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.

11. The Spring Festival

A/n

All righty then, now, some might notice that I have designed some characters of mine of some characters from other universes, I don't see a problem with doing so. Don't own nothing by my main character and a few others and my musings. ON WITH THE STORY!

Chapter 11: The Spring Festival

-Ashe's pov-

I woke up in bed in the early morning, the memories of the discussion with Takami the night nearly a week ago haunting my dreams. Yes, Takami had said that she would much more prefer to have access to all of Takehito's notes along with being able to take them with her, but I had not budged on my answer of no. First of all, Takami wouldn't know of the sheer amounts of notes that I have which Takehito was responsible for creating. Takehito wrote everything down so that he could remind himself of thoughts later that was his mentality. When it came to my friend doing research, he wrote everything down, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant the fact might be. That being said, one might then start to imagine just how much paper Takehito went through, it was funny and yet ludicrous!

Nonetheless, even though I trust Takami enough to know that she wouldn't destroy Takehito's legacy, it was unwise for her to have such access or freedom to handle those notes. There were too many signs that there were those who didn't want what Takehito had seen and observed to see the light of day was working at a feverous pace. By what information Takami had given all the records that Takehito was the author of had been erased. When the work of one of those who provided a sizable portion of the foundations of what is known about Sekirei disappears, it makes me beyond suspicious. It's unlikely that whoever it is responsible would be happy to know that there's still copies or rather the original hand-written notes Takehito made.

That's why I am so against letting Takami see what Takehito noticed and saw, a number of those she works with can't be trusted as they would destroy and cover up things instead of admitting. My guess was that Minaka is the foremost of those that were going through the efforts to made sure that Takehito's work disappears and can't be found. The reason is that there would be information in Takehito's work that would portray Minaka's game as the horrible thing that it is. The adjustments done to Sekirei are not to help them, it is to control them and make them participate in Minaka's war. At least from what I've read from my friend's notes that's the impression I got and that's putting it mildly.

The things Takehito noticed when he had been watching Miya and I are even evidence of the horrid things Minaka has done. According to Miya herself, the bond that we have is how it's supposed to be like for Sekirei, not the contract that MBI has morphed it into. The contract as I've stated before is more a form of enslavement to Sekirei and they are forced to think it is right. I've always been against slavery in its various forms, no creature should be treated like less than dirt or an object. And there would be some Sekirei that would be abused, I fear more than just a few really will suffer in that respect.

The thoughts and worries running through my mind faded away as I looked to my right and found Miya snuggled up against me. She and I had finally arranged and managed to convince Akitsu and Kuu to use the room across from ours. After all, Miya and I have agreed that there's the need for us to have some private time for just the two of us, nothing against Akitsu and Kuu for we care about them.

As I looked at the amazing woman next to me, I couldn't help but wonder how I could be so fortunate to have her by my side. Out of habit, I brushed the stray locks of hair away from Miya's face and simply gaze at the face of the one who had changed my life forever more. My action caused Miya to stir and so, we started another day in the normal manner we had most days with Miya hugging and kissing me with me returning the tokens of affection to her.

Anyways, today was my day to make breakfast, so I headed for the kitchen while Miya went to wake Kuu and Akitsu. Shortly after I began making breakfast Kuu came into the kitchen and after seeing me preparing the meal she did her best to help me as she always would. Her work ethic is to be praised and is appreciated, and I couldn't deny her wish to help, she was just too cute for her own good. At first, she tried using the potted plant that she kept with her for using her abilities by having a vine grow. Kuu attempted to use the vine as a long arm, but that didn't work well, the vine just couldn't curl effectively around things. I believe because she still doesn't have a great deal of control over her powers yet though she is improving.

Since I didn't want to take away the opportunity for her she so clearly desired, I did not. I gave her tasks to do by setting her to gather the condiments and setting the table even if her height made getting all the dishes more difficult. Instead, I assisted her in her task by snaking one of my tails around Kuu's waist wrapping it around her securely, therefore providing her a chance to help as she wishes to. And once I had a firm hold I began lifting Kuu upward to the places she was unable to reach on her own.

When she started rising upward, Kuu grabbed on to the tail wrapped around her, but she quickly understood that I wasn't going to drop her nor stop her from helping me. Kuu began to giggle as she continued to rise up to the cabinets with my assistance where some of the dishes are stored. She gathered the dishes and other supplies that were used for breakfast on a daily basis. While Kuu and I were working on breakfast, Miya and Akitsu went about waking up our tenants. Whether they got out of bed or not that was their choice, the thing was if they don't get themselves out of bed, then they're on their own for breakfast. That's the choice they make and those who choose to not be at breakfast don't get anything until lunch or later.

The morning was going in what I thought was the way they normally would with the table set and ready. Kuu had done a masterful job of setting the table and had come back to help me with the rest. She and I were bringing the various parts that made up breakfast to the table to eat for all of us here at Izumo Inn. Kagari was sitting at the table, he's either first or doesn't show up to breakfast depending on when he gets off his job. He even smiled and said how good Kuu was doing at her task.

I caught sight of Minato and Musubi coming down the stairs and towards the dining room, with Tsukiumi right behind Minato. Musubi was wearing her customary sleepwear… which for some reason, she had gone with the uniform for high school students when they're doing physical education. Why Musubi chose that for sleepwear, I haven't the faintest idea, and I doubt that Minato suggested it to her, more likely Matsu were I to guess. Tsukiumi, on the other hand, was in the nightgown she had gotten who knows where, and that was fine as it made more sense than what Musubi goes with. But I say to each their own if that's what they want to go with I'm certainly not going to stop them as long as it covers enough.

With Minato and his Sekirei here that meant we were just waiting for Uzume, Miya, and Akitsu to join us so that we could begin the meal. Matsu still has spotty attendance, so it's up to her if she wants breakfast for she knows now that I don't let her or others raid the kitchen between meals if they didn't eat at the last meal. Matsu has tried that a couple of times, but either Miya or I have caught the redhead in her attempts and stopped her.

-Miya's pov-

The morning had started as most do, I was snuggled up to Ashe as that is the most comfortable position for me to sleep in. Ashe and I had moved Akitsu and Kusano over to the room across the hall from ours to sleep in. We need time to spend with it just being Ashe and me, it is necessary for a loving and married couple. I woke up to Ashe brushing away locks of my hair affectionately, one of his non-verbal ways of saying that he cares. And I couldn't help but hug and kiss my ashikabi to show how much he meant to me.

It was Ashe's turn to make breakfast this morning which left waking up tenants to me and that is fine. So, Ashe headed for the kitchen whereas I went across the hall and woke up Kuu and Akitsu. Kuu instantly said she wanted to assist Ashe with breakfast grabbing the potted plant she had and raced off to the kitchen without a further word. It was quite cute that Kuu wants to help Ashe as much as she does. Akitsu said she would help me in waking the rest of Izumo Inn's tenants after Kuu and ran from the room.

With that in mind, Akitsu and I made our way upstairs and started at Minato's room. Upon opening the door, I bit back the displeasure of seeing that Musubi and Tsukiumi were hanging on him in a somewhat improper manner. It was fairly regular for the two to be like this with their ashikabi and I wouldn't mind if not for the point it got close to pushing against the second rule of the house. Yet, Tsukiumi is all about 'being proper' while Musubi is clueless about what is proper and what is not. Thankfully, Matsu wasn't here to add to the mix, she had done so a few times since her reprieve of breaking the rules. Ashe and I have made it clear to Matsu that should she cross the line again, she wouldn't get another chance but would be kicked to the street. Anyway, Minato and those with him roused, while Akitsu and I moved on to the next room.

The next room belonged to Uzume and I knocked to be polite and givecccccccc a warning before I opened the door. I instantly spotted Uzume sprawled on her bed, but she wasn't alone for there was another with her. There was a second occupant who looked kind of similar to Uzume and I could tell she was a Sekirei. She had purple hair, darker than my own and the hair was tied up in the back in a ponytail and she was in a short purple Chinese style dress. The other point of note was that I knew this woman though it had been some time since I'd seen her last. And one whiff of the air told me that the woman with Uzume by the name of Kazehana, she still practiced her problematic drinking habits.

Uzume woke up and looked to the doorway, I folded my arms, "Uzume, why do you have another in your bed, and then why did you say nothing beforehand," I posed.

"What are you *burp* talking about Miya," slurred Uzume putting a hand to her head.

