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.

12. Painful Reminders

A/n

Here is chapter 12, anyways, I don't own anything from the sekirei universe, just my ideas and musings. Now then, on with the story.

Chapter 12: Painful Reminders

The darkness of nightfall had set in, the light from the stalls and hanging lanterns stood out more and gave the area a warm and cheery feel to it. The stalls had all sorts of different games, food, and other items to sell to the festival goers. So, the four of us continued down the main thoroughfare and were becoming surrounded by an increasing thickening crowds that were present. It gives a different perspective being among the crowd itself than an outside observer as I tend to be much of the time. Honestly, the view of the festival at night was very beautiful and heartwarming to see and experience.

Nonetheless, due to the crowds, the four of us quickly became separated from each other, Miya and Akitsu in one direction and Kuu and I in another. I did manage to keep Kuu next to me, but Miya and Akitsu had been pulled away from where we were before I could do anything. Yet we had planned ahead and would meet back at the house should we get separated here like we had. So, Kuu stayed close to me, holding my hand as she kept gazing around at all the sights, in response, I wrapped my tail around her back to make sure she didn't get lost in the crowd as it is easy for her to do unknowingly.

Kuu was still very excited at all she was seeing; the colors, the stalls and the people here at the festival, even if Miya and Akitsu had been separated from us for now. But then, this is probably the first event of its kind that Kuu has been around before and it can be quite the experience. Yet, my youngest Sekirei clearly felt safe and happy from me being with her, which Kuu made her feelings even more apparent when she looked up at me and gave a big smile. She also leaned up against me and her nuzzling brought warmth to my soul that was until recently, came mostly from Miya. No doubt to others looking at the two of us, we appeared to be father and child even if that wasn't exactly the case.

Such brought fond memories of the children that I took in over the years and bringing them to events such as these. To see the smiling faces and expressions of awe that children get when they are overwhelmed by wonder of seeing what they had never experienced before. Even the previous pair of children I had, which had been a real handful had been in awe of festivals like this. It was one of the uncommon times that they hadn't been fighting one another in some way and that had been a mercy.

Anyway, the two of us did poke around some of the stalls, and we didn't stop until Kuu showed interest in one of the prizes at a shooting gallery game. Her eyes locked onto a stuff cat plushie looking at it with an expression of longing, which was very cute I must say. As I saw clearly that she wanted the stuffed toy, I figured that getting it for her would be good and so I smiled as I patted her on the head which got Kuu to look up at me. I then went over to the stall asking the owner what was required to win the plushie cat toy that Kuu had her heart set on. I was told there were a specific set of targets to hit with the air gun, and after paying the price, I took the gun and inspected it. Once I was satisfied with the tool, I took aim at the targets indicated and fired a shot. I did what was required, in order to win the plushy cat and I even heard Kuu cheering at the accomplishment. The simple task was worth the time and effort when I viewed the look of happiness on Kuu's face when I handed her the stuffed toy.

Kuu with the plushie hugged to her, began dancing around and headed in a direction that had her going into the crowd. Worried about Kuu, I tried following her, but I couldn't keep up with the girl very long and so I lost sight of her. With Kuu having run off or rather dancing with her stuffed cat into the crowd, we had been separated. I wasn't about to let that remain the case, so I began searching for my youngest Sekirei. Kuu being alone concerns me, not because I think that Kuu couldn't defend herself for I wouldn't doubt she would put forth effort in doing so. Like all my Sekirei, she possesses magic from me and could call on it though I don't know if any but Miya know that yet. Then Miya hasn't really seriously tried to use magic aside from simple spells, so I can't say if Sekirei have a talent for the idea. But mostly, I care for each of my Sekirei and so worry about them… I just can't help myself. It's just that the number of people around made searching more difficult, but I didn't let that stop me.

After a short period of time, I got free of the crowd and found myself around a currently unused area of the shrine grounds. There were no stalls in this part of the grounds, it would be used for dancing and fireworks in the coming nights of the festival. However, right now there was an eerie silence in the air, and I couldn't place why for there wasn't any obvious cause. I used all my senses to attempt to figure out what was going on. My ears were twitching and swiveling around taking in any sound that might be heard. I was looking around carefully and was thankful that I have nice night vision where humans don't. I was taking deep breaths through my nose using my incredible sense of smell to see what it could tell me.

It was my nose which told me first that I wasn't alone, there were other scents coming in. At first, I thought there was only one unfamiliar scent I was detecting, but it quickly became clear that there were two separate fragrances. One was indeed unfamiliar to me as I've never smelled it before, the other however was one I knew, but couldn't place where I knew it from. I homed in on the direction from which the smells were coming from, which was the opposite end of the dancing square. I moved forward slowly as I could feel someone, or something was coming towards me with a fair amount of speed. I was still unable to determine what was happening here, but I feel there was definitely something going on so I was prepared for what I could imagine the best I could be.

I had made my way almost halfway across the square when a figure burst out of the tree line at the far end of this area. The figure sunk to a knee with one arm holding a shoulder showing that they had been injured in some way. The scent of blood came to my nose telling me that whoever it was in front of me was bleeding and the strength of the scent said it was fresh. As it was dark, I drew closer to try to get a better look at whom it was that I was seeing. Drawing closer, I noted that the person was wearing dark clothes, black or dark grey if I'm not mistaken. And yet, the more I took in of this person, the more shock I felt for from what I could tell, in front of me was none other than Musubi, which made little to no sense. The airheaded girl should be with Minato who should be around the festival by this time. So then, why or what had brought her to this area, separate from Minato? Then there was the other scent that was still coming closer and that was the somewhat familiar one but that didn't answer the standing question.

-Yume's pov-

I came into an open area from beneath the trees before I went down to one knee holding the shoulder that Karasuba had managed to get a slice on. I wouldn't doubt that Karasuba would keep chasing me, for her it was thrilling. I had thought at one time she could learn that what Minaka envisions is not what he claims it is, but I can't see her listening any longer. The chance that Karasuba had to know what happiness could be was fading from what I could see and she didn't even care.

Honestly, that was the mentality that I'd become fed up with as that's how things were being done around MBI, especially within the Discipline Squad as of late. Minaka had chosen his favorite clerk to be the Ashikabi of the Discipline Squad, Natsuo Ichinomi. It was fairly obvious that he was chosen because the professor wanted to control the squad and Natsuo did whatever Minaka said without question. So, were he to be the ashikabi of the Discipline Squad, then it would be no more than puppets but that's what it is anyways now. However, I wouldn't have that for myself and so I had refused to be a part of the discipline squad as it was becoming.

Minaka hadn't been pleased when I refused to be winged by Natsuo Ichinomi when the rest of those chosen for the third generation Disciplinary Squad did so. But I knew in my heart that Natsuo wasn't the ashikabi I wanted or could accept plus, I didn't like his personality. He came off as easy-going yet doesn't care about the plan or those connected to him much if at all. Then, for Karasuba to actually choose to be winged by him when she had made it clear that she saw ashikabi as a waste or as simple tools. I can't share a connection to one that would in any way be okay with that mentality. Those are some of the reasons among others, which is why I decided to leave and take my chances out in the world. However, someone had clearly let slip I was going away and word had gotten to Minaka, and he had said that couldn't be allowed.

When I left MBI, I set out to look for my ashikabi, one that is kind and caring just as I had told Miya that I would find before she disappeared years ago. Even should my attempt end in failure, I could not live with myself if I hadn't tried the best I could. Nonetheless, I hadn't gotten far before others began chasing after me, Karasuba being in the lead. Were she to catch me or even Haihane or Benitsubasa, any one of them would either kill me or more likely drag me back to MBI where I would be doomed to live a life I didn't have any choice in. I managed to lose Haihane and Benitsubasa, yet Karasuba kept track of me and worked on wearing me down with swings from her sword.

It was for that which had brought me to go north and to this open area that was close to a dense collection of lights. So, if I could blend into crowds of people, then I might just be able to lose Karasuba as she had to be careful around people just as all of us were to be. However, during the chase, my former work partner got in a moderate slice that had forced me to have to ready myself to make a final stand against Karasuba. After landing in the open area, I was about to turn and face the direction that Karasuba would come from, but a voice drew my attention, "Musubi," questioned a male voice.

I looked to where the voice had come and found myself looking at a man that had silver-grey hair that fell straight to the top of his neck with a portion of his hair that went down between his eyes. His face was handsome with grey eyes that somehow drew me in such a way that was nigh impossible to resist. He was wearing some sort of robe-like outfit that had a white top with a longer coat over that and a skirt that was black and gold in a pattern of a starry sky and crescent moon. A cloth belt was around his hips and it was gold with a large white decorative bead on his right. The last point that caught my interest for it was odd was what looked like ears that the creature known as a fox had were on the top of the man's head and were the same color as his hair. He also had a tail that appeared to be similar to the same animal coming from somewhere behind him.

