn. Uzume gathered her plate and fled the scene in terror.
Ah yes, young Shinji was the pilot of one of those giant monsters…forced to fight for all of them to continue living. A lot of stress to put on a child, an abused child. Would it be so bad if an exception was made? "She could become with child," Miya believe it was possible. From what she learned in the past, an Ashikabi and their Sekirei might be capable of baring a child together.
"Not as long as Shinji-kun takes his vitamins. I had my friend put a little supplement in them. Each one lasts about a week, and Shinji-kun never fails in following orders. So unless you have another reason, I will not be telling him that little rule. Or if you do insist it is we leave or I get him a repeat customer card at one of those hotels," Misato crossed her arms, her mind was made up, no further discussion.
Letting the demonic image fade, Miya found her argument was crumbling. It was a lot on her own wants to keep such actions at bay. Old memories of her departed beloved Takehito, knowing she was denied such… "At least keep it private, and provide me with some of those vitamins so I can insure he takes them. You are…a unique woman," Miya respected that. Woman was fearless when it came to family and her devotions, Miya respected that fully.
"Shinji-sama wasn't in our room, but his phone was. And he has an email! Should I go give this to him?" Musubi entered with Shinji's phone in her upturned palms. Not reading the mood, or that she was a big part of it, Musubi just tilted her head a little as she waited for the dueling women to come down.
Taking the phone, Misato knew Shinji's password and unlocked the phone, guess he didn't have privacy from this woman. Reading the email, "What the hell is this? This Sekirei plan is sick…offering a girl to the first that can get to her? What the hell? Yeah, Musubi take him his phone…hope he isn't involved with this madness." She tossed the phone back to Musubi and a piece of toast.
"Yes, please do find him. And be careful not to expose yourself dear, you have a habit of that," Miya tossed Musubi and apple. Thoughts about Shinji and Musubi together ended upon hearing Misato's comment. Hiroto's insane plan, offering an unwinged Sekirei to all Ashikabi…what was his aim! This plan, it would not end well for many would it. With Musubi rushing out, leaving her with just Misato, the two women sat and continued to eat but silently. Each lost in their own world of worry.
X-X
Rushing out of the house, phone tucked into one of her few seldom used pockets, Musubi was a leaf in the wind. Her ponytail bobbed as she juked from side to side to avoid pedestrians and the occasional vehicle when she ran on the road. But it didn't matter, all that mattered was getting to her beloved Ashikabi, to Shinji. She loved Shinji, head to heart, down to the bone, and she'd do anything for him. And right now, he was missing the phone he needed and she was going to get it to him!
The wind felt great against her skin, the sensation of flying as she leapt from side to side to increase her speed was marvelous. With the landlady back at her new home a possible training partner, everything was looking up for the young Sekirei. A good fight, a good master, good friends, and great food…yup life off of the island was worth defending with every fiber of her being. Leaping atop a building, Musubi scanned the city for her beloved. At times she could feel his presence, it was rare, typically when he was excited, good or bad. So she closed her eyes, "Where are you…"
The phone beeped, and knocked Musubi from her Zen like state of nearly falling asleep. 'Check at the Botanical Garden,' was the message on the phone sent from Misato. Well, that was an idea, one she wouldn't have opted for on her own. Without Shinji or Misato to provide direction, Musubi did tend to just flutter about wander. Having Shinji give her direction gave Musubi's life a lot more focus and aid. A perfect master for her, he was a lot smarter about things Musubi tended to ignore.
Putting the phone back, the screen image was a group picture of a flustered Shinji flanked by Misato and herself, Musubi felt that pulse in her chest. She didn't understand it, was a little intimidated by it, but just seeing Master put a fire in her chest and…a little…well…she tingled in odd places that oft didn't have much sensation. Questions for later, Master would know! "But don't call him Ashikabi-sama or Master out loud, he doesn't like that…" she nodded and jumped off the roof towards the overgrown garden.
Ahead a glut of MBI and police vehicles blocked the road, redirecting commuters to much longer routes. Musubi didn't need to worry about stuff like that, the Director said so, she could ignore MBI personnel. Many called out for her to stop, that this road was off limits, but they couldn't stop her jump so it didn't matter. She easily leapt over all of the guards and left them in the dust, no harm and no foul. She did see something that got her attention though! A fight was about to start, so she had to be going on the right path! Heading towards the two Sekirei, Musubi recognized one of them, "OH hey it's you!" Name maybe she didn't know, but before she was winged this one intervened from time to time to save her.
"Wha? You? What are you doing here? I just wanted a nice nap not to fight every Sekirei and Ashikabi that wants to steal a girl!" the robed fighter grunted out. Clad from head to toe with bindings and wrappings to mask his face firmly in place. Hands out towards the first perceived opponent, a woman in very Indian style dress, was standing dispassionately.