I pointed a finger at Kazehana, and Uzume glanced down staring for a long moment before realizing that someone was there. She looked back to me and she swallowed hard, "Miya, this isn't what you would think. I didn't intend to bring her back with me and I don't remember doing so at all! She just asked me to drink with her for a bit, everything is blurry after that," Uzume claimed nervously.

True as that likely was, the fact that Kazehana had ended out here wasn't one that I liked. It's not that I hate Kazehana, it is more like Matsu, she has habits that are irritating and doesn't see them as a problem. Plus, I highly doubt that Ashe will appreciate the habits that annoy me any more than I do and some he will dislike more. Kazehana's drinking habit, for instance, Ashe very much dislikes even the smell of alcohol, he says that it is repulsive, and I would agree. That was merely one habit Kazehana had that is problematic, there are others, like her habit of flirting with others.

I walked over to the bed deciding to just get this over and done with and chopped Kazehana's head hard. Kazehana let out a scream of pain as she was bought out of her sleeping state which I didn't really care that I had hurt her at the moment. I then turned to Akitsu and asked her to go and tell Ashe that I would be down with these two shortly. Akitsu nodded and left the room while I turned back to face Kazehana, "It isn't nice to see you suddenly again Kazehana, so what are you doing here," I demanded.

Kazehana clutched her head and came to gaze at me and then drew back, "M-Miya, what are you doing here?" Kazehana paused and glanced around, "And where is here?"

I sighed, "You haven't changed much if at all, still getting yourself into situations and not even recalling how you do. This is my home Kazehana, and I see you are unfortunately as un-sober as ever, how disappointing."

Kazehana giggled nervously, "Well, I never imagined that I would end out in a place like this Miya," she replied. "And you know me and alcohol, we just can't be apart for long, we just do so well together."

I let out something between a grumble and a heavy exhale at Kazehana's reply as it was to her and yet it also showed the issues that she creates. Kazehana's introduction to alcohol was one of the many reasons I wanted to whip Minaka as the man was the one that gave her the first bottle she had. Minaka was an expert at sowing chaos both short-term and long-term for those around him to have to suffer from and deal with.

It took me a few minutes and some persuasion to get the two moving in the direction of the stairs and the dining area. No weapons were involved, but it did come close with Kazehana towards the end of the time. I did peek into Matsu's room to find she was as I expected, out cold and didn't respond at all to me looking in. I left her there, she would pay the consequences for staying up all night with no food until lunch or dinner.

-Ashe's pov-

Our wait for the others so that we could start breakfast was broken by a muffled scream heard from upstairs. The sound caused me to look upward to the ceiling and wonder what was going on up on the second floor. In the years that I've had this house and had tenants, I can't say that screams are all that frequent, without reason at least. Oh, I'm not saying there weren't the type of tenants that didn't need some extra persuasion to get moving with things. Those instants were fairly rare or happened once before said tenant learned the wisdom of doing things in a timely manner. So, I'm left to wonder what could have happened for Miya to do something that would have a scream be a result. Plus, I didn't recognize the voice, which is even more puzzling as there had been nothing as to a request made for another to spend a night here.

Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long for an explanation as Akitsu came down and into the dining room. "Good morning Akitsu, what is going on upstairs? There was a shout or scream, why might that have happened," I asked.

"Uzume had someone else with her this morning," Akitsu told me.

Someone else? That's odd even if that somewhat explained the unfamiliar voice that had made the scream. Uzume hadn't asked to invite any to stay for the night, and there had better be something said about why. If a tenant wishes for someone to stay for a night or two, that's normally okay, but they have to get it past Miya or me, more a formality. That there had been no permission obtained is annoying and incorrect on Uzume's part, but that can be seen to later. The sound of footsteps came to my ears, three pairs if I'm picking up right, and upon looking to the stairs, I saw Miya descend first.

My wife was followed by Uzume and then another woman that I've never seen before and I doubt any could forget a woman like this one. She was taller than Miya and certainly fuller in body figure and I must admit, that's surprising. I'd judged Musubi to be firm and full, but this woman somehow had the airheaded Sekirei beat and that's saying something. The lady had brown eyes, purple hair, which was darker than Miya's is, and her hair was tied up in the back in a ponytail. She was wearing a… well, in my view, an unacceptably short purple Chinese style dress which showed her cleavage and midriff area. The woman had a mature appearance yet didn't give off the same air that Miya did when it came to maturity overall.

Our 'guest' was clearly a Sekirei and my wife seemed to know her meaning she probably worked with her at some point. However, it was after taking a sniff of the air things shifted towards not so nice for I caught a strong whiff of alcohol in the air which is a scent I detest. In fact, it took me an effort to not gag at the magnitude of the smell reinforcing how rancid the smell was to me and to have more refined senses made the scent of alcohol even more repulsive. The woman was walking and acting similar to humans after drinking a lot of alcohol, it embarrassingly idiotic honestly.

After taking in first impressions of this Sekirei, my gaze shifted to Miya sending a silent question. But, my wife was paying attention to the stranger who was complaining, "Miya, why did you have to wake me up so early? My head hurts right now, so where do you keep your saké?"

Okay… even if there were alcohol of any kind in this house which there isn't, why would this woman, whoever she believes she would be given any? The cure to the consequences that come from consuming alcohol isn't drinking more 'spirits' as some resort to as such tends to have the opposite effect. I decided that it was time that I made my voice heard, "Excuse me Miss, who might you be? You are not one of the paying tenants here, nor are you the perverted freeloader, so who are you," I asked calmly.

All attention turned to me while I folded my arms waiting for the answer to my question. The unknown woman squinted at me for a full minute as she stared, "Miya, who is the handsome guy you have here, and why didn't you mention him earlier? I would have been more willing to get up if you had," she remarked.

I held back the grimace at the whiff of rancid alcohol that came my way managing to only have an eyebrow raise at that comment and question. Yet, I kept my gaze on her, "I'm waiting for the answer to who you are Miss," I stated.

"Oh my," she said, before she moved closer to me, which cause the horrible scent of alcohol to grow stronger. "The name's Kazehana handsome."

I didn't know exactly how to politely reply to that introduction for this female wasn't giving a great first impression. I was becoming slightly nauseated with the reek of alcohol that was coming off this Sekirei. My gaze shifted over to Miya, "She an acquaintance of yours Miya," I asked her, and she nodded.

"Yes, I used to work with her Ashe," replied Miya.

I glanced back at this 'Kazehana', and I had to ask the question on my mind from what my nose wasn't letting me ignore. "Then tell me then, she have alcoholic drinking habits during that time as well," I inquired of Miya.

Again, my wife nodded her head up and down in answer, "Indeed, she always seemed to have a bottle in hand or within her reach most of the time," she said.

Great, so this woman drinks alcohol often and likely isn't sober unless she has to be, I haven't been around one of those in a while. The last one that had been around Izumo Inn took months to get sober and give up alcohol for the rest of their life. It had worked out for the better if you ask me and made the effort worth it, but it had been a very difficult period of time. Anyways, Kazehana looked over at Miya expectantly, "So then Miya, how about you introduce me to this good-looking guy, I'm interested in getting to know him," she requested.

I can't say where I exactly stand in this, I feel disgusted mostly from the smell of alcohol, but I'm also trying to be well mannered at the same time, it is not as easy as I can make it look. This woman isn't really my type by what I've seen thus far, and so I'm losing interest fast. I'm not saying she's not physically attractive, yet with my personal preferences, the way she acts and holds herself doesn't speak well of her at all.

Miya's reaction was to sigh with a bit of frustration, "Kazehana, your behavior hasn't really changed over the years that have passed and that's very disappointing. To answer your request, the man you're flirting with," Miya began, saying 'flirting' in a derisive manner, "is my husband, Ashe Hitoyoshi. And I would prefer as well as APPRECIATE it if you would stop doing said flirting towards him."

Kazehana gained a panicked and worried expression on her face at hearing that I was Miya's husband, "Yo-your husband you say Miya?" Kazehana glanced towards me, then back at Miya, "I had no idea that you were married," she said shakily, trailing off.

"Indeed, we are, and for your information Miss, there is no saké or any other alcoholic liquor in this house. Honestly, I see no reason to keep such around as the substance is normally used to make a fool of oneself, and there are much easier ways to go about that. So, you will find none here and it wouldn't help the hangover that you're experiencing at the current time anyway. Although, I do know of an herbal remedy that would help, should you be interested," I stated before turning to face Uzume. "And Uzume for future reference, be sure to ask before inviting a friend or acquaintance of yours over for the night. It is common courtesy and should be practiced."