And yet, the moment I saw this man, my heart skipped a beat and then began beating faster than it ever had done before now. As my body was heating up that I realized that I wasn't just reacting but reacting strongly to this man. That said that the one in front of me was the one I'd been searching for, the Ashikabi I wanted with all my heart! But he had called me Musubi, is it possible that he could have met her before now? Or is it even conceivable that Musubi has this man as her ashikabi?

The last time I had seen Musubi had been just before she had gone out when all Sekirei were being released. She had said to me that she would find her destined ashikabi and win the Sekirei Plan so that she could help all Sekirei to be happy. It was a wonderful notion even if it is unlikely that Minaka would let such a thing happen and I didn't have the heart to tell Musubi that back then. Yet, if this man is her ashikabi, then sharing with her wouldn't be a problem in my view until the last stage of Minaka's game. And I accepted that sharing an ashikabi might happen and Musubi would be better than others to share with.

The man seemed to freeze like me and simply stared at me appearing to be trying to figure out something. He put a hand to his chin, "I am sorry, it appears that I have mistaken you for someone else I know, my apologies," he said inclining his head slightly. "So then, who might you be Miss? There is an uncanny resemblance between you and the other I know and that does not happen often I've found."

I would have gladly answered him by introducing myself to him and then asking him to be my ashikabi. That I was able to find one I would genuinely react to had been a miraculous event to me and I had started to think that it may not happen for me. And yet here it was, the possibility that I had wished for and I was just about to give him my reply, but I didn't get the chance. The reason was at that time Karasuba came out of the trees and landed a short distance from me, her sword at the ready.

I was in no condition to fight her effectively as I was, the combination of cuts and the shoulder gash was starting to take a toll on me. What hurts worse was that I had just found the one who I had been longing for and yet, I was very likely about to be denied him by Karasuba. My fears deepened when Karasuba noticed the man and she gained a horrible smile at seeing him. It was the smile that she tended to have when she was causing bloodshed and pain to others, and this was the strongest I've ever seen it!

"Well well, we meet again, how interesting," Karasuba said.

The man's expression shifted to being blank as he gave his reply, "Indeed, our paths unfortunately cross again though I would say it would have been better if they had not."

Karasuba's focus left me and went to be completely on the man as she drew closer towards him with growing bloodlust pouring from her. I couldn't figure out what sort of circumstance could occur to have Karasuba and this man cross paths. However, it was clear that Karasuba had some sort interest in this man and it wasn't a good one at all. "I've looked forward to the opportunity to fight you ever since our first encounter," Karasuba stated.

In response, the man sniffed at her claim, "The feeling is definitely not mutual. I have no interest in entertaining you in any way, shape, or form that you would want. Your fascination and lust for battle and spilling blood is something that I see no reason to indulge. So, I will not give you your wish of a fight, it would be a waste of time as the results wouldn't benefit any involved."

The reply only served to confirm to me that I was reacting to this man for the reason that he was near a perfect fit for me. I attempt to get to my feet so I could stop Karasuba from potentially killing this man. I managed to get up, but I couldn't move much more than that, and I was shaky on my feet right now. All the running and defending that I had done tonight was taking a price on me. Karasuba hadn't listened to the man, merely rushed forward, her blade rising upward in preparation of a vertical slice downward in a strike at the man. I could do was stare terrified that I was about to lose the one I had been longing for before I could be with him.

However, as I stared, the man suddenly appear out of the path of Karasuba's blade as it traveled on its arc. I could not explain how he had done for it was like the blade was about to come down on him, but then a blink later he wasn't where he had been. The same thing kept happening, Karasuba would swing and the man would move out of the way of the blade in the blink of an eye. And where I'm glad that this man wasn't being sliced up by Karasuba, that still left the question of how he was doing it.

As for Karasuba, she didn't get frustrated with missing, but that was normal for her, if she didn't slash or kill her target with her first few attempts, then she would keep going until she did or was forced to stop if that was possible to stop her in time. She was driven to achieve a goal and would become giddy the longer that she took to get to her goal and so it was in this. Karasuba kept slashing while the man kept evading for a short period of time but the results didn't change. How the man was evading Karasuba's attacks, I couldn't comprehend, it was more like he was vanishing and reappearing somehow. Things changed when another figure appeared between the two and stopped Karasuba's blade.

The figure was a woman who had a sword of her own that was similar to Karasuba's but had a different style of handle. The woman possessed long crimson colored hair that was waist length, while her eyes are the same shade of crimson as her hair. She was also in some kind of armor that I wasn't familiar with that was on her shoulders, torso, and forearms. The other thing that was 'odd' was her blade was currently covered in what appeared to be faint blue flames, which looked to flow around the sword without damaging it. I couldn't understand how that was being done for this female wasn't a Sekirei, but that's all I could tell.

Karasuba was using her strength to try and force her blade to keep going towards her intended target. However, the woman stood firm and kept Karasuba's blade where it was and prevented it from progressing further. For that, I was grateful as I didn't want to lose the one I've been waiting to find patiently to meet. The woman then shoved Karasuba backward, blade and all, before she settled into a different stance and leveled her gaze on Karasuba. "You have far too much of an interest and a love of killing that is in any way healthy or right. It is corruptive and that you revel in it is concerning for you and those around you," the woman remarked flatly.

Karasuba glared at the woman that had forced her back before darting forward at the crimson-haired female and began attacking her. The fight between the two was unlike any I had seen before, definitely not where Karasuba wasn't dominating the fight. Yet, with each strike Karasuba made, her opponent would either evade the swings or blocked them with her own sword. And as time kept moving forward, this woman honestly began showing up Karasuba and making it look fairly doable. As the battle went on, the difference in the skill between the crimson-haired woman and Karasuba became clear, her opponent knew more about using a blade in combat that Karasuba herself did. It was about five minutes when the battle came to an end with a single strike by the woman to Karasuba's nodachi which shattered into four pieces. Karasuba had been forced back and quickly left after her weapon was destroyed, but she had sent a malicious smile to the man and the crimson-haired woman.

With the danger of losing my potential ashikabi over, I sunk back to one knee again breathing hard, partly from the strain I'd put my body through, the injuries I had received and also due to me reacting to the man. The strength of my reacting towards this man was beyond what I had imagined it could potentially be. Miya's explanation of the reacting process had been something I'd taken to heart but I hadn't prepared for this magnitude.

"Thank you Anya, your swordsmanship is still an impressive art to behold as it ever has been. Your ancestors are no doubt beaming with pride at how you uphold their traditions and honor," the man remarked to the crimson-haired woman he called 'Anya'.

Anya bowed to him, "Your kindness truly knows no bounds my Lord. My skills and abilities are ever at your service and command, you merely need to say what you need to have done. I am content to be of service to you along with living the code that I have been taught," she replied.

The man then turned back to me causing my body to heat up a bit more as he gazed at my face. The feeling of him gazing at me felt wonderful and somehow made me happy as well merely repeating the point that this man was the one I had been searching for. "I never did hear what your name is Miss, we were interrupted before you could tell me. I have clearly made a mistake on who you are as you look more than just similar to another I know and I do apologize. My name is Ashe Hitoyoshi," he said to me gesturing towards me to introduce myself.

A smile found its way onto my face before I rose to my feet which was somehow easier than it had been mere seconds ago, and I bowed to Ashe Hitoyoshi, "My name is Yume. Words cannot describe how amazing the joy and elation I'm feeling now at being able to finally meet you. I was starting to fear that I wouldn't have the opportunity to encounter you, yet thankfully, here we are. As for mistaking me for another, I believe I know to whom you are referring to and it is fine," I answered him.

Ashe gain an expression of surprise for some reason when I spoke to him, I don't know why. My cheeks heating up, I swear that my heart would burst out of my chest with how it was beating and that was keeping a portion of my attention. Any doubts that I had with Ashe being the ashikabi that I wished for were wiped away by what I was feeling. After Miya had told me about how the relationship between Ashikabi and Sekirei could be, I had wanted what she described. To be so close to that which I've dreamed of for the last few years, I felt that I was floating on air. Without thinking, I began moving forward closing the distance between us, my arms reaching out for him of their own accord. My whole being was being drawn to Ashe overrode all else momentarily, so I couldn't help myself.

Our eyes then met, and that made me realize what I was doing without thinking straight, so I forced myself to stop. I was embarrassed at what I had just done for it would appear that I was drunk or something like that. What must Ashe think of me after seeing me approach him as I had? It was like I was acting like Kazehana normally is or something similar?! I didn't want Ashe to hate me or anything like that, such was the last thing I wanted ever! My gaze fell to the ground since I didn't know where else to look with what just happened, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that!" I had said that in a panic, and I forced myself to calm down before I continued my attempt to explain myself. "I don't know how to explain exactly why I'm acting the way I am, so please, don't think me strange."

My hope was that Ashe understood what I was trying to convey, I don't know how I could explain about Sekirei with how I was right now. Reacting is an idea that I didn't know how to explain with words for it is more powerful than even I had thought. Ashe strode forward and placed a hand on one of my shoulders squeezing it gently. This caused me to look back up at his face, tears coming from the corners of my eyes for I didn't want him to reject me. "You are a Sekirei and you are reacting to me, correct," Ashe posed simply.

