A/n

Now were linked into the storyline that I had before, but don't think that you should skip to the end from here. There are additional details and changes made, so read each chapter and you may like this even more. This still is set a little before the start of the Sekirei plan's start. MBI knows nothing about Ashe being Miya's Ashikabi, for it occurred before there was a system set up to detect and register Sekirei are matched to their Ashikabis. Enough from me, on with the story!

Chapter 5: The Onset of Harder Times

-Ashe's pov-

I cracked my eyes open and found myself staring at the ceiling of the bedroom that Miya and I share. I'd been dreaming before I had woken up, and I was trying to process it's a subject matter for parts of the dream were slipping away even as I tried to recall them. Bits and pieces remained, but little that could help me make sense of what the dream had been about. The only things that stuck out, was that it had seemed to be around my original home, but other than that there were muddled images only. So, I stopped trying to figure out what the dream had been about and took in my surroundings.

The rays of sunlight filtered into the room from the two windows, which told me it was the earlier end of the morning hours. For a moment, I wanted to curse the sun and the one who was responsible for its rising over Japan since it disturbed the wonderful respite I was experiencing. That respite included a feeling of warmth that I registered coming from under the futon's heavy cover, accompanied with a familiar weight that was partially on top of me as well as being next to me. I instantly knew it was Miya and she was hugging my torso with her head tucked into the crook of my neck as she slept. It was the more common sleeping position that she ended out in and I enjoyed it as much as she did, for it brought happy feelings to me. I wished this time with Miya not to end.

I decided to forego cursing the one who has the responsibility with the sun and just enjoyed the feeling of being with Miya. I even felt a smile form on my face, before I shifted my body so that I could wrap my arms around my wife and hug her closer to me. As dear as those that I've changed into yōkai are to me, as they gave up their humanity to help and follow me. Miya is special to me in ways that none other can be. Honestly, I've met only one other woman during my existence that had been able to make my heart flutter and create a warm feeling within me similar to what Miya can. And even with that woman, the feelings weren't the exact same as it is with Miya. Plus, the other woman… she had been killed centuries ago, by one that I'd given trust to and it had been betrayed.

Miya had been the one to help me overcome that deep-rooted pain, which had been left in me from the previous woman I'd developed feelings for centuries ago had left in me. Miya had managed to open my heart and find a special place in it. And I've thanked the stars and the heavens more than once, that I'd met Miya, she had saved me from the depression and hollow shell I had descended to. I'd only seen how far I had fallen looking back on the years that had gone by, realizing the misery that had been weighing me down.

I was brought out of my thoughts, when felt Miya beginning to stir in my arms, to which, I rubbed my chin along Miya's forehead affectionately. "Good morning dearest to my heart," I quietly greeted.

Miya moved herself to face me so that our eyes met, then she smiled, "Hmm, good morning, my wonderful Ashikabi," she replied happily while renewing her embrace of me.

We stayed in our embrace for a time, enjoying one another's presence along with the joy it brings us. The warmth that came for us both couldn't be described with words properly, but it didn't need words to be understood. Many, if not most of our mornings, would begin like this, a way of reaffirming our feelings and love for each other. I've seen and experienced enough to know that peaceful moments like these are fleeting, so I'm grateful and take them as I can get.

The two of us eventually got out of bed, prepared and had breakfast together. Afterward, I dressed in a neutral blue kimono, a grey hakama and a silver obi around my waist for the day. Miya stayed back at the house today, while I went out and walked to the northern shrine to check on things. The Suiten-gū shrine itself was the oldest standing group of structures that still around, passing the test of time in Japan. As it was the main shrine in Tokyo, they would continue to stand for many centuries to come if I have anything to say about it and I do have influence in that. The memories of all the sacrifices and work of those who build this whole temple weren't small, nor would I let them be forgotten. I had a connection to the shrine in a few different ways and the place holds special memories for me.

Representatives from MBI had been around the shrine 'making' offers to buy the land which the shrine as a whole sits on and the area surrounding it here in the north. As I recall, in their own words, MBI wanted to purchase the land for 'future development' for their company. A medical facility had even come up in discussion, I can't say that I really believe that's what would happen if they did get the land. Their head has never come himself, but the message to me was very clear and unmistakable. When they say the company wanted to purchase the land for future development, that says two things to me.

The first being that they didn't respect or care about the historical significance or value that the shrine has to many people, even today. I say that because, a large number of people come to visit the shrine during the year, from within the city and from farther away. The second, I know that the head of MBI wants more space to use for his game that he's been working on, so he wants the most room he can get. But then, the head of MBI doesn't care about the value of anything outside of his own interests and his delusions of grandeur. So, his current goal of gaining control of Tokyo as a whole overall, his lack of influence in the North has prevented that mostly.

Then, since I possess the deed for the shrine, I own the land it sits on and has say over most of the northern section of Tokyo, though it's not known officially by the public. That's because a few previous rulers of Japan had been friends with me and had entrusted things to me. One of note was Emperor Suinin, who had found out who and what I really was, a rather rare occurrence for me. He didn't react how I would've imagined he would much at all. Guessing my true identity… comes with other things and I doubt most would comprehend it or guess. Anyways, the man had been one of the few who ever guessed correctly who I was, and by then, I'd earned his trust with the things I would do during that time. So, to keep safe the shrine, among other things, Suinin gave me the deed. He said it should be with me, a long explanation as to why he would think such a thing. Anyways, Suinin had been one of the better rulers Japan had, he accomplished a great deal while in charge and Japan had been prosperous back then.

So the point is that I manage and have the say on what happens with the land that the shrine is on, the decision is mine whether the land is sold or not. I promised a number of people that I would never do such a thing and I intend to keep my word. That established, I've obviously said no to MBI and so, refused their offers that had been given. The pathetic thing though, MBI has made hissed threats where they said they'd do horrible things when I said no. They haven't given up on getting their hands on the land here in the north and it's been tiring to have to deal with things like that as of late.

Honestly, those from MBI can threaten all they want, it will bring them nothing. Their threats are idle ones as they have no power to do what they say and they know that. The laws for property ownership and purchasing of, are on my side and they won't change anytime soon. Plus, I'll not see the shrine that so many over the years and eras sacrificed for, be demolished because some deluded mad man wants more space for his "game" he's putting on! I feel more inclined to arrange serious punishment for what that man is doing, much like some of those I did so to in the past. I used to do that kind of thing to some really wealthy individuals and even a ruler over a province once, all well deserved.

