Sekirei: Battle of the Gods

by Blackshadow999

Hiroto Minaka thought the Sekirei and what came from their space ship made him a God. But he didn't know of the world that was unseen, yet hidden in plain sight. How long can that last and how will Sekirei do against those who have been around for longer than them? Read and find out! Currently being redone.

6. Final Days of Peace

A/n

Here is chapter 6 of Battle of the Gods. Hope all of you readers enjoy, on with the tale!

Chapter 6: Final Days of Peace

-Miya's pov-

The next morning came and with it the remembrance of the Sekirei Plan and what it would do to the other Sekirei. Ashe had done much to cheer me up and I love him for it and am grateful he does such for me. I know that he is always willing to listen to me, and he is the best kind of ashikabi any Sekirei could ask or hope for. But the Sekirei Plan is something that talking only goes so far and it had done what was possible already. Ashe did try and coax me to talk to him, but I couldn't do that even knowing he would listen to me, that simply would not do enough in this.

However, there were tasks for Ashe to do though I could feel his regret at leaving me feeling as I was. My husband's thoughts would often come back to dwell on me as he went about the tasks that he had to do. The one that Ashe commissioned to put in the door that Matsu specifically insisted that she needed being named Seo Kaoru. Ashe isn't fond of him yet tolerates him as he sees needed and he'd said that he felt the need to observe Seo's work for a bit to make sure that he was doing it like told to him. Honestly, with what I've observed of the man, I would agree with the dislike as he is irresponsible and lazy.

So, when Seo arrived, Ashe led him up to the second floor to start his job of putting in the door. The flaring of Ashe's aura came from upstairs, likely to make sure that Seo did what he was supposed to. After a short while, Ashe came back downstairs, as we had originally planned to go out shopping today. Nonetheless, Matsu coming yesterday and bringing reminders of what I had wished to leave behind and forget had changed things. A growing depression was settling on me and all I felt up to doing was sitting in the living room and stare out the window that faces the backyard. I was left to think about things I haven't for years and pain accompanied the memories that were coming back to me.

-Ashe's pov-

After making sure Seo knew what his task entailed and what kind of consequences would await him should he think about cut and running after doing a poor job, I went in search for Miya. We had intended to go out shopping once Seo was set on his task, but I have the hunch that it won't happen today. When I found Miya in the living room, and upon seeing her I stopped for she was clearly still very depressed. I couldn't help the frown that came at the sight and began to contemplate about how I could change her mood for the better.

I took some time to mull over what I had done in the past to cheer up and get Miya to smile and get her out of this depression. I knew that what I normally would do wouldn't be enough in this instance yet, I was still determined and wouldn't let a stupor of thought deter me. But, the longer I'd the stupor of thought, the more frustrated I became, which added to the pain at seeing Miya like this. Yet, my thoughts were temporarily shifted when I was contacted by a pair I hadn't expected. The time of the contact was a tad odd, but when I summoned an orb to act as a medium to see the other party, I was met by a girl's face.

The child was approaching her adolescence and was still cute, including her fox ears that were flicking around in excitement. She looked to have gotten prettier in the close to five years that had past, her hair was longer and fell to beyond her neck. Honestly, she looks very much like her mother had at the same age, "Gramps, Gramps," she cried.

I felt a smile come to my face, "Well, this is a surprise," I said. "It is good to see you as well Kunou."

The kitsune girl giggled at my response, but she did enjoy talking to me even as she had gotten older. "I did all the shrine rites yesterday and didn't make one mistake," Kunou declared proudly, "And I did it all by myself without anyone helping me."

I clapped my hands together at her declaration, "Wonderful," I replied, "a task very well-done my talented Kunou."

Kunou gave me a broad smile at my praise giggling as she did, then her mother came into view, "Indeed, she was amazing yesterday," Yasaka agreed. "She wanted to tell you that she did such a good job and she is right to be proud of herself papa."

"It is good to see you Yasaka," I greeted, "I hope things are going well with you as well as around Kyoto."

"Oh well enough," Yasaka replied. "The usual domestic issues coming up, the occasional intruder, nothing all that new. What about things in Tokyo?"

Yasaka like me did basically the management of things whether it is through herself directly or others she delegates to. The intruder piece referred to those that weren't youkai that were still non-humans had visited with not nice intentions, it happens unfortunately. As for how things were going in Tokyo, Minaka is stirring up things and it was frustrating to me. "It is okay at the moment, but the tension is rising," I returned. "There's a fool that is doing what they want and there are not enough with common sense and reason standing up against them right now to curb the idiot."

Yasaka frowned at my remark, "I see, that is troubling and becoming common these days," she answered. "If there were more like you papa, then I would expect the opposite."

I shrugged, "Perhaps, none are ever told what would have been or what could have come as a result," I remarked. "Still, talking to the two of you has brightened my day so thank you both."

Kunou enthusiastically waved goodbye before the magic was ended and I was back to my original issue with Miya being unhappy. However, talking with Kunou and Yasaka had provided the inspiration for a possible solution. In fact, it was such a perfect idea that I was sure that Miya's mood would improve to the point that I would guarantee it. So, with my mind made up, I told Miya that I needed to go out for a bit and I would be back before lunch, to which she acknowledged but little else. I quickly left the house and headed for the shrine however though that wasn't my destination. When I reached the shrine, instead of going into the shrine grounds, I used magic upon the front entry gate.

Stepping through the gate, brought me into an entirely different place than I had been in, yet it had somewhat familiar sights. The world around me, looked kind of like where I had just been, in front of me was "the Shrine of Inari". However, the shrine was mostly white in color now and seem to give off light in a sensible glow. The air had a different feel and appeared to have a blurry or hazy attribute to it now, it was the best way I could describe with words what this realm is like. Turning around to look at the rest of the realm I was now in, I saw houses with rough outlines and appeared less sharp and hazy. There were "people" here, though they weren't what most would consider 'people'. Many would call those I now saw ghosts, but in reality, they were the spirits or souls of the departed that hadn't moved on that were wondering around.

This place is what is called the "spirit realm" and exists on the same plane as the living world but is unseen by the living. Those here were doing all sorts of things… or trying to do things at least to get the attention of others. You see, in this realm, the living are the transparent ghosts, and the souls of the departed are the inhabitance. Those here, however, can't do anything physical to the living and most living don't hear any from this realm. So, the many spirits that were attempting to speak and communicate with those in the living realm which were visible, weren't having any effect on those that were living.

I did feel sorry for the spirits here as their wish to converse with others that they had likely known while they had been alive was going unnoticed. Yet, there was little I could do for them, for if those who they're trying to communicate with aren't listening, then I can't change that. Most humans these days don't listen to what can be felt or heard from other realms and if they do actually hear anything, they dismiss it.