Well, it took a bit of time, but everyone was seated at the table even our visitor Kazehana, only missing Matsu as usual which is her loss. While breakfast was going, my mind moved to think about what kind of gift I could get Miya for tomorrow was our wedding anniversary, our fifth in fact. It is a happy occasion for both of us, and I fully intend to make it so again this year. My attention, however, was drawn to Kazehana and Uzume as they were not looking very well at all. My guess is that their previous night of drinking alcohol for whatever reason they were had caught up with them in the form of a hangover. And by what I was observing, the condition was worsening as breakfast kept going.

Honestly, I have never been able to understand why people would go out and drink the amounts of alcohol they do for the myriad of reasons they justify with. Their attempts to avoid problems that they were shouldering by resorting to alcohol only results in pain and the problems waiting for you and a good portion of the time worse than they were before. So, to drink away pain or other emotion only works for the short-term and then nothing else changes is rarely helpful. Nonetheless, it is not like that I can't understand the mentality of wanting to forget that drives people to drink alcohol, I've been at the point a few times that the agony I was in was torturing me enough that even a small rest bit was better than no change at all. But in any other instance, there are far easier ways to make a fool of oneself or socialize than going with alcohol.

Kazehana's face had a red hue to the cheeks, not a blush, more like when someone has a fever or is sick. Uzume was looking unhappy and sick as well, which is odd as she's normally upbeat most of the time. Deciding to take pity on them, I quickly finished my plate of food, then got up and went to the kitchen and got to work on mixing up the remedy that I knew would help with what comes from a hangover. The remedy was one that I had come across through millennia I've lived and it is one that has proven to work. Thankfully, I had what I would need on hand for it though would need to resupply on some of the ingredients soon.

It took me around ten minutes to make up two doses of the remedy, one for Uzume and one for Kazehana. Now, I'll be the first to say that this 'remedy' looks… unappetizing to put it nicely and isn't something that most would drink by choice. Honestly, the dark purple color of the liquid would make me question what this stuff is made from, but knowing what actually goes into it makes it far better not to ask. The smell reminded me of what goes into natural compost used by farmers and the taste is pretty much the same flavor to it as the smell just is more pungent. I've personal experience with the remedy, so I know it works and the things it cures to make it worth getting it down.

Once done with making the remedy, I brought the two simple tea cups out to the dining room. Saw that Uzume was already beginning to lower her head to the table and Kazehana was getting rather flamboyant in her actions. I made my way to where the two women were and set down the cups before them, "Uzume, Kazehana, I would recommend you both drink what's in the cups in front of you," I said, then paused watching them expectantly.

Both females looked at the herbal remedy that I had mixed up for them and then grimaced which I don't blame them for. "Uh Ashe, what is this stuff in the cup," asked Uzume apprehensively.

"Yeah, it looks disgusting," added Kazehana, before she sniffed and drew back from the cup, "And it smells that way too!"

I gazed at them, "It's an herbal remedy that helps with the symptoms of hangovers, and it does a very effective job. I'm well aware that it looks horrendous, smells bad and will taste foul, but I guarantee that it will take care of what ails you much faster than were you to sleep them off will. So, I suggest that you plug your nose and force the liquid down, to get it done quickly. Please don't spit it out, it's not an easy remedy to make and some of what goes into it aren't easy to acquire," I stated.

They did as I suggested… and admittedly, their faces would be very humorous were it not for me knowing what the taste of the mixture I made is like. It's atrocious and I wouldn't have made it up if not that they seemed to need relief and that is what the herbal remedy does. The ghastly taste would make others cringe, but none who've taken this remedy can deny the wonders it does at getting rid of hangovers and serious headaches. Is more of a last resort in my view, plus, as I said, some of what goes into it, isn't easy to get.

I left the two women to recover from the effects of the drink by helping clean up the remanence of the morning meal. Minato ran off to cram school, he wouldn't be back until evening as once school ends, he then would go straight to the shrine for work. Cleaning the shrine and the grounds is important at this time as the Spring festival starts tomorrow night. The booths would be erected in the temple grounds and the surrounding open area tomorrow. So, all hands were needed at the shrine at this time. Minato was called upon and was getting paid a bit more for it and he's interested in a bit of extra money that wouldn't have to go towards monthly rent.

As for me, my plans for today was to take Akitsu and Kuu shopping, they needed kimonos of their own. Plus, it would be nice to spend time with the two of them individually and I haven't had a great deal of time to do that. Also during the trip, I hope I can pick up a present for Miya to commemorate our anniversary tomorrow. I did plan to have a new kimono for her as well to surprise her as it is always gratifying to see Miya's expression of surprise and happiness. And both Kuu and Akitsu had been looking forward to the shopping trip with me when I suggested it a couple of days ago.

We set out on our way to the commercial area that filled a good portion of the western section of Tokyo. When we arrived, the reactions of Kuu and Akitsu were of excitement and amazement at all the shops, the colors and activities there were in the area. I led the two to a fabric and clothing shop I knew of, and it was one of the more popular among those who knew of it. Then I quickly got the two to go in the shop, and they just as quickly became lost in the sea of colors and patterns of fabric that was displayed. I left them and went to talk to the owner of the shop who was someone I knew, more than an acquaintance. However, before I went looking for the said owner, I explained to the two shop workers the need that Kuu and Akitsu had for kimonos.

Kuu chose a fabric that had a base color of a deep blue and had different colored birds on it that some were red, and others were green. While Akitsu made her decision to go with a fabric that was white with light blue floral and river patterns. So, while they both were measured, the fitting process started and I watched for a moment. But then, I entered the back room of the place to talk to the owner of the shop as they were the one that would make the clothing the store sold.

The room was dark, the one window covered over so that no light came through, which left the outer areas of the room in the near pitch black. There were threads hung everywhere except in the center of the room where there was a workspace that had a mannequin along with an old loom lit up by dim light. My fox ears came out and listened for movement, and upon hearing a rustling to my right, I took a step back. Two long thin claw-like limbs shot into where I had been clutching at air. I grabbed one of those limbs and then gave a strong jerk towards me and to the left. There was the sound of threads breaking and then a whoosh which then resulted in a figure appearing in front of me.

The figure was that of a woman hanging upside down her front facing in my direction. She had lavender colored hair, the same length as her face. She possessed a bust size that models would kill without hesitation for and that is not one humans have normally. She was wearing a red skin tight short sleeved top that left her midsection bare. The woman opened her eyes, which were crimson looking back at me and she had two extra pairs in her forehead. "Do you have a reason for attempting to attack me Rachnee? Or is it some of your old habits, like striking at anything that comes close enough coming out again," I asked flatly.

The woman, named Rachnera Arachnera or "Rachnee" for short, focused on me for a moment longer before her eyes widened, "Oh oops, my bad. I didn't know it was you Ashe, my assistants don't let others back here normally, so… well, some old habits are hard to kick, you know how it goes, right," she replied with a nervous smile showing her fangs she had instead of teeth.

I glared at her, "Using the same excuse as you usually do then? I wonder why I even ask anymore with you as I know the answer already as it hasn't changed since we first crossed paths, other than how you practice your habits. So then, how about you come down to the floor and we can talk for a bit while your 'assistants do their duties," I posed.

Rachnee did as I asked and while she did, I snapped my fingers and four fireballs ignited themselves, one in each corner of the room, bringing light to the whole room. With the change in lighting, I had the view of Rachnee climbing down from her nest of silk, which took up the whole second story space of this two-story room. She like the majority of non-humans have parts that look human-like but then there are parts that are not. Rachnee is what's known as an Arachne, or spider woman. Before I had only been seeing her upper body, which looked mostly human, the rest that consisted of everything below her hips that were covered by a red 'skirt', was the body of a giant spider adorned with a large skull design on its back. Then, she has black carapace covering her arms from the shoulders down, and gauntlet-like plating on her hands that end in sharpened points with her fingers being very long.

Her eight spindly legs used the silk threads to come down and touch the floor, bringing her full appearance into my view. When she came to be in front of me, she leaned forward, her six eyes looking at me, "So, what brings you to my parlor Ashe," she inquired.

