A/n
Okay, so this chapter is what some might see as the connecting to the series itself as it does get to where the anime's first season begins and goes into it. Understand, that this story won't follow the anime or manga. Some of the events in the series will occur, not necessarily in the same order, but that's how this story will go. Enjoy the continuing story!
Chapter 7: New Tenants of Izumo Inn
-Ashe's pov-
It had been over a week since I had received the information from those who I'd set up to help keep me up to date on what's happening within MBI and Matsu became a tenant. It had proven to me that taking the time to select and plan out people that work for me to infiltrate MBI was well worth it. Those loyal to me now could provide information that the public would never hear or see. Plus, none of them drew any suspicion to themselves in the least as was hoped which would help in the long-run. But then, I chose those I did since they were very good at fitting in without drawing attention to themselves.
All of them had been able to learn various pieces of information some very valuable ones for me. There had even been some critical facts and a few things that the higher-ups at MBI don't want others to know and I'm not talking about Minaka. The "leader" of MBI is too deluded in his visions of himself being as a or soon to become a 'god' and other ideas of the like. Such a mentality is very problematic for several reasons as losing information or others getting ahold of it can be dangerous. There are so many examples of this point throughout history, wars can be won or lost by the loss of information or another learning of it. However, as the phrase goes, "those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it".
Among the information that had been acquired, there had been a portion about the Sekirei Plan which gave a bit of a view of it. I can't say that I've heard about the Sekirei Plan in its entirety as it is now, I know far more the original idea that was intended when the Sekirei's ship had been discovered. Most of what I knew was from what Takehito told me along with the information I've been told from those listening for me. There had been a major change in what had been the "S-Plan" which was the original plan and the current Sekirei Plan.
The S-Plan had been to study and observe the Sekirei as the interacted with human beings. Both look similar enough to not instill fear at first appearances or impressions as humans can be rather skittish over little differences. Honestly, there was already evidence that such interaction had already occurred in the past and so Sekirei genes had been mixed into humans by what I have observed. Had I met those that Sekirei? No, I never had, but some of the descriptions of some "unique individuals" from the past fit what Sekirei can do. So logically, it would fit that other Sekirei craft had come here to this world from their own.
Nonetheless, once some of the abilities of the Sekirei had been seen but scientists, that had started to change the view with some. There were still those that wanted to stick with the observation plan, but one by one they had been silenced in one form or another. During that process, the plan for Sekirei had morphed from watching them and their interactions into the Sekirei being forced into a competition to the death. The last one standing is considered the winner, simply put to fight in a war until only one still stood. The one mainly responsible for this change, of course, was Hiroto Minaka though he wasn't the only one. The man's attitude that he displaying shows that he is excited and looking forward to the 'game' he has come up with.
Takehito was silenced in one of the more extreme ways, but he was not the only one killed to keep them from interfering in the Sekirei Plan. MBI merely covered up what they did in the background so that few know about their actions. Along with that, MBI employs those that make sure they snake their way out of consequences by whatever means they can, I believe they are called lawyers these days. Upholders of law overall are more focused on obtaining money than interpreting the law as they once were.
I can't say all that much about how the competition is supposed to go though by the information that had been obtained thus far, inferred that it would be divided into a number of stages. What number of those stages there will be is unknown to me at this time, but I get the impression there will be a couple. Mostly as from what I've learned, Minaka wants his game to last for a time so he can 'see an epic tale' or something to that effect.
The 'first stage' of this Sekirei plan which according to what I've been informed of has started or is about to. In the stage, Sekirei would be released into the city which MBI controls a majority of to find the ashikabi. There would be no major fighting permitted, but that doesn't mean that fighting won't happen, MBI doesn't have enough people or resource to prevent that. The fighting just won't occur in plain sight or in the open for any to see that would come likely from the Sekireis' conditioning. Any other occurrences would be covered up and hidden from the public I wouldn't doubt. And where I see nothing wrong with Sekirei finding their ashikabi for themselves, that's not the real reason they are being released in the end. I would encourage Sekirei to find the one that can accept them as they are for all beings deserve to have a chance of finding happiness, but again that's not what Minaka has in mind.
That's what irritates me in this "plan", Minaka has in mind his end goal and it isn't happiness for the Sekirei. No, he is using the process of being winged to enhance his "game" with Sekirei abilities get a large increase in their abilities. Minaka has made it clear the more powerful a Sekirei becomes, the better the show he gets to see and it's downright wrong! Now, if Sekirei had been left as they were, such would take time though it would in the end be better for them. However, since Minaka has less patience than an average child does, he had changed things to speed along the process regardless of the damage he does along with it.
