A/n

I still don't own nothing with Sekirei or anything but my custom characters. Enjoy the continuation of Sekirei: Battle of the Gods.

Chapter 14: Recovery

-Anya's pov-

I woke up the morning a full day after the incident assisting Lord Hitoyoshi taking back Lady Miya. I was still slightly tired as yesterday had been a fairly busy day for me with the duties of managing Izumo Inn. That was mostly due to quickly learning why Lord Hitoyoshi was suspicious of Matsu and after last night I had to agree with his views. She was a trouble maker and pushed over lines that she should not and did so thinking that she wouldn't be punished for. Honestly, I was close to throwing her out of the house and being done with the problem and as I was filling in for Ashe I could do that.

Minato Sahashi had come back with his Sekirei the night before last, and they had stopped when they'd seen me. I quickly informed them of the arrangements that Ashe had made and stated that no one was to go upstairs until further notice period. There were some protests to the stated circumstances, specifically from the ones known as Uzume and Matsu. But I didn't accept the protests nor have any of the excuses or arguments they gave. None of what was said would move or sway me in any way, and so I was firm in my standing.

It isn't the first time that others had disagreed with the stated way things would go that I've dealt with. While I had been in training to be a clan head, I had observed from others that you couldn't let what others may say push you off course. And after the 'discussion' they had gone off to their temporarily assigned rooms and most of them slept for the part of yesterday. Things had been fine until last evening for Matsu tried twice to 'sneak' into the room that Minato was in without permission, but she failed both times. The reason she failed was the spell I placed on the doors to each bedroom, which activated when someone opened the door without being given permission to enter.

So, when Matsu was sliding the door to Minato's room, she was instantly teleported to the bathroom directly over the tub and she fell into both times. The second time she attempted to get into the room she was not to, I went to the changing room to wait for her to come out. When she had come out of the tub, I'd glared at her, "You are a tenacious one, I will give you that Matsu, but it is a pity that you put those efforts into the activities you do for they are wasted."

I paused then continued, "Ashe may have been lenient with you up till now and you have been taking advantage of his kindness to pursue and cultivate your bad habits and interests." I pinned Matsu with my gaze, "However, you will find that I'm much less inclined to be so lenient about such things and the issues they cause. And as I'm in charge for the time being, I do have the power to toss you out to the street and that decision would be final and you would have to deal with it. You are a trouble maker and rule breaker, I believe such individuals deserve to be properly punished for their chosen actions. Rules are made and set for the benefit and protection of people, not to be broken or skirted around by individuals who think themselves above others. You would be wise to keep that in mind or else start packing your things before I kick you out of this house. Those are your only two options with me," was what I had told her.

Matsu had then scurried away from me after that and gone back to the room she was supposed to be in. But back to the current morning, When I had gotten up, I had asked Saki to go and check on Ashe while I kept the order around the house. Alex was patrolling outside though the danger had likely passed, for now, caution was still wise. The Harbinger had left the night before, and I say good riddance, I wasn't interested in having her around here. She brings little else but trouble for those she goes around and that's before her "work" is involved.

-Ashe's pov-

I opened my eyes slowly and that was accompanied with a pounding going on in my head along with pain that comes with a throbbing headache. The light that was filtering into the room hurt my eyes to the point that I had to close them in response. After a moment of self-assessment, I could say that I certainly didn't feel the best or even normal in fact, I felt pretty horrible which is unusual for me. Plus, parts of what had been going on recently I could recall were blurry and difficult to clearly remember. My body felt heavy and tired, my mind was muddled and unclear, none of which is normal for me.

It took me a few minutes to comprehend that these symptoms matched the effects of drinking Ambrosia perfectly. Nonetheless, I touch the liqueur so rarely it was confusing at feeling the effects of the particular liqueur, it took me time to realize what I was experiencing. Once somewhat coherent, I attempted to raise my body up to a sitting position, but my body felt so heavy and resisted the upward motion. So, it took me time to work my way up to a sitting position, I don't know how long for the passage of time did not seem to be as it normally was. My head was still pounding and throbbing horridly causing me to put a hand to my forehead.

I was trying to get my thoughts organized and in order when I was greeted by the second unusual surprise of the day. "It may not be my place Master, but you look like you are having a terrible morning, am I right," posed a feminine voice.

Squinting ahead of me where the voice had come from I saw Saki upside down with her feet attached to the ceiling as most would have their feet to the floor. It was an ability of Saki's being able to walk perpendicular to any surface, I think she learned it while she was a ninja, but I can't say specifically. The other odd thing aside from Saki standing on the ceiling which with her isn't that odd was that she appeared chipper this morning and she is not one to show a great deal of emotion. So, for her to have an expression as she did was rare, yet I let out something between a sigh and a moan, "You look chipper Saki, is there any particular reason why," I asked as my eyes adjusted to the light levels.

Saki smiled, and it's hard to remember the last time she did it and made it look natural, "Why, how nice of you to ask. I am happy because I can be of help and service to you Master. A ninja is the happiest when they can be of service showing their loyalty and dedication to their master, more so when they wish to be of use to their Master. I wait patiently for the times when I can be of help to you, so now that another time has come I am happy to be able to do even small things for you. Plus, if I might say it is quite amazing to see your true appearance once again Master as it always is," Saki replied.

I blinked at both what Saki said and the words "true appearance", which got me to glance down at myself, and I realized that Saki was not exaggerating. At the moment, my true appearance which I had revealed inside Teito Tower was not veiled with illusions like I usually have it, there were even tails along with my fox ears. The splitting headache surged regaining my attention again and that got me back to think about priorities. "Saki, if you would not mind, could you make the remedy for headaches and drinking more than one should. You know the one which I am referring to," I said, holding my head.