I exhaled heavily as I gazed at the woman for our relationship was one of acquaintance and nothing more. I had helped out of a tight spot almost two centuries ago, she had been foolish and greedy which brought trouble for her. Samurai and ninja had been sent to exterminate her for the deaths she caused, yet I had convinced them that I would handle the issue. It had taken quite some negotiations, but in the end, they had agreed. Then I had… well, 'handed her rear end on a silver platter' wasn't accurate, it didn't say how things went. Let us just say that I beat her cleaner than she thought possible and leave it at that. She had promised me that she would change her ways if I let her live and thus far, she has made some changes.

You see, Rachnee hadn't been the nicest to others, in fact, many of her subspecies of doing harm to those they find. They have a nasty habit of sucking all the blood of those they catch… spider thing I think. These days, I believe she has a deal with a blood keeping center in Tokyo, in order to fill her appetite for blood without hurting others, which is fine. "I'm not here to reminisce, I'm here to ask you to make something for me Rachnee, you are still the best when it comes to threads and silk as far as I'm concerned," I remarked.

Rachnee cooed, put her claws she had instead of hands to either side of her face, "Ooo, what a nice thing for you to say! I do know my silk is of the highest quality and can beat out anything humans make, but for you to think that that's a high compliment for me indeed!"

I cleared my throat, "Focus Rachnee! I was hoping that you could make a kimono for me, it is to be a present for my wife."

The spider woman instantly went from having a smile to frowning slightly, "Oh yeah, I keep forgetting that you've chained yourself down with the human philosophy of marriage and all that's included. I still don't understand why you or any think about doing so, far too much hassle involved if you ask me. It is much easier to just keep what you like around and do without the loyalty and promise stuff. Anyways, to business, any special qualities you wanted me to throw into the piece," she questioned.

I shook my head, "No, your silk as it is will be fine. As for the pattern, happened to catch sight of a nice bit of fabric on display out in the main shop, that had a multi-colored floral pattern that was quite nice. It started with an aqua-green at the top and then went to white, before it shifts to blue and then purple," I returned.

"Oh, that pattern, yeah, I remember that one, I came up with it nearly a decade ago. It hasn't been all that popular lately. Sure, I could make a kimono with that pattern, I take it there's a tight time table on your order, right," she asked me.

I nodded, "You would be right Rachnee, need it done by tomorrow afternoon by the latest. It will be for the Spring festival that starts tomorrow night," I returned, then gave Rachnee Miya's measurements that would be needed for the clothing.

The woman agreed to the job and said she understood what I asked of her, and that she would have the kimono ready by tomorrow morning. I exited the back room and found that Kuu and Akitsu were still in the middle of the fitting process. Told them I would be back around the time that they would be done, before leaving the clothing shop. I wandered down the street that the shops lined, looking for something that would catch my eye for a gift I would give Miya. It was as I passed a small jewelry store that I came to a stop since I had the idea that it had been a period of time since I had gotten her a trinket in this form. Without another thought, I went into the small jewelry store.

Unlike larger jewelry, there weren't big glass cases showing expensive pieces of what the sale's person would tell you were rare pieces. When in actuality, what they're selling is manufactured fakes and aren't worth what they are being sold for. No, this store was one that sold handcrafted by artists and looking at what was displayed by the door. I find unique hand-crafted jewelry far more interesting and of higher value than other jewelry that has sparkling diamonds or other stones that humans can go crazy for. So, I began scanning the work that was displayed, until a voice spoke to me, "Are you looking for something in particular good sir," said an older male voice.

I looked up and saw an older man, hunched over and was using a cane to assist him walking and was sweeping it in front of himself. He had a very long and thin mustache along with a pair of glasses. I smiled, "Not looking for anything in particular, but then I'm also looking for something as well, so yes and no I believe would be the answer to your question." I said.

The older man cackled at my reply, "Well well, it isn't every day that an ancient being like yourself comes around good sir," he chuckled again. "So then, to what do I owe the visit from one such as yourself in my humble shop?"

I looked at the man, still with a smile, "Intriguing, not a frequent thing for someone to know that I'm a great deal older than I look or know that I'm not as I appear. If you don't mind me asking, how did you tell that I'm ancient?" I asked.

The man cackled loudly, "My natural eyesight has failed me some time ago, however, as a practitioner of arcane arts for most of my life, I can see the unseen. So, I can see past the illusion you put up, though I can guess some of the reason that you do so."

"I see, always nice to meet a user of the magical arts, there are much fewer than there used to be. But to business, I'm here to find a present for a loved one. I happened to spot this shop and as I'm fond of unique hand-crafted things, this place has much of that." I replied.

I was going to say more, but then my eyes caught sight of something, making my way forward, I came to a stop in front of a small display. On it, was a hair clip that was silver in color and when I touched the decorative clip, found it was made of true silver. The shape of the clip was that of a fox head at the top and from the bottom of the head came the 'tails' of which there were ten. The longer I looked at it, the feeling of familiarity grew within me, for the fox's head had markings on the forehead that was strikingly similar to what I have in my fox form. I turned back to the owner of the shop, "Could you tell me about this hairclip, it's… caught my interest." I said.

The man came up and touched the hairclip, "Ah, very good taste to notice this piece of work, for most see it as nothing more than an artist's mistake."

Shook my head, "This is no mistake, I can say that without a doubt. Perhaps you might be aware of who it was that made it?" I posed.

There were a few I could think of that had the gift of artistic ability that could come up with this clip that my fox form was clearly the inspiration for. The older man took a moment to think about the question, "As I recall, Enkū is the one who made this piece, or at least that was what the one who got it from said and I trust what they say."

Enkū? Now there's a name I have not heard for a long time, the man had been a Buddhist monk close to four centuries ago. The guy had been different for his time, he was an easy-going man and rare to be serious, really only when the life of one he cared about was in danger was he serious. If Enkū were alive today, he wouldn't be out of place at all with today's culture, but back then, his easy-going attitude wasn't taken so well. Enkū had shown himself to have quite the gift with artistic creativity and I'm inclined to believe that this piece was made by him. The marking on the forehead of the fox is too similar to what I have in my fox form. It's either a fluke which is unlikely, or he had seen my fox form and I know he had. I offered to change him into a yōkai, but he declined, said his calling was to serve the Buddha by preaching its message.

"I'll take the hairclip, it is intriguing to me and will work wonderfully for a gift," I said.

After packaging the clip up, I took it and headed back to the clothing shop, to find both Kuu and Akitsu finishing the fitting process. Was told by the shop workers that the kimonos would be done tomorrow. The second that Kuu was released from the fabric, she came to me, clearly happy about the outfit she would get, but not so happy about the fitting process. The three of us headed home after I paid for the clothing that I would pick up later.

We returned to the house and the rest of the day was not all that eventful. When evening came, I headed out to meet with someone that I knew, Miya didn't come with me, but I'm going to a part of town that I wouldn't take her. The 'red lights' district isn't a place that you take your significant other to or really anyone you care about. Of course, I'm not going there for the services that are provided there, I'm going to see someone that lives down there and doesn't leave often. However, along the way, I met up with a helping hand of mine by the name of Saki in order to give her instructions as to the other surprise I intend to have for Miya tomorrow.

Following the meeting with Saki, I continued onward, and I knew the second I came into the area, it's kind of hard to miss the district, bright signs advertising one of two things, sex, and alcohol. And one glance around showed me that the district was as busy as it normally was on most given nights and much more than it used to be in earlier days. That fact alone did not sit well with me and it never has, but it is something I can't change.

None noticed me as I walked down the street. I walked past the signs and those advertising the business they worked for, giving them no attention at all. It wasn't until I came to stand in front of a particular place by the name of "Madam Mira's Chateau" that I stopped. This is a place that I wouldn't come to without a specific reason as I find the kind of business it does deplorable. I've never had an interest or desire to be around brothels, they are a waste of space if you ask me. "Good evening sir! Welcome to the Madam's Chateau where we guarantee that you'll leave satisfied," came a feminine voice in an excited manner.

I looked towards the speaker and had to take a second look at them for I found myself looking at an older teenaged girl in front of me. the girl had to be in either her last year of high school or just graduated from it, yet she already works here?! This is not right in my view and I will bring this up with the one I'm here to see. Nonetheless, I forced a smile, "Actually, I'm here to see the owner of this establishment," I replied.