MBI has made it so easy for Sekirei to be winged now and have no real defense against those that could and would abuse them or treat them as slaves or less. There would be many Sekirei that wouldn't find one who could be an ashikabi that they could be happy with. Instead, MBI has made the winging process akin to slapping shackles onto them and say they were going to be slaves to individuals that will treat them like objects or less in a number of cases. To do that to any living being is wrong on several levels both moral and ethical. Nevertheless, Minaka believes he owns the Sekirei and so can do what he wants with them. So, morals and ethics don't seem to exist with him in this subject if with any really.
I assume that there would be a transition into the second stage when the vast majority of Sekirei are winged by an ashikabi, but what comes after that I can't say. My best guess would be more bloodshed as the Sekirei try and kill each other as they are commanded. Yet, I feel that there's more to Minaka's goal than just the power of the Sekirei making his game more interesting for him, but I can't foresee what's the end goal in this. If there wasn't, then Minaka is going a great distance for the sake of entertainment and that doesn't fit his style. Delusional and foolish Minaka certainly is, but he does show patterns of how he behaves and he doesn't put forth effort without a potential benefit for himself.
Miya had mentioned that somewhere above the Sekirei ship is something that will 'hold the souls of the deceased Sekirei'. What that actually means, Miya hasn't said, and I haven't asked her as it seemed a sensitive subject. But the feeling I get is that whatever it is, the 'thing' can do something that Minaka wants and wants more than almost all else or just about. It could be an amazing or dangerous quality humans have, the nigh-unstoppable drive to obtain. In Minaka's case, it is definitely the dangerous quality and he shouldn't be allotted to him, for the safety of others if anything else.
In any case, with the plan started, MBI controls much of the city which has been an ongoing process over the last year. Minaka had been going to government officials and others with influence and say over property. My contacts within the government had told me just how ridiculous some of the things Minaka would come up with were for him gaining property. Nonetheless, the man had gained control of over two-thirds of Tokyo itself in some way, shape, or form. It was clear to me that the man was merely wanting the most space and different types of battlegrounds for his game.
The northern area of the city was really the only place that MBI's influence didn't dictate things much to their frustration. And I would keep it that way to the best of my ability, no matter what Minaka tries to pull or those he sends. The north has become a haven to many and I believe there is a need for a place for people to be able to come that have nowhere else to go. Minaka would rip that apart and laugh as he did so, thinking there is nothing wrong with what he does. I would not let that man have the satisfaction of doing something like that, he would suffer greatly before that ever happened.
Anyway, it was morning and I didn't have anything particular planned for today that required me to set aside time. There were no standing local disputes that needed mediation, which is something I do when the need comes up. Miya had gone out shopping leaving me at the house along with our one tenant who was keeping to herself. That being the case, I was being thoughtful and using the time and circumstances to clean around the house for Miya so that she didn't have to later. Plus, I have come to feel a sense of accomplishment when I clean and then see the results. A lesson learned by me, take the small accomplishments and victories where you can, they add up.
After that, I decided it would be a wise idea to check on the single tenant that Izumo has now Matsu. Honestly, the only times I see her were the brief periods that she appeared in the open and it was to grab food. She would then scurry back to her room with food, the dishes did reappear in the sink by the following morning. And though it isn't the first time I've dealt with this kind of behavior, it was kind of tiresome and annoying to me. That's why I found myself outside the wall/door of Matsu's room and knocked on it waiting for a response.
There needed to be an accounting with Matsu and she had been avoiding contact with Miya or me and that isn't acceptable for all that long. She had come off as a freeloader and Matsu hadn't shown any signs that would infer the contrary. And I state for the record, freeloaders are not good tenants in really any way period. They are drainers of resources to be more accurate if they are tolerated for very long and for Izumo Inn, they get kicked out for that type of thing. I had told Miya that I would give her a chance, so we'll see how long she lasts before I cast her out, I doubt it would be long with the habits she showed thus far.
I did hear an 'eep' in answer to my knocking, but I was told to come in, so I pushed forward on the left side of the wall and it spun inward. Upon entering the room, I took a moment to take in the change of the room from what it had been before Matsu had taken up in it for it was quite different. Now, I'm not tyrannical about cleanliness, I just like and prefer there to be a standard of clean that prevents bad things that come from filth to appear. After all, Miya and I don't run a dump or a pigsty type of place and we have no intention of starting that. So, with what I was seeing, I was forced to control and hide my moderate horror at the sight of the mess this room had become!
Before, the room and been an empty space with tatami floor and white walls, clean and nice other than lacking personal possessions from a tenant. That changed to the floor disappearing beneath a mess made up of many cords running over it. In the middle of the room where the futon was laid out, and as there were no cord shaped bumps, I assumed the cords didn't run under the futon. On the wall opposite the door, was a collection of computers and supporting equipment, which explained the odd packages that had been coming over the last week for Matsu. The room itself was dark, none of the lights were on and the window in this room was covered completely. The only light source was from the multiple lit screens that were running and displaying information and the doorway.