"Of course Master, I'll make a dose right now and be back with it shortly," Saki returned happily.

Saki then vanished in a small puff of smoke, and it wasn't the vanishing act that caused me to pause that was normal with the woman. It was the happy tones in her voice for those were rare and those will take some getting used to, but they're nice nonetheless. I slowly glanced to my left and saw that Akitsu was laying there sleeping and was clinging to me as she did. It brought a small smile to my face to see her and know she was okay as I never did learn of where she or Kuu had been or if they had been taken along with Miya. However, my smile disappeared when I looked to my right and saw Miya, and her condition appeared to be unchanged from what it had been when I had brought her home.

After slipping out of Akitsu's hold, I drew Miya close embracing her feeling that some of the warmth she would have on a regular basis had returned, but nothing else had improved and that worried me greatly. I nuzzled Miya's cheek affectionately even if she didn't give any response to my gesture, which tugged hard at my heart. My worry for Miya plagued me as she was a light in my life that had changed so much for me. I don't want to lose that, nor do I wish to contemplate the other points that would result were Miya to vanish from my life. I didn't wish for things to regress back to what they had been before I had met and come to love Miya.

It didn't seem all that long before Saki return with the requested remedy in hand for me. I set Miya back down to the futon and then took the cup of the very same substance that I had given Uzume and Kazehana before. As I had drunk this remedy before I knew what I was in for, so I plugged my nose and downed the cup's contents in one shot. Yet, even knowing what was coming and plugging my nose to dull the taste, the remedy was vile and caused a shutter to go through my entire body. Still, my head throbbed badly as I took the very thing that would help like a declaration of defiance to my efforts. I looked back at Saki, "Thank you Saki, that will help. Do you know what time of morning it is at the moment," I inquired.

"It's almost nine Master, so mid-morning of a full day after the night we saved Lady Miya," Saki promptly replied.

My mind was muddled at the current time, so I was not really in the condition to do what I would normally. I came to the decision that soaking in hot water might help with improving my head and even perhaps my mood, I can hope. "Saki, could I trouble you further with tasking you to prepare breakfast since I doubt anyone has done so yet. Even if I'm not myself right now there are still tenants that need the basics provided and I can't have them starving. Oh, and it would be best to prepare large amounts, Sekirei eat two," I paused then continued, "usually three times what an average person does and that's being polite."

Saki appeared even happier and filled with joy at my request, you would think I had given her something she had wished to have for a long time. I mean, Saki did and has said that it is the wish and pleasure of a ninja to serve their masters, but this is a rare sign of that being true. "You can leave it to me Master," she stated. "I will have a meal ready the likes of which those here have never had!"

Saki disappeared after stating that leaving me with Akitsu and Miya in the master bedroom. I groaned as the pain that came from the drinking apparently two nights ago throbbed before I began the process of getting myself up so I could make my way to the bathroom. Once I clear my head enough, I can decide on how to proceed forward as there has been some upheaval that I can't really ignore. The first order of business would be to find a way to help Miya whether through magic, human science or a combination of the two.

However, as I was working on getting to my feet and standing, a difficult task with my current condition, I was brought to a halt by something latching onto me. When I twisted to identify what was holding me in place, I saw Akitsu hugging me around my hips. I managed a soft smile as I glanced at Akitsu, "It's good to see you are okay Akitsu, I didn't know where you were when I got home, and that was a worrisome thing," I said patting her head and ruffling her hair gently.

Akitsu kept her hold of me for a moment before she brought up her face for me to see and two emotions seemed to be fighting for dominance, those being deep concern and awe. The deep concern was understandable, I had literally drank myself unconscious two nights ago and I'm not one to normally do anything like that. Yet, the awe was somewhat baffling and made little sense to me as I couldn't think of nothing that would cause it for her. "Um Akitsu, is there a particular reason why you are staring at me like you are? I will be fine given a bit of time I can assure you, so do not worry. Hard times have come to me recently as they do happen to everyone and they do pass, so too will this one," I reasoned.

Akitsu gained a serious expression and it wasn't one that she regularly has, "Kuu found you at the table and you wouldn't wake up. Kuu, Yume and I were very worried when nothing we did got a response from you," Akitsu shot back.

Well, I suppose that I was so far out of it that little would bring me out of the merciful embrace of sleep which had been claiming me at the time. I do vaguely recall something or someone coming into the room as I was entering the world of dreams, that could have been Kuu, I really couldn't tell at the time. That would worry my Sekirei and I should have considered that, I was just so focused on getting Miya back I had not thought about the others connected to me. Akitsu continued, but with a developing blush, "Then well," Akitsu paused for a moment, "you look different than you ever have before now."

That last line held my attention for it reminded me that I was in my natural and true appearance right now. For me to show my true appearance is rare, it is normally too much for most to handle or comprehend. I mean, I do remember changing my looks back after returning from Teito Tower back to my normal everyday appearance. Nevertheless, I had been in a rather horrible state by the time I'd blacked out, I don't even remember making it to the futon and probably was carried here. It is possible that I reverted back to my natural appearance as I unlikely had much if any control over my magic after dropping off. But that now begs the question, what do I say to explain this?

I hummed, "Indeed, I suppose that out of all of you who are connected to me only Miya has seen me like this." I stopped to think and then kept going, "My current appearance is what I naturally look like as it happens. It tends to be a tad overwhelming for many and it would draw far too much attention to me. That would be especially so from females who would fawn over me as they are attracted to mere physical looks and mine are beyond their understanding."