The shrine as a whole took up a good half kilometer diameter area in the northernmost end of this sector of the city. It was made up of a number of structures and buildings along with open space between them, that took up the five-hundred-meter area. Around twenty buildings of varying size, divided into smaller groups. Each group of buildings had their purposes and each building has tasks that it is used for, even today. At the back of the shrine, area was the largest building of the shrine and was where the major rituals and rites take place. The building is also known as the Kōdō or can be called Hotto and as the hall of scripture and prayer in earlier days. In the central section of the shrine, there was a medium size structure that held the three wishing bells and deposit boxes that people ring and make a prayer or wish at.

All that worked at the shrine were yōkai, either that I had change into yōkai or were yōkai naturally that knew who I was though they all appear human to any that visit. The visitors keep coming every day, whether it's to see the historical site or to participate with one of the rites or rituals so all are kept busy. Nice thing from my view is the shrine is only a couple of blocks away from Izumo Inn, meaning coming by isn't a hassle for me.

I walked through the gateway into the grounds of the shrine itself, smiling and nodding in greeting to the shrine maidens and men as they went about their duties. And, when it comes to the running and the management of the shrine itself, there was one I did leave the job to. The Kitsune had proven themselves adept at management and making sound executive decisions. Plus, I've known them for a long time and they've been loyal to me for close to as long. In fact, while approaching the main building of the shrine, I spotted the one I was thinking about.

The Kitsune in question was a young-looking woman that was of average height and appeared to be physically in her mid-twenties by the name of Leia Asia. She had long golden blonde hair that flowed down straight along her back and down her front in two thick locks on either side of her face to a short distance beyond her hips, those locks were tied midway down by white ribbons. The woman's eyes were a neutral blue shade and were accented by her gold blonde colored hair. Her figure was a defined shape of an hourglass which had attracted many men over the years. Not that I worry about her safety though for she can take care of herself as necessary.

Leia has shown that she can get extremely creative if needed and has also proven to possess talents with magic and was gifted with illusionary arts. And she practices those arts often enough to keep them sharp and ready. Leia has been the head priestess here and had been for centuries without an issue. The reason no one has questioned why her appearance changes so little is most think she's the daughter of the 'previous' priestess and that priestesses before are all related. It's the explanation that she doesn't deny and thus far none that visit here on a regular basis have seemed to suspect anything else.

Leia is also one of those few that know who I am and where I did come from as it's not something almost any would guess with how I act. Heck, she was the last one that guessed correctly as to my identity, and it was shortly after Suinin had. It showed me that she was intelligent but had only used it for tricking and pranking others to the point of sometimes hurting people in the process. Leia had earned herself a rather bad reputation back when we first met, but with the things that she had done it wasn't all that surprising. She was quite different back then, I'll put it to you this way and Leia has matured a sizable margin since we crossed paths the first time. That difference is close to what is different between night and day, I'll leave it at that for now. The funny thing about the two of us is that I've been mistaken for who Leia actually is.

Anyways, upon spotting me Leia finished whatever she was saying to the group of other shrine workers that were around her and then came over to me. "Lord Hitoyoshi," she greeted bowing to me. "It is wonderful of you to grace us with your presence today, to what or whom do we owe our thanks to this good fortune?"

I bowed back returning the greeting, "I do try to drop by regularly Leia plus, it's nice to see how things are going here at the shrine," I replied. "And it is nice to see you back, I would hope that your trip was fruitful."

Leia had been on a trip to a different part of the world seeing someone she interacts with, I don't know whom and I don't ask. "Indeed my lord, it was a good trip, thank you for asking, but it still is good to be back home," she answered.

I nodded before letting out a sigh at the thoughts of the current circumstances that were happening. "Then, my other reason for being here is with current events," I hesitated for a moment, "I need some distraction to find peace and calm, I tend to find some here when I drop by. And please call me Ashe, it's what I'm used to being addressed by Leia and you know I dislike formalities. You can understand the feeling as well as I do, I would assume."

Leia nodded before leading the way into one of the side buildings and served some tea, which was welcome. I spent a couple hours chatting at the shrine, with Leia and a few other individuals there. I was trying to catch up on what had been going on in the north of the city and it is here that such can be done effectively. The north of Tokyo, in reality, is a secret haven for yōkai and other non-humans in the city and the surrounding area. Over fifty percent of the population in the north of Tokyo isn't human entirely. They are either skilled enough to fool others around them or don't know of that part of their heritage yet.

As an example, my neighbors around Izumo Inn or rather the street it was on was made up of six houses and not a single one is inhabited by humans, but by non-humans. Two of the houses are inhabited by Nekomata or cat-yōkai families, one is younger than the other including having some children that are still young. The other is older, smaller in size overall, but that's because of some moving out once they were of age.

Next, there's an Inugami or dog-yōkai family, in fact, the daughter of that family is working on Kamikura Island for me. Her parents lived in the house and were helping their daughter and her husband as their daughter is expecting as I understand it. There is then, a group of crow Tengu or bird-yōkai and while they aren't the most sociable yōkai by nature, they are polite and respectful. Then, there was a single Ryuu or a dragon-yōkai, living alone but, their kind doesn't get along with one another if they lived close by. By what I've observed, they like their personal space and to be left alone by their fellow Ryuu. Lastly, there was a lone Yuki-Onna or snow woman as they're also called, owned the other house on the street and would come here during the fall and winter seasons.

Anyways, after the tea and a small meal along with some conversation I gave my farewells to Leia and then made my rounds to mediate issues that needed to be solved. That's an average day for me, which entails that many will come to me to get help settle issues that arise between them and another. It's something I've become accustomed to as I've done much for a good amount of time. Like humans, we non-humans have our disagreements and sometimes, it takes an outside party, which tends to end out being those like myself that settle them. I used to solve problems of others back around my original home, but it's different now from back then, I get thanked for my service and that pretty much never happened back then. However, I digress, what I mean to say is that helping others is something I'm good at and actually like doing. It's far better than a governmental job, for I've done those as well and they are the pits!

It was as the sun was approaching the horizon, that I headed back towards home for dinner. I'm not one to miss dinner with Miya and it's close to that time. With how my wife's cooking has improved over the years, missing dinner is a regret I don't make without an extremely viable reason. Plus, having dinner with her is a high point of the day as not only is it time I get to spend with her, but I get to talk with her about whatever and I can't really do that with many.

-Miya's pov-

Ashe had gone out for the day, said that he needed to go and check on how things were going at the northern Inari Shrine before he took care of other business he had been asked to help with. Ashe was one that others would ask to help settle and mediate things by two parties as he had a great deal of experience doing such things. I've seen him do the idea a few times and Ashe is very proficient at setting things. I would sometimes go out with him every now and again but today wasn't one of those days.