The setup also explained the serious consumption of electricity that had been visible on the bill for this month that came yesterday. The increase was troubling mostly due to the fact that Matsu was using an amount of power that I expect for two if not three tenants to use on average in a month by herself within a little close to two weeks. Once I had taken in the new surroundings, I firmly kept back my horror and focused back on the red-haired woman. "I see you have been making yourself comfortable," I said evenly, but paused before I continued, "quite the 'nest' you have made yourself."
Matsu giggled nervously, "Oh um, yeah, it helps me keep up on things," she trailed off.
She says that this mess she has created helps her keep up on things, I would question both that point and what Matsu thinks she needs to keep up on. The disorganized mess that this room had become is terrible and I would not let this stand for long. I'm normally one that agrees that the vast majority of individuals need a space to make their own. However, there is a standard of cleanliness that will be met to keep the rest of the house in good condition and Matsu's customization is easily below the standard I hold tenants to. Yet, I stopped myself from commenting on the lack of order and cleanliness for the moment, and simply shrugging, "If you say so, I was coming to check on you as all that's ever seen of you has been when you pop out for food and none else," I returned.
"Well," Matsu started, "I'm in hiding right, so the less I'm seen the better."
Her answer was far too quick to say she thought about it, more that she was hiding something which she pretty much was from what I could tell. I stared at Matsu sternly for a long moment, "Really, I completely disagree with that view, I have had other tenants who were hiding from others that did just fine and weren't locked up in their rooms the majority of the time. And keeping to yourself as much as you are gives a rather negative impression for you and I do recommend avoiding that the best you can." I paused and then posed the question that I believe will be a factor going forward, "Still, to more pressing matters, you mentioned that you stole something before leaving MBI and that others would notice its absence. Honestly, I care not what it is you stole, nor am I interested in knowing."
It was the truth, I don't care what Matsu took, and her urge to steal is unpleasant to me out of a matter of principle. But my insistence was for what could come because of her actions and that does involve me and this house. I paused again before continuing, "What does matter is what could result of your actions, so what makes you believe that such an action would be realized with how busy MBI is these days? What potential reasons could drive some to search for this object or idea?"
MBI was busy as could be and Minaka was too deep in his delusions to care about anything else. So, unless whatever Matsu stole is required in Minaka's delusions of grandeur, he wouldn't waste the time. If what was stolen is needed in Minaka's desires, then he shouldn't have it, but I wouldn't trust Matsu to keep it either from what I've seen with her. I shrugged, "It sounds more like paranoid worry to me due to the lack of evidence from you that would prove the contrary." Then I gained an air of seriousness, "Do feel free to decline to answer should you see a viable reason to do so, but I ask with the safety of Izumo Inn in mind. I feel the need to ask the question as it would not just be your own life on the line Matsu. Why would any at MBI waste the time to track you down? Should it threaten this house, then I make it my business to know."
Matsu jerked at my questions, "Oh well, um yes, I did swipe something before leaving, and there will be some that will notice. They will try and track down what I took, there was quite a bit of commotion when I left," she said, her voice breaking at the beginning.
I waited for her to say more but she didn't go into further detail and what she told me tells me as the phrase goes 'diddly squat' meaning I'm being brushed off and I'm not liking it. It wasn't what I wanted to hear exactly, yet I didn't really think that Matsu would tell me much, I doubt she trusts me. So then, I guess that leaves the answer that I do need, will there be complications from what she did. "Fine, is there anything that I should know about or expect if MBI were to come around that you have failed to mention yet?"
The woman shook her head vigorously in reply, "No no no no, there's nothing that you need to know," she nearly yelled.
From that response, I feel that isn't true at all, but I suppose that will be all I can get out of Matsu for the time being. The next point of discussion is her freeloading behavior and habits for they were already getting to be ridiculous. The power bill showed that she was consuming far too much for being a non-paying tenant or even if she was a paying tenant. She was one of the worst I've had thus far, and I wasn't going to allow this to go on as it is. "Moving on Matsu, as things stand, I feel it would behoove me to be polite and come to you first, but we need to talk about your use of resources," I said flatly, leaving no room for argument.
"Use of resource, Mr. Landlord," questioned Matsu, yet it was obvious she knew to what I was referring to.
I nodded, "Yes indeed, I can understand the needs of basic necessities, such as food, water, and shelter. However, you have been consuming far more than that and appear to think nothing of what you do. The power bill has increased a great deal and you are the only difference that would contribute to it. You care to explain to me why you have been sucking down electricity at a rate that exceeds the house's regular use in a month period with a few tenants on average in the matter of close to two weeks?"
"It is necessary," insisted Matsu but didn't go into detail.