I couldn't stop the gasp at hearing that Ashe already knew about Sekirei and understood somewhat what I was going through. The question of how he could know, rushed through my mind for Minaka had threatened those who do know about Sekirei to not talk about the subject with others that didn't. Ashe didn't seem the kind who would work with MBI so I couldn't come up with how he knew about Sekirei. I did manage to find the use of my voice after a bit of time, "But how do you know that" I questioned.

Ashe shrugged his shoulders, "You are not the first Sekirei I have met, hard as that may be to believe. So, I can see signs that you are attracted to me, or as its put for Sekirei reacting to those they are being drawn to."

So, he has encountered other Sekirei even possibly has winged one or more though that couldn't be right. All ashikabi that wing one or more Sekirei are registered by MBI, there is no exception to that as far as I understand. Professor Minaka had made that point clear, any that winged a Sekirei would be registered and I've never seen or heard Ashe's name. So, how could Ashe have winged any, perhaps he has just come across some of them? The need for answers to the questions faded for the time being as they didn't matter at the moment, I could be patient for them. I felt a smile form on my face, one of hope as I put my hands together, "Then please Ashe, will you be my ashikabi," I requested.

Ashe appeared to take some time to consider what I requested, and so I waited, hoping with all my heart that he would accept. However, Ashe retracted his hand and my heart fell a bit, still I waited as he folded his arms, "I am not saying no outright to the request however, please do understand that I have no intention to be a participant of the Sekirei plan, nor will any that are bound to me be forced to either. There is nothing that can be said or done to convince me to change that standing. Even if Hiroto Minaka attempts to do so, he will find himself with far more to worry about than who is participating in his so-called game."

Ashe paused for a moment, then he continued, "That being said, if your reason for wanting me as your ashikabi is to help you in Minaka's Sekirei Plan, then I can be of no help to you and the answer will be no Yume. I am sorry, yet that's the truth and I will stand by it as the Sekirei Plan is in my view ridiculous and horrible. It is an insult and travesty of an idea that shouldn't be made light of, nor mocked without serious consequences following that will not be denied. It shouldn't be happening in the first place, and things have been done because of it that are wrong," Ashe replied flatly.

The reply that Ashe gave warmed my heart up from where it had fallen for my view of the Sekirei Plan is much the same. It is wrong and shouldn't be happening, a fight to the death only brings misery not happiness, and that doesn't help love as Professor Minaka claims, such destroys it in the end. So, in response to his terms and thoughts of the fight that was going on, I shook my head and my hopeful expression growing at hearing Ashe's answer. "No, your answer tells me that you are the one I've been searching for more than anything else. Your wish to stay out of the plan and seeing it as the horrible thing that it is just enforces the point to me," I stated with confidence.

Ashe was silent for a short period of time, then released a sigh and then he refocused on me. "Very well Yume, I see no reason to deny you having me as your ashikabi. However, please do understand, I already have more than one Sekirei bound to me, so you will not have me to yourself. Nor will choosing me be the same as it would be with another, it will not be the 'contract' that has likely been described to you, a point I see the need to clarify," Ashe said.

A feeling of joy and happiness spread through me at hearing Ashe say that he would be my ashikabi! What he had said about having other Sekirei and choosing him not being the same as others stuck in my mind, but I was too focused on the moment to wonder about either thought. Tears once again flowed freely from my eyes, but these were tears of joy, not of sorrow or fear. I couldn't hold myself back any longer, instead, I lunged forward without any more hesitation wrapping my arms around Ashe's neck and pressed my lips to his.

The feeling of happiness I felt increased tremendously as the winging process began. Emergence was greater than I had ever imagined it would be, so much more amazing and incredible than I had envisioned! Yet, as my wings unfolded and spread a feeling of something odd registered. It felt like something that was foreign entered me and spread throughout my body, it was a unique experience, still not by any means an unpleasant one. Overall, there was a strong warmth instilled and it spread through me as the winging completed, I would hope and pray that Ashe felt the same as well.

When we separated, I wished that the experience could have lasted longer nonetheless, I was overjoyed with what had just occurred between us. I stayed close to Ashe, not wishing this wonderful feeling to end at all. At the same time, I wanted all Sekirei to know this feeling that I did right now with the ashikabi they would find. However, I knew that wasn't happening with the Sekirei Plan, and it hurt to know that fact. I kept hugging Ashe, joy overflowing from me, which increased when Ashe's arms wrapped around me. I wished Miya could see that I had found my ashikabi just as I told her that I would, perhaps it would have her smile.

-Ashe's pov-

I don't know of a way to put into words that would sum up the event I just experienced. It was unique from the other experiences I've had with Sekirei that I've winged. But then, each of the Sekirei that had winged themselves to me had been different even if there were parts that were similar. But then, each Sekirei is different from one another so how they would be wings would also be different. The issue I have is Minaka ruins that for entertainment by thrusting Sekirei into horrible things due to the adjustments they have done. Still, meeting Yume was a good omen in my view and that was helpful with circumstances as they were currently.

By what I could tell, Yume was nice and had wonderful manners and that is getting rarer nowadays unfortunately. Plus, I would be lying if I said that Yume wasn't attractive, and I don't mean just physically though she does have that going for her. Yume has a physical appearance that was quite appealing, there are signs of good health and all that comes with it. Yet her personality is refreshing and does differ enough from Musubi's to bring a distinct flavor with it. There was also a feeling of warmth within me as there had been with Akitsu and Kuu though a slight variance to it and it wasn't the same as with Miya. Nonetheless, as nice as it was to have met Yume and then wing her, my mind went back to searching for Kuu as I'd still not found her.

My worry about Kusano returned to me in force as my youngest Sekirei is very cute along with being innocent. Such qualities can be extremely attractive to some dangerous kinds of individuals that would wish to do harm or take advantage of her. I've unfortunately come across some of the types that would do such a horrible thing to children and think nothing wrong of it. Yet, it had been a period of time since the last extremely horrible one I had been around that had been out to use and abuse the young. An example of the types I'm referring to is the spoiled whiny brat Mikogami from before as he had tried to steal Kuu and Akitsu from me and saw them as simple tools. The kid had been more than unpleasant to be around and I had wanted to discipline him for his own benefit as well as the world as a whole.

Kuu has seen and experienced more than she should have for her age, she shouldn't have to go through more hardship as young as she is. It may be my urge to protect the innocent directing me in this, but it has always led me to do things that I didn't regret before now. Yet, perhaps Yume could help me search for Kuu and the sooner I find Kusano, the better. "Yume, I know we just met and everything, but I could use your help with a task, if you do not mind," I requested.

Yume nodded her head, "Of course I will help, I will do anything I can for you," she replied in the most serious way and yet sounding happy about it at the same time.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, then began, "When I came here tonight, I had a young girl accompanying me by the name of Kusano. We, unfortunately, got separated by the crowds of people here at the festival and I was searching for her when I came to this area." I hesitated for a moment, "She is innocent, and I fear that with her being alone, she will attract others that may hurt or take advantage of her. I need to find her before she is possibly harmed for Kusano deserves no such thing."

"As I said, I will do whatever I can to help, you have a kind heart as your concern for this girl shows," Yume remarked.

After that, we headed back into the crowds looking for Kuu, and the longer that the search for her kept going on the more worried I became. Even with diving back into the crowds at the festival, Kuu was nowhere to be found as of yet. As Yume and I expanded the area of our search, we ended out by the shrine itself soon enough. It was as we approached the steps to the shrine that I spotted the cat plushie I had won for Kuu earlier. My youngest Sekirei had made it clear even in the short time she'd had the toy, she had no inclination to let go of it. I picked up the toy and inspected it, hoping that it might give me a clue as to where Kuu could be. Then, my canine ears stood picked up the sound of Kuu's voice and her voice possessed tones of fear and resistance ahead of Yume and me.

Hearing that alone sent strong chills of worry through me, far more than I felt when I had been searched for Kuu. I quickly made my way forward and came onto a scene that angered me greatly! Kuu was crying and she was trying to run away from the whiny spoiled brat I'd met after winging Akitsu, the Mikogami kid. The brat had a hand gripping one of Kuu's arms and was keeping her from getting away from him. My mood was foul already from crossing paths and dealing with Karasuba earlier, but I had kept it contained. Yet seeing the spoiled brat restraining Kuu made my mood a sizable amount worse and controlling my emotions was becoming increasingly difficult.

A growl began working itself up in my throat and without further thought, I stalked forward towards the brat. I am normally tolerant of idiotic individuals and that would include those that think they can do whatever they want and face no consequences for their actions. However, this brat had pushed beyond my ocean of patience and tolerance with what he had done and what he was doing right now. To attempt to enslave a child is and will always be wrong no matter how one tries to justify or rationalize the idea. And I would not allow this whiny spoiled brat do such a thing to Kuu while I am able to do anything about it. She is family and that is reason enough to firmly discipline this horrible brat and teach him a life lesson that he clearly hasn't received that he needs.