Today went as many did for me, that is until the afternoon was moving towards its transition to evening. For it was as I was about to prepare dinner that the front bell rang which was somewhat different as neither Ashe nor I had expected a visitor today. Those that came to see Ashe would usually communicate beforehand that they were coming. It was possible that it could be a potential tenant as we have none right now and we are hoping to get them at some point. I headed to the front door and opened it, prepared to greet the visitor, but when I saw who it was I kind of wish I'd ignored the bell.

The 'visitor' was a Sekirei like myself and one that I knew personally yet hadn't seen since I'd left MBI, her name was Matsu. She had her long deep red hair and it went down to below her hips and had side plaits, her hair was rather unusual as others don't have the same shade she has. Her eyes were the same shade as her hair, which is less rare, but still pretty uncommon. Her choice of dress was worse than it had been the last time with a cheongsam type outfit she had on for it didn't leave much to the imagination and exposed more skin than was proper.

Now how Matsu had found out I lived here was not what irked me, it was that she came here at all! Not only was there a risk with her coming here to herself, but that also could lead MBI to where I was as well, and I wasn't interested in dealing with them. I highly doubt that thought even went through Matsu's mind before or when she tracked me down that would make too much sense. No, the likely reason she's here is that Matsu is in some sort of trouble and went through the effort of finding where I live to beg for me to bail her out. It was a habit of hers that I didn't miss having to handle in any way. In the past, she would come to me to try covering for her if she does something that she normally knows is wrong but does anyway for whatever reason she has.

At knowing such was the probable reason for Matsu showing up here, my expression instantly became empty and unfeeling. "Matsu," I uttered in a flat tone, "what are you doing here? Or should I just ask what you've done that you would track me down in the hopes that I will get you out of?"

"Miya, you make it sound like you're not happy to see me after all the time that has gone by since you left," Matsu replied a tad nervously.

Truthfully, I wasn't happy to see Matsu as she brought problems for those around her and I don't want to deal with that again. I folded my arms with my expression not changing at all, "With the mentality you have that has you come to me normally, I'm not interested in seeing you Matsu to be honest. You bring problems with you and expect others to solve them for you with little to any effort coming from you." I narrowed my gaze which got Matsu to become even more nervous, "That is your customary way to solve issues you face if you can't wave them off in some way. You do not handle them yourself, you force others to deal with them instead and care nothing about what effects that has on them."

It was classic Matsu, do what she wants regardless of consequences that would come even when she knows it would be better that she doesn't. Then when the consequences do come, Matsu would do what she could to worm out of them. If that didn't work, then she would go to others to bail her out or take the blame instead of her. Should she get another to help her, Matsu would shove the blame off of her and distance herself from what happened, whether that meant the other took the fall for her or not. It was her habit and behavior she practices, and it irritated me a great deal, mostly as it was reminiscent of what Minaka does most of the time.

"It's not like that Miya anymore, I've changed and improved from how I was before I assure you. So, how about we head inside and continued this talk," she insisted, glancing around frequently.

Matsu says that she has changed and improved, but her insistence and looking around made me wary of believing her more than I would usually be. It more points to Matsu doing what she normally does, attract the least notice and get away with what she could. However, dealing with her directly would be more efficient to move on and have Matsu go away before Ashe came home, so I reluctantly let Matsu inside the house.

When I left MBI, she was one of the issues I dealt with that I didn't miss having to handle regularly, and I don't want to start that again. Truthfully, I would rather Ashe not meet Matsu if that could be avoided for several reasons, foremost being I know he wouldn't get along with Matsu. Individuals like Matsu don't do well with those like Ashe and it all comes down to rules and expectations. Matsu's inclination to skirt rules along with her habits would put her out of Ashe's good graces quickly. Her attempt to worm out of things wouldn't work with Ashe either as he holds individuals responsible for what they do period. Lying to Ashe is much more difficult than it is to others if not close to impossible, he is very good at telling when another is not telling the truth. So, Ashe was one that Matsu wouldn't get around and she would try, which would only lead to her being barred entry here and she would deal with her own problems by my husband and not allow to come back.

That in mind, once we were sitting, my gaze still had the same flat expression as before as it was directed at Matsu. "Now what is it that you are here for Matsu," I demanded, "you're not one for doing social calls and I doubt that has changed, so get on with it."

I wasn't interested in hearing some sort of sob story from Matsu that is unlikely saying all the facts as there would no doubt be some that would place the blame on herself. Matsu's response was to chuckle nervously, "Again Miya, you make it sound like I'm here to do something horrible," she replied.

My continued glare got Matsu to go quiet since that's what she has done many times to avoid the punishment that was coming her way. "Well, are you here to bring burdens like you are rather good at doing for others? I am not feeling inclined to get you out of situations that you get yourself into anymore, I stopped doing that a while ago when I left," I stated flatly. "And I will not be picking up that kind of task again for it is not worth it with you Matsu."

Matsu waved her hands in denial, "Of course not Miya, I wouldn't do that as I told you, I've changed," she claimed. She took a moment to calm down, "It's just that since the Sekirei Plan is going to start in less than a month, I thought it best to find a place to stay. I'm trying to have the least amount of attention to be upon me which you can understand."

I sighed, not liking where this was going since it was pointing to how short-sighted Matsu was being about her actions. Plus, she was skirting the question I was putting to her, which again, was what she usually did when she knows the answer would get her into trouble. "And you didn't think that locating where I live would not lead MBI here too," I questioned. Then I shook my head, "Honestly Matsu, you're supposed to be wise with your ability to access information and yet, you don't consider that," I said irritably.

Matsu once again waved her arms to indicate the negative, "Miya, MBI wouldn't come here, the majority of them are still terrified of you and what you could do to them," she replied.

Whether Matsu was right or not didn't really matter in the end though it did imply that MBI was at least probably aware I lived around here. Plus, she was reminding me one of the reasons I left MBI and that isn't something she should do with me if she's trying to help herself. "Then why would you come to me when you should know that I'm not going to bail you out Matsu? Doing something for you is never free, you have made that perfectly clear quite some time ago," I iterated firmly. "Whether it is you needing something or others making trouble for all involved, there is always a price with you and what you do Matsu."

Matsu pushed her hands together, "It's not like that, I swear," she exclaimed. Then she continued, "It's just when I left MBI, I took something with me that they will not be happy that I snagged, but it was too dangerous to leave it with them."