After a moment of waiting for an explanation but getting none from her, nor did I even get a further justification for her excuse. It more showed me that a serious warning is in order that things needed to change. I don't believe her for a second that she has a non-selfish reason for saying her consumption is required. I've encountered many a freeloading type, and Matsu was one of the worst kinds who consume without care, no remorse or guilt about it. Then they just demand more by getting others to pity them to have you give them what they want, that's what Matsu is doing. Seo is the same way and I do less for him than I used to, and there are reasons that he won't live here anytime in the near future.
Yes, Miya had asked me to give Matsu a chance to be a tenant here and I know she has her reasons. But the signs were clear to me Matsu was the kind of trouble that is extremely unwise to leave to its own devices if you want to have things go well. The time she'd been here had only been proving that truer each passing day in various ways. And she would drain resource dry if given the time and opportunity, yet I wasn't interested in giving her those. I'm leaning towards kicking her out of the house and leaving her to deal with her own problems already.
Matsu is by no means in my good graces and hasn't been for long after I met her. In fact, she is doing more to distance herself from my said graces than to obtain them. Her appearance is usually distasteful, but I can deal with that and ignore it as I see the need to, that doesn't bother me as much though I don't like it. Nor is it her secretive nature she displays even when I am not fond of such nature at all, I can understand some have it and don't change that about themselves. Were those the major flaw/faults Matsu showed, then I wouldn't have as much of a problem with her.
Honestly, it's her avoiding truth coming from herself and/or being held responsible for it, along with her inclination for disregarding rules that is my issue. No, I hadn't missed the signs that Matsu would likely attempt to skirt the rules set for the house even if I hadn't gotten indisputable evidence she had yet. And it would be those rules that would get her kicked out to the street soon enough, but that will be her doing and choice. Yet when I do get the evidence and I don't doubt I will, I would kick Matsu out without hesitation and be done with her as an issue bringer.
Then, I don't believe I've gotten a straight answer from the redhead once yet, just question dodging and stupid insistence that makes no logical sense. It had become annoying not too long after it started coming, and she did the same to Miya as far as I could tell. So, to give her a chance, I'm here being nice and giving her a warning that there was a need for a change in her behaviors or there would be consequences. Should she not change, then to the street she will go for whatever trespass she will commit and get no help from Miya or me.
I sighed with her response, "Really," I posed, losing what little emotion that I had before. "A word of warning Matsu, consuming resource without putting back to fill what you use isn't something that gets overlooked for very long. Your hobbies and habits are of no interest to me as long as they don't conflict with the set rules of this house. However, a drain on resources without returning anything to make up what is used up only sows problems. So, you would do well to find ways to help around the house in order to make up somewhat for what you use beyond basic necessities." I held her gaze, "There is the phrase, 'freeloaders dig their own graves with their ways', I do hope that you don't prove that correct Matsu."
I was about to leave this room of clutter when I remembered the odd little round button-like objects I'd been starting to find around the house in some of the most unexpected places that looked like the small cameras that humans use for spying. They had started appearing shortly after Matsu had come to live here, so she is the prime and only suspect of putting them out right now. If I keep finding them, then I would go through the effort of tracing them back to her and then kick her out and be done with the redhead. I turned back to Matsu, "By the way Matsu, one more thing," I started, reaching into a pocket and brought out one of the small cameras. "These little things have been appearing around the house as of late. You wouldn't happen to know anything about them or where they are coming from, would you?"
I knew the answer, I was watching Matsu see how she would respond, and she did react ever so slightly at seeing the object, "Oh… no, not really, can't say I do," she answered me.
Once again Matsu is lying and this is one of the worst attempts thus far, but then I'm hard to lie to or deceive. Matsu's reaction had told me enough, she knew what these were and had seen them before. AND honestly, she's the one that is responsible for them popping up and I knew that without her lying to me about it. However, instead of calling Matsu out on her lie, I decided to make an example for her about flirting with a dangerous line as well as test to see if Matsu would really do the right thing or skirt around given recommendations.
I dropped the tiny 'camera' that I had found to the floor before stomping on it crushing the small device to which Matsu winced at. "Is that so? Well, if you should happen to find out where they appear from, or who is responsible, then please make sure it's understood that should any of them pop up going forward in specific rooms, there will be action taken. Those rooms would include any of the bedrooms or other private areas within the house." I then stopped and added some cold aura as I gazed at the redhead ensuring that Matsu was giving me her complete attention, "And if any of them find their way into Miya and my room, then the instigator will be cast out immediately to deal with their issues themselves. So, let us hope that they stop appearing going forward."
Matsu drew back from me a little, "I understand, I'll be sure to keep an eye out for them Mr. Landlord," she replied to me nervously.
My face was still blank while I nodded slowly, "Be sure that you do Matsu," I said, before leaving the room and heading back down to the first floor of the house.