I paused for a moment contemplating how to put why I don't use my natural appearance for most would not understand with me not going into my background. The regality of my natural appearance is one of the points that remained with me after I left my first home. Humans and non-humans are drawn to that which is beyond their own comprehension. I came from that which they classify as outside of their views of logic in one way or another. So then, how do I iterate this point to one that knows little to nothing about Earth's history or what contributes to it? I doubt that MBI did much of a job of teaching Sekirei Earth's historical material in much detail, Minaka was too impatient.

I exhaled after a few minutes, "If I have not made it clear by this point Akitsu, I'm not one that is fond of unwanted nor unneeded attention from others, then I don't know how to best state the idea to be understood. Over time, I have become very good at not drawing notice from those around me unless I wish to have it and I have had an immense amount of practice doing so. I find it a hassle to have attention focused on me and I would rather not deal with such anymore." I hesitated momentarily, "Past experience has shown me that being the center of attention is rarely worth what comes with it. Hence why I've been motivated to not actively draw the idea to me on a regular basis. Therefore, I tone down what I look like and use magic to further dissuade extra notice and repulse what would bring fame and other frivolous nonsense."

Akitsu renewed her hug of me by tightening her hold slightly, "Am I giving you unwanted attention Ashe," she asked evenly.

My smile grew a bit at the question as family had always been an exception for me in avoiding notice. "Of course not, you are one of the exceptions of those that are drawn to me. You are family Akitsu and family is very important to me, so the time I spend with you is always welcome," I replied.

I managed to get Akitsu to let me go, then do me the favor of making sure that Yume and Kuu knew that I was alright. While she ran off to do that I went through the effort of dismissing my fox features and hiding my natural appearance before I started making my way down the hall towards the bathroom. My head was still throbbing horribly, though as I rubbed the top of my head I found that my fox ears were still out. Once I realized that I slowed my pace of moving forward down and glanced behind myself, seeing that a number of my tails were also out in the open waving in a sickly manner. None of my fox features should be out still, but apparently, the way I normally dismiss them didn't work as it should. I made a few more attempts to make my non-human features to go away, but nothing worked as they remained, so I gave up and just kept going forward.

Honestly, with how I felt both in mood and just general, I did not care much if one of the current tenants saw me like this right now. Enough of my natural appearance had gone as my hair had changed from white back to silver-grey and hopefully, it was just my fox features that were being stubborn. Should any see me as I was, then I would deal with that if that came up at a later time when I'm feeling better to a degree. Truthfully, I can't say if it is the same for Sekirei as it is for humans, but if people don't believe in non-humans then they tend not to see the non-human features really at all. The funny things that the human mind can do these days, I wonder sometimes how it came to this point.

When I reached the door of the bathroom, I did muster up enough concentrate to cast the spell I intended. With the spell cast, upon opening the door there was a "changing room" but it wasn't the one that Izumo Inn has. The magic I'd used was meant to connect two points together that aren't naturally connected together, and I was using the idea for privacy to an extent. As I undressed, I did glance at a mirror and find that overall I looked like I would normally with the exception of my eye color which were gold along with my fox features. After disrobing, I slid open the door that led to the 'bath' itself, and the scene that met my eyes was a large hot spring.

Steam rose slowly from the spring the water itself was crystal clear and looked very inviting. Of course, there was a reason this 'place' looks so pristine, humans and non-humans can't come here without specific permission and a user of magic at the very least. It is watched over by a deity, not one over Japan which is part of the "Shinto Religion" or at least that's what humans call them collectively. No, the one that owed and watched over this spring was actually part of China's divinity, specifically Amaterasu's counterpart oddly enough. And I'm on good terms with the owner, much better than Amaterasu though it has been a while since I'd been around Amaterasu, so she could have changed, I can hope.

As good manners would dictate, I washed before entering the spring which was the perfect temperature and sunk into the water. While soaking in the water, I felt the muddled fog that the Ambrosia had brought on beginning to dissipate, yet my thoughts were still a mess. My worries about Miya plagued me without respite or relief and being unable to change her condition irked me. But I knew that I couldn't fully dwell on such as there were other things that required my attention even if I wanted to. "Oh my, it isn't every day that I get a visitor here," mused a female voice.

I turned and saw that the owner of this spring, the Chinese Goddess Xihe who is in charge of the Sun much like Amaterasu and so is seen as the bringer of day. She was half a head shorter than me though she had a fair figure overall with very long black hair and green eyes. I inclined my head, "I apologize for coming without planning ahead or announcing myself Xihe. My existence has taken a rather unexpected turn and it is by no means a nice or pleasant one lately," I greeted. "I find coming to your spring helps clear my mind and I need that right now."

Xihe sunk into the water close by me, "As I said before, you are welcome here at any time… what do you call yourself currently? You have changed your name enough that I sometimes forget which name you are using. The one I tend to remember is the one you had a long time ago Inari," she replied.

I felt a smile tug at my lips, "It really has been a long time since anyone has called me by the name I was given at birth," I mused.

"Ever since you left the heavens," posed Xihe.

So much had happened since I left my first home of Takamagahara so long ago, I was forced to think for a moment upon with the events that I happened around my 'fall from the heavens'. "That sounds about right for as I understand it, my disappearance once it was noticed wasn't taken well by most around Takamagahara. Although, for many there it was because the one they came and complain to then expect to solve their problems was gone. But, I left that behind and even if I regret that things came to that, I still would do what have again if the opportunity was extended," I answered.

"So then, was it worth giving up your divinity," Xihe asked.

When I had been a 'god', I was responsible for fertility, agriculture and industry, pretty much prosperity and worldly success for mortals. I was also seen as one possessing great wisdom even among those around Takamagahara, mostly due to my heritage. Yet, I gave that up for a couple of reasons, "I would like to think it has been so far, I've experienced things I wouldn't if I hadn't left and given up what I had," I returned.