So, I didn't interact with them and just kept traveling towards the estate in the center of what is Tokyo's spirit realm. In the center of the realm is a large castle-like structure that follows the Japanese style construction, with a perimeter wall surrounding it. The "estate" that the castle or palace belongs to me, mostly because no deity watches over the spirit realms. It's normally done by those who volunteer for the job, it's sad but true and in this case, that was me. So, when I reached the gates to the estate, the gates opened for me and I went inside. Once I had entered the main castle interior, a kitsune who was male and a nekomata which was a female spotted me and quickly approached me and bowed. "Lord Hitoyoshi, we did not expect you to visit today, to what do we owe the honor," the kitsune asked.

I felt a smile form on my face at the question, "Please, no need to be so formal, we are as a family," I returned. I saw the yōkai that I changed from humans as family, not children necessarily as none of them are, but still family. "I was thinking it would be nice to come by and see how things are going. Plus, I wanted to see Kai, I do miss him so, not being able to see him all the time and everything takes its toll," I replied wistfully.

Both yōkai nodded in understanding, then they led me further into the castle to see the one I was here to visit and… ask for their help. As we walked through the estate, I caught sight of other yōkai that I knew and that worked for me. We traveled to a small bedroom, where I viewed a sight that warmed my heart. The room itself was decorated with a blue and white color scheme, one which would be expected in a child's bedroom, playroom, or more a combination of the two. And really that's what this room was, a child's bedroom and playroom, complete with a small bed. There were two large chests full of an assortment of toys on one side of the room. In one corner was a bookshelf filled with children's books with a rocking chair next to it. Finally, there was a wardrobe close to the bed, a size meant for a child to use.

At one of the toy chests, there was a cleverly arranged stack of books acting as stairs or steps to get a higher vantage point to access the chest, a little above midway up the height of the chest. On top of that stack was a little boy leaning into the chest, and by the sounds coming from inside the chest, he was rummaging around for a specific toy were I to guess. I don't doubt that the boy had arranged the stack of books to get up to the chest for he's a very smart boy. The boy, of course, was Kai and he was approaching a meter in height when he stands straight, closer to a meter probably now than last time I saw him. He had been ninety-two centimeters previously, so I can't say with what I'm seeing how much he's grown. He seems to grow an amount each time I see him even if he remains cute.

Neither Miya or I had thought originally that we could have children together or otherwise. But this fall, it will be four years since we received the surprise during a set of tests that Takehito had been doing with Miya, we found out she was pregnant. Miya had taken a bit of time to warm up to the idea of there being a child between the two of us. Whereas I'd been very happy since I had always wanted to have children of my own, yet I had come to accept such an event wouldn't be an experience I could or would have. It was one thing that I was jealous of humans being able to do so easily, it's not as easy for some non-humans. Even so, I'm in a different category when it comes to reproductive abilities, and for me, they're not good at being successful, that's putting it mildly. There are also risks involved with me that there aren't for others, so I was doomed for both those reasons… or so I had thought.

The children that I had taken in and raised I do care about, but it wasn't the same as having your own child. There have been many children that I have taken in, most are gone as their life ended already. But for those that are still around like Yasaka, I do try and keep in touch with the best I am able, some are harder than others. For Miya, when Kai had been born and she had held him looking at our son for the first time all her apprehension vanished. The expression on her face when she had seen Kai was one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen. That had been one of the happiest days Miya and I had experienced thus far.

Kai as the son of Miya and I is half Sekirei, so he'll have strength, speed, and senses that are better than humans possess. When it comes to my heritage, I can't begin to foresee what will come from that. How his heritage will play in his development, there is no real way to say at this point, there are too many variables. Kai has the same white color with his hair as I do with my natural appearance, but his skin and one eye color he takes after Miya. His face had been showing signs of having the same regal features that I have… naturally that I tone down normally. He'll definitely be handsome when he gets older, no question about that, it kind of worries me a bit with who that can attract.

I kept silently observing Kai seeing the single bushy silver fox tail wagging energetically as he kept searching for whichever toy he was. My son was wearing a small kimono-like robe that had an opening for his tail to go through. The robe was off-white and held closed by a silver obi sash at his waist. A smile grew on my face as I kept watching Kai, I just couldn't help myself. The nekomata with me approached Kai and tapped him on his shoulder, "Young Master Kai, are you looking for a particular toy," she asked.

Kai brought his head up and I spotted the fox ears on top and his left gold eye and right red eye which added to his cute charm. I noted that he had as I suspected grown a margin since the last time I saw him. He appeared to be around ninety-three or ninety-four centimeters now from what I'm seeing. Kai looked to the female nekomata that had spoken, "Miss Kaira? I'm looking for Tama, but I can't find her," he returned in his high-pitched voice, in the tone of a whine and I even saw the tears forming at the corners of his eyes.

My heart skipped a beat at seeing and hearing this and seeing how cute Kai looked right now! Honestly, Kai can be too adorable when he worries about things, it was hard not to rush forward to hug and snuggle him! The urge was so strong that my fox features came out on their own without me being able to prevent it. The 'Tama' that Kai was referring to was a 'stuffed fox toy' that Miya and I gave him for his last birthday when he turned two. The 'toy' was far more than it appeared thanks to me for it was infused with magic and could morph over to a real fox and defend Kai if there was ever the need for that.

Kai had instantly loved the stuffed fox so much, he would often sleep with it at night hugging it to himself. Knowing that fact, I glanced over to the small bed and spotted a bushy tail barely visible by the pillow. I silently activated a spell and the tail moved before disappearing under the bed covers. Then an extremely realistic looking 'stuffed fox' came out from under the covers of the bed and jumping to the floor standing on her own four stuffed legs. Tama had light brown fur overall but had black fur for the last fourth of its legs. It also had black tipped ears and white markings above where its eyes were.

Now, Tama was no ordinary toy as Kai thinks she is, but a 'guardian' that I created and placed a soul in. The soul had belonged to an individual that I'd helped out quite some time ago and they had been waiting for a purpose. So, when I had offered for her to be the guardian and watch over my son and protect him, Tama had been more than willing. In times of need, Tama can become either a real fox or take on a more human-like form in order to defend Kai. She also keeps me informed on what Kai does and by what she's said, she enjoys watching him.