As it's the beginning of the month, the need to check and make sure the finances are in order was required. The management of the finances was my responsibility though Miya does help, that's how the division of the responsibilities came out. I'm no expert at using, moving and managing money, but I've taken the time and effort to become familiar with how such works. Interestingly, the way money flows hasn't changed all that much over the time that I've been around humans. And as Miya and I are running a boarding house, got to keep up on the finances if we want to stay in the business.
Granted, we only had one tenant at the moment, one that I highly doubt will pay much on the point of rent. I was seeing the blatant signs that Matsu was putting the strain on the house's budget. My attitude around Seo Karou is a really good example of how I feel about freeloaders and the point keeps being reinforced whenever Seo comes around here. It's because of Miya that Matsu is even a tenant right now, unlikely will be much longer if her behavior remains unchanged. And having to look at the power bill again irked me as it had more than doubled from what it was last month. With Matsu waving her horrendous consumption and nothing to worry about, it motivates me to catch her doing wrong and then kick her to the street to be rid of her as an issue.
It was after an hour had gone by when things had changed in an unexpected way and it was in the form of a knock at the front door. I shook my head and rose from my seat and went to the door and upon opening it, I found a young woman standing on the front porch. She was well-endowed beyond what's normal for humans without surgery and disfigurement of all sorts. Plus, her aura was a dead giveaway to me to say that this woman was a Sekirei. She had long dark brown hair that was styled with a ponytail on the left side, brown eyes with her hourglass body figure. The woman was wearing a pink and violet long sleeve shirt that had a gold star on the front, along with a pair of capris jeans. She also had a bag with her that appeared to be filled pretty full by what I could see. I focused back on the younger woman's face, "Hello, is there something I can help you with Miss," I greeted.
The woman bowed in greeting, "Hello, my name is Uzume. I'm here to see the Landlord about one of the rooms that are said to be available here," she replied.
Oh, a potential tenant, the heavens smile by sending good fortune to me, suppose I'll have to thank those in charge of the heavens later. "I see, as it happens, I'm the landlord of this establishment Miss. So please, do come inside and we can talk about the rooms available," I said stepping aside and gesturing for her to come in.
The two of us headed to the living room and I sat across from the woman. I made my more formal introductions to Uzume. I gave my name and told her again that I was the owner and landlord of the house and I did make mention that Miya, my wife was the manager, even though she was out shopping. Uzume after bowing to me began to tell me her story of what had brought her here to Izumo Inn. She was looking for a place close to Hiyamakai Hospital which is in the eastern sector of Tokyo, close to the northern area. The hospital was owned and run by Hiyamakai Enterprises, a conglomerate that owns a couple of businesses and is the main competitor of MBI, yet MBI is still beating the group out overall.
By Uzume's account, she had a "friend" who was a patient of the hospital, was sick with an unusual illness. The "virus" as Uzume called it, was said by doctors that had examined her friend, was incurable by science and really, was only being slowed down in its progress. The friend's family had at first supported the friend but had ceased doing so and had pretty much abandoned them. Uzume was pained that she could do little for her friend, but she still wanted to stay near this friend and be there for them. The issue for Uzume, she couldn't stay at the hospital for some reason, which I didn't inquire into further.
I, myself had no issue with Uzume becoming a tenant, she certainly seemed better than Matsu has proven to be thus far. I did inquire as to her ability to pay rent on a regular basis, I didn't wish to be rude, but this house has one draining freeloader and I see no reason to gain another one. Freeloading tenants aren't good for running a boarding house, there needs to be a flow of income to keep things going. Those who don't contribute to that flow hurt it.
Uzume said she could pay rent and even showed me an MBI card, which had no limit attached if I'm seeing correctly. I may not like MBI, especially not their head right now, but the money that comes from them is still valid financial supply. I told Uzume that rent started at fifty thousand yen, which included a room of a decent size, bath and two meals a day. Uzume showed surprise as that provided room and board, for it was on the lower end pricing when it came to an apartment or room. She was quick to say she was very interested in one of the rooms that were available.
I nodded to her statement of interest, "Very well then Miss Uzume, as you express interest in becoming a tenant here at Izumo Inn, that is perfectly reasonable. Should you be a tenant here, then allow me to tell you that there are two rules for this house and cover most issue foreseen to come up. The first rule, there's to be no violence in the house or on the property of Izumo Inn, not with any of the other tenants or anyone else off the property. The only two exceptions are friendly spars with given permission beforehand and the other is to defend one's life from being taken or ended. Should you have disagreements with others, either settle them without fighting or do it elsewhere. I would hope you wouldn't put yourself into a situation that would require the second exception to this rule. The consequence of disobeying the rules will be judged by Miya, myself or both," I stated.