Xihe giggled, "Then what else matters Inari," she said.

As I processed what she was saying, I realized that Xihe was right. My worries, though founded, were needlessly bringing up old wounds that I needed to let go of. "As you seem to be the majority of the time Xihe, you are right," I replied. "I guess, the soak in your spring wasn't the only reason I came, talking to you has also helped me see things clearer. Thanks for listening and giving me advice Xihe, it is appreciated."

"Oh, it was my pleasure Inari," she returned.

I took my leave and returned to Izumo Inn after bidding Xihe farewell. Yet along the way, I changed my appearance to what I normally have it to be before arriving back home though a few of my tails stubbornly remained along with my fox ears. And no matter what method I tried, my fox features did not disappear, so I accepted that for the time being. I had to admit, the soak and talking with Xihe had helped me get priorities and things back into a semblance of order and I would take that and just deal with my stubborn non-human features.

Upon exiting the bathroom, I caught a tantalizing scent in the air which caused me to halt. I sniffed deeper and received a delicious collection of food smells, that no doubt came from Saki making breakfast. Needless to say, I followed my nose and it led me towards the kitchen and the dining room. The view of the dining room table fully laden with a variety of food showing that Saki had put forth effort into making the meal. One glance into the kitchen, and I saw that Saki was still hard at work on preparing food. She had made 'shadow clones' of herself through her ninjutsu which had six Sakis working, four on the floor and two hanging down from the ceiling. All the clones and the original appearing to be happy and smiling as they worked.

After watching the Sakis working for a moment, I shook my head, but I smiled a bit as I was glad to see those loyal to me happy in what they do. Then I turned back to the dining room making my way to the place I normally sit at the table. But before I reached it, the door to the room flew open and the next thing I knew, something attached itself to my right leg. Upon looking down, I found Kuu hugging my leg tightly, "Hey Kuu, good to see you too," I greeted softly. Kuu looked up and to my dismay, I saw that she was in tears, "Kuu? What is wrong," I asked.

Kuu hugged my leg tighter, "You wouldn't wake up before, no matter how hard I tried," my youngest Sekirei sobbed. "I was so scared when horrible feelings were coming from you, then everything became cold before I found you at the table and you didn't move!"

I gently broke Kuu's hold and then knelt down embracing her as I realized that the pain that had been wracking me hadn't only been affecting me, but had been felt and weighing on all my Sekirei as well. This also implied that the bond between us was all growing the more time that passed and I would have to remember that fact going forward. Shortly after I started hugging and comforting Kuu the few tails that were out curled around the girl.

Once Kuu had been consoled, I sat at the table having Kuu sit in the place that Miya would usually occupy. By then, Yume and Akitsu came into the room followed by the other tenants behind them with Anya bringing up the rear. Yume immediately came over and sat down next to me before leaning up against my left side, a smile clearly visible on her face. Saki then brought the final plates of food to the table and at least, Minato's Sekirei were gasping at seeing the amount of food before them. Minato looked to me, "Ashe, are you," he started saying but trailed off.

My gaze went over to Minato since he had trailed off, and he was giving me a look of confusion and I believe consternation if I'm seeing correctly. The expression made little sense to me, yet then I recalled that my fox features were out at the moment. But before I could explain, Musubi came over to me with a look of awe, then she began touching and rubbing my fox ears which felt odd for two reasons. First, others rubbing my fox ears gives an unwelcome tingling sensation to me if it isn't from particular individuals as my ears are fairly sensitive. Second, because of that sensation, I don't like others touching my fox ears or tails without permission. Miya and Kai are the only ones that can touch when they wish, and very like that will expand to include my other Sekirei eventually. Still, this situation is becoming more awkward by the minute, so I let out a sigh, "Musubi, would you please stop, you rubbing my ears feels unpleasant," I asked nicely.

Musubi backed off a bit at my request, yet Tsukiumi moved forward, I assumed she was going to do something similar as Musubi. That said, I was about to tell her like I had Musubi to not rub my ears or feel them, but the blonde didn't do what I expected. Tsukiumi grabbed my fox ears and jerked on them hard which hurt in a way that I couldn't ignore. The woman didn't let go after the initial jerk on my ears but kept pulling, and that got me to growl at her. Tsukiumi's hold was broken before she was pushed back by Yume followed by Akitsu, Kuu and her putting themselves between Tsukiumi and me as I clutched my fox ears to dull the pain. Like any living being, having a part of your body tugged hard on hurts and it's not nice to have done at all!

Arguing then ensued, yet as I wasn't in a nice mood, and I would have a reason for why Tsukiumi had just tried to rip my fox ears off. And depending on her answer, I very well may chuck her out of the house even if she is Minato's Sekirei. I glared at Tsukiumi before Anya and Saki moved towards the blonde woman without a word from me. In the next moment, Tsukiumi found herself with Saki behind her holding kunai at her neck and Anya to her left setting a blade at Tsukiumi's midsection both with blank faces and ready to use their weapons should I tell them to. Silence fell over the room at seeing Tsukiumi being pinned with weapons, and I soon broke the silence. "Tsukiumi, why did you just try to rip off my ears," I growled. "You have shown yourself to have much better manners than to do such a thing."

My glare swung over to Matsu who flinched and hid behind Minato trembling, "I have come to expect even Matsu, freeloader that she is not to do something so clearly foolish and expect no consequences to fall in response. And I have come to expect her to flirt with lines that she shouldn't if she doesn't wish to be tossed out and dealing with her own problems she's made as I should have done earlier. You Tsukiumi behave much better than her, so why did you do what you have for it is very unlike you?"

"Ashe, please," started Minato.

However, I would have none speak for the blonde that had done what she had, so I held up a hand, "No Minato, Tsukiumi will answer for herself and you will not defend nor excuse her from that," I stated somewhat coldly.