She has taken up stealing again has she, I thought I broken her of that habit, but apparently not… how unpleasant. Matsu had at an earlier time been inclined to take things that were hers and it was hit or miss whether she would give the said thing back to its proper owner if not forced to. I had taken time to break her of said habit before I had met Ashe and the effort had been extensive. So, seeing that time spent be essentially wasted was not nice and it thoroughly annoyed me. "I see," I uttered with cold tones coming into my voice, "So, you have resumed the nasty habit of swiping and stealing again then Matsu?"

My voice had become low and held an air of disappointment and cold irritation, and that got Matsu to shiver and make motions of denial. "NO, it's not like that Miya, I don't steal anymore, it isn't for the reasons that I did before," she whispered shakily, "I learned my lesson from you how wrong taking things that aren't mine is that you taught me."

Really? Then she took something that wasn't hers and yet she has a justification for it… I don't want to know what that would be. Still, that got me curious and though I know it is unwise to even ask what it was that she took, I might as well just do so and then refuse to help her. "Taking something that isn't yours is still stealing Matsu, yet what are you even referring to Matsu," I asked tiredly.

The redhead reached into the folds of her dress which made me less interested in knowing what Matsu was referring to if she hid it within her clothes. The object that she brought out was the last thing I thought I would ever see again! The object had what looked like a spherical bead encased in a crystalline shell which was engraved with the number "8". I knew the second I saw the thing what it was, a Jinki, which meant "God Vessel" here on Earth. They had come on the ship we Sekirei came to Earth on, and honestly, none knew the real truth about them except me.

The Jinki were one of the only remnants left from the world that we Sekirei came from and they are part of the reason that Sekirei left the place we once called home. Jinki have limitless power it's true but controlling them is an entirely different matter than activating them. They had been fought over, blood has been spilled for them and turned into crimson rivers that told of deep sorrow and foolish regret. Yet, the Jinki aren't necessarily evil, they could change the fate of ashikabi and Sekirei for the better.

How the Jinki worked was all dependent on the intent of those who controlled them and currently, Hiroto Minaka had that control and that was horrible. The other possible point that could complicate things, there had been other ships like the one I was in charge of that was to come to this world. If they made it and mated with humans, then the Jinki could also affect their descendants and that would be mass genocide! Not that such a fact would deter or cause hesitation with Minaka, he would still activate them if he decided to. I glared at Matsu coldly, "What are you thinking to bring one of those things here," I demanded angrily.

"Please, calm down Miya you're scaring me and it's not what you think. I know you're not fond of any of the Jinki, but you also know better than any how dangerous these could be in the wrong hands," Matsu reasoned.

To say that I wasn't happy to see one of the Jinki would be an understatement, especially when the majority are in the possession of a man that would use them dangerously without hesitation. As far as I knew, only two Jinki had disappeared thus far and I had never heard anything else other than that. My only guess was that possibly Takehito may have done something to hide them, yet there was no proof of that assumption.

It was sets of Jinki that destroyed the world we Sekirei came from, and they could potentially do the same here. I still remember the horrible things that they were used for, not necessarily the same ones that were on the ship, but they worked in an identical fashion. The reason that sets of Jinki were placed on escaping ships were they also held the history of the Sekirei species. Yet, the Jinki had already proven destructive and they were what likely killed Takehito by the facts I've heard and it angered me.

When news of Takehito's death came, Ashe had come close to going and killing Minaka and that had been a long week to convince him not to. It wasn't worth Ashe killing that man for what would come with that and I know Ashe would blame himself for most of it. I couldn't find it in myself to tell him of the Jinki yet though I know he would understand them in ways that others wouldn't.

Still, Matsu then went into detail of what had been going on within MBI, and what she said wasn't nice. Adjustments made by MBI scientist to Sekirei were even more restricting than what had been done in earlier days. The 'limiters' instilled were stronger and the 'conditioning' was much worst than before, meant to curtail and mold Sekirei to force them to participate in 'Minaka's game'. One might as well say that they were being corrupted or broken then built as Minaka desired them to be. With the changes that have been made, the birds could hardly be called Sekirei honestly, they were shadows of what our race was supposed to be.

Takehito's observations after he and I left Kamikura had lent credence to such the idea and the wrongness of Minaka's plan. The bond between Ashe and I is how it is meant to be for Sekirei, not the contract that MBI had created! It had been saddening to hear on my part, to understand that MBI was changing Sekireis' genuine nature into what they wanted and thought nothing wrong of it. An Ashikabi for a Sekirei is to be caring, to be willing to move forward with said Sekirei.

The natural defense for Sekirei was to make sure that being winged isn't a mistake akin to what humans consider abuse or slavery. When Ashe had told me what abuse and slavery tended to involve, the concepts had sickened and horrified me. For two that have established a bond and vowed together to treat one another less than an equal, I can't ever imagine doing that to Ashe. The defense that Sekirei have is that a potential Ashikabi is to be committed in full to the bond. If they are not fully committed to going forward, then the winging will not occur at all in any way, shape, or form. Yet with what MBI has done, that defense has been removed and now the winging process is done by a single kiss.

Anyway, Matsu ended her accounting in a plea, "Miya please, I'm begging you! You have got to help and hide me from MBI! They will search for me for what I've done before I ran yet, I had to do it, you can understand why I stole it from them, right?"

I don't want Matsu here, nor the trouble she is bringing with her and she would bring a great deal of, not just from MBI. Matsu would clash with Ashe and I know that without a doubt. But I didn't want any of the Jinki with Minaka, the less he had the better, thus was the mental conundrum I was trying to settle. I still am not convinced that she has changed at all from how she was before, and I don't want to deal with what she did. There was a moment of silence between Matsu and me, yet that ended shortly by another. "I see we have a visitor, who might she be Miya? A friend of yours perhaps coming to see you," Ashe asked calmly.

I twisted around and looked at my husband coming into the room and instantly feeling myself calming down as Ashe has that effect on me. Although, I hadn't wished that Ashe would meet Matsu, it was too late now and couldn't be helped anymore. Matsu also looked over to Ashe and gained a wide-eyed stare showing apprehension and slight fear at seeing someone she doesn't know. Truthfully, I really could use Ashe's presence for a few reasons for both myself and the situation with Matsu. If Matsu wants to become a tenant of Izumo Inn, then she has to also persuade Ashe along with me. And that will show signs if she has actually changed or if she is the same as ever and will end out facing the consequences.