I paused, rose and went to retrieve the contractual forms I have tenants sign and then returned to the sofa and continued. "The second rule, there will be no obscene, illicit, sensual or sexual activities performed or participated in within this house or on the property. The only exception is if a couple is legally married and they may exercise those privileges in private. There are no other exceptions, no loopholes, nor debate or discussion," after stating that, I let out a sigh, "Should you feel an uncontrollable urge, go off the property to do such things, that's your own business. Understand, that if you break this rule, you will find yourself looking for a different place to live for it will not be here." I then fixed my gaze on Uzume, "Will either of these two rules, be a problem?"
She shook her head, "No, none at all."
I slide the two pages forward on the table in the center of the room towards Uzume. The two forms were the agreement to obey the rules and pay rent once a month. They were simply so that I could hold the tenant responsible for the rules, paying rent and if they should cause damage. My view is that one should be responsible for their actions, unfortunately with the changes in society in the current century, I find the need to have things in writing. People are not as honorable as they once were, there are enough people that try to get out of things that it's sad.
Back to the matter at hand, I pointed to two places I needed Uzume to sign and explained what both pages said. Uzume signed both forms, and with that done, I lead her up to the second floor and let her pick whichever room she wanted. Other than the one that was hidden, which Matsu occupied now of course.
After Uzume had chosen the room she wanted, I left her to unpack her things and headed back down to the ground floor. Miya returned not too long after Uzume began settling in, and I helped Miya put away the things that she bought while she had been out. I did inform her that we had a second tenant now and this one would be paying rent, unlike Matsu. Miya had no issue when I had told her about Uzume, she hadn't known her while at MBI, but she had left when only the first few Sekirei had been awakened. When dinner came around, Uzume did come down and join Miya and me for the meal which was nicer than Matsu flitting in and out, being as a ghost. The meeting between Miya and Uzume went without incident, neither appeared to know each other well at all. And so, Uzume became the second tenant of Izumo Inn.
It was close to a week later, that yet another tenant came around and like the first two, was a Sekirei as well. However, this one was a male, which according to Miya is very rare, like two or maybe three out of every hundred Sekirei. Yet, this Sekirei seemed different than others, his aura was unstable and that is something I don't tend to see. Takehito did mention something about there being some Sekirei that had powers that could be difficult to control. I'm guessing this Sekirei would be one that fell into the category Takehito talked about. I didn't deny the request to live at the boarding house for that reason, but I did note it.
Thankfully, Homura or Kagari as he asked to be called was like Uzume able to pay the rent as he quickly got a job. The job he was hired to do was be a 'host' at a night club and that paid rather well. At least that was my impression when he paid his rent for the month in full within a week of living here. I certainly wasn't going to complain about a second paying tenant, especially one that pays before rent is due. And that will help counter the one freeloader we have as Matsu was proving to be rather costly to put up with. I was actually looking for evidence to use to cast her out on occasion now and the frequency was increasing by the day.
Close to two weeks went by with Miya and I had become accustom to having some tenants at last. Admittedly, I had missed having some, the company they could provide made life not so dull and there was need of distraction now. The evening had fallen, I had just finished with the washing the dishes while Miya was working to have our two non-secretive tenants wind down for the night. Matsu had already fetched her dinner and gone back to her room which irritated me. I swear that mice and other rodents have better manners than the redhead was showing for herself. Miya and I were working to get Matsu out of her room for at least one meal of the day, but not with much success so far.
I was about to go help Miya with winding the others for the night when I suddenly felt a surge of energy nearby that wasn't naturally occurring nor could I immediately identify the source. I stood still attempting to figure out what was going on when there came screaming and was followed by a crash from the direction of the backyard. That got me quickly making my way to the backyard, sliding open the door and looking around for the source of the screaming and the crash. My gaze fell upon two bodies tangled one on top of the other under one of the trees in the backyard. And I'm left to wonder what circumstances could have happened to bring this situation about.
-Minato's pov-
Today and yesterday have pretty much been some of the worst days I've had in a while and it isn't over yet. First, yesterday was the day entrance exam results are posted, and I found out that I didn't get into Shinto Tato University again on my second attempt. As if that wasn't enough when I called my mom to ask some advice and for a little help as things were getting tight for this month, she, as usual, wasn't sympathetic. But that was mom for you, no 'sorry to hear that' but 'what now then' mentality. No, my mom cut my allowance instead and told me to get a job as I'll have so much time to work with now. I guess that at least she didn't say how stupid I am having failed the entrance exam twice now.
Yet, then things took a turn that I never saw coming my way, and that was Musubi dropping into my life, literally! I mean, a girl as good looking as Musubi or none even close to that have given me a second or normally a single look at all. Then, there were the two other girls that were chasing her, and I not knowing at the time what was going on, just grabbed Musubi and ran. Little did I know what I was getting into when I dragged Musubi and ran, only later did I find out about the Sekirei Plan. The idea as it was explained by its 'author' Hiroto Minaka was "a story of gods" in which Sekirei fight for their ashikabis until there is only one left. I had become an ashikabi when Musubi had kissed me, but honestly, I still don't really understand the whole story.