Tsukiumi appeared to steel herself, "Thine acting will not fool nor move me," she replied.

She believes I'm acting when I'm not, does she? I exhaled heavily, then used magic to lift and then have Tsukiumi shoot towards me and stop right in front of where I was, unable to move at all. Her eyes were wide with what had just happened whereas I simply gazed at the blonde, my eyes hollow and cold exactly how they were during the times of war that I'd lived through. "You think what you see is an act Tsukiumi do you? Would you perhaps like to know what it feels like to be a marionette under the control of their puppeteer? I can do that whether you believe it or not as it should be quite clear right now as you are not able to move. And I would have you doing embarrassing things were I to do so, rest assured. Then, what evidence do you have to lead you to believe how you have seen me is an act? If anything you know little about me, the kind and understanding Landlord that you think you know is but one face I have."

Silence hung in the room before I returned Tsukiumi where she had been and released her from the spell I had been using. Tsukiumi breathed hard and a look of slight fear came to her face as I shrugged, "You can see I'm not 'normal' nor human for yourselves for the first time." I faced Minato, "Perhaps having been around aliens might have desensitized you to see what many consider unusual as normal. As for me, I have been around for a long time, seen many things, not all of them nice or pleasant. It may be such that can have me being cynical, or maybe a mixture of things, not really the point of this." I then changed my expression to being softer, "Honestly, you are all too serious you know, do try to exercise your sense of humor."

The explanation that followed was one that I had been avoiding, the discussion about the non-human world. I didn't doubt that Minato would believe that the non-human world really exists, I just wasn't sure how he would take it. To Minato's credit, he took learning that the myths and legends of not only Japan but of other places had more truth to them than is commonly assumed better than many do.

In fact, out of those at the table, it was Matsu and Tsukiumi that had the most difficulty in accepting what they saw was real. Whoever it was that was the adjuster for Tsukiumi, they instilled views that are very odd, but I couldn't say who they were as I hadn't heard much on those that are the adjusters from Nina. With Matsu, I believe there were several factors that contributed to her indignation and disbelief. The first as she didn't get along with me and feared me to an extent as I'd threatened to cast her out of this house already. Next, she is more of the mind of those who trust science more than anything else to explain the workings of the world.

After the explanation, there wasn't a lot of time for questions as the workers that came to start fixing Izumo Inn came to begin their work. I suggested to Minato to go out of the house for the day so that he wouldn't be in the way of the workers. Matsu was the only one that didn't leave Izumo Inn, though she was not allowed to go upstairs. That point seemed to torture the redhead, and it was interesting to see how she 'dealt with' the denial she was experiencing. It was almost a cross between a smoking addict going through withdrawal and one having an anxiety attack. For, Matsu was going around the, fiddling and doing 'odd' things to try and keep herself occupied.

I did watch the redhead for a bit before I had to meet with the supervisor of the construction workers fixing Izumo Inn. I thought it would be best to make a few changes to the house while it was under repair, it tends to be easier. The leader of the workers saw no problem with the requested changes as it would add two rooms, just in case there came more tenants. And hopefully, some time in the future Kai will be living here again and so will need a room at some point.

It was before midday that Ryuu appeared to me, and made the suggestion that I take Miya to Kamikura Island to the Sekirei ship so that perhaps those there could find a way to help my wife. Truthfully, I couldn't think of anything else that I hadn't already tried to help Miya, and it couldn't hurt to try going to the Sekirei ship as it was under my management now and not MBI. The only thing stopping me from doing just that was the worry of leaving Yume, Kuu and Akitsu alone. The solution of that was to take them with me, though that would bring up something that I haven't told them, there was nothing else I could come up with.

So, I left Anya in charge, had my other three Sekirei gather by the door while I collected Miya, fully dressed even if she wasn't awake. We headed to the shrine, for the purpose of using the Astral Aurora to get to Kamikura Island. Thankfully today, the shrine itself was not open to the public for there is needed maintenance being done. That made things easier overall, as I would need to use my 'beast form' and that isn't something which is easy to hide from others. I had Yume hold Miya, all three of my Sekirei curious as to what I would do. So when I shifted to be a giant fox they all had differing reactions denoting surprise as I lowered myself down for them to climb on my back.

Each of my Sekirei had varying expressions at seeing me in this way and it was kind of interesting to note the differences. Kuu, being akin to a child was in awed which morphed into her being excited and saying I was amazing while in my beast form calling me the "best giant doggie in the whole world". She then hugged what she could of me, which ended out being part of my muzzle. Akitsu was apprehensive at first, but after touching and feeling my fur she seemed entranced by me. She quickly lost the apprehension and similar to Kuu appeared to be in awe of the change I had undergone by hugging what she could of me. Yume, on the other hand, kept ahold of Miya but she stared at me as a large fox clearly trying to process what she had witnessed. She came up to be next to my right eye and looked at it, "Ashe," she questioned.

I gave a nod with my head, which had Kuu ending on top of my nose, laughing as she understood that she had landed on my muzzle. Yet, in my beast form speaking vocally is more difficult and so I just usually don't talk for simplicity sake. Thankfully for me, I was saved the trouble of explaining what I needed them to do, "I believe he wishes you to get on his back," said Leia walking up to where we were.

My way of agreeing was to turn my head towards my back and pant, letting my tongue hang out. "He would say it himself, but as he is right now speaking vocally is not so easy, best not to ask as to why," Leia remarked.