Ashe was waiting for an answer to his question of who Matsu was, but he came over to the sofa I was in and sat down on my left. I thought about how to explain properly, to give Matsu the best opportunity before I took a breath, "Her name is Matsu, she is," I hesitated for a moment, "an acquaintance of mine from when I worked for MBI."

Ashe nodded in understanding, yet he was silently asking me to elaborate on what I meant by an acquaintance. We use our bond to communicate without saying anything vocally and ever since our bond of ashikabi and Sekirei was formed, it had grown clearer and stronger. Ashe had never asked me about those I'd worked with while with MBI, I believe not wanting to breach the subject without me being up for it. It's sweet of him to think of me and restrains himself and his curiosity for my sake and I love him for that. I gave him the impression that Matsu was one of the other Sekirei that I had known before leaving MBI. Then, I turned back to the trouble maker I knew, "Matsu, this is Ashe Hitoyoshi, my husband."

I felt Ashe snake his right arm around my back and gently pulled us together, it was his way to comfort me and show affection, both ideas are second nature to him and are appreciated each time. I certainly won't complain about it, I simply leaned my head against Ashe's shoulder in response to his gesture grateful he cares. At my introduction of Ashe, Matsu began nodding, "Oh, I see," she acknowledged. However, Matsu didn't stay calm or silent for very long, a few seconds later her eyes widened again, "Wait, HUSBAND," screeched Matsu in clear shock.

Why Matsu has to make such a big deal about some things, I don't know, and it's still as annoying as it was before. Yet, as I was about to snap at Matsu, Ashe dug a finger into one of his ears after wincing at the volume that Matsu had screeched at. "Yes, Miya and I are husband and wife thank you very much," Ashe stated clearly. "Do you have some sort of problem with the arrangement or status," he posed flatly with an air of challenge.

The feeling in the room darkened which told me that Ashe was using his "demonic visage" that he sometimes uses to 'sway', or really to intimidate others. He says it gets people to agree and it doesn't require him to do any physical harm in order to have people do what was best. Admittedly, the idea got Matsu to draw back and cower a visible amount, which part of me was kind of satisfied to see with the trouble she has caused me in the past. Yet, the current situation would be best settled sooner rather than later. So, I put one of my hands onto Ashe's right and squeeze, silently telling him to stop with his 'silent intimidation'. My husband did as I wanted, and it took a few minutes to get Matsu to talk again showing that Ashe's intimidation abilities were still very sharp and effective.

I then laid out for Ashe a short summary about what Matsu and I had been talking about leaving out the Jinki for the time being. I mentioned that Matsu had 'run away' from MBI, but before she left, she had stolen 'something'. Understandably, Matsu feared that MBI, its head especially would chase her to get the Jinki back as he wanted them. Ashe didn't push for either Matsu or me to identify what we were referring to when we were talking about the Jinki, not by name. MBI is a subject he wasn't fond of any more than I was, more so since Takehito had died as he holds MBI responsible for his death. Matsu finished the summary by begging both Ashe and me to let her stay here and hide her from MBI.

Ashe was silent after the explanation thinking about the plea from Matsu, and in his mind he was weighing what he had been told, I could feel that. My husband is one that is generous and understanding for people that are in the most unusual circumstances, a great deal more than most that I've seen tend to be. Ashe is willing to give an individual a chance where others would just say no and move on without a second thought. However, that comes with the mutual understanding that there needs to be an effort to do good and follow some rules. If an individual did not do so, then Ashe was of the mentality that said individual was to be on their own to deal with their problems period.

He has told me about former tenants of his that would swear that Ashe was the kindest person that they've met, and he's described an array of the kind of individuals that have lived here. Ashe doesn't turn people away immediately without a viable reason to, and those are few with him. Yet, Ashe will put his foot down if a tenant pushed beyond where they are warned not to go even tossing them out if he saw reason to. Apparently, most tenants before didn't test if Ashe would do that and so, he'd rarely had issues with tenants or the consequences set and those that had crossed the line, the consequences came down without argument.

But while he wasn't against Matsu staying here to hide from MBI who she believed would come after her, Ashe had clear growing doubts about Matsu being able to follow the rules. After a few minutes, Ashe began asking simple questions of Matsu, "You say that you need a place to stay to hide from others, what would such entail for you staying here?"

Matsu answered by explaining what she called "specialized accommodations" and honestly, what she was asking for was ridiculous. And with each following question, Ashe asked and the answer that came in response, I felt that my husband's inclination of accepting Matsu as a tenant decreasing rapidly. Although in his defense, Matsu certainly wasn't helping herself with the answers she was giving. The first subject that Ashe's questioning was able to identify was Matsu's insistence for living accommodations. Ashe has defined definitions of what are needs and what are not, and what Matsu was asking for wasn't what he saw as needs. And that being the case, because my husband feels that those who came begging shouldn't be expecting any more than the basic needs such as a roof and an amount of food, this was not going well. For Ashe, if one did claim they needed more, he didn't see them as beggars, to him they were freeloaders and he isn't fond of those type of people at all and I can understand.

In this instance, Matsu "claimed" that she "needed" a room that wasn't visible normally, hidden from close inspection and she was very insistent about that point. Such would provide the environment she preferred, a dark hidden place that she could work out of without being spied upon. She herself was the one to do the spying and that would no doubt bring other things that will count against her. In fact, that led into the next subject for Matsu didn't stop with just that on her 'list' of needs, she obviously assuming that we would take pity on her. Yet, her problem is that Ashe isn't pitying her, he is becoming more inclined to refuse her and tell her to go elsewhere the more that he heard.

Matsu's next claimed was that she would also need LOTS of electricity, not just average or even above average amounts to use… for one household, let alone an individual. She was adamant that she needed and would use far beyond that is close to reasonable for one person and it was likely for computers, multiple machines slaved together that she uses. Even I was dubious about the power consumption that Matsu was implying that she would 'need'. The other half of the problem was when Ashe inquired as to what Matsu intended to use the power for, Matsu didn't answer what she intended to use or even "needed" the power for. Her insistence of the want she had irked Ashe, more so the longer this went on that came across our bond loud and clear.

It was because where Ashe is accommodating for things, he wants a reason as to why something should be provided for a tenant and not 'just because'. The other major point that was bugging Ashe was that there had been nothing along the lines of payment stated by Matsu were she to become a tenant. I don't blame him in this, and I doubt Matsu would be paying anything for what she was saying she needed or use of resources. That's not her style or normal behavior and it sounded like that hasn't changed with her.