The girl stared at me and then got an expression of comprehension, "Oh, so you're one of the proprietress's personal customers, you should have said so sir! Right this way," she said before guiding me inside the building.

The moment I entered the red-light district I had already begun feeling awful as the feelings in the air around the area is disgusting to me. When I came into the building guided toward the office here, the disgust got worse and was joined by nausea. It took effort to keep the feelings of disgust down along with the sounds, the smells, and other signals that made it clear what was done here. The feelings and very air itself were nauseating to me as it mocked what intimate closeness between a devoted and loyal couple experiences. Plus, the sensations motivated me to get in, talk with who I'm here to see and get out quickly. Within a few minutes, I was shown to the 'office' of this place and I entered to get what I was here to do over with.

Inside the large bedroom, there was a woman that looked to be in her prime years towards the younger end. She had what many would say was an impressive figure, curves in all the right places, large bust, thin waist, and slightly wider hips. Her long black hair ran straight down her back and I could see cat ears on either side of her head that were the same color as her hair. Her golden eyes weren't as striking as mine are when they change, but still is a rare color to see. The woman was wearing a black kimono with yellow obi and a set of golden beads on the sash. There was red interior fabric inside of the black kimono, and the whole outfit was hanging loosely on her body. She had an ornate headband on the top of her head. I also saw that her two black tails were waving slowly from side to side.

This woman is pretty much what most men are interested in when it comes to a woman's figure. Not me though as Miya is my wife and I'm loyal to her, so I will not be unfaithful! I feel lucky to have a woman like Miya as my wife, I'm not fool enough to risk losing her. Plus, I was feeling worse the longer I was here and exposed to the sickening emotions that were going around here. That in mind, I decide to make myself known, "Evening Mira, we need to have a conversation," I said calmly.

The woman named Mira Lushan to believe it or not is unofficially the boss here in the red-light district and runs it well and has for a while. Mira turned to face me and gave me a smirk, "My my Ashe, how nice of you to come and visit me nya," she said in a sultry tone of voice. "So then nya, perhaps you're having some trouble with your partner? Of course, I would be more than up to help relieve pent up stress you-"

I gave Mira a cold glare, "Not in the slightest Mira! Miya and I have a healthy and happy marriage and relationship that we'll be celebrating five years of as of tomorrow, thank you very much. It feels extremely horrid coming around here for me and you know that it gets worse the longer I'm here. You may like the emotion of lust in this kind of setting and what accompanies it, I most certainly do not. I'm down here to talk to you about two individuals that I believe either have or do spend time around this area. You normally either know everyone or know those who do," I returned, in an annoyed tone.

Mira laughed, "You do give some amusing reactions Ashe nya, it makes it so much fun to tease you," she replied.

I had a deadpanned expression appear on my face, "I'm not laughing Mira, and you don't want me ticked off, so how about you get on task," I almost growled.

Mira waved a hand and rose off the bed she had been sitting on, "Indeed, my apologies nya, hard to resist poking fun at you when you come by rare as you do. So then nya, tell me all about these individuals you mentioned," she said.

I sat in the one chair in the room and began describing Matsu to Mira, though it didn't seem that Mira recognized Matsu by description. "No, the one you describe isn't one that I've seen… however, I do remember one of my high-earning girls mentioning that one of her usuals was late and his excuse being an encounter with a redhead with glasses much like the one you described," Mira commented.

I filed that away in my mind for later research, "Okay, the other is also a woman that has long purple hair, wears a Chinese dress and has a serious fondness for alcohol. And by what I've seen, could hold her own against seasoned drinkers. Her name is Kazehana," I went on.

Mira's eyes widened slightly in recognition, "Oh yes, I've heard of her nya, though not the name Kazehana. She's known as the Standing Lady Drinker around here, due mostly to the fact that no matter how much she seems to drink nya, she doesn't drop to the counter or below, she was wobbly I hear, but that's it. Surprising that you know her, you have shown yourself not to be fond of those who consume alcohol nya."

"She appeared with one of my tenants this morning, end up giving her my herbal headache remedy… you know how that tends to go," I said.

Mira grimaced at the memory she had of the remedy, "Yes I do nya, never can forget the taste or smell of that remedy of yours nya, even if it does miracles against hangovers and other ill effects of alcohol. By what I understand nya, she has popped up around her more frequently as of late. Caught a glimpse of her more than a week ago, she looked to be drinking heartbreak away nya. Have seen the idea many times, you can tell when someone is drinking that kind of pain away," Mira replied a little sadly.

I nodded, then remembered the girl at the front, "Hey Mira, how young do you hire girls 'legally', the one at the door looked rather young to be around this part of town," I posed.

The cat woman smiled, "Ah, you mean Saki, she's one of my new girls nya, believe she's twenty, why nya?"

Why she asks?! I glared at Mira, "Twenty you say, she looked more like an older high school girl to me. And where I try to keep out of how others run the businesses they do, there is such a thing as hiring too young Mira, especially where the business you run is concerned. It can be seen as girls getting raped for money."

Mira waved a hand at me, "Rape you say Ashe, I don't run that kind of business nya, all my girls enjoy what they do, their voices say that well nya. You should know that I care about all my girls as if they were my own children nya."

I sighed knowing that arguing with this woman would be pointless, then I thanked Mira for the information. Then refused any services from her as I don't do that kind of thing with any other than Miya, period! Plus, I was feeling terrible and it increased the longer I was in this district, so I left as quickly as I could. I was making my way back towards Izumo Inn with the intention of retiring for the night as it was getting late. However, upon turning onto the street that the house is on, I spotted someone squatting on the fence that goes around Izumo Inn.

The unknown interloper appeared to be a young woman that was a tad shorter than Miya. She was fairly muscular, athletic figure, so likely worked out in some way. The female was also a Sekirei and unlike those I've seen. In short, she wasn't very developed as a woman, and was… well as some put it these days, 'flat' or a washboard. I don't understand why some use those terms like that though the comparison is clear but to each their own. Her hair was pink of all colors, unusual in itself and was styled much like Uzume with the ponytail on the side. The young woman was wearing a black kimono that kind of reminded me of Miya's old uniform, but it had a red bow around her waist. Along with the uniform, she also had red fingerless gloves on her hands and wrists.

Quite honestly, I haven't the faintest idea who this girl is nor why she's here, and really don't care to tell the truth. From where I stand, she is spying and like with Matsu, such an activity is unacceptable. This girl is an intruder here as she is sneaking around hiding from sight while she's peeking in on what's not her business. She wasn't invited by me or Miya, that alone is reason enough for her not to be here, and she will be leaving whether she wants to or not. I walked forward, not noticed by this intruder, "Excuse me Missy, there are laws and rules against spying and stalking others. You are intruding on private property as you have no invitation," I stated clearly and a tad coldly. "That said, make yourself scarce and be gone from here right this moment as I don't welcome or entertain intruders or stalkers around here."

The girl had whipped around when I had begun speaking but didn't say anything until after I finished. "What the?! Who the bloody hell are you," she demanded.

An intruder that lacks manner as well, unfortunately, that is fairly typical of those that go where they please even when they don't have permission. However, I shifted myself into a defensive martial arts stance in case she attacked me, ready to summon my arm bracers and gloves in need be. Although I did give a fitting reply, "I am the owner of the property that you are trespassing on, therefore, I'm also the master of the house that you're spying into. Neither action is acceptable, and I will ask you nicely once to leave right now," I said flatly. "Should you choose not to heed the request, then I'll force you to go personally, it is up to you Missy."

The pink haired girl didn't take what I said well at all, her expression was of anger before she rushed forward. Her right fist zooming forward at my chest yet, I twisted and sidestepped out of the incoming blow. I watched calmly as the Sekirei's fist went along its path where I had been in and sailed by me instead. The speed for this Sekirei by what I saw was a bit above average for Sekirei, but not a speed I was concerned with. The strength was well above average, maybe equal or a tad more than Musubi had to work with. Her uniform suggested that she was part of MBI's discipline squad or one of there enforcers of their view of the rules.

My face became expressionless as this girl had attacked before even stating what her name was, it is a rude practice. "How rude of you young lady, have you no manners or maybe it is you don't use them," I posed as she turned with a look that was a mix of shock and rage. She threw another punch in my direction, and I once again moved out of the way before it got in range to make contact. "For you to attack me without having the decency and courtesy to introduce yourself even criminals would give a name whether it is their true name or not."

