A/N: Hello everybody, back with a new chapter. First I want to apologize for taking so long to post this chapter. Work, life, and my other stories took up my time. I don't have a schedule when it comes to posting chapters. I post them after I finish checking for mistakes, that's why my stories take a while to update. Well, that and dealing a creative drain after writing a 100 plus pages for my other story.
Anyway, enjoy the new chapter.
Any mistakes are mine and mine alone.
The morning is like any other, Minato awoke first and found himself being snuggled by his partner. In this case, Uzume who snuggled closer to him and buried her head against his neck where she nibbled his neck.
"Uzume, its morning." Minato said after a quiet chuckle at her antics. Uzume snuggled closer, pressing her body against his. "Time to get up."
"You get up." Uzume mumbled against his neck and snuggled closer. "I'm going to rest a bit more."
Minato smiled at her and kissed her forehead before untangling himself from her. Uzume shivered a bit from the lack of heat and curled herself into a ball to preserve heat. Minato put an extra blanket on her as she went back to sleep. He gathered his clothes and put on his underwear before heading to the bath, opening the door to the bath he put his clothes away and saw a fresh set waiting. He smiled and he would thank Miya tonight, right now he needed a bath and removed his shorts and entered the bath.
He heard a cough and saw Homura in the bath, the silver haired man glanced down and blushed before turning away.
"Homura, getting ready for your day job?" Minato asked stepping into the bath and reached for the shampoo.
"Ye-yes." Homura stammered and wondered what the hell is wrong with him. He's a guy and right now he's acting like a girl alone with her crush and doesn't know what to say. Though he could admit that Minato is a good looking guy. Homura shook his head to clear the thoughts from his head.
"When are you heading out?" Minato asked raising the bucket full of water over his head to rinse the soap from his hair.
"After I eat breakfast." Homura said now free from the weird thoughts and feelings. "I'm just about done. Have a good day." He said getting out of the bath and heading to the towel rack to dry off.
"Take care and watch out for yourself." Minato said to Homura before he left the bath and him alone. Minato scrubbed himself and rinsed and finished the rest of the bath in relative peace. Now fully dressed he left the bath and went downstairs to see what he can do. Arriving in the dining room he is met with the mouth watering scent of breakfast and coffee. Miya and Matsu are already sitting and eating.
Minato sat down and made himself a plate and started eating enjoying the moment of peace with his wives. "How's Homura already eaten?"
"He made himself a plate to go and left shortly before you came down." Miya said after taking a sip of coffee.
"How is our guest?" Minato asked after breakfast was done, though he made sure to save a plate for Uzume whenever she got up.
"She's upstairs still sleeping." Miya said holding a cup of coffee. "The drugs still haven't worn off. They must have given her a strong dosage."
"She'll be fine once she wakes up." Matsu said leaning against Minato. "In fact I'll say that she'll wake up around noon."
"Any news from MBI?" Minato asked.
"Nothing." Matsu said with a sigh. "There is nothing in the rules that say an Ashikabi can't attack another. Though Karasuba might pay us a visit soon."
At the mention of her name, Minato saw Miya's hand tighten on the cup for a second before relaxing. He recalled the silver haired beauty from his encounter back in that research base.
"Karasuba has been searching for you ever since your last encounter." Matsu explained. "She's been reacting you, probably because you're the only person to ever beat her in a fight. After last night, I'm sure she has an idea on where to find you."
"I expect that she will show up in the coming days." Miya said and some of her killer aura showed. The hannya mask showed briefly before fading away, Matsu had clung to Minato and hid behind him when the mask appeared and slowly appeared when the mask disappeared. Minato smiled at Miya since it's been a while since he saw the mask.
"I'm sure Matsu will let us know when she is coming." Minato said and Matsu quickly nodded still in fear from seeing the hannya mask. Minato and Miya did the dishes while Matsu went to check on Kochou before heading to the room to assist Homura as much as she can.
After helping Miya with the dishes Minato decided to take care of the front lawn and other chores around the inn to help Miya out and hopefully give her a break. Then he needed to get Chiho out of the hospital and to the Ebon Hawk med bay. After that would be dealing with the fallout from dealing with Higa.