When I got back to my apartment, things took another turn for the worse that I hadn't predicted yet wasn't all that surprised about. I swear that the landlord had something against me and was looking for an excuse to kick me out, I haven't figured out why. The second he saw Musubi with me, he had started chiding me ending with that I was to vacate my apartment in the next few days. Musubi apologized for what happened even if she wasn't at fault for the chain of events that I've faced in one day.
Today, Musubi and I went out to go look for an apartment, the problem that became clear quickly was there was nothing in my price range. So, after a full day of trying to find a place to live, we headed back to the apartment that I had for a couple of more days. Musubi wished to help me and tried cheering me up even said she wanted to show me something amazing. She had taken my hand and then leaped upward bringing me a view that I'd never imagined I would see. The city below looked amazing, the lights and the colors looked neat from above. "Um, Minato-sama, I forgot something," Musubi said, gaining my attention.
"What would that be Musubi," I asked.
"Well, I'm sorry, but I didn't think about how we'd land," she replied.
My eyes widened as I looked down again and saw just how high up we were at the moment. The next second, Musubi and I started falling downward and I seriously thought I was about to die. But, as the ground came upward fast, I saw that Musubi and I were falling right at a tree, then we hit, I crashed to the ground first and Musubi came on top of me. Crashing into the ground hurt, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be from the height Musubi and I had been at. My guess was the tree had helped break our fall somewhat, but I couldn't be sure. I opened my eyes and found myself with a view of Musubi's rear end and admittedly, hers looks very nice… what am I thinking?! I looked away, "Hey Musubi, are you okay," I asked.
Musubi groaned, "Yes Minato-sama, I'm sorry about this, I wasn't thinking," she replied.
Well, at least Musubi was okay, she's all I have right now, I need a change in luck soon or I'm going to have serious issues that I can't solve. "Minato? Is that you, or are my eyes deceiving me," a male voice questioned.
At hearing someone else speaking, I looked in the direction it came from and saw a house and porch, and on the said porch was, "Mr. Hitoyoshi," I questioned. Then I looked around the 'yard' Musubi and I were now apparently in, "What the? Where is this?"
"Ashe, what is going on out there," came the voice of Ashe's wife Miya, then she shortly appeared out onto the porch.
Mr. Hitoyoshi glanced back at his wife and smiled slightly, then turned back to me, "To answer your question Minato, you are currently in the backyard of my home though how you got here is something I would like to know," he said. Then gesturing for both Musubi and me, "So then, how about both of you come on inside and you can tell us what has brought you here tonight."
At least Musubi and I ended out somewhere that we weren't be thrown out or accused of breaking and entering. I still have no idea what to tell Mr. Hitoyoshi, this day has been one of the craziest I've ever experienced. Even I have a hard time believing any of it happened to me and I went through it! I disentangled myself from Musubi and began to rise to my feet, but I was forced to stop as pain shot through my left leg. I grabbed my left knees as it burned, and when I looked down, I saw that my knee was bloody. Mr. Hitoyoshi strode forward, looking me over, noting the dirt and rips my clothes had along with the scratches and the bloody knee.
"Mi-Minato-san," said Musubi in a panic as I grabbed my knee.
I looked over at Musubi and my eyes widened as I saw that her clothes had many more rips and tears than I had. It was quite something to see that her clothes were still as intact as they were considering the fall through the tree. Mr. Hitoyoshi came up next to me and helped me into his home, to which I was grateful that he is as kind as he is. Most people just ignore or take advantage of me, but Mr. Hitoyoshi never has done so once. No, he bandaged my knee while Musubi was led off by Mrs. Hitoyoshi somewhere hopefully to get her clothes. After my knee was patched up, Mr. Hitoyoshi brought me to the dining room table, "So then Minato, how about you tell me what has you out at this time of night and ending out here at Izumo Inn for I wouldn't doubt there is a tale to it," he asked calmly.
I looked down trying to figure out what to say and not sound completely crazy to explain how Musubi and I got here. Then, my mouth just began spouting what had happened to me, the absolute truth. I started with me going to the college yesterday to check the results of the entrance exam, I failed of course. I moved onto heading back towards his apartment, encountering Musubi along the way. There had been those two girls that were shooting electricity that we had run away from and made our way back to his apartment. That was followed by the landlord had found an excuse and had then evicted me from my apartment without a chance to defend myself. This led to Musubi and me spending the day looking for an apartment in my price range. But with my income as small as it is, there are very few apartments or places to rent that are low in price at this time since the college is going to start soon.