The second miss seemed only to feed fuel to the rage that this Sekirei was showing, "Stand still you bas***d," she growled at me.

Great, MBI apparently has added profanity and curses to the rhetoric they teach Sekirei, just when I believe Minaka can't sink much lower, he finds a way to do so. Honestly, I was seeing mistakes being made by this girl that is expected from beginners at fighting, no matter the weapon or means they use. She was fighting angry and letting her emotions not just affect her, she was allowing them to blind her, a potentially critical error to make. She was using elements that are employed in many martial arts styles, but her technique was sloppy.

The girl continued to send a flurry of blows at me, but I weaved in and out of them and so none made contact with my body. My hands had gone to being behind my back as I saw no need at this time to use them to counter my opponent. This Sekirei was showing that she clearly relied on strength and landing blows on her targets more than anything else. She will end out tiring herself out far quicker with the rate she was going and that would be fine. With my lifetime of learning things and picking up skills, evading the strikes sent at me came with ease. Such an opponent is simple-minded, and I can come away with a victory from a fight with them. "You honestly believe I would follow such a foolish command," I asked as I kept dodging. "When clearly it is only so that you can hit me since you haven't been able to do so even once yet," I replied, before clicking my tongue.

This girl was getting more enraged with each of her strikes that missed me, "SHUT UP!" shouted the pink haired idiot.

I kept weaving out of her punches, all the while leading her away from the house with her appearing none the wiser. She soon started using her abilities, which had as much effect as her previous strikes, which is none. Truthfully, I was just starting to warm up, I was merely dancing with this girl and she is too blind to see that. Yet, I have come to expect that from those that have been heavily conditioned and adjusted by MBI. Being able to fight is completely different from knowing how to fight, they will never be the same.

However, after a short period, sheets of paper seemingly from an alley floated horizontally out it and hit the girl and stuck to her. I came to a halt and stood where I was observing as more and more paper appeared and began to surround the girl. And after the 'papers' surrounded her, they plastered themselves to her body wrapping around her form, then lifted her up and slammed her down hard to the ground. The pages then dispersed from around the girl showing that she was out cold from the impact.

At the sound of footsteps coming from the side street that the paper had come from, I glanced that way and saw a man walking onto the main street. The man appeared to be in his early thirties and had close to the same height as I did, but a sliver shorter. He had medium length black hair that was straight, but somewhat unkempt. His eyes were blue, and his oval face and its features were of European descent, English to be precise. Also, was wearing rimless glasses that sat on the bridge of his nose and naturally fit his appearance. The man was wearing a white dress shirt with a neatly tied red tie, black docker style pants and topped off with a grey trench-coat that had a number of pockets in it, on the inside and outside.

The man turned to me and smiled, "I doubt you needed a hand in handling this interloper, but as a gentleman, I could not stand by and watch sir," he said with his British accent present.

I shrugged and smiled a bit, "It is fine Alex, your intervention is welcome, the girl wasn't listening to me anyway," I returned.

The man's name was at one time, Charles Readman, then after I changed him into a yōkai, he took the name Alex Booker. He had a unique and rare gift, manipulating paper no matter the kind, which makes him what is called a paper-mage. He has been a helping hand of mine that traveled around the world doing tasks along with working on something more personal to him. When I had met him, he had been searching for something, yet his mortality was hindering him. His determination had impressed me, and so I had offered him to continue his search as a yōkai and he of course accepted. And I offered for him to come into my home and have some tea, however, Alex declined and left continuing on his way. Alex wasn't one to stick around for long, he has been focused on his search even after a century passing.

Nevertheless, that left me with the pink haired girl knocked out in the middle of the street and that doesn't look good for me or the neighborhood. Once again, MBI causes a mess that they have no intention to clean up even if told to, it is much like its head, foolish beyond belief. So in the end, I picked up the girl and made my way to MBI's tower grumbling a bit as I went since this was a hassle for me. I dropped pinkie off by the entrance unnoticed by any patrolling, and I left before any could detect my presence.

I headed home from there, already later that I had planned to be, and I'm normally home before now. So, when I got back to the house and went in, I was greeted by my three Sekirei, Kuu obviously tired after staying up until I returned. I made my apologies to them all saying that I had been delayed on my way home. Afterward, we all retired for the night looking forward to tomorrow for various reasons.

The next morning came, and I felt it would be a great day today. I mean the kind that feels good with a capital "G", and that doesn't happen every day or even all that frequently for me. Perhaps it was because today is Miya's and my wedding anniversary that marks five years of us being together or a combination of things could be contributing. Granted, life hasn't been full of happiness alone, there had been hardships and sadness mingled with the good. Miya and I had our differing opinions and disagreements over the years, but we've always settled them before such things got out of hand. So overall, the four years that had passed had been good ones and I have and feel no regret during them for any of my actions.

-Miya's pov-

After Ashe had returned late last night, I asked him where he had been, and he said he had gone to see an 'acquaintance' of his. The way he referred to the acquaintance, it was clear that he wasn't fond of something to do with them. That meant that he was only seeing whoever he had gone to talk to for something he saw as a necessity. Understanding that, I didn't inquire further to who he had been out to see knowing he would not really want to talk about it. I didn't want Ashe in a bad mood as tomorrow was our anniversary and I wished it to be the best day it could be.

So when the morning came, I slowly woke up and felt something or rather someone embracing me. I knew it was Ashe, the warmth within told me that fact along with the joy and happiness coming across our bond enforcing the fact. I opened my eyes and found myself in Ashe's arms, "Good morning and happy anniversary Miya," Ashe greeted with a joyful smile.

I met his gaze, then smiled while nuzzling him lovingly, "And happy anniversary to you as well Ashe. To think that five years have already gone by since we were married and wonderful years they have been."

Times and experiences like this are such a treasure to me, and it isn't just because he is my ashikabi, there is so much more than that. The best way I can describe what Ashe and I have is a "true bond" what I would wish for each Sekirei to be able to find and have. Unfortunately, with the things that MBI have done to the Sekirei along with Minaka's 'game', Sekirei have much more difficulty finding one to have such a bond with, if they can have such at all. With the adjustments MBI has done, I can't say if such a bond is possible for the little birds anymore. Minato and his Sekirei give me hope that it can still happen, but that is the only instance I've encountered thus far.

"Indeed love, amazing how the time has flown by," Ashe commented.

The comment brought me back to the present as I couldn't agree more with Ashe and simply enjoyed being with him and words could not do justice to how wonderful it felt to be like this. The last five years had been the best I have ever known! Before meeting Ashe, I thought as the Sekirei queen I would merely watch over the little birds that had been entrusted to my care. I can barely remember the place I was born, it had been so long ago since I had left that world and that planet had been dying at the time. The ship had crashed here while this world was still young and wasn't found until recently and that was by Hiroto Minaka and Takami Sahashi. When I awakened, I had come to think that I and the little birds would be doomed to be tested upon and used on this world by its dominant species.

Then I met Takehito, and my view had slowly begun to change for the forced acceptance I had been experiencing. Takehito had been the first human being that had not been simply polite to me, but he treated me as an equal and was nice to me. And not too long after getting to know Takehito, I had then met Ashe and that is a day that I will never forget for it was the day things truly shifted to a different path forward. Learning that he wasn't human like those I had met was unexpected as was the fact that there were intelligent non-humans. I had come to think that humans were the only intelligent species, but Ashe had proven that was wrong. I'd begun to hope that perhaps Sekirei could find a place here on this planet until Minaka started having his way. That came swiftly after Takehito's death as he was the foremost that stood in opposition to Minaka.

Eventually, Ashe and I separated though it was clear that both of us were reluctant to release one another. But, when we did get out of bed we headed to the kitchen to make breakfast together as we do on our anniversary. We normally do this at least once on the weekends, but today was special. And since there were none of our tenants were up, Ashe had his tails out to help with the meal preparations. Plus, Ashe did use one of his tails to wrap gently around my waist drawing us close. I couldn't help the smile that came from the action and I also giggled, which got Ashe to smile wider himself.

Once breakfast was ready, I went to wake up Akitsu and Kuu while Ashe made my way upstairs and roused our tenants. When all were gathered for Breakfast, the meal was much like it normally was other than Ashe and I being in a more cheerful mood, which was noticed by the others. No one asked why Ashe or I were in such a good mood, but we did get some curious looks from most. While Akitsu and I cleaned up breakfast, Ashe took the time to ask Minato what his plans were for today, to which Minato said he had none. Ashe didn't appreciate that response, "You are no doubt aware Minato that the Spring Festival starts today, being around the shrine should have given that impression. Yet, you don't seem to have the intention of going and seeing the fruits of all the work that's been done. Why is that Minato," Ashe inquired.