Still, Ashe said nothing as to say yes or no to Matsu's plea to stay here at Izumo Inn. I sent the impressions that I knew of Matsu even if they weren't the most current as its been years since I've seen her. I told him of Matsu's skill set of accessing electronic devices to acquire information hence, her nickname being the "Sekirei of Wisdom". The title confused Ashe a bit but did explain to him somewhat her 'needs' with electronic devices.

However, Ashe wasn't happy at understanding what developments came with Matsu when she accessed the world wide web here. She had gone to places that are degrading, dirty and mind-numbing with their content to the point that I gave her the nickname "Hentai-Glasses". Simply put, Matsu became a pervert, and Ashe nor I am fond of those kinds of individuals and don't encourage such behaviors, more the opposite in fact. Ashe already knows one in particular, who was supposedly a friend of Takehito's and Ashe smacks him upside the head when he's in reach if not worse.

Once Ashe finished posing questions, he was quiet as he considered whether he would agree to let Matsu stay here or not. If we did, it would require work and effort on our part and from my point of view, I don't see Matsu being willing to help with anything. Second, with Matsu inclination to skirt around rules as much as she can and no sign of that changing, I believe that she would make attempts to get around the house rules. That would have serious consequences attached and Ashe has made it clear that those who did so would be kicked out without argument whether they agree with the decision or not.

I silently asked Ashe to give Matsu a chance, mostly to see if she had indeed changed as she did say she had, even if I wasn't expecting that much. Ashe finally agreed to do so but told me that he would treat her like those that came before as tenants. If Matsu broke any of the rules, then he would toss her out to the street, and she would then be on her own going forward. And so, in the end, Matsu became a tenant and Ashe made sure to mention to Matsu that she was to think about what she did while living here.

Ashe then left the room to make arrangements to alter a room for Matsu while I got down to explaining to Matsu the rules and expectations that she would follow. "Matsu, listen, and listen well, there are rules in this house and you will follow them if you wish to stay here," I started.

"Miya," Matsu replied, "Don't sweat the details. I know that I've had a few issues in the past, but I've turned over a new leaf."

I glared at Matsu emotionlessly, "As much as I would like to believe what you're saying is true Matsu, past experience tells me a completely different story. You've lied to get out of situations that you get into and should you find yourself in trouble if you can. You see nothing wrong with twisting words, ignoring and disregarding rules if you can get away with it and are inclined to do so in fact. You'll have to prove that you can and will obey set rules before I trust you at your word Matsu, blame your past actions if you will but that's how it goes. You pull stunts as you would in the past here, and you will find that your habits you've developed to get out of things won't help you at all. They will instead have you thrown out to the street and you will be dealing with your own issues and have no sanctuary here going forward."

"Miya, you're being a bit unreasonable," Matsu protested.

"No, this is expectation Matsu, and you don't get to set those expectations, you will be held to them," I said before I simply got down to iterating the rules of Izumo Inn.

The first rule was that there was to be no fighting under the house's roof or on the grounds the property includes, period. Arguing and disagreeing were different than fighting, the rule referred to physical fights. There are only two exceptions to the rule and that's to defend your life and permitted sparring, those are seen as perfectly reasonable. Other than those two, there are no other exception or acceptable excuses, there is no debates, or justifications that are acceptable to Ashe or me.

The second rule was that there would not be any obscene or illicit sexual activities, nor anything close to such outside the bounds of marriage. It mattered not if the mood comes on or if one of our tenants like another, acts of an obscene, sensual or sexual nature are forbidden period! That would also include flirting or tempting another into doing such as well. There are no exceptions, there are no points of discussion or argument that can provide a loophole of any kind. And for Sekirei reacting is not an acceptable excuse either, public displays of affection like holding hands and hugging are fine, but nothing beyond that is permissible.

For couples, you are either married or you're not and if you're married, then this rule doesn't apply in the same way. If the two are not married, then neither have the privileges that those who are married possess. Ashe and myself, then are covered should we feel in the mood at any point. As long as it's done in private and out of the public areas of the house, then it is okay for a married couple and having 'alone time' is perfectly okay and normal. As for everyone else, they are to take their business outside and off the property if they can't contain their urges. There are places for such things, they can be used and not the house or the property that Izumo Inn is on.

Those may be the only rules we have for the time being, yet that covers most of the issues that Ashe and I could think of. The consequences will depend on the magnitude of the trespass and would be judged by Ashe and myself. As to what happens for violators of the second rule, they will be kicked out without argument from them by Ashe, myself or both of us if necessary. If anything, having both rules stated and explained, including their consequences is very fair to all involved to have defined expectations. However, how Matsu would do or take them, or rather if she would obey them or attempt to get around them instead, we'll see how that goes.

-Ashe's pov-

I wasn't sure that giving a chance to this Matsu was a wise decision at all after the questions I had asked her. No, I should rephrase that, I'm more of the mind that she was an issue just waiting to cause problems and so, I don't think she will be here long. Between the so-called answers from Matsu and what Miya told me about her, the redhead didn't have a good image for herself. I mean, I've had tenants that I felt wouldn't last long before getting kicked out, and it was rare for me to be wrong in that. And with Matsu claiming that she needed the things she did, I doubt it will be very long before she does something that will get her kicked out to the street and that will be her loss, not anyone else's.

Anyway, while Miya was explaining the expectations and the consequences that would come if those weren't met to our soon to be tenant, I stepped out to make arrangements. Since I'm not skilled in building or remodeling, I would need to get someone in to do the job. The one that I knew that could do odd jobs was someone that I'm not fond of, but he was a friend of Takehito and I respect Takehito's judgment. But even I do have to admit that the man does have some uses from time to time, regardless of the problems I have with his personality and I have more than one. Honestly, the man is a lazy bum and a mooch, that's being kind to him and on top of that, he's a pervert and does little to hide that fact.

The man to whom I'm referring to is named Seo Kaoru, and he's what most would consider a 'jack of all trades'. Takehito said something about helping Seo out sometime in the past and so, Seo owes him. That I can believe, my problem with the guy is that he's slothful, isn't dependable much at all and has caused me issues many times. The standing dilemma with him is most of the time, I would help him out, specifically with finding a job. The man has trouble keeping a job and so, I would setup job opportunities for the man to be nice and because I felt pity for his situation at first. And yet, every single one of those opportunities I've given him, he has 'quit' or really stopped going to them, justifying his actions by saying either it didn't fit, or he got bored.