So, when I called for Tama, she first shook herself as if she was wet and was getting the excess water off herself, then she began making her way towards me. I bent down as Tama trotted over to me with a stride that was proud and dignified. She nuzzled my hand when she reached me before I dismissed her for the time being, then I stood back up. I turned back towards Kai, who was beginning to sniffle with building sadness at not being able to find the stuffed fox he loved. "Did you look for Tama where you saw her last Kai," I asked.

At the sound of my voice, Kai's fox ears which had been lying flat against his head whipped straight up, then the little boy spun around and saw me and he instantly gained a big smile on his face. "DADDY," he shouted in joy before running towards me as fast as his legs could carry him.

I knelt down, stretched my arms out as Kai came sprinting to me and I caught him as he threw himself into my embrace hugging me back. "It's wonderful to see you as well my son," I said happily as I held Kai and nuzzled his head with my cheek.

My tails were wagging softly behind me mimicking what Kai's own tail was doing currently. Kai snuggled into my chest affectionately, "You didn't say that you'd be coming today daddy," Kai said.

I chuckled at what my son had said along with seeing Kai's tail wagging with vigor showing Kai's happiness as his fox features, like mine show what we truly feel. "I thought it would be nice to surprise you my boy, but I'm also here to see if you can help me with something," I replied.

The boy pulled away a bit and looked up at me curiously, his right fox ear twitching, "Help you? What can I help you with daddy? You are so powerful, you can do anything, and I cannot," Kai replied, trailing off.

I leaned down and kissed Kai's forehead, "Now Kai, you're still young and I'm most certainly not, but someday you'll be powerful with magic just like me and will also be able to do things as I can," I commented, yet then I frowned slightly thinking about why I came to ask my son for help.

Kai seemed to pick up on my sadness at thinking about Miya as she was, "Daddy, what's wrong? You look sad, why are you sad," he questioned.

My son is wise beyond his years, and I smiled a little at how Kai had such a caring heart even as young as he is. He was so selfless… I couldn't be prouder of this quality, for it is rarer now than it was previously. Especially since many I was once around in my early life, were nothing like this at all. "Well Kai, you see, your mother is feeling sad lately," I began.

Kai, upon hearing his mother Miya was sad, he gained a forlorn expression complete with his ears lowered to lay flat on his head and his tail stopping its wagging and drooping down. "Mom's sad? What is making mom sad," he asked me, the previous sadness he had been having to enter his voice again.

I hugged Kai and comforted the boy who was clearly unhappy at understanding that his mother was sad. "Your mother is sad because some people she knows might get hurt soon and she doesn't want that," I answered, then I gave Kai a smile. "But that's what I would like to have your help with Kai, your mother really needs some cheering up and I thought you could help me with that. Do you think you could help me bring a smile to her face?"

At my request, the boy smiled broadly, his fox ears snapped back up to stand straight, his tail quickly resumed its rhythm of whipping from side to side. "Yes daddy, I love making mommy smile," he proclaimed happily.

"That's my boy," I returned, "right then, let's get you dressed properly so that we can go see her."

Kai cheered and jumped up and ran to the wardrobe and the nekomata female moved forward and assisted Kai in retrieving the clothes he would wear to come back with me to Izumo Inn. Even my heart had lifted up in mood, at looking ahead of being able to spend time with Kai, and as a family. Such experiences have been rare over the last year due to the standing circumstances with Minaka.

Once my son was done changing his clothes, he returned to where I was waiting for him. When he came to me, I summoned Tama and handed her back to Kai and he was very happy to have her back with him, as was clear by him tightly hugging Tama to himself. I lifted Kai and set him on top of my shoulders and began the journey back towards the shrine, where the gateway to the living world is. Along the way, some of the spirits reacted to Kai waving at them appearing to recognize my son. Makes me wonder when Kai had come out here and spoke to any of the spirits here for I've heard nothing about such.

When we reached the shrine, I cast the same spell I did to enter the realm before Kai and I then passed through the realm of the living. We came out at the front gate of the shrine, Kai still upon my shoulders, Tama still in his grasp as he held onto me. He was looking around with awe and wonder since he hasn't seen the world much yet before Leia spotted us and approached. Upon seeing her, Kai began waving his arms and legs around excitedly, "Yeah, Prestiess Leia, it's Prestiess Leia!" he announced, before he clutched at me to stop himself from falling off my shoulders.

I lifted Kai off and set him down on the ground, "Be careful Kai, I know you're excited, but forgetting about your surroundings can be dangerous and harmful," I stated.

Leia smiled kindly at Kai's excitement, then she knelt down in front of my son when she reached where we were coming down to his eye level and patted him on the head. "It's pronounced priestess Kai," she said before she rose and turned to me, bowing. "It is good to see you return though I didn't expect you to bring Kai with you Master."

I nodded, "Miya really needs some cheering up, and Kai here said that he is very willing to help me in that task." I returned, hugging Kai who giggled and was moving his head up and down with a big smile on his face.

We walked into the shrine grounds a bit while I talked to Leia. And when the shrine maidens caught sight of Kai, they all squealed and flocked to where we were. Kai quickly was surrounded by cooing and awing maidens squealing at how cute he was along with hugging him. It didn't help Kai when he acted shy with him hugging his own tail, which only added to the aura of cuteness he was putting off. The shrine maidens, both the younger and older ones were acting like infatuated teenaged women around their crush with Kai fawning over him.

This was only a taste of what Kai will face in the future, those he will attract, many unconsciously with his mild shyness and his innocence will be no small number. It's just hard to say no to him with how he acts, he's the definition of "too cute for his own good". It took around ten minutes to get everyone to calm down from their fawning over Kai and how cute he was. Kai was hugged and doted upon during that timeframe which he wasn't refusing, but I could tell he was nervous about all the attention he wasn't used to.

Once I had "saved" Kai from his admirers and Leia got all the shrine maidens back to their duties, we began making our way towards the entrance of the shrine. From there, the two of us began walking back towards Izumo Inn, leaving the shrine grounds while all there were busy. Just after starting the journey though, I used magic to hide Kai's fox features as he is still too young to know how or be able to do so himself. He's not able to use magic just yet, but he will likely be able to soon, so until he can, I do so for him when it's needed.

Kai ooed and awed the whole way to Izumo Inn at all the sights and people that passed by us. But then, this is a new experience for Kai and it appears that he's enjoying it a great deal, seeing new things and people. We reached the house in a short period of time, Kai having quickly began to ask me question after question, involving "What's that?" and "Why?" being the two most common questions. I found it amusing how hungry his curiosity is, and I loved encouraging my son to keep his fascination in acquiring knowledge healthy and growing.