Skidding to a halt, tearing up some of the asphalt, Musubi stopped a nice distance from the robed man. "Oh no, I'm not here to fight you or for any girl. I'm here to give Shinji-sama his phone! He left it at our new home. What about you? Are you going to have a fight?" ooh that got Musubi's blood boiling! Training against Miya had been great, but an honest fight was something else entirely. She wanted to prove her usefulness to Master! Prove that she's doing her best, make him proud of her! Maybe even pat her head? Hold her hand? K-K-Kiss her maybe?
"Thank fate for that. I do not want to fight a 'Discarded Number' and you at the same time. She had a partner though, ran further in. So if your Ashikabi is nearby, bet she's on her way towards him," the man relaxed just a tad. Snapping his fingers, flame burst out of it just as his opponent did the same but it was ice instead. An interesting match, one Musubi wanted to watch…but she had a duty to do!
Waving at the man that kept her safe until she met Shinji, Musubi would honor that debt for now. Maybe in the future they'd fight, she hoped so at least, but for now she'd let this duel be one on one. Keeping a wide berth, "Well good luck! Have fun and don't lose or your Ashikabi-sama will be sad." Tearing off again, she felt a small tremor of coldness behind her followed by billowing flame, guess the woman was tired of being ignored and lashed out and her ally countered. Nice of him!
Entering the arboretum, Musubi was assaulted by the smell of plant life and pollens. No genius in…well any regard aside fighting, but for now specifically horticulture, Musubi saw the wild plant growth as pretty and not freakish. Massive arm sized flower petals and snake sized leaves were all pretty and smelled wonderful! "Maybe we can visit here when he doesn't have his work! It would be nice" Musubi slowed her running down to a light jog. The plant life converged above her blocking the sky and letting only sparse light in, and making a maze of tunnels.
"Just give me the girl, my Ashikabi wants her. She made this mess without being winged, just imagine if she were!" a voice sadistically toyed. It was coming from the right, faint but sounds were muffled here.
A voice Musubi knew very well got her to start moving, it was Shinji, "No! She doesn't want to go with you. I-I can't let you take her against her will!" He was troubled, worried! But he was doing what he did best, even if silly Master didn't realize it, and was standing up against bad people!
Punching the air a few quick times, she could sense a fight coming, Musubi hurried towards her Ashikabi's voice! Twisting, turning, and winding about she eventually saw people, "Oh you two! Are you here to get in my way? Shinji-sama is…right there! HI SHINJI-SAMA!" Musubi waved at the him. But standing between Musubi and her darling Master were four people. The two girls that chased her in the past, a man, and an oddly dressed woman with a scythe!
"Oh great the flasher is here, going to pop out of your top again?" Hikari groaned and stood before the man, guarding him. Based on that, and the shift of the other woman to protect the man, Musubi knew that he was their Ashikabi. Turning to the man, "Do we fight her? I mean, we beat her and that freak…" she flinched her head towards the small girl Musubi initially missed, shielded by Shinji.
Letting out a whistle on viewing Musubi, Seo waved his hands in a pantomime of her form. "You two almost caught this one? Man, bit upset you missed her. She's a vision. And no, I think that one chose her Ashikabi so we can just let this play out. You did good today Kiddo, real good. Take care of these two," Seo flashed Shinji the thumbs up before his whole body spasmed. Hit by twin lightning bolts, he was left charred and blackened as he fell over Hibiki's shoulder.
"He talks to much, we'd never let him wing another girl," Hibiki shook off some of the charcoal from her hand. Moving further down the passage, back the way Musubi came, "We'll keep others from coming, you win…your Ashikabi gets you a partner, you lose…and we feel like trash as we dodged a bullet in failing to capture you." With a wave of her hand, the twins and their unconscious Ashikabi left the scene.
Having watched the events, the long light grayish haired girl swung her scythe playfully around. Clad in black thigh high stalking, a white sundress with black accents, and a cute little collar, the woman had a very feral grin. "Are you done talking? Good, just going to say, I love destroying Sekirei before their Ashikabi! Beat you, kill him, and take the girl! Going to be a great day for Yomi!" she called out as she dashed forward at Musubi.
Kill Shinji? No, that wasn't possible, Musubi wouldn't allow it! Dodging back from the overhead slash, Musubi caught the blade between her palms. "That isn't very nice. We shouldn't hurt our Ashikabi or humans in general! We fight one another!" summing up her strength she pushed both hand forward and snapped the blade off. Good, that was easy! Following up her damage with a strong kick to the stomach, Musubi hoped this went a bit longer, easy fights were boring.
To Musubi's joy, Yomi rolled back and avoided the powerful foot. Gasping at the damaged blade, "You bitch, I loved this scythe! Have to pay you back for that!" Swinging the staff despite the blade, a torrent of wind funneled out of it, a vacuum blast.