Right now, he would focus on helping out around the Inn and helping Miya. After an hour of yard work Minato went back inside and found Uzume eating her late breakfast and fully awake, she smiled when he entered and he returned the smile when he sat down next to her.
"Any plans?" He asked.
"Relax for a bit and then go see Chiho." She said spearing an egg with her chopsticks.
"We should probably get her to the Ebon Hawk soon." Minato said reaching over and stealing some of Uzume's breakfast. "While Higa is still recovering."
"Yeah." She said taking a sip from her tea. "For now, I want to relax and enjoy this." She said reaching out and holding his hand. After Uzume's finished her late breakfast she went back to her room to get a change of clothes and take a bath while Minato went to Matus's room.
He opened the door and saw Matsu sitting in front of her many monitors and T3 was off to her side and looked his way and beeped. He nodded at T3 and walked up behind Matsu and leaned over to kiss the top of her head.
"Ready to play doctor?" Minato asked and he could see the mischievous grin on her face as she looked up towards him.
"Always." She said still grinning. "Are you planning on taking Chiho to the ship today?"
"Yeah, since Higa is still recovering." He said looking at the monitors and saw Homura on one of them. "Anything happen?"
"No, it's been quiet. Thankfully." She said going back to looking at the screens while T3 beeped and one the screens enlarged to show a group of guys following a Sekirei. Matsu forwarded the location to Homura who took off and made it in time to prevent a forceful winging. "When do we leave?"
"Uzume wants to relax first then head out." Minato said. "I'll let you know when."
"Ok." Matsu went back to watching the screens with T3 while Minato went downstairs to find Miya. He found her sitting in the backyard enjoying some tea and watching the leaves fall from the large tree in the yard. He joined her and she offered some tea.
"Reminds me of where I grew up." Minato said sipping the tea, the serene scene reminded him of the temple gardens of his home.
"It does help calming the mind." Miya said setting her cup down.
"What's wrong?"
"Just getting the feeling like the calm before the storm." Miya said looking at the falling leaves.
Minato set his cup down and scooted over so he's next to Miya and pulled her into a one arm hug, Miya leaned into him. "Her name is Karasuba." He said earning a chuckle from Miya.
"She wasn't always that bad." Miya said.
"What was she like?" Minato asked curious since from what he's read about Karasuba, pointed to her enjoying killing. In a way she reminded him of some Sith Lords.
"She always enjoyed fighting but not to the extent that she does now." Miya said relaxing in his embrace. "She believes in strength and that the weak have no place among the strong."
"Might makes right."
"What are your plans?" Miya asked changing the subject.
"Help Uzume with Chiho. After that do a little work on HK with Matsu." Minato said kissing the top of Miya's head. "Then I'll be back to help around the Inn."
"Good, the bath needs a good cleaning." Miya said closing her eyes and listened to the gentle breeze blowing through the tree leaves. Minato held Miya and drank his tea in silence.
After a while he heard soft footsteps behind him and he looked over his shoulder to see Uzume and Matsu waiting for him. He kissed Miya before leaving with the two, he and Matsu headed for the ship while Uzume went to retrieve Chiho from the hospital. Matsu had forged some documents so the doctors will let Chiho go to see a "specialist".
Minato and Matsu arrived at the ship and immediately went to the medical bay to prep everything while Matsu got into her doctor persona, she even has a doctor coat. Uzume called them to let them know that they are on the way, she also let them know that the doctors had given Chiho a sedative to make sure she doesn't feel any pain while in transit.
While they waited for Uzume to arrive with Chiho, Minato went to the cargo bay and decided to kill time by working on getting HK functioning again. He has missed the assassin droid that has been apart of his childhood and for the better part of his hunt for the man who killed his parents. HK saved his life by taking a blaster bolt that he hadn't reacted to fast enough to block it. He meant to repair him sooner but he never seemed to have enough time.
Minato sat down and Matsu joined in, together they got some work done before Uzume called for them when she entered the ship. They went to greet her and saw Chiho sleeping in her arms.
"I figured we'd get here faster traveling my way." She said. "Rather than the conventional way."