-Miya's pov-

I had lost track of the passage of time since Ashe said he needed to go out to do something. I found it a tad odd that he hadn't said what he was going to do, he normally does before heading out. My best guess was that Ashe was going out to get something to attempt to cheer up, it's the kind of thing he does. He wouldn't leave me alone in sadness or distress without trying to brighten my mood and I love him more for that. Yet, with the Sekirei Plan soon to start, I can think of nothing that Ashe could find or acquire that would help my mood right now.

So, the sound of the front door sliding open and then closed told me that Ashe had come back. Ashe soon came into the living room after that, "I've returned Miya and I have a surprise for you that I believe will help improve your mood my dear," he said.

While I can appreciate the effort that Ashe makes, I couldn't help the sigh that came from me, "Sorry Ashe, I'm not really in the mood for whatever trinket you have right now," I replied.

There was silence for a moment before Ashe spoke again, "Oh, is that so? Well, you know that I'm not one to give up so I would have to disagree in this. Besides, what I have with me I guarantee will cheer you up Miya," he returned.

I highly doubt that Ashe has anything that could cheer me up, not with the mood that I'm in right now. His confidence that would normally have me smiling in no time didn't have the effect today. I exhaled heavily and without words told Ashe to leave me be for the time being yet he didn't leave the room.

"Mom," called a child's voice.

My head snapped up at hearing the call and I saw an individual that I hadn't expected to see nor seen for a while. Kai, my son was running towards me complete with fox ears and tail. He was turning out to look so much like his father each time I see him, and I had to admit that Ashe had outdone any expectations I had of him. I thought there had been nothing he could bring back to cheer me up, but he had gone and brought the one individual that can have me smiling no matter how depressed I feel, our son. My eyes did go wide at seeing Kai even as he climbed into my lap and proceeded to hug me with all his might, his tail wagging enthusiastically as he snuggled against my front affectionately.

Feeling Kai hugging me, instantly gave me the urge to return the embrace and show how much I love this adorable boy that Ashe and I brought into the world. Kai is one of the joys my life has and I need those a great deal as of late with the Sekirei Plan and all that it involves. I touched my head to the top of Kai's and a smile grew on my face the longer I held my wonderful son. Ashe came over to the sofa and sunk down next to us, grinning at the sight of both of us embracing each other. "I missed you so much mommy," muttered Kai as he nuzzled his head into my front.

I couldn't stop myself in kissing the top of Kai's head, "I missed you as well Kai, my darling boy," I answered him affectionately.

I would thank Ashe later for bringing Kai to the house to see me, I certainly needed this event at this time. Plus, Kai's presence brightened the whole house, his happy attitude was infectious to Ashe and myself. My husband rose and left the room leaving Kai and me to have some cuddle time together as Kai told me all about what he had been doing since the last time I'd seen him. I did catch a glimpse of Seo quickly leaving the house not too long after Ashe left the room. Kai finished telling me what he had been up to just as the time to prepare dinner came about.

Also, one of Ashe's acquaintances came by as dinner preparations started, I believe her name is Anya, the crimson-haired woman. She kept Kai's attention while Ashe and I made dinner and Kai seemed to enjoy having her attention. I was putting some of dinner on the table, when I caught sight of Matsu, scurrying away with a plate of food and vanishing up the stairs. The redhead didn't even appear to register that there were two here that she didn't know at all. That told me her social and interaction skills were still poor at best and horrid at worst. Although honestly, I didn't want Kai meeting Matsu, there was a chance that he might acquire some of her bad habits and I don't want that at all! Ashe felt the same about Matsu if not worse than I did, I could feel his irritation at realizing Matsu was being so secretive.

Matsu was quickly proving that not much had changed with her habits nor mannerisms and that worried me. I hope that her inclination towards thinking that she absolutely needed to know everything about those around herself has been curbed. I know that Ashe wouldn't appreciate or like her habit of spying she had before, it would irk him a great deal.

-Ashe's pov-

Once the evening meal finished, Miya and I cleaned up while Anya listened to Kai excitedly chatter away to the woman about anything that came to his mind. Dinner had certainly been different than the previous night as it wasn't quiet which Kai had made sure of, but it was a very nice change. Yet as I was about to help with the cleanup, a knock came from the front door and that drew my attention. So, I rose and excused myself to go see who was calling at this late hour for visitors were fairly rare. When I slid opened the front door I found that the visitor was a woman that I happened to know but don't often see.

The woman had a height that was a bit higher than Miya's own, with her bust a tad above average as were her waist and hips, still a fair figure overall. Her eyes were an icy blue, while her hair was black creating a visible contrast. Yet, one of the most noticeable features for this woman was the color of her skin, which was the palest white flesh color… might as well call it deathly white skin. The female's name was Morgana, if she had a last name, then she herself had forgotten it and there were none who knew what it had been. She wasn't human at least, she isn't any longer though she had been at one time I believe, I have never been interested enough to ask. Due to one of the arts she practices she's now what's known as a Lich, or a dead body that was still able to move and is normally manipulated by a particular type of spirit.

I stared at Morgana for a moment noting she was currently wearing a sand-colored knee-length dress under a brown fur coat for this rare visit. The reason I noted this fact was that the outfit was one of the more formal wear that she had that I knew of. Normally Morgana won't dress to impress for she doesn't care enough about what others think of her to dress for that. And seeing me is not a special occasion, Morgana has shown up in sleazy outfits that disgust me in ways words can't say. So that she had chosen to dress nice is significant, I just can't say why that is at the moment.

Her habits and choice of dress are explained by this woman pretty much is the definition of a recluse with her keeping to herself most of the time. When she does go out, it's to places I tend to avoid more often than not leaving contact between us minimal. Neither of us have an issue with little contact, I'm more the one she answers to if things go bad. The few times that we have had confrontation hadn't ended well for her and because of that, she does her best not to attract my notice. She knows that it because of me that she can worry less about others hunting her down and trying to kill her.

So, I'm left to wonder why she's come by, it had been many months since I'd seen her at all likely her cooped up in the workspace she's made for herself. The said works space is not a place most sane people would dare treed, nor does it make logical sense in a way I could figure, at least not the few parts I've seen. And when I speak of sanity, I'm being nice and not saying that Morgana lost most of what sanity she possibly had before. My guess is that her obsession with "her work" is probably what drove her to how she is now. That work of hers has gotten her into trouble with a number of beings and some of those non-human beings would be very satisfied were she to disappear for good.

It had been three centuries ago that Morgana had come to me to plead for asylum, which I gave once she agreed to follow the rules I set, and she has thus far for the most part except for a couple of slip-ups. Morgana had lived originally during the middle ages somewhere in Europe, France if her accent is anything to go by. She had been studying alchemy… as well as necromancy back then by what she herself has told me. And it's her skills in necromancy, to which I would credit her still existing as she died some time ago but is still around. Morgana is on her fourth body I think now, honestly, I don't know with this woman, she's had two different appearances since I've met her.