The most recent one, he had walked away from a good job opportunity that I set up for him just last week, and he lasted less than a week! I had to apologize to the one I set it up with saying that I thought he would do better and hadn't got to chastise the man about it yet. Then, I dislike perverts and all that they do, and I don't believe any of them saying they're just going with their instincts. That is simply an excuse to attempt to get out of trouble and punishment and it didn't fly with me. Anyways, I made a call to Seo as those I would like to have do it are busy during the spring.

"Hello, this is Seo Kaoru, what service can I provide you today," came the voice of the man in question on the "Cell-phone".

I harrumphed, making sure that it was heard to the one on the phone to express my disappointment in him. "Ironic that you should be offering a service Seo when I call you. Whenever I do so for you, it gets thrown back in my face a short while later. The most recent example of this, you just stop showing up at that warehouse job I set you up with the week before last. Not one attempt of you working with the supervisor, no warning of you leaving, just you not showing up. You didn't last for a week Seo, that's an even more pathetic level of performance from you than usual and you have set the expectation extremely low to begin with. You should be completely ashamed of yourself," I growled.

I took a breath after throwing my displeasure at Seo, "Honestly, the horrid lack of values that a number in your generation show is sad, degrading, and a horrible example for others. But, since that doesn't seem to shame you at all, you then have the gall to come mooch off my wife and me when you run out of food preying on our kindness and pity. Doing so, knowing that we'll not throw you out like we should to teach you the lesson of the need for taking care of yourself. It's why I've stopped asking if you have any shame these days for it's clear you do not." I paused, to take a breath, "Seriously, I question if it's not worth just leaving you to fend for yourself, bar you entry to Izumo Inn and then, warn employers that hiring you is a high-risk venture as an act of kindness," I returned, my voice becoming somewhat cold by the end.

"Oh, Ashe what a surprise to hear from you already. You know, that warehouse gig didn't work out for me, it cut into other work that I do. So, I didn't see a reason to keep going and the supervisor wasn't the kind of guy that listened. But please, don't screw any chances for a job with others. So… what is it that you're calling me about," Seo asked me a little nervously.

Once more, I made my displeasure audibly heard again, "Yes, pretty much all jobs don't work for you, that's what I've been forced to learn with how long I've had the displeasure of knowing you, lazy mooching perverted bum. And I know the supervisor you're referring to and can say without any reservation that he would listen, accommodating something is a different matter, but he listens. However, that is not the reason I am making this call, I'm contacting you to commission you to do some alterations to Izumo Inn, or the other work you do as you put it. The job requires you putting in a spinning door for a room to be precise," I stated flatly.

Then, I laid out what I wanted Seo to do, and did make him promise to come by tomorrow to get started and hopefully finish. I made it clear that I wouldn't be paying him by the hour even though he tried to get me to do so for I know better. If I paid Seo by the hour, then he would purposely be slow and take his time, in order to get the most money he could from me. No, he would be paid the price agreed upon when the job was done to my stated standard and the man would get nothing before that.

My threat to him of what I would do should he shirk off this assignment, guaranteed that he would show up tomorrow. Let's just say, I can be VERY convincing when I want to be or have reason to be… or rather, I can do things that make one's life a truly miserable living Yomi, or what quite a few other religions call Hell, yet they are different places actually. Seo knows I can make his life beyond miserable, probably because I've given him a preview or two of what that would be like for him. I haven't done that seriously to another for a while but doesn't mean I can't do the job anymore when I see the need!

With that arranged, I returned to the living room and saw that the women were still talking, so I went to the kitchen and began cooking the evening meal keeping it simple. By the time I was done fixing dinner and was putting it on the table when the girls came into the dining room, Miya and Matsu came into the room. Thankfully, I've picked up the skill of cooking fairly well over the millennia, so I'm decent at the task.

The three of us ate dinner, which was a silent affair and I'm not used to that at all, it felt really awkward. For one, Miya and I tend to talk about what happened during our day even if nothing of interest occurred, it was more of our way of showing we cared. Not doing that routine felt odd and out of place so, it felt kind of out of place to eat quietly. My guess was that the conversation that Miya and Matsu had was plaguing my wife. Even our guest and soon to be tenant seemed to notice something was off with the air in the room, at least Matsu was looking from Miya to me and then back to her.

After the meal, which lasted longer in my opinion that it should have, I took the time to show Matsu to the bedroom at the end of the hall on the second floor. It'll eventually be her room anyways and would get the changed door tomorrow once Seo comes and puts it in. I still don't really see why a hidden door is "required", but it got Matsu to agree to the other conditions of living here, so I'll humor her in this for now. That's how nice I can be, I really should just say tough luck to Matsu and to take things as they are or to find somewhere else to go, but I won't for the time being.

I returned to the kitchen and saw that Miya was still there, I was about to go over and comfort her but I didn't get the chance. Miya mumbled that she would be turning in early and went to our room at the far end of the first floor of the inn before I could do anything. It tore at my heart to see Miya like this, far more than her simply yelling to get something off her chest. This also left cleaning up of dinner to me, and though I could've used magic to do it, I thought better of it and did the cleaning by hand. It gave me time to collect my thoughts and attempt to come up with a method to cheer up Miya. Once the cleaning was done, I headed towards our room as well, still thinking as I went of how I could help Miya.

To say that I was in a foul mood wasn't wrong right now, and I'm one that doesn't get into a foul mood easily. It comes from the long life I've lived so far, I've learned that being in such a mood doesn't help things move forward well if at all. But between having to listen to parts of the discussion that Miya had with Matsu before I had entered the room, along with the summary given by Miya herself had been bad enough to get my blood to heat up a great deal. And then having to deal with Seo hadn't helped at all, it had caused my mood had fall low as I'm not at all fond of those like him. And finally, there was the coming situation and that was a problem I was aware of, and it was still painful.

The first part served as a serious reminder that Takehito had died saving others and it was for not. And that's not what infuriated me the most about this, it was what the one responsible for these very events was one of those who Takehito gave his life to save from death. Minaka is pushing the Sekirei plan forward seemingly without a care in the world rubbing the sacrifices made in the dirt to show he thought nothing of Takehito's actions, nor others either. Hiroto Minaka is about to start a contest that was a war to the death for all Sekirei, which the winner would be the last one standing. The man called it a 'game', seeing it as some form of entertainment, and it is sick and twisted. Toying with lives as pawns or something of lesser value should never be done or used as a show for some to view for entertainment, especially when lives will be lost in the process!