"Let's get her to medical before she wakes up." Matsu said leading the way to the medical bay. When they arrived Uzume set Chiho down on the bed and backed away to let Minato and Matsu do their thing and not get in their way.
Uzume watched from the outside as the medical scanner booted up and scanned Chiho. She didn't understand the mechanics of the device but she hoped that it would cure her friend.
"Matsu already has an idea on how to help her." Minato said stepping out of the room. "Biology is really more her thing. Chiho is in good hands."
"I know. I'm just worried for her after." Uzume said watching as Matsu mixed some chemicals together before putting them into a machine and checked on Chiho.
"You could invite her to the Inn." Minato said looking at Uzume. "She'd be safer there and she may run into some of the unwinged that decide to stay with us."
"Yeah, you're right." Uzume admitted looking at Minato then back to Chiho. "Higa doesn't seem the type to let things go."
"He'll be back, though we did buy ourselves some time." Minato said pulling Uzume into a one arm hug. "As this twisted game nears its end, he may decide to risk everything."
"We'll deal with him when the time comes." Uzume said leaning against him just as Chiho began waking up.
"Uzume?" Chiho asked still sleepy from the sedative. Uzume went to her friend's side.
"Hey, sleepy." Uzume said with a warm smile that made Chiho smile back. "Glad you're awake, I think the doctor is close to your cure."
Chiho looked at her surroundings and saw Minato waiting outside, he nodded to her and offered a small smile. She then saw Matsu holding a vial containing a light blue liquid that glowed slightly.
"My patient is awake at last." Matsu said pushing up her glasses.
"You must the doctor that Minato helped." Chiho said sitting up with the help of Uzume.
"I am. My ex husband was quite controlling when it came to my life." Matsu said with a frown. "That's in the past and he won't be troubling anyone any again."
"Oh." Chiho said unsure of what to say since her mind supplied the answer to what Matsu said.
"I didn't kill him if that's what your wondering." Matsu said making Chiho look away in shame for thinking such thoughts about her doctor. "He died because of his own foolishness."
Chiho nodded and looked back to Matsu and finally noticed the vial in her hands. "Is that my medicine?"
"Yes, this will help you." Matsu said waving the vial in front of Chiho who didn't seem excited. "You don't believe me."
"I'm sorry." Chiho admitted. "Its just that many doctors before you have all promised the cure to my disease."
"I understand." Matsu said with a smile before inserting the vial into an injector and pushing Chiho's right sleeve up exposing her arm. "This will hopefully help you get better." She said before putting the injector against her arm and pressing the button. The liquid inside the vial slowly drained and once done Matsu removed the vial and disposed of it.
Chiho didn't feel anything but then she felt hot and her mouth went dry.
Uzume saw Chiho getting pale and worried until Matsu placed a bucket in front of Chiho who vomited. She quickly leaped off the bed not wanting to get any stray vomit on her, Matsu on the other hand continued to hold the bucket and rubbed Chiho's back to comfort her.
Minato arrived and took the bucket of vomit when Chiho stopped vomiting and moved to dispose of it.
"Feel better?" Matsu asked handing a towel to Chiho.
Chiho took a moment to wipe her mouth free from any excess vomit that may have clung to the sides of her mouth. She took a moment to think and for the first time in a long time she did feel better, she didn't feel tired or feeling like a headache is coming. She felt… good.
"I do." Chiho said before Matsu placed another bucket in front of her and she vomited again.
"That's the medicine working." Matsu said patting the girl's back in sympathy. "It's helping your body in getting rid of the disease."
"How- ugh- how long will it last?" Chiho asked holding onto the bucket tightly.
"For about two hours."
"Oh g- URK." Chiho vomited again and decided to refrain from speaking while she is puking up her guts and the illness at the same time. Matsu left Uzume to comfort her friend while she left to check on Minato and get some more work done on HK.
Matsu found Minato in the cargo hold working on HK.
Minato heard the scrapping of the chair next to him and saw Matsu handing him a tool. Together they worked on HK and managed to make some progress, but they are nowhere close to getting HK back. They still needed to repair his chassis from the damage that the blaster bolt did. After two hours or working on HK they went back to the medical bay to check on Uzume and Chiho.