However, Morgana's passion is her work and studies into the subject now known as epidemiology or the branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health. Or to make it even more simple, she studies diseases, plagues and illness, she also makes them from time to time. It is that, which is her work and obsession and she sees the diseases and plagues she makes as her own children or something to that effect. She may not be credited for her work, but her work is quite well known, like the 'Black Death' or the Bubonic Plague, Influenza and Cholera. Those are the three big diseases that she's responsible for creating that have renowned. So, that in mind, it's not a joke to say that Morgana can be a dangerous person to be around, but her knowledge in the field of illness and diseases is one of the best in the world and I can't deny that.

My face became almost emotionless at seeing her, "Morgana, this is a rarity, you tend to avoid me which honestly I have little issue with, so why are you here to see me," I inquired flatly.

Morgana forced a sickeningly sweet smiled, "Oh my, you make it sound like me coming by to visit is a bad thing Monsieur Hitoyoshi," she replied in French, it's my guess of where she was born, but I don't know for sure.

I could easily understand the words she said in French with an ability that I have, and yet still, my expression didn't change. "You have proven that it can be Morgana, more than once in fact. Now, do you have a reason for being here, or are you wasting my time to get your kicks and not be bored? Should that be what you are out doing, then you would do well to rid yourself of such a habit quickly Morgana. It isn't amusing and you know full well having me displeased is very unwise for you. I doubt that you haven't forgotten how things go when that is the case with the last time I chastised you," I stated in a cold tone.

The woman flinched at the reminder of our last face-to-face encounter as that had been me punishing her for a stunt she pulled that she should have known better. She had 'slipped' a few some of her work to 'test it' she had claimed, that of course hadn't been acceptable. So, I had cleaned up her mess and then forced her to stay out in daylight for a period of time which is very harmful to Morgana. The other punishment I've resorted to is engulfing her in flames and that has gotten the message across thus far. For her to come to me before she does something showed that she understood what I had been telling her. I knew of ways to kill her permanently and she was well aware of that as I've stated the fact to her in a way she couldn't deny.

Anyways, she put her hands together, "Actually, I have a request Monsieur Hitoyoshi and it's a very important one, I assure you. So, please could you hear me out? I beg you," she asked me, bowing slightly and kept her hands together switching between Japanese and French as she spoke.

My eyebrows rose at the request as Morgana isn't one that had the best manners, in fact, their normally terrible when she's nice, worse when she is not. And it's not that she doesn't have them for Morgana does, and she'll use them as she sees them benefiting her. But other than that, she is blunt and doesn't care about what others think of her as I've said. So, for her to act like she was, surprised me a bit and made me wonder what was so important for her to be this 'nice'. I suppose, since she is going through the trouble to act like this, I should give her a chance to ask whatever it is she wants to. It'll be quicker anyways, so I nodded slowly, "Very well, I'll hear your request, just remember to keep behaving yourself," I said.

I let Morgana into the house and we went to the living room to discuss whatever she was here for. Miya, Kai, and Anya were still in the dining room and honestly, I didn't really want Kai meeting this woman just yet. I doubt that Morgana would be any kind of good influence, and Kai is so trusting and innocent that Morgana could easily take advantage of him. Should she do so, Morgana would suffer and I would personally make sure of that. Plus, Anya really dislikes Morgana a great deal and that's putting it nicely, she more wants Morgana dead. Perhaps it is because of what happened when the Bubonic Plague swept through Japan. The plague had struck without mercy and it had killed a lot of people, quite a few that Anya had known. So, in my wisdom, I believed it better to keep the two women apart the best I can to prevent them from fighting one another needlessly.

Once we had sat across from each other, I simply gazed at her, "So then, what is your request Morgana? Normally, you don't come to me when you want something, you tend to just go and obtain it yourself. In fact, past experience says you usually only come to me when what you want is something that you can't get without possibly going against one of the rules I've set for you. That or you already have done something that you shouldn't have and are here to beg for mercy and for me to go easy on you. So, which is it this time Morgana, and no more attempting to butter me up, I'm not in the mood," I said flatly.

The woman chuckled nervously, "Well, to the point as ever I see. I haven't done anything yet, I learned how unwise that is the last time Monsieur Hitoyoshi, I do not want to go through anything like you did to me again. That is why I'm here asking rather than disobeying the rules, showing that I appreciate the protection you give me by letting me stay around here. What I'm here to ask is very important to me, I can assure you, so please," she began.

Yet, before we could get this going and be done with this, we were interrupted as Kai came into the room closely followed by Anya. Anya quickly came to a halt at seeing who was here and her expression morphing into one that spoke of the hatred she felt towards Morgana. Kai, blissfully ignorant of the entire situation simply came over to me and climbed into my lap without any hesitation and leaned back against me. Morgana gaped at seeing Kai for a moment then gained a girlish smile and squealed, "Oh my, what a cute little boy, he's so adorable," she squealed, switching more often between French and Japanese as she spoke.

However, when Morgana rose and started making her way closer to Kai, she was brought to a stop by a blade appearing horizontally across her chest. The blade had flames engulfing it and they were azure blue which is dangerous to "non-living" beings. Morgana followed the blade with her gaze and ended out looking at Anya. My crimson-haired friend and assistant was glaring at Morgana, "What are you doing here Harbinger," she hissed, her bitter hatred clearly audible using the name she had for Morgana.

Morgana merely giggled at the question, "Why I'm here to ask something of your master Miss Fiery Samurai, and it really doesn't concern you," she said, then switched over to a cold tone and continued, "Now put that metal stick of yours away, it's annoying to have it across where my Neaxus is. So, back off or I'll give you something far worse to be concerned about!"

Anya didn't move, "Just try it, I'll gladly destroy your container, you are better off dead and gone venomous bi***," Anya shot back.

I had covered both Kai's fox ears and non-fox ears before the exchange for I rather he not hear the foul language being said between the two. Kai has no need to know such terms and he has such a sweet and kind soul that I don't want it spoiled by foulness like this. I know that he will have to be exposed to such things at some point but it need not be yet. Then, as this would only get uglier if nothing was done, and I like Izumo Inn the way it is currently and don't wish it wrecked, I took action.