The sound of footfalls echoing beside me told me that Yume was following me on my left side. Upon glancing at her, I saw that she was looking not at the kid, but the sword-wielding male Sekirei that had been with him the last time. The tension building between Yume and the sword wielder was easy to feel in the air by at least me. Yume had already shifted herself to be between me and her opponent taking on a defensive fighting stance. Yet, the building tension between the two Sekirei was as nothing compared to the growing feelings of anger that were coming from me as my gaze returned to the brat. Seeing the kid trying to force Kuu to be obedient to him and doing things she plainly had no interest or wish in doing fed fuel to the anger coursing within me.

Mikogami was pulling Kuu to him and even had the gall to kiss her which caused my anger to morph into fury. The illusion I normally had around myself to tone down my appearance to detract notice was fading by degrees. My nails lengthened and sharpened, and I could feel some of my teeth doing the same. My fox ears and tails stuck out straight emphasizing my emotions as they were.

The brat seemed to comprehend that after kissing Kuu by force which would be worse than rape was she winged by that didn't have the desired result that he wanted. Kuu wasn't winged by him, nor was she under his control as she has a connection to me. The contract that MBI has set up to occur for Sekirei will always lose out to a genuine bond each and every time. And all my Sekirei have a bond with me, not a contract which is how it is supposed to be for Sekirei according to Miya.

So, the brat's next action was to try and drag Kuu away which isn't much better than what he intended a moment ago. But my youngest Sekirei wasn't letting the kid have his way and was fighting him the whole time. My pace sped up and gone to human running speed even though I was still walking. With me now in reach of the kid, it was surprising that he didn't notice my presence. The air, plants, and wildlife around us were trembling at feeling the fury that was pouring from me even if it wasn't visible yet at least.

The brat began calling for his "helping hand" to assist in dragging Kuu away, but the male Sekirei never had the chance. Yume had put herself in his way and took the initiative by rushing forward and sending a couple of strikes in the sword wielder's direction. Yume's opponent blocked or evaded her strikes, two blows forced him back and each block was hard earned. Yume was clearly no stranger to hand-to-hand combat, more like it was where her talents lie. She might even give me a fair fight, and Miya was the only one that has been able to do that for a while. However, the fight was brought to a stop when a 'pole' smacked into the male Sekirei's middle with a good amount of force. The sword wielder was sent flying quickly followed by him sliding a short distance when the male Sekirei got his feet on the ground.

I glanced over to where Mutsu as I recall his name being, had been to see a man that I knew. The man was less than an inch shorter than me. He had black hair moderately short in length and was tied in a bun on top at the back. His facial features displayed his Chinese heritage even his brown eyes. The man was wearing the same type of clothing that swordsman in China during its Tang Dynasty would wear, which is called a 'hanfu'. The reason he wears the type of clothing is that's the timeframe that he had lived in as a human. The outfit is like a kimono with the top and sash, but unlike the Japanese Hakama, was made of two skirts. The underskirt and then another skirt with a slit down both sides. The hanfu was white overall, the sash was blue as was the underskirt and the top skirt is white.

The man's name was Ryuu, though, like Anya, Ryuu wasn't his original name that he was born with. He was known as Gohan, the son of Sun Wukong the one known in mythology as the 'Monkey King'. Thankfully, Ryuu isn't as spontaneous as his father was… that guy had a weird and at times, dangerous sense of humor along with the methodology of how to do a task. I had met the man long ago on a visit to China and so, I know what I'm talking about. Ryuu has a much better calm demeanor and control than his sire did for which I'm thankful.

Anyway, Ryuu was holding his staff, which was actually the same magic staff that his father used. It was known as Jingu Bang and is a weapon that chooses its owner and can't be picked up by any other, something about it weighing a ridiculous amount if you're not the owner. Ryuu had been the one that had struck the male Sekirei and sent him back and it made me glad that I had a few of those who help me out patrolling around the festival while not being noticed.

With the potential interference handled, I refocused on Mikogami reaching for the brat's arm and squeezing on it, which got him to let go of Kuu. I then put myself between the brat and Kuu herself protecting Kusano from this kid who should be punished for what he tried to do just now among other things. When Kuu realized I was beside her, she quickly moved behind me and clung to one of my legs, clearly distraught and upset about what had happened. I had the two tails I had out curl around Kuu protecting and comforting her.

Meanwhile, I glared at the kid that had tried to not only take Akitsu, no doubt to abuse her after she met me, but had tried to take and hurt Kuu not once but twice. This went beyond a lack of manners, this was downright wrong and evil and I will not be silent about this! My growl's volume increased as the brat regained his bearings, "Tis your misfortune to cross paths with me again boy. I observed that you lacked manners during our last encounter, but it would seem that I was mistaken of that being the standing issue you have. You do not just lack manners, you lack far more than that," I snapped.

"Your attempt to kidnap a child to do what you want with her against her will is absolutely appalling." I drew up and pointed a finger at the kid, "You Mikogami should be ashamed of yourself and your conduct. You are treading a path dark and foul, the words that come to mind describing you are a pedophile and a terribly disturbed individual. The interests you show are sick, wrong, and also against the standing laws in place by society. Continue them, and no amount of resource, be it money or other monetary forms will allow you to escape what justice demands for the actions you commit."

The kid glowered at me, "How dare you insult me, one that is superior to you?!" Then he appeared to calm down a bit, "Yet, give me the girl and I'll pretend that this never happened. She will be mine, I've had an interest in her from the start."

I clicked my tongue, "Your ego is vast obviously as much now as before, and it is a detriment to you boy for it will lead you down dark paths. If there does come a time that you feel regret and remorse, then it will be far too late to change the situation you will be in. However, I am really not in the mood to deal with a spoiled brat such as you tonight, so leave Kusano alone or you will face punishment which you will not choose for yourself," I growled. "Your helper isn't able to assist you or maybe you should look around yourself and take in your standing."

Mikogami glanced over to his Sekirei and realized that not only was Ryuu close by him but Yume as well. Mutsu definitely appeared to be somewhat nervous at seeing both of them standing between him and his ashikabi. The kid looked back at me, an unhappy expression set on his face, "That little girl will belong to me, now hand her over," he stated arrogantly.

The growl that had been building began ripping out from my mouth and I glared at the kid and the second his eyes locked onto my now gold eyes he went silent, frozen with fear. "Kusano is not an object or property that can be taken or owned by you or anyone else! She is a living being as much as any is, yourself included and do not dare forget that you horribly spoiled self-centered child. She will be staying with me and nothing you say or do will change that, be it whining or throwing a temper tantrum as is expected of the age that you act. Now, be on your way before I send you along on a stretcher going towards a hospital for a time. Don't try my patience further than you already have, my mood is foul enough right now," I snarled coldly.

The male Sekirei was trying to make his way over to Mikogami and put himself between me and the kid, but Yume and Ryuu were making that impossible for him. But before I moved forward to force this misbehaving child along, another appeared between the two of us. The female Sekirei that had shown up was of average height and form. She was wearing a long kimono and had a large double-sided blade and had her black hair held by a ribbon on the backside.

I took a moment to calm down a bit and then backed away slightly before I folded my arms, keeping my attention focused on the brat. "I came across a grey-haired woman with a sword that put off sickening bloodlust and she managed to really tick me off. Most people don't do that, so again, it's in your best interest to not make my mood worse kid, now be on your way or you will be going to a hospital, not by your choice, I promise that. The only point I would let you have say in will be which limb I start breaking the bones of first," I breathed.

Mikogami and his two Sekirei quickly left, the kid looking scared of me, but then I'd features that most humans find scary to terrifying when I reveal them. Then, I also pretty much threatened to break a number of his bones if he didn't leave and I would have if he hadn't moved along. With the mood I was in, I had been unable to hide those features that humans instinctually fear. Once they were gone, the fury within me drained before I turned to face Kuu and knelt down to her level enveloping her in my arms. Kuu hugged me back as she cried quietly while I comforted her the best I could telling her that she wouldn't be separated from me ever. When I consoled Kuu I kept holding her hand, summoned the plushie cat giving it to Kuu and then rose back up and looked towards Ryuu. "Your intervention is appreciated," I thanked Ryuu.

Ryuu bowed to me, "Think nothing of it my Lord, to be of service to you fills me with joy and is a privilege. Shall I continue my patrol then for the night," he asked me.

I nodded, "Indeed my friend, thank you again," I replied.

Ryuu resumed on his patrol and job of keeping the peace here at the festival. I found that Kuu was holding one of my hands while Yume was hugging my other arm. I decided that with things as they were, it would be better were the three of us go back to Izumo Inn. Miya and I had discussed the outcome if our group became separated, we were to meet back at the house. So, that's what Yume, Kuu and I did, swam through the crowds and walked back to the house.