They found to two talking, Chiho seemed to be in better spirits but still held the bucket close by just in case.
"You seem better." Matsu said entering the room while Minato remained outside so the room won't get too crowded. "No longer puking?"
"I am and I stopped." Chiho said.
"You're body is still weak after being ravaged by the illness for a while." Matsu said going to a table and grabbing a pouch, she opened it to show the contents to Chiho. Inside is an injector with ten vials. "So, take these everyday for the next week. One injection in the morning and one in the evening." She instructed before zipping the pouch close and handing it to Chiho.
"Thank you." Chiho said taking the pouch and setting it beside her.
"Do you have any where to stay other than the hospital?" Matsu asked casting a quick look to Uzume and Minato.
"I don't."
"Why not come to Izumo Inn." Matsu suggested putting her hands into her coat pockets. "It's currently my place of residency. It would allow me to keep an eye on you."
"I don't think the doctors at the hospital would let me go." Chiho said folding her hands. "It's not that want to go, but the doctors will want to check up on me when I return."
"Okay, but if you change your mind. Uzume also lives with me at the inn." Matsu said taking her hands out of her pockets.
"I'll think about it." Chiho quickly said looking at Matsu then to Uzume. "Really… it would be nice to be among friends."
"Maybe once you're all healed up and moving again." Uzume suggested with a warm smile that made Chiho smile in return.
"Yeah."
Minato entered the room and placed an arm around Uzume. "We'll gladly welcome you to the inn."
"You live there as well?" Chiho asked before remembering that he is Uzume's husband. "Sorry I forgot."
"It's ok." Minato replied with a smile before waving his hand in front of her. "Sleep." He said using the Force to put her to sleep so Uzume can take her back to the hospital without her seeing the ship.
Uzume gently picked up Chiho and the pouch with her injections. She thanked Minato and Matsu for helping and left the ship to head back to the hospital.
Minato and Matsu went back to working on HK for a bit before heading back to the inn. They stopped for lunch on the way before heading back to the inn.
When they arrived back at the inn they saw a pair of purple heels that they knew belonged to only one Sekirei. They went to dining room and saw Miya having an afternoon drink with Kazehana, Minato decided not to disturb them and went to clean the bath while Matsu returned to her room.
Miya sipped sake with Kazehana, she saw Minato and Matsu head upstairs giving them a moment of peace. She was surprised when Kazehana showed up at her door, so she invited her in and opened a bottle of sake. The two former squadmates drank in silence.
"Things are quiet." Kazehana said after finishing a cup of sake.
"Thankfully, though I suspect things may pick up soon." Miya said setting her cup down and refilling Kazehana's cup.
"Have you heard about the attack on the Ashikabi of the East?" Kazehana asked bringing the cup to her lips.
"I heard." Miya said refilling her own cup. "Matsu informed me after the incident happened."
"Apparently it was the same person who saved number 88."
"Guess he made his way to the city." Miya said taking another sip of sake.
"Guess so." Kazehana agreed. "How is the married treating you?" She asked changing the subject.
"It's been good." Miya said with a warm smile as she set her cup down. "How have you been?"
"Good, not reacting to anyone." Kazehana said. "Just wandering the city."
"You could stay here." Miya offered. "Give you a chance to rest."
"And sample the sake?" Kazehana asked hopeful.
"You have to work for it." Miya said with her trademark smile that sent a chill down Kazehana's spine.
Kazehana pouted at the news and poured herself another drink. "I may take your offer to stay."
"You can stay downstairs in the guest room." Miya said sliding the bottle to Kazehana. "I assume it's just for the night?"
Kazehana picked up the bottle and took a large sip from it. "Yeah."
Miya got up and left leaving Kazehana to drink alone while checking on Kochou. She passed by the bath and peeked inside to see Minato hard at work on cleaning the bath. She arrived at the room that Kochou is in and heard groaning coming from inside, opening the door Miya saw Kochou waking up.
"Easy." Miya said sitting next to Kochou and helping her sit up. "The drug has worn off but you're still feeling the effects."
"Where-" Kochou said licking her dry lips.