I used magic to separate the two women by literally throwing them apart in opposite directions. However, merely forcing the two apart won't last long with the dislike they have for one another. So, I used a second spell to hold Anya where she was and return Morgana back to the sofa she'd been sitting on and make her stay there. "That is quite enough from both of you," I said in a growl. I turned to Anya, "What fate is waiting for Morgana is my decision Anya, not yours, accept that and move on from this. You are still completely free to hate Morgana as you wish but keep the thirst for vengeance you have in check and control." I shifted to face Morgana, "As for you Morgana, stop goading Anya into wanting to kill you by taunting her or I'll reacquaint you with some of the more unusual magic I know for as long as you would survive it. Now, do get on with your request before I change my mind about listening to it and send you on your way."

Anya moved to stand behind me putting her tachi-type Japanese sword into its sheath, but keeping a hand on its handle, ready to draw at any moment. I turned my attention back to Morgana who at my mentioning what I could do to her got back on task. "My apologies, I am really sorry I got sidetracked Monsieur Hitoyoshi. The request I have is for allowing me to begin looking for a replacement vessel. It's very important," Morgana remarked.

I heard Anya tighten her grip on her blade, the tension quickly rising by the second, yet Kai's voice dispelled it all. He twisted around and looked up at me, "Replacebmant vessmal, what is the lady talking about dad," he asked innocently.

Morgana chuckled at the question, "You are quite adorable, petit," she returned in French.

Kai stared at the lich with a look of confusion, likely since he's never heard an accent like Morgana's before or the French language. Eventually, Kai would likely be able to understand all languages as I can, but he's still too young to use such a gift. However, with how Morgana had referred to Kai, my hold on him tightened ever so slightly as I was protective of him. Before Morgana could go further, I cut across her, "Indeed my son is," I commented flatly, before looking down at Kai who was looking up at me. "You see Kai, this woman here whose name is Morgana is known as a lich and so isn't considered completely alive, but she isn't dead either. She lives here in Japan under the agreement that she follows the rules which are set for her by me." We both glanced at Morgana as I continued, "Unfortunately, she's done some things before coming here that have made others rather miffed at her, some of them enough to wish her gone forever."

The lich to whom I was referring to, smiled and then removed her right forearm completely from her body with ease. However, no blood came out from either the arm stump of the detached forearm nor did Morgana appear to be in any pain. "As you can see petit, this body isn't like what others have, this body died some time ago, but I can still use it and for a decent amount of time. I place spells on it and put it through a few processes to help it keep well for a long period of time. Although, a body of flesh and bone can only last so long before the decay and rot can't be slowed down, and I need to find another body to work with. Very simple, no," she answered. Then she turned to me, "Yet unfortunately, the expiration time for this body is approaching, it has been nearly two hundred years since I began borrowing it and that tends to be the limit for preservation. I need the time to find a compatible body to use as a vessel before this one becomes unusable since not just any body will do for me, it's like that for those like me."

Morgana reattached the forearm to her body and her powers in necromancy brought the muscles and skin back together while I deliberated upon the request Morgana made. To give permission to this woman can be very dangerous, I've had to learn that the hard way from seeing the results. Nonetheless, there are somethings with Morgana, that having permission or not means nothing to her. So, it this, I think it would be better to give permission for then she is more likely to heed the conditions that I would include. After a moment, I sighed, "Very well Morgana, you can do your searching, BUT there is a condition. You are not to hurt anyone or lead any to their death just because their body would work for you, do you understand? Or do I need to help you recall what happened the last time you were responsible for another's death," I stated, leaving no room for argument even summoning a small white flame to a hand.

The woman drew back at the sight of the flame and swallowed as she nodded nervously, "I understand Monsieur, there's no need to remind me," she replied before she got up and left the house by her own volition.

Once Morgana had gone, Anya relaxed a bit, "Why you allow her to stay around here, I do not understand my lord," she remarked to me bitterly.

I exhaled, "Because I can see that there is good in her Anya, like others that people say were nothing more than evil. I'm well-aware you disagree of there being any good in Morgana, but with the work she's done, her efforts could have produced far worse than those plagues of hers did. Plus, she's balanced out by another lich like herself that does the opposite of her by finding cures to her work. Then, Morgana's knowledge in the world of illness and disease is only matched by them and none other," I returned.

Anya said nothing in reply to my reasoning, and Kai was looking between Anya and me, an expression of bafflement set on his face. I smiled down at Kai, "Do not worry yourself about this Kai, these kinds of situations are something that you will understand better in the future. You did not do anything to bring this about," I said gently.

-Miya's pov-

The sound of the front door opening and then closing a second time came as I finished the dishes. As I entered the living room I saw Kai in Ashe's lap, and Ashe's friend Anya was standing close by, yet the air in the room was tense. "So, who was visiting," I asked.

Kai spun his head to the doorway and smiled, "Mommy," he called happily.

Ashe looked to me, "It was an acquaintance of mine that lives here in the north even if she tends to keep to herself most of the time. She had something she wanted to ask me about, it was nothing to be concerned with dear, I handled it," he answered, then looked down at Kai with a smile, "Plus, I was thinking of how it would be a nice change for us to have Kai stay here tonight with us."

I was taken off-guard at Ashe suggesting that Kai stay here for the night. It would be nice to spend more time with our son even I wish for that. But Kai being at Izumo Inn brings risk to him as MBI has no idea that Kai exists. If they did, then Minaka would steal him and do horrible things to him without hesitation or guilt. It was why Ashe and I made the decision that Kai shouldn't live with us for the time being though the choice had broken my heart. Still, Kai's head snapped up to look at his father for a moment and then his face began lighting up. "Really daddy? I can stay with you and mommy tonight," he asked with hope in his voice.

Ashe continued to smile and nodded, "Yes indeed, I don't see why you couldn't Kai," he replied.

I don't know if Ashe planned this ahead of time with bringing Kai here, but it didn't matter at this point any longer. Our boy slipped off my husband's lap and then raced over to me and hugged my legs while he started jumping up and down excitedly. "Mommy mommy, did you hear, daddy said I can stay here tonight," Kai announced with glee.

Dropping to my knees, I wrapped my arms around Kai and began trying to calm him down as he has so much energy to work with. Ashe went off while I was with Kai, likely to set up a futon for our son. It took me a lot of effort to do what I could to wind the boy down and even with all I did while Ashe was out of the room. The crimson-haired woman also left shortly after Ashe left the room bowing before she went out through the front door. When Ashe came back, the two of us teamed up in wearing down our energetic boy, yet the playtime was very enjoyable. And upon Kai becoming tired, I picked up Kai and took him over to one of the sofas and grabbed a book to read to him. Kai was working hard not to nod off by the end of the story. He didn't resist when I scooped him up and carried him towards Ashe's and my room. When Ashe and I confirmed that our son was sleeping, Ashe said that he would be back in a little while and left the room. He came back around a half an hour later, not saying what he had been doing.