When we got back to Izumo Inn, Yume glanced around the house with interest while Kuu started to head towards Akitsu and her room. Yet, I stopped her as I noticed that her kimono was showing dirt and grime and it would need cleaning before being worn again. It would be best to get the clothing off of her so that it didn't get dirtier, "Now hold on there Kuu, it's late and you did collect an amount of dirt from going about the festival on your kimono and yourself. So, you need a bath, and after that, it will be time to go to bed," I reasoned.

I guided Kuu towards her shared bedroom, Yume following behind us, still taking in the scenery. I did get the kimono off her and hung it up so that it wouldn't get dirtier while Kuu set her plush cat down on her futon, before grabbing a set of pajamas. Now, I could go in the bath with her and help get Kuu nice and clean, and I would do just that if not for the need to wait for Miya and Akitsu to get back. It would be best if I can tell Miya about Yume before she sees her here, that seems the more responsible thing for me to do when I brought a woman home, tell my wife about why I'd done so. I've seen enough fights between couples and helped settle an amount of them to know that telling your significant other the truth before they find out about it themselves, tends to go better. I do not want there to be strained feelings between Miya and myself if there doesn't need to be.

However, I don't want Kuu to go into the bath alone after what she had to endure from the brat tonight. It was then my sight fell on Yume, my newest Sekirei and an idea began forming that could work out for everyone. Yume's outfit was showing more dirt and grime than Kuu had on her kimono and had rips too, likely gained from running from Karasuba. Which would mean Yume could use time in the bath as well, and she could look after Kuu while she is there. "Yume, as you seem to be in need of a bath yourself, would you mind going with Kuu and making sure she doesn't hurt herself or anything. I doubt she would," I said as Kuu came next to me and gave me a pouty expression. That caused a twinge in my heart… I swear that Kuu is too cute for her own good even when she's not trying. "I know she can get herself clean, I just would feel better if someone else was with her. After what she experienced tonight with the kid who tried to claim her as his when she will never be, it would help me to know that there was someone there for her."

I ruffled Kuu's hair as I took a breath and continued, "I would do so myself, but there are two more that will be coming back here, and I feel that it would be best were I to be the one greeting them. Plus, it would be a good opportunity for you to get to spend time and get to know Kuu and as you're a part of the family now, it would be a good opportunity, no?"

Yume agreed, and Kuu didn't have a problem with Yume going with her so, I went over to Miya and my room and grabbed a set of clothes for Yume. She's… around the same size as Miya is overall, at least the majority of her proportions aren't a great deal different. Admittedly, Yume is a tad fuller than Miya, even if they're I believe the same height. With her waist and hips, that size difference isn't outside the range to prevent the clothes I was fetching to be worn by her. However, her bust size… is another matter entirely for there is a notable difference and it would be more than just tight were Yume to wear Miya's clothes. So, I grabbed an outfit that had slack and stretch in the chest area, can't say it would be enough though, but I believe it would do.

The two Sekirei were in the hall by the time I came out with clothing for Yume, after handing them to her, Kuu and Yume headed for the bathroom. I did make contact with Saki and told her that something had come up and that my plan to have Kai around Izumo Inn to surprise Miya would have to be postponed. I changed into a yukata, then I made my way back to the living room and sunk down into the couch to wait for Miya and Akitsu. The night hadn't gone the way I had envisioned, I had hoped to spend time as a family together but that wasn't how things went. The thought reminded me just how long it had been since I had gotten to experience spending happy times with others that could be considered as family to me.

-Miya's pov-

It had been close to an hour since we had been separated from Ashe and Kuu and though the festival was enjoyable, it was less so without them with us. The crowds here were thick but as it's the first night that the festival was open, it was to be expected. There just came a point that Akitsu and I agreed that we should head back home and either find or wait for Ashe and Kuu to return. When we did arrive back at Izumo Inn, we found that Ashe was sitting in one of the sofas in the living room. He smiled at seeing us both, Akitsu moving forward to embrace Ashe, showing that she had missed him. "Good to see that you made it home," Ashe said.

He shifted his gaze to me and gave a smile, "Sorry we got separated at the festival, but with it being the first day it starts, no surprise there was lots of people."

I smiled back and came to sit next to my husband, "Yes, that is why we decided to meet back here should we get separated," I replied, slipping one of my hands into his.

"Listen you two, I do have something I need to talk to you both about," Ashe started.

A feeling curiosity came to me at hearing Ashe say such, I gave him my full attention as he continued. "Tonight at the festival, Kuu ended out running off, not intentionally, but we got separated for a time. Then, while I was searching for her, I happened to come across something I hadn't expected."

Something Ashe hadn't expected? Please tell me that doesn't mean that there might be yet another Sekirei that Ashe has attracted. I love my husband, truly I do, but sharing him with Kusano and Akitsu is already difficult for me. Such could become even harder if another Sekirei was added to the mix. Ashe and I have discussed the idea of multiple Sekirei for him, but that hadn't been a nice conversation at all for me. In my heart, I didn't wish to share Ashe with anyone else, not other Sekirei, nor any human or non-human. It might be selfish of me to feel that way, but I cannot help feeling that way.

Yet, before Ashe could explain further what he meant by something unexpected, Kuu came into the room dressed in her pajamas. She went directly over to Ashe and climbed into his lap, cuddling him and that was fine. Kusano has shown that she enjoys cuddling with Ashe, much like Kai does with his father, so it's acceptable. However, another came into the room a bit after Kuu, another woman dressed in one of my yukatas. For a brief moment, I thought the individual was Musubi for that's who it looked like. Yet, I recalled seeing Minato and his Sekirei on the way back home, Musubi included, so how could it be her? So, as I looked at the woman longer, my eyes widened as the realization of who it was sunk into me.

The woman's eyes widened as well, "Miya? What are you doing here," she asked.

The individual was Yume, one of the only Sekirei that I had developed anything close to a good relationship with before I left MBI was standing in front of me. Nonetheless, I haven't seen her since I left MBI, so for her to suddenly appear here at Izumo Inn was confusing to me. "Yume? How are you here," I asked before I turned and faced Ashe questioning him silently what was going on.

Ashe frowned slightly and nodded, "Indeed Miya, Yume here is to whom I'm referring," he said.

Ashe then kept going with the accounting of what had happened to him after being separated from Akitsu and me. Searching for Kuu had been put on hold when he encountered Yume, and if it were only that, I wouldn't have as much of a problem. Anger flashed within me at hearing that Ashe had also crossed paths with Karasuba again and my anger and irritation grew at Ashe's telling of signs that Karasuba had a growing obsession with him. Karasuba's interest is of the challenge that Ashe represents to her, but that feels insulting to me on a personal level. Yet, for Ashe's friend Anya to not just show up Karasuba but outdo her in a clear way gave me a feeling of satisfaction. Really, I would love to do the task of teaching Karasuba a much-needed lesson myself, but the opportunity hasn't come up. Still, every time that Karasuba loses and is forced to see that she is not infallible is good in my view. Karasuba has always put off an air of unstoppable hatred and lust for battle and because of that, she has gained the reputation that she's unbeatable.

Back to Ashe's tale, being told that Yume had been winged by him… it was okay from my point of view. However, in the back of my mind, there came whispers of potential problems with Yume being in a relationship with Ashe. I have nothing against Yume, far more the opposite, I get along with her very well as she was the most mature among Sekirei other than myself that I had encountered. I believe my issue is that she's also the most likely to try and have the same position as I possess with Ashe out of those around him. Kuu and Akitsu simply wish to be with Ashe, that's not the exact same as being fully intimate with Ashe like I am.

If I recall correctly from the discussions that Yume and I had about the bonds between ashikabis and Sekirei, Yume had gained a basic understanding of the potential relationship that could exist. Yume, at understanding how the depth of the relationship between ashikabi and Sekirei could be, had said to me that she wanted to experience the idea for herself, to which I don't blame her. And I had to admit, Ashe fits Yume's ideal ashikabi better than any other I've met. With Yume here, it brought me confusion with how I should see this for I know Yume is well mannered and would get to feel exactly what she wishes with Ashe.

I don't want to deny Yume the experience of the kind of bond that a Sekirei could have with their ashikabi. Nevertheless, I don't want to share what I have with Ashe with anyone else either. I can't and don't blame Ashe, he understood the power that reacting can cause with Sekirei, but still, I'm conflicted in what to think! Ashe has told me more than once that none could replace me to him, even so, fears that Yume could prove that wrong wouldn't leave me alone. No one else here had an issue with Yume becoming part of the family we were members of and I said nothing about the conflict within me.

With the matter settled, Ashe led Kuu and Akitsu off to their room and said he would set up a futon for Yume. This left Yume and myself in the room alone, I faced Yume and managed to put a smile on my face, "Congratulations Yume, it looks like you found the ashikabi that you told me that you wanted. How fortunate for you since not all Sekirei get that with how things are," I managed to say in an even voice.

Yume frowned, "I would say thank you, but I can tell that you have a… problem with this Miya. I'm sorry, I had no idea that you would have a relationship with the very same man that I found and reacted to," she replied.