Not expecting such range, Musubi felt pain rain down on her, tearing at her clothing and tearing her skirt off. Oh no! She was told to keep covered, keep her modesty! Dodging away from several more of those blasts, she found more and more of her clothing torn away. "That isn't very nice! I was told to keep clothed, Shinji-sama gets nervous around me when I'm naked!"
"Musubi pay attention to the fight! W-watch your sides when you can, she's fast!" Shinji called out. Eyes on her despite the nature of her nudity! He kept himself as a shield for the young girl that cringed behind him, he did not falter.
Sparing Shinji a moment, Yomi turned to him and sent a small blast his way knocking both Ashikabi and the 'Green Girl' into a heap on the ground. Chastising the young man, "No talking from the peanut gallery. After I've taken care of her, you can weep over until you join her!" Quick enough to turn back to Musubi, she nearly fell over due to the strength of Musubi's blow, just barely caught by her staff. Feet leaving divots along the ground as she was pushed back, Yomi gritted her teeth and looked a bit worse for wear.
Using her left arm to cover her exposed chest, Musubi formulated a plan. Sweeping at her opponents legs, sending Yomi leaping back and into a 'safe' position to send more of those vacuum slashes, Musubi expected it. Nobody hurt her Ashikabi and got away with it! True to form, Yomi launched a vortex at her, it caught the last shreds of Musubi's clothing save her panty, but it signaled her downfall. Leaping over Yomi and spinning in the air, she landed perfectly behind her opponent, and with a strong punch, destroyed that sundress revealing her opponents Sekirei mark. "By my covenant, and by my Master's will, I revoke your command," and Musubi touched the crest.
"No…I'm not…useless," Yomi cried out weakly as her crest vanished. The moment it was gone, the girl fell to her side and curled up in a ball hugging her legs.
Rushing over to Musubi's side, Shinji had the strange girl's hand in his, "Musubi-chan, are you alright? W-what did you do to her, she alright?" He tried not to look at her, but Musubi was proud she kept herself modest! With her arm holding her nudity at bay, she had done good!
Standing over her fallen opponent, Musubi had a moment of guilt. "It's a spell to remove her crest. She'll never see her Ashikabi again, if she is re-winged it will be from another," and that was regret she felt. Forcing a Sekirei to never again see their beloved Ashikabi, she'd never use that spell without need. But Yomi did hurt Shinji, he had a small cut on his cheek, so she had to act fast. "Did you watch me win, Shinji-sama? I kept myself modest all fight! And who is this one?" Musubi knelt down to see the girl, she was cute.
Giggling a little as the girl clung to his leg and hissed at Musubi as she hid behind him, "This is Kusano-chan. I don't…I saw her in my mind a few times since we landed at the inn. She called out to me. I think she did all of this." He gestured to the overgrowth and unnatural plant life. Scooping the girl up off the ground as she started to rub her eyes. "M-mind taking us home? Think my walk is over, and she seems tired and hungry. D-don't know what we can do other than that," Shinji used his arms as a makeshift seat for Ku-chan.
"Of course, oh and here you go!" Musubi handed Shinji over his phone. Fight was over, the whole modesty thing was over too right? She was naked before Shinji already, so no issue with doing so again! Oh and when he blushed at her, eyes drinking in her exposure, well it made a giddy sensation wash over her. Maybe she should talk to Misato about it! Taking Shinji onto her back, much as he did the young Kusano, Musubi felt an odd bulge against her back, it was flaming hot and expanding…it was his…his… Musubi wasn't ignorant to the human body, but parts of it confused her, that part very much so.
Rushing down the tunnel she had used to enter, Musubi ran at Shinji acceptable speeds. Couldn't cover herself if she was holding Master though, so…she didn't bother worrying. Why worry about things she couldn't deal with? As they left, Musubi saw the helicopter landing, "They're here to collect that girl I beat…take her home and put her in storage maybe." Musubi answered the question she felt Shinji about to ask.
It took naught but a moment to get back to their new home, and yet she was reluctant to set Shinji down. He was so skittish about touching, to have him all but hugging her from behind was so enveloping! She just wanted to hug and hold and be with him! But once his feet hit the ground, Shinji took a few safe steps away from her.
"Thank you again, Musubi-chan. S-sorry for causing you trouble today," Shinji freed one hand. After cupping Musubi's cheek, he opened the door. They both watched as a very worried Misato and Miya rushed it, Shinji stood his ground and reaffixed his hold over the girl.
"Did you kidnap a child?/You already have a kid! Do Sekirei pop out babies or something?" Miya and Misato both asked. Both women were a bit standoffish with one another, but an odd sort of friendship was there as well, Musubi was glad! Everybody should be friends, well when they could at least.