Kuu, Akitsu, and Yume with Miya did as Leia told them and once on my back, I rose back up to my paws. I moved carefully to the center of the shrine grounds where I entered the Astral Aurora and not have anyone fall off my back. We shot upward through the energy that was attracted by the stream before reaching the stream itself. I set off in a brisk pace in the direction that Kamakura was and the trip lasted around the seven to eight minutes it did years ago. The island came in view slightly ahead and below when I expected it to be, I leaped out of the stream towards the island. I controlled the speed of my descent with magic so that the landing would be soft and not a jolt for my passengers.

Now, there had been some major changes made with the shift in management as of last night. I had assigned both Ryuu and Raiden to help in severing ALL connections to MBI and meant all possible connections. That included not just the means of communications that humans use but also making the island 'disappear' from view. So, there was now a barrier over Kamikura Island and no creation of human science could find or detect the island until I choose to change that. The Sekirei Ship had a similar idea over it to be sure it wouldn't be found the difference is that the barrier around the ship requires permission from me to get through, there is no other way. I've only given those loyal to me the permission thus far and I'll move on from there as needed.

My landing was softer than the last time I was here, but it wasn't as quiet when my paws came into contact with the ground. I trotted over to the area where the Sekirei ship was before I lowered myself to my belly to let off my passengers. I then shifted back to my human appearance, yet I kept my fox ears and kept a number of my tails visible. I took Miya from Yume and carried her as I entered the Sekirei ship with my three other Sekirei following behind me. It didn't take long for our group's presence to be noticed in fact, it was one of my informants that spotted us.

We were led further inside the ship before we met with the 'leaders' here on the ship, which as it happens included some of those I had to infiltrate here. After introductions were made, it was explained that management of the Sekirei Ship was now going to be done by me going forward. Surprisingly, there was no resistance or complaining made upon the point of me taking over the running of the work done here. Apparently, Minaka had been running those here beyond ragged as well as just being the worst kind of employer that one could work for.

After the basic facts were established, I got down to asking them what I was here to have them hopefully do. None had an issue of taking a look at Miya, at least not after I promised all the scientist and staff here that I would make sure that she wouldn't do anything to them. Unfortunately, Miya's reputation still induces fear in those who have heard about it and most within MBI had heard about things she had done at least once. So, I carried my wife over to a 'pod' that was going to be used to help figure out what was happening with Miya to make her not being able to wake up.

As the tests began, I was approached by other scientists here asking if they could do checkups on my three other Sekirei. I personally didn't see a problem, but I said they would have to ask them for permission as I dislike others forcing another into something. None of my Sekirei said no, I believe feeling that with me here that they need not worry about being in danger. So, they went off to be examined while I stayed where I was watching as others attempted to find out what had been done to the love of my life.

Yet, it was after a period of time, I was contacted by Anya and she had an amount to tell me and I didn't like what I heard. She informed me that Nina had been 'fired' by MBI less than an hour ago which had been always been a possibility. By the sound of it and the input that Nina herself, she was being used as a scapegoat for what went on the night I rescued Miya. The problem or price of firing Nina was that she was a stabilizing force within MBI around Teito Tower and so there would be repercussions for the action, not that Minaka cares one bit. The other fact that Nina revealed to me was she learned some sort of synthetic drug had been injected into Miya, what specific drug she didn't know. That at least could help those here on the ship narrow down what was used and help undo with the effects I hope.

I thanked Anya and Nina for their information and told them to keep alert before I closed the magic communication. I then called over one of those that worked for me before I took over management here and told them what I had been informed of by Nina and Anya. The knowledge of there being a synthetic drug did help things along in finding out what was going on. What was discovered did not help my mood at all for Miya had an opioid-type drug of all kinds that she could have been given? I've seen the effects of 'opioids' before and they weren't kind at all by my observation and they could be deadly if too much was introduced and that didn't take much. My mood went into a dive as I was given details about this opioid for this man-made version and how it was more potent and stronger than the previous kinds I've seen. Some even said that it was frightening that anyone even used the synthetic drug or the estimated dose, both were dangerous. My list of issues that I had with Minaka grew the more I heard and those telling me to shut their mouths as my expression got fouler though it wasn't directed at them.

To not cause issues with either my Sekirei or those here that are technically now my employees as of two nights ago, I decided to occupy my time with something else. So, to past the time, I asked the heads of each section on the ship to come and talk to me, which then I could divvy out instructions to them and have them give them to those under themselves. After they gathered together, I started off by introducing myself and informing them of the change of management from MBI to me and got down to stating how I tend to manage things.

There are big differences in the 'management and business model' that MBI uses compared to my way of doing and running things. One of the major ones is that I treat my employees as people and show them a minimum level of respect and dignity. Whereas Hiroto Minaka treats those who work for him as objects or cheap grunt labor, perhaps even less. He drives those under him into the ground, whipping them as he demands more work at the highest quality at faster rates and ludicrous deadlines. Meanwhile, I'm of the opinion that treating those working for you well, tends to have them do better work and not conspire against you as they do with Minaka. Yes, MBI employees conspire against Minaka behind his back and keep it quiet from those who are for whatever reason loyal to the mad man. The other difference, being reasonable as I am I made sure that it was understood there would be mandatory vacation time for all that worked here, which was something Minaka didn't allow at all. All work and no time off to spend with loved ones, family or in any other way one sees fit are essential for good health.

The response to my management style was interesting for the magnitude was unexpected be me though I don't blame them. All were quite happy with the changes, and the other signs that I saw said things were going to improve here under my management. The whole feeling on the ship changed in a very good way from what I recall feeling the times I had visited Takehito and I only wished that my friend could see the change. It did make me a tad happier to see I could free those that had been under the tyranny of Minaka.