I looked away and sighed as Yume noticed that I had an issue, there was no point denying it now. "I would be lying if I said I was perfectly fine with you having a connection to Ashe as I do with him being my husband. However, I don't want to be the reason that the chance you have to be happy is taken away from you Yume." I hesitated, "I know it sounds selfish, but I don't want to share Ashe with others Yume. Because of him so much has changed for me, I can't imagine Ashe not being in my life and I don't want to lose that. I had no idea that I could find an ashikabi here, so I was beyond surprised to realize Ashe could wing me," I said truthfully.

Yume came and sat next to me, "Perhaps this just shows that you and I have been looking for the same kind of qualities in those we can feel happy with Miya," she posed.

Ever the optimist Yume is still I see, I nodded and smiled slightly at her view, "Maybe it does Yume. Ashe has done so much for me and yet, he says that I've done more for him though I don't necessarily agree with him on that. He has help me experience and understand things that I never imagined that I would," I paused, before going on, "even being a mother."

Yume blinked at the last four words, then stared at me, "Wait, are you saying that you and Ashe have a child between you," she asked quietly in shock.

"Yes," I answered, feeling a smile coming to my face, "I wondered if Ashe was going to stop whispering thank you to me before the end of that day Takehito told us that I was pregnant. He was happy to learn of that for apparently having children is much harder for him, yet I hadn't thought that I would ever have a child. Honestly, I thought such a thing was something that was unnecessary before, but after seeing my son for the first time all of that changed. When I held our son, so much about children and being a mother that had mystified me, made complete sense."

It was true when Kai was born, so many things that had seemed so non-sensible became clear to me. The love I felt towards Kai was endless and powerful, words could not do justice to a mother's love and I knew that because of Kai. Yume and I chatted with each other for about an hour, discussing a range of subjects, before we headed off to retire for the night.

When I arrived in my room, I found Ashe waiting for me, he was ready to talk about the change that had come into our lives. The conversation began with me telling Ashe of how I met Yume and the general facts between us. I was happy to see Yume, but I was still conflicted with sharing the same ashikabi with her. The main reason I have an issue with sharing Ashe is he is not only my ashikabi, but my husband as well. And I've come to know there is a difference between one's ashikabi and one's husband and for me Ashe was both. Yet, the Sekirei race would see the two ideas as being, in essence, the same point in the end for most of the time it would be the same.

Ashe told me that I need not worry about such things, I was his wife, and nothing would change that in his view. He once again told me that I could never be replaced by another for him and he even gave some specific examples of how he was grateful to have me with him. There were so many experiences he reiterated of how I had helped him to move forward from his past.

-Ashe's pov-

After I set up a futon for Yume in the room that Akitsu and Kuu share, I headed for my room to wait for Miya. It was clear to me that something about Yume being here was bothering her, though it had nothing to do with the female herself exactly. So, when Miya came, I was silent, waiting for her to tell me what was bothering her, for she would normally tell me. Miya shortly began telling me that she had met Yume before she had left MBI with Takehito when I came to bail them out. In fact, she had gotten to know Yume probably better than any of the other Sekirei that had been awake at the time.

So, seeing Yume again had been a happy thing as they were friends as far as Miya had implied. However, to be told that they shared an ashikabi had confused Miya and created conflict within her. The conflict was me being both Miya's and Yume's ashikabi, but also being Miya's husband only and there was a difference. The margin of difference between a Sekirei's ashikabi and a husband is that I will do close to anything for Kuu, Akitsu and now Yume, but there are certain things that I will only do for Miya. I'm aware at some point in the future, the distinction of what those things are will come, and that time would come soon. Yet, I see little reason to define such now as things stand.

Nonetheless, I made it clear to Miya once again, she could never ever be replaced by anyone in my heart. Miya had done things for me that no other had been able to do, and yes, others loyal to me have tried to do what Miya has, but it wasn't the same. Before meeting Miya, I'd been close to a shell of myself, suffering from the pains of the past. Losing a number of those that I had been close to, that had been as a family, had caused pain and had torn me up from the inside in a way that little else had previously. The worst event that had contribute to that, the death of Itsumi who I had come to see as a sister and was I think slowly moving beyond that. However, I tried not to enter a romantic relationship since I'm immortal and others are not, meaning loved ones die at some point. But Itsumi had been murdered personally by Nobunaga Oda and it had been done right in front of me. Quite honestly, it had felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest that day and the pain had only festered since then.

It had one of the few times I had wanted vengeance and revenge on an individual and I had personally wanted to kill Oda. His fate had been fitting, but it still had been hard to accept things as they had happened. Itsumi had left an impression on my heart and soul, her absence had gnawed at me for the centuries before I met Miya. One of the reminders of those I had failed to help and save in the end and such haunted me. It was Miya not leaving me to my misery that had been the first steps down the current path that Miya and I tread together. And in telling her that, I was able to set Miya's worries to rest before we retired for the night.

The next morning, to say that breakfast was an intriguing affair was not enough, in fact, I would be lying if I said I didn't have a good laugh during the event. You see, Minato and his group got back from the festival late and had gone straight to bed, so they hadn't seen Yume or been told anything about her. That being said, things started out wonderfully as well as amusingly. Yume made it obvious she wished to be helpful to others and liked to do so whenever the opportunity presented itself. If Musubi wasn't such an airhead or naïve as she showed herself to be frequently, then I believe there's a very good chance she would be similar to Yume.

Anyways, when Minato and his three Sekirei came into the dining room, yes, even Matsu was here this morning. It was hilarious to watch Tsukiumi quickly begin looking between Musubi and Yume, at first distinctly confused. Then she had screeched her outrage at there suddenly being two "Musubis" demanding to know how this happened and who it was that was responsible. I could tell that Matsu recognized Yume, likely met her like Miya had as she was one of the early Sekirei to be awakened. Still, Musubi's reactions to seeing Yume were the best, as she is the airheaded optimist that she is, looked happy at seeing one that was close to a complete copy of her… or was Musubi a copy of Yume? Who knows which way it is?

Yume proved herself more mature than any of Minato's Sekirei as she got Tsukiumi, Musubi and even Matsu, to calm down and pay attention to her. My newest Sekirei then proceeded to explain why she was there and who she was. I saw no reason to stop her, Minato knew I was an ashikabi like he was, and he would unlikely tell someone from MBI about the fact. So, for Yume to state that she was one of my Sekirei was fine to me. The reactions were still very entertaining to observe as they came, and I take the good events that I can get these days.

-Miya's pov-

Breakfast the following morning was interesting as Yume introduced herself to the other tenants of the house and not everyone took it well. Tsukiumi had seemed to think that a trick was being played that had two Musubis while Musubi herself, was cheerfully accepting that there was another that looked close to a copy of her. Matsu didn't react much, but they had probably met before now. It was kind of funny to watch the event and I could tell that Ashe was trying to not laugh at it.

After breakfast, Ashe mentioned that he had some business he'd been asked to help with, and Yume volunteered to go with him and the two left. It was not too long after Ashe and Yume went out, that Minato was readying to head out, all of his Sekirei. Even oddly Matsu accompanying him which would be the first time other than last night that she had stepped foot outside the house. Kuu and Akitsu decided to also go out and said they would do the shopping for me while they were out. Then finally, Kagari and Uzume also went out to do errands, leaving just me at the Izumo Inn.

I began doing some cleaning and had gotten a good portion of it done when the sound of a large vehicle coming onto the street Izumo Inn was heard. The sound was rather unusual and caught my attention, so I stopped what I was doing and went to the nearest window that faces the front of the house. The sight of a large truck that had "MBI" on the side infuriated me, more so since it was in front of my home. I know that it was a possibility that MBI would come to retrieve me since I came here. But, for them to come at a time that Ashe was out, felt like a calculated move by someone.

Then, MBI personnel coming into the northern area of Tokyo like this was bold, as they were not welcome around here at all. The point of that had been made clear by the inhabitance of the north with any personnel from MBI being forced out by groups of people. Not that such would sway Minaka, he was too deluded to be affected by anything like that.

Using the magic that came when Ashe had winged me, I summoned my Totsuga No Tsurugi blade that I used as the leader of the Discipline Squad. The sword with sheath appeared in my left hand and I would use the blade that I put down years ago to defend my home and myself. The sound of pounding feet helped me to clear my head of everything else so that I could focus on the fight that was coming.

The front door was smashed open and a number of MBI's security force rushed in and I was ready. I moved towards them and before they raised their guns, I drew my sword and slashed once directly in front of the group, forcing them all back out the front doorway. Half of the men were cut in half by my swing, while the others received deep gashes and wounds as they flew out of the house from the pressure wave of my swing pushing them. I came out into the front yard and I saw a few of my neighbors protesting against those from MBI. The response of MBI personnel was to use physical force to beat them until they would back off or were rather dragged back by family members. That served to incense me further since I had grown to appreciate my neighbors and their individual qualities.

I rushed forward at the security forces of MBI, cutting down the closest men that I could get to and began working on from there. My goal was to oust and force MBI to leave and never come back here again, whether that came due to fear of what would happen to them if they stayed or none of those sent returning to MBI. The soldiers did try to fight back against me, but I was moving faster than them, cutting them down two or more at a time with each swing. It didn't take all that long for the soldiers to become scared of me and back away from me as I killed them.