When I finished telling Mr. Hitoyoshi what I had been dealing with over yesterday and today, I held my head in my hands. "I don't know what to do now," I cried in strained tones, now at a total loss.
Mr. Hitoyoshi smiled kindly at me, "Minato, the first thing you need to do is calm down, panicking doesn't help in situations like this." I realized that Mr. Hitoyoshi was right, so I took deep calming breaths as he continued, "Then, as it happens, I think I might be able to help you in your current plight since there are still a few rooms here that are empty as tenants are only recently coming around. Some of them are 'different' and possess some odd habits, but overall good people as far as I've been able to tell. So, if a normal person like yourself doesn't mind being around some odd or strange individuals, we can always use such type of tenants," he began.
Wait, so Mr. Hitoyoshi is looking for tenants?! Even if I would be around 'different' people that wouldn't be so bad! Musubi and I really do need a place to live, and Mr. Hitoyoshi wouldn't have something against me like my previous landlord did. He would I hope understand that I'm in a situation that I can't talk about and I'm still trying to process it myself. My head shot up at Mr. Hitoyoshi's offer, "Yes! I don't mind being around odd or strange people, so please, I would like to apply for a room here," I returned quickly.
-Ashe's pov-
A chuckle escaped me at the fast reply to my inferred offer as it would be nice to be able to help this young man. After listening to the story that Minato had told me of his past two days, I felt sorry for him. Fail his entrance exam was harsh, more so when it wasn't his knowledge base that is to blame, but his lack of self-confidence from what I've seen. But like others who possess qualities like Minato, the world appears to be against them for one reason or another. I disagree with Takami's actions of cutting her son's money supply as he is having enough trouble as is and part of it is the fault of her "boss" no less. Although, I'm glad he ended out arriving at Izumo Inn for I believe Minato needed to make some choices that a quiet place will help with. Plus, I was fond of the boy and wished to assist him in some way with the trouble he was in now.
It was at that time, Miya and Musubi entered the room, and I saw that Miya had lent Musubi one of her kimonos that I had gotten her for an anniversary present last year. The kimono's base color was a solid blue and had a pink and white floral pattern over all the outfit. I had to say, it fit the young Sekirei quite well, not as much as it does Miya in my opinion, but I have got a bias in that and don't deny it. I smiled at my wife, "I see that you found something that fits her so that she didn't have to walk around it the tatters of clothing she had before," I commented.
Miya giggled, "Why yes, did you doubt that I could find clothing for her," she posed to me.
Doubt Miya, I know better than to do that, she can do anything she sets her mind to and had proven that to me on a daily basis. I shook my head, "Of course I didn't doubt you, I have complete faith in you my dear. I know better than to believe you can't do something you say you can," I replied nicely.
Musubi moved forward, "What do you think Minato," she asked, spinning around to show off the kimono she had on.
Minato's face became red as he simply stared, and I gained a smirk at observing the young man's reaction to the Sekirei that was innocently asking what he thought of the clothing. Along with that came memories of Miya's innocence and ignorance to Earth's cultures earlier on and the teaching I did with her came to my mind at seeing Minato and Musubi. Such wonderful times those had been as I had learned to use my heart again and it almost felt as if I was experiencing feelings for the first time. As a smile formed on my face, Miya came and sat down beside me slipping a hand into one of mine, "This sight bringing back memories for you," she whispered to me.
I leaned against Miya nuzzling her cheek, "Indeed it is, all happy ones with you," I returned. The feeling of our bond surging as the love we had towards one another came to the forefront. The bond had become so richly defined between us that it was sheer joy to have it with Miya and I didn't want to imagine not having it with her.
Minato managed to say that Musubi looked nice without stuttering all that much. The young man was clearly nervous around women and I've observed it more than once to get my basis from. The reason why I believe would be he's been under the influence of extremely forceful women that are in his family. I can see how Minato's mother Takami can be the forceful type and indeed is dominating with her personality. I can only assume it had come out on Minato whether it came due to stress from MBI or something else. Honestly, for a mother to do that to there child is sad even if unintentional, it still is what it is.
And then apparently, by what I've been told by Minato, his younger sister is much the same, pushy and forceful. Minato has been the subject of the domination of both of those women for a while from the signs I see. So, the poor boy has been bullied by the women around him and has just taken it, thus the lack of self-confidence.
I refocused back on Minato, "You stated that you are interested in becoming a tenant here at Izumo Inn. I assume that would include Musubi along with yourself in your wish to live here, correct," I inquired. Minato nodded vigorously, so I continued, "Very well, but for tonight, get some sleep and then we can discuss a contractual agreement tomorrow."
A/n
And that's where I'll leave off for this chapter. Please take the time to write a review or PM me if you would rather and tell me what you thought.