After establishing the change of management, I returned back to the room that Miya was being examined in and saw that she was still being looked at. I resumed my vigil over my wife hoping and… even praying that she would be alright, and I haven't prayed as I was right now in a very long time! The following hours were some of the longest I've experienced since the Warring States Era and they were agonizing! Yume, Kuu and Akitsu did return after they had their checkups and did their best to help me not worry so much. I'm grateful for their efforts, but the results weren't very showing nor telling as I was still somber.

I was haunted by thoughts of the possibility of Miya not waking up and not being a part of my life going forward. One of the worst machinations that came to me was how I would have to break such to Kai for he loved his mother so. My heart twisted and wrenched at the imagination of Kai's response to being told that his mother was gone, it would not be good at all, it would crush him as it would me. I was brought out of my harrowing and unhealthy thoughts when one of the scientists came up to me and said that they had been able to flush the dangerous drug Miya had been given and that she should wake up soon. I acknowledged the information and told to me and kept watch over Miya.

-Miya's pov-

I felt sluggish as I started regaining consciousness and that contributed to the confusion that was hanging over my mind. I vaguely remember fighting Karasuba who had come to Izumo Inn, my home accompanied by other MBI personnel. That was before someone, I think a young man had gotten behind me and injected something into me. From the effects I can recall registering ever so briefly, whatever had been injected had likely been some kind of sedative to disable me. At least what had been forced into me put me at enough of a disadvantage for Karasuba to overpower me. That was the last event I could recall before everything went black, I had barely managed to send a plea to Ashe before I blacked out, so I don't know if he knew what had been going on.

My eyelids seemed so heavy as I tried to open my eyes and attempt to see what was going on now. When I did get my eyes open everything was blurry and I was met by a mix of grey white and black, which told me little to nothing about where I could be. I was able to figure out that I was laying on a flat surface, a table or bed perhaps though if a bed it was hard and uncomfortable. The confusion that was hanging over me wouldn't clear and was making it difficult to figure what was going on.

The scenery around me slowly began to come into better focus the longer I kept my eyes open along with my muddled mind clearing up slowly. And as my surroundings became more recognizable a cold dread quickly spread throughout my body. What I saw around me from the ceiling to the conduits said that I was on the Sekirei Ship. The revelation had me going along horrible tangents of thought, such as MBI having brought me here to do unspeakable things. There was even a possibility that there would be those that might even try and find a way to break the bond I have with Ashe! Minaka would be twisted enough to order others to do that, and with what had been done to Akitsu, it showed that the idea may be possible.

With the real danger in the forefront of my mind, I quickly began to check over all my body's responses to see how ready I was to fight. I would fight in any way I could to prevent MBI personnel from doing anything to me or my bond to Ashe! I might be sluggish, but nothing felt out of place or unresponsive, which I would take at the moment. My survival instinct was kicked into a heightened state and I struggled to sit up to find out I was on an examination table. There were what seemed to be MBI scientists around the room and that only served to confirm and ratify my fears of MBI preparing to do things to me that I didn't wish for at all. As a man approached me with a clipboard in hand, I pushed him back and got off the table managing to summon Totsuga No Tsurugi to me. I drew the sword from its sheath and on shaky legs prepared to defend myself to the death.

My vision was still not fully clear yet, so I assumed that any that dared approach me had hostile intent in mind. At the same time, I tried desperately to call for Ashe to help me, but my mind was still very muddled that I couldn't register a response back. Then my survival instinct was blaring and superseding everything else in my mind at the moment telling me to not let anyone get too close to me.

Shortly after I had my sword out and had given a few swings to discourage any from getting near me most backed away. Nonetheless, there was one figure that was coming towards me slowly, they were saying something but I couldn't hear properly yet. So, I swung my blade at the figure to get them to stay away from me as I kept trying to call Ashe for help. However, even though I was fairly sure I struck the one approaching, they remained in front of me getting closer. I made two more slashes with Totsuga No Tsurugi before someone managed to get a hold of me and was restraining my movements. I instantly struggled against them the best I could, "Miya stop," called a voice.

I froze at hearing that voice as it was Ashe's own, and so I ceased struggling against the hold I was in. My right hand went slack, and my sword fell to the ship deck clattering when it hit. Upon looking forward I found the one holding me was Ashe himself, which instantly brought feelings of relief at seeing him. Yet, that was joined by horror as I saw he had three gashes on his body as indicated by the darkening cloth around the wounds though they weren't crimson as they would be with others. The gashes on Ashe were one on either shoulder and the third ran along his right side of his torso. Then, could the figure that had been approaching me have been… Ashe?! If that was the case, then I'm the one that made those cuts in him!

I'm not saying I wasn't happy to see my husband and ashikabi, I was beyond glad for him to be here. But, while I had been fighting for my life and bond I had injured him without even realizing it. As the comprehension sunk in, tears came to my eyes and all I could do was simply lean into Ashe's front, "I'm sorry," I uttered in a wavering voice.

Ashe returned the hug circling his arms around me and with that came a soft feeling of safety, "It is okay Miya, everything will be fine I promise," he whispered to me.

Ashe's words both comforted me and yet also caused the guilt within me to swell, "But I," my voice broke for a moment before I continued, "I hurt you Ashe," I cried before words failed me and I broke down into sobs. I love Ashe with all my heart, so to understand that I caused him harm is very painful to me.

Ashe brought his hands up to the side of my face and wiped away the tears as he kept me close to him, "You did not do so on purpose love, you were scared and defending yourself the best you know how, I won't hold it against you, nor will I ever." Ashe sniffled and hugged me again and I felt his body started shaking a bit, "I'm simply overjoyed that you woke up and that you will be alright," he said in a choked-up tone before he kissed the top of my head. "I was afraid that I might lose you," Ashe started, but his voice caught in his throat. "No, I was terrified that you would vanish from my life forever." My husband held me tighter, "That would be agonizing to me and then, I couldn't bear facing Kai and having to tell him that he would never get to see you again. That would be torture as painful as not having you by my side Miya," he whispered to me.