"Izumo Inn." Miya said pouring a glass of water from the pitcher on the desk in the room. She handed the glass of water to Kochou. She took it with trembling hands, Miya helped the girl drink by holding the cup steady. "You were brought here last night."
"I remember vaguely." Kochou said now holding the cup with steady hands. "You're Miya, number 1."
"Yes."
"Then…" Kochou said before her eyes started to water and tears fell down her face as she recalled how she almost was forcibly winged. How she almost lost the chance to be with her destined one. Miya comforted the poor girl while she cried, when she stopped Miya handed her a tissue.
Kochou wiped the tears from her face and blew her nose, she tossed the used tissue into the trash can. "Thank you."
Miya gave her a warm smile. "We have leftovers that we can heat up." She said helping the girl off the bed and stood by just in case she fell. Kochou wobbled a bit and gasped almost falling over if Miya hadn't caught her.
"You're reacting." Miya stated keeping Kochou up. "First food." She said letting her go once she is sure that the girl won't collapse. Together they went downstairs to the dining room, Kochou stumbled when they passed by the bath.
Miya told kochou to take a seat while she fetched the leftovers from the fridge, she didn't see Kazehana anywhere and had a pretty good idea as to where her friends has gone. The roof to finish the bottle of sake that the two shared. Which reminded her, she needed to check the stocks and see if Kazehana swiped anymore. She put the cold leftovers onto a plate and heated them up, she returned to the dining room and set the plate in front of Kochou.
Kochou ate the food slowly as too not choke.
"So how long have you been reacting to my husband?" Miya asked making Kochou pause slightly.
"Since last night." Kochou said before her eyes widened. "Wait, he's the one who saved me." She said.
Miya nodded confirming what she said. "What do you remember?"
"Not much." Kochou said setting the chopsticks down. "I remember flashes of light and screaming."
"If you can be patient, you can ask Minato to wing you once he's done with the bath." Miya said cheering up Kochou who quickly nodded and finished the rest of her food. Once done she offered to help Miya with some chores to distract herself.
Minato finished cleaning the bath and sighed to himself as he put away the cleaning supplies and went downstairs to find Miya. He found her and Kochou who seemed to be in better spirits, he did see her posture change when he walked over and recognized the signs of a reaction.
"The bath is now clean." He told Miya who nodded in thanks and tilted her head in the direction of Kochou who is now blushing and breathing heavily, pretty much on the verge of panting.
"Do you accept me as your Ashikabi?" Minato asked.
"Ye-yes!" Kochou practically shouted, she felt like her body is about to erupt into flames from how close she is to her destined one. She badly wanted to jump his bones and take him right there. So when he approached her and put his hand under her chin, she sighed and leaned forward.
Their lips met in the middle and Kochou emerged, her wings emerging and the same color as her hair. Kochou threw her head back and moaned as she felt herself bond to her Ashikabi, his memories flowed in her mind. She kissed him again this time more passionately and would have gone further if not for Miya clearing her throat.
"You can continue further when your night comes." Miya said happy that another Sekirei has found her destined one. "Till then, chores need doing."
Kochou pouted but nodded and released Minato.
Minato kissed her head and went to help Miya with the laundry while Kochou decided to visit Matsu and see what help she can provide and also to see T3 for herself.
Minato took the clean sheets out of the laundry basket and hung it on the clothesline as Miya brought out a second basket and joined him. "Will Kazehana be staying the night?"
"Yes, I think she's had enough of hotel beds." Miya said hanging up the clean laundry. "Though we need to keep an eye on the sake. She might just drink all of it."
"Why does she drink so much?" Minato asked concerned.
"She loved someone and when she confessed. It didn't go as she imagined it."
"She drinks to forget?" Minato asked as he finished hanging up the last of the sheets.
"I think so she can't feel anything." Miya said handing a shirt to Minato to hang up. "I know that she won't accept an Ashikabi who isn't Minaka."
Minato didn't say anything as he and Miya hung up the rest of the clothes. After that was done they went back inside.
On the roof Kazehana took a sip from the sake bottle, she had heard everything and she felt touched that Minato is concerned for her. Once again she felt the pull, this time slightly stronger and once again she ignored it by drinking sake.