Murmuring against Shinji's back, the girl made a few happy murmurs and rubbed against Shinji's back. Then her stomach rumbled and set off Musubi's as well! Yeah, she didn't eat her whole breakfast and it was already past lunch now, took some time to find him after all. But Miya took that as proof it was not some illegal act.
"Then come in and explain why you have this child with you, I shall make supper early," Miya went to take Kusano off Shinji, but the girl weakly waved her off…she liked her post. No matter, she get seated at the table, and the small little family ate an early supper after which Kusano was fast asleep. Musubi was glad she helped her master get another Sekirei, a partner! Each day was better than the last!
X-X
Standing again in Gendo's office, Ritsuko played the dutiful servant well. Answer quickly, show a little trepidation, don't talk back, and have a slight air of attraction. Placate that old man ego, let him think he had everything under control, and keep on laughing at him behind his back. If Nerv realized just how cowardly the man really was, they'd never listen to him. BUT man had one hell of a strong game going to mask his insecurities, Ritsuko commended that. Kozo…now that was a man Ritsuko didn't know, cards far to close to the chest with that one. Didn't matter, Gendo made the choices in the end.
"So what is the status of our current projects?" Gendo leaned forward on his desk. Elbows on the desk, covering his mouth with those stupid gloves, he tried to look imposing. Had Ritsuko not heard him talking in his sleep, knew of his nightmares, she would have gave it more credence.
With a quick head nod, Ritsuko pulled out her little notebook, so easy to write down the simple facts in that thing. Clearing her throat, she had a bit of a cold, "We are little under two weeks away from Unit-02 being shipped. Pilots Ikari and Ayanami are continuing to show improvement, Ikari far more so than expected. I believe his time with the Sekirei Musubi is to thank for that. From what Captain Katsuragi said, I think we can rule out sex at this time." Misato loved to talk about things, flavor of the day was still her ward.
"That is to be expected, unwanted, but expected. If the scrolls are to be followed to the letter, having a happy Third Child will complicate matters," Kozo said but without any real believability. It was hard to gleam, people were afraid of showing shifting alliances in front of Gendo, but Ritsuko thought she saw the old man happy. Turning to look out the window behind Gendo's desk, Kozo added, "Have you learned anything new about this Sekirei business? How did the Third Child get bonded to this Musubi?"
Now she had to be careful here, Ritsuko couldn't slip to much information. Her playing with Hiroto and MBI had given her a lot more confidential info…but she couldn't let THEM know that. Flipping her pages to her 'safe for Nerv' section, she could feel Gendo watching her. So she spun her leg back and forth, showed off a little calf and her stalking to get his blood up. "From what I've gathered from Hyuga, Katsuragi, and Ikari himself, it is a simple method of kissing actually. If a compatible human, and Ashikabi, kisses an 'unwinged' or unowned Sekirei they become its owner," rather simple process really.
"Is there a way to break that bond, what of their capabilities? I want to know what it would take to take them down. Killing that Musubi, would it kill the Third child? We need him, not her," Gendo leaned back in his chair. Rubbing at the bridge of his nose, then stroking his beard a little, "Have you found any weaknesses in these creatures we can make use of?" All he wanted was his little scenario, and Hiroto's little Sekirei plan was causing issues with it.
Oh she knew a great amount about those creatures now, a great deal! So she gave Gendo a little morsel of it, "If the Sekirei loses in combat, a total defeat, they lose their brand and are recollected by MBI. We've a few accounts from the city about it. Still acting as if it's a publicity stunt for a movie. But we have confirmation that that is all it takes to break the connection between the two." The Ashikabi of those defeated Sekirei had been collected and questioned by Ritsuko. Most of them were sad to lose the body, some devastated, a few grateful to have the mess behind them. Humans, what a nasty creature they were.
"Does this have anything to do with the mobilization of MBI yesterday at the botanical garden?" Kozo took a few steps closer to Gendo. The two men shared a look at a few pictures that Ritsuko couldn't see. They liked secrets, liked to think they were the masters of some grand game, just like Hiroto. But in Hiroto's case it was an obsession to be the one to run everything, to be the puppet master. These two just wanted the end result, but they'd do anything to get it. Grumbling a little, "That mobilization forces made me late for an appointment. Don't like how they can get the police to just shut down roads for some dome game."
Letting out one of his rare grunt/laughs, "So that was why you were late yesterday. Almost thought you had a heart attack. You're never late," Gendo was not bereft of humor. Putting whatever document or photo he had down, Gendo pushed those damned glasses back up.
"I believe so. Katsuragi said something about it to me, I was going to confirm it later today. Now if you've nothing else, I'd like to take care of Ayanami's duplication process and then I'll see what Katsuragi knows about the event. Acceptable?" Ritsuko was smart enough to wait for dismissal. They were done with her, lost in their own little plans, but a dutiful and 'earnest' employee waited for orders. Gendo waved her off, and she fled the room with a skip in her step, she had so much to do!