Life, no matter the form it takes, deserves to choose to live for what purpose it will, such things shouldn't be chosen for them, nor a specifically way forced upon them. That's my view and standing, it has been since the start of my existence and will remain that way for the future, I don't see it changing anytime soon. I'd considered hunting Minaka down and killing him outright more than once… and I haven't felt that way about another for centuries, not since the Warring States Era here in Japan with the humanistic demon. But I haven't gone and hunted down Minaka, there were reasons for that and there are days that said justifications don't make sense, yet such internal arguments pass.

The foul mood wasn't helped with Miya's depression that came with this particular subject and that affects me. Like it is said, when you're in an intimate relationship when one of you is unhappy, then the other will feel so as well. Tis true and I've experienced it firsthand… it's how it is with Miya and myself, she's in pain and that in turn caused pain in my own heart. It's part of what comes with the bond that we have developed between one another. And that I can do little to affect that which is causing her sorrow infuriates me as much as it hurts.

So, with my wife feeling like she is, the need to cheer her up and make her happy comes over me. There are many ways to cheer up Miya, but with her depression as deep as it was, one method in particular, comes to mind in this case. I guess all that can be said at times like this is I'm glad I went through the trouble to make the master bedroom here soundproof. The spells I set up to do that and prevent spying by others or any interrupting us, makes the time we spend together just the two of us in a more private setting more special.

With my mind made up, I quickly headed to our room and entering it closing the door quietly behind me. My fox ears came out rising out of my hair swiveling around to take in the sounds in the room. I registered that Miya had changed and was sitting on the opposite side of the room from our futon, her scent made her position clear. Yet the feelings that I was sensing from her were gloomy and depressing making it clear she was in deepening sadness. It was comparable to having someone plunging a knife into my heart seeing Miya like this!

Without further thought or consideration, I moved over to her and embraced Miya from behind and pulled us close. I shifted my head so that I was able to nuzzle her cheek affectionately showing her that I was here for her in this time of sorrow. "Miya," I whispered to her soothingly, "Please do not allow sorrow to fill your heart and drag you down my dear. Do not let your light dim and not shine for the light of your soul blesses those around you so much, do not let that fade love."

Miya pulled away slightly from my affectionate gesture but said nothing in response to me. Having her pull away from me as I was there to comfort her and show her that I cared intensified the pain I felt. But I didn't let her pull away from me completely, I would not let her end my attempt to console and soothe her. I could not do that with the sorrow and misery which plagued her right now! I cannot live with myself if I were to leave Miya in such sorrow and not try my utmost to alleviate that which caused her pain in some way! Instead, I strengthened my hold around her waist keeping her against me for I would not let her go. I shifted one of my arms upward to hold Miya to me better and renewed my nuzzling along with my other affectionate gestures. I hugged the love of my life firm enough to stop her from breaking the embrace along with one of my hands taking one of Miya's and interlacing our fingers together. A number of my bushy tails appeared and wrapped around Miya reinforcing my hold.

Then, I changed over from nuzzling her cheek to lightly kissing her skin, working my way down to her neck. My fox ears picked up Miya's breathing pattern morphing over from heavy breathing of sorrow, to become soft panting, her involuntary response to my actions. That's not to say that Miya didn't continue trying to move out of my embrace, she was. However, it also meant that I was changing her mood as I was attempting to do, so I kept up my administration and kept kissing her neck lightly. The sound of Miya releasing an audible moan came before she managed to muffle the rest of the sound from coming out of her mouth fully. But it was more than enough for my ears to catch and it was an encouragement to me to keep going.

It only took one more kiss to Miya's skin along her jaw before she stopped trying to pull away from me and my affectionate gestures. My wife switched over to leaning herself back into me, signaling that she wanted more. I felt a smile form on my face before ceasing the light kissing to her skin and brought my eyes to the same level as hers, at the same time turning Miya to face me as I brought my head to the same level as her own. Miya stared into my eyes, I leaned forward kissing her lips gently letting the feeling of our connected lips linger for a moment. Then, I pulled back slightly, keeping our faces close, "You know how I loathe seeing you experiencing heartache, unhappiness or both Miya." Our noses touched as I continued, "And the best and most effective way that I've found to cheer you up and make you happy is to show you just how much you mean to me Miya, and you mean the world to me," I said with genuine feeling.

I'd barely finished my employ, when Miya darted forward pressing her lips back to mine reestablishing the contact, the faint glow of her 'wings' filling the room as she did. MBI wouldn't notice the power that Miya has when she kisses me, for it was one of the factors I took into account with the spells I cast in defense of the house. I had placed several spells around the inn and specifically a stronger one for this room to make sure all the power was contained among other things. When she pulled away, Miya smiled a bit, "You have little honor for one that is supposed to be a 'god'," she teased with a bit of defiance.

A smirk formed on my face, "I didn't think it was shameful or disgraceful to seduce my clearly amenable wife. Then, whether one is in any way 'god-like' all depends on what you consider divinity to be. Personally, I don't see myself like that, some would say I am wrong, but that doesn't matter to me. I have no divinity and see no reason to have such power, not when I have happiness and joy with you," I answered, then I leaned forward and whispered into Miya's ear, "And how long has it been since we expressed to one another the magnitudes of how we care and love one another Miya?"

The smile Miya had grown at my question, one of her hands rose and caressed my cheek gently, "Too long Ashe, please… love me," she pled longingly and with yearning.

(a/n No lemon here! Don't do those so move on and leave them alone!)

Once we came out of the haze from the ancient dance we had gone through together while showing love for one another, I was breathing heavily as I laid back onto the soft futon. Miya followed falling with me to have her body resting on top of my own breathing as hard as I was. All of my tails still gently wrapped around and held the woman that was so important to me close. My action was to keep her warm and to still embrace her which came with my arms snaking around her loosely at her waist and mid-back. I was truly happy to have Miya with me right now, it was a feeling that I have only come to genuinely comprehend with her. Miya raised her head so that our eyes met, she sincerely smiled, then leaned down and kissed me. After a moment, she pulled back and gazed at me, "I love you so much Ashe," she said happily.

"And I love you too Miya and more, I'm glad I was able to cheer you up," I returned.

Miya shifted herself to lay her head in the crook of my neck, still having the majority of her body on top of mine. I used magic to have the comforter, which had been thrown off the mattress, float up into the air and then over to the futon. Once above us, it lowered slowly to cover Miya and me for warmth. My tails remained draped over Miya, and we embraced each other and, in that position, we both fell asleep.

A/n

And I'll leave off here for this chapter. You might have noticed that Miya give more detail about her issues with Matsu as well as Ashe's views of freeloaders like Matsu. As I say in any of my given stories, please take the time to write a review or PM me and tell me what you think.