The next morning started with Kai waking Ashe and I jumping up and down announcing that we should get up and start the day in an extremely happy manner. Ashe surprised Kai when he grabbed him around his waist and pulling him down gently to the mattress. Just after Ashe brought Kai to the mattress, I twisted to face the boy and began kissing him wherever I could while Ashe started tickling him. Kai began laughing and tried to say for us to stop while attempting to wiggle free as we kept up our loving attacks on our son up.

After a few minutes, we stopped what we were doing to Kai, but we kept him between us. Kai clearly enjoyed being with both Ashe and me thoroughly, rare as times like this have become lately. It's unfortunately due to MBI's head Hiroto Minaka that Ashe and I have agreed that it would be too dangerous for Kai to live with us. Although an example of what that man is capable of isn't needed, what he has done to the Sekirei, as individuals and a species overall, speaks loudly of such.

The prospects that Minaka would leave Kai alone were slim to none. Takehito himself had mentioned that Minaka had expressed a fascination of the idea of what a child of a Sekirei and another would have in the area of capabilities, including tolerances and limits. Were that man to discover that there was a child born between a Sekirei and another, Kai's life would be in serious danger. Minaka hasn't shown himself to be kind at all, and it's unlikely that he would do any different for a child if he would even see them that way. He hasn't shown any sign that he would be nice or kind to another if it didn't benefit for himself not being so.

-Ashe's pov-

The moments that the three of us get to spend together are times that we all treasure. More so after the conversation, I had with another last night. As I mentioned, Tama isn't a normal toy or even a 'toy' at all honestly. She is a guardian spirit that has the form of a Kitsune, which I happened to come across quite some time ago and she had been waiting to have a purpose to make up for what she saw as a major failure she made in the past. So, when I requested that she take on the task of watching over my son, she had heartily agreed. That said, I had her catch me up with what had been happening with Kai while Miya or I had seen him. I hadn't told Miya that I had another watching over Kai and Tama would defend Kai with everything she had. But she did tell me of how Kai was learning and had even gone out without others knowing into the spirit realm. Tama had followed him out when he snuck out, most of the time Kai wouldn't know she did, but my son doesn't know that Tama is more than she appears.

Nonetheless, the looming end of this happy time came after breakfast, when I took Kai back to the estate in the Spirit Realm where he will be safe for the time being. Once I took Kai back and the tear-filled farewells were made, I began walking around town to think and hopefully clear my head of the worries that Miya is facing with the Sekirei plan. wasn't watching much as to where I was going, knew I got close to the western sector of the city where the college was. It wasn't until I bumped into someone and heard an apology being made, that I came out of my thoughts and looked at who I walked into.

I found a young man in his late teens, early twenties bowing while saying he was sorry about running into me. He had a height of six-feet and was slim… kind of to the point that I wonder if he had been eating healthy. The young man had messy black hair and I got a glimpse of gray eyes between bows. He was wearing a white shirt and a pair of jeans along with a blue jacket over the white shirt also had a backpack on his back. I felt surprised at seeing this young man, for I knew him. His name was Minato Sahashi, he had a very kind soul, especially with the circumstances he had been facing since arriving in Tokyo. I'd met him around a year ago and had taken a bit of a liking to him, for people like him are rather rare.

Minato had been trying to get into the university here but has failed to get accepted already once now. The odd thing, I've seen that Minato isn't dumb at all, quite the opposite, in fact, he is very smart. It's more that Minato does horribly under pressure that's his 'Achilles Heel' as humans refer to when speaking of serious faults. The saying comes from some Greek hero by what I understand, but rarely talk to the one is around that area of the world. Anyway, I've had Minato over to the house for a meal from time to time, the poor boy doesn't always get what he needs to eat. Probably on a very strict allowance from his family, but I haven't asked for any real details.

I smiled as Minato was apologizing for bumping into me, "You don't need to apologize Minato, no harm done my young friend," I said, talking over the young man.

Minato looked up at me, "Mr. Hitoyoshi, didn't know it was you, sorry sir."

My eyebrows rose at being addressed so formally, "Sir? Now Minato, how many times have I told you not to address me so formally dear boy. Anyways, I assume you're on your way to school at this time of day, correct," I remarked.

Minato rubbed the back of his head in response before replying vocally, "Oh yes, that's right Mr. Hitoyoshi, I'm heading to Cram School. Have to prepare for the Entrance Exam coming up next week you know."

I nodded, "Indeed, good to see you're not giving up even when you have not been able to get into to Shinto Tato's university the last attempt you made. If you would like Minato, I could help you study, I'm certainly not bad at helping others remember information," I suggested.

The young man waved his hands in the negative, "No, that's nice of you to offer that Mr. Hitoyoshi, but I want to do this myself." Minato answered.

I smiled at the response, "I respect you for wanting to do the work yourself Minato, but it's not a bad thing to accept assistance when it's offered you know," I returned, before I cleared my throat, "Also Minato, you're looking a tad thinner since the last time I saw you have you been eating regularly?"

Minato began sweating and that clearly answered my question, he hadn't been eating regularly, "What do you mean Mr. Hitoyoshi, of course I've been eating just fine!" he lied.

I sighed, "You are not very good at lying Minato and are showing no improvement in the skill. I know I've said to you, should you find yourself scraping for money to pay for food, to come by Izumo Inn. Miya and I have no issue with you having a meal with us, in fact, it's nice from time to time," I said in a slightly tired voice. "So then, after you finish school for today, you are to swing by Izumo Inn for dinner. Am I clear Minato?"

The young man started to refuse, saying that wasn't necessary, but I told him to come by and he caved in and agreed to do so. I returned to the house and informed Miya that Minato would be joining us for dinner and she said that would be nice to catch up with him. Minato showed up just as dinner was ready and he nervously tried to explain how I had told him to come to Miya. However, Miya welcomed Minato inside and to the table and by the sound of his stomach growling loudly, Minato was hungry. Certainly, the multiple helpings said that the young man hadn't had a good meal in a little while and it was sorely needed.

After the evening meal and Minato headed back towards his apartment, I told Miya that there was some business for me to see to this evening and would be back before we retired for the night. I headed to the Northern Shrine as that was a meeting place for those who are loyal to me and acquired information for me as well. Specifically, this evening I was going to talk to some of those who work within MBI that were actually acting as information agents for me. They were some of my best as they were keeping themselves from being found out by anyone else in MBI especially Minaka himself.