Taking the elevator down to the bowels of Nerv, she loved private elevators, Ritsuko had to take a deep breath. Just playing with those two had a powerful effect on her, she was actually a little damp from it! "Calm down, calm…don't overstep and make a mistake," they were watching always, be a real shame to fuck up now and lose her own little scenario. Finding Rei already in her tube, Ritsuko felt pity for that child. She was Gendo's fixation due to her genetics, in another life Ritsuko might have been jealous of Gendo's attachment to her, in another life. Booting up the system, "You ready for today? Anything to report?"
"Ikari-kun had another girl waiting for him after school today. A younger female, timid in nature, didn't speak," Rei answered unabashed by her nudity. The perfect little spy, one that didn't even know she was a sleeper agent. Rei just did what she was told, never questioned, and never failed. So when Ritsuko said to keep tabs on the kid, especially Musubi, Rei did so. Waiting for the LCL to cover her, "Aside that, no change in routine. Is that girl still a potential threat?"
Of course Musubi was a threat, all Sekirei were by nature of their powers alone! Couldn't tell Rei that though, or she'd attack and get hurt. Girl took her order to 'protect Ikari-kun' just a little too far. Guess saving her life and treating her like a person got Rei's attention. "No, from what Misato says, girl is totally loyal and would die before letting Ikari-kun get hurt. Keep your eyes on them though. We don't know the end result of this Sekirei Plan," Ritsuko hated that. Nothing she did would get Hiroto to confess the end result of this little bout of stupidity.
With the formalities out of the way, Ritsuko started the duplication process. Rei was zoned out syncing with the Dummy Plug, so she humored herself with her own research. Sekirei…they were true marvels and had to be the creation of some perverse mind! They were effectively bio-roids, bionic androids or cyborgs. No metal parts, but they had programming in them. It was amazing, but maddening not to fully understand them! Their powers came from command words and powered by internal organs. The received massive power output increase when 'winged', but why? Why would any species create such a being…other than to be perverse? Were they to be guards? Pets? If they could have children, were they just breading stock?
"Have to think whoever created them was perverted though. They all are so attractive, so powerful, and totally loyal unto death," Ritsuko had to give the creators credit. Making the perfect bodyguard and concubine. Once winged, the Sekirei would never betray, never abandon, and were far stronger than any human, even the weak Sekirei had powers a normal person couldn't perform! Running some DNA sequencing on the sample she 'borrowed' from Musubi from the welcoming party, Ritsuko boggled. "They're so similar," she alternated between Rei and her screen.
Clearing his throat, more to get her attention than any real reason, "What are so similar?" Kozo held his hands behind his back. Prim and proper in that suit of his, hair well groomed, but he was a little glazed over. Approaching the young scientist, careful to keep Rei out of sight, "Didn't startle you did I? Was wondering if you'd learned anything else about Ikari-kun's little friend. Gendo might not care, but I'm worried she might cause him harm."
Blinking a few times, rapid flutter really, and a deep breath she actually smiled at the old bastard, "You did startle me, nearly fell out of my chair." It wasn't a lie, she had to shift over to get back to center, and she used her 'support hand' to close out her scan. It was nice to know Kozo didn't get his rocks off by looking at the teenager, he always avoided looking at her when in the tube if possible. But she had to try, so Ritsuko tugged on her collar a little in a little show, see if he bit, "And I was talking about Ikari-kun and Katsuragi actually. She's been my friend for ages, and seeing those two together…they're far more similar than people think."
"Really, from what I know of Katsuragi-kun is she is far more outgoing and bold than Ikari-kun. But I'll leave it to you for that. I don't know the woman outside her capabilities," Kozo approached Ritsuko's desk. Picking up stray reports and findings, he hummed and hah'd them, guy was still sharp as a blade. Getting in close, far closer than Ritsuko expected, "Akagi-kun, just a little word of advice from a friend of your mother, and somebody that hopes the best for you. You are not as stealthy as you think you are. Tread with caution."
Ok, not what she expected, and she WOULD have fallen off the chair had Kozo not caught her. The fucker knew something? What did he know, how long did he know it, how did…calm…calm. He knew SOMETHING, but not everything. If he knew everything she'd be in a cell right now, so if she panicked now she'd set off more alarms. Just nodding, "Sorry, curiosity is all. Hard not to be with so much new possibilities. And no, she'd sooner let him step on her in Unit-01 than hurt him." How had she been seen?
"Good, very good, keep up the good work," Kozo just patted her shoulder a few times. Spinning on his heels, agility far beyond his age, he headed for the door with one moment spared to look at Ayanami in her tube. A strange emotion crested his face, one Ritsuko couldn't place, was the only proof he even saw the oddity. Then just as quickly as he came, he was gone.