I looked into the dining room to see that Minato was shifting nervously, "Um well… since I'm able to make ends meet with the money I have this month… I was thinking that it would be better to just use the time to study so that I have better chances of passing the college entrance exam," he said.

Ashe let out a heavy sigh, "Minato, a life lesson you need to learn and apply, all work and no time to wind down and relax, you will burn yourself out in a short period of time if you don't. Your dedication is admirable, but you also need to take time not doing work and relax, everyone does to have a healthy and happy life. If it's just about money, then I'll provide you with some to work with. Besides, it would be well for you to show to your Sekirei what the Japanese culture is like, a festival is a good example to show them," he reasoned.

"B-But, they don't have kimonos," Minato stuttered.

"If you are trying to use that as an excuse, I can assure you were you to ask Miya nicely, she would be willing to lend them some, she does have a couple," Ashe returned.

Ashe wasn't wrong exactly, I did have a number of kimonos most of which had been gifts from Ashe himself. And, I would be willing to lend some to Minato's Sekirei should they ask and take care of them before they return them. Ashe rose from the table and said he had something to go and get and that he would be back soon before he left the house. Minato's Sekirei then came up to him and asked what a 'Spring Festival' was and the poor boy was left to explain stuttering as he did. That was shortly followed by all but Matsu, who was as normal absent from breakfast likely in her room on her computers or on her futon telling Minato that they wanted to go to the festival.

A red-faced Minato then came over to me and asked me if Tsukiumi and Musubi could borrow two kimonos from me. I told him that it was fine and have them both come by the room Ashe and I share so that they could come and try the kimonos on. Akitsu and Kuu said they would wait for Ashe to come back, and that was fine. I headed to my room and opened the closet where the kimonos that Ashe has gotten for me over the years hang. Where my husband found or had some of them made, I can only guess that some of his contacts were responsible.

A little while later, Tsukiumi, Musubi and Minato entered the room for the trying on of the Kimonos. Musubi gained an expression of awe at seeing the kimonos I had and even Tsukiumi made her amazement known. Now if the two would choose a kimono, then this would have been simple, easy and done in a short period. However, for whatever reason, Matsu appeared and instantly took 'interest' in the current activity. Honestly, I was of the mind that Matsu was not really interested in borrowing a kimono from me and going to the Spring Festival, rather spark a dispute and then watch it unfold. That had been a developing habit and skill of hers since Tsukiumi arrived here at Izumo Inn.

Musubi's eyes were drawn to a blue kimono with a pink floral pattern on it, the same one that I had lent her when she and Minato had gotten here. Tsukiumi was inspecting a royal purple kimono that Ashe had surprised me with a short period after Kai was born. Minato was complimenting Musubi on her choice in the kimono when Matsu moved over to where Tsukiumi was. "That is a pretty kimono, I think that one would look good on me, it's far less flattering on you Tsukiumi," she said.

My gaze twisted over to where the redhead and the blonde were and saw Tsukiumi take insult to Matsu's comment, "What was that, thou sneaky tramp?"

I asked Minato to step out of the room so that the girls in here could actually try the kimonos on and he did so. Once he was out of the room and the door shut, I rounded on the two fighting fully aware that Ashe had made this room sound-proof when the door is closed. "The two of you will cease your bickering this instant," I started raising my voice a bit.

Both Tsukiumi and Matsu turned to face me, Tsukiumi taking umbrage to my intervention, "Stay out of this debate, this is between the sneaky tramp and myself," she snapped.

Tsukiumi's response wasn't nice and I would scold her later, but I want to deal with the root cause of this mess first. And so, I glared at Matsu who flinched a bit, "Miya, why are you glaring at me like that?" Matsu pointed at Tsukiumi, "She's the one that started this and is keeping it going."

That's what I expected from Matsu, shove responsibility off to another and away from herself by any means she could get away with. In this instance, Matsu is lying about starting this situation with Tsukiumi and I wasn't amused at all. I folded my arms and continued glaring at Matsu, "Is she? Would that be in the same way that you claimed Musubi was at fault for you breaking the rules last month when you attempted to assault Minato? Or the same way those cameras you use for spying around the house should be a reason you should be kicked to the street already," I posed.

Matsu swallowed, "Wh-what are you talking about Miya? I've put out no cameras exactly like I promised Mr. Landlord-"

If Matsu wants to play dumb, then she'll be shown that such will not help her at all. I walked over to a drawer at the vanity that Ashe got for me, opened it and brought out three small cameras and displayed them to Matsu. "The reason he hasn't seen any yet is I found them first Matsu, I'm being nice and trying to let you have a chance, which you are doing badly at. Rest assured, Ashe doesn't believe that you will keep your word with what you agreed to for a second chance. He didn't believe you would behave on your first chance, and you proving him right has hurt your already poor standing Matsu. When you came and begged me and then stated your case to Ashe, he was going to say no, but I asked him to give you an opportunity. I would recommend that you do not have me regret doing that for you more than I already have," I iterated.

I turned to Musubi, "Musubi, make sure you try the kimono on," I commanded, then twisted to where Tsukiumi and Matsu were. "As for you two, you will not fight or argue over any of my kimonos or you will not be lent one."

Musubi did as I told her, disrobing and started putting on the kimono, but once it was over her shoulders, "Miya, I don't know how to put one of these on," she whined.

I sighed as Musubi was acting like a child, I went over and assisted her on putting on a kimono having listened and studied the times Ashe helped me. By the time I had kimono Musubi had chosen on and straight, I turned to find that Tsukiumi and Matsu arguing again like I had told them not to. I'm once again left to wonder how Ashe developed the patience he has for it is difficult to fathom.

-Ashe's pov-

I got over to Rachnee's shop and retrieved the order of kimonos that I had made yesterday. And I would've thanked her personally, but she, by what I was told was sleeping as she had pulled an all-nighter. Recalling the stories that I had heard from others who had made the choice of waking up a spider woman, I wasn't inclined to prove how accurate those tales are. So, I requested the shop workers to tell their boss of my gratitude for the work when she woke up as I didn't want to disturb her.

Heading back to Izumo Inn with kimonos in boxes I carried and a smile on my face, thoughts, and imagination of how Miya's surprised face would look like when I gave her the kimono and the hair clip coming to my mind. When I arrived back at the house, I found Kuu waiting for me, greeting me with a smile. When I asked where everyone was, she told me that Minato's Sekirei were at this time trying on some of Miya's kimonos and were comparing how one another looked with poor Minato as the judge. Apparently, Matsu had also appeared and decided to stir things up by participating in the contest. She's likely trying to wind Minato's other Sekirei up, Tsukiumi mostly, and then watch the result. It has been an annoyance that has been coming up lately that I've been contemplating how to curtail, but I haven't come up with a solution other than kicking Matsu to the street.

Instead of getting involved in that mess right away, which I heard even from the front hallway, I led Kuu back to the room that she shared with Akitsu. Her roommate was there, I assumed keeping out of the way of what was happening, and I don't blame her for doing so. Well, silently wished Miya luck at what she was doing, and got out the kimonos that Kuu and Akitsu, then helped them put them on. Kimonos can be difficult to put on if you don't know how to do so, had to teach Miya the process when she first wore one. I had to do much the same thing for Kuu and Akitsu. For those who don't know, a 'kimono' is made up of four pieces; the juban which is worn under the kimono, the kimono itself and the belt and the obi wrap. So, started with Akitsu… and so that you understand, I long ago got overseeing others' nakedness, it doesn't affect me these days.

So, the juban went on Akitsu easy, not much of an issue. Putting on the kimono was okay at first, but then came the first question I expected, 'why is it too big or have too much fabric?'. Those who haven't worn a genuine kimono putting it on can get confusing, yet I kept going and made sure to have the back seam centered. Next, I adjusted the front to have the end of the kimono to be around Akitsu's ankles. After that, grabbed the belt, tying it below where the extra material of the kimono was to keep the clothing from unwrapping and opening. Then I took the obi wrap tying that around Akitsu's waist, before stepping back and looked over my work to see that it was satisfactory. I went over to Kuu and did the same process that I had done for Akitsu, Kuu simply giggled as I dressed her in her kimono. Both of my Sekirei appeared pleased by the kimonos and how they fit on them.