I would have likely gone on to wiped them out, if not being interrupted by others attacking me, three to be precise, all of which were Sekirei. The first was shorter than me and had a body figure that was very athletic, toned but not overly muscular. She was wearing a kimono-like shirt with one sleeve missing, and pink hair in a side ponytail with two daisy clips. She kind of appeared like a cheerful, younger teenager. The second Sekirei had a slender feminine figure and had bandage-wrapped arms, which were covered by a tattered dark kimono. She also had disheveled grey hair, a studded choker, and narrow eyes, which gave her a wicked, daunting appearance. Yet, the last of the three, I knew all too well and wasn't happy or pleased to see at all for it was Karasuba herself.

Karasuba gave me a smile, "It would appear that your skills are not just good but have improved since last time."

I brought my blade to the ready, "I told you the last time I had to see you Karasuba, if you dare set foot around or in my home again, you will not leave in the same state that you came in," I stated.

"Come on, you're telling me that this lady is supposed to be some kind of terrifying monster," commented the pink haired Sekirei as she took a few steps forward, "She looks more like one of those Japanese priestesses or housewives I think they're called."

Being reminded of what others thought of me when I worked for MBI was irritating and made the current situation worse. I stepped forward, quickly getting behind the pink haired Sekirei, raising my blade and then brought it down, the flat of my sword facing downward. I made solid contact with her head and slammed her down into the asphalt of the street with an audible crash and it was felt by all. The soldiers backed up even further after seeing that, while the other Sekirei and Karasuba stayed where they were. The man that was likely their ashikabi, stood a short distance behind them, staring impassively at the pink haired Sekirei on the ground. The man stepped over to claw wielding Sekirei and kissed her, activating her Norito as seen by her dark blue wings becoming visible. "Wire claws of my pledge tear apart the guards imprisoning my ashikabi," the Sekirei declared.

Once the Sekirei's Norito was active, she rushed at me, her clawed gauntlets stretched forward ready to attack me. I spun out of the way as the woman thrusting her claws at me, whipping my sword around, gaining momentum which added to the force my blade was cutting through the air. I brought my sword down on one set of claws, causing many cracks to form in the claws themselves. My opponent continued to send strike after strike, while I either parried or evaded, getting a hit on the gauntlets as well as a few solid blows on her body too. This Sekirei's Norito had given her a boost in power and speed, but I was still able to outdo her somewhat in both and my stamina was holding out for the time being.

What was making me think there was something more going on, was that Karasuba hadn't done anything after the initial strike to get my attention. The few times I did get glimpses of her, she was simply watching the fight, a smile set on her face. Her sword was still in its sheath and she showed no signs of preparing to attack, so what was she waiting for? Karasuba had always wanted to fight me seriously, there had been no mistaking that desire from her.

It took me almost two minutes of fighting Karasuba's comrade for her Norito to run out as is one of the restrictions that MBI placed on Sekirei. That was one of the common points that all Sekirei shared, one of the shackles that MBI put on in order to control us all, instating a limited time using a Norito. It was part of the limiters they placed on strength and speed, which varied between individual Sekirei. If that was all that was done with the adjustments MBI made, then it wouldn't be so bad. However, what MBI had done to the minds and emotions that Sekirei had was wrong and twisted, more than the shackles they placed on Sekirei. Hiroto Minaka had made it so that all Sekirei other than some of those that had been adjusted by Takehito, were overall obedient to whoever winged them, whether it was done by force or by choice.

That was the real means of control that Minaka used, emotional attachment of a Sekirei to their ashikabi. That attachment is used as the chain that enforces obedience and loyalty to an ashikabi. Even if a Sekirei was abused by the one that winged them, they couldn't leave them or resist the urge to be with them and please them.

And then those wishing to gain more than one Sekirei would cause some to discover they could wing by force which is akin to violating and raping another in human terms and they thought nothing wrong with the idea at all. All of this came about, because of Minaka created his game and thinking that he owned all Sekirei, so could do with them as he saw fit. MBI personnel coming here along with the current Disciplinary Squad showed that Minaka viewed me in the same way as other Sekirei. Minaka believed he owned me, so I should be doing what the horrible man says to just because he says so due to that fact alone.

I ended the fight with the claw wielding Sekirei by breaking the claws off her gauntlets, one after the other, before I swatted her back. She landed next to her ashikabi not moving. The young-looking man just looked down at her but showed no care or interest for her condition or well-being. His inaction was much like Karasuba's attitude, whether that was fated or Karasuba did something to make him like that, I couldn't say. I prepared to face-off against Karasuba, when the pink haired Sekirei woke up and pulled herself out of the street and rose to her feet. The girl then focused her glare on me, "THAT REALLY HURT DAMN IT," she screeched.

'Pinky' rushed at me her right fist cocked back to strike me, yet I leaned to the side letting her fists flow pass me. This young Sekirei may be a hand-to-hand combat specialist, but she is nowhere near as skilled as Ashe nor as fast as him. Then, she was fighting angry and her temper was blinding her and leaving her to merely swing around her fists. Pinky quickly became angrier when she wasn't hitting me and that worked against her, "Damn it! Stand still and fight me! Why do you have to be like that dumb silver-haired guy from before?! Being all calm and somehow disappearing before my fists hit, IT'S INFURIATING," Pinky screamed.

From what she just said, she was referring to Ashe and I'm not happy that she would attack him, though it sounds like she lost to my husband. Pinky then leaped back a bit, "SHREDDER," she yelled, and in front of her right fist, an amount of energy appeared and became concentrated.

She then surged forward and lunged at me, her right fist coming at me, aiming at my torso. I side-stepped her and whipped the back of my sword into her gut hard, and sent her flying back, interrupting her technique. I went right back into a defensive stance, sword at the ready for any that would approach. Pinky came to a stop close to her ashikabi, before she dropped to a knee and coughed up a small amount of blood. Then the sound of Karasuba giggling was heard and it still sounded so wrong coming from her. "That was amusing Benitsubasa," Karasuba remarked.

'Benitsubasa' glared at Karasuba, "Shut up! I don't see you doing anything," she snapped.

Karasuba smirked evilly, "Oh my, you and Haihane said that you wanted the first crack at the 'monstrous opponent' that we were sent to handle, did you not? I was just being a good leader and giving you both the opportunity, which you requested. I was even nice enough to warn you to not underestimate them, it's not my fault that you didn't listen to me," she replied.

"I can handle this, I was just caught off-guard, this lady here isn't better than us, elite chosen to be part of the Disciplinary Squad," Benisubasa stated.

"Oh? Then you didn't know that she's been using the back of her blade, for if she had used the sharp side, you would be in two clean halves already? She's done the idea with full-sized ships from a distance, she may look old, but she has skill," Karasuba commented, smiling as she called me old.

I gritted my teeth, "Watch your mouth Karasuba, or I'll cut out your tongue," I hissed.

Benisubasa then was kissed by her ashikabi, her crimson wings appearing, "Palm of my pledge, crush the stones torturing my ashikabi," she shouted.

The next moment, the pink haired Sekirei shot towards me at increased speed, but due to my stance, I was able to block the incoming blow. However, I was forced back a short distance and it took more strength than I had expected, but I held my defense. Benisubasa didn't let up much as she continued her assault, but through a combination of blocking and dodging, she didn't gain any ground against me. Still, both she and her comrade had been wearing my stamina down, which may be what Karasuba was wanting. It wouldn't surprise me if she decided to use her subordinates by sacrificing them to wear an opponent down before she swoops in and thinks nothing of it.

So, when Benitsubasa's Norito ran out, I shoved her back hard and she collapsed. I then readied myself for Karasuba as I believe she will come at me. I wasn't disappointed, yet before she began her attack on me, she kissed her ashikabi and activated her Norito. Karasuba slammed into me and pushed me back towards the house. I tried to counter and get in a hit on Karasuba, but with her Norito going and my stamina waring, Karasuba was keeping up her assault and I was forced to be more on the defensive against her. And with her second surge forward, Karasuba shoved me back into the place I'd come to know as home.

Once in the house, Karasuba seemed to really get going in our fight and the furniture along the house's structure suffered for the fight. Karasuba's sword was cutting through wood, objects and close to anything that comes into contact with other than my own blade. With each swing and the damage that was caused by it that came, the angrier I became, for this horrible woman is destroying my home and enjoying every moment of it! And I would guess, that somehow Karasuba had something to do with MBI coming here while Ashe was gone. She could have perhaps guessed that Ashe could be my Ashikabi or figured that both of us together could repel MBI.

The fight between Karasuba and I went on, the signs of the destruction of the interior and the structural integrity of Izumo Inn got worse. However, I felt my stamina running lower and lower, and Karasuba began to gain an advantage over me. She did get in some nicks on me, but it wasn't as bad as it could have been, but she could very well want to torture me for a while as well. Our battle came to an end when I felt a stabbing sensation on the back of my neck. I managed to turn and see the man that had been with Karasuba and the other two Sekirei with a vial in his hand before darkness embraced me.