I felt wetness fall onto my head, and it didn't take long for me to understand that what I was feeling was Ashe's tears. He so rarely shed them, so each time he did it was because something or someone had touched his heart and usually his soul, whether it had been for good or bad. And as I stayed in Ashe's embrace I started getting the steady flow of his feelings again including the real fear he had with the possibility of losing me and what it came with. Losing me truly terrified Ashe in a way nothing else before now had and he'd been through things that were truly horrible and mortifying to experience and witness.

For me, to be able to sense his feeling and thoughts again also said that our bond was still between us, that it was intact, it hadn't been taken away or destroyed. Understanding that served to chase away a good portion of my own fears of losing what I have with Ashe. I couldn't help but wrap my arms around Ashe and cry into his chest yet now releasing the emotions I had held inside. Nonetheless, my tears were of joy at knowing that our bond was not severed or taken away from us. The connection I have with Ashe is so precious to me, more than anything else even slightly more than Kai, and words can't describe how important our son was to me!

I don't know how long we stayed as we were the passing of time didn't matter anymore to me, I was where I truly belonged and that was what was really important and little else mattered. We even kissed one another, and my wings did appear momentarily though I was happy even if others might be watching. When Ashe released me from his embrace I didn't let us get too far apart from one another. There was the sensation of having something draped over my shoulders which got me to glance to what could possibly be the cause. I saw that what had been draped over my shoulders had been the jacket that Ashe had been wearing. I smiled at Ashe to say thanks to him to be as thoughtful as he normally was, especially as I was wearing nothing at the moment. However, Ashe sunk to the floor as I was doing so breathing hard, which caused panic to return to me, "Ashe!"

Upon taking a moment to take in Ashe's condition, I noted that his wounds were still unattended to thus were bleeding freely. Others came over and began to use magic to heal Ashe while guilt returned to my heart at knowing that I had caused the wounds. "Stop blaming yourself Miya," Ashe spoke up as he was being healed catching my attention. I looked at my husband who had a soft smile on his face, "You were in a moment of panic when you did this, so let it go, I will be fine going forward. Nevertheless, I would prefer not to be on the receiving end of your strikes were I given the choice. Plus, I must ask that you refrain from killing, harming or maiming those which are under my jurisdiction and employment even if only as of recently."

Ashe's last sentence caught my attention, for it didn't make sense to me, "Those under your employment Ashe, what are you talking about," I asked.

My husband gestured around the room, "All those in this room and on this ship now are employed and paid by me so they would be my responsibility. The change of management from MBI to my style of running things has gone smoother than I thought it would at first, but I will not make any quarrel about that," he answered.

What Ashe said made sense, yet the subject was illogical to me with the facts as I knew them, "Change of management," I questioned.

Ashe rose back to his feet as those healing him finished their work, "Hiroto Minaka sending a group attack our home was not appreciated in the slightest. If anything, then the man has made what he does my business now to know and consider, especially with taking you for whatever he had in mind. So, as he took what I value most," Ashe stated, making me smile and blush a bit, "then he is to lose what he values most. With the loss of the ownership and control of Kamikura Island, Minaka no longer has the ability to threaten Sekirei with deactivation. Cutting down his options of what he can do is a start in reigning the man in from his insane idiocy. He's shown clear evidence that he is too irresponsible to be in charge of a place such as this, so I had it change to him having no say instead."

I couldn't argue with Ashe's logic for as usual it was sound and meant to be for the best for most. Instead, I hugged him again happy to be back with him where I belonged after being taken by MBI. Ashe wrapped his arms around me again before the others of our family came over to us and joined in the embrace. After Ashe assured me that those here would do nothing to me, though I believed him when he said that the people here worked for him now, I allowed the scientist here to examine me. The medical examination was much like any other I'd had before now and once it was done, Yume handed me clothes. When I was ready, Ashe the others guided me forward and we left the Sekirei ship returning to Tokyo through magic.

We were greeted by the workers at the shrine warmly before we started the journey back towards Izumo Inn. I wasn't looking forward to seeing the damage that had been done during MBI's attack for I imagined that it wasn't going to be nice in any way to see. However, when we came into the sight of the house I saw that there were two trucks out in front of Izumo Inn whose markings said they were from a construction company. There were also screens over a good portion of the outside of the second floor of the house in the place for the walls. It was clear by just a short glance that the house was being repaired, likely by Ashe's request, he always thinks ahead.

We approached the front door and one of the workers went over to meet Ashe before the two began chatting about something. I kept looked around taking in the signs and marks of the damage done to the outside of the house that was either in the process of being fixed or hadn't been reached just yet. Kuu went over to where Ashe was while Akitsu and Yume remained with me as I looked around the place I'd come to know as home. It was a few minutes before Ashe ended the conversation he was having with the man in a worker's uniform. Once he was, I moved over to my husband, "Ashe, what were you talking about with that man," I inquired.

Ashe sent me a calming smile at my question, "He is the supervisor of those repairing the house, he was telling me that things are ahead of schedule a very pleasing bit of news. I was also told that the spells I set up before will need to be redone as well," Ashe replied.

I blinked, "I take it that these workers are non-humans as they know about magic," I posed.

Ashe nodded, "Indeed, all but one of them are, and that individual is an apprentice of a magic user working for extra money," he returned. "It is hoped that the house will be done sometime tomorrow with those working on this being as efficient as they are."

A/n

I'll leave the story off at this point for this chapter. I hope that you readers like the changes thus far. Anyways, reviews are always appreciated, and I ask some to write them. Until the next time I get a chapter written!