Upon hearing that the 'competition' was continuing to happen, I headed across the hall and looked into seeing how things were going with Minato's girls. I observed that Musubi was wearing the blue and pink floral-patterned kimono that she had worn the first night that she had gotten here. Matsu and Tsukiumi were 'arguing' about who would wear a royal purple kimono that I had gotten Miya a few years ago. Yet, all fell silent when I cleared my throat loudly. "If you two can't decide which kimono you will request to borrow from Miya, then either we choose for you or you don't borrow any at all," I stated flatly, shaking my head slightly at the ridiculousness of this argument.

The tension in the room was broken by Kuu slipping past me and went over to Miya, spinning around to show off her kimono. Miya commented on how nice Kuu looked in her Kimono, to which Kuu was happy with. She even came back to me jumping up and down with excitement at the new clothing she was wearing. For Minato's Sekirei, what ended out happening was that Musubi got to borrow the kimono that she was wearing. Matsu got a green one Miya had and Tsukiumi borrowed the purple one, all three Sekirei being told to take care of the clothing until they were returned.

Once the dispute was finished and handled, I managed to get Miya away from the others with the box that held the hair clip I had for my wife along with the box that had the kimono that I had made for her. In the living room, I sat Miya down and then handed her the bigger of the two boxes, "The first of two gifts for you today Miya, once again, happy anniversary," I said with a warm smile.

Miya did have a small smile as she opened the box, the smile grew as she took out the kimono, "This one is beautiful Ashe, it's so colorful and soft. I can't begin to guess where you found this one," she replied.

My smile became a bit of a smirk at seeing that I had gotten something that Miya liked. Admittedly, Rachnee's silk can't be beaten by artificially produced material that humans make, the quality is completely different. "Well, knowing those I do, does have its benefits in things like this. But there's one more thing," I remarked, reaching into a pocket and bringing out the box with the hair clip was in.

Miya put the kimono back into the box and took the smaller case before she glanced at me. My face was unreadable, which was hard for me as I was beaming on the inside. Miya opened the box and when I heard the gasp she made, I couldn't stop the smile that spread over my face. "Ashe, this hair clip," she started, "where did you find," she began stuttering, "I-I can't accept this. This was clearly made with you in mind by someone that you knew, I can't-"

I moved forward and embraced Miya, before I cut over her, "I want you to have it Miya. Rest assured, the one who made it would be proud that one of the items he crafted is being worn by you. The man would say that the hair clip is his one of his good works other than the calling that he said he had to do of preaching the doctrine of Buddha. He was quite the odd monk now that I think about him, something else for his time," I reasoned.

I pulled back a bit and then closed Miya's hand around the hair clip showing her that the clip was hers. Miya hugged me whispering thank you for the gifts, but I could tell that she was more grateful for my thoughts of her. She told me that it was I who gave her strength in these times of trouble and sorrow that Sekirei were going through.

Miya is the only 'Lanti Sekirei' which are 'queens' and leaders over a group of Sekirei. The idea is roughly comparable to hive insects, their queen is similar yet different than the rest. One point that makes her so different from other Sekirei is that MBI did no adjustments to her. That means her potential limits were far higher than other Sekirei as MBI put a restriction on Sekirei for 'interaction with humans' but really was for control and for Minaka's game. So, what was happening was hitting her hard… I only wish I could do more for her. It was that along with the design of Minaka's game that irked me so much.

The rest of the day passed with preparations for the festival that we would be attending later. Kuu, being as young as she is, took a nap during the afternoon. Minato went out, something about also taking his sister to the Spring Festival and needing to make sure she was ready. I say as long as she doesn't come here and cause the same kind of ruckus as she did when she came around the first time, it was fine by me. …How Minato has the kind heart he does with the sister and mother he has, is beyond me. I've never heard any clues as to who Minato's father is, get the impression Takami has issues with whomever it was.

Anyways, with Minato out, accompanied by Musubi, that left managing the other two Sekirei of his to Miya and myself. Now, it had quickly become clear that Tsukiumi didn't like Matsu or her habits, not that Matsu really cared. While Matsu enjoyed goading Tsukiumi and prodding her into fighting, whether it was herself or Musubi. Today was no different in this contest between the two Sekirei, they were fighting again. The conflict tended not to happen in the view of Minato, but when he wasn't around, the fight between the two was close to ongoing. This fight was worse today when Uzume arrived and added her comments and then Kazehana appeared and brought her bit in, turning things into a near mess. It was only Miya and me stepping in that stopped Tsukiumi and Matsu from violating the first rule of Izumo Inn. Honestly, I was still tempted to toss Matsu out to the street, but I will only do so when I have evidence to vindicate doing so.

Nevertheless, early evening fell and the conflict between Matsu and Tsukiumi had been prevented for long enough. For, Minato returned… with his sister in a kimono herself and once Minato was back, the fighting vanished. Minato's sister Yukari gave me a dirty look, to which I returned a stern gaze, but she stayed behind her brother. With Minato back, that freed up Miya and me, so we went to our room to dress in our kimonos. We did so after straightening Akitsu's and Kuu's kimonos as they had been wearing them most of the day.

Once we were dressed, I couldn't help myself in staring at Miya in the kimono I had gotten her.

The interior of the kimono was an orchid shade, which complimented the multi-colored pattern. Miya had her hair up in a tight bun in the back, and I added the hair clip I gave her to the right side of her hair. I smiled, "You're the most beautiful woman I've seen, more so with this kimono on you, fits you well," I remarked.

Miya blushed a bit, "You flatterer," she returned and I gave a hearty laugh at the reply.

While Miya was wearing a kimono, I had a white top with a longer coat over that. The hakama skirt I had on, was black and gold, in a pattern of a starry sky and crescent moon. The obi was gold with a large white decorative bead on my right hip. Also, I had let my fox ears out along with one of my tails, the reason was during the festival, yōkai can go around, not hiding their non-human features. Humans will tend to think that the features are part of a costume or what is called cosplay. I offered Miya an arm and she took it before we exited our room and came out into the sitting room, where Kuu and Akitsu were waiting for us. Kuu's hopped off the sofa and seeing her in the deep blue kimono with white socks and red sandals made her very cute and adorable. Akitsu, on the other hand, had her white kimono, but she wasn't wearing socks like Kuu was, though had tan sandals on her feet and it looked very nice.

I told Minato to lock the front door when he headed out, then I along with my Sekirei and family. We made our way toward the shrine, where the festivals are set up since there's the room and it's the tradition for them to happen around there. We came into view of the area where the festival took up space, Kuu and even Akitsu gained an expression of awe and excitement. All the lights, colors and the variety of people that were all gave a feeling of welcome and fun. The path that led up to the shrine was lined both sides with stalls, the only open space was the center of the pathway up to the shrine and the street intersecting the one going up to the shrine. The intersecting street was also lined with stalls that offered all sorts of food and entertainment value to them.

Kuu was… well, to use a fitting phrase, 'like a kid set loose in a candy store' for it does come to my mind seeing her expression. As our group moved forward into the activities, I made sure to keep Kuu in my sight so that she didn't get lost as that's easy to do during a festival. Miya stayed by my side, while Akitsu was slightly in front and had a similar look of awe as Kuu did, just not the same magnitude.

As we came into the festival grounds, I received comments from spectators about my 'well-made and realistic costume' I had for the festival, to which I smiled and thanked them for the compliment. It's one of the nicer things that I get to do during this time of year, showing off different features without thought of being noticed or seen as different or an outcast. I even saw other non-humans, other yōkai that live around here, going about the festival and manning the stalls. There were children that were pointing out the different features that some here had, but their parents would hush them. I get the feeling that this will be a very good night for all of us, at least I intend to make it so. And this is only the start of the Spring festival, it goes for close to a week.

A/n

And that's where I'll leave off for this chapter. Okay, before anyone points out that Rachnee is from 'Daily Life with Monster Girls' and Mira is pretty much based off of Kuroka from 'High School DxD', I know, those were who came to mind when I was writing those sections. Like I said in the beginning A/n, have characters from other universes sometimes, works in my view. Anyways, hope some of you take the time to write a review or PM me, tell me what you think, it's always appreciated. Peace out until next time!