Minato sighed as he sat down in the dining room with Miya after completing the remaining chores around the house. Miya leaned against him and placed her head on his shoulder relaxing for a moment.
"You can enter." She said and Kazehana rubbed the back of head in embarrassment and sat down, the sake bottle nowhere in sight.
"So what brings you to the inn?" Minato asked wanting to talk to Kazehana.
"I was in the area and wanted to check in on Miya." She replied setting her chin on her palm as she placed her right arm on the table. "And to see if I can get more sake."
Minato smiled at her as did Miya from her spot. "I think we can spare at least one bottle."
"Top shelf?" Kazehana asked hopeful for another bottle of the high end stuff.
"Something lower." Minato said dashing her hopes for the high end stuff, but remained happy that she is still getting a bottle. "How are things in the other areas of the city?"
"Matsu could tell you better than I can."
"She could, but I rather hear from someone who is actually out and about." Minato said shifting in his seat slightly to better accommodate Miya.
"Things have been quiet." Kazehana said drawing random shapes into the table. "Some of the Sekirei are finding their destined ones, while others are having that taken from them."
"Homura can't be everywhere at once." Minato said. "Even with the help of Matsu."
"True, but he is helping and most of the unwinged are now coming to the North." Kazehana said who seemed to be finding some satisfaction at the stunned look on Minato's face and the slight twitch from Miya. It would seem that they didn't know that little tidbit. "They've heard about the attack on Higa and know that the Ashikabi of the North is somewhat responsible."
"That just happened." Minato said making sure to not implicate himself in the attack. "Word seems to spread fast."
"Because I told one and they told the others." Kazehana said with a smile once again shocking the two. "I care for them and want them to find their destined ones. So, I told them that the North is safe for the moment."
"Then…"
"I know it was you who saved Musubi and gave Karasuba a decent fight." Kazehana said now sitting with her back straight. "I came to visit Matsu last night and saw you leaving with Homura. I became curious and decided to follow from a distance. You're quite the fighter."
"I held back actually." Minato said looking at Kazehana.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." She said waving him off and smiling again. "Things are going to get interesting in the coming weeks."
Everyone heard the front door open and saw Uzume entering the dining room with the Lightning Twins behind her looking at their surrounding with interest.
"Welcome to Izumo Inn." Miya said welcoming the twins to the Inn.
Minato looked at the twins then to Kazehana and agreed that things are going to get interesting in the coming weeks.
Homura gasped as he felt his power emerge without his consent, he tried to get them under control but couldn't. His teeth clenched together to prevent him from yelling and alerting everyone in the vicinity to his predicament. Homura leaned against the side of a building and failed to get his abilities under control, he reached for the pouch that Matsu had given him and retrieved an injector when he suddenly became drenched in water from above.
The water was cold making Homura shiver after the impromptu shower, the water did its job and doused the flames. Hot steam came off his body as he injected himself and felt the medicine ease the pain. He sighed in relief when he felt himself back in control.
"Thanks." Homura said to the figure above him as he pulled down his mask since it clung to his mouth making him uncomfortable. The figure didn't say anything as they jumped down from the roof of the building and into the alley that Homura had taken refuge in.
"Thou are my rival. I refuse to allow thee to expire before our rematch." The figure said in a female voice.
"Heh. Gonna be waiting a while." Homura said lifting his head and looking at Sekirei #9, the Water Sekirei, Tsukiumi. She wore a black dress that is open in the front to allow for a greater set of movement with a white under dress that showed her cleavage and is a little too short in the skirt area. The sleeves of the dress have white frills on the ends and the shoulders are puffed. A black choker with white frills rests on her slender neck. To complete her look she is wearing knee high brown boots and black stockings. Her long blonde hair flowed down her back and her blue eyes narrowed at Homura.
"Then thou should conserve strength and cease this pointless objective." Tsukiumi said crossing her arms under her breasts. "If the unwinged need a monkey to help them. Then they are not worthy of protecting."
"See that attitude of yours hasn't changed since we last met." Homura said pulling out a wet cigarette and silently cursing as he tossed the pack away.