Heart pounding in her chest, Ritsuko had never felt so…so…aroused! That fear of detection, getting away with it, damned if she wasn't loving this! It was stupid, her scientific mind was warning her off this insanity, but some switch had been flipped and she loved this! Finishing off Rei's test, she returned to her hidden report. Sekirei DNA was so similar to humans, but odder still it was closer to Ayanami's hybrid DNA! Just a few genome tags were switched between the two…could she…could she make one of the clones her OWN Sekirei? "But what power would she have?" Ritsuko asked as Rei climbed out of the tank.
"Good job, you took a lot less time than normal. Think we'll forego the actual sync test today, take off and relax," Ritsuko dismissed the girl. Not because she really earned a break, more Ritsuko wanted to leave. If what Rei said was true, a new test subject was sitting at that boarding house Misato was living at. She was pissed that the security team couldn't install any cameras, failures, so she'd get the accounts first hand!
Ayanami might have said something, Ritsuko didn't pay attention as she didn't care. No, she had a new test subject to find out about. Musubi was a physical powerhouse, but she didn't have any of the crazier abilities she had seen at MBI. No fire, ice, or anything that went beyond that freakish strength. "Hope this new one can do something really strange!" a girl could hope! Maybe the powers were hidden in the DNA as well, get another sample and maybe she could start to formulate a good hypothesis!
The trip to the Izumo House was easy and boring enough, and thankfully quick. Place was suspect, Ritsuko had to suspect it was some sort of haven. Close to both MBI and Nerv, host of a few Sekirei already, and just accepted three new residents plus pet for so cheap? Yeah those places weren't normal. Walking onto the grounds, Ritsuko was floored as she watched a little 'light sparring' between Musubi and Miya. Moving at speeds that were hard to follow, feeling the impacts by proxy from the air gusts, just how strong were these creatures! Spotting her targets though, Ritsuko kept a wide berth from the fighting pair.
"Hey Rits, what brings you over today?" Misato sat alongside Shinji and the small girl Rei mentioned. The new target! Sipping a beer, Misato was the textbook example of relaxed as she leaned a little against her little ward. The girl however was flinching with every hit, every blow, and she cringed into Shinji-kun each time. Hard to tell what the girl looked like aside her hair though, she was wrapped in a heavy blanket and was quite cozy at the young Ashikabi's side when threat of violence was not evident.
More animated in his reactions to Musubi's fighting, though not as afraid, Shinji bucked and weaved in reaction to Musubi's motions. Taking a moment to wave, "Good evening Ritsuko-san. Are you here for supper? Asama-san and Musubi-chan were just having a little pre-meal exercise if you're wondering."
"Musubi needed to do something to get rid of that pent of passion she has Shin-chan here hasn't done the deed," Uzume announced her presence. Flaunting that body of hers with the tight fighting shirt, and having one of Misato's swill, she sat right next to Shinji. The little girl vibrated and leaned heavier against Shinji in response…guess the young man was quite the popular one at the moment.
Sitting down next to Misato, Ritsuko took one of the extra cans Misato had at the ready. Might as well enjoy the show, it was a packaged deal after all. Clinking cans, "Just wanted to let you know we've about two weeks until Unit-02 is shipped over. You're good to collect right? As for food, I'd never turn it down. But have to ask…you and that Musubi already have a child?" Play dumb, never let people know you knew more than you did, or they get defensive.
"That's Kusano! She's Shinji-sama's second Sekirei, she was winged this morning!" Musubi proudly declared. Since Ritsuko let them know she knew the little secret, Musubi was just the most blatant source of info, sadly the girl didn't know to much.
Over the course of the meal, Shinji and Musubi combined to confess the morning events. Shinji had wrapped the girl in the blanket she refused to take off, he sat and talked to her. Thanked her for saving him from some fall, and confessed to hearing her voice in visions and dreams…well Ku-chan opted to get herself winged by the young man. All Ritsuko heard was psychic powers…and that this Kusano was the cause of the plant growth! Such potential, so much potential!
X-X
School was hard to focus on today, but Shinji did his best. Most of the subjects were easy, physics just was hard on the mind for him, so it wasn't the worst day. Private messaging Touji and Kensuke random things kept him awake, but also had his mind wander to the Izumo House. The topic of the great arboretum lock down was the hot button item. That got Shinji thinking of Musubi fighting, the defeated Sekirei, and hearing Musubi say that worrisome statement. Defeated Sekirei never see their Ashikabi again. If she lost she would be gone...so he didn't mind if she trained with Miya-san.
"Stand, bow, dismissed. Fujiwara, Minamoto, and Ayanami are on cleanup today," Hikari thankfully said. With the class let go and none of them on cleaning duty, the faithful Stooges grouped up and headed out to the world of teenage time wasting.
Stretching his aching joints out, Touji let out a powerful yawn, "Man, they really need to start teaching us something more interesting. None of this shit makes sense in today's world! I mean, what are we ever going to use the cause of Second Impact for?" Touji just loved to complain at times, and now was no exception.