Upon arriving at the shrine and saw that four yōkai that I had gotten placed within MBI and they kept me informed upon what went on in particular areas. They were waiting for me along with Leia herself at the shrine and so, we all headed inside the main shrine building and sat down in a circle. Two of the four who were from the facility with the Sekirei ship on Kamikura Island, one was female and the other was male. The male who was a kitsune had obtained one of the leading scientist positions there and had gained the trust of many around him. Meanwhile, the female that was an Inugami had gotten to be a part of the genetic manipulation teams for the Sekirei themselves.

Then the other two were employed at MBI's Teito Tower and they were also a pair of a male and a female. The male nekomata was part of MBI's management staff, or really those who clean up messes for Hiroto Minaka. Then the other was Nina who had become one of the leading scientists and a stabilizing figure, much like Takami Sahashi, a friend of Takehito and the mother of Minato.

I opened the discussion by asking my informants about recent events of note, "Thank you for coming all of you," I greeted. "I assume that you four all have information to report?"

All four of my informants nodded, "Indeed Mr. Hitoyoshi, I would say that's accurate," Nina said, speaking for everyone.

What things they told me worsened my opinion of Hiroto Minaka a great deal further than it already was and my view of the head of MBI was not good at all, to begin with. First, of course, the "Sekirei Plan" was soon to start soon and that had brought its own set of problems that were common between the two main sites MBI had. One was that the deadlines for the testing and adjusting Sekirei were moved up a great deal from what it had been by Minaka himself. With the change of deadlines, to speed the process along and make up for the lack of time, those that working for MBI were rushing things they've been doing on Sekirei for the last few years, so problems are bound to happen. There were some of the regular testing that were being dismissed when they shouldn't be. The reason being given, that the tests were no longer needed and that they were a waste of time by those in charge.

The tests as far as I know shouldn't be hurried through, so things were become worse for the scientist and in turn the Sekirei. Takehito had explained some of the tests that would be regular be performed on the Sekirei and I've read some of his notes. By what I understood, some of the things that could go wrong could cause serious problems or even be lethal. Repeated mistakes can easily pile up and become something that goes out of control, a fact that I have seen proven many times. And because of this, the result was the adjustments being made on Sekirei were done sloppily or done wrong and waved off. That in mind, with the adjustments there was the higher the chance that long-term issues would appear and were already starting to pop up.

For Sekirei, winging is a huge part of their existence if not a crucial piece to their development. Yet MBI had already done problematic alterations to how winging works and what comes with it not thinking anything of what they were doing. The changes are twisted, pretty much sets up Sekirei to be as slaves to whoever kisses them even if it is forced. And what's worse, none of the Sekirei have any idea that they are being used or cheated of something truly special. But that's what's the conditioning was making sure none of the Sekirei know anything about what was being done according to my informants. However, that was another issue that related to but not affected by the adjustments that MBI was doing.

In fact, there had already been one serious mistake made and one Sekirei's ability to be 'winged' had been damaged according to Nina. The poor Sekirei had been put through tests that were supposed to test the 'dependency' of Sekirei on winging. One of those involved had been blinded and had rushed forward in the testing and ended out breaking the ability to be winged for that Sekirei. To have the ability to be winged entirely taken is far more a crime than the slavery that MBI was enforcing, it's akin to losing a piece of one's soul. Nina and her colleague said that there were attempts being made to fix what had been done, but there wasn't much chance given for success.

If that wasn't enough to bring pain to the heart, the other adjustments being made were not to help the Sekirei, they were meant to limit and control them. Then the conditioning was the other half that was altering Sekireis' mannerisms and personalities. Some had even developed violent tendencies and it hadn't been a slow development according to one of those from Kamikura. The reason such hadn't been curtailed was Minaka had encouraged the development and had made sure that Sekirei had all felt a need to participate in the fighting. It was all for his game and that he was molding Sekirei into his pawns irked me.

That was one of many things that irked me so much, another was MBI was limiting the Sekirei and suppressing their potential so that MBI could control them and rein them in as seen needed. They were being forced to participate in Minaka's horrible game and are completely blind to what has been done to them. Minaka's sick view of entertainment was horrid and I believe that some point before the end I will be foiling his expectations.

Then lastly, there had been demands for particular research by some according to Nina and the kitsune from Kamikura. Takehito's own being research was one of the big collections that were being called for by a number within MBI. They were being informed that much of his work had "Mysteriously disappeared" by what my informants said. What those within MBI didn't know was I happen to have the original notes that he made and keep them in a safe place. It was the nekomata from Teito Tower that mentioned that the work of those like Takehito had been "taken care of" which meant they had been disposed of. It had all been done "behind closed doors", but my informant had gotten the information from one of those who had been strictly ordered to do parts of the job.

That was enough to say to me that there are those who are cleaning up and getting rid of anything that might contradict the things some have done within MBI to Sekirei. It isn't new for those in power to dispose of evidence that would show what they do as wrong, I've see such before now. As for Takami Sahashi, she hasn't come by and visited me in a long while, not since Takehito's funeral almost two years ago now that I think about it. So, she unlikely knows about what has been done out of sight and I see no real reason to tell her as none of he coworkers had informed her.

I did ask how these events were being taken by the others who work for MBI, whether by choice or being threatened with harsh consequences if they don't. And my answer was that most were being put under a great deal of stress and were scrambling to get done what they could. Hence, why the number of mistakes were being made and that number was increasing with frightening frequency. However, by what I was being led to understand, the increased efforts weren't enough to Minaka. No, the man was demanding still more and when complaints were raised, he would answer with something to the effect of "figure it out yourselves" and it wasn't his problem.

All this news and information worried me greatly for many reasons both personal and non-personal. Not only did it mean the Sekirei plan was on its way, which would have Takehito's soul in horrible pain as he tried to prevent this. There was much more suffering to come and there was no sign that it would stop in the near future. And all the pain and suffering that was going to happen was going to be viewed as entertainment by the author of this series of events.

In fact, if not for Takehito 'accidentally' dying, the Sekirei plan wouldn't be happening, but his death wasn't accidental but intentional. I can't prove it, yet I believe Hiroto Minaka is the one who is responsible for the chain of events that brought about my friend's demise. That man has the most motivation to get Takehito out of the picture so that he can have his 'game' that's the Sekirei plan. However, it's because of the impatience of Minaka Sekirei are getting hurt during their adjustments. I have more reason to not interfere right now as human beings aren't getting hurt, if that changes or something else comes into play, Minaka will have to answer to me!

A/n

I'll end the chapter here. The next chapter will be the one I hope will tie into around where the anime series starts. Please take the time to write a review or PM me and tell me what you think