-Ashe's pov-

For the day, I had an amount of business that I'd needed to see to, and Yume accompanied me. I'd seen no reason to deny Yume coming with me, I didn't see or feel any ulterior motive from her. The business I had taken the majority of the day, so the sun was beginning to set when Yume and I headed back towards the house.

I had been surprised to find out that Yume had a talent at reading others, not just humans, but non-humans as well. Perhaps she could be of assistance in helping me settle issues and disputes more efficiently, only time will tell. I was actually in a fairly good mood while walking back home, things had gone well with what I set out to do and that's always a good feeling. It was as we were halfway back to Izumo Inn, that a feeling I couldn't identify came to me for a moment, then all the feelings from Miya stopped entirely.

I knew that something had to have happened, I picked up the pace at registering that, running the rest of the way back home, Yume right behind me. The time that it took me to reach the street that Izumo Inn was on, felt longer than it should, but I was getting very worried about what could have occurred. When I identified the scent in the air that came to my nose was of all things blood, I increased my speed even more. I slid onto the street and rushed to Izumo Inn, but I saw a picture as I approached that didn't in any way relieve my fears. I came to a halt at the front walk and saw obvious signs of damage to the house itself and it wasn't from ware. There were cracks on the street and debris spread over the front yard and street outside. The horror spreading inside me was like ice and they were joined by shock and anger at the sight in front of me. Izumo Inn had been my home for centuries, one that I had built, even if the house itself has changed over the years, it's still home. To have the home you built yourself assaulted and maimed like this, it hurt in a way that little has done in a long while!

Yume came up behind me as my breathing became somewhat ragged at seeing my home as it was, and I heard her gasp as she took in the scene of the house. A moment later, I rushed inside and found the damage was different and ended out being worse than outside. The difference I saw, was the tool that causes the damage inside had been different then it had been outside. Outside's maiming, I believe had been made by guns humans had created within the last two centuries, what with the holes sporadically located around the area. While inside the house, the vertical lines cut out of the wall in different places, said that someone had been through with a sword, probably two swords had gone through here. There was also debris everywhere, glass was strewn all over, most of the windows were shattered. Objects had been thrown from where they were to another place entirely and were either broken or damaged, even the majority of the furniture.

There were no signs that Akitsu nor Kuu had likely been around here when whatever had caused all this destruction had come through. But, that left me fretting where they both could be right now, or if they might be hurt or otherwise. My emotions were weighing on me and I couldn't control them, and my fox features appearing reflected that. I took up looking for Miya, searching from room to room, searching for Kuu and Akitsu at the same time. Yet, I found nothing, no evidence that told me any more than what I knew. I came back to the front hall, when Yume came inside, I was scared and enraged at what I had seen while going through the house. She took one look around, then stared at me worried, "Ashe, what happened here," she asked.

I couldn't answer, for I didn't know, and my chaotic feelings made it hard to say anything, but we were interrupted by others coming into the house. Both of us turned around to see who it was and observed the group of three were our neighbors that lived to the right of Izumo Inn and were Nekomata yōkai. The oldest of them appeared to be an old man and looked to be injured, for he was being supported by the other two. "Master Hitoyoshi… I beg for your understanding and your forgiveness," the man pled weakly.

The plea confused me and added to the mixture of emotions I felt, for I didn't know what the man was talking about. "What are you talking about? What happened here," I asked in a pained tone, my fox ears and a couple of my tails beginning to thrash around, the sign of my emotions overcoming my normal control.

After a moment, I noted the man was pale and looked to have been beaten, which isn't good for him at his age. His name was Izzy Kotomiya and for the type of yōkai he was, he's in his twilight years now. He was also one of the individuals that I had taken in as a child and raised some time ago as I did from time to time. Izzy raised his head so that he looked me in the eyes, "A group came here earlier and left a short while ago, and it was clear that they were not here to talk. I was not the only one around here that inquired what they were here for, the answer received by us, was to be thrown out of the way and beaten for 'good measure'. A fight quickly broke out… *cough* I have to say my lord, your wife is an amazing warrior, very gifted with the blade she is," he began.

So, a 'group' had come and had threatened those here and around to not interfere? What's going on?! It took great effort to rein in some of my emotions, "You say a group, could you describe to me what type of people made up that group, please? Anything helps," I requested.

It was Izzy's great-great-granddaughter who was in her early teens, who answered my request. "There were a number of men dressed in black and were armed with guns as soldiers would be, the letters 'MBI' were on their backs. Then, there was a man in a formal suit and he was accompanied by three women. The three women were wearing black clothing with grey Haoris over the shoulders I think. One of them had pink hair and wore red gloves, the other had grey hair and was wrapped in bandages over what parts of her body other than her head that could be seen along with metal claws. But, the one in the lead had a nodachi with her, and she was by far the most menacing and dangerous, the feeling coming from her… they were terrifying," she said, shivering as she talked about the third woman.

Then it was MBI that came and caused the damage I've seen, or at least a team of their security forces did. As for the three women, one sounded familiar, the other didn't seem to be one I've seen. But the one that had caused fear, that certainly sounded like Karasuba. However, I had to be missing something, Miya would have been hard pressed true, but even so, I wouldn't imagine she would lose to other Sekirei, even Karasuba on normal terms. In fact, the only way I can think of would be, if say Karasuba was to have an Ashikabi and she used her Norito. It would only be that situation, which would allow the battle-crazed Sekirei to have close to a reasonable chance against Miya in a serious fight. If the one that sounded familiar was that pink-haired pervert from a week ago, then I'm sure that Miya could take her.

Izzy's grandson then added his voice, "Your wife put up a real fight Lord Hitoyoshi, she took down two of the odd women, but the third one managed to overpower her somehow. None of us saw the fight's ending as it was happening in this house, your wife was simply carried out and taken by the intruders."

The feelings I was experiencing were joined by a horribly familiar feeling of heart-wrenching pain began filling me as the conclusion that Miya had been taken and was in danger now sunk in. It was the same feeling that had hung over me for the long four-hundred years that had passed after the death of Itsumi. Fury accompanied the pain, of not only having to face the loss of the one I loved for a second time. However, clarity came at the understanding of the whom it was that I wouldn't doubt arranged this event to happen. Hiroto Minaka the head of MBI, the man that had caused such terrible things to have his sick and twisted game to happen would pay. For him to pull something like this, I wouldn't ignore such things! If he wanted a 'game of war' then I would show him how war affected both sides so that he wouldn't forget it!

Izzy bowed to me again, "Forgive me and the others who tried to stop them, my Lord! You have shown us all such kindness and generosity over the ages, you gave us a chance when others would not, gave us a place when we had nothing. Yet when a chance to repay your great kindness comes, we are unable to watch over and help protect the family you have. It is to our shame that this event comes and we are unable to do more," he admitted.

I composed myself as there's a need for me to not lose it right now, giving in to the rage and pain I felt wouldn't help right now. Izzy and the others that live around here aren't at fault for what has happened and I'm grateful for their efforts but sorry that they had gotten hurt for them. It was MBI that was to blame and specifically, I blame Hirito Minaka as I wouldn't doubt he planned this. With this action, Minaka had crossed a line that shouldn't be crossed by anyone and there are consequences that can't be escaped from.

The crazy man, who saw nothing wrong with manipulating and killing Sekirei, making an entire city filled with people into an arena for a sick form of entertainment or even hurting others to get what he wants, had messed with me. Not only had Minaka messed with me, but he had also done so on a level few ever do, he had gone after a member of my family and that is inexcusable. He had taken my wife, damaged my house, coming to a fair distance in destroying it along with harming my neighbors. I would NOT let that slide or go unanswered! Minaka would NOT get away with doing this and face no punishment for it! "Calm yourself Izzy, do not blame yourself. In fact, you have my gratitude for trying to stop this from happening, but this is now my concern and business that I will settle. Please, go home and recover from what was done to you by these invaders, I wouldn't doubt your family is worried about you, do not forget that you have them to think about. I would not doubt they would like you to be around for a time longer Izzy," I assured.

My neighbors returned to their home while I was internally fuming at this turn of events. While I had been out on business, MBI had come by, come close to wrecking my home and had taken Miya. The rage that coursed through me of having to view an example of Minaka believing that he owned the Sekirei burned within me. The man thinking that all Sekirei were his had come back and reclaimed one of them and thought nothing of the action. Minaka had given me a real reason to interfere in his business and so I shall. I would go and get Miya back, and woe unto any who might try to stop me, for they may end out meeting death this night!

A/n

That's chapter 12, Miya getting kidnapped came to me some time ago. And for those who might think that Miya was unbeatable, she isn't as this chapter says. Miya is strong, not denying or disputing that, yet she was overwhelmed by the discipline squad pretty much going all out to do so. Anyways, as always please some of you write reviews and tell me what you think. Peace out all until the next chapter!