"Why does thou insist on smoking those infernal things?"
"We all have our vices." Homura told her. "Why are you here?"
"So I could issue a challenge." Tsukiumi said uncrossing her arms and pointing a finger at him. "Though, thou is in no state for combat."
"Glad you noticed." Homura said leaning his head against the wall. "Still clinging to your ideals?"
"Of course, I intend to prove that I'm stronger without a monkey." Tsukiumi said with a slight shiver as the winging process entered her mind. "I shan't let me body be defiled. I will win without an Ashikabi."
"I told you before that's not how the winging works." Homura said with a sigh wishing he had a cigarette in his mouth. "Finding an Ashikabi isn't as bad as you make it out to be."
"Humph!" Tsukiumi said once again crossing her arms under her chest. "Rest and then we shall have our dual! I'll prove to you that I don't need a monkey." She said before jumping back onto the roof leaving Homura alone.
"You know your panties can be seen when you jump or move a certain way." Homura said and he heard and "eep" in the distance. "I need to find my Ashikabi too." He said in desperation, he didn't know how much longer he's going to last.
Karasuba looked at herself in the mirror making sure to tie up her light gray hair into a ponytail before leaving the bathroom. On her bed is the uniform that the females of the first generation Disciplinary Squad wore neatly laid out before she went into the shower. She put on her black underwear before putting on the back stockings and then the miniskirt, after that came the tight black top that clung to her breasts and body showing off her form.
She then put on her black leather fingerless gloves and the brown leather belt around her hip where she sheathed a tanto on the back of the belt. Though the tanto nowadays is mostly seen mainly as ornate, she used it for its original purpose as a weapon. Karasuba grabbed the grey haori off the bed and put it on. Now fully dressed and armed she left her room and headed for the elevator.
"Oh Karasuba!" Minaka called from the elevator lobby. Karasuba tsked as she walked over and saw him standing next to a man that normally would have spoken to her fighting spirit, but now? Nothing. She could tell that the man is a warrior and has killed before and yet she felt nothing toward him. She had her eyes on a much deadlier man.
"This is Natsu." Minaka said introducing the man to Karasuba. "He's going to be the Ashikabi for the next generation Disciplinary Squad."
"Good luck." Karasuba told him before turning and leaving for the elevators.
"Since you're going to be leading to squad. I thought it important for you to meet." Minaka said stopping her.
Karasuba turned to face them once again. "I won't be leading the squad if my outing goes how I think it will."
"Hmmm?" Minaka asked with that same damned smile that hid his cunning intelligence. She knew that he knows where she is going. "Well, best of luck. We'll be here if things don't work out." He said waving goodbye.
Karasuba pressed the call button and didn't have to wait since the elevator doors opened to reveal Yume and Musubi. Both are covered in sweat and she knew that they were training once again. It still amazed her to see the two identical twins and would have problems distinguishing the two if not for one thing. Musubi has a bigger bust than Yume.
"Karasuba, are you heading out?" Yume asked upon seeing her.
"Yes, don't wait up for me." She told the two as she passed them and entered the elevator.
"Are you going to meet your Ashikabi?" Musubi asked with stars in her eyes.
"Yes, and most likely end up winged to him." Karasuba said with a smile before the elevator doors closed. The smiled disappeared from her face as she pressed the button for the ground floor. It always amazed her how Musubi could be so naïve and childlike at times, and others serious. She guessed Yume had something to do with how Musubi turned out.
Karasuba decided to focus on other things and thought back to the footage from last night. The footage came from Higa's tower and when she saw who was attacking she felt her body heatup and react much strongly than before. The man that had bested her back in the facility has returned and she couldn't wait to get her hands on him. So, imagine her surprise when she tracked the man back to Izumo Inn. This meant that Miya's Ashikabi is none other than the warrior who had just killed the majority of Higa's security.
She sighed again as she imagined that mask that has plagued her dreams in the reflection of the elevator doors. She bit her bottom lip and drew blood, she ran her tongue over the wound and tasted the familiar copper taste in her mouth.
She didn't care that Miya was his first.
Karasuba would make sure that she's his favorite.