Knowing the truth of the event made Shinji even less interested in the subject, but he was 'a good student' so he defended the old man. Shrugging a little as they walked, "Maybe its just to remember why the world is as it is. No seasons, so many global problems, or just so we honor all those who died and suffered?" Misato talked a little about the world pre-second impact, but it was never when sober. Keeping an eye out for that strange crest on people as they passed by, Shinji was starting to wonder if he was getting a complex...another one. Hunting for potential threats to Musubi and Kusano.
"Yeah, dad likes to talk about life before shit hit the fan. He doesn't do it often, usually when he's tired or drunk. Makes him think of mom," Kensuke slowed his walking a little and got somber. Mothers, they all lost theirs, part of why the trio got along so well despite such different personalities. Bad family experiences abounded with the three. Shaking off his sadness as best he could, "So you hear anything about the garden event, Shin-man? I know it was MBI related, but they tell Nerv anything about it?"
Pulling out his phone, it vibrated in his pocket and fear of an angel got his blood up, Shinji was found it was just a picture of Musubi and Ku-chan compliments of Uzume. Girl liked putting them in odd costumes, made the lad wonder where she got the damned things! Cute as hell in Ku-chan's case and...well...Musubi was damn near popping out of the nurse outfit! Hiding the phone less his buddies see it, "Not really. Something to do with the massive plant growth, a chemical spill or something I think Misato-san said." Best to just go with the Misato branded lie about it. No good letting them know it was caused by a fearful Ku-chan's powers going wild.
Nodding to the logic of it, Touji accepted the lie, "Makes sense I guess. MBI does some odd shit if you ask me. Then again if I was them, I'd do crazy shit too! Think they're the ones behind this whole ARG with the fighting and shit?" They headed down the shopping arcade and avoided the side of the street with the older boys...hey it wasn't cowardice to avoid conflict with ego-challenged assholes.
"Who else would be doing it? Some movie studio or something?" Shinji asked hoping to deflect the conversation. Touji was spot on, MBI was to blame, but to expose them would have 'consequences' and he did NOT want to know them. But the look on Kensuke's face...was that how he was feeling inside too? His geeky buddy had a very troubled look about him, hell Kensuke was odd last few weeks in general! But how to broach it without being evident, "Kensuke, what do you think about this whole fighting thing?"
Chin dipping down a little, Kensuke's glasses gave off a glare that blocked his eyes, "Hate it. Hope it ends soon. At first I thought it was cool. Hot girls hopping all over, getting their bits and pieces shown...now...just want it all over." He took turns looking for acceptance from his two companions and found one of them an ally and the other unconvinced.
"Not what I'd expect form you dude, why the change? Lately you've been odd man. Not talking about military shit, not going stupid on Shin-man about Eva stuff, and hell you hardly hang with me anymore," Touji had an unexpected emotional tinge to his voice. Stopping at a vending machine, he pulled out his wallet and turned back to his buddies, "You guys want one?"
Waving his hand, Shinji didn't want anything, "I noticed it too, everything going well at home?" He wasn't the type to press on others, worried if he went to far he'd anger somebody and they'd cut ties, he only asked as Touji opened the can of worms.
"I'll take a cola, and things are actually pretty damn good! I...I got a girlfriend. I-I was worried about telling you guys, I'll introduce you to her next time. But she's not into fighting and military stuff so I've been getting a bit out of it for her," Kensuke puffed his chest out a little at the confession. Taking the can Touji offered, he pulled his own phone out and showed a few pictures of him and his lady friend.
Letting out a whoop at the pictures, Touji roped Kensuke's neck with his elbow and cheered. "Hell man, why didn't you say that earlier! I was getting all worried and shit that you were depressed and shit! Good on you, hell you too Shin-man. Musubi is a grade-A hottie and your chick is pretty damn cute too! Makes me want to ask Uzume-san out! I can't be the only guy out of us three unattached!" Touji's smile was a mile wide and thankfully without jealousy.
That name though, it got Shinji to stumble and nearly fall. "Did you say Uzume-san? Who is that?" Was it the same Uzume that he lived with? Small world and all, but it was possible wasn't it? They continued their walk towards the inevitable crossroads where they split up, first Kensuke would leave and Touji and Shinji had another block until they did…
"Yeah, I don't know her last name, she never said it. She's just some college chick that's been spending time at the hospital. Mari-chan met her there and they hit it off, glad she has another friend. Uzume-san spends a lot of time with Mari-chan I guess. Long brown hair, she's got a pony tail and a side one, and man she's stacked as shit! I'll see if I can get a picture of her next time I visit. OR you could come see Mari-chan sometime, she keeps asking me to ask you," Touji switched from physically abusing Kensuke to do the same to Shinji. Guy was just a bit dumb supportive lummox!
Responding to some text message he got, Kensuke had an extra pep in his step, "Yeah, last time we saw her, she was all about you visiting. Going to have to tell Musubi-chan you've a fanclub! Hell you actually might on the net, well not YOU-YOU but the Third-Child. Think Nerv has a fake profile of you out there to fake people?" Kensuke winked at Shinji and elbowed his stomach. Not many people were supposed to know Shinji was a child, mostly it was his class and a few other students. So it wasn't impossible, what Kensuke was saying.
"I don't know...I'll ask Misato-san when I get home," Shinji was genuinely interested in that idea. Would Nerv put a fake image of him out, or Rei-san for that matter? It wouldn't be far fetched to think Nerv would lie about him. If the world knew of HIM and he died, they'd freak out...but a fake Third Child would never die, could be replaced behind the scenes...nobody would know. A chill worked down his spine, "Oh y-yeah...Misato-san said in about two weeks we'll be going to meet some fleet of ships to get the new Eva. Said I could invite you guys if you want to come."
Jerking his head back in surprise, Touji just stalled as the thought worked its magic in his brain, "A date with Misato-san? Hell-yeah I'll go! I'll have to ask dad and all that, but if he's cool I'll go! And do you even have to ask Ken? Bet he's got a half chub thinking about it!" Touji just had to be crass and of course a few girls were walking by and...yeah another page in the story of 'Touji Suzuhara, mega pervert' was penned.
Waving his hand negatively, "Can't go. Kuno-chan wouldn't like me doing something like that. I want to honor that. But hey, I'll lend you my camera if you wouldn't mind filming a bit for me?" He had a small bit of desperation there...couldn't help it...it was a big part of his life before now. Can't just cut off all of your likes and hobbies in one go.
"Sure thing, just get it to me and show me how to use it I guess," Shinji would help anybody if given the chance. If you help people, they don't dislike you, if they don't dislike you they won't hurt you...protect yourself by helping. "See you later," he waved as they hit the first of the departures for the day.
With Kensuke gone, Shinji was expecting Touji to go into more odd questions about his relationship with Musubi...but it never happened. Touji just went silent, lost in thought. As they neared the second departure, "Something on your mind? Kensuke sounds happy, him not going with us bother you?" It was strange to see Touji so pensive.
"Not that, just wondering where Ken met a girl. Let alone getting the balls to ask her out. N offense to him, but he ain't the 'approaching girls' type of dude. Glad as hell for him, shocked he'd be all about dropping his military obsession for her...just things seem odd lately. I'm just over thinking it...say hi to that girl of yours man and don't go knocking her up yet, kids at our age would be a shit show," with a wink and a laugh Touji took off running. An escape maneuver of Shinji ever saw one...one he'd use if he was more physically fit.
Left with his own thoughts, Shinji plodded the rest of the way home in deep thought. Sex...everybody alluded to Shinji and Musubi eventually doing it. And he wouldn't lie, few times in the bathroom late at night the idea popped into his head and was flushed down the drain. He loved the girl, found her attractive as hell, and she was all about her feelings for him so it was mutual. Just...fear. Hard not to fear something that big, that emotionally binding.
"I'm...I'm home," he called out and felt that growing weight of emotion. This was home now, Misato was here, Musubi was here, and now Kusano was here...here with him. It was equally craved and abhorred. But he would fight for them, he'd pilot his Eva to keep them safe, all of them. And when it came to this fighting business...well he'd do his best. His voice wafted through the well maintained corridors of the maison and was greeted with the sound of an approaching stampede.
Pushing her current playthings forward, presenting them as one would a piece of art, "Took your time getting back, was worried Musubi-chan here would break out of the costume before you got here! I present you bear and tamer!" Uzume nearly burst out laughing as Shinji's eyes boggled at the image. Kusano was in a big teddy bear costume that just reeked of adorableness while Musubi was in a very altered lion tamer costume that left little to the imagination.
Yeah, this was an odd place to live, his life was getting just stranger by the day...but he enjoyed it! He'd deal with Kusano's ability to make plants grow, Musubi's abnormal strength, and all the other good and bad...if only to see more dumb sights like this, the softer moments between the chaos. He'd make himself worthy of them, and do his best to protect them when it was his time to. Thankfully before Musubi could pop out of that thin top of hers, Miya shooed them off to change...no lewd in public apparently. But then she did something that nearly made Shinji cry...she hugged him lightly and asked how his day was. It...it felt so warm in that embrace, he melted into it and then told her of his day as they cooked supper together.
X-X
Notes
Going to be shifting gears a little next chapter to be a bit more eva related...can't just be Sekirei all the time, and more of the pieces are falling into place. Some of the story plot I was a bit clustered about are coming clear and I've a very solid idea for where the majority of the plot is going now. Thanks for reading!
Later
Mercaba
